bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of natural and synthetic phospholipids as pharmaceutical excipients
Authors: van Hoogevest Peter , Wendel Armin
Published: August 2014

In pharmaceutical formulations, phospholipids obtained from plant or animal sources and synthetic phospholipids are used. Natural phospholipids are purified from, e.g., soybeans or egg yolk using non‐toxic solvent extraction and chromatographic procedures with low consumption of energy and minimum possible waste. Because of the use of validated purification procedures and sourcing of raw materials with consistent quality, the resulting products differing in phosphatidylcholine content possess an excellent batch to batch reproducibility with respect to phospholipid and fatty acid composition. The natural phospholipids are described in pharmacopeias and relevant regulatory guidance documentation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA). Synthetic phospholipids with specific polar head group, fatty acid composition can be manufactured using various synthesis routes. Synthetic phospholipids with the natural stereochemical configuration are preferably synthesized from glycerophosphocholine (GPC), which is obtained from natural phospholipids, using acylation and enzyme catalyzed reactions. Synthetic phospholipids play compared to natural phospholipid (including hydrogenated phospholipids), as derived from the number of drug products containing synthetic phospholipids, a minor role. Only in a few pharmaceutical products synthetic phospholipids are used. Natural phospholipids are used in oral, dermal, and parenteral products including liposomes. Natural phospholipids instead of synthetic phospholipids should be selected as phospholipid excipients for formulation development, whenever possible, because natural phospholipids are derived from renewable sources and produced with more ecologically friendly processes and are available in larger scale at relatively low costs compared to synthetic phospholipids.

Practical applications: For selection of phospholipid excipients for pharmaceutical formulations, natural phospholipids are preferred compared to synthetic phospholipids because they are available at large scale with reproducible quality at lower costs of goods. They are well accepted by regulatory authorities and are produced using less chemicals and solvents at higher yields. In order to avoid scale up problems during pharmaceutical development and production, natural phospholipid excipients instead of synthetic phospholipids should be selected whenever possible.

For selection of phospholipid excipients for pharmaceutical formulations, natural phospholipids are preferred compared to synthetic phospholipids because they are available at large scale with reproducible quality at lower costs of goods. They are well accepted by regulatory authorities and are produced using less chemicals and solvents at higher yields. In order to avoid scale up problems during pharmaceutical development and production, natural phospholipid excipients instead of synthetic phospholipids should be selected whenever possible.
Synthesis of the Revised Structure of Acortatarin A
Authors: Geng Hui Min , Stubbing Louise A. , Li‐yang Chen Jack , Furkert Daniel P. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: August 2014

A novel Maillard‐type condensation between a primary amine derived from D‐mannitol and a dihydropyranone, was used as a key step to access the unusual morpholine‐spiroketal acortatarin A. The synthetic approach also enabled access to a C‐2 analogue of acortatarin A, and can be used for the synthesis of related 2‐formylpyrrole natural products.
Genetic variation in arsenic (+3 oxidation state) methyltransferase (AS3MT), arsenic metabolism and risk of basal cell carcinoma in a European population
Authors: Engström Karin S. , Vahter Marie , Fletcher Tony , Leonardi Giovanni , Goessler Walter , Gurzau Eugen , Koppova Kvetoslava , Rudnai Peter , Kumar Rajiv , Broberg Karin
Published: August 2014

Exposure to inorganic arsenic increases the risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Arsenic metabolism is a susceptibility factor for arsenic toxicity, and specific haplotypes in arsenic (+3 oxidation state) methyltransferase (AS3MT) have been associated with increased urinary fractions of the most toxic arsenic metabolite, methylarsonic acid (MMA). The aim of this study is to elucidate the association of AS3MT haplotypes with arsenic metabolism and the risk of BCC. Four AS3MT polymorphisms were genotyped in BCC cases (N = 529) and controls (N = 533) from Eastern Europe with low to moderate arsenic exposure (lifetime average drinking water concentration: 1.3 µg/L, range 0.01–167 µg/L). Urinary metabolites [inorganic arsenic (iAs), MMA, dimethylarsinic acid (DMA)] were analyzed by HPLC‐ICPMS. Five AS3MT haplotypes (based on rs3740400 A/C, rs3740393 G/C, rs11191439 T/C and rs1046778 T/C) had frequencies >5%. Individuals with the CCTC haplotype had lower %iAs (P = 0.032) and %MMA (P = 0.020) in urine, and higher %DMA (P = 0.033); individuals with the CGCT haplotype had higher %MMA (P < 0.001) and lower %DMA (P < 0.001). All haplotypes showed increased risk of BCC with increasing arsenic exposure through drinking water (ORs 1.1–1.4, P values from <0.001 to 0.082), except for the CCTC haplotype (OR 1.0, CI 0.9–1.2, P value 0.85). The results suggest that carriage of AS3MT haplotypes associated with less‐efficient arsenic methylation, or lack of AS3MT haplotypes associated with a more‐efficient arsenic methylation, results in higher risk of arsenic‐related BCC. The fact that AS3MT haplotype status modified arsenic metabolism, and in turn the arsenic‐related BCC risk, supports a causal relationship between low‐level arsenic exposure and BCC. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:60–69, 2015. © 2014 The Authors. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Environmental Mutagen Society
Evolving Connectionist Model to Monitor the Efficiency of an In Situ Combustion Process: Application to Heavy Oil Recovery
Authors: Ahmadi Mohammad Ali , Masoumi Mohammad , Askarinezhad Reza
Published: August 2014

A primary difference between conventional oil and unconventional heavy oil reservoirs is the added economic value to recovery from heavy oil reserves due to the sweep efficiency. To determine the added value, one needs to obtain the recovery factor of in situ combustion; however, this requires special experimental and laboratory combustion study and field tests. In the absence of experimental studies during the early period of field exploration, techniques that correlate such a parameter are of interest for engineers. In this work, a new method called “least‐squares support vector machine” was developed to monitor the recovery factor of the in situ combustion employment through heavy oil reservoirs. The proposed approach is applied to the experimental data from extensive works reported in the literature and the model has been implemented, developed, and tested. The predicted results from the least‐squares support vector machine model were compared to the addressed real in situ combustion data. A comparison between the generated outcomes of our model and the alternatives proves that the least‐squares support vector machine model estimates the efficiency of the in situ combustion with high degree of accuracy. The least‐squares support vector machine does not contain any conceptual errors such as over‐fitting, which can be an issue for artificial neural networks. The outcomes of this research could be coupled with commercial production software for heavy oil reservoirs to enhance production optimization and facilitate design.
Experimental study on CO2 absorption by aqueous ammonia solution at elevated pressure to enhance CO2 absorption and suppress ammonia vaporization
Authors: Fang Mengxiang , Xiang Qunyang , Yu Chunjiang , Xia Zhixiang , Zhou Xuping , Cai Danyun , Wang Zhen , Yu Hai
Published: August 2014

The low CO2 absorption rate and high ammonia volatile loss rate are two major issues for the ammonia‐based CO2 capture technology. In this work, we investigated the effect of total pressure on CO2 absorption and ammonia vaporization in ammonia solutions on a wetted‑wall column. We found that the elevated pressure absorption process was an effective way to increase CO2 absorption rate and suppress ammonia vaporization at the same time. We also studied the mass transfer mechanism at elevated pressure and found the overall mass transfer coefficients of CO2 absorption in both ammonia and MEA solutions at elevated pressures were lower than that under atmospheric pressure. The overall mass transfer coefficients of CO2 absorption in 3 M NH3 (298 K) at 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 bar were 0.723 × 10−6, 0.652 × 10−6, 0.591 × 10−6, 0.555 × 10−6 mol/(s m2 Pa) and the corresponding gas side mass transfer coefficients were 13.8 × 10−6, 4.52 × 10−6, 2.61 × 10−6, 2.03 × 10−6 mol/(s m2 Pa), respectively. We also found the gas side mass transfer coefficient in the wetted‐wall column was not only dependent on the hydrodynamic conditions of the column but also influenced by the total pressure. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Neocortical catastrophic interference in healthy and amnesic adults: A paradoxical matter of time
Authors: Merhav Maayan , Karni Avi , Gilboa Asaf
Published: August 2014

The human cortex can accommodate overlapping semantic information, such as synonyms, homonyms, or overlapping concepts. However, neuronal models of cortical networks predict Catastrophic Interference in conditions of overlapping information, obliterating old associations and sometimes preventing formation of new ones. It has been proposed that Catastrophic Interference in declarative memory is never observed in biological systems because of hippocampal pattern separation of competing associations. Here, we tested neocortical Catastrophic Interference during acquisition of overlapping associations through Fast Mapping; an incidental, exclusion based learning mechanism, that can support hippocampal‐independent learning. Young adults acquired picture‐label associations, either through explicit encoding or through Fast Mapping and were tested after 24 h. Overlapping/competing associations were presented either minutes (Early), or 22 h (Delayed) after learning. Catastrophic Interference was evident only following Fast Mapping, and only in the Delayed competition. In a follow‐up experiment, Medial Temporal Lobe (MTL) amnesic patients demonstrated retroactive Catastrophic Interference after the Early competition, despite normal memory for noninterfered Fast Mapping associations. Thus, following Fast Mapping, a biological system demonstrated susceptibility to Catastrophic Interference, as predicted by the neuronal‐model. Early retroactive Interference, however, can be prevented by MTL integrity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Context for Cross‐Border Insolvency Law Reform in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Masoud Benhajj Shaaban
Published: August 2014

Cross‐border insolvency literature has developed significantly in recent years. However, the scholarship that has evolved lacks an insight from the perspective of Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Existing theories on cross‐border insolvencies, and the global insolvency benchmarks that emerged in the recent years, have almost exclusively been developed from the best practices obtained in advanced economies. Accordingly, the context within which SSA cross‐border insolvency reform may be undertaken must be determined and explored given the pressure towards globalisation and the potential for the pressure to result in unsuitable legislative reform. This article sets out the context for cross‐border insolvency law reform in SSA. It raises issues that are likely to arise during the reform process and challenges that may be faced. Copyright © 2014 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Calcium intake and colorectal adenoma risk: Dose‐response meta‐analysis of prospective observational studies
Authors: Keum NaNa , Lee Dong Hoon , Greenwood Darren C. , Zhang Xuehong , Giovannucci Edward L.
Published: August 2014

Evidence from randomized controlled trials suggests that calcium may protect against recurrence of colorectal adenomas, which could lead to the subsequent prevention of cancer. Yet the trials used only a large single dose and were of small sizes, and thus, knowledge of the dose‐response relationship and influence on high‐risk adenomas is limited. To address these issues, we conducted linear and nonlinear dose‐response meta‐analyses primarily based on prospective observational studies published up to July 2014 identified from PubMed and Embase. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for total and supplemental calcium intake, respectively, using a random‐effects model. For total calcium intake, summary RR for each 300 mg/day increase was 0.95 (95% CI = 0.92–0.98; I2 = 45%; eight studies with 11,005 cases; range of intake = 333–2,229 mg/day). Evidence of nonlinearity was indicated: approximately, compared to 550 mg/day of total calcium intake, the summary RR was 0.92 (95% CI = 0.89–0.94) at 1,000 mg/day and 0.87 (95% CI = 0.84–0.90) at 1,450 mg/day (pnonlinearity < 0.01). Associations were stronger for high‐risk adenomas (≥1 cm in diameter, (tubulo)villous histology, dysplasia, or multiplicity): approximately, compared to 550 mg/day of total calcium intake, the summary RR was 0.77 (95% CI = 0.74–0.81) at 1,000 mg/day and reduced to 0.69 (95% CI = 0.66–0.73) at 1,450 mg/da (pnonlinearity < 0.01). For supplemental calcium intake, summary RR of total adenoma risk for each 300 mg/day increase was 0.96 (95% CI = 0.93–0.99; I2 = 0%; three studies with 4,548 cases; range of supplementation = 0–1,366 mg/day). In conclusion, calcium intake may continue to decrease the risk of adenomas, particularly high‐risk adenomas, over a wide range of calcium intake.
AN INITIAL EXAMINATION OF THE ASSOCIATION OF REFLECTIVE FUNCTIONING TO PARENTING OF FATHERS
Authors: Stover Carla Smith , Kiselica Andrew
Published: August 2014

Parental reflective functioning (RF) is a parent's capacity to understand and take into account the mental states of their children. Research on RF is somewhat scarce and has focused primarily on mothers. Mothers high in RF have improved parent–child relationships in terms of attachment, sensitivity, and more balanced mental representations of their children, in addition to displaying more caregiving behaviors than do those low in this characteristic. Moreover, better maternal RF appears to be a key to the parenting success of substance‐abusing mothers and predicts changes in the caregiving behaviors of these mothers following attachment‐based interventions. Research on RF in fathers, on the other hand, has been limited to a few studies. This research has suggested that about half of new fathers have deficits in RF, but did not assess predictors of RF or measure RF in relation to parenting. The present study sought to present an initial exploration of the association of RF to the parenting of fathers in a sample of 79 fathers, approximately half with substance‐abuse and violence problems and half without. Fathers were administered the Parent Developmental Interview‐Revised (A. Slade, J.L. Aber, I. Bresgi, B. Berger, & M. Kaplan, ) and self‐report measures of parenting. Results suggested that less education and increased drug use are associated with lower RF. RF was not predictive of self‐reported parenting behaviors in this sample. Although RF may vary with substance‐abuse level and socioeconomic status among men and women, these results indicate that RF may be less associated with parenting behaviors of fathers. However, further research in this area is needed.
FATHER PARTICIPATION IN A COMMUNITY‐DOULA HOME‐VISITING INTERVENTION WITH YOUNG, AFRICAN AMERICAN MOTHERS
Authors: Thullen Matthew J. , McMillin Stephen Edward , Korfmacher Jon , Humphries Marisha L. , Bellamy Jennifer , Henson Linda , Hans Sydney
Published: August 2014

This article examines the extent and nature of father participation in a perinatal, community‐based doula home‐visiting intervention that served young, African American mothers from low‐income backgrounds and their infants. Home‐visitor service records were used to assess the quantity, setting, and content of father‐attended visits. Correlates of fathers’ participation and thematic insights from mothers’ and home‐visitors’ perspectives on how fathers perceived and interacted with the home‐visiting program were analyzed to further characterize the nature of father participation. Although the community‐doula home‐visiting model does not include special outreach to increase father participation, almost half of the mothers had a doula visit at which their baby's father was present, many of which took place in medical settings. Mothers and doulas reported that fathers were generally positive about the doula, but expressed that fathers viewed the doula as a substitute provider of support that fathers seemed reticent to provide themselves. These results suggest that community doulas who visit pre‐ and postpartum in multiple settings have unique opportunities to have contact with fathers that traditional home visitors or early childhood specialists may not have.
MATERNAL DEPRESSION IN ASSOCIATION WITH FATHERS’ INVOLVEMENT WITH THEIR INFANTS: SPILLOVER OR COMPENSATION/BUFFERING?
Authors: Goodman Sherryl H. , Lusby Cara M. , Thompson Katina , Newport D. Jeffrey , Stowe Zachary N.
Published: August 2014

Both concurrent and prospective associations between maternal depression and father involvement were tested to evaluate support for the spillover model (higher depressive symptom levels associated with lower father involvement) and the compensatory/buffering model (higher depressive symptom levels associated with higher father involvement). Participants in this longitudinal study were women at risk for perinatal depression in association with their histories of mood or anxiety disorders, their husbands/partners, and their infants at 3, 6, and 12 months of age. Maternal depressive symptoms were measured with depression rating scales at multiple times over the infants’ first year. Paternal involvement was measured with a questionnaire (relative perceived responsibility) and a time diary (accessibility and engagement) inquiring about a recent weekday and a recent weekend, completed in a telephone interview, at infant ages 3, 6, and 12 months. Findings consistently supported the compensatory/buffering model for depression in the first 6 months’ postpartum, along with an indication of spillover regarding maternal depressive symptoms that persist into the second half of the infants’ first year. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for clinical practice and policy as well as suggestions for future research.
MAKING CHILDREN LAUGH: PARENT–CHILD DYADIC SYNCHRONY AND PRESCHOOL ATTACHMENT
Authors: Bureau Jean‐FrançOis , Yurkowski Kim , Schmiedel Sabrina , Martin Jodi , Moss Ellen , Pallanca Dominique
Published: August 2014

The current study examined whether dyadic synchrony of father–child and mother–child interactions in a playful context were associated with attachment organization in preschool children. One hundred seven children (48 boys, Mage = 46.67 months, SD = 8.57) and their mothers and fathers (counterbalanced order of lab visits) participated in a playful interaction without toys (Laughing Task procedure). Playful interactions were coded based on the degree to which the dyads demonstrated a variety of behavior representing dyadic synchrony and task management. Children's attachment behavior toward fathers and mothers was observed in a modified separation–reunion procedure adapted for the preschool period. Results demonstrate that mothers and fathers are similar in their effort to arouse and engage their child in a playful context, but mothers achieved a greater synchrony with their child. Disorganized attachment to either mother or father is linked with a lack of synchrony in dyadic interaction. Findings are in contrast with prevailing theory, suggesting that despite gender‐related differences in parental playful behaviors, dyadic synchrony is equally important in both mother– and father–child relationships for the development of organized social and affectional bonds.
Automated one‐step radiosynthesis of the CB1 receptor imaging agent [18F]MK‐9470
Authors: Thomae David , Morley Thomas J. , Hamill Terence , Carroll Vincent M. , Papin Caroline , Twardy Nicole M. , Lee H. Sharon , Hargreaves Richard , Baldwin Ronald M. , Tamagnan Gilles , Alagille David
Published: August 2014

The fluorine‐18‐labeled positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer [18F]MK‐9470 is a selective, high affinity inverse agonist that has been used to image the cannabinoid receptor type 1 in human brain in healthy and disease states. This report describes a simplified, one‐step [18F]radiofluorination approach using a GE TRACERlab FXFN module for the routine production of this tracer. The one‐step synthesis, by [18F]fluoride displacement of a primary tosylate precursor, gives a six‐fold increase in yield over the previous two‐step method employing O‐alkylation of a phenol precursor with 1,2‐[18F]fluorobromoethane. The average radiochemical yield of [18F]MK‐9470 using the one‐step method was 30.3 ± 11.7% (n = 12), with specific activity in excess of 6 Ci/µmol and radiochemical purity of 97.2 ± 1.5% (n = 12), in less than 60 min. This simplified, high yielding, automated process was validated for routine GMP production of [18F]MK‐9470 for clinical studies.
Meta‐analysis of type‐specific human papillomavirus prevalence in Iranian women with normal cytology, precancerous cervical lesions and invasive cervical cancer: Implications for screening and vaccination
Authors: Jalilvand Somayeh , Shoja Zabihollah , Nourijelyani Keramat , Tohidi Hamid Reza , Hamkar Rasool
Published: August 2014

To predict the impact of current vaccines on cervical cancer and for the improvement of screening programs, regional data on distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) types in women with or without cervical cancer is crucial. The present meta‐analysis intend to comprehensively evaluate the HPV burden in women with invasive cervical cancer, high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 and 3), low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1), atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and normal cytology, as these data will help decision making in regards with screening programs and HPV vaccination in Iran. To determine the HPV prevalence and type distribution in Iranian women with or without cervical cancer, 20 published studies were included in this meta‐analysis. In total, 713, 124, 104, 60, and 2577 women invasive cervical cancer, high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 and 3), low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1), atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and normal were reviewed, respectively. Overall HPV prevalence in women with invasive cervical cancer, high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 and 3), low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1), atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and normal cytology were 77.4%, 71.8%, 65.3%, 61.7%, and 8.4%, respectively. The six most common types were HPV 16, 18, 6/11, 31, and 33; among them HPV 16 was the most frequent type in all five different groups. According to this study, it was estimated that HPV vaccines could have a great impact on prevention of cervical cancer in Iran. In conclusion, this meta‐analysis highlights the necessity of introducing vaccination program in Iran. J. Med. Virol. 87:287–295, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Knowledge Management Practices and Results in Service‐Oriented versus Product‐Oriented Companies
Authors: Kianto Aino , Andreeva Tatiana
Published: August 2014

As service companies increasingly occupy a significant place as drivers of economic growth, there is a pressing need to understand their peculiarities in order to facilitate their effective management and governance. One important area where this kind of understanding is lacking is knowledge management (KM). Although KM has become a key value driver for all types of organizations, there has been a lack of systematic research into whether there are some fundamental differences between the nature of KM in service‐oriented versus product‐oriented companies. To address this gap in the existing knowledge, this paper examines the main differences between the KM practices and benefits produced by KM in service‐oriented versus product‐oriented companies. Empirical evidence is collected from 171 companies in Finland, China, and Russia and analyzed statistically. The results demonstrate that there are significant differences between service‐oriented and product‐oriented companies in time savings achieved through the application of KM and also on the impact of KM practices on KM benefits. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liver Transplant Patients Have a Risk of Progression Similar To That of Sporadic Patients With Branch Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms
Authors: Lennon Anne Marie , Victor David , Zaheer Atif , Ostovaneh Mohammad Reza , Jeh Jessica , Law Joanna K. , Rezaee Neda , Molin Marco Dal , Ahn Young Joon , Wu Wenchuan , Khashab Mouen A. , Girotra Mohit , Ahuja Nita , Makary Martin A. , Weiss Matthew J. , Hirose Kenzo , Goggins Michael , Hruban Ralph H. , Cameron Andrew , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Singh Vikesh K. , Gurakar Ahmet
Published: August 2014

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) have malignant potential and can progress from low- to high-grade dysplasia to invasive adenocarcinoma. The management of patients with IPMNs is dependent on their risk of malignant progression, with surgical resection recommended for patients with branch-duct IPMN (BD-IPMN) who develop high-risk features. There is increasing evidence that liver transplant (LT) patients are at increased risk of extrahepatic malignancy. However, there are few data regarding the risk of progression of BD-IPMNs in LT recipients. The aim of this study was to determine whether LT recipients with BD-IPMNs are at higher risk of developing high-risk features than patients with BD-IPMNs who did not receive a transplant. Consecutive patients who underwent an LT with BD-IPMNs were included. Patients with BD-IPMNs with no history of immunosuppression were used as controls. Progression of the BD-IPMNs was defined as development of a high-risk feature (jaundice, dilated main pancreatic duct, mural nodule, cytology suspicious or diagnostic for malignancy, cyst diameter ≥3 cm). Twenty-three LT patients with BD-IPMN were compared with 274 control patients. The median length of follow-up was 53.7 and 24.0 months in LT and control groups, respectively. Four (17.4%) LT patients and 45 (16.4%) controls developed high-risk features (P = 0.99). In multivariate analysis, progression of BD-IPMNs was associated with age at diagnosis but not with LT. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of developing high-risk features between the LT and the control groups. Liver Transpl 20:1462–1467, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Genetic modifiers of Huntington's disease
Authors: Gusella James F. , MacDonald Marcy E. , Lee Jong‐Min
Published: August 2014

Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that directly affects more than 1 in 10,000 persons in Western societies but, as a family disorder with a long, costly, debilitating course, it has an indirect impact on a far greater proportion of the population. Although some palliative treatments are used, no effective treatment exists for preventing clinical onset of the disorder or for delaying its inevitable progression toward premature death, approximately 15 years after diagnosis. Huntington's disease involves a movement disorder characterized by chorea, as well as a variety of psychiatric disturbances and intellectual decline, with a gradual loss of independence. A dire need exists for effective HD therapies to alleviate the suffering and costs to the individual, family, and health care system. In past decades, genetics, the study of DNA sequence variation and its consequences, provided the tools to map the HD gene to chromosome 4 and ultimately to identify its mutation as an expanded CAG trinucleotide repeat in the coding sequence of a large protein, dubbed huntingtin. Now, advances in genetic technology offer an unbiased route to the identification of genetic factors that are disease‐modifying agents in human patients. Such genetic modifiers are expected to highlight processes capable of altering the course of HD and therefore to provide new, human‐validated targets for traditional drug development, with the goal of developing rational treatments to delay or prevent onset of HD clinical signs. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Sustainable control room technology for international mining companies boosts efficiency and provides a decision making tool for management and workforce
Authors: Kipp Ramon , Junker Martin
Published: August 2014

The article presents current and future developments in German mine control room technology and discusses the needs of the international market. It focuses on data collection in the production areas, information treatment and visualisation and the creation of a decision making basis for employees and management. At a time when operating costs and performance levels are coming under increasing pressure it is crucially important to achieve a sustained improvement in occupational safety, transparency and efficiency and to have in place a uniform reporting system for the different organisational levels. The development of an integrated software system that uses modern software architectures, but at the same time can be installed on a modular basis, is the key to achieving these objectives. Today's control room technology must also include user‐friendly applications that are easy to understand and provide support for the workforce above and below ground. These individual objectives are not mutually inconsistent but in fact complement and build on each other.
Market report on Kazakhstan
Authors: von Hartlieb‐Wallthor Peter
Published: August 2014

Kazakhstan is a resource‐rich country. The importance of the mining sector for Kazakhstan's economy is correspondingly high. The present report gives an overview of Kazakhstan's raw material industry and the key companies in this sector.

Marktbericht Kasachstan

Kasachstan ist ein rohstoffreiches Land. Entsprechend hoch ist die Bedeutung des Bergbausektors für die kasachische Wirtschaft. Der vorliegende Bericht gibt einen kurzen Überblick über die kasachische Rohstoffindustrie und die wichtigsten Unternehmen in diesem Bereich.
Semi‐mobile dry‐type deduster for the Polish salt mine
Authors: Bialy Beniamin , Both Corinna
Published: August 2014

The efforts made to improve safety underground in mines for people and machines become ever more important. Concerns about Health and Safety require efficient solutions, which help to raise safety underground, safety at work and help to provide a significant contribution to avoiding subsequent costs.

The mining company KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. operates the Polkowice Sierozowice mine near Lubin, in Poland, where, among other things, rock salt is mined. The salt mining is done with the 'pillar and room' system by continuous mining. That is why dust removal from the tunnel and keeping the air clean is extremely important for health and safety at work and for productivity. This paper describes the design and commissioning of a semi‐mobile dry‐type deduster for a heading, which CFT GmbH, in Gladbeck, Germany, delivered in May 2013.

Semimobile Entstaubungstechnik für den polnischen Salzbergbau

Das Streben nach Sicherheit unter Tage für Mensch und Maschine gewinnt im Bergbau immer mehr an Bedeutung. Die Belange des Arbeits‐ und Gesundheitsschutzes erfordern effiziente Lösungen, die zur Erhöhung der untertägigen Arbeitssicherheit beitragen und einen signifikanten Beitrag zur Vermeidung von Folgekosten leisten.

Die Bergbaugesellschaft KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. betreibt in der Nähe von Lubin, Polen das Bergwerk Polkowice Sieroszowice, wo unter anderem Steinsalz abgebaut wird. Die Salzgewinnung erfolgt im Kammerbaumithilfe von Continuous Minern. Daher haben die Entstaubung der Vortriebe und die Reinhaltung der Luft eine zentrale Bedeutung sowohl für den Arbeitsschutz als auch für die Produktivität. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt die Konzeptionierung und Inbetriebnahme einer semimobilen Trockenentstaubungsanlage für eine Vortriebseinrichtung, welche die CFT GmbH, Gladbeck, Deutschland, im Mai 2013 geliefert hat.
Failure analysis of welded chain links used in the mining industry and resulting approaches to adjusting the manufacturing process to extend their life
Authors: Langefeld Oliver , Wesling Volker , Schram Antonie , Grass Friederike , Treutler Kai
Published: August 2014

The following text explains how mechanical/technological inspections of broken and unbroken mining industry chain links can be used to adapt the manufacturing process to extend these components' life with the end result that these components can be considered extremely reliable.
A multiple regression model of normal central and peripheral motor conduction times
Authors: Jaiser Stephan R. , Barnes Jonathan D. , Baker Stuart N. , Baker Mark R.
Published: August 2014

Introduction

The effects of age, height, and gender on magnetic central and peripheral motor conduction times (CMCT, PMCT) were analyzed using a multiple regression model.

Methods

Motor evoked potentials were recorded in 91 healthy volunteers. Magnetic stimulation was performed over the primary motor cortex (cortical latency) and over the cervical and lumbar spines (spinal latency). The spinal latency was taken as an estimate of PMCT and was subtracted from cortical latency to yield CMCT.

Results

Lower limb CMCT correlated significantly with height only; there were no significant predictors for upper limb CMCT. Upper and lower limb PMCT correlated with both age and height.

Conclusions

This is among the largest studies of CMCT in normal subjects. The multiple regression model unifies previously reported simple regression analyses, reconciles past discrepancies, and allows normal ranges to be individualized. Muscle Nerve 51:706–712, 2015
Repeater F‐waves are signs of motor unit pathology in polio survivors
Authors: Hachisuka Akiko , Komori Tetsuo , Abe Tatsuya , Hachisuka Kenji
Published: August 2014

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine whether F‐waves reveal electrophysiological features of anterior horn cells in polio survivors.

Methods

Forty‐three polio survivors and 20 healthy controls underwent motor nerve conduction studies of the median and tibial nerves bilaterally, including sampling of F‐waves elicited by 100 stimuli and the determination of motor unit number estimation (MUNE).

Results

A significant increase in abnormally stereotyped (“repeater”) F–waves and a reduction of F‐wave persistence were observed in both nerves in the polio group as compared with the control group. Repeater F‐waves had a negative correlation with MUNE.

Conclusions

These trends in F‐wave persistence and repeater F‐waves after motor unit loss are characteristic findings in polio survivors. Repeater F‐waves are a sign of motor unit pathology. Muscle Nerve 51:680–685, 2015
A generalized model for geosynthetic reinforced railway tracks resting on soft clays
Authors: Rajesh S. , Choudhary K. , Chandra S.
Published: August 2014

The present study pertains to the development of a foundation model for predicting the behavior of geosynthetic reinforcement railway track system rested on soft clay subgrade. The ballast and sub‐ballast layers have been idealized by Pasternak shear layer. The geosynthetic layer is represented by a stretched rough elastic membrane. Burger model has been used to characterize the soft clay subgrade. Numerical solutions have been obtained by adopting the finite difference scheme combined with non‐dimensioning the governing equations of the proposed model. The results confirm that the present model is quite capable of predicting the time‐dependent settlement response of geosynthetic reinforcement railway track system placed on soft clay subgrade. The surface settlement profile and mobilized tensile load of geosynthetics has been evaluated by considering variation in the wheel load, sleeper width, thickness of ballast and sub‐ballast layers and shear modulus of ballast and sub‐ballast layers. It has been observed that an increase in the sleeper width by 24% results in the reduction in central settlement and mobilized tensile load by 6.5% and 20.1%, respectively. It was found that with a 50% increase in the thickness of the ballast layer, the central settlement has decreased by 7.3% and the mobilized tension at the zone of maximum curvature has increased by 24.6%. However, with an increase in the thickness of the sub‐ballast layer, a considerable reduction in both central settlement and the mobilization of tension on geosynthetic has been noticed. The pattern of variation of settlement and mobilized tension for an increase in the shear modulus of ballast and sub‐ballast material was found to be almost similar. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Apparent rate constant mapping using hyperpolarized [1–13C]pyruvate
Authors: Khegai O. , Schulte R. F. , Janich M. A. , Menzel M. I. , Farrell E. , Otto A. M. , Ardenkjaer‐Larsen J. H. , Glaser S. J. , Haase A. , Schwaiger M. , Wiesinger F.
Published: August 2014

Hyperpolarization of [1‐13C]pyruvate in solution allows real‐time measurement of uptake and metabolism using MR spectroscopic methods. After injection and perfusion, pyruvate is taken up by the cells and enzymatically metabolized into downstream metabolites such as lactate, alanine, and bicarbonate. In this work, we present comprehensive methods for the quantification and interpretation of hyperpolarized 13C metabolite signals. First, a time‐domain spectral fitting method is described for the decomposition of FID signals into their metabolic constituents. For this purpose, the required chemical shift frequencies are automatically estimated using a matching pursuit algorithm. Second, a time‐discretized formulation of the two‐site exchange kinetic model is used to quantify metabolite signal dynamics by two characteristic rate constants in the form of (i) an apparent build‐up rate (quantifying the build‐up of downstream metabolites from the pyruvate substrate) and (ii) an effective decay rate (summarizing signal depletion due to repetitive excitation, T1‐relaxation and backward conversion). The presented spectral and kinetic quantification were experimentally verified in vitro and in vivo using hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate. Using temporally resolved IDEAL spiral CSI, spatially resolved apparent rate constant maps are also extracted. In comparison to single metabolite images, apparent build‐up rate constant maps provide improved contrast by emphasizing metabolically active tissues (e.g. tumors) and suppression of high perfusion regions with low conversion (e.g. blood vessels). Apparent build‐up rate constant mapping provides a novel quantitative image contrast for the characterization of metabolic activity. Its possible implementation as a quantitative standard will be subject to further studies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anatomical, functional and metabolic imaging of radiation‐induced lung injury using hyperpolarized MRI
Authors: Santyr Giles , Fox Matthew , Thind Kundan , Hegarty Elaine , Ouriadov Alexei , Jensen Michael , Scholl Timothy J. , Van Dyk Jacob , Wong Eugene
Published: August 2014

MRI of hyperpolarized 129Xe gas and 13C‐enriched substrates (e.g. pyruvate) presents an unprecedented opportunity to map anatomical, functional and metabolic changes associated with lung injury. In particular, inhaled hyperpolarized 129Xe gas is exquisitely sensitive to changes in alveolar microanatomy and function accompanying lung inflammation through decreases in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of alveolar gas and increases in the transfer time (Ttr) of xenon exchange from the gas and into the dissolved phase in the lung. Furthermore, metabolic changes associated with hypoxia arising from lung injury may be reflected by increases in lactate‐to‐pyruvate signal ratio obtained by magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging following injection of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate. In this work, the application of hyperpolarized 129Xe and 13C MRI to radiation‐induced lung injury (RILI) is reviewed and results of ADC, Ttr and lactate‐to‐pyruvate signal ratio changes in a rat model of RILI are summarized. These results are consistent with conventional functional (i.e. blood gases) and histological (i.e. tissue density) changes, and correlate significantly with inflammatory cell counts (i.e. macrophages). Hyperpolarized MRI may provide an earlier indication of lung injury associated with radiotherapy of thoracic tumors, potentially allowing adjustment of treatment before the onset of severe complications and irreversible fibrosis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cover Picture: Gold Nanowire Forests for SERS Detection (ChemistryOpen 4/2014)
Authors: La Porta Andrea , Grzelczak Marek , Liz-Marzán Luis M.
Published: August 2014

No Abstract
Influence of expansion cooling regime on morphology of poly(ε‐caprolactone) foams prepared by pressure quenching using supercritical CO2
Authors: Karimi Mohammad , Heuchel Matthias , Weigel Thomas , Kratz Karl , Lendlein Andreas
Published: August 2014

Creation of foam structures from hydrolytically degradable poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) is a current task in biomaterial research. One example are degradable scaffolds. The thermodynamic and kinetic conditions in a supercritical CO2 (scCO2) supported foaming process of PCL can influence the resulting morphology of the foam. PCL foaming with scCO2 was systematically investigated in the pressure range from 78 to 200 bar at temperatures between 25°C and 50°C with the help of a view cell. PCL foams could be obtained at both conditions above the pressure dependent melting temperature as well as below this temperature, i.e. from supercooled melt states. Differential scanning calorimetry investigations of the PCL foam samples were used for the analysis of the relationship between pore morphology and foaming conditions. Three characteristic regions could be distinguished in the PCL/CO2 phase diagram. Only when the foaming was conducted above the critical temperature of CO2, a significant influence of the depressurization rate could be observed. Here, an increase in the quenching rate resulted in a decreasing pore size while the pore density was found to increase. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An s‐triazine briged silylalkyl sol–gel precursor—synthesis, structure and coating formation for electrical insulation of copper wire and corrosion protection of construction steel
Authors: Pfeifer Stefan , Gutierrez Alejandro , Kroke Edwin
Published: August 2014

An aminoalkylalkoxysilane modified s‐triazine was prepared and used as single‐source precursor for hybrid coatings. These coating materials were applied and tested for the electrical insulation of fine copper wires and for corrosion protection of construction steel. The molecular precursor was comprehensively analyzed using FT‐IR, 1H, 13C and 29Si NMR spectroscopy. Besides, the initial stages of hydrolysis and condensation reactions under acidic conditions were examined with solution 29Si NMR spectroscopy. Structures of gelled and heat‐treated samples were analyzed with CP/MAS 29Si NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopy. Sols were applied on fine copper wires using industrial coating and curing techniques. The performance of the hybrid coatings was characterized by electrical breakdown tests, pinhole tests and mechanical strength measurements. The anti‐corrosion behavior of the s‐triazine precursor derived coatings on steel substrates was studied by electrical impedance spectroscopy. The spectra were interpreted with respect to different hydrolysis and condensation rates, curing temperatures and coating thicknesses. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical and shape‐memory properties of poly(mannitol sebacate)/cellulose nanocrystal nanocomposites
Authors: Sonseca Águeda , Camarero‐Espinosa Sandra , Peponi Laura , Weder Christoph , Foster E. Johan , Kenny José M. , Giménez Enrique
Published: August 2014

Polyesters based on polyols and sebacic acid, known as poly(polyol sebacate)s (PPS), are attracting considerable attention, as their properties are potentially useful in the context of soft‐tissue engineering applications. To overcome the drawback that PPSs generally display rather low strength and stiffness, we have pursued the preparation of nanocomposites based poly(mannitol sebacate) (PMS), a prominent example of this materials family, with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Nanocomposites were achieved in a two‐step process. A soluble, low‐molecular‐weight PMS pre‐polymer was formed via the polycondensation reaction between sebacic acid and D‐mannitol. Nanocomposites with different CNC content were prepared by solution‐casting and curing under vacuum using two different profiles designed to prepare materials with low and high degree of crosslinking. The as‐prepared nanocomposites have higher stiffness and toughness than the neat PMS matrix while maintaining a high elongation at break. A highly crosslinked nanocomposite with a CNC content of 5 wt % displays a sixfold increase in Young's modulus and a fivefold improvement in toughness. Nanocomposites also exhibit a shape memory effect with a switch temperature in the range of 15 to 45 °C; in particular the materials with a thermal transition in the upper part of this range are potentially useful for biomedical applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 3123–3133
Aphonia and epiglottitis in neonate with concomitant MRSA skin infection
Authors: Noble Jennifer , Devor Renee , Rogalski Francis J. , Vergara Wilfredo , Reddy Ramalinga P. , Bhumbra Nasreen
Published: August 2014

We report an unusual case of a neonate with aphonia due to epiglottitis with a concomitant methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection of the genitalia and associated septic emboli to the groin area and mouth. We postulate that the MRSA infection caused a transient bacteremia that seeded the epiglottis, likely causing the epiglottitis. In the evaluation of a neonate with aphonia, while the two primary differentials to consider are vocal cord paralysis and laryngeal web, among other considerations is epiglottitis (supraglottitis).
Combined SIMS and AFM study of complex structures of streamers on metallic multilayers
Authors: Audinot J.‐N. , Hamdan A. , Grysan P. , Fleming Y. , Noel C. , Kosior F. , Henrion G. , Belmonte T.
Published: August 2014

The discharge between a platinum electrode and different metallic monolayers on a silicon substrate produced sub‐micrometric structures. The scanning electron microscope images showed the formation of craters with cones, holes, corona, and other exotic structures. The atomic force microscopy images allowed evaluating the depth and height of these complex structures together with the chemical information as determined by NanoSIMS imaging. The plasma impacts locally removed the mono‐layer and the bilayer down to the bare silicon substrate. In order to convert the acquired NanoSIMS images into a true three‐dimensional distribution of the analyzed species, the SIMS images are overlapped with the corresponding atomic force microscopy images of the same probed area. This analysis method allows a visualization of a complex 3D structure and helps understand the formation mechanisms of the streamer impact. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.