bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroimaging and neurocognitive abnormalities associated with bipolar disorder in old age
Authors: Rej Soham , Butters Meryl A. , Aizenstein Howard J. , Begley Amy , Tsay Jawad , Reynolds Charles F. , Mulsant Benoit H. , Gildengers Ariel
Published: September 2013

Objectives

Cognitive dysfunction is prevalent in older adults with bipolar disorder (BD). High white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden, a marker of white matter disease, detected on T2/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been consistently reported in BD across all age ranges, including older adults. Yet, whether high WMH burden is related to the excess cognitive impairment present in older adults with BD is unknown. Therefore, we examine whether higher WMH burden is related to worse cognitive function in older adults with BD.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study of 27 non‐demented BD patients aged ≥50 years and 12 similarly aged mentally healthy comparators (controls). Subjects underwent both brain MRI and comprehensive neurocognitive assessment. We employed correlational analyses to evaluate the burden of WMH and the relationship between WMH and cognitive function.

Results

Although BD subjects had worse performance in all cognitive domains, BD subjects had less total WMH burden (t[13.4] = −3.57, p = 0.003). In control subjects, higher WMH was related to lower global cognitive function (ρ = −0.57, n = 12, p = 0.05). However, WMH did not correlate with neuropsychological performance in BD subjects. Further, BD and control subjects did not differ with respect to total gray and hippocampal volumes.

Conclusions

Cognitive dysfunction in late‐life BD does not appear to be due primarily to processes related to increased WMH or reduced gray matter volume. Future longitudinal studies should examine other potential neuroprogressive pathways such as inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, serum anticholinergic burden, and altered neurogenesis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scattering rates of inner belt protons by EMIC waves: A comparison between test particle and diffusion simulations
Authors: de Soria‐Santacruz M. , Orlova K. G. , Martinez‐Sanchez M. , Shprits Y. Y.
Published: September 2013

Inner belt energetic protons are a hindrance to development of space technologies. The emission of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves from spaceborne transmitters has been proposed as a way to solve this problem. The interaction between particles and narrowband emissions has been typically studied using nonlinear test particle simulations. We show that this formulation results in a random walk of the inner belt protons in velocity space. In this paper we compute bounce‐averaged pitch angle diffusion rates from test particle simulations and compare them to those of quasi‐linear theory for quasi‐monochromatic EMIC waves interacting with inner belt protons. We find that the quasi‐linear solution is not sensitive to the frequency bandwidth for narrow distributions. Bounce‐averaged diffusion coefficients from both approaches are in good agreement for all energies and pitch angles. The interaction with inner belt protons, therefore, can be addressed using quasi‐linear diffusion codes, which allows faster exploration of parameter space.
Decreased TIP30 expression predicts poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Guo Shiwei , Jing Wei , Hu Xiangui , Zhou Xuyu , Liu Lianjie , Zhu Minhui , Yin Fan , Chen Rui , Zhao Jian , Guo Yajun
Published: September 2013

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is known for its aggressive growth, and is characterized by early tissue invasion and metastasis with poor prognosis. Identifying prognostic markers and delineating the underlying mechanisms that promote progression of PDAC are important for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. TIP30, a newly identified tumor suppressor, appears to be involved in multiple processes during tumor development and metastasis. Here, we investigated the expression of TIP30 in PDAC and its prognostic value in PDAC patients. We examined the expression of TIP30 by immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays containing 106 surgically resected PDAC. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling analysis showed that TIP30 expression independently predicted better survival in pancreatectomy patients (p < 0.01). Moreover, decreased TIP30 expression was associated with lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05) and loss of E‐cadherin expression (r = 0.329, p < 0.01). Suppression of TIP30 resulted in upregulation of Snail and subsequent downregulation of E‐cadherin in SW1990 cells containing high‐level of endogenous TIP30. However, in the PANC‐1 cells containing low level of endogenous TIP30, suppressing TIP30 caused upregulation of Slug instead of Snail, followed by upregulation of MMP9 rather than E‐cadherin. Taken together, our work reveals that decreased TIP30 expression is able to enhance invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells through upregulation of the Snail family members and may serve as an independent predictor for poor outcomes in PDAC patients.
Sweet Fairytale: Carbohydrates as Backbones for Glyconanomedicine
Authors: Mizrahy Shoshy , Landesman‐Milo Dalit , Peer Dan
Published: September 2013

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in medical applications is rapidly growing, with more than 30 NP‐based drugs approved for clinical use. Different building blocks are used to generate NPs for drug and imaging delivery tasks. Among them, carbohydrates represent an exciting option that is currently being exploited in vivo and in clinical trials. Carbohydrates have excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and low cost. In addition, the ease of chemical modification enables the preparation of a wide collection of NPs for a variety of tasks. Here, we will describe the properties of common carbohydrates and the main mechanisms for carbohydrates‐based NP preparation and discuss several key concepts from the physicochemical and structural features of NP‐based carbohydrates for pre‐clinical and clinical applications.
WATER PRODUCTIVITY OF IRRIGATED WHEAT IN THE MAROON IRRIGATION NETWORK OF IRAN
Authors: Baghaei Leila , Kahtoonabadi Ahmad , Mousavi Farhad
Published: September 2013

The rapidly growing population of Iran and non‐sustainable agricultural development practices have resulted in an increasing demand for irrigation water. This process, along with Iran's water source restrictions, necessitates investigation and research in the field of water productivity. Behbahan (Maroon Irrigation Network) District, which is located in Khuzestan Province, by benefiting from the Maroon River, has been considered a fertile land for agricultural activity for centuries. The access of farmers to the Maroon River within past decades has meant water has been taken for granted. However, since 2007, the land has faced a dramatic decline in rainfall and surface water. Water scarcity and limitation of available water in the region should force farmers to use water as efficiently as possible. Irrigated agriculture is one of the most water‐ consuming sectors in the region. Therefore, improving the productivity of existing water management practices is the most attractive option to produce more food for the increasing population. In this paper, the water productivity of irrigated wheat in Maroon is analysed. Some 125 farmers from the northern and southern parts of the Maroon Irrigation Network were selected by using a stratified random sampling method. Data were collected through surveying techniques such as questionnaires and interviewing. The data were analysed by using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS16). Based on the research results, most of the farmers were middle‐aged and with a low level of literacy. Water in the Behbahan region was considered as a service rather than an economically high‐value commodity. Also crop per drop (CPD) index in comparison with similar regions (as a result of high water consumption) was lower than the average CPD index in 2007 and 2008 and was 0.48 and 0.41 kg m−3 respectively. The critical role of water in the border‐based provinces of Iran with due respect to sociocultural and political consequences, as for example in Khuzestan, reinforces the need to employ urgent tactics to increase water productivity through improving knowledge and infrastructure‐based systems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of inhibitory effects between acetaminophen–glutathione conjugate and reduced glutathione in human glutathione reductase
Authors: Nýdlová Erika , Vrbová Martina , Česla Petr , Jankovičová Barbora , Ventura Karel , Roušar Tomáš
Published: September 2013

Acetaminophen overdose is the most frequent cause of acute liver injury. The main mechanism of acetaminophen toxicity has been attributed to oxidation of acetaminophen. The oxidation product is very reactive and reacts with glutathione generating acetaminophen–glutathione conjugate (APAP‐SG). Although this conjugate has been recognized to be generally nontoxic, we have found recently that APAP‐SG could produce a toxic effect. Therefore, the aim of our study was to estimate the toxicity of purified APAP‐SG by characterizing the inhibitory effect in human glutathione reductase (GR) and comparing that to the inhibitory effect of the natural inhibitor reduced glutathione. We used two types of human GR: recombinant and freshly purified from red blood cells. Our results show that GR was significantly inhibited in the presence of both APAP‐SG and reduced glutathione. For example, the enzyme activity of recombinant and purified GR was reduced in the presence of 4 mm APAP‐SG (with 0.5 mm glutathione disulfide) by 28% and 22%, respectively. The type of enzyme inhibition was observed to be competitive in the cases of both APAP‐SG and glutathione. As glutathione inhibits GR activity in cells under physiological conditions, the rate of enzyme inhibition ought to be weaker in the case of glutathione depletion that is typical of acetaminophen overdose. Notably, however, enzyme activity likely remains inhibited due to the presence of APAP‐SG, which might enhance the pro‐oxidative status in the cell. We conclude that our finding could reflect some other pathological mechanism that may contribute to the toxicity of acetaminophen. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of butyltins on mitogen‐activated‐protein kinase kinase kinase and Ras activity in human natural killer cells
Authors: Celada Lindsay J. , Whalen Margaret M.
Published: September 2013

Butyltins (BTs) contaminate the environment and are found in human blood. BTs, tributyltin (TBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) diminish the cytotoxic function and levels of key proteins of human natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are an initial immune defense against tumors, virally infected cells and antibody‐coated cells and thus critical to human health. The signaling pathways that regulate NK cell functions include mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Studies have shown that exposure to BTs leads to activation of specific MAPKs and MAPK kinases (MAP2Ks) in human NK cells. MAP2K kinases (MAP3Ks) are upstream activators of MAP2Ks, which then activate MAPKs. The current study examined if BT‐induced activation of MAP3Ks was responsible for MAP2K and thus, MAPK activation. This study examines the effects of TBT and DBT on the total levels of two MAP3Ks, c‐Raf and ASK1, as well as activating and inhibitory phosphorylation sites on these MAP3Ks. In addition, the immediate upstream activator of c‐Raf, Ras, was examined for BT‐induced alterations. Our results show significant activation of the MAP3K, c‐Raf, in human NK cells within 10 min of TBT exposure and the MAP3K, ASK1, after 1 h exposures to TBT. In addition, our results suggest that both TBT and DBT affect the regulation of c‐Raf. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular impact of juvenile hormone agonists on neonatal Daphnia magna
Authors: Toyota Kenji , Kato Yasuhiko , Miyakawa Hitoshi , Yatsu Ryohei , Mizutani Takeshi , Ogino Yukiko , Miyagawa Shinichi , Watanabe Hajime , Nishide Hiroyo , Uchiyama Ikuo , Tatarazako Norihisa , Iguchi Taisen
Published: September 2013

Daphnia magna has been used extensively to evaluate organism‐ and population‐level responses to pollutants in acute toxicity and reproductive toxicity tests. We have previously reported that exposure to juvenile hormone (JH) agonists results in a reduction of reproductive function and production of male offspring in a cyclic parthenogenesis, D. magna. Recent advances in molecular techniques have provided tools to understand better the responses to pollutants in aquatic organisms, including D. magna. DNA microarray was used to evaluate gene expression profiles of neonatal daphnids exposed to JH agonists: methoprene (125, 250 and 500 ppb), fenoxycarb (0.5, 1 and 2 ppb) and epofenonane (50, 100 and 200 ppb). Exposure to these JH analogs resulted in chemical‐specific patterns of gene expression. The heat map analyses based on hierarchical clustering revealed a similar pattern between treatments with a high dose of methoprene and with epofenonane. In contrast, treatment with low to middle doses of methoprene resulted in similar profiles to fenoxycarb treatments. Hemoglobin and JH epoxide hydrolase genes were clustered as JH‐responsive genes. These data suggest that fenoxycarb has high activity as a JH agonist, methoprene shows high toxicity and epofenonane works through a different mechanism compared with other JH analogs, agreeing with data of previously reported toxicity tests. In conclusion, D. magna DNA microarray is useful for the classification of JH analogs and identification of JH‐responsive genes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new module for constrained multi‐fragment geometry optimization in internal coordinates implemented in the MOLCAS package
Authors: Vysotskiy Victor P. , Boström Jonas , Veryazov Valera
Published: September 2013

A parallel procedure for an effective optimization of relative position and orientation between two or more fragments has been implemented in the MOLCAS program package. By design, the procedure does not perturb the electronic structure of a system under the study. The original composite system is divided into frozen fragments and internal coordinates linking those fragments are the only optimized parameters. The procedure is capable to handle fully independent (no border atoms) fragments as well as fragments connected by covalent bonds. In the framework of the procedure, the optimization of relative position and orientation of the fragments are carried out in the internal “Z‐matrix” coordinates using numerical derivatives. The total number of required single points energy evaluations scales with the number of fragments rather than with the total number of atoms in the system. The accuracy and the performance of the procedure have been studied by test calculations for a representative set of two‐ and three‐fragment molecules with artificially distorted structures. The developed approach exhibits robust and smooth convergence to the reference optimal structures. As only a few internal coordinates are varied during the procedure, the proposed constrained fragment geometry optimization can be afforded even for high level ab initio methods like CCSD(T) and CASPT2. This capability has been demonstrated by applying the method to two larger cases, CCSD(T) and CASPT2 calculations on a positively charged benzene lithium complex and on the oxygen molecule interacting to iron porphyrin molecule, respectively. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A kinetic analysis of catalytic production of oxygen in catalase‐containing liposome dispersions for controlled transfer of oxygen in a bioreactor
Authors: Yoshimoto Makoto , Higa Minato
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND

Biochemical oxidation reactions require oxygen to be supplied by dispersed bubbles. Drawbacks of the gas–liquid system are enzyme denaturation and low oxygen utilization efficiency. Therefore, oxygen production through the decomposition of H2O2 is useful for controlled oxygen transfer in bioreactors.

RESULTS

Catalase‐containing liposomes (CALs) were prepared in 50 mmol L‐1 Tris/0.1 mol L‐1 NaCl buffer (pH 7.4) and the kinetic model was developed for the oxygen production by CAL‐catalyzed decomposition of 1.0 mmol L‐1 H2O2. Applying the model to the observed time course of oxygen produced gave overall resistance in the reaction based on the pseudo‐steady‐state assumption inside liposomes for H2O2 and oxygen. The reaction resistance was estimated with the liposomal catalase concentration et,in and the kinetic parameters of free enzyme reaction. At et,in = 0.59 µmol L‐1, the CAL reaction proceeded under reaction control, while at et,in = 5.05 µmol L‐1, the H2O2 transfer resistance was involved. For the latter case, the permeability coefficient PP of H2O2 through the liposome membrane was determined as 1.06 × 10‐6 m s‐1 at 25°C. The model predicted the H2O2 concentration inside liposomes with different et,in values. Furthermore, the oxygen concentration in the CAL dispersions was reasonably simulated. The oxygen production rate could be altered based on temperature (10–55°C) and the fractional volume of CALs.

CONCLUSION

The CAL‐catalyzed oxygen production was controlled based on the et,in and PP values, which determine the relative importance of the reaction and H2O2 transfer resistances. The CAL would be applied to oxidation reactions instead of gas–liquid systems. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of time‐resolved angiography with stochastic trajectories (twist)‐dixon in dynamic contrast‐enhanced (dce) breast mri
Authors: Le Yuan , Kipfer Hal , Majidi Shadie , Holz Stephanie , Dale Brian , Geppert Christian , Kroeker Randall , Lin Chen
Published: September 2013

Purpose

To evaluate a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that integrates time‐resolved angiography with stochastic trajectories (TWIST) view sharing and Dixon for a breast dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI application.

Materials and Methods

Simulation study: K‐space data at six timepoints (1 pre‐, 5 postcontrast) were generated by performing Fourier transform on a digital “phantom” with 3–9 mm enhancing lesions and three types of enhancement curves (persistent, plateau, washout). Images were reconstructed with and without TWIST. Clinical study: Six TWIST‐Dixon image sets (one pre‐, five postcontrast) were acquired in 18 patients on a 3T scanner, followed by one conventional image set. The last TWIST‐Dixon and the conventional images were scored for seven criteria: perceived signal‐to‐noise ratio (P.SNR), visualization of anatomy, fat suppression (FS) accuracy, FS uniformity, ghosting artifact, edge ringing artifact, and overall image quality (IQ).

Results

Simulation study: With proper TWIST parameters (pA ≥33%, pB ≥50%), the enhancement underestimation was 5% or less for tumor size ≥5 mm. Clinical study: TWIST‐Dixon images have significantly better scores in all criteria except for ghosting artifacts, where the difference was not significant.

Conclusion

With proper parameters, TWIST‐Dixon provides higher perceived SNR, more accurate fat suppression, and better overall image quality for breast DCE‐MRI without sacrificing accuracy in the enhancement estimation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1033–1042. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unique surface gene variants of hepatitis B virus isolated from patients in the Philippines
Authors: Baclig Michael O. , Alvarez May R. , Gopez‐Cervantes Juliet , Natividad Filipinas F.
Published: September 2013

Point mutations and multiple variants across the “a” determinant can destroy the antigenicity and immunogenicity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) leading to false negative assay and vaccine escape. In this study, the presence of surface gene variants of HBV was investigated among patients clinically diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B and positive for HBV DNA from 2002 to 2009. Sequence analysis of the surface gene of HBV showed that 23 (43%) of the 53 isolates had variations. Out of the 23 isolates, 15 (65%) exhibited single or multiple substitutions, which resulted to specific amino acid changes. The remaining 8 (35%) isolates had silent mutations. The amino acid substitution M133T which was associated with failure of HBsAg detection was found in one isolate (7%, 1/15), while the amino acid substitution D144A which was associated with vaccine escape was observed in one isolate (7%, 1/15). No G145R mutation was observed. Of the 15 isolates with identified single or multiple substitutions, 6 (40%) were found to have unique sequences which caused changes in the hydrophobicity profile in the protein. Unique sequence variants at amino acid positions M103I, L109P, S117R, F134I, and S136L found in this study have not yet been reported. These data should be taken into account when developing next generation HBV assays to detect both common and unique variants, and when new HBV vaccines will be designed. J. Med. Virol. 86:209–216, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A 1300‐year multi‐proxy, high‐resolution record from a rich fen in northern Poland: reconstructing hydrology, land use and climate change
Authors: LAMENTOWICZ M. , GAŁKA M. , MILECKA K. , TOBOLSKI K. , LAMENTOWICZ Ł. , FIAŁKIEWICZ‐KOZIEŁ B. , BLAAUW M.
Published: September 2013

Here we present the first high‐resolution multi‐proxy analysis of a rich fen in the central‐eastern European lowlands. The fen is located in the young glacial landscape of the Stążki river valley. We investigated the fen's development pathways, asking three main questions: (i) what was the pattern and timing of the peatland's vegetation succession, (ii) how did land use and climate affect the succession in the fen ecosystem, and (iii) to what degree does the reconstructed hydrology for this site correlate with those of other sites in the region in terms of past climate change? Several stages of fen history were determined, beginning with the lake‐to‐fen transition ca. AD 700. Brown mosses dominated the sampling site from this period to the present. No human impact was found to have occurred until ca. AD 1700, when the first forest cutting began. Around AD 1890 a more significant disturbance took place – this date marks the clear cutting of forests and dramatic landscape openness. Deforestation changed the hydrology and chemistry of the mire, which was revealed by a shift in local plant and testate amoebae communities. We also compared a potential climatic signal recorded in the peat profile before AD 1700 with other sites from the region. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of microRNA‐1288 in colorectal cancer: Altered expression and its clinicopathological significance
Authors: Gopalan Vinod , Pillai Suja , Ebrahimi Faeza , Salajegheh Ali , Lam Tommy C. , Le Tran K. , Langsford Nicole , Ho Yik‐Hong , Smith Robert A. , Lam Alfred K.‐Y.
Published: September 2013

We aim to examine the miR‐1288 expression in cancer cell lines and a large cohort of patients with colorectal cancer. Two colon cancer cell lines (SW480 and SW48) and one normal colonic epithelial cell line (FHC) were recruited. The miRNA expressions of miR‐1288 were tested on these cell lines by using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). An exogenous miR‐1288 (mimic) was used to detect cell proliferation and cell cycle changes in SW480 using MTT calorimetric assay and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, tissues from 122 patients with surgical resection of colorectum (82 adenocarcinomas, 20 adenomas, and 20 non‐neoplastic tissues) were tested for miR‐1288 expression by qRT‐PCR. The colon cancer cell lines showed reduced expression of miR‐1288 compared to normal colonic epithelial cell line. Over expression of miR‐1288 in SW480 cell line showed increased cell proliferation and increased G2–M phase cells. In tissues, reduced miR‐1288 expression was noted in majority of colorectal adenocarcinoma compared to colorectal adenoma and non‐neoplastic tissues. Reduced or absent expression of miR‐1288 was noted in 76% (n = 62/82) of the cancers. The expression levels of miR‐1288 were higher in distal colorectal adenocarcinomas (P = 0.013) and in cancers of lower T staging (P = 0.033). To conclude, alternation of miR‐1288 expression is important in the progression of colorectal cancer. The differential regulation of miR‐1288 was found to be related to cancer location and pathological staging in colorectal cancers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Weight reduction and maintenance with IQP‐PV‐101: A 12‐week randomized controlled study with a 24‐week open label period
Authors: Grube Barbara , Chong Wen‐Fen , Chong Pee‐Win , Riede Linda
Published: September 2013

Objective

The safety and efficacy of IQP‐PV‐101, a proprietary extract of Phaseolus vulgaris, on weight management in two phases was evaluated here. The weight loss (WL) phase was conducted over 12 weeks and the weight maintenance (WM) phase took 24 weeks.

Methods

In the double‐blind WL phase, subjects were randomized to receive either IQP‐PV‐101 or placebo. All subjects adhered to a mildly hypocaloric diet. Body weight and other body composition parameters were measured at baseline and every 4 weeks thereafter.

During the single arm, open label WM trial, energy intake was ad libitum. Efficacy parameters were measured at baseline, week 12 and week 24.

Results

At the end of the WL study, the IQP‐PV‐101 group lost a mean of 2.91 ± 2.63 kg in body weight compared with 0.92 ± 2.00 kg in the placebo group (P < 0.001). During the WM phase, 36 out of 49 subjects (73.5%) were able to maintain their weight, even without dietary restrictions.

No serious or related adverse events were reported over the combined period of 36 weeks.

Conclusions

Results indicate that IQP‐PV‐101 is safe and effective for weight loss and maintenance.
Validation of anaphylaxis in the Food and Drug Administration's Mini‐Sentinel
Authors: Walsh Kathleen E. , Cutrona Sarah L. , Foy Sarah , Baker Meghan A. , Forrow Susan , Shoaibi Azadeh , Pawloski Pamala A. , Conroy Michelle , Fine Andrew M. , Nigrovic Lise E. , Selvam Nandini , Selvan Mano S. , Cooper William O. , Andrade Susan
Published: September 2013

Purpose

We aim to develop and validate the positive predictive value (PPV) of an algorithm to identify anaphylaxis using health plan administrative and claims data. Previously published PPVs for anaphylaxis using International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes range from 52% to 57%.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study using administrative and claims data from eight health plans. Using diagnosis and procedure codes, we developed an algorithm to identify potential cases of anaphylaxis from the Mini‐Sentinel Distributed Database between January 2009 and December 2010. A random sample of medical charts (n = 150) was identified for chart abstraction. Two physician adjudicators reviewed each potential case. Using physician adjudicator judgments on whether the case met diagnostic criteria for anaphylaxis, we calculated a PPV for the algorithm.

Results

Of the 122 patients for whom complete charts were received, 77 were judged by physician adjudicators to have anaphylaxis. The PPV for the algorithm was 63.1% (95%CI: 53.9–71.7%), using the clinical criteria by Sampson as the gold standard. The PPV was highest for inpatient encounters with ICD‐9‐CM codes of 995.0 or 999.4. By combining only the top performing ICD‐9‐CM codes, we identified an algorithm with a PPV of 75.0%, but only 66% of cases of anaphylaxis were identified using this modified algorithm.

Conclusions

The PPV for the ICD‐9‐CM‐based algorithm for anaphylaxis was slightly higher than PPV estimates reported in prior studies, but remained low. We were able to identify an algorithm that optimized the PPV but demonstrated lower sensitivity for anaphylactic events. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Network of secondary‐substituted adamantane amines
Authors: Panda Anirban , Vijayakumar Subramaniam , Klein Douglas J. , Ryzhov Anton
Published: September 2013

The set of 42 diastereomeric structures resulting from various degrees of substitution of secondary –CH2– groups by amines –NH– within the adamantane skeleton are investigated. They are placed into a substitution‐reaction network viewed as a partial ordering, and the resultant reaction network (or Hasse diagram) displayed to illustrate different features. Ground‐state ab‐initio total energies of the 42 species are computed. A systematic cluster expansion of these total energies and associated internal energies is described in the context of this partial ordering. The results given support the idea, that recognition of the partial ordering is worthwhile. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1,3‐Bis(2′‐hydroxyethyl)imidazolium ionic liquids: correlating structure and properties with anion hydrogen bonding ability
Authors: Deng Feng , Reeder Zachary K. , Miller Kevin M.
Published: September 2013

A series of 1,3‐bis(2′‐hydroxyethyl)imidazolium ionic liquids is reported where 1H NMR chemical shift values and thermal stabilities (Td), as determined by thermogravimetric analysis, are correlated with the hydrogen bonding capability of various anions ([Cl−], [Br−], [CF3CO2−], [NO2−], [MsO−], [NO3−], [TfO−], [BF4−], [NTf2−], and [PF6−]). Use of anions with the strongest hydrogen bonding capability, such as chloride [Cl−], bromide [Br−], and trifluoroacetate [CF3CO2−], led to the furthest observed downfield chemical shift values in DMSO‐d6 and the poorest thermal stabilities ([CF3CO2−] < 200 °C). Thermal stabilities in excess of 350 °C and upfield chemical shift values were observed for ionic liquids, which employed the weakly coordinating triflate [OTf−], tetrafluoroborate [BF4−], or bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [NTf2−] anion. Optimized structures of selected ionic liquids, as determined by density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6‐31G + (d,p) level, indicated that the anion preferred to be located above the imidazolium ring and in close proximity to the hydroxyl groups. Calculated dissociation energies (ΔE) and a comparison of key bonding distances (C2―H, (C2)H···X, O―H, and (O)H···X) also confirmed this structural preference. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A survey of training in pediatric flexible bronchoscopy
Authors: Leong A.B. , Green C.G. , Kurland G. , Wood R.E.
Published: September 2013

Objective

There is currently no evidence‐based method for defining competency in pediatric flexible bronchoscopy (FB). Based on expert opinion, guidelines using numbers of procedures have been published in defining competency for pediatric FB. The purpose of this study was to formally survey the opinion of USA pediatric pulmonology training directors about the assessment of competency and training experiences in pediatric FB in their programs.

Methods

An Internet‐based Survey Monkey™ of the Pediatric Pulmonary Training Directors Association (PEPTDA) was administered 10/12/10 through 11/1/10 with a supplemental survey 6/1/11–6/30/11.

Results

This survey of US pediatric pulmonology training directors about competency and training in pediatric FB showed that a majority (86%) felt there was a minimum threshold of procedures for developing competency that could be defined, with a median of 50 and an average of 56.4 (SD = 33.0). The actual number of FBs performed by fellows during their 3‐year fellowship averaged 89.4 (SD = 45.3) with a range of 10–200. The survey also revealed a variety of teaching techniques used for FB, including simulation technology. Finally many differences were reported in skill assessment, locations for performance of FB, and the range of underlying indications and patient populations. The apprenticeship model is the predominant method of learning FB in the surveyed programs.

Conclusions

A majority of US pediatric pulmonology training directors felt that a minimum number of procedures could be defined for developing competency in pediatric FB. There was variability in the numbers of procedures performed, training techniques and assessment, and application of FB. This survey represents an initial step in assessing training and defining competency in pediatric FB. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:605–610. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cognitive cooperative networks with decode‐and‐forward relay selection under interference constraints of multiple primary users
Authors: Tran Hung , Zepernick Hans‐Jürgen , Phan Hoc
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we study the performance of cognitive cooperative radio networks under the peak interference power constraints of multiple primary users (PUs). In particular, we consider a system model where the secondary user communication is assisted by multiple secondary relays (SRs) that operate in the decode‐and‐forward mode to relay the signal from a secondary transmitter to a secondary receiver. Moreover, we assume that the transmit powers of the secondary transmitter and the SRs are subject to the peak interference power constraints of multiple PUs that operate in their coverage range. Given this system setting, we first derive the cumulative distribution function of the instantaneous end‐to‐end signal‐to‐noise ratio. Then, we obtain a closed‐form expression for the outage probability and an exact expression for the symbol error probability of the considered network. These tractable formulas enable us to examine the impact of the presence of multiple PUs on the performance of the considered spectrum sharing system. Furthermore, our numerical results show that system performance is improved significantly when the number of SRs increases or the channel mean power from the secondary user to the PUs is low. Also, any increase in the number of PUs in the coverage range of the secondary transmitter or the SRs leads to degradation in system performance. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations are provided to verify the correctness of our analytical results. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rigid MATLAB drivetrain model of a 500 kW wind turbine for predicting maximum gear tooth stresses in a planetary gearbox using multibody gear constraints
Authors: Jørgensen M.F. , Pedersen Niels L. , Sørensen Jens N. , Paulsen Uwe S.
Published: September 2013

The aeroelastic FLEX 5 code and a semi‐advanced rigid multibody model has been utilized for simulating drivetrain forces and moments in a real 500 kW wind turbine. Experimental validation is carried out with results based on known physical properties of the blades, tower, hub, gearbox, shaft and nacelle, etc. The multibody model consists of eight bodies, from rotor to generator, where most joints are made using simple constraints. Semi‐advanced gear constraints are used for obtaining (worst‐case) gear tooth reaction forces in the first stage of the planetary gearbox. This constraint is useful for not only transferring torque but also for calculating the gear tooth and internal body reaction forces. The method is appropriate for predicting gear tooth stresses without considering all the complexity of gear tooth geometries. This means that, e.g. gear tooth load‐sharing and load‐distribution among multiple planetary gears are not taken into account. Finite Element Method (FEM) calculations show that when the wind turbine runs close to the maximum wind speed, the maximum gear tooth stress is in the range of 500–700 MPa, which is considered to be realistic using a “worst‐case” method. The presented method is based on a comprehensive description of the aerodynamic input, including inflow turbulence and shear, as well as various modifications for yaw, dynamic stall and dynamic inflow. Forces and torque from the aeroelastic and industry‐accepted code FLEX 5 are used as input to the multibody program, where the gear constraint is formulated such that the maximum tooth forces are included directly in the solution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of outcomes in MCI with 123I-IMP-CBF SPECT: a multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Ito Kengo , Mori Etsuro , Fukuyama Hidenao , Ishii Kazunari , Washimi Yukihiko , Asada Takashi , Mori Satoru , Meguro Kenichi , Kitamura Shin , Hanyu Haruo , Nakano Seigo , Matsuda Hiroshi , Kuwabara Yasuo , Hashikawa Kazuo , Momose Toshimitsu , Uchida Yoshitaka , Hatazawa Jun , Minoshima Satoshi , Kosaka Kenji , Yamada Tatsuo , Yonekura Yoshiharu ,   J-COSMIC Study Group
Published: September 2013

Objective

The multicenter prospective cohort study (Japan Cooperative SPECT Study on Assessment of Mild Impairment of Cognitive Function: J-COSMIC) aimed to examine the value of 123I-N-isopropyl-4-iodoamphetamine cerebral blood flow (IMP-CBF) SPECT in regards to early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

Three hundred and nineteen patients with amnestic MCI at 41 participating institutions each underwent clinical and neuropsychological examinations and 123I-IMP-CBF SPECT at baseline. Subjects were followed up periodically for 3 years, and progression to dementia was evaluated. SPECT images were classified as AD/DLB (dementia with Lewy bodies) pattern and non-AD/DLB pattern by central image interpretation and automated region of interest (ROI) analysis, respectively. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess whether baseline 123I-IMP-CBF SPECT was predictive of longitudinal clinical outcome.

Results

Ninety-nine of 216 amnestic MCI patients (excluding 3 cases with epilepsy (n = 2) or hydrocephalus (n = 1) and 100 cases with incomplete follow-up) converted to AD within the observation period. Central image interpretation and automated ROI analysis predicted conversion to AD with 56 and 58 % overall diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, 76 and 81 %; specificity, 39 and 37 %), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified SPECT as a predictor, which distinguished AD converters from non-converters. The odds ratio for a positive SPECT to predict conversion to AD with automated ROI analysis was 2.5 and combining SPECT data with gender and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) further improved classification (joint odds ratio 20.08).

Conclusions

123I-IMP-CBF SPECT with both automated ROI analysis and central image interpretation was sensitive but relatively nonspecific for prediction of clinical outcome during the 3-year follow-up in individual amnestic MCI patients. A combination of statistically significant predictors, both SPECT with automated ROI analysis and neuropsychological evaluation, may increase predictive utility.
Triboelectric behaviors of materials under high speeds and large currents
Authors: Zhang Yongzhen , Yang Zhenghai , Song Kexing , Pang Xianjuan , Shangguan Bao
Published: September 2013

Using special testers, the triboelectric behaviors of several materials were investigated in this paper under the conditions of high speeds and large currents. The obtained results revealed that the tribological behaviors and current-conducting characteristics have complicated interrelationships. Worsening in the servicing conditions can obviously deteriorate the tribological as well as electrical behaviors; high sliding speeds and large electrical currents can worsen the tribological and electrical conductivity properties, while an appropriate contact pressure can benefit the electrical contact properties. Further analyses reveal that the worsening effects of the above factors, such as frictional heat, arc discharge, arc heat, and surface morphology, result in poor triboelectric contact performance. Among these, the electric arc is one of the most serious factors, because the occurrence of an electric arc may cause severe oxidation, melting, and roughening of the contact surface, thereby causing deterioration in the current-conducting quality as well as material loss.
Breast cancer‐derived K172N, D301V mutations abolish Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 inhibition of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor signaling
Authors: Cheng Shan , Li Yang , Yang Ying , Feng Duiping , Yang Longyan , Ma Qian , Zheng Shuai , Meng Ran , Wang Shuhui , Wang Songlin , Jiang Wen G. , He Junqi
Published: September 2013

Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) is a scaffold protein known to interact with a number of cancer‐related proteins. nherf1 Mutations (K172N and D301V) were recently identified in breast cancer cells. To investigate the functional properties of NHERF1, wild‐type and cancer‐derived nherf1 mutations were stably expressed in SKMES‐1 cells respectively. NHERF1‐wt overexpression suppressed the cellular malignant phenotypes, including proliferation, migration, and invasion. nherf1 Mutations (K172N and D301V) caused complete or partial loss of NHERF1 functions by affecting the PTEN/NHERF1/PDGFRβ complex formation, inactivating NHERF1 inhibition of PDGF‐induced AKT and ERK activation, and attenuating the tumor‐suppressor effects of NHERF1‐wt. These results further demonstrated the functional consequences of breast cancer‐derived nherf1 mutations (K172N and D301V), and suggested the causal role of NHERF1 in tumor development and progression.
Alzheimer's disease in the human eye. Clinical tests that identify ocular and visual information processing deficit as biomarkers
Authors: Chang Lily Y.L. , Lowe Jennifer , Ardiles Alvaro , Lim Julie , Grey Angus C. , Robertson Ken , Danesh‐Meyer Helen , Palacios Adrian G. , Acosta Monica L.
Published: September 2013

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia with progressive deterioration of memory and cognition. Complaints related to vision are common among AD patients. Several changes in the retina, lens, and in the vasculature have been noted in the AD eye that may be the cause of visual symptoms experienced by the AD patient. Anatomical changes have been detected within the eye before signs of cognitive impairment and memory loss are apparent. Unlike the brain, the eye is a unique organ that can be visualized noninvasively at the cellular level because of its transparent nature, which allows for inexpensive testing of biomarkers in a clinical setting. In this review, we have searched for candidate biomarkers that could enable diagnosis of AD, covering ocular neurodegeneration associated with functional tests. We explore the evidence that suggests that inexpensive, noninvasive clinical tests could be used to detect AD ocular biomarkers.
Indigenous and Western Medicine in Colonial India
Authors: Sharma Madhuri
Published: September 2013

This book delves into the social history of medicine and reflects on the complexity of social interaction between indigenous and western medicine in colonial India. The book draws upon a host of authentic sources such as tracts, pamphlets, brochures, booklets of various medicine shops and drug manufacturing companies functioning in the colonial era. This work analyses the medical market and entrepreneurship in medicine in colonial India. It deconstructs the then prevalent advertisements, treating them both as a reflection on the contemporaneous values and lifestyles and as a medium for the creation of medical consumers.

 Emphasizing upon the question of class, gender and racial discriminations, the book also examines the interest generated by modern medical equipment such as the stethoscope and the thermometer, and the way in which these were used to reinforce the norms of social hierarchy and the purdah system. This work also focuses on several debated issues such as birth control, sexuality, and the principles of brahmacharya. The book would be a useful read for sociology and history graduates, as well as researchers and medical professionals.
India
Authors: CSIR NISTADS
Published: September 2013

In the modern globalized world, the economic development of a country is premised on its ability to develop, adapt and harness its potential to innovate. Most of the governments in developing and emerging economies, including India, are proactive in initiating policies that would promote a culture of innovation. India: Science & Technology, Volume 2 intends to identify the nature and extent of innovative activities in the country and the lacunae in the innovation support mechanism. It also suggests suitable S&T interventions in the policy matrix in order that India could come to the forefront in innovation activities. The book discusses following themes:  S&T and Human Resources  Innovation Support System  S&T and Industry  S&T Outputs and Patents  Rural Development and S&T Strategies While the content and approach of these themes differs, innovation occupies the centre stage in each of these themes. Salient features  Analysis of scenario of S&T education in India  Analysis of organizational arrangement for promotion of technological innovation  Facets of innovation activities in the realm of manufacturing and service sector  Nature of innovation activities in MSME sector  Intensity of knowledge creation and utilization  S&T strategy for poverty alleviation  S&T strategies for agri/farm-based livelihoods  S&T strategies for non-farm/rural industrial development.
Character Theory for the Odd Order Theorem
Authors: Peterfalvi T.
Published: September 2013

The famous and important theorem of W. Feit and J. G. Thompson states that every group of odd order is solvable, and the proof of this has roughly two parts. The first part appeared in Bender and Glauberman's Local Analysis for the Odd Order Theorem which was number 188 in this series. This book, first published in 2000, provides the character-theoretic second part and thus completes the proof. Also included here is a revision of a theorem of Suzuki on split BN-pairs of rank one; a prerequisite for the classification of finite simple groups. All researchers in group theory should have a copy of this book in their library.
The Works of John Ruskin
Authors: Ruskin John
Published: September 2013

The influence of John Ruskin (1819–1900), both on his own time and on artistic and social developments in the twentieth century, cannot be over-stated. He changed Victorian perceptions of art, and was the main influence behind 'Gothic revival' architecture. As a social critic, he argued for the improvement of the condition of the poor, and against the increasing mechanisation of work in factories, which he believed was dull and soul-destroying. The thirty-nine volumes of the Library Edition of his works, published between 1903 and 1912, are themselves a remarkable achievement, in which his books and essays - almost all highly illustrated - are given a biographical and critical context in extended introductory essays and in the 'Minor Ruskiniana' - extracts from letters, articles and reminiscences both by and about Ruskin. This fourth volume contains volume 2 of Modern Painters.
Islam in the Modern National State
Authors: Rosenthal
Published: September 2013

Dr Rosenthal describes the contemporary spiritual and intellectual crisis of Islam. The unity of religion and politics, essential in classical Islam, has largely disappeared. In Islam there has been no counterpart of the Reformation in the West; and, in the absence of radical reform, a vulnerable religious and political system has capitulated step by step to a secular nationalism which in turn has grown out of resentment of foreign influence and domination. The result is a very confused situation, close analysis of which is essential to an understanding of the place of Islam in the modern national state. Dr Rosenthal bases part of his book on the available source material; but the greater part derives from personal observation during visits to Pakistan, India, Malaya, Iran, Turkey, Tunisia and Morocco. He writes always as a detached observer and does not apply the criteria of the West to what are essentially Muslim dilemmas and problems.