bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to Recommended Breast Cancer Screening in Iranian Turkmen Women: The Role of Knowledge and Beliefs
Authors: Charkazi Abdurrahman , Samimi Afieh , Razzaghi Khadijeh , Kouchaki Ghorban Mohammad , Moodi Mitra , Meirkarimi Kamal , Kouchaki Ashoor Mohammad , Shahnazi Hossein
Published: April 2013

The aim of the current study was to investigate breast cancer screening performance among Iranian Turkmen women along with their knowledge and beliefs. A cross-sectional study was carried out in June to December 2011. Through clustered sampling method, 1080 Iranian Turkmen women completed the questionnaire including breast cancer screening adherence, knowledge, fatalism beliefs, and perceived threat using Champions Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS).The mean age of the participants was 43.04 (SD = 11.80) years. Compliance rate in a regular basis based on national guidelines was 13.1%, 2.5%, and 0.9% for SBE, CBE, and mammography, respectively. A mere 4% have been provided adequately with information about breast cancer. Having knowledge was the best predictor of breast cancer screening adherence along with high educated husbands for SBE performing. Susceptibility and fatalism were low and were influenced by participants’ educational level and age. In conclusion, Iranian Turkmen women had insufficient knowledge, low perceived susceptibility, high fatalistic belief, and very poor adherence to breast cancer screening. There is a need for providing breast cancer education programs among the Iranian Turkmen women to increase their adherence rate.
Fibroepothelial polyp of the glans penis due to pad use for urinary incontinence
Authors: Kumsar Şükrü , Sağlam Hasan Salih , Dilek Hüsniye , Köse Osman , Budak Salih , Adsan Oztuğ
Published: April 2013

A 78 year old man was admitted to our urology polyclinic with painless penile mass. The lesion was 3,5 cm in size on the ventral aspect of the penis.  He had  been using a pad for urinary incontinance for ten  months  but he said he had the lesion increasing in size for past 3 months. He underwent a wide local excision under local anesthesia. The histopathologic diagnosis was ﬁbroepithelial polyp. A fibroepithelial polyp of the penis is very rare and  strongly linked to long-term condom catheter use. We present a case of fibroepithelial polyp of the glans   which is not associated with condom catheter use.
PERFIL PROTEICO DO LÍQUIDO FOLICULAR COLETADO DE OVÁRIOS EM DIFERENTES FASES DO CICLO ESTRAL DE BOVINOS
Authors: Ribeiro Renato Weller , Santos Francislaine Aneliza Garcia , Castilho Caliê , Giometti José , Guaberto Luciana Machado , Ambiel Ana Claudia , Vieira Deyvid Parreira , Santos Cyntia Monteiro dos , Giometti Ines Cristina
Published: April 2013

The female gamete’s microenvironment is the follicular fluid. The proteins in the follicular fluid must interfere in the oocyte quality. The objective of this study was to verify the protein profile in the follicular fluid of different phases of bovine estrous cycle. The follicular fluid was taken from follicles of bovine ovaries obtained at slaughterhouse. The ovaries were classified into five different phases of estrous cycle, according to presence or absence of corpus luteum (CL) and the morphologic characteristics. Pools of follicular fluid were collected from follicles ranging from 2 to 7mm in diameter from ovaries in five different phases of estrous cycle (1=initial CL, hemorrhagic; 2= developing CL; 3= mature CL; 4=regressing CL and 5=absence CL). The protein profile was evaluated by poliacrilamide eletrophoresis and determined by percentages of samples from each phase. The polypeptides with molecular weigh of 35, 32, 30 and 18 KDa changed considerably in samples from different phases of estrous cycle. The polypeptidewith the same molecularweight ofIGFBP-2 is more observedin samples from follicular fluid in the end of estrous cycle. The most polypeptides were observed insmallfollicles from ovaries with regressing CL
General Introduction: The Elusive Boundary Between Fact And Value
Authors: Frederick William C.
Published: April 2013

The question of how far, if at all, values invade, or should invade, the realm of empirical research is the focus of this issue of Business Ethics Quarterly. Readers will find a variety of answers and perspectives, along with some illustrative examples that support one or another of the possible views. Feelings run high on this topic, and they occasionally break through the normally staid atmosphere that one finds in most academic journals. That in itself may tell something about whether inquiry may be safely cordoned from a contaminating normative orientation. In form of presentation also, some of the articles selected by the editors vary from the conventional design. Essays and opinion pieces take their place alongside more formal presentations. Also included are two discussant papers.

The original inspiration for this collection was a symposium presented during the 1992 annual meeting of the Social Issues in Management division of The Academy of Management. Held in Las Vegas, more than one attendee enjoyed the irony of business ethicists rubbing shoulders with gamblers and other related exotica found in Sin City. The symposium papers are grouped together and, with one exception, appear in the original order of presentation. They are followed by the two discussants’ comments. It is fair to say that in the intervening period, all of these authors have had second, or even third, thoughts and have revised their initial declarations somewhat. This echoes a time-honored practice in the U. S. Congress of allowing members to “extend their remarks” for the (official) Congressional Record, which is another way of giving politicians a chance to tell it the way they wished they had said it in the first place. That’s not bad in the case of academics also, if someone is careful to see that the “extensions” do not extend too far, and in that sense the editors have done what they could. The lead paper, though not part of the earlier symposium, is closely related to the general theme and is included for that reason.
Les sources de stress, les émotions vécues et les stratégies d’ajustement des directions d’école au Québec
Authors: Poirel Emmanuel , Yvon Frédéric
Published: April 2013

Cet article rend compte d’une étude sur le stress professionnel des directions d’école au Québec. Une méthode mixte a été utilisée. Les sources de stress ont été identifiées par questionnaire avant d’être liées au vécu subjectif de directions filmées durant une journée de travail qui ont participé à un rappel stimulé par confrontation vidéo. Les résultats montrent que les principales sources du stress proviennent des contraintes administratives, des relations interpersonnelles et du renouveau pédagogique. Les directions d’école vivent de la colère et de l’anxiété devant les sources de stress, mais elles inhibent souvent leurs émotions et font de multiples compromis pour maintenir l’harmonie du milieu.
Engagement radical, désengagement et déradicalisation. Continuum et lignes de fracture
Authors: Sommier Isabelle
Published: April 2013

L’article s’attache à l’engagement radical entendu de façon classique comme un militantisme qui, à partir d’une posture de rupture vis-à-vis de la société d’appartenance, accepte au moins en théorie le recours à des formes non conventionnelles d’action politique éventuellement illégales, voire violentes. Il présente un bilan analytique des recherches qui adoptent de façon croissante une perspective de carrière et travaillent désormais sur le désengagement et la déradicalisation. Tout en refusant une interprétation particulariste et a fortiori pathologique du phénomène, il en restitue les spécificités et dynamiques collectives autant qu’individuelles pour souligner à la fois les continuités et les lignes de fracture le distinguant de l’engagement « ordinaire ».
Le désengagement d’organisations radicales. Approche par les processus et les configurations
Authors: Fillieule Olivier
Published: April 2013

Un certain nombre d’études ont porté sur différents aspects de l’engagement et du désengagement des groupes clandestins, exclusifs et stigmatisés. Pourtant la recherche s’est concentrée sur les processus de recrutement et de radicalisation plus que sur le désengagement des organisations radicales. Dans ce texte, l’on s’appuie sur une approche en termes de carrière afin de proposer un modèle théorique du processus de désengagement des organisations radicales qui articule les niveaux micro (dispositions, socialisation), meso (façonnage organisationnel) et macro (contexte politique, répression et opportunités). La littérature opère souvent une distinction analytique entre ces trois niveaux d’analyse pour définir des séries de facteurs de l’engagement ou du désengagement, sans pourtant offrir une explication convaincante de la manière dont ils se combinent et se codéterminent dans le temps. Ici, nous faisons plutôt le choix de nous concentrer sur deux séries de facteurs centraux pour déterminer leur influence sur le processus de désengagement individuel : les effets complexes du façonnage organisationnel et les effets ambivalents de la répression et de la criminalisation des activités radicales.
Formação e didática do ensino da Filosofia
Authors: Carminati Celso João
Published: April 2013

Neste texto, apresento alguns aspectos em torno das discussões sobre a formação de professores de Filosofia e os desafios do ensino dessa disciplina para alunos de nível Médio. Essas questões vêm ocupando o cenário curricular, além da agenda para professores e pesquisadores, nas últimas décadas, principalmente sobre a sua obrigatoriedade. Neste texto, retomo algumas leituras que considero importantes para essa discussão, pois me remetem a pensar as relações entre os conteúdos ensinados na disciplina, as aprendizagens e os seus desafios metodológicos. Assim, outros aspectos importantes no âmbito da transposição didática exigem que se repensem seus conteúdos, as estruturas de formação e o campo de construção de conhecimentos. Por fim, os aspectos específicos do debate filosófico entre o ensinar Filosofia ou ensinar a filosofar são forçosamente centrais na discussão que elegi para este texto.
DNA deaminases induce break-associated mutation showers with implication of APOBEC3B and 3A in breast cancer kataegis
Authors: Taylor Benjamin JM , Nik-Zainal Serena , Wu Yee Ling , Stebbings Lucy A , Raine Keiran , Campbell Peter J , Rada Cristina , Stratton Michael R , Neuberger Michael S
Published: April 2013

Breast cancer genomes have revealed a novel form of mutation showers (kataegis) in which multiple same-strand substitutions at C:G pairs spaced one to several hundred nucleotides apart are clustered over kilobase-sized regions, often associated with sites of DNA rearrangement. We show kataegis can result from AID/APOBEC-catalysed cytidine deamination in the vicinity of DNA breaks, likely through action on single-stranded DNA exposed during resection. Cancer-like kataegis can be recapitulated by expression of AID/APOBEC family deaminases in yeast where it largely depends on uracil excision, which generates an abasic site for strand breakage. Localized kataegis can also be nucleated by an I-SceI-induced break. Genome-wide patterns of APOBEC3-catalyzed deamination in yeast reveal APOBEC3B and 3A as the deaminases whose mutational signatures are most similar to those of breast cancer kataegic mutations. Together with expression and functional assays, the results implicate APOBEC3B/A in breast cancer hypermutation and give insight into the mechanism of kataegis.
Majority of Americans Believe Global Warming Is Occurring, Survey Shows
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: April 2013

Seventy‐eight percent of the American public believe that global warming has been occurring, according to a 2012 survey presented by Jon Krosnick, senior fellow with the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, at a 28 March briefing on Capitol Hill on the trajectory of public perceptions about global warming and government involvement in the issue. While the percentage has varied from 75% to 85% since 1997, the survey results “contradict any claims that Americans have turned away from this issue in large numbers,” said Krosnick, who is also the Frederic O. Glover Professor in Humanities and Social Sciences at Stanford University, Calif. “They still believe that warming has been happening.”
Arctic sea ice thickness and volume declining
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: April 2013

The record low extent of Arctic sea ice area in September 2012 made headlines. Studies using models have suggested that sea volume has also been declining. A new study by Laxon et al. confirms this with observational data. The authors used satellite radar observations from the European Space Agency CryoSat‐2 mission to estimate Arctic sea ice thickness and volume for the falls and winters of 2010–2011 and 2011–2012. By comparing these new data with earlier estimates from NASA's ICESat satellite, they found that the average ice volume declined by 4291 cubic kilometers in fall and 1479 cubic kilometers in winter between the period from 2003 to 2008 and the 2010–2012 period. The average volume of ice loss over both the fall and winter periods was found to be about 500 cubic kilometers per year, equivalent to a 0.075 meter per year decrease in thickness. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1002/grl.50193, 2013)
Association of Epicardial Adipose Tissue With Cardiometabolic Risk and Metabolic Syndrome in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ormseth Michelle J. , Lipson Aliza , Alexopoulos Nikolaos , Hartlage Gregory R. , Oeser Annette M. , Bian Aihua , Gebretsadik Tebeb , Shintani Ayumi , Raggi Paolo , Stein C. Michael
Published: April 2013

Objective

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased coronary atherosclerosis possibly related to increased prevalence of visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), a type of visceral fat, may contribute to cardiometabolic risk. The aim of this study was to measure EAT volume in patients with RA and determine its relationship with cardiometabolic risk markers and coronary artery calcium.

Methods

EAT volume and coronary artery calcium score were measured by noncontrast cardiac computed tomography and compared in RA patients (n = 162) and controls (n = 89). The relationships between EAT volume and markers of cardiometabolic risk in RA were examined with adjustment for age, race, and sex.

Results

Among RA patients, EAT volume was positively associated with interleukin‐6 (P = 0.03), triglycerides (P = 0.004), hypertension (P = 0.01), homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA) (P < 0.001), smoking history (P = 0.04), and homocysteine level (P = 0.001), and negatively associated with high‐density lipoprotein (P = 0.005). With further adjustment for waist circumference (a measure of visceral obesity), EAT volume remained independently associated with triglycerides, HOMA, current smoking, and homocysteine level (all P < 0.05). EAT volume was not associated with corticosteroid use or coronary artery calcium score. Patients with metabolic syndrome had significantly greater EAT volume (P < 0.001) and each increase in metabolic syndrome criteria was associated, on average, with a 20% increase (95% confidence interval 14–26%) in EAT volume (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

EAT volume is associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic risk factors, including insulin resistance, triglycerides, current smoking, and homocysteine levels, but not with coronary artery calcium in RA patients.
A Method for Fabricating an Ultrathin Multilayer Film Composed of Poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) and Reduced Graphene Oxide on a Plastic Substrate for Flexible Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Wee Boon‐Hong , Hong Jong‐Dal
Published: April 2013

The photoconductive properties of a uniform ultrathin multilayer film composed of alternating poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) (PPV) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) layers, fabricated on a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) sheet are reported. The assembly of the two electron‐rich layer components on the temperature‐sensitive substrate is realized using a layer‐by‐layer‐deposition technique under mild conditions and HI/H2O vapor treatment at 100 °C. This protocol is established to simultaneously convert the layer components to their conjugated counterparts, PPV and RGO in the multilayer films, whose total thicknesses shrinks to 50% of their original values due to lattice contraction. Furthermore, the surface roughness decreases significantly, in contrast to the results obtained from general chemical treatments. The PET sheets coated with (PPV/RGO)15 films exhibit a photocurrent of 115 μA at an illumination intensity of 1.1 mW and a photoresponsivity of 111.1 mA W−1 at an illumination intensity of 0.5 mW; these are among the best values yet achieved in carbon‐based materials. The establishment of a method for fabricating (PPV/RGO) films on a temperature‐sensitive transparent flexible sheet is crucial for the development of organic‐based portable electronic devices.
Self‐Defensive Biomaterial Coating Against Bacteria and Yeasts: Polysaccharide Multilayer Film with Embedded Antimicrobial Peptide
Authors: Cado G. , Aslam R. , Séon L. , Garnier T. , Fabre R. , Parat A. , Chassepot A. , Voegel J.‐C. , Senger B. , Schneider F. , Frère Y. , Jierry L. , Schaaf P. , Kerdjoudj H. , Metz‐Boutigue M.‐H. , Boulmedais F.
Published: April 2013

Prevention of pathogen colonization of medical implants is a major medical and financial issue since infection by microorganisms constitutes one of the most serious complications after surgery or critical care. Immobilization of antimicrobial molecules on biomaterials surfaces is an efficient approach to prevent biofilm formation. Herein, the first self‐defensive coating against both bacteria and yeasts is reported, where the release of the antimicrobial peptide is triggered by enzymatic degradation of the film due to the pathogens themselves. Biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharide multilayer films based on functionalized hyaluronic acid by cateslytin (CTL), an endogenous host‐defensive antimicrobial peptide, and chitosan (HA‐CTL‐C/CHI) are deposited on a planar surface with the aim of designing both antibacterial and antifungal coating. After 24 h of incubation, HA‐CTL‐C/CHI films fully inhibit the development of Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and Candida albicans yeasts, which are common and virulent pathogens agents encountered in care‐associated diseases. Hyaluronidase, secreted by the pathogens, leads to the film degradation and the antimicrobial action of the peptide. Furthermore, the limited fibroblasts adhesion, without cytotoxicity, on HA‐CTL‐C/CHI films highlights a medically relevant application to prevent infections on catheters or tracheal tubes where fibrous tissue encapsulation is undesirable.
Megalencephaly Syndromes and Activating Mutations in the PI3K‐AKT Pathway: MPPH and MCAP
Authors: MIRZAA GHAYDA M. , RIVIÈRE JEAN‐BAPTISTE , DOBYNS WILLIAM B.
Published: April 2013

The megalencephaly‐polymicrogyria‐polydactyly‐hydrocephalus (MPPH) and megalencephaly‐capillary malformation (MCAP) syndromes are highly recognizable and partly overlapping disorders of brain overgrowth (megalencephaly). Both syndromes are characterized by congenital or early postnatal megalencephaly, with a high risk for progressive ventriculomegaly leading to hydrocephalus and cerebellar tonsillar ectopia leading to Chiari malformation, and cortical brain abnormalities, specifically polymicrogyria. MCAP is further characterized by distinct cutaneous capillary malformations, finger or toe syndactyly, postaxial polydactyly, variable connective tissue dysplasia and mild focal or segmental body overgrowth, among other features. MPPH, on the other hand, lacks consistent vascular or somatic manifestations besides postaxial polydactyly in almost half of reported individuals. We identified de novo germline mutations in PIK3R2 and AKT3 in individuals with MPPH, and both postzygotic, mosaic and rare germline mutations in PIK3CA in individuals with MCAP. PIK3R2, AKT3, and PIK3CA are members of the critical phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)‐vakt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT) pathway that is well implicated in cell growth, proliferation, survival, apoptosis, among other diverse cellular functions. The identified mutations in these three genes have been shown to lead to gain of function and activation of the PI3K‐AKT pathway. Germline and postzygotic mutations of PIK3CA and other PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR pathway genes have also been identified in several other overgrowth syndromes, highlighting the key role of this signaling pathway in normal development and pathophysiology of a large group of congenital anomalies. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aryl[2‐(hydroxypro‐2‐yl)cyclohyxyl]dimethylsilane: A Robust Aryl(trialkyl)silane Reagent for Nickel‐catalyzed Cross‐coupling Reactions with Aryl Tosylates
Authors: Tang Shi , Li Shu‐Hua , Nakao Yoshiaki , Hiyama Tamejiro
Published: April 2013

A general route for the synthesis of an aryl(trialkyl)silane reagent, aryl[2‐(hydroxypro‐2‐yl)cyclohexyl]dimethylsilane, is demonstrated. By using a carbonate salt as an activator, the robust aryl(trialkyl)silane promotes nickel‐catalyzed aryl–aryl cross‐coupling reactions with aryl tosylates in a fluoride‐free and highly chemoselective manner. A reusable cyclic silyl ether was also quantitatively recovered.
Oxygen‐promoted Palladium‐on‐Carbon‐catalyzed Ligand‐free Suzuki Reaction for the Synthesis of Heterobiaryls in Aqueous Media
Authors: Rao Xiaofeng , Liu Chun , Xing Yang , Fu Yao , Qiu Jieshan , Jin Zilin
Published: April 2013

We report a practical and highly efficient protocol for the synthesis of heterobiaryls by a Pd/C‐catalyzed Suzuki reaction under aqueous, aerobic, and ligand‐free conditions. This ligand‐free catalytic system tolerates a broad range of functional groups in both coupling partners. A variety of heteroaryl halides were coupled with arylboronic acids to give the corresponding heterobiaryls in good to excellent yields. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the Pd/C‐catalyzed heterogeneous Suzuki reaction is promoted by oxygen.
Multimodal Sexual Signaling and Mating Behavior in Olive Baboons (Papio anubis)
Authors: RIGAILL LUCIE , HIGHAM JAMES P. , LEE PHYLLIS C. , BLIN AMANDINE , GARCIA CÉCILE
Published: April 2013

In primate species, mating decisions seem to be based on multiple signal elements with different roles in the signaling of female reproductive status. Whereas some primate signals are relatively well described (e.g., sexual swellings and copulation calls), studies that simultaneously assess visual, auditory, behavioral, and olfactory cues as signals of reproductive state are rarely undertaken. We used data on variation in sexual behaviors and sexual swellings in relation to the fertile period (estimated from the date of swelling detumescence) from a troop of semi‐free ranging olive baboons (Papio anubis) to assess how different signals influence patterns of mate choice. Using an objective and quantitative measure of swelling size and color, along with detailed data on sexual behaviors from 13 cycles of nine adult females, we found that fine‐scale variation in sexual swelling size, female behavior and copulation call rates could advertise the beginning of the fertile phase whereas swelling color did not. Rates of olfactory inspections by males also increased during the fertile phase, suggesting that olfactory signals were of interest to males and may contain information about ovulation. There was no relationship between female characteristics (age and rank) and the expression of sexual signals, except for proceptive behaviors which increased with female rank. Males displayed more sexual behaviors such as approaches and holding and tended to direct more ejaculatory mounts during the fertile phase. All together, we suggest that whereas all males could have information concerning the timing of ovulation through female proceptive behaviors and swelling size, consorting males may have access to additional signals (olfactory cues). Sexual communication in olive baboons is consistent with a multimodal framework for fertility signaling, potentially allowing males and females to establish different mating strategies. The possible selective pressures leading to multi‐modal signaling are discussed. Am. J. Primatol. 75:774–787, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief communication: A proposed osteological method for the estimation of pubertal stage in human skeletal remains
Authors: Shapland Fiona , Lewis Mary E.
Published: April 2013

Puberty forms an important threshold between childhood and adulthood, but this subject has received little attention in bioarchaeology. The new application of clinical methods to assess pubertal stage in adolescent skeletal remains is explored, concentrating on the development of the mandibular canine, hamate, hand phalanges, iliac crest and distal radius. Initial results from the medieval cemetery of St. Peter's Church, Barton‐upon‐Humber, England suggest that application of these methods may provide insights into aspects of adolescent development. This analysis indicates that adolescents from this medieval site were entering the pubertal growth spurt at a similar age to their modern counterparts, but that the later stages of pubertal maturation were being significantly delayed, perhaps due to environmental stress. Continued testing and refinement of these methods on living adolescents is still necessary to improve our understanding of their significance and accuracy in predicting pubertal stages. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:302–310, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Testing for size and allometric differences in fossil hominin body mass estimation
Authors: Uhl Natalie M. , Rainwater Christopher W. , Konigsberg Lyle W.
Published: April 2013

Body size reconstructions of fossil hominins allow us to infer many things about their evolution and lifestyle, including diet, metabolic requirements, locomotion, and brain/body size relationships. The importance of these implications compels anthropologists to attempt body mass estimation from fragmentary fossil hominin specimens. Most calculations require a known “calibration” sample usually composed of modern humans or other extant apes. Caution must be taken in these analyses, as estimates are sensitive to overall size and allometric differences between the fossil hominin and the reference sample. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:215–229, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief communication: Female fecal androgens prior to the mating season reflect readiness to conceive in reproductively quiescent wild macaques
Authors: Fürtbauer Ines , Heistermann Michael , Schülke Oliver , Ostner Julia
Published: April 2013

An extensive body of research exists on androgen secretion in males. Although androgens are also known to drive patterns of female reproductive physiology and behavior, little attention has been paid to these “male” hormones in females. Here, we examined female fecal androgen excretion in strictly seasonally breeding wild Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) and tested the hypothesis that changes in premating season fecal androgens vary with female readiness to resume ovarian cycling and thus to conceive. Across 2 years, 155 fecal samples were collected from seven reproductively quiescent (i.e., acyclic) females during the premating season months, August and September. Samples were analyzed for immunoreactive epiandrosterone (iEA), a major fecal metabolite of testosterone in macaques. Changes in iEA concentrations during the premating season were significantly negatively associated with (1) the presence of dependent offspring, i.e., lactating females showed a smaller change, and (2) with the timing of conceptions in the mating seasons, i.e., females that conceived early exhibited the greatest changes. These results provide strong evidence for a relationship between changes in androgens during the premating season and female readiness to conceive. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:311–315, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computationally Efficient Simplex Unscented Kalman Filter Based on Numerical Integration
Authors: Hu B. Q. , Chang L. B. , Li A. , Qin F. J.
Published: April 2013

This paper concerns the computationally efficient unscented Kalman filter (UKF) for nonlinear dynamic systems. From the numerical integration viewpoint, it is proved for the first time that the spherical simplex unscented transformation (UT) cannot be derived from the integration rule of degree 2, which is inconsistent with well‐known previous works. Then a novel simplex UT consisting of n + 1 equally weighted points, which can construct a numerical integration formula of degree 2, is investigated. By embedding the proposed simplex UT into the Kalman filtering framework, a computationally efficient simplex UKF is derived. Compared with the spherical simplex UT based UKF, the proposed algorithm is more rigorous and more accurate.
Residual kriging analysis of airborne measurements: application to the mapping of atmospheric boundary‐layer thermal structures in a mountain valley
Authors: Laiti Lavinia , Zardi Dino , de Franceschi Massimiliano , Rampanelli Gabriele
Published: April 2013

Residual kriging (RK) is applied to data from measurements performed with an instrumented motorglider in an Alpine Valley, where a coupled lake and valley wind develops. Results provide an insight into a typical mean vertical structure of the valley boundary layer, displaying a rather shallow convective mixed layer, surmounted by a deep stable layer. Mapping with RK allows to detect spatial temperature anomalies associated with the local development of diurnal winds over each explored valley cross section. Local scale features, such as cross‐valley thermal asymmetries, amenable to surface inhomogeneities and their effects on heat fluxes, are also identified. Copyright © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Protective effect of N‐acetylcysteine against ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat urinary bladders
Authors: Shin Ju‐Hyun , Kim Gun‐Hwa , Song Ki‐Hak , Na Yong‐Gil , Sul Chong‐Koo , Lim Jae‐Sung
Published: April 2013

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury represents an important cause of bladder contractile dysfunction. One of the major causes leading to this dysfunction is thought to be reactive oxygen species formation. In this study, we investigated the potential benefit of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, in a rat model of urinary bladder injury. NAC treatment rescues the reduction of contractile response to I/R injury in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, all levels of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and NADPH‐stimulated superoxide production in the I/R operation + NAC (I/R + NAC) group also decreased compared with a marked increase in the I/R operation + saline (I/R + S) group. Moreover, an in situ fluorohistological approach also showed that NAC reduces the generation of intracellular superoxides enlarged by I/R injury. Together, our findings suggest that NAC has a protective effect against the I/R‐induced bladder contractile dysfunction via radical scavenging property. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality Control Certification of RNA Aptamer‐Based Detection
Authors: Lau Pui Sai , Lai Chung Kit , Li Yingfu
Published: April 2013

Aptamers are single‐stranded DNA or RNA molecules with a defined tertiary structure for molecular recognition. Numerous RNA aptamers with excellent binding affinity and specificity have been reported; they constitute an attractive reservoir of molecular recognition elements for biosensor development. However, RNA is relatively unstable owing to spontaneous hydrolysis and nuclease degradation. Thus, RNA aptamer‐based biosensors are prone to producing false‐positive signals. Here, we present an RNA aptamer biosensor design strategy that utilises an internal control to distinguish target binding from false‐positive signals. The sequence of a chosen RNA aptamer is expanded so that it can form three consecutive short RNA–DNA duplexes with 1) a quencher‐labelled DNA strand (Q1DNA), 2) a dual‐fluorophore‐labelled DNA strand (F1DNAF2) and 3) another quencher‐labelled DNA strand (Q2DNA). The addition of a target releases Q2DNA from the duplex assembly, and produces the expected positive signal from F2. However, the authenticity of target recognition is validated only if no signal is generated from F1. We have successfully engineered two fluorescent reporters by using an RNA aptamer that binds thrombin and one that binds theophylline. Both reporters show the expected binding affinity and specificity, and are capable of reporting system malfunction when treated with nucleases and chemical denaturants. This strategy provides a simple and reliable way to ensure high‐quality detection when RNA aptamers are employed as molecular‐recognition elements.
Automated 3D analysis of multislice computed tomography to define the line of perpendicularity of the aortic annulus and of the implanted valve: Benefit on planning transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Samin Mariam , Juthier Francis , Van Belle Camille , Agostoni Pierfrancesco , Kluin Jolanda , Stella Pieter R. , Ramjankhan Faiez , Budde Ricardo P.J. , Sieswerda Gertjan , Algeri Emanuela , Elkalioubie Ahmed , Belkacemi Anouar , Bertrand Michel E. , Doevendans Pieter A. , Van Belle Eric
Published: April 2013

Aims

We aimed to determine whether preprocedural analysis of multislice computed tomography (MDCT) scan could accurately predict the “line of perpendicularity” (LP) of the aortic annulus and corresponding C‐arm angulations required for prosthesis delivery.

Methods and Results

A 3D analysis of preprocedural MDCT dedicated to define the LP of the aortic annulus was performed in 60 consecutive patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). In 24 patients, the analysis was performed retrospectively to evaluate reproducibility. In 11 patients of this cohort, additional fluoroscopy and MDCT were performed postprocedure to compare the LP of the aortic annulus and the LP of the implanted bioprosthesis. In 36 patients, the analysis was performed prospectively and the results were available at the time of the procedure. In those 36 patients, the postprocedure fluoroscopy‐defined LP of the implanted bioprosthesis was used to validate the LP of the aortic annulus as predicted by MDCT. Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of the 3D analysis of MDCT to define the LP of the aortic annulus (κ = 1 and 0.94, respectively) and of the bioprosthesis (κ= 1 and 1, respectively) were excellent. Comparison between the LP of the aortic annulus and the LP of the bioprosthesis showed that the two LPs were virtually identical, demonstrating both self‐centering of the device during implantation and the possibility to use the LP of the implanted bioprosthesis as a surrogate of the LP of the aortic annulus. In the prospective cohort, the ability of MDCT analysis to predict the LP of the aortic annulus was very good (accuracy = 94% and κ = 0.89).

Conclusion

Automated 3D analysis of preimplantation MDCT accurately predicts the LP of the aortic annulus and the corresponding C‐arm position required for TAVR.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in a patient with mechanical mitral prosthesis: A lesson learned from an intraventricular clash
Authors: Testa Luca , Gelpi Guido , Bedogni Francesco
Published: April 2013

We hereby present the case of a patient with severe aortic stenosis who underwent in her previous medical history a mitral valve replacement with a mechanical valve (Omnicarbon 27), and progressively developed a severe aortic stenosis. This patient was judged inoperable and then scheduled for CoreValve Revalving System implantation. Despite a good positioning of the CoreValve, an acute, severe mitral regurgitation developed soon after implantation as a consequence of the impaired movement of the mitral prosthesis leaflet. A condition of cardiogenic shock quickly developed. A good mitral prosthesis function was restored disengaging the CoreValve from the aortic annulus. After few months, the patients underwent successful Edwards‐Sapien valve implantation through the Corevalve. This case strongly demonstrates how much a careful evaluation of the features of the mitral prosthesis and patient anatomy is crucial to select which specific transcatheter bioprosthesis would better perform. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Delivering stents in congenital heart disease using the double‐wire technique: Technical considerations
Authors: Brown Stephen C. , Cools Bjorn , Boshoff Derize E. , Özbarlas Nazan , Heying Ruth , Budts Werner , Buys Daniël , Gewillig Marc
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the use of a double‐wire technique to deliver stents.

Background

Placement of a stent in lesions close to bifurcations or without an anatomic obstruction can be problematic.

Patients and Methods

Stents were implanted in 12 patients between August 2010 and August 2012. Indications were complex anatomic obstruction in nine, external compression of pulmonary veins in two, and exclusion of an aortic aneurysm in one patient.

Results

Median age and body weight of the group were 11.6 years (range: 1.6–34.8) and 36 kg (range: 10–78), respectively. All stents were delivered safely and the patency of all side vessels was maintained; the distal end of the stent was flared to a median ratio of 1.4 (range: 1.2–1.8). The clinical objective was met in all patients: in lesions with stenosis, diameter increased from 5.9 mm (range: 1–13) to 9.9 mm (range: 8–17) [P < 0.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0–7.2]; oxygen saturations improved in the 2 patients after relief of the external pulmonary venous compression and in another an aortic aneurysm was excluded. One patient developed a hemothorax and one required blood transfusion for bleeding from the valve of the sheath.

Conclusions

The double‐wire stenting technique is effective to accurately deliver and anchor stents into lesions close to side branches and bifurcations. Side branch patency is maintained; the clinical objective (gradient relief, aneurysm exclusion, relief of external compression) can safely be reached. Technique and balloon selection should be based on the underlying anatomical substrate. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of ultrasound guidance with the traditional palpation and fluoroscopy method for the common femoral artery puncture
Authors: Gedikoglu Murat , Oguzkurt Levent , Gur Serkan , Andic Cagatay , Sariturk Cagla , Ozkan Ugur
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To compare the success and complication rates of ultrasound‐guided or palpation‐guided punctures of the common femoral artery in a prospective randomized study.

Background

Percutaneous femoral arterial access is sometimes difficult to perform and is the source of complications. It has not been established whether ultrasound‐guided puncture of the common femoral artery is the standard practice for angiography.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and eight patients were randomized into two groups. One had ultrasound‐guided puncture and the other had palpation‐guided puncture of the common femoral artery. The technical success, first pass success rate, total number of attempts required for access, time to sheath insertion, pain during puncture, and access‐related complication were compared.

Results

Technical success tended to be higher and the complication rates tended to be lower in the ultrasound‐guided group but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.052 and P = 0.052). The first pass success rate was higher, total number of attempts required for access and time to sheath insertion were lower in the ultrasound‐guided group. Atheromatous plaques on the common femoral artery, iliac artery obstructive lesion, previous ipsilateral puncture of the common femoral artery, obesity, and blood pressure during puncture did not change the outcome.

Conclusions

Ultrasound guidance improves secondary outcomes of the common femoral artery puncture when compared to palpation‐guided puncture. Technical success and complication rates seem lower in the presence of ultrasound guidance but larger study populations are needed to verify the result. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Successful percutaneous mitral valve repair with the mitraclip system of acute mitral regurgitation due to papillary muscle rupture as complication of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Bilge Mehmet , Alemdar Recai , Yasar Ayse Saatci
Published: April 2013

Percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip is a new promising therapeutic option for symptomatic severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a well recognized cause of papillary muscle rupture (PMR). If PMR is untreated, the prognosis is poor and the mortality could be as high as 80% during the first week of post MI. For patients with PMR, the standard therapy for MR is open surgical repair or replacement. However, in our case, percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip was chosen technique because of the metastatic colon cancer. We report the case of a 60‐year‐old woman who underwent successful percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system for the treatment of acute MI complicated by PMR.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polymorph Identification and Crystal Structure Determination by a Combined Crystal Structure Prediction and Transmission Electron Microscopy Approach
Authors: Eddleston Mark D. , Hejczyk Katarzyna E. , Bithell Erica G. , Day Graeme M. , Jones William
Published: April 2013

Electron diffraction offers advantages over X‐ray based methods for crystal structure determination because it can be applied to sub‐micron sized crystallites, and picogram quantities of material. For molecular organic species, however, crystal structure determination with electron diffraction is hindered by rapid crystal deterioration in the electron beam, limiting the amount of diffraction data that can be collected, and by the effect of dynamical scattering on reflection intensities. Automated electron diffraction tomography provides one possible solution. We demonstrate here, however, an alternative approach in which a set of putative crystal structures of the compound of interest is generated by crystal structure prediction methods and electron diffraction is used to determine which of these putative structures is experimentally observed. This approach enables the advantages of electron diffraction to be exploited, while avoiding the need to obtain large amounts of diffraction data or accurate reflection intensities. We demonstrate the application of the methodology to the pharmaceutical compounds paracetamol, scyllo‐inositol and theophylline.
Determination of the Crystal Structure of a New Polymorph of Theophylline
Authors: Eddleston Mark D. , Hejczyk Katarzyna E. , Bithell Erica G. , Day Graeme M. , Jones William
Published: April 2013

A new approach to crystal structure determination, combining crystal structure prediction and transmission electron microscopy, was used to identify a potential new crystal phase of the pharmaceutical compound theophylline. The crystal structure was determined despite the new polymorph occurring as a minor component in a mixture with Form II of theophylline, at a concentration below the limits of detection of analytical methods routinely used for pharmaceutical characterisation. Detection and characterisation of crystallites of this new form were achieved with transmission electron microscopy, exploiting the combination of high magnification imaging and electron diffraction measurements. A plausible crystal structure was identified by indexing experimental electron‐diffraction patterns from a single crystallite of the new polymorph against a reference set of putative crystal structures of theophylline generated by global lattice energy minimisation calculations.
Synthesis and Study of Cationic, Two‐Coordinate Triphenylphosphine– Gold–π Complexes
Authors: Brooner Rachel E. M. , Brown Timothy J. , Widenhoefer Ross A.
Published: April 2013

Cationic, two‐coordinate triphenylphosphine–gold(I)–π complexes of the form [(PPh3)Au(π ligand)]+ SbF6− (π ligand=4‐methylstyrene, 1⋅SbF6), 2‐methyl‐2‐butene (3⋅SbF6), 3‐hexyne (6⋅SbF6), 1,3‐cyclohexadiene (7⋅SbF6), 3‐methyl‐1,2‐butadiene (8⋅SbF6), and 1,7‐diphenyl‐3,4‐heptadiene (10⋅SbF6) were generated in situ from reaction of [(PPh3)AuCl], AgSbF6, and π ligand at −78 °C and were characterized by low‐temperature, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy without isolation. The π ligands of these complexes were both weakly bound and kinetically labile and underwent facile intermolecular exchange with free ligand (ΔG≠≈9 kcal mol−1 in the case of 6⋅SbF6) and competitive displacement by weak σ donors, such as trifluoromethane sulfonate. Triphenylphosphine–gold(I)–π complexes were thermally unstable and decomposed above −20 °C to form the bis(triphenylphosphine) gold cation [(PPh3)2Au]+SbF6− (2⋅SbF6).
A Machine‐Assisted Flow Synthesis of SR48692: A Probe for the Investigation of Neurotensin Receptor‐1
Authors: Battilocchio Claudio , Deadman Benjamin J. , Nikbin Nikzad , Kitching Matthew O. , Baxendale Ian R. , Ley Steven V.
Published: April 2013

Here we report the direct comparison of a conventional batch mode synthesis of Meclinertant (SR48692, 1), a neurotensin receptor‐1 antagonist, with its machine‐assisted flow chemistry alternative. By using these enabling tools, combined with solid‐supported reagents and scavengers, many process advantages were observed. Care, however, must be taken not to convert these techniques into expensive solutions to problems that do not exist.
Rate adaptive resource allocation in orthogonal frequency division multiple access system using multi‐objective immune algorithm
Authors: Zheng‐Yi Chai , Si‐Feng Zhu , Lian‐Feng Shen
Published: April 2013

Rate adaptive downlink resource allocation in orthogonal frequency division multiple access system is a constraint optimization problem, which is to maximize the minimum data rate of the user subject to constraint that total power cannot exceed a given value. How to handle the constraint is a key issue for constrained optimization problem. Different with the available schemes on constraint handling, the proposed algorithm converts the constraint into an objective. Then, the resource allocation is combined into a multi‐objective optimization problem. An improved multi‐objective optimization algorithm based on artificial immune system is proposed to solve it. The simulation results show that, compared with previous schemes, the proposed algorithm performs remarkable improvement in sum capacity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.