bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of zero–zero‐birefringence polymers in methacrylate copolymer systems containing trichloroethyl methacrylate
Authors: Iwasaki Shuhei , Satoh Zen , Shafiee Houran , Tagaya Akihiro , Koike Yasuhiro
Published: March 2013

Polymers that exhibit neither orientational nor photoelastic birefringence, called zero–zero‐birefringence polymers, are candidate materials for preparing optical components of liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Analyzing the birefringences for various methacrylate polymers is an issue of current importance in developing zero–zero‐birefringence polymers with appropriate characteristics for LCDs. The researchers have investigated different types of birefringence for poly(2,2,2‐trichloroethyl methacrylate) (PTCEMA) and have shown that PTCEMA exhibits negative orientational and photoelastic birefringences. By using TCEMA as a comonomer, a zero–zero‐birefringence polymer having much higher glass transition temperature (Tg) compared with previous researches has been prepared by ternary copolymerization. Moreover, the researchers have fabricated zero–zero‐birefringence polymers in a quaternary system containing TCEMA. The property analyses indicate that Tg can be controlled while maintaining the zero–zero‐birefringence property, which shows that designing a quaternary zero–zero‐birefringence polymer permits selective synthesis with the most appropriate characteristics. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Effects of freezing conditions on the morphology and mechanical properties of clay and polymer/clay aerogels
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Gawryla Matthew D. , Schiraldi David A.
Published: March 2013

Clay aerogels and poly(vinyl alcohol)/clay aerogels were prepared via an environmental friendly freeze‐drying process. Both mechanical properties and microstructures of the clay aerogels and polymer/clay aerogels were correlated to the freezing conditions. The compressive moduli of these materials increased as the freezing temperature used to produce the aerogels was decreased. Scanning electron microscopic observations suggest that the morphological variations of clay aerogels can be explained by the mechanism of ice templating that produced these structures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Mechanical properties and crack propagation of soy‐polypropylene composites
Authors: Guettler Barbara E. , Moresoli Christine , Simon Leonardo C.
Published: March 2013

Composites from soy flour (SF) and polypropylene (PP) exhibited increased impact and flexural properties when SF was treated with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) or when subjected to autoclave treatment and maleic anhydride coupling agent addition. The impact strength increased by at least 13% for the KMnO4 SF composites and by 18% for the autoclave SF composites with maleic anhydride coupling agent addition. These two SF composite materials showed increased impact and flexural modulus, an indication of multiscale material architecture. Scanning electron microscopy imaging of the fractured surfaces revealed different morphology and potential crack propagation mechanisms. Composites with untreated SF showed poor bonding with the polypropylene matrix whereas improved bonding was observed for SF subjected to KMnO4 treatment. Composites with SF subjected to autoclave treatment combined with maleic anhydride revealed good bonding. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Characterization of natural rubber/gold nanoparticles SERS‐active substrate
Authors: Cabrera Flávio C. , Agostini Deuber L. S. , dos Santos Renivaldo J. , Teixeira Silvio R. , Rodríguez‐Pérez Miguel A. , Job Aldo E.
Published: March 2013

Natural rubber/gold nanoparticles membranes (NR/Au) were studied by ultrasensitive detection and chemical analysis through surface‐enhanced Raman scattering and surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering in our previous work (Cabrera et al., J. Raman Spectrosc. 2012, 43, 474). This article describes the studies of thermal stability and mechanical properties of SERS‐active substrate sensors. The composites were prepared using NR membranes obtained by casting the latex solution as an active support (reducing/establishing agents) for the incorporation of colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The nanoparticles were synthesized by in situ reduction at different times. The characterization of these sensors was carried out by thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microscopy, and tensile tests. It is suggested an influence of nanoparticles reduction time on the thermal degradation of NR. There is an increase in thermal stability without changing the chemical properties of the polymer. For the mechanical properties, the tensile rupture was enhanced with the increase in the amount of nanoparticles incorporated in the material. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Thermochromic microgels and core‐shell microgels based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer
Authors: Okada Kousuke , Maeda Yasushi
Published: March 2013

Microgels exhibiting thermochromic behavior based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) are prepared. The FRET microgels consist of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAm) networks with fixed fluorescein and rhodamine moieties and exhibits volume phase transition (VPT) at 34–35°C. A critical decrease in their sizes during the VPT enhances the efficiency of FRET between fluorescein as a donor and rhodamine as an acceptor. Therefore, emission from fluorescein (523 nm) and that of rhodamine (579 nm) is dominant at temperatures below and above the VPT temperature, respectively, when fluorescein is excited. We also prepare thermochromic core‐shell FRET microgel exhibiting two‐step color change. The microgels consist of a PNiPAm core and a poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐N,N‐diethylacrylamide) shell and exhibit dual temperate‐responsiveness at 19 and 33°C. The fluorescence spectrum of the microgels also changes in two steps at these temperatures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Toward “Rubbery” nanoparticles
Authors: Predeep Padmanabhan , Safiya Najidha , Prasad Neena
Published: March 2013

The synthesis of electrically Conducting Natural Rubber (CNR) nanoparticles from natural rubber (cis 1, 4 polyisoprene) by a simple chemical doping technique is reported for the first time. Much before the establishment of conjugation as a precondition for polymers to be conducting a typical nonconjugated polymer like cis 1,4 polyisoprene was shown to develop intrinsic conductivity on doping. However, the possibility of developing conducting nanoparticles of natural rubber by doping has never been explored. Doping of natural rubber solution with Antimony pentchloride is found to lead to the formation of nanosized rubber particles with improved thermal stability and lower degradation characteristics than that of pristine rubber. Transmission electron microscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering experiments revealed a highly uniform dispersion of the particles with sizes in the range of 4 nm. The doped nanoparticles are found to retain “rubbery” properties of natural rubber and therefore these can be rightly termed as Rubber Nano particles. The development of nanoparticles of rubber assumes great significance in that it would lead to hitherto unknown applications for natural rubber in micro applications‐like sensors, and optoelectronics devices to macro applications such as compatible reinforcing fillers for elastomers and plastics to replace conventional fillers like carbon particles. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Investigation on β‐polypropylene/PP‐g‐MAH/surface treated talc composites
Authors: Duan Jiawei , Dou Qiang
Published: March 2013

β‐Polypropylene composites containing talc treated by titanate coupling agent (T‐talc) and maleic anhydride grafted PP (PP‐g‐MAH) were prepared by melt compounding. The crystallization, morphology, and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), polarized light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical tests. It is found that β nucleating agent (NT‐C) induces the formation of β‐phase but T‐talc suppresses the formation of β‐modification. Both NT‐C and T‐talc greatly decrease the spherulitic size of PP. PP‐g‐MAH has a weak restraint on the formation of β‐form PP but it improves the compatibility between T‐talc and PP matrix. Izod notched impact strength of β‐PP/T‐talc composite is higher than that of PP/T‐talc composite at each loading, indicating the toughening effect of β‐PP. Incorporation of PP‐g‐MAH into β‐PP/T‐talc composite further increases the impact strength when T‐talc concentration is below 2.5 wt %. The non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of β‐PP composites is well described by Jeziorny's and Mo's methods, respectively. The activation energies (ΔE) of non‐isothermal crystallization were calculated by Kissinger method. It is found that NT‐C and T‐talc accelerate the crystallization rate of PP but PP‐g‐MAH has a slightly negative influence on the crystallization rate of β‐PP. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
The use of an active learning approach to teach metabolism to students of nutrition and dietetics
Authors: González‐Sancho José Manuel , Sánchez‐Pacheco Aurora , Lasa Marina , Molina Susana , Vara Francisco , del Peso Luis
Published: March 2013

This article describes the transition from a traditional instructor‐centered course, based on lectures, to a student‐centered course based on active learning methodologies as part of the reform of the Spanish higher education system within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Specifically, we describe the use of active learning methodologies to teach metabolism to students of nutrition and dietetics during the first year of their professional training in a 4‐year undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Human Nutrition and Dietetics). In the new course design, the number of didactic lectures was largely reduced and complemented with a series of activities (problems/case studies, discussion workshops, self‐assessment quizzes) aimed to get students actively engaged, to encourage self‐learning, and to promote sustained work throughout the length of the course. The article presents quantitative data demonstrating a clear and significant improvement in students' performance when an active approach was implemented. Importantly, the improved performance was achieved without work overload. Finally, students' responses to this new teaching methodology have been very positive and overall satisfaction high. In summary, our results strongly argue in favor of the teaching model described herein. © 2013 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 41(3):131–138, 2013
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults is perched between type 1 and type 2: evidence from adults in one region of Spain
Authors: Mollo Angels , Hernandez Marta , Marsal Josep R. , Esquerda Aureli , Rius Ferran , Blanco‐Vaca Francisco , Verdaguer Joan , Pozzilli Paolo , de Leiva Alberto , Mauricio Didac
Published: March 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical characteristics and insulin secretion in adults with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). We also compared these characteristics in subjects with antibody‐negative type 2 diabetes (T2DM) or adult‐onset type 1 diabetes (T1DM) to subjects with LADA.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 82 patients with LADA, 78 with T1DM and 485 with T2DM were studied. Clinical and metabolic data, in particular those that related to metabolic syndrome, fasting C‐peptide and islet‐cell autoantibodies [glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADAb) and IA2 (IA2Ab)] were measured.

Results

The frequency of metabolic syndrome in patients with LADA (37.3%) was higher than in those with T1DM (15.5%; p = 0.005) and lower than in patients with T2DM (67.2%; p < 0.001). During the first 36 months of the disease, the C‐peptide concentration in LADA patients was higher than in subjects with T1DM but was lower than in T2DM patients (p < 0.01 for comparisons). Glycemic control in LADA patients (HbA1c 8.1%) was worse than in patients with T2DM (HbA1c 7.6%; p =0.007). An inverse association between GADAb titers and C‐peptide concentrations was found in subjects with LADA (p < 0.001). Finally, LADA patients rapidly progressed to insulin treatment.

Conclusions

As in other European populations, patients with LADA in Spain have a distinct metabolic profile compared with patients with T1DM or T2DM. LADA is also associated with higher impairment of beta‐cell function and has worse glycemic control than in T2DM. Beta cell function is related to GADAb titers in patients with LADA. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiparametric image analysis of lung‐branching morphogenesis
Authors: Schnatwinkel Carsten , Niswander Lee
Published: March 2013

Background: Lung‐branching morphogenesis is a fundamental developmental process, yet the cellular dynamics that occur during lung development and the molecular mechanisms underlying recent postulated branching modes are poorly understood. Results: Here, we implemented a time‐lapse video microscopy method to study the cellular behavior and molecular mechanisms of planar bifurcation and domain branching in lung explant‐ and organotypic cultures. Our analysis revealed morphologically distinct stages that are shaped at least in part by a combination of localized and orientated cell divisions and by local mechanical forces. We also identified myosin light‐chain kinase as an important regulator of bud bifurcation, but not domain branching in lung explants. Conclusions: This live imaging approach provides a method to study cellular behavior during lung‐branching morphogenesis and suggests the importance of a mechanism primarily based on oriented cell proliferation and mechanical forces in forming and shaping the developing lung airways. Developmental Dynamics 242:622–637, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improvement of coastal and mesoscale observation from space: Application to the northwestern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Escudier Romain , Bouffard Jérôme , Pascual Ananda , Poulain Pierre‐Marie , Pujol Marie‐Isabelle
Published: March 2013

We present an innovative approach to the generation of remotely sensed high‐resolution sea surface topography that improves coastal and mesoscale dynamic characterization. This new method is applied for the period 2002–2010 in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea, an area marked by a small Rossby radius. The spectral content of the new mapped data is closer to that of the along‐track signal and displays higher levels of energy in the mesoscale bandwidth with the probability distribution of the new velocity fields 30% closer to drifter estimations. The fields yield levels of eddy kinetic energy 25% higher than standard altimetry products, especially over regions regularly impacted by mesoscale instabilities. Moreover, qualitative and quantitative comparisons with drifters, glider, and satellite sea surface temperature observations further confirm that the new altimetry product provides, in many cases, a better representation of mesoscale features (more than 25% improvement in correlation with glider data during an experiment).
Carbon dioxide ice clouds, snowfalls, and baroclinic waves in the northern winter polar atmosphere of Mars
Authors: Kuroda Takeshi , Medvedev Alexander S. , Kasaba Yasumasa , Hartogh Paul
Published: March 2013

The formation of CO2 ice clouds in the northern winter polar atmosphere of Mars and their relation to baroclinic planetary waves, which dominate local dynamics, are studied using a general circulation model. The simulation shows that clouds are formed at altitudes of up to ∼ 40 km, and their occurrence correlates to a large degree with the cold phases of transient planetary waves. Ice particles formed up to ∼ 20 km can reach the surface in the form of snowfall in certain longitude regions, while in others, these particles likely sublimate in the lower warmer atmospheric layers. The simulation suggests that about a half of the seasonal ice cap is created by CO2 snow, while the remaining half by direct condensation on the surface. Thus, the occurrences of ice clouds and rates of deposition are closely linked to traveling planetary waves, indicating the possibility for the reliable forecasts of CO2 snow storms.
Effects of tumor staging and treatment modality on functional outcome and quality of life after treatment for laryngeal cancer
Authors: Robertson Stuart M. , Yeo Justin C. L. , Sabey Lesley , Young David , MacKenzie Kenneth
Published: March 2013

Background

An earlier stage of primary disease at diagnosis is associated with better survival from laryngeal cancer. It remains unproven whether earlier stage is also associated with improved end‐organ function and quality of life after treatment.

Methods

Questionnaire packs were posted to 250 patients with laryngeal cancer treated between January 2006 and December 2008 within the West of Scotland. Packs contained the Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS), MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), and University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW‐QOL).

Results

One hundred forty‐seven eligible patients provided data for analysis (59% of original cohort). Patients with an earlier stage of primary disease reported significantly better VoiSS, MDADI, and UW‐QOL scores (p < .05). No differences were found between scores of patients with T1 laryngeal disease treated with endoscopic laser resection (ELR) and radiotherapy.

Conclusion

An earlier stage at diagnosis is associated with significantly better end‐organ function and quality of life after treatment for laryngeal cancer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: 1759–1763, 2013
Book Review
Authors: HUTCHEON DUNCAN E.
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Treatment of Heart Disease in the Adult. Ira L. Rubin, Harry Gross, and Sidney R. Arbeit

Drug Responses in Man (CIBA Foundation Symposium). G. E. W. Wolstenholme and R. Porter

Hospital Pharmacy, 2nd Edition. William E. Hassan, Jr. Lea & Febiger
Drugs Released for Clinical Use
Authors: de HAEN PAUL
Published: March 2013

This listing includes new single chemical entities and preparations, duplicate single products, and combination products that have been made available for clinical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the period from April 21 to June 20, 1972. This information is taken from the manufacturer's package insert or brochure, which should be consulted for further details on indications, dosage, contraindications, and adverse reactions.
Book Review
Authors: PROCITA LEONARD
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Coagulation Problems in Transplanted Organs. K. N. vonKaulla and T. M. Fliedner

Pharmacology of Naturally Occurring Polypeptides and Lipid Soluble Acids

Pathophysiology of Muscle Tone. M. Wiesen‐danger.

Tobacco—Experimental and Clinical Studies—Supplement II. P. S. Larson and H. Silvette. Williams and Wilkins

Clinical Pharmacology. Basic Principles of Therapeutics. K. L. Melmon and H. F. Morrelli
Book Reviews
Authors: PROCITA LEONARD
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Psychiatric Complications of Medical Drugs. Richard I. Shader

Drug Action and Drug Resistance in Bacteria. 1. Macrolide Antibiotics and Lincomycin. Susumu Mitsuhashi

Drug Discovery—The Pending Crisis. S. L. DeFelice.
Book Reviews
Authors: PROCITA LEONARD
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Phenothiazines and Structurally Related Drugs. Advances in Biochemical Psycho‐pharmacology, Vol. 9. I. S. Forrest, C. J. Carr, and E. Usdin, editors.

Benzodiazepines in Clinical Practice. D. J. Greenblatt and R. I. Shader.

Perinatal Pharmacology, Problems and Priorities. Joseph Danis and Joseph C. Hwang, editors.

Choline and Acetylcholine: Handbook of Chemical Assay Methods. Israel Hanin, editor.

Advances in Biochemical Psychopharmacology, Volume 10: Serotonin—New Vistas—Histochemistry and Pharmacology. E. Costa, G. L. Gessa, and M. Sandler, editors.

Advances in Biochemical Psychopharmacology, Volume 11: Serotonin—New Vistas—Biochemistry and Behavioral and Clinical Studies. E. Costa, G. L. Gessa, and M. Sandler, editors.

Role of Catecholamines in Cardiovascular Diseases: I. Hypertension. B. D. Bhagat.

Chemistry of Fungicidal Action. Vol. 10 in Molecular, Biochemistry, Biophysics Series. R. J. Lunkens.

Acetylcholine. An Approach to the Molecular Mechanism of Action. M. J. Michelson and E. V. Zeimal.
Book Reviews
Authors: PROCITA LEONARD
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Advances in Microbial and Antineoplastic Therapy, Volume II: Antineoplastic Therapy and Radioprotectives. M. Hejzlar, M. Semonky, and S. Masák.

The Prostaglandins, Volume I. Peter W. Ram‐well, editor.

The Prostaglandins: Pharmacological and Therapeutic Advances. M. F. Cuthbert, editor.

Polyamines in Normal and Neoplastic Growth. Diane H. Russell, editor.

Handbook of Pharmacology, 5th Edition: The Actions and Uses of Drugs.

Isolated Liver Perfusion and Its Applications. I. Bartosek and A. Guaitani, editors.
Book Reviews
Authors: PROCITA LEONARD
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Advances in Neuro‐Psychopharmacology. O. Vinar, Z. Votava, and P. B. Bradley

Handbook of Pediatrics. H. K. Silver, C. H. Kempe, and H. B. Bruyn.

Cyclic AMP. G. A. Robison, R. W. Butcher, and E. W. Sutherland.

Review of Medical Physiology. 6th Edition. William F. Ganong.

Advances in Neurology, Volume 2: Treatment of Parkinsonism—The Role of Dopa Decarboxylase Inhibitors. Melvin D. Yahr

Review of Physiological Chemistry. 14th Edition. Harold A. Harper.
Book Reviews
Authors: PROCITA LEONARD
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Perinatal Medicine—British Medical Bulletin, Volume 31. P. W. Nathanielsz

Drug‐Induced Clinical Toxicity. (Principles and Techniques of Human Research and Therapeutics, Volume II). F. Gilbert McMahon

The Speed Culture. (Amphetamine Use and Abuse in America). L. Grinspoon and P. Hedblom.

Adenine Arabinoside: An Antiviral Agent. D. Pavan‐Langston, R. A. Buchanan, and C. A. Alford, Jr., editors.

Review of Medical Physiology, 7th Edition. William F. Ganong.

Handbook of Pediatrics, 11th Edition, H. K. Silver, C. H. Kempe, and H. B. Bruyn.

Drug Actions on Cholinergic Systems. R. W. Brimblecombe.

Dopaminergic Mechanisms (Advances in Neurology, Volume 9). D. Calne, T. N. Chase, and A. Barbeau

Purine Metabolism in Man: Enzymes and Metabolic Pathways (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, Vol. 41A). O. Sperling, A. DeVries, and J. B. Wyngaarden
Book Reviews
Authors: PROCITA LEONARD
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

The Healing Hand. Man and Wound in the Ancient World. Guido Majno.

Drug Effects in Hospitalized Patients. R. R. Miller and D. J. Greenblatt, editors.

Pocket Consult Diuretics. Mary Jo Reilly, editor.

Predictability in Psychopharmacology. Preclinical and Clinical Correlations. A. Sudilovsky, S. Gershon, and B. Beer, editors.

Cardiovascular Dynamics, 4th edition. Robert F. Rushmer

What You Should Know About Health Care Before You Call a Doctor! G. Timothy Johnson.
Esmolol and the Adrenergic Response to Perioperative Stimuli
Authors: Murthy V. Shrinivas , Hwang Tsae‐Fung , Sandage Bobby W. , Laddu Atul R.
Published: March 2013

Esmolol, an ultra‐short‐acting, cardioselective, beta‐receptor blocking agent, has been developed for use in clinical conditions requiring controlled beta‐receptor blockade. Its esterase‐induced rapid metabolic inactivation and resulting brief pharmacologic effect provides control over the magnitude and duration of beta‐receptor blockade. In placebo‐controlled clinical trials, the effects of infusion of esmolol on the sympathetically mediated hemodynamic responses to stressful events during the perioperative period were evaluated in patients scheduled for surgical procedures under general anesthesia. In patients undergoing either noncardiac or cardiac surgical procedures, esmolol was effective in attenuating tachycardia that is normally seen during induction of anesthesia, laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation, or sternotomy and aortic dissection by reducing the hemodynamic stress on the heart with negligible adverse effects. This much‐desired cardioprotective effect of esmolol will be of special value to patients with coronary artery disease and patients with an unstable cardiovascular status who are undergoing major surgical procedures with general anesthesia.
Flestolol: An Ultra‐short‐Acting Beta‐Adrenergic Blocking Agent
Authors: Barton Sonja D. , Burge Judith , Turlapaty Prasad , Laddu Atul R.
Published: March 2013

Flestolol (ACC‐9089) is a nonselective, competitive, ultra‐short‐acting beta‐adrenergic blocking agent, without any intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. Flestolol is metabolized by plasma esterases and has an elimination half‐life of approximately 6.5 minutes. This agent was well tolerated in healthy volunteers at doses up to 100 μg/kg/min. In long‐term infusion studies, flestolol was well tolerated at the effective beta‐blocking dose (5 μg/kg/min) for up to seven days. Flestolol blood concentrations increased linearly with increasing dose and good correlation exists between blood concentrations of flestolol and beta‐adrenergic blockade. Flestolol produced a dose‐dependent attenuation of isoproterenol‐induced tachycardia. Electrophysiologic and hemodynamic effects of flestolol are similar to those of other beta blockers. In contrast with other beta blockers, flestolol‐induced effects reverse rapidly (within 30 minutes) following discontinuation because of its short half‐life. Flestolol effectively reduced heart rate in patients with supraventricular tachyarrhythmia. In patients with unstable angina, flestolol infusion was found to be safe and effective in controlling chest pain. It is concluded that flestolol is a potent, well‐tolerated, ultra‐short‐acting beta‐adrenergic blocking agent. Use of flestolol in the critical care setting is currently undergoing investigation.
PDECO: Parallel differential evolution for clusters optimization
Authors: Chen Zhanghui , Jiang Xiangwei , Li Jingbo , Li Shushen , Wang Linwang
Published: March 2013

The optimization of the atomic and molecular clusters with a large number of atoms is a very challenging topic. This article proposes a parallel differential evolution (DE) optimization scheme for large‐scale clusters. It combines a modified DE algorithm with improved genetic operators and a parallel strategy with a migration operator to address the problems of numerous local optima and large computational demanding. Results of Lennard–Jones (LJ) clusters and Gupta‐potential Co clusters show the performance of the algorithm surpasses those in previous researches in terms of successful rate, convergent speed, and global searching ability. The overall performance for large or challenging LJ clusters is enhanced significantly. The average number of local minimizations per hit of the global minima for Co clusters is only about 3–4% of that in previous methods. Some global optima for Co are also updated. We then apply the algorithm to optimize the Pt clusters with Gupta potential from the size 3 to 130 and analyze their electronic properties by density functional theory calculation. The clusters with 13, 38, 54, 75, 108, and 125 atoms are extremely stable and can be taken as the magic numbers for Pt systems. It is interesting that the more stable structures, especially magic‐number ones, tend to have a larger energy gap between the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital. It is also found that the clusters are gradually close to the metal bulk from the size N > 80 and Pt38 is expected to be more active than Pt75 in catalytic reaction. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NBO 6.0: Natural bond orbital analysis program
Authors: Glendening Eric D. , Landis Clark R. , Weinhold Frank
Published: March 2013

We describe principal features of the newly released version, NBO 6.0, of the natural bond orbital analysis program, that provides novel “link‐free” interactivity with host electronic structure systems, improved search algorithms and labeling conventions for a broader range of chemical species, and new analysis options that significantly extend the range of chemical applications. We sketch the motivation and implementation of program changes and describe newer analysis options with illustrative applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of daily, monthly, and annual burned area using the fourth‐generation global fire emissions database (GFED4)
Authors: Giglio Louis , Randerson James T. , van der Werf Guido R.
Published: March 2013

We describe the fourth generation of the Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED4) burned area data set, which provides global monthly burned area at 0.25°  spatial resolution from mid‐1995 through the present and daily burned area for the time series extending back to August 2000. We produced the full data set by combining 500 m MODIS burned area maps with active fire data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Visible and Infrared Scanner (VIRS) and the Along‐Track Scanning Radiometer (ATSR) family of sensors. We found that the global annual area burned for the years 1997 through 2011 varied from 301 to 377Mha, with an average of 348Mha. We assessed the interannual variability and trends in burned area on the basis of a region‐specific definition of fire years. With respect to trends, we found a gradual decrease of 1.7Mhayr  − 1 ( − 1.4%yr  − 1) in Northern Hemisphere Africa since 2000, a gradual increase of 2.3Mhayr  − 1 (+1.8%yr  − 1) in Southern Hemisphere Africa also since 2000, a slight increase of 0.2Mhayr  − 1 (+2.5%yr  − 1) in Southeast Asia since 1997, and a rapid decrease of approximately 5.5Mhayr  − 1 ( − 10.7%yr  − 1) from 2001 through 2011 in Australia, followed by a major upsurge in 2011 that exceeded the annual area burned in at least the previous 14 years. The net trend in global burned area from 2000 to 2012 was a modest decrease of 4.3Mhayr  − 1 ( − 1.2%yr  − 1). We also performed a spectral analysis of the daily burned area time series and found no vestiges of the 16 day MODIS repeat cycle.
Elective central compartment neck dissection in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma recurrence
Authors: Trivizki Omer , Amit Moran , Fliss Dan M. , Gil Ziv
Published: March 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the role of elective central compartment neck dissection (CND) in patients with recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma in the jugular chain lymph nodes.

Study Design

Retrospective medical record review and analysis of survival outcomes.

Methods

The study was conducted at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University. Fifty‐one patients who had prior thyroidectomy underwent therapeutic lateral neck dissection (LND) without radiological evidence of central neck metastases. Therapeutic LND without elective CND was performed in 17 patients, and 34 patients had elective CND. The clinical variables were similar in both groups. The median follow‐up was 44 months. Disease‐free survival and overall survival were the main outcome measures.

Results

The recurrence rate in the central neck was 9% (n = 3/34) in patients undergoing CND and 12% (n = 2/17) in patients without CND. The overall recurrence rate was 18% (6/34) in patients with CND and 36% (6/17) in patients without CND (P = 0.16). The 5‐year disease‐free survival rate was 82% and 65% in patients with or without CND, respectively (P = 0.69). Long‐term thyroglobulin levels and complication rates were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

The lack of significant disease‐free survival advantage demonstrates the need for a prospective evaluation of the common practice of this disease.

Level of Evidence

4.
Acceleration‐selective arterial spin labeling
Authors: Schmid Sophie , Ghariq Eidrees , Teeuwisse Wouter M. , Webb Andrew , van Osch Matthias J. P.
Published: March 2013

In this study, a new arterial spin labeling (ASL) method with spatially nonselective labeling is introduced, based on the acceleration of flowing spins, which is able to image brain perfusion with minimal contamination from venous signal. This method is termed acceleration‐selective ASL (AccASL) and resembles velocity‐selective ASL (VSASL), with the difference that AccASL is able to discriminate between arterial and venous components in a single preparation module due to the higher acceleration on the arterial side of the microvasculature, whereas VSASL cannot make this distinction unless a second labeling module is used. A difference between AccASL and VSASL is that AccASL is mainly cerebral blood volume weighted, whereas VSASL is cerebral blood flow weighted. AccASL exploits the principles of acceleration‐encoded magnetic resonance angiography by using motion‐sensitizing gradients in a T2‐preparation module. This method is demonstrated in healthy volunteers for a range of cutoff accelerations. Additionally, AccASL is compared with VSASL and pseudo‐continuous ASL, and its feasibility in functional MRI is demonstrated. Compared with VSASL with a single labeling module, a strong and significant reduction in venous label is observed. The resulting signal‐to‐noise ratio is comparable to pseudo‐continuous ASL and robust activation of the visual cortex is observed. Magn Reson Med 71:191–199, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hybrid‐mixed discretization of elasto‐dynamic contact problems using consistent singular mass matrices
Authors: Tkachuk A. , Wohlmuth B. I. , Bischoff M.
Published: March 2013

An alternative spatial semi‐discretization of dynamic contact based on a modified Hamilton's principle is proposed. The modified Hamilton's principle uses displacement, velocity and momentum as variables, which allows their independent spatial discretization. Along with a local static condensation for velocity and momentum, it leads to an approach with a hybrid‐mixed consistent mass matrix. An attractive feature of such a formulation is the possibility to construct hybrid singular mass matrices with zero components at those nodes where contact is collocated. This improves numerical stability of the semi‐discrete problem: the differential index of the underlying differential‐algebraic system is reduced from 3 to 1, and spurious oscillations in the contact pressure, which are commonly reported for formulations with Lagrange multipliers, are significantly reduced. Results of numerical experiments for truss and Timoshenko beam elements are discussed. In addition, the properties of the novel discretization scheme for an unconstrained dynamic problem are assessed by a dispersion analysis.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Economic and policy issues of U.S. agricultural pesticide use trends
Authors: Osteen Craig D , Fernandez‐Cornejo Jorge
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

This paper discusses U.S. agricultural pesticide use trends from 1964 to 2010 based on estimates developed from USDA surveys, and the influence of economic factors, agricultural policy, and pesticide regulation on aggregate quantities and mix of pesticides used.

RESULTS

Synthetic organic pesticide use grew dramatically from the 1960s to the early 1980s, as farmers treated more and more acreage. Use then stabilized, with herbicides applied to about 95% of corn, cotton, and soybean acres, annually. Subsequently, major factors affecting trends were: (1) changes in crop acreage and other economic factors, (2) use of new pesticides that reduced per‐acre application rates and/or met more rigorous health and environmental standards, and (3) adoption of genetically engineered insect‐resistant and herbicide‐tolerant crops.

CONCLUSION

The use of pesticides and other control practices responded to economic factors such as input and output markets and agricultural policies. Changing societal values toward pesticide risks and benefits profoundly affected pesticide policy, influencing the pesticides available for use, but only indirectly affecting aggregate quantities used. While the current pesticide regulatory process might have economic inefficiencies, it might be consistent with policy preferences held by much of the public—to reduce pesticide hazards rather than minimize regulatory costs. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Acute compartment syndrome of the upper extremity in children: Diagnosis, management, and outcomes
Authors: Kanj Wajdi W. , Gunderson Melissa A. , Carrigan Robert B. , Sankar Wudbhav N.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the upper extremity is a rare but serious condition. The purpose of this study was to determine the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of ACS of the upper extremity in a pediatric population.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent a decompressive fasciotomy for ACS of the upper extremity. Data collected included demographics, injury details, presenting symptoms, compartment measurements, time to diagnosis, time to treatment, and outcomes at the latest follow-up.

Results

Twenty-three children underwent fasciotomies for ACS of the forearm (15) and hand (8), at an average age of 9.3 years (range 0–17.8 years). The most common etiologies were fracture (13) and intravenous (IV) infiltration (3). The most common presenting symptoms were pain (83 %) and swelling (65 %). Compartment pressures were measured in 17/23 patients, and all but two patients had at least one compartment with a pressure >30 mmHg. The final two patients were diagnosed and treated for ACS based on clinical signs and symptoms. The average time from injury to fasciotomy was 32.8 h (3.7–158.0 h). Long-term outcome was excellent for 17 patients (74 %) and fair for 5 (22 %), based on the presence of loss of motor function, stiffness, or decreased sensation. One patient with brachial plexus injury and poor baseline function was excluded from functional outcome scoring. There was no association between the time from diagnosis to fasciotomy and functional outcome at the final follow-up ( p = 1.000).

Conclusions

Although ACS of the upper extremity in children is often associated with a long delay between injury and fasciotomy, most children still achieve excellent outcomes. The majority of patients presented with pain and at least one additional symptom, but treatment was often delayed, implying that ACS of the upper extremity in children is a difficult diagnosis to establish and may be associated with a prolonged clinical time course.
Intracellular β2-adrenergic receptor signaling specificity in mouse skeletal muscle in response to single-dose β2-agonist clenbuterol treatment and acute exercise
Authors: Sato Shogo , Shirato Ken , Mitsuhashi Ryosuke , Inoue Daisuke , Kizaki Takako , Ohno Hideki , Tachiyashiki Kaoru , Imaizumi Kazuhiko
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to clarify the intracellular β2-adrenergic receptor signaling specificity in mouse slow-twitch soleus and fast-twitch tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, resulting from single-dose β2-agonist clenbuterol treatment and acute exercise. At 1, 4, and 24 h after single-dose treatment with clenbuterol or after acute running exercise, the soleus and TA muscles were isolated and subjected to analysis. The phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) increased after single-dose clenbuterol treatment and acute exercise in the soleus muscle but not in the TA muscle. Although there was no change in the phosphorylation of Akt after acute exercise in either muscle, phosphorylation of Akt in the soleus muscle increased after single-dose clenbuterol treatment, whereas that in the TA muscle remained unchanged. These results suggest that p38 MAPK and Akt pathways play a functional role in the adaptation to clenbuterol treatment and exercise, particularly in slow-twitch muscles.
Must Europe Be Swiss? On the Idea of a Voting Space and the Possibility of a Multilingual Demos
Authors: Lacey Joseph
Published: March 2013

Contrary to the view that linguistic homogeneity is required to create a viable demos, this article argues that linguistic diversity can be a permanent feature of any democratic community, so long as there is aunified and robust voting spacethat provides a common intentional object, around which distinct public spheres can aesthetically organize their political discourse. An attempt to explain how such a voting space operates in Switzerland, the finest existing exemplar of a multilingual demos, is given. Following the Swiss example, the author proposes, would go a long way to constituting the European Union as a democratically legitimate trans-national demos, despite its formidable linguistic diversity.
RADICAL COGNITION: METALEPSIS IN CLASSICAL GREEK DRAMA
Authors: Whitmarsh Tim
Published: March 2013

The Hollywood movieStranger than Fiction(2006) centres on a tax inspector, Harold Crick, who begins to hear a voice inside his head. This voice, he gradually realizes, belongs to the narrator of a book in which he is the central character. As the plot unfurls, the narrator begins to drop hints that Harold will die at the end of the story. Understandably disturbed by these intimations, Harold decides to confront a university professor, and between the two of them they identify the author as one Kay Eiffel. Harold then tracks down the author and begs her not to kill him off.
ADULT ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASURES AND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS INFLUENCING AGE AT MENARCHE OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: HOSSAIN MD. GOLAM , WEE AI-SZE , ASHAIE MAEIRAH , KAMARUL T.
Published: March 2013

Early onset of menarche has been shown to be associated with breast cancer and ischaemic heart disease. Studies on age at menarche of the Malaysian population are poorly documented. This study aimed to determine the influence of anthropometric and socio-demographic factors on the age at menarche of university students in Malaysia. Data were obtained in 2010–11 from 961 students between the ages of 18 and 25 years from the University of Malaya using stratified sampling, and multiple regression analysis was applied. Sixty-three per cent of students reached menarche at the age of 12 or 13 years, with the mean and median of age at menarche being 12.45±1.17 and 12.01 years, respectively. Menarcheal age was positively associated with height (p<0.05) and negatively associated with BMI (p<0.001). Students from urban areas attained menarche earlier than those from rural areas (p<0.05). Students from small-sized families attained menarche earlier than those from larger families (p<0.05). First-born students experienced menarche earlier than those who were seventh-born or later. Obese and overweight students reached menarche earlier than students who were underweight or of normal weight (p<0.01). The variations in age at menarche among the Malaysian ethnic groups were statistically insignificant. The results suggest that heavier and first-born students from small families are more likely to attain menarche earlier than their counterparts.
Do rhinology care pathways in primary care influence the quality of referrals to secondary care?
Authors: Su N , Cheang P P , Khalil H
Published: March 2013

Background:

Chronic sinusitis is the most common routine presentation for a general ENT surgeon. The 2007 ‘Primary Care Guidelines: European Position Paper on the Primary Care Diagnosis and Management of Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps’ aimed to deliver evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of rhinosinusitis in specialist and primary care.

Objective:

The aim of this audit was to assess the information provided in the referral letters to the ENT department regarding patients with potential rhinosinusitis, and compare this to the information required for the rhinology care pathways.

Method:

We evaluated one month of referrals to the ENT department.

Results:

The quality of information in the referral letters was poor. Only 22 per cent of patient referrals included basic information about symptoms, duration and treatment.

Conclusion:

We plan to investigate why general practitioners are not complying with the pathway. In addition, the pathways will be more widely disseminated via the ‘Map of Medicine’ (an online resource for general practitioners). This should facilitate the receipt of the best evidence-based treatment for patients prior to referral to secondary care.
Pre-emptive triple analgesia protocol for tonsillectomy pain control in children: double-blind, randomised, controlled, clinical trial
Authors: El-Fattah A M A , Ramzy E
Published: March 2013

Introduction:

This double-blind, controlled, parallel-group study was designed to determine the efficacy of pre-emptive triple analgesia for paediatric post-tonsillectomy pain management.

Materials and methods:

One hundred and thirty-five children were randomised into two groups: pre-emptive triple analgesia (n = 55) and control (n = 80). Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (in hospital) and the Parent's Postoperative Pain Measure (at home), and scores recorded.

Results:

Visual analogue scale scores on awakening and for 6 hours post-surgery were significantly better in the study group than the control group (p < 0.05). The Parent's Postoperative Pain Measure scores of control group children were significantly higher within the first 3 post-operative days (p = 0.000), with a greater percentage of children experiencing significant pain and requiring more analgesia.

Conclusion:

The proposed multimodal, pre-emptive analgesia protocol for paediatric post-tonsillectomy pain results in less post-operative pain, both in hospital or at home.
When aerial surveys will not do: grey seal pup production in cryptic habitats of Wales
Authors: Stringell Thomas B. , Millar Colin P. , Sanderson William G. , Westcott Stephen M. , McMath Mandy J.
Published: March 2013

Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) are a species of conservation concern that require Marine Protected Area management and population status assessment under the EU Habitats Directive. Aerial surveys are commonly used to monitor grey seal pup production at their globally important UK colonies. However, in Wales more than half of pups are born in cryptic breeding habitats such as sea caves. These cryptic habitats preclude the use of aerial monitoring methods and necessitate ground-based counts, which are costly in resources. In this study, we compare a ground-based pup production census with a reduced effort plot-sampling survey to estimate pup production, derive a total population size and assess cost effectiveness. Pup production in North Wales was estimated at 91 (95% confidence interval: 70–112) by the plot-sampling design and was a good approximation of the ‘true’ value of 96 derived from the census. The total population size in North Wales was estimated at between 242 and 307 grey seals. The plot-sampling design reduced survey effort by 46% and saved 30% on logistical costs compared to the full census. We outline the suitability of this method as part of a monitoring programme for grey seal pup production and suggest our approach may be applicable to other regions where grey seals use cryptic breeding habitat.