bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The usefulness of peri-trigger female reproductive hormones (delta-FRH) in predicting oocyte maturation in normal ovarian reserve patients who received in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: a retrospective study
Authors: He Lina , Xu Qing , Wan Fuming , Hao Li , Qiu Yamin , Ran Xu , Lin Jie , Chen Wei
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of peri-trigger female reproductive hormones (FRHs) in the prediction of oocyte maturation in normal ovarian reserve patients during the in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) procedure.

Materials and Methods

A hospital database was used to extract data on IVF-ET cases from January 2020 to September 2021. The levels of female reproductive hormones, including estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), were initially evaluated at baseline, the day of the trigger, the day after the trigger, and the day of oocyte retrieval. The relative change in E2, LH, P, FSH between time point 1 (the day of trigger and baseline) and time point 2 (the day after the trigger and day on the trigger) was defined as E2_RoV1/2, LH_RoV1/2, P_RoV1/2, and FSH_RoV1/2, respectively. Univariable and multivariable regression were performed to screen the peri-trigger FRHs for the prediction of oocyte maturation.

Results

A total of 118 patients were enrolled in our study. Univariable analysis revealed significant associations between E2_RoV1 and the rate of MII oocytes in the GnRH-agonist protocol group (p < 0.05), but not in the GnRH-antagonist protocol group. Conversely, P_RoV2 emerged as a potential predictor for the rate of MII oocytes in both protocol groups (p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis confirmed the significance of P_RoV2 in predicting oocyte maturation rate in both groups (p < 0.05), while the association of E2_RoV1 was not significant in either group. However, within the subgroup of high P_RoV2 in the GnRH-agonist protocol group, association was not observed to be significant. The C-index was 0.83 (95% CI [0.73–0.92]) for the GnRH-agonist protocol group and 0.77 (95% CI [0.63–0.90]) for the GnRH-antagonist protocol group. The ROC curve analysis further supported the satisfactory performance of the models, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.79 for the GnRH-agonist protocol group and 0.81 for the GnRH-antagonist protocol group.

Conclusions

P_RoV2 showed significant predictive value for oocyte maturation in both GnRH-agonist and GnRH-antagonist protocol groups, which enhances the understanding of evaluating oocyte maturation and inform individualized treatment protocols in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation during IVF-ET for normal ovarian reserve patients.
Ficciones de archivo: souvenir y collage en Poste restante de Cynthia Rimsky y Elegía Joseph Cornell de María Negroni
Authors:   , Alessio de Rosas Angelo
Published: July 2024

La presente investigación busca analizar la relación entre archivo y ficción en Elegía Joseph Cornell de María Negroni y Poste restante de Cynthia Rimsky a partir de los conceptos de souvenir y collage. Estos últimos funcionan como medios para contar una historia. Sin embargo, aparecen en momentos distintos del montaje de los archivos de Rimsky y Negroni: mientras el souvenir une dos espacios distantes en un objeto, el collage sería la suma de múltiples souvenirs en una nueva historia que rechaza la linealidad para ser contada. Por otro lado, uno de los aspectos que tendrá relevancia en el estudio será la dimensión material, cuestión ineludible sobre todo desde la técnica del collage, la cual destaca particularmente el aspecto visual y fragmentario del corpus.
Comunidade que Sustenta a Agricultura (CSA): o nascimento da CSA Guajuvira, no município de São José dos Campos, São Paulo
Authors: Zerlote Matheus Reis , Marjotta-Maistro Marta Cristina , Montebello Adriana Estela Sanjuan , Vasconcelos Valéria de Oliveira
Published: July 2024

A Comunidade que Sustenta a Agricultura (CSA), preza pela produção de alimentos orgânicos e/ou agroecológicos aliado a subsidiação da produção por consumidores do meio urbano, estes chamados co-agricultores. O presente estudo de caso descreveu o nascimento da CSA Guajuvira no município de São José dos Campos, na macroregião do Vale do Paraíba no estado de São Paulo. Foram utilizadas metodologias quali-quantitativas, tais como: participativa, de história-oral e obtenção de dados primários por meio da aplicação de questionários e realização de entrevistas, tendo assim, sistematizado informações para compreender as limitações o histórico de formação dessa forma de distribuição de alimentos se intermediários, buscando agregar informações a respeito desse formato de economia associativa.
Cryopreservation of Plant Cells
Authors: Keller E. R. Joachim , Senula Angelika , Höfer Monika , Heine‐Dobbernack Elke , M. Schumacher Heinz
Published: April 2013

Cryopreservation, storage of living tissues in or above liquid nitrogen, is increasingly used to preserve germplasm in the long term. When cooling plant tissue to low temperatures, water may destroy cells by osmotic drying or disruption of organelles by forming ice crystals. The organisms accumulate cryoprotective substances to adapt to freezing. Cryoprotectants trigger glass transition (vitrification), when temperature is cooled down rapidly. In the course of cryopreservation, tissues are imposed by various influences causing oxidative stress: wounding, dehydration, and direct liquid nitrogen effect. Occurring reactive oxygen species may be measured and antioxidant substances may be added. Cell structure alterations, water status, regeneration from cryopreservation injury, and genetic and epigenetic changes, which may occur, were investigated. Various plant tissues were cryopreserved: dedifferentiated cells and tissues; shoot tips; axillary buds and other meristematic plant parts; dormant buds of woods species, seeds, embryos, and embryo axes; and pollen. Several main methods were used: slow freezing, vitrification, and encapsulation. Liquid nitrogen can also be used to eliminate viruses from the organs (cryotherapy). The existence of endogenous or contaminating microorganisms needs special attention. Furthermore, technological considerations and the use of cryopreservation to maintain transgenic or patented material need to be mentioned.
Electrophoresis of Proteins and Nucleic Acids
Authors: Gallagher Sean R.
Published: April 2013

Electrophoresis forms the basis of routine separation and analysis of nucleic acid and protein molecules. It is difficult to scan the biological literature without some form of electrophoresis being used in the methods and results for critical preparation and analysis. The applications of nucleic acid electrophoresis include purification, genetic analysis, DNA probe preparation, and DNA and RNA sequence determination. Protein electrophoresis is used for purification, size estimation, subunit composition, protein expression, and identification of posttranslational modifications, in addition to forming the basis for the first step in immunoblotting. While the analysis of proteins and nucleic acids is described in detail, the future applications of microelectrophoresis and microfluidics are also discussed. The bibliography contains both historically significant references and current references outlining established protocols, providing the bench user a guide to the use of electrophoretic techniques in their research.
The Decision Sciences Institute
Authors: Dhir Krishna S.
Published: April 2013

This articles describes the inception and evolution of the Decision Sciences Institute, an academic and professional association that brings together individuals interested in studying and improving the process of decision making in the context of individual, organizational, and societal interests. The activities of the Institute draw from various quantitative and qualitative disciplines within and outside the business schools at various institutions of higher learning.
Generic Stochastic Gradient Methods
Authors: Bercu Bernard , Fort Jean‐Claude
Published: April 2013

This article is devoted to a survey on generic stochastic gradient methods. It provides the main results on stochastic gradient approximations such as the almost sure convergence, the central limit theorem, and the almost sure central limit theorem. The theory is illustrated by a wide range of applications going from least‐square approximation to quantile estimation and quantization.
Continuous‐Time Martingales
Authors: Saure Denis
Published: April 2013

This article introduces the concept of continuous‐time martingales. Several examples of continuous‐time martingales are presented, along with some of the most important results in modern martingale theory. The reader is assumed to be familiar with the elements of discrete‐time martingales, standard Brownian motion, and basic concepts in stochastic integration.
Stochastic Orders for Stochastic Processes
Authors: Müller Alfred , Shaked Moshe
Published: April 2013

Stochastic orders are useful tools for comparing random variables or random vectors, as well as for stochastic processes. In this article, we describe some basic results about monotonicity and comparability of stochastic processes with respect to some stochastic orders, particularly, with respect to the ordinary stochastic order ≤ st. After introducing some results about general stochastic processes, we focus on monotonicity and comparability of Markov chains. Furthermore, we discuss the orderings of elements of Markov chains with respect to the supermodular order, and we also give some details about stochastic comparisons of point processes. References to additional results are given.
Extracellular Matrix Control of Collagen Mineralization In Vitro
Authors: Lausch Alexander J. , Quan Bryan D. , Miklas Jason W. , Sone Eli D.
Published: April 2013

Collagen biomineralization is a complex process and the controlling factors at the molecular level are still not well understood. A particularly high level of spatial control over collagen mineralization is evident in the anchorage of teeth to the jawbone by the periodontal ligament. Here, unmineralized ligament collagen fibrils become mineralized at an extremely sharp mineralization front in the root of the tooth. A model of collagen biomineralization based on demineralized cryosections of mouse molars in the bone socket is presented. When exposed to metastable calcium and phosphate‐containing solutions, mineral re‐deposits selectively into the natively mineralized tissues with high fidelity, demonstrating that the extracellular matrix retains sufficient information to control the rate of mineralization at the tissue level. While solutions of simulated bodily fluid produce amorphous calcium phosphate within the tissue section, a more highly supersaturated solution stabilized with polyaspartic acid produces oriented, crystalline calcium phosphate with diffraction patterns consistent with hydroxyapatite. The model thus replicates both spatial control of mineral deposition, as well as the matrix‐mineral relationships of natively mineralized collagen fibrils, and can be used to elucidate roles of specific biomolecules in the highly controlled process of collagen biomineralization. This knowledge will be critical in the design of collagen‐based scaffolds for tissue engineering of hard‐soft tissue interfaces.
Investigating the Role of Emissive Layer Architecture on the Exciton Recombination Zone in Organic Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: Erickson Nicholas C. , Holmes Russell J.
Published: April 2013

An experimental approach to determine the spatial extent and location of the exciton recombination zone in an organic light‐emitting device (OLED) is demonstrated. This technique is applicable to a wide variety of OLED structures and is used to examine OLEDs which have a double‐ (D‐EML), mixed‐ (M‐EML), or graded‐emissive layer (G‐EML) architecture. The location of exciton recombination in an OLED is an important design parameter, as the local optical field sensed by the exciton greatly determines the efficiency and angular distribution of far‐field light extraction. The spatial extent of exciton recombination is an important parameter that can strongly impact exciton quenching and OLED efficiency, particularly under high excitation. A direct measurement of the exciton density profile is achieved through the inclusion of a thin, exciton sensitizing strip in the OLED emissive layer which locally quenches guest excitons and whose position in the emissive layer can be translated across the device to probe exciton formation. In the case of the G‐EML device architecture, an electronic model is developed to predict the location and extent of the exciton density profile by considering the drift, diffusion, and recombination of charge carriers within the device.
Exploring the Energy Storage Mechanism of High Performance MnO2 Electrochemical Capacitor Electrodes: An In Situ Atomic Force Microscopy Study in Aqueous Electrolyte
Authors: Tao Xinyong , Du Jun , Sun Yong , Zhou Shulan , Xia Yang , Huang Hui , Gan Yongping , Zhang Wenkui , Li Xiaodong
Published: April 2013

The basic microstructure‐dependent charge storage mechanisms of nanostructured MnO2 are investigated via dynamic observation of the growth and in situ probing the mechanical properties by using in situ AFM in conjunction with in situ nanoindentation. The progressive nucleation followed by three‐dimensional growth yields pulsed current deposited porous nanostructured γ‐MnO2, which exhibits a high specific capacitance of 437 F/g and a remarkable cycling performance with >96% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles. The proton intercalation induced expansion of MnO2 can be self‐accommodated by the localized compression and reduction of the porosity. More coincidentally, the proton intercalation induced softening is favorable for the elastic deformation of MnO2. This self‐adaptive capability of nanostructured MnO2 could generate high structural reliability during cycling. These discoveries offer important mechanistic insights for the design of advanced electrochemical capacitors.
Self‐Healing Materials via Reversible Crosslinking of Poly(ethylene oxide)‐Block‐Poly(furfuryl glycidyl ether) (PEO‐b‐PFGE) Block Copolymer Films
Authors: Barthel Markus J. , Rudolph Tobias , Teichler Anke , Paulus Renzo M. , Vitz Jürgen , Hoeppener Stephanie , Hager Martin D. , Schacher Felix H. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: April 2013

The application of well‐defined poly(furfuryl glycidyl ether) (PFGE) homopolymers and poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(furfuryl glycidyl ether) (PEO‐b‐PFGE) block copolymers synthesized by living anionic polymerization as self‐healing materials is demonstrated. This is achieved by thermo‐reversible network formation via (retro) Diels‐Alder chemistry between the furan groups in the side‐chain of the PFGE segments and a bifunctional maleimide crosslinker within drop‐cast polymer films. The process is studied in detail by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), depth‐sensing indentation, and profilometry. It is shown that such materials are capable of healing complex scratch patterns, also multiple times. Furthermore, microphase separation within PEO‐b‐PFGE block copolymer films is indicated by small angle X‐ray scattering (lamellar morphology with a domain spacing of approximately 19 nm), differential scanning calorimetry, and contact angle measurements.
Oil‐Filled Lipid Nanoparticles Containing 2′‐(2‐Bromohexadecanoyl)‐Docetaxel for the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Feng Lan , Benhabbour Soumya R. , Mumper Russell J.
Published: April 2013

A docetaxel (DX) lipid conjugate 2′‐(2‐bromohexadecanoyl)‐docetaxel (2‐Br‐C16‐DX) is synthesized to enhance the drug loading, entrapment, and retention in liquid oil‐filled lipid nanoparticles (NPs). The conjugate is successfully entrapped in the previously optimized NPs with an entrapment efficiency of 56.8%. In‐vitro release studies in 100% mouse plasma show an initial 45% burst release with no additional release within 8 h. The conjugate is able to be hydrolyzed to release DX by esterases in‐vitro. The conjugate is less potent than unmodified DX in DU‐145 and 4T1 cells. However, NPs containing the conjugate show significantly higher cytotoxicity compared to its free form especially in 4T1 cells. In‐vivo, the AUC0‐∞ value of NP‐formulated 2‐Br‐C16‐DX is about 100‐fold higher than DX formulated in Taxotere. Furthermore, 2‐Br‐C16‐DX NPs improve DX AUC 4.3‐fold compared to Taxotere. The high concentration and prolonged exposure of both 2‐Br‐C16‐DX and DX from 2‐Br‐C16‐DX NPs in circulation result in a 10‐fold and 1.5‐fold higher accumulation of 2‐Br‐C16‐DX and DX, respectively, in tumors compared to Taxotere. In mice bearing syngeneic 4T1 tumors, 2‐Br‐C16‐DX NPs show markedly greater anticancer efficacy, as well as survival benefit over all controls. The results of these studies support that the oil‐filled NPs containing hydrolyzable lipophilic DX prodrug 2‐Br‐C16‐DX improve the therapeutic index of DX and are more efficacious in the treatment of breast cancer.
Chemically Stable Yttrium and Tin Co‐Doped Barium Zirconate Electrolyte for Next Generation High Performance Proton‐Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Sun Wenping , Liu Mingfei , Liu Wei
Published: April 2013

BaZr0.7Sn0.1Y0.2O3–δ (BZSY) is developed as a novel chemically stable proton conductor for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). BZSY possesses the same cubic symmetry of space group Pm‐3m with BaZr0.8Y0.2O3‐δ (BZY). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) results reveal that BZSY exhibits remarkably enhanced hydration ability compared to BZY. Correspondingly, BZSY shows significantly improved electrical conductivity. The chemical stability test shows that BZSY is quite stable under atmospheres containing CO2 or H2O. Fully dense BZSY electrolyte films are successfully fabricated on NiO–BZSY anode substrates followed by co‐firing at 1400 °C for 5 h and the film exhibits excellent electrical conductivity under fuel cell conditions. The single cell with a 12‐μm‐thick BZSY electrolyte film outputs by far the best performance for acceptor‐doped BaZrO3‐based SOFCs. With wet hydrogen (3% H2O) as the fuel and static air as the oxidant, the peak power density of the cell achieves as high as 360 mWcm−2 at 700 °C, an increase of 42% compared to the reported highest performance of BaZrO3‐based cells. The encouraging results demonstrate that BZSY is a good candidate as the electrolyte material for next generation high performance proton‐conducting SOFCs.
Occupational health policy and immigrant workers in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector
Authors: Liebman Amy K. , Wiggins Melinda F. , Fraser Clermont , Levin Jeffrey , Sidebottom Jill , Arcury Thomas A.
Published: April 2013

Background

Immigrant workers make up an important portion of the hired workforce in the Agricultural, Forestry and Fishing (AgFF) sector, one of the most hazardous industry sectors in the US. Despite the inherent dangers associated with this sector, worker protection is limited.

Methods

This article describes the current occupational health and safety policies and regulatory standards in the AgFF sector and underscores the regulatory exceptions and limitations in worker protections. Immigration policies and their effects on worker health and safety are also discussed. Emphasis is placed on policies and practices in the Southeastern US.

Results

Worker protection in the AgFF sector is limited. Regulatory protections are generally weaker than other industrial sectors and enforcement of existing regulations is woefully inadequate. The vulnerability of the AgFF workforce is magnified by worker immigration status. Agricultural workers in particular are affected by a long history of “exceptionalism” under the law as many regulatory protections specifically exclude this workforce.

Conclusions

A vulnerable workforce and high‐hazard industries require regulatory protections that, at a minimum, are provided to workers in other industries. A systematic policy approach to strengthen occupational safety and health in the AgFF sector must address both immigration policy and worker protection regulations. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:975–984, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integrated PLGA–Ag nanocomposite systems to control the degradation rate and antibacterial properties
Authors: Rinaldi Silvia , Fortunati Elena , Taddei Marco , Kenny Josè M. , Armentano Ilaria , Latterini Loredana
Published: April 2013

Biodegradable polymer based nanocomposite materials have attracted much attention since they can be used for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. In order to have highly integrated PLGA nanocomposite materials, silver colloidal nanoparticles were prepared in chloroform starting from silver nitrate and using polyvinylpyrrolidone as reduction and capping agent. TEM and AFM imaging give information on the size distribution of the silver nucleus (7.0 nm) and the capping shell (8.2–10.7 nm). PLGA–Ag nanocomposites were prepared upon addition of 1 or 3% wt of silver nanoparticles to the PLGA/chloroform suspension. The effect of silver loading on polymer degradation was studied following the mass loss and the morphology of nanocomposite films at different degradation stages. The concentrations of Ag+, which is released during nanocomposite degradation, were monitored and analyzed through the diffusion model, to have insight on the degradation kinetics. The release rate, and likely the degradation rate, was reduced at higher silver loading. Bacterial growth tests indicated that the cell growth is inhibited in the presence of PLGA–Ag nanocomposites and the efficiency is correlated to Ag+ release. Thus, controlling the nanoparticle loading, a tunable degradation and antibacterial action can be designed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1185‐1193, 2013
Preparation and characterization of semi‐interpenetrating network polystyrene/PVDF cation exchange alloy membranes
Authors: Sun Xiaocheng , Chen Fei , Lei Yinlin , Luo Yunjie , Zhao Yingxian
Published: April 2013

The polystyrene‐DVB/PVDF alloy particles were prepared by pulverizing the polymerization product of styrene/DVB/PVDF in DMF, and then sulfonated with concentrated sulfuric acid to gain the cation exchange alloy powder, which was directly thermoformed by a hot‐press machine to form the titled cation exchange alloy membranes with the structure of semi‐interpenetrating polymer network. The effects of the polystyrene‐DVB to PVDF mass ratio and the DVB content in the monomers on the physical and electrochemical properties of the prepared alloy membranes were investigated. While the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirms the components of membranes, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that the alloy membranes possess a uniform distribution of functional groups, and a more dense structure with the increases of DVB content and PVDF content. The optimal prepared membranes have the area electrical resistance values within 3.0–6.6 Ω·cm2, obviously superior to the commercial heterogeneous cation exchange membrane, as well as the moderate water contents of 35–40% and the desirable permselectivity with a transport number more than 0.95. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1220‐1227, 2013
Grid potential analysis, virtual screening studies and ADME/T profiling on N‐arylsulfonylindoles as anti‐HIV‐1 agents
Authors: Kumar Surendra , Tiwari Meena
Published: April 2013

A grid potential analysis employing a novel approach of 3D quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) as AutoGPA module in MOE2009.10 was performed on a dataset of 42 compounds of N‐arylsulfonylindoles as anti‐HIV‐1 agents. The uniqueness of AutoGPA module is that it automatically builds the 3D‐QSAR model on the pharmacophore‐based molecular alignment. The AutoGPA‐based 3D‐QSAR model obtained in the present study gave the cross‐validated Q2 value of 0.588, r2pred value of 0.701, r2m statistics of 0.732 and Fisher value of 94.264. The results of 3D‐QSAR analysis indicated that hydrophobic groups at R1 and R2 positions and electron releasing groups at R3 position are favourable for good activity. To find similar analogues, virtual screening on ZINC database was carried out using generated AutoGPA‐based 3D‐QSAR model and showed good prediction. In addition to those mentioned earlier, in‐silico ADME absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion profiling and toxicity risk assessment test was performed, and results showed that majority of compounds from current dataset and newly virtually screened hits generated were within their standard limit. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decomposition of the most potent greenhouse gas (GHG) sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma
Authors: Zhuang Quan , Clements Bruce , McFarlan Andrew , Fasoyinu Yemi
Published: April 2013

A DBD method has been developed to decompose sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) nearly 100% under conditions close to the exhaust gas in industries with energy efficiency of 0.015–0.15 GJ/ton carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent, 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than CO2 capture and sequestration from power generation boilers. A typical test condition was SF6: 820 ppm; CO2/air: 50/50; gas flow rate: 623 mL/m at 25°C; AC voltage: 17–23 kV p–p; AC frequency: 7 kHz. The success of this project was due to the development of highly effective star‐shaped discharge elements and an improved design of the DBD system, that is mode of applying voltage, the physical aspects of the reactor.
Incidence and pattern of second primary malignancies in patients with index oropharyngeal cancers versus index nonoropharyngeal head and neck cancers
Authors: Gan Samuel J. , Dahlstrom Kristina R. , Peck Brandon W. , Caywood Wes , Li Guojun , Wei Qingyi , Zafereo Mark E. , Sturgis Erich M.
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

A recent review of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry suggested that patients with index squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oropharynx (SCCOP) are less likely to develop second primary malignancies (SPM) than patients with index SCC of nonoropharyngeal sites (oral cavity, larynx, hypopharynx). The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of index primary tumor site on SPM risk and to explore factors that potentially affect this risk within a large, prospectively accrued cohort of patients with index SCC of the head and neck (SCCHN).

METHODS

A cohort of 2230 patients with incident SCCHN was reviewed for development of SPM. Kaplan‐Meier analysis, log‐rank testing, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to detect the impact of various factors, including index tumor site, on SPM risk.

RESULTS

The SPM rate was lower for patients with index SCCOP than for patients with index nonoropharyngeal cancer (P < .001). Among patients with SCCOP, former smokers had a 50% greater risk of SPM, and current smokers had a 100% greater risk of SPM than never‐smokers (Ptrend = .008). Also among patients with SCCOP, those with the classic SCCHN phenotype had an SPM risk similar to that of patients with index nonoropharyngeal cancers; those with a typical human papillomavirus phenotype had a very low SPM risk. SPM most commonly occurred at nontobacco‐related sites in patients with index SCCOP and at tobacco‐related sites in patients with index nonoropharyngeal cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with SCCHN, index cancer site and smoking status affect the risk and distribution of SPM. Cancer 2013;119:2593–2601. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Axitinib and/or bevacizumab with modified FOLFOX‐6 as first‐line therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: A randomized phase 2 study
Authors: Infante Jeffrey R. , Reid Tony R. , Cohn Allen L. , Edenfield William J. , Cescon Terrence P. , Hamm John T. , Malik Imtiaz A. , Rado Thomas A. , McGee Philip J. , Richards Donald A. , Tarazi Jamal , Rosbrook Brad , Kim Sinil , Cartwright Thomas H.
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

In this multicenter, open‐label, randomized phase 2 trial, the authors evaluated the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor axitinib, bevacizumab, or both in combination with chemotherapy as first‐line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

METHODS

Patients with previously untreated mCRC were randomized 1:1:1 to receive continuous axitinib 5 mg twice daily, bevacizumab 5 mg/kg every 2 weeks, or axitinib 5 mg twice daily plus bevacizumab 2 mg/kg every 2 weeks, each in combination with modified 5‐fluorouracil/leucovorin/oxaliplatin (FOLFOX‐6). The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR).

RESULTS

In all, 126 patients were enrolled from August 2007 to September 2008. The ORR was numerically inferior in the axitinib arm (n = 42) versus the bevacizumab arm (n = 43; 28.6% vs 48.8%; 1‐sided P = .97). Progression‐free survival (PFS) (11.0 months vs 15.9 months; 1‐sided P = .57) and overall survival (OS) (18.1 months vs 21.6 months; 1‐sided P = .69) also were numerically inferior in the axitinib arm. Similarly, efficacy endpoints for the axitinib/bevacizumab arm (n = 41) were numerically inferior (ORR, 39%; PFS, 12.5 months; OS, 19.7 months). The patients who received axitinib had fewer treatment cycles compared with other arms. Common all‐grade adverse events across all 3 treatment arms were fatigue, diarrhea, and nausea (all ≥49%). Hypertension and headache were more frequent in the patients who received axitinib. Patients in the bevacizumab arm had the longest treatment exposures and the highest rates of peripheral neuropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither the addition of continuous axitinib nor the axitinib/bevacizumab combination to FOLFOX‐6 improved ORR, PFS, or OS compared with bevacizumab as first‐line treatment of mCRC. Cancer 2013;119:2555–2563. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Assessment of cardiac stroke volume in patients with implanted cardiac pacemaker using parametric electrical impedance tomography: A theoretical 2D study
Authors: Mhajna Muhammad , Abboud Shimon
Published: April 2013

The present theoretical study examines the ability to estimate cardiac stroke volume (CSV) in patients with implanted cardiac pacemaker using parametric electrical impedance tomography (pEIT) in a 2D computerized model of the thorax. CSV is a direct indicator of the cardiac pumping efficiency. The commonly used methods for measuring CSV require the invasive procedure of right heart catheterization or use expensive imaging techniques (i.e., MRI). Hence, experience with these techniques for diagnosis and monitoring has been limited to hospitalized patients. In the present study, pEIT scheme was applied in a computerized 2D model of the human thorax with implanted cardiac device to determine the left ventricular (LV) volume at different cardiac cycle phases. The LV was simulated as a prolate ellipse with its axes’ lengths as the reconstruction parameters while all other geometries and conductivity values remained constant. An optimization was carried out in order to ensure that the ellipse is the appropriate model for the LV at each cardiac cycle phase. LV volumes calculated by both the pEIT algorithm and the ellipsoid model are consistent. A high correlation (ρ = 0.99) between the true and reconstructed volumes was found. The SV calculation error was ∼1%. The results suggest that the LV volume can be estimated using the pEIT method in a 2D computerized model, and that the method has the potential to be used for monitoring patients with implanted cardiac pacemaker. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High Dynamic Range Measurement with Arrayed Frequency Converter
Authors: Fuse Masaaki , Sekiya Hitoshi , Uchino Masaharu
Published: April 2013

When measuring multicarrier communication systems such as an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or UWB wireless signal, there is a problem that the effective measuring dynamic range of the measuring instrument may be reduced, since the peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) of the measured signal is significantly high. In order to solve this problem, we propose a technique that maintains the measuring dynamic range by dividing the measured signal into multiple bandwidths to decrease the measured signal power. We made a prototype of the measuring equipment, confirmed the operation of the algorithm, and verified the effectiveness of dynamic range improvement is 5 to 8 dB in relation to a conventional circuit. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 184(2): 28–35, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22367
A Muscle Motion Solenoid Actuator
Authors: Obata Shuji
Published: April 2013

It is one of our dreams to mechanically recover lost body capabilities for damaged humans. Realistic humanoid robots composed of such machines require muscle motion actuators controlled by all pulling actions. In particular, antagonistic pairs of bi‐articular muscles are very important in animal motions. A system of actuators is proposed using the electromagnetic force of solenoids with a stroke length of over 10 cm and a strength of about 20 N, which are needed to move the real human arm. The devised actuators are based on the development of recent modern electromagnetic materials, where traditional materials cannot give such a possibility. Composite actuators are controlled by a high‐capability computer and software to perform genuine motions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 184(2): 10–19, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22369
Constructing a Series of Azide‐Bridged CuII Magnetic Low‐Dimensional Coordination Polymers by using Pybox Ligands
Authors: Zhu Yuan‐Yuan , Cui Chang , Li Ning , Wang Bing‐Wu , Wang Zhe‐Ming , Gao Song
Published: April 2013

Four azide–copper coordination polymers, [Cu2L1(N3)4]n, [Cu2L2(N3)4]n, [Cu2L3R(N3)4]n, and [Cu2L3S(N3)4]n, were synthesized by using pybox [pyridine‐2,6‐bis(oxazolines)] as coligands {L1: 2,6‐bis(4,5‐dihydrooxazol‐2‐yl)pyridine; L2: 2,6‐bis(5,6‐dihydro‐4H‐1,3‐oxazin‐2‐yl)pyridine; L3R or 3S: 2,6‐bis[(R or S)‐4‐benzyl‐4,5‐dihydrooxazol‐2‐yl]pyridine}. Compounds 1 and 2 possess similar 1D infinite azide–copper hexagonal tapes with three types of N3 bridges (two single end‐on N3 bridges and one double end‐on N3 bridge). Compounds 3R and 3S possess an azide–copper 2D honeycomb layer with two types of N3 bridges (a single end‐to‐end N3 bridge and a double end‐on N3 bridge). The chirality of these enantiopure layered structures is controlled by the addition of the chiral pybox ligand in the synthesis, which is very rare for the reported azide–copper coordination polymers. The double end‐on N3 bridge transfers mainly ferromagnetic exchange coupling interactions in these four compounds. Owing to the steric hindrance of the pybox ligands, the interchain and interlayer separations are broadened, which weakens the magnetic interactions between them. Thus, no long‐range ferromagnetic ordering was observed above 1.8 K. A magnetostructural correlation was also discussed in detail.
Bisannulation of 2,3‐Dichloro‐1,4‐naphthoquinone with o‐Nitrophenylacetic Acid Derivatives: A Succinct Synthesis of the ABCD Ring System of Alpkinidine
Authors: Buccini Marco , Jeow Shi Yuan , Byrne Lindsay , Skelton Brian W. , Nguyen Tuan Minh , Chai Christina L. L. , Piggott Matthew J.
Published: April 2013

Three bisannulation strategies have been used to rapidly construct pentacyclic benzo‐fused pyrrolo[4,3,2‐mn]acridines, similar to several biologically active natural products. The key steps involve Michael substitution of 2,3‐dichloro‐1,4‐naphthoquinone with o‐nitrophenylacetic acid derivatives, followed by domino amino‐Michael substitutions/cyclisations. The most efficient of these syntheses provided a model compound (1) including the ABCD ring‐system of alpkinidine, in just three steps and 55 % overall yield.
Verification and validation of a seismic response analysis code for framed structures using the ASI‐Gauss technique
Authors: Isobe Daigoro , Han Won Sang , Miyamura Tomoshi
Published: April 2013

In this report, the capabilities of the adaptively shifted integration (ASI)‐Gauss code in the analysis of the seismic responses of framed structures are verified and validated by comparing the results with detailed numerical simulations performed by the parallel finite element analysis code, E‐Simulator, and with experimental results obtained by E‐Defense. The numerical results obtained by both codes showed good agreement with the experimental results obtained by E‐Defense. Furthermore, seismic waves with unnaturally large magnitudes are applied to a high‐rise building model to demonstrate the ability of the ASI‐Gauss code to analyze the collapse behaviors of building frames. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of fish embryo toxicity tests for the prediction of acute fish toxicity to chemicals
Authors: Belanger Scott E. , Rawlings Jane M. , Carr Gregory J.
Published: April 2013

The fish embryo test (FET) is a potential animal alternative for the acute fish toxicity (AFT) test. A comprehensive validation program assessed 20 different chemicals to understand intra- and interlaboratory variability for the FET. The FET had sufficient reproducibility across a range of potencies and modes of action. In the present study, the suitability of the FET as an alternative model is reviewed by relating FET and AFT. In total, 985 FET studies and 1531 AFT studies were summarized. The authors performed FET–AFT regressions to understand potential relationships based on physical–chemical properties, species choices, duration of exposure, chemical classes, chemical functional uses, and modes of action. The FET–AFT relationships are very robust (slopes near 1.0, intercepts near 0) across 9 orders of magnitude in potency. A recommendation for the predictive regression relationship is based on 96-h FET and AFT data: log FET median lethal concentration (LC50) = (0.989 × log fish LC50) − 0.195; n = 72 chemicals, r = 0.95, p < 0.001, LC50 in mg/L. A similar, not statistically different regression was developed for the entire data set (n = 144 chemicals, unreliable studies deleted). The FET–AFT regressions were robust for major chemical classes with suitably large data sets. Furthermore, regressions were similar to those for large groups of functional chemical categories such as pesticides, surfactants, and industrial organics. Pharmaceutical regressions (n = 8 studies only) were directionally correct. The FET–AFT relationships were not quantitatively different from acute fish–acute fish toxicity relationships with the following species: fathead minnow, rainbow trout, bluegill sunfish, Japanese medaka, and zebrafish. The FET is scientifically supportable as a rational animal alternative model for ecotoxicological testing of acute toxicity of chemicals to fish. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1768–1783. © 2013 SETAC
The impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on oxidative stress and innate immune response in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Xu Hai , Yang Ming , Qiu Wenhui , Pan Chenyuan , Wu Minghong
Published: April 2013

Bisphenol A (BPA) and nonylphenol (NP) are well known endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) ubiquitous in the aquatic environment and are an ecotoxicological risk for the health of aquatic organisms. Limited attention has been given to the immunotoxicity of these chemicals. The present study revealed a concentration-dependent increase of reactive oxygen species content and an induced expression of redox-sensitive transcription factors in zebrafish embryos after exposure to various concentrations of BPA, NP, and BPA/NP mixture for 4 h to 168 h postfertilization. Transcription of genes related to the immune response, including IFNγ, IL1β, IL10, Mx, TNFα, CC-chemokine, and CXCL-clc, were significantly up-regulated on exposure to EDCs. A significant induction of concentrations of proinflammatory mediator, nitric oxide, accompanied by an increase in the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and an upregulation of inducible NOS gene expression, was detected in zebrafish embryos on exposures to EDCs. To elucidate the potential mechanisms by which BPA and NP activate the innate immune response, expression profiles of genes related to the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) signaling pathway were examined. Expressions of TLR3, TRIF, MyD88, SARM, IRAK4, and TRAF6 were altered on exposure to EDCs. The authors' results demonstrate that exposure to BPA and NP significantly affects the expression of genes related to immune response in zebrafish embryos following oxidative stress. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1793–1799. © 2013 SETAC
Developing a large‐scale water‐balance approach to seasonal forecasting: application to the 2012 drought in Britain
Authors: Bell V. A. , Davies H. N. , Kay A. L. , Marsh T. J. , Brookshaw A. , Jenkins A.
Published: April 2013

Seasonal hydrological forecasts, or outlooks, can potentially provide water managers with estimates of river flows and water resources for a lead time of several months ahead. An experimental modelling tool for national hydrological outlooks has been developed which combines a hydrological model estimate of sub‐surface water storage across Britain with a range of seasonal rainfall forecasts to provide estimates of area‐wide hydrological conditions up to a few months ahead. The link is made between a deficit in sub‐surface water storage and a requirement for additional rainfall over subsequent months to enable sub‐surface water storage and river flow to return to mean monthly values. The new scheme is assessed over a recent period which includes the termination of the drought that affected much of Britain in the first few months of 2012. An illustration is provided of its use to obtain return‐period estimates of the ‘rainfall required’ to ease drought conditions; these are well in excess of 200 years for several regions of the country, for termination within a month of 1 April 2012, and still exceed 40 years for termination within three months. National maps of sub‐surface water storage anomaly show for the first time the current spatial variability of drought severity. They can also be used to provide an indication of how a drought situation might develop in the next few months given a range of possible future rainfall scenarios. © 2013 CEH/Crown and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rain‐on‐snow runoff events in New York
Authors: Pradhanang Soni M. , Frei Allan , Zion Mark , Schneiderman Elliot M. , Steenhuis Tammo S. , Pierson Donald
Published: April 2013

Rain‐on‐snow (ROS) runoff events are important hydro‐meteorological phenomenon due to their association with flooding. The severity of ROS runoff events depends on the magnitude of the precipitation, air temperature elevation, snow water equivalent (SWE), and areal extent of the antecedent snowpack. Examining the consequences of these factors acting together creates challenges for both flood prediction and flood risk assessments. This study provides information on the spatial patterns, and seasonality of ROS events in New York. We examine the spatial and temporal variability of ROS events for water years 2004 to 2012 from SNOw Data Assimilation System products for New York. Liquid and solid precipitation, snow depth, snowmelt, SWE, maximum and minimum temperature, hydrograph characteristics, and annual peak flow are examined. There is significant positive correlation of ROS days and ROS triggered events with elevation and negative correlation of these events with increasing air temperature. Our study shows that ROS events are dominant in high elevation areas of Adirondack and Catskill regions, and their distribution varies with month. Cumulative runoffs from ROS events are generally greater than the rain‐only runoff events. The majorities of annual peak flows in the study watersheds are the results of ROS events and lasted from a few days to many weeks. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Groups of Companies in Insolvency: A German Perspective
Authors: Siemon Klaus , Frind Frank
Published: April 2013

Based on an analysis concerning the disadvantages of the previous understanding of handling groups of companies by means of consolidation of jurisdiction, the following article illustrates the basic idea of group‐specialized proceedings (konzernspezifisches Sachwalterverfahren), avoiding ‘domino effects’ and thereby unnecessary insolvencies of profitable subsidiaries and preserving the assets of these parts of the group to a greater extent than an insolvency situation can. Copyright © 2013 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Study on the Interaction Mechanism of 2‐Aminoanthraquinone with Calf Thymus DNA
Authors: Yang Hongxu , Song Wei , Jing Mingyang , Liu Rutao
Published: April 2013

By utilizing multispectrosopic techniques, the toxic interaction of 2‐aminoanthraquinone (2‐AAQ) with calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) was investigated in vitro under simulated physiological conditions. The experimental results proved that 2‐AAQ has a toxic interaction with ctDNA. The binding capacity of DNA with 2‐AAQ is diminishing as the pH value of system increasing in the optimization of experimental condition. Moreover we selected pH 7.4, which is nearly physiological condition to enhance the practical significance. According to the Stern–Volmer equation, the quenching was the static quenching process. And the quenching constant can be derived from the fluorescence quenching spectrogram. Ultraviolet absorption spectra and the change in the fluorescence intensity at different ionic strengths further indicated that there was electrostatic binding between 2‐AAQ and ctDNA. The circular dichroism experiment showed that the DNA conformation varied from B to A conformation. The basic group enhanced after 2‐AAQ embedding. The double helix is more compact, and the DNA conformation changes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:272‐278, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21487
Inhibitory effects of sulfide on nitrifying biomass in the anaerobic–anoxic–aerobic wastewater treatment process
Authors: Zhou Zhen , Xing Can , An Ying , Hu Dalong , Qiao Weimin , Wang Luochun
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

Long pipeline transportation of wastewater usually generates high concentration of sulfide; however, information on nitrification inhibition by sulfide in the anaerobic–anoxic–aerobic (AAO) process is still scarce. This study focused on how sulfide could inhibit nitrification activity in the AAO process, and the inhibitory effect of initial sulfide concentration and anaerobic exposure time on the behavior of nitrifying biomass.

RESULTS

The net maximum specific growth rate (μAUT‐bAUT) was, respectively, 0.06 ± 0.01 and 0.31 ± 0.03 d−1 at 15 and 20°C in a full‐scale AAO wastewater treatment plant for long‐pipeline transported wastewater. The μAUT‐bAUT was not affected by 6.2 mg L−1 sulfide under aerated condition, but reduced by 75.9% after unaerated exposure for 0.5 h. The first‐order kinetic constant of sulfide inhibition under anaerobic conditions was 0.658 h−1, and half maximal inhibition concentration of sulfide on nitrification was 36.0 and 10.0 mg L−1 after 1.0 h and 1.5 h anaerobic exposure, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Nitrifying biomass was sensitive to the presence of sulfide under anaerobic conditions. The inhibitory reaction of sulfide on nitrifying biomass under anaerobic conditions conformed to the first‐order kinetic reaction, while the effect of initial sulfide concentration on nitrification inhibition matched the modified Monod model. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry