bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brønsted Acid Catalyzed, Conjugate Addition of β‐Dicarbonyls to In Situ Generated ortho‐Quinone Methides—Enantioselective Synthesis of 4‐Aryl‐4H‐Chromenes
Authors: El‐Sepelgy Osama , Haseloff Stefan , Alamsetti Santosh Kumar , Schneider Christoph
Published: June 2014

We describe herein a catalytic, enantioselective process for the synthesis of 4H‐chromenes which are important structural elements of many natural products and biologically active compounds. A sequence comprising a conjugate addition of β‐diketones to in situ generated ortho‐quinone methides followed by a cyclodehydration reaction furnished 4‐aryl‐4H‐chromenes in generally excellent yields and high optical purity. A BINOL‐based chiral phosphoric acid was employed as a Brønsted acid catalyst which converted ortho‐hydroxy benzhydryl alcohols into hydrogen‐bonded ortho‐quinone methides and effected the carbon–carbon bond‐forming event with high enantioselectivity.
Metal‐Free Annulation of Arenes with 2‐Aminopyridine Derivatives: The Methyl Group as a Traceless Non‐Chelating Directing Group
Authors: Manna Srimanta , Matcha Kiran , Antonchick Andrey P.
Published: June 2014

A novel annulation reaction between 2‐aminopyridine derivatives and arenes under metal‐free conditions is described. The presented intermolecular transformation provided straightforward access to the important pyrido[1,2‐a]benzimidazole scaffold under mild reaction conditions. The unprecedented application of the methyl group of methylbenzenes as a traceless, non‐chelating, and highly regioselective directing group is reported.
Synthesis, anti‐migration and burning rate catalytic mechanism of ferrocene‐based compounds
Authors: ‐Abdin Zain‐ul , Yu Haojie , Wang Li , Saleem Muhammad , Khalid Hamad , Abbasi Nasir M. , Akram Muhammad
Published: June 2014

One of the most important components of solid rocket propellant is the burning rate catalysts (BRC) which enhance burning rate of solid composite propellant. Low‐pressure exponents and stable burning rate are the key features of an excellent solid propellant. Addition of BRC to the propellant results in the increase of burning rate of the propellant and decrease in pressure exponents. Among all BRC, ferrocene‐based BRC have attracted much attention because of their better microscopic homogeneities in distribution, ignitability of the propellants and good compatibility with organic binder. However, the main barrier for the development and practical applications of ferrocene‐based BRC is their migration property. This article reviews the field and highlights recent progress. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic interactions of chemical additives on the strength development of silicate cement by a box‐behnken model optimization
Authors: Zheng Jiaoling , Shao Gaofeng , Shen Xiaodong
Published: June 2014

The effect of water‐soluble polymers (polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylamide (PAM)) and chemical additives (silicone defoamer (SD), polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PC)), on the development of the strength of mortar was investigated using the Box‐Behnken design (BBD). Quadratic equations were obtained for the correlation between dosages of chemicals and the strength of the mortar, and the order of the effectiveness of the chemicals was validated in Pareto charts with contour plots to illustrate the chemicals and their interactions on the strength enhancement of mortar. The results showed that the interaction effects of SD and PAM enhanced the strength of cement mortar for all curing times, and the rates of contribution were 16.5%, 20.1%, and 19.4%, respectively. On the basis of the performance analysis of the four additives, optimized formulations were highlighted via overlapped contour plots. Heat of hydration and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were introduced to confirm the interaction between SD and PAM. The improvement of compressive strength attributes to the synergistic interactions between SD and PAM, including the physical interaction resulted from the doping of SD, which promoting the damage of air bubble, decreasing the porosity and increasing the compressive strength, and the chemical interaction resulted from the doping of PAM, which producing ionic compounds and forming dense structure. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41071.
Bycatch mortality can cause extirpation in four freshwater turtle species
Authors: Midwood Jonathan D. , Cairns Nicholas A. , Stoot Lauren J. , Cooke Steven J. , Blouin‐Demers Gabriel
Published: June 2014

Bycatch of non‐target species in commercial fishing nets can have adverse impacts on their populations. Freshwater turtle populations are particularly susceptible to increases in adult mortality, and freshwater turtles are among the most threatened vertebrates.

As a case study, the population‐level impacts of bycatch mortality on freshwater turtles were evaluated in Lake Opinicon, Ontario, Canada, a lake that supports a small‐scale commercial fishery. Using population viability analyses, the impacts of bycatch on common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina), eastern musk turtles (Sternotherus odoratus), northern map turtles (Graptemys geographica), and painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) were evaluated.

In all four species, even low levels of additional annual female mortality as a result of bycatch were sufficient either to reduce population size or to cause extirpation of the local population within 500 years. Bycatch reduction programmes, such as seasonal closures and implementation of bycatch reduction devices, can help alleviate the risk of extirpation. Changes to fishing season length could help reduce the number of snapping turtles and musk turtles captured. Installation of simple bycatch reduction devices can exclude between 95% and 100% of snapping turtles and between 0% and 97% of the other three species, depending on the width of the exclusion device. If combined, these two bycatch reduction methods would help prevent adult female mortality and help maintain turtle populations in Lake Opinicon.

Although these findings are specific to the study area, the same principles apply to other areas where similar simple bycatch reduction strategies can be employed to prevent the extirpation of other freshwater turtle species. Considering the consequences of bycatch and of bycatch reduction programmes on populations provides managers with important information to support development of risk‐averse conservation strategies.

Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Root Canal Morphology of Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age Human Populations of El Mirador Cave (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain)
Authors: Ceperuelo Dolors , Lozano Marina , Duran‐Sindreu Fernando , Mercadé Montse
Published: June 2014

This study provides a morphological characterization of the inner anatomy of the root canals of permanent first and second molars in Chalcolithic and early Bronze Age human fossils using cone‐beam computed tomography. The general evolutionary trend in present‐day human dentition is related to morphological simplification. As little is known about when this trend appeared in Homo sapiens populations, the aim of this work is to test the presence of modern radicular morphology 4,400 years ago. Fifty‐four permanent first and second maxillary and mandibular molars of 17 individuals were included in the study. All maxillary first and second molars showed three separate roots. Almost all the lower molars analyzed (100% of first molars and 75% of second molars) had two separate roots. More differences in the canal system configuration were documented in the maxillary mesiobuccal roots than in the palatal or distobuccal roots. The most variable tooth in root and canal configuration is the maxillary second molar. It should be pointed out that 12.5% of the teeth analyzed showed a C‐shaped root configuration. Anat Rec, 297:2342–2348, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impaired Suppressive Capacity of Activation‐Induced Regulatory B Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Gao Nele , Dresel Julia , Eckstein Volker , Gellert Rimma , Störch Hannah , Venigalla Ram K. C. , Schwenger Vedat , Max Regina , Blank Norbert , Lorenz Hanns‐Martin , Tretter Theresa
Published: June 2014

Objective

B cells with immunoregulatory properties (Breg cells) have been described in mice, but their role in the control of human immune responses is not well defined. We recently identified a human population of activated FSChigh B cells that exhibited regulatory activity toward T helper cells. The aim of the present study was to test such induced Breg (iBreg) cells in patients with autoimmune disease.

Methods

Purified CD19+FSChigh B cells derived from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or from healthy donors, which were activated via their B cell receptor, were cocultured with CD3‐stimulated CD4+ T helper cells from SLE patients or healthy donors. 3H‐thymidine incorporation, flow cytometry, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to analyze proliferation, cytokine secretion, and surface marker expression.

Results

Although under costimulatory conditions, FSChigh SLE B cells supported the proliferation of healthy donor T cells to a similar extent as donor B cells, their regulatory function was significantly diminished in B cell suppressor assays. Similar effects were seen when SLE T cells were used, confirming that SLE T cells were equally susceptible to iBreg cell signals as healthy donor T cells and that SLE iBreg cell defects were independent of T cell origin. B cell viability and expression of surface markers (CD25, CD80, and B7‐H1) or cytokines (interleukin‐6 [IL‐6], tumor necrosis factor α, and IL‐10) were comparable in the two B cell populations. There was no correlation between the extent of iBreg cell–induced inhibition and disease activity. CD19+FSChigh B cells from patients with another systemic autoimmune disease, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA), exhibited no regulatory defects, which suggests that the iBreg cell defects were SLE‐specific and not a general consequence of autoimmunity or inflammation.

Conclusion

Induced Breg cells from SLE patients, but not GPA patients, are less effective in the control of T helper cell proliferation, which supports the reported skewed B cell repertoire in SLE. The malfunctioning SLE iBreg cells might allow the overstimulation of immune responses and contribute to the initiation and/or perpetuation of disease.
Brief Report: Identification of MTMR3 as a Novel Susceptibility Gene for Lupus Nephritis in Northern Han Chinese by Shared‐Gene Analysis With IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Zhou Xu‐jie , Nath Swapan K. , Qi Yuan‐yuan , Cheng Fa‐juan , Yang Hai‐zhen , Zhang Yan , Yang Wanling , Ma Jian‐yang , Zhao Ming‐hui , Shen Nan , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2014

Objective

Several novel susceptibility genes for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and IgA nephropathy have been identified in recent genome‐wide association studies. Since both lupus nephritis and IgA nephropathy are autoimmune diseases of the kidney, they may share common disease mechanisms that overlap with genetic susceptibility. To test this hypothesis, we sought to identify genetic variants associated with IgA nephropathy in lupus nephritis.

Methods

In the first stage, 500 patients with lupus nephritis, 240 SLE patients without nephritis, and 500 healthy controls were enrolled. Fifteen single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that had the topmost association signals with IgA nephropathy were selected for further testing in patients with lupus nephritis. Three independent cohorts from Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong were included as replicates. We also analyzed the functional significance of identified noncoding variants on regulatory motifs and gene expression. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.

Results

In addition to associations with HLA gene polymorphisms, genetic variants of MTMR3 in 22q12 showed associations with lupus nephritis (for rs9983A, OR 1.61 [95% CI 1.19–2.19], P = 2.07 × 10−3) compared to healthy controls in the first stage. Associations were replicated and reinforced among northern Han Chinese (for lupus nephritis patients versus SLE patients without nephritis, P = 0.01) but not southern Han Chinese, although significant genetic heterogeneity was observed. Conservative and regulatory features of rs9983 were predicted in in silico analyses. In expression analysis, we observed lower MTMR3 transcription levels in samples of blood with rs9983A and in renal biopsy samples from lupus nephritis and IgA nephropathy patients.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the MTMR3 gene is shared between IgA nephropathy and lupus nephritis in the northern Chinese population, further highlighting the role of autophagy in SLE. However, widespread replication of these experiments, fine mapping, and functional assays are required to establish this connection.
Spectroscopy and docking simulations of the interaction between lochnericine and bovine serum albumin
Authors: Wang Qing , He Jiawei , Yan Jin , Wu Di , Li Hui
Published: June 2014

Lochnericine (LOC) is a component of Voacanga africana, which is a type of traditional medical food in Africa widely used for treating diseases. In this article, the interaction between LOC and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman and circular dichroism (CD) were used to investigate the structural changes of BSA. The experimental results consistently indicated that LOC changed the secondary structure of BSA. Three structure‐similar components were used to study the interference experiments. The molecular modeling results showed that LOC could bind within not only sites I and II, but also bind the cavity of subdomain IB. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scale‐down characterization of post‐centrifuge flocculation processes for high‐throughput process development
Authors: Espuny Garcia del Real Georgina , Davies Jim , Bracewell Daniel G.
Published: June 2014

ABCTRACT

Flocculation unit operations are being revisited as a strategy to ease the burden posed on clarification and purification operations by the increasingly high cell density cultures used in the biopharmaceutical industry. The purpose of this study was to determine the key process parameters impacting flocculation scale‐up and use this understanding to develop an automated ultra‐scale down (USD) method for the rapid characterization of flocculation at the microliter scale. The conditions under which flocculation performance of a non‐geometrically similar vessel three orders of magnitude larger can be mimicked by the USD platform are reported. Saccharomyces cerevisiae clarified homogenate was flocculated with poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) to remove the residual solids remaining in the centrate. Flocculant addition time modulated flocculation performance depending on the predominant mixing time scale (i.e. macro‐, meso‐ or micromixing). Particle growth and breakage was mimicked at the two flocculation scales by the average turbulent energy dissipation (ϵavg) and impeller tip speed (vtip) scale‐up bases. The results obtained were used to develop an USD method. The USD method proposed uses constant ϵavg as the scale‐up basis under a micromixing controlled regime. These conditions mimicked the STR flocculation performance within a ±5% error margin. Operation in the mesomixing regime led to particle size deviations between the flocculation scales of ≤50 %. These results, in addition to the microscopic observations made, demonstrate the USD system presented in this work can produce process‐relevant flocculated material at the microliter scale under the correct operating conditions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 2486–2498. © 2014 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Some points about ASIS&T global initiatives
Authors: Sonnenwald Diane H.
Published: June 2014

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

ASIS&T has long been open to members and collaborations beyond North American borders but is intensifying efforts to strengthen and expand its global influence. Special Interest Group/International Information Issues (SIG/III) serves as a foundation for awareness and outreach, and the Association name change is a meaningful reflection and reinforcement of a broader perspective. It is hoped that the European and the newly established Asia Pacific chapters will be the first of many more groups outside the United States and Canada to support international networking. ASIS&T has committed to link membership fees to national ranking on the United Nations Human Development Index, locate the 2016 Annual Meeting in Europe and delete language in websites, honors and policies that implies any national limitations. With ongoing diligence and support, an active international membership and global collaborations will be the norm.
Information policy: Global issues and opportunities for engagement
Authors: Unsworth Kristene
Published: June 2014

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

ASIS&T Special Interest Group/Information Policy (SIG/IFP) is dedicated to exploring information policy, its development and its broad effects throughout society. A definition of information policy must incorporate laws and practices on the creation, use, preservation and flow of both information and data. In a digital world enabling data and information to have a global reach, information policies vary widely, specified or unstated, and differing dramatically by region, with no consistent expectation or legal protection. The resulting inconsistency affects data privacy, literacy, digital rights and information access. Information professionals are often in position to play important roles in information policy creation and implementation. To promote ASIS&T's presence in information policy issues, SIG/IFP will collaborate with other SIGs for topical webinars, promote discussions on information ethics, education and digital rights and government information and present papers and panels at the 2014 Annual Meeting.
Percutaneous closure of an Iatrogenic fistula from the left ventricle to the coronary sinus
Authors: Gertz Zachary M. , Velazquez‐Cecena Jose‐Luis E. , Nixon John. V. (Ian)
Published: June 2014

A patient with a history of rheumatic mitral valve disease and valve replacement in childhood presented with severe, persistent dyspnea. During an electrophyisiologic procedure, she was discovered to have a fistula from the left ventricle to the coronary sinus. She had severe pulmonary hypertension and elevated filling pressures, with a significant left‐to‐right shunt. Percutaneous closure of the fistula was performed using two vascular plugs. Subsequently the patient's hemodynamics improved and her symptoms subsided. Here, we describe the case and review the literature. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Redox Chemistry of Heteropolyacid Microemulsions
Authors: Bera Mrinal K. , Bray Travis H. , Ellis Ross J. , Antonio Mark R.
Published: June 2014

Insight from electroanalysis studies of dense fluid phases (known as “third” phases) in the Keggin heteropolyacid tri‐n‐butyl phosphate (TBP) system is provided. The differences between the H3PW12O40 and H4SiW12O40 redox chemistry in the third phases and in bulk aqueous electrolytes reflect the differences in the formal charge of the protonated acid solvates of TBP in the low dielectric organic media and the deprotonated anions in the high dielectric aqueous media. The faradaic W‐based redox activity leading to heteropoly blue entities drives concerted proton transfer across the organic‐analyte–aqueous‐electrolyte phase boundary in both the heteropolyacid microemulsions (formed by solvent extraction) and the molecular liquids (formed by dissolution) to maintain charge neutrality in the organic phases. This study of heteropolyacid third phases complements the emerging field of mesoscale sciences with polyoxometalates and their electrochemical properties.
Medical management of metastatic medullary thyroid cancer
Authors: Maxwell Jessica E. , Sherman Scott K. , O'Dorisio Thomas M. , Howe James R.
Published: June 2014

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is an aggressive form of thyroid cancer that occurs in both heritable and sporadic forms. Discovery that mutations in the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto‐oncogene predispose to familial cases of this disease has allowed for presymptomatic identification of gene carriers and prophylactic surgery to improve the prognosis of these patients. A significant number of patients with the sporadic type of MTC and even those with familial disease still present with lymph node or distant metastases, making surgical cure difficult. Over the past several decades, many different types of therapy for metastatic disease have been attempted with limited success. Improved understanding of the molecular defects and pathways involved in both familial and sporadic MTC has resulted in new hope for these patients with the development of drugs targeting the specific alterations responsible. This new era of targeted therapy with kinase inhibitors represents a significant step forward from previous trials of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. Although much progress has been made, additional agents and strategies are needed to achieve durable, long‐term responses in patients with metastatic MTC. This article reviews the history and results of medical management for metastatic MTC from the early 1970s up until the present day. Cancer 2014;120:3287–3301. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Multiple mobile sink‐based routing algorithm for data dissemination in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Wang Jin , Zuo Liwu , Shen Jian , Li Bin , Lee Sungyoung
Published: June 2014

In recent years, many energy‐efficient algorithms and data dissemination protocols have been proposed for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Because sensor nodes close to sink node have more traffic loads, they will quickly deplete their limited energy in practical implementation, and it will finally lead to energy hole and network partition problem. Adding sink mobility into sensor networks can bring in new opportunities to improve energy efficiency for WSNs. In this paper, we proposed our multiple mobile sink‐based routing algorithm for data dissemination to improve WSNs performance. Multiple mobile sinks will be utilized to collect the interested raw data. They will move back and forth along predetermined paths; one of which is the diameter of the circle, and the other two are fixed on arc lines. Mobile sinks will sojourn at some fixed points to collect raw data from relevant areas. Extensive simulation results show that our proposed algorithm can efficiently mitigate the hot spots problem and prolong the network lifetime of WSNs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural design of masonry for fire resistance according to Eurocode 6 / Brandschutzbemessung von Mauerwerk nach Eurocode 6
Authors: Schlundt Andreas , Meyer Udo
Published: June 2014

Following the publication of the National Annex to Eurocode 6 Part 1‐2 in June 2013, all documents are now available for the structural fire design of masonry in accordance with the Eurocode. As Eurocode 6 has been declared of equivalent value by the Expert Commission for Construction Technology, it is now ready to be applied in Germany. In spite of the changeover to the European concept, including the introduction of newly defined fire resistance classes, the Eurocode 6 tables for determining the duration of fire resistance as a function of the wall thickness are nearly unchanged compared to the familiar values in DIN 4102‐4. The few changes and adaptations to the current state of technology are discussed here and explained. The emphasis of the new approach is that the changed vertical loadbearing capacities – in accordance with EN 1996 – and their effect on fire resistance are taken into account.
Testing of small‐scale models of masonry buildings on simple earthquake simulators: possibilities and limits / Tests mit kleinformatigen Modellen von Mauerwerksgebäuden auf einfachen Erdbebensimulatoren: Möglichkeiten und Grenzen
Authors: Tomaževič Miha
Published: June 2014

Experience regarding the testing of models of masonry buildings on simple shaking tables is discussed. It is stressed that because scale effects affect some phenomena and influence the dynamic response, only overall seismic behaviour of structural systems can be studied by testing reduced size models, and not structural details. The basic principles of physical modelling are explained and options for preparing different types of models presented. The test facility, needed for simulation of earthquake ground motion, is described and pointers are given for the selection of simulated earthquakes. Some practical cases of model shaking table studies are also presented.
Seismic analysis of masonry structures in German earthquake zones according to DIN EN 1998‐1 / Erdbebenbemessung von Mauerwerksbauten in deutschen Erdbebengebieten nach DIN EN 1998‐1
Authors: Gellert Christoph , Butenweg Christoph
Published: June 2014

The earthquakes in Albstadt in 1978 (magnitude 5.7), Roermond in 1992 (magnitude 5.9), and Waldkirch in 2004 (magnitude 5.1) have made it clear that earthquake‐resistant design of ma‐ sonry structures is also very important in Germany. In 1981, DIN 4149 (1981) “Buildings in German earthquake areas – Design loads, analysis, and structural design of buildings” was introduced, although it only contained a few requirements for masonry structures. This standard was completely revised by the Building and Civil Engineering Standards Committee “Earthquakes; Special issues” of the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) on the basis of Eurocode 8 (2004) and was replaced by DIN 4149 (2005), which contains detailed rules for the seismic design of masonry structures. In the meantime, DIN EN 1998‐1 (2010) and the national annex DIN EN 1998‐1/NA (2011) became available, which were adopted by the building supervisory board after integrating the results of application tests performed and replace DIN 4149 (2005). The following article provides an overview of the seismic calculation and analysis of masonry structures according to the European codes and illustrates their application on a sample structure.
The M1 energy‐plus masonry house / Das M1 Energieeffizienzhaus Plus
Authors: Schoch Torsten
Published: June 2014

Masonry construction – the dominant construction style for new residential buildings in Germany – can and must demonstrate its sustainability in terms of energy‐efficiency. The M1 energy‐plus masonry house is a pilot project that provides the first practical demonstration of how the benefits of masonry construction – such as its loadbearing capacity, fire safety and sound insulation – can be combined with current and anticipated energy‐efficiency standards. A compound blockwork system with different bulk densities and strength classes has been used here for the first time, combining all the advantages of high thermal insulation and heat storage in a monolithic construction (YTONG Energy ). With simple, well‐thought‐out design details and carefully matched technical construction equipment, masonry energy‐plus houses are no longer just a vision. The main focus of the M1 project is to develop a cost‐efficient and saleable product which opens up new opportunities for consumers, designers and developers alike.
Merrilliadione – a Rare Isopropyl (13→11)‐abeo‐9,11‐seco Abietane Diterpene from Illicium merrillianum
Authors: Tian Xinhui , Yue Rongcai , Zhang Shoude , Shen Yunheng , Ye Ji , Shan Lei , Li Huiliang , Wen Bo , Xu Xike , Zhang Weidong
Published: June 2014

Merrilliadione (1), a new diterpene with a unique isopropyl (13→11)‐abeo‐9,11‐seco‐abietane skeleton, and two new abietane diterpenoids (2 and 3) were isolated from Illicium merrillianum. This is the first report of an isopropyl (13→11)‐abeo‐9,11‐seco abietane diterpenoid. The structures of 1–3 were established by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and quantum chemical computation of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra.
Start‐up of electrophoresis of an arbitrarily oriented dielectric cylinder
Authors: Chen Guan Y. , Keh Huan J.
Published: June 2014

An analytical study is presented for the transient electrophoretic response of a circular cylindrical particle to the step application of an electric field. The electric double layer adjacent to the particle surface is thin but finite compared with the radius of the particle. The time‐evolving electroosmotic velocity at the outer boundary of the double layer is utilized as a slip condition so that the transient momentum conservation equation for the bulk fluid flow is solved. Explicit formulas for the unsteady electrophoretic velocity of the particle are obtained for both axially and transversely applied electric fields, and can be linearly superimposed for an arbitrarily‐oriented applied field. If the cylindrical particle is neutrally buoyant in the suspending fluid, the transient electrophoretic velocity is independent of the orientation of the particle relative to the applied electric field and will be in the direction of the applied field. If the particle is different in density from the fluid, then the direction of electrophoresis will not coincide with that of the applied field until the steady state is attained. The growth of the electrophoretic mobility with the elapsed time for a cylindrical particle is substantially slower than for a spherical particle.
Interference‐tolerating transmission protocol design for three‐cell systems
Authors: Li Chunguo , Wang Peng , Sun Fan , Cioffi John M. , Yang Luxi
Published: June 2014

The three‐cell system each having one cell‐edge mobile terminal (MT) is studied for the scenario of each MT only receiving the interference from the adjacent cell. Based on the observations that the inter‐cell interference could be exploited as a positive role, a two‐time‐slot‐based transmission protocol is designed for this system by allowing the existence of the interference received at MT, which saves one time slot over the conventional time division multiple access yet introduces the inter‐cell interference. In order to tackle the interference at the cell‐edge users, the problem for designing the precoder of the base station in these two time slots is proposed to achieve the potential gain from the new transmission protocol. In this paper, the well‐known criterion of the signal‐to‐leakage‐plus‐noise ratio is employed for designing the precoder in a closed‐form expression to demonstrate the significant gain of the new transmission protocol. Furthermore, an adaptive receiver is designed based on the linear and the nonlinear receivers to further suppress the inter‐cell interference. Simulation results have demonstrated the gain of the designed protocol, the optimised precoder and the adaptive receiver. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ALK fusion and its association with other driver gene mutations in Finnish non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Tuononen Katja , Kero Mia , Mäki‐Nevala Satu , Sarhadi Virinder Kaur , Tikkanen Milja , Wirtanen Tiina , Rönty Mikko , Knuuttila Aija , Knuutila Sakari
Published: June 2014

Screening of anaplastic lymphoma tyrosine kinase (ALK) gene fusions in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients enables the identification of the patients likely to benefit from ALK‐targeted therapy. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of ALK fusion in Finnish NSCLC patients, which has not been reported earlier, and to study the presence of ALK fusion in relation to clinicopathological characteristics and other driver gene mutations. A total of 469 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tumor tissue specimens from Finnish NSCLC patients were screened for ALK fusion by immunohistochemistry (IHC). For confirmation of IHC results, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was conducted for 171 specimens. Next‐generation sequencing was performed for all ALK‐positive specimens to characterize the association of ALK fusion with mutations in targeted regions of 22 driver genes. Of the 469 tumors screened, 11 (2.3%) harbored an ALK fusion, including nine adenocarcinomas and two large cell carcinomas. The IHC results for all 11 ALK‐positive and 160 random ALK‐negative specimens were confirmed by FISH. ALK fusion was significantly associated with never/ex‐light smoking history (P < 0.001) and younger age (P = 0.004). Seven ALK‐positive tumors showed additional mutations; three in MET, one in MET and CTNNB1, two in TP53, and one in PIK3CA. Our results show that ALK fusion is an infrequent alteration in Finnish NSCLC patients. Although the majority of ALK‐positive cases were adenocarcinomas, the fusion was also seen in large cell carcinomas. Further studies are needed to elucidate the clinical significance of the coexistence of ALK fusion with MET, TP53, CTNNB1, and PIK3CA mutations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changing How We Think About the Goals of Higher Education
Authors: Hanson Chad
Published: June 2014

In the past 20 years, scholars and practitioners have committed to measuring the cognitive outcomes of education. In this chapter, the author assesses the movement that focuses on cognition, to the exclusion of other outcomes. An identity‐based framework is offered as an alternative.
The effects of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of naloxegol
Authors: Bui Khanh , She Fahua , Sostek Mark
Published: June 2014

The impact of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of a 25‐mg oral dose of naloxegol was examined in patients with renal impairment classified as moderate, severe, or end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and compared with healthy subjects (n = 8/group). Geometric mean area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) was increased in patients with moderate (1.7‐fold) or severe (2.2‐fold) impairment, and maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) were elevated in patients with moderate (1.1‐fold) or severe (1.8‐fold) impairment. These findings were driven by higher exposures in two patients in each of the moderate and severe impairment groups; exposures in all other patients were similar to the control group. Overall exposures in ESRD patients were similar and Cmax was 29% lower versus normal subjects. Renal impairment minimally affected other plasma pharmacokinetic parameters. As renal clearance was a minor component of total clearance, exposure to naloxegol was unaffected by the degree of renal impairment, with no correlation between either AUC or Cmax and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Hemodialysis was an ineffective means to remove naloxegol. Naloxegol was generally well tolerated in all groups. Renal impairment could adversely affect clearance by hepatic and gut metabolism, resulting in the increased exposures observed in outliers of the moderate and severe renal impairment groups.
Mitral annulus displacement measured by two‐dimensional speckle tracking imaging to assess the left ventricular longitudinal systolic function in coronary heart disease
Authors: Thapa Pooja , Xing Yuan Yuan , Li Yu Hong
Published: June 2014

Aim

To assess the clinical utility of measuring mitral annulus displacement (MAD) by two‐dimensional speckle tracking for the rapid evaluation of left ventricular longitudinal systolic function in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods

Left ventricular longitudinal systolic function was evaluated by MAD using speckle tracking echocardiography in 30 healthy volunteers (controls) as well as in 30 patients with mild, 30 patients with moderate, and 30 patients with severe CHD. All participants had their apical four‐chamber and two‐chamber view echocardiographic images recorded. Left ventricular end‐diastolic volume, left ventricular end‐systolic volume, and left ventricular ejection fraction were calculated by the biplane Simpson method. MAD of interventricular septum (MADsep), left ventricular lateral wall (MADlat), and the middle point of the mitral annulus (MADmid) were measured offline with speckle‐tracking echocardiography. MADmid% was defined as MADmid divided by left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter.

Results

MADmid% was 16.9 ± 1.9, 11.8 ± 3.2, 11.8 ± 2.9, and 10.3 ± 3.6, respectively, in controls and in patients with mild, moderate, and severe CHD. All MAD indexes were lower in patients with moderate or severe CHD than in controls or patients with mild CHD.

Conclusions

MAD is an early and rapid index for the assessment of left ventricular longitudinal systolic function in patients with different degrees of coronary artery disease. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:544–549, 2014
Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy to bilateral lower limb extremities concurrently: a planning case study
Authors: Fitzgerald Emma , Miles Wesley , Fenton Paul , Frantzis Jim
Published: June 2014

Non‐melanomatous skin cancers represent 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers in Australia with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the most common. A previously healthy 71‐year‐old woman presented with widespread and tender superficial skin cancers on the lower bilateral limbs. External beam radiation therapy through the use of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) was employed as the treatment modality of choice as this technique provides conformal dose distribution to a three‐dimensional treatment volume while reducing toxicity to surrounding tissues. The patient was prescribed a dose of 60 Gy to the planning target volume (PTV) with 1.0 cm bolus over the ventral surface of each limb. The beam arrangement consisted of six treatment fields that avoided entry and exit through the contralateral limb. The treatment plans met the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) guidelines and produced highly conformal dosimetric results. Skin toxicity was measured against the National Cancer Institute: Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI: CTCAE) version 3. A well‐tolerated treatment was delivered with excellent results given the initial extent of the disease. This case study has demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of IMRT for skin cancers as an alternative to surgery and traditional superficial radiation therapy, utilising a complex PTV of the extremities for patients with similar presentations.
Estimating the concentrations of pigments and binders in lead‐based paints using FT‐Raman spectroscopy and principal component analysis
Authors: Pallipurath Anuradha , Vőfély Róza Villő , Skelton Jonathan , Ricciardi Paola , Bucklow Spike , Elliott Stephen
Published: June 2014

Understanding the composition of the paints used on works of art is crucial in attributing them to the artist or workshop that created them, as well as to devising strategies for their preservation and restoration. Much current research is focussed on the development of non‐invasive spectroscopic methods, enabling in situ paint analysis without the need for sampling. However, whilst a lot of work has been carried out on looking at the composition of artists' materials qualitatively, little has been performed to analyse them quantitatively. In this work, we investigate the use of Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy, in isolation and in conjunction with complementary fibre optic reflectance spectroscopy, to look at the spectral changes that occur with varying the paint/binder ratio in model historic lead‐based paints. When used in conjunction with multivariate analysis, we demonstrate that it can be possible to obtain a semi‐quantitative estimation of the composition of a paint film from its Fourier transform Raman spectrum, given a set of suitable reference spectra recorded from paints produced within the workable mixture range. This represents a tentative first step towards a semi‐automated and quantitative method for analysing cultural heritage objects, which may help boost our understanding of their history, and enable conservators to make more informed decisions so as to ensure their preservation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some insights on the description of gradient elution in reversed‐phase liquid chromatography
Authors: Baeza‐Baeza Juan José , García‐Álvarez‐Coque María Celia
Published: June 2014

The so‐called “fundamental equation for gradient elution” has been used for modeling the retention in gradient elution. In this approach, the instantaneous retention factor (k) is expressed as a function of the change in the modifier content (φ(ts)), ts being the time the solute has spent in the stationary phase. This approach can only be applied at constant flow rate and with gradients where the elution strength depends on the column length following a f(t−l/u) function, u being the linear mobile phase flow rate, and l the distance from the column inlet to the location where the solute is at time t measured from the beginning of the gradient. These limitations can be solved by using the here called “general equation for gradient elution”, where k is expressed as a function of φ(t,l). However, this approach is more complex. In this work, a method that facilitates the integration of the “general equation” is described, which allows an approximate analytical solution with the quadratic retention model, improving the predictions offered by the “linear solvent strength model.” It also offers direct information about the changes in the instantaneous modifier content and retention factor, and gives a meaning to the gradient retention factor.
Assessing the Association Between Childhood Sexual Abuse and Adult Sexual Experiences in Women with Sexual Difficulties
Authors: Stephenson Kyle R. , Pulverman Carey S. , Meston Cindy M.
Published: June 2014

Self‐report instruments for assessing sexual well‐being in women with sexual difficulties have not to date been explicitly validated among women with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Given an extensive literature suggesting psychological differences between women with and without a history of CSA, it is possible that sexual well‐being has a different meaning for these groups. Without validated scales, it is difficult to evaluate the impact of early sexual trauma on adult sexuality. The present study assessed whether the factor structure of widely used measures of sexual well‐being were consistent across women experiencing sexual difficulties, with and without an abuse history, and to estimate effect sizes for the statistical effect of CSA on sexual well‐being in this population. A sample of women with and without a history of CSA (N = 238) completed the Female Sexual Function Index and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women. Structural equation models indicated generally consistent factor structures across groups, suggesting good construct validity. Effect size estimates indicated medium to large (0.53–0.72) effects of CSA on sexual well‐being for women with sexual difficulties. These findings support and extend research regarding the potential effects of CSA that may inform treatment for this population.
Characteristics of U.S. Veterans Who Begin and Complete Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD
Authors: Mott Juliette M. , Mondragon Sasha , Hundt Natalie E. , Beason‐Smith Melissa , Grady Rebecca H. , Teng Ellen J.
Published: June 2014

This retrospective chart‐review study examined patient‐level correlates of initiation and completion of evidence‐based psychotherapy (EBP) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among treatment‐seeking U.S. veterans. We identified all patients (N = 796) in a large Veterans Affairs PTSD and anxiety clinic who attended at least 1 individual psychotherapy appointment with 1 of 8 providers trained in EBP. Within this group, 91 patients (11.4%) began EBP (either Cognitive Processing Therapy or Prolonged Exposure) and 59 patients (7.9%) completed EBP. The medical records of all EBP patients (n = 91) and a provider‐matched sample of patients who received another form of individual psychotherapy (n = 66) were reviewed by 4 independent raters. Logistic regression analyses revealed that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans were less likely to begin EBP than veterans from other service eras, OR = 0.48, 95% CI = [0.24, 0.94], and veterans who were service connected for PTSD were more likely than veterans without service connection to begin EBP, OR = 2.33, 95% CI = [1.09, 5.03]. Among those who began EBP, Iraq and Afghanistan veteran status, OR = 0.09, 95% CI = [0.03, 0.30], and a history of psychiatric inpatient hospitalization, OR = 0.13, 95% CI = [0.03, 0.54], were associated with decreased likelihood of EBP completion.
Influence of Acacia Trees on Near‐Surface Soil Hydraulic Properties in Arid Tunisia
Authors: De Boever Maarten , Gabriels Donald , Ouessar Mohamed , Cornelis Wim
Published: June 2014

Studies in arid regions have shown that scattered trees strongly influence the environmental conditions under their canopies providing favourable conditions for the recruitment of other plants. The most critical factor controlling plant productivity in arid regions is soil–water availability. Hence, understanding the soil–water relationships below canopy is needed to better comprehend the rehabilitation of degraded land by vegetation. In this study, scattered Acacia raddiana trees of three canopy size classes were selected to examine their effect on soil physical properties, soil–water retention curve and saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivities of the upper soil layer (0–10 cm). Compared with outside the canopy, below‐canopy soils have a higher organic matter content causing a lower bulk density and a higher total porosity. Higher hydraulic conductivities were found below as compared with outside the canopy and the rates increased with increasing canopy size. This could be related to the ratio of water content at field capacity to saturation, suggesting that hydraulic conductivities were mainly driven by macropores and large matrix pores. By improving the near‐surface soil hydraulic properties, A. raddiana trees can positively affect the water availability for the below‐canopy herbaceous cover, which is of crucial importance in water‐limited environments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Impact of Underground Longwall Mining on Prime Agricultural Land: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Lechner Alex Mark , Baumgartl Thomas , Matthew Phil , Glenn Vanessa
Published: June 2014

Coal mining and agriculture have repeatedly come into conflict when they co‐occur. Although seemingly benign when compared with surface mining, underground coal extraction techniques (including longwall mining) cause subsidence of agricultural land and loss of productivity. Despite growing concerns for global food security and increasing demand for coal resources, there is little peer‐reviewed literature on the impacts of longwall mining in prime agricultural areas. In this paper, we examined the present knowledge of subsidence impacts of longwall mining on agriculture and how this may be interpreted for specific locations such as Australia. The review found that subsidence affects soil properties, hydrology and topography. The main impacts on agriculture are altered soil and groundwater hydrology, modified topography associated with increased erosion or waterlogging risk, and zones of compaction or cracking that cause soil physical and chemical changes. Agricultural productivity is also reduced through altering the types of farming practices that are suited to subsided non‐uniform landscapes, decreasing farming efficiency through increasing paddock heterogeneity and decreasing ease of workability. There is a need to consider these multiple impacts under local conditions, with particular regard to the interaction of mine subsidence‐associated disturbances with farming practices. We conclude by describing future research directions required for Australia and other countries outside of the USA—where most of the research has been conducted. Australia has unique soil and climatic conditions making extrapolation of studies from the USA on subsidence impacts and mitigation problematic. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.