bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel blend microspheres of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) and Pluronic F68/127 for controlled release of 6‐mercaptopurine
Authors: Kajjari Praveen B. , Manjeshwar Lata S. , Aminabhavi Tejraj M.
Published: December 2013

The objective of this article is to investigate the controlled release characteristics of 6‐mercaptopurine (6‐MP) loaded microspheres prepared from the blends of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and Pluronic F68/127 by the oil‐in‐water emulsion‐solvent evaporation technique. Formulations were prepared by taking different ratios of individual polymer components to achieve a maximum 79% encapsulation and extending the release time up to 24 h. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) suggested reduction in crystallanity of PHB after blending with Pluronic F127. The absence of chemical interactions between 6‐MP and the blend matrix was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, while the size of microspheres measured by optical microscopy ranged between 30 and 47 μm. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline nature of 6‐MP even after encapsulation and surface morphology of the microspheres was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vitro release of 6‐MP at 37°C in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer media indicated a dependence on the composition of Pluronic in the blend. The release data have been fitted to empirical equations to understand the release profile of 6‐MP. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40196.
Electrochemical Biosensor Based on surfactant doped polypyrrole (PPy) matrix for lactose determination
Authors: Gürsoy Oğuz , Çelik Gamze , Gürsoy Songül Şen
Published: December 2013

Lactose biosensor based on surfactant doped polypyrrole (PPy) was developed. Galactose oxidase and β‐galactosidase was coimmobilized in PPy matrix during electropolymerization process with the presence of sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonic acid as surfactant. Bi‐enzyme entrapped PPy was characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The response of the enzyme electrode was measured by CV in the range of −0.1 to 1.0 V versus Ag/AgCl which was due to the electrooxidation of enzymatically produced H2O2. The effect of lactose concentration was investigated. Response time of biosensor was found to be 8–10 s (the time required to obtain the maximum peak current) and upper limit of the linear working portions was found to be 1.22 mM lactose concentration with a detection limit of (2.6 × 10−6 M). The apparent Michaelis–Menten constant was found to be 0.117 mM lactose. The effects of interferents (ascorbic acid and uric acid) were determined. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40200.
Liquefaction behaviors of bamboo residues in a glycerol‐based solvent using microwave energy
Authors: Xie Jiulong , Hse Chung‐Yun , Shupe Todd F. , Qi Jinqiu , Pan Hui
Published: December 2013

Liquefaction of bamboo was performed in glycerol–methanol as co‐solvent using microwave energy and was evaluated by characterizing the liquefied residues. High efficiency conversion of bamboo was achieved under mild reaction conditions. Liquefaction temperature and time interacted to affect the liquefaction reaction. Fourier transform infrared analyzes of the residues indicated that hemicellulose and lignin could easily undergo recondensation. Thermogravimetric analysis results showed that residues obtained at higher temperature/longer reaction time displayed a superior thermal stability as compared to those obtained from mild conditions. Moreover, significant differences were observed in the morphology and structures of residues from different liquefaction conditions according to scanning electron microscopy images. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40207.
Synthesis and physical properties of poly(l‐lactic acid)‐poly(dimethyl siloxane) multiblock copolymers prepared by direct polycondensation
Authors: Fukae Ryohei , Okada Yoshiro , Kawatsuki Nobuhiro
Published: December 2013

Multiblock copolymers consisting of poly(l‐lactic acid) and poly(dimethyl siloxane) were prepared by the polycondensation of oligo(l‐lactic acid) (OLLA) with dihydroxyl‐terminated oligo(dimethyl siloxane) and dicarboxyl‐terminated oligo(dimethyl siloxane). Copolymers with number‐average molecular weights of 18,000−33,000 Da and various content ratios of oligo(dimethyl siloxane) (ODMS) unit were obtained by changing the feed ratio of these oligomers. A film prepared from the copolymer with an ODMS content ratio of 0.37 exhibited two independent peaks at −107°C and 37°C in the mechanical loss tangent for temperature dependence, suggesting the formation of microphase separation between the OLLA and ODMS segments. The film had a tensile strength of 3.2 MPa and a high elongation of 132%. The film also exhibited a high strain recovery even after repeated straining. The incorporation of dimethyl siloxane units as multiblock segments was confirmed to improve the flexibility of poly(l‐lactic acid). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40211.
Hydrogels containing silver nanoparticles for burn wounds show antimicrobial activity without cytotoxicity
Authors: Boonkaew Benjawan , Suwanpreuksa Pimpa , Cuttle Leila , Barber Philip Martin , Supaphol Pitt
Published: December 2013

This research introduces a novel dressing for burn wounds, containing silver nanoparticles in hydrogels for infected burn care. The 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid sodium salt hydrogels containing silver nanoparticles have been prepared via ultraviolet radiation. The formation of silver nanoparticles was monitored by surface plasmon bands and transmission electron microscopy. The concentration of silver nitrate loaded in the solutions slightly affected the physical properties and mechanical properties of the neat hydrogel. An indirect cytotoxicity study found that none of the hydrogels were toxic to tested cell lines. The measurement of cumulative release of silver indicated that 70%–82% of silver was released within 72 hr. The antibacterial activities of the hydrogels against common burn pathogens were studied and the results showed that 5 mM silver hydrogel had the greatest inhibitory activity. The results support its use as a potential burn wound dressing. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40215.
Dynamic mechanical properties of semi‐interpenetrating polymer network‐based on nitrile rubber and poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate)
Authors: Su Chang , Zong Dezhen , Xu Lihuan , Zhang Cheng
Published: December 2013

In this article, semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (Semi‐IPNs) based on nitrile rubber (NBR) and poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate) (P(MMA‐BA)) were synthesized. The structure and damping properties of the prepared Semi‐IPNs blends were characterized and by fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), and tensile mechanical properties. The results showed that interpenetrating network based on P(MMA‐BA) and NBR was successfully obtained, which showed the improved thermal stability compared to NBR/P(MMA‐BA)‐based two‐roll mill blends. Furthermore, Semi‐IPNs showed significantly better the dynamic mechanical properties than that of the two‐roll mill system. With the increasing feed ratio of BA and MMA during the preparation of Semi‐IPNs, the loss peak position for P(MMA‐BA) in NBR/PMMA IPNs shifted to a lower temperature from 20°C to −17°C, and when NBR in Semi‐IPNs was accounted for 40 wt %, the dynamic mechanical thermal analysis showed that much more advanced damping material with wider temperature range (−30°C < T < 80°C) as tan δ > 0.45 can be achieved. Therefore, it was expected as a promising way to obtain the excellent damping materials with good oil‐resisted properties according the Semi‐IPNs system. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40217.
Synthesis of recyclable hollow Fe/C—SO3H fiber as a catalyst for the production of biodiesel
Authors: Lin Lin , Cui Haiying , Vittayapadung Saritporn , Xiao Zhihong , Wu Wenyu , Zhang Aihua , Mamdouh Wael , Li Changzhu
Published: December 2013

Biodiesel has received much attention in the recent years as one of the most renewable bioenergy sources. The production of biodiesel from vegetable oil has a great advantage over other sources for having an efficient solid catalyst suitable for making the process fully ecofriendly. In the current work, magnetic sulfonated carbon‐based solid acid catalyst Fe/C—SO3H fibers were prepared by the organic gel‐precursor transformation process and subsequent sulfonation from sugars and ferric salts. The esterification of oleic acid and methanol was taken as the model reaction to investigate the impact of preparation parameters on the activity of the catalyst. The experimental results showed that the conversion of oleic acid is more than 90% under optimal conditions. Furthermore, the Fe/C—SO3H fibers catalyst displays superparamagnetic properties. The catalyst was separated by a magnetic field, and around 80% biodiesel conversion was obtained after being recycled for 10 times. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 1432–1437, 2014
Seismic performance evaluation of high voltage disconnect switches using real‐time hybrid simulation: I. System development and validation
Authors: Mosalam Khalid M. , Günay Selim
Published: December 2013

This paper presents the development and validation of a real‐time hybrid simulation (RTHS) system for efficient dynamic testing of high voltage electrical vertical‐break disconnect switches. The RTHS system consists of the computational model of the support structure, the physical model of the insulator post, a small shaking table, a state‐of‐the‐art controller, a data acquisition system and a digital signal processor. Explicit Newmark method is adopted for the numerical integration of the governing equations of motion of the hybrid structure, which consists of an insulator post (experimental substructure) and a spring‐mass‐dashpot system representing the support structure (analytical substructure). Two of the unique features of the developed RTHS system are the application of an efficient feed‐forward error compensation scheme and the ability to use integration time steps as small as 1 ms. After the development stage, proper implementation of the algorithm and robustness of the measurements used in the calculations are verified. The developed RTHS system is further validated by comparing the RTHS test results with those from a conventional shaking table test. A companion paper presents and discusses a parametric study for a variety of geometrical and material configurations of these switches using the developed RTHS system. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The biogeomorphological life cycle of poplars during the fluvial biogeomorphological succession: a special focus on Populus nigra L.
Authors: Corenblit D. , Steiger J. , González E. , Gurnell A. M. , Charrier G. , Darrozes J. , Dousseau J. , Julien F. , Lambs L. , Larrue S. , Roussel E. , Vautier F. , Voldoire O.
Published: December 2013

Riverine ecosystems are recurrently rejuvenated during destructive flood events and vegetation succession starts again. Poplars (i.e. species from Populus genera) respond to hydrogeomorphological constraints, but, in turn, also influence these processes. Thus, poplar development on bare mineral substrates is not exclusively a one‐way vegetative process. Reciprocal interactions and adjustments between poplar species and sediment dynamics during their life cycle lead to the emergence of biogeomorphological entities within the fluvial corridor, such as vegetated islands, benches and floodplains. Based on a review of geomorphological, biological and ecological literature, we have identified and described the co‐constructing processes between riparian poplars and their fluvial environment. We have explored the possibility that the modification of the hydrogeomorphological environment exerted, in particular, by the European black poplar (Populus nigra L.), increases its fitness and thus results in positive niche construction. We focus on the fundamental phases of dispersal, recruitment and establishment until sexual maturity of P. nigra by describing the hierarchy of interactions and the pattern of feedbacks between biotic and abiotic components. We explicitly relate the biological life cycle of P. nigra to the fluvial biogeomorphic succession model by referring to the ‘biogeomorphological life cycle’ of P. nigra. Finally, we propose new research perspectives based on this theoretical framework. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Betel quid chewing and the risk of oral and oropharyngeal cancers: A meta‐analysis with implications for cancer control
Authors: Guha Neela , Warnakulasuriya Saman , Vlaanderen Jelle , Straif Kurt
Published: December 2013

We conducted a random‐effects meta‐analysis of 50 publications assessing the relationship between oral/oropharyngeal cancer and chewing betel quid, with (BQ+T) or without added tobacco (BQ‐T), a common practice in many parts of Asia and globally among Asian immigrants. Exposure‐response, by daily amount and years of BQ chewed, was assessed using spline models. Attributable fractions (PAF%) were calculated to estimate the public health impact if BQ were no longer chewed. The meta‐relative risk (mRR) for oral/oropharyngeal cancer in the Indian subcontinent was 2.56 (95%CI, 2.00–3.28; 15 studies) for BQ‐T and 7.74 (95%CI, 5.38–11.13; 31 studies) for BQ+T; in Taiwan, China, the mRR for BQ‐T was 10.98 (95%CI, 4.86–24.84; 13 studies). Restricting to studies that adjusted for tobacco and alcohol use had only a small effect on the risk estimates. For BQ+T in the Indian subcontinent, the mRR was much higher in women (mRR, 14.56; 95%CI, 7.63–27.76) than in men. Exposure‐response analyses showed that the risk of oral/oropharyngeal cancer increased with increasing daily amount and duration (years) of chewing BQ in India and Taiwan, China. Roughly half of oral cancers in these countries could be prevented if BQ were no longer chewed (PAF% = 53.7% for BQ‐T in Taiwan, China; PAF% = 49.5% for BQ+T in India). We demonstrate that betel quid chewing, with or without added tobacco, increases the risk of oral/oropharyngeal cancer in an exposure‐dependent manner, independently of tobacco and alcohol use. Further work is needed to explain the higher risks associated with chewing BQ‐T in Taiwan, China.
A Comparative Study of In Vitro Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activity of Pt(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), and Co(III) Complexes with N‐heteroaromatic Schiff Base (E)‐2‐[N′‐(1‐pyridin‐2‐yl‐ethylidene)hydrazino]acetate
Authors: Filipović Nenad R. , Marković Ivanka , Mitić Dragana , Polović Natalija , Milčić Miloš , Dulović Marija , Jovanović Maja , Savić Milena , Nikšić Miomir , Anđelković Katarina , Todorović Tamara
Published: December 2013

In search for novel biologically active metal based compounds, an evaluation of in vitro cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of new Pt(II) complex and its Zn(II), Cu(II), and Co(III) analogues, with NNO tridentately coordinated N‐heteroaromatic Schiff base ligand (E)‐2‐[N′‐(1‐pyridin‐2‐yl‐ethylidene)hydrazino]acetate, was performed. Investigation of antioxidative properties showed that all of the compounds have strong radical scavenging potencies. The Zn(II) complex showed potent inhibition of DNA cleavage by hydroxyl radical. A cytotoxic action of investigated compounds was evaluated on cultures of human promyelocitic leukaemia (HL‐60), human glioma (U251), rat glioma (C6), and mouse melanoma (B16) cell lines. It was shown that binuclear pentacoordinated Zn(II) complex possesses a strong dose‐dependent cytotoxic activity, of the same order of magnitude as cisplatin on B16, C6, and U251 cells. Furthermore, Zn(II) complex causes oxidative stress‐induced apoptotic death of HL‐60 leukemic cells, associated with caspase activation, phosphatidylserine externalization, and DNA fragmentation.
Sonographic diagnosis of anatomical variations associated with carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: De Franco P. , Erra C. , Granata G. , Coraci D. , Padua R. , Padua L.
Published: December 2013

Bifid median nerve is an anatomic variation that occurs in about 18% of patients with symptoms suggestive of carpal tunnel syndrome and in about 15% of symptom‐free subjects. Reversed palmaris longus is a rare anatomic muscular variation. The simultaneous presence of a bifid median nerve and a reversed palmaris longus has been very rarely described, usually during surgical exploration or in cadavers. We present two cases where ultrasound showed the presence of both abnormalities, allowing a correct diagnosis and influencing the treatment plan. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:371–374, 2014
Barbronia weberi (Clitellata, Hirudinida, Salifidae) has ovary cords of the Erpobdella type
Authors: Urbisz Anna Z. , Lai Yi‐Te , Świątek Piotr
Published: December 2013

The organization of the ovaries in representative of the Salifidae (Hirudinida, Erpobdelliformes) was studied at the ultrastructural level for the first time. Like in other leeches, the ovaries of Barbronia weberi are composed of an outer envelope (i.e., an ovisac made up of two coelomic epithelia, muscle cells, and connective tissue) and several internal units, which are broadly similar to the ovary cords found in representatives of the Erpobdellidae. There are usually 6–8 ovary cords that are twisted or cambered with a narrow apical part and a broader, irregularly shaped distal end in each ovisac of B. weberi. Each ovary cord is built from somatic and germ‐line cells and the latter tend to form multicellular cysts that are equipped with a central cytoplasmic core (cytophore). There are two morphologically different subpopulations of germ‐line cells: oocytes and more numerous nurse cells. Growing oocytes form protuberances on the ovary cord surface and eventually detach from the cord and float freely in the ovisac lumen, whereas the other components of germ‐line cysts (i.e., nurse cells and cytophore) degenerate. It should be pointed out that there is a prominent gradient of germ‐cell development along the long axis of the cord. The somatic cells form the ovary cord envelope (the so‐called spongiosa cells) and also penetrate the spaces between germ‐line cells. Both kinds of the somatic cells, that is, those forming the cord envelope and the somatic cells that are associated with oocytes (follicular cells) have a well‐developed system of intercellular channels. Additionally, one prominent somatic cell, the apical cell, was found at the apical tip of each ovary cord. Because the aforementioned features of ovary cords found in B. weberi are very similar (with a few minor exceptions) to the ovary cords that have been described in Erpobdella octoculata and E. johanssoni, we propose the term “ovary cords of the Erpobdella type” for them. Our results support a close phylogenetic relationship between Salifidae and Erpobdellidae. J. Morphol. 275:479–488, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potentially simple score of late gadolinium enhancement cardiac MR in acute myocarditis outcome
Authors: Barone‐Rochette Gilles , Augier Caroline , Rodière Mathieu , Quesada Jean‐Louis , Foote Alison , Bouvaist Hélène , Marlière Stéphanie , Fagret Daniel , Baguet Jean Philippe , Vanzetto Gérald
Published: December 2013

Purpose

To determine the value of cardiac MRI for the monitoring and the prognosis of patients with acute myocarditis. Cardiac MRI plays an increasingly important role in the diagnosis of acute myocarditis. However, it is less established as a prognostic tool, which requires specific postprocessing of images.

Materials and Methods

In a prospective pilot study, we assessed the prognostic value of the evolution in a simplified visual quantitative score (SQS) of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) between initial hospitalization and 3 months later. The prognostic value was assessed at 1 year using a combination of death, heart transplant, and confirmed recurrence as main outcome.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients were included in this study. A significant correlation was found between LGE measured by SQS and planimetry (r = 0.95, P < 0.001). Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibilities were good for SQS (ICC = 0.95 [95% CI: 0.86 to 0.98], and 0.94 [95% CI: 0.84 to 0.98], respectively). At initial hospitalization, patient characteristics between the two groups were similar. Patients with stable or increased SQS suffered more frequently from clinical outcome events than patients with a decrease in SQS (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Monitoring of the evolution of LGE using a simple visual score is of interest to identify patients at risk of pejorative prognosis after acute myocarditis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1347–1354. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Malignant melanoma in early‐treated Parkinson's disease: The NET‐PD trial
Authors: Constantinescu Radu , Elm Jordan , Auinger Peggy , Sharma Saloni , Augustine Erika F. , Khadim Laith , Kieburtz Karl ,   NET‐PD Investigators
Published: December 2013

Background

The risk for malignant melanoma is higher than expected in Parkinson's disease (PD). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Exploratory Trials in PD (NET‐PD) Long‐term Study 1 (LS‐1) trial is a contemporary phase 3 study of subjects with early, treated PD. The objective of this work was to assess the incidence of malignant melanoma in a PD cohort.

Methods

Incident melanoma cases were identified from the adverse events log. The expected number of cases was calculated, using the expected incidence rates and the number of person‐years.

Results

A total of 618 females and 1119 males were followed for 6452 person‐years; 19 new melanoma cases were observed. The expected number was 5.29. The standardized event ratio compared to the general population was 3.6 (95% confidence interval, 2.2‐5.6).

Conclusions

The risk for developing melanoma was higher than expected in the NET‐PD LS‐1 cohort and was similar to the risk reported in earlier comparable clinical trial cohorts. Dermatologic screening may be useful in Parkinson's disease to identify melanoma at an early stage. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Chemoprevention of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by dietary natural compounds
Authors: Pan Min‐Hsiung , Lai Ching‐Shu , Tsai Mei‐Ling , Ho Chi‐Tang
Published: December 2013

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to a wide spectrum of liver disease that is not from excess alcohol consumption, but is often associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. NAFLD pathogenesis is complicated and involves oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, mitochondrial damage, insulin resistance, inflammation, and excessive dietary fat intake, which increase hepatic lipid influx and de novo lipogenesis and impair insulin signaling, thus promoting hepatic triglyceride accumulation and ultimately NAFLD. Overproduction of proinflammatory adipokines from adipose tissue also affects hepatic metabolic function. Current NAFLD therapies are limited; thus, much attention has been focused on identification of potential dietary substances from fruits, vegetables, and edible plants to provide a new strategy for NAFLD treatment. Dietary natural compounds, such as carotenoids, omega‐3‐PUFAs, flavonoids, isothiocyanates, terpenoids, curcumin, and resveratrol, act through a variety of mechanisms to prevent and improve NAFLD. Here, we summarize and briefly discuss the currently known targets and signaling pathways as well as the role of dietary natural compounds that interfere with NAFLD pathogenesis.
Influence of Cold Rolling on Microstructural Evolution in 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Pramanik Sudipta , Bera Supriya , Ghosh Swarup Kumar
Published: December 2013

The influence of cold rolling on the microstructural changes of 2205 duplex stainless steel was investigated. The steel samples revealed the presence of almost equal volume fraction of δ‐ferrite and austenite phase after hot rolling. During cold rolling, the above phase constituents became flattened, fragmented as well as transformed into acicular microstructural constituents with increasing amount of cold deformation. The transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of strain‐induced α′ martensite, Moiré fringes, elongated worm‐like closed slip band channels and poorly developed dislocation cell structures. The volume percent of the constituent phases has been quantified by X‐ray diffraction analysis, which has also been substantiated by the image analysis result. The micro‐hardness measurement establishes that the work hardening capacity of austenite is more compared to ferrite.
Prognostic Significance of the Number of Metastatic Lymph Nodes to Stratify the Risk of Recurrence
Authors: Lee Jeonghun , Song Youngpeck , Soh Euy Young
Published: December 2013

Background

Prophylactic dissection facilitates identification of central lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Because most staging systems do not stratify risks by the number of LN metastases, postoperative treatments vary among different institutions. Therefore we investigated the significance of number of LN metastases in risk stratification for recurrence in PTC.

Material and methods

A retrospective review was performed for 3,305 patients who had undergone thyroidectomy at Ajou University Hospital. A total of 2,462 patients (73.5 %) underwent total thyroidectomy, and another 3,152 (94.1 %) underwent central LN dissection. Lateral cervical LN dissection had been performed in 420 patients (12.5 %).

Results

There were 115 patients with recurrence (3.4 %). Recurrence‐free rates were 94.6 % at 5 years and 89.4 % at 10 years. On univariate analysis, prognostic factors for recurrence were extent of thyroidectomy, tumor size, capsular invasion, T stage, N stage, number of LN metastasis, TNM stage, and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. On multivariate analysis, number of LN metastasis and N stage were significant prognostic factors for recurrence. Recurrence‐free rate was significantly different between patients with 0–1 LN and those with 2 or more LN.

Conclusions

Number of metastatic LN was a significant prognostic factor, in addition to the N stage. Therefore, number of metastatic LN must be considered for postoperative staging system to tailor treatment and follow‐up recommendations. In addition, patients with ≥2 metastatic LN may benefit from total thyroidectomy and RAI therapy with postoperative follow‐up with serum thyroglobulin.
Compactness and bubble analysis for $1/2$-harmonic maps
Authors: Da Lio Francesca
Published: December 2013

In this paper we study compactness and quantization properties of sequences of

1/2

-harmonic maps

u_{k}:\mathbb{R}\rightarrow \mathcal{S}^{m−1}

such that

\|u_{k}\|_{\.{H}^{1/ 2}(\mathbb{R},\mathcal{S}^{m−1})}⩽C

. More precisely we show that there exist a weak

1/2

-harmonic map

u_{\infty }:\mathbb{R}\rightarrow \mathcal{S}^{m−1}

, a finite and possible empty set

\{a_{1},…,a_{ℓ}\} \subset \mathbb{R}

such that up to subsequences

\left|(−\mathrm{\Delta })^{1/ 4}u_{k}\right|^{2}\:dx⇀\left|(−\mathrm{\Delta })^{1/ 4}u_{\infty }\right|^{2}\:dx + \sum \limits_{i = 1}^{ℓ}\lambda _{i}\delta _{a_{i}},\:\text{in Radon measure},

as

k\rightarrow + \infty

, with

\lambda _{i}⩾0

.

The convergence of

u_{k}

to

u_{\infty }

is strong in

\.{W}_{\mathrm{loc}}^{1/ 2,p}(\mathbb{R} \setminus \{a_{1},…,a_{ℓ}\})

, for every

p⩾1

. We quantify the loss of energy in the weak convergence and we show that in the case of non-constant

1/2

-harmonic maps with values in

\mathcal{S}^{1}

one has

\lambda _{i} = 2\pi n_{i}

, with

n_{i}

a positive integer.
Engineering anti‐GD2 monoclonal antibodies for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Ahmed Mahiuddin , Cheung Nai-Kong V.
Published: December 2013

Ganglioside GD2 is highly expressed on neuroectoderm‐derived tumors and sarcomas, including neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, melanoma, small cell lung cancer, brain tumors, osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma in children and adolescents, as well as liposarcoma, fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma and other soft tissue sarcomas in adults. Since GD2 expression in normal tissues is restricted to the brain, which is inaccessible to circulating antibodies, and in selected peripheral nerves and melanocytes, it was deemed a suitable target for systemic tumor immunotherapy. Anti‐GD2 antibodies have been actively tested in clinical trials for neuroblastoma for over the past two decades, with proven safety and efficacy. The main limitations have been acute pain toxicity associated with GD2 expression on peripheral nerve fibers and the inability of antibodies to treat bulky tumor. Several strategies have been developed to reduce pain toxicity, including bypassing complement activation, using blocking antibodies, or targeting of O‐acetyl‐GD2 derivative that is not expressed on peripheral nerves. To enhance anti‐tumor efficacy, anti‐GD2 monoclonal antibodies and fragments have been engineered into immunocytokines, immunotoxins, antibody drug conjugates, radiolabeled antibodies, targeted nanoparticles, T‐cell engaging bispecific antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptors. The challenges of these approaches will be reviewed to build a perspective for next generation anti‐GD2 therapeutics in cancer therapy.
Regulatory fit: A meta‐analytic synthesis
Authors: Motyka Scott , Grewal Dhruv , Puccinelli Nancy M. , Roggeveen Anne L. , Avnet Tamar , Daryanto Ahmad , de Ruyter Ko , Wetzels Martin
Published: December 2013

Regulatory fit, or the match between an individual's regulatory orientation and the strategy used to sustain it, offers a pervasive predictor of customer behavior. Merely reaching a decision in a certain way influences the value of a decision or an outcome. In this research, we conduct a meta‐analysis to more fully articulate the role of important conceptual moderators and demonstrate their differential effects on evaluation, behavioral intention, and behavior. In particular, we look at the source of regulatory focus (self‐prime, situation‐prime, chronic), the orientation (prevention, promotion), how fit is created (sustaining, matching), how fit is constructed (action, observation), and the scope of fit (incidental, integral). We also shed light on the role of several contextual factors.
COX‐2 inhibition prevents the appearance of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas accelerated by BRAF inhibitors
Authors: Escuin-Ordinas Helena , Atefi Mohammad , Fu Yong , Cass Ashley , Ng Charles , Huang Rong Rong , Yashar Sharona , Comin-Anduix Begonya , Avramis Earl , Cochran Alistair J. , Marais Richard , Lo Roger S. , Graeber Thomas G. , Herschman Harvey R. , Ribas Antoni
Published: December 2013

Keratoacanthomas (KAs) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cuSCCs) develop in 15–30% of patients with BRAFV600E metastatic melanoma treated with BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi). These lesions resemble mouse skin tumors induced by the two‐stage DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis protocol; in this protocol BRAFi accelerates tumor induction. Since prior studies demonstrated cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) is necessary for DMBA/TPA tumor induction, we hypothesized that COX‐2 inhibition might prevent BRAFi‐accelerated skin tumors. Celecoxib, a COX‐2 inhibitor, significantly delayed tumor acceleration by the BRAFi inhibitor PLX7420 and decreased tumor number by 90%. Tumor gene expression profiling demonstrated that celecoxib partially reversed the PLX4720‐induced gene signature. In PDV cuSCC cells, vemurafenib (a clinically approved BRAFi) increased ERK phosphorylation and soft agar colony formation; both responses were greatly decreased by celecoxib. In clinical trials trametinib, a MEK inhibitor (MEKi) increases BRAFi therapy efficacy in BRAFV600E melanomas and reduces BRAFi‐induced KA and cuSCC frequency. Trametinib also reduced vemurafenib‐induced PDV soft agar colonies, but less efficiently than celecoxib. The trametinb/celecoxib combination was more effective than either inhibitor alone. In conclusion, celecoxib suppressed both BRAFi‐accelerated skin tumors and soft‐agar colonies, warranting its testing as a chemopreventive agent for non‐melanoma skin lesions in patients treated with BRAFi alone or in combination with MEKi.
Effects of dietary supplementation with epigallocatechin-3-gallate on weight loss, energy homeostasis, cardiometabolic risk factors and liver function in obese women: randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mielgo-Ayuso Juan , Barrenechea Lurdes , Alcorta Pilar , Larrarte Eider , Margareto Javier , Labayen Idoia
Published: December 2013

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on changes in body composition, energy and substrate metabolism, cardiometabolic risk factors and liver function enzymes after an energy-restricted diet intervention in obese women. In the present randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, eighty-three obese (30 kg/m2>BMI < 40 kg/m2) pre-menopausal women consumed 300 mg/d of EGCG or placebo (lactose). We measured body weight and adiposity (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), energy expenditure and fat oxidation rates (indirect calorimetry), blood lipid levels (TAG, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol), insulin resistance, C-reactive protein and liver function markers (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase, urea, bilirubin and 2-keto[1-13C]isocaproate oxidation) before and after the intervention in the EGCG and control groups. We did not find any significant difference in the changes in body weight ( − 0·3 kg, 95 % CI − 5·0, 4·3), fat mass ( − 0·7 kg, 95 % CI − 3·5, 2·1), energy (0·3 kJ/kg per d, 95 % CI − 3·1, 2·7) and fat ( − 0·1 g/min, 95 % CI − 0·03, 0·01) metabolism, homeostasis assessment model for insulin resistance (0·2, 95 % CI − 0·2, 0·7), total cholesterol ( − 0·21 mmol/l, 95 % CI − 0·55, 0·13), LDL-cholesterol ( − 0·15 mmol/l, 95 % CI − 0·50, 0·20), TAG ( − 0·14 mmol/l, 95 % CI − 0·56, 0·29) and liver function markers between the EGCG and control groups. In conclusion, the present results suggest that dietary supplementation with 300 mg/d of EGCG for 12 weeks did not enhance energy-restricted diet-induced adiposity reductions, and did not improve weight-loss-induced changes in cardiometabolic risk factors in obese Caucasian women. The intake of 300 mg/d of EGCG for 12 weeks did not cause any adverse effect on liver function biomarkers.
A sharp oscillation property involving the critical Sobolev exponent for a class of superlinear elliptic problems
Authors: López-Gómez Julián
Published: December 2013

This paper studies the asymptotic behaviour as α := u(0) ↑∞ of the first zero R(α) of the radially symmetric solution of the semilinear equation

in ℝn, n ≥ 1, where h > 0 and β > 1. We establish that R(α) = O(α−(β−1)/2) if n = 1, 2 or n ≥ 3 and β < (n + 2)/(n − 2), and conjecture that lim inf α→∞R(α) > 0 if n ≥ 3 and β > (n + 2)/(n − 2).
Vector fields on right-generalized complex projective Stiefel manifolds
Authors: Gondhali Shilpa , Subhash B.
Published: December 2013

The question of parallelizability and stable parallelizability of a family of manifolds obtained as a quotient of circle action on the complex Stiefel manifolds is studied and settled.
Impacts of the Primary School Free Breakfast Initiative on socio-economic inequalities in breakfast consumption among 9–11-year-old schoolchildren in Wales
Authors: Moore Graham F , Murphy Simon , Chaplin Katherine , Lyons Ronan A , Atkinson Mark , Moore Laurence
Published: December 2013

Objectives

Universal interventions may widen or narrow inequalities if disproportionately effective among higher or lower socio-economic groups. The present paper examines impacts of the Primary School Free Breakfast Initiative in Wales on inequalities in children's dietary behaviours and cognitive functioning.

Design

Cluster-randomised controlled trial. Responses were linked to free school meal (FSM) entitlement via the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage databank. Impacts on inequalities were evaluated using weighted school-level regression models with interaction terms for intervention × whole-school percentage FSM entitlement and intervention × aggregated individual FSM entitlement. Individual-level regression models included interaction terms for intervention × individual FSM entitlement.

Setting

Fifty-five intervention and fifty-six wait-list control primary schools.

Subjects

Approximately 4500 children completed measures of dietary behaviours and cognitive tests at baseline and 12-month follow-up.

Results

School-level models indicated that children in intervention schools ate a greater number of healthy items for breakfast than children in control schools (b = 0·25; 95 % CI 0·07, 0·44), with larger increases observed in more deprived schools (interaction term b = 1·76; 95 % CI 0·36, 3·16). An interaction between intervention and household-level deprivation was not significant. Despite no main effects on breakfast skipping, a significant interaction was observed, indicating declines in breakfast skipping in more deprived schools (interaction term b = −0·07; 95 % CI −0·15, −0·00) and households (OR = 0·67; 95 % CI 0·46, 0·98). No significant influence on inequality was observed for the remaining outcomes.

Conclusions

Universal breakfast provision may reduce socio-economic inequalities in consumption of healthy breakfast items and breakfast skipping. There was no evidence of intervention-generated inequalities in any outcomes.
Usual dietary fatty acid intakes and red-blood-cell membrane fatty acid composition in Inuit children attending child-care centres in Nunavik, northern Québec, Canada
Authors: Blanchet Rosanne , Lauzière Julie , Gagné Doris , Vézina Carole , Ayotte Pierre , O'Brien Huguette Turgeon
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To assess dietary fatty acid intakes and to examine the relationship between dietary sources ofn-3 andn-6 PUFA and red-blood-cell (RBC)n-3 andn-6 PUFA composition.

Design

A cross-sectional study. Dietary intakes were assessed with a 24 h dietary recall. A second recall was performed for 44 % of the children. Usual dietary intakes were estimated with the Software for Intake Distribution Estimation (SIDE). The fatty acid composition was measured in RBC membranes. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to explain RBCn-3 andn-6 PUFA concentrations.

Setting

Child-care centres in Nunavik, northern Québec, Canada.

Subjects

One hundred and sixty-seven Inuit children aged 11–53 months.

Results

A high proportion of the participants had inadequaten-3 andn-6 PUFA intakes (47·9 % and 93·5 %, respectively). Breast-feeding status and consumption of traditional food during the first 24 h dietary recall were significantly associated with RBCn-3 PUFA levels. Older children also tended to have higher RBCn-3 PUFA levels (P= 0·0528), whereas sex, infant formula status andn-3 PUFA dietary intakes were not associated with RBCn-3 PUFA concentrations. RBCn-6 PUFA concentrations were positively associated with breast-feeding status andn-6 PUFA dietary intakes, whereas age, sex and infant formula status were not.

Conclusions

The present findings highlight the fact that Inuit pre-school children are not consuming enoughn-3 andn-6 PUFA for optimum health. These observations call for actions to increase traditional food intake among Inuit children and to help them and their parents make healthier store-bought food choices.
Looking back over 150 years of humanitarian action: the photographic archives of the ICRC
Authors: Gorin Valérie
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this article is to suggest some historical milestones for a retrospective reflection on the photographic archives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This collection is little used by researchers, although the 120,000 photographs which it contains have helped to forge the symbolism and identity of the institution and to document its operations in accordance with a memory preservation policy which gradually emerged in the course of the 20th century. The photographs shown in this article are divided into three main themes (the ICRC delegate, the context of action, suffering and the victims), in order to make it easier to discuss the key aspects of this tremendous visual heritage which looks at humanitarian action, its protagonists and its beneficiaries from an anthropological and ethnological point of view.
Enhancing the resolution of multi-dimensional heteronuclear NMR spectra of intrinsically disordered proteins by homonuclear broadband decoupling
Authors: Helge Meyer N. , Zangger Klaus
Published: December 2013

Homonuclear broadband decoupling significantly enhances the resolution of NMR spectra of intrinsically disordered proteins.
Spectroelectrochemistry of FeIII- and CoIII-mimochrome VI artificial enzymes immobilized on mesoporous ITO electrodes
Authors: Vitale R. , Lista L. , Lau-Truong S. , Tucker R. T. , Brett M. J. , Limoges B. , Pavone V. , Lombardi A. , Balland V.
Published: December 2013

UV-visible absorption spectroelectrochemistry elucidated the different redox behaviours of FeIII- and CoIII-mimochrome VI artificial enzymes, adsorbed on mesoporous conductive films of ITO.
A sandwich complex with axial symmetry for harnessing the anisotropy in a prolate erbium(iii) ion
Authors: Le Roy Jennifer J. , Korobkov Ilia , Murugesu Muralee
Published: December 2013

Magnetic remanence and coercivity of up to 8 K with an energy barrier (Ueff) of 187(1) K, for a unique sandwich type Er(iii) single-ion magnet.
Zero field high frequency oscillations in dual free layer spin torque oscillators
Authors: Braganca P. M. , Pi K. , Zakai R. , Childress J. R. , Gurney B. A.
Published: December 2013

We observe microwave oscillations in relatively simple spin valve spin torque oscillators consisting of two in-plane free layers without spin polarizing layers. These devices exhibit two distinct modes which can reach frequencies >25 GHz in the absence of an applied magnetic field. Macrospin simulations identify these two modes as optical and acoustic modes excited by the coupling of the two layers through dipole field and spin torque effects. These results demonstrate the potential of this system as a large output power, ultrahigh frequency signal generator that can operate without magnetic field.
Elastic measurements on macroscopic three-dimensional pentamode metamaterials
Authors: Schittny Robert , Bückmann Tiemo , Kadic Muamer , Wegener Martin
Published: December 2013

Pentamode metamaterials approximate tailorable artificial liquids. Recently, microscopic versions of these intricate three-dimensional structures have been fabricated, but direct experimental characterization has not been possible yet. Here, using three-dimensional printing, we fabricate macroscopic polymer-based samples with many different combinations of the small connection diameter d and the lattice constant a. Direct measurements of the static shear modulus and the Young's modulus reveal that both scale approximately according to (d/a)3, in good agreement with continuum-mechanics calculations. For the smallest accessible values of d/a≈1.5%, we find derived ratios of bulk modulus B to shear modulus G of B/G≈1000.
A nuclear bomb worth more than its weight in gold?
Authors: Kramer David
Published: December 2013

Administration officials say refurbishing the B-61 will permit the retirement of the only other bomb in the stockpile.
Cities and Energy: Urban Morphology and Residential Heat-Energy Demand
Authors: Rode Philipp , Keim Christian , Robazza Guido , Viejo Pablo , Schofield James
Published: December 2013

Our aim is better understanding of the theoretical heat-energy demand of different types of urban form at a scale of 500 m × 500 m. The empirical basis of this study includes samples of dominant residential building typologies identified for Paris, London, Berlin, and Istanbul. In addition, archetypal idealised samples were created for each type through an analysis of their built form parameters and the removal of unwanted ‘invasive’ morphologies. The digital elevation models of these real and idealised samples were run through a simulation that modelled solar gains and building surface energy losses to estimate heat-energy demand. In addition to investigating the effect of macroscale morphological parameters, microscale design parameters, such as U-values and glazing ratios, as well as climatic effects were analysed. The theoretical results of this study suggest that urban-morphology-induced heat-energy efficiency is significant and can lead to a difference in heat-energy demand of up to a factor of six. Compact and tall building types were found to have the greatest heat-energy efficiency at the neighbourhood scale while detached housing was found to have the lowest.
A Simple and Direct Synthesis of 3-Methylene-1, 4-diarylazetidin-2-ones and (E)-3-Arylidene-1-phenylazetidin-2-ones Using Baylis–Hillman Derivatives
Authors: Bakthadoss Manickam , Srinivasan Jayakumar , Selvakumar Raman
Published: December 2013

Herein we describe a direct method, promoted by potassium tert-butoxide (KOtBu), for the synthesis of highly substituted α-methylene β-lactams and α-arylidene β-lactams from the amino ester intermediates derived from the acetates and bromo derivatives of the Baylis–Hillman adducts. A variety of β-lactams was synthesized in a single step with good yields.
NAL1
allele from a rice landrace greatly increases yield in modern
indica
cultivars
Authors: Fujita Daisuke , Trijatmiko Kurniawan Rudi , Tagle Analiza Grubanzo , Sapasap Maria Veronica , Koide Yohei , Sasaki Kazuhiro , Tsakirpaloglou Nikolaos , Gannaban Ritchel Bueno , Nishimura Takeshi , Yanagihara Seiji , Fukuta Yoshimichi , Koshiba Tomokazu , Slamet-Loedin Inez Hortense , Ishimaru Tsutomu , Kobayashi Nobuya
Published: December 2013

Significance

This work reports discovery of a unique gene important for rice agriculture. A significant yield enhancement in rice modern cultivar was achieved by identification of a gene,
SPIKELET NUMBER
(
SPIKE
) in Indonesian rice landrace. The
SPIKE
increased grain yield of an
indica
cultivar IR64, which is widely grown in the tropics, over four seasons at the field level and improved plant architecture without changing grain quality or growth period, which are important for regional adaptability. These results indicate finding of
SPIKE
will be extremely valuable for contributing to increase grain production of
indica
rice cultivars.
Edge-controlled growth and kinetics of single-crystal graphene domains by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Ma Teng , Ren Wencai , Zhang Xiuyun , Liu Zhibo , Gao Yang , Yin Li-Chang , Ma Xiu-Liang , Ding Feng , Cheng Hui-Ming
Published: December 2013

Significance

Controlled synthesis of wafer-sized single crystalline high-quality graphene is a great challenge of graphene growth by chemical vapor deposition because of the complicated kinetics at edges that govern the growth process. Here we report the synthesis of single-crystal graphene domains with tunable edges from zigzag to armchair via a growth–etching–regrowth process. Both growth and etching of graphene are strongly dependent on the edge structure. This growth/etching behavior is well explained at the atomic level, given the concentrations of kinks on various edges, and allows control of graphene edges and morphology according to the classical kinetic Wulff construction theory. This work provides a deep understanding of the fundamental problems that limit graphene growth by chemical vapor deposition.