bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction in late‐stage breast cancer incidence in the mammography era: Implications for overdiagnosis of invasive cancer
Authors: Helvie Mark A. , Chang Joanne T. , Hendrick R. Edward , Banerjee Mousumi
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

Mammographic screening is expected to decrease the incidence of late‐stage breast cancer. In the current study, the authors determined the decrease in late‐stage cancer incidence and the changes in invasive cancer incidence that occurred in the mammographic era after adjusting for prescreening temporal trends.

METHODS

Breast cancer incidence and stage data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. The premammography period (1977‐1979) was compared with the mammographic screening period (2007‐2009) for women aged ≥ 40 years. The authors estimated prescreening temporal trends using 5 measures of annual percentage change (APC). Stage‐specific incidence values from 1977 through 1979 (baseline) were adjusted using APC values of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.3%, and 2.0% and then compared with observed stage‐specific incidence in 2007 through 2009.

RESULTS

Prescreening APC temporal trend estimates ranged from 0.8% to 2.3%. The joinpoint estimate of 1.3% for women aged ≥ 40 years approximated the 4‐decade long APC trend of 1.2% noted in the Connecticut Tumor Registry. At an APC of 1.3%, late‐stage breast cancer incidence decreased by 37% (56 cases per 100,000 women) with a reciprocal increase in early‐stage rates noted from 1977 through 1979 to 2007 through 2009. Resulting late‐stage cancer incidence decreased from 21% at an APC of 0.5% to 48% at an APC of 2.0%. Total invasive breast cancer incidence decreased by 9% (27 cases per 100,000 women) at an APC of 1.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

There is evidence that a substantial reduction in late‐stage breast cancer has occurred in the mammography era when appropriate adjustments are made for prescreening temporal trends. At background APC estimates of ≥ 1%, the total invasive breast cancer incidence also decreased. Cancer 2014;120:2649–2656. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Sarcopenia in patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy: Impact on cancer‐specific and all‐cause mortality
Authors: Psutka Sarah P. , Carrasco Alonso , Schmit Grant D. , Moynagh Michael R. , Boorjian Stephen A. , Frank Igor , Stewart Suzanne B. , Thapa Prabin , Tarrell Robert F. , Cheville John C. , Tollefson Matthew K.
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

The authors evaluated sarcopenia as a predictor of cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) among patients with urothelial cancer of the bladder undergoing radical cystectomy (RC).

METHODS

The lumbar skeletal muscle index (SMI) of 205 patients treated with RC for urothelial cancer between 2000 and 2007 was measured. Sarcopenia was classified according to international consensus definitions (SMI of < 55 cm2/m2 for men and < 39 cm2/m2 for women). The CSS and OS were estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method and compared with the log‐rank test. Variables associated with CSS and all‐cause mortality were summarized with hazard ratios (HRs).

RESULTS

Of 205 patients, 141 (68.8%) were sarcopenic. Patients with sarcopenia were older, but were otherwise similar to patients without sarcopenia with respect to sex, Charlson comorbidity index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, TNM stage of disease, and tumor grade (P > .05 for all). The median follow‐up was 6.7 years, during which time 135 patients died, including 91 who died of bladder cancer. Sarcopenic patients had significantly worse 5‐year CSS (49% vs 72%; P = .003) and OS (39% vs 70%; P = .003) compared with patients without sarcopenia. Moreover, sarcopenia was found to be independently associated with both increased CSS (HR, 2.14; P = .007) and all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.93; P = .004) on multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of sarcopenia was found to significantly increase a patient's risk of CSS and all‐cause mortality after undergoing RC for bladder cancer. Cancer 2014;120:2910–2918. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
A two‐phase model of plantar tissue: a step toward prediction of diabetic foot ulceration
Authors: Sciumè G. , Boso D. P. , Gray W. G. , Cobelli C. , Schrefler B. A.
Published: May 2014

A new computational model, based on the thermodynamically constrained averaging theory, has been recently proposed to predict tumor initiation and proliferation. A similar mathematical approach is proposed here as an aid in diabetic ulcer prevention. The common aspects at the continuum level are the macroscopic balance equations governing the flow of the fluid phase, diffusion of chemical species, tissue mechanics, and some of the constitutive equations.

The soft plantar tissue is modeled as a two‐phase system: a solid phase consisting of the tissue cells and their extracellular matrix, and a fluid one (interstitial fluid and dissolved chemical species). The solid phase may become necrotic depending on the stress level and on the oxygen availability in the tissue. Actually, in diabetic patients, peripheral vascular disease impacts tissue necrosis; this is considered in the model via the introduction of an effective diffusion coefficient that governs transport of nutrients within the microvasculature.

The governing equations of the mathematical model are discretized in space by the finite element method and in time domain using the θ‐Wilson Method.

While the full mathematical model is developed in this paper, the example is limited to the simulation of several gait cycles of a healthy foot. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient semi‐implicit method for three‐dimensional non‐hydrostatic flows in compliant arterial vessels
Authors: Fambri Francesco , Dumbser Michael , Casulli Vincenzo
Published: May 2014

Blood flow in arterial systems can be described by the three‐dimensional Navier–Stokes equations within a time‐dependent spatial domain that accounts for the elasticity of the arterial walls. In this article, blood is treated as an incompressible Newtonian fluid that flows through compliant vessels of general cross section. A three‐dimensional semi‐implicit finite difference and finite volume model is derived so that numerical stability is obtained at a low computational cost on a staggered grid. The key idea of the method consists in a splitting of the pressure into a hydrostatic and a non‐hydrostatic part, where first a small quasi‐one‐dimensional nonlinear system is solved for the hydrostatic pressure and only in a second step the fully three‐dimensional non‐hydrostatic pressure is computed from a three‐dimensional nonlinear system as a correction to the hydrostatic one. The resulting algorithm is robust, efficient, locally and globally mass conservative, and applies to hydrostatic and non‐hydrostatic flows in one, two and three space dimensions. These features are illustrated on nontrivial test cases for flows in tubes with circular or elliptical cross section where the exact analytical solution is known. Test cases of steady and pulsatile flows in uniformly curved rigid and elastic tubes are presented. Wherever possible, axial velocity development and secondary flows are shown and compared with previously published results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrating centralized and peer‐to‐peer architectures to support interest management in massively multiplayer on‐line games
Authors: Carlini Emanuele , Ricci Laura , Coppola Massimo
Published: May 2014

A fundamental problem for the development of peer‐to‐peer (P2P) distributed virtual environments, like massively multiplayer on‐line games, is the definition of an overlay supporting interest management, that is, determining all the entities of the virtual world that are relevant for a given player. To this end, this paper proposes a gossip‐based approach that considers the coverage of the area of interest of peers as the guiding principle for the definition of the P2P overlay and its maintenance. The resulting overlay provides a support for a best‐effort resolution of interest management, mostly supported through communications on the P2P overlay, with minimal intervention of a centralized entity. The paper presents a set of extensive simulations based on realistic mobility traces. The experimental results show the effectiveness of gossiping for the construction and maintenance of a best‐effort overlay for interest management. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A semantic‐based federated cloud system for emergency response
Authors: Manno Giuliano , Smari Waleed W. , Spalazzi Luca , Taccari Gilberto
Published: May 2014

Cloud federation can be described through the concept of collaboration, where each organization has its own cloud(s) that deals with a different and independent domain but needs to work together with other organizations in order to fulfill a specific shared objective. According to this perspective, the federation is a collection of interacting clouds that collaborate with one another through the instantiation and management of shared subsets of resources (computation and storage resources as well as sensors and actuators). This idea could be profitably used in those scenarios in which different organizations have to share several resources (e.g., emergency response or disaster management scenario). On the other hand, when different independent organizations share their resources, several issues arise. One of them is related to interoperability problems. As a consequence, this work also introduces a framework for an ontology‐based resource life cycle management and provisioning in a federated cloud infrastructure. Therefore, The main contributions of this work consists of redesigning a cloud infrastructure architecture from the ground up, leveraging Semantic Web and Semantic Web Service Technologies, and natively supporting a federated provisioning of any kind of resource. This paper exploits, as a motivating scenario, a flood emergency response system. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compiler multiversioning for automatic task granularity control
Authors: Thoman Peter , Jordan Herbert , Fahringer Thomas
Published: May 2014

Task parallelism is a programming technique that has been shown to be applicable in a wide variety of problem domains. A central parameter that needs to be controlled to ensure efficient execution of task parallel programs is the granularity of tasks. When they are too coarse grained, scalability and load balance suffer, while very fine‐grained tasks introduce execution overheads. We present a combined compiler and runtime approach that enables automatic granularity control. Starting from recursive, task parallel programs, our compiler generates multiple versions of each task, increasing granularity by task unrolling. Subsequently, we apply a parallelism‐aware optimizing transformation to remove superfluous task synchronization primitives in all generated versions. A runtime system then selects among these task versions of varying granularity by locally tracking task demand. Benchmarking on a set of task parallel programs using a work‐stealing scheduler demonstrates that our approach is generally effective. For fine‐grained tasks, we can achieve reductions in execution time exceeding a factor of 6, compared with state‐of‐the‐art implementations. Additionally, we evaluate the impact of two crucial algorithmic parameters, the number of generated code versions and the task queue length, on the performance of our method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transient analysis of coupled non‐uniform transmission line using finite element method
Authors: Jurić‐Grgić Ivica , Lucić Rino , Bernadić Alen
Published: May 2014

This paper presents a finite element time domain model for a numerical solution of a coupled non‐uniform transmission line problem. On the basis of the finite element method, a novel numerical procedure for the solution of a system of the non‐uniform multi‐conductor transmission line equations in the time domain is presented. The results obtained by the proposed method have been compared with the solution obtained using the finite difference time domain method, and an excellent correlation has been demonstrated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental Dyslexia in Adults: Behavioural Manifestations and Cognitive Correlates
Authors: Nergård‐Nilssen Trude , Hulme Charles
Published: May 2014

This paper explores the nature of residual literacy and cognitive deficits in self‐reported dyslexic Norwegian adults. The performance of 26 self‐reported dyslexic adults was compared with that of a comparison group of 47 adults with no history of reading or spelling difficulties. Participants completed standardized and experimental measures tapping literacy skills, working memory, phonological awareness and rapid naming. Spelling problems were the most prominent marker of dyslexia in adults, followed by text reading fluency and nonword decoding. Working memory and phoneme awareness explained unique variance in spelling, whereas rapid automatized naming explained unique variance in reading fluency and nonword reading. The moderate to strong correlations between self‐reported history, self‐rating of current literacy skills and outcomes on literacy tests indicate that adults estimated their literacy skills fairly well. Results suggest that spelling impairments, more strongly than reading impairments, make adults perceive themselves as being dyslexic. A combination of three literacy and three cognitive tests predicted group membership with 90.4% accuracy. It appears that weaknesses in phoneme awareness, rapid automatized naming and working memory are strong and persistent correlates of literacy problems even in adults learning a relatively transparent orthography. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Population genetic structure, genetic diversity, and natural history of the South American species of Nothofagus subgenus Lophozonia (Nothofagaceae) inferred from nuclear microsatellite data
Authors: Vergara Rodrigo , Gitzendanner Matthew A. , Soltis Douglas E. , Soltis Pamela S.
Published: May 2014

The effect of glaciation on the levels and patterns of genetic variation has been well studied in the Northern Hemisphere. However, although glaciation has undoubtedly shaped the genetic structure of plants in the Southern Hemisphere, fewer studies have characterized the effect, and almost none of them using microsatellites. Particularly, complex patterns of genetic structure might be expected in areas such as the Andes, where both latitudinal and altitudinal glacial advance and retreat have molded modern plant communities. We therefore studied the population genetics of three closely related, hybridizing species of Nothofagus (N. obliqua, N. alpina, and N. glauca, all of subgenus Lophozonia; Nothofagaceae) from Chile. To estimate population genetic parameters and infer the influence of the last ice age on the spatial and genetic distribution of these species, we examined and analyzed genetic variability at seven polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci in 640 individuals from 40 populations covering most of the ranges of these species in Chile. Populations showed no significant inbreeding and exhibited relatively high levels of genetic diversity (HE = 0.502–0.662) and slight, but significant, genetic structure (RST = 8.7–16.0%). However, in N. obliqua, the small amount of genetic structure was spatially organized into three well‐defined latitudinal groups. Our data may also suggest some introgression of N. alpina genes into N. obliqua in the northern populations. These results allowed us to reconstruct the influence of the last ice age on the genetic structure of these species, suggesting several centers of genetic diversity for N. obliqua and N. alpina, in agreement with the multiple refugia hypothesis.
Oxidative Degradation of Amino Acids and Aminophosphonic Acids by 2,2′‐Bipyridine Complexes of Copper(II)
Authors: Pap József S. , El Bakkali‐Tahéri Nadia , Fadel Antoine , Góger Szabina , Bogáth Dóra , Molnár Milán , Giorgi Michel , Speier Gábor , Simaan A. Jalila , Kaizer József
Published: May 2014

Copper(II)–amino acid (AA) complexes that contain 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy) as supporting ligand were investigated. X‐ray structural analysis of three new bpy‐based complexes revealed a bidentate coordination of the AAs on the copper(II) centers similar to that proposed for the substrate on the iron(II) center of the 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid oxidase (ACCO). Similar complexes with two aminophosphonic acids (APAs), 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐phosphonic acid (ACP) and (1‐amino‐1‐methyl)ethylphosphonic acid (AMEP), were also investigated, and the latter complex was structurally characterized. This structure reveals the bidentate coordination of α‐aminophosphonate on the copper(II) ion. The oxidation of the bound amino acids (AAs) and aminophosphonates (APAs), which model the reaction catalyzed by ACCO, was investigated. The complexes react with H2O2 and give oxidation products that were identified by gas chromatography. Reduction of CuII to CuI was detected by UV/Vis spectroscopy upon reaction with H2O2 or ascorbate. This reduction is proposed to be the initial step for the peroxide/copper activation prior to the oxidation of the AA and APA ligands by means of a radical mechanism.
Synthesis and Properties of a Mixed‐Valence Compound with Single‐Step Tunneling and Multiple‐Step Hopping Behavior
Authors: Makhoul Rim , Kumamoto Yuki , Miyazaki Akira , Justaud Frédéric , Gendron Frédéric , Halet Jean‐François , Hamon Jean‐René , Lapinte Claude
Published: May 2014

The organic precursor bis(trimethylsilylethynyl)TTFMe2 (3, TTF = tetrathiafulvalene) was prepared as a 1:1 mixture of the cis and trans isomers. Pure samples of 3‐cis and 3‐trans were obtained by crystallization and identified by XRD analysis. The treatment of pure 3‐trans and a 1:1 mixture of 3‐cis/trans with (i) potassium carbonate, (ii) the iron complex Cp*(dppe)FeCl [5, Cp* = η5‐C5Me5, dppe = 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane] in the presence of KPF6, and (iii) tBuOK provided Cp*(dppe)Fe–C≡C–TTFMe2–C≡C–Fe(dppe)Cp* as the pure geometric isomer 6‐trans (85 %) and as the 60:40 mixture 6‐cis/trans (63 %), respectively. The oxidation of 6‐trans with [(C5H5)2Fe]PF6 gave [6‐trans][PF6]n (n = 1–3). Visible, IR, near‐IR (NIR), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy together with DFT data show that [6‐trans][PF6] is a class II mixed‐valence complex (Hab = 85 cm–1) in which the spin distribution depends on the conformation of the molecule. Intramolecular electron transfer occurs through single‐step tunneling and a multistep hoping mechanism. The triplet state is thermally accessible for [6‐trans][PF6]2.
Fructose and Urea as Precursors for N‐/O‐Modified Mesoporous Carbon with Enhanced Sorption Capacity for Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Weinberger Christian , Haffer Stefanie , Wagner Thorsten , Tiemann Michael
Published: May 2014

Ordered mesoporous carbon with a high heteroatom (N, O) content was prepared by nanocasting from a melt of a eutectic mixture of fructose and urea (60/40 wt.‐%; melting temperature ca. 65 °C). These precursor compounds are cheap and environmentally friendly. The material possesses enhanced pore‐wall surface polarity as compared to that of mesoporous carbon prepared by the same technique without urea. This was verified by water sorption analysis. As a result, the heteroatom‐modified material shows higher sorption capacity for the uptake of heavy metal ions (Cu2+) from aqueous solution, which may be interesting for potential application in wastewater cleaning.
Synthesis and Glycosidase Inhibition Study of 2‐C‐Hydroxymethyl‐ and 6‐C‐Hydroxymethyl‐Branched Piperidines from D‐Glucose Using Ene‐Yne Metathesis as a Key Step
Authors: Mallick Asadulla , Vankar Yashwant D.
Published: May 2014

Two polyhydroxylated piperidine‐based 2‐C‐hydroxymethyl‐branched analogues of L‐1‐deoxyallonojirimycin (L‐allo‐DNJ) were synthesized from readily available 1,2:5,6‐di‐O‐isopropylidene‐α‐glucofuranose through an ene‐yne metathesis as the key step. The glycosidase inhibition activity of these compounds against some commercially available enzymes was examined, and the analogues were found to be very selective glycosidase inhibitors at concentrations in the range of 21–44 μM.
Electroanalytical Sensors and Methods for Assays and Studies of Neurological Biomarkers
Authors: Chen Shu , Zhang Lin , Long Yunfei , Zhou Feimeng
Published: May 2014

Diverse methods have been developed to reveal biochemical changes in neurological disorders and to detect biomarkers present in clinical samples. Electrochemical biosensors are attractive because of their low costs, high sensitivity, and easiness for miniaturization. They have the potential for both point‐of‐care and in vivo monitoring. With clever surface modification and effective immobilization of capture ligands, selective detection of neurological biomarkers can be achieved. This review covers select applications of electroanalytical methods/sensors for proteins, peptides, small molecules, metal ions, and neurotransmitters. Designs of various sensors and devices are reviewed and issues to be addressed for clinically viable sensors are discussed.
Implications of FAD Electrode Reaction Kinetics for Electrocatalysis of NADH Oxidation and Development of NAD‐Dependent Enzyme Electrodes
Authors: Emre Fatma Bilge , Lopes Paula , Ferapontova Elena E.
Published: May 2014

FAD entrapped into the polyethyleneimine (PEI) matrix underwent 2e−/2H+ redox transformation, in contrast to the 1e−/1H+ reaction observed with non‐stabilized FAD‐modified electrodes. Under conditions of the 2e−/2H+ reaction, FAD/PEI‐modified electrodes catalytically oxidized NADH starting from −100 mV vs. Ag/AgCl. These electrodes may be used for construction of NAD‐dependent dehydrogenase electrodes for clinically important analytes such as glucose when coupled to the model enzyme glucose dehydrogenase. Latter allows detection of glucose starting from −100 mV within 0.05–5 mM concentration range. These results suggest the FAD stabilization by different matrices as a simple and promising approach to achieve its 2e−/2H+ redox chemistry resulting in catalysis of NADH oxidation.
Performance Improvement by Layout Designs of Conductive Polymer Microelectrode Based Impedimetric Biosensors
Authors: Rosati Giulio , Daprà Johannes , Cherré Solène , Rozlosnik Noemi
Published: May 2014

In this work we present a theoretical, computational, and experimental evaluation of the performance of an impedimetric biosensor based on interdigitated conductive polymer (PEDOT:TsO) microelectrodes in a microfluidic system. The influence of the geometry of the electrodes and microchannels on the electrochemical performance of the biosensor was exploited to improve the detection system. The developed model allowed us to predict the performance of the electrochemical system, and thus to optimize the geometry for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Finally, the optimized electrode design was validated by the detection of a clinically relevant target (ampicillin) at picomolar concentrations.
Two years experience of the BioDME project—A complete wood to wheel concept
Authors: Landälv Ingvar , Gebart Rikard , Marke Birgitta , Granberg Fredrik , Furusjö Erik , Löwnertz Patrik , Öhrman Olov G. W. , Sørensen Esben Lauge , Salomonsson Per
Published: May 2014

Dimethyl ether (DME), is an excellent diesel fuel that can be produced through gasification from multiple feedstocks. One particularly interesting renewable feedstock is the energy rich by‐product from the pulping process called black liquor (BL). The concept of utilizing BL as gasifier feed, converting it via syngas to DME and then compensating the withdrawal of BL energy from the pulp mill by supplying biomass to a conventional combined heat and power plant, is estimated to be one of the most efficient conversion concepts of biomass to a renewable fuel on a well‐to‐wheel basis. This concept has been demonstrated by the four‐year BioDME project, including field tests of DME‐fueled heavy‐duty trucks that are operated commercially. Up till the summer of 2013 more than 500 tons of BioDME has been produced and distributed to 10 HD trucks, which in total has run more than 1 million km in commercial service. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 744–750, 2014
Do TOEFL iBT® Scores Reflect Improvement in English‐Language Proficiency? Extending the TOEFL iBT Validity Argument
Authors: Ling Guangming , Powers Donald E. , Adler Rachel M.
Published: May 2014

One fundamental way to determine the validity of standardized English‐language test scores is to investigate the extent to which they reflect anticipated learning effects in different English‐language programs. In this study, we investigated the extent to which the TOEFL iBT® practice test reflects the learning effects of students at intensive English programs in the United States and China, as well as extracurricular English‐learning activities that may be associated with the expected learning effects. A total of 607 students at the high school level or beyond participated in the United States and China, including 111 students who took 2 forms of the practice test under a pretest and posttest design. The results showed moderate to substantial levels of improvement on each of the TOEFL iBT sections, with different score gain patterns for students in the United States and China. We concluded that students who study at English programs similar to those included in this study can improve their English‐language proficiency levels at least moderately over 6 months or longer, as indicated by changes in their scores on the TOEFL iBT practice test. This improvement is consistent with an interpretation of TOEFL iBT scores as indicators of English‐language proficiency.
Expanding the CBAL™ Mathematics Assessments to Elementary Grades: The Development of a Competency Model and a Rational Number Learning Progression
Authors: Arieli‐Attali Meirav , Cayton‐Hodges Gabrielle
Published: May 2014

Prior work on the CBAL™ mathematics competency model resulted in an initial competency model for middle school grades with several learning progressions (LPs) that elaborate central ideas in the competency model and provide a basis for connecting summative and formative assessment. In the current project, we created a competency model for Grades 3–5 that is based on both the middle school competency model and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). We also developed an LP for rational numbers based on an extensive literature review, consultations with members of the CBAL mathematics team and other related research staff at Educational Testing Service, input from an advisory panel of external experts in mathematics education and cognitive psychology, and the use of small‐scale cognitive interviews with students and teachers. Elementary mathematical understanding, specifically that of rational numbers, is viewed as fundamental and critical to developing future knowledge and skill in middle and high school mathematics and therefore essential for success in the 21st century world. The competency model and the rational number LP serve as the conceptual basis for developing and connecting summative and formative assessment as well as professional support materials for Grades 3–5. We report here on the development process of these models and future implications for task development.
Bolus effects on patient awareness of swallowing difficulty and swallow physiology after chemoradiation for head and neck cancer
Authors: Rogus‐Pulia Nicole M. , Pierce Margaret , Mittal Bharat B. , Zecker Steven G. , Logemann Jeri
Published: May 2014

Background

Patients treated for head and neck cancer frequently develop dysphagia. Bolus characteristics are altered during fluoroscopic swallowing studies to observe the impact on swallowing function. The purpose of this study was to determine bolus volume and consistency effects on oropharyngeal swallowing physiology and patient awareness of swallowing difficulty.

Methods

Twenty‐one patients with head and neck cancer were assessed pre‐chemoradiation and post‐chemoradiation. The Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) was utilized to examine swallow physiology. Each patient provided perceptual ratings of swallowing difficulty after each swallow of varying bolus types.

Results

Oral transit times were significantly longer with pudding boluses. There were trends for higher residue percentages as well as perceptual ratings for pudding and cookie boluses. One correlation between perceptual ratings and physiology was significant.

Conclusion

Patient awareness of swallowing difficulty and aspects of swallowing physiology vary with bolus consistency. Patient awareness does not correlate with observed changes in swallowing physiology. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1122–1129, 2015
Rapid Synthesis of Mesoporous TiO2 for the Photoanodes in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Deka Juti Rani , Wang Hong Wen
Published: May 2014

Mesoporous TiO2 microspheres with high specific surface areas were synthesized by means of a facile one‐step microwave hydrothermal process without using any template. The mesoporous materials were rapidly achieved using TiCl4, urea and ammonium sulphate at comparatively low microwave power (400 W) for 8 min irradiation. The morphology and microstructure of the as‐prepared products were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area analysis. Structural characterization indicates that the TiO2 microspheres display mesoporous structure. The average pore sizes and BET surface areas of the spheres were 5.3 nm and 222 m2g−1, respectively. The mesoporous nanocrystals synthesized at 160 °C for 8 min were then used to prepare the photoanode for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). A high power conversion efficiency of 5.72% was achieved from the mesoporous TiO2 based photoanode, representing about 25.7% improvement over the efficiency of P25 photoanode.
An Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Method for Directly Converting Trityl and Benzyl Ethers to the Corresponding Acetates
Authors: Liu Ning‐ning , Yu Pan , Yuan Wei‐yuan , Zhang Qing‐shan , Wu Qin‐pei
Published: May 2014

Acid sensitive benzyl and trityl ethers are frequently used as protecting groups to mask alcohols. They are also needed to be transformed into more stable ester groups toward acids in multistep synthesis. A mild and efficient one‐pot protocol for the selective transformation of benzyl and trityl ethers into their corresponding acetates was successfully developed. Several distinct advantages to this procedure include direct transformation, minimal generation of waste, a non‐aqueous workup and the recovery and recycling of the benzyl acetate and trityl alcohol by‐products, which were readily recovered in greater than 90% yields.
Dispersive Micro Solid‐phase Extraction Coupled with Ultrasound‐assisted Solvent Desorption for Determination of Synthetic Polycyclic and Nitro‐aromatic Musks in Aqueous Samples
Authors: Chung Wu‐Hsun , Tzing Shin‐Hwa , Huang Man‐Chun , Ding Wang‐Hsien
Published: May 2014

An optimized method for the determination of five synthetic polycyclic: celestolide (ADBI), phantolide (AHMI), traseolide (ATII), galaxolide (HHCB), tonalide (AHTN), and two nitro‐aromatic musks: musk xylene (MX) and musk ketone (MK), in water samples is described. The method involves a dispersive micro solid‐phase extraction (D‐μ‐SPE) plus ultrasound‐assisted solvent desorption (UASD) prior to their determination by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) using the selected ion storage (SIS) mode. Factors affecting the extraction efficiency of the target analytes from water samples and ultrasound‐assisted solvent desorption were optimized by a Box‐Behnken design method. The optimal extraction conditions involved immersing 10.1 mg of a typical octadecyl (C18) bonded silica adsorbent (i.e., ENVI‐18) in a 50 mL water sample. After 10.4 min of extraction by vigorously shaking, the adsorbent was collected and dried on a filter, and the target musks were desorbed by ultrasound‐assisted for 38 sec with n‐hexane (200 μL) as the desorption solvent. A 10 μL aliquot was then directly determined by large‐volume injection GC‐MS. The limits of quantitation (LOQs) were 1.2 to 5 ng/L. The precision for these analytes, as indicated by relative standard deviations (RSDs), were less than 11% for both intra‐ and inter‐day analysis. Accuracy, expressed as the mean extraction recovery, was between 74% and 92%. A preliminary analysis of the effluents from municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWTP) and river water samples revealed that HHCB and AHTN were the two most commonly detected synthetic musks; their concentration were determined to range from 88 to 690 ng/L for effluent samples, and 5 to 320 ng/L for river water samples. This is a simple, low cost, effective, and eco‐friendly analytical method.
Separation and Migration Behavior of Dichlorophenols in β‐Cyclodextrin‐Modified Capillary Zone Electrophoresis
Authors: Chen Chih‐Yu , Liu Yu‐Chih , Chien I‐Chin , Hsueh Chung‐Chuan , Lin Chen‐Hsing
Published: May 2014

The separation and migration behavior of six isomeric dichlorophenols (DCPs) in cyclodextrin‐modified capillary zone electrophoresis (CD‐CZE) using a phosphate‐borate buffer at alkaline pH with β‐CD and hydroxypropyl‐β‐CD (HP‐β‐CD) as electrolyte modifiers were investigated. The influence of buffer pH and the concentration of β‐cyclodextrins were examined. The results indicate that baseline separation of six isomeric DCPs can be achieved with addition of β‐CD concentration in the range of 2.0‐10 mM or HP‐β‐CD concentration in the range of 4.0‐10 mM at pH 10.0. Binding constants of DCPs to β‐CDs were evaluated for a better understanding of the interaction of DCPs with β‐CDs.
Effect of Chinese Medicine Danshen and Indian Ayurvedic Medicine Bark of Arjuna Tree on a Relatively New LOCI Digoxin Assay for Application on the Vista 1500 Analyzer
Authors: Dasgupta Amitava , Sengupta Tamal K. , Johnson Myrtle
Published: May 2014

Background

Danshen is a traditional Chinese medicine and bark of Arjuna tree is an Ayurvedic medicine both indicated as heart tonic. Interference of Danshen in serum digoxin immunoassays has been reported but potential interference of extract of bark of Arjuna tree has not been reported. We studied potential interferences of Danshen and bark of Arjuna tree on a relatively new LOCI digoxin assay for application on the Vista 1500 analyzer (Siemens Diagnostics).

Methods

Aliquots of drug‐free serum were supplemented with ethyl acetate extract of Danshen (two different brands studied) or aqueous or ethyl alcohol extract of bark of Arjuna tree and apparent digoxin concentrations were measured by the LOCI digoxin assay. In another experiment, aliquots of serum pool containing digoxin were further supplemented with Danshen or bark of Arjuna tree extract and digoxin concentrations were measured again using LOCI digoxin assay.

Results

Little apparent digoxin concentration was observed when aliquots of drug‐free serum pools were supplemented with Danshen or bark of Arjuna tree extract. When aliquots of serum digoxin pool were further supplemented with these extract, we observed statistically significant negative interference but such differences may not be clinically significant.

Conclusion

We conclude that LOCI digoxin assay is virtually free from interferences of Danshen and extract of bark of Arjuna tree.
Rainbow Numbers for Cycles in Plane Triangulations
Authors: Horňák Mirko , Jendrol′ Stanislav , Schiermeyer Ingo , Soták Roman
Published: May 2014

In the article, the existence of rainbow cycles in edge colored plane triangulations is studied. It is shown that the minimum number of colors that force the existence of a rainbow C3 in any n‐vertex plane triangulation is equal to . For a lower bound and for an upper bound of the number is determined.
Inter‐annual variability of aerosols and its relationship with regional climate over Indian subcontinent
Authors: Sanap S. D. , Pandithurai G.
Published: May 2014

The spatio‐temporal variability of aerosols over Indian subcontinent is mainly due to transported dust from adjacent deserts (Thar and Middle East deserts), local emission due to anthropogenic activities and prevailing meteorological conditions. On large scale, the quantification of transported and locally emitted aerosol from these regions is complicated. Here, we used empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis to identify these regions and their variability by using 33 years of Total Ozone Monitoring Spectrometer (TOMS) satellite data. The maximum variability in aerosol is explained by first two EOF modes (70.31 and 20.57%) over Indian subcontinent. The major aerosol, i.e. transported dust from adjacent deserts confined to NW India and Pakistan, is observed in first leading mode, whereas biomass burning, industrial and dense populated region of southeast and eastern region of the Indo‐Gangetic Plain (IGP) are revealed in the second dominant mode. The EOF analysis is carried out specifically for the pre‐monsoon and monsoon seasons over Indian subcontinent as maximum aerosol loading is observed during this period. The region of NW India, IGP, Pakistan and northern Arabian Sea explains maximum variability in both seasons. The first three leading modes and their relationship with different atmospheric and surface variables are carried out for pre‐monsoon and monsoon seasons. This study explains the potential role of aerosols on reduction in cloudiness, increased shortwave at the ground, land‐surface tropospheric warming and its feedback to other related processes. This study strongly suggests that there is a need for further appropriate observational as well as modelling study on the role of semi‐direct aerosol effect over Indian subcontinent.
The Organizing Dimensions of Strategic Foresight in High‐Velocity Environments
Authors: Sarpong David , O'Regan Nicholas
Published: May 2014

Strategic foresight promotes the enactment of organizationally useful actions and repertoires which enhance the entrepreneurial capabilities of firms embedded in high‐velocity environments.
Conceptualizing Strategic Foresight: An Integrated Framework
Authors: Paliokaitė Agnė , Pačėsa Nerijus , Sarpong David
Published: May 2014

An integrative framework is proposed to generate a more complete picture of strategic foresight as an organizing capability in high‐velocity environments.
The Battle for Brainpower: The Role of Market Intermediaries in Lateral Hiring
Authors: Amankwah‐Amoah Joseph , Sarpong David
Published: May 2014

The utilization of market intermediaries to identify and recruit top talent is essential in winning the global talent race.
Synthesis and Photovoltaic Properties of New Multifused Anthradithiophene‐Based Narrow‐Bandgap D–A Copolymers
Authors: Liu Qi‐Da , Peng Rui‐Xiang , Chen Shao‐Jie , Ai Ling , Wang She‐Yu , Liu Zhi‐Yang , Ge Zi‐Yi
Published: May 2014

Three structurally novel donor–acceptor copolymers are synthesized and fully characterized using an anthradithiophene (ADT) derivative as the donor block. All of them exhibit broad absorption ranges and moderate hole and electron mobilities. The multifused ADT donor block makes them exhibit lower highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels than many reported benzodithiophene‐based polymers. Copolymer blends with [6,6]‐phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) as active layers are used to fabricate polymer solar cells (PSCs) and a variety of post‐treatment methods are employed to optimize the device performance. The conventional and inverted configuration devices are prepared to evaluate the photovoltaic properties. A maximum power conversion efficiency of 1.66% is achieved for the inverted‐configuration device. The improved efficiency is caused by the close energy alignment between the work function of MoO3 and the HOMO energy levels of the copolymers, facilitating better charge transport and increased short‐circuit current density (Jsc) with the inverted devices.

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Understanding the Chemical and Physical Transformations of a Ziegler–Natta Catalyst at the Initial Stage of Polymerization Kinetics: The Key Role of Alkylaluminum in the Catalyst Activation Process
Authors: Dwivedi Sumant , Taniike Toshiaki , Terano Minoru
Published: May 2014

An improved stopped‐flow (SF) technique is employed to clarify the origin of kinetics in propylene polymerization with a Mg(OEt)2‐based Ziegler–Natta catalyst. Polymerization in the range of 0.1–5 s exhibits a kinetic transition from a linear development to a build‐up‐type development of the yield. It is found that a lower alkylaluminum concentration leads to a lower activity in the linear regime, whereas the extent of the activation becomes greater in the build‐up regime. The origin of these kinetic behaviors is studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for catalyst/polymer particles and cross‐fractionation analyses for polymer structures. It is found that the kinetic transition mainly arises from the fragmentation of the catalyst particles and resultant increase in the active site concentration. The fragmentation manner strongly depends on the alkylaluminum concentration, which affects not only the amount, but also the placement of initial polymer formation. The nature of the active sites varies as a result of an aging effect with alkylaluminum: their stereospecificity, propagation rate constant, and tolerance for chain transfer reaction increase as the polymerization progresses.

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Extensions of the Heisenberg group by one‐parameter groups of dilations which are subgroups of the affine and the symplectic groups
Authors: Namngam Kampanat , Schulz Eckart
Published: May 2014

Extensions of the multidimensional Heisenberg group by one‐parameter groups of matrix dilations are introduced and classified up to isomorphism. Each group is isomorphic to both, a subgroup of the symplectic group and a subgroup of the affine group, and its metaplectic representation splits into two irreducible subrepresentations, each of which is equivalent to a subrepresentation of the wavelet representation.
Colloidal Interactions of Inorganic Nanoparticles Grafted with Zwitterionic Polymer Brushes and Gels by Surface‐Mediated Seeded Polymerization
Authors: An Soyoun , Choi Sang Koo , Cho Jang Woo , Kim Hyun Tae , Kim Jin Woong
Published: May 2014

A robust and straightforward approach is introduced to synthesize inorganic nanoparticles chemically grafted with a zwitterionic poly(2‐methacryroyloxyethylphosphorylcholine) (PMPC) thin layers. The synthesis method is based on the surface‐mediated seeded polymerization. In order to observe how the polymer chain architectures affect colloidal interactions, the zinc oxide nanoparticles are grafted with linear brushes and with a thin hydrogel layer, respectively. The thickness of PMPC shell layers spans a few nanometers. The studies on suspension rheology for the nanoparticles show that the nanoparticles with PMPC brushes show the stronger repulsive force than those with the PMPC gel shell due to the entropic stabilization. When the shear force is applied to the Pickering emulsion produced by assembly of the nanoparticles, it is noticeable that the presence of PMPC brushes on the particles rather enhances the drop‐to‐drop attraction, which presumably stems from the entanglement of polymer chains between the contacted interfacial planes of the emulsion droplets during shearing.

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Comparison of DNA extraction kits and modification of DNA elution procedure for the quantitation of subdominant bacteria from piggery effluents with real‐time PCR
Authors: Desneux Jérémy , Pourcher Anne‐Marie
Published: May 2014

Four commercial DNA extraction kits and a minor modification in the DNA elution procedure were evaluated for the quantitation of bacteria in pig manure samples. The PowerSoil®, PowerFecal®, NucleoSpin® Soil kits and QIAamp® DNA Stool Mini kit were tested on raw manure samples and on lagoon effluents for their ability to quantify total bacteria and a subdominant bacteria specific of pig manure contamination: Lactobacillus amylovorus. The NucleoSpin® Soil kit (NS kit), and to a lesser extent the PowerFecal® kit were the most efficient methods. Regardless of the kit utilized, the modified elution procedure increased DNA yield in the lagoon effluent by a factor of 1.4 to 1.8. When tested on 10 piggery effluent samples, compared to the QIAamp kit, the NS kit combined with the modified elution step, increased by a factor up to 1.7 log10 the values of the concentration of L. amylovorus. Regardless of the type of manure, the best DNA quality and the highest concentrations of bacteria were obtained using the NS kit combined with the modification of the elution procedure. The method recommended here significantly improved quantitation of subdominant bacteria in manure.
Post‐Traumatic Shoulder Movement Disorders: A Challenging Differential Diagnosis Between Organic and Functional
Authors: Pandey Sanjay , Nahab Fatta , Aldred Jason , Nutt John , Hallett Mark
Published: May 2014

Peripheral trauma may be a trigger for the development of various movement disorders, though the pathophysiology remains controversial and some of these patients have a functional (psychogenic) disorder. We report on 3 cases of shoulder movement disorders subsequent to trauma to the shoulder region. Physiology was done in all the patients to extend the physical examination. Two patients had a history of recurrent shoulder dislocation and were diagnosed with Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome. One patient had shoulder injury after repeated falls while performing as a cheerleader. In 2 patients, there were some clinical features suggesting a functional etiology, but physiological studies in all 3 failed to produce objective evidence of a functional nature. Shoulder movement after trauma is uncommon. Diagnosis in such cases is challenging, considering the complex pathophysiology. The movements can be associated with prolonged pain and handicap, and once established, they appear resistant to treatment.
Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging detection of temporal lobes and hippocampal anomalies in hypochondroplasia
Authors: Cesaretti Claudia , Spaccini Luigina , Rustico Mariangela , Parazzini Cecilia , Doneda Chiara , Re Thomas J. , Righini Andrea
Published: May 2014

Hypochondroplasia (HCH) is a genetic skeletal dysplasia, inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. About 50–70% of HCH patients have a mutation in FGFR3 gene and in the majority of cases it is a de novo mutation. Recent magnetic resonance imaging studies on relative large cohorts of HCH patients have showed a central nervous system involvement with a high incidence of characteristic temporal lobe and hippocampal abnormalities. To the best of our knowledge, this report shows the first magnetic resonance imaging prenatal detection of characteristic brain anomalies in a case of HCH, molecularly confirmed through postnatal FGFR3 analysis. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photovoltaics Literature Survey (No. 111)
Authors: Shrestha Santosh
Published: May 2014

In order to help keep readers up‐to‐date in the field each issue of Progress in Photovoltaics will contain a list of recently published journal articles most relevant to its aims and scope. This list is drawn from an extremely wide range of journals, including IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, Journal of Applied Physics, Applied Physics Letters, Progress in Photovoltaics and Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells. To assist the reader, the list is separated into broad categories, but please note that these classifications are by no means strict. Also note that inclusion in the list is not an endorsement of a paper's quality. If you have any suggestions please email Santosh Shrestha at s.shrestha@unsw.edu.au.