bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of AST on age‐associated changes of vocal folds in a rat model
Authors: Mizuta Masanobu , Hirano Shigeru , Hiwatashi Nao , Kobayashi Toshiki , Tateya Ichiro , Kanemaru Shin‐ichi , Nakamura Tatsuo , Ito Juichi
Published: April 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are associated with aging. Astaxanthin (AST) is a strong antioxidant and has been reported to prevent various ROS‐induced diseases. In the current study, we investigated the effect of AST on age‐associated histological and mRNA changes of vocal folds.

Study Design

Prospective animal experiment with control.

Methods

Six‐month‐old Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed on a normal powder diet with 0.01% (w/w) AST (aged AST‐treated group) or without AST (aged sham‐treated group). After 12 months of feeding, the larynges were harvested for histology, immunohistochemical detection of 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4‐HNE), and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction for basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Thirteen‐week‐old rats were used as a young control group (young group).

Results

The expression of 4‐HNE, an oxidative stress marker, significantly increased in the two aged groups compared with the young group. Histological examination showed that the deposition of hyaluronic acid in the lamina propria (LP) was significantly reduced in the aged sham‐treated group compared with the young group, but no significant difference was observed between the aged AST‐treated group and the young group. There were no significant differences in the mRNA expression of bFGF and HGF between the aged AST‐treated group and the young group, although the expression of these genes was significantly reduced in the aged sham‐treated group as compared with the young group.

Conclusions

These results suggest that AST has the potential to attenuate age‐associated changes of vocal folds.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope 124:E411–E417, 2014
Nicotinamide treatment ameliorates the course of experimental colitis mediated by enhanced neutrophil‐specific antibacterial clearance
Authors: Bettenworth Dominik , Nowacki Tobias M. , Ross Matthias , Kyme Pierre , Schwammbach Daniela , Kerstiens Linda , Thoennissen Gabriela B. , Bokemeyer Carsten , Hengst Karin , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Heidemann Jan , Thoennissen Nils H.
Published: April 2014

Scope

In previous studies, we could show that the B vitamin nicotinamide (NAM) enhanced antimicrobial activity of neutrophils. Here, we assessed the effects of NAM in two models of experimental colitis.

Methods and Results

Colitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice either by oral infection with Citrobacter rodentium or by DSS (dextran sodium sulphate) administration, and animals were systemically treated with NAM. Ex vivo bacterial clearance was assessed in murine and human whole blood, as well as isolated human neutrophils. In C. rodentium‐induced colitis, NAM treatment resulted in markedly decreased systemic bacterial invasion, histological damage and increased fecal clearance of C. rodentium by up to 600‐fold. In contrast, NAM had no effect when administered to neutrophil‐depleted mice. Ex vivo stimulation of isolated human neutrophils, as well as murine and human whole blood with NAM led to increased clearance of C. rodentium and enhanced expression of antimicrobial peptides in neutrophils. Moreover, NAM treatment significantly ameliorated the course of DSS colitis, as assessed by body weight, histological damage and myeloperoxidase activity.

Conclusion

Pharmacological application of NAM mediates beneficial effects in bacterial and chemically induced colitis. Future studies are needed to explore the clinical potential of NAM in the context of intestinal bacterial infections and human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Discrete element method analysis of non‐coaxial flow under rotational shear
Authors: Tong Zhaoxia , Fu Pengcheng , Dafalias Yannis F. , Yao Yangping
Published: April 2014

This study focuses on non‐coaxial flow behavior of cohesionless soil undergoing cyclic rotational shear, with a special interest in the effects of particle‐scale characteristics. To this end, we perform a series of 2D discrete element simulations with various particle shapes, inter‐particle coefficient of friction, initial density, and stress ratios. The validity and efficacy of the numerical model is established by systematically comparing numerical simulation results with existing laboratory testing results. Such comparison shows that the numerical simulations are capable of capturing mechanical behavior observed in laboratory testing under rotational shear. We further demonstrate and quantify a strong yet simple relationship between the deviatoric part of the normalized strain increment and the non‐coaxial angle, denoted by and ψ, respectively. This quantitative correlation between ψ and is independent of applied stress ratio, initial and current void ratio, and the number of cycles applied, but dependent on the principal stress orientation and particle‐scale characteristics. At the same , specimens with higher inter‐particle friction angle or smaller particle aspect ratio show greater non‐coaxial angles. A simple model is able to fit this ψ‐ relationship well, which provides a useful relationship that can be exploited in developing constitutive models for rotational shearing. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extension of numerical manifold method for coupled fluid flow and fracturing problems
Authors: Wu Zhijun , Wong Louis Ngai Yuen
Published: April 2014

The present study extends the numerical manifold method to include the hydro‐mechanical model to investigate the effect of water flow in fractures on the stability of rock structures, particularly slopes. The proposed flow model is verified by a simple 2‐D flow problem in a homogeneous aquifer. Combining the water flow model with the earlier developed fracture evolution technique, the entire failure process of the rock slope due to a heavy rain is simulated. The results illustrate that the developed numerical manifold method can not only determine the trigger factor of the crack initiation but also model the failure processes related to crack initiation, propagation, block formation, detachment and sliding due to the water effect successfully. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alginate‐coated magnetic nanoparticles for noninvasive MRI of extracellular calcium
Authors: Bar‐Shir Amnon , Avram Liat , Yariv‐Shoushan Shani , Anaby Debbie , Cohen Smadar , Segev‐Amzaleg Niva , Frenkel Dan , Sadan Ofer , Offen Daniel , Cohen Yoram
Published: April 2014

Nanoparticles (NPs) have great potential to increase the diagnostic capacity of many imaging modalities. MRI is currently regarded as the method of choice for the imaging of deep tissues, and metal ions, such as calcium ions (Ca2+), are essential ingredients for life. Despite the tremendous importance of Ca2+for the well‐being of living systems, the noninvasive determination of the changes in Ca2+levels in general, and extracellular Ca2+levels in particular, in deep tissues remains a challenge. Here, we describe the preparation and contrast mechanism of a flexible easy to prepare and selective superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) NPs for the noninvasive determination of changes in extracellular Ca2+levels using conventional MRI. We show that SPIO NPs coated with monodisperse and purified alginate, having a specific molecular weight, provide a tool to selectively determine Ca2+concentrations in the range of 250 µmto 2.5 mm, even in the presence of competitive ions. The alginate‐coated magnetic NPs (MNPs) aggregate in the presence of Ca2+, which, in turn, affects theT2relaxation of the water protons in their vicinity. The new alginate‐coated SPIO NP formulations, which have no effect on cell viability for 24 h, allow the detection of Ca2+levels secreted from ischemic cell cultures and the qualitative examination of the change in extracellular Ca2+levelsin vivo. These results demonstrate that alginate‐coated MNPs can be used, at least qualitatively, as a platform for the noninvasive MRI determination of extracellular Ca2+levels in myriadin vitroandin vivobiomedical applications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prostate MR elastography with transperineal electromagnetic actuation and a fast fractionally encoded steady‐state gradient echo sequence
Authors: Sahebjavaher Ramin Sebastian , Frew Samuel , Bylinskii Artem , ter Beek Leon , Garteiser Philippe , Honarvar Mohammad , Sinkus Ralph , Salcudean Septimiu
Published: April 2014

Our aim is to develop a clinically viable, fast‐acquisition, prostate MR elastography (MRE) system with transperineal excitation. We developed a new actively shielded electromagnetic transducer, designed to enable quick deployment and positioning within the scanner. The shielding of the transducer was optimized using simulations. We also employed a new rapid pulse sequence that encodes the three‐dimensional displacement field in the prostate gland using a fractionally encoded steady‐state gradient echo sequence, thereby shortening the acquisition time to a clinically acceptable 8–10 min. The methods were tested in two phantoms and seven human subjects (six volunteers and one patient with prostate cancer). The MRE acquisition time for 24 slices, with an isotropic resolution of 2 mm and eight phase offsets, was 8 min, and the total scan, including positioning and set‐up, was performed in 15–20 min. The phantom study demonstrated that the transducer does not interfere with the acquisition process and that it generates displacement amplitudes that exceed 100 µm even at frequencies as high as 300 Hz. In the in vivo human study, average wave amplitudes of 30 µm (46 µm at the apex) were routinely achieved within the prostate gland at 70 Hz. No pain or discomfort was reported. Results in a single patient suggest that MRE can identify cancer tumors, although this result is preliminary. The proposed methods allow the integration of prostate MRE with other multiparametric MRI methods. The results of this study clearly motivate the clinical evaluation of transperineal MRE in patients. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct evidence of enhanced chlorine segregation at grain boundaries in polycrystalline CdTe thin films via three‐dimensional TOF‐SIMS imaging
Authors: Harvey Steven P. , Teeter Glenn , Moutinho Helio , Al‐Jassim Mowafak M.
Published: April 2014

For more than 25 years, the CdTe photovoltaic research and manufacturing communities have been subjecting CdTe materials to a CdCl2 treatment or activation step to improve performance. However, little work has been carried out using imaging to elucidate the spatial distribution of chlorine in the CdTe devices after this treatment. This work addresses fundamental questions about the spatial distribution of chlorine in the CdTe absorber material after a CdCl2 treatment comparable to industrial practices. We used a state‐of‐the‐art, time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometer (ION‐TOF GmbH) (Muenster, Germany) with a lateral resolution of about 80 nm to complete three‐dimensional depth‐profiling and imaging of two CdTe devices. The results clearly demonstrate enhanced chlorine concentration along grain boundaries, supporting the hypothesis that chlorine plays an important role in passivating grain boundaries in CdTe solar cells. The results are discussed in terms of possible passivation mechanisms, and the effect of chlorine on grain interiors and grain boundaries. The data are also used to estimate the free energy of segregation of chlorine to grain boundaries in CdTe. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Na and MoS2 on Cu2ZnSnS4 thin‐film solar cell
Authors: Yang Kee‐Jeong , Sim Jun‐Hyoung , Jeon Boram , Son Dae‐Ho , Kim Dae‐Hwan , Sung Shi‐Joon , Hwang Dae‐Kue , Song Soomin , Khadka Dhruba B. , Kim JunHo , Kang Jin‐Kyu
Published: April 2014

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS)‐based materials have a useful band gap and a high absorption coefficient; however, their power conversion efficiency is low compared with that of CdTe and Cu(In,Ga)Se2‐based solar cells. Two of the factors that strongly affect CZTS solar cell characteristics are the MoS2 layer and the presence of defects. In this study, Mo back‐contact layers were annealed to control MoS2 layer formation and the Na content in the Mo layer before the absorber precursor layer was deposited. The increase in oxygen content in the Mo layer suppressed MoS2 layer formation. In addition, the increase in Na diffusion during the initial stage of the absorber precursor deposition decreased the defect density in the absorber layer and in the absorber–buffer interface. These results were verified through measurements of the external quantum efficiency, the temperature dependence of the open‐circuit voltage (VOC), and admittance spectra. The current densities (JSC) and VOC, as well as the power conversion efficiencies, improved as the annealing temperature of the Mo layer increased, which suggests that CZTS solar cell characteristics can be improved by suppressing MoS2 layer formation and increasing Na content in the Mo layer before deposition of the absorber precursor layer. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thiol‐epoxy polymerization via an AB monomer: Synthetic access to high molecular weight poly(β‐hydroxythio‐ether)s
Authors: Binder Selmar , Gadwal Ikhlas , Bielmann Andreas , Khan Anzar
Published: April 2014

A synthetic route is developed for the preparation of an AB‐type of monomer carrying an epoxy and a thiol group. Base‐catalyzed thiol‐epoxy polymerization of this monomer gave rise to poly(β‐hydroxythio‐ether)s. A systematic variation in the reaction conditions suggested that tetrabutyl ammonium fluoride, lithium hydroxide, and 1,8‐diazabicycloundecene (DBU) were good polymerization catalysts. Triethylamine, in contrast, required higher temperatures and excess amounts to yield polymers. THF and water could be used as polymerization mediums. However, the best results were obtained in bulk conditions. This required the use of a mechanical stirrer due to the high viscosity of the polymerization mixture. The polymers obtained from the AB monomer route exhibited significantly higher molecular weights (Mw = 47,700, Mn = 23,200 g/mol) than the materials prepared from an AA/BB type of the monomer system (Mw = 10,000, Mn = 5400 g/mol). The prepared reactive polymers could be transformed into a fluorescent or a cationic structure through postpolymerization modification of the reactive hydroxyl sites present along the polymer backbone. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 2040–2046
Modulation of spontaneous emission characteristics of Alq3 in three‐dimensional PMMA photonic crystals
Authors: Qian Cheng , Wang Yinghui , Song Yunfei , Zou Lu , Ma Yuguang , Yang Yanqiang , Zhang Hanzhuang
Published: April 2014

The effect of the photonic stop bands (PSBs) on the spontaneous emission from tris(8‐hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum (Alq3) doped in the beads of polymethylmethacrylate opal photonic crystals (PCs) is investigated in detail. The structure of PSBs in PCs has been analyzed. The steady emission data exhibits that the first‐ and second‐order PSB could effectively influence the spectral characteristics of Alq3 through changing the incident angles. The emission dynamic data is also investigated by using the Kohlrausch strengthened exponential model, which shows that the emission decay rate of Alq3 can be decelerated as the PSB of PC approaches the emission peak of Alq3. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 842–847
The impact of prostate cancer on partners: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Wootten A. C. , Abbott J. M. , Osborne D. , Austin D. W. , Klein B. , Costello A. J. , Murphy D. G.
Published: April 2014

Objective

Prostate cancer and its treatment can result in numerous physical and psychological morbidities for the patient as well as his partner. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of intimate spouses or partners of men diagnosed and/or treated for prostate cancer to better understand the personal impact of prostate cancer on the partner.

Methods

Twenty‐seven partners participated in this study. Six focus groups were convened, and one in‐depth interview was undertaken to explore the practical impact of prostate cancer on the intimate spouse/partner. All discussions were audio‐recorded and transcribed and then coded using a thematic approach.

Results

Six themes emerged: (a) The influence of the man's response to prostate cancer on the partner, (b) The need to be involved in treatment and medical decision making, (c) Supporting a man who is experiencing a loss of masculinity, (d) Degree of congruence between each partner's coping responses, (e) Constrained communication, and (f) Changed roles and increased practical management.

Conclusions

It is clear that prostate cancer impacts substantially on many areas of partner well‐being. An effective intervention provided to this population seems warranted and may lead to improvements in partner well‐being, assist the couple in lessening the impact of prostate cancer and its treatment on their relationship, and assist in the man's recovery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Return Migration of the Highly Skilled in Higher Education Institutions: a Chinese University Case
Authors: Wang Qingfang , Tang Li , Li Huiping
Published: April 2014

The war for ‘global talents’ becomes increasingly fierce worldwide with the thriving of knowledge‐based new economy. Many countries are implementing new initiatives to encourage their citizens trained overseas to return with their globalised work competencies. Although previous studies have identified various factors related to return migration, very few studies have focused on the return migration of academics, and more specifically, the role of the higher education institution (HEI) in the return migration process. Using both statistical analyses of micro‐data and in‐depth interviews, this study examines the HEI recruitment process through an extensive case study in a research university in China. We find that, for successful recruitment of overseas top talents, it is extremely important as to how university presents itself in the international stage of the global higher education markets. Meanwhile, we cannot underestimate the role of economic incentives. We also find that the role of networking is more subtle than what traditional migration theories would have predicted. Our findings provide important policy implications for practices regarding talent recruitment at the institutional level, particularly for those universities at the lower end of the global higher education hierarchy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Light trapping structures for silicon solar cells via inkjet printing
Authors: Borojevic Nino , Lennon Alison , Wenham Stuart
Published: April 2014

Inverted pyramids and v‐groove texturing has been employed for high efficiency cells because they provide advantages over the conventional upright random pyramid texturing used industrially. This letter reports the use of an inkjet‐patterning technique as an alternative to the expensive and complex photolithography method normally used for the dielectric patterning step required for the fabrication of these light trapping structures. The resulting single‐sided and double‐sided inkjet‐patterned textures are equivalent in structure to matching textures produced using photolithography and they show enhanced cell absorption over random upright pyramid texturing in the near‐bandgap wavelength range. Photocurrent calculations show that the inkjet‐patterning approach is a promising direction for current commercial wafers of about 200 μm thickness although future inkjet technology improvements will need to reduce pattern feature dimensions to reduce the extent of silicon etching for compatibility with the predicted thinner wafers in the future. 

SEM micrograph of inkjet fabricated tiled inverted pyramids.
THE MIRAGE TOOLBOX: AN INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR TEMPORARY STREAMS
Authors: Prat N. , Gallart F. , Von Schiller D. , Polesello S. , García‐Roger E. M. , Latron J. , Rieradevall M. , Llorens P. , Barberá G. G. , Brito D. , De Girolamo A. M. , Dieter D. , Lo Porto A. , Buffagni A. , Erba S. , Nikolaidis N. P. , Querner E. P. , Tournoud M. G. , Tzoraki O. , Skoulikidis N. , Gómez R. , Sánchez‐Montoya M. M. , Tockner K. , Froebrich J.
Published: April 2014

The assessment of the ecological status of water bodies, as requires by the European Water Framework Directive, can raise a number of problems when applied to temporary streams. These problems are because of the particular physical, chemical and biological conditions resulting from the recurrent cessation of flow or even the complete drying of the stream beds. In such non‐permanent water bodies, the reference quality standards developed for permanent streams may only be applicable under certain circumstances or may not be applicable at all. Work conducted within the collaborative EU‐funded project Mediterranean Intermittent River ManAGEment (MIRAGE) has addressed most of these difficulties and has used diverse approaches to solve them. These approaches have been brought together in the so‐called MIRAGE Toolbox. This toolbox consists of a series of methodologies that are designed to be used in a sequential manner to allow the establishment of the ecological and chemical status of temporary streams and to relate these findings to the hydrological status of the streams. The toolbox is intended to serve the following purposes: (i) the determination of the hydrological regime of the stream; (ii) the design of adequate schedules for biological and chemical sampling according to the aquatic state of the stream; (iii) the fulfillment of criteria for designing reference condition stations; (iv) the analysis of hydrological modifications of the stream regime (with the definition of the hydrological status); and (v) the development of new methods to measure the ecological status (including structural and functional methods) and chemical status when the stream's hydrological conditions are far from those in permanent streams. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Who gains from hourly time‐of‐use retail prices on electricity? An analysis of consumption profiles for categories of Danish electricity customers
Authors: Andersen F. M. , Larsen H. V. , Kitzing L. , Morthorst P. E.
Published: April 2014

Studies of the aggregated hourly electricity load in geographical areas typically show a systematic variation over the day, the week, and seasons. With hourly metering of individual customers, data for individual consumption profiles have become available. Looking into these data we show that consumption profiles for specific categories of customers are equally systematic but quite distinct for different categories of customers. That is, different categories of customers contribute quite differently to the aggregated load profile. Coupling consumption profiles with hourly market prices which also include a systematic component in the hourly variation, we show that customers with different consumption profiles experience different average cost of their electricity consumption when billed according to hourly time‐of‐use prices. Thus, some categories of customers stand to gain from time‐of‐use pricing, while others stand to lose. In Denmark, typically industry, private services and households stand to lose, whereas agriculture and public services stand to gain from time‐of‐use pricing. However, differences within categories of customers are considerable and, for example, industrial companies running 24 h a day tend to gain from a time‐of‐use pricing. WIREs Energy Environ 2014, 3:582–593. doi: 10.1002/wene.120

This article is categorized under:

Energy Infrastructure > Economics and Policy

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy
Neue AHA- und ACC-Leitlinie zur Risikoreduktion von Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen durch Cholesterinsenkung
Authors: Klose G. , Beil F.U. , Dieplinger H. , von Eckardstein A. , Föger B. , Gouni-Berthold I. , Koenig W. , Kostner G.M. , Landmesser U. , Laufs U. , Leistikow F. , März W. , Merkel M. , Müller-Wieland D. , Noll G. , Parhofer K.G. , Paulweber B. , Riesen W. , Schaefer J.R. , Steinhagen-Thiessen E. , Steinmetz A. , Toplak H. , Wanner C. , Windler E.
Published: April 2014

Kürzlich wurde im Namen der American Heart Association und des American College of Cardiology eine Leitlinie zur Cholesterinsenkung und Reduktion des Risikos für arteriosklerotische Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen veröffentlicht. Sie nimmt für sich in Anspruch, auf Evidenz randomisierter, kontrollierter Studien zu beruhen, und beschränkt sich deshalb auf die Behandlungsoptionen mit Statinen. Vor diesem Hintergrund gibt die Leitlinie keine Zielwerte mehr vor, sondern bezieht sich auf prozentuale Cholesterinsenkungen durch Statinmedikationen mit niedriger, moderater oder hoher Intensität, die allerdings genauso wenig als Vorgaben in randomisierten Studien geprüft worden sind wie die an der Praxis orientierten Zielwerte. Ähnliches gilt für die vier Patientengruppen, die die Leitlinie aufgrund ihres Risikos als therapiebedürftig definiert. Keine größere Statinstudie hat Probanden aufgrund eines errechneten globalen Risikos eingeschlossen, sodass auch die Zuordnungskriterien willkürlich gewählt sind. Sie würden zu einer erheblichen Ausweitung der Primärprävention mit hohen und maximalen Statindosen führen. Die Festlegung auf Statindosierungen statt Cholesterinzielwerte steht dem Prinzip einer individualisierten Behandlung entgegen. Zu begrüßen ist die Möglichkeit des neuen Risikoscores, zusätzlich zum 10-Jahres-Risiko das Lebenszeitrisiko bis zum 80. Lebensjahr zu ermitteln. Allerdings fließt dies nicht in die Behandlungsempfehlungen ein, obgleich Evidenz von Populations- und genetischen Studien darauf hinweist, dass die früh- und langzeitige moderate Senkung des Low-density-lipoprotein(LDL)- oder Non-high-density-lipoprotein(HDL)-Cholesterins eine weitaus stärkere Wirkung hat als eine intensive Behandlung im fortgeschrittenen Alter. Hinsichtlich der Sekundärprävention stimmt die neue Leitlinie mit der europäischen weitgehend überein. Die beteiligten Fachgesellschaften des D•A•CH-Bereichs empfehlen, weiterhin entsprechend den bewährten Richtlinien wie den Leitlinien der European Society of Cardiology und der European Atherosclerosis Society zu verfahren.
Di‐Hydroxylated Soybean Oil Polyols with Varied Hydroxyl Values and Their Influence on UV‐Curable Pressure‐Sensitive Adhesives
Authors: Li Yonghui , Sun Xiuzhi Susan
Published: April 2014

Di‐hydroxylated soybean oil (DSO) polyols with three different hydroxyl values (OHV) of 160, 240, and 285 mg KOH/g were synthesized from epoxidized soybean oils (ESO) by oxirane cleavage with water catalyzed by perchloric acid. The DSO were clear, viscous liquids at room temperature. The structure and physical properties of DSO were characterized using titration methods, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography, rheometer, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The number average molecular weight of DSO160, DSO240, and DSO285 were 1,412, 1,781, and 1,899 g/mol, respectively, indicating that oligomerization occurred during DSO synthesis, which was further confirmed by FTIR. All DSO polyols exhibited non‐Newtonian, shear thinning behavior. DSO with higher OHV were more viscous than those with lower OHV. All DSO were thermally stable up to 380 °C. These three DSO were formulated into pressure‐sensitive adhesives (PSA) by copolymerizing with ESO using UV curing. The peel adhesion strength of the PSA was significantly affected by the OHV of DSO and DSO content. Maximal PSA adhesion strength of 4.6 N/inch was obtained with DSO285 and a DSO/ESO weight ratio of 0.75.
MicroRNA‐152 targets ADAM17 to suppress NSCLC progression
Authors: Su Yunshu , Wang Yuchang , Zhou Hongmin , Lei Lei , Xu Lijun
Published: April 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non‐coding RNAs that have been suggested to play an essential role in tumorigenesis. In this study, we show that miR‐152 is significantly downregulated in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and cell lines. Restoration of miR‐152 significantly reduces proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. In addition, ADAM metallopeptidase domain 17 (ADAM17) is identified as a target of miR‐152 in NSCLC cells, and miR‐152‐induced suppression of cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion is partially mediated by silencing of ADAM17 expression. Furthermore, ADAM17 inversely correlates with miR‐152 in NSCLC tissues. Collectively, our findings indicate that miR‐152 acts as tumor suppressor in NSCLC partially via targeting ADAM17.
The Effect of Late Adoption of Canadian Innovations: A Case for Implantable Cardiac Monitors
Authors: Sadri Hamid , Winsor Pamela
Published: April 2014

Syncope is a sudden and generally momentary loss of consciousness, which can have serious adverse events. The outcomes of the syncope episode can vary from a fall to fatal accidents. Syncope has a major negative effect on the patient's health-related quality of life. The economic burden of syncope on healthcare systems is considerable. There are no clear diagnostic pathways for identifying the cause of syncope; patients can be admitted to hospital and undergo expensive and often repeated and inconclusive diagnostic tests. Implantable cardiac monitors have been available for more than a decade to help early diagnosis of syncope in unexplained cases. However, despite being a Canadian invention, the use of the implantable cardiac monitors has been suboptimal in the Canadian healthcare system. This study provides an overview of syncope, its management, and presents the estimated potential cost savings per diagnosis of systematic use of implantable cardiac monitors in Ontario.
Un cadre pour la coordination des soins axés sur le patient
Authors: Mosher David
Published: April 2014

La difficulté d'accès au dossier du patient, le dédoublement des efforts et les problèmes de communication au sein de l'infrastructure médicale font partie des grands problèmes qui nuisent à la qualité des soins et à l'efficacité du système de santé canadien. De plus, les patients demandent d'avoir accès plus rapidement aux bons services, d'obtenir de meilleurs résultats cliniques et de participer davantage à la prise en charge de leurs propres soins. Le présent article expose un cadre de soins axés sur le patient afin d'aider les dispensateurs de soins à intervenir mieux et plus rapidement auprès des patients, par des plans thérapeutiques fondés sur leurs antécédents médicaux détaillés. RelayHealth propose un cadre pour coordonner les soins axés sur le patient et intégrer pleinement les interactions entre le patient et le dispensateur de soins, à tous les points de service du continuum de la santé.
International Alzheimer's Disease Research Portfolio (IADRP) aims to capture global Alzheimer's disease research funding
Authors: Liggins Charlene , Snyder Heather M. , Silverberg Nina , Petanceska Suzana , Refolo Lorenzo M. , Ryan Laurie , Carrillo Maria C.
Published: April 2014

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a recognized international public health crisis. There is an urgent need for public and private funding agencies around the world to coordinate funding strategies and leverage existing resources to enhance and expand support of AD research. To capture and compare their existing investments in AD research and research‐related resources, major funding organizations are starting to utilize the Common Alzheimer's Disease Research Ontology (CADRO) to categorize their funding information. This information is captured in the International Alzheimer's Disease Research Portfolio (IADRP) for further analysis. As of January, 2014, over fifteen organizations from the US, Canada, Europe and Australia have contributed their information. The goal of the IADRP project is to enable funding organizations to assess the changing landscape of AD research and coordinate strategies, leverage resources, and avoid duplication of effort.
Intradiskal Methylene Blue Treatment for Diskogenic Low Back Pain
Authors: Levi David S. , Horn Scott , Walko Edward
Published: April 2014

Background

Low back pain is a leading cause of pain and disability. The intervertebral disk has been identified as the most common source of chronic low back pain. Although prior treatments directed at intervertebral disks have been disappointing, recent studies show promising improvement of pain and function after a single intradiskal injection of methylene blue.

Objective

To assess changes in pain and function in patients with diskogenic low back pain, diagnosed by diskography, after an intradiskal injection of methylene blue.

Study Design

Prospective trial.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with diskogenic pain by diskography underwent a single treatment of intradiskal injection of methylene blue, determined by prior provocation diskography.

Main Outcome Measures

Pain and function measurements were completed at baseline and 1, 2, and 6 months after treatment. Treatment was considered a categorical success based on a 30% improvement in pain according to a visual analog scale (VAS) and function on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Treatment was considered a categorical failure if less than 30% improvement in pain and function was achieved or if the patient pursued other invasive treatment options during the trial period.

Results

Sixteen patients received the intradiskal methylene blue injection. Eleven patients received a single‐level injection, 4 patients received a 2‐level injection, and one patient received injections at 3 levels. For the VAS, at 1, 2, and 6 months after the injection, the categorical success rates were 25%, 21%, and 25%, respectively. For the ODI, at 1, 2 and 6 months after the injection, the categorical success rates were 25%, 21%, and 33%, respectively. The overall categorical success rates at 1, 2, and 6 months after the injection were 19%, 21%, and 25%, respectively.

Conclusion

This small trial did not demonstrate overall clinical success of intradiskal methylene blue injection for patients diagnosed with diskogenic pain by diskography.
Trajectory of Motor Performance Over Twelve Months in Nigerian Stroke Survivors
Authors: Vincent-Onabajo Grace Oluwatitofunmi , Hamzat Talhatu Kolapo , Owolabi Mayowa Ojo
Published: April 2014

Objective: Submissions on recovery of post-stroke motor performance vary, especially in relation to increasing time after stroke. This study examined the trajectory of motor performance over the first 12 months after stroke.

Methods: Consecutive first-incidence stroke survivors (N= 83) were recruited within 1 month of onset from a tertiary health institution in Nigeria. Simplified Fugl Meyer scale (S-FM) was used to assess motor performance at monthly intervals. Changes in overall motor performance, and differences between the affected upper and lower extremities, were examined using Friedman's ANOVA and pairedt-tests, respectively.

Results: Significant improvement in motor performance was observed across 12 months (p< .001), with the proportion of stroke survivors with severe impairment at onset (53.3%) decreasing to 20% by 12 months. Lower extremity motor performance scores were significantly higher than for the upper extremity from 1 to 12 months (p<.01 at 3, 4, 5, 6 and 12 months; andp< .05 at the remaining months).

Conclusions: The potential for long-term improvement in motor performance after stroke was observed, suggesting that this can be harnessed by long-term rehabilitation efforts. The comparatively poorer outcome in the upper extremity indicates the need for extra rehabilitation strategies to enhance upper-extremity motor recovery in the first year of stroke.
A longitudinal examination of mothers’ and fathers’ social information processing biases and harsh discipline in nine countries
Authors: Lansford Jennifer E. , Woodlief Darren , Malone Patrick S. , Oburu Paul , Pastorelli Concetta , Skinner Ann T. , Sorbring Emma , Tapanya Sombat , Tirado Liliana Maria Uribe , Zelli Arnaldo , Al-Hassan Suha M. , Alampay Liane Peña , Bacchini Dario , Bombi Anna Silvia , Bornstein Marc H. , Chang Lei , Deater-Deckard Kirby , Di Giunta Laura , Dodge Kenneth A.
Published: April 2014

This study examined whether parents’ social information processing was related to their subsequent reports of their harsh discipline. Interviews were conducted with mothers (n= 1,277) and fathers (n= 1,030) of children in 1,297 families in nine countries (China, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and the United States), initially when children were 7 to 9 years old and again 1 year later. Structural equation models showed that parents’ positive evaluations of aggressive responses to hypothetical childrearing vignettes at Time 1 predicted parents’ self-reported harsh physical and nonphysical discipline at Time 2. This link was consistent across mothers and fathers, and across the nine countries, providing support for the universality of the link between positive evaluations of harsh discipline and parents’ aggressive behavior toward children. The results suggest that international efforts to eliminate violence toward children could target parents’ beliefs about the acceptability and advisability of using harsh physical and nonphysical forms of discipline.
A Multi-Session Attribution Modification Program for Children with Aggressive Behaviour: Changes in Attributions, Emotional Reaction Estimates, and Self-Reported Aggression
Authors: Vassilopoulos Stephanos P. , Brouzos Andreas , Andreou Eleni
Published: April 2014

Background: Research suggests that aggressive children are prone to over-attribute hostile intentions to peers. Aims: The current study investigated whether this attributional style can be altered using a Cognitive Bias Modification of Interpretations (CBM-I) procedure. Method: A sample of 10–12-year-olds selected for displaying aggressive behaviours was trained over three sessions to endorse benign rather than hostile attributions in response to ambiguous social scenarios. Results: Compared to a test-retest control group (n = 18), children receiving CBM-I (n = 16) were less likely to endorse hostile attributions and more likely to endorse benign attributions in response to a new set of ambiguous social situations. Furthermore, aggressive behaviour scores reduced more in the trained group than in the untrained controls. Children who received attribution training also reported less perceived anger and showed a trend to report more self-control than those in the control group. Conclusions: Implications of these findings are discussed.
A cultural system to reduce weed interference in organic soybean
Authors: Anderson Randy L.
Published: April 2014

Organic producers are seeking alternative tactics for weed control, so that they can reduce their need for tillage. In this study, we examined cultural strategies for controlling weeds during the transition from a cool-season crop to soybean. The study was arranged as a two-way factorial, with factors being choice of cool-season crop and tillage treatments. The cool-season crops were either spring wheat harvested for grain or an oat–pea mixture harvested for forage. Five tillage treatments, ranging from intensive tillage to no-till, were established following each cool-season crop. Two tillage treatments included the cover crops, oat plus oilseed radish. Soybean was planted the following growing season. Each soybean plot was split into two subplots: weed-free and weed-infested. A cultural system comprising oat/pea as a preceding crop with no-till and cover crops reduced weed biomass in soybean 63% compared to intensive tillage. Reduced weed biomass resulted because of delayed weed emergence and lower weed community density. Consequently, soybean yielded 14% more in this treatment than with the intensive tillage treatment when weeds were present. Weed community composition also differed between the two systems; horseweed and field dandelion were prominent in no-till, whereas common lambsquarters, redroot pigweed and buffalobur were prevalent in the tillage control. Other treatments did not control weeds better than intensive tillage. A cultural system approach may minimize the need for tillage during the interval between cool-season crops and soybean.
The Importance of Supporting Adolescents’ Autonomy in Promoting Physical-Sport Exercise
Authors: Moreno-Murcia Juan Antonio , Hernández Elisa Huéscar
Published: April 2014

This study was conducted toward the objective of analyzing certain factors that influence physical activity in Spanish adolescent students using self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985; 2000) as a framework. Participants included 698 physical education students whose perception of the autonomy support provided by their teachers was assessed in and out of the class context. Also assessed were social goals of responsibility and relationship with others, basic psychological needs, and intrinsic motivation, which is part of self-determination theory (SDT). Finally, the “intention” factor posited by the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and students’ rate of exercise in the last twelve months were considered. The results of structural equations modeling suggest autonomy education, autonomy support, and social goals positively predicted certain psychological mediators, which in turn positively predicted students’ intrinsic motivation, which was a positive predictor of intention, and that of rate of exercise. The results also highlight the benefit of promoting autonomy to enhance students’ physical exercise practice.
Catalan and Hungarian Validation of the Zuckerman-Kuhlman-Aluja
Personality Questionnaire (ZKA-PQ)
Authors: Surányi Zsuzsanna , Aluja Anton
Published: April 2014

The goal of this study was to examine the cross-cultural validity and reliability
of the Zuckerman-Kuhlman-Aluja Personality Questionnaire (ZKA-PQ) – a
recently published instrument for assessing the Zuckerman’s
Alternative Five Factor Personality Model – in Catalan and Hungarian
speaking populations. The samples consisted of 1,564 subjects from Catalonia and
1,647 from Hungary. Results showed a clear five-factor structure and acceptable
alpha reliabilities of the ZKA-PQ in both countries. Facets alpha average was
80.35 and 74.10 for Catalans and Hungarians respectively. The factorial
congruency coefficients indicated that both structures were equivalent, with a
global value of .97. However, the robust structure obtained with EFA yielded
poor fit indices in the subsequent CFA. Altogether, the psychometric findings
were similar to those obtained in the original validation study carried out in
Spanish and English populations. Main country differences were found only in
Neuroticism factor, with Hungarians scoring significantly lower that Catalans.
Nevertheless, country, sex and age explained only 18.6 % of Neuroticism variance
(adjusted R squared = .186). Country differences had only medium
effect size [F(1, 3188) = 292, p
< .001, η2 = .0841].
3,3′-(Ethane-1,2-diylidene)bis(indolin-2-one) based conjugated polymers for organic thin film transistors
Authors: Chen Shaoyun , Sun Bin , Guo Chang , Hong Wei , Meng Yuezhong , Li Yuning
Published: April 2014

3,3′-(Ethane-1,2-diylidene)bis(indolin-2-one) (EBI) is used as a new electron acceptor for constructing polymer semiconductors for organic thin film transistors.
Reversible recrystallization process of copper and silver thioacetamide–halide coordination polymers and their basic building blocks
Authors: Troyano J. , Perles J. , Amo-Ochoa P. , Martínez J. I. , Zamora F. , Delgado S.
Published: April 2014

Three-dimensional [CuX(TAA)]n (X = Br (1), I (2)) and bi-dimensional [AgX(TAA)]n (X = Cl (3), Br (4)) coordination polymers have been isolated by the direct synthesis from copper(i) and silver(i) halides and thioacetamide (TAA).
Donor–acceptor chemistry in the main group
Authors: Rivard Eric
Published: April 2014

This Perspective article describes the preparation of low-oxidation state main group hydrides using a general donor–acceptor strategy.
Optimizing glucokinase activator binding kinetics to lower in vivo hypoglycemia risk
Authors: Borzilleri Kris A. , Pfefferkorn Jeffrey A. , Guzman-Perez Angel , Liu Shenping , Qiu Xiayang , Chrunyk Boris A. , Song Xi , Tu Meihua , Filipski Kevin J. , Aiello Robert , Derksen David R. , Bourbonais Francis J. , Landro James , Bourassa Patricia , D'Aquila Theresa , Baker Levenia , Barrucci Nicole , Litchfield John , Atkinson Karen , Rolph Timothy P. , Withka Jane M.
Published: April 2014

GK activators represent a promising strategy for treatment of T2DM; however, drug candidates have failed in clinical trials due to narrow TI between efficacy and hypoglycemia.
Study of single and double chain surfactant–cobalt(iii) complexes and their hydrophobicity, micelle formation, interaction with serum albumins and antibacterial activities
Authors: Veeralakshmi Selvakumar , Nehru Selvan , Arunachalam Sankaralingam , Kumar Ponnuchamy , Govindaraju Munisamy
Published: April 2014

Single and double chain surfactant–cobalt(iii) complexes show respectively, electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with serum albumins.
Lauraceae alkaloids
Authors: Custódio Dayana Lacerda , Florêncio da Veiga Junior Valdir
Published: April 2014

Lauraceae is one of the most representative botanical families, presenting 67 genera, with over 2500 species and more than 300 different alkaloids reported, mainly isoquinolines.
Implications of surface passivation on physicochemical and bioimaging properties of carbon dots
Authors: Sachdev Abhay , Matai Ishita , Gopinath P.
Published: April 2014

The prevalence of surface functionalized carbon dots (CDs) with intriguing fluorescence properties has given a new dimension to the field of bioimaging and is perceived as a promising alternative to quantum dots (QDs).
Enhancement of long stability of Li–S battery by thin wall hollow spherical structured polypyrrole based sulfur cathode
Authors: Ma Guoqiang , Wen Zhaoyin , Jin Jun , Lu Yan , Wu Xiangwei , Liu Cai , Chen Chunhua
Published: April 2014

To enhance the long stability of sulfur cathode for a high-energy lithium–sulfur cell, a thin wall hollow spherical structured polypyrrole (T-HSSP) composed of a mono layer of PPy nano-particles is employed as a host to encapsulate the sulfur component.
Synthesis of mesoporous ZSM-5 catalysts using different mesogenous templates and their application in methanol conversion for enhanced catalyst lifespan
Authors: Wang Quanyi , Xu Shutao , Chen Jingrun , Wei Yingxu , Li Jinzhe , Fan Dong , Yu Zhengxi , Qi Yue , He Yanli , Xu Shuliang , Yuan Cuiyu , Zhou You , Wang Jinbang , Zhang Mozhi , Su Baolian , Liu Zhongmin
Published: April 2014

Different templates usage for mesoporous ZSM-5 synthesis and their catalytic properties were systematically investigated.
A hierarchical porous graphene/nickel anode that simultaneously boosts the bio- and electro-catalysis for high-performance microbial fuel cells
Authors: Qiao Yan , Wu Xiao-Shuai , Ma Cai-Xia , He Hong , Li Chang Ming
Published: April 2014

A three-dimensional graphene/nickel composite electrode with a hierarchical porous structure is developed to simultaneously boost the bio- and electro-catalysis for high-performance microbial fuel cells.
Facile fabrication of α-FeOOH nanorod/RGO composite: a robust photocatalyst for reduction of Cr(vi) under visible light irradiation
Authors: Padhi Deepak Kumar , Parida Kulamani
Published: April 2014

In situ fabrication and deposition of α-FeOOH nanorods over RGO sheets for the photoreduction of Cr(vi) under visible light irradiation.
Tetragonal tungsten bronze-type nanorod photocatalysts with tunnel structures: Ta substitution for Nb and overall water splitting
Authors: Wang Ping , Schwertmann Larissa , Marschall Roland , Wark Michael
Published: April 2014

Tetragonal tungsten bronze-type tantalum (Ta) substituted Sr2KNb5O15 nanorod photocatalysts with tunnel structures were prepared by a facile and low-cost molten salt method using potassium chloride (KCl) at 850 °C for only 2 h.
An investigation of the morphology effect in Fe2O3anodes for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Liu Hao , Wang Guoxiu
Published: April 2014

An investigation reveals the advantage of the hollow structure for high power lithium storage.