bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prolonged high‐pressure is required for optimal stent deployment as assessed by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Cook Jeffrey R. , Mhatre Ajay , Wang Fen Wei , Uretsky Barry F.
Published: February 2013

Aims

Optimizing stent deployment is important for both acute‐ and long‐term outcomes. High‐pressure balloon inflation is the standard for coronary stent implantation. However, there is no standardized inflation protocol. We hypothesized that prolonged high‐pressure balloon inflation until stabilization of inflation pressure is superior to a rapid inflation/deflation sequence for both stent expansion and strut apposition.

Methods and Results

A high‐pressure rapid inflation/deflation sequence was deployed followed by angiography to assure no residual stenosis. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was then performed followed by prolonged inflation until balloon pressure was stabilized for 30 sec using the same balloon at the same pressure as the rapid sequence. A second OCT run was then done. Thirteen thousand nine hundred thirteen stent struts were evaluated by OCT in 12 patients undergoing successful stenting. Stent expansion improved with prolonged (206 ± 115 sec) vs. rapid (28 ± 17 sec) inflation for both minimal stent diameter (3.0 ± 0.5 vs. 2.75 ± 0.44 mm, P < 0.0001) and area (7.83 ± 2.45 vs. 6.63 ± 1.85 mm2, P = 0.0003). The number of malapposed struts decreased (45 ± 41 vs. 88 ± 75, P = 0.005) as did the maximal malapposed strut distance (0.31 ± 0.2 vs. 0.43 ± 0.2 mm, P = 0.0001). Factors related to strut malapposition after rapid inflation included localized asymmetry in 67%, stent underexpansion in 75%, and stent undersizing in 67%.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that prolonged inflation is superior to a rapid inflation/deflation technique for both stent expansion and strut apposition. We recommend for routine stent deployment a prolonged inflation protocol as described above to optimize stent deployment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental and Theoretical Evidence of the Existence of Gold(I)⋅⋅⋅Mercury(II) Interactions in Solution through Fluorescence‐Quenching Measurements
Authors: Lasanta Tania , López‐de‐Luzuriaga José M. , Monge Miguel , Olmos M. Elena , Pascual David
Published: February 2013

Heteronuclear complexes {[Hg(R)2][Au(R′)(PMe3)]2}n (R=R′=C6Cl2F3 (3); R=R′=C6F5 (4); R=C6Cl2F3, R′=C6F5 (5); R=C6F5, R′=C6Cl2F3 (6)) were prepared by the treatment of the corresponding organomercury compounds, [Hg(C6X5)2], with two equivalents of [Au(C6X5)(PMe3)]. Their crystal structures, as determined by using X‐ray diffraction methods, display Au⋅⋅⋅Hg interactions. Although only compound 4 and 5 show luminescence in the solid state, all of these compounds quench the fluorescence of naphthalene in solution. Solution studies of these derivatives suggest a cooperative effect of the gold(I) center in switching on the quenching capabilities of the [Hg(C6X5)2] synthon with naphthalene. Theoretical studies confirmed the quenching ability of the organomercury species in the presence of gold.
Current Status of Textile Industry Wastewater Management and Research Progress in Malaysia: A Review
Authors: Pang Yean L. , Abdullah Ahmad Z.
Published: February 2013

Textile industry is one of the fastest growing industries and significantly contributes to the economic growth in Malaysia. However, this industry also has high water consumption and subsequently produces high discharge rate of wastewater with high load of contaminants. The release of dyes into the environment during textile fiber dyeing and finishing processes is a main source of water pollution. Individual wastewater treatment through physical, biological, or chemical method is often very costly and results in large amount of sludge. Thus, there is a need to look for alternative treatment processes that covers from pre to post wastewater treatment stage. This paper reviews the current scenario with respect to textile industry effluent in Malaysia and technologies available for the treatment of the effluent. Prospects, challenges, and recommendations for future direction as well as on‐going research works dedicated to the treatment of textile wastewater are also reviewed in detail.
The Effects of Environmental Conditions on Concentration and Emission of Ammonia in Chicken Farms during Summer Season
Authors: Simsek Ercan , Kilic Ilker , Yaslioglu Erkan , Arici Ismet
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a field study conducted in northwest Turkey and characterizes the NH3 concentration and emission measured in summer season from three chicken farms. The influence of environmental conditions on NH3 concentration and emission was also investigated in this study. Ammonia concentration, temperature, relative humidity and airflow rate were continuously recorded for four sequential days. The environmental conditions were measured using a multifunction temperature and humidity‐meter with a hot wire probe. Portable multiple gas detectors with electro‐chemical sensors were used to measure NH3 concentration. The NH3 emission rates for houses were calculated by multiplying simultaneously measured NH3 concentrations and air flow rates. The average daily mean (ADM) house concentrations of house 1 (H1), house 2 (H2), and house 3 (H3) were measured as 4.43, 3.71, and 6.20 ppm, respectively. NH3 concentration was inversely proportional to temperature (r = −0.279), relative humidity (r = −0.063) and airflow rate (r = −0.554) for all monitored houses. The ADM house NH3 emission was 135 g/(h house) for H1, 255 g/(h house) for H2, and 117 g/(h house) for H3. The combined average emission rate in this study (0.26 g/(d bird)) was lower than the emission rate measured in chicken farms in the USA. However, our results were comparable to rates calculated in European studies because house design, ventilation system and bird diet applied in Turkish chicken farms are very similar to those employed in European countries. The NH3 emissions were significantly correlated to NH3 concentrations (r = 0.45, p ≤ 0.001) and airflow rates (r = 0.97, p ≤ 0.001). A clear diurnal pattern was obtained for NH3 concentrations rather than NH3 emissions at the end of the study.
Accurate pKa Calculation of the Conjugate Acids of Alkanolamines, Alkaloids and Nucleotide Bases by Quantum Chemical Methods
Authors: Gangarapu Satesh , Marcelis Antonius T. M. , Zuilhof Han
Published: February 2013

The pKa of the conjugate acids of alkanolamines, neurotransmitters, alkaloid drugs and nucleotide bases are calculated with density functional methods (B3LYP, M08‐HX and M11‐L) and ab initio methods (SCS‐MP2, G3). Implicit solvent effects are included with a conductor‐like polarizable continuum model (CPCM) and universal solvation models (SMD, SM8). G3, SCS‐MP2 and M11‐L methods coupled with SMD and SM8 solvation models perform well for alkanolamines with mean unsigned errors below 0.20 pKa units, in all cases. Extending this method to the pKa calculation of 35 nitrogen‐containing compounds spanning 12 pKa units showed an excellent correlation between experimental and computational pKa values of these 35 amines with the computationally low‐cost SM8/M11‐L density functional approach.
Encoding anatomy: Developmental gene regulatory networks and morphogenesis
Authors: Ettensohn Charles A.
Published: February 2013

A central challenge of developmental and evolutionary biology is to explain how anatomy is encoded in the genome. Anatomy emerges progressively during embryonic development, as a consequence of morphogenetic processes. The specialized properties of embryonic cells and tissues that drive morphogenesis, like other specialized properties of cells, arise as a consequence of differential gene expression. Recently, gene regulatory networks (GRNs) have proven to be powerful conceptual and experimental tools for analyzing the genetic control and evolution of developmental processes. A major current goal is to link these transcriptional networks directly to morphogenetic processes. This review highlights three experimental models (sea urchin skeletogenesis, ascidian notochord morphogenesis, and the formation of somatic muscles in Drosophila) that are currently being used to analyze the genetic control of anatomy by integrating information of several important kinds: (1) morphogenetic mechanisms at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels that are responsible for shaping a specific anatomical feature, (2) the underlying GRN circuitry deployed in the relevant cells, and (3) modifications to gene regulatory circuitry that have accompanied evolutionary changes in the anatomical feature. genesis 51:383–409. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetic studies on the esterification of free fatty acids in jatropha oil
Authors: Rani Karna Narayana Prasanna , Kumar Thella Prathap , Neeharika Tulasi Sri Venkata Ramana , Satyavathi Bankupalli , Prasad Rachapudi Badari Narayana
Published: February 2013

Kinetic studies have been carried out on the esterification of free fatty acids (FFAs) in jatropha oil with methanol in the presence of sulphuric acid catalyst at 5 and 10 wt% concentrations relative to free fatty acids (0.4–0.8 wt% relative to oil) and methanol–FFA mole ratios ranging from 20:1 to 80:1. It has been found that a 60:1 methanol–FFA mole ratio and 5 wt% catalyst at 60°C and 500 rpm or above provided a final acid value lower than 1 mg KOH/g oil within 60 min. A kinetic model has been proposed with second‐order kinetics for both the forward and backward reactions. The effect of temperature on the reaction rate constants and equilibrium constant has been determined using Arrhenius and von't Hoff equations, respectively. The heat of reaction was found to be −11.102 kJ/mol.
Punishment and Reward Sensitivity: Are Naturally Occurring Clusters in These Traits Related to Eating and Weight Problems in Adolescents?
Authors: Matton Annelies , Goossens Lien , Braet Caroline , Vervaet Myriam
Published: February 2013

Little is known about the role of sensitivity to punishment (SP) and reward (SR) in eating problems during adolescence. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the naturally occurring clusters of high and low SP and SR among nonclinical adolescents and the between‐cluster differences in various eating problems and weight. A total of 579 adolescents (14–19 years, 39.8% boys) completed the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ), the Behavioural Inhibition System and Behavioural Activation System scales (BIS/BAS scales), the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire and the Child Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire and were weighed and measured. On the basis of the SPSRQ, four clusters were established, interpreted as lowSP × lowSR, lowSP × highSR, highSP × highSR and highSP × lowSR. These were associated with eating problems but not with adjusted body mass index. It seemed that specifically the highSP × highSR cluster outscored the other clusters on eating problems. These results were partly replicated with the BIS/BAS scales, although less significant relations between the clusters and eating problems were found. The implications of the findings in terms of possible risk and protective clusters are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Novel Benzothiazine Derivatives viaFormylation of 2,3‐Dihydro‐4H‐benzo[e][1,4]thiazin‐3‐on‐1,1‐dioxide
Authors: Popov Kirill , Volovnenko Tatyana , Volovenko Yulian
Published: February 2013

A simple, efficient, and clean protocol for the formylation of 2,3‐dihydro‐4H‐1,4‐benzo[e][1,4]thiazin‐3‐on‐1,1‐dioxide is developed. Novel benzothiazine derivatives are synthesized by the reactions of aminovinyl derivative 6 and carbaldehyde 7 with nucleophiles.
Perceived superiority of female condoms among female sex workers in India
Authors: Singh Ajay , Deshpande Sameer
Published: February 2013

This study emphasizes the importance of benefit orientation and the competitive advantage of benefits accrued from an improved social product vis‐à‐vis a current social product as components of a social marketing strategy in order to improve the effectiveness of behaviour change attempts. The views towards female and male condoms of 1939 female sex workers (FSWs) from nine cities in five states of India were investigated. FSWs perceived better peer and male client support, and a more attractive marketing strategy for female condoms over male condoms and thus were likely to use female condoms.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethylenically unsaturated polycarbosiloxanes for novel silicone hydrogels: synthesis, end‐group analysis, contact lens formulations, and structure–property correlations
Authors: Awasthi A. K. , Meng F. R. , Künzler J. F. , Linhardt J. G. , Papagelis P. , Oltean G. , Myers S. A.
Published: February 2013

A series of novel mono‐ethylenically unsaturated polycarbosiloxanes macromonomers as compatibilizer materials for soft silicon hydrogels were prepared from the anionic ring‐opening polymerization (AROP) of 2,2,5,5‐tetramethyl‐2,5‐disila‐1‐oxacyclopentane followed by methacrylation. The characterization was performed by end‐group analysis and included the determination of molecular weight, molecular weight distributions, end‐group functionality, and impurity profiles using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, gel permeation chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. The synthetic procedure was optimized to minimize the formation of any dimer that would have the potential to act as a low molecular weight cross linker. In addition, the novel di‐ethylenically unsaturated polycarbosiloxanes were synthesized by cationic polymerization. Use of these silicone derivatives was explored in the formulation of contact lenses, and the structure–property relationship was examined. When copoymerized with hydrophilic monomers, these were able to give transparent and wettable films with desired properties, particularly a low moduli for contact lenses. Contact lens with high modulus is often shown to impart a higher degree discomfort when worn upon the eye. It was clear from the structure–property relationship that the modulus and the tensile strength of the formulated material depend on the nature and length of the polycarbosiloxane used and may be tuned for the purpose as needed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combination of Bioautography with HPTLC–MS/NMR: A Fast Identification of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors from Galbanum†
Authors: Adhami Hamid‐Reza , Scherer Uta , Kaehlig Hanspeter , Hettich Timm , Schlotterbeck Götz , Reich Eike , Krenn Liselotte
Published: February 2013

Introduction

In the search for new natural compounds with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity this study focused on galbanum, the oleo gum‐resin from Ferula gummosa Boiss., which had shown AChE inhibitory activity in a screening.

Objective

The isolation of bioactive compounds from plant extracts usually is laborious and time consuming. In an approach to accelerate the characterisation of compounds with AChE inhibitory activity, the potential of a combination of HPTLC bioautography with HPTLC–MS/NMR for the fast identification of active compounds in galbanum was studied.

Method

Pre‐fractionation of the dichloromethane extract was performed by vacuum liquid chromatography. The resulting fractions were separated by HPTLC and active zones determined by bioautography. A TLC–MS interface was used to elute the single zones from the plates directly into a mass spectrometer. The interface was also used to extract the two major active zones from HPTLC plates for off‐line one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR and quadrupole time of flight (QTOF) MS.

Results

The isolated compounds were identified as 7‐{[(2E)‐3,7‐dimethylocta‐2,6‐dien‐1‐yl]oxy}‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (auraptene) and 7‐{[(1R,4aR,6S,8aS)‐6‐hydroxy‐5,5,8a‐trimethyl‐2‐methylenedecahydronaphthalen‐1‐yl]methoxy}‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (farnesiferol A). This is the first report of these substances in F. gummosa. Their median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for AChE inhibition were determined as 47 and 17 µg/mL in comparison with physostigmine as a positive control (IC50: 0.8 µg/mL) and their concentrations in galbanum were quantified by HPLC as 3.5% and 7.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

The study showed that HPTLC–MS/NMR can be considered as a fast and high‐confidence method for dereplication of natural compounds. From the correlation of the concentration of the elucidated compounds and their IC50 values for AChE inhibition it can be concluded that auraptene and farnesiferol A are contributing to this activity of galbanum. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile and effective promotion of β crystalline phase in poly(vinylidene fluoride) via the incorporation of imidazolium ionic liquids
Authors: He Linghao , Sun Jing , Wang Xiuxin , Wang Chuandao , Song Rui , Hao Yongmei
Published: February 2013

In this study, a facile and efficient protocol to enhance the β‐phase content of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is developed, in which the effect of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), including [1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium (bmim)][PF6], [bmim][BF4], [bmim][FeCl4] and [bmim][Cl], on the crystallization behavior of PVDF is investigated. The resulting PVDF/RTIL hybrids are characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, XRD, polarized optical microscopy (POM) and DSC. The FTIR spectroscopy and XRD results show that the fraction of β‐phase, F(β), is significantly enhanced by the incorporation of RTILs, specifically from 49.2% for neat PVDF to 92.6% for hybrid filled with 15 wt% [bmim][PF6]. The analysis of the crystallization behavior based on the DSC tests reveals that the degree of crystallinity increases with incorporation of RTILs, implying that RTILs could act as directing agents to facilitate the crystallization process, which is further evidenced by the POM results. In addition, the non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of PVDF and PVDF/RTIL composites are investigated by means of DSC and the results indicate that the addition of the RTILs significantly influences the mechanism of nucleation and growth of PVDF crystallites. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Factors affecting the liberation of alginate and associated polysaccharides from Durvillea potatorum
Authors: Kennedy John F. , Griffiths A. Jane , Barker S. Alan
Published: February 2013

A range of treatment protocols have been used to process the brown algal species Durvillea potatorum. The ease of extraction of the treated alginate and associated carbohydrates has been examined as has the composition of the resulting extracts. Extracts have been assessed by viscosity measurements and analysed for their colour, calcium, sodium, ash, amino acid and carbohydrate contents. Extensive investigations have shown that a range of treatments involving chloroethanoic and ethanoic acid produce products of useable viscosity and quality and that the carboxymethylation of seaweed sludge can be achieved.
Thermal behaviour of films of partially neutralized poly(acrylic acid). 1: Influence of metal ions
Authors: Nicholson John W. , Wilson Alan D.
Published: February 2013

A series of partially neutralized poly(acrylates) has been prepared, and reactions occurring on heating them at 250°C have been studied. It was found that different chemical processes occurred at this temperature, depending on the nature of the counter ion. Univalent cations gave films of excellent chemical resistance in which anhydride formation had occurred, followed by rapid and substantial decarboxylation. Polyvalent cations, by contrast, gave films which, though water insoluble, were of inferior chemical resistance. They were found to have undergone anhydride formation, but not subsequent decarboxylation.
Comparison of cellulolytic enzyme complexes of different fungal origin
Authors: Szakács‐Dobozi Maria , Halász Anna , Vámos‐Vigyázó Lilly , Szakács György
Published: February 2013

The cellulolytic culture filtrates of Trichoderma reesei QM 9414, Aspergillus terreus OKI 16/5 and Penicillium verruculosum WA 30 were purified and separated into components by one‐step preparative isoelectric focusing (IF). The culture filtrates, the mycelia and the separated components were investigated for cellulolytic (filter‐paper degrading (FPA), carboxymethylcellulose degrading (Cx), cotton hydrolyzing (C1), cellobiase) and proteinase B activities. The molecular weights of the cellulolytic fractions were determined by SDS‐electrophoresis.

The culture filtrates differed in the proportions of the various cellulolytic activities. The analytical IF separation of the enzyme complexes resulted in a total of 28–31 protein fractions, mostly glycoproteins. The complexes of the different culture filtrates were separated, by preparative IF, into 28 fractions each. The greatest part of the activities could be recovered in fractions 8–18.

The activities in the fractions were recovered to different extents. The main protein components in the enzyme complexes were found to be endoglucanases (Cx) with pI values between 3 and 6.

Most of the endoglucanases proved to be glycoproteins. FPA and cellobiase activities were recovered to various extents in the fractions of the three culture filtrates. Only small parts of the C1 activities were recovered in the Trichoderma and Penicillium fractions. The originally low C1 activity of the Aspergillus culture filtrate was recovered to 76% in the separated fractions. Most of the Cx activities were found to be lost. However, the separation losses were found to be reversible: on combining the fractions, the activities originally present in the culture filtrate were nearly entirely restored.

The molecular weights of the fractions of the different culture filtrates covered the range 10 000 to 70 000 D. The IF fractions of similar activity patterns also showed similar molecular weight distributions.

The relatively large number of isoenzymes is assumed to be the result of the endocellular proteinase activity present, which splits off the cellulase enzyme components from proenzymes of high molecular weight during the fermentation process.
Optimization of the design and preparation of nanoscale phospholipid bilayers for its application to solution NMR
Authors: Puthenveetil Robbins , Vinogradova Olga
Published: February 2013

Despite arduous efforts and recent technological developments structural investigation of integral membrane proteins remains a challenge. The primary deterrents include difficulties with their expression, low inherent solubility, and problems associated with existing membrane mimicking systems. A relatively new class of membrane mimetics, nanodiscs, is emerging as a promising alternative. Although nanodiscs have been proven successful for several biophysical applications, they yet remain to become the system of preferred choice for structure determination. We have hereby made nanodiscs more suitable for solution NMR applications by reducing the diameter of the self‐assembly complex to its potential limit. We achieved a noticeable improvement in the quality of NMR spectra obtained for the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of integrin αIIb incorporated into these smaller discs rendering them susceptible for a thorough structural investigation. In addition, we also present an on‐column method for a rapid, efficient, single‐step preparation of protein incorporated nanodiscs at high concentrations. These discs have been fully characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and differential scanning calorimetry. Proteins 2013; 81:1222–1231. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The electrocatalytic behavior of electrodeposited Ni–Mo–P alloy films towards ethanol electrooxidation
Authors: Hassan H. B. , Abdel Hamid Z.
Published: February 2013

Ternary Ni–Mo–P thin films have been electrodeposited from citrate‐based electrolyte onto graphite substrates for application as anode catalysts for ethanol electrooxidation. The operating deposition parameters were optimized to produce Ni–Mo–P alloy films of outstanding catalytic activity. The phase structure of the deposits was evaluated employing X‐ray diffraction technique. Morphology and chemical composition of the deposited alloy films were studied using scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, respectively. The results demonstrated that the rate of Ni–Mo–P deposition increases with increasing the ammonium molybdate concentration in the plating electrolyte up to 10 g l−1. Also, the amount of Mo in the deposits increases with increasing the ammonium molybdate concentration up to 7.5 g l−1, and the maximum Mo content in the film was 9.1 at.%. The catalytic activity of Ni–Mo–P/C alloy films has been evaluated towards electrooxidation of ethanol in 1.0 M NaOH solution by using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The catalytic performance of the prepared anodes as a function of the amount of Mo was studied. The results showed an increase in the oxidation peak current density of ethanol with increasing the Mo at.% in the deposited alloy films. Additionally, Ni–Mo–P/C electrodes displayed significantly improved catalytic activity and stability towards electrooxidation of ethanol compared with that of Ni–P/C electrode. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transportation fuels from biomass via fast pyrolysis and hydroprocessing
Authors: Elliott Douglas C.
Published: February 2013

Biomass is a renewable source of carbon, which could provide a means to reduce the greenhouse gas impact from fossil fuels in the transportation sector. Recycling of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, either by direct chemical conversion or via biomass growth based on solar energy provides the only renewable source of liquid fuels, which could displace petroleum‐derived products. Fast pyrolysis is a method of direct thermochemical conversion (nonbioconversion) of biomass to a liquid product. Although the direct conversion product, called bio‐oil, is liquid; it is not compatible with the fuel handling systems currently used for transportation. Upgrading the product via catalytic processing with hydrogen gas, hydroprocessing, is a means that has been demonstrated in the laboratory. By this processing, the bio‐oil can be deoxygenated to hydrocarbons, which can be useful replacements of the hydrocarbon distillates in petroleum. While the fast pyrolysis of biomass is presently commercial, the upgrading of the liquid product by hydroprocessing remains in development, although it is moving out of the laboratory into scaled‐up process demonstration systems.

This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Science and Materials

Bioenergy > Systems and Infrastructure
Adjuvant Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy after Hepatic Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Macroscopic Vascular Invasion
Authors: Nitta Hidetoshi , Beppu Toru , Imai Katsunori , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Chikamoto Akira , Baba Hideo
Published: February 2013

Background

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with macroscopic vascular invasion is extremely poor even after hepatic resection. We aimed to clarify the efficacy of adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAI) for HCC with vascular invasion.

Methods

A total of 73 HCC patients with macroscopic vascular invasion were divided into two groups: 38 with hepatectomy with HAI (HAI group) and 35 with hepatectomy alone (non‐HAI group). From 1997 to 2007, HAI was performed via an implanted injection port. The treatment comprised three courses of weekly infusion of HAI, which comprised cisplatin (10 mg daily on days 1–5) followed by 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU; 250 mg daily on days 1–5) infusion. From 2007, cisplatin (60 mg/m2), 5‐FU (600 mg/m2), and a mixture of mitomycin C (3 mg/m2) and degradable starch microspheres were administered for two courses.

Results

Overall, 92 % of patients completed adjuvant HAI. In the HAI and non‐HAI groups, the 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were 33.1 % and 11.8 %, respectively (p = 0.029), and the 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates were 46.7 % and 32.7 %, respectively (p = 0.318). Among the patients with Vp3/4 or Vv3 (n = 32) in the HAI group, the 3‐year DFS and OS rates were 33.7 % and 56.8 %, respectively (p = 0.049). Those in the non‐HAI group were 8.3 % and 12.0 %, respectively (p = 0.023). Cox proportional multivariate analysis for DFS revealed that HAI was an independent favorable prognostic factor in all 73 patients (hazard ratio 0.536; p = 0.029).

Conclusions

Adjuvant HAI for HCC patients with vascular invasion might reduce the risk of recurrence.
Phosphatidic acid metabolism in rat liver cell nuclei
Authors: Gaveglio Virginia L. , Pasquaré Susana J. , Giusto Norma M.
Published: February 2013

The aim of the present research was to analyze the pathways for phosphatidic acid metabolism in purified nuclei from liver. Lipid phosphate phosphatase, diacylglycerol lipase, monoacylglycerol lipase and PA‐phospholipase type A activities were detected. The presence of lysophosphatidic acid significantly reduced DAG production while sphingosine 1‐phoshate and ceramide 1‐phosphate reduced MAG formation from PA. Using different enzymatic modulators (detergents and ions) an increase in the PA metabolism by phospholipase type A was observed. Our findings evidence an active PA metabolism in purified liver nuclei which generates important lipid second messengers, and which could thus be involved in nuclear processes such as gene transcription.
Effects of Food or Sleep Deprivation During Civilian Survival Training on Clinical Chemistry Variables
Authors: Ståhle Lars , Granström Elisabeth , Ljungdahl Ståhle Ewa , Isaksson Sven , Samuelsson Anders , Rudling Mats , Sepp Harry
Published: February 2013

Objective

To describe clinical chemistry and weight changes after short-term food or sleep deprivation or multiple deprivations during civilian survival training.

Methods

Data from one baseline-controlled two-period crossover study designed to compare sleep deprivation for up to 50 hours with food deprivation for up to 66 hours (n = 12) and data from regular multiple-deprivations survival training comparing participants (n = 33) with nondeprived instructors (n = 10).

Results

Food deprivation was associated with decreased body weight, blood glucose, serum triglycerides, sodium, chloride, and urine pH, and there were increases in blood and urine ketones and serum free fatty acids. Sleep deprivation was associated with a minor decrease in hemoglobin and erythrocyte particle count and volume fraction and an increase in leukocytes.

Conclusions

The clinical chemistry and body weight changes associated with food deprivation were qualitatively similar to those observed in fasting obese patients but developed quicker in the survival training setting. Sleep deprivation had few effects on the clinical chemistry profile except for hematological variables. Physicians evaluating clinical chemistry data from patients subjected to short-term food or sleep deprivation should take the physiological state into account in their assessment.
Holy Child or Holy Terror? Understanding Jesus’ Anger in the Infancy Gospel of Thomas
Authors: Upson-Saia Kristi
Published: February 2013

Although scholars regularly take note of Jesus’ anger and violence in some scenes of theInfancy Gospel of Thomas, most attempt to explain them away. Since the text was copied by and circulated among early Christians, they reason, ancient readers must not have found them as shocking and offensive as modern readers. Based on contemporaneous discussions of anger, I argue instead that early Christian audiences would have been equally uncomfortable with stories of a short-tempered and vengeful young Jesus. In fact, I suggest that these stories were likely composed by opponents of Christianity who wished to undermine Jesus’ character and authority by presenting a compromised portrait of his youth. By absorbing critiques of Jesus into their own literature, however, Christian redactors were able to manage embarrassing stories about the boy Jesus and ultimately regain control of his image.
Particle-in-cell simulations of electron spin effects in plasmas
Authors: BRODIN GERT , HOLKUNDKAR AMOL , MARKLUND MATTIAS
Published: February 2013

We present a particle-in-cell code accounting for the magnetic dipole force and for the magnetization currents associated with the electron spin. The electrons are divided into spin-up and spin-down populations relative to the magnetic field, where the magnetic dipole force acts in opposite directions for the two species. To validate the code, we study wakefield generation by an electromagnetic pulse propagating parallel to an external magnetic field. The properties of the generated wakefield are shown to be in good agreement with previous theoretical results. Generalizations of the code to account for other quantum effects are discussed.
Safety-oriented path planning for articulated robots
Authors: Lacevic Bakir , Rocco Paolo
Published: February 2013

This work presents an approach to motion planning for robotic manipulators that aims at improving path quality in terms of safety. Safety is explicitly assessed using the quantity calleddanger field. The measure of safety can easily be embedded into a heuristic function that guides the exploration of the free configuration space. As a result, the resulting path is likely to have substantially higher safety margin when compared to one obtained by regular planning algorithms. To this end, four planning algorithms have been proposed. The first planner is based on volume trees comprised of bubbles of free configuration space, while the remaining ones represent modifications of classical sampling-based algorithms. Several numerical case studies are carried out to validate and compare the performance of the presented algorithms with respect to classical planners. The results indicate significantly lower danger metric for paths obtained by safety-oriented planners even with some decrease in running time.
Risk factors for methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusbacteraemia differ depending on the control group chosen
Authors: POGORZELSKA-MAZIARZ M. , FURUYA E. Y. , LARSON E. L.
Published: February 2013

Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) bacteraemia cause significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Using a nested case-control design, 204 MRSA bacteraemia cases were compared to 301 unmatched methicillin-susceptibleStaphylococcus aureus(MSSA) bacteraemia controls and were matched 1:2 with non-infected controls. The independent risk factors for MRSA bacteraemia compared to MSSA bacteraemia were older age (P = 0·048), major organ transplant during current hospital stay (P = 0·016) and quinolone use (P = 0·016). Cases were more likely than non-infected controls to have renal failure (P = 0·003), cirrhosis (P = 0·013), and a central venous catheter (P = 0·003) after controlling for other risk factors. This large case-control study made it possible to assess risk factors for MRSA bacteraemia using two sets of controls and showed that risk factors differed greatly depending on the control group chosen. These results confirm the need for careful selection of appropriate control groups and the need to carefully adjust for underlying severity of illness.
Difficulties in Planning Among Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Relative Consequence of Deficits in Information Processing Speed
Authors: Owens Emily M. , Denney Douglas R. , Lynch Sharon G.
Published: February 2013

Previous studies show that MS patients take longer than healthy controls to plan their solutions to Tower of London (TOL) problems but yield conflicting results regarding the quality of their solutions. The present study evaluated performance under untimed or timed conditions to assess the possibility that differences in planning ability only occur when restrictions in solution times are imposed. MS patients (n = 39) and healthy controls (n = 43) completed a computerized version of the TOL under one of two conditions. In the untimed condition, participants were allowed as much time as needed on each problem. In the timed condition, limits were imposed on solution times and time remaining was displayed with each problem. Patients exhibited longer planning times than controls, and the disparity between groups increased with problem difficulty. Planning performance depended upon condition. In the untimed condition, patients and controls performed equally well. When solution times were restricted, however, patients solved fewer problems than controls. MS patients’ planning ability is intact when permitted sufficient time to formulate the required plan. Deficiencies in planning are only evident when time is restricted, and, therefore, are more accurately considered a relative consequence of disease-related problems in information processing speed. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–8)
Factor Structure of Neurocognition and Functional Capacity in Schizophrenia: A Multidimensional Examination of Temporal Stability
Authors: Harvey Philip D. , Raykov Tenko , Twamley Elizabeth W. , Vella Lea , Heaton Robert K. , Patterson Thomas L.
Published: February 2013

Although neurocognition is commonly described in terms of different functional domains, some factor analytic studies have suggested a simpler dimensional structure for neuropsychological (NP) tests in patients with schizophrenia. Standardized tasks of everyday functioning, or tests of “functional capacity” (FC), are viewed differently from traditional NP tests, and are hence used as a co-primary measure in treatment studies. However, FC and NP tests have been found to be highly correlated. In fact, a recent study of ours suggested that performances on these different types of tasks constituted a single latent trait in a cross-sectional analysis. The current study examined the longitudinal factor structure of a combined set of NP and FC tests. Patients with schizophrenia (n= 195) were examined at two assessment occasions separated by periods ranging from 6 weeks to 6 months. Participants were assessed with the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and two performance-based assessments of FC. A single latent trait was extracted using full information maximum likelihood procedures, and its temporal stability was examined in terms of: stability of the latent trait scores, the inter-correlations of the three indicators of the latent trait, and the stability of loadings for the FC and NP items underlying the latent trait at the two measurement occasions. All indices of temporal stability were confirmed, with stability not related to follow-up duration. Variation in clinical symptoms and treatments across the measurement occasions was negligible. These findings raise the question of whether cognitive abilities measured by NP tests and FC instruments are tapping a single ability construct, which might have shared causal influences as well. (JINS, 2013,19, 1–8)
Nurses’ misperceptions of weight status associated with their body weight, demographics and health status
Authors: Zhu Daqiau , Norman Ian J , While Alison E
Published: February 2013

Objective

To assess the agreement between self-perceived weight status and BMI status, calculated from self-reported height and weight, in nurses and to evaluate the relationship between weight status misperceptions and personal body weight, demographics and health status.

Design

Cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

Setting

A large university in London, UK.

Subjects

Four hundred and fifty-six student nurses and 588 qualified nurses attending university were surveyed; 355 student nurses and 409 qualified nurses completed questionnaires representing a response rate of 78 % and 70 %, respectively.

Results

The respondents were mainly female (90·0 %), 66·5 % were white and their mean age was 31 years. Sixty-eight per cent of qualified nurses and 77 % of student nurses correctly perceived their weight status. In logistic regression, (mixed) black ethnicity (OR = 2·53, 95 % CI 1·01, 6·32), overweight by BMI (OR = 3·10, 95 % CI 1·31, 7·33) and ≥3 family histories of obesity co-morbidities (OR = 2·51, 95 % CI 1·04, 6·08) were significantly associated with misperceptions in the sample of student nurses, whereas overweight by BMI (OR = 5·32, 95 % CI 2·66, 10·67) was the only significant variable in the sample of qualified nurses.

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of nurses misclassified their weight status. Nurses’ misperception of weight status was related to their own BMI status, ethnic background and obesity-related family histories. Being aware of this may help nurses not only promote their own healthy weight, but also fulfil their public health role to practise weight management successfully with both patients and the public. While limitations of the sample mean that the study findings cannot be generalized, they do provide grounds for future larger-scale research.
Replacement of meat and dairy by plant-derived foods: estimated effects on land use, iron and SFA intakes in young Dutch adult females
Authors: Temme Elisabeth HM , van der Voet Hilko , Thissen Jac TNM , Verkaik-Kloosterman Janneke , van Donkersgoed Gerda , Nonhebel Sanderine
Published: February 2013

Objective

Reduction in the current high levels of meat and dairy consumption may contribute to environmental as well as human health. Since meat is a major source of Fe, effects on Fe intake need to be evaluated, especially in groups vulnerable to negative Fe status. In the present study we evaluated the effects of replacing meat and dairy foods with plant-based products on environmental sustainability (land requirement) and health (SFA and Fe intakes) in women.

Design

Data on land requirements were derived from existing calculation methods. Food composition data were derived from the Dutch Food Composition Table 2006. Data were linked to the food consumption of young Dutch women. Land requirements and nutrient intakes were evaluated at baseline and in two scenarios in which 30 % (Scenario_30 %) or 100 % (Scenario_100 %) of the dairy and meat consumption was randomly replaced by the same amount of plant-based dairy- and meat-replacing foods.

Setting

The Netherlands.

Subjects

Three hundred and ninety-eight young Dutch females.

Results

Replacement of meat and dairy by plant-based foods benefited the environment by decreasing land use. The intake of SFA decreased considerably compared with the baseline situation. On average, total Fe intake increased by 2·5 mg/d, although most of the Fe intake was from a less bioavailable source.

Conclusions

Replacement of meat and dairy foods by plant-based foods reduced land use for consumption and SFA intake of young Dutch females and did not compromise total Fe intake.
A TWO-STRAIN EPIDEMIC MODEL WITH UNCERTAINTY IN THE INTERACTION
Authors: ROBERTS M. G.
Published: February 2013

Annual epidemics of influenza A typically involve two subtypes, with a degree of cross-immunity. We present a model of an epidemic of two interacting viruses, where the degree of cross-immunity may be unknown. We treat the unknown as a second independent variable, and expand the dependent variables in orthogonal functions of this variable. The resulting set of differential equations is solved numerically. We show that if the population is initially more susceptible to one variant, if that variant invades earlier, or if it has a higher basic reproduction number than the other variant, then its dynamics are largely unaffected by cross-immunity. In contrast, the dynamics of the other variant may be considerably restricted.
Outflow from Hot Accretion Flows
Authors: Yuan Feng , Bu Defu , Wu Maochun
Published: February 2013

Numerical simulations of hot accretion flows have shown that the mass accretion rate decreases with decreasing radius. Two models have been proposed to explain this result. In the adiabatic inflow-outflow solution (ADIOS), it is thought to be due to the loss of gas in outflows. In the convection-dominated accretion flow (CDAF) model, it is explained as because that the gas is locked in convective eddies. In this paper we use hydrodynamical (HD) and magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) simulations to investigate which one is physical. We calculate and compare various properties of inflow (gas with an inward velocity) and outflow (gas with an outward velocity). Systematic and significant differences are found. For example, for HD flows, the temperature of outflow is higher than inflow; while for MHD flows, the specific angular momentum of outflow is much higher than inflow. We have also analyzed the convective stability of MHD accretion flow and found that they are stable. These results suggest that systematic inward and outward motion must exist, i.e., the ADIOS model is favored. The different properties of inflow and outflow also suggest that the mechanisms of producing outflow in HD and MHD flows are buoyancy associated with the convection and the centrifugal force associated with the angular momentum transport mediated by the magnetic field, respectively. The latter mechanism is similar to the Blandford & Payne mechanism but no large-scale open magnetic field is required here. Possible observational applications are briefly discussed.
Feeding Neutron Stars in High-Mass X-ray Binaries
Authors: Fu L. , Zhang Z. , Li X.-D.
Published: February 2013

We suggest that the Be/X-ray binary SXP 1062 and the supergiant fast X-ray transient AX J1841.0-0536 belong to accreting magnetars and anti-magnetars, respectively.
High Speed Optical Photometry of LMXBs and CVs
Authors: Mason Paul A. , Robinson Edward L. , Gomez Sebastian , Gonzalez Emmanuel , Lopez Isaac D. , Monroy Lorena , Price Alex
Published: February 2013

High speed photometry of several accreting binaries was obtained using the McDonald Observatory 2.1m telescope and ARGOS CCD photometer. A broad-band filter (BVR) was used in order to maximize flux and maintain a short (1-10s) integration time on faint targets. Such observations obtained over several years allow for variability study over time scales covering many orders of magnitude. Observations and analysis for several binaries are summarized.
Accretion disc variability in AGN
Authors: Arévalo Patricia
Published: February 2013

The central engine of AGN is too compact to be observed directly so its structure has to be inferred through the combination of spectral and variability information. Here we study the connection between optical-emitting accretion disc and X-ray emitting corona of the Seyfert NGC3783. Short light curves are consistent with optical fluctuations arising from X-ray reprocessing, but the long-term fluctuations found over the course of several years prove that at least long-term optical variability is not produced by the X-rays: at time-scales longer than 1 year the variability power in the optical is higher than in the X-rays. This indicates variability originating in the thin accretion disc itself, therefore capable of revealing its characteristics.
Wave modes from the magnetorotational instability in accretion discs
Authors: Di Bernardo Giuseppe , Torkelsson Ulf
Published: February 2013

The magnetorotational instability (MRI) is widely believed to be the source of turbulence in accretion discs. This turbulence is responsible for the anomalous angular momentum transport in accretion discs. The turbulence will affect other aspects of the dynamics of the disc as well, and we will concentrate on two such issues: a) what kind of oscillations can be excited by the turbulence itself, and b) how the turbulence is interacting with modes that have been excited by some other agent. This is of interest in understanding the quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) that have been observed in the X-ray light curves of accreting neutron star and black hole binaries. We carry out local three dimensional (3D) magnetohydrodynamic simulations of a keplerian differentially rotating accretion disc, using a shearing box configuration taking in account the effects of the vertical stratification.