bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpretation of hair findings in children: about a case involving carbamazepine
Authors: Kintz Pascal
Published: December 2013

This office has been recently involved in a case dealing with child custody, where the final outcome was difficult to establish. The following concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) in the hair of a 21‐month‐old girl: 154 (0–1 cm), 198 (1–2 cm), 247 (2–3 cm), and 368 pg/mg (3–4 cm) after decontamination.

Obviously, the concentrations measured in the hair were much lower than those observed in patients under daily treatment. In this sense, the frequency of exposures appears as infrequent (low level of exposure), with marked decrease in the more recent period. However, the girl was never prescribed carbamazepine and the mother, who was under carbamazepine therapy, denied any administration. The Judge asked if this could result from a single exposure and at which period. At least, three possible interpretations of the measured carbamazepine concentrations were addressed: (1) decrease in administration in the more recent period; (2) increase of body weight due to growing, so the same dosage will result in lower concentrations in hair; and (3) sweat contamination from the mother at the time the girl is with her in bed, the older hair being in contact longer with the bedding. In this case, it was impossible to conclude that the child was deliberately administered carbamazepine. The results of the analysis of hair could indicate that she was in an environment where carbamazepine was being used and where the drug was not being handled and stored with appropriate care. There are many differences between the hair from children and those from adults: hair from children is thinner and more porous, the ratio anagen and catagen phases are not maintained, and the growth rate can be different, at some periods, from the usual 1 cm/month. These differences, together with the influence of PK‐PD parameters are reviewed in this paper, as a basis for suitable interpretation. In view of these results it is proposed that a single hair analysis should not be used firmly to discriminate long‐term exposure to a drug when dealing with children. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eating disorders symptoms in pregnancy and postpartum: A prospective study in a disadvantaged population in Brazil
Authors: Angélica Nunes Maria , Poyastro Pinheiro Andréa , Feliciati Hoffmann Juliana , Inês Schmidt Maria
Published: December 2013

Objective

To assess eating disorder symptoms (EDS) from prepregancy through postpartum.

Method

Seven hundred and twelve women with gestational age ranging from 16th to 36th week completed the eating disorder examination questionnaire (EDE‐Q). A shortened version of the EDE‐Q was used to assess, retrospectively, EDS during the last 28 days of the pregestational period. Follow up assessment occurred at the 4th–5th month postpartum (n = 427). Generalized structural equation models were used to estimate risk of EDS in pregestation, gestation, and postpartum.

Results

Women who did not participate in follow up (n = 285) were not significantly different in sociodemographic characteristics. In postpartum, a higher number of women referred shape (RR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.19–2.30) and weight concerns (RR = 1.64; 95% CI 1.16–2.31) than in pregestation. Binge eating (BE) and self‐induced vomiting diminished during pregnancy (RR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.57–0.85; RR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.10–0.44, respectively) and postpartum (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.48–0.80; RR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.19–0.76, respectively) compared with pregestation

Discussion

Shape and weight concerns are highly prevalent in postpartum and may confer risk for the development of inappropriate eating behaviors. Health professionals should be trained on how to recognize these symptoms. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:426–430)
Evaluation of Electrical Load Following Capability of Fuel Cell System Fueled by High‐Purity Hydrogen
Authors: Doi Yusuke , Park Deaheum , Ishida Masayoshi , Fujisawa Akitoshi , Miura Shinichi
Published: December 2013

This paper describes the electrical response in the load change in a fuel cell system fueled by high‐purity hydrogen. The purpose of this study is to use the fuel cell system to make up for the unstable electrical output of a photovoltaic system utilized as a renewable energy source. As an alternative method instead of a secondary battery, the fuel cell system, which is able to continuously generate power as long as fuel is supplied, is expected to provide better power with higher reliability and stability. To evaluate the load‐following capability of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) system, an experimental setup was constructed with a 200‐W PEFC stack (number of cells: 20; cell area: 20 cm2), which was supplied with hydrogen from a compressed hydrogen cylinder and a metal hydride canister. We measured the transient phenomena in the current and cell voltage when the PEFC stack was given step‐up current loads that changed in the range of 0 to 300 mA/cm2. It was found that PEFC systems with both hydrogen supply sources are able to respond with a time constant of 6.6 to 11.6 µs in the presence of an adequate oxygen supply and at a load below the PEFC rated power. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 186(4): 37–47, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22353
Synthesis of 5‐Carbapterocarpens by α‐Arylation of Tetralones Followed by One‐Pot Demethylation/Cyclization with BBr3
Authors: Fernandes Talita de A. , Domingos Jorge L. O. , da Rocha Luiza I. A. , de Medeiros Sabrina , Nájera Carmen , Costa Paulo R. R.
Published: December 2013

5‐Carbapterocarpens, one of them displaying estrogenic activity, were prepared from α‐aryltetralones in high yields through a one‐pot, BBr3‐promoted O‐demethylation and cyclization sequence. The key α‐aryltetralone intermediates were obtained by direct α‐arylation of tetralones with o‐alkoxybromoarenes in the presence of Pd2(dba)3 (2.5 mol‐%) and tBu3PHBF4 (10 mol‐%) as catalysts, together with 2.5 equiv. of KOH in dioxane/H2O (4:1), under microwave irradiation conditions (80 W, 100 °C, 40 min), leading to α‐monoaryltetralones in good yields.
SWOT analysis for TV white spaces
Authors: Silva Carlos Filipe M. , Cavalcanti Francisco Rodrigo Porto , Gomes Álvaro
Published: December 2013

The digital dividend will occur when the transition from analogue to digital television (TV) becomes effective. The freed and interleaved spectrum, known as TV white spaces (TVWS), may be a good opportunity for business related with new wireless services based on software‐defined radio (SDR) and cognitive radio (CR) technologies. In this scope, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis—which is a tool to help in the identification of inner (internal origin) and outer (external origin) factors of a company, service or product, which characterise its position in the market—is considered a useful tool to evaluate the chances of success for this new spectrum usage paradigm. In this work, we present a suitable SWOT analysis for the use of TV white spaces considering three different reference scenarios in the European context: spectrum of commons, secondary spectrum market and prioritised services (public safety).Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
User‐centric smart buildings for energy sustainable smart cities
Authors: Moreno María V. , Zamora Miguel A. , Skarmeta Antonio F.
Published: December 2013

Over six billion people are expected to live in cities and surrounding regions by 2050. Consequently, in the near future, the autonomic and smart operation of cities may be a critical requirement to improve the economic, social, and environmental well‐being of citizens. Smart urban technologies represent an important contribution to the sustainable development of cities, making smart cities a reality. In this sense, the energy sustainability of cities has become a global concern, bringing with it a wide range of research and technological challenges that affect many aspects of people's lives. Because most of the human lifetime is spent indoors, buildings, which make up a city subsystem, require special attention. Indeed, buildings are the cornerstone in terms of power consumption and CO2 emissions on a global scale. In this paper, we analyze the role that buildings play in terms of their energy performance at city level and present an energy‐efficient management system integrated in a building automation platform based on an Internet of Things approach. Occupants play a crucial role in the system's operation to achieve energy efficient building performance, and any impact on self‐sustainable smart cities will be a consequence of efficient user‐centric smart building designs. Our proposal represents a user‐centric smart solution as a contribution to the energy sustainability of modern cities. The building management platform has been deployed in a real (smart) building, in which a set of tests were carried out to assess different concerns involved in the building's infrastructure management. The first stages of this experiment have already resulted in an energy saving in heating of about 20% at building level, which could translate into a reduction of 8% in the energy consumption of buildings at a European city level. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of fire behaviour of high‐speed trains' interior materials: small‐scale and full‐scale fire tests
Authors: Capote Jorge A. , Jimenez José A. , Alvear Daniel , Alvarez Julio , Abreu Orlando , Lazaro Mariano
Published: December 2013

The development of fire‐safety measures for high‐speed passenger trains has been focused on preventing fire initiation or delaying fire growth and spread through small‐scale tests of the materials used in trains. However, new fire‐safety approaches for trains consider a systemic approach. This approach considers numerous global factors that influence fire dynamics, such as the influence of vehicle design, selection of materials, and active and passive protection systems installed. In the present paper, the results of small‐scale and full‐scale tests carried out on the new generation of high‐speed trains operating in Spain are presented. This rolling stock is classified as category B according to the Technical Specification for Interoperability and Operation Category 3 according to EN 45545–1. The results confirmed good fire behaviour using both approaches (small and full‐scale tests). Additionally, several analyses have been performed, including an analysis of the quality of materials used for making different components of the passenger compartment and the influence of ignition source position on fire development. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo normative atlas of the hippocampal subfields using multi‐echo susceptibility imaging at 7 Tesla
Authors: Goubran Maged , Rudko David A. , Santyr Brendan , Gati Joe , Szekeres Trevor , Peters Terry M. , Khan Ali R.
Published: December 2013

Objectives: To generate a high‐resolution atlas of the hippocampal subfields using images acquired from 7 T, multi‐echo, gradient‐echo MRI for the evaluation of epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders as well as investigating
(apparent transverse relaxation rate) and quantitative volume magnetic susceptibility (QS) of the subfields. Experimental Design: Healthy control subjects (n = 17) were scanned at 7 T using a multi‐echo gradient‐echo sequence and susceptibility‐weighted magnitude images,
and QS maps were reconstructed. We defined a hippocampal subfield labeling protocol for the magnitude image produced from the average of all echoes and assessed reproducibility through volume and shape metrics. A group‐wise diffeomorphic registration procedure was used to generate an average atlas of the subfields for the whole subject cohort. The quantitative MRI maps and subfield labels were then warped to the average atlas space and used to measure mean values of
and QS characterizing each subfield. Principal Observations: We were able to reliably label hippocampal subfields on the multi‐echo susceptibility images. The group‐averaged atlas accurately aligns these structures to produce a high‐resolution depiction of the subfields, allowing assessment of both quantitative susceptibility and
across subjects. Our analysis of variance demonstrates that there are more apparent differences between the subfields on these quantitative maps than the normalized magnitude images. Conclusion: We constructed a high‐resolution atlas of the hippocampal subfields for use in voxel‐based studies and demonstrated in vivo quantification of susceptibility and
in the subfields. This work is the first in vivo quantification of susceptibility values within the hippocampal subfields at 7 T. Hum Brain Mapp 35:3588–3601, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermal Performance of a Phase Change Material‐Based Latent Heat Thermal Storage Unit
Authors: Rathod Manish K. , Banerjee Jyotirmay
Published: December 2013

An experimental analysis is presented to establish the thermal performance of a latent heat thermal storage (LHTS) unit. Paraffin is used as the phase change material (PCM) on the shell side of the shell and tube‐type LHTS unit while water is used as the heat transfer fluid (HTF) flowing through the inner tube. The fluid inlet temperature and the mass flow rate of HTF are varied and the temperature distribution of paraffin in the shell side is measured along the radial and axial direction during melting and solidification process. The total melting time is established for different mass flow rates and fluid inlet temperature of HTF. The motion of the solid–liquid interface of the PCM with time along axial and radial direction of the test unit is critically evaluated. The experimental results indicate that the melting front moves from top to bottom along the axial direction while the solidification front moves only in the radial direction. The total melting time of PCM increases as the mass flow rate and inlet temperature of HTF decreases. A correlation is proposed for the dimensionless melting time in terms of Reynolds number and Stefan number of HTF. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21120
Brownian Motion Effects on Natural Convection of Alumina–Water Nanofluid in 2‐D Enclosure
Authors: Yazdi Mohammad Eftekhari , Nejad Alireza Kalani , Dinarvand Saeed , Tamim Hossein
Published: December 2013

This article reports a numerical study of natural convection heat transfer in a differentially heated enclosure filled with a Al2O3–water nanofluid. Fluent v6.3 is used to simulate nanofluid flow. Simulations have been carried out for the pertinent parameters in the following ranges: the Rayleigh number, Ra = 106, 107, and the volumetric fraction of alumina nanoparticles, ϕ = 0 − 4%. The effect of Brownian motion on the heat transfer is considered and examined. The numerical results show a decrease in heat transfer with an increase in particle volume fraction. Similar to experimental results, the Nusselt number increases with the Rayleigh number in the numerical results. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21121
Dirac's Condition for Completely Independent Spanning Trees
Authors: Araki Toru
Published: December 2013

Two spanning trees T1 and T2 of a graph G are completely independent if, for any two vertices u and v, the paths from u to v in T1 and T2 are internally disjoint. In this article, we show two sufficient conditions for the existence of completely independent spanning trees. First, we show that a graph of n vertices has two completely independent spanning trees if the minimum degree of the graph is at least . Then, we prove that the square of a 2‐connected graph has two completely independent spanning trees. These conditions are known to be sufficient conditions for Hamiltonian graphs.
Productive and Re‐productive Thinking in Solving Insight Problems
Authors: Cunningham J. Barton , MacGregor James N.
Published: December 2013

Many innovations in organizations result when people discover insightful solutions to problems. Insightful problem‐solving was considered by Gestalt psychologists to be associated with productive, as opposed to re‐productive, thinking. Productive thinking is characterized by shifts in perspective which allow the problem solver to consider new, sometimes transformational, approaches. Re‐productive thinking, on the other hand, involves the application of familiar, routine, procedures. This article reports a study which investigated how self‐reported productive and re‐productive thinking are related to an individual's ability to solve insight problems. Our measures were tested against the Kirton Adaption‐Innovation Inventory (KAI), and a battery of spatial insight problems. The results indicated that productive and re‐productive thinking and the KAI were successful in predicting performance on spatial insight problems. Furthermore, the measures of productive and re‐productive thinking accounted for spatial insight performance independently of scores on the KAI. In addition, the results suggested that re‐productive thinking consists of two different components—one based on group conventions and the other on personal experience. Each contributed differently to solving insight problems.
In vitro and in vivo antioxidant and antimutagenic activities of polyphenols extracted from hops (Humulus lupulus L.)
Authors: Wang Xuping , Yang Lei , Yang Xiaolan , Tian Yanhua
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) contain 40–140 mg g−1 polyphenols. The objective of this study was to determine the phenolic composition of a high‐purity (total phenolic content = 887 mg g−1) hop polyphenol extract (HPE) and evaluate its antioxidant activities in vivo and in vitro and its antimutagenic activity. The antioxidant activity of HPE was compared with the activity of green tea polyphenols.

RESULTS

The phenolic compositions of HPE were more than 55% proanthocyanidins and more than 28% flavonoid glycosides. In vitro, HPE effectively scavenged α,α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals, and inhibited DNA oxidative damage. In vivo, oral HPE at a polyphenol dose of 200–800 mg kg−1 body weight significantly prevented a bromobenzene‐induced decrease in liver superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity, and decreased levels of liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in bromobenzene‐treated mice. An oral dose of 20–80 mg kg−1 body weight HPE significantly reduced the frequency of bone marrow micronuclei induced by cyclophosphamide. The antioxidant activities of hop polyphenols in vitro and in vivo were higher than green tea polyphenols at the same concentration.

CONCLUSION

Hop polyphenols had the same or higher antioxidant activity than tea polyphenols. Hop polyphenols might be useful as natural antioxidants and antimutagens. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
BINOMIAL AUTOREGRESSIVE PROCESSES WITH DENSITY‐DEPENDENT THINNING
Authors: Weiß Christian H. , Pollett Philip K.
Published: December 2013

We present an elaboration of the usual binomial AR(1) process on {0,1, … ,N}that allows the thinning probabilities to depend on the current state N only through the ‘density’ n ∕ N, a natural assumption in many real contexts. We derive some basic properties of the model and explore approaches to parameter estimation. Some special cases are considered that allow for overdispersion and underdispersion, as well as positive and negative autocorrelations. We derive a law of large numbers and a central limit theorem, which provide useful large‐N approximations for various quantities of interest.
Powder X‐Ray Diffraction Investigation of Xylazine Hydrochloride Solid Phase Transformation Kinetics
Authors: Krūkle‐Bērziņa Kristīne , Actiņš Andris
Published: December 2013

The kinetics of the solid‐state phase transformation of xylazine hydrochloride form X to A has been investigated using powder X‐ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis. Three different kinetic models have been used to describe transition kinetics: the Avrami–Erofeev equation, the Cardew equation, and the methodology for simulation of solid‐state phase transition kinetics by the combination of nucleation and nuclei growth processes. The latter has been recently developed and has been tested in this paper for the case of a real solid‐state transition. The relative humidity, mechanical pressure, temperature, and sample‐preparation effect on phase‐transition kinetics have been investigated, and rate constant changes have been analyzed.
Intrafamilial phenotypic variability in families with biallelic SLC26A4 mutations
Authors: Song Mee Hyun , Shin Joong‐Wook , Park Hong‐Joon , Lee Kyung‐A , Kim Yoonjung , Kim Un‐Kyung , Jeon Ju Hyun , Choi Jae Young
Published: December 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) and hearing loss are known to be caused by SLC26A4 mutations, but large phenotypic variability exists among patients with biallelic SLC26A4 mutations. Intrafamilial phenotypic variability was analyzed in multiplex EVA families carrying biallelic SLC26A4 mutations to identify the contribution of SLC26A4 mutations and other genetic or environmental factors influencing the clinical manifestations.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Eleven multiplex Korean families with EVA and hearing loss that carry biallelic mutations of the SLC26A4 gene were included. Genetic analysis for SLC26A4 and other genes including FOXI1, FOXI1‐DBD, and KCNJ10 was performed. The auditory and other phenotypes were compared among siblings with the same SLC26A4 mutations.

Results

The difference in the auditory phenotypes was identified between siblings in approximately half of the EVA families. Families with SLC26A4 mutations other than H723R homozygous mutations demonstrated more phenotypic variability, especially in those carrying IVS7‐2A>G splice site mutation. Cochlear malformation was a consistent finding among siblings with the same SLC26A4 mutations. No mutation was identified in the FOXI1, FOXI1‐DBD, and KCNJ10 genes in the tested families.

Conclusions

The possibility of variability concerning auditory phenotype should be considered even within family members carrying the same SLC26A4 mutations when providing genetic counseling to multiplex EVA families. Mutations in the currently known genes associated with EVA other than SLC26A4 were not found to be responsible for the intrafamilial phenotypic variability. Modifier genes or environmental factors other than the currently known genes seem to play a role in the phenotypic expressions of EVA patients.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 124:E194–E202, 2014
Simultaneous multislice spectral‐spatial excitations for reduced signal loss susceptibility artifact in BOLD functional MRI
Authors: Anderson Robert J. , Poser Benedikt A. , Stenger V. Andrew
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Simultaneous multislice (SMS) imaging can significantly increase image acquisition rates and improve temporal resolution and contrast in gradient‐echo blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI) experiments. Through‐plane signal loss due to B0 inhomogeneities at air–tissue interfaces limits fMRI of structures near the nasal cavity and ear canals. This study implemented spectral–spatial (SPSP) radiofrequency pulses for reduced through‐plane signal loss across multiple simultaneously excited slices.

Theory and Methods

Multiband (MB) and power independent of number of slices (PINS) methods are combined with SPSP excitation for signal loss compensation in slice‐accelerated human brain imaging. Nine simultaneous slices of 5‐mm thickness and 20 mm apart were excited using standard MB radiofrequency pulses and the proposed SPSP‐SMS pulses, yielding coverage of 36 slices in four shots with 350‐ms volume pulse repetition time. The pulses were compared in breath‐hold fMRI at 3T.

Results

The SPSP‐SMS pulses recovered ∼45% of voxels with signal loss in standard SMS images. Activation in areas of signal recovery increased by 26.4% using a 12.6‐ms SPSP‐MB pulse and 20.3% using a 12.1‐ms SPSP‐PINS pulse.

Conclusions

It is demonstrated that SPSP‐SMS pulses can improve BOLD sensitivity in areas of signal loss across simultaneous multiple slices. Magn Reson Med 72:1342–1352, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A concurrent atomistic and continuum coupling method with applications to thermo‐mechanical problems
Authors: Ramisetti S. B. , Anciaux G. , Molinari J. F.
Published: December 2013

We present a novel method to couple molecular dynamics with finite elements at finite temperatures using spatial filters. The mismatch in the dispersion relations between continuum and atomistic models leads, at finite temperature, to unwanted mesh vibrations, which are illustrated using a standard least square coupling formulation. We propose the use of spatial filters with the least square minimization to selectively damp the unwanted mesh vibrations. Then, we extend the idea of selective damping of wavelength modes to couple atomistic and continuum models at finite temperatures. The restitution force from the generalized Langevin equation is modified to perform a two‐way thermal coupling between the two models. Three different numerical examples are shown to validate the proposed coupling formulation in two‐dimensional space. Finally, the method is applied to a high‐speed impact simulation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference values for fetal aortic isthmus blood flow parameters at 24 to 38 weeks' gestation
Authors: Thanasuan Sornlada , Phithakwatchara Nisarat , Nawapan Katika
Published: December 2013

Objective

The goal of this study is to establish population‐specific nomograms of fetal aortic isthmus (AoI) Doppler indices in the period of 24–38 weeks' gestation.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 240 Asian singleton pregnant women at 24–38 completed weeks' gestation. Fetal AoI blood flow was evaluated by Doppler study with automatic calculation of pulsatility index, resistance index, peak systolic velocity, end‐diastolic velocity, and time‐averaged maximum velocity. The relationship of these indices and gestational age was estimated by using regression analysis, and the best predictive models were determined to define mean, 5th, and 95th centile of each gestational age. The reproducibility was expressed by intraclass correlation coefficients and limits of agreement.

Results

The mean maternal age was 28 ± 5.7 years. A total of 97% of all attempts to obtain AoI Doppler waveforms were successful with high interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility. Pulsatility index and peak systolic velocity significantly correlated with gestational age (P = 0.03 and 0.001, respectively), whereas no significant change of resistance index, end‐diastolic velocity, and time‐averaged maximum velocity with advancing gestation was observed.

Conclusion

This study offers normative values of fetal AoI Doppler indices, which may be useful in the difficult task of fetal surveillance in growth‐restricted fetuses among our population. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing case ascertainment of Parkinson's disease using Medicare claims data in a population‐based cohort: the Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Ton Thanh G. N. , Biggs Mary Lou , Comer Diane , Curtis Lesley , Hu Shu‐Ching , Thacker Evan L. , Searles Nielsen Susan , Delaney Joseph A. , Landsittel Douglas , Longstreth William T. , Checkoway Harvey , Jain Samay
Published: December 2013

Purpose

We sought to improve a previous algorithm to ascertain Parkinson's disease (PD) in the Cardiovascular Health Study by incorporating additional data from Medicare outpatient claims. We compared our results to the previous algorithm in terms of baseline prevalence and incidence of PD, as well as associations with baseline smoking characteristics.

Methods

Our original case ascertainment used self‐reported diagnosis, antiparkinsonian medication, and hospitalization discharge International Classification of Diseases—Ninth version code. In this study, we incorporated additional data from fee‐for‐service Medicare claims, extended follow‐up time, review of hospitalization records, and adjudicated cause of death. Two movement disorders specialists adjudicated final PD status. We used logistic regression models and controlled for age, sex, African American race, and education.

Results

We identified 75 additional cases but reclassified 80 previously identified cases as not having PD. We observed significant inverse association with smoking status (odds ratio = 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.22, 0.79), and inverse linear trends with pack‐years (p = 0.005), and cigarettes per day (p = 0.019) with incident PD. All estimates were stronger than those from the previous algorithm.

Conclusions

Our enhanced method did not alter prevalence and incidence estimates compared with our previous algorithm. However, our enhanced method provided stronger estimates of association, potentially due to reduced level of disease misclassification. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of NOS1AP rs12742393 Polymorphism on Repaglinide Response in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Yan , Lv Dong‐Mei , Song Jin‐Fang , Lu Qian , Gao Xing , Zhang Fan , Guo Hao , Li Wei , Yin Xiao‐Xing
Published: December 2013

Study Objective

To investigate the associations of NOS1AP rs12742393 polymorphism with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and repaglinide therapeutic efficacy in Chinese patients with T2DM.

Design

Prospective case‐control study.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Patients

A total of 300 patients with T2DM and 200 healthy volunteers were enrolled to identify NOS1AP rs12742393 genotypes using the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Eighty‐four patients with various genotypes were randomly selected to receive oral repaglinide as a single‐agent therapy (3 mg/day) for 8 weeks.

Measurements and Main Results

Anthropometric measurements and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, fasting serum insulin (FINS), postprandial serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), triglyceride, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, and high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol tests were obtained before and after repaglinide treatment. The risk C allelic frequency of NOS1AP rs12742393 was higher in patients with T2DM than in healthy volunteers (p<0.001). Patients with T2DM and genotypes AA and AC at NOS1AP rs12742393 had a significant reduction in FPG (mmol/l) compared with those with genotype CC (p<0.01). Patients with CC homozygotes and AC heterozygotes had a greater increase in FINS (mU/l) than those with wild‐type AA (p<0.05). In addition, the carriers of genotype CC at NOS1AP rs12742393 had higher differential values of HOMA‐IR compared with genotypes AC and AA carriers (p<0.001). The effects of repaglinide treatment on FPG (p<0.01), FINS (p<0.05) and HOMA‐IR (p<0.001) were reduced in patients with T2DM carrying the NOS1AP rs12742393 risk C allele compared with the AA genotype carriers.

Conclusion

The NOS1AP rs12742393 polymorphism is associated with therapeutic efficacy of repaglinide in Chinese T2DM patients.
Evaluation of Preventive Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Barry Arden R. , Koshman Sheri L. , Norris Colleen M. , Ross David B. , Pearson Glen J.
Published: December 2013

Study Objective

To determine the rate of secondary prevention cardiovascular drug utilization in a cohort of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery—including specific drugs and their dosages, drug adherence, and assessment of targeted therapy—from admission to 1 year after CABG surgery.

Design

Retrospective analysis.

Setting

Cardiovascular quaternary care medical center in Edmonton, Canada.

Patients

The entire cohort consisted of 1031 adults who underwent CABG surgery between January 2009 and March 2010; a randomly selected subset of 151 patients was used to evaluate medication use and target‐directed therapy at 1 year after CABG surgery.

Measurements and Main Results

Utilization rates of aspirin, β‐blockers, statins, and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs) on admission and at discharge were determined for the entire cohort by using data from a large clinical patient registry. The proportion of patients discharged receiving all four classes of medications was 35%. Individual utilization rates for aspirin, β‐blockers, and statins were 96%, 94%, and 95%, respectively; use of ACEIs/ARBs was lowest at 42%. In the 1‐year post‐CABG surgery substudy, medication use and target‐directed therapy at 1 year after CABG surgery were evaluated by using community pharmacy and electronic health records. The proportion of patients receiving all four classes of medications at 1 year was 48%. Individual utilization rates for aspirin, β‐blockers, statins, and ACEIs/ARBs were 95%, 84%, 84%, and 65%, respectively. Medication adherence, assessed by the medication possession ratio, for β‐blockers, statins, and angiotensin‐modulating agents at 1 year exceeded 0.85, thereby demonstrating high adherence. Evaluation of target‐directed treatment of dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus demonstrated suboptimal control, with only 66% and 54% of patients, respectively, achieving the recommended therapeutic targets.

Conclusion

The utilization rate for patients receiving all four classes of secondary prevention cardiovascular medications was 35% at discharge and 48% at 1 year after CABG surgery. These rates were primarily limited by the low utilization of angiotensin‐modulating agents, although their rate improved by 22% from discharge. Utilization rates, however, were high for aspirin, β‐blockers, and statins both at discharge and 1 year after surgery. Opportunities remain to further optimize secondary prevention cardiovascular pharmacotherapy in patients who undergo CABG surgery, either while in the hospital or immediately subsequent to discharge.
The roles of extracellular vesicles in cancer biology: Toward the development of novel cancer biomarkers
Authors: Katsuda Takeshi , Kosaka Nobuyoshi , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: December 2013

Recent important progress in cancer biology was the identification of the significant roles played by extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are secreted by a variety of mammalian cell types and have been revealed to play important roles in intercellular communications. EVs serve as unique communication vehicles in many ways. First, unlike cytokine signaling, EVs enable transportation not only of proteins, but also of nucleic acids, including mRNAs and microRNAs. Recent reports showing the functionality of these nucleic acids in the recipient cells have opened up a new avenue of cell‐to‐cell communication research. Second, EVs have been revealed to transport membrane components including receptors, such as epithelial growth factor receptor. These findings have provided significant insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer development. Third, EVs protect their contents from clearance by degrading enzymes present in the extracellular space, which allows for remote transportation of the contents, even between organs. This concept is highlighted by recent reports that suggest the deep involvement of cancer cell derived EVs in metastasis. From these points of view, we will summarize recent studies on the relevance of EVs in cancer biology. We will also highlight the possibility of novel diagnostic technologies using circulating EVs in body fluid.
Plasma Deposition of Superhydrophobic Ag@TiO2 Core@shell Nanorods on Processable Substrates
Authors: Macias‐Montero Manuel , Borras Ana , Romero‐Gomez Pablo , Cotrino Jose , Frutos Fabian , Gonzalez‐Elipe Agustin R.
Published: December 2013

This work reports the low temperature plasma formation of Ag@TiO2 nanorods (NRs) on processable substrates. The layers have been analyzed by electron microscopy and secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The NRs morphologies suggest that the plasma sheath, the high mobility of the silver and the incoming direction of the precursor moieties are key factors determining their shape, dimensions, and tilting orientation. Both amorphous and anatase Ag@TiO2 NRs surfaces are superhydrophobic, and turn into superhydrophilic by irradiation with UV light. This wetting behavior is discussed by considering the water penetration in the inter‐NR space during the light‐mediated transformation.
Structures of reduced and ligand‐bound nitric oxide reductase provide insights into functional differences in respiratory enzymes
Authors: Sato Nozomi , Ishii Shoko , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Hino Tomoya , Fukumori Yoshihiro , Sako Yoshihiko , Shiro Yoshitsugu , Tosha Takehiko
Published: December 2013

Nitric oxide reductase (NOR) catalyzes the generation of nitrous oxide (N2O) via the reductive coupling of two nitric oxide (NO) molecules at a heme/non‐heme Fe center. We report herein on the structures of the reduced and ligand‐bound forms of cytochrome c‐dependent NOR (cNOR) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a resolution of 2.3–2.7 Å, to elucidate structure‐function relationships in NOR, and compare them to those of cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) that is evolutionarily related to NOR. Comprehensive crystallographic refinement of the CO‐bound form of cNOR suggested that a total of four atoms can be accommodated at the binuclear center. Consistent with this, binding of bulky acetaldoxime (CH3‐CH=N‐OH) to the binuclear center of cNOR was confirmed by the structural analysis. Active site reduction and ligand binding in cNOR induced only ∼0.5 Å increase in the heme/non‐heme Fe distance, but no significant structural change in the protein. The highly localized structural change is consistent with the lack of proton‐pumping activity in cNOR, because redox‐coupled conformational changes are thought to be crucial for proton pumping in CCO. It also permits the rapid decomposition of cytotoxic NO in denitrification. In addition, the shorter heme/non‐heme Fe distance even in the bulky ligand‐bound form of cNOR (∼4.5 Å) than the heme/Cu distance in CCO (∼5 Å) suggests the ability of NOR to maintain two NO molecules within a short distance in the confined space of the active site, thereby facilitating N‐N coupling to produce a hyponitrite intermediate for the generation of N2O. Proteins 2014; 82:1258–1271. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of oxygen on the electrical activation of B in Ge by excimer laser annealing
Authors: Impellizzeri G. , Napolitani E. , Milazzo R. , Boninelli S. , Cuscunà M. , Fisicaro G. , La Magna A. , Fortunato G. , Priolo F. , Privitera V.
Published: December 2013

The electrical activation of B+ implanted at 20 keV with a fluence of 1 × 1015 cm−2 in crystalline Ge, following a laser annealing (λ = 308 nm) with multipulses (1, 3, or 10), was studied. Incomplete activation was observed for all the irradiated samples. The inactivation of B was correlated to the presence of oxygen, coming from the native germanium oxide. The formation of B–O complexes occurs during the solidification of the Ge, hampering the substitutionality and the electrical activation of the dopant. We estimated the diffusivity of oxygen in liquid Ge, ∼3 × 10−5 cm2 s−1, by fitting the experimental O concentration profiles. These studies clarify the key role played by oxygen on the electrical activation of B in Ge by laser annealing, and have to be considered for the fabrication of junctions in advanced scaled Ge‐based devices.
Rectifying behavior and photoinduced characteristic in La‐doped BaSnO3/p‐Si heterojunctions
Authors: Luo B. C. , Wang J. , Cao X. S. , Jin K. X.
Published: December 2013

Photoinduced properties of Ba0.99La0.01SnO3/p‐Si heterojunctions that exhibit rectifying characteristic have been investigated. It is found that the heterojunction shows particular photoinduced characteristics at reverse bias when illuminated by violet or green light. The photocurrent rises rapidly with reverse bias but saturates beyond a critical voltage under green light illumination, whereas the photocurrent shows a linear increase with reverse bias under violet light illumination. Given the experimental results, we attribute the observed photoinduced behavior to the balancing sequence of the width of the depleted layer and the penetration depth of the laser in the heterojunction.
Puerarin: A Review of Pharmacological Effects
Authors: Zhou Yan‐Xi , Zhang Hong , Peng Cheng
Published: December 2013

Puerarin is the major bioactive ingredient isolated from the root of the Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, which is well known as Gegen (Chinese name) in traditional Chinese medicine. As the most abundant secondary metabolite, puerarin was isolated from Gegen in the late 1950s. Since then, its pharmacological properties have been extensively investigated. It is available in common foods and is used in alternative medicine. It has been widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes and diabetic complications, osteonecrosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, endometriosis, and cancer. The beneficial effects of puerarin on the various medicinal purposes may be due to its wide spectrum of pharmacological properties such as vasodilation, cardioprotection, neuroprotection, antioxidant, anticancer, antiinflammation, alleviating pain, promoting bone formation, inhibiting alcohol intake, and attenuating insulin resistance. However, the direct molecular mechanisms and targets remain unclear. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the pharmacological effects of puerarin. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using a case‐study approach to improve the Madden–Julian oscillation in the Hadley Centre model
Authors: Klingaman N. P. , Woolnough S. J.
Published: December 2013

In its default configuration, the Hadley Centre climate model (GA2.0) simulates roughly one‐half the observed level of Madden–Julian oscillation activity, with MJO events often lasting fewer than 7 days.

We use initialized, climate‐resolution hindcasts to examine the sensitivity of the GA2.0 MJO to a range of changes in subgrid parametrizations and model configurations. All 22 changes are tested for two cases during the Years of Tropical Convection. Improved skill comes only from (i) disabling vertical momentum transport by convection and (ii) increasing mixing entrainment and detrainment for deep and mid‐level convection. These changes are subsequently tested in a further 14 hindcast cases; only (ii) consistently improves MJO skill, from 12 to 22 days. In a 20 year integration, (ii) produces near‐observed levels of MJO activity but propagation through the Maritime Continent remains weak.

With default settings, GA2.0 produces precipitation too readily, even in anomalously dry columns. Implementing (ii) decreases the efficiency of convection, permitting instability to build during the suppressed MJO phase and producing a more favourable environment for the active phase. The distribution of daily rain rates is more consistent with satellite data; default entrainment produces 6–12 mm day−1 too frequently. These results are consistent with recent studies showing that greater sensitivity of convection to moisture improves the representation of the MJO.
Phase II clinical trials with time‐to‐event endpoints: optimal two‐stage designs with one‐sample log‐rank test
Authors: Kwak Minjung , Jung Sin‐Ho
Published: December 2013

Phase II clinical trials are often conducted to determine whether a new treatment is sufficiently promising to warrant a major controlled clinical evaluation against a standard therapy. We consider single‐arm phase II clinical trials with right censored survival time responses where the ordinary one‐sample logrank test is commonly used for testing the treatment efficacy. For planning such clinical trials, this paper presents two‐stage designs that are optimal in the sense that the expected sample size is minimized if the new regimen has low efficacy subject to constraints of the type I and type II errors. Two‐stage designs, which minimize the maximal sample size, are also determined. Optimal and minimax designs for a range of design parameters are tabulated along with examples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Role of Etching in the Formation of Ag Nanoplates with Straight, Curved and Wavy Edges and Comparison of Their SERS Properties
Authors: Yang Yin , Zhong Xiao‐Lan , Zhang Qiang , Blackstad Logan G. , Fu Zheng‐Wen , Li Zhi‐Yuan , Qin Dong
Published: December 2013

We investigate the role of etching in the formation of Ag nanoplates with different morphologies. By examining the reduction of AgNO3 with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) in an aqueous solution under a hydrothermal condition, we confirm that etching plays an essential role in promoting the growth of Ag triangular nanoplates with straight edges at the expense of multiple twinned particles via Ostwald ripening. Once all the multiple twinned particles are gone, etching will continue at the corners of nanoplates, leading to the formation of enneahedral nanoplates with curved edges. When the nanoplates with straight edges are transferred into ethanol and subjected to a solvothermal treatment, we obtain nanoplates with wavy edges and sharp corners due to etching on the edges. A comparison study indicates that, at the same particle concentration, Ag nanoplates with wavy edges embraces a SERS enhancement factor at least 6 and 13 times stronger than those with straight and curved edges, respectively. The results from finite difference time domain calculations support our experimental observation that the sharp features on nanoplates with wavy edges are the most active sites for SERS.
Mathematical and Physical Simulation of a Top Blown Converter
Authors: Zhou Xiaobin , Ersson Mikael , Zhong Liangcai , Yu Jingkun , Jönsson Pär
Published: December 2013

A mathematical model of a top blown converter, which was based on a physical model of a 30 t vessel, was developed in this study. A simplified model consisting of the converter was used in the mathematical simulation. With the simplified model, it is possible to run a large number of tracer calculations within a short time, compared to solving for the entire flow evolution each time. A cavity depth and radius comparison has been done between the physical model and the mathematical model, which showed a good relative difference of 2.5% and 6.1% for the cavity depth and radius, respectively. The velocity change in the bath of the converter was monitored by setting several monitoring points in the physical model. A fully developed flow field was assumed to occur when the fluctuations in these points were small or periodic. It took approximately 25 s to get a developed flow field. In addition, the predicted mixing time showed a good relative difference of 2.8% in comparison to the experimental data.
Study on dynamic response of large and small aspect ratio isolated buildings
Authors: He W. F. , Liu W. G. , Yang Q. R. , Qin C.
Published: December 2013

An experimental study of a large aspect structure, 1:4 scale five‐storey steel frame, is presented. Seismic responses of the test model to the unilateral and bilateral excitations are compared. The effects of aspect ratio on the maximum acceleration, the storey drift of the superstructure, the maximum displacement and the vertical load of the isolation system are investigated. A comparison of the large aspect ratio isolated building with the small aspect ratio isolated building showed significant difference of the effects of aspect ratio subjected to disparate earthquake ground motions. Experimental results reveal that the aspect ratio is an important factor influencing the axial load action on isolators and the tension stress of the lead‐rubber bearings. The superstructure flexibility of the large aspect ratio building‐isolation system and the effects of the axial force variation of the lead‐rubber bearings should be carefully considered for design. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.