bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous separation and determination of six arsenic species in rice by anion‐exchange chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Ma Li , Yang Zhaoguang , Tang Jie , Wang Lin
Published: April 2016

The simultaneous separation and determination of arsenite As(III), arsenate As(V), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), arsenobetaine (AsB), and arsenocholine (AsC) in rice samples have been carried out in one single anion‐exchange column run by high‐performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. To estimate the effect of variables on arsenic (As) speciation, the chromatographic conditions including type of competing anion, ionic strength, pH of elution buffer, and flow rate of mobile phase have been investigated by a univariate approach. Under the optimum chromatographic conditions, baseline separation of six As species has been achieved within 10 min by gradient elution program using 4 mM NH4HCO3 at pH 8.6 as mobile phase A and 4 mM NH4HCO3, 40 mM NH4NO3 at pH 8.6 as mobile phase B. The method detection limits for As(III), As(V), MMA, DMA, AsB, and AsC were 0.4, 0.9, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.3 μg/kg, respectively. The proposed method has been applied to separation and quantification of As species in real rice samples collected from Hunan Province, China. The main As species detected in all samples were As(III), As(V) and DMA, with inorganic As accounting for over 80% of total As in these samples.
Land‐Use Change and its Effects in Charchan Oasis, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Abulizi Abudukeyimu , Yang Yongguo , Mamat Zulpiya , Luo Jinhui , Abdulslam Dilshat , Xu Zhonglin , Zayiti Abudoukeremujiang , Ahat Abdulkeyum , Halik Wahap
Published: April 2016

Changes in land use and land cover are known to impact ecosystem services and functions. In this study, land use characteristics were combined with global and China‐specific ecosystem coefficients to quantify land‐use and ecosystem service changes in Charchan Oasis. Results indicated that: (i) the total values of ecosystem services in Charchan Oasis were increased 8·4 M$ from 1972 to 2013; (ii) the aggregated ecosystem service values for water bodies, grasslands, forest lands, and barren lands were 98·90% of the total value for all land types; (iii) waste treatment, soil formation, biodiversity protection, and water supply were ecological functions with the highest service values, contributing approximately 65% of the total service values; and (iv) ecosystem service values estimated in this study were inelastic with respect to the value coefficients, therefore, the estimation results were believable. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iron‐dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane in coastal surface sediments: Potential controls and impact
Authors: Rooze Jurjen , Egger Matthias , Tsandev Iana , Slomp Caroline P.
Published: April 2016

Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) is an important process of methane (CH4) removal in sediments. Various studies suggest that AOM coupled to iron oxide (Fe(OH)3) reduction (Fe‐AOM) may complement sulfate‐driven AOM in CH4‐rich sediments. Here, we apply a transient reaction‐transport model to depth profiles of key porewater and sediment constituents for a site in the Bothnian Sea where Fe‐AOM has been suggested to occur. At the site, increased eutrophication has led to an upward shift of the sulfate‐methane transition zone, submerging Fe(OH)3 in a zone with high CH4 concentrations. Fe‐AOM is thought to lead to a strong accumulation of dissolved iron (Fe2+) in the porewater. Results of a sensitivity analysis identify three potential controls on the occurrence of Fe‐AOM in coastal surface sediments: (1) bottom‐water sulfate (
) concentrations, (2) Fe(OH)3 availability, and (3) organic matter (OM) loading. In‐situ CH4 production is particularly sensitive to the OM loading and
bottom‐water concentration, with higher
concentrations significantly inhibiting methanogenesis and decreasing the potential rates of Fe‐AOM. We find that only environments with a low salinity and a relatively high Fe(OH)3 loading allow for Fe‐AOM to occur in surface sediments. This suggests that Fe‐AOM in surface sediments is restricted to areas with relatively high rates of sediment deposition such as estuaries and other nearshore systems. By enhancing porewater Fe2+ concentrations in surface sediments and the flux of Fe2+ from sediments to the overlying water, Fe‐AOM may contribute to the lateral transfer of iron (“iron shuttling”) from the coastal zone to deep basins.
Coccolithophore calcification is independent of carbonate chemistry in the tropical ocean
Authors: Marañón Emilio , Balch William M. , Cermeño Pedro , González Natalia , Sobrino Cristina , Fernández Ana , Huete‐Ortega María , López‐Sandoval Daffne C. , Delgado Maximino , Estrada Marta , Álvarez Marta , Fernández‐Guallart Elisa , Pelejero Carles
Published: April 2016

Short‐term experiments indicate that seawater acidification can cause a decrease in the rate of calcification by coccolithophores, but the relationship between carbonate chemistry and coccolithophore calcification rate in natural assemblages is still unclear. During the Malaspina 2010 circumnavigation, we measured primary production, calcification, coccolithophore abundance, particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) concentration, and the parameters of the carbonate system, along basin‐scale transects in the tropical Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans. Euphotic layer‐integrated calcification and mean cell‐specific calcification in the euphotic layer ranged between 2–10 mgC m−2 d−1 and 5–20 pgC cell−1 d−1, respectively. We found a significant relationship between primary production and calcification, such that the calcification to primary production (CP/PP) ratio was relatively invariant among ocean basins, with an overall mean value of 0.05 ± 0.04. Extrapolating this value to the entire ocean would result in a global pelagic calcification rate of 2.4 PtC yr−1. The mean PIC concentration in surface waters was 1.8 ± 1.6 mgC m−3 and its turnover time averaged 20 d. We combined our data of calcification, primary production, and carbonate chemistry from Malaspina 2010 with those obtained during two previous cruises in the northern Arabian Sea. Both the CP/PP ratio and cell‐specific calcification were largely constant across a wide range of calcite saturation state (1.5–6.5), [
]/[H+] (0.08–0.24; mol: μmol), and pH (7.6–8.1), which indicates that calcification by natural coccolithophore assemblages was independent of carbonate chemistry. Our results suggest that coccolithophore calcification, at least in tropical regions, may not be decreasing in the currently acidifying ocean.
Analysis of chloropigments in marine sediments using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE)
Authors: Szymczak‐Żyła Małgorzata
Published: April 2016

The application of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) for the analysis of chloropigments in marine sediment samples was studied. Chloropigments (chlorophyll a, b, c and their derivatives) are a group of natural compounds providing valuable data on the state of the aquatic environment. As these compounds are rather unstable and given the considerable risk that alteration products will form, their analysis is difficult. The new extraction method was optimized by testing both solvents and ASE operating conditions (static time, rinse volume, number of static cycles). The results obtained using an ASE technique were compared with those using an ultrasound‐assisted extraction method. The results presented in this article indicate that the application of ASE gives high chloropigment recoveries, comparable with conventional methods, but in less time, without the use of elevated temperature during extraction. The type of solvent used has the greatest influence on the extraction efficiency while the effects of the other parameters tested are important in the case of organic‐rich sediments. In addition, the influence of freeze‐drying of sediment samples on chloropigments composition and target compound stability in freeze‐dried sediments during storage under different conditions was examined. The results indicate that freeze‐drying does not affect the composition of pigments in the sediment samples and improves reproducibility of results, although extraction of freeze‐dried sediments does require the use of a more polar solvent (95% acetone). Freeze‐dried sediment samples could be stored in a freezer (−20°C) for up to 6 months, without the risk of degradation of the target compounds.
Facial rejuvenation via the sequential combined use of multiple laser modalities: Safety and efficacy
Authors: Wu Douglas C. , Fitzpatrick Richard E.
Published: April 2016

Background and Objectives

Multi‐modal combination treatments for facial rejuvenation offer the potential to achieve superior results in a single treatment session. In this study, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining multiple laser modalities in a single treatment session.

Methods

Fifty patients underwent a multi‐modal facial laser resurfacing procedure consisting of the sequential use of 595 nm pulsed dye laser, 755 nm alexandrite laser, superficial fractionated and fully ablative CO2 laser, superficial fully ablative erbium‐YAG laser, and deep fractionated ablative CO2 laser in a single treatment session. Improvements in dyspigmentation, rhytides, telangiectasia, and skin texture were assessed. Patient satisfaction, healing times, and tolerability of procedure was also evaluated.

Results

Highly significant improvements in all clinical parameters were demonstrated at both short‐ and long‐term follow‐up evaluations. Patients reported a high satisfaction rate.

Conclusion

Mega‐combination treatment utilizing a variety of laser devices in a single treatment session is safe and highly effective at achieving facial rejuvenation. This approach represents an efficient use of both patient and physician time and resources. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:577–583, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photophysical and Photochemical Studies of Novel Thioxanthone‐Functionalized Methacrylates through LED Excitation
Authors: Eren Tugce Nur , Yasar Nurdan , Aviyente Viktorya , Morlet‐Savary Fabrice , Graff Bernadette , Fouassier Jean Pierre , Lalevee Jacques , Avci Duygu
Published: April 2016

Five novel thioxanthone (TX)‐functionalized methacrylates as copolymerizable photoinitiators (CopPIs) for polymerization of acrylates are synthesized from reactions of tert‐butyl α‐bromomethacrylate with 2‐hydroxy thioxanthone (TX1) and 1,4‐dihydroxy thioxanthone (TX3), cleavage of their respective tert‐butyl ester groups with trifluoroacetic acid (TX2, TX4), and by reaction of the acid chloride derivative of TX2 with Irgacure 2959 (TX5). These CopPIs absorb in the near UV–visible region (390–420 nm; absorption redshift ≈10–40 nm, ε values comparable to TX). Their performances are studied under LED exposure at 385 and 405 nm using real‐time FTIR. The reactivities of TX1 and TX2 are similar to isopropyl thioxanthone, used as reference; TX3 and TX4 have lower reactivities, due to their difunctionality, which however makes them good crosslinking agents. TX5 is the first monomeric PI possessing two different type side‐chain photoinitiating groups. The migration stability of two of these CopPIs is shown in the cured polyacrylates. The photochemical mechanisms are studied by electron spin resonance, steady state photolysis, laser flash photolysis, and cyclic voltammetry.

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Conformal spectral stability estimates for the Neumann Laplacian
Authors: Burenkov V. I. , Gol'dshtein V. , Ukhlov A.
Published: April 2016

We study the eigenvalue problem for the Neumann–Laplace operator in conformal regular planar domains . Conformal regular domains support the Poincaré–Sobolev inequality and this allows us to estimate the variation of the eigenvalues of the Neumann Laplacian upon domain perturbation via energy type integrals. Boundaries of such domains can have any Hausdorff dimension between one and two.
Mathematical principle of cellular accommodation: A Schmitt trigger approach
Authors: Çelen S.
Published: April 2016

Hysteresis usage was occupied to many physical problems. Up to today, there is a limited contributions to describe 3D bone remodeling algorithm. Many theories were developed to light mechanotranduction of bone tissue. Unfortunately current models are very far from explaining the situation of bone remodeling at loadless condition such as neutral axis of long bones and skull. They are supposed to resorp due to disuse atrophy according to background algorithms. At this point, Schmitt trigger‐bistable circuit approach can be considered as a novel concept. It may establish a conceptual backbone as a process memory. It assumes the density retains its value until the input changes sufficiently to switch a change. In the load‐carrying configuration, when the strain is higher than a certain threshold according to bone's strain history factor (SHF), the density is supposed to be high. However, in the loadless condition, the density rate is supposed to be low due to moderate strain history factor values, the density will retain its value. This system is very appropriate to solve bone remodeling. The purpose of this manuscript is to folds: first to consolidate a novel mathematical model for cellular accomodation, second to develop graphical representation for novel hysteresis functions.
Photoelectric properties of the photoconducting film composites based on ferrocenyl‐ and carbazolyl‐containing oligomer doped with polymethine dye
Authors: Davidenko N. A. , Davidenko I. I. , Ishchenko A. A. , Kravchenko V. V. , Mokrinskaya E. V. , Studzinsky S. L. , Tonkopieva L. S.
Published: April 2016

New photosensitive polymeric film composites based on oligomer containing ferrocenyl and carbazolyl fragments doped with symmetric polymethine dye are synthesized. Their photoelectric properties are investigated. Photovoltaic properties of these composites are detected. The mechanisms and peculiarities of the photovoltaic and photodielectric effects are discussed.
Sweat Gland Denervation in Cerebellar Ataxia with Neuropathy and Vestibular Areflexia Syndrome (CANVAS)
Authors: Umeh Chizoba C. , Polydefkis Michael , Chaudhry Vinay , Zee David S.
Published: April 2016

Cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) is a newly recognized disorder characterized by cerebellar ataxia, nonlength‐dependent sensory impairment, and bilateral vestibular loss. Sudomotor dysfunction has been described in CANVAS; however, the underlying pathology is not well characterized. To describe novel histopathological features of this syndrome, 2 siblings are presented who had CANVAS with unique findings of sweat gland denervation. Skin biopsy testing was performed to assess sudomotor structure and revealed markedly reduced sweat gland nerve fiber density below the 2.5th percentile in both patients. These histopathological findings suggest that postganglionic sudomotor dysfunction is an additional feature of CANVAS.
Cerebellar dysfunction in essential tremor
Authors: Hanajima Ritsuko , Tsutsumi Ryosuke , Shirota Yuichiro , Shimizu Takahiro , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Ugawa Yoshikazu
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Few neurophysiological studies have investigated cerebellar function in patients with essential tremor, even though the cerebellum may contribute to tremor generation. Here, we studied cerebellar function in patients with essential tremor using 2 physiological methods.

Methods

Participants were 20 patients with essential tremor and 30 age‐matched healthy volunteers, and the results were compared across the groups. We studied motor cortical inhibition using cerebellar magnetic stimulation and prism adaptation.

Results

Both cerebellar inhibition and prism adaptation were affected in patients with essential tremor. The degree of tremor did not correlate with the degree of abnormality in either of the 2 experiments.

Conclusions

The simplest explanation for the present results is that the cerebellum itself, including the Purkinje cells, is involved in essential tremor, which may reflect a primary pathogenic lesion or secondary compensatory physiological phenomenon to an original pathogenic lesion elsewhere. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Mixed antiplane boundary‐value problem for a piecewise‐homogeneous elastic body with a semi‐infinite interfacial crack
Authors: Vasileva Iuliia , Gürlebeck Klaus , Silvestrov Vasily
Published: April 2016

Antiplane stress state of a piecewise‐homogeneous elastic body with a semi‐infinite crack along the interface is considered. The longitudinal displacements along one of the crack edges on a finite interval, adjacent to the crack tip, are known. Shear stresses are applied to the body along the crack edges and at infinity. The problem reduces to a Riemann–Hilbert boundary‐value matrix problem with a piecewise‐constant coefficient for a complex potential in the class of symmetric functions. The complex potential is found explicitly using a Gaussian hypergeometric function. The stress state of the body close to the singular points is investigated. The stress intensity factors are determined. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global existence of smooth solutions to 2D Chaplygin gases on curved space
Authors: Luoa Shaoying , Wei Chang‐Hua
Published: April 2016

This paper investigates the smooth solution of 2D Chaplygin gas equations on an asymptotically flat Riemannian manifold. Under the assumption that the initial data are close to a constant state and the vorticity of the initial velocity vanishes, we prove the global existence of smooth solutions to the Cauchy problem for two‐dimensional flow of Chaplygin gases on curved space. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fischer decomposition for ‐monogenics in quaternionic Clifford analysis
Authors: Brackx Fred , Schepper Hennie De , Eelbode David , Lávička Roman , Souček Vladimir
Published: April 2016

Spaces of spinor‐valued homogeneous polynomials, and in particular spaces of spinor‐valued spherical harmonics, are decomposed in terms of irreducible representations of the symplectic group Sp(p). These Fischer decompositions involve spaces of homogeneous, so‐called
‐monogenic polynomials, the Lie super algebra
being the Howe dual partner to the symplectic group Sp(p). In order to obtain Sp(p)‐irreducibility, this new concept of
‐monogenicity has to be introduced as a refinement of quaternionic monogenicity; it is defined by means of the four quaternionic Dirac operators, a scalar Euler operator
underlying the notion of symplectic harmonicity and a multiplicative Clifford algebra operator P underlying the decomposition of spinor space into symplectic cells. These operators
and P, and their Hermitian conjugates, arise naturally when constructing the Howe dual pair
, the action of which will make the Fischer decomposition multiplicity free. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local fields in two‐phase fibrous piezo‐composites with 622 constituents
Authors: Alfonso‐Rodríguez Ransés , Bravo‐Castillero Julián , Pérez‐Fernández Leslie D.
Published: April 2016

The behaviour of the anti‐plane local fields of a two‐phase piezo‐composite made of a fibre embedded in an infinite matrix, and in perfect contact with it, is studied. Both constituents belong to the 622 crystal symmetry class. A solution for the case of a far‐field in‐plane electrical load and a far‐field anti‐plane mechanical load is presented. The limit cases are analysed, whereas the results validation is made through comparisons with semi‐analytical results derived from the application of complex variable methods to the solution of the local problems that arise from the application of the asymptotic homogenization method to the related problem of periodic distributions of fibres with small cross‐section area. These results could be useful in bone mechanics applications. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traveling wave solutions of Lotka–Volterra type two predators‐one prey model
Authors: Zhang Zewei , Yang Ting‐Hui , Wang Wendi
Published: April 2016

In this work, we consider a model with one basal resource and two species of predators feeding by the same resource. There are three non‐trivial boundary equilibria. One is the saturated state EK of the prey without any predator. Other two equilibria, E1 and E2, are the coexistence states of the prey with only one species of predators. Using a high‐dimensional shooting method, the Wazewski' principle, we establish the conditions for the existence of traveling wave solutions from EK to E2 and from E1 to E2. These results show that the advantageous species v2 always win in the competition and exclude species v1 eventually. Finally, some numerical simulations are presented, and biological interpretations are given. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of tissue, diet, and enzymatic remodeling on cardiolipin fatty acyl profile
Authors: Bradley Ryan M. , Stark Ken D. , Duncan Robin E.
Published: April 2016

Cardiolipin is a specialized phospholipid found primarily in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Because of its unique dimeric structure, cardiolipin plays an important role in mitochondrial function, stability, and membrane fluidity. As such, cardiolipin is subject to a high degree of remodeling by phospholipases, acyltransferases, and transacylases that create a fatty acyl profile that tends to be highly tissue‐specific. Despite this overarching regulation, the molecular species of cardiolipin produced are also influenced by dietary lipid composition. A number of studies have characterized the tissue‐specific profile of cardiolipin species and have investigated the specific nature of cardiolipin remodeling, including the role of both enzymes and diet. The aim of this review is to highlight tissue specific differences in cardiolipin composition and, collectively, the enzymatic and dietary factors that contribute to these differences. Consequences of aberrant cardiolipin fatty acyl remodeling are also discussed.
Dietary flavonoid fisetin for cancer prevention and treatment
Authors: Lall Rahul K. , Adhami Vaqar Mustafa , Mukhtar Hasan
Published: April 2016

Cancer remains a major public health concern and a significant cause of death worldwide. Identification of bioactive molecules that have the potential to inhibit carcinogenesis continues to garner interest among the scientific community. In particular, flavonoids from dietary sources are the most sought after because of their safety, cost‐effectiveness, and feasibility of oral administration. Emerging data have provided newer insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms that are essential to identify novel mechanism‐based strategies for cancer prevention and treatment. Dietary flavonoid fisetin (3,3′,4′,7‐tetrahydroxyflavone) found in many fruits and vegetables has been shown in preclinical studies to inhibit cancer growth through alteration of cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis without causing any toxicity to normal cells. Although data from in‐vitro and in‐vivo studies look convincing, well‐designed clinical trials in humans are needed to conclusively determine the efficacy across various cancers. This review highlights the chemopreventive and therapeutic effects, molecular targets, and mechanisms that contribute to the observed anticancer activity of fisetin against various cancers.
Through‐space 19F–15N couplings for the assignment of stereochemistry in flubenzimine
Authors: Ghiviriga Ion , Rubinski Miles A. , Dolbier Jr William R.
Published: April 2016

Through‐space 19F–15N couplings revealed the configuration of flubenzimine, with the CF3 group on N4 pointing towards the lone pair of N5. The 19F–15N coupling constants were measured at natural abundance using a spin‐state selective indirect‐detection pulse sequence. As 15N‐labelled proteins are routinely synthesized for NMR studies, through‐space 19F–15N couplings have the potential to probe the stereochemistry of these proteins by 19F labelling of some amino acids or can reveal the site of docking of fluorine‐containing drugs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conserved roles of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 signaling in the regulation of inner cell mass development in bovine blastocysts
Authors: Akizawa Hiroki , Nagatomo Hiroaki , Odagiri Haruka , Kohri Nanami , Yamauchi Nobuhiko , Yanagawa Yojiro , Nagano Masashi , Takahashi Masashi , Kawahara Manabu
Published: April 2016

A common process during preimplantation mammalian development is blastocyst formation, which utilizes signaling through fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), yet the mechanisms through which FGFR2 signaling affect preimplantation development in bovine embryos remain incompletely understood. Here, we used RNA‐interference to investigate the in vitro development, the frequency of blastomere apoptosis, and the mRNA expression of developmental marker genes in FGF receptor 2‐knockdown (FGFR2‐KD) bovine embryos. A reduction in FGFR2 mRNA did not affect preimplantation development or the frequency of apoptotic blastomeres, but did enhanced proliferation of the inner cell mass in blastocysts (P < 0.05)—which differs from the phenotype reported for bovine embryos using a pharmacological approach (treatment with the pan‐FGFR blocker PD173074), but agrees with previous results obtained using mouse embryos. Moreover, the expression of an epiblast marker gene, NANOG, and a primitive endoderm marker gene, GATA6, remained unchanged, whereas the expression of another primitive endoderm marker gene, HNF4A, was significantly reduced in FGFR2‐KD embryos. Therefore, FGFR2 signaling appears to be associated with the regulation of inner cell mass development and proliferation during blastocyst formation in cattle. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 516–525, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost profiles and budget impact of rechargeable versus non‐rechargeable sacral neuromodulation devices in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome
Authors: Noblett Karen L. , Dmochowski Roger R. , Vasavada Sandip P. , Garner Abigail M. , Liu Shan , Pietzsch Jan B.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a guideline‐recommended third‐line treatment option for managing overactive bladder. Current SNM devices are not rechargeable, and require neurostimulator replacement every 3–6 years. Our study objective was to assess potential cost effects to payers of adopting a rechargeable SNM neurostimulator device.

Methods

We constructed a cost‐consequence model to estimate the costs of long‐term SNM‐treatment with a rechargeable versus non‐rechargeable device. Costs were considered from the payer perspective at 2015 reimbursement levels. Adverse events, therapy discontinuation, and programming rates were based on the latest published data. Neurostimulator longevity was assumed to be 4.4 and 10.0 years for non‐rechargeable and rechargeable devices, respectively. A 15‐year horizon was modeled, with costs discounted at 3% per year. Total budget impact to the United States healthcare system was estimated based on the computed per‐patient cost findings.

Results

Over the 15‐year horizon, per‐patient cost of treatment with a non‐rechargeable device was $64,111 versus $36,990 with a rechargeable device, resulting in estimated payer cost savings of $27,121. These cost savings were found to be robust across a wide range of scenarios. Longer analysis horizon, younger patient age, and longer rechargeable neurostimulator lifetime were associated with increased cost savings. Over a 15‐year horizon, adoption of a rechargeable device strategy was projected to save the United States healthcare system up to $12 billion.

Conclusions

At current reimbursement rates, our analysis suggests that rechargeable neurostimulator SNM technology for managing overactive bladder syndrome may deliver significant cost savings to payers over the course of treatment.Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:727–733, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Moderate agreement between bladder capacity assessed by frequency volume charts and uroflowmetry, in adolescent and adult enuresis patients
Authors: Hofmeester Ilse , Brinker Astrid E. , Steffens Martijn G. , Feitz Wout F. J. , Blanker Marco H.
Published: April 2016

Aims

Frequency Volume Charts (FVC) are recommended for the evaluation of enuretic patients. Although this is a good instrument for the assessment of functional bladder capacity, it is known that patient compliance could introduce problems. Therefore, we assessed whether uroflowmetry and post‐void residual volume could replace FVC recordings in specific cases, by comparing the bladder capacity as measured by FVC or uroflowmetry.

Methods

We performed post‐hoc analyses using data from a retrospective cohort study, in secondary/tertiary care. This included 907 patients between 2003 and 2013, aged ≥11 years, suffering from enuresis (≥1 wet night/fortnight). Data were collected from the medical files. Bland Altman plots were made to compare the two methods.

Results

Agreement between uroflowmetry and FVC was reasonable only when uroflowmetry was between 200 and 450 ml.

Conclusions

For individual clinical purposes, uroflowmetry can be used if values are in this range. For future research, we recommend to keep measuring bladder capacity with an FVC. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:745–747, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term efficacy of a combination therapy with an anticholinergic agent and an α1‐blocker for patients with benign prostatic enlargement complaining both voiding and overactive bladder symptoms: A randomized, prospective, comparative trial using a urodynamic study
Authors: Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Takai Shun , Funahashi Yasuhito , Kato Masashi , Yamamoto Tokunori , Gotoh Momokazu
Published: April 2016

Aims

We evaluated long‐term efficacy and safety of a combination therapy (CT) with an anticholinergic agent and an α1‐blocker for patients with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) complaining of voiding and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, in comparison with those of α1‐blocker monotherapy (MT), by conducting a urodynamic study (UDS).

Methods

This was a randomized prospective study involving 120 outpatients with untreated BPE associated with urinary urgency at least once per week and OABSS of ≥3. The patients were randomly assigned to receive MT with silodosin at 8 mg/day or CT with silodosin at 8 mg/day and propiverine at 20 mg/day. Changes in parameters from baseline to 12 weeks and 1 year after administration were assessed based on IPSS, IPSS‐QOL, OABSS, and voiding and storage functions as measured by UDS.

Results

In efficacy analysis, 53 patients with MT and 51 with CT were included. Although mean IPSS and OABSS significantly improved in both groups, the CT group showed statistically significant improvement in OABSS (−3.4 in CT, −2.4 in MT, P = 0.04), IPSS‐QOL (−1.9, −1.2, P = 0.01), and OAB‐urgency score (−1.8, −1.2, P < 0.01) at the long‐term evaluation. In storage function, both groups showed significant improvements, but the CT group demonstrated a greater improvement in terms of disappearance rate of detrusor overactivity (54.5% in CT, 34.2% in MT, P = 0.07) and bladder capacity (+61 mL, +33 mL, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Long‐term combination treatment with silodosin and propiverine was effective and safe for BPE patients with voiding and OAB symptoms. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:748–754, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanisms of T2* anisotropy and gradient echo myelin water imaging
Authors: Lee Jongho , Nam Yoonho , Choi Joon Yul , Kim Eung Yeop , Oh Se‐Hong , Kim Dong‐Hyun
Published: April 2016

In MRI, structurally aligned molecular or micro‐organization (e.g. axonal fibers) can be a source of substantial signal variations that depend on the structural orientation and the applied magnetic field. This signal anisotropy gives us a unique opportunity to explore information that exists at a resolution several orders of magnitude smaller than that of typical MRI. In this review, one of the signal anisotropies, T2* anisotropy in white matter, and a related imaging method, gradient echo myelin water imaging (GRE‐MWI), are explored. The T2* anisotropy has been attributed to isotropic and anisotropic magnetic susceptibility of myelin and compartmentalized microstructure of white matter fibers (i.e. axonal, myelin, and extracellular space). The susceptibility and microstructure create magnetic frequency shifts that change with the relative orientation of the fiber and the main magnetic field, generating the T2* anisotropy. The resulting multi‐component magnitude decay and nonlinear phase evolution have been utilized for GRE‐MWI, assisting in resolving the signal fraction of the multiple compartments in white matter. The GRE‐MWI method has been further improved by signal compensation techniques including physiological noise compensation schemes. The T2* anisotropy and GRE‐MWI provide microstructural information on a voxel (e.g. fiber orientation and tissue composition), and may serve as sensitive biomarkers for microstructural changes in the brain. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual‐horizon peridynamics
Authors: Ren Huilong , Zhuang Xiaoying , Cai Yongchang , Rabczuk Timon
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we develop a dual‐horizon peridynamics (DH‐PD) formulation that naturally includes varying horizon sizes and completely solves the ‘ghost force’ issue. Therefore, the concept of dual horizon is introduced to consider the unbalanced interactions between the particles with different horizon sizes. The present formulation fulfills both the balances of linear momentum and angular momentum exactly. Neither the ‘partial stress tensor’ nor the ‘slice’ technique is needed to ameliorate the ghost force issue. We will show that the traditional peridynamics can be derived as a special case of the present DH‐PD. All three peridynamic formulations, namely, bond‐based, ordinary state‐based, and non‐ordinary state‐based peridynamics, can be implemented within the DH‐PD framework. Our DH‐PD formulation allows for h‐adaptivity and can be implemented in any existing peridynamics code with minimal changes. A simple adaptive refinement procedure is proposed, reducing the computational cost. Both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional examples including the Kalthoff–Winkler experiment and plate with branching cracks are tested to demonstrate the capability of the method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gradient damage modeling of brittle fracture in an explicit dynamics context
Authors: Li Tianyi , Marigo Jean‐Jacques , Guilbaud Daniel , Potapov Serguei
Published: April 2016

In this contribution, we propose a dynamic gradient damage model as a phase‐field approach for studying brutal fracture phenomena in quasi‐brittle materials under impact‐type loading conditions. Several existing approaches to account for the tension–compression asymmetry of fracture behavior of materials are reviewed. A better understanding of these models is provided through a uniaxial traction experiment. We then give an efficient numerical implementation of the model in an explicit dynamics context. Simulations results obtained with parallel computing are discussed both from a computational and physical point of view. Different damage constitutive laws and tension–compression asymmetry formulations are compared with respect to their aptitude to approximate brittle fracture. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of the Spanish version of the Edinburgh feeding evaluation in dementia scale applied to institutionalized older persons with dementia: a study protocol
Authors: Saucedo Figueredo Maria Carmen , Morilla Herrera Juan Carlos , Ramos Gil Roberto , Arjona Gómez Maria Nieves , García Dillana Felicisima , Martínez Blanco Javier , Morales Asencio Jose Miguel
Published: April 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to obtain a Spanish version of the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale version, to assess its reliability for use by medical staff and caregivers at residential care homes, to evaluate by confirmatory methods its construct validity. A further aim was to determine the criterion validity with respect to biochemical markers of malnutrition such as serum albumin, transferrin, cholesterol and lymphocytes, the body mass index and the mini nutritional assessment.

Design

Clinimetric cross‐validation study.

Methods

Institutionalized subjects with dementia will be observed while consuming meals and evaluated with the instrument independently by nurses and caregivers.
We the living: the effects of living and deceased donor stories on charitable bequest giving intentions
Authors: James Russell N. , Routley Claire
Published: April 2016

Choosing messages to encourage charitable bequest giving may be particularly challenging given sensitivity to personal mortality reminders. Previous research suggests that people often react to mortality reminders with avoidance, including distancing themselves from those associated with death. We compare the effects of otherwise similar living and deceased bequest donor stories on subsequent intentions to leave a charitable bequest. Although both story types significantly increased subsequent intentions to leave a charitable bequest, living donor stories consistently outperformed otherwise identical deceased donor stories. Fundraisers may do well to emphasize stories of living planned bequest donors and de‐emphasize death and the deceased in charitable bequest fundraising messaging. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TNF‐α downregulates CIDEC via MEK/ERK pathway in human adipocytes
Authors: Tan Xinrui , Cao Zhenzhen , Li Min , Xu Erdi , Wang Jingjing , Xiao Yanfeng
Published: April 2016

Objective

Cell death‐inducing DFF45‐like effector C (CIDEC) is a lipid droplet‐coating protein that promotes triglyceride accumulation and inhibits lipolysis. TNF‐α downregulates CIDEC levels to enhance basal lipolysis, whereas CIDEC overexpression could block this effect. This study aimed to investigate the signaling pathway of TNF‐α‐mediated CIDEC downregulation in human adipocytes.

Methods

First CIDEC expression was detected in adipose tissue of lean and human subjects with obesity. Next, the temporal‐ and dose‐dependent effects of TNF‐α on CIDEC expression in human SW872 adipocytes were investigated. Selective inhibitors or RNAi or constitutively active MEK1 mutant was used to suppress or stimulate MEK/ERK cascade. Immunofluorescence and subcellular fractionation technique were used to study PPARγ redistribution after TNF‐α treatment. Reporter assay was performed to confirm the direct effects of TNF‐α on CIDEC transcription.

Results

CIDEC expression decreased in adipose tissue of subjects with obesity and negatively correlated with adipose TNF‐α levels and systemic lipolysis. TNF‐α reduced CIDEC expression in vitro, but suppression of MEK/ERK cascade prevented TNF‐α‐mediated CIDEC downregulation. PPARγ, the transcription factor of CIDEC, was phosphorylated and redistributed by TNF‐α in a MEK/ERK‐dependent manner. Reporter assay confirmed that TNF‐α reduced CIDEC transcription.

Conclusions

TNF‐α downregulates CIDEC expression through phosphorylation and nuclear export of PPARγ by MEK/ERK cascade.
Lost at Sea in Search of a Diagnosis: A Case of Unexplained Bleeding
Authors: Amos Lauren E. , Carpenter Shannon L. , Hoeltzel Mark F.
Published: April 2016

Scurvy results from a dietary deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and is rarely thought of in modern day medicine. It now almost always occurs in pediatric patients with behavioral diagnoses, nutritionally restricted diets, and food allergies. Symptoms of scurvy include ecchymoses, bleeding gums, and arthralgias. Here, we present a 17‐year‐old male with autism spectrum disorder and a diet severely deficient in ascorbic acid due to textural aversion and food preferences. He presented with recurrent arthritis, hemarthrosis, bruising, and anemia. His vitamin C level was low, and his symptoms improved promptly after treatment with ascorbic acid.
Effect of environmental factors on Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co−3‐hydroxyvalerate)/Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/montmorillonite nanocomposites with antimicrobial agents
Authors: Bittmann Birgit , Bouza Rebeca , Barral Luis , Bellas Rosa , Cid Angeles
Published: April 2016

Short‐running of mineral oil, the increasing waste problem and the raising consciousness of our society are increasing biopolymer's potential for becoming an important alternative for petroleum based plastics. However, applications of biopolymers are still limited, which is partly caused by insufficient properties and high prices of some biopolymers. This study focuses on a polymer blend of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co−3‐hydroxyvalerate) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) which is reinforced with organomodified montmorillonite. Moreover, two natural propolis additives and an industrial antimicrobial are added to the materials with the objective to convey them antimicrobial properties. The effect of environmental factors such as water absorption, aging by weathering test, and antimicrobial attack on the thermal behavior and colorimetry of the biopolymer nanocomposites is investigated. These results contribute to the understanding of the structure‐property relationship of biocomposite materials for various applications, e.g. in packaging. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:915–923, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and characterization of poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene‐based thermally expandable microcapsules
Authors: Safajou‐Jahankhanemlou Majid , Abbasi Farhang , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi
Published: April 2016

Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared via Hummers' method and reduced by hydrazine monohydrate. GO was modified with (3‐methacryloxypropyl)triethoxysilane (MPS) and the obtained GO‐MPS nanosheets were reduced by hydrazine monohydrate. The different modified nanosheets were utilized to fabricate microballoons based on methyl methacrylate‐triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) copolymer having a core/shell structure which contained pentane as a blowing agent. To investigate the effect of the presence of nanosheets on the properties of microballoons, gel point occurrence, initial pentane content and the remained pentane during expansion, the expansion properties, and the particle morphology were studied. Kinetic studies showed that GO and GO‐MPS accelerated polymerization, whereas the reduced nanosheets exhibited a retardation effect on kinetics. The microballoons containing GO and GO‐MPS encapsulated more pentane and effectively retained it during the expansion process. Also, higher pentane content led to lower density of synthesized nanocomposites whereas improved expansion properties were achieved. According to the scanning electron microscopy images, due to retardation effect of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and rGO‐MPS nanosheets, the shell surrounding the hydrocarbon in the microballoons contained more defects which could accelerate penetration of pentane through the shell. This resulted in a less expansion for the microballoons having poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/rGO or PMMA/rGO‐MPS shells compared to those having PMMA/GO or PMMA/GO‐MPS shells. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:950–960, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Absence of an anatomical origin for altered ductus venosus flow velocity waveforms in first‐trimester human fetuses with increased nuchal translucency
Authors: Burger Nicole B. , Matias Alexandra , Kok Evelien , de Groot Christianne J. M. , Christoffels Vincent M. , Bekker Mireille N. , Haak Monique C.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To perform a morphological evaluation of the ductus venosus, heart and jugular lymphatic sac (JLS) in first‐trimester human fetuses with normal and abnormal ductus venosus flow velocity waveforms (DV‐FVWs) and normal and increased nuchal translucency (NT).

Method

Postmortem examination was performed on fetuses with increased NT or structural malformations with previous NT and DV‐FVW measurements. Ductus venosus morphology was examined using markers for endothelium, smooth muscle actin (SMA), nerves and elastic fibers. Fetal hearts were studied by microscopy. The nuchal region was analyzed using markers for lymphatic vessels, endothelium, SMA and nerves.

Results

Two trisomy 21 and two trisomy 18 fetuses with increased NT and abnormal DV‐FVWs were analyzed. As a control, one euploid anencephalic fetus with normal NT, cardiac anatomy and DV‐FVWs was examined. Similar endothelial and SMA expression was observed in the ductus venosus in all fetuses. Nerve and elastic fiber expression were not detected. Three trisomic fetuses showed cardiac defects, one trisomic fetus demonstrated normal cardiac anatomy. The JLS was abnormally enlarged or contained red blood cells in all trisomic fetuses. The control fetus showed a normal JLS.

Conclusion

Abnormal DV‐FVWs are not justified by alterations in ductus venosus morphology. DV‐FVWs most probably reflect intracardiac pressure. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
False positive cell free DNA screening for microdeletions due to non‐pathogenic copy number variants
Authors: Mather Cheryl A. , Qi Zhongxia , Wiita Arun P.
Published: April 2016

What's Already Known about This Topic?

Aneuploidy screening using cell free DNA (cfDNA) has recently been expanded to include selected microdeletions. However, validation has been limited, and the real‐world positive‐predictive value is unknown.

What Does This Study Add?

Here we describe three cases of false positive cfDNA microdeletions because of small, non‐pathogenic copy number variants near the region of interest. These findings elucidate one mechanism of false‐positive results with this screening test and suggest that additional validation is necessary before wider use in clinical practice.
Characteristics of state prescription drug monitoring programs: a state‐by‐state survey
Authors: Manasco A. Travis , Griggs Christopher , Leeds Rebecca , Langlois Breanne K. , Breaud Alan H , Mitchell Patricia M. , Weiner Scott G.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are state‐based data collection systems recording controlled substance medications. Currently, 49 states have PDMPs. There are discrepancies in reporting patterns, infrastructure, and oversight between programs. We characterized aspects of each state's PDMP.

Methods

A web search of each state's PDMP was conducted, and a list of all PDMP administrators was obtained. From August 1 to November 31, 2014, a link to a web‐based survey was sent to each PDMP administrator. Closed‐ended questions included type of access, mandatory‐use programs, data sharing, proactive contact with patients or health care providers, details of pharmacy reporting, and protocols for identifying “high‐risk” patients. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

Results

We received a 100% response rate (49/49). Ninety‐six percent (47/49) have a physician‐accessible PDMP. Most, 68% (32/49), do not have an enrollment mandate for physicians. Prior to prescribing controlled medications, 16% (8/49) require prescribers to access their state's PDMP. More than half of states (53%, 26/49) reported patient prescriptions over the past two or more years. Most, 57% (28/59), reported a lag time of 1 week or longer for patients to appear in a PDMP database after prescription filling. A majority of states (65% 32/49) share data with at least one other state. Protocols exist to identify high‐risk patients for prescription drug misuse in 55% (27/49) of states.

Conclusion

Characteristics of PDMPs are heterogeneous throughout the country. Standardizing data capture, availability, and reporting would improve their usefulness for providers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.