bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Office‐based balloon sinus dilation: a prospective, multicenter study of 203 patients
Authors: Karanfilov Boris , Silvers Stacey , Pasha Raza , Sikand Ashley , Shikani Alan , Sillers Michael ,   for the ORIOS2 Study Investigators
Published: November 2012

Background

Balloon sinus dilation (BSD) is an increasingly used tool in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The tissue‐sparing nature of the instrumentation allows for properly selected patients to undergo office‐based procedures under local anesthesia.

Methods

This was an Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved, prospective, 14‐center trial. Patients (n = 203) requiring ESS for medically refractory chronic sinusitis underwent transnasal BSD treatment in an office setting under local anesthesia. Safety, tolerability, technical success, clinical efficacy (20‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test [SNOT‐20]), and radiographic outcome (Lund‐Mackay [LMK] score) of ESS with BSD in the office setting were assessed. Subjects were followed at 2, 8, and 24 weeks.

Results

A total of 552 sinuses were dilated in 203 patients: 47.6% maxillaries, 45.5% frontals, and 6.9% sphenoids. Seventy‐seven patients were revisions of prior ESS. The mean number of sinuses dilated per subject was 2.7. Technical dilation success was 93.3%, 90.5%, and 93.7% for maxillary, sphenoid, and frontal sinuses, respectively. SNOT‐20 and LMK computed tomography (CT) scoring showed statistically significant improvement at 24 weeks (p < 0.0001) and clinically significant improvement in quality of life. The procedure was reported as tolerable or highly tolerable by 82.3% of patients. There were 0.15 postoperative debridements per patient and the majority returned to normal activity within 48 hours. One (0.5%) procedure‐related adverse event related to periorbital swelling was reported, which spontaneously resolved shortly after the procedure without further sequelae.

Conclusion

Performance of ESS with BSD in the office under local anesthesia is feasible, well‐tolerated, safe, and effective. Twenty‐four week follow‐up demonstrates clinical and statistical improvement in patient quality of life and radiographic outcomes.
City Map of AncientEpomanduodurum(Mandeure–Mathay, Franche‐Comté, Eastern France): Contribution of Geophysical Prospecting Techniques
Authors: Bossuet G. , Thivet M. , Trillaud S. , Marmet E. , Laplaige C. , Dabas M. , Hullin G. , Favard A. , Combe L. , Barres E. , Lacaze S. , Aubry L. , Chassang M. , Mourot A. , Camerlynck C.
Published: November 2012

This study presents the main results of the geophysical survey of ancientEpomanduodurum, at Mandeure–Mathay, Eastern France. In northeastern Gaul,Epomanduodurumis a site of a major scientific interest for the understanding of past settlements and territorial formation at the end of the Iron Age and during the Roman period. The site, including a Roman urban centre and two suburbs containing workshops, occupies more than 500 ha inside and beyond a meander of the River Doubs. From the beginning of survey in 2001, several methods (fast electrical imaging automatic resistivity profiling system, ground penetrating radar, magnetic and electromagnetic mapping) have been performed on a large scale in order to precisely identify the vast extent and structure of the Roman town. The interpretation of the geophysical data was carried out using a combination of different data sources, including ancient maps and excavations recently conducted on restricted areas. The overall organization of an artisan quarter of 8 ha was revealed along a main Roman road leading to the left bank of the River Doubs. On the other bank, a river fortification and a vast monumental religious complex were recognized in the southern part of the Roman town. The geophysical imaging shows that the sacred area includes several temples or groups of temples radiating from the theatre. Other new buried structures probably corresponding to annexes, chapels and altars were also detected within this sacred area of 10 ha bound on three sides by a wall enclosure with monumental passages. In a surveyed area of 70 ha, geophysical prospecting techniques provided a clear overall image of the Roman urbanism revealed through a rectangular road network and street system delimiting insulae of variable sizes. The detection along the River Doubs of buildings similar to storehouses attests to fluvial transport and also suggests the likely existence of a port. More generally, the combination on a large scale of geophysical prospecting, aerial photographs and excavations allowed a new plan of the urban structure of the ancient town ofEpomanduodurumto be produced for an area of over 300 ha. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From Osmium Hydrido Vinylidene to Osmacycles: The Key Role of Osmabutadiene Intermediates
Authors: Zhao Qianyi , Cao Xiao‐Yu , Wen Ting Bin , Xia Haiping
Published: November 2012

Osmium hydrido vinylidene 1 shows diverse cyclization reactivity with activated terminal alkynes. Treatment of 1 with HCCCOR′ (R′=OEt and Me) gave osmafurans 3 a and 3 b via osmium alkenyl/vinylidenes 2 a and 2 b. In addition, 1 reacted with HCCCH(OH)CCH to yield osmabenzene 4, in which the alkynol acted as a C5 fragment to cyclize with 1. Mechanistic analysis indicates that these reactions and the previous formal [3+3] cycloadditions between 1 and HCCCH(OH)R (R=Ph, Et, and vinyl) or HCCCH(OEt)2 all go through similar osmabutadiene intermediates. Subsequently, the intermediates either took a “coordination and cyclization” process or a “carbon–carbon coupling” path to cyclization, depending on the coordination ability of substituents on the terminal alkenyl carbon atom.
The Need for Accountability to, and Support for, Children of Men on Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programmes
Authors: Alderson Susan , Westmarland Nicole , Kelly Liz
Published: November 2012

Many domestic violence perpetrator programmes have incorporated the issue of children's safety and the harmful parenting of domestically violent fathers within their programme content. However, little attention has been paid to the services offered to, and possible outcomes for, the children of men on such programmes. This paper draws on a survey of 44 domestic violence services and 73 interviews with men who were on, or had completed, a programme, ex/partners, programme workers and programme funders/commissioners, to explore how a positive outcome for children might be conceptualised.

Despite a desire to improve the situation of children, very few organisations provided a direct support service to the children of men on programmes. Work with men and support for their ex/partners operated as some form of proxy service to children. Many men had not told their children they were attending a perpetrator programme, and we suggest that more encouragement to do so would improve perpetrator accountability and respect for children. A positive outcome for children from their father's involvement on the programme is identified as having three dimensions: changes in the father that would benefit children; changes in the father‐child relationship; and changes in the child's functioning. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Very few organisations provided a direct support service to the children of men on programmes’

Key Practitioner Messages:

A positive outcome for children whose father has participated on a domestic violence perpetrator programme has a range of dimensions.

Men on domestic violence perpetrator programmes should be actively encouraged and supported to tell their children about their attendance.

There is a need for more direct support services for the children of men on domestic violence perpetrator programmes.

‘Should be actively encouraged and supported to tell their children about their attendance’
Hydrodynamic and Mass Transfer Performances of a New SiC Foam Column Tray
Authors: Zhang L. , Liu X. , Li H. , Sui H. , Li X. , Zhang J. , Yang Z. , Tian C. , Gao G.
Published: November 2012

The hydrodynamic performance of a novel SiC foam column tray (SFCT), made of thin slices of SiC foam material with a high specific surface area, is investigated. The performance parameters include pressure drop, entrainment, weeping, and clear liquid height. The tests are carried out with an air‐water system under atmospheric pressure. The mass transfer efficiency of the new SiC foam column tray is studied in a stainless‐steel plate column. The results provide some important parameters for the development of this innovative SiC foam tray.
Reaction Mechanism and Kinetics of 1,8‐Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene and Carbon Dioxide in Alkanol Solutions
Authors: Öztürk M. Ç. , Ume C. S. , Alper E.
Published: November 2012

Carbon dioxide‐binding organic liquids (CO2BOL) are a new class of solvents with advantageous properties such as high boiling points, low specific heats, high absorption capacities, and easily reversible reactions. In order to implement these solvents in processes, the reaction characteristics must be determined a priori. This work presents an analysis of the rate constants and activation energies of the reaction between carbon dioxide and 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) in 1‐hexanol and 1‐propanol. The reactions were found to comply with a termolecular reaction mechanism and exhibited pseudo‐first‐order behavior in the presence of excess DBU and 1‐alkanol. It was concluded that DBU‐based CO2BOL are environmentally friendly and easy‐to‐handle solvents that may provide great flexibility and improvements over conventional carbon dioxide absorption processes.
Investigation of the Substrate Range of CYP199A4: Modification of the Partition between Hydroxylation and Desaturation Activities by Substrate and Protein Engineering
Authors: Bell Stephen G. , Zhou Ruimin , Yang Wen , Tan Adrian B. H. , Gentleman Alexander S. , Wong Luet‐Lok , Zhou Weihong
Published: November 2012

The cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP199A4, from Rhodopseudomonas palustris HaA2, can efficiently demethylate 4‐methoxybenzoic acid. It is also capable of oxidising a range of other related substrates. By investigating substrates with different substituents and ring systems we have been able to show that the carboxylate group and the nature of the ring system and the substituent are all important for optimal substrate binding and activity. The structures of the veratric acid, 2‐naphthoic acid and indole‐6‐carboxylic acid substrate‐bound CYP199A4 complexes reveal the substrate binding modes and the side‐chain conformational changes of the active site residues to accommodate these larger substrates. They also provide a rationale for the selectivity of product oxidation. The oxidation of alkyl substituted benzoic acids by CYP199A4 is more complex, with desaturation reactions competing with hydroxylation activity. The structure of 4‐ethylbenzoic acid‐bound CYP199A4 revealed that the substrate is held in a similar position to 4‐methoxybenzoic acid, and that the Cβ CH bonds of the ethyl group are closer to the heme iron than those of the Cα (3.5 vs. 4.8 Å). This observation, when coupled to the relative energies of the reaction intermediates, indicates that the positioning of the alkyl group relative to the heme iron may be critical in determining the amount of desaturation that is observed. By mutating a single residue in the active site of CYP199A4 (Phe185) we were able to convert the enzyme into a 4‐ethylbenzoic acid desaturase.
Design and Preparation of Platinum–Acetylide Organogelators Containing Ethynyl–Pyrene Moieties as the Main Skeleton
Authors: Xu Xing‐Dong , Zhang Jing , Yu Xudong , Chen Li‐Jun , Wang De‐Xian , Yi Tao , Li Fuyou , Yang Hai‐Bo
Published: November 2012

A series of new platinum‐acetylide complexes containing ethynyl‐pyrene moieties as the main skeleton were synthesized and characterized. The investigation of the absorption and emission spectra of these complexes revealed that the extension of the molecular size with the introduction of different numbered platinum‐acetylide fragments can efficiently tune the absorption and emission bands from the UV to the longer wavelength region. Moreover, the gelation properties of these complexes were investigated by the “stable‐to‐inversion‐of‐a‐test‐tube” method. Most newly designed platinum‐acetylide compounds presented a stable gel‐formation property in some of the tested solvents. The morphology of the xerogels was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the concentration‐ and temperature‐dependent absorption and emission properties of these complexes were investigated, which support the formation of J‐type assemblies during the aggregation process. More importantly, it was found that the complexes 4 a‐C6, 4 a, and 4 a‐C18 with four platinum‐acetylide fragments presented potential applications as luminescent organometallic gels.
Mechanical and functional properties of epothilone‐stabilized microtubules
Authors: Yu Dezhi , Pessino Veronica , Kuei Steve , Valentine Megan T.
Published: November 2012

Using a suite of biophysical tools, we assess the mechanical, structural, and functional properties of microtubules (MTs) stabilized by the chemotherapeutic compounds epothilone‐A, epothilone‐B, and taxol in vitro. We demonstrate that MTs stabilized by epothilone‐A or epothilone‐B are competent to bind tau proteins and support kinesin translocation. Kinesin speed is sensitive not only to the type of small molecule stabilizer used but also to the presence of the essential MT‐associated protein tau. Epothilone‐stabilized MTs are substantially less stiff than taxol‐stabilized MTs. The addition of tau proteins to MTs stabilized by either epothilone compound or taxol further reduces stiffness. Taken together, these results suggest that small molecule stabilizers do not simply stabilize a “native” MT structure, but rather they modulate the structure, function, and mechanics of the MTs they bind. This may have important consequences to the therapeutic use of these agents in cancer chemotherapies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Camouflage of cotton fabrics in visible and NIR region using three selected vat dyes
Authors: Goudarzi U. , Mokhtari J. , Nouri M.
Published: November 2012

To provide camouflage in near infrared (NIR) region and imitate reflectance profile of greenish leaves, cotton fabrics were dyed with three selected vat dyes, namely C.I. Vat Blue 6, C.I. Vat Yellow 2, and C.I. Vat Red 13. Reflectance curves of two types of fresh greenish leaves were measured as standard reference. Transmittance curve of vat dyes in acetone solution indicated that selected vat dyes have suitable structure to provide camouflage in NIR region. According to reflectance profiles, reflectance curve of Vat Blue 6 has more similarity with that of green leaf at the concentration of 0.85% owf (on weight of fiber) and 1.2% owf in comparison with those of C.I. Vat Yellow 2 and C.I. Vat Red 13. Cotton fabrics were dyed with different mixtures of the dyes to obtain a standard shade to reach camouflage in visible range. Chromatic values of dyed fabrics were measured (CIE1976 L*, a*, and b*) and two standard shades of the 1948 US army pattern, NATO and forest green, were obtained on cotton fabrics with ΔECMC < 2. Reflectance profiles of these two shades were located between the reflectance of green leaves. So, two vat dyes were introduced to camouflage dyes group, C.I. Vat Blue 6 and C.I. Vat Red 13, and used to achieve NATO green and forest green shades for first time. All dyed samples showed good fastness properties. The effect of washing and light exposure on camouflage properties of fabrics in visible and NIR region was inconsiderable. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 39, 200–207, 2014
Design and implementation of a contact‐less power charger for robot applications
Authors: Cheng Shih‐Jen , Chiu Huang‐Jen , Lo Yu‐Kang , Kuo Shu‐Wei , Jen Kuo‐Kuang , Fu Kuo‐Sheng , You Gwo‐Huei , Chen Kun‐Feng , Kao Chien‐Min
Published: November 2012

In this paper, a contact‐less power charger for robot applications is studied and developed. Contact‐less charging can be achieved by a separable transformer design. The transformer primary core is in the charger unit, and the secondary core is in the robots. The transformer air‐gap is equal to the distance between these two parts. By theoretical analysis, software simulations, and circuit implementation, the relationship among the transformer's coupling coefficient, the core geometry, and gap are formulated. In addition, a high‐efficiency circuit topology for the studied contact‐less charger is fulfilled. It is anticipated that the research results of this paper can contribute to the development of the contact‐less charging techniques for robot systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endoreduplication intensity as a marker of seed developmental stage in the Fabaceae
Authors: Rewers Monika , Sliwinska Elwira
Published: November 2012

Flow cytometry (FCM) can be used to study cell cycle activity in developing, mature and germinating seeds. It provides information about a seed's physiological state and therefore can be used by seed growers for assessing optimal harvest times and presowing treatments. Because an augmented proportion of 4C nuclei usually is indicative of high mitotic activity, the 4C/2C ratio is commonly used to follow the progress of seed development and germination. However, its usefulness for polysomatic (i.e., containing cells with different DNA content) seeds is questioned. Changes in cell cycle/endoreduplication activity in developing seeds of five members of the Fabaceae were studied to determine a more suitable marker of seed developmental stages for polysomatic species based on FCM measurements. Seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris, Medicago sativa, Pisum sativum, Vicia sativa, and Vicia faba var. minor were collected 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 days after flowering (DAF), embryos were isolated and the proportion of nuclei with different DNA contents in the embryo axis and cotyledon was established. The ratios 4C/2C and (Σ>2C)/2C were calculated. Dried seeds were subjected to laboratory germination tests following international seed testing association (ISTA) rules. Additionally, the absolute nuclear DNA content was estimated in the leaves of the studied species. During seed development nuclei with DNA contents from 2C to 128C were detected; the endopolyploidy pattern depended on the species, seed organ and developmental stage. The cell cycle/endoreduplication parameters correlated negatively with genome size. The (Σ>2C)/2C ratio in the cotyledons reflected the seed developmental stage and corresponded with seed germinability. Therefore, this ratio is recommended as a marker in polysomatic seed research and production instead of the 4C/2C ratio, which does not consider the occurrence of endopolyploid cells. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Kinetic analysis of intracellular Hoechst 33342—DNA interactions by flow cytometry: Misinterpretation of side population status?
Authors: Smith Paul J. , Wiltshire Marie , Chappell Sally C. , Cosentino Laura , Burns Philip A. , Pors Klaus , Errington Rachel J.
Published: November 2012

We outline a simple approach involving instrument setup and calibration for the analysis of Hoechst dye 33342‐loading in human cell lines for exploring heterogeneity in dye efflux efficiency and the status of side population (SP) A549 lung cancer cells. Dual excitation 488 nm/multiline UV (351–364 nm) flow cytometry was used to confirm ABCG2‐specific inhibition of dye efflux using Fumitremorgin C. Transporter gene expression, assayed by qRT‐PCR, confirmed higher expression of ABCG2 versus ABCB1, reiterated in a cloned subline. Coexpression of aldehyde dehydrogenase genes ranked as aldehyde dehydrogenase class 1A1 (ALDH1A1) > ALDH3A1 > ALDH3, relative expression of all genes was again reiterated in a cloned subline. Permeabilized cells were used to create red:violet (660:405 nm Em wavelengths) ratiometric references for mapping temporal changes in Hoechst 33342–DNA fluorescence in live cells. A live cell “kinetic SP gate” tracked progressive dye loading of the whole population and coapplication of the far red (>695 nm wavelength) fluorescing dye DRAQ7 enabled viable cell gating. Kinetic gating revealed a continuum for dye accumulation suggesting that SP enumeration is critically dependent upon the nonlinear relationship of the spectral shift with progressive dye–DNA binding and thus requires accurate definition. To this end, permeabilized cell reference samples permit reproducible instrument setup, guide gate boundaries for SP and compromised cells, and offer a simple means of comparing SP enumeration across laboratory sites/platforms. Our approach reports the dynamic range for the spectral shift, revealing noninformative staining conditions and explaining a source of variability for SP enumeration. We suggest that live cell kinetic sorting of all cells with the same dye:DNA load but with differences in efflux capacity can be used to explore drug resistance capability without prejudice. The SP phenotype should be regarded as a kinetic parameter and not a fixed characteristic—critical for functional assay design and the interpretation of heterogeneity.
© 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Receptor‐dependent regulation of dendrite formation of noradrenaline and dopamine in non‐gabaergic cerebral cortical neurons
Authors: Li Fei , Ohtani Akiko , Senzaki Kouji , Shiga Takashi
Published: November 2012

The present study characterized the receptor‐dependent regulation of dendrite formation of noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) in cultured neurons obtained from embryonic day 16 rat cerebral cortex. Morphological diversity of cortical dendrites was analyzed on various features: dendrite initiation, dendrite outgrowth, and dendrite branching. Using a combination of immunocytochemical markers of dendrites and GABAergic neurons, we focused on the dendrite morphology of non‐GABAergic neurons. Our results showed that (1) NA inhibited the dendrite branching, (2) β adrenergic receptor (β‐AR) agonist inhibited the dendrite initiation, while promoted the dendrite outgrowth, (3) β1‐AR and β2‐AR were present in all the cultured neurons, and both agonists inhibited the dendrite initiation, while only β1‐AR agonist induced the dendrite branching; (4) DA inhibited the dendrite outgrowth, (5) D1 receptor agonist inhibited the dendrite initiation, while promoted the dendrite branching. In conclusion, this study compared the effects of NA, DA and their receptors and showed that NA and DA regulate different features on the dendrite formation of non‐GABAergic cortical neurons, depending on the receptors. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 73: 370–383, 2013
A Fluorescent Dissymmetric Thiosemicarbazone Ligand Containing a Hydrazonequinoline Arm and Its Complexes with Cadmium and Mercury
Authors: Calatayud David G. , López‐Torres Elena , Mendiola M. Antonia
Published: November 2012

A new dissymmetric thiosemicarbazone ligand containing a hydrazonequinoline arm, H2AMeTsQ, and its chloride salt, [H3AMeTsQ]Cl, were synthesized. Nine new complexes of cadmium and mercury with different structural characteristics were obtained under different reaction conditions as the ligand charge can be controlled by varying the amount of base. 113Cd and 199Hg NMR spectroscopy together with X‐ray diffraction indicated that the complexes form monomeric and dimeric structures and even a coordination polymer. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed that both protonated and neutral forms of the ligand were fluorescent as well as some of their cadmium and mercury derivatives. The fluorescence intensity decreased upon complexation and in some complexes a shift of the emission maximum was also observed.
Developments in the Coordination Chemistry of Phosphinines
Authors: Müller Christian , Broeckx Leen E. E. , de Krom Iris , Weemers Jarno J. M.
Published: November 2012

This microreview describes progress in the development and coordination chemistry of donor‐functionalized phosphinines – the phosphorus analogues of pyridines – that has been made during the last five years. The stepwise assembly of 2,4,6‐triarylphosphinines starting from functionalized benzaldehyde and acetophenone derivatives allows the incorporation of additional substituents into specific positions of the aromatic phosphorus heterocycle. This strategy can be used to synthesize chelating phosphinines, which is an essential aspect especially for the preparation of phosphinine‐based transition metal complexes containing metal centres in medium‐to‐high oxidation states. Access to such coordination compounds used to be very difficult because monodentate phosphinines cannot be used for this purpose, due to their weak σ‐donor properties but strong π‐accepting capacities. Moreover, metal complexes of less highly substituted phosphinines turned out to be extremely sensitive to nucleophilic attack, making their straightforward synthesis, characterization and application rather unattractive. The recent strategies in this area facilitate synthetic access to a completely new set of phosphinine‐metal complexes for the first time, leading to a much broader scope for potential applications. New developments in the areas of homogeneous catalysis and materials sciences can consequently be foreseen in the near future.
Synthesis and Characterization of Sterically Enlarged Hoveyda‐Type Olefin Metathesis Catalysts
Authors: Shahane Saurabh , Toupet Loïc , Fischmeister Cédric , Bruneau Christian
Published: November 2012

A series of four ruthenium‐based olefin metathesis catalysts has been prepared. These new complexes were designed with nanofiltration in organic media in mind; steric enlargement and functionalisation by means of polar ethylene glycol chains were incorporated. New complexes based on the stable 2nd generation Hoveyda‐type architecture and featuring substitution either on the NHC backbone or on the N‐aryl substituent of the NHC have been prepared and fully characterized. The application of these complexes in a series of olefin metathesis transformations revealed that these modified catalysts retained activity on par with the parent Hoveyda catalyst thus validating the disclosed ligand design.
Intramolecular Glycosidation by Click Reaction Mediated Spacer Generation Followed by Spacer Cleavage
Authors: Kumar Amit , Geng Yiqun , Schmidt Richard R.
Published: November 2012

2‐O‐Propargyl‐substituted glycosyl donors andO‐(2‐azidobenzyl)‐substituted acceptors having a vicinal hydroxy group readily underwent the click reaction. Intramolecular glycosidation withN‐iodosuccinimide/trifluoromethansulfonic acid as the activating system afforded β‐(1–3)‐ and α‐(1–2)‐linked disaccharides as part of 14‐membered macrocycles. Descriptors for these reactions are proposed that consider the donor and acceptor attachment sites and the stereochemistry of the functional groups. Investigation of the influence of 2‐O‐linked 1‐aryl‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐ylmethyl groups, as contained in the spacer, on the anomeric selectivity exhibited no anchimeric assistance. In addition, it was shown that the spacer group can be readily cleaved under Birch reduction conditions.
One Step Deposition of Sol‐Gel Carbon Nanotubes Biocomposite for Reagentless Electrochemical Devices
Authors: Urbanová Veronika , Etienne Mathieu , Walcarius Alain
Published: November 2012

A simple way to immobilization of vitamin K3 by physical adsorption onto the surface of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNT‐VK3) and the implementation of these functionalized carbon nanotubes into a reagentless electrochemical devices based on biodoped silica sol‐gel film are described. A sol‐gel composite thin film containing glucose dehydrogenase, diaphorase, cofactor and CNT‐VK3 was either drop‐coated or electrodeposited onto a glassy carbon electrode surface. Sol‐gel/CNT‐VK3/cofactor/glucose dehydrogenase/diaphorase composite modified electrodes showed effective catalysis towards glucose oxidation in both cases.
Carbon Nanotube Based Sensor for Simultaneous Determination of Acetaminophen and Ascorbic Acid Exploiting Multiple Response Optimization and Measures in the Presence of Surfactant
Authors: Duarte Eduardo Henrique , Kubota Lauro Tatsuo , Tarley César Ricardo Teixeira
Published: November 2012

A simple procedure for the simultaneous determination of acetaminophen (AC) and ascorbic acid (AA) by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using a carbon nanotube paste electrode exploiting measures in cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB) medium is described. Under the best instrumental parameters of DPV, optimized by means of factorial design, the calibration plots in the range 100.0–700.0 µmol L−1 (r=0.993) and 39.4–146.3 µmol L−1 (r=0.995) with limits of detection of 7.1 and 2.1 µmol L−1, were achieved for AA and AC, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied for the AC and AA determination in pharmaceutical formulations, whose accuracy was attested by comparison with HPLC method.
Nonparametric estimation of benchmark doses in environmental risk assessment
Authors: Piegorsch Walter W. , Xiong Hui , Bhattacharya Rabi N. , Lin Lizhen
Published: November 2012

An important statistical objective in environmental risk analysis is estimation of minimum exposure levels, called benchmark doses (BMDs), which induce a pre‐specified benchmark response in a dose–response experiment. In such settings, representations of the risk are traditionally based on a parametric dose–response model. It is a well‐known concern, however, that if the chosen parametric form is misspecified, inaccurate and possibly unsafe low‐dose inferences can result. We apply a nonparametric approach for calculating BMDs, based on an isotonic dose–response estimator for quantal‐response data. We determine the large‐sample properties of the estimator, develop bootstrap‐based confidence limits on the BMDs, and explore the confidence limits’ small‐sample properties via a short simulation study. An example from cancer risk assessment illustrates the calculations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Volatility Behavior and Dependence Structure of Commodity Futures and Stocks
Authors: Gao Lin , Liu Lu
Published: November 2012

This study finds substantial risk diversification potential between certain commodity groups and stocks by exploring the dependence between their patterns of regime switching. None of the commodity groups share a common volatility regime with stocks, nor are the regime‐switching patterns of grains, industrials, metals, or softs, dependent on that of stocks. Simultaneous volatile regimes of commodity futures and stocks tend to be infrequent and short‐lived. In addition, in spite of financial contagion, animal products, grains, and softs typically demonstrate very low correlations with stocks even in simultaneous volatile regimes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 34:93–101, 2014
Evaluation of a standardized humor group in a clinical setting: a feasibility study for older patients with depression
Authors: Konradt Brigitte , Hirsch Rolf D. , Jonitz Markus F. , Junglas Karin
Published: November 2012

Background

Positive effects of humor on older patients with depressive symptoms have been repeatedly reported. Empirical evidence however is rare. We investigated the efficacy of a standardized humor therapy group in a clinical context especially for older depressed patients.

Patients and methods

An experimental group with treatment (49 patients) was compared with a control group with no treatment (50 patients) in a semi‐randomized design. Included were patients with major depression according to ICD‐10. A set of questionnaires (Geriatric Depression Scale, Short Form Health Survey, State‐Trait‐Cheerfulness Inventory, and Satisfaction with Life Scale) was administered pretreatment and posttreatment.

Results

Both groups showed improvement for depression, suicidal tendency, state cheerfulness, and state bad mood. Only participants of the humor group showed changes of state seriousness and satisfaction with life (p < 0.05). Further trends could be demonstrated for higher changes in state cheerfulness and resilience for the humor group.

Conclusion

Our results indicate an additional benefit of this specific therapeutic intervention for older depressed patients. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silica Boron Sulfuric Acid Nanoparticles: As an Efficient and Reusable Catalyst for the Large‐Scale Synthesis of α‐Amino Nitriles Using the Strecker Reaction
Authors: Khalafi‐Nezhad Ali , Foroughi Habib Ollah , Panahi Farhad
Published: November 2012

A highly efficient and green procedure for the large‐scale synthesis of α‐amino nitriles using three‐component condensation of carbonyl compounds, amines, and trimethylsilylcyanide has been developed. Silica boron sulfuric acid nanoparticles (SBSANs) are found as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the promotion of this process at room temperature under solvent‐free conditions. This protocol offers an effective and scale‐up procedure for the synthesis of various α‐amino nitriles using a wide range of amines and carbonyl compounds in relatively short reaction time with the excellent isolated yields. In addition, the SBSAN catalyst is easily separated from the reaction mixture by simple filtration and can be reused several times. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 24:1–8, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21052
Numerical simulation of mixed convection in a porous medium filled with water/Al2 O3 nanofluid
Authors: Mittal Nitesh , Manoj Vijay , Kumar D. Santhosh , Satheesh A.
Published: November 2012

The present work encloses the application of a Brinkman–extended Darcy model in a problem concerning mixed convection ina lid–driven porous cavity using nanofluids. The transport equations are solved numerically by the finite volume method on a co–located grid arrangement using the Quadratic Upstream Interpolation for Convective Kinematics (QUICK) scheme. The effects of governing parameters, namely, Grashof number (Gr), Darcy number (Da), and solid volume fraction $(\chi )$, on the streamlines and the isotherms are studied. The present results are validated by favorable comparisons with previously published results and are in good agreement with them. The present numerical results show that the addition of nanoparticles to a base fluid has produced an augmentation of the heat transfer coefficient and it is found to increase significantly with an increase of the particle volume concentration. It is observed from the results that at the higher value of the Grashof number (Gr = 104 ), the average Nusselt number increases with an increase in the Darcy number for a constant solid volume fraction. The detailed results are reported by means of streamlines, isotherms, and Nusselt numbers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21029
PITX2: A promising predictive biomarker of patients' prognosis and chemoradioresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jia‐Xing , Tong Zhu‐Ting , Yang Lin , Wang Fan , Chai Hui‐Ping , Zhang Fan , Xie Ming‐Ran , Zhang An‐Li , Wu Li‐Ming , Hong Hao , Yin Lv , Wang Hao , Wang Hong‐Yan , Zhao Yuan
Published: November 2012

The paired‐like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (PITX2), a downstream effector of wnt/β‐catenin signaling, is well known to play critical role during normal embryonic development. However, the possible involvement of PITX2 in human tumorigenesis remains unclear. In this study, we extend its function in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The real‐time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods were applied to examine expression pattern of PITX2 in two different cohorts of ESCC cases treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the cutoff point for PITX2 high expression in the training cohort. The ROC‐derived cutoff point was then subjected to analyze the association of PITX2 expression with patients' survival and clinical characteristics in training and validation cohort, respectively. The expression level of PITX2 was significantly higher in ESCCs than that in normal esophageal mucosa. There was a positive correlation between PITX2 expression and clinical aggressiveness of ESCC. Importantly, high expression of PITX2 was observed more frequently in CRT resistant group than that in CRT effective group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, high expression of PITX2 was associated with poor disease‐specific survival (p < 0.05) in ESCC. Then, the MTS, clonogenic survival fraction and cell apoptosis experiments showed that knockdown of PITX2 substantially increased ESCC cells sensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR) or cisplatin in vitro. Thus, the expression of PITX2, as detected by IHC, may be a useful tool for predicting CRT resistance and serves as an independent molecular marker for poor prognosis of ESCC patients treated with definite CRT.
Clinical evidence of parietal cortex dysfunction and correlation with extent of allodynia in CRPS type 1
Authors: Cohen H. , McCabe C. , Harris N. , Hall J. , Lewis J. , Blake D.R.
Published: November 2012

Background

Unusual symptoms such as digit misidentification and neglect‐like phenomena have been reported in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which we hypothesized could be explained by parietal lobe dysfunction.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients with chronic CRPS attending an in‐patient rehabilitation programme underwent standard neurological examination followed by clinical assessment of parietal lobe function and detailed sensory testing.

Results

Fifteen (68%) patients had evidence of parietal lobe dysfunction. Six (27%) subjects failed six or more test categories and demonstrated new clinical signs consistent with their parietal testing impairments, which were impacting significantly on activities of daily living. A higher incidence was noted in subjects with >1 limb involvement, CRPS affecting the dominant side and in left‐handed subjects.

Eighteen patients (82%) had mechanical allodynia covering 3–57.5% of the body surface area. Allochiria (unilateral tactile stimulation perceived only in the analogous location on the opposite limb), sensory extinction (concurrent bilateral tactile stimulation perceived only in one limb), referred sensations (unilateral tactile stimulation perceived concurrently in another discrete body area) and dysynchiria (unilateral non‐noxious tactile stimulation perceived bilaterally as noxious) were present in some patients. Greater extent of body surface allodynia was correlated with worse parietal function (Spearman's rho = −0.674, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

In patients with chronic CRPS, detailed clinical examination may reveal parietal dysfunction, with severity relating to the extent of allodynia.
Experimental myalgia induced by repeated infusion of acidic saline into the human masseter muscle does not cause the release of algesic substances
Authors: Ernberg M. , Castrillon E.E. , Ghafouri B. , Larsson B. , Gerdle B. , List T. , Svensson P.
Published: November 2012

Background

Animal studies have shown that two repeated intramuscular injections of acidic saline induce mechanical allodynia that lasts for 4 weeks with spread to the contralateral side. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that two repeated intramuscular infusions of acidic saline into the human masseter muscle is associated with pain, mechanical allodynia and release of algesic substances. Eighteen healthy volunteers participated. On day 1, 2.5 mL of acidic saline (pH 3.3) was infused into one of the masseter muscles and isotonic saline (pH 6.0) into the other (randomized and single‐blind). Two days later, intramuscular microdialysis was performed to sample serotonin, glutamate, pyruvate, lactate and glucose, during which the saline infusions were repeated. Pain and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were recorded before and after infusions on both days.

Results

Pain intensity induced by the infusions was higher after acidic than that after isotonic saline (p < 0.05). PPTs were decreased on both sides after microdialysis compared with baseline day 1 (p's < 0.05), but there were no differences in PPTs between sides at any time point. The levels of serotonin, glutamate, pyruvate, lactate or glucose did not change significantly during microdialysis.

Conclusion

Infusion of acidic saline caused low levels of muscle pain, but no mechanical allodynia and no increased release of algesic substances. The value of this model appears modest, but future studies could be performed with larger sample size and higher flow rate before definite conclusions about the validity of the model for craniofacial myalgia can be drawn.
Time‐dependent release of growth factors from implant surfaces treated with plasma rich in growth factors
Authors: Sánchez‐Ilárduya María Belén , Trouche Elodie , Tejero Ricardo , Orive Gorka , Reviakine Ilya , Anitua Eduardo
Published: November 2012

Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGFs) technology is an autologous platelet‐rich plasma approach that provides a pool of growth factors and cytokines that have been shown to increase tissue regeneration and accelerate dental implant osseointegration. In this framework, the spatiotemporal release of growth factors and the establishment of a provisional fibrin matrix are likely to be key aspects governing the stimulation of the early phases of tissue regeneration around implants. We investigated the kinetics of growth factor release at implant surfaces functionalized either with PRGFs or platelet‐poor plasma and correlated the results obtained with the morphology of the resulting interfaces. Our main finding is that activation and clot formation favors longer residence times of the growth factors at the interfaces studied, probably due to their retention in the adsorbed fibrin matrix. The concentration of the platelet‐derived growth factors above the interfaces becomes negligible after 2–4 days and is significantly higher in the case of activated interfaces than in the case of nonactivated ones, whereas that of the plasmatic hepatocyte growth factor is independent of platelet concentration and activation, and remains significant for up to 9 days. Platelet‐rich plasma preparations should be activated to permit growth factor release and thereby facilitate implant surface osseointegration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Microwave‐assisted extraction combined with on‐line solid phase extraction followed by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric determination of benzotriazole UV stabilizers in marine sediments and sewage sludges
Authors: Montesdeoca‐Esponda Sarah , Sosa‐Ferrera Zoraida , Santana‐Rodríguez José Juan
Published: November 2012

Benzotriazole ultra‐violet stabilisers are compounds widely used in personal care products, which can reach the environment after passing through wastewater treatment plants. In this work, we develop a novel method to evaluate the presence of seven compounds in marine sediments and sewage sludges using microwave‐assisted extraction followed by a clean‐up step based in on‐line solid phase extraction coupled to ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with MS/MS detection. This method allows for fast and efficient extraction from the solid matrix, subsequent automatic on‐line purification and preconcentration, and analysis. For the optimised method, LOD were from 53.3 to 146 ng/kg and LOQ were in the range of 176–486 ng/kg. The method was validated for different environmental solid samples with satisfactory recoveries and relative standard deviations, between 46.1 and 83.9 and 7.8 and 15.5% (sludges) and 50.1 and 87.1% and 8.83 and 16.3% (sediments), respectively. Finally, the studied analytes were quantified in concentrations between 0.18 and 24.0 ng/g in real samples of marine sediments and sewage sludges from Gran Canaria Island (Spain).
Measuring Congruence of Affective Images of Destinations and Their Slogans
Authors: Lehto Xinran Y. , Lee Gwangjin , Ismail Joseph
Published: November 2012

This study examines whether consumers' emotive responses to a destination slogan are consistent with their reactions to the destination that the slogan is created for and whether affective image congruence between the two contributes to destination brand awareness. Findings conclude that destinations and their slogans may not evoke similar emotions and that affective similarity between a destination and its slogan significantly improves consumers' ability to correctly identify a destination from its slogan. This study proposes and tests a practical tool to aid destination marketers in their effort to evaluate the effectiveness of their brand slogans. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beneficial effect of crotamine in the treatment of myasthenic rats
Authors: Hernandez‐Oliveira e Silva Saraguaci , Rostelato‐Ferreira Sandro , Rocha‐e‐Silva Thomaz Augusto Alves , Randazzo‐Moura Priscila , Dal‐Belo ChÁriston AndrÉ , Sanchez Eladio Flores , Borja‐Oliveira Caroline R. , Rodrigues‐Simioni LÉa
Published: November 2012

Introduction: Crotamine is a basic, low‐molecular‐weight peptide that, at low concentrations, improves neurotransmission in isolated neuromuscular preparations by modulating sodium channels. In this study, we compared the effects of crotamine and neostigmine on neuromuscular transmission in myasthenic rats. Methods: We used a conventional electromyographic technique in in‐situ neuromuscular preparations and a 4‐week treadmill program. Results: During the in‐situ electromyographic recording, neostigmine (17 μg/kg) caused short‐term facilitation, whereas crotamine induced progressive and sustained twitch‐tension enhancement during 140 min of recording (50 ± 5%, P < 0.05). On the treadmill evaluation, rats showed significant improvement in exercise tolerance, characterized by a decrease in the number of fatigue episodes after 2 weeks of a single‐dose treatment with crotamine. Conclusions: These results indicate that crotamine is more efficient than neostigmine for enhancing muscular performance in myasthenic rats, possibly by improving the safety factor of neuromuscular transmission. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Diagnostic impact of myotonic discharges in myofibrillar myopathies
Authors: Hanisch Frank , Kraya Torsten , Kornhuber Malte , Zierz Stephan
Published: November 2012

Introduction: In patients with myofibrillar myopathies (MFM), myotonic discharges have occasionally been detected by needle electromyography (EMG). Nevertheless, this peculiar type of spontaneous repetitive discharge has not attracted special interest in the genetically heterogeneous MFMs. Methods: EMG features were analyzed in 6 patients with genetically confirmed MFM (n = 1 MYOT, n = 1 DES, n = 2 ZASP, n = 2 FLNC). Results: Fibrillation potentials, positive sharp waves, and myotonic discharges were found in all 6 patients, and complex repetitive discharges were found in 5. Myotonic discharges were detected in approximately 50% of the analyzed muscles independent of the site, including distal (3/6), proximal limb (4/6), and paravertebral muscles (3/6). Clinical myotonia could not be elicited in any patient. Conclusions: Myotonic discharges appear to be part of the electrodiagnostic characteristics of myofibrillar myopathy. Along with other appropriate clinical and histological findings, the presence of myotonic discharges supports the diagnosis of myofibrillar myopathy. Muscle Nerve 47: 845–848, 2013