bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between perceived cognitive dysfunction and objective neuropsychological performance in persons with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Shin So Young , Katz Patricia , Julian Laura
Published: February 2013

Objective

Research shows a gap between perceived cognitive dysfunction and objective neuropsychological performance in persons with chronic diseases. We explored this relationship in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Individuals from a longitudinal cohort study of RA participated in a study visit that included physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and biologic metrics. Subjective cognitive dysfunction was assessed using the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ; range 0–20, where higher scores = greater perceived impairment). Objective cognitive impairment was assessed using a battery of 12 standardized neuropsychological measures yielding 16 indices. On each test, subjects were classified as impaired if they performed 1 SD below the age‐based population norms. Total cognitive function scores were calculated by summing the transformed scores (range 0–16, where higher scores = greater impairment). Multiple linear regression analyses determined the relationship of the total cognitive function score with the PDQ score, controlling for sex, race, marital status, income, education, disease duration, disease severity, depression, and fatigue.

Results

One hundred twenty subjects (mean ± SD age 58.5 ± 11.0 years) were included. Mean ± SD scores of total cognitive function and the PDQ were 2.5 ± 2.2 (range 0–10) and 5.8 ± 3.8 (range 0–16), respectively. In multivariate analysis, there was no significant relationship between the total cognitive function score and the PDQ score. However, depression and fatigue (β = 0.32, P < 0.001 and β = 0.31, P = 0.001, respectively) were significantly associated with the PDQ score.

Conclusion

The findings emphasize the gap between subjective and objective measures of cognitive impairment and the importance of considering psychological factors within the context of cognitive symptoms in clinical settings.
Ultrathin Graphene Nanofiltration Membrane for Water Purification
Authors: Han Yi , Xu Zhen , Gao Chao
Published: February 2013

A method of fabricating ultrathin (≈22–53 nm thick) graphene nanofiltration membranes (uGNMs) on microporous substrates is presented for efficient water purification using chemically converted graphene (CCG). The prepared uGNMs show well packed layer structure formed by CCG sheets, as characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The performance of the uGNMs for water treatment was evaluated on a dead end filtration device and the pure water flux of uGNMs was high (21.8 L m−2 h−1 bar−1). The uGNMs show high retention (>99%) for organic dyes and moderate retention (≈20–60%) for ion salts. The rejection mechanism of this kind of negatively charged membranes is intensively studied, and the results reveal that physical sieving and electrostatic interaction dominate the rejection process. Because of the ultrathin nature of uGNMs, 34 mg of CCG is sufficient for making a square meter of nanofiltration membrane, indicating that this new generation graphene‐based nanofiltration technology would be resource saving and cost‐effective. The integration of high performance, low cost, and simple solution‐based fabrication process promises uGNMs great potential application in practical water purification.
High CO2/CH4 and C2 Hydrocarbons/CH4 Selectivity in a Chemically Robust Porous Coordination Polymer
Authors: Duan Jingui , Higuchi Masakazu , Horike Satoshi , Foo Maw Lin , Rao Koya Prabhakara , Inubushi Yasutaka , Fukushima Tomohiro , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: February 2013

A new porous coordination polymer, ([La(BTB)H2O]·solvent (1⊃guest)), is synthesized. Gas adsorption, ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) and breakthrough experiments of it exhibits high CH4 separation capability toward CO2 and C2 hydrocarbons at 273 K. In addition, this also shows good water and chemical stability, in particular, it is stable at pH = 14 at 100 °C, which is unprecedented for carboxylate‐based porous coordination polymers. Furthermore, the effective adsorption site for separation is revealed by using an in situ diffuse reflectance IR fourier transform (DRIFT) spectra study.
Helical liquid flow on a vertical cylinder and its application to gas absorption
Authors: Komae Naoya , Sato, Yuki , Mori Yasuhiko H.
Published: February 2013

An experimental examination of a novel device for enhancing the gas absorption into an aqueous absorbent flowing down the outer wall of a vertical cylinder was reported. This device utilizes flexible strings tightly wound around the cylinder, taking the form of a multiple helix. The absorbent flows along parallel channels partitioned by the strings, maintaining mutual contact with the surrounding gas for a longer time than it would when it flows down the same cylinder wall in the absence of such strings. Both flow‐observation experiments and absorption experiments using water as the absorbent flowing along a single helical channel and carbon dioxide as the gas to be absorbed were carried out. The effectiveness of the helical‐flow device for promoting the absorption was recognized at water flow rates high enough to induce an oscillatory flow mode accompanied by periodical liquid−gas interface deformation. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 3109–3118, 2013
Ascertaining the role of Taiwan as a source for the Austronesian expansion
Authors: Mirabal Sheyla , Cadenas Alicia M. , Garcia‐Bertrand Ralph , Herrera Rene J.
Published: February 2013

Taiwanese aborigines have been deemed the ancestors of Austronesian speakers which are currently distributed throughout two‐thirds of the globe. As such, understanding their genetic distribution and diversity as well as their relationship to mainland Asian groups is important to consolidating the numerous models that have been proposed to explain the dispersal of Austronesian speaking peoples into Oceania. To better understand the role played by the aboriginal Taiwanese in this diaspora, we have analyzed a total of 451 individuals belonging to nine of the tribes currently residing in Taiwan, namely the Ami, Atayal, Bunun, Paiwan, Puyuma, Rukai, Saisiyat, Tsou, and the Yami from Orchid Island off the coast of Taiwan across 15 autosomal short tandem repeat loci. In addition, we have compared the genetic profiles of these tribes to populations from mainland China as well as to collections at key points throughout the Austronesian domain. While our results suggest that Daic populations from Southern China are the likely forefathers of the Taiwanese aborigines, populations within Taiwan show a greater genetic impact on groups at the extremes of the current domain than populations from Indonesia, Mainland, or Southeast Asia lending support to the “Out of Taiwan” hypothesis. We have also observed that specific Taiwanese aboriginal groups (Paiwan, Puyuma, and Saisiyat), and not all tribal populations, have highly influenced genetic distributions of Austronesian populations in the pacific and Madagascar suggesting either an asymmetric migration out of Taiwan or the loss of certain genetic signatures in some of the Taiwanese tribes due to endogamy, isolation, and/or drift. Am J Phys Anthropol 150:551–564, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring prehistory in the North American southwest with mitochondrial DNA diversity exhibited by Yumans and Athapaskans
Authors: Monroe Cara , Kemp Brian M. , Smith David Glenn
Published: February 2013

A recent study of mitochondrial DNA variation in Native American populations from the American Southwest detected signatures of a population expansion of subhaplogroup B2a, dated to 2,105 years before present (99.5% confidence interval, 1,273–3,773 YBP), following the introduction and intensification of maize agriculture in the region. Only one Yuman group and no Athapaskan speakers were analyzed in previous studies. Here we report mtDNA haplogroup and hypervariable region (HVR I, and II) sequence data from 263 extant Yuman speakers, representing the major branches of the Yuman language family, in addition to the Western Apache (Athapaskan) to further investigate the demographic context and geographic extent of this expansion. Data presented indicate that the expansion of B2a is only slightly older [2,410 YBP (99.5% CI: 1,458–4,320 YBP)] than previously estimated and not significantly. Despite large confidence intervals there are implications for the origin and expansion of the Yuman language family. Cultural transformations due to the inundation and draining of Lake Cahuilla may explain in part the frequencies of this lineage among the Kumeyaay and other Yuman and Takic groups in Southern California. This may have been the result of group fissions and fusions followed by migration and interaction that included expanded trade networks and intermarriage among Yuman speakers. In addition, a series of in‐situ genetic bottlenecks is proposed to have occurred among the Western Apache leading to increasing homogeneity within haplogroup A, culminating in an admixture event with the Yavapai. Am J Phys Anthropol 150:618–631, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Basic CuCO3/ligand as a new catalyst for 'on water' borylation of Michael acceptors, alkenes and alkynes: application to the efficient asymmetric synthesis of β‐alcohol type sitagliptin side chain
Authors: Stavber Gaj , Časar Zdenko
Published: February 2013

The efficient 'on water' β‐borylation using bis(pinacolato)diboron agent was achieved with a newly developed catalytic system based on basic copper carbonate and various ligands. The catalytic system was used for β‐borylation of various Michael acceptors, alkenes and alkynes. The presented methodology was successfully applied to the novel synthesis of β‐alcohol type sitagliptin side chain precursor via water‐based highly enantioselective β‐borylation followed by an oxidation process. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Titanocene dichloride/KI: an efficient catalytic system for synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2
Authors: Bai Dongsheng , Nian Guanghui , Wang Guangjian , Wang Zhongzhen
Published: February 2013

Titanocene dichloride (Cp2TiCl2)/KI was developed to be an efficient catalytic system for the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides to synthesize relevant cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2. Various influencing factors on the coupling reaction, such as co‐catalyst, temperature, CO2 pressure and reaction time, were investigated. The optimal reaction conditions were KI as co‐catalyst, 150 °C reaction temperature, 12 atm CO2 pressure and 4 h reaction time using THF as solvent for the synthesis of propylene carbonate in 98% yield. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic activity of 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis[4‐(triorganostannyloxy)phenyl]porphyrins
Authors: Tian Laijin , Cao Xianxian , Zhao Yanxiang , Jiang Jianzhuang , Liu Xijie
Published: February 2013

5,10,15,20‐Tetrakis[4‐(triorganostannyloxy)phenyl]porphyrins, (R3SnO)4TPP [2, R = Cy (a), Ph (b), PhC(CH3)2CH2 (c)], have been synthesized by the condensation of 4‐(triorganostannyloxy)benzaldehyde, 4‐(R3SnO)C6H4CHO (1), with pyrrole in the presence of BF3 followed by oxidation by p‐chloranil and characterized by means of elemental analysis, IR, UV–visible and NMR (1H, 13C and 119Sn) spectra. The results of X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction show that 1a and 1b possess a trans‐C3SnO2 trigonal bipyramidal geometry with the axial positions occupied by the phenolate oxygen and formyl group oxygen of an adjacent molecule and form a one‐dimensional zigzag chain. In 2a, the macrocyclic core of the porphyrin is coplanar and each tin atom possesses a distorted tetrahedral geometry. These compounds (1 and 2) have potent in vitro cytotoxic activity against two human tumor cell lines – CoLo205 and MCF‐7 – and the activity decreases in the order Ph > Cy > PhC(CH3)2CH2 for the R group bound to tin. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of Predictive Validity in Violence Risk Assessment Studies: A Second‐Order Systematic Review
Authors: Singh Jay P. , Desmarais Sarah L. , Van Dorn Richard A.
Published: February 2013

The objective of the present review was to examine how predictive validity is analyzed and reported in studies of instruments used to assess violence risk. We reviewed 47 predictive validity studies published between 1990 and 2011 of 25 instruments that were included in two recent systematic reviews. Although all studies reported receiver operating characteristic curve analyses and the area under the curve (AUC) performance indicator, this methodology was defined inconsistently and findings often were misinterpreted. In addition, there was between‐study variation in benchmarks used to determine whether AUCs were small, moderate, or large in magnitude. Though virtually all of the included instruments were designed to produce categorical estimates of risk – through the use of either actuarial risk bins or structured professional judgments – only a minority of studies calculated performance indicators for these categorical estimates. In addition to AUCs, other performance indicators, such as correlation coefficients, were reported in 60% of studies, but were infrequently defined or interpreted. An investigation of sources of heterogeneity did not reveal significant variation in reporting practices as a function of risk assessment approach (actuarial vs. structured professional judgment), study authorship, geographic location, type of journal (general vs. specialized audience), sample size, or year of publication. Findings suggest a need for standardization of predictive validity reporting to improve comparison across studies and instruments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A multi‐user virtual laboratory environment for gear train design
Authors: Aziz El‐Sayed S. , Chang Yizhe , Esche Sven K. , Chassapis Constantin
Published: February 2013

This paper presents the development of a game‐based virtual laboratory environment for gear train design. This virtual laboratory environment goes beyond static demonstrations or conventional computer simulations and provides the students with the flexibility to perform various experiments related to the fundamental law of gearing and the concepts of planetary gear motion. In this virtual laboratory environment, the students, the instructor and the teaching assistant are represented by and interact as virtual characters (avatars). The scripted scenario for the laboratory exercise was first piloted in a junior‐level course for mechanical engineering majors. Assessment tools such as pre‐ and post‐experiment tests are an integral part of the laboratory environment and form the basis for providing different levels of support to the students at every step of the laboratory exercises. Furthermore, the laboratory environment can be equipped with functionality for monitoring the students' progress and learning outcomes, thus enabling skill‐based assessment.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:788–802, 2014; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21573
A Review of Maternal Neonaticide: A Need for Further Research Supporting Evidence‐Based Prevention in Australia
Authors: Bortoli Lillian De , Coles Jan , Dolan Mairead
Published: February 2013

The risk of being killed is greatest within the first 24 hours of birth. Despite this, less is known about neonaticide compared with other homicides, particularly those occurring in the Australian context. A highly publicised case of neonaticide attracting an 18‐year sentence recently provoked debate about the introduction of prevention strategies, such as ‘Safe Havens’ and baby hatches in Australia. This paper reviews the limited international literature on risk factors associated with neonaticide and provides an insight into recent developments on the introduction of Safe Haven laws in the US. Little is known about the risk factors associated with neonaticide in Australia. Given recent interest in developing policies to prevent or reduce neonaticide in Australia, there is a pressing need for more research in this area. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Little is known about the risk factors associated with neonaticide in Australia’

Key Practitioner Messages

Early identification improves positive outcomes for pregnant women and babies.

Education initiatives to target non‐antenatal professionals as well as other non‐medical professionals who may come into contact with potentially high‐risk women.

Training must include recognising signs of a neglected and hidden pregnancy as well as early signs of pregnancy.

Upon suspicion of pregnancy, referral to an appropriate professional should be made.

Confidentiality is of paramount importance.

‘Confidentiality is of paramount importance’
Factors Promoting Resilience Following Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Structured, Narrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Marriott Clare , Hamilton‐Giachritsis Catherine , Harrop Chris
Published: February 2013

The aim of this paper was to review research investigating resilient outcomes for people with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and implications for practice, as well as to consider issues for clearer definitions. Fifty English language peer‐reviewed studies (1991–2010) met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed papers identified a number of factors that were repeatedly associated with individuals showing resilient outcomes to CSA. These included inner resources (e.g. coping skills, interpretation of experiences and self‐esteem), family relationships, friendships, community resources (e.g. church or school), as well as some abuse‐related factors (e.g. older age at onset). A large number of methodological concerns within these studies were also noted, including the way in which resilience, CSA and protective factors were defined. However, despite this, many papers identified similar factors that could be utilised to develop both effective prevention programmes and resilience interventions for the survivors of CSA. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Fifty English language peer‐reviewed studies (1991–2010) met the inclusion criteria’

Key Practitioner Messages

There is a wealth of research investigating resilience in people who have experienced CSA.

Many papers presented similar findings. Interpersonal features were repeatedly identified; but importantly so were familial support and stability, peer friendships, appropriately timed social support, academic success, spirituality and a sense of community.

It seems likely that health promotion initiatives and social policies and programmes can improve resilient outcomes for people with a history of CSA, using both individual and systemic interventions.

‘Many papers presented similar findings’
Factors Influencing the Uptake of Research Evidence in Child Welfare: A Synthesis of Findings from Australia, Canada and Ireland
Authors: Buckley Helen , Tonmyr Lil , Lewig Kerry , Jack Susan
Published: February 2013

This paper draws on three studies conducted in Australia, Canada and Ireland which explore the factors influencing research utilisation in the child protection sector in each country. The paper recognises that research uptake is complicated by a number of factors. It also acknowledges critiques which cite the equally significant influence of ideologies, context, unpredictability, time constraints and political expediency. However, all three studies recognised the increasing importance of evidence‐based practice. The methods used in the three studies were not identical but the frameworks used were sufficiently similar to enable the classification of both common and dissimilar barriers and facilitators to research use. Those which they identified were categorised into four types: individual, organisational, environmental and characteristics relating to the nature of research material. Implications were identified for policy makers, service providers and research producers. The point was made that we now live in a period where unprecedented means of knowledge transfer and exchange provide unique opportunities to improve the lives of children and families. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘All three studies recognised the increasing importance of evidence‐based practice’

Key Practitioner Messages

Avail of opportunities to attend learning events.

Draw on research findings when conducting assessments, writing reports, devising intervention plans, evaluating programmes and tendering for funding.

Establish links with research centres.

Become involved in the conduct of research.

Support colleagues (champions) who display particular interest and motivation in the use of research evidence by recognising and/or rewarding effort.

Avail of opportunities to undertake further study that includes a research component.

‘Establish links with research centres’
Are boycott motives rationalizations?
Authors: Hoffmann Stefan
Published: February 2013

Previous models of boycott motivation are incomplete because they only consider beliefs and attitudes. This article argues that consumers' proximity to the consequences of the critical actions of a company is the primary trigger of the desire to boycott. As consumers need to justify this desire, they search for supportive arguments. Thus, the arguments consumers give to explain why they are boycotting or not are pre‐decisional rationalizations rather than independent rational considerations. Consequently, the paper suggests that scholars need to respecify the antecedents identified in prior studies. These constructs are mediator variables of the indirect influence of proximity on boycott participation. The paper tests the assumptions on the basis of survey data gathered from 544 consumers using the example of a real boycott that was called in response to factory relocation. The model proposed was tested by means of partial least squares regression analysis. The mediation hypotheses were examined using simple and multiple mediation tests. The empirical study confirms that boycott motives are mainly rationalizations of a pre‐existing desire to boycott, which is contingent on proximity. Managerial implications and avenues for further research are proposed.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A linear transformation model for multivariate interval‐censored failure time data
Authors: Chen Man‐Hua , Tong Xingwei , Zhu Liang
Published: February 2013

This paper discusses multivariate interval‐censored failure time data observed when several correlated survival times of interest exist and only interval censoring is available for each survival time. Such data occur in many fields, for instance, studies of the development of physical symptoms or diseases in several organ systems. A marginal inference approach was used to create a linear transformation model and applied to bivariate interval‐censored data arising from a diabetic retinopathy study and an AIDS study. The results of simulation studies that were conducted to evaluate the performance of the presented approach suggest that it performs well.The Canadian Journal of Statistics41: 275–290; 2013 © 2013 Statistical Society of Canada
Effects of Lime‐Based Waste Materials on Immobilization and Phytoavailability of Cadmium and Lead in Contaminated Soil
Authors: Lim Jung Eun , Ahmad Mahtab , Lee Sang Soo , Shope Christopher L. , Hashimoto Yohey , Kim Kwon‐Rae , Usman Adel R. A. , Yang Jae E. , Ok Yong Sik
Published: February 2013

Low cost lime‐based waste materials have recently been used to immobilize metals in contaminated soils. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of oyster shells and eggshells as lime‐based waste materials on immobilization of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in contaminated soil, as well as their effects on metal availability to maize plants (Zea mays L.). Oyster shells and eggshells were applied to soils at 1 and 5% w/w, after which they were subject to 420 days of incubation. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test was employed to determine the mobility of Cd and Pb in soils. The results showed that the addition of waste materials effectively reduced the metal mobility as indicated by the decrease in the concentration of TCLP‐extractable Cd and Pb, and this was mainly due to significant increases in soil pH (from 6.74 in untreated soil to 7.85–8.13 in treated soil). A sequential extraction indicated that the addition of such alkaline wastes induced a significant decline in the concentration of Cd in the exchangeable fraction (from 23.64% in untreated soil to 1.90–3.81% in treated soil), but it increased the concentration of Cd in the carbonate fraction (from 19.59% in untreated soil to 36.66–46.36% in treated soil). In the case of Pb, the exchangeable fraction was also reduced (from 0.67% in untreated soil to 0.00–0.01% in treated soil), and the fraction of Pb bound to carbonate was slightly increased (from 16.61% in untreated soil to 16.41–18.25% in treated soil). Phytoavailability tests indicated that the metal concentrations in the shoots of maize plant were reduced by 63.39–77.29% for Cd and by 47.34–75.95% for Pb in the amended soils, with no significant differences being observed for the amendment types and the application rates. Overall, these results indicate that oyster shells and eggshells can be used as low cost lime‐based amendments for immobilizing Cd and Pb in contaminated soils.
Status of Macrobenthic Community and Its Relationships to Trace Metals and Natural Sediment Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Ying , Lv Zhenbo , Guan Bo , Liu Yuanjin , Li Fan , Li Shaowen , Ma Yuanqing , Yu Junbao , Li Yunzhao
Published: February 2013

Laizhou Bay, located in the northwest of Shandong Peninsula, has complex transitional environments between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. In the present study, a total of 122, 131, and 139 species were collected in spring, summer, and autumn 2011, respectively. Species constitutions of macrobenthos were grouped into four phyla, of which annelida were the most abundant phylum, the average biomass proportion of echinodermata was the lowest, and the proportion of important species for mollusca was the highest. The structure of the macrobenthic community showed significant differences between sites, and greater divergence was observed between the third site (S03) and other stations. The ABC plots showed that the biomass curve lay below the abundance curve, and the W‐statistic value was negative. The result of the BOPA index showed that two stations had moderate ecological status in spring and that there were two heavily polluted sites and one moderately polluted site in summer. The BIO‐ENV analyses indicated that the grain‐size fractions together with trace metals (Hg, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cr) could be considered as the major environmental variables influencing the macrobenthic patterns. The results together demonstrated that the macrobenthic communities in Laizhou Bay were negatively affected, perhaps by the tremendous impact of heavy metals in the sediments.
Time‐dependent traction force microscopy for cancer cells as a measure of invasiveness
Authors: Peschetola Valentina , Laurent Valérie M. , Duperray Alain , Michel Richard , Ambrosi Davide , Preziosi Luigi , Verdier Claude
Published: February 2013

The migration of tumor cells of different degrees of invasivity is studied, on the basis of the traction forces exerted in time on soft substrates (Young modulus ∼ 10 kPa). It is found that the outliers of the traction stresses can be an effective indicator to distinguish cancer cell lines of different invasiveness. Here, we test two different epithelial bladder cancer cell lines, one invasive (T24), and a less invasive one (RT112). Invasive cancer cells move in a nearly periodic motion, with peaks in velocity corresponding to higher traction forces exerted on the substrate, whereas less invasive cells develop traction stresses almost constant in time. The dynamics of focal adhesions (FAs) as well as cytoskeleton features reveals that different mechanisms are activated to migrate: T24 cells show an interconnected cytoskeleton linked to mature adhesion sites, leading to small traction stresses, whereas less invasive cells (RT112) show a less‐structured cytoskeleton and unmature adhesions corresponding to higher traction stresses. Migration velocities are smaller in the case of less invasive cells. The mean squared displacement shows super‐diffusive motion in both cases with higher exponent for the more invasive cancer cells. Further correlations between traction forces and the actin cytoskeleton reveal an unexpected pattern of a large actin rim at the RT112 cell edge where higher forces are colocalized, whereas a more usual cytoskeleton structure with stress fibers and FAs are found for T24 cancer cells. We conjecture that this kind of analysis can be useful to classify cancer cell invasiveness. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of slow dynamics by solid‐state NMR: Application to L‐phenylalanine hydrochloride
Authors: Li Wenbo , Mcdermott Ann E.
Published: February 2013

New methods for probing dynamical properties of biological macromolecules on the millisecond timescale will enable a better understanding of the structure–function relationship. In this article, three solid‐state NMR detection methods, line‐shape analysis, two‐dimensional exchange experiments, and a variant of the center‐band only detection of exchange (CODEX) experiment called R‐CODEX, are used to characterize a crystalline amino acid that serves as a model for motions in solid proteins, L‐phenylalanine hydrochloride. The millisecond ring flip motion of the aromatic ring in L‐phenylalanine hydrochloride is characterized in detail for the first time. Limitations of these experiments for processes involving submillisecond timescales are also discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 42A: 14–22, 2013.
Effects of Trastuzumab Emtansine (T‐DM1) on QT Interval and Safety of Pertuzumab Plus T‐DM1 in Patients With Previously Treated Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Gupta Manish , Wang Bei , Carrothers Timothy J. , LoRusso Patricia M. , Chu Yu‐Waye , Shih Ted , Loecke David , Joshi Amita , Saad Ola , Yi Joo‐Hee , Girish Sandhya
Published: February 2013

Trastuzumab emtansine (T‐DM1) is an antibody‐drug conjugate in development for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive cancer. Drugs in development are generally tested for their effects on QT interval, prolongation of which is associated with the potentially fatal arrhythmia torsades de pointes. In addition, an association between left ventricular dysfunction and other HER2‐directed agents has been documented. This multicenter, phase 2 study, TDM4688g, assessed the safety and pharmacokinetic characteristics of T‐DM1 (3.6 mg/kg every 3 weeks) in patients with previously treated HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancer, and the safety of pertuzumab plus T‐DM1, an anti‐HER2 extracellular domain antibody, in patients with early disease progression on T‐DM1 alone. The primary end point was the change in QTc interval from baseline to each postbaseline time point, adjusted for heart rate using Fridericia's correction. T‐DM1 had no clinically relevant effect on QTc interval. The observed upper limit of the one‐sided 95% confidence interval was below the 10‐millisecond threshold of safety concern. The safety and efficacy of single‐agent T‐DM1 was consistent with that observed in previous studies. Pertuzumab plus T‐DM1 was generally well tolerated with no new safety signals. These results support further investigation of T‐DM1 as a single agent and with pertuzumab.
A parallel algorithm for constructing Voronoi diagrams based on point‐set adaptive grouping
Authors: Wang Jiechen , Cui Can , Rui Yikang , Cheng Liang , Pu Yingxia , Wu Wenzhou , Yuan Zhenyu
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a parallel algorithm for constructing Voronoi diagrams based on point‐set adaptive grouping. The binary tree splitting method is used to adaptively group the point set in the plane and construct sub‐Voronoi diagrams for each group. Given that the construction of Voronoi diagrams in each group consumes the majority of time and that construction within one group does not affect that in other groups, the use of a parallel algorithm is suitable. After constructing the sub‐Voronoi diagrams, we extracted the boundary points of the four sides of each sub‐group and used to construct boundary site Voronoi diagrams. Finally, the sub‐Voronoi diagrams containing each boundary point are merged with the corresponding boundary site Voronoi diagrams. This produces the desired Voronoi diagram. Experiments demonstrate the efficiency of this parallel algorithm, and its time complexity is calculated as a function of the size of the point set, the number of processors, the average number of points in each block, and the number of boundary points. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coarse Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Nanoconfined Water
Authors: Eslami Hossein , Jaafari Bahram , Mehdipour Nargess
Published: February 2013

A coarse‐grained (CG) model for the simulation of nanoconfined water between graphene surfaces is developed. For this purpose, mixed‐grained simulations are done, in which the two‐site water model of Riniker and van Gunsteren [S. Riniker, W. F. van Gunsteren, J. Chem. Phys. 2011, 134, 084110] is simulated between atomistically resolved graphene surfaces. In the developed pure CG model, the two interaction sites of water and a combination of eight carbon atoms in the graphene surface are grouped together to construct water and surface CG beads. The pure CG potentials are constructed by iteratively matching the radial distribution functions and the density profiles of water beads in the pore with the corresponding mixed‐grained distributions. The constructed potentials are shown to be pore‐size transferable, capable of predicting structural properties of confined water over the whole range of pore sizes, ranging from extremely narrow pores to bulk water. The model is used to simulate a number of nanoconfined systems of a variety of pore sizes at constant temperature, constant parallel component of pressure, and constant surface area of the confining surfaces. The model is shown to predict the layering of water in contact with the surfaces, and the solvation force is in complete agreement with the mixed‐grained model. It is shown that water molecules in the pore have smaller parallel diffusion coefficients compared to bulk water. Well‐organized layers beside the surfaces are shown to have lower diffusion coefficients than diffuse layers. More information on the dynamics of water in the pore is obtained by calculating the rate of water exchange between slabs parallel to the surfaces. The time scale to achieve equilibrium for this process, depending on the pore width and on the degree of layering of water beside the surfaces, is a few nanoseconds in nanometric pores.
A Report on H mode in Magnetic Pole Enhanced Inductively Coupled Nitrogen Plasmas
Authors: Jan F. , Khan A. W. , Saeed A. , Zakaullah M.
Published: February 2013

The properties of low pressure magnetic pole enhanced, inductively coupled nitrogen plasma were studied by using electrical probe (Langmuir probe) under the conditions of RF powers in the range of 50‐220 W and pressures of 15‐75 mTorr. The electron energy probability function (EEPF) and electron density (ne) obtained from the RF compensated Langmuir probe was compared with the theoretical results. The theoretical fits of the EEPF shows that the shapes of EEPF are evolved from generalised distribution to Maxwellian distribution function. It was also observed that at a low power (50 W) the discharge remains in inductive (H‐mode) mode for all the pressures (15‐75 mTorr). At a higher pressure and relatively low RF power, the measured EEPF show a hole near 3eV of energy. The intensities of the emission lines at 337.1nm (Second Positive System) and 391.4 nm (First Negative System) due to C3Πu → B3Πg and B2$\textstyle \sum_u^+$ → X2 $\textstyle \sum_g^+$ transitions respectively, closely follows the variation of ne with RF power and filling gas pressure. The stability of the H mode was also investigated using skin depth. Electron temperature and plasma potential indicate that the discharge at higher power (above 50 W) almost remain in H mode. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cytologic features of the endometrial adenocarcinoma: Comparison of ThinPrep and BD surepath preparations
Authors: Norimatsu Yoshiaki , Sakamoto Shingo , Ohsaki Hiroyuki , Ozaki Satoru , Yokoyama Toshiro , Shimizu Keiko , Yanoh Kenji , Akiyama Minoru , Bamba Masamichi , Kobayashi Tadao K.
Published: February 2013

We compared the cytoarchitectural features used for the cytologic diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma (EC) using ThinPrep® (TPS = ThinPrep Sample) and BD SurePath™ (SPS = SurePath Sample) preparations. In 20 patients, a direct endometrial sample using the Uterobrush was obtained. Nineteen cases of EA and one case of carcinosarcoma were studied. TPS and SPS were performed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Moreover, after the TPS preparation, the residual material was also used to prepare an SPS sample (TP–SPS = ThinPrep–Surepath sample). The following points were investigated in both preparations: (1) number of cell clumps; SPS had a significantly higher (20.9) than TPS (1.7) and TP–SPS (10.3); (2) long axis of clumps; SPS had a significantly higher (215.4) than TPS (146.0); (3) rate of cell clumps with longer axes than 200 μm; SPS had a significantly higher (36.7) than TPS (15.2) and TP–SPS (24.2). TP–SPS showed higher values than TPS; (4) nuclear area; TPS had a significant higher (61.2) than SPS (40.8) and TP–SPS (38.6); (5) degree of overlapping nuclei; SPS (3.4) had a significantly higher number of overlapping nuclei than TPS (0.7) and TP–SPS (2.1); (6) nuclear chromatin pattern; no significant differences for the nuclear chromatin pattern were found in the three different methods. The poor performance of TPS versus SPS and TP–SPS was explained with the heavy blood contamination of the samples, and the absence of adhesive coating in the slides is used for TPS. Further investigation of technical differences in liquid‐based cytology methodologies is needed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:673–681. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fine‐needle sampling provides appreciable diagnostic yield in lesions of post kala azar dermal leishmaniasis: Analysis of four cases from North Eastern India
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arghya , Majumdar Kaushik , Gangopadhyay Mimi , Koley Sankha
Published: February 2013

Post‐kala‐azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a sequel of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), usually occurring 6 months to 3 years after VL. Spectrum of cutaneous lesions in PKDL can be hypopigmented macules, nodules, plaques, or erythema. It is usually diagnosed clinically, supplemented by ancillary techniques like skin smear examination, histopathology, polymerase chain reaction, and monoclonal antibody test. Literature on the role of cytology in the diagnosis of PKDL is extremely limited. Here we highlight the appreciable yield of fine‐needle sampling in four cases of PKDL, which may be considered as a useful diagnostic aid. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:525–529. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thyroid fine‐needle aspiration cytology: Is there a place to virtual cytology?
Authors: Gerhard Renê , Teixeira Sofia , Gaspar da Rocha Adriana , Schmitt Fernando
Published: February 2013

Telecytology has been used for education, training, and consultation. Cytological studies from gynecological, nongynecological and fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) specimens (including studies of thyroid FNAC) analyzed the diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility of telecytology‐based predominantly on static digital images. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic reproducibility of virtual cytology by measuring intraobserver and interobserver agreements among two cytopathologists, using the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BSRTC) nomenclature. 502 glass slides from 222 cases of thyroid FNAC were retrieved and scanned by a high‐resolution scanner generating whole slides images (virtual cytology). Conventional and virtual cytology were analyzed by a skilled cytopathologist and the intraobserver agreement rate was 77.5% with the corresponding κ value of 0.54, suggesting a moderate agreement between both methods. A second cytopathologist analyzed the same slides only by virtual cytology and the interobserver agreement rate was 80.2% with the corresponding κ value of 0.57, suggesting a moderate agreement between both cytopathologists. The virtual cytology resulted in a higher proportion of aspirates classified as nondiagnostic (20.3 and 14.9% for the first and second cytopathologist, respectively) as compared to conventional cytology (8.1%). Regarding specific diagnostic categories as defined by the BSRTC nomenclature, the follicular lesion of undetermined significance category presented the lowest concordance rates, corresponding to 5.9% intraobserver agreement and no (0.0%) interobserver agreement. We suggest that virtual cytology can be an alternative to conventional cytology in assessment of thyroid FNAC specimens, but nondiagnostic aspirates obtained by virtual cytology should be reassessed by conventional cytology. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:793–798. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Zebrafishtbx5paralogs demonstrate independent essential requirements in cardiac and pectoral fin development
Authors: Parrie Lindsay E. , Renfrew Erin M. , Wal Aimee Vander , Mueller Rachel Lockridge , Garrity Deborah M.
Published: February 2013

Background:T‐box genes constitute a large family of transcriptional regulators involved in developmental patterning. Homozygous mutation oftbx5leads to embryonic lethal cardiac phenotypes and forelimb malformations in vertebrate models. Haploinsufficiency oftbx5results in Holt‐Oram syndrome, a human congenital disease characterized by cardiac and forelimb defects. Homozygous mutation of zebrafishtbx5aleads to lethal defects in cardiac looping morphogenesis, blocks pectoral fin initiation, and impairs outgrowth. Recently, a second zebrafishtbx5gene was described, termedtbx5b.Results:Our phylogenetic analyses confirmtbx5bas a paralog that likely arose in the teleost‐specific whole genome duplication ∼270 MYA. Using morpholino depletion studies, we find thattbx5bis required in the heart for embryonic survival, and influences the timing and morphogenesis of pectoral fin development. Becausetbx5ahypomorphic mutations are embryonic lethal,tbx5aandtbx5bfunctions in the heart must not be completely redundant. Consistent with this hypothesis, simultaneous depletion of bothtbx5paralogs did not lead to more severe phenotypes, and injection of wild‐type mRNA from onetbx5paralog was not sufficient to cross‐rescue phenotypes of the paralogous gene.Conclusions:Collectively, these data indicate that, despite similar spatio‐temporal expression patterns,tbx5aandtbx5bhave independent functions in heart and fin development.Developmental Dynamics 242:475–492, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Native and Novel Language Prosodic Sensitivity in English‐Speaking Children with and without Dyslexia
Authors: Anderson Alida , Lin Candise Y. , Wang Min
Published: February 2013

Children with reading disability and normal reading development were compared in their ability to discriminate native (English) and novel language (Mandarin) from nonlinguistic sounds. Children's preference for native versus novel language sounds and for disyllables containing dominant trochaic versus non‐dominant iambic stress patterns was also assessed. Participants included second and third grade monolingual native English speakers with reading disability (N = 18) and normal reading development (N = 18). Children selected from pairs of novel, native, and nonlinguistic sounds that was more like language. Both groups discriminated disyllabic linguistic sounds (native and novel) from nonlinguistic sounds. Both groups showed preference for the dominant English trochaic stress pattern over the non‐dominant iambic stress pattern. Implications for development of prosodic sensitivity in relation to reading skills and future research are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New‐old hemoglobin‐like proteins of symbiotic dinoflagellates
Authors: Rosic Nedeljka N. , Leggat William , Kaniewska Paulina , Dove Sophie , Hoegh‐Guldberg Ove
Published: February 2013

Symbiotic dinoflagellates are unicellular photosynthetic algae that live in mutualistic symbioses with many marine organisms. Within the transcriptome of coral endosymbionts Symbiodinium sp. (type C3), we discovered the sequences of two novel and highly polymorphic hemoglobin‐like genes and proposed their 3D protein structures. At the protein level, four isoforms shared between 87 and 97% sequence identity for Hb‐1 and 78–99% for Hb‐2, whereas between Hb‐1 and Hb‐2 proteins, only 15–21% sequence homology has been preserved. Phylogenetic analyses of the dinoflagellate encoding Hb sequences have revealed a separate evolutionary origin of the discovered globin genes and indicated the possibility of horizontal gene transfer. Transcriptional regulation of the Hb‐like genes was studied in the reef‐building coral Acropora aspera exposed to elevated temperatures (6–7°C above average sea temperature) over a 24‐h period and a 72‐h period, as well as to nutrient stress. Exposure to elevated temperatures resulted in an increased Hb‐1 gene expression of 31% after 72 h only, whereas transcript abundance of the Hb‐2 gene was enhanced by up to 59% by both 1‐day and 3‐day thermal stress conditions. Nutrient stress also increased gene expression of Hb‐2 gene by 70%. Our findings describe the differential expression patterns of two novel Hb genes from symbiotic dinoflagellates and their polymorphic nature. Furthermore, the inducible nature of Hb‐2 gene by both thermal and nutrient stressors indicates a prospective role of this form of hemoglobin in the initial coral–algal responses to changes in environmental conditions. This novel hemoglobin has potential use as a stress biomarker.
NOx Regulation and Environmental Technological Change in the Glass Industry: A Case Study Based on Patent Evidence on NOx Primary Measures from the EU and USA
Authors: Triebswetter Ursula , Rave Tilman
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the stringency of NOx regulation and environmental technological change in the EU and US glass industry. A time series of patents on NOx primary reduction measures, including oxy‐fuel technology drawn from the international patent class ‘glass melting furnaces’, serves as an indicator of technological change. A qualitative analysis based on patent data and face‐to‐face interviews with glass industry representatives revealed that NOx‐related patent registrations, particularly in Germany and the US, are closely associated with early national NOx regulations and to a more limited extent with international regulation. Quantitative analysis of patent citations as a measure of knowledge spillover between patents showed that the strong environmental knowledge of Germany and the US is not only widely used within these countries, and also in other countries where environmental regulation began at a later stage. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Methoxy‐Modified MOF‐5: A MOF‐5 Framework Prepared by a Mixed Ligand Approach
Authors: Yang Jie , Grzech Anna , Mulder Fokko M. , Dingemans Theo J.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, a series of MOF‐5 frameworks based on a mixed diacid composition, i.e. 2‐methoxyterephthalic acid and terephthalic acid, was synthesized by using a mixed‐ligand approach. The MOF‐5 structure remains intact when the 2‐methoxyterephthalate concentration is in the range of 0–75 mol‐%. By using this approach, the H2 uptake capacity of MOF‐5, at 77 K and 1 bar, can be improved by 10 % at a 2‐methoxyterephthalate concentration of 75 mol‐% (1.45 wt.‐% vs. 1.32 wt.‐% for MOF‐5). This improvement is due to an enhanced isosteric heat of H2 adsorption on a statistically determined number of sites.