bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Ionic Liquids: How Far Do They Extend the Potential of Solvent Extraction of F‐Elements?
Authors: Kolarik Z.
Published: April 2014

Review: 75 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis of Membrane Reactors: Modelling of Membrane Bioreactors for Municipal Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Wang Y. , Waite T. D. , Leslie G. L.
Published: April 2014

Review: 77 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Acidity Characterization of Heterogeneous Catalysts by Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy Using Probe Molecules
Authors: Zheng Anmin , Liu Shang‐Bin , Deng Feng
Published: April 2014

Review: 80 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Electrical Field‐Induced Extraction and Separation Techniques: Promising Trends in Analytical Chemistry — A Review
Authors: Yamini Yadollah , Seidi Shahram , Rezazadeh Maryam
Published: April 2014

Review: 192 refs.
Artemisinin
Authors: Schäfer Bernd
Published: April 2014

Artemisinin ist der modernste Wirkstoff gegen Malaria, eine Infektionskrankheit, die den Menschen durch seine gesamte Entwicklungsgeschichte begleitete. Experimentelle Hinweise auf antike Malaria‐Epidemien gelangen durch Vervielfältigung von DNA‐Fragmenten des Erregers mit Hilfe der Polymerasekettenreaktion und dem Abgleich mit dem inzwischen entschlüsselten Genom des Malaria‐Erregers Plasmodium falciparum. Mit der Aufklärung des Lebenszyklus des Erregers eröffnete sich auch ein rationaler Zugang zu effizienten Therapieformen, z. B. mit Schizontiziden, wie Chinin oder Mefloquin, aber auch neuartigen Wirkstoffen, wie Artemisinin.
Von Steinkohlenteer bis zu Krebsmedikamenten
Authors: Plischke Wolfgang , Meier Stephan Michael , Riedl Bernd
Published: April 2014

Als Friedrich Bayer und Johann Friedrich Weskott den Grundstein für den heutigen Bayer‐Konzern legten, drehte sich alles um synthetische Farbstoffe. Doch der Steinkohlenteer auf dem diese basierten, bot noch weitere Anwendungsmöglichkeiten: von Pflanzenschutzwirkstoffen über fiebersenkende Arzneimittel bis hin zu Krebsmedikamenten. Anhand beispielhafter chemischer Verbindungen und ihrer Entwicklungsgeschichte – von den Anfängen bis heute – wird die Unternehmenshistorie von Bayer veranschaulicht.
Mit Fliegenantennen Krebs früh erkennen
Authors: Feil Sylvia
Published: April 2014

Wandelt sich eine Zelle zur Tumorzelle, ändert sich auch ihr Metabolismus. Da viele dieser tumorspezifischen Stoffe kleine Moleküle und damit flüchtig sind, wäre ein nichtinvasiver Krebstest mit der Atemluft vorstellbar.
Experimente nach Wunsch
Authors: Schumacher Elke
Published: April 2014

Ein Oberstufen‐Chemiekurs und seine Kursleitung haben eine kreative Idee und den Wunsch, ein technisch aufwändiges Schülerexperiment praktisch durchzuführen. Die notwendigen Geräte sind in der Schule nicht verfügbar oder im Kursraum fehlen die nötigen Abzüge. Was kann man tun? Für die Lösung dieses Problems ist das Schülerlabor “Teens' Lab – Xplore Oberstufe” der BASF eine sehr empfehlenswerte Adresse. Hervorragend ausgestattet sowie thematisch und personell flexibel kann es gymnasialen Chemiekursen der Metropolregion Rhein‐Neckar für viele Fälle eine Lösung anbieten. Voraussetzung ist eine gewisse Vorlaufzeit für die Planung der gewünschten Experimente und die Möglichkeit, die erforderlichen Sicherheitsstandards beim Experimentieren mit den Schülern einhalten zu können.
Computed tomography of Lipiodol‐loaded biodegradable pasty polymer for implant visualization
Authors: Sosna Jacob , Havivi Ehud , Khan Wahid , Appelbaum Liat , Nyska Abraham , Domb Abraham J.
Published: April 2014

Targeted delivery of drug‐loaded implants for regional drug therapy has become an important approach to therapy. Simple and reproducible imaging methodologies to evaluate the implant noninvasively are needed. The goal of this work was to noninvasively evaluate the visibility, shape and degradation of a biodegradable implant containing Lipiodol (an X‐ray contrast medium) by computed tomography (CT). For in vitro evaluation, Lipiodol was incorporated in poly(sebacic‐co‐ricinoleic acid) [P(SA:RA)], a biodegradable injectable pasty polymer, and CT visibility was assessed. For ex vivo evaluation, bovine liver was injected with the polymer‐loaded Lipiodol; for in vivo evaluation rats were injected subcutaneously with Lipiodol in polymer and CT was performed. We show that polymer diameter at CT correlates with implant weight and pathological measurements. Polymer formulation containing 5% Lipiodol was visible on CT in vitro. Ex vivo tests showed a round polymer deposit at the injection site compared with free dispersion of Lipiodol alone. Correlation between implant size at CT scan and surgery at 48 h was R2 = 0.78. Average CT diameter at 9 days was 14.2 ± 2.8 mm in rats injected with Lipiodol in the polymer formulation, as compared with 7.3 ± 1.1 mm in controls. After 9 days, the implant degraded into several zones containing inflammatory cells seen on CT as areas with increased heterogeneity. In conclusion, Lipiodol incorporated in P(SA:RA) is visible on CT, and polymer degradation can potentially be monitored noninvasively. This method can be widely applied to follow changes in biodegradable implants. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using soil seed banks to assess temporal patterns of genetic variation in invasive plant populations
Authors: Fennell Mark , Gallagher Tommy , Vintro Luis Leon , Osborne Bruce
Published: April 2014

Most research on the genetics of invasive plant species has focused on analyzing spatial differences among existing populations. Using a long‐established Gunnera tinctoria population from Ireland, we evaluated the potential of using plants derived from seeds associated with different soil layers to track genetic variation through time. This species and site were chosen because (1) G. tinctoria produces a large and persistent seed bank; (2) it has been present in this locality, Sraheens, for ~90 years; (3) the soil is largely undisturbed; and (4) the soil's age can be reliably determined radiometrically at different depths. Amplified fragment length polymorphic markers (AFLPs) were used to assess differences in the genetic structure of 75 individuals sampled from both the standing population and from four soil layers, which spanned 18 cm (estimated at ~90 years based on 210Pb and 137Cs dating). While there are difficulties in interpreting such data, including accounting for the effects of selection, seed loss, and seed migration, a clear pattern of lower total allele counts, percentage polymorphic loci, and genetic diversity was observed in deeper soils. The greatest percentage increase in the measured genetic variables occurred prior to the shift from the lag to the exponential range expansion phases and may be of adaptive significance. These findings highlight that seed banks in areas with long‐established invasive populations can contain valuable genetic information relating to invasion processes and as such, should not be overlooked.
A Luminescent Rhenium(I) Metallacycle with Oxygen and Nitrogen Donor Atoms: Photophysical and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Bhattacharya Dibyendu
Published: April 2014

A new N,O‐bischelator‐bridged dirhenium(I) metallacycle, [Re2(CO)6(μ‐η4‐mpdo)(μ‐4,4′‐tmdp)] (1, H2mpdo = 2‐methylpyrimidine‐4,6‐diol, 4,4′‐tmdp = 4,4′‐trimethylenedipyridine) has been self‐assembled in a one‐pot reaction in p‐xylene at 140 °C. Compound 1 displays unusual multiple phosphorescence emissions at room temperature; an emission quantum yield of 0.26 ± 0.03 and triexponential decay with an average radiative decay constant of 0.052 μs (λmax = 342 nm) were determined. These results as well as those of DFT/TDDFT calculations confirmed the nature of the emitting states.
Volatile compounds in thermoxidized conjugated and unconjugated linoleic acids
Authors: Márquez‐Ruiz Gloria
Published: April 2014

Few studies have been published on CLA oxidation pathways and the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Evaluation of CLA volatile oxidation products would help unravel the possible differences in oxidation pathways between CLA and its unconjugated counterpart linoleic acid (LA). The article by Cossignani et al. in this issue of the European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology is of great interest because it adds new information on the volatile oxidation compounds formed in CLA in the form of a fatty acid, TAG and methyl ester, the various chemical forms which can be found in nutritional supplements and functional foods. The results confirmed that heptanal and trans‐2‐octenal were found mainly in CLA‐samples (only minute amounts detected in LA) subjected to thermal oxidation. In addition the authors report for the first time in CLA systems the volatile profile of alcohols, diunsaturated aldehydes, short‐chain furan fatty acids and, in the case of methyl ester models, short‐chain FAME. In the latter case, the results showed that methyl nonanoate can be considered also specific for CLA methyl ester. Among furan fatty acids, 2‐hexyl‐furan was only found in CLA samples. The significance of all these results is underlined in this commentary.
Metal‐Free Oxidative Cyclization of o‐Acylphenols for the Construction of 2‐Aminobenzofuran‐3(2H)‐ones
Authors: Yu Hui , Huang Weihua , Zhang Fengling
Published: April 2014

An efficient metal‐free approach to the synthesis of 2‐aminobenzofuran‐3(2H)‐ones has been developed. Using TBHP as an oxidant and I2 (or TBAI) as catalyst, 2‐acylphenols were treated with secondary amines to provide 2‐aminobenzofuran‐3(2H)‐one derivatives in moderate to good yields. A possible reaction pathway for the formation of 2‐dimorpholinobenzofuran‐3(2H)‐one is also discussed herein.
High prevalence of restless legs syndrome among women with multi‐site pain: A population‐based study in Dalarna, Sweden
Authors: Stehlik R. , Ulfberg J. , Hedner J. , Grote L.
Published: April 2014

Background

The chronic pain (CP) and chronic multi‐site pain (CMP) condition is a highly prevalent health problem. Several studies have reported a high (31–64%) prevalence of co‐morbid restless legs syndrome (RLS) in patients with fibromyalgia, one specifically defined form of chronic widespread pain. The current study explored the association between CMP and RLS.

Method

The study included 4040 respondents to a postal questionnaire sent to 10,000 women in the age range of 18–64 years and randomly selected from the general population. Complete questionnaire data on type (acute/chronic), degree (mild to severe) and spreading (0–5 body zones) of pain, as well as RLS symptoms (validated questionnaire), were obtained from 3060 subjects. Information on lifestyle, anthropometrics, co‐morbidities and medication was collected.

Results

RLS prevalence increased from 9.6% in subjects with no report of pain to 23,9%, 26.4%, 39.2%, 44.9% and 54.8% in those reporting one, two, three, four and five pain areas, respectively (p < 0.001). Further, RLS prevalence increased from 9.6% (no pain) to 27.9%, 37.9% and 42.4% in subjects with mild, moderate and severe chronic pain (p < 0.001). Multi‐site pain, pain localized in the leg, extended pain duration and co‐morbid psychiatric disorder were all independently associated with a RLS diagnosis in a multiple regression analysis.

Conclusion

The prevalence of RLS increased progressively with pain severity and even more sharply with the degree of pain spreading in women recruited from the general population. Both acute and chronic pain was associated with RLS‐related symptoms.
Ethnically based rejection sensitivity and academic achievement: The danger of retracting into one's heritage culture
Authors: Wolfgramm Christine , Morf Carolyn C. , Hannover Bettina
Published: April 2014

This study examined the relation between ethnically based rejection sensitivity and academic achievement in a sample of 936 immigrant students in Germany and Switzerland. The theory of race‐based rejection sensitivity that originated in North America was extended to immigrant students in Europe. The rough political climate against immigrants in Europe makes it probable that immigrant youth face particular difficulties and are affected by ethnically based rejection sensitivity, at least as much as—or even more than—minority youth in the United States. Using a standardized literacy performance test and multilevel analyses, we found that ethnically based rejection sensitivity was negatively related to academic achievement for immigrant students. This relation was partially mediated by a strong contingency of the students' self‐worth on the heritage culture, as well as by a low number of native German or Swiss majority‐group friends. We interpret these processes as immigrant students' efforts to cope with ethnically based rejection sensitivity by retracting into their heritage culture and avoiding majority‐group contact, which unfortunately, however, at the same time also results in lower academic achievement. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stripping Analysis of As(III) by Means of Screen‐Printed Electrodes Modified with Gold Nanoparticles and Carbon Black Nanocomposite
Authors: Cinti Stefano , Politi Sara , Moscone Danila , Palleschi Giuseppe , Arduini Fabiana
Published: April 2014

A novel sensor based on carbon black‐gold nanoparticle nanocomposite modified screen‐printed electrode (CB‐AuNPs/SPE) for the detection of As(III) has been developed. The sensor was prepared modifying the SPE with CB and AuNPs by a drop casting automatable deposition. The As(III) was detected by CB‐AuNPs/SPE using anodic stripping voltammetry, with a high sensitivity (673±6 µA µM−1 cm−2) and reaching a LOD of 0.4 ppb. Finally, CB‐AuNPs/SPE has been applied to As(III) trace analysis in drinking water, obtaining satisfactory recovery values (99±9 %).
Influence of grinding on the nutritive value of peas for ruminants: comparison between in vitro and in situ approaches
Authors: Giger‐Reverdin Sylvie , Maaroufi Chiraze , Chapoutot Patrick , Peyronnet Corinne , Sauvant Daniel
Published: April 2014

In ruminant nutrition, peas are characterized by high protein solubility and degradability, which impair its protein value estimated by the official in situ method. Grinding can be used as a technological treatment of pea seeds to modify their nutritional value. The aim of this study was to compare the in situ method with an in vitro method on the same pea either in a coarse pea flour form (PCF) or in a ground pea fine flour form (PFF) to understand the effect of grinding. Both forms were also reground (GPCF and GPFF). PCF presented a lower rate of in vitro degradation than PFF, and more stable fermentation parameters (pH, ammonia, soluble carbohydrates) even if gas production was higher for the PCF after 48 h of incubation. In situ dry matter and protein degradation were lower for PCF than those for PFF; these differences were more marked than with the in vitro method. Reground peas were very similar to PFF. The values for pea protein digestible in the intestine (PDI) were higher for PCF than those for PFF. This study points out the high sensitivity of the in situ method to grinding. The study needs to be validated by in vivo measurements.
Longitudinal MRI reveals impaired cortical thinning in children and adolescents prenatally exposed to alcohol
Authors: Treit Sarah , Zhou Dongming , Lebel Catherine , Rasmussen Carmen , Andrew Gail , Beaulieu Christian
Published: April 2014

Brain imaging studies suggest that cortical thickness decreases during childhood and adolescence, in concert with underlying structural and synaptic changes required for cognitive maturation and regional specialization of function. Abnormalities of this protracted developmental process may provide key insights into the cognitive and behavioral deficits that emerge in individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Several studies have demonstrated cortical thickness differences in children and adolescents who were prenatally exposed to alcohol, though all have been cross sectional, limiting conclusions about cortical development with age. In this study, we analyze serially collected T1‐weighted MRI from 11 children with FASD and 21 controls, scanned twice each ∼2 to 4 years apart. Mixed‐models analysis of cortical thickness measurements revealed age‐by‐group interactions in cortical thinning, with FASD participants undergoing less developmental thinning than controls across many regions of the cortex, particularly in medial frontal and parietal areas. These results provide further longitudinal evidence in humans that prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with altered patterns of brain development that persist during childhood and adolescence. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4892–4903, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Staging and treatment of oropharyngeal cancer in the human papillomavirus era
Authors: Ward Matthew J. , Mellows Toby , Harris Scott , Webb Andrew , Patel Nimesh N. , Cox Hugh J. , Piper Kim , Ottensmeier Christian H. , Thomas Gareth J. , King Emma V.
Published: April 2014

Background

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is staged using the TNM system. Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive tumors have improved prognosis, despite presenting at advanced stage. Optimal treatment and stratification of HPV‐positive patients are not clearly defined.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 266 patients with oropharyngeal SCC for mortality and feeding tube dependency related to TNM stage, HPV status, and treatment.

Results

TNM staging was prognostic in HPV‐negative patients (stage III/IV hazard ratio [HR], 2.00; p = .05; N+ HR, 2.19; p = .02). Only T classification was prognostic in HPV‐positive tumors (T3/T4 HR 3.31; p = .006). HPV‐positive tumors showed improved survival regardless of treatment. Patients receiving chemotherapy had a significantly increased risk of feeding tube dependency (odds ratio [OR], 1.72; p = .03).

Conclusion

These data suggest that the current TNM system has little prognostic value in HPV‐positive oropharyngeal SCC. Patients with HPV‐positive tumors show improved survival independent of treatment. The addition of chemotherapy increases the risk of feeding tube dependency and could potentially be avoided in T1/T2 HPV‐positive tumors without compromising survival. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1002–1013, 2015
CROSS‐BORDER BANKING, EXTERNALITIES AND SOVEREIGN DISTRESS: DOES THE EURO NEED A COMMON BANKING AUTHORITY?
Authors: Erce Aitor
Published: April 2014

This paper analyses the role of linkages between cross‐border banks and sovereigns in the spread of crises. After discussing evidence from past crises, I focus on the Euro Area. Banks from the Euro‐core played a key role in shedding the seeds for the transition from the US mortgage crisis to the Euro Area crisis. While national authorities supported their damaged banks, the Euro‐system's infrastructure allowed Euro‐core banks to undo intra‐area exposures with minor disruptions. Although this helped stabilize peripheral asset markets, the extent to which public funding replaced private one implied less macroeconomic correction and the current fiscal woes.

The combination of cross‐border banking and national resolution schemes creates an externality on sovereigns, who are forced to contain the effects stemming from the balance sheet management of cross‐border banks. Weak public finances can easily push a banking crisis into a fiscal one. This negative externality is reinforced by Central Banks' mandate that limits fiscal cooperation. In the context of the Euro Area, to limit this problem, the Union should equip itself with a common bank resolution authority, which delinks banks and sovereigns. In addition, to limit the externality, macro‐prudential policy could set contributions for cross‐border operators in order to pre‐fund future bank rescues. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purchasing Power Parity and the Taylor Rule
Authors: Kim Hyeongwoo , Fujiwara Ippei , Hansen Bruce E. , Ogaki Masao
Published: April 2014

It is well known that there is a large degree of uncertainty around Rogoff's consensus half‐life of the real exchange rate. To obtain a more efficient estimator, we develop a system method that combines the Taylor rule and a standard exchange rate model to estimate half‐lives. Further, we propose a median unbiased estimator for the system method based on the generalized method of moments with non‐parametric grid bootstrap confidence intervals. Applying the method to real exchange rates of 18 developed countries against the US dollar, we find that most half‐life estimates from the single equation method fall in the range of 3–5 years, with wide confidence intervals that extend to positive infinity. In contrast, the system method yields median‐unbiased estimates that are typically shorter than 1 year, with much sharper 95% confidence intervals. Our Monte Carlo simulation results are consistent with an interpretation of these results that the true half‐lives are short but long half‐life estimates from single‐equation methods are caused by the high degree of uncertainty of these methods. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopic study of remelting and annealing‐induced effects on microstructure and compressive deformation behavior of highly crosslinked UHMWPE for total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Takahashi Yasuhito , Sugano Nobuhiko , Puppulin Leonardo , Zhu Wenliang , Pezzotti Giuseppe
Published: April 2014

Three‐dimensional crystallographic morphologies were studied by means of confocal/polarized Raman spectroscopy as developed upon manufacturing in three different types of first and second generation highly crosslinked UHMWPE (HXLPE) acetabular liners. The impact of such microstructural characteristics on the deformation behavior of the liners was also evaluated and discussed from the viewpoint of molecular chain mobility. All the investigated liners showed similar microstructural transitions within the first 35 μm below their surfaces in terms of crystallinity, molecular orientation, and crystalline anisotropy. Interestingly, different postirradiation heat treatments (remelting or annealing in single step or in sequential steps) led to clear differences in the subsurface microstructure among the three liners. Remelted liner possessed both lower bulk crystallinity and degree of molecular orientation as compared to the annealed liners. Sequentially, irradiated/annealed liner showed the highest degree of crystallinity and orientation among the studied liners. The peculiar microstructure of this latter liner exhibited the highest restoring (shape‐recovery) force against the applied uniaxial strain. Accordingly, the present study suggests that the sequential irradiation and annealing offers an efficient way to obtain microstructure quite suitable for attaining high creep resistance. However, all the investigated liners exhibited the significantly low values of surface anisotropy, which could be equally efficient in minimizing strain‐softening‐assisted wear phenomena. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1762–1770, 2014.
Local mechanical response of cells to the controlled rotation of magnetic nanorods
Authors: Castillo Matias , Ebensperger Roberto , Wirtz Denis , Walczak Magdalena , Hurtado Daniel E. , Celedon Alfredo
Published: April 2014

The mechanical response of the cytoplasm was investigated by the intracellular implantation of magnetic nanorods and exposure to low‐frequency rotatory magnetic fields. Nanorods (Pt‐Ni, ∼200 nm diameter) fabricated by electrodeposition in templates of porous alumina with lengths of approximately 2 and 5 µm were inserted into NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and manipulated with a rotational magnetic field. Nanorod rotation was observed only for torques greater than 3.0 × 10−16 Nm, suggesting a Bingham‐type behavior of the cytoplasm. Higher torques produced considerable deformation of the intracellular material. The cell nucleus and cell membrane were significantly deformed by nanorods actuated by 4.5 × 10−15 Nm torques. Our results demonstrate that nanorods under magnetic fields are an effective tool to mechanically probe the intracellular environment. We envision that our findings may contribute to the noninvasive and direct mechanical characterization of the cytoplasm. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1779–1785, 2014.
The beneficial use of HCl‐activated natural zeolite in ultrasound assisted synthesis of Cu/clinoptilolite–CeO2 nanocatalyst used for catalytic oxidation of diluted toluene in air at low temperature
Authors: Yosefi Leila , Haghighi Mohammad , Allahyari Somaiyeh , Ashkriz Saeid
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

To remove toluene (a representative volatile organic compound (VOC)) from a waste gas stream, catalytic oxidation was utilized over Cu/Clinoptilolite–CeO2 nanocatalyst. The nanocatalyst with different loadings of Cu (5, 10, 15 wt%) was sonochemically synthesized and its performance in catalytic oxidation of toluene was studied. Characterization by XRD, FESEM, BET, EDX and FTIR were applied.

RESULTS

XRD results indicated well‐dispersed small copper particles even at high loadings of copper. Non‐sonicated Cu/Clinoptilolite–CeO2 catalyst showed agglomerated, non‐uniform morphology, while small particles with uniform shape and size with different degrees of agglomeration were observed in sonicated Cu/Clinoptilolite–CeO2 catalyst. A narrow particle size distribution with average size 21 nm was observed in the sonicated sample. BET analysis demonstrated considerable effects of HCl treatment in increasing the specific surface area of clinoptilolite. It also showed the strong influence of CeO2 addition as a promoter that sharply enhanced the surface area to 71.7 m2 g−1.

CONCLUSION

Catalytic performance tests revealed that Cu(15%)/Clinoptilolite–CeO2 synthesized with ultrasound had the best performance of about 98% toluene abatement even at high concentrations of toluene (3000 ppm). A stability test of the synthesized nanocatalyst confirmed its constant activity for 1440 min, making it a promising catalyst for removal of VOCs. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Bayesian multilevel analysis of variance for relative comparison across sources of global climate model variability
Authors: Geinitz Steven , Furrer Reinhard , Sain Stephan R.
Published: April 2014

Projections of future climate conditions are carried out by many research institutions, each with their own general circulation model to do so. The projections are additionally subjected to distinct anthropogenic forcings, specified by future greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. These two factors, together with their temporal effects and interaction, create several potential sources of variation in final climate projection output. Multilevel statistical models, and specifically multilevel ANOVA, have come to be widely used for many reasons, not least of which is their ability to comprehensively assess many different sources of variation. In this article, a Bayesian multilevel ANOVA approach is applied to climate projections to assess each of these sources of variation, estimate the uncertainty regarding the assessment, and to allow comparison across all sources. The data originate from phase three of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3), consisting of 11 circulation models and three emissions scenarios over nine decadal time periods for boreal summer and winter. Data from the next phase, CMIP5, is now becoming available. As this approach towards ANOVA is relatively novel, and particularly so for spatial data, a short discussion of conventional ANOVA and the new methodology is provided.
Effects of Cognitive–Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD on Partners’ Psychological Functioning
Authors: Shnaider Philippe , Pukay‐Martin Nicole D. , Fredman Steffany J. , Macdonald Alexandra , Monson Candice M.
Published: April 2014

A number of studies have documented that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in “one” partner are negatively associated with their intimate partner's psychological functioning. The present study investigated intimate partners’ mental health outcomes (i.e., depression, anxiety, and anger) in a sample of 40 partners of individuals with PTSD within a randomized waitlist controlled trial of cognitive–behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (Monson & Fredman, ). There were no significant differences between active treatment and waitlist in intimate partners’ psychological functioning at posttreatment. Subgroup analyses, however, of partners exhibiting clinical levels of distress at pretreatment on several measures showed reliable and clinically significant improvements in their psychological functioning at posttreatment and no evidence of worsening. Results suggest that cognitive–behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD may have additional benefits for partners presenting with psychological distress.
A Novel Method of Extraction of Blend Component Structure from SANS Measurements of Homopolymer Bimodal Blends
Authors: Smerdova Olga , Graham Richard S. , Gasser Urs , Hutchings Lian R. , De Focatiis Davide S. A.
Published: April 2014

A new method is presented for the extraction of single‐chain form factors and interchain interference functions from a range of small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments on bimodal homopolymer blends. The method requires a minimum of three blends, made up of hydrogenated and deuterated components with matched degree of polymerization at two different chain lengths, but with carefully varying deuteration levels. The method is validated through an experimental study on polystyrene homopolymer bimodal blends with . By fitting Debye functions to the structure factors, it is shown that there is good agreement between the molar mass of the components obtained from SANS and from chromatography. The extraction method also enables, for the first time, interchain scattering functions to be produced for scattering between chains of different lengths.

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Crystallization Behavior of Stereo Diblock Poly(Lactide)s with Relatively Short Poly(D‐Lactide) Segment from Partially Melted State
Authors: Tsuji Hideto , Tajima Tomohiko
Published: April 2014

Stereo diblock poly(lactide)s (SDB‐PLAs) composed of relatively short poly(D‐lactide) (PDLA) and relatively long poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) segments were synthesized, and the effects of incorporated short PDLA segments on crystallization behavior of SDB‐PLAs were investigated after melting at 200 °C, at which only homo‐crystallites were melted and stereocomplex (SC) crystallites remained un‐melted. During heating of melt‐quenched samples, SC crystallites and homo‐crystallites were contained and formed for D‐lactyl unit contents above 2.3% and below 28.8%, respectively, whereas after slow cooling from 200 °C, SC crystallites and homo‐crystallites were contained and formed for D‐lactyl unit contents above 0.9% and below 16.6%, respectively. By manipulating the overall molecular weight and the molecular weight of the PDLA segment, the SDB‐PLAs can attain accelerated crystallization and higher crystallinity compared to those of PLLAs.
Quantitative 2D liquid‐state NMR
Authors: Giraudeau Patrick
Published: April 2014

Two‐dimensional (2D) liquid‐state NMR has a very high potential to simultaneously determine the absolute concentration of small molecules in complex mixtures, thanks to its capacity to separate overlapping resonances. However, it suffers from two main drawbacks that probably explain its relatively late development. First, the 2D NMR signal is strongly molecule‐dependent and site‐dependent; second, the long duration of 2D NMR experiments prevents its general use for high‐throughput quantitative applications and affects its quantitative performance. Fortunately, the last 10 years has witnessed an increasing number of contributions where quantitative approaches based on 2D NMR were developed and applied to solve real analytical issues. This review aims at presenting these recent efforts to reach a high trueness and precision in quantitative measurements by 2D NMR. After highlighting the interest of 2D NMR for quantitative analysis, the different strategies to determine the absolute concentrations from 2D NMR spectra are described and illustrated by recent applications. The last part of the manuscript concerns the recent development of fast quantitative 2D NMR approaches, aiming at reducing the experiment duration while preserving – or even increasing – the analytical performance. We hope that this comprehensive review will help readers to apprehend the current landscape of quantitative 2D NMR, as well as the perspectives that may arise from it. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors associated with dose escalation of fesoterodine for treatment of overactive bladder in people >65 years of age: A post hoc analysis of data from the SOFIA study
Authors: Wagg Adrian , Darekar Amanda , Arumi Daniel , Khullar Vik , Oelke Matthias
Published: April 2014

Aim

To investigate factors which may influence dose escalation of antimuscarinics for overactive bladder (OAB) in older patients and how dose escalation affects treatment efficacy.

Materials and Methods

A post hoc analysis of data from the 12‐week randomized, placebo controlled phase of the SOFIA study investigating treatment with fesoterodine in older people with OAB. Predictors and outcomes in patients aged ≥65 years with OAB who did or did not choose to escalate from fesoterodine 4 to 8 mg before the first dose‐escalation choice point (week 4) and at the end of the study (week 12) were assessed.

Results

Variables which significantly increased likelihood of dose escalation were, at baseline, body mass index (OR: 1.06, 95% CI 1.01, 1.12; P = 0.0222), and male gender (OR: 2.06, 95% CI 1.28, 3.32; P = 0.0028) and at week 4, change from baseline in urgency episodes (OR: 1.12, 95% CI 1.05, 1.20; P = 0.0008), patient perception of bladder control (PPBC) (OR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.12, 1.84; P = 0.004). At week 12, dose escalation was associated with slightly reduced treatment outcomes compared to week 4 non‐escalators.

Conclusions

No baseline disease related factor associated with dose escalation was identified. Magnitude of change in urgency episodes and reduction in PPBC at 4 weeks were associated with dose escalation. These data may be of use to healthcare providers as they allow judgement to be made in individual patients, allowing treatment decisions to be made. At end of treatment, improvements in efficacy and quality of life were achieved in both escalators and non‐escalators. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:438–443, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maternal obesity and Down syndrome in the offspring: is there a link?
Authors: Ghidini Alessandro
Published: April 2014

What's already known about this topic?

Obesity has several adverse effects on the fetal and neonatal outcomes

Obesity leads to underdetection of fetal sonographic markers of aneuploidies and of fetal anomalies, as well as underperformance of maternal serum screening test for common aneuploidies

Obesity can be associated with malnutrition and lower levels of essential vitamins

What does this study add?

The reported increased risk of offspring with Down syndrome in obese women (corrected for maternal age) could be due to more frequent non‐disjunctional events or under‐detection of affected fetuses
Toxic Tacrolimus Levels After Application of Topical Tacrolimus and Use of Occlusive Dressings in Two Bone Marrow Transplant Recipients with Cutaneous Graft‐versus‐Host Disease
Authors: Olson Katherine A. , West Kathleen , McCarthy Philip L.
Published: April 2014

Tacrolimus, a macrolide immunosuppressant, is used topically for the treatment of cutaneous manifestations of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) for rapid, symptomatic relief of pruritus and erythema. Despite the manufacturer's product information reporting minimal systemic effects of topical tacrolimus, this has not been evaluated in patients with cutaneous GVHD and with occlusive dressings. We describe two patients with cutaneous GVHD who developed toxic tacrolimus levels after receiving several applications of tacrolimus ointment along with occlusive dressings to enhance skin effectiveness. The first patient was a 62‐year‐old woman with a history of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) who underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and developed chronic GVHD involving 70% of her body surface area. Her GVHD treatment plan consisted of oral corticosteroids, oral tacrolimus, topical corticosteroids, topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment twice/day, emollient creams, intravenous rituximab, and photopheresis. The patient's tacrolimus trough levels rose rapidly over the course of 6 days from less than 2 ng/ml to 23 ng/ml, despite oral tacrolimus dosage adjustments. The second patient was a 25‐year‐old man who developed severe, chronic skin GVHD after undergoing allogeneic sibling bone marrow transplantation for AML. In addition to intravenous corticosteroids, corticosteroid creams, and oral tacrolimus, the patient also received topical tacrolimus twice/day with occlusive dressings. Over the course of 2 days, his tacrolimus trough levels increased from 7.10 ng/ml to 22.10 ng/ml. Although improvement was noted in both patients' skin GVHD with application of the occlusive dressings, the practice was discontinued due to increased and erratic systemic tacrolimus absorption. These case reports suggest that substantial use of topical tacrolimus with occlusive dressings in patients with cutaneous GVHD may contribute to increased systemic absorption resulting in toxic tacrolimus levels. Based on the findings from our two patients as well as published case reports, systemic absorption appears to increase with greater skin permeability, skin barrier dysfunction, amount of body surface area applied, and use of occlusive dressings. When one or more of these factors are present, it may be prudent to monitor tacrolimus levels.
GradientOptimizer: An open‐source graphical environment for calculating optimized gradients in reversed‐phase liquid chromatography
Authors: Moruz Luminita , Käll Lukas
Published: April 2014

We here present GradientOptimizer, an intuitive, lightweight graphical user interface to design nonlinear gradients for separation of peptides by reversed‐phase liquid chromatography. The software allows to calculate three types of nonlinear gradients, each of them optimizing a certain retention time distribution of interest. GradientOptimizer is straightforward to use, requires minimum processing of the input files, and is supported under Windows, Linux, and OS X platforms. The software is open‐source and can be downloaded under an Apache 2.0 license at https://github.com/statisticalbiotechnology/NonlinearGradientsUI.
Hierarchically ordered ABA triblock copolymer with large difference in glass transition temperatures of the two blocks
Authors: Li Chang‐Feng , Zhang Qi‐Kai , Tian Hai‐Jian , Chai Chun‐Peng , Gao Long‐Cheng , Shen Zhihao , Fan Xing‐He , Luo Yun‐Jun
Published: April 2014

Rod‐coil‐rod triblock copolymers, poly[4′‐(methoxy)‐2‐vinylbiphenyl‐4‐methyl ether] ‐blockpolydimethylsiloxane‐block‐poly[4′‐(methoxy)‐2‐vinylbiphenyl‐4‐methyl ether] (PMVBP‐b‐PDMS‐b‐PMVBP), were synthesized by nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization, and their hierarchically ordered structures were studied. A difunctional TEMPO macroinitiator was first synthesized by the hydrosilylation reaction between hydride‐endcapped PDMS and allylic alkoxyamine. The polymerization of the monomer MVBP was triggered by the macroinitiator, resulting in a series of triblock copolymers. The molecular weights and polydispersity indexes were determined by gel permeation chromatography. Differential scanning calorimetry results demonstrate that the triblock copolymers exhibit two glass transition temperatures (−120 °C and 160 °C) that are markedly different. As revealed by small‐angle X‐ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy experiments, the triblock copolymers self‐assemble into hierarchical structures with the liquid crystalline phase of PMVBP in the lamellar structures. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1737–1744
Communication, coping, and quality of life of breast cancer survivors and family/friend dyads: a pilot study of Chinese‐Americans and Korean‐Americans
Authors: Lim Jung‐won
Published: April 2014

Objective

This study aimed to understand the dyadic relationships between family communication and quality of life (QOL) and between coping and QOL in Chinese‐American and Korean‐American breast cancer survivor (BCS)–family member dyads.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey design was used. A total of 32 Chinese‐American and Korean‐American BCS–family member dyads were recruited from the California Cancer Surveillance Program and area hospitals in Los Angeles County, California, USA. The dyadic data were analyzed using a pooled regression actor–partner interdependence model.

Results

The study findings demonstrated that the survivors' general communication and use of reframing coping positively predicted their own QOL. The survivors' and family members' general communication was also a strong predictor of the family members' physical‐related QOL score specifically. Meanwhile, each person's use of mobilizing coping negatively predicted his or her partner's QOL.

Conclusions

The study findings add important information to the scarce literature on the QOL of Asian‐American survivors of breast cancer. The findings suggest that Chinese‐American and Korean‐American BCS and their family members may benefit from interventions that enhance communication and coping within the family unit. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On‐chip fast scan cyclic voltammetry for selective detection of redox active neurotransmitters
Authors: Yakushenko Alexey , Schöps Volker , Mayer Dirk , Offenhäusser Andreas , Wolfrum Bernhard
Published: April 2014

Fast scan cyclic voltammetry is a powerful technique for selective detection of biogenic amines in vivo and in vitro. Here we investigate this technique for multichannel spatiotemporal detection of neurotransmitter concentrations on a chip, using metal microelectrode arrays. The array‐based approach allows monitoring concentration gradients of redox‐active species at multiple highly localized (3 µm) positions simultaneously, while maintaining selectivity from the characteristic voltammogram shapes. We demonstrate that concentration fluctuations at individual electrode locations are resolved after spatially confined neurotransmitter injections. Furthermore, we discuss effects of microelectrode degradation caused by electrode sweeping during long‐term experiments.
Unambiguous determination of spin dephasing times in ZnO by time‐resolved magneto‐optical pump–probe experiments
Authors: Kuhlen Sebastian , Ledesch Ralph , de Winter Robin , Althammer Matthias , Gönnenwein Sebastian T. B. , Opel Matthias , Gross Rudolf , Wassner Thomas A. , Brandt Martin S. , Beschoten Bernd
Published: April 2014

Time‐resolved magneto‐optics is a well‐established optical pump–probe technique to generate and to probe spin coherence in semiconductors. By this method, spin dephasing times can easily be determined if their values are comparable to the available pump–probe delays. If exceeds the laser repetition time, however, resonant spin amplification (RSA) can equally be used to extract . We demonstrate that in ZnO these techniques have several tripping hazards resulting in deceptive values for and show how to avoid them. We show that the temperature dependence of the amplitude ratio of two separate spin species can easily be misinterpreted as a strongly temperature‐dependent of a single spin ensemble, while the two spin species have values, which are nearly independent of temperature. Additionally, consecutive pump pulses can significantly diminish the spin polarization, which remains from previous pump pulses. While this barely affects values extracted from delay line scans, it results in seemingly shorter values in RSA.
Influence of the electron density on the thickness‐dependent energy gap oscillations in superconducting metallic nanofilms
Authors: Wójcik P. , Zegrodnik M.
Published: April 2014

The thickness‐dependent energy gap oscillations in the metallic nanofilms are investigated by the use of the self‐consistent numerical solutions of the Bogoliubov‐de Gennes equations. We analyze, how the changes in the electron density () and the electron–phonon coupling constant (g) influence the amplitude of the considered oscillations. It is found, that the increase in and the decrease in g can lead to a significant reduction of the oscillations amplitude. As a result, for the values of the mentioned parameters, which correspond to some of the realistic situations the thickness‐dependent superconducting gap oscillations can be significantly suppressed. The computational results are compared with recent experimental data.
Fidelity of optically induced single‐spin rotations in semiconductor quantum dots in the presence of nuclear spins
Authors: Hildmann Julia , Burkard Guido
Published: April 2014

We examine the influence of nuclear spins on the performance of optically induced rotations of single electron spins in semiconductor quantum dots. We consider Raman‐type optical transitions between electron spin states and take into account the additional effect of the Overhauser field. We calculate average fidelities of rotations around characteristic axes in the presence of nuclear spins analytically with perturbation theory up to second order in the Overhauser field. Moreover, we calculate the fidelity using numerical averaging over the nuclear field distribution, including arbitrary orders of the hyperfine interaction.
Effect of annealing on stress‐induced transformation behaviors at low temperatures in a Ti–51.8 at.% Ni shape memory alloy
Authors: Niitsu Kodai , Kainuma Ryosuke
Published: April 2014

For polycrystalline Ti‐51.8Ni (at.%) specimens annealed at 473 and 943 K, the microstructures at room temperature were observed by transmission electron microscopy and the stress‐induced transformation behaviors at low temperatures were investigated by compressive test. The precipitation of Ti3Ni4 was confirmed in the both annealed specimens, where the precipitates at 943 K had a lenticular shape in micrometer size, and those at 473 K seemed to be clusters in nanometer size. Superelasticity with almost complete shape recovery was detected at temperatures below 200 K for all the annealed specimens. In comparison to the as‐homogenized specimen, although the temperature dependence on the stress hysteresis only slightly changed in each annealing condition, the equilibrium stresses in the specimen annealed at 473 and 943 K apparently increased and decreased, respectively.
Single authentication through in convergence space using collaborative smart cameras
Authors: Kim Geon Woo , Han Jong Wook , Lee Deok Gyu , Kim Sang Wook
Published: April 2014

In recent years, the convergence of IT space and physical space is increasingly studied. In the legacy IT‐based systems, developments of services were focusing on just the cyber space. However, as ubiquitous computing environment is expanding into the real world, considerations about how to design and develop the systems for ensuring the interoperability between two spaces must be taken. For indeed converging IT/physical spaces and ensuring the ubiquity, a new model to efficiently identify a moving object needs to be established. Although the identifier information resulted from successful authentication procedure is used in the most security systems, each authentication method adopts a variety of identifiable information (II) specification. So in this paper, we suggest a scheme to access any ubiquitous service with single authentication at initial stage for efficiently identifying an object moving multiple convergence spaces by relaying the II along the movement. This is performed by enabling distributed smart cameras to deliver II of the identified moving object. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.