bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnane glycosides interfere with steroidogenic enzymes to down‐regulate corticosteroid production in human adrenocortical H295R cells
Authors: Komarnytsky Slavko , Esposito Debora , Poulev Alexander , Raskin Ilya
Published: October 2012

A group of bioactive steroidal glycosides (pregnanes) with anorectic activity in animals was isolated from several genera of milkweeds including Hoodia and Asclepias. In this study, we investigated the effects, structure‐activity relationships, and mechanism of action of pregnane glycosides on steroidogenesis in human adrenocortical H295R cells. Administration of pregnane glycosides for 24 h suppressed the basal and forskolin‐stimulated release of androstenedione, corticosterone, and cortisone from H295R cells. The conversion of progesterone to 11‐deoxycorticosterone and 17‐hydroxyprogesterone to either androstenedione or 11‐deoxycortisol was most strongly affected, with 12‐cinnamoyl‐, benzoyl‐, and tigloyl‐containing pregnanes showing the highest activity. Incubation of pregnane glycosides for 24 h had no effect on mRNA transcripts of CYP11A1, CYP21A1, CYP11B1 cytochrome enzymes and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StaR) protein, yet resulted in twofold decrease in HSD3B1 mRNA levels. At the same time, pregnane glycosides had no effect on the CYP1, 2, or 3 drug and steroid metabolism enzymes and showed weak Na+/K+ ATPase and glucocorticoid receptor binding. Taken together, these data suggest that pregnane glycosides specifically suppress steroidogenesis through strong inhibition of 11β‐hydroxylase and steroid 17‐alpha‐monooxygenase, and weak inhibition of cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme and 21β‐hydroxylase, but not 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adeno‐associated virus serotype 9 administered systemically after reperfusion preferentially targets cardiomyocytes in the infarct border zone with pharmacodynamics suitable for the attenuation of left ventricular remodeling
Authors: Konkalmatt Prasad R. , Wang Feng , Piras Bryan A. , Xu Yaqin , O'Connor Daniel M. , Beyers Ronald J. , Epstein Frederick H. , Annex Brian H. , Hossack John A. , French Brent A.
Published: October 2012

Background

Adeno‐associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) vectors provide efficient and uniform gene expression to normal myocardium following systemic administration, with kinetics that approach steady‐state within 2–3 weeks. However, as a result of the delayed onset of gene expression, AAV vectors have not previously been administered intravenously after reperfusion for post‐infarct gene therapy applications. The present study evaluated the therapeutic potential of post‐myocardial infarction gene delivery using intravenous AAV9.

Methods

AAV9 vectors expressing firefly luciferase, enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) or extracellular superoxide dismutase genes from the cardiac troponin‐T (cTnT) promoter (AcTnTLuc, AcTnTeGFP, AcTnTEcSOD) were employed. AcTnTLuc was administered intravenously at 10 min and at 1, 2 and 3 days post‐ischemia/reperfusion (IR), and the kinetics of luciferase expression were assessed with bioluminescence imaging. AcTnTeGFP was used to evaluate the distribution of eGFP expression. High‐resolution echocardiography was used to evaluate the effects of AcTnTEcSOD on left ventricular (LV) remodeling when injected 10 min post‐IR.

Results

Compared to sham animals, luciferase expression at 2 days after vector administration was elevated by four‐, 24‐, 210‐ and 213‐fold in groups injected at 10 min, 1 day, 2 days and 3 days post‐IR, respectively. The expression of cTnT‐driven eGFP was strongest in cardiomyocytes bordering the infarct zone. In the efficacy study of EcSOD, post‐infarct LV end‐systolic and end‐diastolic volumes at days 14 and 28 were significantly smaller in the EcSOD group compared to the control.

Conclusions

Systemic administration of AAV9 vectors after IR both elevates and accelerates gene expression that preferentially targets cardiomyocytes in the border zone with pharmacodynamics suitable for the attenuation of LV remodeling. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nutrition in the hospitalized patient
Authors: Kirkland Lisa L. , Kashiwagi Deanne T. , Brantley Susan , Scheurer Danielle , Varkey Prathibha
Published: October 2012

Almost 50% of patients are malnourished on admission; many others develop malnutrition during admission. Malnutrition contributes to hospital morbidity, mortality, costs, and readmissions. The Joint Commission requires malnutrition risk screening on admission. If screening identifies malnutrition risk, a nutrition assessment is required to create a nutrition care plan. The plan should be initiated early in the hospital course, as even patients with normal nutrition become malnourished quickly when acutely ill. While the Harris‐Benedict equation is the most commonly used method to estimate calories, its accuracy may not be optimal in all patients. Calculating the caloric needs of acutely ill obese patients is particularly problematic. In general, a patient's caloric intake should be slightly less than calculated needs to avoid the metabolic risks of overfeeding. However, most patients do not receive their goal calories or receive parenteral nutrition due to erroneous practices of awaiting return of bowel sounds or holding feeding for gastric residual volumes. Patients with inadequate intake over time may develop potentially fatal refeeding syndrome. The hospitalist must be able to recognize the risk factors for malnutrition, patients at risk of refeeding syndrome, and the optimal route for nutrition support. Finally, education of patients and their caregivers about nutrition support must begin before discharge, and include coordination of care with outpatient facilities. As with all other aspects of discharge, it is the hospitalist's role to assure smooth transition of the nutrition care plan to an outpatient setting. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Prospective comparison of curbside versus formal consultations
Authors: Burden Marisha , Sarcone Ellen , Keniston Angela , Statland Barbara , Taub Julie A. , Allyn Rebecca L. , Reid Mark B. , Cervantes Lilia , Frank Maria G. , Scaletta Nicholas , Fung Philip , Chadaga Smitha R. , Mastalerz Katarzyna , Maller Nancy , Mascolo Margherita , Zoucha Jeff , Campbell Jessica , Maher Mary P. , Stella Sarah A. , Albert Richard K.
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND:

Curbside consultations are commonly requested during the care of hospitalized patients, but physicians perceive that the recommendations provided may be based on inaccurate or incomplete information.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the accuracy and completeness of the information received from providers requesting a curbside consultation of hospitalists with that obtained in a formal consultation on the same patients, and to examine whether the recommendations offered in the 2 consultations differed.

DESIGN:

Prospective cohort.

SETTING:

University‐affiliated, urban safety net hospital.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Proportion of curbside consultations with inaccurate or incomplete information; frequency with which recommendations in the formal consultation differed from those in the curbside consultation.

RESULTS:

Curbside consultations were requested for 50 patients, 47 of which were also evaluated in a formal consultation performed on the same day by a hospitalist other than the one performing the curbside consultation. Based on information collected in the formal consultation, information was either inaccurate or incomplete in 24/47 (51%) of the curbside consultations. Management advice after formal consultation differed from that given in the curbside consultation for 28/47 patients (60%). When inaccurate or incomplete information was received, the advice provided in the formal versus the curbside consultation differed in 22/24 patients (92%, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Information presented during inpatient curbside consultations of hospitalists is often inaccurate or incomplete, and this often results in inaccurate management advice. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Neuroanatomy of halobiotus crispae (eutardigrada: hypsibiidae): Tardigrade brain structure supports the clade panarthropoda
Authors: Persson Dennis K. , Halberg Kenneth A. , Jørgensen Aslak , Møbjerg Nadja , Kristensen Reinhardt M.
Published: October 2012

The position of Tardigrada in the animal tree of life is a subject that has received much attention, but still remains controversial. Whereas some think tardigrades should be categorized as cycloneuralians, most authors argue in favor of a phylogenetic position within Panarthropoda as a sister group to Arthropoda or Arthropoda + Onychophora. Thus far, neither molecular nor morphological investigations have provided conclusive results as to the tardigrade sister group relationships. In this article, we present a detailed description of the nervous system of the eutardigrade Halobiotus crispae, using immunostainings, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and computer‐aided three‐dimensional reconstructions supported by transmission electron microscopy. We report details regarding the structure of the brain as well as the ganglia of the ventral nerve cord. In contrast to the newest investigation, we find transverse commissures in the ventral ganglia, and our data suggest that the brain is partitioned into at least three lobes. Additionally, we can confirm the existence of a subpharyngeal ganglion previously called subesophagal ganglion. According to our results, the original suggestion of a brain comprised of at least three parts cannot be rejected, and the data presented supports a sister group relationship of Tardigrada to 1) Arthropoda or 2) Onychophora or 3) Arthropoda + Onychophora. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental approach to assess sorptive loss properties of volatile organic compounds in the sampling bag system
Authors: Kim Yong‐Hyun , Kim Ki‐Hyun
Published: October 2012

In this study, the sorptive loss patterns for volatile organic compounds were evaluated by gaseous standards containing 13 compounds (benzene, toluene, styrene, p‐xylene, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, isobutyl alcohol, butyl acetate, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, isovaleraldehyde, and valeraldehyde). The gaseous standards, prepared initially at two contrasting concentration levels (40 and 4000 ppb) in a polyester aluminum bag, were measured after two consecutive transfers into empty bags. It indicates that the percent loss patterns, if assessed for all 13 target compounds, are affected most sensitively by the initial concentration levels of samples to yield 2.62 ± 2.22% (at 40 ppb) and 9.57 ± 6.74% (at 4000 ppb). Moreover, the sorptive loss patterns at high concentration samples (4000 ppb) tend to increase in relation with increasing molecular weight of target compounds, although such pattern disappears in low concentration samples (40 ppb). The observed loss patterns, if evaluated in relation to some key parameters like concentration or compound type, suggest the possibility that the sorptive loss of target compounds in storage media can occur in a predictable manner.
Simultaneous determination of 17 phthalate esters in edible vegetable oils by GC‐MS with silica/PSA‐mixed solid‐phase extraction
Authors: Wu PingGu , Yang DaJin , Zhang Liqun , Shen XiangHong , Pan XiaoDong , Wang LiYuan , Zhang Jing , Tan Ying , Feng Liang , Ying Ying
Published: October 2012

A quantified method for the determination of 17 phthalate esters (PAEs) in edible vegetable oil by GC‐MS with the pretreatment of acetonitrile extraction and silica/N‐(n‐Propyl)ethylenediamine‐mixed SPE column was established. By the quantification of internal standard of D4‐di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate, a good linearity range of related 17 PAEs was observed. The correlation coefficient was ranged at 0.994∼1.000, and the standard lowest quantified level was 0.05∼0.15 mg/L. The spiking recoveries of 17 PAEs were 78.3∼108.9% with the relative standard deviations of 4.3∼12.1% (n = 6). The method detection limits were 0.1∼0.2 mg/kg. Meanwhile, PAEs were determined in 30 plastic buckets of edible vegetable oil from supermarkets in Hangzhou city of China. The survey of 30 oil samples showed di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) had the 100% (30/30) detection rate. The levels of diisobutyl phthalate with 86.7% (26:30), di‐n‐butyl phthalate (DBP) with 70% (21:30) and diethyl phthalate with 10% (3:30) were detected. It was worth note that DBP with 16.7% (5:30) samples and DEHP with 10% (3:30) samples were beyond the regular migrating limit, which indicated that more attention should be paid to the PAEs in oil with plastic package.
Customer‐based Brand Equity for a Destination: the Effect of Destination Image on Preference for Products Associated with a Destination Brand
Authors: Lim Yumi , Weaver Pamela A.
Published: October 2012

This study investigated how destination image of customer‐based brand equity for a tourist destination can be transferred to products associated with a destination brand. The effect of destination image on preference for products associated with a destination brand (PPADB) and the relationship between tourists’ destination preference and PPADB were investigated. Two hundred and ninety six individuals replied to a self‐administered questionnaire distributed to 318 students at a major US university. The results revealed that both cognitive and affective image of a destination are positively related to PPADB; preference for a destination is also positively related to PPADB. Suggestions are provided for a successful destination brand extension strategy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ternary Donor–Insulator–Acceptor Systems for Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Li Sijun , Lu Guanghao , Li Hui , Qu Yunpeng , Li Ligui , Loos Joachim , Yang Xiaoniu
Published: October 2012

A series of block copolymers with fixed length of the semiconductor‐block poly(3‐butylthiophene) (P3BT) and varying length of the insulator‐block polystyrene (PS) are synthesized. These copolymers are blended with phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) for the bulk heterojunction photoactive layers. With appropriate insulator‐block length and donor–acceptor ratio, the power conversion efficiency increases by one order of magnitude compared with reference devices with pure P3BT/PCBM. PS blocks improve the miscibility of the active layer blends remarkably. The P3BT‐b‐PS crystallizes as nanorods with the P3BT core covered with the PS‐block, which creates a nanoscale tunneling barrier between donor and acceptor leading to more efficient transportation of charge carriers in the semiconductors.
Cell(MC3T3‐E1)‐Printed Poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)/Alginate Hybrid Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Lee HyeongJin , Ahn SeungHyun , Bonassar Lawrence J. , Kim GeunHyung
Published: October 2012

A new cell‐printed scaffold consisting of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) and cell‐embedded alginate struts is designed. The PCL and alginate struts are stacked in an interdigitated pattern in successive layers to acquire a three‐dimensional (3D) shape. The hybrid scaffold exhibits a two‐phase structure consisting of cell (MC3T3‐E1)‐laden alginate struts able to support biological activity and PCL struts able to provide controllable mechanical support of the cell‐laden alginate struts. The hybrid scaffolds exhibit an impressive increase in tensile modulus and maximum strength compared to pure alginate scaffolds. Laden cells are homogeneously distributed throughout the alginate struts and the entire scaffold, resulting in cell viability of approximately 84%.
Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Polyfluorene With Dipicolylamine Groups on the Side Chain: Highly Selective and Sensitive Detection of Histidine
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Qin Jingui , Yang Chuluo
Published: October 2012

Two new polyfluorenes with dipicolylamine (DPA) pendant, PF‐TDPA and PF‐HDPA, are designed and synthesized by pre‐ and post‐functionalization, respectively. PF‐TDPA with a rigid side chain shows a selective fluorescence quenching upon the addition of Cu2+ in a mixture solution of tetrahydrofuran and 4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1‐piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) buffer. What is more, the PF‐TDPA/Cu2+ complex can selectively detect histidine over other amino acids with a fluorescence recovery. In contrast, PF‐HDPA with a flexible spacer exhibits a fluorescence quenching to Cu2+ but slightly fluorescence recovery after the addition of histidine. This indicates that the proper distance between the two DPA groups play an important role in the detection of histidine.
Detailed Optimization of Polycondensation Reaction via Direct C–H Arylation of Ethylenedioxythiophene
Authors: Yamazaki Koutarou , Kuwabara Junpei , Kanbara Takaki
Published: October 2012

The polycondensation reaction of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene with 2,7‐dibromo‐9,9‐dioctylfluorene via Pd‐catalyzed direct arylation gives poly[(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene‐2,5‐diyl)‐(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl)]. The reaction conditions are optimized in terms of the Pd precatalysts, reaction time, and carboxylic acid additives. The combination of 1 mol% Pd(OAc)2 and 1‐adamantanecarboxylic acid as an additive is the optimized catalytic system, and it yields the corresponding polymer with a molecular weight of 39 400 in 89% yield. The polycondensation reaction, followed by an end‐capping reaction, effectively provides a linear polymer without Br terminals.
Pure Protein Scaffolds from Pickering High Internal Phase Emulsion Template
Authors: Li Zifu , Xiao Manda , Wang Jianfang , Ngai To
Published: October 2012

The formation of hierarchical porous protein scaffolds from oil‐in‐water (o/w) high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) stabilized by bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein nanoparticles (Pickering HIPE) is reported. The route consists of three principal steps. First, a stable o/w HIPE stabilized by BSA protein nanoparticles is formulated. Next, crosslinking the dispersed protein nanoparticles gives rise to a gel in the continuous water phase to freeze the emulsion's microstructure. Finally, removal of the oil components and water directly leads to a three dimensional, bimodal meso‐macroporous protein scaffold, which is suitable for a wide range of biomedical applications.
Polyester production by halophilic and halotolerant bacterial strains obtained from mangrove soil samples located in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Van‐Thuoc Doan , Huu‐Phong Tran , Thi‐Binh Nguyen , Thi‐Tho Nguyen , Minh‐Lam Duong , Quillaguamán Jorge
Published: October 2012

This research article reports halophilic and halotolerant bacteria isolated from mangrove forests located in Northern Vietnam. Several of these bacteria were able to synthesize polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). PHAs are polyesters stored by microorganisms under the presence of considerable amounts of a carbon source and deficiency of other essential nutrient such as nitrogen or phosphorous. Mangrove forests in Northern Vietnam are saline coastal habitats that have not been microbiologically studied. Mangrove ecosystems are, in general, rich in organic matter, but deficient in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. We have found about 100 microorganisms that have adapted to mangrove forests by accumulating PHAs. The production of polyesters might therefore be an integral part of the carbon cycle in mangrove forests. Three of the strains (ND153, ND97, and QN194) isolated from the Vietnamese forests were identified as Bacillus species, while other five strains (QN187, ND199, ND218, ND240, and QN271) were phylogenetically close related to the α‐proteobacterium Yangia pacifica. These strains were found to accumulate PHAs in noticeable amounts. Polymer inclusions and chemical structure were studied by transmission electron microscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analyses, respectively. Strains ND153, ND97, QN194, QN187, ND240, and QN271 synthesized poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) from glucose, whereas strains ND199 and ND218 synthesized poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) from this carbohydrate. With the exception of strain QN194, the strains accumulated PHBV when a combination of glucose and propionate was included in the culture medium. The polymer yields and cell growth reached by one Bacillus isolate, strain ND153, and one Gram‐negative bacterium, strain QN271, were high and worth to be researched further. For experiments performed in shake flasks, strain ND153 reached a maximum PHBV yield of 71 wt% and a cell dry weight (CDW) of 3.6 g/L while strain QN271 attained a maximum PHB yield of 48 wt% and a CDW of 5.1 g/L. Both strain ND153 and strain QN271 may only represent a case in point that exemplifies of the potential that mangrove forests possess for the discovery of novel halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms able to synthesize different types of biopolyesters.
The differential susceptibility of spores from virulent and attenuated Bacillus anthracis strains to aldehyde‐ and hypochlorite‐based disinfectants
Authors: March Jordon K. , Cohen Marissa N. , Lindsey James M. , Millar D. A. , Lowe Chinn‐Woan , Bunnell Annette J. , O'Neill Kim L. , Bruce Schaalje G. , Robison Richard A.
Published: October 2012

This study compared the sensitivity of spores from virulent and attenuated Bacillus anthracis strains in suspension to inactivation by various chemical disinfectants. Spore suspensions from two virulent strains (A0256 and A0372) and two attenuated strains (Sterne and A0141) of B. anthracis were tested against two aldehyde‐based disinfectants and one hypochlorite‐based disinfectant. A novel statistical model was used to estimate 4‐log10 reduction times for each disinfectant/strain combination. Reduction times were compared statistically using approximate Z and χ2 tests. Although there was no consistent correlation between virulence and increased sporicidal resistance across all three disinfectants, spores from the two virulent and two attenuated strains did display significantly different susceptibilities to different disinfectants. Significant disinfectant–strain interactions were observed for two of the three disinfectants evaluated. The comparative results suggest that the use of surrogate organisms to model the inactivation kinetics of virulent B. anthracis spores may be misleading. The accuracy of such extrapolations is disinfectant dependent and must be used with caution.
Numerical analysis of thermal fracturing in subsurface cold water injection by finite element methods
Authors: Yin Shunde
Published: October 2012

Integration of poromechanics and fracture mechanics plays an important role in understanding a series of thermal fracturing phenomena in subsurface porous media such as cold water flooding for enhanced oil recovery, produced‐water reinjection for waste disposal, cold water injection for geothermal energy extraction, and CO2injection for geosequestration. Thermal fracturing modeling is important to prevent the potential risks when fractures propagate into undesired zones, and it involves the coupling of heat transfer, mass transport, and stress change as well as the fracture propagation. Analytical method, finite element method, and finite difference method as well as boundary element method have been used to perform the thermal fracturing modeling considering different degrees and combinations of coupling. In this paper, extended finite element method is employed for the thermal fracturing modeling in a fully coupled fashion with remeshing avoided, and the stabilized finite element method is employed to account for the convection‐dominated heat transfer in the fracturing process with numerical oscillation circumvented. With the thermal fracturing model, a hypothetical numerical experiment on cold water injection into a deep warm aquifer is conducted. Results show that parameters such as injection rate, injection temperature, aquifer stiffness, and permeability can affect the fracture development in different ways and extended finite element method and stabilized finite element method provide effective tools for thermal fracturing simulation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative analysis of hyperpolarized 129Xe ventilation imaging in healthy volunteers and subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Virgincar Rohan S. , Cleveland Zackary I. , Sivaram Kaushik S. , Freeman Matthew S. , Nouls John , Cofer Gary P. , Martinez‐Jimenez Santiago , He Mu , Kraft Monica , Wolber Jan , Page McAdams H. , Driehuys Bastiaan
Published: October 2012

In this study, hyperpolarized 129Xe MR ventilation and 1H anatomical images were obtained from three subject groups: young healthy volunteers (HVs), subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and age‐matched controls (AMCs). Ventilation images were quantified by two methods: an expert reader‐based ventilation defect score percentage (VDS%) and a semi‐automated segmentation‐based ventilation defect percentage (VDP). Reader‐based values were assigned by two experienced radiologists and resolved by consensus. In the semi‐automated analysis, 1H anatomical images and 129Xe ventilation images were both segmented following registration to obtain the thoracic cavity volume and ventilated volume, respectively, which were then expressed as a ratio to obtain the VDP. Ventilation images were also characterized by generating signal intensity histograms from voxels within the thoracic cavity volume, and heterogeneity was analyzed using the coefficient of variation (CV). The reader‐based VDS% correlated strongly with the semi‐automatically generated VDP (r = 0.97, p < 0.0001) and with CV (r = 0.82, p < 0.0001). Both 129Xe ventilation defect scoring metrics readily separated the three groups from one another and correlated significantly with the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (VDS%: r = –0.78, p = 0.0002; VDP: r = –0.79, p = 0.0003; CV: r = –0.66, p = 0.0059) and other pulmonary function tests. In the healthy subject groups (HVs and AMCs), the prevalence of ventilation defects also increased with age (VDS%: r = 0.61, p = 0.0002; VDP: r = 0.63, p = 0.0002). Moreover, ventilation histograms and their associated CVs distinguished between subjects with COPD with similar ventilation defect scores, but visibly different ventilation patterns. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A multidisciplinary approach can help both Parkinson's and epilepsy patients
Authors: Church Alistair , Lanyon Karen
Published: October 2012

We are pleased to introduce a new series of Commentaries from the Primary Care Neurology Society (P‐CNS). These aim to provide a primary care perspective on the neurology articles featured in each issue of Progress. Here, Dr Alistair Church provides a commentary on our Review ‘Diagnosis and management of psychosis in Parkinson's disease’ (see page 7 of this issue) and Dr Karen Lanyon gives her perspective on ‘Improving quality of care for epilepsy patients using a pharmacist review service’ (page 12).
Improving quality of care for epilepsy patients using a pharmacist review service
Authors: Brown Carole
Published: October 2012

A structured review process for epilepsy in primary care has been advocated as best practice. In Calderdale Primary Care Trust, a prescribing clinical pharmacist practitioner with a special interest in epilepsy (PwSI epilepsy) has been conducting annual reviews for epilepsy patients in GP practices. This service has improved patient care over and above the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) indicators for epilepsy and has been shown to be sustainable.
A case of autoscopy in a patient with depressive illness
Authors: Garry Ged
Published: October 2012

The literal meaning of autoscopy is ‘looking at oneself’. Autoscopic phenomena can occur in both neurological and psychiatric disorders. Here, Dr Garry describes a case of autoscopy that occurred in the context of a depressive illness.
Does nutrition have a role in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: October 2012

Developing effective drugs for Alzheimer's disease is notoriously difficult: hence, other approaches to the management of the disease are much needed. Mark Greener discusses whether some key nutrients might enhance cognitive performance and reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Reasons for prolonged admissions on acute adult psychiatry wards
Authors: Smith Susan , Chakraborty Nandini
Published: October 2012

Delayed discharge is a significant problem in psychiatry inpatient wards. Here, Drs Smith and Chakraborty describe their survey to identify the factors influencing prolonged admissions on acute adult psychiatry wards in Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.
Synthesis and thin‐film orientation of poly(styrene‐block‐trimethylsilylisoprene)
Authors: Bates Christopher M. , Pantoja Marco A. Bedolla , Strahan Jeffrey R. , Dean Leon M. , Mueller Brennen K. , Ellison Christopher J. , Nealey Paul F. , Willson C. Grant
Published: October 2012

The successful synthesis, characterization, and directed self‐assembly of a silicon‐containing block copolymer, poly(styrene‐block‐trimethylsilylisoprene) (P(S‐b‐TMSI)), which has much higher oxygen etch contrast than the de facto standard, poly(styrene‐block‐methyl methacrylate) is reported. A Sakurai, Grignard‐type coupling reaction provided the key monomer in good yield. Living anionic polymerization was employed to prepare the block copolymer, which has very low polydispersity. P(S‐b‐TMSI) was successfully ordered and oriented by directed self‐assembly. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of titanium iminophenoxide complexes in relation to the ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide and ε‐caprolactone
Authors: Chen Hsuan‐Ying , Lu Wei‐Yi , Chen Yen‐Jen , Hsu Sodio C. N. , Ou Siou‐Wei , Peng Wei‐Te , Jheng Nai‐Yuan , Lai Yi‐Chun , Wu Bo‐Sheng , Chung Hsuan , Chen Yun , Huang Ta‐Chou
Published: October 2012

This study synthesized a series of titanium iminophenoxide complexes and investigated their suitability as catalysts for the ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide (L‐LA) and ε‐caprolactone (CL). Complexes with bidentate ligands demonstrate higher catalytic activity than their tridentate counterparts since the third coordination atom needs to contend with L‐LA and CL. Differences in the geometric framework of bidentate ligands also influence the catalytic activity. Type II ligands (N, N‐trans form of Ti complex) prevent the coordination of monomers to Ti thereby decreasing the initiation rate. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Fracture behavior of amorphous and semicrystalline blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Laiarinandrasana Lucien , Nziakou Yannick , Halary Jean Louis
Published: October 2012

The fracture behavior of blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and poly(methyl methacrylate) was investigated all over the composition range. A detailed analysis of the net stress versus crack opening displacement curves was performed. Fracture surface observations allowed statements on the process zone characteristics ahead of the crack tip. For the amorphous blends, the crack initiation energy is well related to the glass transition temperature. For the semicrystalline blends, the fracture energy is correlated with the degree of crystallinity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Cognitive and emotional aspects of fear of recurrence: predictors and relations with adjustment in young to middle‐aged cancer survivors
Authors: Park Crystal L. , Cho Dalnim , Blank Thomas O. , Wortmann Jennifer H.
Published: October 2012

Objective

We investigated predictors of emotional (worry) and cognitive (perceived risk) dimensions of fear of recurrence (FOR) and their relationships with psychological well‐being in a sample of young and middle‐aged adult cancer survivors.

Methods

Eligible participants were survivors between 18 and 55 years old and diagnosed from 1 to 3 years prior. A total of 250 participants were recruited, and 167 responded to a 1‐year follow‐up. Demographic and psychosocial variables were assessed at baseline, and FOR and psychological well‐being were assessed at follow‐up.

Results

Race was associated with the cognitive dimension of FOR (such that minority race perceived less risk of recurrence), but no demographics were associated with the emotional dimension. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that spirituality was the only predictor of perceived risk independent of the effect of race, even when worry about general health was controlled. For the emotional dimension of FOR, avoidance coping predicted higher worry, but when controlling for a general tendency to worry about one's health, none of the psychosocial variables predicted worries about cancer's return. In addition, only worry about cancer's return predicted negative affect and intrusive thoughts.

Conclusions

These results suggest that FOR comprises distinct dimensions, each of which has different implications for adjustment. These findings may have important clinical implications in developing interventions to deal with both FOR and more general health anxieties in cancer survivors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optically pumped lasing from vapor‐grown crystals of methoxy‐substituted thiophene/phenylene co‐oligomer
Authors: Mizuno Hitoshi , Yanagi Hisao , Sasaki Fumio , Hotta Shu
Published: October 2012

We report on optically pumped lasing from a vapor‐grown crystal of thiophene/phenylene co‐oligomer, 2,5‐bis(4′‐methoxybiphenyl‐4‐yl)thiophene (BP1T‐OMe). By using a pair of parallel facets of a thin sword‐like crystal as a Fabry–Pérot resonator, laser oscillations were obtained in the 0‐2 emission wavelength at room temperature. Time decay profiles of the lasing band revealed a pulse‐shaped emission with delay time of 50 ps. Excitation wavelength dependence of the PL spectra exhibited Raman scattering peaks in particular stimulated in the 0‐2 emission band under off‐resonant excitation. These light amplification properties were discussed in term of the crystal dimension and H‐aggregate structure in the vapor‐grown BP1T‐OMe crystal.
Reorientation phase transitions in magnetostatically coupled ultrathin multilayers
Authors: Zablotskii Vitalii , Polyakova Tatyana , Kisielewski Marek , Dejneka Alexandr , Jastrabik Lubomir , Takielak Maria , Maziewski Andrzej
Published: October 2012

Spin reorientation phase transitions (RPTs) in magnetostatically coupled low‐anisotropy ultrathin multilayers (MLs) have been studied. The RPT conditions were established and applied in a simple analytical model to describe spin reorientation between in‐plane and out‐of‐plane magnetic phases. The proposed model has been found to be in good agreement with micromagnetic simulations. It was also shown how the magnetization orientation of MLs could be manipulated by choosing their geometrical and magnetic parameters.
Reply to the comment by Vignale et al
Authors: Pan Xiao‐Yin , Sahni Viraht
Published: October 2012

In our Reply, we first explain why the proof of Vignale and Rasolt that the basic variables are the density and paramagnetic current density is in error. We then refute the comments by Vignale et al with regard to our work. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On spin wavefunctions and young orthogonal matrices
Authors: Yurovsky Vladimir A.
Published: October 2012

Electron spin wavefunctions are expressed in the Young orthogonal representation. The normalization factor is calculated. An explicit expression for the first column elements of the Young orthogonal matrices is obtained by a comparison to the branching diagram wavefunctions. These matrix elements are used in a multideterminant representation of the total wavefunction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An evaluation of alumina reaction tube conditioning for high‐precision 2H/1H isotope measurements via gas chromatography/thermal conversion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Cao Yunning , Liu Weiguo , Sauer Peter E. , Wang Zheng , Li Zheng‐hua
Published: October 2012

RATIONALE

The condition of the pyrolysis reactor is very important for obtaining stable, precise hydrogen isotopic ratios using gas chromatography/thermal conversion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/TC/IRMS). However, few studies of the conditioning process have been conducted, and little is known about the best methods for high‐precision hydrogen isotope analysis.

METHODS

We investigated δ2H variations and observed the changes in carbon coating using six different conditioning methods for the pyrolysis alumina tube: (i) no treatment; (ii) conditioning with 4 μL hexane; (iii) conditioning with 2 μL hexane; (iv) conditioning with 2 μL hexane followed by backflushing overnight; (v) conditioning with 10 s of backflushing with methane; (vi) conditioning with 3 s of backflushing with methane.

RESULTS

Conditioning the alumina tube can improve the pyrolysis efficiency of organic compounds because a moderate amount of carbon acts as a catalyst in high‐temperature regions of the alumina tube. Carbon actually flows in the tube and is difficult to confine to the high‐temperature region. Insufficient amounts of carbon in the high‐temperature regions lead to incomplete pyrolysis of organic compounds and lower δ2H values due to kinetic fractionation of hydrogen isotopes. In contrast, excess hexane or methane can lead to higher δ2H values, probably due to enrichment of deuterium in the hydrocarbon residue.

CONCLUSIONS

The δ2H values obtained by Method 6 are closest to the TC/EA δ2H values and are more precise than those obtained by other methods, perhaps because this method introduces a moderate, consistent amount of carbon with each sample injection. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FPGA implementation of AES algorithm for high throughput using folded parallel architecture
Authors: Rahimunnisa K. , Karthigaikumar P. , Rasheed Soumiya , Jayakumar J. , SureshKumar S.
Published: October 2012

This paper presents high throughput architecture for the hardware implementation of Advanced Encryption Standard algorithm. Advanced Encryption Standard is the industry standard crypto algorithm for encryption and is used for protecting secret information. This work is mainly targeted for low‐cost embedded applications. This paper introduces parallel operation in the folded architecture to obtain better throughput. The design is coded in Very High‐speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language. Timing simulation is performed to verify the functionality of the designed circuit. The proposed structure is implemented in Virtex‐6 XC6VLX75T FPGA device. This work gives a high throughput of 37.1 Gb/s with a maximum frequency of 505.5 MHz, which is 20% higher than the maximum throughput reported in the literature. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Photoluminescence Properties of Eu3+‐Doped Silica@Coordination Polymer Core–Shell Structures and Their Calcinated Silica@Gd2O3:Eu and Hollow Gd2O3:Eu Microsphere Products
Authors: Lee Hee Jung , Park Ju‐Un , Choi Sora , Son Juhee , Oh Moonhyun
Published: October 2012

The conjugation of Eu3+‐doped coordination polymers constructed from Gd3+ and isophthalic acid (H2IPA) with silica particles is investigated for the production of luminescent microspheres. A series of doping ratio‐controlled silica@coordination polymer core–shell spheres is easily synthesized by altering the amounts of metal nodes used in the reactions, where the ratios of Gd3+ and Eu3+ are 10:0 (1a), 9:1 (1b), 8:2 (1c), 7:3 (1d), 5:5 (1e), and 0:10 (1f). The formation of monodisperse uniform core–shell structures is achieved throughout the entirety of a series. Investigations of the photoluminescence property of the resulting series of silica@coordination polymer core–shell spheres reveal that 20% Eu3+‐doped product (1c) has the strongest emission intensity. The subsequent calcination process on the silica@coordination polymer core–shell structures (1a‐f) results in the formation of a series of doping ratio‐controlled silica@Gd2O3:Eu core–shell microspheres (2a‐f) with uniform shell thickness. During the calcination step, the coordination polymers within silica@coordination polymer core–shells are transformed into metal oxides, resulting in silica@Gd2O3:Eu core–shell structures. The final etching process on the silica@Gd2O3:Eu core–shell microspheres (2a‐f) produces a series of hollow Gd2O3:Eu microspheres (3a‐f) as a result of the elimination of silica cores. The luminescence intensities of silica@Gd2O3:Eu core–shell (2a‐f) and hollow Gd2O3:Eu microspheres (3a‐f) also vary depending upon the doping ratio of Eu3+ ions.
Magnetite Production from Steel Wastes with Concentrated Solar Energy
Authors: Ruiz‐Bustinza Iñigo , Cañadas Inmaculada , Rodríguez Jose , Mochón Javier , Verdeja Luis Felipe , Garcia‐Carcedo Fernando , Vázquez Alfonso J.
Published: October 2012

In order to achieve a balanced development in the application of materials for structural or functional purposes, one of the priority objectives of future work is to achieve the goal of “zero waste” in the different production lines. As would be expected from what was agreed in the Kyoto Protocol and the meetings of Copenhagen 2009 and Cancun 2010, the production of clean energy will be strongly encouraged in the future, and indeed that is already the case now. Taking that into consideration, while the promotion of clean energy production is mainly directed toward electricity, solar thermal is quite interesting because of its direct application to metal mining and the chemical processes used in the sustainable development of materials. The combination of both objectives, “zero waste” and “clean energy,” may pose an interesting challenge in the development of primary iron and steel, as well as in other areas of metal production and even in the field of mining. The help of solar thermal energy, which can be concentrated to reach high temperatures, is a tool that could support both the direct production and the recycling of waste steel, in particular waste which is physically and chemically the worst for the environment. This would mean that the environment itself, solar energy, is in fact the key to environmental protection.
Is Text Written for Children Useful for L2 Extensive Reading?
Authors: Webb Stuart , Macalister John
Published: October 2012

The researchers completed a corpus‐driven analysis of 688 texts written for children, language learners, and older readers to determine the vocabulary size necessary for comprehension and the potential to incidentally learn vocabulary through reading each text type. The comparison between texts written for different audiences may indicate their relative value for use in extensive reading programs. The results indicate that a vocabulary size of 10,000 words plus knowledge of the proper nouns and marginal words was required to know 98% of the words in both text written for children and text written for older readers. In contrast, a vocabulary size of 3,000 word families plus knowledge of the proper nouns and marginal words was necessary to know 98% of the words in text written for language learners. Repetition of words in Nation's (2006) 3rd to 14th 1,000‐word lists was higher in the text written for language learners, followed by children's literature and then text written for adults. The findings indicate that the lexical load of text written for children is similar to that of text written for older readers, and that neither of these text types is as well suited as graded readers for second language extensive reading.
P2Y receptors in lung inflammation
Authors: Müller Tobias , Idzko Marco
Published: October 2012

Nucleotides, e.g., adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP), can be released into the extracellular space under acute or chronic inflammatory conditions and have been shown to serve as potent immunomodulators or danger signals involved in the initiation and maintenance of immune responses. The cellular effects of nucleotides are mediated via purinergic P2X and P2Y receptor subtypes, which are broadly expressed on both inflammatory (e.g., eosinophils, dendritic cells, and monocytes) and lung structural cells. This review focuses on the role of P2Y receptors in the pathogenesis of inflammatory lung diseases, thereby showing that P2Y receptors mediate a variety of cellular responses, e.g., migration, cytokine secretion, or expression of cell surface molecules. In addition, several studies have provided evidence that P2Y receptors play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory lung diseases such as bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or acute lung injury. Hence, the development of P2YR‐targeted drugs might be a promising approach for the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases. WIREs Membr Transp Signal 2012, 1:755–762. doi: 10.1002/wmts.69

For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
La dysfonction érectile chez les patients hémodialysés au CNHU-HKM de Cotonou: profil épidémiologique
Authors: Avakoudjo J. , Paré A. , Vigan J. , Gandaho I. , Hounasso P. , Hodonou R. , Akpo C.
Published: October 2012

But

Étudier le profil épidémiologique de la dysfonction érectile (DE) chez les hémodialysés du CNHU.

Matériels et méthodes

Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale descriptive réalisée par l’équipe du service d’urologie dans le service d’hémodialyse du CNHU de Cotonou portant sur 58 patients hémodialysés. La forme abrégée de l’Index international de la fonction érectile (IIEF-5) a été utilisée pour l’appréciation de la fonction érectile. Un questionnaire préétabli a permis de recueillir les données sur le profil épidémiologique des patients.

Résultats

Les patients étaient âgés de 27 à 78 ans avec une moyenne d’âge de 56,3 ans. 96,6 % de nos patients étaient mariés dont 10,3 % de polygames. Les principales étiologies de l’insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC) étaient l’hypertension artérielle (HTA) mal suivie (87,9 %) et le diabète (12,1 %). La prévalence de la DE était de 75,9 % dont 29,3 % de DE sévères. Certains facteurs étiologiques ont été retrouvés en ce qui concerne la DE: il s’agissait de l’alcool (36,2 %) et du tabac (12,1 %). La DE était présente chez 9,1 % des patients avant la découverte de l’insuffisance rénale, et 72,7 % des patients avaient affirmé avoir constaté l’insuffisance érectile avec le début des séances de dialyse. Pour 39 patients (88,6 %), la DE se serait accentuée au cours des séances de dialyses. Les troubles sexuels associés étaient une baisse de la libido chez 25 % des patients (11/44) et une éjaculation précoce chez 34,1 % (15/44). Une hypotension artérielle a été notée chez 25 % des patients (11/44). Une hyperglycémie a été retrouvée chez 22,7 % des patients (10/44).

Conclusion

La DE, complication fréquente survenant sur les terrains d’IRC, a un impact négatif sur la qualité de la sexualité de nos patients hémodialysés. Une prise en charge de ce trouble devrait permettre d’améliorer la qualité de vie de ces derniers.