bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE Spodoptera frugiperda EFFECTOR CASPASE SF‐CASPASE‐1 BECOMES UNSTABLE FOLLOWING ITS ACTIVATION
Authors: Ying Zhongfu , Li Ao , Lu Zhaodan , Wu Chunfeng , Yin Hanqi , Yuan Meijin , Pang Yi
Published: June 2013

Sf‐caspase‐1 is the principal effector caspase in Spodoptera frugiperda cells. Like the caspases in other organisms, Sf‐caspase‐1 is processed by upstream caspases to form an active heterotetramer composed of the p19 and p12 subunits. The regulation of active caspases is crucial for cellular viability. In mammal cells, the subunits and the active form of caspase‐3 were rapidly degraded relative to its proenzyme form. In the present study, the S. frugiperda Sf9 cells were transiently transfected with plasmids encoding different fragments of Sf‐caspase‐1: the pro‐Sf‐caspase‐1 (p37), a prodomain deleted fragment (p31), a fragment containing the large subunit and the prodomain (p25), the large subunit (p19), and the small subunit (p12). Flow cytometry and Western blot analysis revealed that p12, p19, and p25 were unstable in the transfected cells, in contrast to p37 and p31. Lactacystin, a proteasome inhibitor, increased the accumulation of the p19 and p12 subunits, suggesting that the degradation is performed by the ubiquitin‐proteasome system. During the activation, the Sf‐caspase‐1 produces an intermediate form and then undergoes proteolytic processing to form active Sf‐caspase‐1. We found that both the active and the intermediate form were unstable, indicating that once activated or during its activation, the Sf‐caspase‐1 was unstable.
The Impact of Inflammation on Metabolomic Profiles in Patients With Arthritis
Authors: Young Stephen P. , Kapoor Sabrina R. , Viant Mark R. , Byrne Jonathan J. , Filer Andrew , Buckley Christopher D. , Kitas George D. , Raza Karim
Published: June 2013

Objective

Inflammatory arthritis is associated with systemic manifestations including alterations in metabolism. We used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy–based metabolomics to assess metabolic fingerprints in serum from patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and those with early arthritis.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from newly presenting patients with established RA who were naive for disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, matched healthy controls, and 2 groups of patients with synovitis of ≤3 months' duration whose outcomes were determined at clinical followup. Serum metabolomic profiles were assessed using 1‐dimensional 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. Discriminating metabolites were identified, and the relationships between metabolomic profiles and clinical variables including outcomes were examined.

Results

The serum metabolic fingerprint in established RA was clearly distinct from that of healthy controls. In early arthritis, we were able to stratify the patients according to the level of current inflammation, with C‐reactive protein correlating with metabolic differences in 2 separate groups (P < 0.001). Lactate and lipids were important discriminators of inflammatory burden in both early arthritis patient groups. The sensitivities and specificities of models to predict the development of either RA or persistent arthritis in patients with early arthritis were low.

Conclusion

The metabolic fingerprint reflects inflammatory disease activity in patients with synovitis, demonstrating that underlying inflammatory processes drive significant changes in metabolism that can be measured in the peripheral blood. The identification of metabolic alterations may provide insights into disease mechanisms operating in patients with inflammatory arthritis.
Survival and Prognostic Factors in Systemic Sclerosis–Associated Pulmonary Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lefèvre Guillaume , Dauchet Luc , Hachulla Eric , Montani David , Sobanski Vincent , Lambert Marc , Hatron Pierre‐Yves , Humbert Marc , Launay David
Published: June 2013

Objective

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a frequent and life‐limiting complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, data on survival rates and their evolution over time, as well as prognostic factors in SSc complicated by PH, are still conflicting. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies to assess pooled survival and prognostic factors for survival in patients with SSc–associated PH.

Methods

For this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we searched the Medline and EMBase databases (January 1960 to January 2012). All cohort studies in which survival and/or prognostic factors for SSc–associated PH were reported were included in the analysis. We calculated the pooled survival rates and analyzed their evolution over time and identified prognostic factors for survival.

Results

Twenty‐two studies were included, representing a total of 2,244 patients with SSc–associated PH. The pooled 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year survival rates were 81% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 79–84%), 64% (95% CI 59–69%), and 52% (95% CI 47–58%), respectively. Meta‐regression did not reveal a significant change in survival over time, while baseline hemodynamic measures of PH severity were significantly correlated with survival. In patients with SSc complicated by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), age, male sex, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), pericardial effusion, and the parameters classically associated with the severity of idiopathic PAH, including the 6‐minute walk distance, mean pulmonary artery pressure, cardiac index, and right atrial pressure, were significant prognostic factors. DLCO and pericardial effusion were the only prognostic factors in patients with interstitial lung disease–related PH.

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis revealed a poor pooled 3‐year survival rate of 52% in patients with SSc–associated PH. Baseline hemodynamic measures of PAH severity, but not the period of time during which patients were included in the studies, correlated significantly with survival in patients with SSc–associated PAH. All of the prognostic factors typically observed in idiopathic PAH, including the 6‐minute walk distance and right atrial pressure, were also prognostic factors in SSc–associated PAH.
Association of Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Wegener's) With HLA–DPB1*04 and SEMA6A Gene Variants: Evidence From Genome‐Wide Analysis
Authors: Xie Gang , Roshandel Delnaz , Sherva Richard , Monach Paul A. , Lu Emily Yue , Kung Tabitha , Carrington Keisha , Zhang Steven S. , Pulit Sara L. , Ripke Stephan , Carette Simon , Dellaripa Paul F. , Edberg Jeffrey C. , Hoffman Gary S. , Khalidi Nader , Langford Carol A. , Mahr Alfred D. , St.Clair E. William , Seo Philip , Specks Ulrich , Spiera Robert F. , Stone John H. , Ytterberg Steven R. , Raychaudhuri Soumya , de Bakker Paul I. W. , Farrer Lindsay A. , Amos Christopher I. , Merkel Peter A. , Siminovitch Katherine A.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To identify genetic determinants of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA).

Methods

We carried out a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of 492 GPA cases and 1,506 healthy controls (white subjects of European descent), followed by replication analysis of the most strongly associated signals in an independent cohort of 528 GPA cases and 1,228 controls.

Results

Genome‐wide significant associations were identified in 32 single‐nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers across the HLA region, the majority of which were located in the HLA–DPB1 and HLA–DPA1 genes encoding the class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) DPβ chain 1 and DPα chain 1 proteins, respectively. Peak association signals in these 2 genes, emanating from SNPs rs9277554 (for DPβ chain 1) and rs9277341 (DPα chain 1) were strongly replicated in an independent cohort (in the combined analysis of the initial cohort and the replication cohort, P = 1.92 × 10−50 and 2.18 × 10−39, respectively). Imputation of classic HLA alleles and conditional analyses revealed that the SNP association signal was fully accounted for by the classic HLA–DPB1*04 allele. An independent single SNP, rs26595, near SEMA6A (the gene for semaphorin 6A) on chromosome 5, was also associated with GPA, reaching genome‐wide significance in a combined analysis of the GWAS and replication cohorts (P = 2.09 × 10−8).

Conclusion

We identified the SEMA6A and HLA–DP loci as significant contributors to risk for GPA, with the HLA–DPB1*04 allele almost completely accounting for the MHC association. These two associations confirm the critical role of immunogenetic factors in the development of GPA.
Comparing methods for design follow‐up: revisiting a metal‐cutting case study
Authors: Edwards David J. , Weese Maria L. , Palmer Gregory A.
Published: June 2013

Adding another fraction to an initial fractional factorial design is often required to resolve ambiguities with respect to aliasing of factorial effects from the initial experiment and/or to improve estimation precision. Multiple techniques for design follow‐up exist; the choice of which is often made on the basis of the initial design and its analysis, resources available, experimental objectives, and so on. In this paper, we compare four design follow‐up strategies: foldover, semifoldover, D‐optimal, and Bayesian (MD‐optimal) in the context of a metal‐cutting case study previously utilized to compare fractional factorials of different run sizes. Follow‐up designs are compared for each of a , , and Plackett–Burman initial experiments. Our empirical results suggest that a single follow‐up strategy does not outperform all others in every situation. This case study serves to illustrate design augmentation possibilities for practitioners and provides some basis for the selection of a follow‐up experiment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanism of the Deprotonation Reaction of Alkyl Benzyl Ethers with n‐Butyllithium
Authors: Raposo M. Luz , Fernández‐Nieto Fernando , Garcia‐Rio Luis , Rodríguez‐Dafonte P. , Paleo M. Rita , Sardina F. Javier
Published: June 2013

Kinetic study of the α‐lithiation of benzyl methyl ether (BME) by nBuLi has revealed that increasing the concentration of the organolithium compound does not necessarily increase the reactivity, and this is a consequence of the reactivities of the different nBuLi aggregates present in solution. We propose a dimer‐based mechanism, in which a pre‐complexation step is a key process for substrates bearing a donor oxygen atom that can interact with the lithium cation to form mixed dimers. For these studies, we have developed a system based on UV/Vis spectroscopy that allows kinetic measurements to be conducted at −80 °C under argon.
Development of a Multi‐institutional Cohort to Facilitate Cardiovascular Disease Biomarker Validation Using Existing Biorepository Samples Linked to Electronic Health Records
Authors: Cross Deanna S. , McCarty Catherine A. , Steinhubl Steven R. , Carey David J. , Erlich Porat M.
Published: June 2013

Background

Emerging biomarkers for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may enhance conventional risk‐prediction algorithms if they are informative and associated with risk independently of established predictors. In this study, we constructed a cohort for testing emerging biomarkers for AMI in managed‐care populations using existing biospecimen repositories linked to electronic health records (EHR).

Hypothesis

Electronic health record‐based biorepositories collected by healthcare systems can be federated to provide large, methodologically sound testing sets for biomarker validation.

Methods

Subjects ages 40 to 80 years were selected from 2 existing population‐based biospecimen repositories. Incident AMI status and covariates were ascertained from the EHR. An ad hoc model for AMI risk was parameterized and validated. Simulation was used to test incremental gains in performance due to the inclusion of biomarkers in this model. Gains in performance were assessed in terms of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC‐AUC) and case reclassification.

Results

A total of 18 329 individuals (57% female) contributed 108 400 person‐years of EHR follow‐up. The crude AMI incidence was 10.8 and 5.0 per 1000 person‐years among males and females, respectively. Compared with the model with risk factors alone, inclusion of a simulated biomarker yielded substantial gains in sensitivity without loss of specificity. Furthermore, a net ROC‐AUC gain of 13.3% was observed, as well as correct reclassification of 9.8% of incident cases (79 of 806) that were otherwise not considered statin‐indicated at baseline under the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.

Conclusions

More research is needed to assess incremental contribution of emerging biomarkers for AMI prediction in managed‐care populations.
Biodegradation of p‐Chloroaniline and Ammonium Removal in Continuous Biofilm Reactors
Authors: González Ana J. , Bautista Lina X. Celis , Papalia Mariana , Radice Marcela , Gutkind Gabriel , Magdaleno Anahí , Planes Estela I. , Rossini Gustavo D. Bulus , Gallego Alfredo , Korol Sonia E.
Published: June 2013

In this investigation, we isolated from an industrial effluent a bacterial community capable of utilizing p‐chloroaniline (PCA) as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen. The isolates were identified as Pseudomonas sp., Achromobacter sp., and Sphingopyxis sp. The bacterial community was employed to set up a continuous system for PCA degradation and ammonium removal. The system consists in two sequential aerobic fixed‐bed reactors, for PCA biodegradation and nitrification respectively, and an anoxic reactor for denitrification. Biodegradation process was evaluated by chemical analysis of PCA, chloride and ammonium, and bacterial count. Nitrification and denitrification processes were evaluated by chemical analysis of ammonium, nitrite and nitrate, and nitrifying bacteria count. Bioassays of acute toxicity using the standard organisms Vibrio fischeri, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, and Daphnia magna were performed in order to assess detoxification. An average efficiency of 88.5%, expressed as PCA removal, was achieved in the biodegradation process. The maximum PCA removal rate reached 11.7 g/m3 day. PCA degradation was associated with the release of chloride and ammonium. Ammonium was completely removed by the nitrification/denitrification process. Toxicity was not detected after the biodegradation process.
QTL affecting fitness of hybrids between wild and cultivated soybeans in experimental fields
Authors: Kuroda Yosuke , Kaga Akito , Tomooka Norihiko , Yano Hiroshi , Takada Yoshitake , Kato Shin , Vaughan Duncan
Published: June 2013

The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting fitness of hybrids between wild soybean (Glycine soja) and cultivated soybean (Glycine max). Seed dormancy and seed number, both of which are important for fitness, were evaluated by testing artificial hybrids of G. soja × G. max in a multiple‐site field trial. Generally, the fitness of the F1 hybrids and hybrid derivatives from self‐pollination was lower than that of G. soja due to loss of seed dormancy, whereas the fitness of hybrid derivatives with higher proportions of G. soja genetic background was comparable with that of G. soja. These differences were genetically dissected into QTL for each population. Three QTLs for seed dormancy and one QTL for total seed number were detected in the F2 progenies of two diverse cross combinations. At those four QTLs, the G. max alleles reduced seed number and severely reduced seed survival during the winter, suggesting that major genes acquired during soybean adaptation to cultivation have a selective disadvantage in natural habitats. In progenies with a higher proportion of G. soja genetic background, the genetic effects of the G. max alleles were not expressed as phenotypes because the G. soja alleles were dominant over the G. max alleles. Considering the highly inbreeding nature of these species, most hybrid derivatives would disappear quickly in early self‐pollinating generations in natural habitats because of the low fitness of plants carrying G. max alleles.
Female mate preferences for male body size and shape promote sexual isolation in threespine sticklebacks
Authors: Head Megan L. , Kozak Genevieve M. , Boughman Janette W.
Published: June 2013

Female mate preferences for ecologically relevant traits may enhance natural selection, leading to rapid divergence. They may also forge a link between mate choice within species and sexual isolation between species. Here, we examine female mate preference for two ecologically important traits: body size and body shape. We measured female preferences within and between species of benthic, limnetic, and anadromous threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatusspecies complex). We found that mate preferences differed between species and between contexts (i.e., within vs. between species). Within species, anadromous females preferred males that were deep bodied for their size, benthic females preferred larger males (as measured by centroid size), and limnetic females preferred males that were more limnetic shaped. In heterospecific mating trials between benthics and limnetics, limnetic females continued to prefer males that were more limnetic like in shape when presented with benthic males. Benthic females showed no preferences for size when presented with limnetic males. These results show that females use ecologically relevant traits to select mates in all three species and that female preference has diverged between species. These results suggest that sexual selection may act in concert with natural selection on stickleback size and shape. Further, our results suggest that female preferences may track adaptation to local environments and contribute to sexual isolation between benthic and limnetic sticklebacks.
Condition‐dependent expression of pre‐ and postcopulatory sexual traits in guppies
Authors: Rahman Md Moshiur , Kelley Jennifer L. , Evans Jonathan P.
Published: June 2013

Female choice can impose persistent directional selection on male sexually selected traits, yet such traits often exhibit high levels of phenotypic variation. One explanation for this paradox is that if sexually selected traits are costly, only the fittest males are able to acquire and allocate the resources required for their expression. Furthermore, because male condition is dependent on resource allocation, condition dependence in sexual traits is expected to underlie trade‐offs between reproduction and other life‐history functions. In this study we test these ideas by experimentally manipulating diet quality (carotenoid levels) and quantity in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata), a livebearing freshwater fish that is an important model for understanding relationships between pre‐ and post‐copulatory sexually selected traits. Specifically, we test for condition dependence in the expression of pre‐ and postcopulatory sexual traits (behavior, ornamentation, sperm traits) and determine whether diet manipulation mediates relationships among these traits. Consistent with prior work we found a significant effect of diet quantity on the expression of both pre‐ and postcopulatory male traits; diet‐restricted males performed fewer sexual behaviors and exhibited significant reductions in color ornamentation, sperm quality, sperm number, and sperm length than those fed ad libitum. However, contrary to our expectations, we found no significant effect of carotenoid manipulation on the expression of any of these traits, and no evidence for a trade‐off in resource allocation between pre‐ and postcopulatory episodes of sexual selection. Our results further underscore the sensitivity of behavioral, ornamental, and ejaculate traits to dietary stress, and highlight the important role of condition dependence in maintaining the high variability in male sexual traits.
Cobalt and Zinc Compounds Bearing 1,10‐Phenanthroline‐5,6‐dione or 1,3,5‐Triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane Derivatives – Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxicity, and Cell Selectivity Studies
Authors: Silva Telma F. S. , Smoleński Piotr , Martins Luísa M. D. R. S. , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Fernandes Alexandra R. , Luis Daniel , Silva Ana , Santos Susana , Borralho Pedro M. , Rodrigues Cecília M. P. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: June 2013

The compounds [mPTA][CoCl4] (1, mPTA = N‐methyl‐1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane cation), [CoCl(H2O)(DION)2][BF4] (2, DION = 1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐dione), [Zn(DION)2]Cl2 (3) and [ZnCl(κO‐PTA=O)(DION)][BF4] (4) were synthesized by reaction of CoCl2 with [mPTA]I or DION and ZnCl2 with DION or 1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane‐7‐oxide (PTA=O) and DION, respectively. All complexes are water soluble and have been characterized by IR, far‐IR, 1H, 13C and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy, ESI‐MS, elemental analyses and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction structural analysis (for 1). They were screened against the human tumour cell lines HCT116, HepG2 and MCF7. Complexes 2 and 3 exhibit the highest in vitro cytotoxicity and show lower cytotoxic activities in normal human fibroblast cell line than in HCT116 tumour cell line, which demonstrates their slight specificity for this type of tumour cell.
A Unique Frustrated Lewis Pair Pathway to Remarkably Stable Borata–Alkene Systems
Authors: Yu Jiangang , Kehr Gerald , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Erker Gerhard
Published: June 2013

The hydroboration of a conjugated diphenylphosphanylenyne with Piers' borane [HB(C6F5)2] gives three products. The major product is probably formed by generation of a geminal P/B frustrated Lewis pair that undergoes rapid and subsequent intramolecular conjugate addition of the phosphane to the dienyl borane unit to yield a unique phosphonium borata–diene. The minor products originate from alternative regioisomeric hydroboration reactions. Two examples of the new phosphonium borata–olefin products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction.
Highly Efficient Asymmetric Conjugate Hydrocyanation of Aromatic Enones by an Anionic Chiral Phosphate Catalyst
Authors: Wang Yao‐Feng , Zeng Wei , Sohail Muhammad , Guo Jiyi , Wu Shaoxiang , Chen Fu‐Xue
Published: June 2013

Chiral keto nitriles (β‐cyano ketones) have been prepared by a facile and efficient asymmetric conjugate hydrocyanation of poorly active chalcone‐type enones with benzophenone cyanohydrin. Using in situ generated 5–10 mol‐% of sodium (S)‐6,6′‐di(1‐adamantyl)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl‐2,2′‐diyl phosphate as catalyst and 5–10 mol‐% of 2‐tert‐butylphenol as an additive, high yields and excellent enantioselectivities were obtained within 2 h in toluene at 80 °C. The development of catalysts, optimization of the reaction parameters, and substrate scope are reported. On the basis of the experimental results, HCN is shown to be the real cyanide source and a mechanism is proposed to explain the origin of the enantioselectivity with the chiral‐anion‐modified nucleophile HCN.
Adaptive response to hydrogen peroxide in yeast: Induction, time course, and relationship to dose–response models
Authors: Hoffmann George R. , Moczula Andrew V. , Laterza Amanda M. , MacNeil Lindsey K. , Tartaglione Jason P.
Published: June 2013

The assay for trp5 gene conversion and ilv1‐92 reversion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain D7 was used to characterize the induction of an adaptive response by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Effects of a small priming dose on the genotoxic effects of a larger challenge dose were measured in exponential cultures and in early stationary phase. An adaptive response, indicated by smaller convertant and revertant frequencies after the priming dose, occurred at lower priming and challenge doses in young, well‐aerated cultures. Closely spaced priming doses from 0.000975 to 2 mM, followed by a 1 mM challenge, showed that the induction of the adaptive response is biphasic. In exponential cultures it was maximal with a priming dose of 0.125–0.25 mM. Very small priming doses were insufficient to induce the adaptive response, whereas higher doses contributed to damage. A significant adaptive response was detected when the challenge dose was administered 10–20 min after the priming exposure. It was fully expressed within 45 min, and the yeast began to return to the nonadapted state after 4–6 hr. Because of the similarity of the biphasic induction to hormetic curves and the proposal that adaptive responses are a manifestation of hormesis, we evaluated whether the low doses of H2O2 that induce the adaptive response show a clear hormetic response without a subsequent challenge dose. Hormesis was not evident, but there was an apparent threshold for genotoxicity at or slightly below 0.125 mM. The results are discussed with respect to linear, threshold, and hormesis dose–response models. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 54:384–396, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nano‐droplet formation in fragrance tinctures
Authors: Marcus Julien , Klossek Michael L , Touraud Didier , Kunz Werner
Published: June 2013

Recently it was shown that water–ethanol–long‐chain alcohol mixtures can be significantly structured in a wide range of compositions. This work is an extension of these studies and suggests that some formulated products on the market correspond to these mixtures. We consider the domains of existence of the clear and homogeneous phase of four water–ethanol–perfumery molecules systems, the perfumery molecules being citronellol, citral, geranyl acetate and limonene, as they can be found in perfumery formulations. Dynamic and static light scattering experiments reveal also the presence of nano‐droplets in these ternary tincture systems. Based on these results the presence of nano‐droplets can be expected in Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and possibly in perfumes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preventing depression in homes for older adults: are effects sustained over 2 years?
Authors: van Schaik Digna J. F. , Dozeman Els , van Marwijk Harm W. J. , Stek Max L. , Smit Filip , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , van der Horst Henriëtte E.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the 2‐year effects of a stepped‐care programme to prevent the onset of a major depressive disorder (MDD) in older people living in residential homes.

Methods

A 2‐year follow‐up study of a pragmatic randomised controlled trial was conducted in 14 residential homes in the Netherlands. A total of 185 residents (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score >7), who did not meet the diagnostic criteria for MDD, were randomised to a stepped‐care programme (n = 93) or to usual care (n = 92). Stepped‐care participants sequentially underwent watchful waiting, a self‐help intervention, life review and a consultation with the general practitioner. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of MDD during a period of 2 years, according to the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview.

Results

After 2 years, the incidence of MDD was not significantly reduced in the intervention group compared with the control group (incidence rate ratio: 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.54, 1.81]). However, in the completer analysis, on the basis of 79 residents who completed the 2‐year measurements, there was a significant difference in favour of the intervention group (incidence rate ratio: 0.53; 95% CI [0.32, 0.87]). Dropout percentages were high (44%), mostly accounted for by illness and death (68%).

Conclusion

A minority of residents had benefit from the intervention that sustained after 2 years in the completer group. Yet, these findings cannot be generalised as the majority of the residents did not opt for participation in the project and many dropped out. Ways should be sought to motivate residents with depressive symptoms to engage in preventive interventions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Submerged discontent and patterns of accommodation: a case study of doctors' pay in two public hospitals in China
Authors: Cao Xuebing
Published: June 2013

The article evaluates submerged discontent among Chinese public hospital doctors (Note1) regarding their pay and patterns of accommodation, including doctors' responses through formal and informal actions in the context of health service marketization. On the basis of a case study of two public hospitals, the article illustrates the dynamical impact of marketization on Chinese doctors' pay‐related dissatisfaction and health service employment relationship. Because of the authoritarian management and compliant trade unions, the conflict between doctors and hospitals is unable to be accommodated through collective methods. Instead, doctors' discontent is often channelled through informal, individual and subtle activities. Meanwhile, doctors' professional society is gradually influential, showing its potential of developing doctors' group identity and protecting members' interests in future. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regional extreme‐dry‐spell frequency analysis using the L‐moments method in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: She Dun‐Xian , Xia Jun , Zhang Dan , Ye Ai‐Zhong , Sood Aditya
Published: June 2013

In this research, the regional extreme‐dry‐spell frequency in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin (YRB) is studied by the L‐moments method. The research area has been divided into three subregions (regions 1, 2 and 3), which have been identified as homogenous regions. The results of a goodness‐of‐fit test indicate that a generalized normal distribution is the optimal regional model for regions 1 and 2 whereas a generalized Pareto distribution is the optimal regional model for region 3. The return period analysis figures out that the maximum length‐of‐dry‐spell (MxDS) values increase from south to north in the southern part and increase from northeast to southwest in the northern part of the middle reaches of the YRB under different return periods. The increments of quantiles of dry spell under different return levels indicate that drought risk in region 1 is higher than that in regions 2 and 3. The analysis of the occurrence day of MxDS shows that MxDS mostly occurred during winter of 1998 and spring of 1999 in most stations during the considered period. By comparing summer MxDS events, it can be found that mean MxDS values have slightly increased in regions 1 and 2 during the last five decades. The maximum mean MxDS values appeared in the 2000s for regions 1 and 2 and in the 1990s for region 3. The atmospheric circulation shows that the positive anomaly centre in the west of North China, negative anomaly centre in the east of North China and the strong western Pacific subtropical high led to the decrease of precipitation in North China during the summer of 1997. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence and Incidence of Hypoparathyroidism in the United States Using a Large Claims Database
Authors: Powers Julia , Joy Karen , Ruscio Aimee , Lagast Hjalmar
Published: June 2013

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder whose incidence and prevalence have not been well defined. This study aimed to 1) estimate the number of insured adult patients with hypoparathyroidism in the United States and 2) obtain physician assessment of disease severity and chronicity. Prevalence was estimated through calculation of diagnoses of hypoparathyroidism in a large proprietary health plan claims database over a 12-month period from October 2007 through September 2008 and projected to the US insured population. Incidence was also calculated from the same database by determining the proportion of total neck surgeries resulting in either transient (≤6 months) or chronic (>6 months) hypoparathyroidism. A physician primary market research study was conducted to assess disease severity and determine the percentage of new nonsurgical patients with hypoparathyroidism. Incidence data were entered into an epidemiologic model to derive an estimate of prevalence. The diagnosis-based prevalence approach estimated 58,793 insured patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism in the United States. The surgical-based incidence approach yielded 117,342 relevant surgeries resulting in 8901 cases over 12 months. Overall, 7.6% of surgeries resulted in hypoparathyroidism (75% transient, 25% chronic). The prevalence of chronic hypoparathyroidism among insured patients included in the surgical database was estimated to be 58,625. The physician survey found that 75% of cases treated over the past 12 months were reported due to surgery and, among all thyroidectomies and parathyroidectomies and neck dissections performed in a year, 26% resulted in transient hypoparathyroidism and 5% progressed to a chronic state. In conclusion, the two claims-based methods yielded similar estimates of the number of insured patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism in the United States (∼58,700). The physician survey was consistent with those calculations and confirmed the burden imposed by hypoparathyroidism. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Evaluation of preflooding effects on iron extractability and phytoavailability in highly calcareous soil in containers
Authors: Sánchez‐Alcalá Inmaculada , del Campillo María del Carmen , Barrón Vidal , Torrent José
Published: June 2013

Previous pot cropping and laboratory incubation experiments were consistent with field observations showing that temporary flooding before cropping can increase the availability of soil Fe to plants. To study the effect of temporary flooding on changes in soil Fe phytoavailability we used 24 highly calcareous, Fe chlorosis–inducing soils to carry out a pot experiment where peanut and chickpea were successively grown after flooding for 30 d. At the end of the cropping experiment, the preflooded soil samples exhibited higher concentrations of acid oxalate‐, citrate/ascorbate‐ and diethylenetriaminepentacetic acid (DTPA)–extractable Fe (Feox, Feca, and FeDTPA, respectively) than the control (nonflooded) samples. Also, Feox and Feca exhibited no change by effect of reflooding of the cropped soils or three wetting–drying cycles in freeze‐dried slurries of soils previously incubated anaerobically for several weeks. Leaf chlorophyll concentration (LCC) in both peanut and chickpea was greatly increased by preflooding. The best predictor for LCC was Feox, followed by Feca and FeDTPA. The LCC–soil Fe relationships found suggest that the Fe species extracted by oxalate and citrate/ascorbate from preflooded soils were more phytoavailable than those extracted from control soils. However, the increased phytoavailability of extractable Fe forms was seemingly limited to the first crop (peanut). Flooding dramatically increased FeDTPA; however, high FeDTPA levels did not result in high LCC values, particularly in the second crop. Therefore, this test is a poor predictor of the severity of Fe chlorosis in preflooded soils.
Epipalaeolithic settlement dynamics in southwest Asia: new radiocarbon evidence from the Azraq Basin
Authors: RICHTER TOBIAS , MAHER LISA A. , GARRARD ANDREW N. , EDINBOROUGH KEVAN , JONES MATTHEW D. , STOCK JAY T.
Published: June 2013

A series of radiocarbon dates from two Epipalaeolithic sites – Kharaneh IV and Ayn Qasiyya – in the Azraq Basin of eastern Jordan provide a new perspective on the chronology and settlement patterns of this part of southwest Asia during the Late Pleistocene. We discuss the implications to our understanding of the chronology of Late Pleistocene lithic industries, particularly in regard to current hypotheses for the abandonment of eastern Jordan's ‘mega‐sites’, Kharaneh IV and Jilat 6. Modelling a series of accelerator mass spectrometry dates from Kharaneh IV indicates a much shorter span of occupation for the site than previously assumed by the size and density of its deposits. Given the high density of material accumulated over a relatively short time span, we show that Kharaneh IV was an aggregation site occupied intensively by a significant number of people, providing new perspectives on the east Jordanian phenomenon of Epipalaeolithic ‘mega‐sites’.
Laparoscopic versus open radical hysterectomy in patients with stage IB2 and IIA2 cervical cancer
Authors: Park Jeong‐Yeol , Kim Dae‐Yeon , Kim Jong‐Hyeok , Kim Yong‐Man , Kim Young‐Tak , Nam Joo‐Hyun
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To compare survival and surgical outcomes of laparoscopic (LRH) and open radical hysterectomy (ORH) in patients with stage IB2 and IIA2 cervical cancer.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 303 patients with stage IB2 and IIA2 cervical cancer who underwent LRH (n = 115) or ORH (n = 188).

Results

Two patients (1.7%) in the LRH group required conversion to laparotomy. There was no difference with respect to operating time, perioperative change in hemoglobin level, and need for transfusion. However, in the LRH group, estimated blood loss (P = 0.003) was significantly lower, time to recovery of bowel movement (P < 0.001) and length of postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.001) were significantly shorter, and postoperative complications were significantly less frequent (P = 0.036). The 5‐year disease‐free survival was 78% in the LRH group and 77% in the ORH group (P = 0.718), and 5‐year overall survival was 83% in both groups (P = 0.746). There were no differences in pattern of recurrence (P = 0.225) and median time to recurrence (12 vs. 13 months; P = 0.240).

Conclusions

LRH has similar therapeutic efficacy to ORH in patients with bulky early‐stage cervical cancer. However, LRH has more favorable surgical outcomes. Therefore, LRH is not only a reasonable alternative to ORH but also the preferred surgical procedure for these patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013 108:63–69. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Iterative cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for recurrent peritoneal metastases
Authors: Chua Terence C. , Quinn Liam E. , Zhao Jing , Morris David L.
Published: June 2013

Background

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) achieves disease control within the peritoneum but recurrences occur. This study examines the outcomes of iterative CRS (iCRS) HIPEC for treatment of recurrent peritoneal metastases.

Methods

Patients who underwent iCRS in a single tertiary referral center were identified from a prospective database. Safety analysis was performed and clinicopathological variables were analyzed to assess factors predictive of major morbidity and survival.

Results

The demographics of patients who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery (pCRS) (n = 466) and iCRS (n = 79) were balanced between groups. pCRS was shown to require more blood transfusion (P = 0.019) and albumin use (P = 0.013). The mortality and major complication rates were comparable (1.2% vs. 0%; P = 0.600, and 42% vs. 41%; P = 0.806). Residual pneumothorax occurred more frequently after pCRS (12% vs. 4%; P = 0.030). Factors associated with major complications after iCRS include use of HIPEC (P = 0.042) and length of hospital stay (P = 0.024). The overall median survival was 48 months and 5‐year survival was 34%. By cancer type, the 3‐year survival was 0%, 74%, 80%, and 72% for colorectal, appendiceal pseudomyxoma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and appendix cancer, respectively. Independent predictors of survival include age (P = 0.049), interval between pCRS and iCRS (P = 0.008), small bowel resection (P < 0.001), and use of HIPEC (P = 0.005).

Conclusion

Iterative CRS achieved further peritoneal disease control without adverse effects on morbidity. Patients with appendiceal tumors and peritoneal mesothelioma appear to benefit most after iCRS. Intraoperative HIPEC remains important in the repetoire of managing these patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013; 108:81–88 © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A general stability result in a Timoshenko system with infinite memory: A new approach
Authors: Guesmia Aissa , Messaoudi Salim A.
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we consider a Timoshenko system in the presence of an infinite memory, where the relaxation function satisfies a relation of the form
urn:x-wiley:1704214:media:mma2797:mma2797-math-0001
Under the same hypothesis on g and ξ imposed for the finite memory case, we establish some general decay results for the equal and nonequal speed propagation cases. Our results improve in some situations some known decay rates. Also, some applications to other problems are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3He NMR: from free gas to its encapsulation in fullerene
Authors: Kupka Teobald , Stachów Michał , Stobiński Leszek , Kaminský Jakub
Published: June 2013

The 3He nuclear magnetic shieldings were calculated for single helium atom, its dimer, simple models of fullerene cages (He@Cn), and single wall carbon nanotubes. The performances of several levels of theory (HF, MP2, DFT‐VSXC, CCSD, CCSD(T), and CCSDT) were tested. Two sets of polarization‐consistent basis sets were used (pcS‐n and aug‐pcS‐n), and an estimate of 3He nuclear magnetic shieldings in the complete basis set limit using a two‐parameter fit was established. Theoretical 3He results reproduced accurately previously reported theoretical values for helium gas, dimer, and helium probe inside several fullerene cages. Excellent agreement with experimental values was achieved. 3He nuclear magnetic shieldings of single helium atom approaching various points of benzene ring were tested, and an impact of 3He confinement within fullerene cages of different size on the 3He chemical shift was determined. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paleoproductivity during the middle Miocene carbon isotope events: A data‐model approach
Authors: Diester‐Haass Liselotte , Billups Katharina , Jacquemin Ingrid , Emeis Kay C. , Lefebvre Vincent , François Louis
Published: June 2013

To what extent are individual middle Miocene eccentricity‐scale benthic foraminiferal carbon isotope maxima (the so‐called CM events) related to changes in marine export productivity? Here we use benthic foraminiferal accumulation rates from three sites in the Pacific and Southern Oceans and a geochemical box model to assess relationships between benthic foraminiferal δ13C records, export productivity, and the global carbon cycle. Results from Deep Sea Drilling Project Hole 588 and Ocean Drilling Program Site 747 show a distinct productivity maximum during CM 6 at 13.8 Ma, the time of major expansion of ice on Antarctica. Productivity maxima during other CM events are only recorded at high‐latitude Site 747. A set of numerical experiments tests whether changes in foraminiferal δ13C records (CM events) and export productivity can be simulated solely by sea level fluctuations and the associated changes in global weathering‐deposition cycles, by sea level fluctuations plus global climatic cooling, and by sea level fluctuations plus invigorated ocean circulation. Consistent with data, the periodic forcing of sea level and albedo (and associated weathering cycles) produces δ13C variations of the correct temporal spacing, albeit with a reduced amplitude. A productivity response of the correct magnitude is achieved by enhancing ocean circulation during cold periods. We suggest that the pacing of middle Miocene δ13C fluctuations is associated with cyclical sea level variations. The amplitude, however, is muted perhaps due to the competing effects of a time‐lagged response to sea level lowstands but an immediate response to invigorated ocean circulation during cold phases.
A proposal for a novel evaluation method of the bending velocities of polymer actuators
Authors: Shoji Eiichi , Iwasaki Miharu
Published: June 2013

This paper proposes a novel evaluation method for three types of velocities of the bending processes of polymer actuators. These velocities are the initial, bending, and backtracking velocities, and the method considers three processes of the bending motion. By calculating the time–width differentiation of the displacement of each process, the initial, bending, and backtracking velocities can be evaluated. Δt of 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 s were considered to be the differentiations of bending displacement, and the initial, bending, and backtracking velocities were calculated to be 2.15, 0.46, and 0.002 mm/s, respectively. By using the method proposed here, we found that the initial velocity at 75%RH is 2.5 times faster than it was at 45%RH by increasing the adsorption of water. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A levels and neonatal complications in post‐date pregnancies
Authors: Zizzo Anne R. , Kirkegaard Ida , Henriksen Tine B. , Ulbjerg Niels
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To assess the association between serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) and free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (free β‐hCG) in the first trimester and perinatal complications in post‐date pregnancies.

Methods

A total of 4948 women, who delivered after 40 gestational weeks, were included. Labour was not induced routinely until 42 weeks. Serum levels of PAPP‐A and free β‐hCG were determined at the first‐trimester screening for Down syndrome. Neonatal complications were obtained from specific registration forms filled out by senior neonatologists.

Results

In post‐date pregnancies, PAPP‐A < 0.4 multiples of the median was associated with Apgar score of less than 7 at 5 min (ORadj 5.4, 95% CI 2.0–14.3), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (ORadj 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.3) and newborn hypoglycaemia (ORadj 3.4, 95% CI 1.8–6.4). In small for gestation (SGA) neonates, the risk of hypoglycaemia was further increased (OR 14.6, 95% CI 3.4–58.0). Similar analyses were made with free β‐hCG, but no statistically significant associations were found.

Conclusions

Low first‐trimester serum PAPP‐A was associated with increased neonatal morbidity in post‐date pregnancies, particularly in newborns with SGA. Thus, PAPP‐A may qualify the timing of induction of labour in these pregnancies. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity of cloud‐resolving precipitation simulations to uncertainty of radiation calculation: Effects of large‐scale forcing
Authors: Ran Lingkun , Li Xiaofan
Published: June 2013

The sensitivity of precipitation simulations to the uncertainty of radiation calculation is examined through the analysis of two sets of sensitivity experiments imposed by large‐scale forcing from weak tropical rainfall (weak forcing) and pre‐summer heavy rainfall events (strong forcing). Several simulations with perturbed solar and infrared radiative heating in different vertical layers are compared to a control simulation. In the weak‐forcing case, the precipitation simulation is more sensitive to the uncertainties of solar radiation calculation and less sensitive to the uncertainties of infrared radiation calculation in the lower troposphere than in the upper troposphere. In the strong‐forcing case, precipitation simulation is insensitive to the uncertainty of solar radiation calculation, but is more sensitive to the uncertainty of infrared radiation calculation in the lower troposphere than in the upper troposphere. The precipitation simulation is more sensitive to the uncertainty of radiation calculations in the weak‐forcing case than in the strong‐forcing case. Simulated precipitation sensitivity to perturbations in lower‐tropospheric radiative heating is associated with changes in water vapour convergence and condensation. The analysis of root‐mean‐squared difference and standard deviation shows that the root‐mean‐squared differences are similar in the two cases, but the increased magnitude in upward motion significantly causes a large rainfall fluctuation and also causes a larger standard deviation in the strong‐forcing case than in the weak‐forcing case. As a result, the increase in magnitude of upward motions leads to a decrease in the sensitivity of the precipitation simulation to the uncertainty of radiation calculation.