bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Miller Alec L. , Germán Miguelina , Fortunato Andrea
Published: November 2013

Borderline personality disorder is an Axis
II
disorder that had long been considered intractable and untreatable by the mental health community until the development of dialectical behavior therapy, a cognitive behavioral treatment for borderline personality disorder developed by Marsha Linehan. Dialectical behavior therapy was the first therapy to successfully demonstrate clinically significant reductions in the high rates of self‐harm, suicidal behaviors, and other symptoms associated with affective instability, which is a core feature of the disorder. This chapter briefly reviews the theoretical underpinnings of dialectical behavior therapy and describes the structure of the treatment (which includes individual sessions, skills group sessions, telephone consultation, and therapist group sessions) in greater detail. A clinical case study is discussed to demonstrate how the major strategies and techniques utilized in dialectical behavior therapy can be applied.
Tobacco Dependence
Authors: McGrath Daniel S. , Stewart Sherry H.
Published: November 2013

In this chapter, the most recent literature on cognitive behavioral therapy interventions for the treatment of tobacco dependence is reviewed. Evidence was compiled primarily from meta‐analyses, Cochrane Reviews, and recent qualitative review papers focused on the efficacy of various cognitive behavioral therapy approaches for achieving tobacco abstinence. Emphasis is given to the literature pertaining to general cognitive behavioral therapy approaches for smoking cessation as well as newer extensions of cognitive behavioral therapy including mindfulness‐based approaches and relapse prevention. The evidence in this review indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy‐based interventions are effective at increasing rates of tobacco abstinence in the general population, in special populations, and in individuals with comorbid psychological disorders such as depression. Recent studies examining extensions of cognitive behavioral therapy such as mindfulness‐based urge surfing interventions and relapse prevention models suggest that these techniques may also hold promise for increasing the likelihood of a successful quit attempt. Finally, a growing body of evidence indicates that pairing certain types of pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation with cognitive behavioral therapy may be more efficacious than pharmacotherapy alone. Overall, the clinical literature on smoking cessation indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy‐based interventions are an effective therapeutic option in the treatment of tobacco dependence.
Gambling
Authors: Grant Jon E. , Odlaug Brian L. , Donahue Christopher
Published: November 2013

Pathological gambling is an impulse control disorder characterized by maladaptive gambling behavior resulting in significant psychosocial impairment and financial difficulties.

Comorbid physical and mental health conditions are common. Cognitive distortions, often seen in pathological gambling, often complicate treatment if unaddressed. Cognitive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, elements of cue exposure, and motivational interviewing have all been shown to be effective in treating the urges, thoughts, and behaviors associated with pathological gambling. The recommended duration of sessions, the role of comorbidity, and specific goals of treatment (i.e., controlled gambling or abstinence) are unknown at this time. Clinicians should be aware of the heterogeneous presentation of pathological gambling and adjust client treatment plans accordingly.
The bright side of positive perceptual bias: Children's estimations of network centrality and aggression
Authors: Neal Jennifer Watling , Cappella Elise
Published: November 2013

This study explores whether findings linking positive perceptual bias to childhood aggression extend to perceptual bias in network centrality. We present data from nested regression models that examine associations between perceptual bias in network centrality and aggressive behavior in a sample of 421 urban African American second through fourth grade students. Children who overestimated their network centrality compared to peer‐reports were less likely to be nominated by peers as overtly or relationally aggressive. Results run counter to threatened egotism theory, and instead support a resource control theory explanation of perceptual bias and aggression. Specifically, aggressive children may strategically limit the number of peers they report “hanging out with” to maintain social status within their peer group. Findings imply that not all forms of positive perceptual bias have a “dark side.” Aggr. Behav. 40:140–151, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tailoring Impurity Distribution in Polycrystalline CdTe Solar Cells for Enhanced Minority Carrier Lifetime
Authors: Kranz Lukas , Gretener Christina , Perrenoud Julian , Jaeger Dominik , Gerstl Stephan S. A. , Schmitt Rafael , Buecheler Stephan , Tiwari Ayodhya N.
Published: November 2013

Passivation of grain boundaries (GBs) and interfaces to suppress recombination and to improve minority carrier lifetime (MCLT) is essential for the functionality of devices based on polycrystalline materials. Improvement of MCLT is believed to be a very promising way to bring CdTe solar cells to the next efficiency level. However, which parameters significantly affect MCLT is not well understood. Here, high‐efficiency CdTe solar cells in an unconventional inverted structure are used to approach this issue. Advanced characterization tools such as secondary ion mass spectroscopy 3D chemical imaging, atom probe tomography, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy are used to detect small amounts of impurities at GBs and are synergetically used together with time resolved photoluminescence measurements to correlate impurity distribution with electronic properties in CdTe solar cells. MCLT increases by an order of magnitude upon sulfur diffusion along GBs of the CdTe layer, which can occur by an elemental exchange with oxygen. Chlorine segregates at GBs and at the CdS/CdTe interface and bonding to cadmium and tellurium is indicated. CdTe solar cells in the inverted structure are presented with a certified efficiency of 13.5%. The results give guidance to further improve the performance of CdTe solar cells.
Autosomal recessive stickler syndrome due to a loss of function mutation in the COL9A3 gene
Authors: Faletra Flavio , D'Adamo Adamo P. , Bruno Irene , Athanasakis Emmanouil , Biskup Saskia , Esposito Laura , Gasparini Paolo
Published: November 2013

Stickler syndrome (STL) is a clinically variable and genetically heterogeneous syndrome characterized by ophthalmic, articular, orofacial, and auditory manifestations. STL has been described with both autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance. The dominant form is caused by mutations of COL2A1 (STL 1, OMIM 108300), COL11A1 (STL 2, OMIM 604841), and COL11A2 (STL 3, OMIM 184840) genes, while recessive forms have been associated with mutations of COL9A1 (OMIM 120210) and COL9A2 (OMIM 120260) genes. Type IX collagen is a heterotrimeric molecule formed by three genetically distinct chains: α1, α2, and α3 encoded by the COL9A1, COL9A2, and COL9A3 genes. Up to this time, only heterozygous mutations of COL9A3 gene have been reported in human and related to: (1) multiple epiphyseal dysplasia type 3, (2) susceptibility to an intervertebral disc disease, and (3) hearing loss. Here, we describe the first autosomal recessive Stickler family due to loss of function mutations (c.1176_1198del, p.Gln393Cysfs*25) of COL9A3 gene. These findings extend further the role of collagen genes family in the disease pathogenesis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Invited editorial comment—the human phenotype of germline PIGA mutations
Authors: Biesecker Leslie G.
Published: November 2013

Two research groups have published reports on PIGA (phosphatidylinositol glycan class A) mutations that validate and extend our understanding of the range of phenotypes of this phenotypic spectrum. One report is primarily confirmatory of the discovery in 2012 that mutations in this gene cause a phenotype of dysmorphic features, neurologic manifestations, and biochemical perturbations. The second report describes an intriguing family with a phenotypically distinct neurological picture, distinguished primarily by CNS iron accumulation. These reports address important lessons in judging causality in the exome age and bear on the question of syndrome nomenclature. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Frequency of prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis and pregnancy outcomes by maternal race–ethnicity, and the effect on the prevalence of trisomy 21, Metropolitan Atlanta, 1996–2005
Authors: Jackson Jodi M. , Crider Krista S. , Cragan Janet D. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Olney Richard S.
Published: November 2013

The prevalence of trisomy 21 has been reported to differ by race–ethnicity, however, the results are inconsistent and the cause of the differences is unknown. Using data from 1996 to 2005 from the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP), we analyzed the use of prenatal cytogenetic testing and the subsequent use of elective termination among pregnancies affected with any MACDP‐eligible birth defect and trisomy 21, by maternal race–ethnicity. We then examined whether these factors could explain the observed differences in the prevalence of trisomy 21 among race–ethnicity groups. Among all pregnancies with birth defects, prenatal cytogenetic testing as well as elective terminations after an abnormal prenatal cytogenetic test result were observed less frequently among Hispanic women than among non‐Hispanic white women (odds ratio [OR] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56–0.78, respectively). In pregnancies affected by trisomy 21, both the Hispanic and the non‐Hispanic black populations had more live births (89.5% and 77.8%, respectively) and fewer elective terminations (5.7% and 15.2%, respectively) compared to the non‐Hispanic white population (63.0% live births, 32.3% elective terminations). After adjusting for elective terminations, non‐Hispanic white mothers had a higher live birth prevalence of trisomy 21 compared to non‐Hispanic black (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.54–0.76) or Hispanic mothers (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.55–0.86). Overall, our data suggest that factors associated with decisions made about the use of prenatal testing, and about pregnancy management after testing, might play a large role in the race–ethnicity differences observed in the live birth prevalence of trisomy 21. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detektion von Persulfidbildung an Proteinen (S‐Sulfhydrierung) mithilfe einer Tag‐Switch‐Technik
Authors: Zhang Dehui , Macinkovic Igor , Devarie‐Baez Nelmi O. , Pan Jia , Park Chung‐Min , Carroll Kate S. , Filipovic Milos R. , Xian Ming
Published: November 2013

Protein‐Persulfidbildung (die Bildung von ‐S‐SH‐Addukten aus Cysteinresten) ist eine vor kurzem entdeckte oxidative posttranslationale Modifikation, die eine wichtige Rolle bei H2S‐vermittelten Signalwegen spielt. Hier berichten wir über die erste selektive “Tag‐Switch”‐Methode, mit der Protein‐Persulfidreste direkt markiert werden können, um stabile Thioether‐Konjugate zu bilden. Des Weiteren zeigen wir, dass H2S allein nicht zur Persulfidbildung führen kann und dass die beiden möglichen physiologischen Mechanismen eine Reaktion mit Protein‐Sulfensäuren (P‐SOH) oder die Beteiligung von Metallzentren umfassen, die die Oxidation von H2S zu HS. ermöglichen.
Detection of Protein S‐Sulfhydration by a Tag‐Switch Technique
Authors: Zhang Dehui , Macinkovic Igor , Devarie‐Baez Nelmi O. , Pan Jia , Park Chung‐Min , Carroll Kate S. , Filipovic Milos R. , Xian Ming
Published: November 2013

Protein S‐sulfhydration (forming ‐S‐SH adducts from cysteine residues) is a newly defined oxidative posttranslational modification and plays an important role in H2S‐mediated signaling pathways. In this study we report the first selective, “tag‐switch” method which can directly label protein S‐sulfhydrated residues by forming stable thioether conjugates. Furthermore we demonstrate that H2S alone cannot lead to S‐sulfhydration and that the two possible physiological mechanisms include reaction with protein sulfenic acids (P‐SOH) or the involvement of metal centers which would facilitate the oxidation of H2S to HS..
The Chemistry of Cyborgs—Interfacing Technical Devices with Organisms
Authors: Giselbrecht Stefan , Rapp Bastian E. , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: November 2013

The term “cyborg” refers to a cybernetic organism, which characterizes the chimera of a living organism and a machine. Owing to the widespread application of intracorporeal medical devices, cyborgs are no longer exclusively a subject of science fiction novels, but technically they already exist in our society. In this review, we briefly summarize the development of modern prosthetics and the evolution of brain–machine interfaces, and discuss the latest technical developments of implantable devices, in particular, biocompatible integrated electronics and microfluidics used for communication and control of living organisms. Recent examples of animal cyborgs and their relevance to fundamental and applied biomedical research and bioethics in this novel and exciting field at the crossroads of chemistry, biomedicine, and the engineering sciences are presented.
A Microgel Construction Kit for Bioorthogonal Encapsulation and pH‐Controlled Release of Living Cells
Authors: Steinhilber Dirk , Rossow Torsten , Wedepohl Stefanie , Paulus Florian , Seiffert Sebastian , Haag Rainer
Published: November 2013

pH‐Cleavable cell‐laden microgels with excellent long‐term viabilities were fabricated by combining bioorthogonal strain‐promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) and droplet‐based microfluidics. Poly(ethylene glycol)dicyclooctyne and dendritic poly(glycerol azide) served as bioinert hydrogel precursors. Azide conjugation was performed using different substituted acid‐labile benzacetal linkers that allowed precise control of the microgel degradation kinetics in the interesting pH range between 4.5 and 7.4. By this means, a pH‐controlled release of the encapsulated cells was achieved upon demand with no effect on cell viability and spreading. As a result, the microgel particles can be used for temporary cell encapsulation, allowing the cells to be studied and manipulated during the encapsulation and then be isolated and harvested by decomposition of the microgel scaffolds.
Hydrothermal pretreatment for the preparation of wool powders
Authors: Hou Xiuliang , Xu Helan , Shi Zhen , Ge Mingqiao , Chen Lifen , Cao Xiuming , Yang Yiqi
Published: November 2013

Wool powders with low solubility could be easily prepared from wool fibers by combining hydrothermal pretreatment (HTP) and grinding processes. Transforming wool fibers into powders was the first step of exploiting wool as new materials such as bio‐thermoplastics. However, wool fibers were difficult to be prepared into powders only by grinding due to their toughness. This article used a chemical‐free method to obtain wool powders by grinding HTP‐treated wool fibers. Wool fibers after HTP at 130°C for 40 min or above were obviously easier to be broken into snippets with lengths of 25–150 μm after grinding for 1 min and shapeless super‐fine powders with diameters of 3–15 μm after ball milling for 10 min. Wool fibers after HTP were brittle mainly owing to decrease of α‐helices and SS bonds. Combination of HTP and grinding could be an eco‐friendly and feasible treatment to prepare wool powders on industrial scale. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40173.
Improvement of interfacial adhesion between PBO fibers and cyanate ester matrix
Authors: Yan Hongxia , Feng Shuyao , Zhang Zijun , Hu Sihai
Published: November 2013

Poly(p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers were activated by the horseradish peroxidases (HRP) and then treated by 3‐Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH‐560) to improve the wettability and the interfacial adhesion between PBO fibers and cyanate ester matrix. The chemical compositions of PBO fibers were characterized and analyzed by FTIR and XPS. Surface morphologies of PBO fibers were examined by SEM. The wettability of PBO fibers was evaluated by the dynamic contact angle analysis test. The mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile strength and interfacial shear strength, respectively. The results demonstrated that hydroxyl groups and epoxy groups were introduced onto the surface of PBO fibers during the treatments. These treatments can effectively improve the wettability and adhesion of PBO fibers. The surface free energy of PBO fibers was increased from 31.1 mN/m to 55.2 mN/m, and the interfacial adhesion between PBO fiber and cyanate ester resin was improved to 10.77 MPa. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40204.
Facile Fabrication of Multi‐targeted and Stable Biochemical SERS Sensors
Authors: Kim Hongki , Kang Taejoon , Lee Hyoban , Ryoo Hyunseong , Yoo Seung Min , Lee Sang Yup , Kim Bongsoo
Published: November 2013

The direct transfer of single‐crystalline Au nanowires (NWs) onto Au substrates was achieved by a simple attachment and detachment process. In the presence of a lubricant, Au NWs grown vertically on a sapphire substrate were efficiently moved to an Au substrate through van der Waals interactions. We demonstrate that the transferred Au NWs on the Au substrate can act as sensitive, reproducible, and long‐term‐stable surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensors by detecting human α‐thrombin as well as Pb2+ and Hg2+ ions. These three biochemically and/or environmentally important analytes were successfully detected with high sensitivity and selectivity by Au NW‐SERS sensors bound by a thrombin‐binding aptamer. Furthermore, the as‐prepared sensors remained in working order after being stored under ambient conditions at room temperature for 80 days. Because Au NWs can be routinely transferred onto Au substrates and because the resultant Au NW‐SERS sensors are highly stable and provide with high sensitivity and reproducibility of detection, these sensors hold potential for practical use in biochemical sensing.
In Situ Facile Synthesis of Ru‐Based Core–Shell Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Black and Their High Catalytic Activity in the Dehydrogenation of Amine‐Boranes
Authors: Cao Nan , Su Jun , Hong Xinlin , Luo Wei , Cheng Gongzhen
Published: November 2013

Well‐dispersed core–shell Ru@M (M=Co, Ni, Fe) nanoparticles (NPs) supported on carbon black have been synthesized via a facile in situ one‐step procedure under ambient condition. Core‐shell Ru@Co NPs were synthesized and characterized for the first time. The as‐synthesized Ru@Co and Ru@Ni NPs exhibit superior catalytic activity in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane compared with their monometallic and alloy counterparts. The Ru@Co/C NPs are the most reactive, with a turnover frequency (TOF) value of 320 (mol min−1) molRu−1 and activation energy (Ea) of 21.16 kJ mol−1. Ru@Ni/C NPs are the next most active, whereas Ru@Fe/C NPs are almost inactive. Additionally, the as‐synthesized NPs supported on carbon black exhibit higher catalytic activity than catalysts on other conventional supports, such as SiO2 and γ‐Al2O3.
Extended Elementary Siphons and Their Application to Liveness‐Enforcement of Generalized Petri Nets
Authors: Hou YiFan , Li ZhiWu , Al‐Ahmari Abdulrahman M. , El‐Tamimi Abdul‐Aziz Mohammed , Nasr Emad Abouel
Published: November 2013

As a significant structural object, siphons are extensively employed to implement a large number of deadlock prevention and liveness‐enforcing methods for flexible manufacturing systems modeled by Petri nets. By linear combinations, a set of elementary siphons is chosen from all strict minimal ones to be controlled and thus the structural complexity of a supervisor is greatly reduced. The concept of elementary siphons is originally proposed for ordinary Petri nets. When applied to generalized Petri nets, their selection and controllability require an additional study. In this work, the concept of augmented siphons is proposed to extend the application of the elementary ones to a class of generalized Petri nets, GLS3PR. Based on graph theory, a siphon extraction algorithm is developed to obtain all strict minimal siphons, from which augmented elementary ones are computed. In addition, the controllability conditions of dependent siphons are developed. Through fully investigating the net structure, especially weight information, the set of augmented elementary siphons is more compact and well suits for generalized Petri net models under consideration. Some examples are used to illustrate the proposed method.
Maximally Permissive Petri Net Supervisors for Flexible Manufacturing Systems with Uncontrollable and Unobservable Transitions
Authors: Chen YuFeng , Barkaoui Kamel
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a deadlock prevention policy to obtain behaviorally optimal supervisors for flexible manufacturing systems with uncontrollable and unobservable transitions. The conditions of uncontrollability and unobservability of transitions are revealed in the sense of the implementation of a Petri net supervisor. Then, integer linear programming models are designed to obtain a Petri net supervisor such that all legal markings are reachable and the number of control places is reduced. We also show that a controllable transition can be unobservable and self‐loops can be used to disable the transition but do not observe its firing. Finally, examples are provided to illustrate the proposed approach.
The Framework for Linear Periodic Time‐Delay Systems Based on Semi‐Discretization: Stability Analysis and Control
Authors: Shao Chenhui , Sheng Jie
Published: November 2013

Stability analysis and control for linear periodic time‐delay systems are investigated in this paper. In this framework, a semi‐discretization method is used to develop a mapping of the system response in a finite‐dimensional state space. With the mapping, the stability region and stability boundary can be identified by comparing the maximum absolute value of its eigenvalues to 1. More importantly, an efficient stability criterion is presented for periodic neutral systems. In addition, minimization of the maximum absolute value of the mapping's eigenvalues leads to optimal control gains. The tracking control problem is also discussed. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Enhanced antiamyloidal activity of hydroxy cinnamic acids by enzymatic esterification with alkyl alcohols
Authors: Kondo Hazuki , Sugiyama Haruka , Katayama Shigeru , Nakamura Soichiro
Published: November 2013

Lipophilic derivatives of hydroxyl cinnamic acids (HCAs) including caffeic acid (CA), ferulic acid, sinapic acid (SA), and chlorogenic acid were synthesized by esterification with butanol, octanol, or hexadecanol catalyzed by the lipase from Candida antarctica to investigate the effect of lipophilicity on their antiamyloidal activity assessed by the inhibitory activities toward fibrillization of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide. Among them, CA showed the highest activity at 50 μM, reducing the amyloid fibril formation of Aβ to 34.4 ± 6.8%. The antiamyloidal effects of HCAs were enhanced by esterification with alkyl alcohols, and the longer alkyl chain tended to be more effective except for SA. Aβ fibril formation was suppressed by the hexadecyl ester of CA, which was reduced to 8.8 ± 2.3%. In contrast, those of octyl and butyl esters were 19.3 ± 2.3% and 41.6 ± 6.1%, respectively. These results show that lipophilicity plays an important role in the antiamyloidal activities of esterified phenolic compounds.
Ras/PKA signal transduction pathway participates in the regulation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell apoptosis in an acidic environment
Authors: Lastauskienė Eglė , Zinkevičienė Auksė , Čitavičius Donaldas
Published: November 2013

The acidification of the medium is observed during yeast cell growth. This process contributes to the emission of organic acids, mainly acetic acid. Acetic acid is known as the inducer of apoptosis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, we showed that hydrochloric acid can also induce apoptosis in yeast cells, and the apoptotic phenotype triggered by treating yeast cells with hydrochloric acid is modulated by the Ras/PKA pathway. The Ras/PKA pathway is highly conserved between all eukaryotic organisms, as well as cell processes that are related to apoptosis and aging. In this research, we demonstrated that the activation of the Ras/PKA pathway by insertion of Ras2Val19 allele or deletion of PDE2 gene increases cell death, displaying the markers of apoptosis in an acidic environment. Downregulation of the pathway by deletion of RAS2, RAS1, PDE1, and insertion of the Ha‐ras gene increases the cell viability and diminishes cell death with the apoptotic phenotypes. The deletion of PDE1 gene and double deletion of both phosphodiesterase genes prevent the induction of apoptosis in the cells. Modulations in the Ras/PKA pathway affect cell viability and apoptosis during natural gradual acidification of the medium as well as in acid stress conditions.
Individual Differences in Antisocial Punishment in Public Goods Situations: The Interplay of Cortisol with Testosterone and Dominance
Authors: Pfattheicher Stefan , Landhäußer Anne , Keller Johannes
Published: November 2013

This research investigates which endocrinological and psychological factors are associated with individuals' tendency to engage in destructive antisocial punishment, that is, to costly punish cooperative individuals in public goods situations. In this work, we focus on the interplay of endogenous cortisol with testosterone and dominance. We applied the dual‐hormone hypothesis according to which testosterone is positively associated with destructive and dominant behavior but only in individuals with low levels of cortisol. Study 1 shows that individuals are more likely to engage in destructive antisocial punishment in a public goods game with the option to punish when their testosterone level is high, given that their level of cortisol is low, which bolsters the dual‐hormone hypothesis. In contrast, no significant interaction effect of testosterone and cortisol emerges for the punishment of uncooperative free‐riders (altruistic punishment). In a second study, we build on these findings and document that self‐reported dominance is only positively associated with antisocial punishment (but not with altruistic punishment) when cortisol is low. In sum, the results indicate the importance of taking endocrinological and psychological factors (and their interactions) into account in order to reach a comprehensive understanding of individuals' behavior in social dilemma situations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A traffic-light coding system to organize emergency surgery across surgical disciplines
Authors: Leppäniemi A , Jousela I
Published: November 2013

Background

Emergency surgery is associated with night-time procedures and disruption of elective surgery. An analysis was undertaken of the effect of classifying emergency operations uniformly with a three-tier urgency colour code and the use of dedicated daytime operating rooms.

Methods

Observed changes from 2001 to 2012 in the number, timing and ability to meet the urgency-designated colour code deadline were retrieved from the computer-based operating theatre organization system for all emergency operations.

Results

The number of emergency operations performed annually ranged from 3330 to 4341, with an increasing trend. The proportion of night-time emergency operations decreased from 27·4 per cent (2563 of 9347) before to 23·5 per cent (7731 of 32 959) after introduction of the colour coding system in 2004 (χ2 = 61·94, 1 d.f., P < 0·001). In 2007, owing to long preoperative delays in patients with acute appendicitis and acute cholecystitis, colour codes for these patients were upgraded from ‘orange’ to ‘red’ and from ‘yellow’ to ‘orange’ respectively. The proportion of patients operated on with a red code before and after this change increased from 45·2 per cent (5831 of 12 907 operations) to 62·7 per cent (13 020 of 20 778 operations; χ2 = 986·99, 1 d.f., P < 0·001). In 2012, the office-hours raw utilization time for the principal emergency operation theatre was 85·4 per cent.

Conclusion

The structural separation of elective and emergency surgery, the use of dedicated daytime operating theatres and the implementation of a universal classification of emergency operations reduced night-time surgery, improved the efficiency of operating theatre utilization during daytime, shortened preoperative delay in patients requiring urgent surgery, and enabled monitoring and corrective actions for providing emergency surgery services.
Staged multidisciplinary step-up management for necrotizing pancreatitis
Authors: da Costa D W , Boerma D , van Santvoort H C , Horvath K D , Werner J , Carter C R , Bollen T L , Gooszen H G , Besselink M G , Bakker O J
Published: November 2013

Background

Some 15 per cent of all patients with acute pancreatitis develop necrotizing pancreatitis, with potentially significant consequences for both patients and healthcare services.

Methods

This review summarizes the latest insights into the surgical and medical management of necrotizing pancreatitis. General management strategies for the treatment of complications are discussed in relation to the stage of the disease.

Results

Frequent clinical evaluation of the patient's condition remains paramount in the first 24–72 h of the disease. Liberal goal-directed fluid resuscitation and early enteral nutrition should be provided. Urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is indicated when cholangitis is suspected, but it is unclear whether this is appropriate in patients with predicted severe biliary pancreatitis without cholangitis. Antibiotic prophylaxis does not prevent infection of necrosis and antibiotics are not indicated as part of initial management. Bacteriologically confirmed infections should receive targeted antibiotics. With the more conservative approach to necrotizing pancreatitis currently advocated, fine-needle aspiration culture of pancreatic or extrapancreatic necrosis will less often lead to a change in management and is therefore indicated less frequently. Optimal treatment of infected necrotizing pancreatitis consists of a staged multidisciplinary ‘step-up’ approach. The initial step is drainage, either percutaneous or transluminal, followed by surgical or endoscopic transluminal debridement only if needed. Debridement is delayed until the acute necrotic collection has become ‘walled-off’.

Conclusion

Outcome following necrotizing pancreatitis has improved substantially in recent years as a result of a shift from early surgical debridement to a staged, minimally invasive, multidisciplinary, step-up approach.
Accuracy of MRI compared with ultrasound imaging and selective use of CT to discriminate simple from perforated appendicitis
Authors: Leeuwenburgh M M N , Wiezer M J , Wiarda B M , Bouma W H , Phoa S S K S , Stockmann H B A C , Jensch S , Bossuyt P M M , Boermeester M A , Stoker J , Gratama J W C , Houdijk A P J , Richir M , Spilt A , van Es H W , Verhagen M F , Vrouenraets B C , Cobben L P J
Published: November 2013

Background

Discrimination between simple and perforated appendicitis in patients with suspected appendicitis may help to determine the therapy, timing of surgery and risk of complications. The aim of this study was to estimate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in distinguishing between simple and perforated appendicitis, and to compare MRI against ultrasound imaging with selected additional (conditional) use of computed tomography (CT).

Methods

Patients with clinically suspected appendicitis were identified prospectively at the emergency department of six hospitals. Consenting patients underwent MRI, but were managed based on findings at ultrasonography and conditional CT. Radiologists who evaluated the MRI were blinded to the results of ultrasound imaging and CT. The presence of perforated appendicitis was recorded after each evaluation. The final diagnosis was assigned by an expert panel based on perioperative data, histopathology and clinical follow-up after 3 months.

Results

MRI was performed in 223 of 230 included patients. Acute appendicitis was the final diagnosis in 118 of 230 patients, of whom 87 had simple and 31 perforated appendicitis. MRI correctly identified 17 of 30 patients with perforated appendicitis (sensitivity 57 (95 per cent confidence interval 39 to 73) per cent), whereas ultrasound imaging with conditional CT identified 15 of 31 (sensitivity 48 (32 to 65) per cent) (P = 0·517). All missed diagnoses of perforated appendicitis were identified as simple acute appendicitis with both imaging protocols. None of the MRI features for perforated appendicitis had a positive predictive value higher than 53 per cent.

Conclusion

MRI is comparable to ultrasonography with conditional use of CT in identifying perforated appendicitis. However, both strategies incorrectly classify up to half of all patients with perforated appendicitis as having simple appendicitis. Triage of appendicitis based on imaging for conservative treatment is inaccurate and may be considered unsafe for decision-making.

Presented to a scientific meeting of the Association of Surgeons of the Netherlands, Veldhoven, The Netherlands, May 2012; published in abstract form as Br J Surg 2012; 99(Suppl 7): S6
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of (S)‐Valine Thiazole‐Derived Cyclic and Noncyclic Peptidomimetic Oligomers as Modulators of Human P‐Glycoprotein (ABCB1)
Authors: Singh Satyakam , Prasad Nagarajan Rajendra , Kapoor Khyati , Chufan Eduardo E. , Patel Bhargav A. , Ambudkar Suresh V. , Talele Tanaji T.
Published: November 2013

Multidrug resistance caused by ATP binding cassette transporter P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) through extrusion of anticancer drugs from the cells is a major cause of failure in cancer chemotherapy. Previously, selenazole‐containing cyclic peptides were reported as P‐gp inhibitors and were also used for co‐crystallization with mouse P‐gp, which has 87 % homology to human P‐gp. It has been reported that human P‐gp can simultaneously accommodate two to three moderately sized molecules at the drug binding pocket. Our in silico analysis, based on the homology model of human P‐gp, spurred our efforts to investigate the optimal size of (S)‐valine‐derived thiazole units that can be accommodated at the drug binding pocket. Towards this goal, we synthesized varying lengths of linear and cyclic derivatives of (S)‐valine‐derived thiazole units to investigate the optimal size, lipophilicity, and structural form (linear or cyclic) of valine‐derived thiazole peptides that can be accommodated in the P‐gp binding pocket and affects its activity, previously an unexplored concept. Among these oligomers, lipophilic linear (13) and cyclic trimer (17) derivatives of QZ59S‐SSS were found to be the most and equally potent inhibitors of human P‐gp (IC50=1.5 μM). As the cyclic trimer and linear trimer compounds are equipotent, future studies should focus on noncyclic counterparts of cyclic peptides maintaining linear trimer length. A binding model of the linear trimer 13 within the drug binding site on the homology model of human P‐gp represents an opportunity for future optimization, specifically replacing valine and thiazole groups in the noncyclic form.
Cold Rich Bypass to Strippers for CO2 Capture by Concentrated Piperazine
Authors: Van Wagener David H. , Rochelle Gary T.
Published: November 2013

Cold rich bypass to the stripper in CO2 capture by alkanolamines will usually reduce the total heat duty. Bypass reduces the stripping steam in the overhead vapor and balances the temperature approach in the main cross exchanger. This process improvement reduces the energy requirement of any configuration, but it is most beneficial when the overhead vapor is not already countercurrently contacted with incoming rich solution. Therefore, the 2‐stage flash configuration was evaluated in this work, and it had an improvement of 11 % over the no bypass case. Its improvement was better than what was observed with a simple stripper and interheated column. An optimized cool rich bypass for a pilot scale 2‐stage reduces the equivalent work.
How fruit developmental biology makes use of flow cytometry approaches
Authors: Pirrello Julien , Bourdon Matthieu , Cheniclet Catherine , Bourge Mickaël , Brown Spencer C. , Renaudin Jean‐Pierre , Frangne Nathalie , Chevalier Christian
Published: November 2013

Fleshy fruit species such as tomato are important because of their nutritional and economic value. Several stages of fruit development such as ovary formation, fruit set, and fruit maturation have already been the subject of many developmental studies. However, fruit growth per se has been much less addressed. Fruit growth like all plant organs depends upon the developmental processes of cell division and cell expansion. The activity of cell divisions sets the number of cells that will compose the fruit; the cell expansion activity then determines its final size. Among the various mechanisms that may influence the determination of cell size, endopolyploidy by the means of endoreduplication, i.e. genome amplification in the absence of mitosis, appears to be of great importance in fleshy fruits. In tomato fruit, endoreduplication is associated with DNA‐dependent cell expansion: cell size can reach spectacular levels such as hundreds of times its initial size (e.g. >0.5 mm in diameter), with as much as a 256‐fold increase in nuclear DNA content. Using tomato fruit development as a model, recent investigations combining the use of flow cytometry, cellular imaging and molecular analyses have provided new data in favor of the long‐standing karyoplasmic ratio theory, stating that cells tend to adjust their cytoplasmic volume to the nuclear DNA content. By establishing a highly structured cellular system where multiple physiological functions are integrated, endoreduplication acts as a morphogenetic factor supporting cell growth during tomato fruit development. In the context of plant breeding, deciphering the mechanisms controlling fruit growth, in particular those connecting the process of nuclear endoreduplication with modulation of gene expression, the regulation of cell size and final fruit size and composition, is necessary to understand better the establishment of fleshy fruit quality traits. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
A case of plasmablastic lymphoma diagnosed on liquid‐based pap test
Authors: Arce Julian , Broadway Kameelah , Somma Jonathan , Khader Samer
Published: November 2013

Primary gynecological lymphomas are rare and difficult to diagnose with Pap test. Herein, we report an uncommon case of plasmablastic lymphoma in a 61‐year‐old female with human immunodeficiency virus that presents with vaginal bleeding. The following case report shows the cytological features on liquid‐based Pap test, cell block studies with diagnostic immunohistochemistry, discussion of the diagnostic difficulties, and a literature review. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:956–958. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pancreatic fine‐needle aspiration cytology in patients < 35‐years of age: A retrospective review of 174 cases spanning a 17‐year period
Authors: Redelman Megan , Cramer Harvey M. , Wu Howard H.
Published: November 2013

Pancreatic lesions in young patients are relatively rare and, to our knowledge, the clinical value of pancreatic fine needle aspiration (FNA) in patients < 35 years of age has not been previously established by any other large retrospective studies. All pancreatic endoscopic ultrasound‐guided FNA (EUS‐FNA) cases performed on patients < 35 years of age were identified for a 17‐year period (1994–2010). All FNAs and all available correlating surgical pathology reports were reviewed. There were a total of 174 cases of pancreatic FNA performed on 109 females and 65 males under the age of 35 (range: 8–34, mean: 27 years). The FNA diagnoses included 37 malignant, 114 negative, nine atypia/suspicious, and 14 cases that were nondiagnostic. Of the 37 malignant FNA cases, the diagnoses included 18 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNeT), 11 solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPN), five adenocarcinomas and three metastatic neoplasms. Histologic follow‐up was available in 22 of the 37 malignant cases diagnosed by FNA, and the diagnosis was confirmed in 21 cases. One pancreatoblastoma was misclassified as SPN on EUS‐FNA. False negative diagnoses were noted in three cases of low‐grade mucinous cystic neoplasm and one case of PanNeT. The most common type of neoplasms diagnosed by EUS‐FNA in patients < 35‐year old is PanNeT, followed by SPN with both tumors accounting for 75% of all the neoplasms encountered in this age group. The sensitivity and specificity for positive cytology in EUS‐FNA of the pancreas to identify malignancy and mucinous neoplasms were 90% and 100%, respectively. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:297–301. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using classification and regression trees, liquid‐based cytology and nuclear morphometry for the discrimination of endometrial lesions
Authors: Pouliakis Abraham , Margari Charalampia , Margari Niki , Chrelias Charalampos , Zygouris Dimitrios , Meristoudis Christos , Panayiotides Ioannis , Karakitsos Petros
Published: November 2013

‘The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of classification and regression trees (CARTs) in discriminating benign from malignant endometrial nuclei and lesions. The study was performed on 222 histologically confirmed liquid based cytological smears, specifically: 117 benign cases, 62 malignant cases and 43 hyperplasias with or without atypia. About 100 nuclei were measured from each case using an image analysis system; in total, we collected 22783 nuclei. The nuclei from 50% of the cases (the training set) were used to construct a CART model that was used for knowledge extraction. The nuclei from the remaining 50% of cases (test set) were used to evaluate the stability and performance of the CART on unknown data. Based on the results of the CART for nuclei classification, we propose two classification methods to discriminate benign from malignant cases. The CART model had an overall accuracy for the classification of endometrial nuclei equal to 85%, specificity 90.68%, and sensitivity 72.05%. Both methods for case classification had similar performance: overall accuracy in the range 94–95%, specificity 95%, and sensitivity 91–94%. The results of the proposed system outperform the standard cytological diagnosis of endometrial lesions. This study highlights interesting diagnostic features of endometrial nuclear morphology and provides a new classification approach for endometrial nuclei and cases. The proposed method can be a useful tool for the everyday practice of the cytological laboratory. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:582–591. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bulimia nervosa patient diagnosed with previously unsuspected ADHD in adulthood: Clinical case report, literature review, and diagnostic challenges
Authors: Ioannidis Konstantinos , Serfontein Jaco , Müller Ulrich
Published: November 2013

There is increasing literature suggesting a link between attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and eating disorders (EDs), especially bulimia nervosa. ADHD is under‐diagnosed in girls and children of high intelligence are typically missed. We identified a case of a 23‐year‐old woman suffering from severe bulimia nervosa and previously unsuspected ADHD in adulthood; we diagnosed and treated her with extended‐release methylphenidate. We performed a literature review on the ADHD and bulimia nervosa comorbidity. We discuss the reasons why her ADHD remained undiagnosed and the difficulties in diagnosing ADHD in patients with EDs. We suggest that identifying comorbid ADHD is crucial for these patients and argue for the use of a structured interview, collateral history and investigation of onset of symptoms to establish a diagnosis of ADHD in adults with bulimia nervosa. Comorbidities and overlap of symptomatology need to be taken into account. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:431–436)
The evolution of birdsong on islands
Authors: Morinay Jennifer , Cardoso Gonçalo C. , Doutrelant Claire , Covas Rita
Published: November 2013

Islands are simplified, isolated ecosystems, providing an ideal set‐up to study evolution. Among several traits that are expected to change on islands, an interesting but poorly understood example concerns signals used in animal communication. Islands are typified by reduced species diversity, increased population density, and reduced mate competition, all of which could affect communication signals. We used birdsong to investigate whether there are systematic changes in communication signals on islands, by undertaking a broad comparison based on pairs of closely related island‐mainland species across the globe. We studied song traits related to complexity (number of different syllables, frequency bandwidth), to vocal performance (syllable delivery rate, song duration), and also three particular song elements (rattles, buzzes, and trills) generally implicated in aggressive communication. We also investigated whether song complexity was related to the number of similar sympatric species. We found that island species were less likely to produce broadband and likely aggressive song elements (rattles and buzzes). By contrast, various aspects of song complexity and performance did not differ between island and mainland species. Species with fewer same‐family sympatric species used wider frequency bandwidths, as predicted by the character release hypothesis, both on continents and on islands. Our study supports the hypothesis of a reduction in aggressive behavior on islands and suggests that discrimination against closely related species is an important factor influencing birdsong evolution.