bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy‐guided fine needle aspiration for the diagnosis of lung lesions
Authors: Odronic Shelley I. , Gildea Thomas R. , Chute Deborah J.
Published: April 2014

Many peripheral lung lesions are beyond the reach of conventional bronchoscopes, and require percutaneous CT‐guided or open surgical biopsy, which carry increased risks to the patient. Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) is a relatively new technique, which uses an image guided localization system to direct steerable bronchoscopic tools to predetermined points within the bronchial tree. This technology allows improved access to peripheral lesions in particular. We investigated the sensitivity and specificity of ENB‐guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) in the diagnosis of lung lesions. All ENB‐guided FNAs performed at one institution were included in the study. The superDimension i‐Logic System™ was used in all cases. Pathologic reports of the ENB‐guided FNAs, as well as all other pulmonary sampling performed simultaneously with the FNA and within 1 year of the ENB‐guided FNA were reviewed. Patients with a positive ENB‐guided FNA or malignancy within the same lobe within the follow‐up period were considered positive for malignancy. Patients with an atypical diagnosis but no definitive malignancy were considered negative for malignancy for statistical purposes. Ninety‐one patients underwent 95 ENB‐guided FNAs over a 3‐year period. Thirty‐five patients (38%) were positive for malignancy. ENB‐guided FNA had a sensitivity of 63% for the detection of malignancy. The sensitivity for the detection of malignancy using all ENB‐guided sampling methods, including FNA, bronchoscopic biopsy, and bronchial brushing was 83%. Pathologists and cytotechnologists should be aware of ENB‐guided FNA as an emerging technology with a relatively high sensitivity for the diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:1045–1050. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigating the Eolian Context of the Last Glacial Maximum Occupation at Kawanishi‐C, Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Izuho Masami , Hayashi Kazuhiro , Nakazawa Yuichi , Soda Tsutomu , Oda Noriyoshi , Yamahara Toshiro , Kitazawa Minoru , Buvit Ian
Published: April 2014

As debates about the late Pleistocene human occupation of northeast Asia continue, the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) prehistory of Hokkaido becomes more relevant. A geoarchaeological evaluation of key sites on the island will provide important evidence to understand human adaptive responses to LGM environments. Kawanishi‐C is located on the middle terrace of the Satsunai River, eastern Hokkaido. Previous salvage excavations totaling 5756 m2 revealed three archaeological layers in eolian sediments: (1) an early Jomon component above the Ta‐d tephra (∼7000 cal. yr B.P.), (2) a microblade component between the Ta‐d and En‐a tephras (∼15,000 cal. yr B.P.), and (3) a blade/flake‐based assemblage between the En‐a and Spfa‐1 tephras (27,000–25,000 cal. yr B.P.). Integration of geoarchaeological investigations and statistical analysis of the artifacts’ spatial distribution indicates that the relatively low energy eolian matrix preserved the site's behavioral context, though some post‐depositional agent, such as frost heaving, may have slightly displaced the artifacts vertically.
Chenani‐Nashri Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in India: the “Himalayan challenge” for design in heterogeneous rock masses
Authors: Palomba Michele , Amadini Federico , Russo Giordano , Carrieri Giampiero
Published: April 2014

The 9 km long Chenani‐Nashri Tunnel, currently under construction, is the longest road tunnel in India and is part of the planned four‐lane widening of the NH‐1A between Udhampur and Banihal in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Bypassing the existing NH‐1A from km 89 to km 130, the tunnel crosses a sub‐Himalayan formation with a maximum overburden of 1,050 m. With an escape tunnel running parallel to the main tunnel, excavation is performed by Leighton‐Welspun Contractors using the drill and blast method. Geodata Engineering (GDE) is providing consultancy services for detailed design and construction supervision including 3D‐geotechnical monitoring. Back‐analyses of already‐excavated sections are performed to better understand the behaviour of the heterogeneous rock mass in which the tunnels are excavated. The numerical models are fed with the actual geological and geomechanical conditions encountered during excavation and the monitoring results. The 3D‐monitoring system, specially implemented by GDE for this project, has played a key role in understanding the real rock mass behaviour, allowing the highlighting of potential risks, selecting the correct tunnel support class, checking of the effectiveness of countermeasures, identification of the tunnel stretches in which the final lining needs to be reinforced and providing cost‐effective solutions to speed‐up the construction process.
The Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel
Authors: Golger Mario , Höfer‐Öllinger Giorgio , Prinzl Friedrich
Published: April 2014

The Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel was the first tunnel in India to be constructed in accordance with the principles of the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. Despite very heterogeneous rock conditions with frequent changes of solid and completely fractured rock, with high water inflow in places, the work progressed without prolonged excavation‐related interruption and delays. This was possible because of the design and construction method, which permits prompt reaction to changing geology and installation of initial support measures, but also rapid adaptation of support measures to cope with the conditions of a young rock mass like the Himalayas. An important tool in regard to control and manage the ground deformations in the different geological conditions was the 3D monitoring of the lining displacements and its interpretation.

The tunnel was driven from numerous faces by conventional mined tunnelling methods using drill and blast as well as roadheader, with immediate installation of the primary support. The excavation and lining works were completed in late 2012, mechanical and electrical works in early 2013. Considering the difficult geology, extreme weather situation in winter and the hostile conditions of the area, the overall performance was satisfactory, although the initially scheduled target was not achieved. The tunnel has now been in operation since summer 2013.
The underground crude oil storage caverns of Visakhapatnam, India
Authors: Sigl Oskar , Millen Bernard , Höfer‐Öllinger Giorgio
Published: April 2014

Underground storage schemes are gaining importance in India, as all over the world. Such storage schemes involve the excavation of large underground caverns, connecting tunnels and various types of shafts. This example provides storage for more than 1.3 mill. metric tons of crude oil stored in unlined caverns 20 m wide, 30 m high and up to 820 m long. The scheme also includes three 110 m deep product intake shafts, two 90 m deep product extraction shafts and about 2,600 m of tunnels. The total volume, excavated by drill and blast method, is about 2 mill. m3 and rock support is provided by post‐grouted rock bolts and steel fibre reinforced shotcrete. The product is confined on the principle of a groundwater curtain system, essentially employing ground water pressure gradients to contain the crude oil within the unlined rock cavern complex. Excavation works on the project commenced in the middle of 2008 and, after some delays, were finally completed in February 2014. This paper focuses on the risk management practices employed for this project. The paper “Rock mass behaviour of weathered, jointed and faulted Khondalite – Examples from the underground crude oil storage caverns, Visakhapatnam, India” by Sigl, Millen and Höfer‐Öllinger that refers to the actual situation will be published in issue 3‐2014 of Geomechanics and Tunnelling.
Distinct fine‐scale fMRI activation patterns of contra‐ and ipsilateral somatosensory areas 3b and 1 in humans
Authors: Ann Stringer Elizabeth , Qiao Peng‐Gang , Friedman Robert M. , Holroyd Lauren , Newton Allen T. , Gore John C. , Min Chen Li
Published: April 2014

Inter‐areal and ipsilateral cortical responses to tactile stimulation have not been well described in human S1 cortex. By taking advantage of the high signal‐to‐noise ratio at 7 T, we quantified blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) response patterns and time courses to tactile stimuli on individual distal finger pads at a fine spatial scale, and examined whether there are inter‐areal (area 3b versus area 1) and interhemispheric response differences to unilateral tactile stimulation in healthy human subjects. We found that 2‐Hz tactile stimulation of individual fingertips evoked detectable BOLD signal changes in both contralateral and ipsilateral area 3b and area 1. Contralateral digit activations were organized in an orderly somatotopic manner, and BOLD responses in area 3b were more digit selective than those in area 1. However, the area of cortex that was responsive to stimulation of a single digit (stimulus–response field) was similar across areas. In the ipsilateral hemisphere, response magnitudes in both areas 3b and 1 were significantly weaker than those of the contralateral hemisphere. Digit activations exhibited no clear somatotopic organizational pattern in either area 3b or area 1, yet digit selectivity was retained in area 1 but not in area 3b. The observation of distinct digit‐selective responses of contralateral area 3b versus area 1 supports a higher order function of contralateral area 1 in spatial integration. In contrast, ipsilateral cortices may play a less discriminative role in the perception of unilateral tactile sensation in humans. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4841–4857, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Internet addiction, adolescent depression, and the mediating role of life events: Finding from a sample of Chinese adolescents
Authors: Yang Linsheng , Sun Liang , Zhang Zhihua , Sun Yehuan , Wu Hongyan , Ye Dongqing
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of life events in the relation between Internet addiction and depression using an adolescent sample in China. A total of 3507 urban adolescent students were asked to complete the questionnaires including Young's Internet Addiction Scale, Adolescent Self‐Rating Life Events Checklist, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Parent–Child Conflict Tactics Scales, and demographic characteristics. Path analyses demonstrated that life events fully mediated the relationship between Internet addiction and adolescent depression. Specificity for the mediating role of life events was demonstrated in comparison to alternative competing mediation models. The findings support our hypothesis that the effect of Internet addiction on adolescent depression is mediated by the life events. Further research is required to test the temporal relationship between Internet addiction and adolescent depression and explore mechanisms underlying the pathways leading to adolescent depression.
High Dietary Phosphate Intake Induces Development of Ectopic Calcifications in a Murine Model of Familial Tumoral Calcinosis
Authors: Ichikawa Shoji , Gray Amie K , Padgett Leah R , Reilly Austin M , Unsicker Tyler R
Published: April 2014

Familial tumoral calcinosis is characterized by ectopic calcifications due to persistent hyperphosphatemia. The most common genetic cause of the disease is mutations in GALNT3, encoding a glycosyltransferase involved in a posttranslational modification of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). The Galnt3 knockout mouse we developed was hyperphosphatemic due to low intact Fgf23 levels, but did not develop any apparent calcifications on a standard rodent diet. We therefore tested the hypothesis that a further challenge with a high phosphate diet could induce ectopic calcifications in Galnt3 knockout mice. Mice were fed either normal (0.6%) or high (1.65%) phosphate diet for 20 weeks beginning from weaning at 3 weeks. The high phosphate diet did not affect serum phosphorus concentration. However, regardless of the dietary phosphate contents, serum phosphorus levels were consistently elevated in Galnt3 knockout mice. The mice on the high phosphate diet had slightly low serum calcium, but significantly high alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and calcium in the kidney. Although none of Galnt3 knockout mice on the normal phosphate diet developed calcifications, calcifications appeared in approximately one-half of the mice on the high phosphate diet by 12 weeks. Calcified masses were most often found around the neck and on the back and as large as 9.9 mm in length. These data indicate that dietary phosphate load has major impact on the development of ectopic calcifications in tumoral calcinosis. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effect of protein binding on unbound atazanavir and darunavir cerebrospinal fluid concentrations
Authors: Delille Cecile A. , Pruett Sarah T. , Marconi Vincent C. , Lennox Jeffrey L. , Armstrong Wendy S. , Arrendale Richard F. , Sheth Anandi N. , Easley Kirk A. , Acosta Edward P. , Vunnava Aswani , Ofotokun Ighovwerha
Published: April 2014

HIV‐1 protease inhibitors (PIs) exhibit different protein binding affinities and achieve variable plasma and tissue concentrations. Degree of plasma protein binding may impact central nervous system penetration. This cross‐sectional study assessed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) unbound PI concentrations, HIV‐1 RNA, and neopterin levels in subjects receiving either ritonavir‐boosted darunavir (DRV), 95% plasma protein bound, or atazanavir (ATV), 86% bound. Unbound PI trough concentrations were measured using rapid equilibrium dialysis and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma and CSF HIV‐1 RNA and neopterin were measured by Ampliprep/COBAS® Taqman® 2.0 assay (Roche) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ALPCO), respectively. CSF/plasma unbound drug concentration ratio was higher for ATV, 0.09 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–0.12] than DRV, 0.04 (95%CI 0.03–0.06). Unbound CSF concentrations were lower than protein adjusted wild‐type inhibitory concentration‐50 (IC50) in all ATV and 1 DRV‐treated subjects (P < 0.001). CSF HIV‐1 RNA was detected in 2/15 ATV and 4/15 DRV subjects (P = 0.65). CSF neopterin levels were low and similar between arms. ATV relative to DRV had higher CSF/plasma unbound drug ratio. Low CSF HIV‐1 RNA and neopterin suggest that both regimens resulted in CSF virologic suppression and controlled inflammation.
Analyzing the relationship of QT interval and exposure to Nitazoxanide, a prospective candidate for influenza antiviral therapy—A formal TQT study
Authors: Täubel Jörg , Lorch Ulrike , Rossignol Jean‐François , Ferber Georg , John Camm A.
Published: April 2014

In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled study, the safety of therapeutic (675 mg) and supra‐therapeutic (2,700 mg) doses of nitazoxanide was evaluated in accordance with the ICH E14 guidelines. Fifty six (56) subjects participated in four treatment periods and received single doses of nitazoxanide 675 mg, nitazoxanide 2,700 mg, moxifloxacin 400 mg, or placebo. For 675 mg nitazoxanide, the largest change in QTcF from baseline was observed at 12 hours post‐dose with a peak value of 1.6 ms (two‐sided 90% CI: −0.3, 3.6 ms). The largest negative change in QTcF was observed at 1 hour post‐dose (−2.7 ms with two‐sided 90% CI: −4.5, −0.8 ms). The largest change in QTcF from baseline for 2,700 mg nitazoxanide was observed at 24 hours post‐dose with a peak value of 3.4 ms (two‐sided CI: 1.4, 5.4 ms). These findings demonstrate that neither a single dose of 675 mg nor 2,700 mg nitazoxanide prolonged the QT interval in healthy male and female volunteers. The safety results also demonstrate that all four treatments were well‐tolerated and the most frequently reported adverse events in the nitazoxanide and moxifloxacin treatment groups were gastrointestinal disorders which were as expected according to the reference safety information.
Changes in the role of the thyroid axis during metamorphosis of the Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica
Authors: Sudo Ryusuke , Okamura Akihiro , Kuroki Mari , Tsukamoto Katsumi
Published: April 2014

To clarify the role of thyroid function during metamorphosis from leptocephalus to glass eel in the Japanese eel, we examined the histology of the thyroid gland and measured whole‐body concentrations of thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid stimulating hormone β‐subunit TSH (TSHβ) mRNA expression levels in five stages of artificially hatched eels (leptocephalus, early‐metamorphosis, late‐metamorphosis, glass eel, and elver). During metamorphosis, the inner colloid of thyroid follicles showed positive immunoreactivity for T4, and both T4 and T3 levels were significantly increased, whereas a small peak of TSHβ mRNA level was observed at the early‐metamorphosis stage. Similarly, TSHβ mRNA levels were highest in the glass eel stage, and then decreased markedly in the elver stage. In contrast to TSHβ mRNA expression, thyroid hormones (both T4 and T3) increased further from the glass eel to elver stages. These results indicated that thyroid function in the Japanese eel was active both during and after metamorphosis. Therefore, the thyrotropic axis may play important roles not only in metamorphosis but also in subsequent inshore or upstream migrations. J. Exp. Zool. 321A: 357–364, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical exposures during internal medicine acting internship: Profiling student and team experiences
Authors: Smith Todd I. , LoPresti Charles M.
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

The clinical learning model in medical education is driven by knowledge acquisition through direct patient‐care experiences. Despite the emphasis on experiential learning, the ability of educators to quantify the clinical exposures of learners is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To utilize Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic medical record information through a data warehouse to quantify clinical exposures during an inpatient internal medicine rotation.

METHODS

We queried the VA clinical data warehouse for the patients encountered by each learner completing an acting internship rotation at the Cleveland VA Medical Center from July 2008 to November 2011. We then used discharge summary information to identify team exposures—patients seen by the learner's inpatient team who were not primarily assigned to the learner. Based on the learner and team exposures, we complied lists of past medical problems, medications prescribed, laboratory tests that resulted, radiology evaluated, and primary discharge diagnoses.

RESULTS

Primary learner and team‐based clinical exposures were evaluated for a total of 128 acting internship students. The percentage of learners who had a primary exposure to a medication/lab value/imaging result/diagnosis was calculated. The percentage of learners with at least 1 primary or team‐based exposure to an item was also calculated. The most common exposures in each category are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of the clinical exposures during an inpatient rotation can augment the ability of educators to understand learners' experiences. These types of analyses could provide information to improve learner experience, implement novel curricula, and address educational gaps in clinical rotations. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:436–440. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Untypable human papillomavirus infection and risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among women with abnormal cervical cytology
Authors: Spinillo Arsenio , Gardella Barbara , Roccio Marianna , Alberizzi Paola , Silini Enrico Maria , Dal Bello Barbara
Published: April 2014

The risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and/or invasive cervical cancer associated with untypable human papillomavirus (HPV) infections has been not investigated fully. HPV infection caused by 18 high‐risk and 7 low‐risk genotypes as detected by the INNO‐LIPA genotyping system, was investigated in 4,258 women with abnormal Pap smear referred to a colposcopic service. The prevalence of HPV infection was 76.1%. Rates of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3+ were 0.88% (9/1,017) in HPV‐negative subjects, 1.8% (7/380) in subjects with untypable HPV infection, 3.2% (11/343) in subjects with single/multiple low‐risk types, 28.3% (201/709) in subjects with multiple low and high‐risk types, 15.2% (162/1,069) in subjects with single high‐risk types, and 31.2% (229/733) in those with multiple high‐risk types. Compared to women without any HPV infection, the odds ratios of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ or grade 3+ in subjects with untypable or low‐risk HPV genotypes were 5.73 (95% CI = 2.79–11.78) and 12.4 (95% CI = 6.31–24.5, P = 0.014 compared to untypable) and 3.1 (95% CI = 1.11–8.16) and 7.1 (95% CI = 2.9–17.2, P = 0.07 compared to untypable), respectively. In the subgroup of subjects with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 or negative colposcopy/biopsy, the progression to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ at follow‐up (median 25 months, range 6–70) was 2% (14/684), 3.4% (7/205), and 5.6% (11/195, P = 0.04 compared to negative) among negative, untypable, and low‐risk HPV infection, respectively. The risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia associated with untypable HPV infection was higher than that recorded among uninfected women, but lower than the risk associated with low‐ or high‐risk HPV genotypes. J. Med. Virol. 86:1145–1152, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The interaction of a single‐nucleotide polymorphism with age on response to interferon‐α and ribavirin therapy in female patients with hepatitis C infection
Authors: Nishino Jo , Sugiyama Masaya , Nishida Nao , Tokunaga Katsushi , Mizokami Masashi , Mano Shuhei
Published: April 2014

Older female patients exhibit a poor response to the current standard treatment for hepatitis C, interferon‐α, and ribavirin (PEG‐IFN‐α/RBV). In this study, we reported that the combination of age and the genotype of a novel SNP can predict response to standard treatment (P = 7.31 × 10−8). The model incorporating genotype of the novel SNP, rs1287948, predicts response more accurately (AUC = 0.934; 95% CI = 0.881–0.988) in women as compared with the model using age and the previously identified SNP, rs8099917. J. Med. Virol. 86:1130–1133, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Manipulating transverse magnetic modes in waveguide using thin plasmonic materials
Authors: Xu Yadong , Wu Qiannan , Chen Huanyang
Published: April 2014

Transverse magnetic modes propagate freely for any frequency in a parallel plated waveguide. Here, it is shown that when two thin plasmonic materials are attached to the metal walls of the waveguide, a bandgap emerges due to the excited surface plasmon polaritons. As the plasmonic materials become thin enough, a critical thickness is observed. For any width larger than such a value, the bandgap is fixed, otherwise a tunable bandgap can be achieved (different widths induce different bandgaps). For application, such a tunable bandgap system can be utilized to design a band‐stop filter for terahertz frequencies with a high quality factor.
Combined ipsilateral and contralateral second toe flaps for repair of finger degloving injury
Authors: Zhang Guangliang , Ju Jihui , Zhao Qiang , Li Xiangjun , Jin Guangzhe , Tang Linfeng , Hou Ruixing
Published: April 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this report was to retrospectively review the results of treatment of degloving injury of the finger by use of combined ipsilateral second dorsal nail‐skin flap and contralateral medial second toe flap.

Methods

From 2010 to 2012, seven fingers in seven patients with complete degloving injuries from the level of middle or distal phalanx were reconstructed with combined ipsilateral second dorsal nail‐skin flap and contralateral medial second toe flap. The injured fingers included the index finger in four cases, and middle finger in three cases. The nerves of both the flaps were sutured to the bilateral common digital nerves. The donor site of second toe flap was covered with a full‐thickness skin graft.

Results

All transferred flaps survived after surgery, and all postoperative courses were uneventful. During the follow‐up period (mean of 15 months; ranging 6–20 months), the appearance of the reconstructed fingers was comparable with normal ones. The range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint averaged 55 ± 5.8 degrees. The two point discrimination of the pulp ranged from 8 to > 15 mm (average, 11.3 mm). All the patients were able to walk without difficulty. The MHQ score averaged 59 ± 4.2 points and Maryland foot rating score averaged 92 ± 4.2 points.

Conclusion

The ipsilateral second toe dorsal nail‐skin flap combined with contralateral medial second toe flap may provide an alternative for the reconstruction of completely degloved fingers at the middle and the distal phalangeal level, with satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:540–546, 2014.
Silica/poly (N‐vinylimidazolium) nanospheres by combined RAFT polymerization and thiol‐ene click chemistry
Authors: Peng Chang , Pan Wu , Bao Lin , Chen Shu , Chen Yi , Han Mingsong , Xiong Yuanqin , Xu Weijian
Published: April 2014

We report a facile method that combined sol–gel reaction, reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)/macromolecular design via interchange of the xanthates process and thiol‐ene click reaction to prepare monodisperse silica core‐poly(N‐vinylimidazole) (PVim) shell microspheres of 200 nm in average diameters. First, silica with C = C double bonds was prepared by the sol–gel reaction of 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylates (MPS) with tetraethoxysilane in ethanol; SiO2@PVim were subsequently prepared by grafting PVim chain (Mn = 9800 g/mol, polydispersity index = 1.22) to MPS‐SiO2 via the thiol‐ene click chemisty. The obtained SiO2@PVim microspheres show higher catalytic activity toward the hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenyl acetate compared with the PVim homopolymers. The as‐prepared composites have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boundary lubrication by macromolecular layers and its relevance to synovial joints
Authors: Seror Jasmine , Sorkin Raya , Klein Jacob
Published: April 2014

We review here two recent works on boundary lubrication by macromolecules with the aim of obtaining an insight into the extremely efficient lubrication of mammalian joints. The first work emulates the structure of the cartilage superficial layer by reconstructing films of hyaluronan (HA) and of HA/aggrecan complexes stabilized by cartilage link protein and studies normal and shear interactions between two atomically smooth mica surfaces coated with such molecules using a surface force balance. These molecules have been conjectured to act as boundary lubricants while sliding past each other at the interface between the articular cartilage surfaces and the synovial fluid. It was discovered that the HA/aggrecan/link protein macromolecular complexes provide better boundary lubrication compared with HA alone, most likely as a result of the higher charge density allowing a more efficient hydration lubrication effect. However, the results suggest that such complexes by themselves cannot be responsible for the very efficient lubrication of synovial joints. On the other hand, in the second work, phosphatidylcholine vesicles were shown to provide extremely efficient lubrication at physiological pressures as long as the robustness of the layer is maintained. Normal and shear interactions between two surfaces bearing different phosphatidylcholine vesicles, having the same head group but varying acyl chain length, were studied systematically. In addition to hydration, robustness of the surface layer plays a major role in the lubrication efficiency of the system. Implications of the results of these studies to the lubrication mechanism of synovial joints are suggested. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled release of doxorubicin and Smac‐derived pro‐apoptotic peptide from self‐assembled KLD‐based peptide hydrogels
Authors: Yishay‐Safranchik Eliya , Golan Moran , David Ayelet
Published: April 2014

Self‐assembled peptide hydrogels comprise an important class of biomaterials that find application in tissue engineering and drug delivery. We have developed injectable in situ‐forming hydrogel formulations based on self‐assembled KLD motifs to control the delivery of a conventional cytotoxic drug (doxorubicin [DOX]) or a Smac‐derived pro‐apoptotic peptide (SDPP) for cancer therapy. The core KLD peptide ([KLDL]3) was separated into two β‐sheet peptides by a three or four glycine‐containing spacer (designated as 3G or 4G, respectively) or by a spacer containing four glycines and a phenylalanine (termed 4GF) to fine tune and influence the bulk properties. We found that the KLD‐based hydrogel can effectively load DOX and SDPP within the hydrogel network. Addition of a three or four glycine‐containing spacer arm decreased the time for gel formation, while inclusion of a single aromatic amino acid (F) into 4G sequence (4GF) significantly increased the rate of gel formation and improved its mechanical strength when compared to 3G‐ and 4G‐containing gels. KLD16‐ and 4GF‐based hydrogels presenting higher peptide concentrations can self‐assemble very rapidly (in a few seconds) and were very effective at controlling the release of DOX and SDPP and inhibiting tumor cell growth in vitro. Pre‐complexation of SDPP with polyanionic molecule (polyglutamic acid) further sustained in vitro drug release from 4GF‐based formulations. This study is the first to test interactions between KLD‐based hydrogel matrices and DOX or SDPP for local drug delivery applications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microplate Quantification of Total Phenolic Content from Plant Extracts Obtained by Conventional and Ultrasound Methods
Authors: Wong‐Paz Jorge E. , Muñiz‐Márquez Diana B. , Aguilar‐Zárate Pedro , Rodríguez‐Herrera Raúl , Aguilar Cristóbal N.
Published: April 2014

Introduction

There is increasing interest in phenolic compounds around the world because of their potential positive impact on human health. Phenolic compounds are largely found in fruits and vegetables. Extraction of phenolic compounds is a very important step in their recovery. The newly developed technique of ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) appears to be an advantageous alternative compared with conventional techniques, because it is simple and environmental friendly. The potential of UAE needs to be evaluated in each plant in order to demonstrate its efficiency.

Objective

The objective of the present study was to compare a conventional method and UAE on the extraction efficiency of phenolic compounds from Jatropha dioica, Fluorensia cernua, Turnera diffusa and Eucalyptus camaldulensis plants and evaluate the in vitro anti‐oxidant potential.

Methods

Validation of the new method was carried out using mixed‐model methodology and regression analysis. Feasibility of this new method was shown and applied using several plants extracts obtained by different extraction methods from semi‐arid Mexican plants, which were characterised by high levels of polyphenols. Additionally, the anti‐oxidant potential of these extracts was determined by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity.

Results

Results showed that the new microplate method can be used to determine total phenolic content in plant extracts. Additionally, an alternative extraction method by ultrasound was less efficient compared with the conventional method.

Conclusion

The tested plants are good candidates to obtain nutraceuticals and functional food ingredients. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Near‐infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy as a Rapid and Non‐destructive Analysis Tool for Curcuminoids in Turmeric
Authors: Kim Young‐Jun , Lee Hyong Joo , Shin Han‐Seung , Shin Youngjae
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Turmeric has been widely used in curry powders as the main spice. Conventional chemical analysis such as high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) may take several hours to extract curcuminoids and prepare samples in many turmeric processing industries.

Objective

This study was conducted to evaluate curcuminoids in turmeric powder using near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS).

Methods

All spectral acquisition ranged from 1100 to 2500 nm and a chemometrics analysis using partial least‐squares (PLS) regression was performed to quantify the contents of individual curcuminoids. The HPLC was carried out (n = 129) to develop a PLS model based on the reference values.

Results

High correlation coefficient (R2 > 0.93) and low standard error of cross‐validation (SECV < 0.20 g/100 g) and standard error of prediction (SEP < 0.13 g/100 g) values were obtained for precision and accuracy. In addition, the ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD > 2.65) values was also calculated.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that NIRS could be utilised as a control procedure or as an alternative rapid and effective quantification method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐Traditional Paths: New International Student Pathways to the Baccalaureate
Authors: Hagedorn Linda Serra , Hu Jiayi
Published: April 2014

There is a growing “swirling” trend of students alternating between 2‐ and 4‐year colleges. The non‐linear paths traveled by many community college students often take them through multiple colleges and/or through patterns of stop‐out and return. Due to the rapid growth of international students pursuing US degrees, this study identifies the demographic composition of international students and investigates their swirling patterns for what may appear as erratic paths. This manuscript includes important implications for practitioners and others at community colleges.
Europäische Normen in der Lecksuchtechnik
Authors: Rottländer Hans
Published: April 2014

Der vorliegende Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die Europäischen Normen (EN) in der Lecksuchtechnik. Dabei wird zum einen der Inhalt dieser Normen im Hinblick auf Prüfverfahren und Prüfgeräte dargelegt. Zum anderen wird aufgezeigt, welche Anforderungen in Europa an die Qualifikation der mit der Lecksuche betrauten Personen gestellt werden.
Tagungen: Vakuum in Forschung und Praxis 2/2014
Authors: Knott Tanja
Published: April 2014

Netzwerken in Wetzlar
Impact of human disturbance, density, and environmental conditions on the survival probabilities of pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)
Authors: López‐Roig Marc , Serra‐Cobo Jordi
Published: April 2014

Natural and anthropogenic disturbances can strongly impact population dynamics of species and are often responsible for zoonotic emerging infectious diseases. However, long‐term studies on the demographic consequences of human disturbances are unusual. We used 6 years (1995–2000) of mark‐recapture data to investigate how climatic conditions, human disturbance and density affect sex‐ and age‐specific apparent survival probabilities of the pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Schreber 1774) in a maternity colony. Our study demonstrated that density played an important role in population dynamics of pipistrelle bat and that its effect differed with respect to age and sex. Notably, human disturbance caused a strong decline of adult female survival, suggesting that perturbations have important consequences in bat‐colony dynamics. Juvenile female survival was negatively influenced by density, being considerably lower in high densities. In contrast, juvenile and adult males were apparently not affected as they had constant survival probabilities. Although climatic factors can markedly affect population dynamics of temperate insectivorous bats, in this study, the weather conditions did not influence the survival rates of pipistrelle bats. We provide the first report that demonstrates the density‐dependent effect on bat survival. That is especially relevant to better understanding of the bat‐population dynamics and to evaluate the consequences of human disturbance and their potential changes in the maternity colony structure.
Physicochemical Property and Fatty Acid Profile of Cephalotaxus fortunei Nut Oils
Authors: Liang Shaohua , Meng Pengcheng , Wang Yadong
Published: April 2014

This paper focused on the main composition of Cephalotaxus fortunei nuts, the physicochemical property of its oils, the fatty acid profiles and the content of alkaloids and tocopherol in the nuts oils. And these elements were compared among three kinds of C. fortunei nuts and their oil. The results showed the C. fortunei nuts contained about 65 % crude oil. Meanwhile, the content of crude protein, crude fiber, moisture, ash and reduced sugar were presented, respectively. The important physicochemical indicators of the crude C. fortunei nuts oils were presented, including specific gravity, refractive index, viscosity, acid value and saponification value, etc. The contents of alkaloids were 0.41 % in NUT1, 0.24 % in NUT2 and 0.31 % in NUT3. The contents of tocopherol were low. The analysis of the fatty acid composition showed that the three kinds of oils were all rich in unsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid and linoleic acid, and the main triacylglycerols were dioleoyl‐monolinoleoyl (OLO) and triolein (OOO). This work might help with the exploration of the applications of C. fortunei nuts and its oil.
The Effect of Anti-Abortion Legislation on Nineteenth Century Fertility
Authors: Lahey Joanna N.
Published: April 2014

Using nineteenth century legal information combined with census information, I examine the effect of state laws that restricted American women’s access to abortion on the ratio of children to women. I estimate an increase in the birthrate of 4 % to 12 % when abortion is restricted. In the absence of anti-abortion laws, fertility would have been 5 % to 12 % lower in the early twentieth century.
Tribological properties of short carbon fibers reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Khun Nay Win , Zhang He , Lim Lee Hoon , Yue Chee Yoon , Hu Xiao , Yang Jinglei
Published: April 2014

Short carbon fiber (SCF) reinforced epoxy composites with different SCF contents were developed to investigate their tribological properties. The friction coefficient and wear of the epoxy composites slid in a circular path against a steel pin inclined at 45° to a vertical axis and a steel ball significantly decreased with increased SCF content due to the solid lubricating effect of SCFs along with the improved mechanical strength of the composites. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation showed that the epoxy composites had less sensitive to surface fatigue caused by the repeated sliding of the counterparts than the epoxy. The tribological results clearly showed that the incorporation of SCFs was an effective way to improve the tribological properties of the epoxy composites.
Contribution of obstetrics and gynecology societies in West and Central African countries to the prevention of unsafe abortion
Authors: Leke Robert J.I.
Published: April 2014

Unsafe abortion is a major public health issue in low‐resource countries. In the countries of West and Central Africa, abortion‐related maternal mortality rates are extremely high, the prevalence of modern contraceptive use is very low, and the unmet need for family planning is also high. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Initiative for the Prevention of Unsafe Abortion and its Consequences has contributed substantially toward increasing awareness of the problem of abortion, bringing abortion‐related issues to the attention of the professional societies, individual gynecologists and obstetricians, Ministries of Health, healthcare providers, and to the community in general. The promotion of quality postabortion care including the use of manual vacuum aspiration, misoprostol, and postabortion contraception has greatly improved access to services; however, there is still a long way to go.
Rethinking the Food and Drug Administration's 2013 guidance on developing drugs for early‐stage Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Schneider Lon S.
Published: April 2014

The February 2013 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) draft guidance for developing drugs for early‐stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) creates certain challenges as they guide toward the use of one cognitive outcome to gain accelerated marketing approval for preclinical AD drugs, and a composite clinical scale – the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale in particular – for the primary outcome for prodromal AD clinical trials.

In light of the developing knowledge regarding early stage diagnoses and clinical trials outcomes, we recommend that FDA describe its requirements for validating preclinical AD diagnoses for drug development purposes, maintain the principle for requiring coprimary outcomes, and encourage the advancement of outcomes for early stage AD trials. The principles for drug development for early stage AD should not differ from those for clinical AD, especially as the diagnoses of prodromal and early AD impinge on each other. The FDA should not recommend that a composite scale be used as a sole primary efficacy outcome to support a marketing claim unless it requires that the cognitive and functional components of such a scale are demonstrated to be individually meaningful. The current draft guidelines may inadvertently constrain efforts to better assess the clinical effects of new drugs and inhibit innovation in an area where evidence‐based clinical research practices are still evolving.
2014 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures
Authors:   Alzheimer's Association
Published: April 2014

This report discusses the public health impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD), including incidence and prevalence, mortality rates, costs of care, and overall effect on caregivers and society. It also examines the impact of AD on women compared with men. An estimated 5.2 million Americans have AD. Approximately 200,000 people younger than 65 years with AD comprise the younger onset AD population; 5 million are age 65 years or older. By mid‐century, fueled in large part by the baby boom generation, the number of people living with AD in the United States is projected to grow by about 9 million. Today, someone in the country develops AD every 67 seconds. By 2050, one new case of AD is expected to develop every 33 seconds, or nearly a million new cases per year, and the total estimated prevalence is expected to be 13.8 million. In 2010, official death certificates recorded 83,494 deaths from AD, making AD the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death in Americans aged 65 years or older. Between 2000 and 2010, the proportion of deaths resulting from heart disease, stroke, and prostate cancer decreased 16%, 23%, and 8%, respectively, whereas the proportion resulting from AD increased 68%. The actual number of deaths to which AD contributes (or deathswithAD) is likely much larger than the number of deathsfromAD recorded on death certificates. In 2014, an estimated 700,000 older Americans will die with AD, and many of them will die from complications caused by AD. In 2013, more than 15 million family members and other unpaid caregivers provided an estimated 17.7 billion hours of care to people with AD and other dementias, a contribution valued at more than $220 billion. Average per‐person Medicare payments for services to beneficiaries aged 65 years and older with AD and other dementias are more than two and a half times as great as payments for all beneficiaries without these conditions, and Medicaid payments are 19 times as great. Total payments in 2014 for health care, long‐term care, and hospice services for people aged 65 years and older with dementia are expected to be $214 billion. AD takes a stronger toll on women than men. More women than men develop the disease, and women are more likely than men to be informal caregivers for someone with AD or another dementia. As caregiving responsibilities become more time consuming and burdensome or extend for prolonged durations, women assume an even greater share of the caregiving burden. For every man who spends 21 to more than 60 hours per week as a caregiver, there are 2.1 women. For every man who lives with the care recipient and provides around‐the‐clock care, there are 2.5 women. In addition, for every man who has provided caregiving assistance for more than 5 years, there are 2.3 women.
Analysis of the factors related to anti-TNF alpha response in the treatment of Crohn's Disease
Authors: Santos Carlos Henrique Marques dos
Published: April 2014

Crohn's disease (CD) presents a great challenge regarding treatment, considering that the best drugs available have very limited effectiveness.

Objective To analyze the characteristics between groups of patients with Crohn's disease who had response versus had not/lost response to treatment with anti-TNF.

Method Retrospective study of patients with CD treated with IFX or ADA.

Results We studied 72 patients with mean age of 35 years; 45 of them were treated with infliximab and 27 with adalimumab; 90% of women were respondents, compared to 10% who were not respondents/lost response, and 60% of men were respondents versus 40% who were not respondents/lost response; there was no difference between IFX and ADA with respect to response; 48 patients were < 40 and 24 > 40 years old. Of those who had < 40 years, 37 were respondents, compared to 11 who were not respondents/lost response. Of those with > 40 years, 16 were respondents versus 8 who were not respondents/lost response; patients under 2 years of diagnosis had a better response than those with two to five years of symptoms, and these latter exhibited a better response than those with more than five years of diagnosis.

Conclusion The observed characteristics of response to treatment of CD with anti-TNF were: association to azathioprine, female gender, age < 40 years and less than two years of diagnosis.
Journeys in Persia and Kurdistan
Authors: Bird Isabella
Published: April 2014

Isabella Bishop (née Bird) published her Journeys in Persia and Kurdistan in 1891, compiled from a series of letters home. Recommended an open-air life from an early age as a cure for physical and nervous difficulties, Bird toured the United States and Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the Far East. After her marriage, and the death of her husband in 1886, she did missionary work in India and then, in 1890, travelled to little-known parts of Turkey, Persia and Kurdistan in the company of Major Herbert Sawyer of the Indian Army. This came to be the hardest journey of her experience, with extremes of temperature and harsh living conditions for the sixty-year-old, although she was able to provide medical care for the local people. Volume 1 introduces the region, its people, and their customs and includes many evocative anecdotes. It also contains a glossary and maps.
A Selection from the Letters and Despatches of the First Napoleon
Authors: Bonaparte Napoleon
Published: April 2014

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821) is best remembered for establishing the First French Empire, declaring himself Emperor of the French in 1804. His military campaigns across Europe sparked the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815) and profoundly shaped European political and economic activities during the early nineteenth century. These volumes, edited by military officer and historian Denis Arthur Bingham and first published in 1884, contain translations of a selection of Bonaparte's letters. Bonaparte was a prolific letter writer, and the translations in these volumes describe a variety of domestic and international situations, including his early military career, his reports on the invasion of Egypt, and his criticism of his relatives who he had installed on the thrones of various conquered countries. Arranged by year with concise explanatory notes, these volumes provide a valuable and fascinating resource for the study of Bonaparte's career and character. Volume 3 covers the years 1811–1815.