bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rechnergestützte Dosierung in der Antikoagulationstherapie mit Phenprocoumon
Authors: Cromme L. J. , Salzwedel A. , Taborski U. , Kunath J. , Gäbler F. , Heyne K. , Völler H. , Dissmann R.
Published: June 2014

A recently developed multiparameter computer- aided expert system (TheMa) for guiding anticoagulation with phenprocoumon (PPC) was validated by a prospective investigation in 22 patients. The PPC-INR-response curve resulting from physician guided dosage was compared to INR values calculated by “twin calculation” from TheMa recommended dosage. Additionally, TheMa was used to predict the optimal time to perform surgery or invasive procedures after interruption of anticogulation therapy. Results: Comparison of physician and TheMa guided anticoagulation showed almost identical accuracy by three quantitative measures: Polygon integration method (area around INR target) 616.17 vs. 607.86, INR hits in the target range 166 vs. 161, and TTR (time in therapeutic range) 63.91 vs. 62.40 %. After discontinuation of anticoagulation therapy, calculating the INR phase-out curve with TheMa INR prognosis of 1.8 was possible with a standard deviation of 0.50 ± 0.59 days. Conclusion: Guiding anticoagulation with TheMa was as accurate as Physician guided therapy. After interruption of anticoagulant therapy, TheMa may be used for calculating the optimal time performing operations or initiating bridging therapy.
Concentration of Banking Sector and Loan Markups in Short Term: An Example from Poland
Authors: Drachal Krysztof
Published: June 2014

The aim of this paper is to present an analysis of the relationship between concentration of the banking sector and banks' markups on offered loans. The markup is understood as the difference between the rate offered by banks and the reference rate fixed by the Monetary Policy Council. The period between 2009 and 2013 was analyzed. Monthly data from the Polish banking sector were considered. This paper also consists of the literature review, which focuses on the mortgage market. The methodology used for the analysis is based mainly on simple linear regression techniques. It is found that such methods are not sufficient to give conclusive answers. Therefore additional future research is proposed.
Commodity Indices – The End of an Era?
Authors: Büscher Alex , Frère Eric , Hellwig Gerrit , Reuse Svend
Published: June 2014

Commodities are very important for the welfare of whole nations and so an increased demand, even on the financial markets, can be seen in the 20th century. For this reason commodities were no longer only product factors. They became more and more a speculative character for investors, especially in times of crisis as a possible safe haven (Mildner / Rudloff / Westphal, 2012, p. 57). Because of their development over two decades, during which time the invested volume grew up to an amount of 320 Billion US-Dollar at the beginning of 2011 (Knoepfel, 2011, p. 2) and the return of investing in commodities had beaten traditional investments, it might be very interesting to invest in commodity indices, if they can diversify an investor´s portfolio while improving the return. For the valuation and comparison of traditional and commodity indices, this article uses the classical approach of the volatility and the Value at Risk (VaR) for risk measurement and logarithmic returns for the performances. The analysis is indexed on July 1998 to get comparable results and aims to test if commodities can diversify a portfolio any longer.
Longitudinal Follow-up of a Cohort of Patients with Incidental Abnormal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings at Presentation and Their Risk of Developing Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Nakamura Mio , Morris Mark , Cerghet Mirela , Schultz Lonni , Elias Stanton
Published: June 2014

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in clinical practice, and “abnormal brain MRI” findings often prompt assessment for multiple sclerosis (MS), even when there are no symptoms suggestive of the disease. Despite several studies involving individuals with “radiologically isolated syndrome” (RIS), little is known about what factors might predict future development of MS. The objective of this study was to longitudinally evaluate clinical and MRI characteristics of people who presented to an MS clinic because of incidental abnormal MRI findings but did not have typical symptoms of MS, in order to assess risk factors for developing MS.

Methods: Thirty consecutive patients presenting to an MS clinic for evaluation of abnormal MRI findings were enrolled in the study. Clinical and paraclinical data, including MRI results, were reviewed. Magnetic resonance imaging findings of T2 hyperintensities measuring more than 3 mm in diameter and fulfilling at least three out of four Barkhof criteria, with or without gadolinium-enhancing lesions, were considered to be suggestive of MS.

Results: The median follow-up time was 5.5 years. No participants without MRI findings suggestive of MS were diagnosed with MS (P = .005). Fifteen participants had MRI findings suggestive of MS. Seven of the 15 (47%) were diagnosed with MS on follow-up. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing results were available for 15 participants. Abnormal results were found in six participants, of whom five (83%) also had MRI findings suggestive of MS. Only two of the nine (22%) participants with normal CSF results (P = .04) had MRI findings suggestive of MS.

Conclusions: In our cohort, none of the participants without MRI findings suggestive of MS developed MS. The participants with MRI findings suggestive of MS were more likely to develop symptoms and MRI changes typical of MS on follow-up.
Analyzing the 2010–2011 La Niña signature in the tropical Pacific sea surface salinity using in situ data, SMOS observations, and a numerical simulation
Authors: Hasson Audrey , Delcroix Thierry , Boutin Jacqueline , Dussin Raphael , Ballabrera‐Poy Joaquim
Published: June 2014

The tropical Pacific Ocean remained in a La Niña phase from mid‐2010 to mid‐2012. In this study, the 2010–2011 near‐surface salinity signature of ENSO (El Niño‐Southern Oscillation) is described and analyzed using a combination of numerical model output, in situ data, and SMOS satellite salinity products. Comparisons of all salinity products show a good agreement between them, with a RMS error of 0.2–0.3 between the thermosalinograph (TSG) and SMOS data and between the TSG and model data. The last 6 months of 2010 are characterized by an unusually strong tripolar anomaly captured by the three salinity products in the western half of the tropical Pacific. A positive SSS anomaly sits north of 10°S (>0.5), a negative tilted anomaly lies between 10°S and 20°S and a positive one south of 20°S. In 2011, anomalies shift south and amplify up to 0.8, except for the one south of 20°S. Equatorial SSS changes are mainly the result of anomalous zonal advection, resulting in negative anomalies during El Niño (early 2010), and positive ones thereafter during La Niña. The mean seasonal and interannual poleward drift exports those anomalies toward the south in the southern hemisphere, resulting in the aforementioned tripolar anomaly. The vertical salinity flux at the bottom of the mixed layer tends to resist the surface salinity changes. The observed basin‐scale La Niña SSS signal is then compared with the historical 1998–1999 La Niña event using both observations and modeling.
Toward a Drought Cyberinfrastructure System
Authors: Momtaz Farshad , Nakhjiri Navid , AghaKouchak Amir
Published: June 2014

Drought chokes ecosystems, strangles economies, and threatens human health [Wilhite, 2005]. In the United States, drought has recently forced states, including economic powerhouses like California and Texas, to declare a state of emergency. Complications such as an increase in fires, rising food prices, and water scarcity further compound the effects of drought [Pozzi et al., 2013; Hao et al., 2014].
A new health check of the ozone layer at global and regional scales
Authors: Coldewey‐Egbers Melanie , Loyola R. Diego G. , Braesicke Peter , Dameris Martin , van Roozendael Michel , Lerot Christophe , Zimmer Walter
Published: June 2014

In this study, we provide a new perspective on the current state of the ozone layer using a comprehensive long‐term total ozone data record which has been recently released within the framework of the European Space Agency's Climate Change Initiative. Based on a multivariate regression analysis, we disentangle various aspects of ozone change and variability on global and regional scales, thus enabling the monitoring of the effectiveness of the Montreal Protocol. Given dominant natural variability the expected midlatitude onset of ozone recovery is still not significant and would need additional 5 years of observations to be unequivocally detectable. A regional increase in the tropics is a likely manifestation of a long‐term change in El Niño–Southern Oscillation intensity over the last two decades induced by strong El Niño in 1997/1998 and strong La Niña in 2010/2011.
On the skill of numerical weather prediction models to forecast atmospheric rivers over the central United States
Authors: Nayak Munir A. , Villarini Gabriele , Lavers David A.
Published: June 2014

Flooding over the central United States is responsible for large socioeconomic losses. Atmospheric rivers (ARs), narrow regions of intense moisture transport within the warm conveyor belt of extratropical cyclones, can give rise to high rainfall amounts leading to flooding. Short‐term forecasting of AR activity can provide basic information toward improving preparedness for these events. This study focuses on the verification of the skill of five numerical weather prediction models in forecasting AR activity over the central United States. We find that these models generally forecast AR occurrences well at short lead times, with location errors increasing from one to three decimal degrees as the lead time increases to about 1 week. The skill (both in terms of occurrence and location errors) decreases with increasing lead time. Overall, these models are not skillful in forecasting AR activity over the central United States beyond a lead time of about 7 days.
Aquarius sea surface salinity in the South Indian Ocean: Revealing annual‐period planetary waves
Authors: Menezes Viviane V. , Vianna Marcio L. , Phillips Helen E.
Published: June 2014

A new milestone has been reached with the launch of two dedicated satellite missions to routinely measure the sea surface salinity (SSS) fields from space at global and regional scales. In the present work, a thorough analysis of the first 2 years of Aquarius SSS data in the South Indian Ocean is performed. This analysis is focused on three questions: How accurate is Aquarius SSS related to in situ data from the fresh Indonesian Throughflow and salty subtropical waters? Can Aquarius give a spatial context for the data measured by the RAMA mooring system? Are westward propagating annual‐period signals described in recent model simulations reproduced by Aquarius‐derived SSS? We find Aquarius observations to be highly correlated with those of Argo floats, with small disagreements occurring near oceanic fronts. Aquarius gives fresher SSS than in situ data in the tropical region due to rainfall effects, except in the eastern basin where the freshening seems to be related to sharp localized leakages of very fresh waters from the Indonesian seas that the Aquarius product is not able to properly resolve. Aquarius data are shown to reproduce quite well the annual cycle obtained from RAMA and Argo gridded data sets. The annual cycle in Aquarius is characterized by SSS propagating features with different characteristics west and east of the Ninety East Ridge. These features are strikingly different from sea surface height waves. Our results suggest that SSS annual propagation might be reflecting coupled ocean‐atmosphere dynamics and surface‐subsurface processes operating over the entire South Indian Ocean.
AsTeRICS, a flexible AT construction set
Authors: Ossmann Roland , Parker Stefan , Thaller David , Pecyna Karol , García‐Soler Alvaro , Morales Blanca , Weiß Christoph , Veigl Christoph , Kakousis Konstantinos
Published: June 2014

A vast number of people with disabilities are supported by assistive technologies (AT). Often, AT solutions do not directly fit the specific requirements of a user, making costly adaptations necessary. Assistive Technology Rapid Integration & Construction Set (AsTeRICS) aims to change this situation by employing rapid prototyping technologies in AT. A construction set of building blocks to create flexible prototypes for each individual user is provided. This set is configured by a visual modelling software application which allows to connect all building blocks as needed, tailoring the prototype to the user's abilities and needs. Building blocks include sensors (which in this context includes not only stand‐alone sensors such as simple switch inputs but also vision systems, brain computer interfaces, and many more), data processing elements (mathematical and flow control), and actuators (such as mouse/keyboard replacement, smart environments, and mobile phone access). As central part of AsTeRICS, a runtime environment has been developed, handling all signal processing and data exchange operations needed for the interaction of the building blocks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Effect of the Mode of Connection between the Node and the Ligaments in Anti‐Tetrachiral Systems
Authors: Gatt Ruben , Brincat Jean Pierre , Azzopardi Keith M. , Mizzi Luke , Grima Joseph N.
Published: June 2014

Chiral systems may exhibit auxetic behavior, i.e. they may have a negative Poisson's ratio. This particular property has led to their being studied extensively by several authors. A Finite Elements Study is presented here, investigating the mode of connection between the nodes and ligaments in the anti‐tetrachiral structure. The results show that the amount of gluing material used to attach the ligaments to the node will not affect the Poisson's ratio, but may have a large influence on the observed stiffness of the structure (Young's modulus). It is also shown that the stiffness of the glue will have a large effect on the mode of deformation of the chiral system. This change in mechanism was found to effect the stiffness of the structure but not its Poisson's ratios.
Loss of dopamine phenotype among midbrain neurons in Lesch–Nyhan disease
Authors: Göttle Martin , Prudente Cecilia N. , Fu Rong , Sutcliffe Diane , Pang Hong , Cooper Deborah , Veledar Emir , Glass Jonathan D. , Gearing Marla , Visser Jasper E. , Jinnah H. A.
Published: June 2014

Objective

Lesch–Nyhan disease (LND) is caused by congenital deficiency of the purine recycling enzyme, hypoxanthine‐guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGprt). Affected patients have a peculiar neurobehavioral syndrome linked with reductions of dopamine in the basal ganglia. The purpose of the current studies was to determine the anatomical basis for the reduced dopamine in human brain specimens collected at autopsy.

Methods

Histopathological studies were conducted using autopsy tissue from 5 LND cases and 6 controls. Specific findings were replicated in brain tissue from an HGprt‐deficient knockout mouse using immunoblots, and in a cell model of HGprt deficiency by flow‐activated cell sorting (FACS).

Results

Extensive histological studies of the LND brains revealed no signs suggestive of a degenerative process or other consistent abnormalities in any brain region. However, neurons of the substantia nigra from the LND cases showed reduced melanization and reduced immunoreactivity for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate‐limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis. In the HGprt‐deficient mouse model, immunohistochemical stains for TH revealed no obvious loss of midbrain dopamine neurons, but quantitative immunoblots revealed reduced TH expression in the striatum. Finally, 10 independent HGprt‐deficient mouse MN9D neuroblastoma lines showed no signs of impaired viability, but FACS revealed significantly reduced TH immunoreactivity compared to the control parent line.

Interpretation

These results reveal an unusual phenomenon in which the neurochemical phenotype of dopaminergic neurons is not linked with a degenerative process. They suggest an important relationship between purine recycling pathways and the neurochemical integrity of the dopaminergic phenotype. Ann Neurol 2014;76:95–107
Amplified responses in materials using linear polymers that depolymerize from end‐to‐end when exposed to specific stimuli
Authors: Phillips Scott T. , Robbins Jessica S. , DiLauro Anthony M. , Olah Michael G.
Published: June 2014

This review describes new types of smart materials that have the dual capabilities of responding to selective signals and providing an amplified response. Amplification arises from a signal‐induced depolymerization reaction, where a single signaling event causes an entire polymer to convert to small molecules. When incorporated into a material, depolymerization of these polymers causes a change in shape, internal structure, or surfaces properties of the material. Moreover, the small molecules arising from depolymerization can play a role in the amplified response, particularly when they provide a secondary function (e.g., production of color or fluorescence). A brief overview of the current examples of linear depolymerizable polymers is provided, as are representative proof‐of‐concept applications of these polymers in the context of diagnostics and materials that remodel themselves and/or their surroundings. Together, these examples highlight the potential of this new class of polymers to provide unique and dramatic function to stimuli‐responsive materials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40992.
Well‐dispersed copper nanorods grown on the surface‐functionalized PAN fibers and its antibacterial activity
Authors: Li Hongqiang , Li Chunping , Zhang Chenglin , Bai Jie , Xu Tong , Sun Weiyan
Published: June 2014

β‐Cyclodextrins/polyacrylonitrile/copper nanorods (β‐CDs/PAN/CuNRs) composite fibers were fabricated by two steps including the preparation for the β‐CDs/PAN composite fibers by electrospining, and the preparation of the β‐CDs/PAN/CuNRs composite fibers by adsorption and reduction. The β‐CDs/PAN/CuNRs composite fibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy respectively. The results indicated that the CuNRs were not only successfully synthesized on the surface of composite fibers but also the CuNRs were distributed without aggregation on the composite fibers. Furthermore, microorganism Escherichia coli had been used to check the antibacterial efficacy of the β‐CDs/PAN/CuNRs composite fibers. Subsequently, antibacterial tests have indicated that the composite fibers have good bactericidal effects. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41011.
New breathable films using a thermoplastic cross‐linked starch as a porogen
Authors: Shi Bo , Shlepr Mike , Wang James H. , Wideman Greg
Published: June 2014

Breathable films, which find in variety of product applications, are conventionally made using mineral porogens such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3). This article addresses a novel biodegradable and highly breathable film without inorganic porogens. Unexpectedly, a thermoplastic cross‐linked natural polymer (corn starch) was used successfully to create tortuous passages for film breathability. This concept was demonstrated using two types of thermoplastic cross‐linked corn starches as porogens and contrasted to control samples: native corn and chemically cross‐linked starches, respectively. The films discussed had increased breathability and mechanical properties relative to the control samples. The film morphology reveals that filler was irregular when thermoplastic starch or CaCO3 was used. The difference in filler from chemically modified cross‐linked starch and thermoplastic cross‐linked starch was observable as well. It is believed that spherical particles provided by thermoplastic cross‐linked starch helps film debonding and porosity during the film stretch processes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41016.
Design and in vitro evaluation of interpolymer complex bound metformin sustained release tablet
Authors: Haque Sk Ershadul , Sheela Angappan
Published: June 2014

Metformin hydrochloride shows high solubility and incomplete absorption in biological system. To control the release pattern of such a drug, interpolymer complexes (IPCs) have a greater advantage over the individual polymers. In view of that, hydrophilic chitosan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K4M) IPCs are developed at different ratios (1 : 1, 1 : 2, 1 : 3, and 1 : 4) and characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction studies. Different formulations (F1–F10) are developed using individual polymers and IPCs of hydrophilic polymers. Addition of hydrophobic shellac and beeswax to IPCs extends the release rate of metformin. The physical properties and drug content values of the tablets were determined and found to be within the standard limits. Based on the results of dissolution study, it is found that formulation F10 containing 1 : 4 IPC and beeswax has shown good sustained release for a period of more than 10 h. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41018.
Soul of an Agency: Psychodynamic Principles in Action in the World of Community Mental Health
Authors: Sacco Frank C. , Campbell Elaine , Ledoux Mary
Published: June 2014

Community mental health has undergone a number of evolutions since Lyndon Johnson declared a War on Poverty and gave birth to the community mental health movement. This paper describes a philosophy of treatment involving long‐term psychotherapy to resistant and multiple problem families in disadvantaged communities. The agency's primary philosophy is described as a psychoanalytic frame that guides treatment from a secure attachment site (clinic) in the community. The interventions use home and community based therapists with supports from psychiatry, psychology, and therapeutic mentoring. The focus of all treatment is for high‐risk families to remain in the community and not burden corrections, courts, child welfare, or juvenile justice systems. Therapy forms the connection that can help families navigate schools, medical providers, courts, and social service systems. The agency forms the positive attachment site; clinicians come and go. The net effect is sustained connection to families that would have otherwise been broken apart by domestic violence, school crimes, addiction, gangs, poverty, homelessness, and community violence. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond Prejudice in Prescribing Benzodiazepines in Disadvantaged Communities
Authors: Webber Patricia , Cohen Ralph L.
Published: June 2014

This paper argues for the use of benzodiazepines as a harm reduction strategy when combined with long‐term psychotherapy for high‐risk adults with personality disorders resulting from chronic exposure to trauma and current unstable living conditions. This prescribing practice is outlined based on a review of 185 cases in therapy at a community mental health clinic. The careful use of benzodiazepines can increase engagement in therapy in a population often resistant to outpatient treatment. The approach is clearly a harm reduction effort to prevent clients from cycling through the emergency room and county correctional facilities. The risks of benzodiazepine misuse are reviewed and procedures for monitoring risk are detailed. There is a prejudice identified in the use of benzodiazepines that is based on society's condemnation of euphoric experiences rather than on a medical basis alone. Benzodiazepines are suggested as a harm reduction strategy as well as an alternative in the control of serious mental health symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and panic. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An update on the status of anatomical sciences education in United States medical schools
Authors: Drake Richard L. , McBride Jennifer M. , Pawlina Wojciech
Published: June 2014

Curricular changes continue at United States medical schools and directors of gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy, neuroscience/neuroanatomy, and embryology courses continue to adjust and modify their offerings. Developing and supplying data related to current trends in anatomical sciences education is important if informed decisions are going to be made in a time of curricular and course revision. Thus, a survey was sent to course directors during the 2012–2013 academic years to gather information on total course hours, lecture and laboratory hours, the type of laboratory experiences, testing and competency evaluation, and the type of curricular approach used at their institution. The data gathered were compared to information obtained from previous surveys and conclusions reached were that only small or no change was observed in total course, lecture and laboratory hours in all four courses; more gross anatomy courses were part of an integrated curriculum since the previous survey; virtual microscopy with and without microscopes was the primary laboratory activity in microscopic anatomy courses; and neuroscience/neuroanatomy and embryology courses were unchanged. Anat Sci Educ 7: 321–325. © 2014 American Association of Anatomists.
Time‐to‐event continual reassessment method incorporating treatment cycle information with application to an oncology phase I trial
Authors: Huang Bo , Kuan Pei Fen
Published: June 2014

Delayed dose limiting toxicities (i.e. beyond first cycle of treatment) is a challenge for phase I trials. The time‐to‐event continual reassessment method (TITE‐CRM) is a Bayesian dose‐finding design to address the issue of long observation time and early patient drop‐out. It uses a weighted binomial likelihood with weights assigned to observations by the unknown time‐to‐toxicity distribution, and is open to accrual continually. To avoid dosing at overly toxic levels while retaining accuracy and efficiency for DLT evaluation that involves multiple cycles, we propose an adaptive weight function by incorporating cyclical data of the experimental treatment with parameters updated continually. This provides a reasonable estimate for the time‐to‐toxicity distribution by accounting for inter‐cycle variability and maintains the statistical properties of consistency and coherence. A case study of a First‐in‐Human trial in cancer for an experimental biologic is presented using the proposed design. Design calibrations for the clinical and statistical parameters are conducted to ensure good operating characteristics. Simulation results show that the proposed TITE‐CRM design with adaptive weight function yields significantly shorter trial duration, does not expose patients to additional risk, is competitive against the existing weighting methods, and possesses some desirable properties.
Direct biosynthesis of adipic acid from a synthetic pathway in recombinant Escherichia coli
Authors: Yu Jia‐Le , Xia Xiao‐Xia , Zhong Jian‐Jiang , Qian Zhi‐Gang
Published: June 2014

The C6 dicarboxylic acid, adipic acid, is an important platform chemical in industry. Biobased production of adipic acid is a promising alternative to the current petrochemical route. Here, we report biosynthesis of adipic acid using an artificial pathway inspired by the reversal of beta‐oxidation of dicarboxylic acids. The biosynthetic pathway comprises condensation of acetyl‐CoA and succinyl‐CoA to form the C6 backbone and subsequent reduction, dehydration, hydrogenation, and release of adipic acid from its thioester. The pathway was first tested in vitro with reconstituted pathway enzymes and then functionally introduced into Escherichia coli for the biosynthesis and excretion of adipic acid into the culture medium. The production titer was increased by approximately 20‐fold through the combination of recruiting enzymes that were more suitable to catalyze the synthetic reactions and increasing availability of the condensation substrates. This work demonstrates direct biosynthesis of adipic acid via non‐natural synthetic pathway, which may enable its renewable production. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 2580–2586. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A biomimetic honeycomb‐like scaffold prepared by flow‐focusing technology for cartilage regeneration
Authors: Wang Chen‐Chie , Yang Kai‐Chiang , Lin Keng‐Hui , Wu Chang‐Chin , Liu Yen‐Liang , Lin Feng‐Huei , Chen Ing‐Ho
Published: June 2014

A tissue engineering chondrocytes/scaffold construct provides a promise to cartilage regeneration. The architecture of a scaffold such as interconnections, porosities, and pore sizes influences the fates of seeding cells including gene expression, survival, migration, proliferation, and differentiation thus may determine the success of this approach. Scaffolds of highly ordered and uniform structures are desirable to control cellular behaviors. In this study, a newly designed microfluidic device based on flow‐focusing geometry was developed to fabricate gelatin scaffolds of ordered pores. In comparison with random foam scaffolds made by the conventional freeze‐dried method, honeycomb‐like scaffolds exhibit higher swelling ratio, porosity, and comparable compressive strength. In addition, chondrocytes grown in the honeycomb‐like scaffolds had good cell viability, survival rate, glycosaminoglycans production, and a better proliferation than ones in freeze‐dried scaffolds. Real‐time PCR analysis showed that the mRNA expressions of aggrecan and collagen type II were up‐regulated when chondrocytes cultured in honeycomb‐like scaffolds rather than cells cultured as monolayer fashion. Oppositely, chondrocytes expressed collagen type II as monolayer culture when seeded in freeze‐dried scaffolds. Histologic examinations revealed that cells produced proteoglycan and distributed uniformly in honeycomb‐like scaffolds. Immunostaining showed protein expression of S‐100 and collagen type II but negative for collagen type I and X, which represents the chondrocytes maintained normal phenotype. In conclusion, a highly ordered and honeycomb‐like scaffold shows superior performance in cartilage tissue engineering. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 2338–2348. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurobiological changes after intervention in individuals with anti‐social behaviour: A literature review
Authors: Cornet Liza J. M. , de Kogel Catharina H. , Nijman Henk L. I. , Raine Adrian , van der Laan Peter H.
Published: June 2014

Background

A neurobiological perspective has become accepted as a valuable approach for understanding anti‐social behaviour. There is literature to suggest that, in non‐offending populations, psychological treatments affect both neurobiological measures and clinical presentation. A theoretical position to this effect has been adopted with respect to offender treatment, but there has been no systematic review of empirical literature on this point.

Aims

This study aimed to ascertain from published literature firstly whether there is evidence of change in neuropsychological or physiological measures after behavioural treatments/programmes for people with anti‐social behaviour and secondly whether these neurobiological changes are associated with behavioural change.

Method

A systematic search strategy was formulated to include studies considering ‘neurobiological factors’, ‘anti‐social population’, ‘treatment’ and ‘treatment outcome’. The Maryland Scientific Methods Scale was used to select relevant studies of sufficient methodological quality.

Results

Eleven studies were found, only one with adults. Overall, the values of specific neurobiological risk factors, particularly of basal cortisol, become less abnormal following intervention. There was some evidence for a link between change in neurobiological functioning and behavioural improvement.

Conclusions

Findings, although provisional, may provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of interventions for anti‐social behaviour. Future studies that include pre‐treatment neurobiological assessment could help reveal physical vulnerabilities that interventions should target to improve treatment efficacy, and provide for objective, independent corroboration of change. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of colorectal cancer screening on the US population: Is it time to celebrate?
Authors: Doubeni Chyke A.
Published: June 2014

Increasing use of screening has contributed to a substantial decline in the incidence of colorectal cancer in the United States. However, more attention needs to be focused on improving access to screening for underserved populations to further advance the public health goal of reducing the burden of colorectal cancer on the US population.
Estimating the magnitude of colorectal cancers prevented during the era of screening: 1976 to 2009
Authors: Yang Daniel X. , Gross Cary P. , Soulos Pamela R. , Yu James B.
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

Ideally, screening detects cancer at a more curable stage and, as a result, decreases the rate of subsequent diagnosis at a late stage. Although it is suggested that some cancer screening tests have led to substantial increases in early‐stage incidence with only marginal reductions in late‐stage incidence (eg mammography), the association between temporal trends in colorectal cancer screening and its cumulative impact on colorectal cancer incidence is unknown.

METHODS

Colorectal cancer incidence data spanning over 3 decades (1976‐2009) were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Data on screening use spanning the period from 1986 to 2010 were collected from the National Cancer Institute Cancer Trends Progress Report, and trends in the incidence of early‐stage (in situ, local) and late‐stage (regional, distant) colorectal cancer were examined among adults aged ≥50 years.

RESULTS

From 1987 to 2010—the years for which screening data were available—the percentage of adults aged ≥50 years who underwent screening rose from 34.8% to 66.1% (which included increases in colonoscopy). During that time, the incidence of late‐stage colorectal cancer decreased from 118 to 74 cases per 100,000 population (P < .001). The incidence of early‐stage colorectal cancer also decreased, from 77 to 67 cases per 100,000 population (P < .001). After adjusting for underlying trends in cancer incidence, colorectal screening was associated with a reduction of approximately 550,000 cases of colorectal cancer over the past 3 decades in the United States.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been a significant decline in the incidence of colorectal cancer in the United States, particularly for late‐stage disease, during a time of increasing rates of screening. Cancer 2014;120:2893–2901. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Comparative immunophenotyping of equine multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells: An approach toward a standardized definition
Authors: Paebst Felicitas , Piehler Daniel , Brehm Walter , Heller Sandra , Schroeck Carmen , Tárnok Attila , Burk Janina
Published: June 2014

Horses are an approved large animal model for therapies of the musculoskeletal system. Especially for tendon disease where cell‐based therapy is commonly used in equine patients, the translation of achieved results to human medicine would be a great accomplishment. Immunophenotyping of equine mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) remains the last obstacle to meet the criteria of the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) definition of human MSCs. Therefore, the surface antigen expression of CD 29, CD 44, CD 73, CD 90, CD 105, CD 14, CD 34, CD 45, CD 79α, and MHC II in equine MSCs from adipose tissue, bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, umbilical cord tissue, and tendon tissue was analyzed using flow cytometry. Isolated cells from the different sources and donors varied in their expression pattern of MSC‐defining antigens. In particular, CD 90 and 105 showed most heterogeneity. However, cells from all samples were robustly positive for CD 29 and CD 44, while being mostly negative for CD 73 and the exclusion markers CD 14, CD 34, CD 45, CD 79α and MHC II. Furthermore, it was evident that enzymes used for cell detachment after in vitro‐culture affected the detection of antigen expression. These results emphasize the need of standardization of MSC isolation, culturing, and harvesting techniques. As the equine MSCs did not meet all criteria the ISCT defined for human MSCs, further investigations for a better characterization of the cell type should be conducted. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Liposomal Gels for Site‐Specific, Sustained Delivery of Celecoxib: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Fetih Gihan , Fathalla Dina , El‐Badry Mahmoud
Published: June 2014

Preclinical Research

The objective of this work was to evaluate liposome‐containing gel formulations for the sustained, site‐specific delivery of celecoxib (CXB). Liposomes composed of phosphadtidylcholine (and various amounts of cholesterol (Ch) were prepared using thin film hydration and characterized for encapsulation efficiency, vesicle size, and drug‐excipient interaction using differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The selected liposome formulation was incorporated in different gel formulations: the Ch ratio affected the encapsulation efficiency of the drug, by increasing Ch ratio up until 1:1 the encapsulation efficiency increased. Further increasing the Ch ratio resulted in decreasing encapsulation efficiency. In vitro drug release and skin permeation studies showed sustained release and enhanced permeation compared with gel formulations containing free drug. In the rat paw edema test, the anti‐inflammatory activity of the selected liposomal gel formulation was higher and more sustained compared with that of the nonliposomal gel formulation containing free drug. These results suggest that the liposome‐containing gels are promising formulations for sustained, site‐specific delivery of CXB.
Prins Spirocyclization for the Synthesis of Spiro[isobenzofuran‐pyran] Derivatives
Authors: Reddy B. V. Subba , Kumar Harish , Reddy P. Sivaramakrishna , Singarapu Kiran Kumar
Published: June 2014

A Prins cascade process was developed for the synthesis of tetrahydro‐3H‐spiro[isobenzofuran‐pyran] derivatives in good yields and selectivity by the condensation of 3‐[2‐(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]but‐3‐en‐1‐ols with aldehydes or ketones. The reaction proceeds smoothly in the presence of indium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate (30 mol‐%) in dichloroethane at 80 °C. This is the first report on the synthesis of tetrahydro‐3H‐spiro[isobenzofuran‐pyran] scaffolds through a Prins cascade reaction.
Synthetic Studies towards Radicicol through Biomimetic Macrolactonization and Transannular Aromatization Reactions
Authors: Cookson Rosa , Pöverlein Christoph , Lachs Jennifer , Barrett Anthony G. M.
Published: June 2014

Studies towards the total synthesis of the natural product radicicol are described that employ a late‐stage esterification and aromatization by trapping a ketene intermediate. The subsequent biomimetic aromatization of the resultant triketo ester gave highly functionalized resorcylates. Two distinct methods were examined that trap the ketene intermediate through either an intermolecular or intramolecular process. In the first approach, the synthesis of the resorcylate was followed by a ring‐closing metathesis, which gave the macrolactone and protected precursors to monocillin I. In the second approach, an intramolecular ketene trapping was examined as an alternative to close the macrocycle and form the resorcylate macrolactone. These studies showcased a wide range of sensitive functional groups that tolerated the aromatization reaction conditions, which started from the corresponding dioxinone precursors.
Asymmetric Synthesis of (–)‐Pterosin N from a Chiral 1,3‐Dioxolanone
Authors: Wu Hsiu‐Han , Hsu Shao‐Chien , Hsu Feng‐Lin , Uang Biing‐Jiun
Published: June 2014

The first asymmetric total synthesis of (–)‐pterosin N from the N,N‐diisopropyl‐10‐camphorsulfonamide‐derived chiral 1,3‐dioxolanone 11 has been accomplished in 9 steps with 8 % overall yield. The key steps in this synthesis were the highly stereoselective propargylation of 1,3‐dioxolanone 11 to construct the chiral tertiary alcohol moiety, construction of a diene‐ynone by Stille coupling, and an intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction followed by aromatization to finish the synthesis.
Cyclopropanation Reactions of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Syrgiannis Zois , Hadad Caroline , Prato Maurizio
Published: June 2014

Covalent functionalization of single‐ and multiwalled carbon nanotubes was performed by using a cyclopropanation reaction under classical heating conditions. The method involves the in situ formation of diazo intermediates, which are generated from tosylhydrazone precursors. The covalent functionalization of the pristine materials was evaluated with the use of characterization techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis and Raman spectroscopy. All compounds were also characterized by UV/Vis/near‐IR and transmission electron microscopy. Similar to the example of fullerene‐type derivatives, this procedure can produce new materials that may be appropriate for devices such as solar cells.
The effect of terminal sterilization on structural and biophysical properties of a decellularized collagen‐based scaffold; implications for stem cell adhesion
Authors: Matuska Andrea M. , McFetridge Peter S.
Published: June 2014

Terminal sterilization induces physical and chemical changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of ex vivo‐derived biomaterials due to their aggressive mechanism of action. Prior studies have focused on how sterilization affects the mechanical integrity of tissue‐based biomaterials but have rarely characterized effects on early cellular interaction, which is indicative of the biological response. Using a model fibrocartilage disc scaffold, these investigations compare the effect of three common sterilization methods [peracetic acid (PAA), gamma irradiation (GI), and ethylene oxide (EtO)] on a range of material properties and characterized early cellular interactions. GI and EtO produced unfavorable structural damage that contributed to inferior cell adhesion. Conversely, exposure to PAA resulted in limited structural alterations while inducing chemical modifications that favored cell attachment. Results suggest that the sterilization approach can be selected to modulate biomaterial properties to favor cellular adhesion and has relevance in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Furthermore, the study of cellular interactions with modified biomaterials in vitro provides information of how materials may react in subsequent clinical applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 397–406, 2015.
Extension of accompanying coordinate expansion and recurrence relation method for general‐contraction basis sets
Authors: Hayami Masao , Seino Junji , Nakai Hiromi
Published: June 2014

An algorithm of the accompanying coordinate expansion and recurrence relation (ACE‐RR), which is used for the rapid evaluation of the electron repulsion integral (ERI), has been extended to the general‐contraction (GC) scheme. The present algorithm, denoted by GC‐ACE‐RR, is designed for molecular calculations including heavy elements, whose orbitals consist of many primitive functions with and without higher angular momentum such as d‐ and f‐orbitals. The performance of GC‐ACE‐RR was assessed for
‐,
‐,
‐, and
‐type ERIs in terms of contraction length and the number of GC orbitals. The present algorithm was found to reduce the central processing unit time compared with the ACE‐RR algorithm, especially for higher angular momentum and highly contracted orbitals. Compared with HONDOPLUS and GAMESS program packages, GC‐ACE‐RR computations for ERIs of three‐dimensional gold clusters Aun (n = 1, 2, …, 10, 15, 20, and 25) are more than 10 times faster. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of ionic liquids as additives for the immobilization of lipase from Bacillus sp.
Authors: Cabrera‐Padilla Rebeca Y. , Melo Elvio B. , Pereira Matheus M. , Figueiredo Renan T. , Fricks Alini T. , Franceschi Elton , Lima Álvaro S. , Silva Daniel P. , Soares Cleide M. F.
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been used as additives to immobilise lipase from a new source of Bacillus sp. (ITP‐001) by the physical adsorption method supporting green poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) in order to evaluate the influence of the cationic core ([C4mpy]Cl, [C4min]Cl), of anions ([C4min]Cl, [C4min]N(CN)2, [C4min]Tf2N) and the cation chain length ([C2min]Tf2N, [C4min]Tf2N)) in the immobilization process. The immobilized biocatalysts (IB) were characterized with regard to morphological and physico‐chemical properties, and total activity recovery yield (Ya) and biochemical properties of more efficient IB were evaluated.

RESULT

Total activity recovery yield (Ya) for the immobilized biocatalysts employing LI as additives always resulted in higher values compared with the control. The most efficient was using the more hydrophobic IL [C4min]Tf2N, which represents a 2‐fold greater increase in the recovery of enzymatic activity. It retained more than 73% of its original activity after 20 reuses compared with the control, which, after ten cycles, retained only 33% of its original activity.

CONCLUSION

The anions and the cation chain length of ionic liquids have a strong influence on the immobilization process. The results for biocatalyst immobilized with [C4min]Tf2N showed an increase in total activity recovery yield and considerable improvement in operational stability. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrastructure of spermatozoa of orsolobidae (Haplogynae, Araneae) with implications on the evolution of sperm transfer forms in Dysderoidea
Authors: Lipke Elisabeth , Ramírez Martín J. , Michalik Peter
Published: June 2014

Haplogynae are highly diverse with respect to the primary male genital system and sperm characteristics. Additionally, all sperm transfer forms (STF) known for spiders are present. Besides individually transferred sperm (cleistospermia), sperm are transferred as conjugates, both primary (synspermia) and secondary sperm conjugates (coenospermia, rouleaux) occur. Nevertheless, the ultrastructure of spermatozoa and STF are described for few Haplogynae and often only one representative species was studied, resulting in a superficial insight in the evolution of these traits. To elucidate the evolution of STF within Haplogynae we investigated representatives of four genera of the dysderoid family Orsolobidae. Our data show the presence of synspermia (Orsolobus, Osornolobus, Hickmanolobus, and Tasmanoonops) and also cleistospermia (Osornolobus). The occurrence of different STF within one family or even genus has not been described for any other spider taxon so far. Moreover, the synspermia of species of Tasmanoonops and Hickmanolobus were not covered by a secretion sheath suggesting a previously unknown strategy of transferring sperm that is possibly related to sperm residency time or female triggered processes after copulation. Based on serial ultrathin sectioning and subsequent 3D‐reconstruction, we obtained detailed measurements revealing remarkable size differences of STF. To evaluate the previously suggested correlation with the most distal region of the spermophor inside the embolus (intromittent part of the copulatory organ) we measured the diameter of the spermophor using micro‐computed X‐ray tomography data to obtain corresponding morphometric parameters. Based on these data only two species show similarity in STF and spermophor diameter. J. Morphol. 275:1238–1257, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.