bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of methionine‐deficient and methionine‐supplemented diets on the hepatic one‐carbon and lipid metabolism in mice
Authors: Aissa Alexandre Ferro , Tryndyak Volodymyr , de Conti Aline , Melnyk Stepan , Gomes Tarsila Daysy Ursula Hermogenes , Bianchi Maria Lourdes Pires , James S. Jill , Beland Frederick A. , Antunes Lusania Maria Greggi , Pogribny Igor P.
Published: May 2014

Scope

A compromised nutritional status in methyl‐group donors may provoke several molecular alterations triggering the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in humans and experimental animals. In this study, we investigated a role and the underlying molecular mechanisms of methionine metabolic pathway malfunctions in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.

Methods and results

We fed female Swiss albino mice a control (methionine‐adequate) diet and two experimental (methionine‐deficient or methionine‐supplemented) diets for 10 weeks, and the levels of one‐carbon metabolites, expression of one‐carbon and lipid metabolism genes in the livers were evaluated. We demonstrate that both experimental diets increased hepatic levels of S‐adenosyl‐l‐homocysteine and homocysteine, altered expression of one‐carbon and lipid metabolism genes, and caused lipid accumulation, especially in mice fed the methionine‐deficient diet. Markers of oxidative and ER stress response were also elevated in the livers of mice fed either diet.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that both dietary methionine deficiency and methionine supplementation can induce molecular abnormalities in the liver associated with the development of NAFLD, including deregulation in lipid and one‐carbon metabolic pathways, and induction of oxidative and ER stress. These pathophysiological events may ultimately lead to lipid accumulation in the livers, triggering the development of NAFLD.
Methylation levels of the SCD1 gene promoter and LINE‐1 repeat region are associated with weight change: An intervention study
Authors: Martín‐Núñez Gracia María , Cabrera‐Mulero Rebeca , Rubio‐Martín Elehazara , Rojo‐Martínez Gemma , Olveira Gabriel , Valdés Sergio , Soriguer Federico , Castaño Luis , Morcillo Sonsoles
Published: May 2014

Scope

Epigenetic processes may be affected by environmental factors. DNA methylation measured in LINE‐1 elements (LINE‐1, long interspersed nucleotide element‐1) correlates with LINE‐1 DNA methylation. Variations in stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD) activity (a key enzyme in the fatty acid metabolism) may be involved in various processes that can lead to diseases such as obesity. We evaluated whether changes in diet after a nutritional intervention would be associated with changes in LINE‐1 DNA methylation and/or specific methylation of SCD1 gene promoter.

Methods and results

Design: Prospective cohort intervention study with a control group. We recorded phenotypic, anthropometric, biochemical, and nutritional information at baseline and 1 year later. DNA methylation was quantified by pyrosequencing. LINE‐1 DNA methylation and SCD1 gene promoter methylation levels were similar at the beginning of the study in both populations, whereas after a year these levels were higher in the control group (p < 0.001). In the intervention group, those subjects who lost weight showed higher levels of SCD1 gene promoter methylation after the intervention. Subjects with lower adherence to a Mediterranean diet experienced larger changes in LINE‐1 methylation.

Conclusion

DNA methylation levels were associated with weight change and with adherence to a Mediterranean diet.
Novel one‐step synthesis of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/bentonite nanocomposites with (3‐Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane as a compatilizer
Authors: Ge Xin , Li Mei Chun , Cho Ur Ryong
Published: May 2014

Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)/bentonite (Bt) nanocomposites were synthesized by an one‐step method in NBR latex with (3‐Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) as a compatilizer. The nanocomposites were compounded with curing additives and then vulcanized. The prepared vulcanizates were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The curing properties and mechanical properties were also investigated. The thermal properties were studied with thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The morphology was investigated by field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). By swelling test, the swelling ratio and the crosslinking density were achieved. The hydrolyzation and condensation of MPTMS was identified by FTIR while the intercalated/exfoliated structure of Bt was determined by XRD. It was evident that the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were significantly improved compared with the neat NBR. The well‐dispersed bentonite particles and effects of MPTMS were supported by the images from FE‐SEM. The results of TGA showed that the fastest weight‐loss temperature (Tmax) was elevated by over 10°C for the nanocomposites compared with the neat NBR, indicating an enhanced thermal stability. By swelling test, the swelling ratio was determined, decreased to 139% for the optimized NBR/MPTMS/Bt nanocomposites compared with 210% for neat NBR. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1693–1702, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Congenital heart disease in monochorionic twins with and without twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Springer Stephanie , Mlczoch Elisabeth , Krampl‐Bettelheim Elisabeth , Mailáth‐Pokorny Mariella , Ulm Barbara , Worda Christof , Worda Katharina
Published: May 2014

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) in monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies with and without twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in an unselected cohort, which underwent prenatal and postnatal echocardiography.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study including 451 MC twin pregnancies between 2002 and 2012. Complete outcome data were available for 381 pregnancies. All patients had prenatal echocardiography, and postnatal echocardiography was performed in all newborns with symptoms or to follow‐up on prenatal findings. Data from prenatal and postnatal echocardiography and autopsy were analyzed. The classification of Houyel et al. was used for structural CHD.

Results

Structural CHD was diagnosed in 5.5% of all MC twins (42/762). Twins with TTTS showed a significant higher rate of CHD than unaffected twins (9.3% vs 4.7%; p = 0.03). Prenatal detection rate of CHD was 48%. Most common abnormalities were ventricular septal defects (VSD) (2.1%) followed by anomalies of the ventricular outflow tracts (1.3%) in the overall population and VSD (2.9%) and anomalies of the great arteries (2.9%) in the group with TTTS.

Conclusion

MC twin pregnancies show a high prevalence of structural CHD (5.5%), especially those affected by TTTS. A detailed prenatal and postnatal echocardiography could be considered in these pregnancies. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct grafting poly(methyl methacrylate) from TiO2 nanoparticles via Cu2+‐amine redox‐initiated radical polymerization: An advantage of monocenter initiation
Authors: Yao Rongrong , Wu Rong , Zhai Guangqun
Published: May 2014

Cu2+ can oxidize amines to generate radicals to initiate radical polymerization of electron‐deficient monomers under mild conditions. Here, CuSO4‐catalyzed redox‐initiated radical polymerizations of methyl methacrylate from amino‐functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2‐NH2 nanoparticles) was performed to prepare TiO2 nanoparticles grafted with poly(methyl methacrylate) (TiO2‐g‐PMMA hybrid nanoparticles) in dimethylsulfoxide or N,N‐dimethylformamide at 90°C. Infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the grafted PMMA and the grafting yield was about 50 wt%. Microscopy and particle‐size analysis indicated that TiO2‐g‐PMMA nanoparticles had a good affinity to organic media. Because only aminyl radical (NH•) on TiO2 nanoparticles formed in Cu2+‐amine redox‐initiation step, there was no free PMMA chains formed during polymerization. Thus, our protocol provides a facile strategy to prepare inorganic/organic hybrid nanoparticles via one‐pot Cu2+‐amine redox‐initiated free radical polymerization. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:735–744, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Upregulation of probing‐ and feeding‐related behavioural frequencies in Bemisia tabaci upon acquisition of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus
Authors: Jahan SM Hemayet , Lee Gwan‐Seok , Lee Sukchan , Lee Kyeong‐Yeoll
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

The behaviour of insect vectors can be altered by the acquisition of plant viruses. Bemisia tabaci, which is the vector of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), causes damage to susceptible tomato cultivars. Here, the frequencies of several behavioural characteristics related to probing and feeding that are exhibited by non‐viruliferous (NV) and TYLCV‐viruliferous (V) adult B. tabaci were compared using a sandwich‐type parafilm cage.

RESULTS

The frequencies of behaviours such as wing flapping, leg movement, body shaking and body position change while settling and feeding on plant leaves were higher in V than in NV whiteflies. Evaluation of probing frequencies by measuring the number and size of holes punctured in parafilm by whiteflies revealed that most holes had a diameter of 7.5–26.7 µm, which is within the range of proboscis diameters of whiteflies. There were more small‐sized holes than medium‐ and large‐sized holes. Male whiteflies produced more small‐sized holes, but females more mid‐sized holes. V whiteflies showed increased hole numbers but decreased feeding duration relative to NV whiteflies.

CONCLUSION

Adult B. tabaci showed higher frequencies of probing and feeding behaviours when infected with TYLCV. These manipulations of feeding behaviours of insect vectors may result in increased transmission of plant virus. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
A Bayesian dose‐finding design for drug combination clinical trials based on the logistic model
Authors: Riviere Marie‐Karelle , Yuan Ying , Dubois Frédéric , Zohar Sarah
Published: May 2014

In early phase dose‐finding cancer studies, the objective is to determine the maximum tolerated dose, defined as the highest dose with an acceptable dose‐limiting toxicity rate. Finding this dose for drug‐combination trials is complicated because of drug–drug interactions, and many trial designs have been proposed to address this issue. These designs rely on complicated statistical models that typically are not familiar to clinicians, and are rarely used in practice. The aim of this paper is to propose a Bayesian dose‐finding design for drug combination trials based on standard logistic regression. Under the proposed design, we continuously update the posterior estimates of the model parameters to make the decisions of dose assignment and early stopping. Simulation studies show that the proposed design is competitive and outperforms some existing designs. We also extend our design to handle delayed toxicities. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global Seasonal forecast system version 5 (GloSea5): a high‐resolution seasonal forecast system
Authors: MacLachlan C. , Arribas A. , Peterson K. A. , Maidens A. , Fereday D. , Scaife A. A. , Gordon M. , Vellinga M. , Williams A. , Comer R. E. , Camp J. , Xavier P. , Madec G.
Published: May 2014

This article describes the UK Met Office Global Seasonal forecast system version 5 (GloSea5). GloSea5 upgrades include an increase in horizontal resolution in the atmosphere (N216–0.7°) and the ocean (0.25°), and implementation of a 3D‐Var assimilation system for ocean and sea‐ice conditions. GloSea5 shows improved year‐to‐year predictions of the major modes of variability. In the Tropics, predictions of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation are improved with reduced errors in the West Pacific. In the Extratropics, GloSea5 shows unprecedented levels of forecast skill and reliability for both the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Arctic Oscillation. We also find useful levels of skill for the western North Pacific Subtropical High which largely determines summer precipitation over East Asia.
Consistent quasi‐shallow models of the global atmosphere in non‐spherical geopotential coordinates with complete Coriolis force
Authors: Staniforth Andrew
Published: May 2014

A pair of dynamically consistent quasi‐shallow equation sets has recently been developed for global spherical atmospheres and oceans in spherical polar coordinates, using the standard spherical geopotential approximation. This pair is of intermediate complexity between two standard known pairs (one shallow, one deep). A surprising feature of this new pair is that the fluid is assumed to be of essentially shallow depth, yet the Coriolis force is completely represented. This is in contradistinction to the traditional shallow pair, where the Coriolis force is incompletely represented in order to achieve dynamical consistency.

However, the Earth is better represented by a spheroid than by a sphere. It is shown herein that the aforementioned work can be generalised by making the weaker spheroidal geopotential approximation to obtain an analogous pair of quasi‐shallow equation sets using axisymmetric curvilinear orthogonal coordinates. This pair is derived in two different, but complementary, ways: via the traditional Eulerian approach, and via Hamilton's principle of least action.
Inelastic background analysis of HAXPES spectra: towards enhanced bulk sensitivity in photoemission
Authors: Risterucci Paul , Renault Olivier , Martinez Eugénie , Detlefs Blanka , Zegenhagen Jorg , Grenet Geneviève , Tougaard Sven
Published: May 2014

We report on quantitative inelastic background analysis in hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy at high excitation energy (12–18 keV) using the Tougaard method implemented with careful optimisation of the inelastic scattering cross section. Such a method enables the determination of the in‐depth elemental distribution over depths up to70 nm. We studied three parameters and investigate their influence on the results: the depth of the layer increases the uncertainty, the thickness and composition of the layer has an influence on statistics, and the excitation energy that must be chosen as a trade‐off between high probing depth and low photoionization cross section. We show how this promising method can be used to follow diffusion of a 1‐ML La layer after annealing a technologically relevant sample. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular imaging of biological tissue using gas cluster ions
Authors: Tian Hua , Wucher Andreas , Winograd Nicholas
Published: May 2014

An Arn+ (n = 1–6000) gas cluster ion source has been utilized to map the chemical distribution of lipids in a mouse brain tissue section. We also show that the signal from high mass species can be further enhanced by doping a small amount of CH4 into the Ar cluster to enhance the ionization of several biologically important molecules. Coupled with secondary ion mass spectrometry instrumentation which utilizes a continuous Ar cluster ion projectile, maximum spatial resolution and maximum mass resolution can be achieved at the same time. With this arrangement, it is possible to achieve chemically resolved molecular ion images at the 4‐µm resolution level. The focused Arn+/[Arx(CH4)y]+ beams (4–10 µm) have been applied to the study of untreated mouse brain tissue. A high signal level of molecular ions and salt adducts, mainly from various phosphocholine lipids, has been seen and directly used to map the chemical distribution. The signal intensity obtained using the pure Ar cluster source, the CH4‐doped cluster source and C60 is also presented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of surface roughness effect on elastically backscattered electrons
Authors: Ding X. , Da B. , Gong J. B. , Mao S. F. , Li H. M. , Ding Z. J.
Published: May 2014

Electron inelastic mean free path can be obtained from a measured elastic peak electron spectroscopy spectrum combined with a Monte Carlo simulation. It is thus necessary to know the influence of various experimental factors to the measured and calculated results. This work investigates the effect of the surface roughness or the surface topography on the intensity of the elastic peak. A Monte Carlo simulation, by taking into account of realistic surface roughness for both Gaussian and non‐Gaussian type rough surfaces experimentally prepared, has been employed to study the surface topography effect. The simulations of elastic peak electron spectroscopy were performed for both planar and rough Al and Cu surfaces and for varied primary energies ranging from 200 to 2000 eV. To quantify the surface roughness effect, the surface roughness parameter is introduced according to the ratio of elastic peak intensities between a rough surface and an ideal planar surface. Simulation results have shown that surface roughness parameter is important in a certain range of emission angle and particularly for large emission angles. For grazing emission, the elastic peak intensity can be largely enhanced by roughness even at nanometer scale. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies of degradation behaviors of poly (3‐hexylthiophene) layers by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Seo Hyun Ook , Jeong Myung‐Geun , Kim Kwang‐Dae , Kim Dae Han , Kim Young Dok , Lim Dong Chan
Published: May 2014

Degradation behaviors of poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT) layers on NiO in the presence of H2O at ambient pressure and dark conditions were studied using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Upon H2O exposure at 120 °C, partial oxidation of P3HT together with molecular water incorporation, but with the maintained local ring‐structure, were deduced by XPS. Valence band spectra of XPS evidenced that the partial oxidation of P3HT local structure could alter π‐conjugation systems of P3HT layers, forming additional electronic states close to its original highest occupied molecular orbital. For comparison, P3HT surface was also exposed to O2, and no change in the S 2p and C 1s spectra was found by O2 exposure at 120 °C, implying that H2O plays a major role at the initial stage of P3HT oxidation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurements of absolute Mα x‐ray production cross sections of heavy elements Au, Pb, Bi, and U by electron impact
Authors: Merlet Claude , Moy Aurélien , Llovet Xavier , Dugne Olivier
Published: May 2014

Absolute Mα x‐ray production cross sections have been measured and calculated for heavy elements Au, Pb, Bi, and U for electron incident energies from the ionization threshold up to 38 keV. The experimental cross sections were deduced from M x‐ray intensities emitted from ultrathin samples of the elements of interest deposited onto self‐supporting C films. The measurements were performed using two electron microprobes and several wavelength‐dispersive spectrometers. X‐ray intensities were converted into x‐ray production cross sections by using estimated values of the number of incident electrons, target thickness, and spectrometer efficiency. Experimental results are compared with calculated cross sections using different predictive formulae. Good agreement is found between the measured cross sections and the predictions from the distorted‐wave Born approximation, which indicates that this approximation is suited for the calculation of M‐shell ionization cross sections of heavy elements. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of primary electron energy and take‐off angle of scanning electron microscopy on backscattered electron contrast of iron oxide
Authors: Aoyama T. , Nagoshi M. , Sato K.
Published: May 2014

The contrasts in backscattered electron (BSE) images were studied from the cross section of a heat‐treated steel sheet using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with a conventional annular BSE detector. BSE images were taken at various primary electron energies (Ep) and take‐off angles (θ; measured from the specimen surface) of the detector. Low Ep and low θ improved surface information and channeling contrast, whereas high Ep and high θ enhanced bulk information and reduced channeling contrast, resulting in improved material (Z) contrast. These results regarding channeling contrast and Z contrast can be understood by the ratio of low‐loss electrons (LLEs) to the inelastic BSE components detected; LLEs contribute to channeling contrast, and their ratio increases with decreasing Ep and θ. The systematic results obtained in this study are helpful for controlling SEM conditions in order to select Z and crystallographic information separately in BSE images for practical materials of interest. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation study of the atomic resolution secondary electron imaging
Authors: Ruan Z. , Zhang M. , Zeng R. G. , Ming Y. , Da B. , Mao S. F. , Ding Z. J.
Published: May 2014

It has been experimentally achieved atomic resolution imaging by using secondary electron (SE) signals in a scanning transmission electron microscope with aberration correction. The underlying physical mechanism needs to be understood and has attracted considerable theoretical interest. Several recent calculations taking account of the inner‐shell ionization for high‐energy SE production have not included the cascade production of low‐energy SE signals which was believed to destroy the local information in SE imaging. In this work, we have developed a new theoretical method, a quantum Monte Carlo simulation, to calculate atomic resolution SE image by including every physical factor in SE generation, transportation and emission for a crystalline solid. This quantum Monte Carlo simulation method combines the Bohmian quantum trajectory method for treating electron elastic scattering and diffraction in a crystal with a conventional Monte Carlo sampling of inelastic scattering events along quantum trajectory paths. Simulation of atomic resolution SE image for atom columns in a copper crystal is performed. The contribution of the inner‐shell excitation to atomic resolution SE imaging is studied. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of gold nanoparticles included in anatase‐phase titania by solution plasma method
Authors: Mizutani Tsuyoshi , Murai Takaaki , Nomoto Toyokazu , Nameki Hirofumi , Yoshida Tomoko , Yagi Shinya
Published: May 2014

The gold nanoparticles on titania support (AuNP/TiO2) has been paid attention as a catalyst and a photocatalyst. We perform the preparation of AuNP/TiO2, which is the combination of the sol–gel method and solution plasma method. In this method, we generate the plasma in the gelatinous peroxotitanic acid solution by the discharge between the gold electrodes, and then we synthesize the peroxotitanium gel containing gold nanoparticles. After drying and calcination process, we obtain the AuNP/TiO2 samples. The X‐ray diffraction results show that the AuNP/TiO2 is constituted by the nanocrystalline gold and anatase‐phase TiO2, and the lattice constant decreases by the embedded gold nanoparticles in the TiO2 matrix. Ultraviolet–Visible absorption spectroscopy shows that the AuNP/TiO2 samples absorb the visible light at about 630 nm based on the localized surface plasmon resonance of gold nanoparticles embedded in the TiO2 matrix. The surface chemical states of the AuNP/TiO2 samples are analyzed by the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface of AuNP/TiO2 is composed with the majority of oxidized gold and minority of metallic gold which interacted with the TiO2 surface. The Au L3‐edge near edge X‐ray absorption fine structure spectra indicate that the gold nanoparticles embedded in TiO2 have metallic chemical states. We successfully prepare the gold nanoparticles on the surface and in the matrix of anatase‐phase TiO2. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermally Phase‐Transformed In2Se3 Nanowires for Highly Sensitive Photodetectors
Authors: Kang Daegun , Rim Taiuk , Baek Chang‐Ki , Meyyappan M. , Lee Jeong‐Soo
Published: May 2014

The photoresponse characteristics of In2Se3 nanowire photodetectors with the κ‐phase and α‐phase structures are investigated. The as‐grown κ‐phase In2Se3 nanowires by the vapor‐liquid‐solid technique are phase‐transformed to the α‐phase nanowires by thermal annealing. The photoresponse performances of the κ‐phase and α‐phase In2Se3 nanowire photodetectors are characterized over a wide range of wavelengths (300–900 nm). The phase of the nanowires is analyzed using a high‐resolution transmission microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The electrical conductivity and photoresponse characteristics are significantly enhanced in the α‐phase due to smaller bandgap structure compared to the κ‐phase nanowires. The spectral responsivities of the α‐phase devices are 200 times larger than those of the κ‐phase devices. The superior performance of the thermally phase‐transformed In2Se3 nanowire devices offers an avenue to develop highly sensitive photodetector applications.
Successful induction of labor: prediction by preinduction cervical length, angle of progression and cervical elastography
Authors: Pereira S. , Frick A. P. , Poon L. C. , Zamprakou A. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To examine the potential value of preinduction cervical length, cervical elastography and angle of progression (AOP) in prediction of successful vaginal delivery and induction‐to‐delivery interval.

Methods

This was a prospective study in 99 women with singleton pregnancy undergoing preinduction ultrasound assessment at 35–42 weeks' gestation. Cervical length, elastographic score at the internal os and AOP were determined. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between cervical length and both AOP and elastographic score. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine which of the maternal characteristics (cervical length, AOP, elastographic score) were significant predictors of vaginal delivery and induction‐to‐delivery interval.

Results

Vaginal delivery occurred in 66 (66.7%) cases and Cesarean delivery was performed in 33 (33.3%) cases. There were significant correlations between cervical length and both AOP (r = − 0.319) and elastographic score (r = 0.368). Significant independent prediction of vaginal delivery and induction‐to‐delivery interval was provided by nulliparity and cervical length, with no additional significant contribution from electrographic score or AOP.

Conclusions

In women undergoing induction of labor, AOP and elastographic score at the internal os are unlikely to be useful in prediction of vaginal delivery and induction‐to‐delivery interval. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Variable geometry wind turbine for performance enhancement, improved survivability and reduced cost of energy
Authors: Whitehouse Glen R. , Sibilia Marc J. , Bilanin Alan J. , Veers Paul
Published: May 2014

The conceptual design and proof‐of‐concept testing of a furling vertical axis wind turbine, suited to large‐scale offshore deployment, is described. Through the implementation of variable geometry capabilities, extreme storm loads can be reduced, and unsteady flow‐related fatigue loads can be minimized thereby reducing capital (structural) and maintenance costs. Moreover, annual power generation can be optimized in real‐time to account for unsteady wind effects related to weather and siting thus improving efficiency and annual power generation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a Novel Nomogram to Predict Hypertension Cure After Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Utsumi Takanobu , Kamiya Naoto , Endo Takumi , Yano Masashi , Kamijima Shuichi , Kawamura Koji , Imamoto Takashi , Naya Yukio , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Suzuki Hiroyoshi
Published: May 2014

Background

Primary aldosteronism is the most common curable cause of secondary hypertension. Despite resection, however, many patients with primary aldosteronism continue to require antihypertensive drugs to control their blood pressure. Although many patients with primary aldosteronism want to know the postoperative probability of hypertension cure before surgery, there are no predictive models calculating its probability. We therefore developed a nomogram to predict hypertension cure in patients with primary aldosteronism after laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively surveyed 132 Japanese patients with primary aldosteronism who were treated by unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Hypertension cure was defined as normal blood pressure (<140/90 mmHg) without antihypertensive drugs 6 months postoperatively. We developed a novel nomogram that postoperatively predicted cured hypertension in 105 (80 %) randomly selected patients and validated it with the remaining 27 (20 %).

Results

At 6 months, blood pressure had normalized in 42 % of patients without antihypertensive drugs. Duration of hypertension, preoperative number of antihypertensive drug classes, age, and sex were incorporated into a novel nomogram as independent predictors of hypertension cure. The value of the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for this nomogram was 0.83—which was significantly higher than that of the Aldosteronoma Resolution Score—on internal validation.

Conclusions

We developed the first nomogram that can accurately predict postoperative hypertension cure in patients with primary aldosteronism. This nomogram can help clinicians calculate the probability of postoperative hypertension cure in patients with primary aldosteronism and objectively inform them of their hypertension outcome before laparoscopic adrenalectomy.
Organ Shortage: The Greatest Challenge Facing Transplant Medicine
Authors: Shafran David , Kodish Eric , Tzakis Andreas
Published: May 2014

The success of organ transplantation as a treatment for end‐stage organ disease has yielded a series of ethical quandaries originating from the issue of organ shortage. Scarcity of organs for transplantation necessitates formulation of just and fair allocation policies as well as ethically viable solutions to bridging the vast gap between organ supply and demand. The concept of “triage” provides a useful paradigm in which to contextualize the organ shortage issue. This entails subjugating the welfare of the individual patient for the benefit of the wider community as an ethically justified response to the challenge of scarcity.
Statistical and regulatory considerations in assessments of interchangeability of biological drug products
Authors: Tóthfalusi Lászlo , Endrényi László , Chow Shein-Chung
Published: May 2014

When the patent of a brand-name, marketed drug expires, new, generic products are usually offered. Small-molecule generic and originator drug products are expected to be chemically identical. Their pharmaceutical similarity can be typically assessed by simple regulatory criteria such as the expectation that the 90 % confidence interval for the ratio of geometric means of some pharmacokinetic parameters be between 0.80 and 1.25. When such criteria are satisfied, the drug products are generally considered to exhibit therapeutic equivalence. They are then usually interchanged freely within individual patients. Biological drugs are complex proteins, for instance, because of their large size, intricate structure, sensitivity to environmental conditions, difficult manufacturing procedures, and the possibility of immunogenicity. Generic and brand-name biologic products can be expected to show only similarity but not identity in their various features and clinical effects. Consequently, the determination of biosimilarity is also a complicated process which involves assessment of the totality of the evidence for the close similarity of the two products. Moreover, even when biosimilarity has been established, it may not be assumed that the two biosimilar products can be automatically substituted by pharmacists. This generally requires additional, careful considerations. Without declaring interchangeability, a new product could be prescribed, i.e. it is prescribable. However, two products can be automatically substituted only if they are interchangeable. Interchangeability is a statistical term and it means that products can be used in any order in the same patient without considering the treatment history. The concepts of interchangeability and prescribability have been widely discussed in the past but only in relation to small molecule generics. In this paper we apply these concepts to biosimilars and we discuss: definitions of prescribability and interchangeability and their statistical implementation; the relation between bioequivalence and interchangeability for small-molecule drug products; regulatory requirements and expectations of biosimilar products in various jurisdictions; possible statistical approaches to establish the similarity and interchangeability of biologic drug products; definition of other technical terms such as switchability and automatic substitution. The paper will be concluded with a discussion of the anticipated future use of interchangeability of biological drug products.
Navigating Middle Grades: Role of Social Contexts in Middle Grade School Climate
Authors: Kim Ha Yeon , Schwartz Kate , Cappella Elise , Seidman Edward
Published: May 2014

During early adolescence, most public school students undergo school transitions, and many students experience declines in academic performance and social‐emotional well‐being. Theories and empirical research have highlighted the importance of supportive school environments in promoting positive youth development during this period of transition. Despite this, little is known about the proximal social and developmental contexts of the range of middle grade public schools US students attend. Using a cross‐sectional dataset from the eighth grade wave of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Kindergarten Cohort 1998–1999, the current study examines the middle grade school social context from the perspectives of administrators and teachers in public schools with typical grade configurations (k–8 schools, middle schools, and junior high schools) and how it relates to students’ perceptions of school climate. We find that administrators and teachers in k–8 schools perceive a more positive school social context, controlling for school structural and demographic characteristics. This school social context, in turn, is associated with students’ perceptions of their schools’ social and academic climate. Implications for educational policy and practice are discussed.
Morphometric Analysis of the Effect of Scapula Stabilization on Obstetric Brachial Plexus Paralysis Patients
Authors: Terzis Julia K. , Karypidis Dimitrios , Mendoza Ricardo , Kokkalis Zinon T. , Diawara Norou
Published: May 2014

Background

Scapular position and size deficiency is evident in obstetric brachial plexus paralysis (OBPP) patients due to the absence of balanced muscular forces acting on the scapula. Scapula stabilization (SS) procedures aim to restore a balanced musculature and anatomic position and to augment shoulder function and enhance developmental potential.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of 106 patients with OBPP between March 1979 and March 2007 was performed. Forty-one female and 27 male were included in the study. In 38 patients, the paralysis was global, 13 had Erb's paralysis with C7 root involvement; in 18 patients, the lesion was limited to C5 and C6. X-rays were evaluated, and scapula dimensions were manually measured at several stages. Shoulder abduction (SA) and external rotation (SER) outcomes were also recorded.

Results

Mean improvement was 85.68° in shoulder abduction and 36.74° in shoulder external rotation. SA and SER improvement was significantly better in those who underwent SS procedures compared to those who did not (mean improvement was increased by 9.15° and 8.54°, respectively). Improvement was noted in all scapular dimensions, in all groups, postoperatively. However, the mean improvement in scapular height, big width, small width, and oblique axis discrepancies was 4.92, 14.04, 12.66, and 13.89 %, respectively, higher in patients who underwent SS procedures compared to those who did not.

Conclusion

Dimensional discrepancies and functional outcomes are improved by SS procedures. Maximal results are attained in patients who have undergone both primary and secondary shoulder reconstruction before age 2.
Understanding the relationship between actual:ideal discrepancies and depressive symptoms: A developmental examination
Authors: Stevens Erin N. , Lovejoy M. Christine , Pittman Laura D.
Published: May 2014

Self‐discrepancy theory (SDT) is one framework for understanding how goal failure is associated with depressive symptoms. The present studies sought to examine the variance in depressive symptoms explained by actual:ideal discrepancies, beyond what is accounted for by actual‐self ratings. Additionally, gender and grade were examined as potential moderators in the relationship. In Study 1 (N = 228), discrepancies accounted for additional variance in the level of depressive symptoms beyond what was explained by actual‐self ratings in a college sample. In Study 2 (N = 192), while similar global patterns were found, gender and grade differences emerged. For boys, the relationship between actual:ideal discrepancies and depressive symptoms was due to actual‐self ratings. For girls, a developmental pattern suggested that actual:ideal discrepancies become more important to the prediction of depressive symptoms among older girls. Implications for the emergence of the discrepancy–depression association are discussed.
Changing Minds, but Not Politics in Brezhnevs Time
Authors: Nolte Hans-Heinrich
Published: May 2014

To get a broad picture of the changes of minds and attitudes during the last decades of the Soviet Union contemporary western research on professional and other indirect groups is offering some material. Thesis is, that although the political system did not allow open discussions using hard facts considerable differences of opinions are documented in the Soviet media. The indirect groups though communicating in these media did not have a chance for a transition to preparliamentary organisations within the Soviet system (raising by comparison the question, whether such transitions will work in other Communist countries).
Management of electrical storm: The mechanism matters
Authors: Maruyama Mitsunori
Published: May 2014

An electrical storm is a life‐threatening syndrome that is characterized by clustering of recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) within a relatively short period of time. Electrical storms occur in a wide variety of conditions, and successful treatment depends on a correct understanding of the mechanism underlying the recurrent arrhythmias. Management of electrical storms is challenging, but classifying patients according to the type of recurrent arrhythmia (monomorphic VT or polymorphic VT/VF) and the presence or absence of structural heart disease would aid differential diagnosis and allow for more specific therapies.
Mobile Smartphone Applications for Body Position Measurement in Rehabilitation: A Review of Goniometric Tools
Authors: Milani Patrizia , Coccetta Carlo Alberto , Rabini Alessia , Sciarra Tommaso , Massazza Giuseppe , Ferriero Giorgio
Published: May 2014

Objective

To provide a systematic review of apps for smartphones validated for body position measurement relevant to physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Type

Systematic search and review.

Literature Survey

A literature search was conducted on relevant articles indexed by PubMed before April 15, 2014. We selected only research papers published in English. Papers dealing with apps not relevant to physical medicine and rehabilitation or unavailable on the market were excluded.

Methodology

Two independent reviewers screened the articles (full text).We analyzed the following information for all apps: target population, object of the measure, body segment evaluated, modality of use, operating platform system, and validation results.

Synthesis

The literature search produced 27 papers, 17 of which met the inclusion criteria for our review. The included papers featured 12 apps validated for angle measurement: 7 were validated exclusively for upper and lower limb joint angles, 4 for spine measurements, ie, cervical or lumbar range of motion and curvature, Cobb angle on radiographs, and the scoliotic distortions of the torso, and 1 for both upper limb and spine measurement. The 12 apps used the inbuilt smartphone magnetometer, accelerometer, or camera to produce angle measurements. Most of the studies assessed the smartphone‐apps' reliability (calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients) and validity (showing the limits of agreement).

Conclusion

This review highlights the validated goniometer apps that physiatrists and other health care practitioners can use with confidence in research and clinical practice. We found 12 apps corresponding to these criteria, but there is a need for validation studies on available or new apps focused on goniometric measurement in dynamic conditions, eg, during gait or when performing therapeutic exercises.
Evolution of the scalar dissipation rate downstream of a concentrated line source in turbulent channel flow
Authors: Germaine E. , Mydlarski L. , Cortelezzi L.
Published: May 2014

The dissipation rate,$\varepsilon _{\theta }$, of a passive scalar (temperature in air) emitted from a concentrated source into a fully developed high-aspect-ratio turbulent channel flow is studied. The goal of the present work is to investigate the return to isotropy of the scalar field when the scalar is injected in a highly anisotropic manner into an inhomogeneous turbulent flow at small scales. Both experiments and direct numerical simulations (DNS) were used to study the downstream evolution of$\varepsilon _{\theta }$for scalar fields generated by line sources located at the channel centreline$(y_s/h = 1.0)$and near the wall$(y_s/h = 0.17)$. The temperature fluctuations and temperature derivatives were measured by means of a pair of parallel cold-wire thermometers in a flow at$Re_{\tau } = 520$. The DNS were performed at$Re_{\tau } = 190$using a spectral method to solve the continuity and Navier–Stokes equations, and a flux integral method (Germaine, Mydlarski & Cortelezzi,J. Comput. Phys., vol. 174, 2001, pp. 614–648) for the advection–diffusion equation. The statistics of the scalar field computed from both experimental and numerical data were found to be in good agreement, with certain discrepancies that were attributable to the difference in the Reynolds numbers of the two flows. A return to isotropy of the small scales was never perfectly observed in any region of the channel for the downstream distances studied herein. However, a continuous decay of the small-scale anisotropy was observed for the scalar field generated by the centreline line source in both the experiments and DNS. The scalar mixing was found to be more rapid in the near-wall region, where the experimental results exhibited low levels of small-scale anisotropy. However, the DNS, which were performed at lower$Re_{\tau }$, showed that persistent anisotropy can also exist near the wall, independently of the downstream location. The role of the mean velocity gradient in the production of$\varepsilon _{\theta }$(and therefore anisotropy) in the near-wall region was highlighted.
The history force on a small particle in a linearly stratified fluid
Authors: Candelier Fabien , Mehaddi Rabah , Vauquelin Olivier
Published: May 2014

The hydrodynamic force experienced by a small spherical particle undergoing an arbitrary time-dependent motion in a weakly density-stratified fluid is investigated theoretically. The study is carried out under the Oberbeck–Boussinesq approximation and in the limit of small Reynolds and small Péclet numbers. The force acting on the particle is obtained by using matched-asymptotic expansions. In this approach, the small parameter is given by$a/\ell $, where$a$is the particle radius and$\ell $is the stratification length, as defined by Ardekani & Stocker (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 105, 2010, article 084502), which depends on the Brunt–Väisälä frequency, on the fluid kinematic viscosity and on the thermal or the concentration diffusivity (depending on the case considered). The matching procedure used here, which is based on series expansions of generalized functions, slightly differs from that generally used in similar problems. In addition to the classical Stokes drag, it is found that the particle experiences a memory force given by two convolution products, one of which involves, as usual, the particle acceleration and the other one, the particle velocity. Owing to the stratification, the transient behaviour of this memory force, in response to an abrupt motion, consists of an initial fast decrease followed by a damped oscillation with an angular frequency corresponding to the Brunt–Väisälä frequency. The perturbation force eventually tends to a constant which provides us with correction terms that should be added to the Stokes drag to accurately predict the settling time of a particle in a diffusive stratified fluid.
Dynamical interactions between the coherent motion and small scales in a cylinder wake
Authors: Thiesset F. , Danaila L. , Antonia R. A.
Published: May 2014

Most turbulent flows are characterized by coherent motion (CM), whose dynamics reflect the initial and boundary conditions of the flow and are more predictable than that of the random motion (RM). The major question we address here is the dynamical interaction between the CM and the RM, at a given scale, in a flow where the CM exhibits a strong periodicity and can therefore be readily distinguished from the RM. The question is relevant at any Reynolds number, but is of capital importance at finite Reynolds numbers, for which a clear separation between the largest and the smallest scales may not exist. Both analytical and experimental tools are used to address this issue. First, phase-averaged structure functions are defined and further used to condition the RM kinetic energy at a scale $r$ on the phase $\phi $ of the CM. This tool allows the dependence of the RM to be followed as a function of the CM dynamics. Scale-by-scale energy budget equations are established on the basis of phase-averaged structure functions. They reveal that energy transfer at a scale $r$ is sensitive to an additional forcing mechanism due to the CM. Second, these concepts are tested using hot-wire measurements in a cylinder wake, in which the CM is characterized by a well-defined periodicity. Because the interaction between large and small scales is most likely enhanced at moderate/low Reynolds numbers, and is also likely to depend on the amplitude of the CM, we choose to test our findings against experimental data at $R_{\lambda } \sim 10^2$ and for downstream distances in the range $10 \leq x/D \leq 40$. The effects of an increasing Reynolds number are also discussed. It is shown that: (i) a simple analytical expression describes the second-order structure functions of the purely CM. The energy of the CM is not associated with any single scale; instead, its energy is distributed over a range of scales. (ii) Close to the obstacle, the influence of the CM is perceptible even at the smallest scales, the energy of which is enhanced when the coherent strain is maximum. Further downstream from the cylinder, the CM clearly affects the largest scales, but the smallest scales are not likely to depend explicitly on the CM. (iii) The isotropic formulation of the RM energy budget compares favourably with experimental results.