bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auf der Suche nach dem Kostenoptimum in der energetischen Sanierung – eine Untersuchung anhand typischer Wohnbauten in Österreich
Authors: Stocker Emanuel , Tschurtschenthaler Martin
Published: June 2014

Dieser Artikel befasst sich mit der Thematik der kostenoptimalen energetischen Sanierung am Beispiel von typischen Wohngebäuden in Österreich. Das Kostenoptimum ergibt sich aus den jeweiligen Maßnahmen zur Reduzierung des Energiebedarfs und den sich daraus ergebenden Energiekosten. Die Berechnung erfolgte auf der Grundlage der Kapitalwertmethode. Die Berechnungen wurden mit Hilfe eines statistischen Programms anhand von Szenarien durchgeführt, wodurch es möglich ist, eine willkürliche Auswahl von Sanierungsmaßnahmen berechnen und darstellen zu lassen. Aus der Untersuchung geht hervor, dass das kostenoptimale Niveau bei einem Heizwärmebedarf von ca. 30–40 kWh/m2 BGF p.a. liegt. Da die Eingangsparameter der Berechnung vielfach auf zukunftsbasierten Annahmen basieren, wurde abschließend eine Sensitivitätsanalyse durchgeführt, wodurch die Einflüsse erhoben und dargestellt werden konnten. Daraus geht hervor, dass diese jeweils einen hohen Einfluss auf das Ergebnis haben und deshalb sorgfältig auszuwählen sind.

In search of the cost optimised energy‐saving renovation – evaluation of typical residential buildings in Austria. This paper represents a study of cost‐optimal building renovation arrangements regarding the heating energy performance. The study is based on typically residential buildings with different building ages and therefore different constructions. The calculation method is compiled on standard energy demand and the net present value method. The results show that the cost‐optimal performance is between a heating energy demand of 30 to 40 kWh/m2 GFA p.a. The building age with the different construction qualities has a high effect on the results of the net present value. Also the investment costs of the different building renovation arrangements show a high effect on the results concerning the cost optimal renovation measurements. Where the insulation thicknesses of the envelope have proposed thicknesses of about 14–18 cm the windows only reach the highest U‐Value of 1.2 because of the higher investment costs. Furthermore the sensitivity analysis shows the high impact of the necessary input calculation parameters, like the energy price, the interest rate and the energy price variation. The study considers several ways which can improve the decisions about the renovation possibilities. These include not only the decision of the renovation but also the necessary arrangements, which could be integrated in the procurement.
Variable escape from X‐chromosome inactivation: Identifying factors that tip the scales towards expression
Authors: Peeters Samantha B. , Cotton Allison M. , Brown Carolyn J.
Published: June 2014

In humans over 15% of X‐linked genes have been shown to ‘escape’ from X‐chromosome inactivation (XCI): they continue to be expressed to some extent from the inactive X chromosome. Mono‐allelic expression is anticipated within a cell for genes subject to XCI, but random XCI usually results in expression of both alleles in a cell population. Using a study of allelic expression from cultured lymphoblasts and fibroblasts, many of which showed substantial skewing of XCI, we recently reported that the expression of genes lies on a contiunuum between those that are subject to inactivation, and those that escape. We now review allelic expression studies from mouse, and discuss the variability in escape seen in both humans and mice in genic expression levels, between X chromosomes and between tissues. We also discuss current knowledge of the heterochromatic features, DNA elements and three‐dimensional topology of the inactive X that contribute to the balance of expression from the otherwise inactive X chromosome.
Ligament strain on the iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments in cadaver specimens: Biomechanical measurement and anatomical observation
Authors: Hidaka Egi , Aoki Mitsuhiro , Izumi Tomoki , Suzuki Daisuke , Fujimiya Mineko
Published: June 2014

The iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments are major structures that stabilize the hip joint. We have sought evidence on which to base more effective hip stretching positions. The purpose of this study was to measure strains on these ligaments and to observe them. Eight fresh/frozen translumbar cadaver specimens were used. Clinically available stretching positions for these ligaments were adopted. Strain on each ligament was measured by a displacement sensor during passive torque to the hip joint. Hip motion was measured using an electromagnetic tracking device. The strained ligaments were captured on clear photographs. Significantly, high strains were imposed on the superior iliofemoral ligament by external rotation of the hip (3.48%); on the inferior iliofemoral ligament by maximal extension and 10° or 20° of external rotation with maximal extension (1.86%, 1.46%, 1.25%); on the pubofemoral ligament by maximal abduction and 10°, 20°, or 30° of external rotation with maximal abduction (3.18%, 3.28%, 3.11%, 2.99%); and on the ischiofemoral ligament by 10° or 20° of abduction with maximal internal rotation (7.11%, 7.83%). Fiber direction in each ligament was clearly identified. Significantly, high strains on hip ligaments corresponded with the anatomical direction of the ligament fibers. Positions were identified for each ligament that imposed maximal increase in strain on it. Clin. Anat. 27:1068–1075, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A phase II trial of BAY 43‐9006 (sorafenib) (NSC‐724772) in patients with relapsing and resistant multiple myeloma: SWOG S0434
Authors: Srkalovic Gordan , Hussein Mohamad A. , Hoering Antje , Zonder Jeffrey A. , Popplewell Leslie L. , Trivedi Harsha , Mazzoni Sandy , Sexton Rachel , Orlowski Robert Z. , Barlogie Bart
Published: June 2014

The authors assessed the overall response rate, including confirmed complete response (CR) and partial response, in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma treated with sorafenib. Qualitative and quantitative toxicities associated with this regimen were evaluated. Patients were eligible if they had a confirmed diagnosis of refractory or relapsed (RR) multiple myeloma (MM) with measurable monoclonal protein. Patients had to have adequate renal, hepatic, hematologic, and cardiac function with a Zubrod performance status of 0–2. Patients were given 400 mg sorafenib by mouth twice daily for 28‐day treatment cycles. These patients were followed up for a maximum of 3 years to assess responses and adverse events. Twenty‐three patients were enrolled. Of these, five were found to be ineligible for the following reasons: four had insufficient documentation of the baseline disease and one patient did not have measurable disease. All eighteen eligible patients were evaluable for toxicities. Three patients experienced grade 4 toxicities: one with thrombocytopenia, one with anemia, and one with renal failure. Four of the eighteen eligible patients were not assessable for response due to removal from protocol treatment prior to adequate disease assessment. Specifically, three were removed for either grade 4 toxicity or progression of disease and one was removed per patient choice (due to reasons unrelated to treatment). Of the 18 patients who were assessed for toxicities, 5 (27.8%) received at least one fully dosed cycle, 2 (11.1%) of whom had all cycles fully dosed. No responses were observed on this study of the 14 patients who were assessable for response. All patients have discontinued protocol treatment as of August 2008. Overall survival at 12 months was 50% (95% CI 27–73%) and median progression‐free survival was 1.2 months (95% CI 1.0–5.4). The trial did not exhibit activity by the International Uniform Response Criteria for MM. Further research should focus on combination therapy of sorafenib with standard treatments in selected patients with RR MM.
Risk of squamous cell skin cancer after organ transplant associated with antibodies to cutaneous papillomaviruses, polyomaviruses, and TMC6/8 (EVER1/2) variants
Authors: Madeleine Margaret M. , Carter Joseph J. , Johnson Lisa G. , Wipf Gregory C. , Davis Connie , Berg Daniel , Nelson Karen , Daling Janet R. , Schwartz Stephen M. , Galloway Denise A.
Published: June 2014

Squamous cell skin cancer (SCSC) disproportionately affects organ transplant recipients, and may be related to increased viral replication in the setting of immune suppression. We conducted a nested case–control study among transplant recipients to determine whether SCSC is associated with antibodies to cutaneous human papillomaviruses (HPV), to genes associated with a rare genetic susceptibility to HPV (TMC6/TMC8), or to human polyomaviruses (HPyV). Cases (n = 149) had histologically confirmed SCSC, and controls (n = 290) were individually matched to cases on time since transplant, type of transplant, gender, and race. All subjects had serum drawn immediately prior to transplant surgery. Antibodies to 25 cutaneous HPVs and six HPyVs were assayed by detection of binding to virus‐like particles, and 11 TMC6/8 variants were genotyped. After correction for multiple comparisons, only antibodies to HPV37 were associated with SCSC (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2–3.4). Common genetic variants of TMC6/8 were not associated with SCSC, but three variants in TMC8 (rs12452890, rs412611, and rs7208422) were associated with greater seropositivity for species 2 betapapillomaviruses among controls. This study suggests that some betaHPVs, but not polyomaviruses, may play a role in the excess risk of SCSC among transplant recipients.
Viable Applications of Sensor‐Based Sorting for the Processing of Mineral Resources
Authors: Knapp Henning , Neubert Kilian , Schropp Christian , Wotruba Hermann
Published: June 2014

The current development in the primary raw materials sector shows that the mining industry has to face a situation of declining ore grades and increasingly complicated ore types. To efficiently and sustainably exploit and process such ores, new innovative approaches are required. Sensor‐based sorting is one feasible option to address these challenges. The following article describes the general principles and uses of sensor‐based sorting. In addition, this paper gives examples of current research activities and depicts the practical potential of sensor‐based sorting in the minerals industry.
Performance Research on a Methane Compact Reformer Integrated with Catalytic Combustion
Authors: Irankhah Abdullah , Rahimi Mehri , Rezaei Mehran
Published: June 2014

A multichannel reformer integrated with catalytic combustion was investigated for methane steam reforming to produce hydrogen. In this system, the main portion of the required heat was supplied by methane oxidation in the catalytic combustor located on two sides of the reformer. In the compact multichannel reactor, the methane conversion rate is high enough compared to the equilibrium values at different temperatures. The performance of the multichannel reformer was investigated under various operating conditions, such as the reformer temperature and the feed stream ratios in both the reformer and the catalytic combustor. The best feed flow rate ratio of reforming to combustion ranged from 1.3 to 1.5, with > 95 % methane conversion. It is anticipated that this multichannel reformer can generate enough hydrogen for a 30‐W fuel cell system, due to its small volume.
Optimization of Rhizopus niveus Lipase Partitioning by an Aqueous Biphasic System
Authors: Aradhana Dayal , Sreeja Harihara Puthran , Sharmila Govindasamy , Muthukumaran Chandrasekaran
Published: June 2014

An unconventional aqueous two‐phase system (ATPS) composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium carbonate was developed and optimized by employing response surface methodology for separation of Rhizopus niveus lipase. A five‐level central composite design was applied to evaluate the optimal level of three process variables in order to obtain maximum lipase separation. Experimental data were analyzed by regression and a polynomial model was created which was found significant. The maximum partition coefficient was achieved with the system PEG 4000/sodium carbonate. Validation experiments confirmed the high accordance of predicted and experimental results. The optimized ATPS can be applied as a suitable cost‐effective system for lipase extraction.
Low rates of adjuvant radiation in patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer with high‐risk pathologic features
Authors: Kalbasi Anusha , Swisher‐McClure Samuel , Mitra Nandita , Sunderland Robert , Smaldone Marc C. , Uzzo Robert G. , Bekelman Justin E.
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

The 2013 American Urological Association/American Society for Radiation Oncology consensus guidelines recommend offering adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) after radical prostatectomy in patients with high‐risk pathologic features for recurrence. In the current study, the authors examined practice patterns of adjuvant RT use in patients with elevated pathologic risk factors over a time period spanning the publication of supporting randomized evidence.

METHODS

Using the National Cancer Data Base, a total of 130,681 patients were identified who underwent surgical resection for prostate cancer between 2004 and 2011 with at least 1 of the following pathologic risk factors for early biochemical failure: pT3a disease or higher, positive surgical margins and/or lymph node‐positive disease. Using multivariable logistic regression, the authors examined factors associated with adjuvant RT use including patient, clinical, demographic, and temporal characteristics.

RESULTS

Adjuvant RT was administered to 9.9% of the patients with at least 1 pathologic risk factor. Use of adjuvant RT did not change over the study period (P = .23). On multivariable analysis, we found that patients treated at high‐volume surgical facilities were less likely to receive adjuvant RT (15.9% vs 7.8%; odds ratio, 0.58 [95% confidence interval, 0.50‐0.65]; P < .0001). Older age, comorbidities, black race, lower income, and lower population density were also associated with lower rates of adjuvant RT.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of adjuvant RT is uncommon and remained unchanged between 2004 and 2011. Patients treated at high‐volume surgical facilities are less likely to receive adjuvant RT, irrespective of margin status. Cancer 2014;120:3089–3096. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Development of Measures to Assess Personal Recovery in Young People Treated in Specialist Mental Health Services
Authors: John Mary , Jeffries Fiona W. , Acuna‐Rivera Marcela , Warren Fiona , Simonds Laura M.
Published: June 2014

Background

Recovery has become a central concept in mental health service delivery, and several recovery‐focused measures exist for adults. The concept's applicability to young people's mental health experience has been neglected, and no measures yet exist.

Aim

The aim of this work is to develop measures of recovery for use in specialist child and adolescent mental health services.

Method

On the basis of 21 semi‐structured interviews, three recovery measures were devised, one for completion by the young person and two for completion by the parent/carer. Two parent/carer measures were devised in order to assess both their perspective on their child's recovery and their own recovery process. The questionnaires were administered to a UK sample of 47 young people (10–18 years old) with anxiety and depression and their parents, along with a measure used to routinely assess treatment progress and outcome and a measure of self‐esteem.

Results

All three measures had high internal consistency (alpha ≥ 0.89). Young people's recovery scores were correlated negatively with scores on a measure used to routinely assess treatment progress and outcome (r = −0.75) and positively with self‐esteem (r = 0.84). Parent and young persons' reports of the young person's recovery were positively correlated (r = 0.61). Parent report of the young person's recovery and of their own recovery process were positively correlated (r = 0.75).

Conclusion

The three measures have the potential to be used in mental health services to assess recovery processes in young people with mental health difficulties and correspondence with symptomatic improvement. The measures provide a novel way of capturing the parental/caregiver perspective on recovery and caregivers' own wellbeing. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

No tools exist to evaluate recovery‐relevant processes in young people treated in specialist mental health services.

This study reports on the development and psychometric evaluation of three self‐report recovery‐relevant assessments for young people and their caregivers.

Findings indicate a high degree of correspondence between young person and caregiver reports of recovery in the former.

The recovery assessments correlate inversely with a standardized symptom‐focused measure and positively with self‐esteem.
Parental potentiation of vocalization as a marker for filial bonds in infant animals
Authors: Shair Harry N.
Published: June 2014

Maternal and paternal potentiation of vocalization are two parts of a promising model of early life social bonds that has been and can be a useful tool in research. Most mammalian infants vocalize when isolated. Interactions with adult females just before isolation have been found to increase vocalizations in several species. Interactions with littermates and other social stimuli do not. In guinea pigs and pigs, the response is specific to the dam. In rats and octagon degus, an unrelated adult female from the colony is sufficient. The presence of an intact adult male in the test chamber with dam‐reared pups evokes behavioral inhibition, a fear response. Previous exposure to the male in the home cage, biparental rearing, dramatically transforms the response of the pup. The pup treats the adult male as it does its dam, including potentiation of vocalization during a subsequent isolation. This article outlines the methods, advantages, and disadvantages of parental potentiation as a research tool, as well as a brief review of the evidence supporting its use as a marker for filial attachment. Future research directions are outlined. © 2014Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1689–1697, 2014.
Generation and characterization of Neurod1‐CreERT2 mouse lines for the study of embryonic and adult neurogenesis
Authors: Aprea Julieta , Nonaka‐Kinoshita Miki , Calegari Federico
Published: June 2014

Neurod1 is a transcription factor involved in several developmental programs of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, neurosensory, and central nervous system. In the brain, Neurod1 has been shown to be essential for neurogenesis as well as migration, maturation, and survival of newborn neurons during development and adulthood. Interestingly, Neurod1 expression is maintained in a subset of fully mature neurons where its function remains unclear. To study the role of Neurod1, systems are required that allow the temporal and spatial genetic manipulation of Neurod1‐expressing cells. To this aim, we have generated four Neurod1‐CreERT2 mouse lines in which CreERT2 expression, although at different levels, is restricted within areas of physiological Neurod1 expression and Neurod1 positive cells. In particular, the different levels of CreERT2 expression in different mouse lines offers the opportunity to select the one that is more suited for a given experimental approach. Hence, our Neurod1‐CreERT2 lines provide valuable new tools for the manipulation of newborn neurons during development and adulthood as well as for studying the subpopulation of mature neurons that retain Neurod1 expression throughout life. In this context, we here report that Neurod1 is not only expressed in immature newborn neurons of the adult hippocampus, as already described, but also in fully mature granule cells of the dentate gyrus. genesis 52:870–878, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of Dissemination of Residential PV Systems in Japan
Authors: Endo Eiichi
Published: June 2014

This paper focuses on residential photovoltaic systems in Japan. It projects the installation and installed capacity of residential photovoltaic systems by analyzing the correlation between their payback period and annual installation in new and existing homes. Exponential and hyperbolic curves are used for correlation analysis. However, the exponential curve gives a better fit than the hyperbolic one. PV installation in new houses shows a stronger correlation with the payback period than with existing houses. For the installation projections, target and delayed scenarios are assumed. In the target scenario, the target price is achieved as planned. However, it is achieved later in the delayed scenario. Ongoing subsidies and feed‐in tariffs are also assumed. Based on the results of the analysis, the target cumulative installation and installed capacity are achieved in the target scenario. They are not significantly affected even without subsidies and feed‐in tariffs. But they are reduced by almost half in the delayed scenario compared with the target scenario. This means that systemic price reductions resulting from research and development as well as mass production are more effective than ongoing dissemination promotion programs. To achieve the target capacity, not only cost reductions but also conversion efficiency improvements through research and development are indispensable.
Robust Stabilization Control for an Electric Bicycle
Authors: Kawamura Takuro , Murakami Toshiyuki
Published: June 2014

Recently, bicycles have gained immense popularity because they have high mobility and are an environmentally friendly means of transport. However, many people tend to avoid riding a bicycle because it is unstable. In order to solve this problem, stabilization control for a bicycle has been investigated. The aim of this study is to improve the robustness of stabilization control. To achieve this goal, control systems that use a camber angle disturbance observer (CADO) are proposed. Two kinds of CADO are proposed in this paper, and the performance of these two observers is compared. The proposed control systems provide higher robustness than does the conventional method. The validity of the proposed methods is confirmed based on the experimental results.
System Reduction of Power System with Penetration of Photovoltaic Generations
Authors: Chinuki Tomoyuki , Taniguchi Haruhito , Nakajima Tatsuhito , Ota Yutaka , Suzuki Hirokazu
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a novel system reduction method which makes it possible to consider the impact of photovoltaic (PV) penetration on transient stability precisely. The object system for system reduction can be aggregated into a simple equivalent circuit by using the proposed method. The equivalent circuit consists of a lumped load model, a lumped PV model, and three equivalent impedances. Using the equivalent circuit, power flow into the object system when the system voltage changes can be analyzed without repeated power flow calculation of the original system. In order to verify the proposed method, this paper presents a numerical example of transient stability analysis with a one‐generator‐to‐infinite‐bus system model. The results of analysis indicate that transient stability considering PV penetration can be analyzed with high accuracy with the proposed method.
Direct Fluoroalkylation of Indoles with Fluoroalkyl Halides Mediated by Copper
Authors: He Ru‐Yi , Zeng Hui‐Ting , Huang Jing‐Mei
Published: June 2014

An efficient and mild copper‐mediated reaction for the direct perfluoroalkylation and difluoromethylation of indoles with perfluoroalkyl halides and ICF2COOEt to produce 2‐substituted indoles was developed. Both free indole derivatives and N‐substituted indole derivatives could be used in this process to obtain the desired products in moderate to good yields.
Elective neck irradiation versus observation in squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus with N0 neck: A meta‐analysis and review of the literature
Authors: Abu‐Ghanem Sara , Horowitz Gilad , Abergel Avraham , Yehuda Moshe , Gutfeld Orit , Carmel Narin‐Nard , Fliss Dan M.
Published: June 2014

Background

Elective neck irradiation of a clinical node‐negative (N0) neck in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the maxillary sinus is a controversial issue.

Methods

A systematic review of electronic databases and a meta‐analysis were conducted to clarify the role of elective neck irradiation in patients with SCC of the maxillary sinus and clinical N0 neck. Regional (neck) nodal recurrence was chosen as the primary endpoint.

Results

Four retrospective studies with a total of 129 patients met the inclusion criteria. The results of the meta‐analysis showed that elective neck irradiation reduced the risk of regional nodal recurrence (fixed effects model: odds ratio [OR] = 0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.04–0.67; p = .01; random‐effects model: OR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.04–0.76; p = .02) compared to observation.

Conclusion

This systemic review and first meta‐analysis confirmed that elective neck irradiation can significantly reduce the rate of nodal recurrence in patients with N0 SCC of the maxillary sinus. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1823–1828, 2015
Sexual health in oral oncology: Breaking the news to patients with human papillomavirus–positive oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Evans Mererid , Powell Ned G.
Published: June 2014

The incidence of oropharyngeal carcinoma is increasing in many countries of the developed world, largely because of cancers caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV‐positive patients may ask questions that fall outside the remit of traditional consultations held in head and neck clinics. The purpose of this article is to highlight key messages about HPV and oropharyngeal cancer that are relevant to patients. Key messages include: HPV is a very common virus that transiently infects most people at some point in their lives; HPV infection is transmitted by normal sexual activity and is not a marker of promiscuity or abnormal sexual practices; HPV infections may be acquired many years before a cancer develops and infection does not imply recent infidelity; long‐term partners of HPV‐positive patients do not seem to be at increased risk of HPV infection. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1529–1533, 2014
Simulation of stream flow components in a mountainous catchment in northern Thailand with SWAT, using the ANSELM calibration approach
Authors: Bannwarth M. A. , Hugenschmidt C. , Sangchan W. , Lamers M. , Ingwersen J. , Ziegler A. D. , Streck T.
Published: June 2014

Highland agriculture is intensifying rapidly in South‐East Asia, leading to alarmingly high applications of agrochemicals. Understanding the fate of these contaminants requires carefully planned monitoring programmes and, in most cases, accurate simulation of hydrological pathways into and through water bodies. We simulate run‐off in a steep mountainous catchment in tropical South‐East Asia. To overcome calibration difficulties related to the mountainous topography, we introduce a new calibration method, named A Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency Likelihood Match (ANSELM), that allows the assignment of optimal parameters to different hydrological response units in simulations of stream discharge with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrological model. ANSELM performed better than the Parasol calibration tool built into SWAT in terms of model efficiency and computation time. In our simulation, the most sensitive model parameters were those related to base flow generation, surface run‐off generation, flow routing and soil moisture change. The coupling of SWAT with ANSELM yielded reasonable simulations of both wet‐season and dry‐season storm hydrographs. Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiencies for daily stream flow during two validation years were 0.77 and 0.87. These values are in the upper range or even higher than those reported for other SWAT model applications in temperate or tropical regions. The different flow components were realistically simulated by SWAT, and showed a similar behaviour in all the study years, despite inter‐annual climatic differences. The realistic partitioning of total stream flow into its contributing components will be an important factor for using this hydrological model to simulate solute transport in the future. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Word Learning and Attention Allocation Based on Word Class and Category Knowledge
Authors: Hupp Julie M.
Published: June 2014

Attention allocation in word learning may vary developmentally based on the novelty of the object. It has been suggested that children differentially learn verbs based on the novelty of the agent, but adults do not because they automatically infer the object's category and thus treat it like a familiar object. The current research examined whether adults and children differentially learn words or attend to objects without access to category knowledge in a relatively difficult (Experiment 1, adult n = 54, child n = 66) and a relatively easy task (Experiment 2, adult n = 88, child n = 62). Results show that category knowledge affects noun and verb extension for children but not adults and that adults similarly attended to objects when learning a verb regardless of category knowledge. These findings highlight the importance of investigating how word class, attention allocation, and categorical inference interact across development. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biallelic germline and somatic mutations in malignant mesothelioma: Multiple mutations in transcription regulators including mSWI/SNF genes
Authors: Yoshikawa Yoshie , Sato Ayuko , Tsujimura Tohru , Otsuki Taiichiro , Fukuoka Kazuya , Hasegawa Seiki , Nakano Takashi , Hashimoto‐Tamaoki Tomoko
Published: June 2014

We detected low levels of acetylation for histone H3 tail lysines in malignant mesothelioma (MM) cell lines resistant to histone deacetylase inhibitors. To identify the possible genetic causes related to the low histone acetylation levels, whole‐exome sequencing was conducted with MM cell lines established from eight patients. A mono‐allelic variant of BRD1 was common to two MM cell lines with very low acetylation levels. We identified 318 homozygous protein‐damaging variants/mutations (18–78 variants/mutations per patient); annotation analysis showed enrichment of the molecules associated with mammalian SWI/SNF (mSWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complexes and co‐activators that facilitate initiation of transcription. In seven of the patients, we detected a combination of variants in histone modifiers or transcription factors/co‐factors, in addition to variants in mSWI/SNF. Direct sequencing showed that homozygous mutations in SMARCA4, PBRM1 and ARID2 were somatic. In one patient, homozygous germline variants were observed for SMARCC1 and SETD2 in chr3p22.1–3p14.2. These exhibited extended germline homozygosity and were in regions containing somatic mutations, leading to a loss of BAP1 and PBRM1 expression in MM cell line. Most protein‐damaging variants were heterozygous in normal tissues. Heterozygous germline variants were often converted into hemizygous variants by mono‐allelic deletion, and were rarely homozygous because of acquired uniparental disomy. Our findings imply that MM might develop through the somatic inactivation of mSWI/SNF complex subunits and/or histone modifiers, including BAP1, in subjects that have rare germline variants of these transcription regulators and/or transcription factors/co‐factors, and in regions prone to mono‐allelic deletion during oncogenesis.
A detailed insight into drug delivery from PEDOT based on analytical methods: Effects and side effects
Authors: Boehler Christian , Asplund Maria
Published: June 2014

The possibility to release drugs from conducting polymers, like polypyrrole or poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), has been described and investigated for a variety of different substances during the last years, showing a wide interest in these release systems. A point that has not been looked at so far however is the possibility of other substances, next to the intended ones, leaving the polymer film under the high voltage excursions during redox sweeping. In this study we target this weakness of commonly used detection methods by implementing a high precision analytical method (high‐performance liquid chromatography) that allows a separation and subsequently a detailed quantification of all possible release products. We could identify a significantly more complex release behavior for a PEDOT:Dex system than has been assumed so far, revealing the active release of the monomer upon redox activation. The released EDOT could thereby be shown to result from the bulk material, causing a considerable loss of polymer (>10% during six release events) that could partly account for the observed degradation or delamination effects of drug‐eluting coatings. The monomer leakage was found to be substantially higher for a PEDOT:Dex film compared to a PEDOT:PSS sample. This finding indicates an overestimation of drug release if side products are mistaken for the actual drug mass. Moreover the full picture of released substances implements the need for further studies to reduce the monomer leakage and identify possible adverse effects, especially in the perspective of releasing an anti‐inflammatory substance for attenuation of the foreign body reaction toward implanted electrodes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1200–1207, 2015.
Human elastin polypeptides improve the biomechanical properties of three‐dimensional matrices through the regulation of elastogenesis
Authors: Boccafoschi Francesca , Ramella Martina , Sibillano Teresa , De Caro Liberato , Giannini Cinzia , Comparelli Roberto , Bandiera Antonella , Cannas Mario
Published: June 2014

The replacement of diseased tissues with biological substitutes with suitable biomechanical properties is one of the most important goal in tissue engineering. Collagen represents a satisfactory choice for scaffolds. Unfortunately, the lack of elasticity represents a restriction to a wide use of collagen for several applications. In this work, we studied the effect of human elastin‐like polypeptide (HELP) as hybrid collagen‐elastin matrices. In particular, we studied the biomechanical properties of collagen/HELP scaffolds considering several components involved in ECM remodeling (elastin, collagen, fibrillin, lectin‐like receptor, metalloproteinases) and cell phenotype (myogenin, myosin heavy chain) with particular awareness for vascular tissue engineering applications. Elastin and collagen content resulted upregulated in collagen–HELP matrices, even showing an improved structural remodeling through the involvement of proteins to a ECM remodeling activity. Moreover, the hybrid matrices enhanced the contractile activity of C2C12 cells concurring to improve the mechanical properties of the scaffold. Finally, small‐angle X‐ray scattering analyses were performed to enable a very detailed analysis of the matrices at the nanoscale, comparing the scaffolds with native blood vessels. In conclusion, our work shows the use of recombinant HELP, as a very promising complement able to significantly improve the biomechanical properties of three‐dimensional collagen matrices in terms of tensile stress and elastic modulus. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1218–1230, 2015.
CXCR4/CXCR7 Molecular Involvement in Neuronal and Neural Progenitor Migration: Focus in CNS Repair
Authors: Merino José Joaquín , Bellver‐Landete Victor , Oset‐Gasque María Jesús , Cubelos Beatriz
Published: June 2014

In the adult brain, neural progenitor cells (NPCs) reside in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles, the dentate gyrus and the olfactory bulb. Following CNS insult, NPCs from the SVZ can migrate along the rostral migratory stream (RMS), a migration of NPCs that is directed by proinflammatory cytokines. Cells expressing CXCR4 follow a homing signal that ultimately leads to neuronal integration and CNS repair, although such molecules can also promote NPC quiescence. The ligand, SDF1 alpha (or CXCL12) is one of the chemokines secreted at sites of injury that it is known to attract NSC‐derived neuroblasts, cells that express CXCR4. In function of its concentration, CXCL12 can induce different responses, promoting NPC migration at low concentrations while favoring cell adhesion via EGF and the alpha 6 integrin at high CXCL12 concentrations. However, the preclinical effectiveness of chemokines and their relationship with NPC mobilization requires further study, particularly with respect to CNS repair. NPC migration may also be affected by the release of cytokines or chemokines induced by local inflammation, through autocrine or paracrine mechanisms, as well as through erythropoietin (EPO) or nitric oxide (NO) release. CXCL12 activity requires G‐coupled proteins and the availability of its ligand may be modulated by its binding to CXCR7, for which it shows a stronger affinity than for CXCR4. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 27–42, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surgical technique of hepatectomy combined with simultaneous resection of hepatic artery and portal vein for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (with video)
Authors: Ebata Tomoki , Ito Takaaki , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Igami Tsuyoshi , Sugawara Gen , Mizuno Takashi , Nagino Masato
Published: June 2014

Perihilar cholangiocarcinomas often involve the bifurcation of the portal vein and the hepatic artery at initial presentation. Previously, vascular invasion was a major obstacle for R0 resection; therefore, such tumors were regarded as locally advanced, unresectable disease. Recently, in leading centers, these tumors have been resected using a specific technique, vascular resection and reconstruction. Vascular resection is classified into three types: portal vein resection alone, hepatic artery resection alone, and simultaneous resection of both the portal vein and hepatic artery. Of these, portal vein resection is widely performed, whereas hepatic artery resection remains controversial. Therefore, hepatectomy combined with simultaneous resection of the portal vein and hepatic artery represents one of the most complicated and challenging procedures in hepatobiliary surgery. The survival benefit of this extended procedure remains unproven, and there is only a single study reporting an unexpectedly favorable outcome in 50 patients. Considering the dismal survival in patients with unresectable disease, hepatic artery resection and/or portal vein resection may be a promising option of choice. However, the technique is highly demanding and has not been standardized. Therefore, this extended surgery may be allowed only in selected hepatobiliary centers.
Mineral impurities in azurite pigments: artistic or natural selection?
Authors: Aru Mariafrancesca , Burgio Lucia , Rumsey Michael S.
Published: June 2014

Nineteen natural specimens of azurite from European mining locations used in medieval times were analysed by Raman microscopy to investigate the existence and identity of any impurities. Malachite, hematite, goethite and other commonly occurring minerals such as cuprite, rutile and anatase were detected in a significant proportion of the specimens. Other minerals detected, albeit less frequently, include quartz, calcite, cerussite, orthoclase, beudantite and jarosite. These findings indicate that any iron oxides and malachite detected as minor impurities in azurite‐containing museum objects should be taken as a consequence of the natural make‐up of azurite specimens used for the pigments rather than a deliberate addition by the artist. Furthermore, the apparently sensible assumption that black and orange‐brown impurities in azurite pigments are mainly copper oxides (cuprite and tenorite) is incorrect as these particles actually correspond to the iron oxides, goethite and hematite. It is possible with considerable further work that the concurrent association of the less common impurities within a single pigment sample might help to ascertain the provenance of an individual azurite‐containing pigment by relating it to a known historic azurite source. If such a provenance study was carried out, we expect specific localization of an azurite pigment would only be possible if a source region or mine is known to contain azurite with particularly exotic or unusual composition. © 2014 Victoria and Albert Museum, London first published in the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simple and sensitive detection of cyanide using pinhole shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Gao Jing , Guo Lei , Wu Jianfeng , Feng Jianlin , Wang Shunmu , Lai Fulong , Xie Jianwei , Tian Zhongqun
Published: June 2014

Cyanide is a great threat to public health, environmental safety and homeland security because of its extremely high toxicity and widespread usage in industry. Countering such a threat can be greatly aided by a rapid, sensitive, on‐site detection method. Here, a pinhole shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) technique for cyanide sensing has been established, and a limit of detection lower to 1 µg l−1 level in water was achieved on a portable Raman spectrometer, owing to the magnificent local electromagnetic field enhancement generated by the interaction between cyanide anion and the uncovered Au surface inside the pinholes. Meanwhile, the silica shell outside the Au core could significantly improve the stability of the substrate by preventing the dissolution of Au in cyanide solution, thereby making this assay more feasible for practical use. The linear range was from 1 to 100 µg l−1 with excellent selectivity over thiocyanide and other common ions. For applications on complex matrices such as polluted water, beverages etc., a simple online hydrogen generator was designed and successfully coupled with pinhole SHINERS to achieve a good measurement of cyanide. This pinhole SHINERS‐based method is rapid, simple, with good stability and feasibility for the in‐field detection of cyanide, and we hope that it will further raise more opportunities for portable SERS applications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emergencies in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery bootcamp: A novel canadian experience
Authors: Chin Christopher J. , Roth Kathryn , Rotenberg Brian W. , Fung Kevin
Published: June 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

A 1‐day intensive course (bootcamp) was developed, to teach junior otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OTO–HNS) residents emergency procedural skills, clinical reasoning, and communication skills. This learning paradigm utilized a number of novel task trainers, panel discussions, and emergency simulations. The study objective was to assess the educational value of this bootcamp.

Study Design

Prospective cohort survey.

Methods

Residents were recruited from regional teaching centers within a 2000‐km radius of the simulation center. Preceptors fluent in English and in French were in attendance. Pre‐bootcamp outcome measures included the Kolb Learning Style Inventory and a self‐administered survey measuring confidence levels in performing specific OTO–HNS tasks. Post‐bootcamp outcome measures included a survey evaluating the bootcamp experience and a structured follow‐up telephone interview.

Results

Twenty‐eight residents participated in the bootcamp from across the United States and Canada. When asked if they felt that “overall, the educational day was an effective learning process,” the average score was 4.75/5.0. The vast majority of participants (92.9%) felt they would recommend the bootcamp to a future junior resident. Kolb learning styles that prefer active experimentation (acting, initiating, and deciding) were more common than those that utilize reflective observation (imagining, analyzing, reflecting), which favors a hands‐on model of learning.

Conclusion

This first Canadian OTO–HNS bootcamp demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of conducting a centralized bootcamp for regional training centers spanning multiple states/provinces and languages. Future bootcamps will be held annually and will ideally continue the natural evolution of surgical, hands‐on training.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope 124:2275–2280, 2014
Evaluation of modified Killian's method: A technique to expose the hypopharyngeal space
Authors: Murono Shigeyuki , Tsuji Akira , Endo Kazuhira , Kondo Satoru , Wakisaka Naohiro , Yoshizaki Tomokazu
Published: June 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the “Modified Killian's method,” a recently proposed endoscopic technique to observe a wider area of the hypopharngeal space than is possible with the conventional method.

Study Design

Prospective case series.

Methods

Fifty‐seven patients underwent transnasal flexible endoscopy in a sequence of eight different procedures with or without head torsion, the Valsalva maneuver, and a position similar to bowing named “the modified Killian position.” The visibility of subsites of the hypopharynx and esophageal inlet was evaluated based on a 5‐point scale.

Results

The Modified Killian's method, a combination of all three procedures of head torsion, the Valsalva maneuver, and the modified Killian position, demonstrated a highly significant score for hypopharyngeal visibility. Previous treatment with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy did not significantly affect the visibility of the hypopharynx.

Conclusion

The newly proposed Modified Killian's method provides an effective view of the entire circumference of the hypopharyngeal space even in patients receiving radiotherapy. This useful procedure can be performed easily and should be a part of flexible laryngoscopy for outpatients.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:2526–2530, 2014
Prognostic factors of Bell's palsy: Multivariate analysis of electrophysiological findings
Authors: Mancini Patrizia , De Seta Daniele , Prosperini Luca , Nicastri Maria , Gabriele Maria , Ceccanti Marco , Sementilli Giulio , Terella Maria , Bertoli Gian Antonio , Filipo Roberto , Inghilleri Maurizio
Published: June 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

The study was designed to verify if one or more electrophysiological parameters could predict a risk of nonrecovery of normal facial function and the development of synkinesis in Bell's palsy (BP) subjects.

Study Design

Prospective case series.

Methods

A total of 120 subjects ranging from 18 to 70 years with unilateral BP (International Classification of Disease‐11), Grade III to VI House‐Brackmann (HB) degree, were assessed and treated with standardized oral steroids and antiviral drugs within 48 hours from onset. Of these, 92 underwent electroneurography (ENoG), electromyography (EMG), and blink reflex (BR) testing at 7 to 10 and 20 days after palsy onset. Multivariate analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were carried out to verify which combination of electrophysiological parameters may be predictive of no recovery and/or development of synkinesis.

Results

BR and ENoG were the best predictors of no facial function recovery, showing significant correlation coefficient with severity of facial palsy in both assessments. EMG findings did not add any prognostic significance. Worsening of facial palsy can be observed in subjects despite steroid therapy. The risk of developing synkinesis might be evaluated soon after BP on the grounds of ENoG degeneration, orbicularis oculi denervation, a younger age, and severe (V–VI) HB grade.

Conclusions

BR and ENoG, considered together with clinical findings, could offer a good indication in the first phases of BP for the possibility to develop palsy residua. This combination of tests is well accepted by the subjects, and is therefore suitable for multiple assessments in the early postpalsy period.Key Words: Bell's palsy, facial palsy, ENoG, blink reflex, Prognosis.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:2598–2605, 2014