bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the bio‐energy supply system in the context of the 20‐20‐20 targets and the 2050 decarbonization targets in the EU
Authors: Tasios Nikolaos , Apostolaki Evi , Capros Pantelis , De Vita Alessia
Published: December 2012

This paper presents the methodology and the main energy‐related projections for various scenarios quantified with the PRIMES biomass model. The PRIMES biomass model quantifies scenarios for the biomass supply system based on a given demand for bio‐energy commodities which is exogenous to the model. The scenarios quantified the impacts of different scenario contexts (only climate and energy package targets and long‐term decarbonization targets) and/or of different policies and measures on the biomass supply system. The analysis shows that the demand for bio‐energy commodities in the case of achieving only the climate and energy package targets can be met mostly with currently known technologies; the assessment has also shown that demand projected by the National Renewable Energy Action Plans (NREAPs) could be met for most bio‐energy commodity types with known technologies; however, some issues have been identified regarding the mix of commodities. The 2050 decarbonization objectives are found to be feasible as far as biomass contribution is concerned, but for this, considerable development of advanced technologies will be necessary. However, if sustainability criteria are stricter the achievement of the 2020 targets is found problematic; although in the long‐term toward 2050 the effect is lower, thanks to advanced technology developments. In case demand for biofuels in transportation increases beyond standard projections, due to for example a delay in transport electrification, stronger development of advanced technologies was found necessary. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Efficacy ofGinkgo bilobaon Vaginal Estrous and Ovarian Histological Alterations for Evaluating Anti‐Implantation and Abortifacient Potentials in Albino Female Mice
Authors: ElMazoudy Reda H. , Attia Azza A.
Published: December 2012

Ginkgo extract, EGb 761 is known as a vasoregulatory variable for the conventional reproduction therapy. EGb 761 was orally administered in 0 (control), 3.7, 7.4, and 14.8 mg/kg bw/day for 28 days (thereafter mated with normal fertile male), from day 1 to day 7 of pregnancy or from the 10th to 18th day of pregnancy, respectively. Vaginal smears were performed daily. On 20th day of pregnancy, the females were killed by cervical dislocation and their kidneys, liver, brain, placenta, spleen and ovaries were removed and weighed. The ovaries were prepared for histological examinations, and then ovarian follicles were counted. Maternal toxicity, estrous cycle, reproductive hormones, ovarian follicle counts, resorption index, implantation index, fetal viability and fetuses, and placenta mean weights were evaluated. There was a dose‐dependent ovarian toxic effect of EGb 761. Ovarian follicle counts, resorption index, implantation index, fetal viability were significantly reduced in 14.8 mg/kg bw/day dose. Treatment with 14.8 mg/kg bw/day EGb 761 induced disruption of estrous cycle and caused maternal toxicity, in addition to fetal toxicity. Therefore, the data obtained indicate thatGinkgo bilobaextract at 14.8 mg/kg bw/day dose level exhibit toxic effect on reproductive cyclicity and could have anti‐implantation and abotifacient properties in female mice.
Stammzellen I: Basiswissen updated
Authors: Müller Werner A.
Published: December 2012

Stammzellen wurden erstmals 1883 von A. Weismann als Urkeimzellen, das heißt als Stammzellen der Keimzellen, beschrieben und so benannt. Im gesamten Tierreich sind Stammzellen durch eine Reihe von Transkriptionsfaktoren wie Oct4, c‐MYC und Mitgliedern der Sox‐ und Klf‐Proteinfamilen charakterisiert, welche die Zellen im Zustand der Teilungsfähigkeit und Pluripotenz halten und die in Krebszellen nicht ausreichend stillgelegt sind. Vielfach sichert asymmetrische Teilung eine ausgewogene Balance zwischen Selbsterneuerung der Stammzellen und ihren in Differenzierungswege gelenkten Abkömmlingen. In diesen Artikel werden die Stammzellensysteme vorgestellt, welche das Wachstum des Gehirns, die laufende regenerative Erneuerung der Haut und der Dünndarmzotten ermöglichen (das blutbildende System wird folgen), und es wird auf die Gefahr der Krebsbildung hingewiesen.
Nanopartikel in Konsumgütern
Authors: Donauer Julia , Schimmelpfeng Jutta
Published: December 2012

Die Nanotechnologie nutzt die verbesserten Eigenschaften von Teilchen und Strukturen im Milliardstel‐Meterbereich. Dabei werden Nanoteilchen als nützliche Zusatzstoffe in vielen Bereichen eingesetzt – von Kosmetika bis hin zum Imprägnierspray. So kommen sie zum Teil auch in direkten Kontakt mit den Anwendern. Ihre geringe Größe ermöglicht es ihnen theoretisch, in den menschlichen Körper und sogar in die Zellen selbst einzudringen, so dass sie dort möglicherweise unerwünschte Wirkungen hervorrufen könnten. Jedoch spielen in der Praxis noch viele weitere Faktoren eine Rolle. Die Frage, ob Nanoteilchen denn nun gefährlich sind oder nicht, ist ähnlich schwer zu beantworten wie die, ob Chemikalien schädlich sind: es ist ein weitgefasster Begriff, und jede Art von Nanomaterial muss getrennt betrachtet werden. Parallel zur Entwicklung neuer Materialien und Anwendungen müssen auch die möglichen schädlichen Wirkungen von Nanomaterialien untersucht werden.
Kreationismus und Szientismus. Relevanz biologiedidaktischer Forschung, Teil 2
Authors: Asshoff Roman , Konnemann Christiane
Published: December 2012

Gibt es kreationistisch und szientistisch eingestellte Schülerinnen und Schüler in deutschen Klassenzimmern? Und warum greift die Biologiedidaktik dieses Thema auf? Immer wieder wird argumentiert, dass kreationistische Einstellungen Lernprozesse im Bereich der Evolutionstheorie behindern können. Ebenso wird auch behauptet, dass mangelndes Wissen verhindert, dass sich positive Einstellungen überhaupt erst ausbilden können. Daher stellt sich für Biologiedidaktiker die Frage, welche Ursachen kreationistische und szientistische Einstellungen haben und ob der Biologieunterricht dazu beitragen kann, solchen Einstellungen entgegenzuwirken.
Total lesion glycolysis in positron emission tomography is a better predictor of outcome than the International Prognostic Index for patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Kim Tae Min , Paeng Jin Chul , Chun In Kook , Keam Bhumsuk , Jeon Yoon Kyung , Lee Se‐Hoon , Kim Dong‐Wan , Lee Dong Soo , Kim Chul Woo , Chung June‐Key , Kim Il Han , Heo Dae Seog
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND:

This study was undertaken to evaluate the prognostic value of quantitative metabolic parameters in [18F]2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose (FDG)‐positron emission tomography (PET) for diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

METHODS:

A total of 140 DLBCL patients underwent FDG‐PET scans before rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R‐CHOP) chemotherapy. The maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were calculated, with the margin thresholds as 25%, 50%, and 75% of SUVmaxof all lesions. Treatment outcomes were compared between groups according to metabolic parameters and the International Prognostic Index (IPI).

RESULTS:

After a median follow‐up of 28.5 months (range, 5‐81 months), the 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 83% and 87%, respectively. Among metabolic parameters, TLG at the threshold of 50% (TLG50) was significantly associated with treatment outcomes. High TLG50values (>415.5) were associated with reduced survivals compared with low TLG50values (≤415.5) (2‐year PFS of 73% versus 92%,P= .007; and 2‐year OS of 81% versus 93%,P= .031). High IPI score (≥3) significantly reduced OS (2‐year OS of 79% versus 90%,P= .049). Ann Arbor stage III/IV adversely affected PFS (P= .013). However, high IPI score and Ann Arbor stage of III/V did not significantly shorten PFS (P= .200) and OS (P= .921), respectively. High TLG50values independently predicted survivals by multivariate analysis (hazard ratio = 4.4; 95% confidence interval = 1.5‐13.1;P= .008 for PFS and hazard ratio = 3.1; 95% confidence interval = 1.0‐9.6;P= .049 for OS).

CONCLUSIONS:

Combined assessment of volume and metabolism (ie, TLG) is predictive of survivals in DLBCL patients who are treated with R‐CHOP. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Supramolecular Assemblies with Symmetrical Octahedral Structures – Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Jiang Fei , Wang Jun , Li Jianzhong , Wang Ning , Bao Xichang , Wang Ting , Yang Ying , Lan Zhenggang , Yang Renqiang
Published: December 2012

Functional nanosized cage complexes with an octahedral framework have been synthesized by the facile self‐assembly reactions of six 90° PdII‐containing compounds {[Pd(dppf)(OTf)2] or [Pd(PPh3)(OTf)2], dppf = 1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ferrocene, OTf = trifluoromethylsulfonate} and four 120° functional tritopic ligands [2,4,6‐tri(4‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine] in acetone. Diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) and AFM images clarify the formation of 3–4 nm nanoparticles. These highly symmetrical cage complexes are discrete, face‐directed, functional nanoparticles with symmetrical octahedral structures. The self‐assembled functional cage complexes exhibit interesting electrochemical activities, and thus will potentially be useful in the catalysis of redox reactions, the encapsulation of sizeable guest molecules and the control of organic synthetic reactions.
Elucidation of the Forces Governing the Stereochemistry of Biphenyl
Authors: Jia Jianfeng , Wu Hai‐Shun , Chen Zhenhua , Mo Yirong
Published: December 2012

Biphenyl prefers a twisted conformation rather than a planar or perpendicular structure. Although conjugation (stabilization) and steric repulsion (destabilization) coexist in the planar structure, both would be relieved in the perpendicular structure in which an alternative stabilizing interaction, namely hyperconjugation, dominates. It has been assumed that the twisted conformer results from a balance of the attractive and repulsive forces. By using the block‐localized wavefunction (BLW) method, which is an ab initio valence bond (VB) approach, we have quantified the stabilization (conjugation and hyperconjugation) and destabilization (steric repulsion) energy changes as a function of the twist angle, and demonstrated that the minimum equilibrium structure indeed is a result of the coupling of these two conflicting forces. At the B3LYP/TZVPP level of theory, the BLW computations showed that the π‐conjugation effect contributes to the stability of the planar biphenyl by 46.4 kJ/mol, whereas the σ–π* hyperconjugation stabilization energy in the perpendicular structure is 36.4 kJ/mol. However, we note that there is also a weak σ–σ* hyperconjugative interaction between the two phenyl rings in the planar structure, which is estimated to stabilize the planar structure by an additional 6.6 kJ/mol. The overall steric effect was determined to be 17.1 kJ/mol, which is higher than the ethane rotational barrier (12 kJ/mol) and highlights the repulsion between the adjacent C–C bonds and theortho‐hydrogen atoms in the planar biphenyl.
Adsorption of phenanthrene, 2-naphthol, and 1-naphthylamine to colloidal oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes: Effects of humic acid and surfactant modification
Authors: Hou Lei , Zhu Dongqiang , Wang Ximeng , Wang Lilin , Zhang Chengdong , Chen Wei
Published: December 2012

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can exist in the form of colloidal suspension in aquatic environments, particularly in the presence of natural organic matter or surfactants, and may significantly affect the fate and transport of organic contaminants. In the present study, the authors examined the adsorption of phenanthrene, 2-naphthol, and 1-naphthylamine to three colloidal CNTs, including a stable suspension of oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (O-MWNT), a humic acid (HA)-modified colloidal O-MWNT, and a sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-modified colloidal O-MWNT. All three colloidal O-MWNTs exhibit strong adsorption affinities to the three test compounds (with KOC values orders of magnitude greater than those of natural organic matter), likely resulting from strong nonhydrophobic interactions such as π–π electron donor–acceptor interactions and Lewis acid–base interactions. When thoroughly mixed, HA (at ∼310 mg HA/g CNT) and SDS (at ∼750 mg SDS/g CNT) significantly affected the aggregation properties of O-MWNT, causing individually dispersed tubes to form a loosely entangled network. The effects of HA or SDS modification on adsorption are twofold. Adsorption of HA/SDS significantly reduces surface areas of O-MWNT; however, the entangled network allows adsorbate molecules to interact simultaneously with multiple tubes. An important implication is that humic substances and surfactant-like materials not only facilitate the formation of colloidal carbon nanoparticles but also affect how these colloidal carbon nanoparticles adsorb organic contaminants. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:493–500. © 2012 SETAC
Small Business Financial Distress and the “Phoenix Syndrome”—A Re‐evaluation
Authors: Rotem Yaad
Published: December 2012

In a typical “phoenix syndrome” scenario, a small business entrepreneur who controls the financially distressed Company A registers Company B, to which the assets of Company A are transferred in what appears to be fraudulent conveyance. Company B serves as a vehicle through which the business is kept running, without the pressures of the business creditors. If necessary, the entrepreneur will also register Company C and repeat the process. The law usually considers the execution of a “phoenix syndrome” scheme (“phoenixizing”) to be fraud against Company A's unaware creditors. Two major problems undermine, however, the efficient regulation of “phoenix syndrome” schemes. First, although criminal sanctions are available, “phoenixizing” entrepreneurs are not regularly prosecuted and are usually only subject to monetary sanctions (e.g., personal civil liability to creditors). Because defrauders tend to be judgment proof, the result is sub‐optimal deterrence. Second, lawmakers have not considered a more sympathetic explanation to account for the “phoenix syndrome” phenomenon: an entrepreneur resorting to a “phoenix syndrome” scheme might actually be arranging for a last‐resort “home‐made” bankruptcy proceeding, that is, the entrepreneur might be mimicking the role of a formal bankruptcy stay on unsecured creditors' collection efforts, against the background of a cost prohibitive formal bankruptcy proceeding. Put simply, the “phoenix syndrome” scheme is, occasionally, “a poor man's” bankruptcy proceeding. Deterring a “phoenixizing” entrepreneur attempting to rescue a viable business is, of course, unwarranted, as the result is viable businesses being lost. These two problems of under‐deterrence and over‐deterrence mandate a re‐evaluation of the manner in which “phoenix syndrome” schemes are regulated. Obviously, the main question concerns implementation: How can “good” entrepreneurs, attempting to rescue a viable business, be separated from “bad” ones, who attempt to defraud or to rescue a non‐viable business? The paper discusses and evaluates several solutions. Copyright © 2012 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of classification‐based cognitive functional therapy in patients with non‐specific chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vibe Fersum K. , O'Sullivan P. , Skouen J.S. , Smith A. , Kvåle A.
Published: December 2012

Background

Non‐specific chronic low back pain disorders have been proven resistant to change, and there is still a lack of clear evidence for one specific treatment intervention being superior to another.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of a behavioural approach to management, classification‐based cognitive functional therapy, compared with traditional manual therapy and exercise. Linear mixed models were used to estimate the group differences in treatment effects. Primary outcomes at 12‐month follow‐up were Oswestry Disability Index and pain intensity, measured with numeric rating scale. Inclusion criteria were as follows: age between 18 and 65 years, diagnosed with non‐specific chronic low back pain for >3 months, localized pain from T12 to gluteal folds, provoked with postures, movement and activities. Oswestry Disability Index had to be >14% and pain intensity last 14 days >2/10. A total of 121 patients were randomized to either classification‐based cognitive functional therapy group n = 62) or manual therapy and exercise group (n > = 59).

Results

The classification‐based cognitive functional therapy group displayed significantly superior outcomes to the manual therapy and exercise group, both statistically (p < 0.001) and clinically. For Oswestry Disability Index, the classification‐based cognitive functional therapy group improved by 13.7 points, and the manual therapy and exercise group by 5.5 points. For pain intensity, the classification‐based cognitive functional therapy improved by 3.2 points, and the manual therapy and exercise group by 1.5 points.

Conclusions

The classification‐based cognitive functional therapy produced superior outcomes for non‐specific chronic low back pain compared with traditional manual therapy and exercise.
Amino acid profiles and quality from lotus seed proteins
Authors: Zeng Hong‐Yan , Cai Lian‐Hui , Cai Xi‐Ling , Wang Ya‐Ju , Li Yu‐Qin
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND: Protein composition, amino acid profile and nutritional value of the lotus seed and its Osborne fractions were investigated. The seed was rich in protein with 19.85%, and showed well balanced amino acid composition compared with FAO/WHO pattern, Its nutritive properties were similar to those observed in the reference soybean protein. Phenylalanine, tyrosine, leucine and lysine were the limiting amino acids in the seed proteins. The albumin and globulin were the main protein fraction, the amino acid profile and nutritional value were close to the seed protein.

RESULTS: Changes in transition temperature and thermal stability were observed through different solvent extractions. Albumin possessed the predominant thermal stability (81.4 °C) followed by globulin (74.49 °C), prolamin (69 °C) and glutelin (65.6 °C). So, solvent compositions influence the profile of AAs and their nutritive value, and aqueous solvent with 0.1 mol L−1 NaCl was an efficient protein solubiliser.

CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the extraction processes influenced the lotus seed protein quality and thermal stability. Overall, the study revealed that the lotus seed protein was nutritionally well‐balanced protein and might be of significant importance in the formulation of diets for humans. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Capillary electromigration techniques for studying interactions between analytes and lipid dispersions
Authors: Wiedmer Susanne K. , Lokajová Jana
Published: December 2012

CE has matured into a well‐known and much used separation technique, with applications covering more or less all types of samples. EKC, which originally was developed for the separation of uncharged compounds, is still today under much development, with main focus on finding the perfect or ideal carriers (pseudo‐stationary phase) for a broad range of analytes. In this review, the use of lipid dispersions as pseudostationary phases in EKC performed in capillaries and microchips, in addition to CE frontal analysis and partial filling EKC using lipid dispersions is discussed. Various types of lipid dispersions including liposomes, PEG‐stabilized aggregates, proteoliposomes, lipid‐based nanoparticles, and commercial lipid emulsions are described. The purpose of the review is to give the reader an overview of how EKC, CE frontal analysis, and partial filling EKC, have been applied to the study of interactions between analytes and lipid membranes.
Principles and biomechanics of muscle tendon unit transfer: Application in temporalis muscle tendon transposition for smile improvement in facial paralysis
Authors: Boahene Kofi D.O.
Published: December 2012

Muscle tendon unit (MTU) transfer is a common procedure performed to restore hand function after peripheral nerve or spinal cord injury. The principles of MTU transfer established for hand surgery can be adopted to optimize the dynamic excursion of the temporalis tendon transfer procedure for facial reanimation. Additionally, the force generating ability of a transferred MTU depends on the ideal length‐tension relationship of the donor muscle. There are unclear guideline for selecting the ideal tension at which a transferred MTU will generate maximum force and excursion and current practice often leads to overstretch and suboptimal actin myosin interaction. The use of intraoperative electrical stimulation is an option for determining the ideal tension to optimize excursion of transferred temporalis tendon units in simile restoration. Understanding the biomechanics and principles of MTU and applying it to the temporalis tendon transfer procedure is necessary to improve its use in facial reanimation.
Poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone)‐Modified Surfaces for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Xu Yajun , Wu Zhaoqiang , Chen Hong
Published: December 2012

Poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), an important water soluble synthetic polymer, has many desirable properties including low toxicity, chemical stability, and good biocompatibility. Since PVP is hemocompatible and physiologically inactive, it has been used as a blood plasma substitute. Surface modification with PVP has been investigated extensively over the past few years as a means of preventing nonspecific protein adsorption. PVP may therefore be seen as a promising antifouling surface modifier comparable to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). In this review, various approaches for the design and preparation of PVP‐modified surfaces are summarized and potential biomedical applications of these PVP‐modified materials are indicated. Finally, some perspectives on future research on PVP for surface modification are discussed.

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Structure verification through computer‐assisted spectral assignment of NMR spectra
Authors: Plainchont Bertrand , Nuzillard Jean‐Marc
Published: December 2012

The validation of a molecular organic structure on the basis of 1D and 2D HSQC, COSY and HMBC NMR spectra is proposed as an alternative to the methods that are mainly based on chemical shift prediction. The CCASA software was written for this purpose. It provides an updated and improved implementation of the preceding computer‐assisted spectral assignment software. CCASA can be downloaded freely from http://www.univ‐reims.fr/LSD/JmnSoft/CASA. Two bioactive natural products, a triterpene and a benzophenone, were selected from literature data as examples. The tentative matching between the structure and the NMR data interpretation of the triterpene unexpectedly leads to the hypothesis of an incorrect structure. The LSD software was used to find an alternative structure that improved the 2D NMR data interpretation and the carbon‐13 chemical shift matching between experimental values and those produced by the nmrshiftdb2 prediction tool. The benzophenone example showed that signal assignment by means of chemical shift prediction can be replaced by elementary user‐supplied chemical shift and multiplicity constraints. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accelerating MR parameter mapping using sparsity‐promoting regularization in parametric dimension
Authors: Velikina Julia V. , Alexander Andrew L. , Samsonov Alexey
Published: December 2012

MR parameter mapping requires sampling along additional (parametric) dimension, which often limits its clinical appeal due to a several‐fold increase in scan times compared to conventional anatomic imaging. Data undersampling combined with parallel imaging is an attractive way to reduce scan time in such applications. However, inherent SNR penalties of parallel MRI due to noise amplification often limit its utility even at moderate acceleration factors, requiring regularization by prior knowledge. In this work, we propose a novel regularization strategy, which uses smoothness of signal evolution in the parametric dimension within compressed sensing framework (p‐CS) to provide accurate and precise estimation of parametric maps from undersampled data. The performance of the method was demonstrated with variable flip angle T1 mapping and compared favorably to two representative reconstruction approaches, image space‐based total variation regularization and an analytical model‐based reconstruction. The proposed p‐CS regularization was found to provide efficient suppression of noise amplification and preservation of parameter mapping accuracy without explicit utilization of analytical signal models. The developed method may facilitate acceleration of quantitative MRI techniques that are not suitable to model‐based reconstruction because of complex signal models or when signal deviations from the expected analytical model exist. Magn Reson Med 70:1263–1273, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An energy‐momentum‐conserving temporal discretization scheme for adhesive contact problems
Authors: Gautam Sachin S. , Sauer Roger A.
Published: December 2012

Numerical solution of dynamic problems requires accurate temporal discretization schemes. So far, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, none have been proposed for adhesive contact problems. In this work, an energy‐momentum‐conserving temporal discretization scheme for adhesive contact problems is proposed. A contact criterion is also proposed to distinguish between adhesion‐dominated and impact‐dominated contact behaviors. An adhesion formulation is considered, which is suitable to describe a large class of interaction mechanisms including van der Waals adhesion and cohesive zone modeling. The current formulation is frictionless, and no dissipation is considered. Performance of the proposed scheme is compared with other schemes. The proposed scheme involves very little extra computational overhead. It is shown that the proposed new temporal discretization scheme leads to major accuracy gains both for single‐degree‐of‐freedom and multi‐degree‐of‐freedom systems. The single‐degree‐of‐freedom system is critically analyzed for various parameters affecting the response. For the multi‐degree‐of‐freedom system, the effect of the time step and mesh discretization on the solution is also studied using the proposed scheme. It is further shown that a temporal discretization scheme based on the principle of energy conservation is not sufficient to obtain a convergent solution. Results with higher order contact finite elements for discretizing the contact area are also discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydration studies in polymer hydrogels
Authors: Pissis Polycarpos , Kyritsis Apostolos
Published: December 2012

Polymer hydrogels have attracted much interest in recent years based on numerous applications mainly in biotechnology and medicine. For the knowledge‐based design and development of new materials for these and similar applications, it is essential to understand better the hydration properties of hydrogels and of polymers in general. With this term, we mean the particular organization of water in the hydrogel, which determines the properties of the water component, typically different than those of bulk water, and the impact of water on the properties of the polymer matrix itself. In this review, we focus on recent work with hydrogels based on poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate), mostly copolymers with a second hydrophobic polymer and silica nanocomposites. The combination of water sorption/diffusion, thermal and dielectric studies, by fully exploiting the capabilities of each individual technique, proves essential in providing significant information on particular aspects of hydration, such as water uptake, water organization, and diffusion coefficients; glass transition and plasticization; water and polymer dynamics; protonic conductivity, and in revealing interesting correlations between these particular aspects. In the outlook similarities and differences to other related systems, such as protein‐water and polymer solutions in non‐polar solvents, are stressed in the perspective of a broader study. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
The concept of quasi‐Fermi level and expansion of faulted loops in SiC under minority carrier injection
Authors: Pirouz Pirouz
Published: December 2012

Degradation of 4H‐SiC PiN diodes – a rapid increase in the forward voltage drop with operation time – has been a focus of research since it was first reported over a decade ago. It was soon discovered that associated with this degradation is a rapid increase in the number and extent of intrinsic stacking faults (SFs) in SiC. Further research showed that the expansion of SFs is due to the injection of electron–hole pairs (ehps) in the active region of the device under forward biasing. This effect indicated that recombination‐induced dislocation glide – a phenomenon that was known to occur in many other semiconductors and in SiC – may play an important role in enhancing the motion of the leading partial dislocations and thus in expanding SFs in PiN diodes operated under forward bias conditions. This was later supported by enhanced nucleation and expansion of SFs by bandgap optical excitation in virginal SiC crystals itself – whether the material was of the 4H or 6H polytype – rather than in forward‐biased SiC diodes. At the same time, we used the concept of quasi‐Fermi energy – as the transient value of the electron population during excited states of 4H‐ or 6H‐SiC – to explain the driving force for expansion of SFs. Recently, Caldwell et al. have used this concept to develop various experimental observations that have been made on these diodes, including SF expansion under forward biasing, saturation of the maximum forward voltage drift, annealing‐induced contraction of SFs so generated and consequent drift recovery of the forward voltage drop. In this paper, we expand the concept of quasi‐Fermi level to get a better understanding of faulted loop expansion in 4H‐SiC bipolar devices and in virgin 4H‐ and 6H‐SiC crystals.
The role of extended defects in device degradation
Authors: Pantelides Sokrates T.
Published: December 2012

Grain boundaries and dislocations are well known to cause trouble in electronic devices, but in most cases they can be avoided by using single crystal films and eliminating or suppressing dislocation densities. Hetero‐interfaces, on the other hand, are essential features of devices. This papers reviews several topics from the author's published work, combining theoretical calculations with experimental data (microscopy, electrical measurements) to illustrate the interplay of impurities with extended defects, especially interfaces: dopant segregation in grain boundaries of polycrystalline Si, the role of hydrogen in the degradation of the Si–SiO2 interface in Si‐based metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MOSFETs), the role of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen in the quality and degradation of the SiC–SiO2 interface in SiC‐based MOSFETs, and the role of vacancies in room‐temperature degradation of III–V high‐mobility electron transistors by the formation of microvoids.
Evaluating dynamic treatment strategies: does it have to be more costly?
Authors: Buyze Jozefien , Goetghebeur Els
Published: December 2012

Dynamic treatment strategies are designed to change treatments over time in response to intermediate outcomes. They can be deployed for primary treatment as well as for the introduction of adjuvant treatment or other treatment‐enhancing interventions. When treatment interventions are delayed until needed, more cost‐efficient strategies will result. Sequential multiple assignment randomized (SMAR) trials allow for unbiased estimation of the marginal effects of different sequences of history‐dependent treatment decisions. Because a single SMAR trial enables evaluation of many different dynamic regimes at once, it is naturally thought to require larger sample sizes than the parallel randomized trial. In this paper, we compare power between SMAR trials studying a regime, where treatment boosting enters when triggered by an observed event, versus the parallel design, where a treatment boost is consistently prescribed over the entire study period. In some settings, we found that the dynamic design yields the more efficient trial for the detection of treatment activity. We develop one particular trial to compare a dynamic nursing intervention with telemonitoring for the enhancement of medication adherence in epilepsy patients. To this end, we derive from the SMAR trial data either an average of conditional treatment effects (‘conditional estimator’) or the population‐averaged (‘marginal’) estimator of the dynamic regimes. Analytical sample size calculations for the parallel design and the conditional estimator are compared with simulated results for the population‐averaged estimator. We conclude that in specific settings, well‐chosen SMAR designs may require fewer data for the development of more cost‐efficient treatment strategies than parallel designs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and Application of Time–temperature Indicators Used on Food during the Cold Chain Logistics
Authors: Lu Lixin , Zheng Weizhou , Lv Zhiye , Tang Yali
Published: December 2012

Time–temperature indicators (TTIs) are devices with a time–temperature‐dependent change to reflect food quality status and temperature history. There is increasing interest in the application of TTIs to monitor food cold chain logistics for food safety and quality. In this paper, a new enzymatic TTI based on enzyme reaction, diffusion and enzyme demobilization technology is developed. The mathematical model of TTI is drawn up, which shows the relationships between the changes of time and temperature and the diffusion length of the indicator's colour changed. To assess the reliability of TTI as the quality indicating device for perishable foods in the process of storage and transportation, fresh milk is studied as an example. Through the research of dynamic characteristics of milk and TTIs, five different TTIs that matched with the activation energy of the prototype milk were designed and tested in several constant temperature profiles and a variable temperature profile. By comparing the end response value of the prototype TTI with the effect of forecasting the shelf life of milk, it was considered that the enzyme reaction–diffusion TTI has good stability and reliability at dynamic storage conditions and could be used to monitor the shelf life of perishable food during the cold chain transportation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating within‐study covariances in multivariate meta‐analysis with multiple outcomes
Authors: Wei Yinghui , Higgins Julian PT
Published: December 2012

Multivariate meta‐analysis allows the joint synthesis of effect estimates based on multiple outcomes from multiple studies, accounting for the potential correlations among them. However, standard methods for multivariate meta‐analysis for multiple outcomes are restricted to problems where the within‐study correlation is known or where individual participant data are available. This paper proposes an approach to approximating the within‐study covariances based on information about likely correlations between underlying outcomes. We developed methods for both continuous and dichotomous data and for combinations of the two types. An application to a meta‐analysis of treatments for stroke illustrates the use of the approximated covariance in multivariate meta‐analysis with correlated outcomes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The growth and current state of learning communities in higher education
Authors: Love Anne Goodsell
Published: December 2012

Learning communities carry on a tradition of educational reform, resulting in improved student learning outcomes.
Long-Term Outcomes for Kienböck's Disease
Authors: Martin Glynn R. , Squire Daniel
Published: December 2012

Background

The precise etiology of Kienböck's disease is unclear. Controversy exists regarding the appropriate treatment modality. The present study sought to investigate and compare surgical and nonsurgical treatment outcomes of patients suffering from Kienböck's disease in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Canada.

Methods

The present study was a retrospective analysis of 66 patients. The primary outcome was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. Student's t test was used to assess differences in outcomes between treatment groups. One-way ANOVA was used to assess differences in primary outcome in time since first assessed in an effort to examine progression over time. Pearson correlation was used to assess for correlation between primary outcome and age at diagnosis.

Results

The average age was 38.6±11.4 (18–70) years; Four patients were excluded due to inaccessible imaging. Of the remaining patients, 44 were treated conservatively, while 18 were treated surgically. The DASH scores for the surgical group were 23.7±24.5 (0.9–82.8) and nonsurgical group were 20.0±20.1 (1.7–81). As expected, the surgical group was mainly comprised of late-stage Kienböck's. When both groups were compared, there was no significant difference in the DASH scores. There were no difference in DASH scores within groups according to time since first diagnosed (<5 years; between 5 and 10 years; and >10 years). A positive correlation was found between age at diagnosis and DASH score ( r=0.42, p=0.007), despite treatment modality. This finding remained significant after accounting for confounding factors ( p=0.029).

Conclusion

The DASH score for the surgical group was 23.7±24.5 (0.9–82.8) and nonsurgical group was 20.0± 20.1 (1.7–81). No significant difference in DASH scores was found between surgically and nonsurgically treated patients. A positive association was found between the age at diagnosis of Kienböck's and DASH score, which suggests that patients diagnosed and treated later in life tend not to do as well.
Decreasing the Pain of Finger Block Injection: Level II Evidence
Authors: Hamelin Nicolas D. , St-Amand Hugo , Lalonde Donald H. , Harris Patrick G. , Brutus Jean-Paul
Published: December 2012

Background

There is level II evidence that volunteers prefer the single subcutaneous injection in the midline of the proximal phalanx with lidocaine and epinephrine (SIMPLE) finger block over the classic two dorsal injection block technique. The purpose of this study was to possibly further decrease the pain of digital block injection by examining the effect of the duration of injection on the pain felt by volunteers receiving the SIMPLE block at two different injection rates.

Methods

Forty healthy blinded volunteers were injected 2 mL of lidocaine 1 % and epinephrine 1/100,000 in the digital palmar crease of both long fingers, one at a time. Two different rates of injection were used: 8 and 60 s. Pain scores were measured using a visual analogue scale and the volunteers were asked which of injection techniques they preferred.

Results

The visual analogue scale results revealed less pain with the slow injection ( p<0.001). Thirty three out of 40 volunteers preferred the slow injection rate. No difference could be attributed to sex of participants or to the first hand injected.

Conclusion

Blinded volunteers preferred digital blocks injected over 60 s to the more rapid 8 s. Decreasing the pain of injection only takes a minute of our valuable time for finger blocks.
A brief overview of 100 years of history of surgical treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Hasler Carol C.
Published: December 2012

The history of surgical correction for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis reaches back about 100 years: the natural course of progressive, crippling and sometimes even life-threatening deformities which could not be controlled by external means called for effectual, invasive procedures. Hibbs 1911 aimed at halting progression by long, uninstrumented fusions. However, the lack of true correction, long rehabilitation times, high pseudarthrosis and infection rates, and a fusion mass which bent further once exposed to gravity again were not satisfying. The transition from slowing progression to halting progression and truly correcting the deformity lasted almost another half a century: Paul Harrington, confronted with many scoliotic polio patients, successfully introduced a hook–rod system for concave-distraction and convex-compression at the end of the 1950s. Many implant failures, a still-considerable pseudarthrosis rate, flattening of the sagittal profile and the lack of true three-dimensional (3D) correction were the shortcomings. In the 1970s the Frenchmen Cotrel and Dubousset took scoliosis surgery to the next level by introducing a versatile hook system and curve-pattern-adapted correction modes. The basics of the so-called derotation-manoeuvre consists in strategic distribution of the anchors along the curve, bending the rod accordingly, and rotating it back into the sagittal plane. The overall correction, stability and the fusion rates improved significantly. However, the effect on the sagittal and transverse plane were still limited. Lately, a better biomechanical understanding and bilateral, polysegmental strong three-column fixation with pedicle screw has become the benchmark method: in conjunction with posterior release techniques, osteotomies or even vertebral column resections for severe cases, it allows better 3D control (vertebral column manipulation), faster rehabilitation and better patient satisfaction.
An RNA-Seq-Based Gene Expression Profiling of Radiation-Induced Tumorigenic Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ma Lina , Nie Linghu , Liu Jing , Zhang Bing , Song Shuhui , Sun Min , Yang Jin , Yang Yadong , Fang Xiangdong , Hu Songnian , Zhao Yongliang , Yu Jun
Published: December 2012

Immortality and tumorigenicity are two distinct characteristics of cancers. Immortalization has been suggested to precede tumorigenesis. To understand the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenicity and cancer progression in mammary epithelium, we established a tumorigenic cell model by means of heavy-ion radiation of an immortal cell model, which was created by overexpressing the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in normal human mammary epithelial cells. We examined the expression profile of this tumorigenic cell line (T_hMEC) using the hTERT-overexpressing immortal cell line (I_hMEC) as a control. In-depth RNA-seq data was generated by using the next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform (Life Technologies SOLiD3). We found that house-keeping (HK) and tissue-specific (TS) genes were differentially regulated during the tumorigenic process. HK genes tended to be activated while TS genes tended to be repressed. In addition, the HK genes and TS genes tended to contribute differentially to the variation of gene expression at different RPKM (gene expression in reads per exon kilobase per million mapped sequence reads) levels. Based on transcriptome analysis of the two cell lines, we defined 7053 differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) between immortality and tumorigenicity. Differential expression of 20 manually-selected genes was further validated using qRT-PCR. Our observations may help to further our understanding of cellular mechanism(s) in the transition from immortalization to tumorigenesis.
Sahlgrenska Academy Self-reported Cognitive Impairment Questionnaire (SASCI-Q) – a research tool discriminating between subjectively cognitively impaired patients and healthy controls
Authors: Eckerström Marie , Skoogh Johanna , Rolstad Sindre , Göthlin Mattias , Steineck Gunnar , Johansson Boo , Wallin Anders
Published: December 2012

Background: Subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) is a potential early marker for actual cognitive decline. The cognitive manifestation of the SCI stage is, however, largely unknown. Self-report instruments developed especially for use in the SCI population are lacking, and many SCI studies have not excluded mild cognitive impairment and dementia. We developed and tested a patient-based questionnaire on everyday cognitive function aiming to discriminate between patients with subjective, but not objective, cognitive impairment and healthy controls.

Methods: Individuals experiencing cognitive impairment were interviewed to generate a pool of items. After condensing to 97 items, we tested the questionnaire in 93 SCI patients seeking care at a memory clinic (age M = 64.5 years, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) M = 29.0) and 50 healthy controls (age M = 69.6 years, MMSE M = 29.3). Further item reduction was conducted to maximize that remaining items would discriminate between SCI patients and controls, using a conservative α level and requiring medium to high effect sizes. Internal consistency reliability and convergent validity was subsequently examined.

Results: Forty-five items discriminated between the groups, resulting in the Sahlgrenska Academy Self-reported Cognitive Impairment Questionnaire (SASCI-Q). Internal consistency was high and correlations to a single question on memory functioning were of medium to large sizes. Most remaining items were related to the memory domain.

Conclusion: The SASCI-Q discriminates between SCI patients and healthy controls and demonstrates satisfying psychometric properties. The instrument provides a research method for examining SCI and forms a foundation for future examining which SCI symptoms predict objective cognitive decline. The cognitive manifestation of the SCI stage is mostly related to experiences of memory deficits.
A high‐resolution study of tides in the Delaware Bay: Past conditions and future scenarios
Authors: Hall George F. , Hill David F. , Horton Benjamin P. , Engelhart Simon E. , Peltier W. R.
Published: December 2012

Tides in the Delaware Bay (USA) have been modeled from 7000 years before present (7 ka) to the present day and for selected future sea‐level rise scenarios (100 years, 300 years). Historic bathymetries were constructed through use of glacial isostatic adjustment models and a very high spatial resolution (< 100 m) was used at the shoreline. Future bathymetries were obtained by extrapolating these glacial isostatic adjustment models and applying an additional eustatic sea‐level rise. It was found that tides in the lower bay have remained fairly constant through time but that tides in the upper bay have increased steadily from about 4 ka to the present day; a nearly 100% increase in total. The future runs demonstrated spatially complex behavior with tidal‐range changes of up to 10%.