bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical footprint: A methodological framework for bridging life cycle assessment and planetary boundaries for chemical pollution
Authors: Sala Serenella , Goralczyk Malgorzata
Published: August 2013

The development and use of footprint methodologies for environmental assessment are increasingly important for both the scientific and political communities. Starting from the ecological footprint, developed at the beginning of the 1990s, several other footprints were defined, e.g., carbon and water footprint. These footprints—even though based on a different meaning of “footprint”—integrate life cycle thinking, and focus on some challenging environmental impacts including resource consumption, CO2 emission leading to climate change, and water consumption. However, they usually neglect relevant sources of impacts, as those related to the production and use of chemicals. This article presents and discusses the need and relevance of developing a methodology for assessing the chemical footprint, coupling a life cycle-based approach with methodologies developed in other contexts, such as ERA and sustainability science. Furthermore, different concepts underpin existing footprint and this could be the case also of chemical footprint. At least 2 different approaches and steps to chemical footprint could be envisaged, applicable at the micro- as well as at the meso- and macroscale. The first step (step 1) is related to the account of chemicals use and emissions along the life cycle of a product, sector, or entire economy, to assess potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. The second step (step 2) aims at assessing to which extent actual emission of chemicals harm the ecosystems above their capability to recover (carrying capacity of the system). The latter step might contribute to the wide discussion on planetary boundaries for chemical pollution: the thresholds that should not be surpassed to guarantee a sustainable use of chemicals from an environmental safety perspective. The definition of what the planetary boundaries for chemical pollution are and how the boundaries should be identified is an on-going scientific challenge for ecotoxicology and ecology. In this article, we present a case study at the macroscale for the European Union, in which the chemical footprint according to step 1 is calculated for the year 2005. A proposal for extending this approach toward step 2 is presented and discussed, complemented by a discussion on the challenges and the use of appropriate methodologies for assessing chemical footprints to stimulate further research and discussion on the topic. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013;9:623–632. © 2013 SETAC
Life cycle-based water assessment of a hand dishwashing product: Opportunities and limitations
Authors: Van Hoof Gert , Buyle Bea , Kounina Anna , Humbert Sebastien
Published: August 2013

It is only recently that life cycle-based indicators have been used to evaluate products from a water use impact perspective. The applicability of some of these methods has been primarily demonstrated on agricultural materials or products, because irrigation requirements in food production can be water-intensive. In view of an increasing interest on life cycle-based water indicators from different products, we ran a study on a hand dishwashing product. A number of water assessment methods were applied with the purpose of identifying both product improvement opportunities, as well as understanding the potential for underlying database and methodological improvements. The study covered the entire life cycle of the product and focused on environmental issues related to water use, looking in-depth at inventory, midpoint, and endpoint methods. “Traditional” water emission driven methods, such as freshwater eutrophication, were excluded from the analysis. The use of a single formula with the same global supply chain, manufactured in 1 location was evaluated in 2 countries with different water scarcity conditions. The study shows differences ranging up to 4 orders in magnitude for indicators with similar units associated with different water use types (inventory methods) and different cause–effect chain models (midpoint and endpoint impact categories). No uncertainty information was available on the impact assessment methods, whereas uncertainty from stochastic variability was not available at the time of study. For the majority of the indicators studied, the contribution from the consumer use stage is the most important (>90%), driven by both direct water use (dishwashing process) as well as indirect water use (electricity generation to heat the water). Creating consumer awareness on how the product is used, particularly in water-scarce areas, is the largest improvement opportunity for a hand dishwashing product. However, spatial differentiation in the inventory and impact assessment model may lead to very different results for the product used under exactly the same consumer use conditions, making the communication of results a real challenge. From a practitioner's perspective, the data collection step in relation to the goal and scope of the study sets high requirements for both foreground and background data. In particular, databases covering a broad spectrum of inventory data with spatially differentiated water use information are lacking. For some impact methods, it is unknown as to whether or not characterization factors should be spatially differentiated, which creates uncertainty in their interpretation and applicability. Finally, broad application of life cycle-based water assessment will require further development of commercial life cycle assessment software. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013;9:633–644. © 2013 SETAC
ECONOMIC RISK ANALYSIS OF TOMATO IRRIGATION USING DESALINATED WATER BY REVERSE OSMOSIS
Authors: Soares T. M. , Almeida C.D.G.C. , Frizzone J. A. , Silva E. F. F. , Duarte S. N.
Published: August 2013

Groundwater desalination by reverse osmosis is an alternative being used more and more in Brazil, especially in the north‐east region, and aims to provide fresh water in isolated communities. Desalination to produce water for irrigation is a subject on which there has been minimal study. This research evaluated the economic feasibility of desalination for tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) irrigation. By the Monte Carlo method, applied to the net present worth (NPW), a probabilistic analysis of risk was accomplished for tomato irrigation using 21 scenarios, comprising different irrigation waters (EC (electrical conductivity) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 dS m‐1), desalinated water and three yield levels (100, 70 and 40 Mg ha‐1) obtained under non‐saline water conditions. For each scenario, 5000 values of NPW were simulated, and net present worth expectation, E(NPW), was estimated. Desalination for tomato irrigation is just justified for waters with salinity levels higher than its salinity threshold. Tomato irrigation with desalinated water presents economic feasibility dependent on the yield level which would be reached under non‐saline conditions. Even using water with 6 dS m‐1, there was economic feasibility above 75% in desalination for tomato irrigation at all the levels of the designed yield. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pentoxifylline reduces chronic post‐ischaemia pain by alleviating microvascular dysfunction
Authors: Vaigunda Ragavendran J. , Laferrière A. , Khorashadi M. , Coderre T.J.
Published: August 2013

Background

Microvascular dysfunction and ischaemia in muscle play a role in the development of cutaneous tactile allodynia in chronic post‐ischaemia pain (CPIP). Hence, studies were designed to assess whether pentoxifylline (PTX), a vasodilator and haemorrheologic agent, relieves allodynia in CPIP rats by alleviating microvascular dysfunction.

Methods

Laser Doppler flowmetry of plantar blood flow was used to examine the effects of PTX on CPIP‐induced alterations in post‐occlusive reactive hyperaemia (reflecting microvascular dysfunction), and von Frey testing was used to examine its effects on CPIP‐induced allodynia. Time‐course effects of PTX on allodynia and microvascular dysfunction were assessed early (2–8 days) and late (18–25 days) post‐ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and its effects on allodynia were also tested at 30 days post‐I/R injury.

Results

PTX (25 mg/kg) produced significant anti‐allodynic effects throughout the 21‐day time course, but was not effective 30 days post‐I/R injury. In laser Doppler studies, the reduced reactive hyperaemia in early CPIP rats was significantly improved by PTX (25 mg/kg). Conversely, treatment with PTX at the same dose did not affect reactive hyperaemia in late CPIP rats, likely since reactive hyperaemia was not significantly reduced pre‐drug in these animals.

Conclusion

Since poor tissue perfusion underlies early stages of CPIP pain, the ameliorative effect of PTX on microvascular dysfunction might account for its anti‐allodynic effect in our experimental model of complex regional pain syndrome type I.
A silica‐calcium‐phosphate nanocomposite drug delivery system for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: In vivo study
Authors: Swet Jacob H. , Pacheco Hernando J. , Iannitti David A. , El‐Ghanam Ahmed , McKillop Iain H.
Published: August 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is notoriously difficult to treat with systemic chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate a silica‐calcium‐phosphate nanocomposite (SCPC75) drug delivery system (DDS) as a means to localize cisplatin treatment within the tumor, while reducing systemic toxicity, in a rat model of HCC. The SCPC75 was prepared and loaded with cisplatin and Fourier transform infrared analyses demonstrated even drug distribution within the SCPC75. A rat model of subcutaneous HCC formation was established and animals treated by either systemic cisplatin injection (sCis) or with SCPC75‐Cis hybrid placed adjacent (ADJ) to or within (IT) the tumor. Five days after implantation, 50–55% of the total cisplatin loaded had been released from the SCPC75‐Cis hybrids resulting in an approximately 50% decrease in tumor volume compared with sCis treatment. sCis‐treated animals exhibited severe side effects, including rapid weight loss and decreased liver and kidney function, effects not observed in SCPC75‐Cis‐treated animals. Analysis of cisplatin distribution demonstrated drug concentrations in the tumor were 21 and 1.5 times higher in IT and ADJ groups, respectively, compared with sCis‐treated animals. These data demonstrate the SCPC75 DDS can provide an effective, localized treatment for HCC with significantly reduced toxicity when compared with systemic drug administration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 190–202, 2014.
Does Physical Activity in Adolescence Have Site-Specific and Sex-Specific Benefits on Young Adult Bone Size, Content, and Estimated Strength?
Authors: Duckham Rachel L , Baxter-Jones Adam DG , Johnston James D , Vatanparast Hassanali , Cooper David , Kontulainen Saija
Published: August 2013

The long-term benefits of habitual physical activity during adolescence on adult bone structure and strength are poorly understood. We investigated whether physically active adolescents had greater bone size, density, content, and estimated bone strength in young adulthood when compared to their peers who were inactive during adolescence. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) was used to measure the tibia and radius of 122 (73 females) participants (age mean ± SD, 29.3 ± 2.3 years) of the Saskatchewan Pediatric Bone Mineral Accrual Study (PBMAS). Total bone area (ToA), cortical density (CoD), cortical area (CoA), cortical content (CoC), and estimated bone strength in torsion (SSIp) and muscle area (MuA) were measured at the diaphyses (66% tibia and 65% radius). Total density (ToD), trabecular density (TrD), trabecular content (TrC), and estimated bone strength in compression (BSIc) were measured at the distal ends (4%). Participants were grouped by their adolescent physical activity (PA) levels (inactive, average, and active) based on mean PA Z-scores obtained from serial questionnaire assessments completed during adolescence. We compared adult bone outcomes across adolescent PA groups in each sex using analysis of covariance followed by post hoc pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni adjustments. When adjusted for adult height, MuA, and PA, adult males who were more physically active than their peers in adolescence had 13% greater adjusted torsional bone strength (SSIp, p < 0.05) and 10% greater adjusted ToA (p < 0.05) at the tibia diaphysis. Females who were more active in adolescence had 10% larger adjusted CoA (p < 0.05), 12% greater adjusted CoC (p < 0.05) at the tibia diaphysis, and 3% greater adjusted TrC (p < 0.05) at the distal tibia when compared to their inactive peers. Benefits to tibia bone size, content, and strength in those who were more active during adolescence seemed to persist into young adulthood, with greater ToA and SSIp in males, and greater CoA, CoC, and TrC in females. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Renal safety in patients treated with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis: A review
Authors: Miller Paul D , Jamal Sophie A , Evenepoel Pieter , Eastell Richard , Boonen Steven
Published: August 2013

Bisphosphonates are widely used for the treatment of osteoporosis and are generally well tolerated. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration safety reports have highlighted the issue of renal safety in bisphosphonate-treated patients. All bisphosphonates carry labeled “warnings” or a contraindication for use in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 or <35 mL/min). Data from pivotal trials and their extension studies of bisphosphonates approved for the management of osteoporosis were obtained via PubMed, and were reviewed with support from published articles available on PubMed. Renal safety analyses of pivotal trials of oral alendronate, risedronate, and ibandronate for postmenopausal osteoporosis showed no short-term or long-term effects on renal function. Transient postinfusion increases in serum creatinine have been reported in patients receiving intravenous ibandronate and zoledronic acid; however, studies showed that treatment with these agents did not result in long-term renal function deterioration in clinical trial patients with osteoporosis. All bisphosphonate therapies have “warnings” for use in patients with severe renal impairment. Clinical trial results have shown that even in elderly, frail, osteoporotic patients with renal impairment, intravenous bisphosphonate therapy administration in accordance with the prescribing information did not result in long-term renal function decline. Physicians should follow guidelines for bisphosphonate therapies administration at all times. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
EMIC waves observed by Cluster near the plasmapause
Authors: Liu Y. H. , Fraser B. J. , Menk F. W.
Published: August 2013

We analyze a long‐duration electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave event seen in the inner magnetosphere in order to understand the propagation characteristics of these waves in the vicinity of the plasmapause. The study takes advantage of the south to north orbit of the four‐satellite Cluster constellation as it passed through perigee at L ~ 4.2 at ~08 magnetic local time on 2 November 2001. Cluster traversed from a low‐density magnetosphere (<20 cm−3) through a gradual plasmapause into a high‐density plasmasphere (~80 cm−3) where the waves were seen over about 50 min and ceased on exiting the plasmapause in the Northern Hemisphere. The waves were observed over 1.8–3.5 Hz, above the local helium cyclotron frequency, between magnetic latitudes ±18°, and confined to a radial source region size estimated at 0.77 RE. Wave polarization appeared to be associated with plasma density, with left hand in the equatorial region, right hand at higher latitudes nearer the plasmapause, and a mixture between. Wave normal angles were typically <60°, and Poynting flux measurements show that wave energy was predominantly directed along the geomagnetic field toward high latitudes in both hemispheres. These results suggest that the plasma density and its gradient play a significant role in confining the wave source region and affecting the wave properties, which will help understand wave generation and propagation mechanisms in the magnetosphere plasma environment.
A self‐organizing map–based ensemble forecast system for extended range prediction of active/break cycles of Indian summer monsoon
Authors: Borah N. , Sahai A. K. , Chattopadhyay R. , Joseph S. , Abhilash S. , Goswami B. N.
Published: August 2013

The paper describes a probabilistic prediction scheme of the intraseasonal oscillation of Indian summer monsoon (ISM) in the extended range (ER, ~3–4weeks) using a self‐organizing map (SOM)‐based technique. SOM is used to derive a set of patterns through empirical model reduction. An ensemble method of forecast is then developed for these reduced modes based on the principle of analogue prediction. A total of 900 ensembles is created based on the variations of one of the parameters, like length of the observation sample, number of patterns, number of lags, and number of input variables, keeping the others constant. Deterministic correlation skill at fourth pentad lead (15–20 days) from the current model is 0.47 (for development period, 1951–1999) and 0.43 (for hindcast period, 2000–2011) over the monsoon zone of India. This method effectively takes care of the stochastic uncertainties associated with a deterministic prediction scheme and provides better guidance to the user community. A large part of the uncertainty in the model's prediction skill is related to the interannual variability of the prediction skill of the active‐break spells. The model has problems in forecasting the unusually long active/break spells during the monsoon season, especially during September. Forecasts from certain initial conditions are less predictable than those from others. We describe some probable mechanisms from the literature for such problems in the model. This study will provide a benchmark to evaluate dynamical models' skills in predicting the ISM in ER time scale in future.
Split dynamic MRI: Single bolus high spatial–temporal resolution and multi contrast evaluation of breast lesions
Authors: Grøvik Endre , Bjørnerud Atle , Storås Tryggve H. , Gjesdal Kjell‐Inge
Published: August 2013

Purpose

To test the feasibility of a novel “split dynamic” method in which high temporal and high spatial resolution dynamic MR images are acquired during a single bolus injection.

Materials and Methods

High temporal resolution images were acquired using a three‐dimensional (3D) dual‐echo EPI sequence. The high spatial resolution images were acquired using a 3D T1‐weighted turbo field echo sequence. Simulations were performed to test the split dynamic method in terms of accuracy relative to a continuous acquisition and for temporal sampling requirements for accurate estimation of kinetic parameters. The method was tested in four patients where pharmacokinetic parameters were extracted from the high temporal resolution data.

Results

The split dynamic method enabled quantitative evaluation of both T1‐ and T2*‐weighted characteristics. Simulations showed that splitting the dynamic acquisition does not significantly influence the reliability of parameter estimations. Simulation showed a required temporal resolution of 13, 16, and 8 s for accurate estimates of Ktrans, ve, and vp, respectively, and an optimal sampling interval between 2 and 6 s for peak R2*.

Conclusion

The split dynamic sequence enabled detailed assessment of dynamic T1‐ and T2*‐weighted contrast kinetics without compromising guidelines concerning spatial resolution. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:673–682. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial precipitation patterns and trends in The Netherlands during 1951–2009
Authors: Daniels E. E. , Lenderink G. , Hutjes R. W. A. , Holtslag A. A. M.
Published: August 2013

Significant increases in precipitation have been observed in The Netherlands over the last century. At the same time persistent spatial variations are apparent. The objective of this study is to analyse and explain these spatial patterns, focussing on changes in means and extremes for the period 1951–2009. To investigate different possibilities for the causes of spatial variations, a distinction was made between six regions based on mean precipitation, soil type and elevation, and four zones at different distances to the coast. Spatial maxima in mean precipitation inland and over elevated areas are mainly formed in winter and spring, while maxima along the coast are generated in autumn. Daily precipitation maxima are found in the central West coast and over elevated areas. Upward trends in daily precipitation are highest from February to April and lowest from July to September. The strongest and most significant increases are found along the coast. For several seasonal and climatological periods diverging behaviour between coastal and inland zones is observed. We find that distance to the coast gives a more consistent picture for the seasonal precipitation changes than a classification based on surface characteristics. Therefore, from the investigated surface factors, we consider sea surface temperature to have the largest influence on precipitation in The Netherlands.
Assessing key assumptions of network meta‐analysis: a review of methods
Authors: Donegan Sarah , Williamson Paula , D'Alessandro Umberto , Tudur Smith Catrin
Published: August 2013

Background

Homogeneity and consistency assumptions underlie network meta‐analysis (NMA). Methods exist to assess the assumptions but they are rarely and poorly applied. We review and illustrate methods to assess homogeneity and consistency.

Methods

Eligible articles focussed on indirect comparison or NMA methodology. Articles were sought by hand‐searching and scanning references (March 2013). Assumption assessment methods described in the articles were reviewed, and applied to compare anti‐malarial drugs.

Results

116 articles were included. Methods to assess homogeneity were: comparing characteristics across trials; comparing trial‐specific treatment effects; using hypothesis tests or statistical measures; applying fixed‐effect and random‐effects pair‐wise meta‐analysis; and investigating treatment effect‐modifiers. Methods to assess consistency were: comparing characteristics; investigating treatment effect‐modifiers; comparing outcome measurements in the referent group; node‐splitting; inconsistency modelling; hypothesis tests; back transformation; multidimensional scaling; a two‐stage approach; and a graph‐theoretical method.

For the malaria example, heterogeneity existed for some comparisons that was unexplained by investigating treatment effect‐modifiers. Inconsistency was detected using node‐splitting and inconsistency modelling. It was unclear whether the covariates explained the inconsistency.

Conclusions

Presently, we advocate applying existing assessment methods collectively to gain the best understanding possible regarding whether assumptions are reasonable. In our example, consistency was questionable; therefore the NMA results may be unreliable. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intraoperative fluid administration is associated with perioperative outcomes in pancreaticoduodenectomy: A single center retrospective analysis
Authors: Eng Oliver S. , Goswami Julie , Moore Dirk , Chen Chunxia , Gannon Christopher J. , August David A. , Carpizo Darren R.
Published: August 2013

Background

Recent studies on perioperative fluid administration in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery have suggested that increased fluid loads are associated with worse perioperative outcomes. However, results of retrospective analyses of the relationship between intraoperative fluid (IOF) administration and perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are conflicted. We sought to investigate this relationship in patients undergoing PD at our academic center.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 124 patients undergoing PD from 2007 to 2012 was performed. IOF administration rate (ml/kg/hr) was correlated with perioperative outcomes. Outcomes were also stratified by preoperative serum albumin level.

Results

Regression analyses were performed comparing independent perioperative variables, including IOF rate, to four outcomes variables: length of stay, severity of complications, number of complications per patient, and 30‐day mortality. Both univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed IOF rate correlated with one or more perioperative outcomes. Patients with an albumin ≤3.0 g/dl who received more than the median IOF rate experienced more severe complications, while patients with an albumin >3.0 g/dl did not.

Conclusion

Increased IOF administration is associated with worse perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing PD. Patients with low preoperative serum albumin levels (≤3.0 g/dl) may be a group particularly sensitive to volume overload. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013 108:242–247. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical outcome of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy with oxaliplatin and capecitabine or 5‐fluorouracil for locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Lu Jun‐Yang , Xiao Yi , Qiu Hui‐Zhong , Wu Bin , Lin Guo‐Le , Xu Lai , Zhang Guan‐Nan , Hu Ke
Published: August 2013

Background and Objectives

This study evaluated the safety and efficiency of preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) with the XELOX or FOLFOX regimen in locally advanced rectal cancer patients.

Methods

One hundred forty‐four patients (T3/T4 or N+) were enrolled between 2005 and 2011. The patients received preoperative concomitant CRT (XELOX or FOLFOX regimen). Patients were divided into four groups: pCR (pT0N0), downstaging, no‐downstaging, and progression group. Clinical outcome with overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were compared for each group.

Results

One hundred thirty‐eight patients received radical resection after preoperative CRT. Twenty‐seven patients (20%) achieved pCR. The response rate (pCR + downstaging) was 67%. The most common side effects were nausea (64%), diarrhea (49%), and leucopenia (49%). The overall estimated 5‐year OS was 86% for all patients. The estimated 5‐year OS was significantly better in the responders (pCR + downstaging) than the non‐responders (no‐downstaging + progression, 94% vs. 68%, P = 0.001). There was also statistical difference in 3‐year DFS between the two groups (93% vs. 68%, P = 0.000).

Conclusions

pCR and downstaging after neoadjuvant CRT are associated with improved survival for locally advanced rectal cancer patients. Preoperative CRT with the XELOX or FOLFOX regimen is well tolerated and has mild adverse events. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013 108:213–219. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Response surface methodology applied to SPE for the determination of ibuprofen in various types of water samples
Authors: Paíga Paula , Delerue‐Matos Cristina
Published: August 2013

Over the last few years, there has been a growing concern about the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment. The main objective of this study was to develop and validate an SPE method using surface response methodology for the determination of ibuprofen in different types of water samples. The influence of sample pH and sample volume on the ibuprofen recovery was studied. The effect of each studied independent variable is pronounced on the dependent variable (ibuprofen recovery). Good selectivity, extraction efficiency, and precision were achieved using 600 mL of sample volume with the pH adjusted to 2.2. LC with fluorescence detection was employed. The optimized method was applied to 20 water samples from the North and South of Portugal.
Golden eagle population trends in the western United States: 1968–2010
Authors: Millsap Brian A. , Zimmerman Guthrie S. , Sauer John R. , Nielson Ryan M. , Otto Mark , Bjerre Emily , Murphy Robert
Published: August 2013

In 2009, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service promulgated permit regulations for the unintentional lethal take (anthropogenic mortality) and disturbance of golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). Accurate population trend and size information for golden eagles are needed so agency biologists can make informed decisions when eagle take permits are requested. To address this need with available data, we used a log‐linear hierarchical model to average data from a late‐summer aerial‐line‐transect distance‐sampling survey (WGES) of golden eagles in the United States portions of Bird Conservation Region (BCR) 9 (Great Basin), BCR 10 (Northern Rockies), BCR 16 (Southern Rockies/Colorado Plateau), and BCR 17 (Badlands and Prairies) from 2006 to 2010 with late‐spring, early summer Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data for the same BCRs and years to estimate summer golden eagle population size and trends in these BCRs. We used the ratio of the density estimates from the WGES to the BBS index to calculate a BCR‐specific adjustment factor that scaled the BBS index (i.e., birds per route) to a density estimate. Our results indicated golden eagle populations were generally stable from 2006 to 2010 in the 4 BCRs, with an estimated average rate of population change of −0.41% (95% credible interval [CI]: −4.17% to 3.40%) per year. For the 4 BCRs and years, we estimated annual golden eagle population size to range from 28,220 (95% CI: 23,250–35,110) in 2007 to 26,490 (95% CI: 21,760–32,680) in 2008. We found a general correspondence in trends between WGES and BBS data for these 4 BCRs, which suggested BBS data were providing useful trend information. We used the overall adjustment factor calculated from the 4 BCRs and years to scale BBS golden eagle counts from 1968 to 2005 for the 4 BCRs and for 1968 to 2010 for the 8 other BCRs (without WGES data) to estimate golden eagle population size and trends across the western United States for the period 1968 to 2010. In general, we noted slightly declining trends in southern BCRs and slightly increasing trends in northern BCRs. However, we estimated the average rate of golden eagle population change across all 12 BCRs for the period 1968–2010 as +0.40% per year (95% CI = −0.27% to 1.00%), suggesting a stable population. We also estimated the average rate of population change for the period 1990–2010 was +0.5% per year (95% CI = −0.33% to 1.3%). Our annual estimates of population size for the most recent decade range from 31,370 (95% CI: 25,450–39,310) in 2004 to 33,460 (95% CI: 27,380–41,710) in 2007. Our results clarify that golden eagles are not declining widely in the western United States. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Carbazole‐Substituted Triphenylamine and Diketopyrrolopyrrole Alternating Copolymer for Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Bian Linyi , Yang Dong , Yin Liangming , Zhang Jian , Tang Weihua
Published: August 2013

A new alternating conjugated polymer (PTCDPP) of carbazole‐substituted triarylamine and diketopyrrolopyrrole is prepared and characterized in detail. The polymer exhibits two strong absorption bands at 345 and 600 nm. With highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels of −5.13 eV and −3.67 eV, PTCDPP displays an energy gap of 1.66 eV. PTCDPP‐based bulk heterojunction solar cells with a structure of fluorinated tin oxide (FTO)/TiO2/PTCDPP:[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM)/MoO3/Ag are fabricated. The devices are optimized by adjusting the composition of the PTCDPP:PCBM active layer, thermal treatment, and addition of processing additives. The device based on PTCDPP:PCBM (1:4, w/w) shows a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.31%, with a short‐circuit current of 4.17 mA cm−2, an open‐circuit voltage of 0.79 V, and a fill factor of 0.35. The best cell performance (2.65% PCE) is achieved by using 1,8‐diiodooctane (3%, v/v) as a processing additive and annealing the active layer at 80 °C.

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Novel Bisphosphonated Methacrylates: Synthesis, Polymerizations, and Interactions with Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Bilgici Zeynep Sarayli , Turker Sebnem Begum , Avci Duygu
Published: August 2013

Five novel methacrylates containing either bisphosphonate (1 and 2), bisphosphonic acid (3), carboxylic acid (4), or both bisphosphonic and carboxylic acid together (5), are synthesized. The monomers 1 and 2 are synthesized by the reactions of tetraethyl 1‐hydroxyethane‐1,1‐diyl­diphosphonate with ethyl α‐bromomethacrylate and tert‐butyl α‐bromomethacrylate; the same procedure fails with tetraethyl hydroxy(phenyl)methylenediphosphonate. 1 is converted to 3 by hydrolysis with trimethylsilyl bromide (TMSBr), and 2 is converted to 4 by hydrolysis with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Monomer 5 is obtained by hydrolysis of 2 first with TMSBr and then with TFA. The hydrolytic stability, the properties of the copolymerizations with commercial dental monomers, and HAP interactions make these monomers promising candidates for dental adhesives.

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Controlled One‐Pot Synthesis of Polystyrene‐block‐Polycaprolactone Copolymers by Simultaneous RAFT and ROP
Authors: de Freitas Augusto G. O. , Trindade Suelen G. , Muraro Paulo I. R. , Schmidt Vanessa , Satti Angel J. , Villar Marcelo A. , Ciolino Andrés E. , Giacomelli Cristiano
Published: August 2013

A convenient one‐pot method for the controlled synthesis of polystyrene‐block‐polycaprolactone (PS‐b‐PCL) copolymers by simultaneous reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) and ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) processes is reported. The strategy involves the use of 2‐(benzylsulfanylthiocarbonylsulfanyl)ethanol (1) for the dual roles of chain transfer agent (CTA) in the RAFT polymerization of styrene and co‐initiator in the ROP of ε‐caprolactone. One‐pot poly­merizations using the electrochemically stable ROP catalyst diphenyl phosphate (DPP) yield well‐defined PS‐b‐PCL in a relatively short reaction time (≈4 h; = 9600−43 600 g mol−1; / = 1.21−1.57). Because the hydroxyl group is strategically located on the Z substituent of the CTA, segments of these diblock copolymers are connected through a trithiocarbonate group, thus offering an easy way for subsequent growth of a third segment between PS and PCL. In contrast, an oxidatively unstable Sn(Oct)2 ROP catalyst reacts with (1) leading to multimodal distributions of polymer chains with variable composition.

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Completeness and interpolation of almost‐everywhere quantification over finitely additive measures
Authors: Rasga João , Lotfallah Wafik Boulos , Sernadas Cristina
Published: August 2013

We give an axiomatization of first‐order logic enriched with the almost‐everywhere quantifier over finitely additive measures. Using an adapted version of the consistency property adequate for dealing with this generalized quantifier, we show that such a logic is both strongly complete and enjoys Craig interpolation, relying on a (countable) model existence theorem. We also discuss possible extensions of these results to the almost‐everywhere quantifier over countably additive measures.
The finite model property for semilinear substructural logics
Authors: Wang San‐Min
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we show that the finite model property fails for certain non‐integral semilinear substructural logics including Metcalfe and Montagna's uninorm logic and involutive uninorm logic, and a suitable extension of Metcalfe, Olivetti and Gabbay's pseudo‐uninorm logic. Algebraically, the results show that certain classes of bounded residuated lattices that are generated as varieties by their linearly ordered members are not generated as varieties by their finite members.
Modified surgical techniques of free vascularized fibular grafting for treatment of the osteonecrosis of femoral head: Results from a series of 407 cases
Authors: Gao You‐Shui , Chen Sheng‐Bao , Jin Dong‐Xu , Sheng Jia‐Gen , Cheng Xiang‐Guo , Zhang Chang‐Qing
Published: August 2013

The goal for treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is to relieve pain, preserve the contour of the femoral head, and delay the need for total hip arthroplasty. The free vascularized fibular grafting (FVFG) has been shown to support the subchondral architecture as well as restore local circulation for the necrotic femoral head in treatment of ONFH. This report aimed to present the clinical results of the use of a modified surgical technique of FVFG for treatment of ONFH. Four hundred and seven patients with 578 hips of ONFH were included. The patients' average age was 36.7 years old (ranging 19–55 years old). The disease was staged from II to V based on the Steinberg classification system. By the modified procedure, the vascularized fibular graft was harvested via a lateral incision with fibular osteotomy prior to the exposure of the vascular pedicle, and the removal of necrotic tissue and inset of graft were performed through an anterior approach. The operative time averaged 90 min for unilateral ONFH (ranging 75–110 min) and 190 min for simultaneous treatment of bilateral ONFH (ranging 160–230 min). The average length of follow‐up was 5.0 years (ranging 3–10 years). The complications included one infection in one case, temporary loss of sensation of the thigh in eleven cases, and restricted motion of the great toe in nine cases. The Harris hip score of patients improved from 65.0 to 86.9 on average. Radiographic evaluation showed no changes in 331 hips (57.3%), improvement in 195 hips (33.7%) and necrosis progression in 52 hips (9.0%). Twenty‐three hips (4.0%) in 20 patients had total hip arthroplasty during the period. These results show that the modified technique of the use of FVFG for treatment of ONFH yields similar postoperative results in comparison to the traditional method. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:646–651, 2013.
Noise estimation from averaged diffusion weighted images: Can unbiased quantitative decay parameters assist cancer evaluation?
Authors: Dikaios Nikolaos , Punwani Shonit , Hamy Valentin , Purpura Pierpaolo , Rice Scott , Forster Martin , Mendes Ruheena , Taylor Stuart , Atkinson David
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Multiexponential decay parameters are estimated from diffusion‐weighted‐imaging that generally have inherently low signal‐to‐noise ratio and non‐normal noise distributions, especially at high b‐values. Conventional nonlinear regression algorithms assume normally distributed noise, introducing bias into the calculated decay parameters and potentially affecting their ability to classify tumors. This study aims to accurately estimate noise of averaged diffusion‐weighted‐imaging, to correct the noise induced bias, and to assess the effect upon cancer classification.

Methods

A new adaptation of the median‐absolute‐deviation technique in the wavelet‐domain, using a closed form approximation of convolved probability‐distribution‐functions, is proposed to estimate noise. Nonlinear regression algorithms that account for the underlying noise (maximum probability) fit the biexponential/stretched exponential decay models to the diffusion‐weighted signal. A logistic‐regression model was built from the decay parameters to discriminate benign from metastatic neck lymph nodes in 40 patients.

Results

The adapted median‐absolute‐deviation method accurately predicted the noise of simulated (R2 = 0.96) and neck diffusion‐weighted‐imaging (averaged once or four times). Maximum probability recovers the true apparent‐diffusion‐coefficient of the simulated data better than nonlinear regression (up to 40%), whereas no apparent differences were found for the other decay parameters.

Conclusions

Perfusion‐related parameters were best at cancer classification. Noise‐corrected decay parameters did not significantly improve classification for the clinical data set though simulations show benefit for lower signal‐to‐noise ratio acquisitions. Magn Reson Med 71:2105–2117, 2014. © 2013 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society of Medicine in Resonance.
Single Acquisition Quantitative Single‐Point Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Jang Hyungseok , Subramanian Sankaran , Devasahayam Nallathamby , Saito Keita , Matsumoto Shingo , Krishna Murali C. , McMillan Alan B.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Electron paramagnetic resonance imaging has emerged as a promising noninvasive technology to dynamically image tissue oxygenation. Owing to its extremely short spin–spin relaxation times, electron paramagnetic resonance imaging benefits from a single‐point imaging scheme where the entire free induction decay signal is captured using pure phase encoding. However, direct T2*/pO2 quantification is inhibited owing to constant magnitude gradients which result in time‐decreasing field of view. Therefore, conventional acquisition techniques require repeated imaging experiments with differing gradient amplitudes (typically 3), which results in long acquisition time.

Methods

In this study, gridding was evaluated as a method to reconstruct images with equal field of view to enable direct T2*/pO2 quantification within a single imaging experiment. Additionally, an enhanced reconstruction technique that shares high spatial k‐space regions throughout different phase‐encoding time delays was investigated (k‐space extrapolation).

Results

The combined application of gridding and k‐space extrapolation enables pixelwise quantification of T2* from a single acquisition with improved image quality across a wide range of phase‐encoding time delays. The calculated T2*/pO2 does not vary across this time range.

Conclusions

By utilizing gridding and k‐space extrapolation, accurate T2*/pO2 quantification can be achieved within a single data set to allow enhanced temporal resolution (by a factor of 3). Magn Reson Med, 70:1173–1181, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multidimensional MR spectroscopic imaging of prostate cancer in vivo
Authors: Thomas M. Albert , Nagarajan Rajakumar , Huda Amir , Margolis Daniel , Sarma Manoj K. , Sheng Ke , Reiter Robert E. , Raman Steven S.
Published: August 2013

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common type of cancer among men in the United States. A major limitation in the management of PCa is an inability to distinguish, early on, cancers that will progress and become life threatening. One‐dimensional (1D) proton (1H) MRS of the prostate provides metabolic information such as levels of choline (Ch), creatine (Cr), citrate (Cit), and spermine (Spm) that can be used to detect and diagnose PCa. Ex vivo high‐resolution magic angle spinning (HR‐MAS) of PCa specimens has revealed detection of more metabolites such as myo‐inositol (mI), glutamate (Glu), and glutamine (Gln). Due to the J‐modulation and signal overlap, it is difficult to quantitate Spm and other resonances in the prostate clearly by single‐ and multivoxel‐based 1D MR spectroscopy. This limitation can be minimized by adding at least one more spectral dimension by which resonances can be spread apart, thereby increasing the spectral dispersion. However, recording of multivoxel‐based two‐dimensional (2D) MRS such as J‐resolved spectroscopy (JPRESS) and correlated spectroscopy (L‐COSY) combined with 2D or three‐dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) using conventional phase‐encoding can be prohibitively long to be included in a clinical protocol. To reduce the long acquisition time required for spatial encoding, the echo‐planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI) technique has been combined with correlated spectroscopy to give four‐dimensional (4D) echo‐planar correlated spectroscopic imaging (EP‐COSI) as well as J‐resolved spectroscopic imaging (EP‐JRESI) and the multi‐echo (ME) variants. Further acceleration can be achieved using non‐uniform undersampling (NUS) and reconstruction using compressed sensing (CS). Earlier versions of 2D MRS, theory of 2D MRS, spectral apodization filters, newer developments and the potential role of multidimensional MRS in PCa detection and management will be reviewed here. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo investigation of cardiac metabolism in the rat using MRS of hyperpolarized [1‐13C] and [2‐13C]pyruvate
Authors: Josan Sonal , Park Jae Mo , Hurd Ralph , Yen Yi‐Fen , Pfefferbaum Adolf , Spielman Daniel , Mayer Dirk
Published: August 2013

Hyperpolarized 13C MRS allows the in vivo assessment of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) flux, which converts pyruvate to acetyl‐coenzyme A (acetyl‐CoA). [1‐13C]pyruvate has been used to measure changes in cardiac PDC flux, with demonstrated increase in 13C‐bicarbonate production after dichloroacetate (DCA) administration. With [1‐13C]pyruvate, the 13C label is released as 13CO2/13C‐bicarbonate, and, hence, does not allow us to follow the fate of acetyl‐CoA. Pyruvate labeled in the C2 position has been used to track the 13C label into the TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle and measure [5‐13C]glutamate as well as study changes in [1‐13C]acetylcarnitine with DCA and dobutamine. This work investigates changes in the metabolic fate of acetyl‐CoA in response to metabolic interventions of DCA‐induced increased PDC flux in the fed and fasted state, and increased cardiac workload with dobutamine in vivo in rat heart at two different pyruvate doses. DCA led to a modest increase in the 13C labeling of [5‐13C]glutamate, and a considerable increase in [1‐13C]acetylcarnitine and [1,3‐13C]acetoacetate peaks. Dobutamine resulted in an increased labeling of [2‐13C]lactate, [2‐13C]alanine and [5‐13C]glutamate. The change in glutamate with dobutamine was observed using a high pyruvate dose but not with a low dose. The relative changes in the different metabolic products provide information about the relationship between PDC‐mediated oxidation of pyruvate and its subsequent incorporation into the TCA cycle compared with other metabolic pathways. Using a high dose of pyruvate may provide an improved ability to observe changes in glutamate. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute sleep deprivation increases food purchasing in men
Authors: Chapman Colin D. , Nilsson Emil K. , Nilsson Victor C. , Cedernaes Jonathan , Rångtell Frida H. , Vogel Heike , Dickson Suzanne L. , Broman Jan‐Erik , Hogenkamp Pleunie S. , Schiöth Helgi B. , Benedict Christian
Published: August 2013

Objective

To investigate if acute sleep deprivation affects food purchasing choices in a mock supermarket.

Design and Methods

On the morning after one night of total sleep deprivation (TSD) or after one night of sleep, 14 normal‐weight men were given a fixed budget (300 SEK—approximately 50 USD). They were instructed to purchase as much as they could out of a possible 40 items, including 20 high‐caloric foods (>2 kcal/g) and 20 low‐caloric foods (<2 kcal/g). The prices of the high‐caloric foods were then varied (75%, 100% (reference price), and 125%) to determine if TSD affects the flexibility of food purchasing. Before the task, participants received a standardized breakfast, thereby minimizing the potential confound produced by hunger. In addition, morning plasma concentrations of the orexigenic hormone ghrelin were measured under fasting conditions.

Results

Independent of both type of food offered and price condition, sleep‐deprived men purchased significantly more calories (+9%) and grams (+18%) of food than they did after one night of sleep (both P < 0.05). Morning plasma ghrelin concentrations were also higher after TSD (P < 0.05). However, this increase did not correlate with the effects of TSD on food purchasing.

Conclusions

This experiment demonstrates that acute sleep loss alters food purchasing behavior in men.