bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of methylphenidate on whole brain intrinsic functional connectivity
Authors: Mueller Sophia , Costa Anna , Keeser Daniel , Pogarell Oliver , Berman Albert , Coates Ute , Reiser Maximilian F. , Riedel Michael , Möller Hans‐Jürgen , Ettinger Ulrich , Meindl Thomas
Published: May 2014

Methylphenidate (MPH) is an indirect dopaminergic and noradrenergic agonist that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and that has shown therapeutic potential in neuropsychiatric diseases such as depression, dementia, and Parkinson's disease. While effects of MPH on task‐induced brain activation have been investigated, little is known about how MPH influences the resting brain. To investigate the effects of 40 mg of oral MPH on intrinsic functional connectivity, we used resting state fMRI in 54 healthy male subjects in a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study. Functional connectivity analysis employing ICA revealed seven resting state networks (RSN) of interest. Connectivity strength between the dorsal attention network and the thalamus was increased after MPH intake. Other RSN located in association cortex areas, such as the left and right frontoparietal networks and the executive control network, showed MPH‐induced connectivity increase to sensory‐motor and visual cortex regions and connectivity decrease to cortical and subcortical components of cortico‐striato‐thalamo‐cortical circuits (CST). RSN located in sensory‐motor cortex areas showed the opposite pattern with MPH‐induced connectivity increase to CST components and connectivity decrease to sensory‐motor and visual cortex regions. Our results provide evidence that MPH does not only alter intrinsic connectivity between brain areas involved in sustained attention, but that it also induces significant changes in the cortico‐cortical and cortico‐subcortical connectivity of many other cognitive and sensory‐motor RSN. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5379–5388, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Inhibitory Activity Evaluation of 2,6‐Disubstituted Purine Derivatives
Authors: Liu Hongxia , Li Libo , Qurat‐ul‐ain Shaikh , Jiang Tao
Published: May 2014

A series of novel 2,6‐disubstituted purine derivatives were designed and synthesized from 2,6‐dichloropurine. The structures of target compounds were determined by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and HRMS. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against lung cancer cell lines of A549 and liver cancer cell lines of Bel‐7402. 2‐(4‐Benzyloxy‐phenylamino)‐6‐(cyclohexylamino)purine(3), 2‐(4‐chloro‐phenylamino)‐6‐(n‐butylamino)purine (5), 2‐(4‐morpholinoamino)‐6‐(4‐hydroxy‐phenylamino)purine (9), and 2‐(4‐O‐galactosyl‐phenylamino)‐6‐(cyclohexylamino)purine (12) exhibited moderate inhibitory activity.
Inpatient obesity intervention with postdischarge telephone follow‐up: A randomized trial
Authors: Wachsberg Kelley N. , Creden Amanda , Workman Moira , Lichten Abbey , Basil Alka , Lee Jungwha , Peng Jie , Williams Mark V. , Kushner Robert F.
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

Obesity‐related comorbidities frequently contribute to acute illness. Obesity interventions during hospitalization are not often utilized but may be effective.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether inpatient weight loss intervention with postdischarge follow‐up results in weight loss at 6 months when compared to control.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Academic medical center in Chicago, Illinois.

PATIENTS

Obese adult inpatients.

INTERVENTION

Intervention subjects viewed a weight education video, underwent personalized counseling, and set specific weight loss, dietary, and fitness goals prior to discharge. All participants were followed by phone over the subsequent 6 months. The trial was unblinded to participants, physicians, and investigators.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcome was weight change between groups at 6 months. Weight change from baseline and waist‐to‐hip ratios (WHR) were also assessed.

RESULTS

For 176 participants in the intention‐to‐treat analysis, mean baseline weight for the intervention group was 107.7 kg (standard deviation [SD] = 16.7) and 105.1 kg (SD = 17.4) for controls. Mean weight loss at 6 months was 1.08 kg (SD = 4.33) for intervention subjects and 1.35 kg (SD = 3.65) among controls. There was no significant difference in weight loss between groups at 6 months (P = 0.26). As‐treated analysis yielded similar results. There were no differences in WHRs between the intervention and control at 6 months (0.04 vs 0.04, P = 0.59).

CONCLUSIONS

We found no difference in weight loss between the intervention and control groups at 6 months. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:515–520. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
All‐sky radiation over a glacier surface in the Southern Alps of New Zealand: characterizing cloud effects on incoming shortwave, longwave and net radiation
Authors: Conway J. P. , Cullen N. J. , Spronken‐Smith R. A. , Fitzsimons S. J.
Published: May 2014

Clouds are important features of many high‐altitude and glaciated areas, yet detecting their presence and specifying their effects on incoming shortwave (SW↓), longwave (LW↓) and net all‐wave radiation (Rnet) remains challenging in these environments. These limitations hamper efforts to understand atmospheric controls on glacier surface mass balance (SMB) in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, as both cloud and airmass forcing accompanies key synoptic controls on SMB. Multi‐year datasets of four‐component broadband radiation from two sites at Brewster Glacier, Southern Alps of New Zealand, are used here to develop cloud metrics to account for the effects of clouds on SW↓, LW↓ and Rnet. On average 23% of top‐of‐atmosphere shortwave radiation (SWTOA) is attenuated by the clear‐sky atmosphere, while clouds attenuate a further 31%, resulting in <50% of SWTOA being received at the surface. The transmission of shortwave radiation by clouds (trc) during overcast conditions is found to vary with season and airmass characteristics. A simple parameterization is developed to account for lower trc observed during periods of higher water vapour pressure. Cloud metrics derived at the site show overcast conditions are frequent (45% of period) and strongly dependent on wind direction, highlighting the dominant role of orography in cloud formation and enhancement in the Southern Alps. The effect of clouds on Rnet exhibits a distinct seasonal variation; during summer when albedo and trc are lower, clouds decrease Rnet by 20–40 W m−2, while during autumn, winter and spring, clouds enhance Rnet by approximately 20 W m−2. Idealized modelling shows that these patterns are strongly dependent on albedo and extend across the elevation range of glaciers in the Southern Alps. Thus, overcast conditions appear to aid the extension of ablation into spring and autumn by increasing the energy available for snow and ice melt.
First trimester screening cannot predict adverse outcomes yet
Authors: Halscott Torre L. , Ramsey Patrick S. , Reddy Uma M.
Published: May 2014

The use of first trimester screening to detect aneuploidy has become an integral part of prenatal care. The application of similar screening algorithms to identify women at the highest risk for other adverse pregnancy outcomes in the first trimester could potentially have a major clinical impact. There has been much investigation into the ability to identify patients early in pregnancy at high risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes who may benefit from further surveillance and/or intervention. For this to be the case, however, as is true of any useful screening test, effective interventions need to be available. Unfortunately, for fetal growth restriction and stillbirth, no such interventions exist short of delivery. For preeclampsia, low dose aspirin has been demonstrated to be of benefit in specific subgroups. For preterm birth, although there are efficacious treatments, first trimester serum markers or cervical length measurements do not add significantly beyond historical or demographic factors, in prediction of preterm birth.

Given the current evidence, first trimester screening, via serum or ultrasound markers, does not have sufficiently high enough positive predictive values for the development of preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth or stillbirth. In order to develop effective screening algorithms for adverse pregnancy outcomes in the first trimester, understanding the heterogeneous phenotype of these complications and the underlying pathophysiology is needed. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and characterization of a multispecific monoclonal antibody G2 against chicken prion protein
Authors: Kamatari Yuji O. , Ohta Shinri , Inoshima Yasuo , Oda Masayuki , Maruno Takahiro , Kobayashi Yuji , Ishiguro Naotaka
Published: May 2014

We previously generated a monoclonal antibody (mAb), G2, by immunizing mice with Residues 174–247 of the chicken prion protein (ChPrPC). In this study, we found that G2 possessed an extremely unusual characteristic for a mAb; in particular, it could react with at least three proteins other than ChPrPC, the original antigenic protein. We immunoscreened a complementary DNA library from chicken brain DNA and found three proteins (SEPT3, ATP6V1C1, and C6H10orf76) that reacts with G2. There were no regions of amino acid sequence similarity between ChPrPC and SEPT3, ATP6V1C1, or C6H10orf76. We selected ATP6V1C1 as a representative of the three proteins and identified the epitope within ATP6V1C1 that reacts with G2. The amino acid sequence of the G2 epitope within ATP6V1C1 (Pep8) was not related to the G2 epitope within ChPrPC (Pep18mer). However, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments indicated that these two peptides have similar binding affinity for G2. The apparent KD values of Pep18mer and Pep8 obtained from SPR experiments were 2.9 × 10−8 and 1.6 × 10−8 M, respectively. Antibody inhibition test using each peptide indicated that the binding sites of the two different peptides overlapped each other. We observed that these two peptides substantially differed in several binding characteristics. Based on the SPR experiments, the association and dissociation rate constants of Pep18mer were higher than those of Pep8. A clear difference was also observed in ITC experiments. These differences may be explained by G2 adopting different binding conformations and undergoing different binding pathways.
Detergent screening of the human voltage‐gated proton channel using fluorescence‐detection size‐exclusion chromatography
Authors: Agharkar Amruta , Rzadkowolski Jennifer , McBroom Mandy , Gonzales Eric B.
Published: May 2014

The human voltage‐gated proton channel (Hv1) is a membrane protein consisting of four transmembrane domains and intracellular amino‐ and carboxy‐termini. The protein is activated by membrane depolarization, similar to other voltage‐sensitive proteins. However, the Hv1 proton channel lacks a traditional ion pore. The human Hv1 proton channel has been implicated in mediating sperm capacitance, stroke, and most recently as a biomarker/mediator of cancer metastasis. Recently, the three‐dimensional structures for homologues of this voltage‐gated proton channel were reported. However, it is not clear what artificial environment is needed to facilitate the isolation and purification of the human Hv1 proton channel for structural study. In the present study, we generated a chimeric protein that placed an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) to the amino‐terminus of the human Hv1 proton channel (termed EGFP‐Hv1). The chimeric protein was expressed in a baculovirus expression system using Sf9 cells and subjected to detergent screening using fluorescence‐detection size‐exclusion chromatography. The EGFP‐Hv1 proton channel can be solubilized in the zwitterionic detergent Anzergent 3–12 and the nonionic n‐dodecyl‐β‐d‐maltoside (DDM) with little protein aggregation and a prominent monomeric protein peak at 48 h postinfection. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the chimeric protein exhibits a monomeric protein peak, which is distinguishable from protein aggregates, at the final size‐exclusion chromatography purification step. Taken together, we can conclude that solubilization in DDM will provide a useable final product for further structural characterization of the full‐length human Hv1 proton channel.
Curcuminoid Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Panahi Yunes , Rahimnia Ali‐Reza , Sharafi Mojtaba , Alishiri Gholamhossein , Saburi Amin , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: May 2014

Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) is challenging owing to the inefficacy and long‐term adverse events of currently available medications including non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Curcuminoids are polyphenolic phytochemicals with established anti‐inflammatory properties and protective effects on chondrocytes. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical efficacy of curcuminoids in patients suffering from knee OA. A pilot randomized double‐blind placebo‐control parallel‐group clinical trial was conducted among patients with mild‐to‐moderate knee OA. Patients were assigned to curcuminoids (1500 mg/day in 3 divided doses; n = 19) or matched placebo (n = 21) for 6 weeks. Efficacy measures were changes in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analogue scale (VAS) and Lequesne's pain functional index (LPFI) scores during the study. There was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, and VAS, WOMAC and LPFI scores between the study groups at baseline (p > 0.05). Treatment with curcuminoids was associated with significantly greater reductions in WOMAC (p = 0.001), VAS (p < 0.001) and LPFI (p = 0.013) scores compared with placebo. With respect to WOMAC subscales, there were significant improvements in the pain and physical function scores (p < 0.001) but not stiffness score (p > 0.05). There was no considerable adverse effect in both groups. To conclude, curcuminoids represent an effective and safe alternative treatment for OA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probabilistic skill in ensemble seasonal forecasts
Authors: Smith Leonard A. , Du Hailiang , Suckling Emma B. , Niehörster Falk
Published: May 2014

Simulation models are widely employed to make probability forecasts of future conditions on seasonal to annual lead times. Added value in such forecasts is reflected in the information they add, either to purely empirical statistical models or to simpler simulation models. An evaluation of seasonal probability forecasts from the Development of a European Multimodel Ensemble system for seasonal to inTERannual prediction (DEMETER) and ENSEMBLES multi‐model ensemble experiments is presented. Two particular regions are considered: Nino3.4 in the Pacific and the Main Development Region in the Atlantic; these regions were chosen before any spatial distribution of skill was examined. The ENSEMBLES models are found to have skill against the climatological distribution on seasonal time‐scales. For models in ENSEMBLES that have a clearly defined predecessor model in DEMETER, the improvement from DEMETER to ENSEMBLES is discussed. Due to the long lead times of the forecasts and the evolution of observation technology, the forecast‐outcome archive for seasonal forecast evaluation is small; arguably, evaluation data for seasonal forecasting will always be precious. Issues of information contamination from in‐sample evaluation are discussed and impacts (both positive and negative) of variations in cross‐validation protocol are demonstrated. Other difficulties due to the small forecast‐outcome archive are identified. The claim that the multi‐model ensemble provides a ‘better’ probability forecast than the best single model is examined and challenged. Significant forecast information beyond the climatological distribution is also demonstrated in a persistence probability forecast. The ENSEMBLES probability forecasts add significantly more information to empirical probability forecasts on seasonal time‐scales than on decadal scales. Current operational forecasts might be enhanced by melding information from both simulation models and empirical models. Simulation models based on physical principles are sometimes expected, in principle, to outperform empirical models; direct comparison of their forecast skill provides information on progress toward that goal.
Enhanced specificity for phosphatidylcholine analysis by positive ion mode matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Zaima Nobuhiro , Yoshioka Sayaka , Sato Yayoi , Shinano Saki , Ikeda Yoshihiko , Moriyama Tatsuya
Published: May 2014

RATIONALE

Visualization of the spatial distribution of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in tissues by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI‐IMS) provides insights into key physiological and pathophysiological processes. In MALDI‐IMS analysis, the heterogeneity of adduct ions formed from PC lowers the specificity of detection of PC molecular species and poses a challenge in the identification of these species. To solve this problem, modified matrix solution and desalting with ammonium acetate (NH4Ac) buffer have been employed. However, the utility of these methods is limited to the analysis of brain sections.

METHODS

The MALDI signal intensities of [PC+H], [PC+Na] and [PC+K] were compared after three different pretreatments (modified matrix solution, desalting with 150 mM ammonium acetate, treatment with 150 mM potassium acetate).

RESULTS

Pretreatment of tissue sections with 150 mM potassium acetate resulted in an increase in the signal intensity of [PC+K] ions produced from cryosections of the pancreas, brain, and liver tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment with potassium acetate can be a simple, improved, and highly useful method for the reliable analysis of PC in tissues. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distribution of lysophosphatidylcholine in the endosperm of Oryza sativa rice
Authors: Zaima Nobuhiro , Yoshimura Yukihiro , Kawamura Yukio , Moriyama Tatsuya
Published: May 2014

RATIONALE

Sake is made from fermented rice and has been drunk in Japan for more than 1000 years. The rice must be polished prior to fermentation to obtain high‐quality sake. It is traditionally recognized that the quality of sake is improved as the rice polishing ratio (percentage removed in the polishing process) increases. However, the underlying chemistry of the rice polishing process is incompletely understood. Herein, we analyzed the distribution of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) molecular species with unsaturated fatty acids in rice, as their presence is thought to exert a negative effect on the flavor of sake.

METHODS

The distribution of LPC molecular species in rice was visualized via matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI).

RESULTS

LPC (16:0) is ubiquitously present in the endosperm of rice while LPC (18:0) is localized in the core of the endosperm. In contrast, LPC (18:2) and LPC (18:1) are present in the outer region of the endosperm.

CONCLUSIONS

The enhancement of the quality of sake as the polishing ratio of the rice increases might be explained in terms of the distribution of LPC with unsaturated fatty acids in the rice. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pancreaticoduodenal Resection for Malignancy in a Low‐volume Center: Long‐term Outcomes from a Developing Country
Authors: Bhatti Abu Bakar Hafeez , Yusuf Mohammad Aasim , Kazmi Syed Ather Saeed , Syed Aamir Ali
Published: May 2014

Background

The technical complexity of pancreatic resection has made it a specialized procedure performed in high‐volume centers. It has been shown that patients operated on in high‐volume pancreatobiliary centers have fewer complications and better survival. The purpose of this study was to share our experience with and report long‐term outcomes of pancreaticoduodenal resections performed in a low‐volume center in Pakistan.

Methods

Data of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenal resection for adenocarcinoma at our institute from 1999 to 2012 were reviewed. A total of 39 patients were included in the study. Variables included patients’ clinical and histopathological characteristics. Outcome was determined based on complication rate, 30‐ and 90‐day mortality, disease‐free survival, and overall survival. For survival analysis, Kaplan–Meier curves were used and significance was determined using a log rank test. Univariate Cox analysis was performed to determine significant factors for multivariate analysis.

Results

The majority of tumors [20 (51 %)] were moderate grade, T1/T2 [20 (51 %)], ampullary adenocarcinomas [18 (46 %)]. Mean hospital stay was 14 ± 8 days. The mean number of nodes removed was 13.9 ± 6.9, while mean number of positive nodes was 1 ± 1.7. Expected 5‐year overall survival and relapse‐free survival were 38 and 48 %, respectively. Overall 5‐year survival was significantly different with respect to nodal involvement, i.e., 47 vs. 28 % (P = 0.018). On univariate analysis, nodal involvement was the only factor associated with an increased risk of death (P = 0.02, hazard ratio [HR] 2.9, confidence interval [CI] 1.1–7.8).

Conclusion

Low‐volume centers are an acceptable alternate to high‐volume centers for performing pancreaticoduodenal resection in carefully selected patients. Efforts should be directed at developing specialized hepatobiliary centers in developing countries.
The Surgeon's Role in Relative Success of PCL-Retaining and PCL-Substituting Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Ritter Merrill A. , Davis Kenneth E. , Farris Alex , Keating E. Michael , Faris Philip M.
Published: May 2014

Background

The orthopedic literature has not shown a universal and replicated difference, outside of flexion, in clinical results between posterior cruciate ligament retention and posterior cruciate ligament substitution in total knee arthroplasty.

Questions/Purposes

This study was performed to compare the restoration of flexion and knee function in a large series of cruciate-retaining and cruciate-substituting total knee arthroplasties (TKRs). In addition, we aimed to study how other variables, such as those unique to each surgeon, may have affected the results.

Patients and Methods

The current study evaluated 8,607 total knee arthroplasties in 5,594 patients performed by six surgeons, each using one of four prosthesis designs (two posterior cruciate ligament retaining, two posterior cruciate ligament substituting). Knees were compared at the level of cruciate-retaining and cruciate-substituting knees, at the level of the four prostheses, and at the level of surgeon-implant combinations. Least squared means scores were obtained through multiple linear regression, analysis of variance, and the maximum likelihood method.

Results

At the level of posterior cruciate ligament treatment, posterior cruciate ligament substitution as a whole showed 3.2° greater flexion than posterior cruciate ligament retention. At the prosthesis level, cruciate-substituting models provided greater flexion and cruciate-retaining models provided higher function scores. In the surgeon-implant combinations, surgeons provided mixed results that often did not reflect findings from other levels; one surgeon's use of a posterior cruciate ligament retaining prosthesis achieved 14.7° greater flexion than the surgeon's use of a corresponding posterior cruciate ligament substituting design.

Conclusions

Posterior cruciate ligament treatment is confounded by other variables, including the operating surgeon. The arthroplasty surgeon should choose a prosthesis based, not only on outside results, but also on personal experience and comfort.
Japanese guideline for the oncology FDG-PET/CT data acquisition protocol: synopsis of Version 2.0
Authors: Fukukita Hiroyoshi , Suzuki Kazufumi , Matsumoto Keiichi , Terauchi Takashi , Daisaki Hiromitsu , Ikari Yasuhiko , Shimada Naoki , Senda Michio
Published: May 2014

This synopsis outlines the Japanese guideline Version 2.0 for the data acquisition protocol of oncology FDG-PET/CT scans that was created by a joint task force of the Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine Technology, the Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine and the Japanese Council of PET Imaging, and was published in Kakuigaku-Gijutsu 2013; 33:377–420 in Japanese. The guideline aims at standardizing the PET image quality among PET centers and different PET camera models by providing criteria for the IEC body phantom image quality as well as for the patient PET image quality based on the noise equivalent count (NEC), NEC density and liver signal-to-noise ratio, so that the appropriate scanning parameters can be determined for each PET camera. This Version 2.0 covers issues that were not focused on in Version 1.0, including the accuracy of the standardized uptake value (SUV), effect of body size together with adjustment of scanning duration, and time-of-flight (TOF) reconstruction technique. Version 2.0 also presents data acquired with new PET camera models that were not tested in Version 1.0. Reference values for physical indicators of phantom image quality have been updated as well.
Cognitive styles in depressed children with and without comorbid conduct disorder
Authors: Schepman Karen , Fombonne Eric , Collishaw Stephan , Taylor Eric
Published: May 2014

Little is known about patterns of cognitive impairment in depression comorbid with conduct disorder. The study included clinically depressed children with (N = 23) or without conduct disorder (N = 29), and controls without psychiatric disorder (N = 37). Cognitive biases typical of depression and patterns of social information processing were assessed. Both depressed groups had substantially higher rates of negative cognitive distortions, attributional biases and ruminative responses than non‐depressed children. Children in the comorbid group made more hostile attributions and suggested more aggressive responses for dealing with threatening social situations, whilst children with depression only were more likely to be unassertive. Depression has a number of similar depressotypic cognitive biases whether or not complicated by conduct disorder, and may be potentially susceptible to similar interventions. The results also highlight the importance of recognising social information processing deficits when they occur and targeting those too, especially in comorbid presentations.
In vivo single‐molecule imaging of bacterial DNA replication, transcription, and repair
Authors: Stracy Mathew , Uphoff Stephan , Garza de Leon Federico , Kapanidis Achillefs N.
Published: May 2014

In vivo single‐molecule experiments offer new perspectives on the behaviour of DNA binding proteins, from the molecular level to the length scale of whole bacterial cells. With technological advances in instrumentation and data analysis, fluorescence microscopy can detect single molecules in live cells, opening the doors to directly follow individual proteins binding to DNA in real time. In this review, we describe key technical considerations for implementing in vivo single‐molecule fluorescence microscopy. We discuss how single‐molecule tracking and quantitative super‐resolution microscopy can be adapted to extract DNA binding kinetics, spatial distributions, and copy numbers of proteins, as well as stoichiometries of protein complexes. We highlight experiments which have exploited these techniques to answer important questions in the field of bacterial gene regulation and transcription, as well as chromosome replication, organisation and repair. Together, these studies demonstrate how single‐molecule imaging is transforming our understanding of DNA‐binding proteins in cells.
Effect of positive surgical margins on biochemical failure, biochemical recurrence‐free survival, and overall survival after radical prostatectomy: Median long‐term results
Authors: Huri Emre , Aydogmus Yasin , Doluoglu Omer Gokhan , Dadali Mumtaz , Karakan Tolga , Emir Levent , Germiyanoglu Cankon
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the median long‐term effects of positive surgical margin (PSM) and other prognostic factors on biochemical recurrence‐free survival, overall survival, and biochemical failure in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. Our study included 121 patients with pT2‐3N0 disease treated between March 2006 and August 2012. The patients were divided into two groups: those with PSM and those with negative surgical margin (NSM). We analyzed the age, clinical and pathological stages, preoperative and postoperative Gleason scores, duration of the follow‐up, adjuvant chemo‐/radiotherapy, biochemical failure, biochemical recurrence‐free survival, and overall survival in these patients. PSM was found in 25 (20%) patients, whereas 96 patients had NSM. The median follow‐up time was 46.6 months (range 12–72 months) for the PSM group and 48.3 months (range 7–149 months) for the NSM group. The biochemical failure rate was 24% in the PSM group and 8.3% in the NSM group (p = 0.029). The biochemical recurrence‐free survival was found as 76% in the PSM group and 91.7% in the NSM group. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.06). The overall survival was 100% in both groups. The surgical margins of the radical prostatectomy material is an important pathological indicator for biochemical failure at mid long‐term follow‐up. We did not find any effect of PSM on overall survival or biochemical recurrence‐free survival.
Climate Change And Migration: Law and Policy Perspectives in Bangladesh
Authors: NASER Mostafa Mahmud
Published: May 2014

Global climate change and consequent potential migration pose a number of challenges and are becoming increasingly important policy issues for Bangladesh. Therefore, policy responses need to deal with diverse issues, including sustainable development (SD), adaptation to climate change, and humanitarian assistance, to address the future challenges posed by climate change and consequent human displacement. There is no simple and straightforward solution to the challenges posed by climate-induced migration, and a “one-size-fits-all” approach will not effectively resolve the complex nature, and patterns, of population displacement. Rather than any single approach, a multifarious, comprehensive, proactive, and coherent policy approach is imperative for managing climate-induced migration in an orderly and humane manner. Based on the available data regarding the environment, climate change, and migration, this paper suggests a range of policy tools and approaches. It also sets out a road map showing how policy interventions could contribute to better integrating the full spectrum of migration issues and concerns into an overall environmental and developmental policy, and vice versa, within Bangladesh.
Perception: Where Mind Begins
Authors: Burge Tyler
Published: May 2014

What are the earliest beings that have minds in evolutionary order? Two marks of mind are consciousness and representation. I focus on representation. I distinguish a psychologically distinctive notion of representation from a family of notions, often called ‘representation’, that invoke information, causation, and/or function. The psychologically distinctive notion implies that a representational state has veridicality conditions as an aspect of its nature. Perception is the most primitive type of representational state. It is a natural psychological kind, recognized in a mature science: perceptual psychology. This kind involves a type of objectification, and is marked by perceptual constancies. The simplest animals known to exhibit perceptual constancies, perception, and representation in a distinctively psychological sense, are certain arthropods. Representational mind, or representational psychology, begins in the arthropods. We lack scientific knowledge about the beginnings of consciousness. Consciousness is neither necessary nor sufficient for perception. I conclude by reflecting on the kinds mind and psychology.
Molecular detection of the index case of a subclinical Salmonella Kentucky epidemic on a dairy farm
Authors: HALEY B. J. , ALLARD M. , BROWN E. , HOVINGH E. , KARNS J. S. , van KESSEL J. S.
Published: May 2014

Salmonella enterica commonly colonizes the intestinal tract of cattle and is a leading cause of foodborne illness. A previously described investigation into the prevalence of S. enterica on a dairy farm revealed an 8-year-long asymptomatic S. enterica epidemic caused by serotypes Cerro and Kentucky in the lactating herd. To investigate the source of the S. Kentucky strains, the genomes of two S. Kentucky isolates were sequenced; one collected prior to the epidemic (2004) and one collected during the epidemic (2010). Comparative genomic analysis demonstrated significant polymorphisms between the two strains. PCR primers targeting unique and strain-specific regions were developed, and screening of the archived isolates identified the index case of the asymptomatic S. Kentucky epidemic as a heifer that was raised off-site and transported onto the study farm in 2005. Analysis of isolates collected from all heifers brought onto the farm demonstrated frequent re-introduction of clones of the epidemic strain suggesting transmission of pathogens between farms might occur repeatedly.
Ultrahigh Performance C60 Nanorod Large Area Flexible Photoconductor Devices via Ultralow Organic and Inorganic Photodoping
Authors: Saran Rinku , Stolojan Vlad , Curry Richard J.
Published: May 2014

One dimensional single-crystal nanorods of C60 possess unique optoelectronic properties including high electron mobility, high photosensitivity and an excellent electron accepting nature. In addition, their rapid large scale synthesis at room temperature makes these organic semiconducting nanorods highly attractive for advanced optoelectronic device applications. Here, we report low-cost large-area flexible photoconductor devices fabricated using C60 nanorods. We demonstrate that the photosensitivity of the C60 nanorods can be enhanced ~400-fold via an ultralow photodoping mechanism. The photodoped devices offer broadband UV-vis-NIR spectral tuneability, exhibit a detectivitiy >109 Jones, an external quantum efficiency of ~100%, a linear dynamic range of 80 dB, a rise time 60 µs and the ability to measure ac signals up to ~250 kHz. These figures of merit combined are among the highest reported for one dimensional organic and inorganic large-area planar photoconductors and are competitive with commercially available inorganic photoconductors and photoconductive cells. With the additional processing benefits providing compatibility with large-area flexible platforms, these devices represent significant advances and make C60 nanorods a promising candidate for advanced photodetector technologies.
A highly efficient oxidative condensation reaction for selective protein conjugation
Authors: Ji Ao , Ren Wei , Ai Hui-wang
Published: May 2014

A novel oxidative conjugation reaction between aryl diamine and aldehyde was used to site-specifically label a protein.
Unusual photoluminescence properties of the 3D mixed-lanthanide–organic frameworks induced by dimeric structures: a theoretical and experimental approach
Authors: Rodrigues Carime V. , Luz Leonis L. , Dutra José Diogo L. , Junior Severino A. , Malta Oscar L. , Gatto Claudia C. , Streit Huayna C. , Freire Ricardo O. , Wickleder Claudia , Rodrigues Marcelo Oliveira
Published: May 2014

Experimental and theoretical investigation of the 3D Ln-MOFs that present singular spectral signature.
Dissecting the steps of CO2reduction: 2. The interaction of CO and CO2with Pd/γ-Al2O3: an in situ FTIR study
Authors: Szanyi János , Kwak Ja Hun
Published: May 2014

Surface species formed on Pd/γ-Al2O3upon COxexposure will aid mechanistic studies of CO2reduction.
New ab initio potential energy surfaces for the ro-vibrational excitation of OH(X2Π) by He
Authors: Kalugina Yulia , Lique François , Marinakis Sarantos
Published: May 2014

A new, three-dimensional potential energy is presented. Values for integral and differential cross sections, and for inelastic rate coefficients were obtained. The results agree and significantly extend previous studies on OH(X) + He collisions.
Ceria-based electrospun fibers for renewable fuel production via two-step thermal redox cycles for carbon dioxide splitting
Authors: Gibbons William T. , Venstrom Luke J. , De Smith Robert M. , Davidson Jane H. , Jackson Gregory S.
Published: May 2014

Zirconium-doped ceria (Ce1−xZrxO2) was synthesized through a controlled electrospinning process as a promising approach to cost-effective, sinter-resistant material structures for high-temperature, solar-driven thermochemical redox cycles.
Gold-catalyzed C(sp3)–H bond functionalization
Authors: Xie Jin , Pan Changduo , Abdukader Ablimit , Zhu Chengjian
Published: May 2014

Homogeneous gold-catalyzed sp3 C–H bond functionalization strategy opens a new avenue for economical and sustainable construction of fine chemicals.
Affinity of zinc and copper ions for insulin monomers
Authors: Gavrilova Julia , Tõugu Vello , Palumaa Peep
Published: May 2014

Zinc is an essential trace element involved in the correct packing and storage of insulin.
A paradigm shift in the excitation wavelength of upconversion nanoparticles
Authors: Jayakumar Muthu kumara gnanasammandhan , Idris Niagara Muhammad , Huang Kai , Zhang Yong
Published: May 2014

Shifting the excitation wavelength of upconversion nanoparticles from classical 980 nm to biologically friendlier 800 nm excitation for biological applications.
Magnetic properties of corrosion-resistant CoW films
Authors: Yu Lina , Lu Liying , Xu Zedong , Ma Jianjun , Gao Min , Xu Xiaoguang , Jiang Yong
Published: May 2014

CoW films with different compositions have been prepared by an electrochemical deposition method.
Efficient green synthesis of bis(cyclic carbonate)poly(dimethylsiloxane) derivative using CO2 addition: a novel precursor for synthesis of urethanes
Authors: Aguiar K. R. , Santos V. G. , Eberlin M. N. , Rischka K. , Noeske M. , Tremiliosi-Filho G. , Rodrigues-Filho U. P.
Published: May 2014

Poly(dimethyl siloxane), PDMS, with terminal cyclic carbonate groups was prepared by cycloaddition of carbon dioxide to epoxy rings using tetra alkyl-ammonium bromide as a catalyst under efficient and mild conditions.
Autonomous magnetic devices for micro/nano particle handling
Authors: Zanini Luiz F. , Dumas-Bouchiat Frédéric
Published: May 2014

This article describes a lab practical based on the fabrication of thick hard magnetic
films, their patterning at the micro-scale, their integration into microfluidic systems and their use in
particle capture and sorting. It combines both standard and recently developed microfabrication
techniques in order to create autonomous, downscaled magnetic micro-systems which can produce
high magnetic forces on micro- and nano-sized objects. The lab practical was designed for Master
students, but can be used as an introductory course for higher-level students starting in the field.
The high-foot implosion campaign on the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Hurricane O. A. , Callahan D. A. , Casey D. T. , Dewald E. L. , Dittrich T. R. , Döppner T. , Barrios Garcia M. A. , Hinkel D. E. , Berzak Hopkins L. F. , Kervin P. , Kline J. L. , Pape S. Le , Ma T. , MacPhee A. G. , Milovich J. L. , Moody J. , Pak A. E. , Patel P. K. , Park H.-S. , Remington B. A. , Robey H. F. , Salmonson J. D. , Springer P. T. , Tommasini R. , Benedetti L. R. , Caggiano J. A. , Celliers P. , Cerjan C. , Dylla-Spears R. , Edgell D. , Edwards M. J. , Fittinghoff D. , Grim G. P. , Guler N. , Izumi N. , Frenje J. A. , Gatu Johnson M. , Haan S. , Hatarik R. , Herrmann H. , Khan S. , Knauer J. , Kozioziemski B. J. , Kritcher A. L. , Kyrala G. , Maclaren S. A. , Merrill F. E. , Michel P. , Ralph J. , Ross J. S. , Rygg J. R. , Schneider M. B. , Spears B. K. , Widmann K. , Yeamans C. B.
Published: May 2014

The “High-Foot” platform manipulates the laser pulse-shape coming from the National Ignition Facility laser to create an indirect drive 3-shock implosion that is significantly more robust against instability growth involving the ablator and also modestly reduces implosion convergence ratio. This strategy gives up on theoretical high-gain in an inertial confinement fusion implosion in order to obtain better control of the implosion and bring experimental performance in-line with calculated performance, yet keeps the absolute capsule performance relatively high. In this paper, we will cover the various experimental and theoretical motivations for the high-foot drive as well as cover the experimental results that have come out of the high-foot experimental campaign. At the time of this writing, the high-foot implosion has demonstrated record total deuterium-tritium yields (9.3×1015) with low levels of inferred mix, excellent agreement with implosion simulations, fuel energy gains exceeding unity, and evidence for the “bootstrapping” associated with alpha-particle self-heating.
Microstructure of sheared monosized colloidal suspensions resulting from hydrodynamic and electrostatic interactions
Authors: Xu Bu , Gilchrist James F.
Published: May 2014

Hydrodynamic and near-particle interactions in sheared suspensions are communicated through suspension microstructure to produce a wide variety of rheological behaviors. To characterize this microstructure, the individual positions of monosized silica particles flowing through a microchannel are obtained with near simulation-level detail. The pair distribution functions of the microstructure at moderate to high Péclet number shear rates are very similar to previous numerical studies. Viscometric functions calculated based on the detailed microstructure obtained through this technique show qualitative agreement with computational results. These results elucidate the origins of shear-thickening of suspensions at high shear rates. While efforts are taken to screen electrostatic interactions to study hydrodynamic and Brownian interactions, the role of electrostatic interaction between particles is also investigated by reducing suspension ionic strength. These non-hydrodynamic electrostatic interactions result in a loss of anisotropy that generally agrees with previous findings of “soft” particle systems.
Rovibrational levels and wavefunctions of Cl−H2O
Authors: Wang Xiao-Gang , Carrington Tucker
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we report vibrational levels computed for Cl−H2O and compare with experimental observations and previous approximate calculations. In addition, we present rovibrational levels. The calculations are done using a symmetry adapted Lanczos algorithm and a product basis set and include all six vibrational coordinates. The basis functions have amplitude in both wells and enable us to determine tunnelling splittings. We use the potential energy surface of Rheinecker and Bowman [J. Chem. Phys. 125, 133206 (2006)]. Rovibrational levels are assigned vibrational labels using vibrational parent analysis. Our results reveal the effect of previous approximations, but are in fairly good agreement with prior calculations and experiments.
Interchannel coupling effects in the valence photoionization of SF6
Authors: Jose J. , Lucchese R. R. , Rescigno T. N.
Published: May 2014

The complex Kohn and polyatomic Schwinger variational techniques have been employed to illustrate the interchannel coupling correlation effects in the valence photoionization dynamics of SF6. Partial photoionization cross sections and asymmetry parameters of six valence subshells (1t1g, 5t1u, 1t2u, 3eg, 1t2g, 4t1u) are discussed in the framework of several theoretical and experimental studies. The complex Kohn results are in rather good agreement with experimental results, indicative of the fact that the interchannel coupling effects alter the photoionization dynamics significantly. We find that the dominant effect of interchannel coupling is to reduce the magnitude of shape resonant cross sections near the threshold and to induce resonant features in other channels to which resonances are coupled. The long-standing issue concerning ordering of the valence orbitals is addressed and confirmed 4t1u61t2g63eg4(5t1u6+1t2u6) 1t1g6 as the most likely ordering.
A multichannel magneto-chiral dichroism spectrometer
Authors: Kopnov G. , Rikken G. L. J. A.
Published: May 2014

In this work, we describe a multichannel magneto-chiral dichroism spectrometer for the visible and near infrared wavelength ranges. The optical signal acquisition is based on commercially available Czerny-Turner spectrograph systems equipped with solid state detector arrays. The signal analysis method is based on post-processing phase sensitive detection, where the optical properties of the sample are modulated by an alternating external magnetic field. As an illustration of the performance of this spectrometer, magneto-chiral dichroism was measured in crystals of α − NiSO4 · 6H2O and good agreement with literature results was obtained.
Phase diagram of two-dimensional hard ellipses
Authors: Bautista-Carbajal Gustavo , Odriozola Gerardo
Published: May 2014

We report the phase diagram of two-dimensional hard ellipses as obtained from replica exchange Monte Carlo simulations. The replica exchange is implemented by expanding the isobaric ensemble in pressure. The phase diagram shows four regions: isotropic, nematic, plastic, and solid (letting aside the hexatic phase at the isotropic-plastic two-step transition [E. P. Bernard and W. Krauth, Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 155704 (2011)]). At low anisotropies, the isotropic fluid turns into a plastic phase which in turn yields a solid for increasing pressure (area fraction). Intermediate anisotropies lead to a single first order transition (isotropic-solid). Finally, large anisotropies yield an isotropic-nematic transition at low pressures and a high-pressure nematic-solid transition. We obtain continuous isotropic-nematic transitions. For the transitions involving quasi-long-range positional ordering, i.e., isotropic-plastic, isotropic-solid, and nematic-solid, we observe bimodal probability density functions. This supports first order transition scenarios.
Short and medium range order in two-component silica glasses by positron annihilation spectroscopy
Authors: Inoue K. , Kataoka H. , Nagai Y. , Hasegawa M. , Kobayashi Y.
Published: May 2014

The dependence of chemical composition on the average sizes of subnanometer-scale intrinsic structural open spaces surrounded by glass random networks in two-component silica-based glasses was investigated systematically using positronium (Ps) confined in the open spaces. The average sizes of the open spaces for SiO2-B2O3 and SiO2-GeO2 glasses are only slightly dependent on the chemical compositions because the B2O3 and GeO2 are glass network formers that are incorporated into the glass network of the base SiO2. However, the open space sizes for all SiO2-R2O (R = Li, Na, K) glasses, where R2O is a glass network modifier that occupies the open spaces, decrease rapidly with an increase in the R2O concentration. Despite the large difference in the ionic radii of the alkali metal (R) atoms, the open space sizes decrease similarly for all the alkali metal atoms studied. This dependence of the chemical composition on the open space sizes in SiO2-R2O observed by Ps shows that the alkali metal atoms do not randomly occupy the structural open spaces, but filling of the open spaces by R2O proceeds selectively from the larger to the smaller open spaces as the R2O concentrations are increased.