bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations for change in physical and psychological factors and treatment response following exercise in knee osteoarthritis: An exploratory study
Authors: Fitzgerald G. Kelley , White Daniel K. , Piva Sara R.
Published: June 2012

Objective

Understanding how changes in physical and psychological factors following therapeutic exercise are associated with treatment outcome could have important implications for refining rehabilitation programs for knee osteoarthritis (OA). The objective of this study was to examine the association of changes in these factors with changes in pain and function after an exercise program for people with knee OA.

Methods

In total, 152 people with knee OA completed an exercise program consisting of lower extremity strengthening, stretching, range of motion, balance and agility, and aerobic exercises. The change from baseline to the 2‐month followup was calculated for physical and psychological factors, including self‐reported knee instability, quadriceps strength, knee and ankle range of motion, lower extremity muscle flexibility, fear of physical activity, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Treatment response was defined as a minimum of a 20% improvement from baseline in both a numerical knee pain rating scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index physical function scale. The association of each factor with treatment response was examined with logistic regression mutually adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, radiographic severity, and exercise group.

Results

Change in self‐reported knee instability (odds ratio [OR] 1.67 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.13–2.47]) and fear of physical activity (OR 0.93 [95% CI 0.88–1.00]) were the only 2 factors that were significantly associated with treatment response after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusion

Improvement in knee instability and fear of physical activity were associated with increased odds of a positive treatment response following therapeutic exercise in subjects with knee OA.
ZnO/PVA Macroscopic Fibers Bearing Anisotropic Photonic Properties
Authors: Kinadjian Natacha , Achard Marie‐France , Julián‐López Beatriz , Maugey Maryse , Poulin Philippe , Prouzet Eric , Backov Rénal
Published: June 2012

Composite PVA/ZnO‐nanorods fibers, synthesized through co‐axial flux extrusion exhibit higher anisotropic photonic properties, both in absorption and emission, as a result of the collective alignment of the ZnO nanorods along the main axis of the PVA fiber. This photonic anisotropy is triggered by a synergistic interaction between the PVA matrix, stretched above the glass transition temperature (Tg), and cooled down under strain. Compared with non‐elongated fibers that present an isotropic emission, composite fibers previously submitted to a tensile stress absorb selectively UV emission when the polarized laser beam is parallel to the main axis of the fiber. In addition, their photolumincescence is also anisotropic, with a waveguide behavior along the main axis of the fiber. Mechanical properties of these composite fibers are also drastically improved, compared with pure PVA fibers: the longitudinal Young modulus of these fibers is increased from 2 to 6 GPa upon ZnO addition, a value similar to those already observed for composite fibers, prepared either with carbon nanotubes, or V2O5 macroscopic fibers.
Successive Spray Deposition of P3HT/PCBM Organic Photoactive Layers: Material Composition and Device Characteristics
Authors: Abdellah Alaa , Virdi Kulpreet Singh , Meier Robert , Döblinger Markus , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Scheu Christina , Lugli Paolo , Scarpa Giuseppe
Published: June 2012

Controlling the active layer composition in organic electronic devices represents one of the major challenges in their fabrication. In particular, the composition of mixed donor/acceptor active layers for photosensitive device applications is known to strongly influence device performance. Here, an alternative approach for the preparation of organic heterojunction photoactive layers by successive spray deposition of the donor material, poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT), and acceptor material, [6,6]‐phenyl C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), is reported. Optical absorption spectra, X‐ray reflectivity, and cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy investigations are used to indicate the penetration of PCBM into a previously deposited P3HT layer and the spontaneous formation of a bulk heterojunction (BHJ) within the active layer, which provides the large interfacial area needed for efficient exciton dissociation. It is shown that organic photodiodes composed of photoactive layers prepared using this fabrication method exhibit a performance comparable to conventional BHJ devices in which the active layer is rigorously blended in advance. Moreover, separate handling of the individual materials and their deposition from distinct solutions enables an enhanced control of the active layer composition and hence increases the ability of tuning device characteristics.
Electrochemically Initiated Tandem and Sequential Conjugate Addition Processes: One‐Pot Synthesis of Diverse Functionalized Isoindolinones
Authors: Antico Pasqualmorica , Capaccio Vito , Di Mola Antonia , Massa Antonio , Palombi Laura
Published: June 2012

A tandem aldol–heterocyclization–rearrangement reaction and one‐pot sequential Michael addition allowed a direct access to highly functionalized 3‐isoindolinones containing quaternary carbon centers. The desired products are obtained under mild conditions and in short reaction times by galvanostatic electrolysis in a divided cell. A further tandem intramolecular heterocyclization reaction leading to synthetically relevant hemiaminal derivatives has been established with suitable Michael acceptors.
Capillary Extrusion and Swell of a HDPE Melt Exhibiting Slip
Authors: Ansari Mahmoud , Mitsoulis Evan , Hatzikiriakos Savvas G.
Published: June 2012

The extrudate (die) swell of a high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) melt was studied both experimentally and numerically under slip conditions. The excess pressure drop due to entry (entrance pressure drop), the effect of pressure and temperature on viscosity, and the slip effects on the capillary data analysis have been examined. Using a series of capillary dies having different diameters,D, and length‐to‐diameterL/Dratios, a full rheological characterization has been carried out and the experimental data have been fitted both with a viscous model (Carreau–Yasuda) and a viscoelastic one (the Kaye‐Bernstein, Kearsley, Zapas/Papanastasiou, Scriven, Macosko or K‐BKZ/PSM model). Particular emphasis has been placed on the effects of wall slip (significant for HDPE). It was found that viscous modeling underestimates the pressures drops (especially at the higher apparent shear rates andL/Dratios) and predicts virtually no extrudate swell. On the other hand, the viscoelastic simulations were capable of reproducing the experimental data well, and this was particularly true for the pressure drop. The prediction of viscoelastic extrudate swell presented a problem, since the simulations grossly overpredict it due to the highly elastic nature of the melt. This occurs despite the presence of severe slip at the wall, which brings the swell down considerably. At this point it is not clear whether this is due to the viscoelastic model used or other phenomena, such as sagging and/or cooling, when simply extruding in the atmosphere. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E369–E385, 2013; View this article online atwileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21285
Characterization of allergens and airborne fungi in low and middle‐income homes of primary school children in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Jafta Nkosana , Batterman Stuart A. , Gqaleni Nceba , Naidoo Rajen N. , Robins Thomas G.
Published: June 2012

Background

The South Durban Health Study (SDHS) is a population‐based study that examined the relationship between exposure to ambient air pollutants and respiratory disease among school children with high prevalence of asthma who resided in two purposely selected communities in north and south Durban, KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa.

Methods

From the SDHS participants, a subgroup of 135 families was selected for investigation of household characteristics potentially related to respiratory health. In these households, a walkthrough investigation was conducted, and settled dust and air samples were collected for allergen and fungal measurements using standardized techniques.

Results

Asp f1 allergen was detected in all homes, and Bla g1 allergen was detected in half of the homes. House dust allergens, Der f1 and Der p1 exceeded concentrations associated with risk of sensitization and exacerbation of asthma in 3% and 13%, respectively, of the sampled homes, while Bla g1 exceeded guidance values in 13% of the homes. Although airborne fungal concentrations in sleep areas and indoors were lower than outdoor concentrations, they exceeded 1,000 CFU/m3 in 29% of the homes. Multivariate analyses identified several home characteristics that were predictors of airborne fungal concentrations, including moisture, ventilation, floor type, and bedding type. Airborne fungal concentrations were similar indoors and outdoors, which likely reduced the significance of housing and indoor factors as determinants of indoor concentrations.

Conclusion

Allergen concentrations were highly variable in homes, and a portion of the variability can be attributed to easily recognized conditions. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:1110–1121, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Human Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitory Activities of Some 3,5‐Diaryl‐N‐substituted‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazole‐1‐carbothioamide Derivatives
Authors: Şentürk Kerem , Tan Oya Unsal , Çiftçi Samiye Yabanoğlu , Uçar Gülberk , Palaska Erhan
Published: June 2012

Sixteen 3‐aryl‐5‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐N‐substituted‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazole‐1‐carbothioamide derivatives were synthesized and their structure were identified by UV, IR, 1H NMR, mass spectra, and microanalyses. The compounds were evaluated in vitro for their human monoamine oxidase (hMAO) inhibitory activities and their MAO‐A and ‐B selectivity. All the compounds were found to potently inhibit MAO‐A isoforms. 5‐(4‐Fluorophenyl)‐3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐N‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazole‐1‐carbothioamide (1.0 × 10−3 µM) was found to inhibit hMAO‐A most selectively and potently. The binding mode of 5‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐N‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazole‐1‐carbothioamide to hMAO‐A was also predicted using docking studies.
Efficient determination of purine metabolites in brain tissue and serum by high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical and UV detection
Authors: Burdett Thomas C. , Desjardins Cody A. , Logan Robert , McFarland Nikolaus R. , Chen Xiqun , Schwarzschild Michael A.
Published: June 2012

The purine metabolic pathway has been implicated in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is widely used to determine purines and metabolites. However, methods for analysis of multiple purines in a single analysis have not been standardized, especially in brain tissue. We report the development and validation of a reversed‐phase HPLC method combining electrochemical and UV detection after a short gradient run to measure seven purine metabolites (adenosine, guanosine, inosine, guanine, hypoxanthine, xanthine and urate) from the entire purine metabolic pathway. The limit of detection (LoD) for each analyte was determined. The LoD using UV absorption was 0.001 mg/dL for hypoxanthine (Hyp), inosine (Ino), guanosine (Guo) and adenosine (Ado), and those using coulometric electrodes were 0.001 mg/dL for guanine (Gua), 0.0001 mg/dL for urate (UA) and 0.0005 mg/dL for xanthine (Xan). The intra‐ and inter‐day coefficient of variance was generally <8%. Using this method, we determined basal levels of these metabolites in mouse brain and serum, as well as in post‐mortem human brain. Peak identities were confirmed by enzyme degradation. Spike recovery was performed to assess accuracy. All recoveries fell within 80–120%. Our HPLC method provides a sensitive, rapid, reproducible and low‐cost method for determining multiple purine metabolites in a single analysis in serum and brain specimens. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Laminar‐Flow Microfluidic Device for Quantitative Analysis of Microbial Electrochemical Activity
Authors: Li Zhongjian , Venkataraman Arvind , Rosenbaum Miriam A. , Angenent Largus T.
Published: June 2012

We report a laminar flow‐based microfluidic bioelectrochemical system (BES) that was fabricated by using polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) channels and gold electrodes. The microfluidic BES was operated as a potentiostatically controlled two‐electrode system. A pure culture of Geobacter sulfurreducens strain PCA, which is a model electrode‐respiring bacterium, was grown in the channel and respired with the electrode under strict anaerobic conditions. We took advantage of the short hydraulic retention time (≈2 min) and response times (<21 min) to rapidly test the effect of certain chemical stimuli, such as O2 and anthraquinone disulfide (AQDS), on electric current production by G. sulfurreducens. The results showed that: i) short‐term (2 min) exposure to O2‐saturated solution did not cause any irreversible toxicity to G. sulfurreducens, and ii) AQDS can be used as a redox mediator by G. sulfurreducens for shuttling electrons between the microbe and the electrode. We, therefore, demonstrate that the microfluidic BES is a promising research tool for gaining insight into microbial electrochemical activity. In our two‐dimensional microfluidic‐based research tool, a well‐defined electrochemical environment can be maintained with the help of laminar flow without a membrane to separate two electrodes.
Microbial Fuel Cells for Robotics: Energy Autonomy through Artificial Symbiosis
Authors: Ieropoulos Ioannis A. , Greenman John , Melhuish Chris , Horsfield Ian
Published: June 2012

The development of the microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology has seen an enormous growth over the last hundred years since its inception by Potter in 1911. The technology has reached a level of maturity that it is now considered to be a field in its own right with a growing scientific community. The highest level of activity has been recorded over the last decade and it is perhaps considered commonplace that MFCs are primarily suitable for stationary, passive wastewater treatment applications. Sceptics have certainly not considered MFCs as serious contenders in the race for developing renewable energy technologies. Yet this is the only type of alternative system that can convert organic waste—widely distributed around the globe—directly into electricity, and therefore, the only technology that will allow artificial agents to autonomously operate in a plethora of environments. This Minireview describes the history and current state‐of‐the‐art regarding MFCs in robotics and their vital role in artificial symbiosis and autonomy. Furthermore, the article demonstrates how pursuing practical robotic applications can provide insights of the core MFC technology in general.
Estimation of the amount of β2‐glycoprotein I adsorbed at the inner surface of fused silica capillaries after acidic, neutral and alkaline pretreatment
Authors: Bohlin Maria E. , Johannesson Ida , Carlsson Gunilla , Heegaard Niels H. H. , Blomberg Lars G.
Published: June 2012

Sample adsorption to the inner surface of fused silica capillaries is a common problem in CE when analyzing macromolecules and is harmful to the analysis. We previously utilized the pH hysteresis effect of fused silica to facilitate electrophoresis of the strongly adsorbing protein β2gpI in plain‐fused silica capillaries at neutral pH. In the present paper, the effect of different pretreatments of the capillary on the adsorption of the β2‐glycoprotein I has been investigated using electroosmosis markers, SDS mobilization, and imaging based on indirect immunofluorescence microscopy for direct visualization. The amount of β2gpI adsorbed on the surface was probed using all these independent techniques after electrophoresis at neutral pH on capillaries pretreated with HCl, background electrolyte (BGE), and NaOH. BGE pretreatment was included as a positive control. We found that 80% or more of the starting material was adsorbed to the inner surface of the silica capillaries during electrophoresis after pretreatment with only BGE or with NaOH, but after acidic pretreatment the loss was consistently less than 20%. NaOH most efficiently removes adsorbed protein between runs. A theoretical calculation of the pH change of the BGE showed that electrolysis affects the pH more than the deprotonation of silanols during electrophoresis. We conclude that acidic pretreatment of fused silica capillaries diminishes adsorption of β2gpI by decreasing charge‐dependent wall adsorption.
Characterization of the aromatic profile of the Quebranta variety of Peruvian pisco by gas chromatography–olfactometry and chemical analysis
Authors: Cacho Juan , Culleré Laura , Moncayo Liliana , Palma Juan Carlos , Ferreira Vicente
Published: June 2012

Twenty‐one commercial pisco samples made with Quebranta grapes from four different geographical areas in Peru have been evaluated by gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC‐O) and chemical quantitative analysis. The GC‐O study revealed that the Peruvian pisco from the Quebranta grape variety has a relatively simple aroma profile formed by 22 odorants, all of which could be identified. Most of the odorants are fermentation related, while guaiacol, β‐damascenone, geraniol and linalool come from the grape. The chemical analysis of the volatiles of these samples has shown a volatile profile quite typical of a wine distillate, with not very high but perceptible levels of linalool and β‐damascenone (up to 46 µg/l). Some of the samples contained also very high levels of β‐phenylethyl acetate and β‐phenylethanol (up to 13 mg/l and 72 mg/l, respectively), which arises as key aroma compounds potentially responsible for deep sensory differences between samples. In fact, the differential sensory character of piscos from the Moquegua region can be explained by the lowest levels of β‐phenylethyl acetate, β‐phenylethanol, β‐damascenone and linalool and also by the highest level of ethyl acetate. In general, differences linked to the geographical area are not very big, although results suggest that the difference could be enough for classification. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anwendung von Rasengitterplatten auf geneigten Flächen als Erosionsschutzsystem im Zuge der Böschungssicherung an der Steilküste von Lohme auf Rügen
Authors: Feuerbach Johannes , Lauterbach Manuel
Published: June 2012

Die Zunahme von Extremwetterereignissen führt vermehrt zu Erosionsschäden an Hängen und Böschungen. Daher werden zwischenzeitlich hochbelastbare Rasengittersysteme auf geneigten Flächen bis 50° Neigung in einfacher Bauweise eingebaut und in ein ökologisches und langfristig wirksames Erosionsschutzkonzept integriert. Durch den praxiserprobten Einsatz auf erosionsgefährdeten Hängen und Böschungen, Damm‐ und Einschnittsböschungen, Deich‐ und Uferböschungen an Still‐ und Fließgewässern und Böschungen von Versickerungs‐ und Regenrückhaltebecken hat sich die innovative Sicherungsmethode ein breites Einsatzgebiet im Erd‐ und Wasserbau erschlossen. Im Beitrag wird die Anwendung des Erosionsschutzsystems im Zuge der Böschungssicherung an der bebauten Steilküste in der Ortslage von Lohme auf Nord‐Rügen erläutert.

Application of grass grid tiles at bent surfaces as an erosion control system in course of slope protection at the steep coast of Lohme on Island Ruegen

Increase of extreme weather events leads to rising damages on slopes caused by erosion. Hence it is now possible to install high‐strength grass grids easy‐to‐install at bent surfaces up to 50° inclination and to integrate it in an ecological and a durable effective erosion control system. Well‐tested in practical applications on erosion‐dangered slopes, dam and cutting slopes, dyke and bank slopes around still and moving bodies of water and slopes of infiltration basins and rain retention basins the innovative method has opened a broad field of application in earthworks and water‐engineering. In the text the application of the erosion control system in the course of slope protection at the built‐over steep coast in the village of Lohme in Northern Ruegen (Mecklenburg‐Vorpommern, Germany) is described.
Retracted: An Empirical Study of an Internet Marketing Strategy for Search Engine Optimization
Authors: Shih Bih‐Yaw , Chen Chen‐Yuan , Chen Zih‐Siang
Published: June 2012

Over the past few years, more and more Internet visitors are reaching websites through search engines rather than through direct links from another web page. Search engines have come to occupy a prominent position in the online world and are being used to find all kinds of information including things, events, people, and places. The search engine is also coming to play a greater role as a critical link between firms that use the Internet to build their image and find their target customers. How to achieve a high ranking in such search results given certain search words or phrases has become an issue of much interest in Internet marketing. The purpose of the current study is to develop a search engine optimization (SEO) mechanism that can be used by an enterprise to improve the ranking of its website in the search engine results. Social networking sites are included in our exploration of Internet marketing strategy. The proposed mechanism is then applied in the operations of an online ebook store. The website rankings obtained from two well‐known online search engines (Google and Yahoo) are evaluated in efforts to explore a better strategy to ensure higher rankings. The results reveal that a well‐designed SEO strategy, with the incorporation of social networking, can effectively enhance the website's visibility and exposure. Such a strategy will eventually contribute to overall site traffic and improve interaction with customers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Harmonisation of European Insolvency Law and the Need to Tackle Two Common Problems: Common Pool and Anticommons
Authors: de Weijs Rolef J.
Published: June 2012

Insolvency law has finally become a field of law for which harmonisation at a European level is considered both important and feasible. In deciding upon the content of such harmonised rules, there will need to be a common understanding about the goals of insolvency law and, therefore, a European debate on bankruptcy theory. Bankruptcy theory, and most notably the influential creditors' bargain theory, has long viewed insolvency law as a set of rules for overcoming common pool problems. Bankruptcy theory thus far has almost completely overlooked anticommons problems. Anticommons present themselves in a situation in which there are several owners or entitled parties, and each of the parties has it within its power to block the use by others. Should anticommons behaviour in insolvency procedures go unchecked, creditors as a whole will be harmed. Insolvency is a collective process, and this process may not be sabotaged by a single party. Four typical insolvency issues, each identified by INSOL Europe as a candidate for harmonisation at a European level, are discussed, analysing them in terms of common pool problems and anticommons: preferences, reorganisation/composition plans, claim validation and insolvency of a group of companies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Work‐Life Dilemmas Emerging From Lesbian Executives' Narratives
Authors: Heintz Phyllis A.
Published: June 2012

This qualitative study was an in‐depth exploration of lesbian executives’ sexual identity management experiences. These women navigated an invisible identity in a privileged, visible organizational position, yet their lesbian identity often made them vulnerable to discrimination and remained a subtext that permeated their relationships with others. Findings revealed that the need for authenticity was a driving force in managing their sexual identity disclosure decisions. This study provides career development professionals with a clear description of lesbian executives’ workplace sexual identity management experiences so they may help their clients find their own voices and unique ways of managing their disclosure decisions.
HIV, SOCIAL SUPPORT, AND CARE AMONG VULNERABLE WOMEN
Authors: Roger Kerstin , Migliardi Paula , Mignone Javier
Published: June 2012

Little research has been conducted on women living with HIV with a focus on caregiving. This paper explores data that emerged in a study examining caregiving networks among people living with HIV in the Prairies in Canada. Photovoice provided a methodology for data collection. The narratives presented suggest that while these women's lives are riddled with risk and violence, there are clear features to which they turn to in order to gain support and strength. Recommendations for future social support conclude the paper. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of hepatic adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia with gadoxetic acid
Authors: Mohajer Kiyarash , Frydrychowicz Alex , Robbins Jessica B. , Loeffler Agnes G. , Reed Thomas D. , Reeder Scott B.
Published: June 2012

Purpose:

To characterize imaging features of histologically proven hepatic adenoma (HA) as well as histologically and/or radiologically proven focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) using delayed hepatobiliary MR imaging with 0.05 mmol/kg gadoxetic acid.

Materials and Methods:

Five patients with six HAs with histological correlation were retrospectively identified on liver MRI studies performed with gadoxetic acid, and T1‐weighted imaging acquired during the delayed hepatobiliary phase. Additionally, 23 patients with 34 radiologically diagnosed FNH lesions (interpreted without consideration of delayed imaging) were identified, two of which also had histological confirmation. Signal intensity ratios relative to adjacent liver were measured on selected imaging sequences.

Results:

All six hepatic adenomas (100%), which had histological confirmation, demonstrated hypointensity relative to adjacent liver on delayed imaging. Furthermore, all of the FNH (including 34 radiologically proven, 2 of which were also histologically proven) were either hyperintense (23/34, 68%) or isointense (11/34, 32%) relative to the adjacent liver on delayed imaging. None of the FNHs were hypointense relative to liver.

Conclusion:

Distinct imaging characteristics of HA versus FNH on delayed gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI, with adenomas being hypointense and FNH being iso‐ or hyperintense on delayed imaging may improve specificity for characterization, and aid in the differentiation of these two lesions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:686–696. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low‐level laser therapy in collagenase‐induced Achilles tendinitis in rats: Analyses of biochemical and biomechanical aspects
Authors: Marcos Rodrigo Labat , Leal‐Junior Ernesto Cesar Pinto , Arnold Gilles , Magnenet Vincent , Rahouadj Rachid , Wang Xiong , Demeurie Frank , Magdalou Jacques , de Carvalho Maria Helena Catelli , Lopes‐Martins Rodrigo Álvaro Brandão
Published: June 2012

NSAIDs are widely prescribed and used over the years to treat tendon injuries despite its well‐known long‐term side effects. In the last years several animal and human trials have shown that low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) presents modulatory effects on inflammatory markers, however the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short‐term effects of LLLT or sodium diclofenac treatments on biochemical markers and biomechanical properties of inflamed Achilles tendons. Wistar rats Achilles tendons (n = 6/group) were injected with saline (control) or collagenase at peritendinous area of Achilles tendons. After 1 h animals were treated with two different doses of LLLT (810 nm, 1 and 3 J) at the sites of the injections, or with intramuscular sodium diclofenac. Regarding biochemical analyses, LLLT significantly decreased (p < 0.05) COX‐2, TNF‐α, MMP‐3, MMP‐9, and MMP‐13 gene expression, as well as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production when compared to collagenase group. Interestingly, diclofenac treatment only decreased PGE2 levels. Biomechanical properties were preserved in the laser‐treated groups when compared to collagenase and diclofenac groups. We conclude that LLLT was able to reduce tendon inflammation and to preserve tendon resistance and elasticity. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1945–1951, 2012
On a free piston problem for potential ideal fluid flow
Authors: Muha Boris , Tutek Zvonimir
Published: June 2012

Our goal was to model and analyze a stationary and evolutionary potential ideal fluid flow through the junction of two pipes in the gravity field. Inside the ‘vertical’ pipe, there is a heavy piston that can freely move along the pipe. In the stationary case, we are interested in the equilibrium position of the piston in dependence on the geometry of junction, and in the evolutionary case, we study motion of the piston also in dependence on geometry. We formulate corresponding initial and boundary value problems and prove the existence results. The problem is nonlinear because the domain is unknown. Furthermore, we study some qualitative properties of the solutions and compare them with the qualitative properties of a free piston problem for Newtonian fluid flow. All theoretical results are illustrated with numerical experiments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability and bifurcation analysis for a neural network model with discrete and distributed delays
Authors: Du Yanke , Xu Rui , Liu Qiming
Published: June 2012

In this paper, a two‐neuron network with both discrete and distributed delays is considered. With the corresponding characteristic equation analyzed, the local stability of the trivial equilibrium is investigated. With the discrete time delay taken as a bifurcation parameter, the existence of Hopf bifurcation is established. Moreover, formulae for determining the direction of Hopf bifurcation and the stability of bifurcating periodic solutions are derived. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the main results and further to exhibit that there is a characteristic sequence of bifurcations leading to a chaotic dynamics, which implies that the system admits rich and complex dynamics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reflux esophagitis increased the risk of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: A 3‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Kang Jiunn‐Horng , Keller Joseph J. , Chen Yi‐Kuang , Lin Herng‐Ching
Published: June 2012

Aims

Reflux esophagitis (RE) is a common disease which has been recognized to be associated with several medical co‐morbidities. However, the association between RE and bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) is still unknown. The present study aimed to explore the association between these two diseases.

Methods

We identified 8,962 female patients who had received a diagnosis of RE as the study cohort. We randomly selected 44,810 subjects to be included as the comparison cohort. Each patient in this study was individually tracked for a 3‐year period to identify those who subsequently received a diagnosis of BPS/IC. Cox proportional hazards regressions were carried out to estimate the 3‐year risk of BPS/IC following a diagnosis of RE.

Results

The incidence of BPS/IC following a diagnosis of RE was 4.3% during the follow‐up period for all subjects. The incidence rate of BPS/IC was 2.38 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.21–2.57] per 100 person‐years in patients with RE, and 1.24 (95% CI: 1.18–1.30) per 100 person‐years in controls. Cox proportional analysis indicated that the hazard ratio (HR) of BPS/IC for patients with RE was 2.00 (95% CI = 1.82–2.20, P < 0.001) that of controls. The adjusted HR of BPS/IC for patients with RE was 1.40 (95% CI = 1.27–1.55, P < 0.001) after taking age group, urbanization level, and medical comorbidity into consideration.

Conclusion

We found that patients with RE were at a higher risk than with comparison patients for having been subsequently diagnosed with BPS/IC during longitudinal follow‐up. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 271–275, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term effects of pelvic floor muscle training with vaginal cone in post‐menopausal women with urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pereira Vanessa Santos , de Melo Mariana Vieira , Correia Grasiéla Nascimento , Driusso Patricia
Published: June 2012

Aims

The findings are limited about the long‐term effects of treatment with vaginal cones in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The aim of this study was to investigate the long‐term effects of vaginal cones and pelvic floor muscle training in post‐menopausal women with SUI.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial included 45 post‐menopausal women with SUI. They were randomly allocated in three groups: vaginal cones (VC, n = 15), pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT, n = 15), and control group (CG, n = 15). Women in VC and PFMT groups were treated for 6 weeks with twice weekly sessions. Women in VC group carried out the pelvic floor muscle strengthening with vaginal cones. The CG did not receive any treatment during the corresponding time. Women were evaluated before treatment, at the end, 3 and 12 months after treatment completion for primary outcome (urinary leakage) and secondary outcomes (pelvic floor muscle strength, quality of life, satisfaction with treatment, and continuity of training).

Results

There was a significant decrease of urinary leakage in the VC and PFMT group comparing values at the end of treatment, 3 and 12 months to baseline values. There were no differences between VC and PFMT group in primary outcome in any evaluations.

Conclusions

Treatments with and without vaginal cones can promote positive long‐term effects on urinary leakage, pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life in post‐menopausal women with SUI in 6 weeks. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 48–52, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bony pelvis dimensions in women with and without stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Berger Mitchell B. , Doumouchtsis Stergios K. , DeLancey John O.
Published: June 2012

Aims

To test the null hypothesis that bony pelvis dimensions are similar in women with and without stress urinary incontinence (SUI), both in the postpartum and midlife periods.

Methods

Secondary analyses were performed of two case–control studies comparing women with SUI to asymptomatic controls. One study examined primiparas in the first 9–12 months postpartum; the other study involved middle‐aged women. SUI was confirmed by full‐bladder stress test. All subjects underwent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. The interspinous and intertuberous diameters, subpubic angle, and sacrococcygeal joint‐to‐the inferior pubic point distance were measured from the images independently by two authors.

Results

In the young cohorts, we compared primiparas with de novo postpartum SUI to both continent primiparas and nulliparas. Postpartum SUI is associated with a wider subpubic angle. There is also a trend towards wider interspinous and intertuberous diameters in the stress‐incontinent primiparas as compared to the continent cohorts, although this did not reach statistical significance with our sample sizes. By contrast, no significant differences in bony pelvis dimensions were identified when comparing middle‐aged women with SUI and their continent controls.

Conclusions

Bony pelvis dimensions are different in women with SUI than in matched continent controls. However, these differences are only identified in young primiparas in the postpartum period, not in middle‐aged women. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 37–42, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural and functional abnormalities in migraine patients without aura
Authors: Jin Chenwang , Yuan Kai , Zhao Limei , Zhao Ling , Yu Dahua , von Deneen Karen M. , Zhang Ming , Qin Wei , Sun Weixin , Tian Jie
Published: June 2012

Migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of throbbing pain associated with neurological, gastrointestinal and autonomic symptoms. Previous studies have detected structural deficits and functional impairments in migraine patients. However, researchers have failed to investigate the functional connectivity alterations of regions with structural deficits during the resting state. Twenty‐one migraine patients without aura and 21 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls participated in our study. Voxel‐based morphometric (VBM) analysis and functional connectivity were employed to investigate the abnormal structural and resting‐state properties, respectively, in migraine patients without aura. Relative to healthy comparison subjects, migraine patients showed significantly decreased gray matter volume in five brain regions: the left medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), right occipital lobe, cerebellum and brainstem. The gray matter volume of the dACC was correlated with the duration of disease in migraine patients, and thus we chose this region as the seeding area for resting‐state analysis. We found that migraine patients showed increased functional connectivity between several regions and the left dACC, i.e. the bilateral middle temporal lobe, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Furthermore, the functional connectivity between the dACC and two regions (i.e. DLPFC and OFC) was correlated with the duration of disease in migraine patients. We suggest that frequent nociceptive input has modified the structural and functional patterns of the frontal cortex, and these changes may explain the functional impairments in migraine patients. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finite element analysis of geometrically necessary dislocations in crystal plasticity
Authors: Hurtado Daniel E. , Ortiz Michael
Published: June 2012

We present a finite element method for the analysis of ductile crystals whose energy depends on the density of geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs). We specifically focus on models in which the energy of the GNDs is assumed to be proportional to the total variation of the slip strains. In particular, the GND energy is homogeneous of degree one in the slip strains. Such models indeed arise from rigorous multiscale analysis as the macroscopic limit of discrete dislocation models or from phenomenological considerations such as a line‐tension approximation for the dislocation self‐energy. The incorporation of internal variable gradients into the free energy of the system renders the constitutive model non‐local. We show that an equivalent free‐energy functional, which does not depend on internal variable gradients, can be obtained by exploiting the variational definition of the total variation. The reformulation of the free energy comes at the expense of auxiliary variational problems, which can be efficiently solved using finite element approximations. The addition of surface terms in the formulation of the free energy results in additional boundary conditions for the internal variables. The proposed framework is verified by way of numerical convergence tests, and simulations of three‐dimensional problems are presented to showcase its applicability. A performance analysis shows that the proposed framework solves strain‐gradient plasticity problems in computing times of the order of local plasticity simulations, making it a promising tool for non‐local crystal plasticity three‐dimensional large‐scale simulations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural Characterisation and Identification of Phenylethanoid Glycosides from Cistanches deserticola Y.C. Ma by UHPLC/ESI–QTOF–MS/MS
Authors: Han Lifeng , Boakye‐Yiadom Mavis , Liu Erwei , Zhang Yi , Li Wei , Song Xinbo , Fu Fenghua , Gao Xiumei
Published: June 2012

Introduction

Phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs) are the major active constituents of Cistanches deserticola Y.C. Ma. However, the isolation, purification and identification procedures of PhGs are difficult and time‐consuming.

Objective

To establish a rapid and sensitive ultrahigh‐pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC)/ESI (electrospray ion source)–quadrupole time of flight (QTOF)–MS/MS method that could be applied to rapidly profile and identify PhGs.

Methodology

Seven standard compounds were used for the investigation of the fragmentation pattern. Based on the UHPLC/ESI–QTOF–MS/MS method, the important structural information on the types of aglycone and saccharide sequences present should be obtained.

Results

According to the HPLC retention behaviour, the proposed fragmentation pathways provided by high‐resolution MS and MS/MS spectra and literature sources, a total of 13 PhGs in the crude extract of C. deserticola were identified or tentatively identified.

Conclusion

A rapid and accurate UHPLC/ESI–QTOF–MS/MS method was established for the identification of PhGs in the crude extract of C. deserticola. This method therefore can be used for rapid prediction of the chemical constituents and qualities of this plant. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deposition of hard and adherent TiBCN films for cutting tools applications
Authors: Tillmann Wolfgang , Bejarano Gilberto , Hoffmann Fabian
Published: June 2012

Metal cutting tools having wear resistant and chemically stable ceramic coatings are in many applications superior in performance to uncoated tools. Titanium boron carbon nitride (TiBCN) is a hard material particularly suitable as a protective coating for cutting tools due to its excellent properties, such as a high hardness and high wear and corrosion resistance, among other. TiBCN films were grown on Si (100) and high speed steel substrates by means of reactively pulsed DC magnetron sputtering technique. Two B4C‐ and two Ti‐targets, to which a pulsed DC voltage of middle frequency was applied, were used for the deposition of TiBCN. A chromium layer was first deposited to obtain a better adhesion of TiBCN to the substrates. The mechanical properties of these coatings deposited under different N2 contents were investigated. The substrates were biased through a medium frequency power supply. The bias voltage value was −90 V for all coatings. The total film thickness was maintained at approximately 2 µm. The hardness of the coatings increased with reduced nitrogen content, while the adhesion decreased from 40.8 to 24.2 N, and the wear rate increased from 0.154 to 0.744 × 10−16 m3/N.m, the latter probably caused by the low content of the self‐lubricating amorphous matrix of our coatings. However, the sample deposited by a nitrogen gas flow of 60 sccm presented a wear rate of four orders of magnitude smaller than the uncoated sample. The deposition method presented in this work seems very promising for the manufacture of TiBCN coatings.
Divide‐and‐conquer‐based quantum chemical study for interaction between HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase and MK‐4965 inhibitor
Authors: Saparpakorn Patchreenart , Kobayashi Masato , Hannongbua Supa , Nakai Hiromi
Published: June 2012

MK‐4965, 3‐{5‐[(6‐Amino‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine‐3‐yl)methoxy]‐2‐chlorophenoxy}‐5‐chloro‐benzonitrile, is a novel non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) revealing high levels of potency against wild‐type (WT) the human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV‐1) and some important mutants. The divide‐and‐conquer (DC) based Hartree–Fock (HF) and second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) calculations were performed for the binding modes of MK‐4965 in the reverse transcriptase (RT) of the WT HIV‐1 and a mutant Y181C, 181 tyrosine mutated by cysteine. The binding pockets of MK‐4965 consisting of 19 residues are selected for the study. Numerical assessments confirmed the efficiency and accuracy of the DC‐MP2 method in comparison with the conventional MP2 one. Subsystem interaction energies obtained by the DC‐MP2 calculations clarified the key parts of the binding between MK‐4965 and HIV‐1: hydrogen bonding with 102 lysine, which is apart from mutated 181 residue. The present information can give a helpful guide for the future inhibitor design. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrostatic potential effects of β‐cyclodextrin on optical properties of the 4‐dimethyl‐aminobenzonitrile
Authors: Nieto‐Malagón Guillermo , Hernández‐Pérez Julio M. , Vargas Rubicelia , Garza Jorge
Published: June 2012

Effects of the electrostatic potential on absorption spectra of the 4‐dimethyl‐aminobenzonitrile (DMAB) were analyzed theoretically by methods based on the density functional theory. The electrostatic potential was imposed by three different ways: (a) applying a uniform electric field, (b) immersing the system within the cavity of the β‐cyclodextrin (BCD), (c) immersing the system in a cavity built with a charges set that fit to the electrostatic potential generated by the BCD, (d) a superposition of (b) or (c) with a continuum solvent model. The DMAB absorption spectra were estimated using the time dependent density functional theory with the Perdew, Burke, and Ernzerhof exchange–correlation functional. Additionally, to obtain the correct asymptotic behavior on the corresponding potential the van Leeuwen and Baerends proposal was used. The basis set effect on the predictions was estimated by comparing the TZVP and TZVP plus one additional diffuse function. We found that optical properties of the DMAB are modified in an important way if this system is immersed in an electrostatic potential imposed in several ways. By contrasting our theoretical results with the experimental observations we found that the effect observed on an optical sensor, designed with the BCD, and on the DMAB..BCD inclusion complex is due mainly by the electrostatic potential generated by the BCD. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship between local reactivity indices and the hammett constant for isatoic anhydride and its derivatives
Authors: Durand‐Niconoff José S. , Cruz‐Kuri Luis , Cruz‐Sánchez Jesús S. , Matus Myrna H. , Ramos‐Morales Fernando R.
Published: June 2012

Local reactivity is obtained for isatoic anhydride (ISA) (2H 3,1‐benzoxazin‐2,4(1H)‐dione) and 20 of its derivatives, using reactivity indices such as: local softness, condensed Fukui function, relative electrophilicity index, and relative nucleophilicity index. The local reactivity results for ISA show the best sites for a nucleophilic attack and for an electrophilic attack. A linear model is proposed from statistical methods to describe the substituent effect for the relationship between gas phase reactivity indices with respect to the Hammett constant values. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.