bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response to valganciclovir in chronic fatigue syndrome patients with human herpesvirus 6 and Epstein–Barr virus IgG antibody titers
Authors: Watt Tessa , Oberfoell Stephanie , Balise Raymond , Lunn Mitchell R. , Kar Aroop K. , Merrihew Lindsey , Bhangoo Munveer S. , Montoya José G.
Published: October 2012

Valganciclovir has been reported to improve physical and cognitive symptoms in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) with elevated human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) IgG antibody titers. This study investigated whether antibody titers against HHV‐6 and EBV were associated with clinical response to valganciclovir in a subset of CFS patients. An uncontrolled, unblinded retrospective chart review was performed on 61 CFS patients treated with 900 mg valganciclovir daily (55 of whom took an induction dose of 1,800 mg daily for the first 3 weeks). Antibody titers were considered high if HHV‐6 IgG ≥1:320, EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG ≥1:640, and EBV early antigen (EA) IgG ≥1:160. Patients self‐rated physical and cognitive functioning as a percentage of their functioning prior to illness. Patients were categorized as responders if they experienced at least 30% improvement in physical and/or cognitive functioning. Thirty‐two patients (52%) were categorized as responders. Among these, 19 patients (59%) responded physically and 26 patients (81%) responded cognitively. Baseline antibody titers showed no significant association with response. After treatment, the average change in physical and cognitive functioning levels for all patients was +19% and +23%, respectively (P < 0.0001). Longer treatment was associated with improved response (P = 0.0002). No significant difference was found between responders and non‐responders among other variables analyzed. Valganciclovir treatment, independent of the baseline antibody titers, was associated with self‐rated improvement in physical and cognitive functioning for CFS patients who had positive HHV‐6 and/or EBV serologies. Longer valganciclovir treatment correlated with an improved response. J. Med. Virol. 84:1967–1974, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Case report: Detection of a hepatitis B surface antigen variant emerging in an elderly patient after an ischemic cerebral vascular accident
Authors: Deroux Alban , Larrat Sylvie , Hilleret Marie‐Noelle , Baccard Monique , Qin Wen , Billet Gaelle , Zaoui Philippe , Morand Patrice
Published: October 2012

HBV reactivations are observed frequently in patients with past hepatitis B infection receiving cytotoxic and/or immunosuppressive chemotherapy for hemato‐oncological malignancies or autoimmune diseases. Recent ischemic stroke was shown to induce immunodepression by misunderstood mechanisms. To our knowledge, the association between HBV reactivation and ischemic stroke has not been reported before. This study reports the case of an anti‐HBs‐ and anti‐HBc‐positive patient who presented HBV reactivation in a context of recent ischemic stroke, with no other intercurrent iatrogenic phenomenon or usual immunosuppressive pathology. J. Med. Virol. 84:1897–1900, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A study of the genetic variability of human respiratory syncytial virus in Croatia, 2006–2008
Authors: Forcic Dubravko , Ivancic‐Jelecki Jelena , Mlinaric‐Galinovic Gordana , Vojnovic Gordana , Babic‐Erceg Andrea , Tabain Irena
Published: October 2012

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a common etiological agent of acute lower respiratory tract disease in infants. The molecular epidemiology of HRSV in Croatia over four consecutive seasons (from 2006 to 2008) was investigated. A total of 72 HRSV samples were chosen from 696 screened cases in a pediatric clinic in Zagreb. Molecular characterization of HRSV revealed the predominance of HRSV group B viruses in the first two epidemic seasons and HRSV group A viruses in the next two seasons. According to the phylogenetic analysis, NA1 and BA9 were the predominant circulating HRSV genotypes detected during the study. Overall, 82.9% of all HRSV A strains belonged to the NA1 genotype. The HRSV B genotype BA9, detected in two consecutive seasons (2006 and 2007), was the predominant circulating HRSV B genotype, accounting for 80.6% of all HRSV B strains. This study provides data on the circulation pattern of HRSV genotypes in Croatia and their molecular characterization. J. Med. Virol. 84:1985–1992, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Systemic varicella zoster virus reactive effector memory T‐cells impaired in the elderly and in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: van Besouw Nicole M. , Verjans Georges M.G.M. , Zuijderwijk Joke M. , Litjens Nicolle H.R. , Osterhaus Albert D.M.E. , Weimar Willem
Published: October 2012

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections cause varicella and subsequently herpes zoster upon reactivation. Immune‐compromised individuals and the elderly are at high risk of developing herpes zoster due to waning of VZV‐specific T‐cell immunity. In the present study, a novel functional T‐cell assay was developed to test the correlation between age and VZV‐specific T‐cell responses in peripheral blood from healthy individuals. Secondly, VZV‐specific T‐cell responses from renal transplant recipients were compared with healthy individuals. Monocytes were differentiated into mature monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (moDCs) and were infected with VZV. T‐cells were co‐cultured with autologous moDCs infected with VZV and subjected to flowcytometric analysis to identify the phenotype (i.e., naïve [NA: CCR7+CD45RO−], central [CM: CCR7+CD45RO+] and effector memory [EM: CCR7−CD45RO+] T‐cells) and the frequency of VZV‐reactive T‐cell subsets by intra‐cellular IFN‐γ flowcytometry. In contrast to NA and CM T‐cells, the frequency of VZV‐reactive CD4 and CD8 EM T‐cells was inversely correlated with age (P = 0.0007 and P = 0.01). No difference was found in the percentage of VZV‐reactive CD4 NA, CM and EM T‐cells between transplant recipients and controls. However, the percentage of VZV‐reactive CD8 EM T‐cells was significantly lower in transplant recipients compared to controls (P = 0.02). In conclusion, moDCs infected with VZV are efficient antigen presenting cells applicable to enumerate and characterize the phenotype and differentiation status of the systemic VZV‐specific T‐cell response ex‐vivo. The data suggest that VZV‐reactive EM T‐cells are impaired in the elderly and renal transplant recipients. J. Med. Virol. 84:2018–2025, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A case study on the estimation accuracy of soil properties and fertilizer rates for different soil‐sampling grids
Authors: Stępień Michał , Gozdowski Dariusz , Samborski Stanisław
Published: October 2012

Soil testing is used to help make fertilizer recommendations for greater yields and profits. But the increase of soil‐sampling density raises costs of sample collection and analyses. The aim of this study was to compare grid‐cell sampling densities (1, 2, and 4 ha) in terms of the estimation accuracy of macronutrients (P, K, Mg) availability and pH and to investigate how sampling density affects the amount of fertilizers and lime recommended and correctly applied to winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The distribution of liming requirements and available nutrients were quite similar for the 1‐ and 2‐ha grids but notably different for the 4‐ha grid. However, the whole‐field average values of pH and P, K, and Mg concentrations in soil obtained for different sampling densities were very similar, thus placing, respectively, the soil of the studied area in the same class of liming needs and nutrient availability. The range and estimation errors of these parameters decreased with sampling‐grid size increase. The amount of lime and fertilizers to be applied on the field and the portion of a field correctly limed or fertilized depended on the soil chemical property considered. If one treats the 1‐ha grid as the reference and the most correct soil‐sampling approach, 2‐ha grid offered the greatest part of the field to be adequately fertilized with lime, P, and K. However, fertilization with Mg was much more appropriate if the recommendation was based on 4‐ha, than on a 2‐ha soil‐sampling grid. To gain an insight into soil variation and soil process occurring at small scale, laboratory and geostatistical analyses on individual soil samples may be necessary in some cases. Possibly, such costly research can deliver relevant information which could be then applied into farmer's practice.
Sucrose phosphate synthase plays a key role in boron‐promoted sucrose synthesis in tobacco leaves
Authors: Shi Yong‐Chun , Sun Bo , Liu Wei‐Qun
Published: October 2012

Boron (B) is essential for plant growth. The mechanism of B interacting with sucrose transport is not fully understood. In detached tobacco leaves treated with increasing B concentrations, the concentrations of sucrose, glucose, fructose, and starch as well as the activities of sucrose phosphate synthetase (SPS), sucrose synthetase (SS), and α‐amylase were quantified. In addition, the expression levels of sucrose transporters (SUT1 and SUT4) were determined. The data presented here suggest that B promotes the sucrose concentration and transport via elevation of SPS activity, decrease of SS activity, and increase of SUT4 expression level.
Assessment of quality‐assured Tarocco orange fruit sorting rules by combined physicochemical and sensory testing
Authors: Pallottino Federico , Menesatti Paolo , Lanza Maria Carmela , Strano Maria Concetta , Antonucci Francesca , Moresi Mauro
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to extract a sorting rule for Tarocco orange fruit from several physicochemical and sensory tests performed on a marketable lot of 399 Tarocco orange fruits.

RESULTS: The elastic tension at 5% strain (T5) was found to be linearly correlated (r = 0.65) with the Magness–Taylor (MT) index. Thus T5 was regarded as a non‐destructive parameter quantifying fruit firmness and used to categorise the aforementioned lot in three different firmness classes, high (HF), medium (MF) and low (LF). Only the MT index, fruit rind thickness near the fruit peduncle, lightness coefficient and yellow/blue hue component of the orange flesh, as well as total soluble solid content, confirmed the validity of this discrimination at the significance level of 5%. Sensory professionals recognised the greater compactness (7 ± 2) but lower ease of peeling (4 ± 2) and segment separation (4 ± 2) of the HF oranges with respect to the corresponding sensory attributes of orange fruits grouped in the MF and LF classes.

CONCLUSION: To limit the costly rejection of Tarocco orange fruit considered too soft, especially after long‐term shipping, it would be reasonable to select only fruits characterised by a compressive force or tension at 5% strain in the range 23–41 N or 300–540 N m−1 respectively. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Discovery of two transglutaminases derived from same zymogen for the Streptomyces hygroscopicus and analysis of their formation processes
Authors: Cui Wenjing , Yang Xiaoyan , Fang Yueqin , Zhou Shengmin , Liu Song , Du Guocheng , Du Kun , Chen Jian , Tao Guanjun , Zhou Zhemin
Published: October 2012

Background

Transglutaminase (TGase) is secreted as a zymogen (Pro‐TGase) and is then processed by removal of its N‐terminal region through exogenous proteolytic activity. In this study it was discovered that the Pro‐TGase from Streptomyces hygroscopicus was also activated by its TGase (processed through exogenous proteolytic activity), resulting in a different active form.

Results

The two TGases exhibited different ionic strengths, hydrophobicities, Km values and stabilities. Circular dichroism spectral analysis showed that the two enzymes had non‐identical secondary structures, while liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) analysis indicated that they differed in molecular mass by 111 Da. The formation of the TGase activated from Pro‐TGase by TGase was delayed compared with that of TGase processed through exogenous proteolytic activity. Furthermore, it was found that the TGase activated from Pro‐TGase by TGase did not activate Pro‐TGase.

Conclusion

Two TGases derived from the same zymogen from S. hygroscopicus were discovered. These two active forms of TGase may be due to different activation processes: one of them is catalysed by its own active TGase, while the other is activated by an exogenous protease. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of sonication treatment and buffer composition on rumen bacteria protein extraction and carboxymethylcellulase activity
Authors: Prauchner Carlos A , Kozloski Gilberto V , Farenzena Roberta
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

The methodological procedures for studying the fibrolytic activity of rumen bacteria are not clearly established. In this study the efficiency of sonication treatment and buffer composition (i.e. buffer varying in tonicity or pH) on the level of protein extraction from the residue of forage samples incubated in the rumen of a grazing steer and the effect of buffer composition or CaCl2 concentration on the carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) activity of the released protein were evaluated.

RESULTS

The amount of protein released from the residue of incubation was higher (P < 0.05) for the sonicated material and increased linearly with increasing buffer pH (P < 0.05). The CMCase activity of the released protein was not improved by sonication treatment, whereas it was higher (P < 0.05) for hypotonic than for hypertonic buffer. Both linear and quadratic effects (P < 0.05) of buffer pH on CMCase activity were significant, with CMCase activity being maximal at pH 5.4–6.1. CMCase activity was higher (P < 0.05) at a CaCl2 concentration of 1 mmol L−1 compared with lower values.

CONCLUSION

Although sonication treatment increases the amount of protein extracted from rumen bacteria adhered to the residue of incubation, the CMCase activity of the released protein might be measured without sonication treatment and should be carried out with a hypotonic buffer solution that includes a calcium source. When pH is not a treatment factor, the buffer pH should be between 5.5 and 6. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Improvement of eustachian tube function by tissue‐engineered regeneration of mastoid air cells
Authors: Kanemaru Shin‐ichi , Umeda Hiroo , Yamashita Masaru , Hiraumi Harukazu , Hirano Shigeru , Nakamura Tatsuo , Ito Juichi
Published: October 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Most cases of chronic otitis media (OMC) are associated with poor development of the mastoid air cells (MACs) and poor Eustachian tube (ET) function. We have previously reported that MAC regeneration can effectively eliminate intractable OMC. In this study, we assessed the ability of regenerated MACs to restore normal gas exchange function and contribute to improved ET function.

Study Design:

Clinical trial with control.

Setting:

General hospitals.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy‐six patients with OMC, including cholesteatoma and adhesive otitis media, received tympanoplasty and MAC regeneration therapy. At the first‐stage of tympanoplasty, artificial pneumatic bones and/or autologous bone fragments were implanted into the opened mastoid cavity. At the 2nd‐stage operation, a nitrous oxide (N2O) gas study was performed in 10 patients to measure middle ear pressure (MEP). For the control group, MEP was measured in five patients with good MAC development during cochlear implantation or facial nerve decompression. ET function was measured twice in each patient, once before the 1st operation and 6 months after the second operation.

Results:

At the 2nd‐stage operation, in all cases with regenerated MACs and in the normal control group, MEP changed after administration of N2O. In contrast, no change in MEP was observed in cases with unregenerated MACs. In 70% (n = 37/53) of the regenerated MAC group, ET function was improved, whereas improvement of ET function was observed in only 13% (n = 3/23) of the unregenerated MAC group.

Conclusions:

Tissue‐engineered regeneration of MACs improves ET function and gas exchange in the middle ear. Laryngoscope, 2012
Endoscopic cold incision, balloon dilation, mitomycin C application, and steroid injection for adult laryngotracheal stenosis
Authors: Parker Noah P. , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar , Misono Stephanie , Goding George S.
Published: October 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To describe the presentation, stenosis characteristics, etiological differences, and outcomes of adult laryngotracheal stenosis treated with endoscopic cold incision, balloon dilation, topical mitomycin C application, and steroid injection.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

Demographic and clinical data were extracted for patients treated between March 2000 and December 2010. Prolonged intubation and idiopathic patient data were utilized for comparative analysis.

Results:

Eighty patients (65 females; 15 males; 220 procedures; 2.9 years mean follow‐up) presented with dyspnea (81%) and/or exercise intolerance (40%). Most commonly, etiologies were idiopathic (53 of 80; 66%) or prolonged intubation (14 of 80; 18%). Mean procedures per patient and interval between procedures were 2.8 procedures and 405 days, respectively. Mean stenosis length and distance from the caudal phonating edge of the true vocal folds were 9 mm and 19 mm. Complication, tracheotomy, and open‐procedure rates were 1.8%, 1.4%, and 10.0%, respectively. Patients with more than two procedures demonstrated a mean 4‐mm reduction in stenosis length and a 2‐mm cephalad progression of stenosis over time. More caudal stenoses required more frequent procedures. Procedures were less frequent as more procedures were performed. Stenosis characteristics, interval between procedures, and total procedures were similar between idiopathic patients with or without intubation histories, but different between idiopathic and prolonged intubation patients.

Conclusions:

This procedure was shown to be a viable option in adult laryngotracheal stenosis. Repeat dilation was likely, but was performed without adversely affecting stenosis characteristics. Stenoses farther from the vocal folds required procedures more frequently. Idiopathic patients with a history of brief, elective intubation had stenosis characteristics and responses to therapy similar to idiopathic patients without an intubation history. Both idiopathic groups together demonstrated stenosis characteristics and responses to therapy dissimilar to patients with a history of prolonged intubation. Laryngoscope, 2013
Noninvasive management of cochlear implant's inner magnet displacement after magnetic resonance
Authors: Di Nardo Walter , Giannantonio Sara , Schinaia Lorenzo , De Corso Eugenio , Paludetti Gaetano
Published: October 2012

MRI is a widespread and greatly helpful diagnostic tool, yet its use on cochlear implant patients is restricted by the presence of an inner magnet. We report on a case of magnet dislodgment after 1.5T MRI in a 31‐year‐old female with a Hi‐Res 90K cochlear implant.

In this case, it was possible to implement an alternative, totally noninvasive approach based on an external manual repositioning rather than a surgical procedure of the displaced magnet. Laryngoscope, 2013
Center competition and outcomes following liver transplantation
Authors: Halldorson Jeffrey B. , Paarsch Harry J. , Dodge Jennifer L. , Segre Alberto M. , Lai Jennifer , Roberts John Paul
Published: October 2012

In the United States, livers for transplantation are distributed within donation service areas (DSAs). In DSAs with multiple transplant centers, competition among centers for organs and recipients may affect recipient selection and outcomes in comparison with DSAs with only 1 center. The objective of this study was to determine whether competition within a DSA is associated with posttransplant outcomes and variations in patients wait-listed within the DSA. United Network for Organ Sharing data for 38,385 adult cadaveric liver transplant recipients undergoing transplantation between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2009 were analyzed to assess differences in liver recipients and donors and in posttransplant survival by competition among centers. The main outcome measures that were studied were patient characteristics, actual and risk-adjusted graft and patient survival rates after transplantation, organ quality as quantified by the donor risk index (DRI), wait-listed patients per million population by DSA, and competition as quantified by the Hirschman-Herfindahl index (HHI). Centers were stratified by HHI levels as no competition or as low, medium (or mid), or high competition. In comparison with DSAs without competition, the low-, mid-, and high-competition DSAs (1) performed transplantation for patients with a higher risk of graft failure [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.24, HR = 1.26, and HR = 1.34 (P < 0.001 for each)] and a higher risk of death [HR = 1.21, HR = 1.23, and HR = 1.34 (P < 0.001 for each)] and for a higher proportion of sicker patients as quantified by the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score [10.0% versus 14.8%, 20.1%, and 28.2% with a match MELD score of 31-40 (P < 0.001 for each comparison)], (2) were more likely to use organs in the highest risk quartile as quantified by the DRI [18.3% versus 27.6%, 20.4%, and 31.7% (P ≤ 0.001 for each)], and (3) listed more patients per million population [18 (median) versus 34 (P = not significant), 37 (P = 0.005), and 45 (P = 0.0075)]. Significant variability in patient selection for transplantation is associated with market variables characterizing competition among centers. These findings suggest both positive and negative effects of competition among health care providers. Liver Transpl 19:96–104, 2013. © 2012 AASLD.
The Bergman‐Shelah preorder on transformation semigroups
Authors: Mesyan Zak , Mitchell James D. , Morayne Michał , Péresse Yann H.
Published: October 2012

Let \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathbb {N}^\mathbb {N}$\end{document} be the semigroup of all mappings on the natural numbers \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathbb {N}$\end{document}, and let U and V be subsets of \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathbb {N}^\mathbb {N}$\end{document}. We write U≼V if there exists a countable subset C of \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathbb {N}^\mathbb {N}$\end{document} such that U is contained in the subsemigroup generated by V and C. We give several results about the structure of the preorder ≼. In particular, we show that a certain statement about this preorder is equivalent to the Continuum Hypothesis.

The preorder ≼ is analogous to one introduced by Bergman and Shelah on subgroups of the symmetric group on \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathbb {N}$\end{document}. The results in this paper suggest that the preorder on subsemigroups of \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathbb {N}^\mathbb {N}$\end{document} is much more complicated than that on subgroups of the symmetric group.
A Hydrogel Sensing Pathological Urate Concentrations
Authors: Geraths Christian , Christen Erik H. , Weber Wilfried
Published: October 2012

Metabolite‐responsive hydrogels that detect pathological metabolite concentrations and react by releasing a therapeutic stimulus hold high promises in treating metabolic diseases. In this study, a hydrogel is described that discriminates between physiological and pathological concentrations of urate, the causative agent of gouty arthritis. The hydrogel is synthesized by coupling a dimeric variant of the Deinococcus radiodurans‐derived urate repressor HucR to linear polyacrylamide. The protein‐grafted polymer is crosslinked to form a hydrogel by a multimeric hucO DNA sequence [hucO]n specifically binding HucR. At elevated urate concentrations, HucR dissociates from [hucO]n thereby weakening the hydrogel structure and resulting in its dissolution.
Weak detrusor contractility correlates with motor disorders in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Terayama Keiichiro , Sakakibara Ryuji , Ogawa Akihiro , Haruta Hiroyuki , Akiba Takashi , Nagao Takeki , Takahashi Osamu , Sugiyama Megumi , Tateno Akihiko , Tateno Fuyuki , Yano Masashi , Kishi Masahiko , Tsuyusaki Yohei , Uchiyama Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Tatsuya
Published: October 2012

Limited attention has been paid to the relationship between urinary symptoms or urodynamic findings and motor disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed to correlate pressure‐flow urodynamic parameters with video‐gait analysis parameters in PD. We recruited 41 patients with PD (25 men and 16 women; age, 70.6 ± 8.5 years; H & Y motor grading: 2 [range, 1–3]; disease duration: 4 years [range, 1–7]; taking levodopa 300 mg/day [range, 100–400]). All patients underwent pressure‐flow urodynamics (parameters: first sensation, bladder capacity, detrusor overactivity [noted in 24 patients], and Watts factor [WF]) and video‐gait analysis (parameters: time and number of strides for 5‐m gait [simple task] and time for timed up and go [complex task]). Statistical analysis was made by Mann‐Whitney's U‐test for analyzing the relation between detrusor overactivity and gait as well as Spearman's rank‐correlation coefficient test for analyzing the relation between the remaining parameters and gait. We found no relation between filling‐phase urodynamics (detrusor overactivity, first sensation, and bladder capacity) and video‐gait analysis parameters. By contrast, we found a significant relation between voiding‐phase urodynamics (WF, reflecting detrusor power) and all three video‐gait analysis parameters (reflecting lower‐half bradykinesia and loss of postural reflex) in our PD patients (P < 0.01). The close relation between the WF and motor disorders in the present study suggests that, though clinically mild, a weak detrusor in PD might have a central origin. We should follow postvoid residual volume carefully in PD patients with advanced gait disorder, because postvoid residual volume might increase in such patients. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Quantized filter design of interconnected continuous‐time delay systems
Authors: Mahmoud Magdi S. , Xiang Zhengrong
Published: October 2012

A generalized approach to the problem of quantized filtering is investigated by designing a set of decentralized filters for a class of linear interconnected continuous‐time systems with unknown‐but‐bounded couplings and interval delays and where the quantizer has arbitrary form. An LMI‐based method using a decentralized quantized filter is designed at the subsystem level to render the global filtered system delay‐dependent asymptotically stable with guaranteed γ − level. It is established that this setting encompasses several special cases of interest including interconnected delay‐free systems, single time‐delay systems and single systems. We illustrate the theoretical developments by numerical simulations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐bandgap quinoxaline‐based D–A‐type copolymers: Synthesis, characterization, and photovoltaic properties
Authors: Fu Yuanhe , Cha Hyojung , Song Seulki , Lee Gang‐Young , Eon Park Chan , Park Taiho
Published: October 2012

Three classes of quinoxaline (Qx)‐based donor–acceptor (D–A)‐type copolymers, poly[thiophene‐2,5‐diyl‐alt‐2,3‐bis(4‐(octyloxy)phenyl‐quinoxaline‐5,8‐diyl] P(T‐Qx), poly{4,8‐bis(2‐ethylhexyloxy)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐2,3‐bis(4‐(octyloxy)phenyl‐quinoxaline‐5,8‐diy} P(BDT‐Qx), and poly{4,8‐bis(2‐ethylhexyloxy)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(5′,8′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2,3‐bis(4‐octyloxyl)phenyl)‐quinoxaline‐5,5‐diyl} P(BDT‐DTQx), were synthesized via a Stille coupling reaction. The Qx unit was functionalized at the 2‐ and 3‐positions with 4‐(octyloxy)phenyl to provide good solubility and to reduce the steric hindrance. The absorption spectra of the Qx‐containing copolymers could be tuned by incorporating three different electron‐donating moieties. Among these, P(T‐Qx) acted as an electron donor and yielded a high‐performance solar cell by assuming a rigid planar structure, confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry, UV–vis spectrophotometer, and density functional theory study. In contrast, the P(BDT‐Qx)‐based solar cell displayed a lower power conversion efficiency (PCE) with a large torsional angle (34.7°) between the BDT and Qx units. The BDT unit in the P(BDT‐DTQx) backbone acted as a linker and interfered with the formation of charge complexes or quinoidal electronic conformations in a polymer chain. The PCEs of the polymer solar cells based on these copolymers, in combination with [6,6]‐phenyl C70 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM), were 3.3% [P(T‐Qx)], 1.9% [P(BDT‐Qx)], and 2.3% [P(BDT‐DTQx)], respectively, under AM 1.5G illumination (100 mW cm−2). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
The impact of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community factors on the identity formation of young adults with cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Kumar Anisha Rajeev , Schapira Lidia
Published: October 2012

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine how young adult cancer patients make sense of their experiences with cancer.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with patients at an urban tertiary care center

Results

The sample for this study included 15 young adult cancer survivors. The ages of the participants ranged from 18 to 30 years. The sample was 67% female (n = 10) and 33% male (n = 5). The sample was 87% Caucasian (n = 13) and 13% Hispanic (n = 2). Fifty‐three percent of the participants were between ages 18 and 23 years (n = 8), and 47% of the participants were between ages 24 and 30 years (n = 7). Three themes emerged from the data: intrapersonal change, interpersonal interactions, and role and identity in the hospital and the community. As they inevitably lose control in their lives, young adult patients seek to return to a familiar lifestyle that they consider as ‘normal’. The formation of a revised identity and redefined set of norms allows the patients to regain control and express their individualism.

Conclusions

This study contributes to our knowledge of the experiences of young adult cancer patients and survivors. The findings serve to inform young adults, caregivers, and health professionals on coping with illness and its aftermath. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of dodine, fluopyram and penthiopyrad for the management of leaf spot and powdery mildew of tart cherry, and fungicide sensitivity screening of Michigan populations of Blumeriella jaapii
Authors: Proffer Tyre J , Lizotte Erin , Rothwell Nikki L , Sundin George W
Published: October 2012

Background

Field trials were conducted on the tart cherry cultivar Montmorency to evaluate the efficacy of dodine and the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides fluopyram and penthiopyrad for control of cherry leaf spot (CLS) and powdery mildew (PM). The in vitro sensitivity of Blumeriella jaapii (CLS) to the same fungicides was also tested.

Results

Treatments with dodine or fluopyram were among the most effective for controlling CLS, while fluopyram or penthiopyrad treatments were among the most effective for controlling PM. In vitro studies detected a wide range of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) among the isolates (0.05–400 µg AI mL−1) in response to dodine. Orchard isolates showed reduced sensitivity to dodine as compared with baseline isolates. B. jaapii was more sensitive to fluopyram (0.01–10.0 µg AI mL−1) than to penthiopyrad (0.01–25 µg AI mL−1), and orchard isolates also showed a shift towards reduced sensitivity.

Conclusion

The results indicate that dodine remains effective in CLS control. In addition, as penthiopyrad and fluopyram become available to growers, this research establishes baseline information that will be important for future monitoring and analysis of B. jaapii population responses to exposure to dodine and these SDHI fungicides. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Pesticide hazard trends in orchard fruit production in Great Britain from 1992 to 2008: a time‐series analysis
Authors: Cross Paul
Published: October 2012

Background

Attempts to mitigate pesticide hazard in horticulture present policy makers and industry with complex challenges at both the national and European scale. The impact of policy initiatives and industry practice on reducing hazard is contingent upon effective monitoring of a broad spectrum of non‐target endpoints. This study used the environmental impact quotient to evaluate changes in orchard fruit pesticide hazard in Great Britain. The study period corresponded to the introduction of European Directive 91/414 in 1991 and extended to 2008, the last pesticide survey year prior to the implementation of the new European Directive 2009/128/EC and regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009.

Results

Overall, pesticide hazard declined for each of the measures reported, with the environmental impact per hectare per tonne of produce declining by −21%.

Conclusion

The UK orchard fruit industry appears to have improved efficiencies in pesticide use and is now harvesting more produce per hectare while simultaneously reducing the associated environmental impact of pesticides. The removal of toxic substances and their replacement with more benign products as a consequence of legislation appears to have played an important role in facilitating the reduction. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Toxicity of insecticides to populations of tomato borer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) from Greece
Authors: Roditakis Emmanouil , Skarmoutsou Christina , Staurakaki Marianna
Published: October 2012

Background

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), in only a few years, has become a serious threat to global tomato production. Depending on the cropping system and infestation pressure, T. absoluta control may rely heavily on insecticide applications. By means of a validated IRAC bioassay method, the toxicity of all insecticides registered for T. absoluta control in Greece has been estimated. A non‐registered pyrethroid insecticide was also included in this study.

Results

Low heterogeneity was detected in the populations tested with most insecticides. The LC50 ranged from 0.31 to 1.31 mg L−1 for flubendiamide, from 0.12 to 0.53 mg L−1 for chlorantraniliprole, from 0.03 to 0.12 mg L−1 for emamectin benzoate, from 0.08 to 0.26 mg L−1 for spinosad, from 31.8 to 159.5 mg L−1 for metaflumizone, from 1.73 to 17.5 mg L−1 for indoxacarb, from 530 to 2038 mg L−1 for chlorpyriphos and finally from 475 to 794 mg L−1 for cypermethrin. The variability of the LC50 values among the tested populations was low (RR under 5×), except for indoxacarb (RR = 10×). In the absence of a reference strain, comparisons with the recommended label rates were performed. Evidence of potential control failures was detected using probit analysis estimates for cypermethrin, chlorpyriphos and metaflumizone.

Conclusions

For most registered insecticides, a solid set of baseline data has been presented that can be used in future resistance monitoring studies. The interaction of metaflumizone with T. absoluta has been discussed, and for chlorpyriphos it is suspected that the resistance level is underestimated with the present dataset. Finally, it has been demonstrated that the pyrethroid cypermethrin would provide insufficient control of the pest.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of (HoxIn1−x)1.9Sn0.1O3 matrix on magnetization of dispersed Fe3O4 nanocrystals
Authors: Tanabe Minemaru , Manabe Takuro , Kohiki Shigemi , Mitome Masanori , Yubuta Kunio
Published: October 2012

Solid solutions (HoxIn1−x)1.9Sn0.1O3 with x = 0–0.3 were synthesized to employ as dispersion matrix for oleic acid coated Fe3O4 nanocrystals (NCs). The x = 0.05 matrix exhibited a resistance minimum at a non‐zero temperature in each temperature dependent resistivity with magnetic fields of 0 and 1 T, and a negative magnetoresistance. The sample of oleic acid coated Fe3O4 NCs dispersed in the x = 0.05 matrix showed enhanced spontaneous magnetization as the factor of ≈1.3 relative to as‐synthesized oleic acid coated Fe3O4 NCs.
Intraoperative measurement of femoral antetorsion using the anterior cortical angle method: a novel use for smartphones
Authors: Hawi Nael , Kabbani Abdul‐Rahman , O'Loughlin Padhraig , Krettek Christian , Citak Musa , Liodakis Emmanouil
Published: October 2012

Background

Malrotation after femoral nailing is a common problem, yet estimation of the correct rotation during nailing remains a technical challenge. In the current study, a novel technique was developed for determining femoral antetorsion, the anterior cortical angle (ACA) method. The ACA is the angle between a line along the anterior aspect of the femoral neck and the posterior condylar line of the distal femur. The principal advantage of this method is that it facilitates intra‐operative assessment of femoral antetorsion by utilizing the positional technology integrated in smartphones. This measurement is directly comparable to measurements made using computed tomography (CT) scans. The objective of the current study was to investigate the possibility and to validate the feasibility and accuracy of the new method and compare the results obtained with the traditional methods of antetorsion estimation via CT and surgical navigation technology.

Methods

Twelve cadaveric femora were used. Femoral antetorsion was measured with the ACA method, using a smartphone with integrated gyroscope (Apple IPhone, Cupertino, CA, USA) and by a conventional navigated technique (Brainlab, Feldkirchen, Germany). Subsequently, all femora underwent CT scanning to measure their respective antetorsion via the ACA and the method of Jend (1986). Next, a mid‐diaphyseal osteotomy was performed and the distal fragment was rotated and were adjusted to 10–15° using ACA by smartphone. All measurements were repeated with this new position of the femoral fragments.

Results

Both radiological measurements according ACA and Jend (1986) demonstrated a statistically significant correlation (intact femur, r = 0.773, p = 0.003; after fixation, r = 0.898, p < 0.001). Comparing the measurements derived from the ACA, as analysed on CT images, and that gleaned from the experimental use of the same method with the smartphone, a statistically significant correlation was also demonstrated (intact femur, r = 0.826, p = 0.001; after fixation, r = 0.932, p < 0.001). Comparing the navigation system and the ACA measured by smartphone there was, on intact femora, a fair correlation without statistical significance and after fixation a good correlation with statistical significance (intact femur, r = 0.467, p = 0.126; after fixation, r = 0.869, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The ACA method generated acceptable results and could contribute to improving the results of femoral nailing. The use of this device in a real clinical setting is necessary to truly elucidate its utility. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive clinical trial designs with pre‐specified rules for modifying the sample size: understanding efficient types of adaptation
Authors: Levin Gregory P. , Emerson Sarah C. , Emerson Scott S.
Published: October 2012

Adaptive clinical trial design has been proposed as a promising new approach that may improve the drug discovery process. Proponents of adaptive sample size re‐estimation promote its ability to avoid ‘up‐front’ commitment of resources, better address the complicated decisions faced by data monitoring committees, and minimize accrual to studies having delayed ascertainment of outcomes. We investigate aspects of adaptation rules, such as timing of the adaptation analysis and magnitude of sample size adjustment, that lead to greater or lesser statistical efficiency. Owing in part to the recent Food and Drug Administration guidance that promotes the use of pre‐specified sampling plans, we evaluate alternative approaches in the context of well‐defined, pre‐specified adaptation. We quantify the relative costs and benefits of fixed sample, group sequential, and pre‐specified adaptive designs with respect to standard operating characteristics such as type I error, maximal sample size, power, and expected sample size under a range of alternatives. Our results build on others’ prior research by demonstrating in realistic settings that simple and easily implemented pre‐specified adaptive designs provide only very small efficiency gains over group sequential designs with the same number of analyses. In addition, we describe optimal rules for modifying the sample size, providing efficient adaptation boundaries on a variety of scales for the interim test statistic for adaptation analyses occurring at several different stages of the trial. We thus provide insight into what are good and bad choices of adaptive sampling plans when the added flexibility of adaptive designs is desired. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeting presynaptic norepinephrine transporter in brown adipose tissue: A novel imaging approach and potential treatment for diabetes and obesity
Authors: Mirbolooki M. Reza , Constantinescu Cristian C. , Pan Min‐Liang , Mukherjee Jogeshwar
Published: October 2012

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a significant role in metabolism. In this study, we report the use of atomoxetine (a clinically applicable norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) for 18F‐FDG PET imaging of BAT and its effects on heat production and blood glucose concentration. Fasted‐male Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered with intravenous 18F‐FDG. The same rats were treated with atomoxetine (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) 30 min before 18F‐FDG administration. To confirm the β‐adrenergic effects, propranolol (β‐adrenergic inhibitor) 5 mg/kg was given intraperitoneally 30 min prior to atomoxetine administration. The effect of atomoxetine on BAT metabolism was assessed in fasted and non‐fasted rats and on BAT temperature and blood glucose in fasted rats. In 18F‐FDG PET/CT images, interscapular BAT (IBAT) and other areas of BAT were clearly visualized. When rats were fasted, atomoxetine (0.1 mg/kg) increased the 18F‐FDG uptake of IBAT by factor of 24 within 30 min. Propranolol reduced the average 18F‐FDG uptake of IBAT significantly. Autoradiography of IBAT and white adipose tissue confirmed the data obtained by PET. When rats were not fasted, atomoxetine‐induced increase of 18F‐FDG uptake in IBAT was delayed and occurred in 120 min. For comparison, direct stimulation of β3‐adrenreceptors in non‐fasted rats with CL‐316, 243 occurred within 30 min. Atomoxetine‐induced IBAT activation was associated with higher IBAT temperature and lower blood glucose. This was mediated by inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake transporters in IBAT leading to increased norepinephrine concentration in the synapse. Increased synaptic norepinephrine activates β3‐adrenreceptors resulting in BAT hypermetabolism that is visible and quantifiable by 18F‐FDG PET/CT. Synapse, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Divergence and lifecycle offsets in product families with commonality
Authors: Boas Ryan , Cameron Bruce G. , Crawley Edward F.
Published: October 2012

Commonality, or the reuse and sharing of components, manufacturing processes, architectures, interfaces, and infrastructure across the members of a product family, is an often leveraged strategy targeted at improving corporate profitability. Commonality strategies are widespread in the literature and in industrial practice, but a clear gap exists: The literature has a distinctly positive bias towards the benefits of commonality, whereas industrial success with commonality has been mixed. This article explores two phenomena, divergence and lifecycle offsets, that may prevent companies from properly assessing and realizing the potential benefits of commonality. Using a multiple case study approach, we trace commonality levels through the lifecycles of seven complex product families that span the aerospace, automotive, semiconductor capital equipment, and printing industries. The case studies indicate that commonality tends to decline over time, a phenomenon we title divergence. In contrast to the prevailing concept of parallel development in product families, we find that lifecycle offsets, or temporal separations between the development, manufacturing, operations, and/or retirement phases of two or more products, are prevalent in industrial practice. Through this exploratory study, we find that lifecycle offsets may reduce the potential benefits of commonality, make the realization of benefits much more difficult, delay the realization of benefits, and reallocate potential benefits across individual products. We predict that lifecycle offsets exacerbate divergence. We propose a framework for categorizing parts‐level changes that explicitly recognizes the potential for divergence. We conclude with guidance for product family managers, namely, that commonality be managed dynamically throughout the product family lifecycle, rather than as a static property. Additionally, we articulate the need to make commonality decisions from a product family perspective, a perspective that may lead to decisions that create near‐term costs for one variant but result in larger long‐term savings for a second variant and for the product family as a whole. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16
Emergence of cooperation in peer‐to‐peer systems: A complex adaptive system approach
Authors: Vakili Golnaz , Tabatabaee Foroozossadat , Khorsandi Siavash
Published: October 2012

Overall performance of a peer‐to‐peer system can be highly variable and unpredictable as there is no central authority to set and coordinate the amount of resource contributions made by constituent peers. In this paper, we address the problem of optimal cooperation policy setting for individual peers by taking into account their rationality, and with respect to a set of overall constraints imposed by resource‐driven requirements of the system. We formalize distributed cooperation policy setting as an asynchronous distributed decision making (ADDM) process and represent an integrated design for this process in two top‐down and bottom‐up phases. In top‐down design, we specify the overall objective and constraints and in line with them, we synthesize the local objectives of individual peers. We show that the rational peers should continuously adapt their cooperation policies asynchronously and autonomously according to the policies of the other participants in order to maximize their local objectives. To this end, we devise a self‐organizing interaction mechanism in the bottom‐up phase and demonstrate that it coordinates asynchronous distributed decisions of individual peers with respect to the overall objective and constraints through local interactions. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16
Resilience principles for engineered systems
Authors: Jackson Scott , Ferris Timothy L. J.
Published: October 2012

This paper examines a set of abstract, top‐level principles and subprinciples collected from the literature to determine their usefulness in enabling the avoidance, survival, and recovery from disruptions caused by threats of various sources. The principles are compared to concrete solutions recommended by domain experts in various case studies and to the actual events in those case studies. Also examined are the limitations, conflicts, and vulnerabilities that may be apparent when concrete solutions are created from these principles. The systems considered are physical, organizational, and procedural systems. Examples include cases from fire protection, aviation, railways, and power distribution domains. Threats examined include terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and human and design error. Each principle is found to apply to different phases of the disruption cycle surrounding an encounter with a threat. It is found that principles, in general, cannot be applied singly to a system but must be combined with other principles to enable resilience. System developers in various domains can use the principles to create concrete solutions to characterize a particular system, model that solution, and determine the degree of recovery of the system from a specified threat. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16