bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sonography for Diagnosis of Parkinson Disease—From Theory to Practice
Authors: Alonso-Cánovas Araceli , López-Sendón José Luis , Buisán Javier , deFelipe-Mimbrera Alicia , Guillán Marta , García-Barragán Nuria , Corral Iñigo , Matute-Lozano María Consuelo , Masjuan Jaime , Martínez-Castrillo Juan Carlos , Walter Uwe
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Hyperechogenicity of the substantia nigra on transcranial sonography is used for diagnosing Parkinson disease (PD). Cutoff values for the substantia nigra echogenic area, defining substantia nigra hyperechogenicity, vary among ultrasound systems from different manufacturers. In this study we wanted to determine the cutoff criterion for a Toshiba (Tokyo, Japan) system and to assess its diagnostic value.

Methods

Three hundred participants (controls, n = 138; patients with PD, n = 105; and patients with essential tremor, n = 57) underwent transcranial sonography following a standardized protocol.

Results

The substantia nigra was assessable in 92.7% of all participants. The substantia nigra echogenic area (larger of bilateral measurements) was larger in patients with PD (mean ± SD, 0.24 ± 0.05 cm2) than controls (0.14 ± 0.05 cm2; P < .001) and patients with essential tremor (0.14 ± 0.04 cm2; P < .001). Substantia nigra echogenicity was larger in male participants (0.20 ± 0.07 cm2) than female participants (0.15 ± 0.06 cm2; P< .001). Age did not correlate with substantia nigra echogenicity in any group. Frontal horn width was larger and lenticular nucleus hyperechogenicity and a discontinuous raphe were more frequent in the PD group than the other groups. On multivariate analysis, only substantia nigra hyperechogenicity was associated with the diagnosis of PD. The 90th‐percentile substantia nigra echogenic area in the control group, which defined marked substantia nigra hyperechogenicity, also represented the optimum cutoff value for discrimination of PD from non‐PD participants on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (area under the curve, 0.913; Youden index, 0.73). This cutoff value (≥0.21 cm2, larger of bilateral measurements) yielded sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 90% for the diagnosis of PD.

Conclusions

Transcranial sonography shows good diagnostic validity for diagnosis of PD when implemented according to a strictly standardized protocol.
Thickness of Extensor Tendons at the Proximal Intersection
Authors: Christiaanse Ernst , Jager Tjeerd , Lenchik Leon , Buls Nico , Van Hedent Eddy , De Maeseneer Michel
Published: November 2014

Objectives

An important sign of proximal intersection syndrome is thickening of the tendons at the area where the first extensor compartment tendons cross over the second compartment. Normal values for the thickness of the tendons have not been reported. Our purpose was to measure the thickness of the tendons with sonography at the level of the intersection in healthy volunteers and assess differences between men and women, dominant and nondominant sides, and different tendons.

Methods

Forty‐one asymptomatic volunteers (25 women and 16 men) were examined by 2 radiologists experienced in musculoskeletal sonography. The thickness of the tendons in the first and second compartments was measured at their intersection at standardized proximal and distal levels. Descriptive statistics were obtained. Differences between men and women, dominant and nondominant sides, and different tendons were evaluated by a Student t test.

Results

The 95% confidence intervals for measurements of superimposed tendon groups varied between 0.30 and 0.40 cm in women and between 0.36 and 0.48 cm in men. There were no statistically significant differences in comparisons of the different tendon groups (P > .05). There were statistically significant differences (P < .05) between tendon thickness in men and women except for the right extensor carpi radialis longus + abductor pollicis longus (proximal measurement) and extensor carpi radialis brevis + extensor pollicis brevis (distal measurement). On comparison of dominant and nondominant sides, there were no statistically significant differences.

Conclusions

Normal tendon thickness should be between 0.30 and 0.40 cm in women and 0.36 and 0.48 cm in men. A comparison between asymptomatic and symptomatic sides and proximal and distal measurements is recommended.
Interobserver Variability of Sonography for Prediction of Placenta Accreta
Authors: Bowman Zachary S. , Eller Alexandra G. , Kennedy Anne M. , Richards Douglas S. , Winter Thomas C. , Woodward Paula J. , Silver Robert M.
Published: November 2014

Objectives

The sensitivity of sonography to predict accreta has been reported as higher than 90%. However, most studies are from single expert investigators. Our objective was to analyze interobserver variability of sonography for prediction of placenta accreta.

Methods

Patients with previa with and without accreta were ascertained, and images with placental views were collected, deidentified, and placed in random sequence. Three radiologists and 3 maternal‐fetal medicine specialists interpreted each study for the presence of accreta and specific findings reported to be associated with its diagnosis. Investigator‐specific sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated. κ statistics were used to assess variability between individuals and types of investigators.

Results

A total of 229 sonographic studies from 55 patients with accreta and 56 control patients were examined. Accuracy ranged from 55.9% to 76.4%. Of imaging studies yielding diagnoses, sensitivity ranged from 53.4% to 74.4%, and specificity ranged from 70.8% to 94.8%. Overall interobserver agreement was moderate (mean κ ± SD = 0.47 ± 0.12). κ values between pairs of investigators ranged from 0.32 (fair agreement) to 0.73 (substantial agreement). Average individual agreement ranged from fair (κ = 0.35) to moderate (κ = 0.53).

Conclusions

Blinded from clinical data, sonography has significant interobserver variability for the diagnosis of placenta accreta.
The Ultrasound Challenge 2.0
Authors: Cortez Eric J. , Boulger Creagh T. , Eastin Travis , Adkins Eric J. , Granitto Emily , Pollard Katherine , Bahner David P.
Published: November 2014

The Ultrasound Challenge was developed at The Ohio State University College of Medicine to introduce focused ultrasound to medical students. The goal was to develop experience in ultrasound through practice and competition. Initially this competition was held between Ohio State University College of Medicine students from years 1 through 4. The Ultrasound Challenge 2.0 was held in 2013. The event expanded on the previous structure by including students from the Wayne State University College of Medicine. The goal of this article is to describe our experiences with expansion of our interinstitutional ultrasound event. The challenge consisted of 6 stations: focused assessment with sonography for trauma, aortic ultrasound, cardiac ultrasound, pelvic ultrasound, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and vascular access. The participants were given a handbook outlining the expectations for each station ahead of time. Vascular access was graded in real time using the Brightness Mode Quality Ultrasound Imaging Examination Technique (B‐QUIET) method. The remainder were timed, saved, and graded after the event by 3 independent faculty members using the B‐QUIET method. The highest score with the fastest time was the winner. The Ultrasound Challenge 2.0 included 40 participants: 31 from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and 9 from the Wayne State University College of Medicine. The makeup of the winners in all categories consisted of 1 first‐year medical student, 7 second‐year medical students, 3 third‐year medical students, and 10 fourth‐year medical students. The Ultrasound Challenge 2.0 was a success for those who participated. It provided the first known interinstitutional medical student ultrasound competition. Students from both institutions were able to practice their image acquisition skills, demonstrate abilities in a competitive environment, and develop collegiality and teamwork.
Real‐time Elastography of Cervical Lymph Nodes in Kikuchi Disease
Authors: Lee Kwang Hwi , Ryu JiHwa
Published: November 2014

We report, to our knowledge, the first cases of sonographic and real‐time elastographic findings of cervical lymph nodes in patients with Kikuchi disease. Cervical lymph nodes had probably benign findings on grayscale sonography and real‐time elastography.
Umbilical Vein Insertion into the Inferior Vena Cava
Authors: Weissmann-Brenner Alina , Zalel Yaron
Published: November 2014

This series describes the sonographic characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of fetuses with abnormal insertion of the umbilical vein (UV) into the inferior vena cava (IVC). We conducted a retrospective study that described the sonographic features of 6 patients who underwent a routine anatomic scan during early pregnancy. Six patients had a diagnosis of abnormal insertion of the UV to the IVC; in 3, the diagnosis was made at 12 weeks' gestation. Cardiac anomalies were detected in 3 patients, including ventricular septal defects, pericardial effusion, tricuspid and mitral regurgitation, and an aberrant right subclavian artery. Four had noncardiac anomalies, including cystic hygroma and skeletal, brain, and abdominal anomalies. Only 1 fetus who presented with UV insertion into the IVC as an isolated finding had a normal karyotype, resulting in term vaginal delivery. Four other patients had chromosomal abnormalities, including trisomies 13 and 21, Turner mosaicism of 45,XO/46,XY, and Robertsonian translocation, and 1 patient terminated the pregnancy without a karyotype evaluation. Abnormal insertion of the UV into the IVC with agenesis of the ductus venosus can be seen as early as the first trimester. When detected, a detailed anatomic examination should be performed, as well as a fetal karyotype evaluation. Isolated cases of insertion of the UV into the IVC at a position lower than usual may have a good prognosis.
Rapid Coordination Extends Space‐Based Sun‐Climate Record
Authors: Woods Thomas , Cahalan Robert , Denig William , Kopp Greg , Pilewskie Peter , Sparn Thomas
Published: November 2014

Total solar irradiance (TSI), a measure of how much solar radiative energy hits the entirety of Earth, is the principle energy input to the global climate system. Collecting accurate TSI data spanning multiple years helps scientists understand how much solar radiation is deposited in the atmosphere and at the surface and thus how much energy is available to influence weather, climate, the cryosphere, atmosphere dynamics, and ocean currents.
Understanding Snow Microstructure for Microwave Remote Sensing
Authors: Sandells Mel , Hörhold Maria , Rutter Nick
Published: November 2014

Scientists from the snow and soil remote sensing communities met to build on recent developments in objective snow microstructure measurement techniques by improving the understanding of their application in remote sensing at microwave frequencies.
Learn about the MAVEN Mission to Mars at the 2014 Public Lecture
Authors: Gadeken Kara
Published: November 2014

The 2014 AGU Public Lecture will feature a panel of expert scientists who will speak about their work on the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission.
Measuring rainfall in West Africa using cellular networks
Authors: Orwig Jessica
Published: November 2014

With the dry Sahara Desert in the north and the tropical Sudanian savanna in the south, West Africa is a key spot for monitoring the extreme effects of climate change, such as the increasing rate of harsher droughts and higher floods.
Has Voyager 1 left the heliosphere?
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: November 2014

In the past few years, scientists have vigorously debated the location of the Voyager 1 spacecraft: Has it left the Sun's vast heliosphere and reached interstellar space? Although the spacecraft has detected fewer and fewer accelerated particles, Gloeckler and Fisk note that magnetic field readings suggest it remains within the heliopause—a region that separates the heliosphere from the interstellar medium.
Putting the brakes on the magnetosphere's bursty bulk flows
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: November 2014

In Earth's magnetosphere, fast bursts of plasma have been observed with speeds varying between 200 and 1500 kilometers per second at distances between 20 Earth radii and 6 Earth radii from Earth. These bursty flows have been observed for decades, but it has not been clear what makes the flows come to a stop.
Leveraging microwave polarization information for the calibration of a land data assimilation system
Authors: Holmes Thomas R. H. , Crow Wade T. , De Jeu Richard A.M.
Published: November 2014

This letter contributes a new approach to calibrating a tau‐omega radiative transfer model coupled to land surface model output with low‐frequency (<10 GHz) microwave brightness temperature (TB) observations. The problem of calibrating this system is generally poorly posed because various parameter combinations may yield indistinguishable (least squares error) results. This is theoretically important for a land data assimilation system since alternative parameter combinations have different impacts on the sensitivity of TB to soil moisture and misattribution of systematic error may therefore disrupt data assimilation system performance. Via synthetic experiments we demonstrate that using TB polarization difference to parameterize vegetation opacity can improve the stability of calibrated soil moisture/TB sensitivities relative to the more typical approach of utilizing ancillary information to estimate vegetation opacity. The proposed approach fully follows from the radiative transfer model, implemented according to commonly adopted assumptions, and reduces by one the number of calibration parameters.
Uncertainty in the magnitude of aerosol‐cloud radiative forcing over recent decades
Authors: Regayre L. A. , Pringle K. J. , Booth B. B. B. , Lee L. A. , Mann G. W. , Browse J. , Woodhouse M. T. , Rap A. , Reddington C. L. , Carslaw K. S.
Published: November 2014

Aerosols and their effect on the radiative properties of clouds are one of the largest sources of uncertainty in calculations of the Earth's energy budget. Here the sensitivity of aerosol‐cloud albedo effect forcing to 31 aerosol parameters is quantified. Sensitivities are compared over three periods; 1850–2008, 1978–2008, and 1998–2008. Despite declining global anthropogenic SO2 emissions during 1978–2008, a cancelation of regional positive and negative forcings leads to a near‐zero global mean cloud albedo effect forcing. In contrast to existing negative estimates, our results suggest that the aerosol‐cloud albedo effect was likely positive (0.006 to 0.028Wm−2) in the recent decade, making it harder to explain the temperature hiatus as a forced response. Proportional contributions to forcing variance from aerosol processes and natural and anthropogenic emissions are found to be period dependent. To better constrain forcing estimates, the processes that dominate uncertainty on the timescale of interest must be better understood.
Increasing exposure of geosynchronous orbit in solar wind due to decay of Earth's dipole field
Authors: Zhong J. , Wan W. X. , Wei Y. , Fu S. Y. , Jiao W. X. , Rong Z. J. , Chai L. H. , Han X. H.
Published: November 2014

The Earth's dipole moment has been decaying over the past 1.5 centuries. The magnetosphere thus has been shrinking and the chance of geosynchronous magnetopause crossings has been increasing. We quantitatively evaluate the increasing exposure of geosynchronous orbit in the solar wind caused by the decay of dipole moment and the variation of solar wind condition and study the possible situation if such decay persists for several more centuries. The results show that the average subsolar magnetopause distance would move earthward by ~0.3 RE per century, assuming the linear decreasing of the Earth's dipole moment at present rate. The minimum solar wind dynamic pressure required for geosynchronous magnetopause crossings will decrease by ~4 nPa (2 nPa) in the next 100 years under northward (southward) interplanetary magnetic field. Under normal solar wind conditions, the noon region of the geosynchronous orbit will be exposed to the solar wind in the next few centuries. These results suggest that the secular variations of geomagnetic field are of paramount importance for our understanding of space climate.
Seasonal and diurnal variations of PolarDARN F region echo occurrence in the polar cap and their causes
Authors: Ghezelbash M. , Koustov A. V. , Themens D. R. , Jayachandran P. T.
Published: November 2014

F region echo occurrence rates for the Polar Dual Auroral Radar Network (PolarDARN) HF radars at Inuvik (INV), Rankin Inlet (RKN), and Clyde River (CLY) are compared for observations in 2013. The CLY radar shows somewhat smaller echo occurrence rates consistent with its more poleward geographic and geomagnetic location. For all three radars, the winter occurrence rates are roughly twice that of the corresponding summer rates. For observations in the midnight sector, strong equinoctial maxima are evident. In terms of season and local time, echo occurrence patterns are found to be roughly the same for all radars: seasonally, clear maxima are found near noon during both winter and summer, while, diurnally, enhancements are found during equinoctial dusk. A comparison of data from roughly the same scattering area shows that having strong electron density in the scattering volume is not sufficient for getting an HF echo: propagation conditions along the propagation path are also important. Diurnal variations in the F region electron density and electric field (both measured by Canadian Advanced Digital Ionosonde) are compared to those of RKN echo occurrence rates for observations over Resolute Bay (RB) located at a geomagnetic latitude of 83°N. These results show a reasonable correlation between occurrence and electron density for both winter and summer periods and correlation between occurrence and electric field during summer periods.
Space geodesy constrains ice age terminal deglaciation: The global ICE‐6G_C (VM5a) model
Authors: Peltier W. R. , Argus D. F. , Drummond R.
Published: November 2014

A new model of the last deglaciation event of the Late Quaternary ice age is here described and denoted as ICE‐6G_C (VM5a). It differs from previously published models in this sequence in that it has been explicitly refined by applying all of the available Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements of vertical motion of the crust that may be brought to bear to constrain the thickness of local ice cover as well as the timing of its removal. Additional space geodetic constraints have also been applied to specify the reference frame within which the GPS data are described. The focus of the paper is upon the three main regions of Last Glacial Maximum ice cover, namely, North America, Northwestern Europe/Eurasia, and Antarctica, although Greenland and the British Isles will also be included, if peripherally, in the discussion. In each of the three major regions, the model predictions of the time rate of change of the gravitational field are also compared to that being measured by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellites as an independent means of verifying the improvement of the model achieved by applying the GPS constraints. Several aspects of the global characteristics of this new model are also discussed, including the nature of relative sea level history predictions at far‐field locations, in particular the Caribbean island of Barbados, from which especially high‐quality records of postglacial sea level change are available but which records were not employed in the development of the model. Although ICE‐6G_C (VM5a) is a significant improvement insofar as the most recently available GPS observations are concerned, comparison of model predictions with such far‐field relative sea level histories enables us to identify a series of additional improvements that should follow from a further stage of model iteration.
Paleomagnetism of the ~1.1 Ga Coldwell Complex (Ontario, Canada): Implications for Proterozoic geomagnetic field morphology and plate velocities
Authors: Kulakov Evgeniy V. , Smirnov Aleksey V. , Diehl Jimmy F.
Published: November 2014

We report new paleomagnetic data from the ~1108 Ma intrusive Coldwell Complex (Ontario, Canada) to investigate the apparent reversal asymmetry observed in some Midcontinent Rift (MCR) rocks. The rocks of eastern and central part of the complex are reversely magnetized with a group mean direction of D = 114.8°, I = −63.7° (α95 = 3.6°, N = 30). The corresponding paleomagnetic pole at Plat = 47.2°N, Plong = 206.5°E (A95 = 4.8°) is located close to the paleomagnetic poles from nearly coeval reversely magnetized rocks of the MCR system, including the lower lava flows at Mamainse Point. The rocks of western part of the complex are normally magnetized with a group mean direction (D = 298.0°, I = 56.9°, α95 = 5.8°, N = 10) that passes the reversal test with respect to the reversed group mean direction. Our results do not support the previous model in which the complex was emplaced during two periods of reversed geomagnetic field polarity separated by a period of normal polarity and hence encompasses two geomagnetic reversals. Instead, our new data indicate that the Coldwell Complex records only two polarity intervals separated by a symmetrical reversal at ~1102–1105 Ma. This reversal is likely equivalent to the lowermost reversal recorded at Mamainse Point and provides further evidence that the apparent reversal asymmetry reflects a plate motion rather than a persistent nondipole field geometry. Together with a high‐quality data from the ~1098 Ma North Shore Volcanics, our data indicate a rapid velocity of Laurentia at ~25 ± 4 cm/yr. The fast plate motion may reflect a decreased mantle drag due to vigorous mantle indicated by widespread intraplate magmatism at ~1.1 Ga.
Assessment of radar‐derived snow depth over Arctic sea ice
Authors: Newman Thomas , Farrell Sinead L. , Richter‐Menge Jacqueline , Connor Laurence N. , Kurtz Nathan T. , Elder Bruce C. , McAdoo David
Published: November 2014

Knowledge of contemporaneous snow depth on Arctic sea ice is important both to constrain the regional climatology and to improve the accuracy of satellite altimeter estimates of sea ice thickness. We assess new data available from the NASA Operation IceBridge snow radar instrument and derive snow depth estimates across the western Arctic ice pack using a novel methodology based on wavelet techniques that define the primary reflecting surfaces within the snow pack. We assign uncertainty to the snow depth estimates based upon both the radar system parameters and sea ice topographic variability. The accuracy of the airborne snow depth estimates are examined via comparison with coincident measurements gathered in situ across a range of ice types in the Beaufort Sea. We discuss the effect of surface morphology on the derivation, and consequently the accuracy, of airborne snow depth estimates. We find that snow depths derived from the airborne snow radar using the wavelet‐based technique are accurate to 1 cm over level ice. Over rougher surfaces including multiyear and ridged ice, the radar system is impacted by ice surface morphology. Across basin scales, we find the snow‐radar‐derived snow depth on first‐year ice is at least ∼60% of the value reported in the snow climatology for the Beaufort Sea, Canada Basin, and parts of the central Arctic, since these regions were previously dominated by multiyear ice during the measurement period of the climatology. Snow on multiyear ice is more consistent with the climatology.
Large‐scale dynamics associated with clustering of extratropical cyclones affecting Western Europe
Authors: Pinto Joaquim G. , Gómara Iñigo , Masato Giacomo , Dacre Helen F. , Woollings Tim , Caballero Rodrigo
Published: November 2014

Some recent winters in Western Europe have been characterized by the occurrence of multiple extratropical cyclones following a similar path. The occurrence of such cyclone clusters leads to large socio‐economic impacts due to damaging winds, storm surges, and floods. Recent studies have statistically characterized the clustering of extratropical cyclones over the North Atlantic and Europe and hypothesized potential physical mechanisms responsible for their formation. Here we analyze 4 months characterized by multiple cyclones over Western Europe (February 1990, January 1993, December 1999, and January 2007). The evolution of the eddy driven jet stream, Rossby wave‐breaking, and upstream/downstream cyclone development are investigated to infer the role of the large‐scale flow and to determine if clustered cyclones are related to each other. Results suggest that optimal conditions for the occurrence of cyclone clusters are provided by a recurrent extension of an intensified eddy driven jet toward Western Europe lasting at least 1 week. Multiple Rossby wave‐breaking occurrences on both the poleward and equatorward flanks of the jet contribute to the development of these anomalous large‐scale conditions. The analysis of the daily weather charts reveals that upstream cyclone development (secondary cyclogenesis, where new cyclones are generated on the trailing fronts of mature cyclones) is strongly related to cyclone clustering, with multiple cyclones developing on a single jet streak. The present analysis permits a deeper understanding of the physical reasons leading to the occurrence of cyclone families over the North Atlantic, enabling a better estimation of the associated cumulative risk over Europe.
In situ measurements of polarization properties of snow surface under the Brewster geometry in Hokkaido, Japan, and northwest Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Tanikawa Tomonori , Hori Masahiro , Aoki Teruo , Hachikubo Akihiro , Kuchiki Katsuyuki , Niwano Masashi , Matoba Sumito , Yamaguchi Satoru , Stamnes Knut
Published: November 2014

Ground‐based measurements of spectral degree of linear polarization (DLP) of various snow types were made during intensive field campaigns in a snowfield in Hokkaido, Japan, and on the northwest Greenland ice sheet in 2012. Spectral measurements were conducted under the solar zenith angle of approximately the Brewster angle in order to quantify the polarization properties of light reflected from snow. We obtained spectral DLPs for five different snow types in both field campaigns including precipitation particles, needles, surface hoar, melt forms, and melt freeze crust covering the snow surface. The measurements showed that in the visible region the spectral dependence of the DLP was small while in the near infrared region it increased with increasing snow grain size with some distinct local peaks. The angular dependence indicated that the DLP exhibited small angular dependence in the visible region while in the near‐infrared region it exhibited large and broad peaks in the forward direction. Especially for the melt‐freeze crust, the DLP approached 1.0 at wavelengths close to λ = 1.5 and 2.0 μm. These features can be explained by (1) the relative contribution of surface versus volume scattering to the reflected light, (2) the incident angle (solar zenith angle) of approximately the Brewster angle, and (3) the ratio between direct and diffuse components of the solar radiation incident on the snow surface. The spectral DLP was found to be quiet sensitive to the incident solar radiation and solar elevation as well as snow optical properties. Comparison between the spectral DLP and snow grain size obtained by snow pit work shows that the DLP for λ > 1.5 μm was very sensitive to large snow grains close to the surface. This finding suggests that polarization measurements obtained from airborne/satellite polarimeters will be useful for surface snow grain size retrievals and help improve the accuracy of such retrievals based on the intensity‐only measurements, especially for the large snow grain sizes.
Constraints on abundance, composition, and nature of X‐ray amorphous components of soils and rocks at Gale crater, Mars
Authors: Dehouck Erwin , McLennan Scott M. , Meslin Pierre‐Yves , Cousin Agnès
Published: November 2014

X‐ray diffraction patterns of the three samples analyzed by Curiosity's Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) instrument during the first year of the Mars Science Laboratory mission—the Rocknest sand, and the John Klein and Cumberland drill fines, both extracted from the Sheepbed mudstone—show evidence for a significant amorphous component of unclear origin. We developed a mass balance calculation program that determines the range of possible chemical compositions of the crystalline and amorphous components of these samples within the uncertainties of mineral abundances derived from CheMin data. In turn, the chemistry constrains the minimum abundance of amorphous component required to have realistic compositions (all oxides ≥ 0 wt %): 21–22 wt % for Rocknest and 15–20 wt % for Cumberland, in good agreement with estimates derived from the diffraction patterns (~27 and ~31 wt %, respectively). Despite obvious differences between the Rocknest sand and the Sheepbed mudstone, the amorphous components of the two sites are chemically very similar, having comparable concentrations of SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Cr2O3, FeOT, CaO, Na2O, K2O, and P2O5. MgO tends to be lower in Rocknest, although it may also be comparable between the two samples depending on the exact composition of the smectite in Sheepbed. The only unambiguous difference is the SO3 content, which is always higher in Rocknest. The observed similarity suggests that the two amorphous components share a common origin or formation process. The individual phases possibly present within the amorphous components include: volcanic (or impact) glass, hisingerite (or silica + ferrihydrite), amorphous sulfates (or adsorbed SO42−), and nanophase ferric oxides.
Toward Flexible and Wearable Human‐Interactive Health‐Monitoring Devices
Authors: Takei Kuniharu , Honda Wataru , Harada Shingo , Arie Takayuki , Akita Seiji
Published: November 2014

This Progress Report introduces flexible wearable health‐monitoring devices that interact with a person by detecting from and stimulating the body. Interactive health‐monitoring devices should be highly flexible and attach to the body without awareness like a bandage. This type of wearable health‐monitoring device will realize a new class of electronics, which will be applicable not only to health monitoring, but also to other electrical devices. However, to realize wearable health‐monitoring devices, many obstacles must be overcome to economically form the active electrical components on a flexible substrate using macroscale fabrication processes. In particular, health‐monitoring sensors and curing functions need to be integrated. Here recent developments and advancements toward flexible health‐monitoring devices are presented, including conceptual designs of human‐interactive devices.
Molecular Design and Control Over the Morphology of Self‐Assembled Films on Ionic Substrates
Authors: Amrous Ania , Bocquet Franck , Nony Laurent , Para Franck , Loppacher Christian , Lamare Simon , Palmino Frank , Cherioux Fréderic , Gao David Z. , Canova Filippo Federici , Watkins Matthew B. , Shluger Alexander L.
Published: November 2014

Achieving control over formation of molecular films on insulating substrates is important for designing novel 2D functional materials and devices. To study the main factors governing successful control, organic molecules with interchangeable polar functional groups, a variable length aromatic body, and flexible hydrocarbon chains are designed, synthesized and then deposited on the (001) surfaces of bulk sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and rubidium chloride. The deposited structures are imaged using noncontact atomic force microscopy and modeled using density functional theory. The results show that it is possible to form large‐scale, highly ordered, 2D, porous molecular domains (>104 pores), which are stable at room temperature, and to control the size of the 2D pores. Alternatively, it is possible to form line structures or droplets (through molecular dewetting) by altering the molecular structure or changing the substrate lattice constant. Theoretical calculations explain the balance of the molecule–molecule and molecule–surface interactions and the structure and thermodynamic stability of the grown films.
Carbocations as Lewis Acid Catalysts: Reactivity and Scope
Authors: Bah Juho , Naidu Veluru Ramesh , Teske Johannes , Franzén Johan
Published: November 2014

One class of potential Lewis acids that has received negligible attention as a catalyst is the carbocation. Here we show the potential of triarylmethylium ions as highly powerful Lewis acid catalysts for organic reactions. The Lewis acidity of the triarylmethylium ion can be easily tuned by variation of the electronic properties of the aromatic rings and the catalytic activity of the carbocation is shown to correlate directly to the level of stabilization of the empty pC‐orbital at the cationic carbon. The versatility of triarylmethylium ions as efficient Lewis acid catalysts for organic reactions is demonstrated in Diels–Alder, aza‐Diels–Alder, conjugate addition, halogenation, epoxide rearrangement and intramolecular hetro‐ene reactions.

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Transport processes at single droplets in micellar liquid/liquid systems
Authors: Paul Niklas , Kraume Matthias , Schön Sebastian , von Klitzing Regine
Published: November 2014

In many industrial applications, the knowledge of the occurring transport processes in liquid/liquid systems is of great interest to design a multiphase reactor or an extraction column, for instance. All transport processes in liquid/liquid systems are governed by the interface. In some processes surfactants are needed. Surfactants change many interfacial properties which affect the transport processes. In this work, the influence of high surfactant concentrations (micellar systems) on transport processes is regarded. To understand, the occurring reduction of the drop rise velocity and of mass transfer rates experimental investigations of the occurring interfacial phenomena are carried out. Therefore, interfacial tension measurements as well as colloidal probe atomic force measurements of liquid/liquid systems were conducted. It was proved that for high nonionic surfactant concentrations a change of the phase behavior must be taken into consideration to describe transport processes in micellar liquid/liquid systems. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1092–1104, 2015
X‐linked thrombocytopenia with thalassemia displays bone marrow reticulin fibrosis and enhanced angiogenesis: Comparisons with primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Åström Maria , Hahn‐Strömberg Victoria , Zetterberg Eva , Vedin Inger , Merup Mats , Palmblad Jan
Published: November 2014

X‐linked thrombocytopenia with thalassemia (XLTT) is caused by the mutation 216R > Q in exon 4 of the GATA1 gene. Male hemizygous patients display macrothrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, and a β‐thalassemia trait. We describe two XLTT families where three males were initially misdiagnosed as having primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and all five investigated males showed mild‐moderate bone marrow (BM) reticulin fibrosis. Comparative investigations were performed on blood samples and BM biopsies from males with XLTT, PMF patients and healthy controls. Like PMF, XLTT presented with high BM microvessel density, low GATA1 protein levels in megakaryocytes, and elevated blood CD34+ cell counts. But unlike PMF, the BM microvessel pericyte coverage was low in XLTT, and no collagen fibrosis was found. Further, as evaluated by immunohistochemistry, expressions of the growth factors VEGF, AGGF1, and CTGF were low in XLTT megakaryocytes and microvessels but high in PMF. Thus, although the reticulin fibrosis in XLTT might simulate PMF, opposing stromal and megakaryocyte features may facilitate differential diagnosis. Additional comparisons between these disorders may increase the understanding of mechanisms behind BM fibrosis in relation to pathological megakaryopoiesis. Am. J. Hematol. 90:E44–E48, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phenotype–genotype correlations in 17 new patients with an Xp11.23p11.22 microduplication and review of the literature
Authors: Nizon Mathilde , Andrieux Joris , Rooryck Caroline , de Blois Marie‐Christine , Bourel‐Ponchel Emilie , Bourgois Béatrice , Boute Odile , David Albert , Delobel Bruno , Duban‐Bedu Bénédicte , Giuliano Fabienne , Goldenberg Alice , Grotto Sarah , Héron Delphine , Karmous‐Benailly Houda , Keren Boris , Lacombe Didier , Lapierre Jean‐Michel , Le Caignec Cédric , Le Galloudec Eric , Le Merrer Martine , Le Moing Anne‐Gaëlle , Mathieu‐Dramard Michèle , Nusbaum Sylvie , Pichon Olivier , Pinson Lucile , Raoul Odile , Rio Marlène , Romana Serge , Roubertie Agnès , Colleaux Laurence , Turleau Catherine , Vekemans Michel , Nabbout Rima , Malan Valérie
Published: November 2014

Array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) has proven its utility in uncovering cryptic rearrangements in patients with X‐linked intellectual disability. In 2009, Giorda et al. identified inherited and de novo recurrent Xp11.23p11.22 microduplications in two males and six females from a wide cohort of patients presenting with syndromic intellectual disability. To date, 14 females and 5 males with an overlapping microduplication have been reported in the literature. To further characterize this emerging syndrome, we collected clinical and microarray data from 17 new patients, 10 females, and 7 males. The Xp11.23p11.2 microduplications detected by array CGH ranged in size from 331 Kb to 8.9 Mb. Five patients harbored 4.5 Mb recurrent duplications mediated by non‐allelic homologous recombination between segmental duplications and 12 harbored atypical duplications. The chromosomal rearrangement occurred de novo in eight patients and was inherited in six affected males from three families. Patients shared several common major characteristics including moderate to severe intellectual disability, early onset of puberty, language impairment, and age related epileptic syndromes such as West syndrome and focal epilepsy with activation during sleep evolving in some patients to continuous spikes‐and‐waves during slow sleep. Atypical microduplications allowed us to identify minimal critical regions that might be responsible for specific clinical findings of the syndrome and to suggest possible candidate genes: FTSJ1 and SHROOM4 for intellectual disability along with PQBP1 and SLC35A2 for epilepsy. Xp11.23p11.22 microduplication is a recently‐recognized syndrome associated with intellectual disability, epilepsy, and early onset of puberty in females. In this study, we propose several genes that could contribute to the phenotype. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Partial trisomy 17q and partial monosomy 20q in a boy with craniosynostosis
Authors: Marques Felipe , Heredia Romina , de Oliveira Claudiner , Cardoso Maria Terezinha , Mazzeu Juliana , Pogue Robert
Published: November 2014

Craniosynostosis is defined as a premature fusion of at least one cranial suture, which can be accompanied by other findings. Of syndromic cases, 14–22% have been associated with chromosomal rearrangements. This report describes a Brazilian boy with syndromic craniosynostosis who also presented with intellectual disability, microcephaly, frontal bossing, bitemporal narrowing, short neck, syndactyly, and cardiac defects. Chromosome banding showed an apparently normal male karyotype. Subsequent chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) using the Affymetrix CytoScan 750 K Array showed a duplication of 2.1 Mb on chromosome 17q and a deletion of 1.4 Mb on chromosome 20q. The data suggested an unbalanced translocation, which was confirmed by fluorescence in‐situ hybridization analysis (FISH). While there are several reports in the literature of chromosome 17q duplication syndrome accompanied by partial monosomies of other chromosomes, this is the first case featuring partial monosomy of 20q. The patient́s phenotype is generally consistent with 17q duplication syndrome, however craniosynostosis has rarely been associated with this chromosomal anomaly. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A population‐based profile of 160 Australians with Prader‐Willi syndrome: Trends in diagnosis, birth prevalence and birth characteristics
Authors: Lionti Tess , Reid Susan M. , White Susan M. , Rowell Margaret M.
Published: November 2014

Perceived temporal trends in recognition and diagnosis of Prader–Willi syndrome served as the rationale for an updated epidemiological profile of individuals with this syndrome. Data from the Victorian Prader–Willi Syndrome Register were used to explore birth prevalence, birth characteristics, timing of diagnosis, and molecular mechanism, and to identify trends over time. Maternal age, birth gestation, small for gestational age, and sex were compared across molecular mechanisms. Between 1951 and 2012 there were 160 individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome, known to the Victorian Prader–Willi Syndrome Register, who were born in the Australian state of Victoria. The birth prevalence for individuals with a molecular diagnosis of Prader–Willi syndrome was estimated to be 1:15,830 for 2003–2012. Compared to 1973–1981, the decade 2003–2012 saw an increase in the rate of molecular diagnosis from 58% to 96%, more complete identification of the molecular mechanism (42% vs. 83%), earlier molecular diagnosis (1.3 years vs. 8.6 weeks), and a rise in the relative proportion of maternal uniparental disomy from 0% to 45%. One quarter of infants was born preterm and 53% were small for gestational age. This study confirms a temporal change in diagnostic patterns, suggests a greater relative contribution of maternal uniparental disomy as a molecular mechanism, provides a more robust estimate of birth prevalence and provides evidence of in utero growth restriction for this group. These findings have important clinical and health service delivery implications and pave the way for further research in Prader–Willi syndrome. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cholesterol levels in Fragile X syndrome
Authors: Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth , Levin Rebecca , Shah Haroon , Mathur Shaguna , Darnell Jennifer C. , Ouyang Bichun
Published: November 2014

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is associated with intellectual disability and behavioral dysfunction, including anxiety, ADHD symptoms, and autistic features. Although individuals with FXS are largely considered healthy and lifespan is not thought to be reduced, very little is known about the long‐term medical health of adults with FXS and no systematically collected information is available on standard laboratory measures from metabolic screens. During the course of follow up of a large cohort of patients with FXS we noted that many patients had low cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) values and thus initiated a systematic chart review of all cholesterol values present in charts from a clinic cohort of over 500 patients with FXS. Total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and HDL were all significantly reduced in males from the FXS cohort relative to age‐adjusted population normative data. This finding has relevance for health monitoring in individuals with FXS, for treatments with cholesterol‐lowering agents that have been proposed to target the underlying CNS disorder in FXS based on work in animal models, and for potential biomarker development in FXS. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pallister–Hall syndrome has gone the way of modern medical genetics
Authors: Hall Judith G.
Published: November 2014

The Pallister–Hall syndrome (PHS) was identified and described as a specific entity in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Subsequently, many patients were reported expanding the phenotype. Familial cases demonstrated variability and lead to linkage and then gene identification. Mutations in the responsible gene, GLI3 are also known to be involved in several other disorders. Genotype/phenotype correlations have led to fine mapping of GLI3 and the recognition that PHS is caused by dominant negative mutations in the middle third of the gene. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Practical Aryl Unit for Azlactone Dynamic Kinetic Resolution: Orthogonally Protected Products and A Ligation‐Inspired Coupling Process
Authors: Tallon Sean , Manoni Francesco , Connon Stephen J.
Published: November 2014

The first strategy for bringing about enantioselective azlactone dynamic kinetic resolution to generate orthogonally protected amino acids has been developed. In the presence of a C2‐symmetric squaramide‐based catalyst, benzyl alcohol reacts with novel yet readily prepared tetrachloroisopropoxycarbonyl‐substituted azlactones to generate trapped phthalimide products of significant synthetic interest with excellent enantiocontrol. These materials are masked amino acids which are demonstrably orthogonally protected: cleavage of the phthalimide can be achieved in the presence of the ester and vice versa. This process could be utilized to bring about a highly stereoselective ligation‐type coupling of protected serines (at stoichiometric loadings) with racemic azlactones derived from both natural and abiotic amino acids. After deprotection, a subsequent base‐mediated O→N acyl transfer occurs to form a dipeptide.
Catalytic Activation of a Solid Oxide in Electronic Contact With Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Behl Mayank , Jain Prashant K.
Published: November 2014

Although inert in its bulk form, nanostructured gold supported on oxides has been found to be catalytically active. In many cases, the oxide promotes the activity of Au. It is now shown that in turn, nanoscale Au particles can chemically activate the solid oxide. Specifically, it was discovered that 4 nm Au nanoparticles deposited on zinc oxide catalyze the transformation of the oxide into the sulfide in the presence of an organosulfur species. Contact of the oxide with Au nanoparticles lowers the activation barrier for the solid‐state reaction by approximately 20 kJ mol−1, allowing the reaction to be achieved closer to ambient temperatures. Electron transfer from oxygen vacancies to Au nanoparticles is proposed to generate acidic sites on the surface of the zinc oxide, resulting in the enhanced reactivity of the oxide. Knowledge of such electronic interactions between the noble metal and oxide can be exploited for engineering reactive heterostructures for low‐temperature pollutant sorption and hydrocarbon processing.
Half‐Metallicity in Single‐Layered Manganese Dioxide Nanosheets by Defect Engineering
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhang Jiajia , Hang Xudong , Zhang Xiaodong , Xie Junfeng , Pan Bicai , Xie Yi
Published: November 2014

Defect engineering is considered as one of the most efficient strategies to regulate the electronic structure of materials and involves the manipulation of the types, concentrations, and spatial distributions of defects, resulting in unprecedented properties. It is shown that a single‐layered MnO2 nanosheet with vacancies is a robust half‐metal, which was confirmed by theoretical calculations, whereas vacancy‐free single‐layered MnO2 is a typical semiconductor. The half‐metallicity of the single‐layered MnO2 nanosheet can be observed for a wide range of vacancy concentrations and even in the co‐presence of Mn and O vacancies. This work enables the development of half‐metals by defect engineering of well‐established low‐dimensional materials, which may be used for the design of next‐generation paper‐like spintronics.