bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nasoseptal flap repair after endoscopic transsellar versus expanded endonasal approaches: Is there an increased risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak?
Authors: Eloy Jean Anderson , Choudhry Osamah J. , Shukla Pratik A. , Kuperan Arjuna B. , Friedel Mark E. , Liu James K.
Published: April 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The development of expanded endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) has allowed resection of cranial‐base lesions beyond the sella. One major criticism is an increased risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage because of the larger skull base defect. We evaluated our experience with vascularized pedicled nasoseptal flap (PNSF) reconstruction and compared the postoperative CSF leak rates between patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal (transsellar) approaches versus expanded EEA (transplanum‐transtuberculum, transcribriform, transclival).

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis at a tertiary care medical center.

Methods:

A retrospective review of a prospective database was performed on patients who underwent PNSF reconstruction for intraoperative high‐flow CSF leaks after EEA between December 2008 and August 2011. Demographic data, repair materials, surgical approach, and incidence of postoperative CSF leaks were collected.

Results:

Thirty‐seven transsellar defects (group I) were repaired with a PNSF, and 32 expanded EEA defects (19 transplanum‐transtuberculum, 10 transcribriform, three transclival) (group II) were repaired with a PNSF. No postoperative CSF leaks occurred in group I. One delayed postoperative CSF leak was encountered in group II leading to a 3.1% leak rate in that group. The incidence of postoperative CSF leakage was not significantly different between the two groups (P > .05). Our overall success rate in this series using a PNSF was 98.6%.

Conclusions:

Based on our data, there is no significant increased risk of postoperative CSF leak between transsellar and expanded EEA defects when a PNSF is used. The potential risk of postoperative CSF leaks associated with larger defects created through expanded EEA can be minimized by multilayered closure with a PNSF and meticulous surgical technique.
Differences in sensitivity to rocuronium among orbicularis oris muscles innervated by normal or damaged facial nerves and gastrocnemius muscle innervated by somatic nerve in rats
Authors: Zhou Ru‐Yuan , Xu Jing , Chi Fang‐Lu , Chen Lian‐Hua , Li Shi‐Tong
Published: April 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate mechanisms of discrepant responses to the nondepolarizing muscle relaxant rocuronium among normal and injured facial nerve‐innervated orbicularis oris and tibial nerve‐innervated gastrocnemius, and to provide information for the proper use of muscle relaxants to balance evoked electromyography (EEMG) monitoring and immobility in general anesthesia.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled study.

Methods:

Right‐sided facial nerve injury was induced by crush axotomy in 18 Sprague‐Dawley rats. At different rocuronium concentrations, muscular tension amplitude (MTA) was determined in vitro for normal and injured facial nerve‐innervated orbicularis oris and gastrocnemius; the number of unsaturated acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at end plates was determined by125I‐α‐bungarotoxin staining followed with gamma spectroscopy. The morphological composition of muscle fibers was determined by histological examination.

Results:

Following rocuronium incubation, the percentage of MTA inhibition (MTAI%) of gastrocnemius was significantly higher than the corresponding values of orbicularis oris (P< .05), and the degree of saturation of AChR in gastrocnemius was significantly greater than that in orbicularis oris (P< .05). The baseline MTA and AChR density of injured‐side orbicularis oris was significantly smaller than those of the normal side, whereas no significant difference was found regarding MTAI% and the degree of AChR saturation between the normal and injured side.

Conclusions:

The affinity of AChR at end plates and different number of AChR per unit fiber cross‐sectional area may be the mechanisms for differential sensitivities to neuromuscular blockers between facial nerve‐innervated muscles and somatic nerve‐innervated muscles. The lower EEMG responses in the impaired facial nerve‐innervated muscles may result from the lower AChR density at end plates compared with the normal facial nerve‐innervated muscles.
Tongue adiposity and strength in healthy older adults
Authors: Butler Susan G. , Lintzenich Catherine Rees , Leng Xiaoyan , Stuart Andrew , Feng Xin , Carr J. Jeffrey , Kritchevsky Stephen B.
Published: April 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To identify treatable risk factors for aspiration in older adults, particularly those associated with sarcopenia, we examined tongue composition. We hypothesized that isometric and swallowing posterior tongue strength would positively correlate with posterior tongue adiposity, and healthy older adults who aspirate would have greater tongue adiposity than healthy older adults who did not aspirate.

Study Design:

Prospective.

Methods:

Participants were 40 healthy adults, comprised of 20 aspirators (mean age, 78 years) and 20 nonaspirators (mean age, 81 years), as identified via flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. Measures of maximal isometric posterior tongue strength and posterior swallowing tongue strength were acquired via tongue manometry. An index of posterior tongue adiposity was acquired via computed tomography for a 1‐cm region of interest.

Results:

Posterior tongue adiposity was correlated with posterior tongue isometric (r = 0.32, P = .05) but not swallowing pressures (P > .05) as examined with separate partial correlation analyses. Tongue adiposity did not significantly differ as a function of age, gender, or aspiration status (P > .05).

Conclusions:

Lower posterior isometric tongue strength was associated with greater posterior tongue adiposity. However, aspiration in healthy older adults was not affected by posterior tongue adiposity. This finding offers insight into the roles of tongue composition and strength in healthy older adults.
Metal‐Free and Metallated Polymers: Properties and Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Ng Annie , Ho Cheuk‐Lam , Fung Man Kin , Sun Ye Chuan , Shao Shu‐Yan , Fu Ying‐Ying , Ng Alan Man Ching , Li Chi Ho , Cheung Wai Kei , Leung Yu Hang , Djurišić Aleksandra B. , Wang Qiwei , He Ze , Wang Xingzhu , Chan Wai‐Kin , Xie Zhi‐Yuan , Zapien Juan Antonio , To Chap Hang , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: April 2012

We have studied the properties of organic and organometallic polymers based on a similar chemical structure to elucidate the influence of the metal center on the optical and electronic properties of the polymers as well as their photovoltaic performance. Detailed characterization of the optical properties of both polymers is performed and film morphology and photovoltaic performance are compared. Metal‐containing polymers exhibit red‐shifted absorption and under optimal processing conditions exhibit different film morphology compared with the metal‐free ones. Our results indicate that organometallic polymers represent a promising class of compounds for improved performance in photovoltaic cells.
Design and Synthesis of Novel “Orthogonally” Functionalizable Maleimide‐Based Styrenic Copolymers
Authors: Yilmaz Idil Ipek , Arslan Mehmet , Sanyal Amitav
Published: April 2012

Polymers containing maleimide groups on their side chains have been synthesized by utilization of a novel styrenic monomer containing a masked‐maleimide unit. AIBN initiated free radical polymerization and reverse addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization was utilized for synthesis of copolymers containing masked maleimide groups as side chains. The maleimide groups were unmasked via the retro Diels–Alder reaction. Orthogonally functionalizable copolymers were obtained by copolymerization of the maleimide‐based monomer with other reactive monomers to yield copolymers that are reactive towards thiol‐ and amine‐containing molecules, or two different thiol‐containing molecules sequentially via the nucleophilic thiol‐ene and the free‐radical thiol‐ene “click” reactions.
pH‐Induced Shape‐Memory Polymers
Authors: Han Xiao‐Juan , Dong Zhen‐Qiang , Fan Min‐Min , Liu Yan , li Jian‐Hu , Wang Yi‐Fu , Yuan Qi‐Juan , Li Bang‐Jing , Zhang Sheng
Published: April 2012

A novel pH sensitive shape‐memory polymer (SMP) is prepared by cross‐linking the β‐cyclodextrin modified alginate (β‐CD‐Alg) and diethylenetriamine modified alginate (DETA‐Alg): The pH reversible β‐CD‐DETA inclusion complexes serve as a reversible phase, and the cross‐linked alginate chains serve as a fixing phase. It is shown that this material can be processed into temporary shape as we needs at pH 11.5 and recover to its initial shape at pH 7. The recovery ratio and the fixity ratio were 95.7 ± 0.9% and 94.8 ± 1.1%, respectively. Furthermore, this material showed good degradability and biocompatibility. Because the shape transition pH value is quite close to that of our body fluid and this pH triggered shape‐memory effect is convenient and safe to use, this material has a high potential for medical application.
Sensitivity importance‐based robust optimization of structures with incomplete probabilistic information
Authors: Chakraborty Subrata , Bhattacharjya Soumya , Haldar Achintya
Published: April 2012

Robust design optimization (RDO) is usually performed by minimizing the nominal value of a performance function and its dispersion considering equal importance to each individual gradient of the performance function. However, it is well known that all gradients are not equally important. An efficient sensitivity importance‐based RDO technique is proposed in the present study for optimum design of structures characterized by bounded uncertain input parameters. The basic idea of the proposed RDO formulation is to improve the robustness of a performance function by using a new gradient index that utilizes the importance factors proportional to the importance of the gradients of the performance function. The same concept is also extended to the constraints. To enhance the robustness of the constraints, the constraint functions are also modified by using the importance factor proportional to the importance of the associated gradient of the constraint. Because all the variables are not equally important to capture the presence of uncertainty, an improved robust solution is obtained by the proposed approach compared with the conventional RDO approach. The present formulation is illustrated with the help of three informative examples. The results are compared with the conventional RDO results to study the effectiveness of the proposed RDO approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The publication of Australian Press Council Adjudication 1468: a failure to meet ‘due prominence’ requirements
Authors: Donovan Robert John , Wilkes Edward , Fielder Lynda , Jalleh Geoffrey
Published: April 2012

The Australian Press Council, the print media self‐regulation body in Australia that receives and adjudicates complaints by the public, states that upheld adjudications are to be published with ‘due prominence’. The Council defines ‘due prominence’ as publishing the adjudication such that it is ‘likely to be read by those who saw the offending material’. In 2010 the Council upheld a complaint about misleading material that occurred on the front page of a newspaper. The complaint included that the misleading front page material triggered a large number of insulting letters about the person in that story which the newspaper published the following day. The newspaper published the upheld adjudication (no. 1468) on the letters page even though the primary offending material occurred on the front page. Rather than seek re‐publication in a more prominent location, the Australian Press Council accepted the newspaper's placement as satisfying their ‘due prominence’ requirement.

Given the apparent inconsistency between publication of the adjudication on the letters page and the ‘likely to be read by’ definition of due prominence, we provided 100 adult newspaper readers with brief details of the upheld complaint and the definition of due prominence and asked where in the paper the adjudication should be published. Contrary to the Council's acceptance of the location of the newspaper's publication of the adjudication, the vast majority of newspaper readers (88%) responded with the front page (62%) or the first three pages (26%). This discrepancy is discussed in the context of the efficacy of self‐regulation and the ethical standards of bodies charged with ethical governance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional structure in holographic polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals
Authors: Redler Andreas , Kitzerow Heinz‐S.
Published: April 2012

Polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals, heterogeneous structures consisting of a liquid crystal and a polymer, are promising materials for generating holograms with switchable diffraction efficiency. The experiments presented here reveal that the generation of a face‐centered cubic structure can be achieved by exposing a liquid crystal/reactive monomer mixture to the interference pattern of four coherent laser beams under appropriate geometrical conditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Profiles of Steroidal Saponins from the Aerial Parts of Tribulus pentandrus, T. megistopterus subsp. pterocarpus and T. parvispinus by LC‐ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Hamed Arafa I. , Janda Bogdan , Mahalel Usama A. , Stochmal Anna , Oleszek Wieslaw
Published: April 2012

Introduction

Tribulus is a well‐known pharmaceutical herb that has been used for a long time in the traditional Chinese and Indian systems of medicine for the treatment of various diseases. It has been found that the genus Tribulus is rich in biologically active furostane‐, cholestane‐ and spirostane‐type steroidal saponins.

Objective

To develop a rapid, sensitive and accurate method based on liquid‐phase extraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HPLC‐ESI‐MS) to identify different saponins in three species of the genus Tribulus, and to quantify the compounds that are already known.

Methodology

After extraction from the species studied, the extracts were subjected to HPLC analyses with an XTerra® MS C18‐column and a binary mobile phase consisting of 0.05% formic acid in water and acetonitrile, and with an ESI‐MS detection in the negative ion mode. Data were acquired and processed using the Xcalibur 1.3 software.

Results

The results exhibited that the profiles of native steroidal glycosides of both T. pentandrus and T. megistopterus subsp. pterocarpus were very similar to each other, but that of T. parvispinus was remarkably different. The fragmentation patterns provided evidence that the saponins possess spirostane‐, cholestane‐ and furostane‐type aglycones. Quantitative analyses suggested that these species are a rich source of steroidal saponins.

Conclusion

HPLC–ESI‐MS/MS allowed identification of the key compounds without preparative isolation of the components from the crude extract of Tribulus species. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Normal’ nuchal translucency: a justification to refrain from detailed scan? Analysis of 6858 cases with special reference to ethical aspects
Authors: Becker Rolf , Schmitz Lothar , Kilavuz Stefania , Stumm Markus , Wegner Rolf‐Dieter , Bittner Uta
Published: April 2012

Objective

To assess the prevalence and detection rate of major anomalies (MAs) by applying first trimester anomaly scan (FTAS) including first trimester fetal echocardiography (FTFE) to all fetuses and discuss ethical implications.

Methods

The study group included 6879 consecutive fetuses with known outcome of pregnancy (follow‐up: 98%), 6565 with ‘normal’ nuchal translucency (NT) (≤P95), 314 with ‘increased’ NT (>P95). All fetuses received FTAS/FTFE. As MAs with the potential of being detected at FTAS/FTFE, we defined anomalies present at conception or developed during first trimester.

Results

Prevalence of MAs in fetuses with ‘normal’ NT reached 1.7%. Although 29.8% of chromosomal abnormalities were found in the group of ‘normal’ NT, 77% of MAs accompanied by a normal karyotype were found in this group. In fetuses with ‘normal’ NT and MA, diagnosis was made prenatally in 87.4% (FTAS/FTFE: 58.6%).

Conclusion

A relevant number of MA is present in fetuses with ‘normal’ NT. More than half will be detected by FTAS/FTFE. As consequence, one should discuss a concept in which also in fetuses with ‘normal’ NT, FTAS/FTFE should be offered. This concept can also be justified from an ethical point of view, which focuses on the principles of nonmaleficence, justice and respect for autonomy of the pregnant woman. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome by identification of a novel CHD7 mutation in a previously unaffected family
Authors: Colin Estelle , Bonneau Dominique , Boussion Francoise , Guichet Agnès , Delorme Benoit , Triau Stéphane , Gillard Phillippe , Kitzis Alain , Bilan Frederic
Published: April 2012

CHARGE syndrome comprises ocular coloboma (C), heart malformation (H), choanal atresia (A), retardation of growth and/or anomalies of the central nervous system (R), genital anomalies (G) and ear anomalies (E). Prenatal diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome may be suspected in the presence of specific major anomalies at ultrasound examination. We describe prenatal diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome confirmed by identification of a mutation in CHD7 gene in a previously unaffected family. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using published criteria to develop a list of potentially inappropriate medications for elderly patients in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Chirn‐Bin , Yang Shu‐Yu , Lai Hsiu‐Yun , Wu Ru‐Shu , Liu Hsing‐Cheng , Hsu Hsiu‐Ying , Hwang Shinn‐Jang , Chan Ding‐Cheng
Published: April 2012

Background

Explicit criteria for potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) developed from other regions were often difficult to apply to a specific territory without significant modifications.

Purpose

To describe a process of developing a country‐specific explicit PIM criteria from quality review of several published PIM criteria, followed by consensus among regional experts in Taiwan.

Methods

After a review of the literature, we selected seven sets of published PIM criteria. Medications/medication classes listed in at least three of the seven sets of criteria were selected as preliminary core PIMs. We asked a group of 21 experts from various specialties to rate how appropriate they found inclusion of each medication/medication class in final PIM criteria after two rounds of modified Delphi methods.

Results

Table 1 of the instrument included 24 medication/medication classes to be generally avoided in older adults irrespective of co‐morbidities, and Table 2 included 12 chronic conditions with six medication/medication classes that patients with these conditions should avoid. The Taiwan criteria contained only half the number of statements that were included in the Beers criteria (36 vs 68 statements) but detected nearly 70–75% as many PIMs in older patients with polypharmacy in a secondary data analysis. Features included straightforward statement arrangements, suggestions of alternatives, and clear definitions of long‐acting benzodiazepine and anticholinergic drugs for Table 1 PIMs.

Conclusion

A user‐friendly instrument was developed to detect PIMs for Taiwanese older adults. Further prospective studies are needed to validate its use in clinical and research settings. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative evaluation of the drug interaction screening programs MediQ and ID PHARMA CHECK in neurological inpatients
Authors: Zorina Olesya I. , Haueis Patrick , Semmler Alexander , Marti Isabelle , Gonzenbach Roman R. , Guzek Markus , Kullak‐Ublick Gerd A. , Weller Michael , Russmann Stefan
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The comparative evaluation of clinical decision support software (CDSS) programs regarding their sensitivity and positive predictive value for the identification of clinically relevant drug interactions.

Methods

In this research, we used a cross‐sectional study that identified potential drug interactions using the CDSS MediQ and the ID PHARMA CHECK in 484 neurological inpatients. Interactions were reclassified according to the Zurich Interaction System, a multidimensional classification that incorporates the Operational Classification of Drug Interactions.

Results

In 484 patients with 2812 prescriptions, MediQ and ID PHARMA CHECK generated a total of 1759 and 1082 alerts, respectively. MediQ identified 658 unique potentially interacting combinations, 8 classified as “high danger,” 164 as “average danger,” and 486 as “low danger.” ID PHARMA CHECK detected 336 combinations assigned to one or several of 12 risk and management categories. Altogether, both CDSS issued alerts relating to 808 unique potentially interacting combinations. According to the Zurich Interaction System, 6 of these were contraindicated, 25 were provisionally contraindicated, 190 carried a conditional risk, and 587 had a minimal risk of adverse events. The positive predictive value for alerts having at least a conditional risk was 0.24 for MediQ and 0.48 for ID PHARMA CHECK.

Conclusions

CDSS showed major differences in the identification and grading of interactions, and many interactions were only identified by one of the two CDSS. For both programs, only a small proportion of all identified interactions appeared clinically relevant, and the selected display of alerts that imply management changes is a key issue in the further development and local setup of such programs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Injectable hydrogels
Authors: Overstreet Derek J. , Dutta Dipankar , Stabenfeldt Sarah E. , Vernon Brent L.
Published: April 2012

Hydrogels are promising for a variety of medical applications due to their high water content and mechanical similarity to natural tissues. When made injectable, hydrogels can reduce the invasiveness of application, which in turn reduces surgical and recovery costs. Key schemes used to make hydrogels injectable include in situ formation due to physical and/or chemical cross‐linking. Advances in polymer science have provided new injectable hydrogels for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. A number of these injectable hydrogel systems have reached the clinic and impact the health care of many patients. However, a significant remaining challenge is translating the ever‐growing family of injectable hydrogels developed in laboratories around the world to the clinic. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Structure of a novel PTH‐related peptide hPTH′ and its interaction with the PTH receptor
Authors: Lin Kejiang , Len Yonggan , Feng Jao , Gao Hongchang , You Qidong , Lin Donghai , Liu Jingjing
Published: April 2012

We have previously shown that a recombinant human PTH fragment, Pro‐Pro‐[Arg11] hPTH (1–34)‐Pro‐Pro‐Asp (hPTH′), could be a potentially better and more cost‐effective therapeutic agent than PTH (1–34) on osteoporosis. In this report, we characterized the solution conformations of hPTH′ by NMR spectroscopy and modeled the interactions between the hPTH′ and the PTH receptor. By comparing it with PTH (1–34) structures and their respective interactions with the PTH receptor, we identified two segments of helix extending from Ile5 to Met8 and from Glu22 to Gln29 with a divided kink between the two helixes around Arg20. Mutated arginine makes hPTH′ fill the receptor cavity better as well as forms hydrogen bonds with Val193. Understanding the ligand receptor interactions will help us design small molecules to better mimic the activities of PTH. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Promotion of Hair Growth by Rosmarinus officinalis Leaf Extract
Authors: Murata Kazuya , Noguchi Kazuma , Kondo Masato , Onishi Mariko , Watanabe Naoko , Okamura Katsumasa , Matsuda Hideaki
Published: April 2012

Topical administration of Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract (RO‐ext, 2 mg/day/mouse) improved hair regrowth in C57BL/6NCrSlc mice that experienced hair regrowth interruption induced by testosterone treatment. In addition, RO‐ext promoted hair growth in C3H/He mice that had their dorsal areas shaved. To investigate the antiandrogenic activity mechanism of RO‐ext, we focused on inhibition of testosterone 5α‐reductase, which is well recognized as one of the most effective strategies for the treatment of androgenic alopecia. RO‐ext showed inhibitory activity of 82.4% and 94.6% at 200 and 500 µg/mL, respectively. As an active constituent of 5α‐reductase inhibition, 12‐methoxycarnosic acid was identified with activity‐guided fractionation. In addition, the extract of R. officinalis and 12‐methoxycarnosic acid inhibited androgen‐dependent proliferation of LNCaP cells as 64.5% and 66.7% at 5 µg/mL and 5 μM, respectively. These results suggest that they inhibit the binding of dihydrotestosterone to androgen receptors. Consequently, RO‐ext is a promising crude drug for hair growth. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supply and Demand Chain Integration: A Case Study Conducted in the Packaging Industry
Authors: Dominic Chris
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this work was to study the packaging supplier and the integration of integrating packaging suppliers into the supply and demand chain (SDC). The packaging industry has been analyzed using a structured market analysis, and the companies studied have been positioned in an integration model for packaging suppliers. In addition, case studies were conducted to study the development of the packaging industry and its integration within the SDC in the Scandinavian region.

The analysis shows that there are gaps in the business relations between the packaging companies studied and the SDC. Most of the packaging suppliers were not integrated into the SDC. Valuable information, available in the network, seldom reaches the packaging supplier who holds the knowledge necessary to create and offer innovative packaging solutions.

The article provides an empirical exploration into the field of packaging, logistics and SDC integration and an original conceptual framework that could serve as a theoretical framework for future research work applied in the packaging industry and an interesting business model to the increase understanding of packaging supply chain integration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using 3D finite volume for the pressure‐gradient force in atmospheric models
Authors: Bradley M. E. , Dowling T. E.
Published: April 2012

The horizontal pressure‐gradient force is traditionally discretized in partial‐differential equation (PDE) form in atmospheric models, but may alternatively be discretized as the net normal surface force divided by the mass, which is referred to as the Green–Gauss method in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The latter approach is ubiquitous in engineering because of the utility of unstructured grids; in the meteorological context Lin derived in 1997 a two‐dimensional (2D), plane‐parallel, Green–Gauss algorithm and showed that it eliminated inaccuracies related to using terrain‐following (sigma) coordinates in steep terrain. Although a hierarchy of three‐dimensional (3D) algorithms have been developed by the CFD community, with varying cost‐to‐benefit trade‐offs, work remains to be done to take full advantage of the 3D approach in atmospheric models. Here, we move in this direction by extending Lin's 2D algorithm to 3D. As is true of all Green–Gauss implementations, our algorithm is the same regardless of choice of vertical coordinate or number of fluid constituents. We show that the modifications to the 2D algorithm may be written in the form of additive terms composed of differences of the squares of the top and bottom tilts of the finite‐volume faces; the cases for which the 2D and 3D algorithms are identical are then straightforward to discern. For plane‐parallel geometry, we include explicit finite‐volume formulae for the longitude–latitude and general convex quadrilateral planforms, which includes the cubed‐sphere grid, with arbitrary geopotentials on the eight corners. Compared with the 2D version, the 3D algorithm yields approximately a 10% reduction in truncation error and, in the context of a general circulation model, it requires only about a 1% increase in run time. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Comparing rain retrievals from GPROF with ECMWF 1D‐Var products
Authors: Wang Fang , Kummerow Christian , Geer Alan J. , Bauer Peter , Elsaesser Gregory
Published: April 2012

Both the Goddard Profiling Algorithm (GPROF) and European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) one‐dimensional + four‐dimensional variational analysis (1D+4D‐Var) rainfall retrievals are inversion algorithms based on Bayes' theorem. Differences stem primarily from the a priori information. The GPROF uses an observationally generated a priori database whereas ECMWF 1D‐Var uses the model forecast first guess (FG) fields. The relative similarity in the two approaches means that comparisons can shed light on the differences that are produced by the a priori information. Case studies have found that differences can be classified into four categories based upon the agreement in the brightness temperatures (Tbs) and in the microphysical properties of cloud water path (CWP) and rainwater path (RWP) space. A category of special interest is when both retrievals converge to similar Tb through minimization procedures but produce different CWP and RWP. The similarity in Tb can be attributed to comparable total water path (TWP) between the two retrievals while the disagreement in the microphysics is caused by their different degrees of constraint of the cloud/rain ratio by the observations. This situation occurs frequently and takes up 46.9% in the 1 month 1D‐Var retrievals examined. The two retrievals produce similar spatial patterns but with different magnitude. The allocation of a large amount of CWP in the 1D‐Var retrieval seems to be related to the stratiform portion of rain, which is produced by the large‐scale condensation scheme. To attain better‐constrained cloud/rain ratios and improved retrieval quality, this study suggests the implementation of higher microwave frequency channels in the 1D‐Var algorithm. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
ASSESSING THE GEOMORPHIC EFFECTS OF A FLUSHING FLOW IN A LARGE REGULATED RIVER
Authors: Tena A. , Książek L. , Vericat D. , Batalla R. J.
Published: April 2012

The lower Ebro River experiences long‐term hydrological and sedimentary adjustments following major regulation. Alterations in water and sediment fluxes have enhanced a massive macrophyte colonization that, in turn, generates a series of ecological and socio‐economic problems. Controlled water releases, so‐called flushing flows (FFs), have been designed and implemented since 2002 in this part of the river with the objectives of controlling macrophyte populations and maintaining sediment transport in the channel. FFs may produce adverse geomorphic effects, such as bed incision driven by the increased sediment transport capacity and the lack of sediment replacement from upstream. It is thus important to evaluate the potential geomorphic responses to a specific FF design, and redesign FFs regularly to maximize macrophyte removal while minimizing the undesired consequences. Geomorphic responses associated with FFs can be assessed using hydraulic and sediment transport models. In this paper, we use the hydrodynamic model CCHE2D® to evaluate the role of a monitored FF on a river's geomorphology. The designed FF had a duration of 13 h, attaining a maximum discharge of 1350 m3 s−1. A total of 3375 t of fine material were transported during that event. CCHE2D® model performance is evaluated in terms of hydraulics and sediment transport by comparing observed with modelled values (i.e. discharge, water surface elevation, sediment loads). Overall, objective functions indicate that simulations are in agreement with field observations. For instance, the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) between the observed and modelled FF hydrograph was 93 m3 s−1, whereas the RMSE of the total load was 71 t. The example modelled here shows that the FF design typically implemented in the lower Ebro does not cause severe geomorphic impacts. The model provides visualization of the spatial patterns of erosion and deposition for the first time, allowing identification of critical zones where degradation or aggradation may occur. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CATCHMENT CHARACTERISTICS AND PLANT RECRUITMENT FROM SEDIMENT IN STREAM AND MEADOW HABITATS
Authors: Baattrup‐Pedersen A. , Riis T. , Larsen S. E.
Published: April 2012

Streams and rivers constitute a dense network with a large interface to the surrounding landscape and are thus highly susceptible to anthropogenic pressures related to land‐use activities in adjacent riparian and upland areas. In the present study, we investigated the influence of catchment characteristics on potential propagule and species recruitment from sediment in lowland stream ecosystems. We tested the following hypotheses: (1) catchment characteristics affect species recruitment from stream sediment in both stream and riparian habitats and (2) recruitment of species associated with undisturbed fen‐meadow habitats is higher in places with natural vegetation in the riparian zones. A large number of wetland species emerged from the stream sediment and sediment recruitment and therefore can act as an important dispersal corridor for common species in stream ecosystems. The recruited propagules were dominated by terrestrial species, but amphibious and aquatic species also appeared, particularly in the artificial stream channels. These included among others species within the genera Ranunculus sp., Callitriche sp. and Potamogeton sp. The large between‐site differences in land‐use characteristics in the riparian zones of the studied stream reaches, both locally and along upstream reaches, were not reflected in species recruitment from the stream sediments. Thus, most recruited species were common and widely distributed, and they were dominated by species with ruderal and competitive life history strategies, whereas only few species associated with fen‐meadow vegetation were recruited. From these findings, we infer not only that hydrochorous dispersal of species can be a potential efficient dispersal vector in agricultural landscapes but also that limitations can exist as to which species can be recruited. We suggest that further studies are performed to elucidate this issue further. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Binding of the VCHSKT peptide to ceramide‐rich and cholesterol‐rich domains of cell membranes in rat pancreatic glands
Authors: Lange Stefan , Malmberg Per , Nygren Håkan
Published: April 2012

A peptide with antisecretory effect has been defined and was denoted the antisecretory factor (AF‐16) with a sequence of 16 amino acids. A shorter sequence, the AF‐6 peptide (VCHSKT, Pepceuticals Ltd, Leicester, England), is readily detected by Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS), using trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as ionization catalyzer. Analysis of a reference sample revealed a pseudo‐molecular ion at m/z 657 and M + Na+ at m/z 679. These peaks were also detected in tissue samples of animals exposed to the peptide. The AF‐6 peptide was injected intravenously or sprayed into the nostrils of Sprague–Dawley rats, 250–300 g (n = 5). The animals were anesthetized with isoflurane. Pancreas tissue samples were taken after 2 h and were high‐pressure frozen in a Lecia EMPACT, sprayed with 0.1% TFA, and analyzed using a TOF‐SIMS V instrument (ION‐TOF, GmbH, Münster, Germany) equipped with a Bi3+‐liquid metal ion gun at the University of Gothenburg. The distribution of the AF‐6 peptide could be seen in the pancreas of exposed animals and control animals as high‐intensity dots that were heterogeneously distributed in regions with a high intensity of phosphatidylcholine head group m/z 184, indicating a localization to the membrane portion of the pancreatic cells. The peptide was colocalized with a dot‐like distribution of galactocylceramide c18:0 and cholesterol. Cholesterol and gal‐Cer are known lipid components of specialized membrane areas called lipid rafts. The results indicate that the AF‐6 peptide binds to cellular receptors present in such regions of rat pancreatic cells. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐Photon Fluorescence Imaging Super‐Enhanced by Multishell Nanophotonic Particles, with Application to Subcellular pH
Authors: Ray Aniruddha , Lee Yong‐Eun Koo , Kim Gwangseong , Kopelman Raoul
Published: April 2012

A novel nanophotonic method for enhancing the two‐photon fluorescence signal of a fluorophore is presented. It utilizes the second harmonic (SH) of the exciting light generated by noble metal nanospheres in whose near‐field the dye molecules are placed, to further enhance the dye's fluorescence signal in addition to the usual metal‐enhanced fluorescence phenomenon. This method enables demonstration, for the first time, of two‐photon fluorescence enhancement inside a biological system, namely live cells. A multishell hydrogel nanoparticle containing a silver core, a protective citrate capping, which serves also as an excitation quenching inhibitor spacer, a pH indicator dye shell, and a polyacrylamide cladding are employed. Utilizing this technique, an enhancement of up to 20 times in the two‐photon fluorescence of the indicator dye is observed. Although a significant portion of the enhanced fluorescence signal is due to one‐photon processes accompanying the SH generation of the exciting light, this method preserves all the advantages of infrared‐excited, two‐photon microscopy: enhanced penetration depth, localized excitation, low photobleaching, low autofluorescence, and low cellular damage.
Nanocomposites of Graphene Oxide and Upconversion Rare‐Earth Nanocrystals with Superior Optical Limiting Performance
Authors: Wei Wei , He Tingchao , Teng Xue , Wu Shixin , Ma Lin , Zhang Hua , Ma Jan , Yang Yanhui , Chen Hongyu , Han Yu , Sun Handong , Huang Ling
Published: April 2012

Upconversion rare‐earth nanomaterials (URENs) possess highly efficient near‐infrared (NIR), e.g., 980 nm, laser absorption and unique energy upconversion capabilities. On the other hand, graphene and its derivatives, such as graphene oxide (GO), show excellent performance in optical limiting (OL); however, the wavelengths of currently used lasers for OL studies mainly focus on either 532 or 1064 nm. To design new‐generation OL materials working at other optical regions, such as the NIR, a novel nanocomposites, GO–URENs, which combines the advantages of both its components, is synthesized by a one‐step chemical reaction. Transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence studies prove that the α‐phase URENs uniformly attach on the GO surface via covalent chemical bonding, which assures highly efficient energy transfer between URENs and GO, and also accounts for the significantly improved OL performance compared to either GO or URENs. The superior OL effect is also observed in the proof‐of‐concept thin‐film product, suggesting immediate applications in making high‐performance laser‐protecting products and optoelectronic devices.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Direct Intracellular Imaging of Ultrasmall and Uniform Glutathione‐Coated Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Sousa Alioscka A. , Morgan Jeffrey T. , Brown Patrick H. , Adams April , Jayasekara M. P. Suresh , Zhang Guofeng , Ackerson Christopher J. , Kruhlak Michael J. , Leapman Richard D.
Published: April 2012

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with core sizes below 2 nm and compact ligand shells constitute versatile platforms for the development of novel reagents in nanomedicine. Due to their ultrasmall size, these AuNPs are especially attractive in applications requiring delivery to crowded intracellular spaces in the cytosol and nucleus. For eventual use in vivo, ultrasmall AuNPs should ideally be monodisperse, since small variations in size may affect how they interact with cells and how they behave in the body. Here we report the synthesis of ultrasmall, uniform 144‐atom AuNPs protected by p‐mercaptobenzoic acid followed by ligand exchange with glutathione (GSH). Quantitative scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) reveals that the resulting GSH‐coated nanoparticles (Au(GSH)) have a uniform mass distribution with cores that contain 134 gold atoms on average. Particle size dispersity is analyzed by analytical ultracentrifugation, giving a narrow distribution of apparent hydrodynamic diameter of 4.0 ± 0.6 nm. To evaluate the nanoparticles’ intracellular fate, the cell‐penetrating peptide TAT is attached noncovalently to Au(GSH), which is confirmed by fluorescence quenching and isothermal titration calorimetry. HeLa cells are then incubated with both Au(GSH) and the Au(GSH)‐TAT complex, and imaged without silver enhancement of the AuNPs in unstained thin sections by STEM. This imaging approach enables unbiased detection and quantification of individual ultrasmall nanoparticles and aggregates in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the cells.
Elf5 Regulates Mammary Gland Stem/Progenitor Cell Fate by Influencing Notch Signaling
Authors: Chakrabarti Rumela , Wei Yong , Romano Rose-Anne , DeCoste Christina , Kang Yibin , Sinha Satrajit
Published: April 2012

The transcription factor E74-like factor 5 (Elf5) functions downstream of the prolactin receptor signaling pathway and plays an important role in mammary gland development. Using conditional mouse knockouts, we have previously shown that Elf5-null mammary glands exhibit a complete failure of alveologenesis during pregnancy. The Elf5-null developmental phenotype is mediated through alteration in the expression of several critical genes involved in alveologenesis, particularly those belonging to the JAK/STAT pathway. Here, we demonstrate that in addition to regulating terminal differentiation of alveolar cells, Elf5 also plays a critical role in determining cell fate and in regulating the stem/progenitor function of the mammary epithelium. Targeted deletion of Elf5 in the mammary glands leads to accumulation of cell types with dual luminal/basal properties such as coexpression of K8 and K14 and an increase in CD61+ luminal progenitor population during pregnancy. Further interrogation suggests that the abnormal increase in K14+K8+ cells may represent the CD61+ luminal progenitors blocked in differentiation. Remarkably, Elf5 deficiency in mammary epithelium also triggers an increase of adult mammary stem activity as evidenced by the accumulation of mammary stem cell (MaSC)-enriched cell population in both pregnant and virgin mice and further confirmed by mammosphere and transplantation assays. Additional support for this phenotype comes from the enriched MaSC gene signature based on transcriptomic analysis of the Elf5-null mammary gland. Finally, our biochemical studies suggest that Elf5 loss leads to hyperactivation of the Notch signaling pathway, which might constitute in part, the underlying molecular mechanism for the altered cell lineage decisions in Elf5-null mammary epithelial cells.
Direct observation of fractional change of niobium ionic species in a solution by means of X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy
Authors: Kubouchi Yuta , Hayakawa Shinjiro , Namatame Hirofumi , Hirokawa Takeshi
Published: April 2012

Local coordination of niobium oxalate in oxalic acid solutions was investigated by Nb L3‐edge X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy that was sensitive to the coordination environment of X‐ray absorbing atoms. The Nb L3‐edge XANES spectra were measured from solutions of difference pH, and the solution was composed of different molar fractions of NbO(C2O4)2H2O− and NbO(C2O4)33−. The lower energy shift of the spectral peak was observed with the lower pH that was attributed to the greater fraction of NbO(C2O4)2H2O−. The spectral shape was different from those of reference samples representing tetrahedral and octahedral coordination, and the lower symmetry of niobium site was confirmed. The XANES spectra of two ionic species were simulated with the density functional theory calculations, and the mixture of these spectra demonstrated the peak shift caused by the change of solution pH. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The perspective of new multi‐layer reference materials for confocal 3D micro X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Czyzycki Mateusz , Wrobel Pawel , Szczerbowska‐Boruchowska Magdalena , Ostachowicz Beata , Wegrzynek Dariusz , Lankosz Marek
Published: April 2012

Multi‐layered components are commonly used in hi‐tech branches of modern industry. This fact generates a need for suitable reference materials for experimental examination of such specimens, and it also induces the development of mathematical procedures for quantification. To reveal experimentally the chemical composition of (multi‐)layered specimens in 3D space in a non‐destructive way, a confocal 3D micro X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (3D μXRF) can be employed. The scope of this paper covers preparation, preliminary experimental examination and quantification of new, multi‐layer stack systems as the perspective of reference materials to be used in 3D μXRF spectroscopy. The prepared stacks consist of nine individual layers based on a low‐Z organic matrix loaded alternately with Cu2O and ZnO oxides. The stacks are characterized by the homogeneous areal distribution of inorganic fillers and the constant thickness of distinguishable layers to the extent of millimeters. A Monte Carlo (MC) simulation was used to reconstruct the chemical composition, mass density and thickness of individual layers within the stacks. Results of the simulation accurately reflected the nominal mass shares of fillers and the thickness of layers additionally determined by optical microscopy and 2D μXRF scanning. The prepared stack systems seem to be suitable materials for the validation of mathematical procedures for the quantification of multi‐layer specimens examined by depth‐sensitive X‐ray techniques. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Circular Stapler Size and Risk of Anastomotic Complications in Gastroduodenostomy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kim Dae Hoon , Oh Cheong Ah , Oh Seung Jong , Choi Min Gew , Noh Jae Hyung , Sohn Tae Sung , Bae Jae Moon , Kim Sung
Published: April 2012

Background

A Billroth I reconstruction with a mechanically sutured anastomosis is commonly performed in gastric cancer patients. Some surgeons prefer to use large circular staplers during suturing to minimize risks for anastomotic stricture and gastric stasis after surgery. The effect of stapler size on anastomotic complications has not been validated.

Methods

This study was conducted with 1,031 patients who underwent gastrectomy and Billroth I reconstruction at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, Korea, between January 2007 and October 2008. Patients were assigned to group A (384 patients) or group B (647 patients) depending on the size of the circular stapler that the surgeon selected for mechanical anastomosis. A 25 mm circular stapler was used for patients in group A, and a 28 or 29 mm circular stapler was used for patients in group B. Postoperative complications were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The incidence of complications (e.g., gastric stasis, anastomotic stricture, and bleeding) did not differ significantly between groups. Age greater than 60 years was the only significant risk factor for anastomotic complications identified in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

Stapler size was unrelated to complications, such as stricture and gastric stasis. Age was the only significant risk factor for anastomotic complications after gastroduodenostomy.