bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possíveis interações dos ouriços-do-mar em praias do litoral sul de Pernambuco, Brasil
Authors: Viana Danilo Queiroz , Silva Gilberto Henrique Teles Gomes da , Silveira Júnior Inaldo Luiz Advíncula da , Silva Neto José Ferreira da , Silva Evandro Valentim da , Carvalho Rita De Cássia Xavier de
Published: March 2014

Os costões rochosos apresentam elevada importância ecológica e podem conter alta riqueza de espécies. São locais de alimentação, crescimento e reprodução de diversos indivíduos. A intensa herbivoria é um dos principais fatores que afetam a abundância e distribuição de macroalgas nas comunidades marinhas. Foram realizadas incursões nas praias de Barra de Sirinhaém e Serrambi. As coletas foram feitas durante a maré baixa, na região de mesolitoral. As amostras foram identificadas, fotografadas. Foram observados que os ouriços estavam nos ecossistemas distribuídos nestas praias próximos a Caulerpa. Halimeda, Coralina, e Pterocladia, em Barra de Serrambi, Enteromorpha, Caulerpa e Ulva, em Barra de Sirinhaém. Nesta última foi identificado a presença de esponjas, aplysia sp, sendo esta alvos de manipulação por liberar secreção, também foram encontrados moluscos. Nestas praias principalmente em Barra de Serrambi, a presença humana foi muito marcante. Os organismos estavam muito vulneráveis, sendo observado manipulação, pisoteio e pesca do tipo predatória, que foi evidenciada também em Barra de Sirinhaém. Os dados aqui expostos sugerem a ocorrência de mecanismos de defesa presentes em macroalgas de diferentes táxons, e demais organismo, talvez em consequência da pressão ambiental frente aos eventos marinhos, possibilitando a criação de estratégias para a manutenção e sobrevivência harmônica das espécies.
Self‐Assembly of Carbon Atoms on Transition Metal Surfaces—Chemical Vapor Deposition Growth Mechanism of Graphene
Authors: Zhang Xiuyun , Li Hui , Ding Feng
Published: March 2014

As the most promising method for high quality, large area graphene synthesis, chemical vapor decomposition (CVD) has drawn enormous attention. Understanding of the growth mechanism is crucial for optimizing the experimental design to synthesize the desired graphene for various applications. Recently, many theoretical efforts have been devoted to explore the decomposition of feedstock, nucleation of small graphene islands, and the expansion of graphene islands to a large graphene sheet on various catalyst surfaces. Here we summarize the key progresses on the three aspects in order to provide a complete scenery of graphene CVD growth at the atomic level and to guide the experimental design for the synthesis of desired graphene, e.g., high quality graphene sheets with large single crystalline domains or controlled doping.
Unraveling Charge Separation and Transport Mechanisms in Aqueous‐Processed Polymer/CdTe Nanocrystal Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Hai‐Yu , Wei Hao‐Tong , Zhang Hao , Chen Qi‐Dai , Xu Huai‐Liang , Han Wei , Yang Bai , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: March 2014

Recently great progress has been achieved in highly effective hybrid solar cells fabricated using aqueous materials. The state‐of‐the‐art energy conversion efficiency has been close to 5% with high photocurrent. However, charge separation and transport mechanism in the aqueous‐processed hybrid solar cells are rarely reported and are usually assumed to be similar to oil‐phase processed systems; that is, self‐assembly polymers are mainly responsible for charge separation and carrier transport. To date, this assumption has prohibited further improvement of the conversion efficiency in aqueous‐processed hybrid systems by adopting any appropriate technique routes. Here, ultrafast carrier dynamics in these hybrid solar cells consisting of poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) (PPV)‐based aqueous polymers and water‐solution CdTe nanocrystals (NCs) are investigated in detail. Self‐charge separation in grown CdTe NC partly capped CdS shell layers after anneal treatment is unambiguously identified. Different from their oil‐soluble counterparts, these core/shell nanocrystals do not have the restrictions of quantum confinement and surface ligands, form effective charge transport networks, and play a dominant role in the charge separation and carrier transport processes. These findings provide a greater understanding on the fundamental photophysics in aqueous‐processed hybrid systems.
A condition‐based maintenance policy for deteriorating units. An application to the cylinder liners of marine engine
Authors: Giorgio Massimiliano , Guida Maurizio , Pulcini Gianpaolo
Published: March 2014

This paper proposes a condition‐based maintenance policy for deteriorating units, which are to be considered failed when their wear exceeds a critical threshold level, even if this exceeding is not associated to a sudden breakdown of the unit but only to degraded performance. Thus, the failure occurrence can be detected only at periodic inspections. In such a framework, given the unit age and state at inspection, a decision‐making rule is proposed to choose the maintenance action to be taken, in order to extend the used life of the unit without significantly increasing its failure probability, so to reduce the life cycle cost. Both the case when all inspection times are planned and the case when an additional maintenance can be scheduled before the next planned inspection are considered. An application to a real case study referring to the wearing process of cylinder liners of some marine diesel engines is illustrated, with the further aim of highlighting the need to correctly model the degradation process. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prosodic Development in Middle Childhood and Adolescence in High‐Functioning Autism
Authors: Lyons Megan , Schoen Simmons Elizabeth , Paul Rhea
Published: March 2014

The present study aims to investigate the perception and production of several domains of prosodic performance in a cross‐sectional sample of preadolescents and adolescents with and without high‐functioning autism (HFA). To look at the role of language abilities on prosodic performance, the HFA groups were subdivided based on “high” and “low” language performance on the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals‐Fourth Edition (CELF‐4) (Semel, Wiig, & Secord). Social and cognitive abilities were also examined to determine their relationship to prosodic performance. No significant differences were seen in prosody scores in the younger versus older subgroups in typically developing (TD) group with age‐appropriate language. There was small but significant improvement in performance with age in the groups with HFA. Comparing performance at each age level across diagnostic groups showed that preteens with HFA and higher language levels perform similarly to their TD peers on all prosodic tasks, whereas those with lower language skills scored significantly worse than both their higher language and TD peers when looking at composite perception and production findings. Teens with HFA showed no deficits on perception tasks; however, those with low language levels had difficulty on several production tasks when compared to the TD group. Regression analyses suggested that, for the preteen group with HFA, language was the strongest predictor of prosodic perception, whereas nonverbal IQ was most highly predictive of prosodic production. For adolescents with HFA, social skills significantly contributed to the prediction of prosodic perception and, along with language abilities, predicted prosodic production. Implications of these findings will be discussed. Autism Res 2014, 7: 181–196.. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noncontinuous use of antidepressant in adults with major depressive disorders – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yau Wai‐Yin , Chan Man‐Chi , Wing Yun‐Kwok , Lam Ho‐Bun , Lin Wei , Lam Siu‐Ping , Lee Chui‐Ping
Published: March 2014

Background

Noncontinuous antidepressant use is frequently observed in clinical practice despite the standard recommendation of at least 6–9 months of continuous treatment. The problem may be more serious in Chinese populations where stigmatization is common. This retrospective cohort study investigated the rate of noncontinuous antidepressant use and subsequent rate of relapse and recurrence in psychiatric Chinese outpatients by examining the prescription records, electronic medical records, and written medical records. Factors associated with noncontinuous antidepressant use were also identified.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 189 patients newly dispensed with an antidepressant in the psychiatric outpatient clinic during year 2006 and 2007. Primary outcome was the rate of noncontinuous antidepressant use within 6 months of therapy. Secondary outcomes included the factors associated with noncontinuous antidepressant use and the rate of subsequent depression relapse and recurrence within 1 year of starting treatment.

Results

Among the 189 subjects included in this study, 46% were noncontinuous users of the newly prescribed antidepressant therapy. The noncontinuous users were found to have an eightfold increase (OR: 8.42, 95% CI: 3.30–21.47) in the risks of relapse/recurrence depressive episodes within 1 year after treatment initiation. Younger age (P = 0.008), female, (P = 0.029), residency in public housing estate (P = 0.029), experiencing side effects (P = 0.024), infrequent follow‐ups (P = 0.006), and earlier onset of diagnosis (P = 0.034) were factors significantly associated with noncontinuous antidepressant use.

Conclusions

Noncontinuous antidepressant use is common in the local Chinese depressive patients and associated with a high rate of relapse and recurrence. Collaborative multidisciplinary approaches that target patient education and enhancement of follow‐up adherence are needed.
Environmental Policies for Sustainable Development: An Analysis of the Drivers of Proactive Environmental Strategies in the Service Sector
Authors: Carballo‐Penela Adolfo , Castromán‐Diz Juan Luis
Published: March 2014

This article examines the drivers of environmental proactivity in the service sector. Hypotheses were tested using multiple hierarchical regression analysis with data from a sample of 41 managers in Spanish environmental consulting companies. Results show statistically significant relationships between (1) managers’ attitude towards sustainable development, (2) positive short‐term firm performance and (3) the strategic attitude of environmental consulting firms and the adoption of proactive environmental strategies by the studied companies.

This article is pioneering in the analysis of drivers of corporate proactive environmental strategies in the consultancy sector. The findings have practical implications for policy‐makers, investors and other agents interested in a better management of the environment. Economic incentives such as subsidies to environmental training programmes for managers can induce changes in cognitive components of managers’ attitudes. Education policies could also affect managers’ attitudes towards the environment. Companies may also encourage attitude change by providing their managers with financial assistance to receive environmental training. External assistance to develop a strategic attitude could be an interesting policy to encourage voluntary environmental initiatives. Finally, fiscal deductions, tax breaks or subsidies to those companies interested in managing the environment can be effective incentives for those firms facing a weak short‐term financial situation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
ChemInform Abstract: Immobilization Techniques in the Fabrication of Nanomaterial‐based Electrochemical Biosensors: A Review
Authors: Putzbach William , Ronkainen Niina J.
Published: March 2014

Review: 104 refs.
Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Highlights for the Clinician of the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines
Authors: Wenger Nanette K.
Published: March 2014

Prevention of cardiovascular disease, undoubtedly an emphasis of clinical care in 2014, will provide both opportunities and challenges to patients and their healthcare providers. The recently‐released ACC/AHA guidelines on assessment of cardiovascular risk, lifestyle management to reduce cardiovascular risk, management of overweight and obesity, and treatment of blood cholesterol to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk, have introduced new concepts and revised prior conventional strategies. New to risk assessment are the Pooled Cohort Equations, targeting the expanded concept of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and focusing not solely on mortality but as well on major nonfatal events. The lifestyle management focuses on diet and physical activity for lipid and blood pressure control. The cholesterol guideline identifies four high‐risk groups with the greatest benefits from statin therapy: preexisting ASCVD, primary LDL‐C elevations ≥190 mm/dl, those 45–75 years with diabetes and LDL‐C 70–189 mm/dl without clinical ASCVD, and those 40–75 years without clinical ASCVD with an LDL‐C 70–189 mg/dl with a 7.5% or greater 10‐year ASCVD risk. Eliminated are arbitrary LDL‐C treatment targets, with individual patient risk status guiding who should take statins and the appropriate intensity of statin drugs. Patient‐physician discussions of individual benefits and risks are paramount. Management of high blood pressure remains controversial, with two different expert panels offering varying treatment targets; there is general agreement on a <140/90 mmHg goal, but substantial disagreement on blood pressure targets for older adults. Clinicians and their patients deserve a well‐researched concensus document.
When is Participatory Local Environmental Governance Likely to Emerge? A study of collective action in participatory municipal environmental councils in Brazil
Authors: van Laerhoven Frank
Published: March 2014

Why is local environmental governance in Brazil shaped through the collective action of many, frequently interacting actors in some municipalities, whilst in others it does not take the form of deliberative and inclusive decision‐making? I address this question by zooming in on Brazil'sConselhos Municipais de Meio Ambiente(participatory municipal environmental councils). Through multivariate logistical regression (n = 5202), I show that a large business community, combined with ‘small local government’, adds significantly to the likelihood of finding participatory forms of solving environmental problems in a municipality, especially when communities have learned from prior experience with participatory policy‐making in other areas. Through multivariate linear regression (n = 1365), I establish that depth and breadth of participatory environmental governance processes is more likely to increase when, amongst other things, people have previous experience with other types of participatory council, and when there are fewer local government officials per capita. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Longer survival in patients with human papillomavirus–related head and neck cancer after positive postradiation planned neck dissection
Authors: Huang Shao Hui , Patel Samip , O'Sullivan Brian , Shen Xiaowei , Xu Wei , Weinreb Ilan , Perez–Ordonez Bayardo , Irish Jonathan , Waldron John , Gullane Patrick , Gilbert Ralph , Brown Dale , Kim John , Freeman Jeremy , de Almeida John R. , Goldstein David
Published: March 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes between human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related versus ‐unrelated head and neck cancer after pathological positive planned neck dissection.

Methods

Positive planned neck dissection for head and neck cancers from 1998 to 2010 were included in this study. Outcomes after planned neck dissection were compared between HPV‐related versus ‐unrelated cohorts. Multivariate analysis identified survival predictors.

Results

HPV‐related head and neck cancer (n = 32) had better 5‐year overall survival (48% vs 27%; p = .021), marginally lower second malignancy (7% vs 16%; p = .13), but similar local, regional, and distant control (87% vs 89%; 94% vs 89%; 62% vs 58%, respectively) versus HPV unrelated (n = 38). HPV status conferred reduced risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.5; p = .038) after adjusting for age, smoking, and initial T and N classifications.

Conclusion

This study reveals that positive planned neck dissection for HPV‐related head and neck cancer represents a biologic unfavorable subset of the HPV population with unsatisfactory survival attributable to distant metastasis. The longer survival compared to the HPV‐unrelated counterpart is likely related to a marginally lower second malignancy rather than better disease control. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 946–952, 2015
Cancer cachexia update in head and neck cancer: Pathophysiology and treatment
Authors: Couch Marion E. , Dittus Kim , Toth Michael J. , Willis Monte S. , Guttridge Denis C. , George Jonathan R. , Chang Eric Y. , Gourin Christine G. , Der‐Torossian Hirak
Published: March 2014

The pathophysiology of cancer cachexia remains complex. A comprehensive literature search was performed up to April 2013 using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the Google search engine. In this review, we focus on the different mediators of impaired anabolism and upregulated catabolism that alter the skeletal muscle homeostasis resulting in the wasting of cancer cachexia. We present recent evidence of targeted treatment modalities from clinical trials along with their potential mechanisms of action. We also report on the most current evidence from randomized clinical trials using multimodal treatments in patients with cancer cachexia, but also the evidence from head and neck cancer‐specific trials. A more complete understanding of the pathophysiology of the syndrome may lead to more effective targeted therapies and improved outcomes for patients. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1057–1072, 2015
Long‐term trends of the ‘Koshava’ wind during the period 1949–2010
Authors: Romanić Djordje , Ćurić Mladjen , Jovičić Ilija , Lompar Miloš
Published: March 2014

In this study, a comprehensive analysis of long‐term trends of the Koshava wind during the period between 1949 and 2010 is carried out. Koshava is a strong wind that blows from southeast quadrant over Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. The Siberian high and West‐Mediterranean cyclones, together with the orography of the eastern Balkan, are the main drivers of the Koshava wind. The trend analyses are performed on wind data sets from five synoptic weather stations, all situated in the region where the Koshava wind is fully developed. Koshava wind speeds are divided into two categories: (1) all wind speeds and (2) wind speeds above 5 ms−1. Two homogeneity tests are used to inspect the quality of wind speed and wind direction time series. The Mann–Kendall test and Sen's slope estimator are used to analyze trends of the Koshava wind speeds and the annual number of days with the Koshava wind. Statistically significant negative trends of the Koshava wind speeds and wind activity are observed at all five weather stations and are more pronounced for wind speeds above 5 ms−1. The negative trends of the Koshava wind are mostly related to the changes in the synoptic circulation, temperature and weakening of the Siberian high and West‐Mediterranean cyclones. It is shown that the observed decline of the Koshava wind has a significant impact on reducing the wind energy potential in the region.
Understanding South Australian rainfall trends and step changes
Authors: Chowdhury Rezaul K. , Beecham Simon , Boland John , Piantadosi Julia
Published: March 2014

Rainfall is the key hydroclimatic variable that plays a vital role in the development of regional water management policies. Assessment of observed rainfall behaviour and its spatial and temporal variations are therefore important for climate change adaptation measures. This study assessed trends and step changes in observed annual and seasonal rainfalls across the South Australian region. More than 100 years of high‐quality rainfall data from 53 rainfall stations were analyzed using robust statistical techniques. The results are presented according to the eight South Australian natural resource management regions. Increasing annual rainfall trends were observed for the Arid Lands, Alinytjara Wilinara and Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges regions whereas decreasing trends were found for the Murray Darling Basin, Eyre Peninsula and South East regions. Both upward and downward trends were identified in the Northern and Yorke region. Seasonally, austral spring and summer rainfalls exhibited increasing trends in most of the regions whereas autumn and winter rainfalls showed decreasing trends. Most of the rainfall step changes were observed to happen in the 1960s and 1970s. The study also includes a discussion on possible mechanisms of South Australian rainfall variability and changes that may have links to the observed trends and step changes.
Unique Cold‐Crystallization Behavior and Kinetics of Biodegradable Poly[(butylene succinate)‐co adipate] Nanocomposites: A High Speed Differential Scanning Calorimetry Study
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Jayita , Al‐Thabaiti Shaeel A. , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Basahel Sulaiman Nassir , Mokhtar Mohamed
Published: March 2014

The poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐adipate] (PBSA) nanocomposites (PBSANCs) with five different loadings of organoclay were prepared by melt‐blending. The morphological investigation revealed that the degree of dispersion of silicate layers in the PBSANCs changes from well‐delaminated to intercalated and subsequently to stacked intercalated‐flocculated when the organoclay loading increased from 3 to 6 wt.‐%. This observation was supported by the melt‐state rheological property measurements. The effect of such structural changes on the cold‐crystallization behavior and kinetics of PBSANCs were investigated using a high‐speed DSC. Surprisingly, the DSC thermograms revealed that the characteristic cold‐crystallization peak of neat PBSA shifts towards higher temperatures for the PBSANCs and that the kinetics for the crystallization of the matrix retarded in the PBSANCs. This is not consistent with the general understanding of the role of dispersed silicate layers towards semicrystalline polymer cold‐crystallization. The presence of well‐dispersed intercalated silicate layers explains the observed cold‐crystallization behavior and the retarded non‐isothermal cold‐crystallization kinetics of the PBSANCs.
Ramping Glucosuria for Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Emerging Cynosure
Authors: Malla Priyanka , Kumar Rajnish , Mahapatra Manoj K. , Kumar Manoj
Published: March 2014

Chronic hyperglycemia is a characteristic feature of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The kidney plays a vital role in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis by recovering glucose from glomerular filtrate which is controlled by SGLT2 cotransporters expressed mainly in proximal tubule. In T2DM patients, inhibition of SGLT2 normalizes glycemic levels by preventing glucose from being reabsorbed through SGLT2 and re‐entering the circulation. Thus, SGLT2 inhibition seems to be a logical approach and pose a novel insulin‐independent mechanism of action for management of T2DM by promoting urinary glucose excretion in the body. Canagliflozin is the first SGLT2 inhibitor approved by US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) followed by dapagliflozin while empagliflozin is under FDA review. Various other drug candidates in late‐stage clinical developments are also expected to hit the global markets in the coming years. In this review, studies on various early‐ and late‐stage SGLT2 inhibitors have been investigated and recent clinical developments summarized.
Tonic hyper‐connectivity of reward neurocircuitry in obese children
Authors: Black William R. , Lepping Rebecca J. , Bruce Amanda S. , Powell Joshua N. , Bruce Jared M. , Martin Laura E. , Davis Ann M. , Brooks William M. , Savage Cary R. , Simmons W. Kyle
Published: March 2014

Objective

Obese children demonstrate less activation in prefrontal regions associated with self‐control and inhibition when presented with food cues and advertisements. This study evaluates the differences between obese and healthy weight children in resting‐state functional connectivity to these brain regions.

Methods

Seed regions in bilateral middle frontal gyri were chosen based on previous task‐based analysis showing differences between obese and healthy weight children's responses to food‐associated stimuli. Functional connectivity to these seed regions was measured in resting‐state scans collected in obese and lean children undergoing fMRI.

Results

Obese children exhibited greater resting‐state functional connectivity than healthy weight children between the left middle frontal gyrus and reward‐related regions in the left ventromedial prefrontal cortex, as well as the left lateral OFC.

Conclusion

Previously published results demonstrated that obese children exhibit less activity in brain regions associated with self‐control when viewing motivationally salient food advertisements. Here, it is shown that the obese children also have tonically greater input to these self‐control regions from reward neurocircuitry. The greater functional connectivity between reward and self‐control regions, in conjunction with weaker activation of self‐control neurocircuitry, may render these children more susceptible to food advertisements, placing them at elevated risk for over‐feeding and obesity.
Study of the Association Between Hip Fracture and Acid‐Suppressive Drug Use in a UK Primary Care Setting
Authors: Cea Soriano Lucia , Ruigómez Ana , Johansson Saga , García Rodríguez Luis A.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

We aimed to clarify the nature of the association between hip fracture risk and use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine2‐receptor antagonists (H2RAs).

Methods

We identified patients 40–89 years of age with a recorded hip fracture diagnosis in 2000–2008 using The Health Improvement Network, a UK primary care research database. Computerized records were reviewed and questionnaires sent to primary care physicians to validate hip fracture cases. A cohort study with a nested case‐control analysis was performed to estimate the association between the use of acid‐suppressive drugs and hip fracture.

Results

Overall incidence of hip fracture per 1000 person‐years was 1.31 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–1.33). There was a modest increased risk of hip fracture after adjustment for potential confounders (odds ratios [OR] during current use of PPIs and H2RAs: 1.09 [95% CI 1.01–1.17] and 1.04 [95% CI 0.90–1.19], respectively). Relative to nonuse, an increased risk of fracture was observed with medium and high doses of PPIs (OR 1.11 [95% CI 1.01–1.22] and OR 1.31 [95% CI 1.06–1.61], respectively) and high doses of H2RAs (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.21–6.37). No duration response was observed (ORs for current PPI use less than 1 month and 5 years or longer: 1.16 [95% CI 0.94–1.43] and 1.02 [95% CI 0.87–1.20], respectively).

Conclusions

Patients treated with PPIs showed a modest increased risk of hip fracture after adjustment for potential cofounders. Any remaining association between PPI use and hip fracture risk may be attributable to residual confounding.
Selective antinociceptive effects of a combination of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor peptide antagonist [Ser1]histogranin and morphine in rat models of pain
Authors: Hama Aldric , Sagen Jacqueline
Published: March 2014

Numerous rather than a few analgesic endogenous neuropeptides are likely to work in concert in vivo in ameliorating pain. Identification of effective neuropeptide combinations would also facilitate the development of gene or cell‐based analgesics. In this study, opioid peptides endomorphin‐1 (EM‐1) and endomorphin‐2 (EM‐2) and the peptide histogranin analogue [Ser1]histogranin (SHG), which possess activity as an N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, were intrathecally (i.t.) injected alone and in combination in rat models of acute and persistent pain. None of the peptides when injected alone altered hind paw responses of uninjured rats to acute noxious stimulation. EM‐1 and EM‐2 showed divergent efficacies in the persistent pain models. For example, EM‐1 injected alone was antinociceptive in rats with neuropathic pain, whereas EM‐2 demonstrated no efficacy. Demonstration of synergism was also divergent across the models. For example, while SHG combined with EM‐1 did not alter the efficacy of EM‐1 in rats with neuropathic pain, SHG significantly increased the efficacy of EM‐1 in the formalin test. By contrast, the potency and efficacy of the peptides alone and combinations were much less than those of the reference analgesic morphine. Furthermore, morphine combined with the clinically used NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine showed synergism across a broad range of pain states. While the current set of neuropeptides could serve as a basis for analgesic therapeutics, there could be other neuropeptides with greater efficacy and potency and broader therapeutic application.
A clinical therapeutic protein drug–drug interaction study: coadministration of denosumab and midazolam in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
Authors: Jang Graham , Kaufman Allegra , Lee Edward , Hamilton Lisa , Hutton Shauna , Egbuna Ogo , Padhi Desmond
Published: March 2014

Drug–disease interactions involving therapeutic proteins that target cytokines and potentially impact cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes have been of increased interest to drug regulatory agencies and industry sponsors in recent years. This parallel‐group open‐label study evaluated the effects of the monoclonal antibody denosumab, an inhibitor of the cytokine RANKL, on the pharmacokinetics of the probe CYP3A4 substrate midazolam in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The pharmacokinetics of a 2 mg oral dose of midazolam was evaluated on days 1 and 16. Subjects in Group A received a 60 mg subcutaneous dose of denosumab on day 2, 2 weeks before the second midazolam dose, while subjects in Group B did not. For Group A (n = 17), point estimates for the ratio of least square means for midazolam exposures based on maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) and areas under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUCs) on day 16 versus day 1 ranged from 1.02 to 1.04 and 90% confidence intervals were within 0.80–1.25. No period effect was observed for Group B (n = 8). Midazolam and denosumab coadministration was safe and well tolerated. Inhibition of the cytokine RANKL by denosumab does not affect CYP3A4 in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and will not alter the pharmacokinetics of drugs metabolized by this enzyme. These results are consistent with data suggesting that RANKL does not impact markers of inflammation and represent the first clinical data demonstrating a lack of effect on CYP3A4 of a therapeutic protein that is a cytokine modulator.
Application of a Bayesian weighting for short‐range lagged ensemble forecasting at the convective scale
Authors: Raynaud Laure , Pannekoucke Olivier , Arbogast Philippe , Bouttier François
Published: March 2014

Ensemble prediction systems at the convective scale are often under‐dispersive. In order to alleviate this problem, a time‐lagged ensemble can be created from ensemble forecasts initialized at different production times. While an equal‐weight combination of lagged forecasts generally provides competitive results, this article introduces and discusses the efficiency of an objective weighting. The proposed approach is based on nonlinear Bayesian filtering, and the weights are determined online for each member according to the observation likelihood.

The method is illustrated with short‐range ensemble forecasts provided by the cloud‐resolving AROME‐France model. A time‐lagged ensemble is then constructed from the current ensemble forecasts combined with older ensemble forecasts started 6 and 12 h earlier. It is first shown that the weighting scheme provides reasonable results, in particular it is able to detect differences in forecast quality due to different production times.

The question whether these unequal flow‐dependent weights can be successfully applied to the members of the time‐lagged ensemble is then examined. Results indicate that the weighting does not lead to a noticeable gain in forecast quality. Possible reasons for this limited impact are discussed.
Validation of the VASCUNET registry - pilot study
Authors: Bergqvist David , Björck Martin , Lees Tim , Menyhei Gabor
Published: March 2014

Background: VASCUNET is an international registry of vascular surgical (open and endovascular) procedures since 1997. The aim of this paper is to describe a pilot validation performed at three hospitals in Hungary in September 2012. Patients and methods: Three core indications were checked: abdominal aortic aneurysm, carotid artery disease and limb ischemia with infrainguinal treatment. Results: 2439 registered procedures had been reported with between 94 and 109 per cent agreement with hospital administrative numbers. In a random sample of 29 patients the VASCUNET data were compared with the patient records regarding risk factors, procedures performed and in hospital results. Only few discrepancies were found. Conclusions: The conclusions are that validation is feasible, that this pilot project in Hungary showed good agreement between registry and local patient records. For a registry to be accepted and used both for practical and scientific purposes regular validation by senior surgeons should be undertaken and the vascular surgical community must have a budget for such a process.
A facile method for fabrication of titanium-doped hybrid materials with high refractive index
Authors: Zhan Xibing , Xing Qingyu , Liu Huijuan , Zhang Junying , Cheng Jue , Lin Xin
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a facile route to prepare a series of high refractive index and homogeneous hybrid resins with titanium in the backbone by a non-hydrolytic sol–gel process.
Nanoporous palladium catalyzed silicon-based one-pot cross-coupling reaction of aryl iodides with organosilanes
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Lin Sha , Ji Lisha , Zhang Zhonghua , Zhang Xiaomei , Ding Yi
Published: March 2014

One-pot cross-coupling of aryl iodides with organosilanes is realized using dealloyed nanoporous palladium as a sustainable and heterogeneous catalyst.
Silver nanoparticle protein corona composition compared across engineered particle properties and environmentally relevant reaction conditions
Authors: Eigenheer Richard , Castellanos Erick R. , Nakamoto Meagan Y. , Gerner Kyle T. , Lampe Alyssa M. , Wheeler Korin E.
Published: March 2014

The protein coronas of silver nanoparticles are profoundly impacted by nanoparticle surface engineering and by environmentally and biologically relevant solution conditions.
The redox-A3reaction
Authors: Seidel Daniel
Published: March 2014

This highlight details the recent emergence of a new type of A3reaction that features a redox-neutral C–H functionalization step.
Flame retardancy mechanism of poly(butylene terephthalate)/aluminum diethylphosphinate composites with an epoxy-functional polysiloxane
Authors: Han Xiao , Zhao Jianqing , Liu Shumei , Yuan Yanchao
Published: March 2014

The manuscript presents an outstanding synergistic effect of aluminum diethylphosphinate (AlPi) and epoxy-functional polysiloxane (EPM) for preparing flame-retardant poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT).
L-proline catalyzed multicomponent reactions: facile access to 2H-benzo[g]pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline-5,10(4H,11H)-dione derivatives
Authors: Karamthulla Shaik , Pal Suman , Parvin Tasneem , Choudhury Lokman H.
Published: March 2014

Three component reaction of 2-hydroxy 1,4-naphthoquinones, aldehydes, and aminopyrazoles in the presence of a catalytic amount ofl-proline has been described for the synthesis of a series of 2H-benzo[g]pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline-5,10(4H,11H)-dione derivatives.
Photochemical synthesis of ZnO/Ag2O heterostructures with enhanced ultraviolet and visible photocatalytic activity
Authors: Ma Shuaishuai , Xue Jinjuan , Zhou Yuming , Zhang Zewu
Published: March 2014

ZnO/Ag2O heterostructures were successfully synthesized via a simple one-step photochemical route.
Hydrophilically patterned superhydrophobic cotton fabrics and their use in ink printing
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Xiaoyu , Hu Heng , Liu Guojun , Rabnawaz Muhammad
Published: March 2014

Poly(dimethylsiloxane)-block-poly[2-(cinnamoyloxy)ethyl acrylate], (PDMS-b-PCEA), has been synthesized and used to pattern-coat cotton fabrics.
A multifunctional phosphite-containing electrolyte for 5 V-class LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathodes with superior electrochemical performance
Authors: Song Young-Min , Han Jung-Gu , Park Soojin , Lee Kyu Tae , Choi Nam-Soon
Published: March 2014

An organic–inorganic based surface film was formed on a 5 V-class LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode by tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphite (TMSP). This surface-modified cathode exhibited significantly improved electrochemical properties in terms of cycling stability and rate capability.
Mode coupling between nonpolar and polar phonons as the origin of improper ferroelectricity in hexagonal LuMnO3
Authors: Song Seungwoo , Lee Jung-Hoon , Jang Hyun Myung
Published: March 2014

Currently, the most puzzling problem associated with the hexagonal LuMnO3(h-LMO) is a large temperature-gap between the structural phase transition to the polarP63cmphase at ∼1290 K and the emergence of the spontaneous polarization at a substantially reduced temperature, ∼750 K.
Novel role of a family of major facilitator transporters in biofilm development and virulence of Candida albicans
Authors: Shah Abdul Haseeb , Singh Ashutosh , Dhamgaye Sanjiveeni , Chauhan Neeraj , Vandeputte Patrick , Suneetha Korivi Jyothiraj , Kaur Rupinder , Mukherjee Pranab K. , Chandra Jyotsna , Ghannoum Mahmoud A. , Sanglard Dominique , Goswami Shyamal K. , Prasad Rajendra
Published: March 2014

The QDR (quinidine drug resistance) family of genes encodes transporters belonging to the MFS (major facilitator superfamily) of proteins. We show that QDR transporters, which are localized to the plasma membrane, do not play a role in drug transport. Hence, null mutants of QDR1, QDR2 and QDR3 display no alterations in susceptibility to azoles, polyenes, echinocandins, polyamines or quinolines, or to cell wall inhibitors and many other stresses. However, the deletion of QDR genes, individually or collectively, led to defects in biofilm architecture and thickness. Interestingly, QDR-lacking strains also displayed attenuated virulence, but the strongest effect was observed with qdr2∆, qdr3∆ and in qdr1/2/3∆ strains. Notably, the attenuated virulence and biofilm defects could be reversed upon reintegration of QDR genes. Transcripts profiling confirmed differential expression of many biofilm and virulence-related genes in the deletion strains as compared with wild-type Candida albicans cells. Furthermore, lipidomic analysis of QDR-deletion mutants suggests massive remodelling of lipids, which may affect cell signalling, leading to the defect in biofilm development and attenuation of virulence. In summary, the results of the present study show that QDR paralogues encoding MFS antiporters do not display conserved functional linkage as drug transporters and perform functions that significantly affect the virulence of C. albicans.
Oblique propagation of ion acoustic soliton-cnoidal waves in a magnetized electron-positron-ion plasma with superthermal electrons
Authors: Wang Jian-Yong , Cheng Xue-Ping , Tang Xiao-Yan , Yang Jian-Rong , Ren Bo
Published: March 2014

The oblique propagation of ion-acoustic soliton-cnoidal waves in a magnetized electron-positron-ion plasma with superthermal electrons is studied. Linear dispersion relations of the fast and slow ion-acoustic modes are discussed under the weak and strong magnetic field situations. By means of the reductive perturbation approach, Korteweg-de Vries equations governing ion-acoustic waves of fast and slow modes are derived, respectively. Explicit interacting soliton-cnoidal wave solutions are obtained by the generalized truncated Painlevé expansion. It is found that every peak of a cnoidal wave elastically interacts with a usual soliton except for some phase shifts. The influence of the electron superthermality, positron concentration, and magnetic field obliqueness on the soliton-cnoidal wave are investigated in detail.
Antifouling property of highly oleophobic substrates for solar cell surfaces
Authors: Fukada Kenta , Nishizawa Shingo , Shiratori Seimei
Published: March 2014

Reduction of solar cell conversion efficiency by bird spoor or oil smoke is a common issue. Maintaining the surface of solar cells clean to retain the incident light is of utmost importance. In this respect, there has been growing interest in the area of superhydrophobicity for developing water repelling and self-cleaning surfaces. This effect is inspired by lotus leaves that have micro papillae covered with hydrophobic wax nanostructures. Superhydrophobic surfaces on transparent substrates have been developed for removing contaminants from solar cell surfaces. However, oil cannot be removed by superhydrophobic effect. In contrast, to prevent bird spoor, a highly oleophobic surface is required. In a previous study, we reported transparent-type fabrics comprising nanoparticles with a nano/micro hierarchical structure that ensured both oleophobicity and transparency. In the current study, we developed new highly oleophobic stripes that were constructed into semi-transparent oleophobic surfaces for solar cells. Solar cell performance was successfully maintained; the total transmittance was a key factor for determining conversion efficiency.
A study of defects in iron-based binary alloys by the Mössbauer and positron annihilation spectroscopies
Authors: Idczak R. , Konieczny R. , Chojcan J.
Published: March 2014

The room temperature positron annihilation lifetime spectra and 57Fe Mössbauer spectra were measured for pure Fe as well as for iron-based Fe1−xRex, Fe1−xOsx, Fe1−xMox, and Fe1−xCrx solid solutions, where x is in the range between 0.01 and 0.05. The measurements were performed in order to check if the known from the literature, theoretical calculations on the interactions between vacancies and solute atoms in iron can be supported by the experimental data. The vacancies were created during formation and further mechanical processing of the iron systems under consideration so the spectra mentioned above were collected at least twice for each studied sample synthesized in an arc furnace— after cold rolling to the thickness of about 40 μm as well as after subsequent annealing at 1270 K for 2 h. It was found that only in Fe and the Fe-Cr system the isolated vacancies thermally generated at high temperatures are not observed at the room temperature and cold rolling of the materials leads to creation of another type of vacancies which were associated with edge dislocations. In the case of other cold-rolled systems, positrons detect vacancies of two types mentioned above and Mössbauer nuclei “see” the vacancies mainly in the vicinity of non-iron atoms. This speaks in favour of the suggestion that in iron matrix the solute atoms of Os, Re, and Mo interact attractively with vacancies as it is predicted by theoretical computations and the energy of the interaction is large enough for existing the pairs vacancy-solute atom at the room temperature. On the other hand, the corresponding interaction for Cr atoms is either repulsive or attractive but smaller than that for Os, Re, and Mo atoms. The latter is in agreement with the theoretical calculations.
Impact of fs and ns pulses on indium and sulfur doped gallium selenide crystals
Authors: Feng Z.-S. , Kang Z.-H. , Li X.-M. , Wang Zeng-Bin , Gao J.-Y. , Andreev Yu. M. , Atuchin V. V. , Kokh K. A. , Lanskii G. V. , Potekaev A. I. , Shaiduko A. V. , Svetlichnyi V. A.
Published: March 2014

The impact of fs and ns pulses on indium and sulfur doped gallium selenide crystals with four and five different doping concentrations, respectively, has been studied in comparison with that of undoped GaSe. The inconsistence of the visual criterion of the damage threshold determination has been demonstrated. The multiphoton absorption and thermal effect have been identified as key factors limiting fs and ns pulse pump intensities, respectively. High advantages in the limit pump intensity as up to 50% for optimally indium-doped crystal and up to 4.5 times for optimally sulfur-doped crystal have been demonstrated under fs pulses expose.
A Comprehensive Water Management Program for Multicampus Healthcare Facilities
Authors: Krageschmidt Dale A. , Kubly Allen F. , Browning Mark S. , Wright Alan J. , Lonneman Jon D. , Detmer Martin J. , McCoy William F.
Published: March 2014

Objective.

Develop and implement an effective program for hazard analysis and control of waterborne pathogens at a multicampus hospital with clinics.

Design.

A longitudinal study. Several-year study including analysis of results from monitoring and tests of 26 building water systems.

Setting.

Outpatient and inpatient healthcare facilities network.

Methods.

The hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) process was used to develop a water management program (WMP) for the hospital campuses. The HACCP method systematically addressed 3 questions: (1) What are the potential waterborne hazards in the building water systems of these facilities? (2) How are the hazards being controlled? (3) How do we know that the hazards have been controlled? Microbiological and chemical tests of building water samples were used to validate the performance of the WMP; disease surveillance data further validated effective hazard control.

Results.

Hazard analysis showed that waterborne pathogens were generally in good control and that the water quality was good in all facilities. The hospital network has had several legionellosis cases that were identified as presumptive hospital acquired, but none was confirmed or substantiated by water testing in follow-up investigations. Building water system studies unrelated to these cases showed that pressure tanks and electronic automatic faucets required additional hazard control.

Conclusions.

Application of the HACCP process for long-term building water systems management was practical and effective. The need for critical control point management of temperature, flow, and oxidant (chlorine) residual concentration was emphasized. The process resulted in discovery of water system components requiring additional hazard control.
Optimal body weight for health and longevity: bridging basic, clinical, and population research
Authors: Fontana Luigi , Hu Frank B.
Published: March 2014

Excess body weight and adiposity cause insulin resistance, inflammation, and numerous other alterations in metabolic and hormonal factors that promote atherosclerosis, tumorigenesis, neurodegeneration, and aging. Studies in both animals and humans have demonstrated a beneficial role of dietary restriction and leanness in promoting health and longevity. Epidemiological studies have found strong direct associations between increasing body mass index (BMI) and risks of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and several types of cancer, beginning from BMI of 20–21 kg m−2. Although a recent meta‐analysis suggests that overweight individuals have significantly lower overall mortality than normal‐weight individuals, these data are likely to be an artifact produced by serious methodological problems, especially confounding by smoking, reverse causation due to existing chronic disease, and nonspecific loss of lean mass and function in the frail elderly. From a clinical and public health point of view, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and physical activity should remain the cornerstone in the prevention of chronic diseases and the promotion of healthy aging.