bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hematologic Parameters in Pediatric Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Olliaro Piero , Djimdé Abdoulaye , Dorsey Grant , Karema Corine , Mårtensson Andreas , Ndiaye Jean-Louis , Sirima Sodiomon B. , Vaillant Michel , Zwang Julien
Published: October 2011

Hematologic changes in acute and convalescent uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria have not been well studied, particularly in young children in Africa. Hematologic data were obtained for 3,044 children less than five years of age in seven randomized controlled trials at 14 sites. Using paired analysis between day 28 and baseline in patients without parasitologic failure as a proxy for malaria-induced effects, we found a statistically significant but clinically modest increase in leukocyte counts (5%) resulting from a larger increase in neutrophils (43%) than the decrease in lymphocytes counts (–16%); levels of hemoglobin and platelets decreased (–13% and –49%, respectively). Multivariate random effects analysis showed trends during follow-up (increased levels of hemoglobin, platelets and lymphocytes, and decreased levels of leukocytes and neutrophils) and identified explanatory variables. The risk of neutropenia increased with follow-up time independent of treatment outcome, and was lower with age, higher baseline parasitemia, and artemisinin combination treatment. These analyses provides information on hematologic variations caused by malaria.
Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis in the United States: A Systematic Review—1940–2010
Authors: Starr Michelle C. , Montgomery Susan P.
Published: October 2011

The epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminth infections (hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Strongyloides stercoralis) in the United States is poorly understood. To gain understanding of the status of disease, a systematic review was performed to assess the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the United States. Of all studies reviewed, 14 were designated as high-quality. High-quality studies were published from 1942 to 1982 and showed that infection was prevalent throughout the southern United States and Appalachia as recently as 1982, finding that hookworm (19.6%), T. trichiura (55.2%), A. lumbricoides (49.4%), and S. stercoralis (3.8%) affected significant percentages of the population. However, because the most recent high-quality studies were published over 25 years ago, the literature does not provide sufficient data to assess current endemic transmission. Because the status of disease remains unclear, there is a need for additional studies to determine if soil-transmitted helminths remain endemic in the United States.
Experimental Transmission of Mayaro Virus by Aedes aegypti
Authors: Long Kanya C. , Ziegler Sarah A. , Thangamani Saravanan , Hausser Nicole L. , Kochel Tadeusz J. , Higgs Stephen , Tesh Robert B.
Published: October 2011

Outbreaks of Mayaro fever have been associated with a sylvatic cycle of Mayaro virus (MAYV) transmission in South America. To evaluate the potential for a common urban mosquito to transmit MAYV, laboratory vector competence studies were performed with Aedes aegypti from Iquitos, Peru. Oral infection in Ae. aegypti ranged from 0% (0/31) to 84% (31/37), with blood meal virus titers between 3.4 log10 and 7.3 log10 plaque-forming units (PFU)/mL. Transmission of MAYV by 70% (21/30) of infected mosquitoes was shown by saliva collection and exposure to suckling mice. Amount of viral RNA in febrile humans, determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction, ranged from 2.7 to 5.3 log10 PFU equivalents/mL. Oral susceptibility of Ae. aegypti to MAYV at titers encountered in viremic humans may limit opportunities to initiate an urban cycle; however, transmission of MAYV by Ae. aegypti shows the vector competence of this species and suggests potential for urban transmission.
Yellow Fever Vaccine Seroconversion in Travelers
Authors: Kay Allison , Chen Lin H. , Sisti Maggie , Monath Thomas P.
Published: October 2011

To assess immunity after yellow fever (YF) 17D live-attenuated vaccination, we measured the antibody levels before vaccination and at 21 days and 8 months after vaccination in YF-naïve travelers. Thirty subjects were enrolled in the study, with 100% providing sera at 21 days and 86.6% providing sera at 8 months. All subjects seroconverted by day 21, and the geometric mean titers of the anti-YF antibodies decreased between day 21 and month 8 from 6,451 to 1,246. This study corroborates the high rates of seroconversion achieved by the live-attenuated YF vaccine.
The influence of the spatial resolution of topographic input data on the accuracy of 3-D UV actinic flux and irradiance calculations
Authors: Weihs P. , Wagner J. E. , Schreier S. F. , Rieder H. E. , Angelini F. , Blumthaler M. , Fitzka M. , Gobbi G. P. , Kift R. , Kreuter A. , Simic S. , Webb A. R.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the spatial resolution of a digital elevation map (DEM) on the three-dimensional (3-D) radiative transfer performance for both spectral ultraviolet (UV) irradiance and actinic flux at 305 nm. Model simulations were performed for clear sky conditions for three case studies: the first and second one using three sites in the Innsbruck area and the third one using three sites at the Sonnblick Observatory and surrounding area. It was found that DEM resolution may change the altitude at some locations by up to 500 m, resulting in changes in the sky obscured by the horizon of up to 15%. The geographical distribution of UV irradiance and actinic flux shows that with larger pixel size, uncertainties in UV irradiance and actinic flux determination of up to 100% are possible. These large changes in incident irradiance and actinic flux with changing pixel size are strongly connected to shading effects. The effect of DEM pixel size on irradiance and actinic flux was studied at the six locations, and it was found that significant increases in irradiance and actinic flux with increasing DEM pixel size occurred at one valley location at high solar zenith angles in the Innsbruck area as well as for one steep valley location in the Sonnblick area. This increase in irradiance and actinic flux with increasing DEM resolution is most likely to be connected to shading effects affecting the reflections from the surroundings.
From quantum chemical formation free energies to evaporation rates
Authors: Ortega I. K. , Kupiainen O. , Kurtén T. , Olenius T. , Wilkman O. , McGrath M. J. , Loukonen V. , Vehkamäki H.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Atmospheric new particle formation is an important source of atmospheric aerosols. Large efforts have been made during the past few years to identify which molecules are behind this phenomenon, but the actual birth mechanism of the particles is not yet well known. Quantum chemical calculations have proven to be a powerful tool to gain new insights into the very first steps of particle formation. In the present study we use formation free energies calculated by quantum chemical methods to estimate the evaporation rates of species from sulfuric acid clusters containing ammonia or dimethylamine. We have found that dimethylamine forms much more stable clusters with sulphuric acid than ammonia does. On the other hand, the existence of a very deep local minimum for clusters with two sulfuric acid molecules and two dimethylamine molecules hinders their growth to larger clusters. These results indicate that other compounds may be needed to make clusters grow to larger sizes (containing more than three sulfuric acid molecules).
Fast simulators for satellite cloud optical centroid pressure retrievals, 1. evaluation of OMI cloud retrievals
Authors: Joiner J. , Vasilkov A. P. , Gupta P. , Bhartia P. K. , Veefkind P. , Sneep M. , de Haan J. , Polonsky I. , Spurr R.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The cloud Optical Centroid Pressure (OCP) is a satellite-derived parameter that is commonly used in trace-gas retrievals to account for the effects of clouds on near-infrared through ultraviolet radiance measurements. A fast simulator is desirable in order to further expand the use of cloud OCP retrievals into the operational and climate communities for applications such as data assimilation and evaluation of cloud vertical structure in general circulation models. In this paper, we develop and validate a fast simulator that provides estimates of the cloud OCP given a vertical profile of optical extinction. We use a pressure-weighting scheme where the weights depend upon optical parameters of clouds and/or aerosol. A cloud weighting function is easily extracted using this formulation. We then use the fast simulator to compare two different satellite cloud OCP retrievals from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) with estimates based on collocated cloud extinction profiles from a combination of CloudSat radar and MODIS visible radiance data. These comparisons are made over a wide range of conditions in order to provide a comprehensive validation of the OMI cloud OCP retrievals. We find generally good agreement between OMI cloud OCPs and those predicted by CloudSat. However, the OMI cloud OCPs from the two independent algorithms agree better with each other than either does with the estimates from CloudSat/MODIS. Differences between OMI cloud OCPs and those based on CloudSat/MODIS may result from undetected snow/ice at the surface, cloud 3-D effects, and the fact that CloudSat only observes a relatively small fraction of OMI pixel.
Mechanical and Thermal Stresses in a FGPM Hollow Cylinder due to Radially Symmetric Loads
Authors: Jabbari M. , Meshkini M. , Eslami M. R.
Published: October 2011

The general solution of steady-state on one-dimensional Axisymmetric mechanical and thermal stresses for a hollow thick made of cylinder Functionally Graded porous material is developed. Temperature, as functions of the radial direction with general thermal and mechanical boundary-conditions on the inside and outside surfaces. A standard method is used to solve a nonhomogenous system of partial differential Navier equations with nonconstant coefficients, using complex Fourier series, rather power functions method and solve the heat conduction. The material properties, except poisson's ratio, are assumed to depend on the variable , and they are expressed as power functions of .
Suitable Glazing Selection for Glass-Curtain Walls in Tropical Climates of India
Authors: Singh M. C. , Garg S. N.
Published: October 2011

How a glass-curtain wall affects the heating and cooling load of a building is analysed. The study includes five types of glazings, which include double-glazed clear glass, double-glazed low-e, and double-glazed solar control. The analysis is for three climates: composite (New Delhi), hot and dry (Jodhpur), and warm and humid (Chennai). An office building is chosen for analysis. The study includes effect of glazed area, orientation, and that of climates, on annual energy consumption. It was found that energy consumption increases linearly with the glazed area and minimum energy consumption is for north orientation. For types of climates considered in this study, a glass-curtain wall, made of solar control glazing (reflective), consumes 6–8% less energy than the standard window.
Blood Pressure in Relation to Age and Frailty
Authors: Rockwood Michael R.H. , Howlett Susan E.
Published: October 2011

Background and PurposeOn average, systolic blood pressure (SBP) rises with age, while diastolic blood pressure (DBP) increases to age 50 and then declines. As elevated blood pressure is associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality, it also might be linked to frailty. We assessed the association between blood pressure, age, and frailty in a representative population based cohort.MethodsIndividuals from the second clinical examination of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging (n = 2305, all 70+ years) were separated into four groups: history of hypertension ± antihypertensive medication, and no history of hypertension ± antihypertensive medication. Frailty was quantified as deficits accumulated in a frailty index (FI).Results SBP and DBP changed little in relation to age, except in untreated hypertension, where SBP declined in individuals >85 years. In contrast, SBP declined in all groups up to an FI of 0.55, and then rose sharply. DBP changed little in relation to FI. The slope of the line relating FI and age was highest in untreated individuals without a history of hypertension, indicating the highest physiological reserve.ConclusionsSBP declined as frailty increased in older adults, except at the highest FI levels. SBP and age had little or no relationship.
Papers that Might Change Practice - Review of "The Introduction of a New Screening Tool for the Identification of Cognitively Impaired Medically At-Risk Drivers
Authors: Hogan David B. , Bédard Michel
Published: October 2011

N/A
Developing Guidelines on the Assessment and Treatment of Delirium in Older Adults at the End-of-Life
Authors: Brajtman Susan , Wright David , Hogan David B. , Allard Pierre , Bruto Venera , Burne Deborah , Gage Laura , Gagnon Pierre R. , Sadowski Cheryl A. , Helsdingen Sherri , Wilson Kimberley
Published: October 2011

Background and PurposeDelirium at the end of life is common and can have serious consequences on an older person’s quality of life and death. In spite of the importance of detecting, diagnosing, and managing delirium at the end of life, comprehensive clinical practice guidelines (CPG) are lacking. Our objective was to develop CPG for the assessment and treatment of delirium that would be applicable to seniors receiving end-of-life care in diverse settings.MethodsUsing as a starting point the 2006 Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health CPG on the assessment and treatment of delirium, a team of palliative care researchers and clinicians partnered with members of the original guideline development group to adapt the guidelines for an end-of-life care context. This process was supported by an extensive literature review. The final guidelines were reviewed by external experts.ResultsComprehensive CPG on the assessment and treatment of delirium in older adults at the end of life were developed and can be downloaded from http://www.ccsmh.ca.ConclusionsFurther research is needed on the implementation and evaluation of these adapted delirium guidelines for older patients receiving end-of-life care in various palliative care settings.
Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy: A Primer for Pathologists
Authors: Paull Peter E , Hyatt Benjamin J , Wassef Wahid , Fischer Andrew H
Published: October 2011

Context.—The advent of new endoscopic optical techniques is likely to change pathologists' role in diagnosis.

Objective.—To describe how confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) works, show its advantages and limitations compared to cytohistologic biopsy, and explore how it may affect the practice of pathology.

Data Sources.—Literature review.

Conclusions.—Confocal laser endomicroscopy is proving its ability to provide histology-like images of tissues in vivo to help avoid risks and costs of conventional biopsies. Confocal imaging restricts light to 1 plane, emulating a paraffin section, and topical or systemic optical contrast agents allow subcellular resolution. New contrast agents could theoretically permit molecular characterization. In vivo imaging has begun to demonstrate novel, dynamic types of diagnostic features. Decreased histologic biopsies can be anticipated for a few scenarios. Significant limitations of CLE include the inability to create a tissue archive for broad molecular classification, suboptimal contrast agents, small fields of view and shallow penetration, paucity of clinical validation studies, and problems with reimbursement. Confocal laser endomicroscopy exposes new opportunities for pathologists: CLE technologies can be exploited in pathology, and diagnostic criteria expanded based on endoscopists' discoveries. Potential synergy exists between CLE and cytology, allowing the low-magnification diagnostic architectural changes by CLE and cytomorphology to emulate the full diagnostic information in a histologic biopsy while providing an archive of material for molecular or immunohistochemical studies. Confocal laser endomicroscopy will decrease some types of biopsies, but offers an opportunity for pathologists to find new ways to provide value and improve patient care.
Histopathologic Characteristics of Lung Adenocarcinomas With Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations in the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer/American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Lung Adenocarcinoma Classification
Authors: Shim Hyo Sup , Lee Da Hye , Park Eun Ju , Kim Se Hoon
Published: October 2011

Context.—The proposed International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer/American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society classification of lung adenocarcinomas has been published.

Objective.—To evaluate the correlation between epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and histologic subtypes of lung adenocarcinomas according to the upcoming new classification of lung adenocarcinomas.

Design.—Medical records and pathologic slides were reviewed for a total of 107 surgically resected lung adenocarcinomas. All tumors were reclassified according to the predominant histologic subtype, and comprehensive histologic subtyping with semiquantitative assessment of each of the histologic subtypes in increments of 5% was performed. Correlations with epidermal growth factor receptor status were then evaluated.

Results.—Epidermal growth factor receptor mutations were found in 54 cases (50.5%). Epidermal growth factor receptor mutations were significantly associated with the micropapillary-predominant subtype (P  =  .02) and with the presence (any amount) of the lepidic component (P  =  .02).

Conclusion.—The upcoming International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer/American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society classification of lung adenocarcinoma is relevant in that it shows a phenotype-genotype correlation. Comprehensive histologic subtyping should be recommended because of the association of particular subtypes with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations.
A Clinical and Histopathologic Focus on Barrett Esophagus and Barrett-Related Dysplasia
Authors: Voltaggio Lysandra , Montgomery Elizabeth A , Lam-Himlin Dora
Published: October 2011

Context.—Barrett esophagus is a metaplastic, premalignant lesion associated with approximately 0.5% annual incidence of progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Diagnosis and screening of Barrett esophagus and Barrett-related dysplasia relies on histologic evaluation of endoscopic mucosal biopsies, a process that is burdened with interobserver variability.

Objectives.—To review the histologic features and classification of Barrett esophagus and Barrett-related dysplasia, to discuss the underlying difficulties in diagnosis and pitfalls, and to provide a brief review of new developments related to therapeutic modalities for patients diagnosed with dysplasia.

Data Sources.—Sources include a review of relevant literature indexed in PubMed (US National Library of Medicine).

Conclusions.—In spite of interobserver variability, histologic assessment of dysplasia is currently the accepted method of surveillance, and subsequent patient management is dictated by this evaluation. Although not universal, endoscopic therapy is increasingly important in replacing esophagectomy for patients with high-grade dysplasia or early carcinoma.
Using the PhenX Toolkit to Add Standard Measures to a Study
Authors: Hendershot Tabitha , Pan Huaqin , Haines Jonathan , Harlan William R. , Junkins Heather A. , Ramos Erin M. , Hamilton Carol M.
Published: October 2011

The PhenX (consensus measures for Phenotypes and eXposures) Toolkit (https://www.phenxtoolkit.org/) offers high‐quality, well‐established measures of phenotypes and exposures for use by the scientific community. The Toolkit contains 295 measures drawn from 21 research domains (fields of research). The measures were selected by Working Groups of domain experts using a consensus process that included input from the scientific community. The Toolkit provides a description of each PhenX measure, the rationale for including it in the Toolkit, protocol(s) for collecting the measure, and supporting documentation. Users can browse by measures, domains, or collections, or can search the Toolkit using the Smart Query Tool. Once users have selected some measures, they can download a customized Data Collection Worksheet that specifies what information needs to be collected, and a Data Dictionary that describes each variable included in their Data Collection Worksheet. To help researchers find studies with comparable data, PhenX measures and variables are being mapped to studies in the database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP). Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 71:1.21.1‐1.21.18 © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On robust H∞ filtering of uncertain Markovian jump time‐delay systems
Authors: Zhang Baoyong , Zheng Wei Xing , Xu Shengyuan
Published: October 2011

This paper is concerned with the problems of stability analysis, H∞ performance analysis, and robust H∞ filter design for uncertain Markovian jump linear systems with time‐varying delays. The purpose is to improve the existing results on these problems. Firstly, a new delay‐dependent stability criterion is obtained on the basis of a novel mode‐dependent Lyapunov functional. Secondly, a new delay‐dependent bounded real lemma (BRL) is derived. It is shown that the presented stability criterion and the BRL are less conservative than the existing ones in the literature. Thirdly, with the new BRL, delay‐dependent conditions for the solvability of the addressed H∞ filtering problem are given. All the results obtained in this paper are expressed by means of strict linear matrix inequalities. Three numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the utility of the proposed methods. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed Feedback Lasers Based on Thiophene/Phenylene Co‐Oligomer Single Crystals
Authors: Fang Hong‐Hua , Ding Ran , Lu Shi‐Yang , Yang Jie , Zhang Xu‐Lin , Yang Rui , Feng Jing , Chen Qi‐Dai , Song Jun‐Feng , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: October 2011

Organic crystals have great potential for the applications in laser devices. This article presents an effective approach for fabrication of distributed feedback single crystal lasers. With the laser interference ablation method, high quality grating structures have been fabricated on the organic single‐crystalline thin film materials. The relationship between the depth, periodicity, and laser fluence is discussed. The optical properties, such as photoluminescence, and diffractive properties are studied in detail. With the appropriate period, strong laser emission has been observed from these devices. Distributed feedback lasing is demonstrated from the laser interference ablated organic single crystals for the first time.
A simulation of kinetics and chain length distribution of styrene FRP and ATRP: Chain‐length‐dependent termination
Authors: Najafi Mohammad , Roghani‐Mamaqani Hossein , Haddadi‐Asl Vahid , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi
Published: October 2011

A high‐performance Monte Carlo simulation, which takes diffusion‐controlled and chain‐length‐dependent termination into account, is developed to thoroughly simulate the kinetics of free radical and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene. The average termination rate constant greatly decreases during ATRP; nonetheless, it is almost independent of conversion and smaller in free radical polymerization (FRP). Polymer chains are entirely initiated at the beginning of the ATRP, whereas initiation of chains continues over the course of the FRP. The dead polymers are much lower in the concentration in ATRP too. In addition, unlike FRP, the rate of initiation decreases quickly at the beginning of the ATRP and amounts to zero. Besides, molecular weight linearly increases with conversion in the ATRP. Moreover, molecular weight distribution shifts toward higher molecular weight in the ATRP system, whereas that of free‐radically generated polymers remains intact throughout the reaction. Finally, the simulation results correspond closely to the experimental data. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 30: 257–268, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20221
Nonlinear optical characterization of new thiophene‐based conjugated polymers for photonic switching applications
Authors: Hegde Pramod Kumar , Adhikari A. Vasudeva , Manjunatha M. G. , Sandeep C. S. Suchand , Philip Reji
Published: October 2011

This research article describes a technique to synthesize new donor−acceptor‐type conjugated polymers carrying 1,3,4‐oxadiazolyl‐naphthalene and 3,4‐(ethylenedioxy/diphenyl)‐thiophene moieties (P1 and P2) starting from 2,2′‐sulfanediyldiacetic acid and diethyl ethanedioate through multistep reactions. The newly synthesized intermediates and the final polymers have been characterized by different spectroscopic techniques followed by elemental analysis. Their optical and electrochemical properties have been investigated by UV–visible, fluorescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetric studies, respectively. Furthermore, the nonlinear optical transmission properties of these polymers have been investigated by the open aperture z‐scan technique. The new polymers P1 and P2 have well‐defined structures, good thermal stability, and band gaps of 1.98 and 1.88 eV, respectively. They emit bluish‐green fluorescence both in solution and in film state. Interestingly, these polymers show saturable absorption behavior. The results of nonlinear optical studies reveal that they are potential candidates for photonic switching device applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 30: 312–321, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20227
Preparation and characterization of poly(vinyl chloride)–continuous carbon fiber composites
Authors: Ráthy Istvánné , Kuki Ákos , Borda Jenö , Deák György , Zsuga Miklós , Marossy Kálmán , Kéki Sándor
Published: October 2011

In this article, we report on the preparation and characterization of novel poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)–carbon fiber (CF) composites. We achieved the reinforcement of PVC matrices with different plasticizer contents using unidirectional continuous CFs by applying a warm press and a cylinder press for the preparation of the PVC–CF composites. We achieved considerable reinforcement of PVC even at a relatively low CF content; for example, the maximum stress (σmax) of the PVC–CF composite at a 3% CF content was found to be 1.5–2 times higher than that of the PVC matrix. There were great differences among the Young's modulus values of the pure PVC and PVC–CF composites matrices. The absolute Young's modulus values were in the range 1100–1300 MPa at a 3% CF content; these values were almost independent of the plasticizer content. In addition, we found a linear relationship between σmax and the CF content and also recognized a linear variation of the Young's modulus with the CF content. The adhesion of CF to the PVC matrix was strong in each case, as concluded from the strain–stress curves and the light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy investigations. The mechanical properties of the PVC–CF composites with randomly oriented short (10 mm) fibers were also investigated. At low deformations, the stiffness of the composites improved with increasing CF content. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was used to determine the glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of the PVC–CF composites. The high increase in the Young's modulus entailed only a mild Tg increase. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Interfacial polymerization preparation of functional paper coated with polyamide film containing volatile essential oil
Authors: Ichiura Hideaki , Takayama Masaru , Nishida Noriyoshi , Otani Yoshito
Published: October 2011

An interfacial polymerization reaction was used to coat a functional paper with a polyamide film containing volatile essential oil (VEO) composites. The components of the VEO extract were linalool, α‐terpineol, carveol, carvone, perillaldehyde and valencene. Preparing the polyamide film by an interfacial polymerization reaction eliminated the need for microcapsule preparation and coating with a binder, which are typically used in functional paper preparation. The interfacial polymerization involved immersing a filter paper impregnated with an oil‐in‐water emulsion of ethylenediamine and VEO in a cyclohexane solution of terephthaloyl chloride. This successfully fixed the polyamide film containing the VEO on the paper surface. Release of VEO fragrance from the paper surface was studied, and the paper showed sustained release of the VEO. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
A single active site metal center of neodymocene chloride for the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone
Authors: Hou Weifeng , Chen Jin , Yan Xiaoli , Shi Zuyun , Sun Junquan
Published: October 2011

A germyl‐bridged lanthanocene chloride, Me2Ge(tBu‐C5H3)2LnCl (Ln = Nd; (Cat‐Nd), was prepared and successfully used as single catalyst to initiate the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL) for the first time. Under mild conditions (60°C,[ε‐CL]/[Ln] = 200, 4 h), Cat‐Nd efficiently catalyzes the polymerization of ε‐CL, giving poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) with high molecular weight (MW) (>2.5 × 104) in high yield (>95%). The effects of molar ratio of [ε‐CL]/Cat‐Nd, polymerization temperature and time, as well as solvent were determined in detail. When the polymerization is carried out in bulk or in petroleum ether, it gives PCL with higher MW and perfect conversion (100%). The higher catalytic activity of this neodymocene chloride could be ascribed to the bigger atom in the bridge of bridged ring ligands. Some activators, such as NaBPh4, KBH4, AlEt3, and Al(i‐Bu)3, can promote the polymerization of ε‐CL by Cat‐Nd, which leads to an increase both in the polymerization conversion and in the MW of PCL. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 123: 1212–1217, 2012
Anomalous heat capacity of high‐density polyethylene melts at high temperature
Authors: Hussein I. A. , Williams M. C.
Published: October 2011

The first measurements of heat capacity of high‐density polyethylene have been obtained for melts in the high‐temperature region of 180–260°C. A heat‐flow twin calorimeter was used. Abrupt transitions are noticed at 212 and 228°C, analogous to transitions seen earlier with rheological and surface tension measurements. Possible explanations for these phenomena are offered. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Compatibilization of ethylene/maleic anhydride/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer for poly(phenylene sulfide)/poly(amide‐66) blends
Authors: Wu Bo , Zheng Xian , Leng Jinhua , Yang Bin , Chen Xian , He Bobing
Published: October 2011

In this article, a terpolymer of ethylene, maleic anhydride, and glycidyl methacrylate (EMG) was used to enhance the compatibilization between poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) and polyamide‐66 (PA66). The mechanical properties, morphology, crystalline and melting behavior, and rheology of blends were discussed. The results showed that EMG was a good compatibilizer for PPS and PA66 through chemical reaction with them. The new generated polymer could prevent the aggregation of dispersed particles and reinforce the interface bonding. In addition, it could not only act as a nucleating agent for PA66 to refine its spherulites and improve its crystallinity but also promote the apparent viscosity of blends and enhance the non‐Newtonian behavior. The results will be useful to make high performance PPS/PA66 alloy with low cost and enlarge the application scope of PPS and PA66 resin. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Porous poly(lactic acid) and PLA‐nanocomposite structures
Authors: Liao Xia , Nawaby Arghavan V. , Naguib Hani E.
Published: October 2011

This article presents foaming behaviors and cellular structures of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)‐clay nanocomposite and respective neat PLA foams using CO2 as a foaming agent. The effects of nanoclay and foaming conditions on the foam morphology and mechanical properties of neat (PLA) and PLA‐clay nanocomposites have been investigated by temperature modulated differential scanning calorimeter (TMDSC), X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile properties. CO2‐induced crystallization in PLA and PLA‐clay nanocomposites and the crystallinity increased with an increase in saturation time. The present of clay acted as nucleation site to facilitate the crystallization process of PLA thus resulted in smaller crystallites and lower crystallinity. Unique skin‐core foam morphologies in PLA and PLA‐clay nanocomposites were obtained by controlling the crystallinity. Clay nanoparticles served as nucleation sites to generate foam morphology in PLA‐clay sample with high crystallinity. The introduction of the cellular structure improved the mechanical strength of the material and the specific strength of PLA foams were increased in the presence of a small amount of MMT. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
An Efficient Synthesis of Aripiprazole, Buspirone and NAN‐190 by the Reductive Alkylation of Amines Procedure
Authors: Kowalski Piotr , Jaśkowska Jolanta
Published: October 2011

The reductive alkylation of amines procedure was applied for the synthesis of aripiprazole 1a, buspirone 1b, and NAN‐190 1c.
Bridging with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors for periprocedural management of antiplatelet therapy in patients with drug eluting stents
Authors: Morrison T. Ben , Horst Brian M. , Brown Michael J. , Bell Malcolm R. , Daniels Paul R.
Published: October 2011

Objective: To describe outcomes when glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GP IIb/IIIa) inhibitors are used as bridging antiplatelet therapy for surgical procedures in patients with drug eluting stents (DES). Background: The optimal management of patients with DES who require surgical procedures prior to completion of antiplatelet therapy is unclear. In high risk patients, the use of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors as bridging therapy while antiplatelet therapy is held has been described, but safety and efficacy data remain sparse. Methods: A pharmacy database was used to identify GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor orders at our hospital between January 1, 2007 and July 31, 2009. Indication for GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor administration and other clinical data were gathered through retrospective review of medical records. End points assessed were stent thrombosis, major bleeding, minor bleeding, postoperative acute coronary syndrome, and death within 30 days. Results: Four thousand One hundred seventy‐six separate orders for GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors were identified (January 1, 2007 to July 31, 2009). Six patients underwent non‐cardiac and thirteen underwent cardiac surgery. Clopidogrel was discontinued a median of 6 days before surgery and 2 days prior to initiating GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor. All bridging patients were treated with eptifibatide infusion prior to procedure. There were no stent thromboses, deaths, or acute coronary syndrome events. Major bleeding occurred in 7 (53.9%) cardiac surgery patients and none of the non‐cardiac surgery patients, while minor bleeding occurred in 1 (7.7%) and 1 (16.6%) patients, respectively. Conclusions: In patients with DES, who require cessation of clopidogrel before surgery, bridging with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors appears effective in preventing adverse cardiac outcomes but may be associated with bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthetic and Biological Multiplicity of Isatin
Authors: Pal Manju , Sharma Neeraj K. , Priyanka Priyanka , Jha K. K.
Published: October 2011

Review: 49 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: The Bacterial Lectin FimH, a Target for Drug Discovery — Carbohydrate Inhibitors of Type 1 Fimbriae‐Mediated Bacterial Adhesion
Authors: Hartmann Mirja , Lindhorst Thisbe K.
Published: October 2011

Review: 104 refs.
Plasma microRNA 210 levels correlate with sensitivity to trastuzumab and tumor presence in breast cancer patients
Authors: Jung Eun‐Jung , Santarpia Libero , Kim Juyeon , Esteva Francisco J. , Moretti Erica , Buzdar Aman U. , Di Leo Angelo , Le Xiao‐Feng , Bast Robert C. , Park Soon‐Tae , Pusztai Lajos , Calin George A.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

Trastuzumab is part of the standard treatment for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER‐2)‐positive breast cancer, but not all patients respond to trastuzumab. Altered microRNA (miR) expression levels in cancer cells have been correlated with prognosis and response to chemotherapy. The authors of this report hypothesized that altered miR expression levels in plasma are associated with sensitivity to trastuzumab in patients with HER‐2 positive breast cancer.

METHODS:

Quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze plasma samples, including samples from patients with breast cancer who were enrolled in a clinical trial of neoadjuvant trastuzumab‐based chemotherapy. Expression levels of miR‐210, miR‐21, miR‐29a, and miR‐126 were analyzed according to the type of response (pathologic complete response [n = 18] vs residual disease [n = 11]). MicroRNA expression levels also were compared in trastuzumab‐sensitive and trastuzumab‐resistant breast cancer cells derived from BT474 cells and in an independent set of preoperative plasma samples (n = 39) and postoperative plasma samples (n = 30) from 43 breast cancer patients who did not receive any treatment.

RESULTS:

At baseline before patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with trastuzumab, circulating miR‐210 levels were significantly higher in those who had residual disease than in those who achieved a pathologic complete response (P = .0359). The mean expression ratio for miR‐210 was significantly higher in trastuzumab‐resistant BT474 cells, and miR‐210 expression was significantly higher before surgery than after surgery (P = .0297) and in patients whose cancer metastasized to the lymph nodes (P = .0030).

CONCLUSIONS:

Circulating miR‐210 levels were associated with trastuzumab sensitivity, tumor presence, and lymph node metastases. These results suggest that plasma miR‐210 may be used to predict and perhaps monitor response to therapies that contain trastuzumab. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Understanding fragmentation of prostate cancer survivorship care
Authors: Skolarus Ted A. , Zhang Yun , Hollenbeck Brent K.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

Cancer survivors are particularly prone to the effects of a fragmented health care delivery system. The implications of fragmented cancer care across providers likely include greater spending and worse quality of care. For this reason, the authors measured relations between increasing fragmentation of cancer care, expenditures, and quality of care among prostate cancer survivors.

METHODS:

A total of 67,736 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1992 and 2005 were identified using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare data. Using the Herfindahl‐Hirschman Index and a measure of the average number of prostate cancer providers over time, patients were sorted into 3 fragmentation groups (low, intermediate, and high). The authors then examined annual per capita survivorship expenditures and a measure of quality (ie, repetitive prostate‐specific antigen [PSA] testing within 30 days) according to their fragmentation exposure using multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Patients with highly fragmented cancer care tended to be younger, white, and of higher socioeconomic status (all P < .001). Prostate cancer survivorship interventions were most common among patients with the highest fragmentation of care across providers (P < .001). After adjustment for clinical characteristics and prostate cancer survivorship interventions, higher degrees of fragmentation continued to be associated with repetitive PSA testing (13.6% for high vs 7.0% for low fragmentation; P < .001) and greater spending, particularly among patients not treated with androgen deprivation therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:

Fragmented prostate cancer survivorship care is expensive and associated with potentially unnecessary services. Efforts to improve care coordination via current policy initiatives, electronic medical records, and the implementation of cancer survivorship tools may help to decrease fragmentation of care and mitigate downstream consequences for prostate cancer survivors. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Auditory Hallucinations: A Comparison of Beliefs about Voices in Individuals with Schizophrenia and Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Hepworth Claire Rachel , Ashcroft Katie , Kingdon David
Published: October 2011

Objective

Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) may experience distressing auditory hallucinations, phenomenologically similar to those seen in psychosis. However, access to effective intervention is limited. The cognitive model of auditory hallucinations highlights the role of appraisals in maintaining distress. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) that targets such beliefs has shown efficacy in psychosis. This study examined appraisals about voices in individuals with psychosis and those with BPD to establish whether CBT for voices might have clinical utility for those with BPD.

Methods

Participants included 45 patients with distressing auditory hallucinations, recruited from the National Health Service. All participants received a structured clinical diagnostic interview and the Beliefs about Voices Questionnaire. Ten participants met criteria for BPD (22%), 23 met criteria for a diagnosis of schizophrenia (51%) and 12 met criteria for both disorders (27%).

Results

Multivariate analyses confirmed that there were no group differences in beliefs about the malevolence or omnipotence of voices, or in behavioural resistance or engagement. Those with BPD and those with both diagnoses reported significantly greater emotional resistance than those with schizophrenia. Those with schizophrenia reported significantly greater emotional engagement with their voices.

Conclusion

Auditory hallucinations in psychosis and BPD do not differ in their phenomenology or cognitive responses (beliefs about the power and malevolence of their dominant voice). The main differential appears to be the affective response. CBT that focuses on appraisals and the relationship with voices may be helpful for distressing auditory hallucinations in individuals with BPD as well as psychosis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

It may be important to assess the presence of and experience of voices in those with a diagnosis of BP

It may be helpful to consider both beliefs about voices and the individual's affective responses to voices.

CBT designed to target voices in psychosis (focusing on both the appraisal and the relationship with voices) may be helpful for those with BPD.
Flow cytometry counting of bronchoalveolar lavage leukocytes with a new profile of monoclonal antibodies combination
Authors: Tricas Lourdes , Echeverría Ainara , Blanco Miguel A. , Menéndez Manuel , Belda José
Published: October 2011

Background:

Differential cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) has an important role in the diagnosis of pulmonary diseases. Optical microscopy method is usually chosen to identify BAL leukocyte populations despite its technical limitations. As there are no guidelines to make this analysis by flow cytometry (FCM), we propose a new monoclonal antibodies combination for this analysis.

Methods:

Thirty‐four BAL samples were stained with the monoclonal antibodies combination CD15/CD16/CD45/HLA‐DR and analyzed in a 2‐laser cytometer (FACSCalibur). The results were compared with those obtained by optical microscopy.

Results:

Both methods showed a good correlation, but FCM overestimates lymphocyte population and conversely underestimates alveolar macrophage population.

Conclusions:

The proposed monoclonal antibodies combination is effective and reliable to identify leukocyte populations in BAL. © 2011 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Re‐evaluation of the big blue® mouse assay of propiconazole suggests lack of mutagenicity
Authors: Shane Barbara S. , Zeiger Errol , Piegorsch Walter W. , Booth Ewan D. , Goodman Jay I. , Peffer Richard C.
Published: October 2011

Propiconazole (PPZ) is a conazole fungicide that is not mutagenic, clastogenic, or DNA damaging in standard in vitro and in vivo genetic toxicity tests for gene mutations, chromosome aberrations, DNA damage, and cell transformation. However, it was demonstrated to be a male mouse liver carcinogen when administered in food for 24 months only at a concentration of 2,500 ppm that exceeded the maximum tolerated dose based on increased mortality, decreased body weight gain, and the presence of liver necrosis. PPZ was subsequently tested for mutagenicity in the Big Blue® transgenic mouse assay at the 2,500 ppm dose, and the result was reported as positive by Ross et al. ([2009]: Mutagenesis 24:149‐152). Subsets of the mutants from the control and PPZ‐exposed groups were sequenced to determine the mutation spectra and a multivariate clustering analysis method purportedly substantiated the increase in mutant frequency with PPZ (Ross and Leavitt. [2010]: Mutagenesis 25:231‐234). However, as reported here, the results of the analysis of the mutation spectra using a conventional method indicated no treatment‐related differences in the spectra. In this article, we re‐examine the Big Blue® mouse findings with PPZ and conclude that the compound does not act as a mutagen in vivo. © Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2012. Published 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Verification of land surface evapotranspiration estimation from remote sensing spatial contextual information
Authors: Tang Ronglin , Li Zhao‐Liang , Chen Kun‐Shan , Zhu Yuanjun , Liu Wenzhao
Published: October 2011

Estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) is of great significance in modeling the water and energy interactions between land and atmosphere. Negative correlation of surface temperature (Ts) versus vegetation index (VI) from remote sensing data provides diagnosis on the spatial pattern of surface soil moisture and ET. This study further examined the applicability of Ts–VI triangle method with a newly developed edges determination technique in estimating regional evaporative fraction (EF) and ET at MODIS pixel scale through comparison with large aperture scintillometer (LAS) and high‐level eddy covariance measurements collected at Changwu agro‐ecological experiment station from late June to late October, 2009. An algorithm with merely land and atmosphere products from MODIS onboard Terra satellite was used to estimate the surface net radiation (Rn) and soil heat flux. In most cases, the estimated instantaneous Rn was in good agreement with surface measurement with slight overestimation by 12 W/m2. Validation results from LAS measurement showed that the root mean square error is 0.097 for instantaneous EF, 48 W/m2 for instantaneous sensible heat flux, and 30 W/m2 for daily latent heat flux. This paper successfully presents a miniature of the overall capability of Ts–VI triangle in estimating regional EF and ET from limited number of data. For a thorough interpretation, further comprehensive investigation needs to be done with more integration of remote sensing data and in‐situ surface measurements. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.