bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Present Role of Positron Emission Tomography in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Peripheral Inflammatory Arthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bruijnen S. T. G. , Gent Y. Y. J. , Voskuyl A. E. , Hoekstra O. S. , van der Laken C. J.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To determine the current status of positron emission tomography (PET) as a tool for diagnosis and monitoring of peripheral inflammatory arthritis (IA).

Methods

For conducting this systematic review, the PubMed (Medline), Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched until December 31, 2012. Studies of PET for diagnosis and/or therapy monitoring of peripheral IA were included. Data were summarized qualitatively using best evidence synthesis.

Results

Eighteen articles met our inclusion criteria. The majority of studies were feasibility studies with varying methods applied. All studies demonstrated that PET visualized IA with high sensitivity, corresponding to clinical assessments. PET outcome of clinically active IA also matched that of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. PET differentiates from other modalities by (quantitative) imaging of molecular sites in the synovium. The first studies reporting on the potential clinical applications of PET to image subclinical synovitis in preclinical RA and during therapy have been published. The results are promising, but the number and study populations of these studies are still limited.

Conclusion

Thus far, a limited number of PET studies addressing IA imaging have been published. The PET modality seems to offer highly sensitive and potentially specific imaging of IA at the (quantitative) molecular level. Clinical application studies for early diagnostics and therapy monitoring are arising, but these topics should be further explored in future studies with larger cohorts. For integration in clinical practice, aspects such as radiation burden and cost‐effectiveness should also be taken into account.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Total Knee Replacement: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Waimann Christian A. , Fernandez‐Mazarambroz Rodrigo J. , Cantor Scott B. , Lopez‐Olivo Maria A. , Zhang Hong , Landon Glenn C. , Siff Sherwin J. , Suarez‐Almazor Maria E.
Published: October 2013

Objective

Total knee replacement (TKR) rates have significantly increased in the past decade. While the procedure itself might be costly, the cost‐effectiveness and potential offset costs from patient and societal benefits have not been clearly established. The objective of this study was to perform an economic evaluation of TKR in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

We conducted a 6‐month prospective cohort study of 212 patients with knee OA who underwent TKR at a single hospital in Houston, Texas. We included patient‐level data from hospital billing databases and the patients' self‐reported direct and indirect costs. The clinical outcome measure was pain and function measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire; we used the minimum clinically important difference (MCID; ≥20‐point change) and the WOMAC 20% (WOMAC20), 50% (WOMAC50), and 70% (WOMAC70) relative improvement criteria. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were estimated using direct and indirect costs and WOMAC improvement. A societal perspective was used and multiple sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the principal analysis.

Results

The total incremental cost per TKR was $20,133. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for improvement at 6 months were $33,345, $25,255, $35,274, and $56,908 for the MCID, WOMAC20, WOMAC50, and WOMAC70, respectively. Best‐ and worst‐case scenario sensitivity analyses did not have a significant impact on the ICERs. Patient time lost was the most influential variable in the multiway sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

TKR is an effective intervention in reducing pain and improving functional status among patients with knee OA and is cost effective at both low and high levels of improvement.
Who Makes It to the Base? Selection Procedure for a Physical Activity Trial Targeting People With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Nordgren Birgitta , Fridén Cecilia , Demmelmaier Ingrid , Opava Christina H.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To compare those who were finally included in a large well‐defined sample of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at target for a physical activity (PA) trial with those who were not.

Methods

In total, 3,152 individuals answered questionnaires on sociodemographic, disease‐related, and psychosocial factors and PA levels. The differences between individuals making it to the baseline assessments and those who did not were analyzed in 3 steps.

Results

In a first step, 1,932 individuals were eligible for the trial if they were interested in participating, not physically active enough, and fluent in Swedish and if they were not participating in any other study. The participants were mainly younger women, had higher education and income, were more likely to live with children, and had better support for exercise and had higher outcome expectations of PA than the 1,208 ineligible individuals. In a second step, the 286 individuals accepting participation had higher income and education, more support for exercise, less fear‐avoidance beliefs, and higher outcome expectations of PA than the 1,646 individuals declining participation. In a third step, the 244 individuals assessed at baseline reported less fatigue than the 42 withdrawing before assessment.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study describing the entire selection procedure, from a target sample for a PA trial to the sample assessed at baseline, in individuals with RA. Factors other than those related to the disease seemed to mainly determine participation and largely resembled determinants in the general population. Sociodemographic and psychosocial factors should be recognized as important for PA in people with RA.
Effects of Different Substrates on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of a Bimodal Bulk Nano/Micro Grained 1020 Carbon Steels Prepared by Aluminothermic Reaction Casting
Authors: La Pei Qing , Zhen Xiao Juan , Lu Xue Feng , Wei Yu Peng , Li Cui Ling , Hu Su Lei
Published: October 2013

Bimodal nano/micro grain structure is prepared in 1020 carbon steels by aluminothermic reaction casting. It is found that the steel consists of a nanocrystalline ferrite matrix and micro‐crystalline pearlite phase. The differences in the precipitation behaviors of ferrite by proeutectoid and pearlite transformed from residual austenite are conductive to bimodal microstructure formation. For different substrates of copper and glass, respectively, lamellar space of the pearlite was about 150 and 110 nm, and average grain size of the ferrite matrix is about 35 and 34 nm. Brinell Hardness, compressive and tensile yield strengths, and total elongation are 180 and 162 HB, 400 and 600 MPa, 275 and 230 MPa, 20 and 10%, respectively.
Superplasticity at Elevated Temperature of a Coarse‐Grained Mg–Li Alloy
Authors: Lin Kai , Kang Zhixin , Fang Qiang , Zhang Junyi
Published: October 2013

Tensile tests on Mg–10.73Li–4.49Al–0.52Y alloy processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) are conducted at 473–623 K with initial strain rates of 5 × 10−4–1 × 10−2 s−1 and the microstructures and the deformation mechanism are investigated. Homogeneous microstructure with an average coarse grain size of 154.6 µm is obtained after ECAP process. The results indicate that the alloy exhibits significant superplasticity with a maximum elongation of 512% at 523 K with initial strain rate of 5 × 10−4 s−1. Even with strain rate of 1 × 10−2 s−1, the elongations exceed 150% at all temperatures, which suggests that the alloy exhibits notable high strain rate quasi‐superplasticity. Under the optimum superplastic condition, the value of the strain rate sensitivity is 0.53 and the activation energy is 89.7 kJ mol−1, indicating that the dominant deformation mechanism in this alloy is grain boundary sliding (GBS) controlled by a combination of grain boundary diffusion and lattice diffusion. Grain refinement occurs during pre‐heating and deformation, which is favor for GBS. The nucleation, growth, and coalescence of cavities are the main failure mechanism during superplastic deformation.
Size‐Dependent Staging and Phase Transition in LiFePO4/FePO4
Authors: Zhu Changbao , Gu Lin , Suo Liumin , Popovic Jelena , Li Hong , Ikuhara Yuichi , Maier Joachim
Published: October 2013

The LiFePO4/FePO4 phase transition process is remarkable in terms of its excellent reversibility, making this redox system extremely promising for high rate lithium storage. The recent observation of ordering effects (Li0.5FePO4) during the phase transition challenges the traditional two phase models. In this work, the phenomenon of staging for LiFePO4 for different sizes (70 nm and 50 nm) by high resolution aberration corrected annular bright electron microscopy is detected, investigated, and discussed along with previous results on larger crystals. In the small crystals, staging is found throughout with a decrease of order from center to the surface. For the larger crystal, a staging phase occurs constituting the interfacial zone (width around 15 nm) between LiFePO4 and FePO4. A comparison is made to recent experiments on even larger crystals showing such an interphase of smaller extent (around 2 nm). Thus it appears that these zones narrow with increasing size. These findings are discussed in the light of phase transition thermodynamics and kinetics. In particular, the possibility is discussed that the staging interphase may constitute a low energy solution to the LiFePO4/FePO4 contact.
Multi‐Charged Conjugated Polyelectrolytes as a Versatile Work Function Modifier for Organic Electronic Devices
Authors: Lee Byoung Hoon , Jung In Hwan , Woo Han Young , Shim Hong‐Ku , Kim Geunjin , Lee Kwanghee
Published: October 2013

Despite the excellent work function adjustability of conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs), which induce a vacuum level shift via the formation of permanent dipoles at the CPE/metal electrode interface, the exact mechanism of electron injection through the CPE electron transport layer (ETL) remains unclear. In particular, understanding the ionic motion within the CPE ETLs when overcoming the sizable injection barrier is a significant challenge. Because the ionic functionality of CPEs is a key component for such functions, a rigorous analysis using highly controlled ion density (ID) in CPEs is crucial for understanding the underlying mechanism. Here, by introducing a new series of CPEs with various numbers of ionic functionalities, energy level tuning at such an interface can be determined directly by adjusting the ID in the CPEs. More importantly, these series CPEs indicate that two different mechanisms must be invoked according to the CPE thickness. The formation of permanent interfacial dipoles is critical with respect to electron injection through CPE ETL (≤ 10 nm, quantum mechanical tunneling limit), whereas electron injection through thick CPE ETL (20–30 nm) is dominated by the reorientation of the ionic side chains under a given electric field.
Nano Molecular‐Platform: A Protocol to Write Energy Transmission Program Inside a Molecule for Bio‐Inspired Supramolecular Engineering
Authors: Ghosh Subrata , Dutta Mrinal , Sahu Satyajit , Fujita Daisuke , Bandyopadhyay Anirban
Published: October 2013

In a coded self‐assembly, a simple code is written in the molecule, which self‐assembles the molecules into a fractal like structure, which acts as a seed for the next step. As the molecule turns into a complex seed, the code transforms into another form and several seeds self‐assemble into another structure, which acts as a seed for the next step. Until now, this technology was considered as a prerogative of nature. Here, a dendritic network is used to write a basic code by synthetically attaching 32 molecular rotors and doping two controller molecules in its cavity. The code live, which is an energy transmission path in the molecule, is imaged. When the energy transmission path or code is triggered, a series of products generate one after another spontaneously. Two examples are: i) dendritic seed (5–6 nm)→paired nanowire (≈12 nm)→nanowire (≈200 nm)→microwire (500 nm)→wire like rod (1–2 μm)→jelly→rectangular sheet (5 μm). ii) dendritic seed→nano‐sphere (20 nm)→micro‐sphere (500 nm)→large balls(1 μm)→oval shape rod (5–10 μm)→Y, L or T shaped rod assembly. The energy level interactions are tracked using spectroscopy how exactly a directed energy transfer code generates multi‐step synthesis from nano to the visible scale.
One‐Pot Preparation of Conducting Polymer‐Coated Silica Particles: Model Highly Absorbing Aerosols
Authors: Lovett Joseph R. , Fielding Lee A. , Armes Steven P. , Buxton Ronald
Published: October 2013

Near‐monodisperse 0.50 μm and 1.0 μm silica particles are surface‐modified using 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MPS) and subsequently coated by aqueous deposition of an ultrathin polypyrrole (PPy) overlayer to produce PPy‐coated silica particles. The targeted degree of MPS modification and PPy mass loading are systematically varied to optimize the colloidal stability and PPy coating uniformity. MPS surface modification is characterized by contact angle goniometry and the PPy overlayer uniformity is assessed by scanning electron microscopy. HF etching of the silica cores produces hollow PPy shells, thus confirming the contiguous nature of the PPy overlayer and the core–shell morphology of the original particles. Four‐point probe measurements and XPS studies indicate that the electrical conductivity of pressed pellets of PPy‐coated silica particles increases with PPy surface coverage. Colloidal stabilities of the bare, MPS‐modified, and PPy‐coated silica particles in aqueous solution are assessed using disk centrifuge photosedimentometry. MPS surface modification results in weak flocculation, with subsequent PPy deposition causing further aggregation. In contrast, white light aerosol spectrometry indicates a relatively high degree of dispersion for PPy‐coated silica particles in the gas phase. Such PPy‐coated silica particles are expected to be useful mimics for silica‐rich micrometeorites and may also serve as a model highly absorbing aerosol.
Nanofibers Implant Functionalized by Neural Growth Factor as a Strategy to Innervate a Bioengineered Tooth
Authors: Eap Sandy , Bécavin Thibault , Keller Laetitia , Kökten Tunay , Fioretti Florence , Weickert Jean‐Luc , Deveaux Etienne , Benkirane‐Jessel Nadia , Kuchler‐Bopp Sabine
Published: October 2013

Current strategies for jaw reconstruction require multiple procedures, to repair the bone defect, to offer sufficient support, and to place the tooth implant. The entire procedure can be painful and time‐consuming, and the desired functional repair can be achieved only when both steps are successful. The ability to engineer combined tooth and bone constructs, which would grow in a coordinated fashion with the surrounding tissues, could potentially improve the clinical outcomes and also reduce patient suffering. A unique nanofibrous and active implant for bone–tooth unit regeneration and also the innervation of this bioengineered tooth are demonstrated. A nanofibrous polycaprolactone membrane is functionalized with neural growth factor, along with dental germ, and tooth innervation follows. Such innervation allows complete functionality and tissue homeostasis of the tooth, such as dentinal sensitivity, odontoblast function, masticatory forces, and blood flow.
25th Anniversary Article: Ion Exchange in Colloidal Nanocrystals
Authors: Gupta Shuchi , Kershaw Stephen V. , Rogach Andrey L.
Published: October 2013

We review the progress in ion exchange in a variety of nanocrystal structures from the earliest accounts dating back over two decades ago to the present day. In recent years the number of groups using this method to form otherwise difficult or inaccessible nanoparticle shapes and morphologies has increased considerably and the field has experienced a resurgence of interest. Whilst most of the early work on cation exchange centered on II‐VI materials, the methodology has been expanded to cover a far broader range of semiconductor nanocrystals including low toxicity I‐III‐VI materials and the much less facile III‐V materials. The extent of exchange can be controlled leading to lightly doped nanoparticles, alloys, core‐shells, segmented rods and dots‐in‐rods. Progress has been driven by a better understanding of the underlying principles of the exchange process – from thermodynamic factors (differences in cation solubilities); the interactions between ions and transfer agents (solvents, ligands, anions, co‐dopants); ionic in‐diffusion mechanisms and kinetics. More recent availability of very detailed electron microscopy coupled with image reconstruction techniques has been a valuable tool to investigate the resulting heterostructures and internal interfaces. We start by surveying the range of synthetic approaches most often used to carry out ion exchange, mainly focusing on cation replacement strategies, and then describe the rich variety of nanostructures these techniques can bring forth. We also describe some of the principles that are used to establish the relative ease of exchange and to systematically improve the process where the basic energetics are less favorable. To help further the understanding of the underlying fundamentals we have gathered together useful data from the literature on solubilities, cation and anion hardness, ligand and solvent Lewis acid or base strengths for a wide range of chemical species generally used. We offer a perspective on the outlook for the field in terms of the emerging applications and the ion exchange derived materials that will enable them.
A Convenient and General Reduction of Amides to Amines with Low‐Valent Titanium
Authors: Zhang Tongxin , Zhang Yan , Zhang Weixi , Luo Meiming
Published: October 2013

Low‐valent titanium readily prepared in situ from TiCl4 and Mg powder in THF is found to be an active agent for the reduction of amides which were previously considered to be inert towards low‐valent titanium. The reaction proceeds under very mild conditions, and is applicable to all types of amides, primary, secondary and tertiary, to produce the corresponding amines in good to excellent yields. This new finding provides a practical, convenient and general method for the important transformation of amides to amines. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed.

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Copper‐Catalyzed Domino Route to Natural Nostoclides and Analogues: A Total Synthesis of Nostoclides I and II
Authors: Ngi Samuel Inack , Petrignet Julien , Duwald Romain , El Hilali El Mostafa , Abarbri Mohamed , Duchêne Alain , Thibonnet Jérôme
Published: October 2013

An original and convenient domino route to natural nostoclides I and II has been developed using a two‐step sequence consisting of a copper‐catalyzed tandem reaction associated with Suzuki cross‐coupling. The methodology employed for this total synthesis appeared to be an interesting and sufficiently flexible tool to allow the synthesis of numerous analogues of these nostoclides.

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Hydromagnesite as an Efficient Recyclable Heterogeneous Solid Base Catalyst for the Synthesis of Flavanones, Flavonols and 1,4‐Dihydropyridines in Water
Authors: Rajesh U. Chinna , Manohar Sunny , Rawat Diwan S.
Published: October 2013

A form of hydromagnesite (HM) with flower‐like thin‐sheet morphology was synthesized by an environmentally benign approach using simple conventional heating at moderate temperature without using any template in water as medium. The versatility of this HM catalyst was studied in the synthesis of flavanones, flavonols and the multicomponent synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyridines in water. The recyclability of catalyst was studied for six times and there was no appreciable loss in its catalytic activity.

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Palladium‐Catalysed Dehydrogenative Generation of Imines from Amines. A Nature‐Inspired Route to Indoles via Cross‐Couplings of Amines with Arylhydrazines
Authors: Taddei Maurizio , Mura Manuel G. , Rajamäki Suvi , Luca Lidia De , Porcheddu Andrea
Published: October 2013

H‐substituted imines are elusive compounds formed when aldehydes or ketones are mixed with ammonia. However, this class of molecules can be prepared through selective removal of a hydrogen molecule from a primary amine using a transition metal catalyst. This biomimetic transformation, previously employed for the N‐alkylation of anilines, is applied here to a domino preparation of differently substituted indoles from aliphatic primary amines and arylhydrazines. Several different linear and branched aliphatic primary amines are oxidized with reusable palladium on charcoal to the corresponding primary imines entrapped as arylhydrazones that can be isolated as such. Arylhydrazones can be further converted into N‐alkylindole derivatives via an acid‐mediated indolisation reaction. The one‐pot domino hydrogen transfer Fischer indole synthesis under heterogeneous catalysis is also possible, giving access to diverse substituted indoles, including NH indoles obtained after deprotection of the corresponding benzyl compounds. The truly heterogeneous nature of the catalyst was demonstrated by recycling the catalyst in the same reaction, and in other palladium‐catalysed transformations.

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Copper‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 1,3‐Butadienylphosphine Oxides and Chemoselective Phosphoryl Reduction to Stereodefined 1,3‐Butadienylphosphines
Authors: Gatignol Jérémie , Alayrac Carole , Lohier Jean‐François , Ballester Jorge , Taillefer Marc , Gaumont Annie‐Claude
Published: October 2013

Copper‐catalyzed CP cross‐coupling reactions between diphenylphosphine oxide and various 1‐bromo‐1,3‐butadienes readily provided a set of functionalized 1,3‐butadienyldiphenylphosphine oxides. Application of the latter to the synthesis of stereodefined 1,3‐butadienyldiphenylphosphines was successfully achieved via chemoselective reduction of their phosphoryl moiety.

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Efficient Click‐Polymer‐Stabilized Palladium Nanoparticle Catalysts for Suzuki–Miyaura Reactions of Bromoarenes and Reduction of 4‐Nitrophenol in Aqueous Solvents
Authors: Deraedt Christophe , Salmon Lionel , Ruiz Jaime , Astruc Didier
Published: October 2013

Palladium nanoparticles (size=1.6±0.3 nm) stabilized by a polyethylene glycol containing triazolyl rings, synthesized by click reaction in water, are efficient catalysts for the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of bromoarenes in aqueous ethanol and the borohydride reduction of 4‐nitrophenol in water. Turnover numbers (TONs) reach 99,000 and turnover frequencies (TOFs) are up to 198,000 h−1 for the CC cross coupling reactions in water/ethanol.

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Capacitive Energy Harvesting Using Highly Stretchable Silicone–Carbon Nanotube Composite Electrodes
Authors: Brochu Paul , Stoyanov Hristiyan , Chang Ryan , Niu Xiaofan , Hu Wei , Pei Qibing
Published: October 2013

Capacitive energy harvesters utilizing elastic dielectrics offer a simple way to harvest energy from natural mechanical energy sources. While the technology is promising due to its simplicity and low cost combined with high efficiency and energy density, there are still material challenges that must be addressed. For effective energy conversion, the dielectric material should have low dielectric and mechanical losses, while the compliant electrodes should be able to withstand large strains over an extended lifetime without any substantial loss of conductivity. The development of soft flexible and stretchable silicone–carbon nanotube composite electrodes is presented for use in capacitive energy harvesting and strain sensing. The composite is capable of being stretched to over 150% strain with a minimal increase in the baseline resistance and excellent recovery of electrical properties upon relaxation. The electrode displays excellent strain‐rate stability and is capable of being stretched at a strain rate of 1000% s−1 with only a small increase in resistance. The electrode also displays excellent electrical stability. Applications of the composite electrode include highly stretchable soft capacitors and energy generators. The capacitance change along with stretching could be either linear for sensor purposes or superlinear for improved energy gains as an energy harvester.
Balanced Carrier Mobilities: Not a Necessary Condition for High‐Efficiency Thin Organic Solar Cells as Determined by MIS‐CELIV
Authors: Armin Ardalan , Juska Gytis , Ullah Mujeeb , Velusamy Marappan , Burn Paul L. , Meredith Paul , Pivrikas Almantas
Published: October 2013

A novel technique based upon injection‐charge extraction by linearly increasing voltage (i‐CELIV) in a metal‐insulator‐semiconductor (MIS) diode structure is described for studying charge transport in organic semiconductors. The technique (MIS‐CELIV) allows selective measurement of both electron and hole mobilities of organic solar cells with active layers thicknesses representative of operational devices. The method is used to study the model high efficiency bulk heterojunction combination poly[N‐9′′‐heptadecanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT) and [6,6]‐phenyl C70‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM) at various blend ratios. The absence of bipolar transport in PCDTBT‐and‐PC70BM‐only diodes is shown and strongly imbalanced carrier mobility is found in the most efficient “optimized” blend ratios. The mobility measurements are correlated with overall device performance and it is found that balanced and high charge carrier mobility are not necessarily required for high efficiencies in thin film organic solar cells.
Changes in the Structure of World Trade in the Agri‐Food Industry: The Impact of the Home Market Effect and Regional Liberalization From a Long‐Term Perspective, 1963–2010
Authors: Serrano Raúl , Pinilla Vicente
Published: October 2013

This study examines the reasons for changes in the composition of international trade in agricultural and food products. We use a Gravity Model to compare the impact of the key factors in bilateral agri‐food trade, which we split into three main product groups following Rauch's classification of goods, between 1963 and 2010 for a representative sample of 40 countries. Our results show that the greater rhythm of growth in differentiated and reference priced products can be explained by the existence of the home market effect. Regional trade agreements have had an unequal impact on distinct product types, being especially important in the processed product markets. [JEL Classification: F14, N70, Q17]
Controllable crystallite and particle sizes of WO3 particles prepared by a spray‐pyrolysis method and their photocatalytic activity
Authors: Arutanti Osi , Ogi Takashi , Nandiyanto Asep Bayu Dani , Iskandar Ferry , Okuyama Kikuo
Published: October 2013

Information about correlation of material properties parameters (i.e., crystallite and particle sizes) and photocatalytic activity of tungsten trioxide (WO3) particles are still lacking. For this reason, the purpose of this study was to synthesize WO3 particles with controllable crystallite (from 18 to 50 nm) and particle sizes (from 58 to 677 nm) using a spray‐pyrolysis method and to investigate correlation of crystallite/particle size and photocatalytic activity. To gain control of crystallite/particle size, synthesis temperature (120–1300°C) and initial precursor concentration (2.5–15 mmol/L) were investigated, which were then compared with the proposal of the particle formation mechanism. The results showed that both crystallite and particle sizes played an important role in photocatalytic activity. In this research, the optimum condition to produce the highest photocatalytic performance of WO3 particles was at the temperature of 1200°C (crystallite size: 25 nm), and initial concentration of 10 mmol/L (particle size: 105 nm). © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 41–49, 2014
Disruptive burning of precursor/solvent droplets in flame‐spray synthesis of nanoparticles
Authors: Rosebrock Christopher D. , Riefler Norbert , Wriedt Thomas , Mädler Lutz , Tse Stephen D.
Published: October 2013

Flame spray pyrolysis is an established technique for synthesizing nanoparticles in the gas phase through aerosol combustion of precursor/solvent droplets. The combustion characteristics of isolated micron‐sized precursor/solvent droplets are investigated experimentally. Pure solvent droplets burn uniformly and classically quasisteady, whereas precursor/solvent droplets manifest disruptive combustion behavior. The fast onset of droplet disruption, which occurs only for solutions with dissolved metal precursors, is not due to solid‐particle precipitation within the droplet. Instead, the mechanism of disruptive droplet burning is similar to that of slurry droplets, consisting of three main steps: (1) diffusion‐controlled burning of the high‐volatile solvent, (2) viscous‐shell formation due to decomposition of the low‐volatile metal precursor, and (3) subsequent disruption due to heterogeneous nucleation. The time sequence of the three steps depends on the concentration and decomposition characteristics of the metal precursor, shortening with increased concentration and higher incremental decomposition temperature. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4553–4566, 2013
Use of an areal distribution of mixing intensity to describe blending of non‐newtonian fluids in a kenics KM static mixer using PLIF
Authors: Alberini F. , Simmons M. J. H. , Ingram A. , Stitt E. H.
Published: October 2013

The performance of KM static mixers has been assessed for the blending of Newtonian and time‐independent non‐Newtonian fluids using planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF). A stream of dye is injected at the mixer inlet and the distribution of dye at the mixer outlet is analyzed from images obtained across the pipe cross section. The effect of number of mixing elements, fluid rheology, and apparent viscosity ratio for two‐fluid blending have been investigated at constant mixture superficial velocity of 0.3 m s−1. Aqueous solutions of glycerol and Carbopol 940 are used as the working fluids, the latter possessing Herschel–Bulkley rheology. The PLIF images have been analyzed to determine log variance and maximum striation thickness to represent the intensity and scale of segregation, respectively. Conflicting trends are revealed in the experiments, leading to the development of an areal‐based distribution of mixing intensity. For two‐fluid blending, the addition of a high viscosity stream into the lower viscosity main flow causes very poor mixing performance, with unmixed spots of this component observable in the PLIF image. © 2013 The Authors AIChE Journal published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 332–342, 2014
An energy‐limited model of algal biofuel production: Toward the next generation of advanced biofuels
Authors: Dunlop Eric H. , Coaldrake A. Kimi , Silva Cory S. , Seider Warren D.
Published: October 2013

Algal biofuels are increasingly important as a source of renewable energy. The absence of reliable thermodynamic and other property data, and the large amount of kinetic data that would normally be required have created a major barrier to simulation. Additionally, the absence of a generally accepted flow sheet for biofuel production means that detailed simulation of the wrong approach is a real possibility. This model of algal biofuel production estimates the necessary data and places it into a heuristic model using a commercial simulator that back‐calculates the process structure required. Furthermore, complex kinetics can be obviated for now by putting the simulator into energy limitation and forcing it to solve for the missing design variables, such as bioreactor surface area, productivity, and oil content. The model does not attempt to prescribe a particular approach but provides a guide toward a sound engineering approach to this challenging and important problem. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4641–4654, 2013
Focused beam reflectance measurement for monitoring the extent and efficiency of flocculation in mineral systems
Authors: Senaputra Alexander , Jones Franca , Fawell Phillip D. , Smith Peter G.
Published: October 2013

Focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM), where a scanning laser focused through a sapphire window measures real‐time reflected chord distributions without solids dilution, is attractive for characterizing flocculation performance. An enhanced measurement principle in new FBRM instruments has implications for flocculation studies, demonstrated using hematite in synthetic Bayer liquor. Comparisons of previous (M500) and new (G400) instruments were complicated by the impact of their different physical dimensions upon flocculation hydrodynamics, but the G400 clearly measured larger chords. The original measurement principle based on a reflected intensity threshold counts large low‐density aggregates as multiple chords; in contrast, the change to “edge detection” (very low threshold) is more likely to see a single chord, an advantage for studying mineral systems (aggregates often >500 µm). The G400 also captures bimodal character in unweighted chord distributions, producing distinct peaks for aggregates and fines after suboptimal flocculation; such peaks are rarely well resolved in older FBRM. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 60: 251–265, 2014
Improved outcome with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a poor prognostic subgroup of patients with mixed‐lineage‐leukemia‐rearranged acute leukemia: Results from a prospective, multi‐center study
Authors: Yu Wang , Qi‐Fa Liu , Ya‐Zhen Qin , Dai‐Hong Liu , Lan‐Ping Xu , Bin Jiang , Qian Jiang , Min Dai , Si‐Jian Yu , Xin‐Miao Jiang , Yan‐Rong Liu , Xiao‐Jun Huang
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study is to define the role for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) in mixed‐lineage‐leukemia (MLL)‐rearranged acute leukemia, which is now poorly understood. A prospective, multi‐center cohort study to determine whether allo‐HSCT could decrease relapse rates and improve long‐term survival of MLL+ leukemia patients was performed. Fifty‐six consecutive patients diagnosed with MLL–rearranged acute leukemia undergoing allo‐HSCT from two transplant centers in China were enrolled between October 2007 and October 2012. The trial was registered at www.chictr.org as # ChiCTR‐ONC‐12002739. The incidences of grades II to IV acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) and of grades III and IV aGVHD were 28.8% (CI, 16.87–40.8%), and 14.2% (CI, 5.4–23.0%), respectively. The cumulative incidences for chronic GVHD (cGVHD) at 2 years after HSCT were 35.2% (CI, 21.2–49.2%). Up to April 30, 2013, 12 patients had relapsed and 11 died from relapse, and 37 patients were still alive without disease recurrence. The relapse and NRM rates at 3 years were 25.3% (CI, 12.7–37.9%) and 18.0% (CI, 2.6–33.4%), respectively. The probalities of overall survival and leukemia free survival were 61.8% (CI, 46.0–77.6%) and 56.3% (CI, 38.1–74.5%) at 3 years, respectively. Patients transplanted during their hematological first complete remission (CR1) had a lower relapse rate (17.9% vs. 48.1%, P = 0.03) compared with patients transplanted beyond CR1. The median overall survival for the 29 patients not receiving allo‐HSCT during the study period was 145 days from diagnosis. This study showed that allo‐HSCT could be a valuable treatment choice for MLL+ acute leukemia. Am. J. Hematol. 89:130–136, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parent education and biologic factors influence on cognition in sickle cell anemia
Authors: King Allison A. , Strouse John J. , Rodeghier Mark J. , Compas Bruce E. , Casella James F. , McKinstry Robert C. , Noetzel Michael J. , Quinn Charles T. , Ichord Rebecca , Dowling Michael M. , Miller J. Philip , DeBaun Michael R.
Published: October 2013

Children with sickle cell anemia have a high prevalence of silent cerebral infarcts (SCIs) that are associated with decreased full‐scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ). While the educational attainment of parents is a known strong predictor of the cognitive development of children in general, the role of parental education in sickle cell anemia along with other factors that adversely affect cognitive function (anemia, cerebral infarcts) is not known. We tested the hypothesis that both the presence of SCI and parental education would impact FSIQ in children with sickle cell anemia. A multicenter, cross‐sectional study was conducted in 19 US sites of the Silent Infarct Transfusion Trial among children with sickle cell anemia, age 5–15 years. All were screened for SCIs. Participants with and without SCI were administered the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. A total of 150 participants (107 with and 43 without SCIs) were included in the analysis. In a multivariable linear regression model for FSIQ, the absence of college education for the head of household was associated with a decrease of 6.2 points (P = 0.005); presence of SCI with a 5.2 point decrease (P = 0.017); each $1000 of family income per capita with a 0.33 point increase (P = 0.023); each increase of 1 year in age with a 0.96 point decrease (P = 0.023); and each 1% (absolute) decrease in hemoglobin oxygen saturation with 0.75 point decrease (P = 0.030). In conclusion, FSIQ in children with sickle cell anemia is best accounted for by a multivariate model that includes both biologic and socioenvironmental factors. Am. J. Hematol. 89:162–167, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel multidisciplinary approach toward a better understanding of cranial suture closure: The first evidence of genetic effects in adulthood
Authors: Wolff Katalin , Hadadi E. , Vas Z.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to perform new, relevant information about cranial suture closure in adults. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in targeted genes were examined, which encode factors that play an important role in cranial suture development and maintenance. Our hypothesis was that some of these genes and polymorphisms can influence the cranial suture obliteration status in adulthood as well.

Methods

Ossification of cranial sutures was ascertained according to Meindl and Lovejoy's vault system (1985: Am J Phys Anthropol 68(1):57–66), and peripheral blood samples were collected during autopsy procedure of 106 individuals at the Department of Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, Hungary. Genotyping of SNPs was conducted using competitive allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction KASPar chemistry. Multivariate linear models were used to test whether SNP polymorphism of the investigated genes has a significant effect on the ectocranial suture synostosis in adults.

Results

The msh homeobox 1 (MSX1): rs3821947 polymorphism showed significant association with the extent of suture obliteration.

Conclusions

Cranial suture closure in adults is a complex, multifactorial process. According to previous results MSX1 has a role in calvarial bone development and it has an effect on sutural mesenchyme in latter postnatal stages. Our results demonstrate MSX1 effects on suture obliteration in adulthood. These findings represent new, relevant information indicating that genetic background can have an impact on cranial suture closure in adults. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:835–843, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Similarity of geleophysic dysplasia and weill–marchesani syndrome
Authors: Kochhar Aaina , Kirmani Salman , Cetta Frank , Younge Brian , Hyland James C. , Michels Virginia
Published: October 2013

The acromelic dysplasias comprise short stature, hands and feet, and stiff joints. Three disorders are ascribed to this group, namely Weill–Marchesani syndrome, geleophysic dysplasia, and acromicric dysplasia, although similar in phenotype, can be distinguished clinically. Weill–Marchesani syndrome, on the basis of microspherophakia and ectopia lentis; geleophysic dysplasia by progressive cardiac valvular thickening, tracheal stenosis, and/or bronchopulmonary insufficiency, often leading to early death. Microspherophakia has not been reported previously in geleophysic dysplasia. Mutations in FBN1, ADAMTS10, or ADAMTS17 cause Weill–Marchesani syndrome by disrupting the microfibrillar environment, while geleophysic dysplasia is associated with enhanced TGF‐β signaling mediated through mutations in FBN1 or ADAMTSL2. We studied a 35‐year‐old woman with geleophysic dysplasia, with short stature, small hands and feet, limitation of joint mobility, mild skin thickening, cardiac valvular disease, restrictive pulmonary disease, and microspherophakia. Sequencing of ADAMTSL2 demonstrated two changes: IVS8‐2A>G consistent with a disease‐causing mutation, and IVS14‐7G>A with potential to generate a new splice acceptor site and result in aberrant mRNA processing. The unaffected mother carries only the IVS8‐2A>G transition providing evidence that the two changes are in trans‐configuration in our patient. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The hutterite variant of treacher collins syndrome: A 28‐year‐old story solved
Authors: Caluseriu Oana , Lowry Brian R. , McLeod Ross , Lamont Ryan , Parboosingh Jillian S. , Bernier Francois P. , Innes A. Micheil
Published: October 2013

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS), the best known form of mandibulofacial dysostosis (MFD) comprises a recognizable pattern of anomalies. In 1985, Lowry et al. reported on two Hutterite sisters born to apparently unaffected parents with TCS, raising the possibility of an autosomal recessive (AR) variant of TCS, subsequently given a unique Mendelian Inheritance of Man (MIM) number (248390). Recently, biallelic mutations in POLR1C were found in TCS patients, confirming AR TCS as a distinct entity. The Hutterites, an endogamous Anabaptist group, like other genetically isolated populations, provide a powerful resource for mapping AR disorders. We elected to study the molecular basis of TCS in the Hutterite population including the original kindred described in 1985, and another unrelated Hutterite patient. Prior to starting this study, a TCOF1 mutation had apparently been excluded in the original family at two outside institutions. We hypothesized that an AR variant of TCS was present in the three Hutterite patients, but homozygosity mapping did not show convincing evidence of shared regions between the affected individuals. TCOF1 analysis was undertaken and mutations were found in the three affected patients and an unaffected parent. These data show that the initial Hutterite family reported with AR TCS in fact has classic TCS due to a TCOF1 mutation, despite recent data confirming the existence of AR TCS in other populations. These results have significant counseling implications for the affected families in the Hutterite population and in the population at large. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polysomnographic findings in infantile Pompe disease
Authors: Kansagra Sujay , Austin Stephanie , DeArmey Stephanie , Kishnani Priya S. , Kravitz Richard M.
Published: October 2013

Infantile Pompe disease is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder due to deficiency of the enzyme acid α‐glucosidase that degrades lysosomal glycogen. Clinical features of diffuse hypotonia, cardiomyopathy, and weakness are present within the first days to months of life in patients with classic infantile Pompe disease. Progression of the disease often leads to respiratory failure. Although sleep apnea is reported in late‐onset Pompe disease, sleep pathology is not well characterized in infantile disease. In this retrospective study, we analyzed nocturnal polysomnography results from 17 patients with infantile‐onset Pompe disease. Obstructive sleep apnea and hypoventilation were common among this cohort, even in those that did not have symptoms of sleep‐disordered breathing. All patients with infantile‐onset Pompe disease should undergo polysomnography as a routine part of their care. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cornelia de Lange individuals with new and recurrent SMC1A mutations enhance delineation of mutation repertoire and phenotypic spectrum
Authors: Gervasini Cristina , Russo Silvia , Cereda Anna , Parenti Ilaria , Masciadri Maura , Azzollini Jacopo , Melis Daniela , Aravena Teresa , Doray Bérénice , Ferrarini Alessandra , Garavelli Livia , Selicorni Angelo , Larizza Lidia
Published: October 2013

We report on the clinical and molecular characterization of eight patients, one male and seven females, with clinical diagnosis of Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS), who were found to carry distinct mutations of the SMC1A gene. Five of the eight mutations are novel, with two involving amino acid residues previously described as altered in a different way. The other three have been reported each in a single case. Comparison of pairs of individuals with the same mutation indicates only partial overlap of their clinical phenotypes. The following novel missense mutations, all affecting highly conserved amino acid residues, were found: p.R398G in the N‐terminal coiled‐coil domain, p.V651M in the C‐terminal coiled‐coil/hinge junction, p.R693G in the C‐terminal coiled‐coil, and p.N1166T and p.L1189F in the C‐terminal ABC cassette. The latter is localized in the H‐loop, and represents the first mutation involving a functional motif of SMC1A protein. The effect of the mutations on SMC1A protein function has been predicted using four bioinformatic tools. All mutations except p.V651M were scored as pathogenic by three or four of the tools. p.V651M was found in the only male individual of our cohort, who presented with the most severe phenotype. This raises the issue of gender effect when addressing mutation‐phenotype correlation for genes such as SMC1A, which incompletely escapes X‐inactivation. Our clinical and molecular findings expand the total number of characterized SMC1A‐mutated patients (from 44 to 52) and the restricted repertoire of SMC1A mutations (from 29 to 34), contributing to the molecular and clinical signature of SMC1A‐based CdLS. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
GH Therapy and first final height data in Noonan‐like syndrome with loose anagen hair (Mazzanti syndrome)
Authors: Mazzanti Laura , Tamburrino Federica , Scarano Emanuela , Perri Annamaria , Vestrucci Benedetta , Guidetti Monica , Rossi Cesare , Tartaglia Marco
Published: October 2013

Noonan‐like syndrome with loose anagen hair (NS/LAH or Mazzanti Syndrome) is caused by a single missense mutation in SHOC2 promoting tN‐myristoylation of the encoded protein. Cardinal features include facial features resembling NS, short stature often associated with proven growth hormone deficiency (GHD), typical ectodermal anomalies, and distinctive behavior. Overall, the clinical features are more severe than those generally observed in NS, even though the phenotype improves with age. We report on growth and pubertal trend in seven patients heterozygous for a mutated SHOC2 allele, treated with long‐term GH‐therapy, and final height (FH) in three of them. They were approximately −3 SDS below the Italian general population standards, they had very low IGF1 levels at baseline and GHD at pharmacological tests. All patients were treated with GH (0.035 mg/kg/day) for a mean period of 8.49 ± 5.72 years. After the 1st year of GH‐therapy, IGF1 level and height velocity had increased. Three of 7 patients reached the FH (−2.34 ± 0.12 SDS) at 18.25 ± 0.73 years, after GH administration for 12.39 ± 2.12 years. Pubertal development was variable, showing a prolonged and delayed puberty or rapid pubertal progression that could impair the FH. Overall, our data in this small cohort suggest that NS/LAH patients benefit from long‐term GH‐therapy, although they do not show the characteristic catch‐up growth of isolated GHD. While the observed growth and pubertal behavior is consistent with a dysfunction of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis, the functional link between SHOC2 and the GH/IGF signaling pathways remains to be clarified. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.