bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacoepidemiology, Overview
Authors: Suissa S.
Published: May 2013

Pharmacoepidemiology is the study of patterns of medication use in the populations and their effects on diseases. Particular interest is focused on unexpected risks, especially events such as rare side effects. These can typically not be adequately assessed in the context of randomized clinical trials. This entry describes the use of Pharmacoepidemiology through the case‐crossover design, dealing with confounding in observational studies, the specification of appropriate risk functions over time, the probabilistic assessment of causality, and study methods based on the use of prescription data.
Population Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Methods
Authors: Bulitta Jürgen B , Holford Nicholas H G
Published: May 2013

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models are widely used to provide the quantitative basis for understanding the clinical pharmacology of pharmaceuticals. These models are used to describe both the average behavior in the population and differences between individuals. Pharmacokinetic models describe the time course of absorption, distribution, and elimination of a drug and any metabolites. Pharmacodynamic models describe the relationship between drug concentration and biological response. The pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic model often has to account for a delay between the time course of concentrations and the time course of pharmacodynamic effect. Statistical models can describe the predictable and the unpredictable variability between and within subject variability in response. Predictable variability is most commonly understood for drug elimination processes and typically uses subject factors such as weight, renal function, and other medications to account for between subject differences. Unpredictable variability is usually larger than predictable variability. A wide variety of software has been developed for implementing these pharmacological and statistical models; of these, NONMEM (GloboMax LLC, Hanover, MD) is the most widely used. Newer algorithms are actively being developed. Model building and parameter estimation are often computationally intensive. Population models are used by drug developers to create a rationale framework for development, by regulatory health authorities to evaluate clinical trials and enhance product labels and by clinical researchers to understand human biology and disease progression.
Sample Size Considerations for Morbidity/Mortality Trials
Authors: Shih Joanna H.
Published: May 2013

Sample size and power determination plays a crucial role in the design of morbidity/mortality clinical trials. To ensure that a trial is adequately sized so that the true treatment effect can be detected with a desired power, it is important to evaluate the assumptions used in the sample‐size calculation procedure. Various close‐form sample‐size formulas have been proposed for the analysis of morbidity/mortality trials with survival endpoints. However, most of them are formed based on restrictive assumptions and do not take into consideration factors that may affect the estimate of the treatment effect. These factors include drop‐in, drop‐out, staggered entry, loss to follow‐up, lags in treatment effects, and informative noncompliance. This article reviews the sample‐size calculation methods for testing the treatment effect in two‐arm survival trials. For each method considered, its basic features, underlying assumptions, and limitations are discussed. Presented first are the test statistics and associated methods that yield close‐form sample‐size formulas. Then attention will be focused on methods with aforementioned complexities in sample‐size calculation.
Obama Reiterates Strong Support for Science at Two Recent Appearances
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: May 2013

President Barack Obama expressed his continued strong support for science and technology in remarks at the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) on 29 April. His call for continued funding, for scientific integrity, and for an “all‐hands‐on‐deck” approach to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) followed remarks he made a week earlier at the White House Science Fair.
Odontometric determination of sex at Mound 72, Cahokia
Authors: Thompson Andrew R.
Published: May 2013

The mortuary context of Mound 72 at the Cahokia site is one of the most unusual ever described in prehistoric North America. Previous skeletal analyses suggested that four large mass graves within the mound contained only female skeletons. However, these findings were complicated by extremely poor bone preservation that limited the number of skeletal observations that could be made. Furthermore, most skeletons were aged in the 15–25 year range, a time when sexually dimorphic bony traits may still be developing. In this study, dental remains were used to examine sex in the four presumably all‐female mass graves in Mound 72. Additional sources of information, including the original field/laboratory notes and new sexing data based on modern standards, were gathered to fully evaluate the dental estimates. Initially, discriminant function analysis was performed on odontometrics using the original Mound 72 sex assignment. Inconsistent results indicated that some of the skeletons may have been misclassified in the original analyses. To overcome this issue, discriminant function equations were generated using a large pooled skeletal sample from two sites in close temporal and geographic proximity to Cahokia. Application of the equations to Mound 72 revealed that each of the four mass burial groups contained individuals classified as male. These assignments were checked against the skeletal remains and the original field/laboratory notes. Discussion centers on how the results affect previous archaeological interpretations as well as the methodological considerations associated with this study. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:408–419, 2013.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent progress in interfacial toughening and damage self‐healing of polymer composites based on electrospun and solution‐blown nanofibers: An overview
Authors: Wu Xiang‐Fa , Yarin Alexander L.
Published: May 2013

In this article, we provide an overview of recent progress in toughening and damage self‐healing of polymer–matrix composites (PMCs) reinforced with electrospun or solution‐blown nanofibers at interfaces with an emphasis on the innovative processing techniques and toughening and damage self‐healing characterization. Because of their in‐plane fiber architecture and layered structure, high‐performance laminated PMCs typically carry low interfacial strengths and interlaminar fracture toughnesses in contrast to their very high in‐plane mechanical properties. Delamination is commonly observed in these composite structures. Continuous polymer and polymer‐derived carbon nanofibers produced by electrospinning, solution blowing, and other recently developed techniques can be incorporated into the ultrathin resin‐rich interlayers (with thicknesses of a few to dozens of micrometers) of these high‐performance PMCs to form nanofiber‐reinforced interlayers with enhanced interlaminar fracture toughnesses. When incorporated with core–shell healing‐agent‐loaded nanofibers, these nanofiber‐richened interlayers can yield unique interfacial damage self‐healing. Recent experimental investigations in these topics are reviewed and compared, and recently developed techniques for the scalable, continuous fabrication of advanced nanofibers for interfacial toughening and damage self‐healing of PMCs are discussed. Developments in the near future in this field are foreseen. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2225–2237, 2013
The influence of solvent properties on the performance of polysulfone/β‐cyclodextrin polyurethane mixed‐matrix membranes
Authors: Adams Feyisayo V. , Nxumalo Edward N. , Krause Rui W. M. , Hoek Eric M. V. , Mamba Bhekie B.
Published: May 2013

This study investigates the effect of solvent properties on the structural morphology and permeation properties of polysulfone/β‐cyclodextrin polyurethane (PSf/β‐CDPU) mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs). The membranes were prepared by a modified phase‐inversion route using four different casting solvents [dimethyl formamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethyl acetamide (DMA), and N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP)]. While DMSO‐based membranes demonstrated particularly high permeability (ca 147 L/m2h.bar), their crystallinity was low compared to MMMs prepared using DMA, DMF and NMP due to the formation of thin active layers on their surfaces. Cross‐sectional morphology revealed that the MMMs have a dense top skin with finger‐like inner pore structures. Membranes prepared using NMP displayed the highest hydrophilicity, porosity, and crystallinity due to the low volatility of NMP; DMF membranes exhibited superior mechanical and thermal stability due to its (DMF) high hydrogen bonding (δH) values. Thus, the morphological parameters, bulk porosity, and flux performance of MMMs have a significant inter‐relationship with the solubility properties of each solvent (i.e., δH, density, volatility, solubility parameter). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2005–2014, 2013
Study on the poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate)‐based nanocomposites reinforced by surface modified nanocrystalline cellulose
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhu Changjiang , Shan Xueying , Xia Jing , Zhu Qing , Hu Yuan
Published: May 2013

As a kind of reinforcing agent, the application of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) is widely limited in hydrophobic polymers owing to its rich hydroxyl surface. In this study, NCC was modified with lauric acid/p‐toluensulfonyl chloride mixture, then the modified nanocrystalline cellulose (mNCC) was incorporated into biopolyester poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P(3,4)HB) by solution casting to prepare P(3,4)HB/mNCC nanocomposites. The prepared mNCC and P(3,4)HB/mNCC nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform‐infrared, X‐ray diffraction, contact angle test, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetric, polarized optical microscope, dynamic mechanical analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that the crystallinity and mechanical properties of P(3,4)HB are greatly improved due to the fact that NCC can be modified successfully and the mNCC can distribute uniformly in nanoscale in the matrix with good compatibility along the interface. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2015–2022, 2013
Synthesis and properties of hybrid urethane polymers containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane crosslinker
Authors: Prządka Dawid , Jęczalik Jerzy , Andrzejewska Ewa , Dutkiewicz Michał
Published: May 2013

The synthesis and properties of novel hybrid silsesquioxane‐containing urethane polymers using octakis(hydroxypropyldimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane (OHPOSS) as a crosslinker and a hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene were studied. Mixing of the OHPOSS with polyurethane prepolymer and chain extenders in solution was found to be successful when tetrahydrofuran was used as the solvent. Thin films of hybrid polyurethanes were obtained. The hybrid materials were elastomers with improved water and solvent resistivity and good thermal stability. The studied OHPOSS appeared to be an effective crosslinker of polyurethanes suitable for, for example, surface coatings applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2023–2030, 2013
Synergistic effect of aluminum hydroxide and nanoclay on flame retardancy and mechanical properties of EPDM composites
Authors: Yen Ynh‐Yue , Wang Hsin‐Ta , Guo Wen‐Jen
Published: May 2013

The composites based on ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber (EPDM) with aluminum hydroxide (ATH), nanoclay, vulcanizing agent, and curing accelerator were prepared by conventional mill compounding method. The thermal stability and the flame retardant properties were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 test, cone calorimeter, and smoke density chamber tests. The results indicated that the substitution of the nanoclay in the EPDM/ATH composites increased the 50% weight loss temperature and the LOI value, and reduced the peak heat release rate (pk‐HRR), the extinction coefficient (Ext Coef), the maximal smoke density (Dm), and the whole smoke at the first 4 min (VOF4) of the test specimens. The synergistic flame retardancy of the nanoclay with ATH in EPDM matrix could imply that the formation of a reinforced char/nanoclay layer during combustion prevents the diffusion of the oxygen and the decomposed organic volatiles in the flame. The mechanical properties of the composites have been increased by replacing more of the nanoclays into the EPDM/ATH blends. The best loading of the nanoclay in EPDM/ATH composites is 3 wt %, which keeps LOI in the enough value, the V‐0 rating in the UL‐94 test, and the improved mechanical properties with better dispersion and exfoliation of the nanoclays shown by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2042–2048, 2013
Polymeric humidity sensors with nonlinear response: Properties and mechanism investigation
Authors: Fei Teng , Zhao Hongran , Jiang Kai , Zhou Xing , Zhang Tong
Published: May 2013

A class of humidity sensors with switching property based on several hydrophilic polymers [poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) (PVP), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC)] were researched. These polymers were selected as the sensing materials because the polar groups in the molecules (amide, hydroxyl, and ether bond) could interact with water molecules. The sensors all show nonlinear response to relative humidity (RH) under AC voltage. The impedances of the sensors remain almost unchanged at low RH and decrease sharply at certain humidity (about 75, 65, and 55% RH for PVP, PVA, and HEC sensors, respectively). The switching points and sensitivities of the sensors could be adjusted by changing the operating frequency, polymer blending, or doping with hydrophilic materials. The complex impedances of the sensors demonstrate that the electronic contribution is dominant at low RH, and the ions make a significant contribution for increasing RH levels. The different sensing properties of the polymers are attributed to their different hydrophilic properties and ionic contributions at high RH. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2056–2061, 2013
Critical parameters to determine mean bubble size of generated foams from a foam generator
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Uk , Park Byung Hyun , Lee Myong‐Hwa
Published: May 2013

The filtration performance of filter media fabricated by foam coating technology is highly dependent upon their pore sizes. Therefore, we investigated the effect of the mixing ratio of combined coating components (PTFE emulsion, a foam stabilizer, a foaming agent, and a thickener) and operating parameters (feed rate of coating solution, air flow rate, mixing speed, and cooling temperature) on the bubble size distribution of generated foams in a foam generator. The mean bubble size and bubble size distributions were observed through microscopic observations with an optical microscope. We found that viscosity was the most critical parameter in preparing a coating solution, and the entire series of operating parameters as mentioned above influenced the bubble size in a foamed solution. The bubble size decreased with an increasing ratio of thickening agent up to 1.8%, mixing speed, and with decreasing solution feed rate, and cooling temperature. Furthermore, we had a minimum bubble size for the condition of air flow rate at 200 mL/min. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2062–2067, 2013
Physical, mechanical, and transdermal diltiazem release analysis of nanosilica tailored various poly(vinyl alcohol) membranes
Authors: Bhunia Tridib , Giri Arindam , Nasim Tanbir , Chattopadhyay Dipankar , Bandyopadhyay Abhijit
Published: May 2013

Hybrid membranes based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) of widely different molecular weights and ex situ nanosilica were synthesized and characterized as transdermal delivery device for Diltiazem hydrochloride. Investigations showed that change in PVA molecular weight strongly influenced physico‐mechanicals of the hybrids especially at low nanosilica content than at higher levels. As for example at 1 wt %, low molecular weight PVA induced finer dispersion of silica nanoparticles resulting into higher dry state crystallinity and mechanical strength but slightly lower biocompatibility as compared to high molecular weight PVA. Those variations in physico‐mechanicals finally affected Diltiazem retention and its elution from those membranes under physiological conditions. Low molecular weight PVA produced highest drug retention as well as slowest yet steady release than both high molecular weight PVA and neat PVA membranes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2076–2086, 2013
Adaptive Lipschitz Observer Design for a Mammalian Model
Authors: Ton That Long , Ding Zhengtao
Published: May 2013

This paper deals with observer designs for a proposed mathematical model of circadian rhythms which exist in almost every living organism. A 7th order model for mammalian circadian rhythms which captures the main dynamic features is considered in this paper. A recent result of one‐sided Lipschitz observer design in the literature is applied to this mammalian model to show a possibility of reducing measurements for circadian models in system biology. The mammalian model presented may contain an uncertainty parameter. An adaptive design of the Lipschitz observer is then applied to deal with this case. Besides detailed designs of both observers, detailed analysis is also performed for nonlinear functions in the mammalian model to show that the Lipschitz observers can indeed be applied. Several simulation studies of the proposed observers are carried out with the results shown in this paper.
Reconfigurable Synchronization Control of Networked Euler‐Lagrange Systems with Switching Communication Topologies
Authors: Mehrabian A. R. , Khorasani K. , Tafazoli S.
Published: May 2013

In this paper, a methodology is proposed for the design of reconfigurable control of networked heterogeneous Euler‐Lagrange systems subject to actuator faults. It is assumed that the underlying communication network topology is switching. We consider two types of actuator faults, namely: (i) additive, and (ii) loss of effectiveness. By modifying the originally designed “nominal” control algorithm developed for state synchronization of the healthy system, two reconfigurable control algorithms are developed for ensuring state synchronization in the presence of faults. Extensions of these results to velocity synchronization of networked Euler‐Lagrange systems subject to two actuator faults are also provided. It is shown that state and velocity synchronization can be achieved for switchings among a family of connected communication topologies as well as for switchings among nominal controllers to reconfigured controllers and vice versa. Simulation results for a network of surface marine vehicles demonstrate the effectiveness and capabilities of our proposed reconfigurable control algorithms.
Development and validation of a LC‐MS/MS method for the in vitro analysis of 1‐hydroxymidazolam in human liver microsomes: application for determining CYP3A4 inhibition in complex matrix mixtures
Authors: Mooiman K. D. , Maas‐Bakker R. F. , Rosing H. , Beijnen J. H. , Schellens J. H. M. , Meijerman I.
Published: May 2013

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) can affect the pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs by interacting with the metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4. To evaluate changes in the activity of CYP3A4 in patients, levels of 1‐hydroxymidazolam in plasma are often determined with liquid chromatography–quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). However, validated LC‐MS/MS methods to determine in vitro CYP3A4 inhibition in human liver microsomes are scarce and not optimized for evaluating CYP3A4 inhibition by CAM. The latter is necessary because CAM are often complex mixtures of numerous compounds that can interfere with the selective measurement of 1‐hydroxymidazolam. Therefore, the aim was to validate and optimize an LC‐MS/MS method for the adequate determination of CYP3A4 inhibition by CAM in human liver microsomes. After incubation of human liver microsomes with midazolam, liquid–liquid extraction with tert‐butyl methyl ether was applied and dried samples were reconstituted in 50% methanol. These samples were injected onto a reversed‐phase chromatography consisting of a Zorbax Extend‐C18 column (2.1 × 150 mm, 5.0 µm particle size), connected to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization. The described LC‐MS/MS method was validated over linear range of 1.0–500 nm for 1‐hydroxymidazolam. The results revealed good inter‐assay accuracy (≥85% and ≤115%) and within‐day and between‐day precisions (coefficient of variation ≤ 4.43%). Furthermore, the applicability of this assay for the determination of CYP3A4 inhibition in complex matrix mixtures was successfully demonstrated in an in vitro experiment in which CYP3A4 inhibition by known CAM (β‐carotene, green tea, milk thistle and St. John's wort) was determined. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatiotemporal coupling with the 3D+t motion Laplacian
Authors: Le Naour T. , Courty N. , Gibet S.
Published: May 2013

Motion editing requires the preservation of spatial and temporal information of the motion. During editing, this information should be preserved at best. We propose a new representation of the motion based on the Laplacian expression of a 3D+t graph: the set of connected graphs given by the skeleton over time. Through this Laplacian representation of the motion, we propose an application that allows an easy and interactive editing, correction, or retargeting of a motion. The new created motion is the result of the combination of two minimizations, linear and non‐linear: the first penalizes the difference of energy between the Laplacian coordinates from an animation to the desired one. The other one preserves the length of segments. Using several examples, we demonstrate the benefits of our method and in particularly the preservation of the spatiotemporal properties of the motion in an interactive context. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactive scenario generation for mission‐based virtual training
Authors: Luo Linbo , Yin Haiyan , Cai Wentong , Lees Michael , Zhou Suiping
Published: May 2013

For a virtual training system, how to effectively and quickly generate training scenarios has become a challenging issue. A scenario generation system is needed to produce scenarios that can meet different objectives and at the same time be customized for individuals. In this paper, we introduce a scenario generation framework for mission‐based virtual training, which aims to generate scenarios from both trainer and trainee's perspective. The framework allows a trainer to direct the scenario generation process, so that the generated scenarios reflect the trainer's preferences over different mission objectives. It also considers how the scenarios could adapt to different trainees’ skill levels. The representation of scenario beat is proposed, and the scenario generation process adopts a combinatorial optimization approach generating the sequence of scenario beats. The efficacy of the proposed framework is demonstrated through an empirical study of human players in a simple food distribution mission game. The results show that a trainee can achieve better performance improvement when playing the customized scenarios tailored to the trainee's skill level as compared with the uncustomized scenarios. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of severe aortic regurgitation in a patient with cardiogenic shock using a percutaneous left ventricular assist device and transcatheter occlusion of the failed aortic valve homograft as a bridge to surgical valve replacement
Authors: Pollak Peter , Lim D. Scott , Kern John
Published: May 2013

Acute hemodynamic compromise due to severe aortic regurgitation remains a difficult problem. The optimal management strategy and timing of surgery continues to evolve as new technologies become available. Here, we report the case of a young woman presenting with severe regurgitation of an aortic homograft who developed precipitous cardiogenic shock and multi‐organ dysfunction. Her mortality risk with emergent surgery was prohibitive, and no percutaneous valve‐in‐valve device was available. We stabilized her condition by placing an Amplatz‐type Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) occluder across her aortic valve in conjunction with a percutaneous left ventricular assist device as a bridge to surgical valve replacement. She went on to a successful surgery and recovered well. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selectively Fluorescent Sensing Behavior of Phenylaza‐15‐crown‐5‐triazolyl Coumarin for Hg2+ and Fe3+ in Alcohol and Aqueous Media Respectively
Authors: Zhang Zhijun , Wang Hui , Zhang Hengyi , Liu Yu
Published: May 2013

A π‐conjugated phenylaza‐15‐crown‐5‐triazol‐substituted coumarin fluoroionophore 1 was synthesized by copper(I)‐catalyzed Huisgen alkyne‐azide 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC "click" reaction). 1 can display selective fluorescence enhancement toward Fe3+ over Hg2+, Cr3+ and the other metal ions in aqueous solution. In sharp contrast, the fluorescence behavior between Fe3+ and Hg2+ is completely reversed in EtOH. That is, Hg2+ gives the largest fluorescence enhancement over Cr3+, Fe3+ and the other metal ions.
New Crystalline Forms of Mebendazole with n‐Alkyl Carboxylic Acids: Neutral and Ionic Status
Authors: Chen Jiamei , Lu Tongbu
Published: May 2013

Structural information on the crystalline forms of mebendazole, an anti‐parasitic drug, is limited, although three polymorphic forms of this drug have been reported. The present work investigates the structures and properties of different crystalline forms of mebendazole with a series of n‐alkyl carboxylic acids, including trifluroacetic acid (1), formic acid (2), acetic acid (3), propanoic acid (4), butanoic acid (5), valeric acid (6) and hexanoic acid (7). These compounds were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, IR spectra, as well as powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The R22(8) structural motif was detected in all the seven products, which was formed by a pair of NH···O/OH···N hydrogen bonds between mebendazole and carboxylic acid. Forms 3–7 were found to be neutral solvate, while in forms 1 and 2, proton transfer was observed from carboxylic acid to mebendazole.
Twisted Helical Microfibers by Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of an Aromatic Oligoamide Foldamer
Authors: Gan Quan , Wang Ying , Jiang Hua
Published: May 2013

A series of aromatic oligoamide foldamers based on 8‐fluoro amino‐quinoline carboxyl acid have been synthesized and characterized. Studies show that these foldamers self‐assemble to form well‐defined twisted helical microfibers in chloroform‐methanol (1:1, V/V) binary solvent due to the intermolecular π‐π stacking and van der Waals forces of aliphatic chains, which are supported by SEM, TEM and XRD. It is also revealed that the assembly morphologies show strong dependence on the length of alkyl chains.
Conjugated Porous Networks Based on Cyclotriveratrylene Building Block for Hydrogen Adsorption
Authors: Han Xiaona , Li Lei , Huang Zhitang , Liu Junmin , Zheng Qiyu
Published: May 2013

Macrocyclic CTV‐Br3 reacted with the linear benzene‐1,4‐diboronic acid and 1,4‐diethynylbenzene via Suzuki and Sonogashira‐Hagihara coupling reactions producing the rigid porous materials CTV‐CMP‐1 and CTV‐CMP‐2. The porous materials have good thermal and chemical stability. The Brunauer‐Emmet‐Teller specific surface areas of CTV‐CMP‐1 and CTV‐CMP‐2 are 314 and 218 cm2·g−1, respectively. Physical properties of the porous materials were investigated, CTV‐CMP‐1 showed moderate hydrogen adsorption about 0.81 wt% at 1.13 bar while CTV‐CMP‐2 showed lower hydrogen adsorption about 0.51 wt%. These materials are analogs to activated carbons which could be potentially used in gas separation and organic compound adsorption.
Endosalpingiosis in peritoneal washings in women with benign gynecologic conditions
Authors: Sneige Nour , Dawlett Marilyn A. , Kologinczak Teresa L. , Guo Ming
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

To better define the cytomorphologic spectrum of endosalpingiosis in peritoneal washings (PWs) and thereby facilitate their distinction from well differentiated serous carcinoma, the authors examined PWs from women who underwent surgery and pathologic staging of lesions other than Mullerian malignancies and correlated the findings with surgical specimens.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of medical records and PW specimens from 100 consecutive patients who had PWs coded as both “endosalpingiosis” and “negative for carcinoma” between 2002 and 2012. Thirty‐eight of these patients had no gynecologic malignancies. Specimens had been prepared using cytocentrifugation and were stained using the Papanicolaou method. The cytologic findings evaluated were cell arrangement, number of cell groups per case, cellular atypia, and psammoma bodies. Smears also were assessed for paired box‐8 (PAX8) immunostaining. The authors compared patients' staging biopsy findings with the findings from a review of the PWs.

RESULTS

PW specimens from 35 of 38 patients (92%) exhibited classic endosalpingiosis features: tubular or small branching papillary structures, some with psammoma bodies. Specimens from the 3 remaining patients displayed nonclassic features consistent with dislodged fallopian tube epithelium or endometriosis. From 2 to 20 clusters per slide and from 4 to 50 groups per case were identified. In a few cases, some cell clusters exhibited up to moderate cytologic atypia. Surgical findings included endometriosis, endosalpingiosis, both endometriosis and endosalpingiosis (12 patients; 31.6%), and a variety of unrelated pelvic lesions. All cases were PAX8‐positive, confirming their Mullerian origin.

CONCLUSIONS

Endosalpingiosis in PWs can be diagnostically challenging. Awareness of intraoperative techniques and correlation with surgical biopsy findings are necessary to avoid a misdiagnosis of malignancy. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:582–590. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Pharmacokinetics of Teneligliptin in Subjects With Renal Impairment
Authors: Halabi Atef , Maatouk Haidar , Siegler Karl Ernst , Faisst Nadja , Lufft Volkmar , Klause Norbert
Published: May 2013

The pharmacokinetics of teneligliptin was compared in renally impaired and healthy subjects. Subjects were assigned to one of four groups of eight subjects, according to the stage of disease [mild, moderate, severe or end stage renal disease (ESRD)], while matched healthy subjects were allocated to one of two reference groups. Mild, moderate and severe renal impairment had no effect on maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) following a single oral dose of 20 mg teneligliptin, as defined in the FDA guideline. AUC0–∞ was increased in all groups relative to the reference group but this was unrelated to the degree of renal impairment. Mean plasma protein binding was <80% in all groups. Overall, teneligliptin was well tolerated by subjects with renal impairment or ESRD. Dialysis is not expected to affect the efficacy or safety of teneligliptin. These results indicate that dose adjustment may not be needed when teneligliptin is administered to subjects with mild, moderate or severe renal impairment or ESRD.
Evaluation of the Pharmacokinetic Interaction Between the β3‐Adrenoceptor Agonist Mirabegron and the Muscarinic Receptor Antagonist Solifenacin In Healthy Subjects
Authors: Krauwinkel Walter J. J. , Kerbusch Virginie M. M. , Meijer John , Tretter Reiner , Strabach Gregory , Van Gelderen E. Marcel
Published: May 2013

Mirabegron, a selective β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, is approved for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). Solifenacin is a muscarinic receptor antagonist widely used in the treatment of OAB. This open‐label, 1‐sequence, 2‐arm study investigated whether any pharmacokinetic interaction exists between mirabegron and solifenacin. In arm 1, 21 healthy men and women received 10 mg solifenacin succinate alone and in combination with mirabegron 100 mg qd. In arm 2, 20 healthy men and women received 100 mg mirabegron alone and in combination with solifenacin succinate 10 mg qd. Plasma samples were collected and tolerability was assessed. Following coadministration of mirabegron and solifenacin in arm 1, solifenacin geometric mean ratios (90% confidence interval [CI]) for Cmax and AUCinf were 1.23 (1.15, 1.31) and 1.26 (1.17, 1.35), respectively, compared with solifenacin alone, with a 1.07‐fold increase in mean t1/2. In arm 2, mirabegron ratios (90% CI) for Cmax and AUCinf were 0.99 (0.78, 1.26) and 1.15 (1.01, 1.30), respectively, for the combination relative to mirabegron alone, with an increase in mean tmax of approximately 1 hour. Mirabegron or solifenacin alone or in combination was generally well tolerated.
Chitosan‐Cross‐linked Osmium Polymer Composites as an Efficient Platform for Electrochemical Biosensors
Authors: Jirimali Harishchandra Digambar , Nagarale Rajaram Krishna , Lee Jong Myung , Saravanakumar Durai , Shin Woonsup
Published: May 2013

A new family of chitosan‐cross‐linked osmium polymer composites was prepared and its electrochemical properties were examined. The composites were prepared by quaternization of the poly(4‐vinylpyridine) osmium bipyridyl polymer (PVP‐Os) which was then cross‐linked with chitosan, yielding PVP‐Os/chitosan. Films made of the composites showed improved mass and electron transport owing to the porous and hydrophilic structure which is derived from the cross‐links between the Os polymer and chitosan. The rate for glucose oxidation was enhanced four times when glucose oxidase (GOx) was immobilized on PVP‐Os/chitosan compared immobilization on PVP‐Os.
Influence of Polarization Phenomena on Radial Distribution Function of Dust Particles
Authors: Erimbetova L. T. , Davletov A. E. , Kudyshev Zh. A. , Mukhametkarimov Ye. S.
Published: May 2013

A pseudopotential model of intergrain interaction in dusty plasmas is proposed to take into account both the electrostatic polarization and the screening phenomena. The derivation is entirely based on the renormalization theory of plasma particles interaction developed previously. Dust particles are assumed to be conductive such that the polarization phenomenon can strictly be treated in the charge‐image approximation. Such an assumption imposes no restraint on generality of the present consideration because the polarization effects are essential for accurate description of intergrain interaction potential. The pseudopotential model is then used in the hypernetted chain approximation (HNC) for the dust component to obtain the radial distribution function which reveals the non‐monotonic behavior at sufficiently large values of the dust coupling parameter. This can be viewed upon as a short‐ or even long‐range order formation in the dust component of the plasma. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Thermodynamic Properties and Electrical Conductivity of Water Plasma
Authors: Chung K. J. , Hwang Y. S.
Published: May 2013

Composition, thermodynamic properties, and electrical conductivity of water plasma are calculated under the assumption of thermodynamic equilibrium. The plasma composition is calculated by stoichiometric approach in which chemical reactions and multiple ionizations are formulated by following mass action law and Saha's equation, respectively. Correction for weakly non‐ideal behavior at high density regime is conducted using the Debye‐Hückel theory. Based on the calculated composition, the electrical conductivities of water plasma, which is the most important parameter for various applications of pulsed spark discharges in water, are calculated at various mass densities and temperatures with the consideration of both electron‐neutral and electron‐ion collisions. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron Screening Effect on Stellar Thermonuclear Fusion
Authors: Potekhin A. Y. , Chabrier G.
Published: May 2013

We study the impact of plasma correlation effects on nonresonant thermonuclear reactions for various stellar objects, namely in the liquid envelopes of neutron stars, and the interiors of white dwarfs, low‐mass stars, and substellar objects. We examine in particular the effect of electron screening on the enhancement of thermonuclear reactions in dense plasmas within and beyond the linear mixing rule approximation as well as the corrections due to quantum effects at high density. In addition, we examine some recent unconventional theoretical results on stellar thermonuclear fusions and show that these scenarios do not apply to stellar conditions. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spatially Resolved Electronic Correlations in Nanoclusters
Authors: Winkel M. , Gibbon P.
Published: May 2013

Recent experimental developments in the creation and diagnostic probing of metallic nanoclusters has made it possible to explore their interaction with electromagnetic radiation, thus revealing information on their electronic properties. Free electrons inside such clusters occupy a very small volume so their characteristics may exhibit significant differences to bulk matter in a similar thermodynamic state. Using high‐resolution molecular dynamics simulation, we study electronic correlations of laser‐excited, sodium‐like nanoclusters. To cover a broad range from nano‐ to microscale, the momentum autocorrelation function is evaluated for systems ranging from 150 to more than half a million electrons. The Coulomb force computation is accelerated by utilizing the parallel Barnes‐Hut tree code PEPC. Complex electronic resonances are found for finite‐sized clusters which do not appear in bulk systems. Analysis of these oscillation modes with a new diagnostic technique show that these are located in different spatial regions within the clusters. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical Properties of Kelbg‐Pseudopotential‐Modelled Plasmas
Authors: Arkhipov Yu. V. , Ashikbayeva A. B. , Askaruly A. , Davletov A. E. , Tkachenko I. M.
Published: May 2013

Simulation data on hydrogen‐like plasmas, modelled with the Kelbg pseudopotential, are treated within the classical theory of moments. The possibility is analyzed for the model inverse dielectric function to satisfy five convergent sum rules and other exact relations. The sum rules are the power frequency moments of the loss function and the latter are calculated using the hypernetted chain approximation with the Kelbg interaction potential. An approach to the reconstruction of the Nevanlinna parameter function is proposed and successfully tested against the simulation data. Conclusions on the applicability of the Kelbg potential are drawn and a model is put forward to define the Coulomb dielectric function with the space dispersion taken into account. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparative Study on Ion‐Dynamics for Broadening of Lyman Lines in Dense Hydrogen Plasmas
Authors: Lorenzen S.
Published: May 2013

Broadening of spectral lines by a plasma surrounding can be used for plasma diagnostics. Full hydrogen Lyman line profiles are calculated with a quantum‐statistical approach. The effects of plasma electrons and ions on the emitter states are considered separately. The influence of electrons is considered in a dynamically screened Born approximation (collision approximation). For the ions, we apply the quasi‐static approximation and two different approaches to account for ion‐dynamics, namely, the model microfield method (MMM) and the frequency fluctuation model (FFM). We compare resulting widths of Lyman lines in the temperature range T = 104 to 107 K and the free electron density range ne = 1023 to 1026 m–3. For Lα, the error made by neglecting ion‐dynamics increases with increasing temperature and decreasing density, and is at least –15%. Due to the double peaked structure of Lβ the situation is less systematic. However, a large region exists, where ion‐dynamics does not affect the line shape of Lβ. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Diagnostics of Dusty Plasma in RF Discharge by Two Different Methods
Authors: Orazbayev S.A. , Muratov M.M. , Ramazanov T.S. , Dosbolayev M.K. , Silamiya M. , Jumagulov M. N. , Boufendi L.
Published: May 2013

This work consists of two parts. First part describes the results of optical spectral diagnostics of dusty plasma of carbonaceous gas mixtures in radio frequency discharge. The change in the emission spectrum of the plasma of mixture of argon and methane with introducing of the dust particles was observed. It was explained by the change in the electron temperature. The same effect was observed in other gases: argon, argon‐hydrogen mixture. The second part is about diagnostics of buffer plasma parameters on the basis of dust structure characteristics obtained in the experiments. The possibility of diagnostics of buffer plasma on the basis of experimental data of microscopic characteristics was shown. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron Transport Mediated by Nonlinear Excitations in Atomic Layers
Authors: Chetverikov A. P. , Ebeling W. , Röpke G. , Velarde M. G.
Published: May 2013

We study the quantum dynamics in tight‐binding approximation (TBA) of an electron interacting with a classical nonlinear lattice of atoms. By computer simulations we show the existence of fast and nearly loss‐free motions of electrons along crystallographic axes of a two‐dimensional dynamic triangular lattice. Moving bound states between electrons and lattice solitons are formed. These so‐called solectrons allow to transfer charge which initially is localized at certain site to a different place along the same crystallographic axis, with negligible spreading of probability density. The relation to experimental findings about controlling electrons by surface acoustic waves (SAW) in piezoelectric materials is pointed out. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterizing the Structure of Giant Planets
Authors: Fortney J. J.
Published: May 2013

Advances in understanding the structure of giant planets are happening quickly on multiple fronts. New first‐principles equations of state calculations and cutting edge experiments for hydrogen, helium, water, and other planetary materials, are dramatically changing our view of the interior structure and thermal evolution of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The field of transiting exoplanets has led to the addition of over 200 giant planets that can be studied is some detail, as their masses, radii, and bulk densities can be measured. This opens up the possibility of comparing and contrasting our own giant planets to these exoplanets, to better understand giant plants as a class of astrophysical object. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Size Dependence of Minimum Charge of Excited Nano‐Plasmas
Authors: Reinholz H. , Broda I.A.M. , Raitza T. , Röpke G.
Published: May 2013

The charge of ionized metal clusters is investigated at high temperatures. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations are applied to describe the particle motion. While the electrons are treated as separate particles, the interaction with the ion cores is described as an external jellium potential. The final cluster charge is determined by classifying the particles into free and bound electrons. A relation between the cluster charge and cluster sizes as well as temperatures is derived from MD simulations and simple kinetic model calculations. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modeling of Precursors for Atomic Layer Deposition of Magnesium and Calcium Oxide
Authors: Kazadojev Ivan , Otway David J. , Elliott Simon D.
Published: May 2013

We present a study of magnesium and calcium precursor molecules in order to predict which of them would be more successful in atomic layer deposition (ALD) of metal oxides. Precursor chemistry plays a key role in ALD, since precursors must be volatile, thermally stable, chemisorb on the surface, and react rapidly with existing surface groups. We investigate one aspect of this, surface reactivity between ligands and hydroxyl groups, via a gas‐phase model with energetics computed at the level of density functional theory (DFT). The precursors with higher reactivity towards hydrolysis (and thus most potentially useful for ALD) are M(bae), M(Ph‐nacnac)2, and M(tmtate), which is rationalized as due to strain, particularly in the cyclic ligands bae and tmtate. Calculated trends for Mg and Ca follow each other closely, reflecting the similar chemistry among group 2 metals.
Atomic Layer Deposition of LiF Thin Films from Lithd and TiF4 Precursors
Authors: Mäntymäki Miia , Hämäläinen Jani , Puukilainen Esa , Munnik Frans , Ritala Mikko , Leskelä Markku
Published: May 2013

Lithium fluoride (LiF) is an important optical material with a low refractive index and a large band gap. In this study, thin films of LiF are deposited using atomic layer deposition (ALD). Lithd and TiF4 are used as precursors, and they produce crystalline LiF in the temperature range 250–350 °C. The films are studied with UV‐Vis spectrometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA). Adhesion of the films is tested by a Scotch tape test. This ALD process results in LiF films with a growth rate of approximately 1 Å per cycle at 325 °C. According to ERDA measurements, the films are pure LiF with only small O, C, and H impurities.
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma ALD of Titanium Oxide
Authors: Theirich Detlef , Müller Roman , Zilberberg Kirill , Trost Sara , Behrendt Andreas , Riedl Thomas
Published: May 2013

Atmospheric‐pressure plasma atomic layer deposition (APP‐ALD) of TiOx at room temperature is reported for the first time. Layer properties of the APP‐ALD‐grown TiOx are compared to those reported for the low‐pressure plasma ALD of TiOx. The contribution of parasitic CVD to the process is discussed. The application of the resulting TiOx layers as electron‐extraction interlayers in inverted organic solar cells (OSCs) is demonstrated. The characteristics of OSCs based on APP‐ALD‐grown TiOx are similar to those of OSCs based on TiOx prepared by low‐pressure thermal ALD or sol‐gel processing. APP‐ALD is intended to harvest the beneficial properties of ALD layers in a high‐throughput atmospheric processing environment.
Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Nano‐laminates Fabricated by Ozone‐assisted Molecular‐atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Huang Jie , Lee Mingun , Lucero Antonio , Kim Jiyoung
Published: May 2013

In this study, we investigate 7‐octenytrichlorosilane (7‐OTS) multilayers and relevant organic‐inorganic hybrid nano‐laminates fabricated using ozone (O3) based molecular‐atomic layer deposition (MALD). Highly concentrated O3 gas introduced into the MALD chamber converts alkene (CC) terminal groups of 7‐OTS molecules into carboxylic (COOH) groups. Trimethyl‐aluminum (TMA) is applied to form a linker to construct multilayers of the OTS molecules. Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are embedded between the organic layers to form an organic‐inorganic hybrid nano‐laminate structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle measurement, ellipsometry, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used to elucidate the growth mechanism.