bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The surgical significance of residual mucosal abnormalities in rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Smith F M , Chang K H , Sheahan K , Hyland J , O'Connell P R , Winter D C
Published: February 2012

Background

Local excision of rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has been proposed as an alternative to radical surgery in selected patients. However, little is known about the significance of the morphological and histological features of residual tumour.

Methods

Patients who had undergone CRT at the authors' institution between 1997 and 2010 were identified. Multiple features were assessed as putative markers of pathological response. These included: gross residual disease, diameter of residual mucosal abnormalities, tumour differentiation, presence of lymphovascular/perineural invasion and lymph node ratio.

Results

Data from 220 of 276 patients were suitable for analysis. Diameter of residual mucosal abnormalities correlated strongly with pathological tumour category after CRT (ypT) (P < 0·001). Forty of 42 tumours downstaged to ypT0/1 had residual mucosal abnormalities of 2·99 cm or less after CRT. Importantly, 19 of 31 patients with a complete pathological response had evidence of a residual mucosal abnormality consistent with an incomplete clinical response. The ypT category was associated with both pathological node status after CRT (P < 0·001) and lymph node ratio (P < 0·001). Positive nodes were found in only one of 42 patients downstaged to ypT0/1. The risk of nodal metastases was associated with poor differentiation (P = 0·027) and lymphovascular invasion (P < 0·001).

Conclusion

In this series, the majority of patients with a complete pathological response did not have a complete clinical response. In tumours downstaged to ypT0/1 after CRT, residual mucosal abnormalities were predominantly small and had a 2 per cent risk of positive nodes, thus potentially facilitating transanal excision. The presence of adverse histological characteristics risk stratified tumours for nodal metastases.
Tristimulus colorimeter calibration matrix uncertainties
Authors: Gardner J. L.
Published: February 2012

Measurement uncertainties are propagated through the matrix calibration of a tristimulus colorimeter. It is shown that reference spectral uncertainties and the colorimeter signal uncertainties during calibration are simply scaled and combined in an applied measurement. Modeling shows that transforming x, y chromaticity and Y luminance can lead to lower chromaticity uncertainties than transforming X, Y, Z tristimulus signals themselves. Accuracy depends on the set of colours used for calibration, especially for measurements of displays. Uncertainties can be large and dominate errors due to accuracy of spectral matching to the CIE colour‐matching functions. This is particularly true if commision international de L'Eclariage (CIE) Lab values are to be derived. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 38, 251–258, 2013
Outlier detection of air temperature series data using probabilistic finite state automata‐based algorithm
Authors: Shen Jun , Yang Minhua , Zou Bin , Wan Neng , Liao Yufang
Published: February 2012

This article proposes a probability finite state automata‐based algorithm (PFSAA) for detecting outliers of air temperature series data caused by sensor errors. This algorithm first divides the training samples of air temperature series data into subclusters that will be further used to build finite state automata by splitting and combining techniques. Then, it creates a dynamic transition matrix of PFSA based on probability theories. Finally, the outliers of the remaining test samples are detected by PFSAA. The proposed algorithm is quantitatively validated by the reference data and a traditional backpropagation neural net model. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2012
Evaluating nonlinear variability of mental fatigue behavioral indices during long‐term attentive task
Authors: Azarnoosh Mahdi , Nasrabadi Ali Motie , Mohammadi Mohammad Reza , Firoozabadi Mohammad
Published: February 2012

This study investigates the behavioral indices of attention. A simple repetitive attentive task that resulted in mental fatigue was used consecutively in four trials. In the first step, reaction time and error responses were recorded to evaluate differences among trials. During the task, subjects showed different responses to stimulations. In the second part, to recognize the strategies, multiple clustering methods such as k‐means and fuzzy c‐means were performed in which behavioral indices and nonlinear features were used. In the last section, mental behavior was identified as a result of the chaotic properties of variations in reaction time. Therefore, the Lyapunov exponent of reaction times was evaluated. Results revealed that behavioral indices could distinguish attention from the occurrence of mental fatigue in trials. In addition, the three strategies used by subjects during the test protocol were assessed. Finally, variation of indices extracted from nonlinear analysis, that is, decrease in degree of chaotic behavior determined the transition from attention to mental fatigue. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2012
Segmentation and detection of fluorescent 3D spots
Authors: Ram Sundaresh , Rodríguez Jeffrey J. , Bosco Giovanni
Published: February 2012

The 3D spatial organization of genes and other genetic elements within the nucleus is important for regulating gene expression. Understanding how this spatial organization is established and maintained throughout the life of a cell is key to elucidating the many layers of gene regulation. Quantitative methods for studying nuclear organization will lead to insights into the molecular mechanisms that maintain gene organization as well as serve as diagnostic tools for pathologies caused by loss of nuclear structure. However, biologists currently lack automated and high throughput methods for quantitative and qualitative global analysis of 3D gene organization. In this study, we use confocal microscopy and fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) as a cytogenetic technique to detect and localize the presence of specific DNA sequences in 3D. FISH uses probes that bind to specific targeted locations on the chromosomes, appearing as fluorescent spots in 3D images obtained using fluorescence microscopy. In this article, we propose an automated algorithm for segmentation and detection of 3D FISH spots. The algorithm is divided into two stages: spot segmentation and spot detection. Spot segmentation consists of 3D anisotropic smoothing to reduce the effect of noise, top‐hat filtering, and intensity thresholding, followed by 3D region‐growing. Spot detection uses a Bayesian classifier with spot features such as volume, average intensity, texture, and contrast to detect and classify the segmented spots aseither true or false spots. Quantitative assessment of the proposed algorithm demonstrates improved segmentation and detection accuracy compared to other techniques. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Aspects for untangling cross‐layer design and policy support
Authors: Sadok Djamel , Oliveira Luciana P. , Gonçalves Glauco , Kelner Judith , Rosa Nelson , Souto Eduardo
Published: February 2012

Programming language concepts have inspired some networking design decisions. For example, concepts such as object encapsulation and interface invocation have been borrowed, at the time of their adoption, from an already well established object oriented programming paradigm. The authors suggest in this paper that it may be time again to revisit emerging software engineering programming paradigms to learn from them. More specifically, this paper discusses the practical tangling problem, embedded in conventional layer‐coupling (linking) network software design and highlighted by recent research proposals for cross layer design. The adopted solution is based on the aspect‐oriented programming paradigm. We show its programming efficiency, limitations and role in the seamless enforcement of multiple policy scenarios while emphasizing little design changes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thyroid cyst wall atypia in a patient with a history of malignant melanoma: A pitfall in fine‐needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Johnson Rebecca L. , Hasteh Farnaz
Published: February 2012

We present an interesting case report from a patient with a history of desmoplastic malignant melanoma (MM), who presented with a thyroid nodule. The patient's clinical diagnosis included a benign thyroid nodule versus a primary thyroid malignancy or metastatic MM. Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy showed highly atypical spindle cells suspicious for metastatic MM. The acellular cell block prevented further studies such as immunohistochemical analysis. The patient underwent surgical excision of the mass, which showed a benign cystic thyroid nodule with an atypical cyst lining. Here, we report the presence of atypical cyst‐lining cells in a patient with diagnosis of MM. The atypical cytology of the cyst‐lining cells has been reported in the English literature; however, presence of significant cytological atypia, especially in a patient with a history of another malignancy, can be problematic. The cytopathologist should be aware of this entity and its diagnostic pitfalls. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:716–719. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autofluorescence—an important ancillary technique for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Revisited
Authors: Joshi Parul , Singh Mamta , Bhargava Anudita , Singh Mangal , Mehrotra Ravi
Published: February 2012

Tuberculosis is one of the oldest diseases known to affect humans and is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Lymph nodes are the most common site of extrapulmonary involvement. Tuberculous lymphadenitis can be presumptively diagnosed morphologically on fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of lymph nodes. Additional tests like Ziehl‐Neelsen (ZN) stain for detection of acid fast bacilli, fluorescence, and molecular markers are often employed for confirmation of diagnosis. However, culture is essential for obtaining a definitive diagnosis. Unfortunately, culture is time consuming and expensive. Newer investigative methods are required. The efficacy of autofluorescence in the diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis was evaluated for this purpose. Fine‐needle aspiration biopsies were collected from patients with a clinical diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis. Cytomorphological examination, ZN staining, autofluorescence, and culture were performed on all specimens. ZN staining was positive in 37.5% (30/80) of cases, while autofluorescence was positive in 57.5% (46/80) of patients and was found to have 81.8% specificity, 95% sensitivity, and a positive predictive value of 82.6%. This technique allowed rapid and early diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis in a number of patients, permitting early institution of appropriate therapy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:330–334. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of fine‐needle aspiration cytology and fluid cytology in extra‐pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Narayana Reddy Roopa A. , Narayana Suma M. , Shariff Shameem
Published: February 2012

Extra‐pulmonary tuberculosis is the presence of disease in an organ without obvious involvement of the lungs (World Health Organization, Tuberculosis Fact sheet, 2006). The present article focuses on the incidence of extra‐pulmonary tuberculosis as an emerging and clinically significant disease to be reckoned with in the present era. It also highlights fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) as an inexpensive, less invasive procedure for early diagnosis of such tuberculosis and timely initiation of specific therapy.

All cases of proved tuberculosis presenting to the M.V.J. Medical College and Research Hospital were recorded over a period of two years (2008–2010); and categorized as pulmonary and extra‐pulmonary cases. A total of 96 cases of tuberculosis were observed; extra‐pulmonary tuberculosis was seen in 64 cases. Of these 56 cases were from lymphnodes and 8 from extra‐nodal sites which included tuberculous dactylitis (two cases), tuberculous mastitis (two cases), tuberculous synovial effusion (one case), pericardial effusion (one case), epididymo‐orchitis (one case), and cold abscess (one case). The cytology patterns observed included granulomatous inflammation and necrosis with or without acid fast bacilli. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Focused rescreening of NILM Pap slides from women ≥30 years of age with positive high risk HPV DNA: An enhanced quality control measure
Authors: Sturgis Charles D. , Schaaf Michael R. , Tickman Ronald J.
Published: February 2012

CLIA 88 regulations specify that at least 10% of negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) Paps be rescreened as a means of quality control (QC). With the incorporation of HPV DNA testing into American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology guidelines for women ≥30 years of age, a population of NILM patients with positive HPV results exists. Slides from this cohort were rescreened to judge the value of focused QC. Three hundred and eighty‐six consecutive, NILM, HCII+, Paps (SurePath and ThinPrep, September 2009 to December 2009) from women aged ≥30 were retrieved from the CellNetix files. These slides were rescreened by cytotechnologists. Slides rescreened as atypical squamous cells (ASC) or higher by cytotechnologists were viewed by cytopathologists (CDS/RJT) who assigned a final interpretation. Of the 386 rescreened cases, 50 (12.9%) were placed in categories of ASC or higher, and 11 (2.9%) were interpreted as LSIL or above. By comparison, routine QC (including random, FocalPoint enriched, and historically high risk cases) was performed on a total of 20,580 Paps (21% of 99,501 annual cases). Concomitant routine QC revealed that 2.1% (427/20,580) were upgraded to ASC or higher and 0.3% (52/20,580) were upgraded to LSIL or higher. Focused rescreening of NILM cases with positive HPV DNA resulted in the detection of approximately ten times more SIL cases than did routine QC Pap slide review at CellNetix. Focused rescreening of this patient set may enhance QC in cytopathology laboratories performing liquid‐based Paps. An inherent potential bias in study design is recognized, as results of DNA testing were by definition known at the time of rescreen. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ALK+ large B‐cell lymphoma: A rare variant of aggressive large B‐cell lymphoma mimicking carcinoma on cytology specimens
Authors: Lin Oscar , Koreishi Aashiyana , Brandt Suzanne M. , Arcila Maria , Teruya‐Feldstein Julie
Published: February 2012

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive large B‐cell LYMPHOMA (ALK+ LBCL) was recognized as a distinct entity by the 2008 WHO classification of lymphomas. Histologically, the tumor cells exhibit either plasmablastic or immunoblastic morphology, with characteristic granular staining for ALK. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cytologic findings of ALK+ LBCL. The cytologic material obtained by needle biopsy from three cases of ALK+ LBCL was evaluated. All lesions were nodal and the cytologic material analyzed included air‐dried and alcohol‐fixed slides stained with modified Giemsa and/or HE stains. The following morphologic criteria were assessed: cellularity, cluster characteristics, cell size, cytoplasmic and nuclear characteristics, and background composition. The cytology specimens obtained from the needle biopsies were moderately to highly cellular and composed of a population of large cells with immunoblastic or plasmablastic morphology. Single cells were present in all three cases, but two cases also showed the presence of clusters with acinar and papillary architecture. Multinucleation was noted in all three cases. Amorphous metachromatic background material was noted focally in the modified Giemsa stained slides in all three cases. Immunostains performed on cytology specimens showed cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for ALK, with characteristic granular features. ALK+ LBCL is a rare recently recognized type of lymphoma with unique morphologic and immunophenotypic findings that can mimic epithelial tumors. Recognition of this potential diagnostic pitfall is critical to prevent unnecessary additional work‐up and mistreatment. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The diagnostic value of the thinprep pap test in endometrial carcinoma: A prospective study with histological follow‐up
Authors: Zhou Jianhong , Tomashefski, Joseph F. , Sawady Joram , Ferrer Hector , Khiyami Amer
Published: February 2012

Case‐control studies have demonstrated that the ThinPrep Pap test may provide improved detection of endometrial carcinoma. The purpose of this study is to prospectively examine the diagnostic potential of the ThinPrep Pap test in the detection of endometrial carcinoma. ThinPrep Pap test slides were collected from high‐risk patient groups. Pap‐stained slides were reviewed and the cytological diagnosis was rendered independently by investigators. Each case was assigned to one of the four diagnostic categories: within normal limit (WNL); atypical glandular cells (AGC); atypical endometrial cells (AEC); or adenocarcinoma, probably endometrial origin. After cytological diagnosis was made, the histological follow‐up diagnosis was obtained through the laboratory information system and the cyto‐histological correlation was analyzed. Of 106 patients identified, 60 had histological follow‐up. For all eight cases interpreted by cytology as positive, endometrial carcinoma was confirmed histologically. Among 25 patients with normal endometrial cells present, histological follow‐up showed benign endometrium. Among 17 cases interpreted cytologically as AEC, 14 cases (82.4%) had benign histological follow‐up and 3 cases (17.6%) had endometrial carcinoma. All 11 cases (100%) classified as AGC had benign histological follow‐up. The sensitivity and specificity of detecting endometrial malignancy were 72.7% and 100%, respectively. The positive predictive value was 100%. In this prospective study, we demonstrated that the Thin Prep Pap test had a reasonably high sensitivity and/or specificity in detecting endometrial carcinoma. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toward new Drosophila paradigms
Authors: Andrioli Luiz Paulo
Published: February 2012

The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is a great model system in developmental biology studies and related disciplines. In a historical perspective, I focus on the formation of the Drosophila segmental body plan using a comparative approach. I highlight the evolutionary trend of increasing complexity of the molecular segmentation network in arthropods that resulted in an incredible degree of complexity at the gap gene level in derived Diptera. There is growing evidence that Drosophila is a highly derived insect, and we are still far from fully understanding the underlying evolutionary mechanisms that led to its complexity. In addition, recent data have altered how we view the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms that control segmentation in Drosophila. However, these observations are not all bad news for the field. Instead, they stimulate further study of segmentation in Drosophila and in other species as well. To me, these seemingly new Drosophila paradigms are very challenging ones. genesis 50:585–598, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of Pleistocene climate change on an ancient arctic–alpine plant: multiple lineages of disparate history in Oxyria digyna
Authors: Allen Geraldine A. , Marr Kendrick L. , McCormick Laurie J. , Hebda Richard J.
Published: February 2012

The ranges of arctic–alpine species have shifted extensively with Pleistocene climate changes and glaciations. Using sequence data from the trnH‐psbA and trnT‐trnL chloroplast DNA spacer regions, we investigated the phylogeography of the widespread, ancient (>3 million years) arctic–alpine plant Oxyria digyna (Polygonaceae). We identified 45 haplotypes and six highly divergent major lineages; estimated ages of these lineages (time to most recent common ancestor, TMRCA) ranged from ∼0.5 to 2.5 million years. One lineage is widespread in the arctic, a second is restricted to the southern Rocky Mountains of the western United States, and a third was found only in the Himalayan and Altai regions of Asia. Three other lineages are widespread in western North America, where they overlap extensively. The high genetic diversity and the presence of divergent major cpDNA lineages within Oxyria digyna reflect its age and suggest that it was widespread during much of its history. The distributions of individual lineages indicate repeated spread of Oxyria digyna through North America over multiple glacial cycles. During the Last Glacial Maximum it persisted in multiple refugia in western North America, including Beringia, south of the continental ice, and within the northern limits of the Cordilleran ice sheet. Our data contribute to a growing body of evidence that arctic–alpine species have migrated from different source regions over multiple glacial cycles and that cryptic refugia contributed to persistence through the Last Glacial Maximum.
Switching reinforcement learning for continuous action space
Authors: Nagayoshi Masato , Murao Hajime , Tamaki Hisashi
Published: February 2012

Reinforcement learning (RL) is attracting attention as a technique for realizing computational intelligence, such as adaptive and autonomous decentralized systems. In general, however, it is not easy to put RL to practical use. The difficulty includes the problem of designing a suitable action space for an agent, that is, satisfying two requirements in trade‐off: (i) to keep the characteristics (or structure) of the original search space as much as possible in order to seek strategies that lie close to the optimal, and (ii) to reduce the search space as much as possible in order to expedite the learning process.

In order to design a suitable action space adaptively, we propose the Switching RL model to mimic the process of an infant's motor development, in which gross motor skills develop before fine motor skills. Then, a method for switching controllers is constructed by introducing and referring to the “entropy.” Further, the validity of the proposed method is confirmed by computational experiments using robot navigation problems with one‐ and two‐dimensional continuous action spaces. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(3): 37–44, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10383
Evaluation of small ultrasonic probe using lead zirconate titanate poly‐crystal film deposited by hydrothermal method
Authors: Hasegawa Tomohito , Ishikawa Mutsuo , Kurosawa Minoru Kuribayashi , Takeuchi Shinichi
Published: February 2012

Two types of transducers for small ultrasound probes were fabricated. Titanium or epoxy resin was used for the backing material of the transducers. The piezoelectric material was lead zirconate titanate (PZT) that was deposited by the hydrothermal method. These transducers were built into a small ultrasound probe and the characteristics were evaluated. As a result, we succeeded in the fabrication of a wideband ultrasound probe with a distance resolution of 16 μm, a frequency bandwidth of 69 MHz in the range of 39 to 98 MHz, and a fractional bandwidth of 86% at the epoxy resin backing probe. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(3): 1–8, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10419
Design, Testing and Kinetic Analysis of Bulky Monodentate Phosphorus Ligands in the Mizoroki–Heck Reaction
Authors: Dodds Deborah L. , Boele Maarten D. K. , van Strijdonck Gino P. F. , de Vries Johannes G. , van Leeuwen Piet W. N. M. , Kamer Paul C. J.
Published: February 2012

A series of new monodentate phosphane ligands 2 have been evaluated in the Mizoroki–Heck arylation reaction of iodobenzene and styrene and compared with our previously reported ligands, 1, 3 and 4. The concept of rational ligand design is discussed, and we describe how the performance of this new ligand family could be predicted. Employing our best ligand, 3,3′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐5,5′‐dimethoxybiphenyl‐2,2′‐diyl diisopropylphosphoramidite (3b), we explored the scope of the reaction with regards to solvent and the substrate. We also investigated the electronic dependence of the reaction by analysing the relationship between the rate and Hammett constant. Sufficient steric bulk is required to enforce the catalytic reaction to proceed through the mono‐coordinated palladium species, thereby increasing its reactivity. The electronic properties determine the concentration of the active species from the monomer dimer equilibrium and their intrinsic reactivity. The cyclic phosphoramidite 3b provides an optimum in both properties within the systems studied, resulting in a rate limiting migratory insertion step.
Microporous Mixed‐Metal Layer‐Pillared [Zn1–xCux(bdc)(dabco)0.5] MOFs: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Kozachuk Olesia , Khaletskaya Kira , Halbherr Markus , Bétard Angélique , Meilikhov Mikhail , Seidel Rüdiger W. , Jee Bettina , Pöppl Andreas , Fischer Roland A.
Published: February 2012

A series of mixed‐metal layer‐pillared MOFs of general formula [Zn1–xCux(bdc)(dabco)0.5] (bdc = 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate, dabco = 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, 0 < x < 1) have been synthesized by a solvothermal approach. Different amounts x of Cu2+ were introduced to substitute for Zn2+ centers. The prepared mixed‐metal MOFs were shown to be structurally very similar to their parent monometallic [Zn(bdc)(dabco)0.5] and [Cu(bdc)(dabco)0.5] frameworks by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction studies. Interestingly, upon inclusion of copper, a distortion of the paddle‐wheel units is observed. In addition, the incorporation of Cu2+ ions into the [Zn2(bdc)(dabco)0.5] framework and the formation of heterometallic Zn–Cu paddle‐wheel units along with monometallic Cu–Cu and Zn–Zn units in the prepared mixed‐metal MOFs were confirmed by continuous‐wave EPR spectroscopy. The synthesized materials [Zn1–xCux(bdc)(dabco)0.5] are thermally stable up to 260 °C and exhibit permanent porosity with BET surface areas in the range of 800–2430 m2 g–1.
2,2′‐Diborylazobenzenes with Double N–B Coordination: Control of Fluorescent Properties by Substituents and Redox Reactions
Authors: Kano Naokazu , Furuta Akiko , Kambe Tetsuya , Yoshino Junro , Shibata Yusuke , Kawashima Takayuki , Mizorogi Naomi , Nagase Shigeru
Published: February 2012

2,2′‐Bis[bis(pentafluorophenyl)boryl]azobenzenes were synthesized. X‐ray crystallographic analysis exhibits a planar core structure of the azobenzene moiety, double intramolecular N–B coordination, and two tetracoordinate boron atoms. The 2,2′‐diborylazobenzenes show fluorescence emission with orange and red colors upon irradiation. The double N–B coordination causes redshifts in both the absorption and emission maxima and a decrease in the Stokes shifts relative to those of the 2‐borylazobenzene derivative. On the basis of the density functional theory calculations of the molecular orbitals of 2,2′‐diborylazobenzene, the π* orbital (LUMO) was found at a much lower energy level (–4.67 eV) than that in 2‐borylazobenzene (–3.70 eV). A reversible reduction wave was observed at a low reduction potential in the cyclic voltammograms of the 2,2′‐diborylazobenzenes. Single‐electron reduction of one of the 2,2′‐diborylazobenzenes generates an azobenzene radical anion, which was confirmed by an active ESR signal. The fluorescence was quenched by the reduction and recovered by air oxidation in this azobenzene.
Effects of prolonged‐release melatonin and zolpidem on postural stability in older adults
Authors: Otmani Sarah , Metzger Deborah , Guichard Nathalie , Danjou Philippe , Nir Tali , Zisapel Nava , Katz Amnon
Published: February 2012

Objectives

A prolonged‐release formulation of melatonin (PR‐M) is indicated for insomnia in patients aged 55 years and older. Because hypnotics result in impairments of body sway, it was important to evaluate the effect of 2 mg PR‐M on postural stability in older adults at night.

Methods

Twenty‐four healthy volunteers (12 women, 12 men, aged 55–64 years) completed a randomized, double‐blind, single‐dose, three‐way crossover study of postural stability of PR‐M 2 mg, zolpidem 10 mg (active control) or placebo. Subjects were tested for body sway 30 min before, 1.5 and 4 h after dosing. Parameters tested were the area of the 95% confidence ellipse enclosing the center of pressure (COP; [A95]) and COP path length.

Results

Zolpidem significantly increased the A95 (both eyes conditions at all time points) and path length of COP. PR‐M had no effect on A95 (both “eyes closed” and “eyes open” conditions at all time points) compared with placebo and increased COP path length by 10% at 4 h post‐dose in open but not closed eyes condition. No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

In older adults, evening PR‐M intake did not impair postural stability during the night. The postural instability with zolpidem demonstrated assay sensitivity and validated the outcome. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of Sinanodonta woodiana (Lea, 1834) Populations in Fish Ponds (Upper Silesia, Southern Poland) in Relation to Environmental Factors Abstract
Authors: Spyra Aneta , Strzelec Małgorzata , Lewin Iga , Krodkiewska Mariola , Michalik‐Kucharz Agnieszka , Gara Marcin
Published: February 2012

We analyzed the biomass, density and age structure of S. woodiana populations in relation to different environmental factors at new sites of its occurrence in southern Poland. The highest recorded biomass was 4,413 g m–2. Mussel density was 19 individuals m–2. The age structure was formed by juveniles as well as by specimens more than 8 years. The rapid expansion of S. woodiana in European countries is believed to be the result of accidental introduction of fishes bearing glochidia of this species. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Flood‐Pulse Effects on Zooplankton Assemblages in a River‐Floodplain System (Gemenc Floodplain of the Danube, Hungary)
Authors: Schöll Károly , Kiss Anita , Dinka Mária , Berczik Árpád
Published: February 2012

We studied the structure and population dynamics of zooplankton assemblages in the water bodies (eu‐, para‐, plesiopotamal and conjunctive water bodies) of a temperate floodplain during flood events. Here we report differences in the species composition of these water bodies in the two stages of flood pulses: rising vs. receding. During the receding period the proportion of larger and tychoplanktonic species increased. Similarity among zooplankton assemblages of these floodplain water bodies increased during the rising and decreased during the receding period. Species richness, diversity and population density values of zooplankton assemblages increased during the receding period in all types of water bodies except the eupotamal. The guild ratio of rotifer assemblages showed characteristic, but somewhat ambiguous changes. We conclude that the hydrological regime affects the structure and dynamics of zooplankton assemblages on the floodplain. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Patterning Zooplankton Communities in Accordance with Annual Climatic Conditions in a Regulated River System (Nakdong River, South Korea)
Authors: Kim Dong‐Kyun , Jeong Kwang‐Seuk , Chang Kwang‐Hyeon , La Geung‐Hwan , Joo Gea‐Jae , Kim Hyun‐Woo
Published: February 2012

In this study, we investigated what environmental factors mainly influence the pattern of zooplankton communities in the regulated Nakdong River. Fifteen years of data (N = 629, 1994 to 2008) were used to analyze the patterns by means of self‐organizing map (SOM), that is capable of extracting information through competitive and adaptive properties. A total of 34 variables (18 groups of zooplankton and 16 physicochemical parameters) were patterned onto the SOM, and then each variable was compared in accordance with three different annual rainfall patterns (i.e., dry, moderate, and wet). Finally, seven clusters were categorized according to Euclidian distance between the clusters on the SOM. Clear seasonal features for the variables were interpreted in five major categories, and two more subcategories were partitioned by a specific feature of zooplankton abundance and appearance. In the result, the patterns of zooplankton assemblage were mainly distinguished by water temperature, Secchi transparency, and river flow rate. In particular, the SOM result depicted a clear pattern of zooplankton assemblage clusters partitioned by annual precipitation, which accentuated the prolonged effect of dam regulation on plankton assemblage in a regulated river system. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Product costing systems: Finding the right approach
Authors: Fisher Joseph G. , Krumwiede Kip
Published: February 2012

Many product costing methods and systems exist, but having the right costing system for a given situation can be difficult. This article identifies four key questions to answer and points out the advantages and disadvantages of various cost systems to find the right balance of convenience, correctness, and implementation costs in a product costing system. Nestlé, for example, discovered that good product management, aided by better cost systems, can pay major dividends. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical investigation on the photophysical properties of N‐heterocyclic carbene iridium (III) complexes (fpmb)xIr(bptz)3‐x (x = 1−2)
Authors: Cao Qi , Wang Jing , Tian Zhao‐Shuo , Xie Zai‐Feng , Bai Fu‐Quan
Published: February 2012

In the search for efficiently phosphorescent materials, this article presents a rational design and theoretical comparative study of some photophysical properties in the (fpmb)xIr(bptz)3‐x (x = 1–2), which involve the usage of two 2‐pyridyl triazolate (bptz) chromophores and a strong‐field ligand fpmb (fpmb = 1‐(4‐difluorobenzyl)‐3‐methylbenzimidazolium). The first principle theoretical analysis under the framework of the time‐dependent density functional theory approach is implemented in this article to investigate the electronic structures, absorption and phosphorescence spectra. It is intriguing to note that 1 and 2 exhibit theirs blue phosphorescent emissions with maxima at 504 and 516 nm, respectively. Furthermore, to obtain the mechanism of low phosphorescence yield in 1 and estimate the radiative rate constant kr for 2, we approximately measure the radiative rate constant kr, the spin‐orbital coupling (SOC) value, ΔE (S − T), and the square of the SOC matrix element (<ΨS1.HSO.ΨT1>2) for 1 and 2. Finally, we tentatively come to conclusion that the switch of the cyclometalated ligand from the main to ancillary chelate seems to lower the splitting ΔE (S − T) in the current system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2012
EPA covalently bound to smooth titanium surfaces decreases viability and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis in vitro
Authors: Petzold Christiane , Gomez‐Florit Manuel , Lyngstadaas Ståle Petter , Monjo Marta
Published: February 2012

Colonization of implant surfaces with bacteria should ideally be prevented right from implantation, as bacteria attaching to the surface will form a biofilm, being then well protected against antibiotic treatment. Therefore, implant coatings should combine antibacterial properties with biocompatibility towards their host tissue. We tested a UV‐induced covalent coating procedure with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) for smooth titanium (Ti) surfaces for its ability to prevent attachment and proliferation of Staphylococcus epidermidis and to allow mineralization of MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts. Bacterial initial attachment was highest for EPA‐coated surfaces, but was reduced by vigorous washing, possibly due to low adhesive strength on those surfaces. We found an increase in the ratio of dead bacteria and in overall biofilm after 16 h on Ti surfaces with covalently bound EPA compared to Ti. The UV‐induced EPA coating did not impair the ability of MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblasts to mineralize, while a reduction in mineralization could be found for UV‐irradiated Ti surfaces and UV‐irradiated surfaces washed with ethanol compared to Ti. Although in vivo studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance, our results indicate that covalent coating of Ti surfaces with EPA by UV irradiation decreases the survival of S. epidermidis and maintains the mineralization ability of osteoblasts. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1384–1390, 2012
Medullary thyroid carcinoma with nodular goiter carries an excellent prognosis
Authors: Xu Lai , Wang Wei‐Bin , Zhao Yu‐Pei , Zhang Tai‐Ping , Liao Quan , Chen Ge , Zhou Li , Shu Hong
Published: February 2012

Background

In our institution, patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) concurrent with nodular goiter (NG) have a nearly 100% survival rate, but the reasons and characteristics are unclear.

Methods

Eighty patients with MTC who underwent surgery in our center between 1971 and 2011 were reviewed.

Results

A total of 21 MTC/NG and 59 MTC only patients were identified. The stage of the two groups had no significant difference (P = 0.13). The MTC/NG group had lower preoperative serum calcitonin (CT) levels (914.7 ng/L vs. 1162.6 ng/L, P = 0.003), lower postoperative serum CT levels (371.4 ng/L vs. 582.5 ng/L, P < 0.001), lower carcinoembryonic antigen levels (18.3 ng/ml vs. 130.5 ng/ml, P < 0.001), a lower propensity toward lymph node metastasis (40.0% vs. 66.7%, P = 0.07), and a lower proportion of multifocality (19.1% vs. 42.4%, P = 0.06), capsular invasion (9.5% vs. 25.4%, P = 0.21), and vascular invasion (4.8% vs. 10.1%, P = 0.67). The mean tumor diameter of the two groups was similar (20.3 mm vs. 22.1 mm, P = 0.6). Overall 15‐year survival in MTC/NG versus MTC only groups was 100% versus 57.0% (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

MTC with NG is an indolent disease and has an excellent prognosis. The only independent predictor of survival was the TNM stage of disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:169–173. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stress, coping, and mental health‐seeking behaviors: Gender differences in OEF/OIF health care providers
Authors: Gibbons Susanne W. , Barnett Scott D. , Hickling Edward J. , Herbig‐Wall Pamela L. , Watts Dorraine D.
Published: February 2012

Health care providers (HCPs) are often placed in positions of heightened stress when serving in military operations. As military HCPs have a large number of female providers, there is a concern that gender may influence both risk and resiliency within the health care provider subgroup. The purpose of this secondary analysis of the 2005 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel (data collected April through August 2005) is to describe stress, coping, and health‐seeking behaviors of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom deployed military health care providers and the role gender may have for both health care officers and specialists. Female HCP responses indicate the lives of these women are significantly impacted by their family responsibilities. Reluctance of females to seek mental health care is concerning with perhaps more concern over career than personal well‐being. Findings included (a) concern about performance, odds ratio (OR) = 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.43, 8.12] for enlisted females, OR = 2.83, 95% CI [0.31, 25.66] for female officers; (b) problems with money, OR = 1.6 CI [0.69, 3.7] for enlisted females; (c) having a drink to cope, OR = 3.26, 95% CI [0.22, 48.68] for enlisted females; and (d) damage military career to seek mental health care, OR = 1.78, 95% CI [0.59, 5.39] for female officers. Results indicate needed provider awareness concerning mental health‐seeking behavior and sensitivity toward gender differences that contribute to unique manifestations of operational stress outcomes.
Identifying, describing, and expressing emotions after critical incidents in paramedics
Authors: Halpern Janice , Maunder Robert G. , Schwartz Brian , Gurevich Maria
Published: February 2012

For paramedics, critical incidents evoke intense emotions and may result in later psychological difficulties. We examined 2 ways to deal with emotions after critical incidents: (a) identifying emotions, and (b) describing and expressing emotions, and their association with recovery from acute stress and psychological symptoms. We surveyed 190 paramedics, examining how impaired capacity to identify and describe emotions (alexithymia) and voluntary expression of emotions during contacts with others in the first 24 hours after the incident were associated with recovery from acute stress and current symptoms of PTSD, depression, burnout, and somatization. Overall alexithymia was not associated with recovery, but the component of difficulty identifying feelings was associated with prolonged physical arousal (χ2 = 10.1, p = .007). Overall alexithymia and all its components were associated with virtually all current symptoms (correlation coefficients .23–.38, p < .05). Voluntary emotional expression was unrelated to current symptoms. Greater emotional expression was related to greater perceived helpfulness of contacts (χ2 = 56.8, p < .001). This suggests that identifying emotions may be important in managing occupational stress in paramedics. In contrast, voluntary emotional expression, although perceived as helpful, may not prevent symptoms. These findings may inform education for paramedics in dealing with stress.
Does physiologic response to loud tones change following cognitive–behavioral treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder?
Authors: Griffin Michael G. , Resick Patricia A. , Galovski Tara E.
Published: February 2012

This study examined responses to loud tones before and after cognitive–behavioral treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Seventy‐four women in a PTSD treatment outcome study for rape‐related (n = 54) or physical assault‐related PTSD (n = 20) were assessed in an auditory loud tone paradigm. Assessments were conducted before and after a 6‐week period of cognitive–behavioral therapy. Physiologic responses to loud tones included heart rate (HR), skin conductance (SC), and eye‐blink electromyogram (EMG). Groups were formed based upon treatment outcome and included a treatment responder group (no PTSD at posttreatment) and a nonresponder group (PTSD‐positive at posttreatment). Treatment was successful for 53 of 74 women (72%) and unsuccessful for 21 women (28%). Responders and nonresponders were not significantly different from each other at pretreatment on the main outcome variables. Treatment responders showed a significant reduction in loud tone‐related EMG, HR, and SC responses from pre‐ to posttreatment (partial η2 = .24, .31, and .36, respectively; all p < .001) and the EMG and HR responses were significantly smaller than nonresponders at posttreatment (partial η2 = .11, p = .004 and .19, p < .001, respectively). Successful cognitive–behavioral treatment of PTSD is associated with a quantifiable reduction in physiological responding to loud tones.
The impact of head injury mechanism on mental health symptoms in veterans: Do number and type of exposures matter?
Authors: Maguen Shira , Madden Erin , Lau Karen M. , Seal Karen
Published: February 2012

This study examined the association between screening results for mental health problems and the number and type of head injuries in 1,082 Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans who received population‐based screening for traumatic brain injury at a Veterans Administration health care facility. Nearly one third of all veterans reported multiple types of head injuries (median = 1 among those with any head injury, range = 1–6 types of head injury). Veterans reporting multiple head injury mechanisms had 6 times the odds of screening positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 6.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) [4.4, 8.7], p < .001, over 4 times the odds of screening positive for depression, adjusted OR = 4.09, 95% CI [2.8, 5.9], p < .001, and about twice the odds of screening positive for alcohol misuse, adjusted OR = 1.64, 95% CI [1.19, 2.3], p = .003, compared to those without head injuries. Veterans reporting a blast plus another head injury mechanism had higher odds of screening positive for all mental health outcomes than any other group (e.g., compared to no head injury group): PTSD, adjusted OR = 6.52, 95% CI [4.6, 9.3], p < .001; depression, adjusted OR = 4.42, 95% CI [3.0, 6.4], p < .001; alcohol misuse, adjusted OR =1.59, 95% CI [1.14, 2.2], p = .006. Given their association with a variety of mental health outcomes, number and type of head injury mechanism should be considered as part of any postdeployment evaluation.
Modeling the combustion of high molecular weight fuels by a functional group approach
Authors: Mehl M. , Pitz W. J. , Sarathy S. M. , Westbrook C. K.
Published: February 2012

Modeling the combustion behavior of real fuels is a challenging task: Significant analytical efforts are required to characterize the fuel composition, and comprehensive kinetic models are necessary to reproduce the behavior of the different fuel components. Both these aspects become increasingly critical for fuels having a high molecular weight, wherein both the characterization of the single components and the kinetics involved in their oxidation become extremely complex. Indeed, kinetic models for large hydrocarbons can include thousands of species and tens of thousands of reactions. For these reasons, only a limited number of representative components are generally included in the simulations and these large kinetic mechanisms are reduced to simulate the behavior of real fuels in practical conditions. We propose a novel approach to the simulation of the combustion of high molecular weight fuels, wherein the fuel surrogate is defined in terms of pseudospecies including the functional groups contained in the actual fuel. These pseudocomponents, representing linear, branched, aromatic, saturated, and unsaturated structures, can undergo the typical reactions responsible for the low‐temperature ignition of hydrocarbon as well as the interactions occurring in fuel blends. The basics of this concept will be presented, through application to linear and branched alkanes, and the potential of this approach is assessed by means of comparisons with experimental data and detailed kinetic simulations. The potential of this methodology for reducing computational expense in computational fluid dynamics simulations is also highlighted. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 257–276, 2012
A Water‐Soluble Polycarbonate With Dimethylamino Pendant Groups Prepared by Enzyme‐Catalyzed Ring‐Opening Polymerization
Authors: Zhang Xiaojin , Cai Mengmeng , Zhong Zhenlin , Zhuo Renxi
Published: February 2012

A water‐soluble polycarbonate with dimethylamino pendant groups, poly(2‐dimethylaminotrimethylene carbonate) (PDMATC), is synthesized and characterized. First, the six‐membered carbonate monomer, 2‐dimethylaminotrimethylene carbonate (DMATC), is prepared via the cyclization reaction of 2‐(dimethylamino)propane‐1,3‐diol with triphosgene in the presence of triethylamine. Although the attempted ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of DMATC with Sn(Oct)2 as a catalyst fails, the ROP of DMATC is successfully carried out with Novozym‐435 as a catalyst to give water‐soluble aliphatic polycarbonate PDMATC with low cytotoxicity and good degradability.