bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GENDER MAINSTREAMING IN DUTCH DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION: THE DIALECTICS OF PROGRESS
Authors: Roggeband Conny
Published: October 2013

Abstract: This paper applies a political process approach to analyze existing evaluations of gender mainstreaming (GM) efforts by (non) governmental agencies in Dutch development cooperation. This analytical framework looks both into structural elements (in terms of political/organization opportunities) and agency (in terms of mobilizing actor constellations and strategic framing) to explain how and why, despite the wide and rapid adoption of GM policies and practices, it has been a trajectory of progress and setbacks. Looking at mainstreaming as a political process reveals how politics affects every level, phase and space involved in the mainstreaming process and as such, makes GM an ongoing struggle. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Timing of cranial suture closure in placental mammals: Phylogenetic patterns, intraspecific variation, and comparison with marsupials
Authors: Rager Lisa , Hautier Lionel , Forasiepi Analía , Goswami Anjali , Sánchez‐Villagra Marcelo R.
Published: October 2013

Used as markers of postnatal growth closure sequences of 22 ectocranial sutures and synchondroses were recorded in a sample of 1161 skulls belonging to 38 species from all major placental clades: Afrotheria, Xenarthra, Laurasiatheria and Euarchontoglires (Boreoeutheria). The maximum closure level, which is not significantly correlated to body mass, is higher in Afrotheria and Xenarthra than in Boreoeutheria. Only the basioccipito‐basisphenoid and the basioccipito‐exoccipital synchondroses close in all species sampled, the supraoccipito‐exoccipital and the inter‐parietal sutures do in most species. Parsimov retrieved more heterochronic shifts for Afrotheria and Xenarthra than for Boreoeutheria. The amount of intraspecific variation differs among the species sampled being high among xenarthran species and low among afrotherians. Specimens (162) representing 12 marsupial genera were also analysed. Placentals exhibit a larger number of suture closures than marsupials and in both groups the sutures at the base of the skull are the first to fuse starting with the basioccipito‐exoccipital. J. Morphol. 275:125–140, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resegmentation in the mexican axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum
Authors: Piekarski Nadine , Olsson Lennart
Published: October 2013

The segmental series of somites in the vertebrate embryo gives rise to the axial skeleton. In amniote models, single vertebrae are derived from the sclerotome of two adjacent somites. This process, known as resegmentation, is well‐studied using the quail–chick chimeric system, but the presumed generality of resegmentation across vertebrates remains poorly evaluated. Resegmentation has been questioned in anamniotes, given that the sclerotome is much smaller and lacks obvious differentiation between cranial and caudal portions. Here, we provide the first experimental evidence that resegmentation does occur in a species of amphibian. Fate mapping of individual somites in the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) revealed that individual vertebrae receive cells from two adjacent somites as in the chicken. These findings suggest that large size and segmentation of the sclerotome into distinct cranial and caudal portions are not requirements for resegmentation. Our results, in addition to those for zebrafish, indicate that resegmentation is a general process in building the vertebral column in vertebrates, although it may be achieved in different ways in different groups. J. Morphol. 275:141–152, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Repeatability of diffusion‐weighted imaging in rectal cancer
Authors: Intven Martijn , Reerink Onne , Philippens Marielle E.P.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Serial diffusion‐weighted MRI (DW‐MRI) measurements of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of rectal tumors are used for rectal cancer response evaluation after neo‐adjuvant treatment. In this study, we determined the repeatability of DW‐MRI to distinguish therapy‐related response from measurement variations.

Materials and Methods

In 18 patients with rectal cancer on five consecutive days, 1.5 Tesla (T) MR imaging was performed including two identical DW‐MRI sequences. The repeatability of the tumor ADC measurements and the intraobserver ADC variation were depicted in a Bland‐Altman plot. The repeatability coefficient was calculated as the range of ADC values of two identical DWI measurements for 95% of subjects. It was expressed as percentage of the mean ADC value.

Results

Three females and 15 males were included. The mean tumor ADC value was 1.15 × 10−3 mm2/s (SD 0.07 × 10−3 mm2). The repeatability coefficient of the ADC value was 9.8% and for the intraobserver repeatability 4.7%.

Conclusion

In serial DW‐MRI for rectal cancer treatment response evaluation, a repeatability coefficient of 9.8% has to be considered to account for measurement variations in rectal tumor ADC. These variations represent observer judgement and patient and MR spectrometer induced variations. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:146–150. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heterozygote of PLCE1 rs2274223 increases susceptibility to human papillomavirus infection in patients with esophageal carcinoma among the Kazakh populations
Authors: Cui Xiaobin , Chen Yunzhao , Liu Lin , Li Li , Hu Jianming , Yang Lan , Liang Weihua , Li Feng
Published: October 2013

The involvement of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the carcinogenesis of esophageal squamous carcinoma remains undetermined. However, three genome‐wide association studies of esophageal cancer have identified a shared susceptibility locus at 10q23 (rs2274223: A5780G) in phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCE1). The current study aims to present a comprehensive and novel spectrum about the HPV genotype distribution of esophageal carcinoma in Kazakhs and assess its association with PLCE1 polymorphisms. The HPV genotypes in 183 patients with esophageal cancer and 89 controls selected from the Kazakh population were evaluated using the HPV gene chip. The PLCE1 rs2274223 variant was genotyped in esophageal carcinoma patients by MALDI‐ToF Mass Spectrometry. The presence of seven HPV genotypes in esophageal carcinoma tissues—including HPV 16, 18, 35, 52, 6, 11, 43—was significantly higher at 31.7% than those in controls at 9.0% (P < 0.001). Such presence was strongly associated with increased risk of esophageal carcinoma (OR 4.70; 95% CI 2.13–10.36). Among all HPV genotypes detected, HPV16 was the most common genotype identified (29.0%, OR 4.13; 95% CI 1.87–9.13), which is significantly associated with well‐differentiated esophageal carcinoma (P = 0.037). HPV‐positive patients were generally younger than HPV‐negative patients (70.1% vs. 29.3%, P = 0.013). PLCE1 rs2274223 genotypes AG and AG/GG were significantly associated with HPV‐positive patients with esophageal carcinoma (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.03–4.08 and OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.02–3.84, respectively). These findings suggest that heterozygote of PLCE1 rs2274223 increases susceptibility to HPV infection in patients with esophageal carcinoma among the Kazakh populations. J. Med. Virol. 86:608–617, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laboratory findings in patients with avian‐origin influenza A (H7N9) virus infections
Authors: Zhang Juanwen , Zhao Ying , Chen Yu
Published: October 2013

Reports describing the laboratory findings associated with human H7N9 infections are limited. In this study, the laboratory findings of 39 patients with confirmed H7N9 infection were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were enrolled following admission to The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, the primary hospital for the treatment of patients with H7N9 infections in Zhejiang province in China between March and April in 2013. Hematological abnormalities included leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia with prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) as well as elevation of D‐dimer levels. Biochemical abnormalities included elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, and increased C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentration, as well as hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypoproteinemia, and hypoalbuminemia. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed reduced arterial oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide pressures (PaCO2). The data obtained in this study indicate that such abnormal laboratory features exhibited during the early stage of infection are common but not pathognomonic for the novel avian‐origin influenza A strain H7N9; therefore, these features do not to allow the definitive differentiation of H7N9 infection from those of other viruses. J. Med. Virol. 86:895–898, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A pollen record of the Mid‐Pleistocene Transition from Beijing, North China
Authors: JIANG HANCHAO , GUO GAOXUAN , CAI XIANGMIN , XU HONGYAN , MA XIAOLIN , ZHONG NING , LI YANHAO
Published: October 2013

To reconstruct the history of climate and environment in East Asia during the Early Pleistocene, a palynofloral investigation was conducted on fluviolacustrine sediments in Beijing, North China. The results indicate that herb and shrub taxa were dominant in most of the samples, reflecting an open forest grassland covering the Beijing region during much of the Early Pleistocene. This vegetation generally declined during 1.68–1.25 Ma and recovered in part during 1.25–0.96 Ma. From 0.96 Ma, conifers gradually replaced broad‐leaved trees, shrubs and herbs. After 0.65 Ma, the pollen abundance of conifers, shrubs and herbs all increased significantly. These vegetation changes took place in the context of long‐term global cooling during the Late Cenozoic. A significant increase in Antarctic ice volume at 1.25–1.20 Ma and the resultant increased meridional temperature gradient in the Southern Ocean led to prominent anomalous warming in the tropics and increased heat/moisture flow across the Equator, probably resulting in vegetation recovery in the study area to some extent during 1.25–0.96 Ma. From 0.96 Ma, the stepwise decline of vegetation cover in the study area, especially after 0.65 Ma, was driven by further development of global cooling and increase in polar ice volume.
Using resonance Raman cross‐section data to estimate the spin‐state populations of cytochromes P450
Authors: Mak Piotr J. , Zhu Qianhong , Kincaid James R.
Published: October 2013

The cytochromes P450 (CYPs) are heme proteins responsible for the oxidation of xenobiotics and pharmaceuticals and the biosynthesis of essential steroid products. In all cases, substrate binding initiates the enzymatic cycle, converting ferric low‐spin to high‐spin state, with the efficiency of the conversion varying widely for different substrates, so documentation of this conversion for a given substrate is an important objective. Resonance Raman (rR) spectroscopy can effectively yield distinctive frequencies for the ν3 ‘spin state marker’ bands. Here, employing a reference cytochrome P450 (CYP101), the intensities of the ν3 modes (ILS) and (IHS) relative to an internal standard (sodium sulfate) yield relative populations for the two spin states; i.e., a value of 1.24 was determined for the ratio of the relative cross sections for the ν3 modes. The use of this value was then shown to permit a reliable calculation of relative populations of the two spin states from rR spectra of several other CYPs P450. The importance of this work is that, using this information, it is now possible to conveniently document by rR the spin state population without conducting separate experiments requiring different analytical methods, instrumentation, and additional sample. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physicochemical property of starch–pectin conjugates with resistance to enzymatic activity
Authors: Zhang Juan , Chen Lei , Cui Junhui , Xiao Lin , Wang Zhengwu
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

In view of the high nutritional values and bioactivities of resistant starch and pectin, it would be a good choice to chemically combine pectin and starch to give a new type of chemically modified resistant starch.

RESULT

A new type of chemically modified resistant starch has been prepared by cross‐linking starch and pectin using sodium trimetaphosphate. Starch–pectin conjugates can well prevent the hydrolysis catalysed by different enzymes, such as α‐amylase, amyloglucosidase, pancreatin as well as β‐amylase and glucosidase. Although the conjugates do not change the crystal type of starch, they increase the degree of crystallinity. Moreover, thermal stability and structural homogeneity of the conjugates are positively correlated with double‐helical order in the crystalline region.

CONCLUSION

This study gives a new method for the preparation of resistant starch–pectin conjugates which can be widely used as a new type of food additive in the industry. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Tumor volumetry as a prognostic factor in the management of T4a laryngeal cancer
Authors: Hsin Li‐Jen , Fang Tuan‐Jen , Tsang Ngan‐Ming , Chin Shy‐Chyi , Yen Tzu‐Chen , Li Hsueh‐Yu , Liao Chun‐Ta , Chen I‐How
Published: October 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The role of tumor volume in T4a laryngeal cancer remains unclear among different treatment modalities. Using tumor volumetry, we investigated the impact of primary tumor volume on this subset of patients.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study of 62 T4a laryngeal cancer patients.

Methods

From October 2002 to September 2010, 48 patients were treated with definitive chemoradiation therapy (CRT), and 14 patients had undergone total laryngectomy. Tumor volume was calculated and was correlated with the overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and local control rate (LCR) data of each treatment group.

Results

The 5‐year OS, PFS, and LCR were significantly lower in the CRT group with tumor volume ≥ 15 cm3 (22.5% vs. 48.7%, P = 0.009; 32.2% vs. 64.3%, P = 0.003; 45.2% vs. 67.3%, P = 0.039). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor volume was an independent poor prognosticator for OS, PFS, and LCR in the CRT group. For tumor volume ≥ 15 cm3, total laryngectomy provided a significantly higher 5‐year OS and PFS (54.5% vs. 22.5%, P = 0.039; 80.0% vs. 32.2%, P = 0.017) than for those tumors treated with definitive CRT.

Conclusions

Patients with T4a laryngeal cancer with primary tumor volume ≥ 15 cm3 had poorer survival outcomes after definitive CRT compared with total laryngectomy. It was also an independent poor prognosticator on LCR, PFS, and OS for those receiving definitive CRT. For patients with tumor volume ≥ 15 cm3, total laryngectomy provided a better survival outcome than definitive CRT.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:1134–1140, 2014
Treatment of spider veins of the lower extremity with a novel 532 nm KTP laser
Authors: Bernstein Eric F. , Noyaner‐Turley Ayse , Renton Bradley
Published: October 2013

Background and Objectives

This study investigated a novel, high‐power, 532 nm frequency‐doubled Nd:YAG, KTP laser with contact cooling for the treatment of spider veins of the lower extremities.

Study

Twenty female subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I–III, were treated to 79 sites using the 532 nm wavelength of a dual‐wavelength 532/1,064 nm laser (Excel V, Cutera, Brisbane, CA) with a 5 mm‐diameter spot, fluences ranging from 13 to 15 J/cm2, and a pulse‐duration of 40 milliseconds. Two treatments were performed 12 weeks apart. Photographs were taken at baseline and 12 weeks following the final treatment. Improvement was assessed by two independent physicians reviewing photographs in a blinded fashion using a 5‐point improvement scale.

Results

All subjects demonstrated improvement resulting in a median improvement of 2.5 (one‐sample Wilcoxon signed rank test, 95% CI: 1.9–2.9, P = 0.000). The reviewers were highly consistent (kappa of 0.85), and highly accurate (kappa of 0.85) in identification of “after photograph” and they were highly consistent in grading improvement. Subjects and the treating physician reported “significant” to “very significant” (∼51 to 100%) improvement in 75% and 69% of subjects, respectively. Post‐inflammatory hyper‐pigmentation was seen in 2% of sites (1/64). No serious adverse effects reported. All subjects tolerated the treatments well (mean pain score of 2.9/10).

Conclusion

Treatment of spider veins of the leg with a novel 532 nm KTP laser was found to be safe and effective, with minimal discomfort and adverse effects in Fitzpatrick skin types I–III. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:81–88, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term efficacy of linear‐scanning 808 nm diode laser for hair removal compared to a scanned alexandrite laser
Authors: Grunewald Sonja , Bodendorf Marc Oliver , Zygouris Alexander , Simon Jan Christoph , Paasch Uwe
Published: October 2013

Background and Objective

Alexandrite and diode lasers are commonly used for hair removal. To date, the available spot sizes and repetition rates are defining factors in terms of penetration depth, treatment speed, and efficacy. Still, larger treatment areas and faster systems are desirable. To compare the efficacy, tolerability, and subject satisfaction of a continuously linear‐scanning 808 nm diode laser with an alexandrite 755 nm laser for axillary hair removal.

Study Design

A total of 31 adults with skin types I–IV received 6 treatments at 4‐week intervals with a 755 nm alexandrite laser (right axilla) and a continuously linear‐scanning 808 nm diode laser (left axilla). Axillary hair density was assessed using a computerized hair detection system.

Results

There was a significant reduction in axillary hair after the 6th treatment (P < 0.05) on both sides (left, 808 nm: hair clearance of 72.16%; right, 755 nm: hair clearance of 71.30%). The difference in reduction between the two lasers was not significant, but both were persistant at 18 months follow‐up (left: hair clearance of 73.71%; right: hair clearance of 71.90%). Erythema and perifollicular edema were more common after alexandrite laser treatment, but all side effects were transient. While 62.50% of patients reported more pain in response to treatment with the new diode laser, all patients rated treatment with either laser tolerable.

Conclusion

Treatment with either the alexandrite or the linear‐scanning diode laser results in significant, comparable, persistent (at least 18 months) axillary hair reduction among individuals with skin types I–IV. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:13–19, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facile Iron‐Mediated Dispersant‐Free Suspension Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate via Reverse ATRP in Water
Authors: Cao Jun , Zhang Lifen , Jiang Xiaowu , Tian Chun , Zhao Xiaoning , Ke Qi , Pan Xiangqiang , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: October 2013

An iron‐mediated reverse ATRP of methyl methacrylate (MMA) is successfully carried out in water in the absence of any dispersants, using a water‐soluble 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (V‐50) as the initiator and the stabilizer, and using an oil‐soluble N,N‐butyldithiocarbamate ferrum (Fe(S2CN(C4H9)2)3) as the catalyst without adding any additional ligands. Micron‐sized PMMA particles with UV light‐sensitive ‐S2CN(C4H9)2 end group are obtained, and monomer droplet nucleation and suspension polymerization mechanism are proposed. Polymerization results demonstrated typical “living”/controlled characteristics of ATRP: first‐order polymerization kinetics, linear increase of molecular weights with monomer conversion and narrow molecular weight distributions for the resultant PMMA particles. NMR spectroscopy and chain‐extension experiments under UV light irradiation confirm the attachment and livingness of UV light‐sensitive ‐S2CN(C4H9)2 group in the chain end.

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Micellar Cathodes from Self‐Assembled Nitroxide‐Containing Block Copolymers in Battery Electrolytes
Authors: Hauffman Guillaume , Maguin Quentin , Bourgeois Jean‐Pierre , Vlad Alexandru , Gohy Jean‐François
Published: October 2013

This contribution describes the synthesis of block copolymers containing electrochemically active blocks, their micellization, and finally their use as micellar cathodes in a lithium battery. The self‐assembly of the synthesized poly(styrene)‐block‐poly(2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxy‐4‐yl methacrylate) (PS‐b‐PTMA) diblock copolymers is realized in a typical battery electrolyte made of 1 m lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate dissolved in a mixture of ethylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate/dimethyl carbonate(1:1:1, in volume). Dynamic light scattering and atomic force micro­scopy indicate the formation of well‐defined spherical micelles with a PS core and a PTMA corona. The electrochemical properties of those micelles are further investigated. Cyclic voltammograms show a reversible redox reaction at 3.6 V (vs Li+/Li). The charge/discharge profiles indicate a flat and reversible plateau around 3.6 V (vs Li+/Li). Finally, the cycling performances of the micellar cathodes are demonstrated. Such self‐assembled block copolymers open new opportunities for nanostructured organic radical batteries.

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Preparation of Well‐Defined Poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) Macromonomers via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Yang Pengcheng , Armes Steven P.
Published: October 2013

A series of six near‐monodisperse methacrylic macromonomers is prepared via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate using a tertiary amine‐functionalized initiator at 50 °C, followed by quaternization with excess 4‐vinylbenzyl chloride at 20 °C. GPC analyses indicate polydispersities of around 1.20 and their mean degrees of polymerization (DP) range from 20 to 70, as judged by both 1H NMR and UV spectroscopy. The former technique is more convenient but the latter proved more accurate for the higher DP values, provided that an appropriate model compound is utilized for calibration. Finally, these new macromonomers are used to prepare sterically stabilized polystyrene latexes with relatively narrow size distributions via alcoholic dispersion polymerization.

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SHOXgene and conserved noncoding element deletions/duplications inColombian patients with idiopathic short stature
Authors: Vinasco Sandoval Gloria Tatiana , Jaimes Giovanna Carola , Barrios Mauricio Coll , Cespedes Camila , Velasco Harvy Mauricio
Published: October 2013

SHOXgene mutations or haploinsufficiency cause a wide range of phenotypes such asLeriWeill dyschondrosteosis (LWD),Turner syndrome, and disproportionate short stature (DSS). However, this gene has also been found to be mutated in cases of idiopathic short stature (ISS) with a 3–15% frequency. In this study, the multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) technique was employed to determine the frequency ofSHOXgene mutations and their conserved noncoding elements (CNE) inColombian patients withISS. Patients were referred from different centers around the county. From a sample of 62 patients, 8.1% deletions and insertions in the intragenic regions and in theCNEwere found. This result is similar to others published in other countries. Moreover, an isolated case ofCNE9 duplication and a new intron 6b deletion in another patient, associated withISS, are described. This is one of the first studies of aLatinAmerican population in which deletions/duplications of theSHOXgene and itsCNEare examined in patients withISS.
Identification and validation of loss of function variants in clinical contexts
Authors: Lescai Francesco , Marasco Elena , Bacchelli Chiara , Stanier Philip , Mantovani Vilma , Beales Philip
Published: October 2013

The choice of an appropriate variant calling pipeline for exome sequencing data is becoming increasingly more important in translational medicine projects and clinical contexts. Within GOSgene, which facilitates genetic analysis as part of a joint effort of the University College London and the Great Ormond Street Hospital, we aimed to optimize a variant calling pipeline suitable for our clinical context. We implemented the GATK/Queue framework and evaluated the performance of its two callers: the classical UnifiedGenotyper and the new variant discovery tool HaplotypeCaller. We performed an experimental validation of the loss‐of‐function (LoF) variants called by the two methods using Sequenom technology. UnifiedGenotyper showed a total validation rate of 97.6% for LoF single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 92.0% for insertions or deletions (INDELs), whereas HaplotypeCaller was 91.7% for SNPs and 55.9% for INDELs. We confirm that GATK/Queue is a reliable pipeline in translational medicine and clinical context. We conclude that in our working environment, UnifiedGenotyper is the caller of choice, being an accurate method, with a high validation rate of error‐prone calls like LoF variants. We finally highlight the importance of experimental validation, especially for INDELs, as part of a standard pipeline in clinical environments.
Postprandial fatty acid specific changes in circulating oxylipins in lean and obese men after high‐fat challenge tests
Authors: Strassburg Katrin , Esser Diederik , Vreeken Rob J. , Hankemeier Thomas , Müller Michael , van Duynhoven John , van Golde Jolanda , van Dijk Susan J. , Afman Lydia A. , Jacobs Doris M.
Published: October 2013

Scope

Circulating oxylipins may affect peripheral tissues and are assumed to play an important role in endothelial function. They are esterified in triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins that are increased after a high‐fat (HF) meal, depending on BMI and fatty acid (FA) type. Yet, it is unclear which oxylipins appear in circulation after HF meals differing in FA composition.

Methods and results

In a double‐blind randomized crossover challenge study, we characterized the postprandial oxylipin response after different HF challenges in lean and obese men receiving HF milkshakes, either high in saturated FAs (SFA), monounsaturated FAs (MUFA), or omega 3 (n‐3) polyunsaturated FAs (PUFA). Plasma oxylipin profiles were significantly altered at 2 and 4 h after shake consumption when compared to baseline. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) derived oxylipins increased after n‐3 PUFA shake consumption. MUFA shake consumption increased levels of cytochrome P450 mediated oxylipins. SFA shake consumption led to strong increases in linoleic acid (LA) derived HODEs. No differences were observed between lean and obese individuals at baseline and after any shake consumption.

Conclusion

We are the first demonstrating acute effects on circulating oxylipins after HF meal challenges. These changes were strongly influenced by different dietary FAs and may affect endothelial function.
A toolbox of HSQC experiments for small molecules at high 13C‐enrichment. Artifact‐free, fully 13C‐homodecoupled and JCC‐encoding pulse sequences
Authors: Foroozandeh Mohammadali , Giraudeau Patrick , Jeannerat Damien
Published: October 2013

A set of modified HSQC experiments designed for the study of 13C‐enriched small molecules is introduced. It includes an improved sensitivity‐enhanced HSQC experiment eliminating signal artifacts because of high‐order 13C magnetization terms generated at high 13C enrichment. A broadband homonuclear 13C decoupling sequence based on Zangger and Sterk's method simplifies the complex 13C–13C multiplet structure in the F1 dimension of HSQC. When recording spectra at high resolution, the combination with a multiple‐site modulation of the selective pulse outperforms the constant‐time HSQC in terms of sensitivity and reliability. Finally, two pulse sequences reintroducing selected JCC couplings with selective pulses facilitate their assignments and measurements either in the splitting of the resulting doublets or by modulation of the signal amplitude. A sample of uniformly 92% 13C‐enriched cholesterol is used as an example. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Four new prenylated flavonoids from the roots of Cudrania tricuspidata
Authors: Chen Liuyuan , Duan Yinghui , Li Chang , Wang Yu , Tong Xupeng , Dai Yi , Yao Xinsheng
Published: October 2013

Four new prenylated flavonoids, cudraflavanones E‐F (1–2) and cudraflavones F‐G (6–7), together with eight known compounds were isolated from the roots of Cudrania tricuspidata. The structures of new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS and CD. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyolefin Surface Modification During Injection Molding Using Radical Reactions in Liquid Phase
Authors: Brunotte Rene , Nagel Jürgen , Mennig Günter , Heinrich Gert , Gehde Michael
Published: October 2013

Owing to their good cost‐performance ratio polyolefins are very attractive polymers which are used in a variety of applications. However, painting or bonding of PP parts can cause problems due to inadequate adhesiveness. Today, different methods are available for pretreating the surface in order to improve its adhesive properties. These methods have the disadvantage that they are carried out as an additional fabrication step. Depending on the type of pretreatment this leads to high equipment and energy costs. In situ surface modification during molding is a new method to avoid such disadvantages. It was applied up to now for different thermoplastics. In this paper its application for the surface modification of polyolefins is reported. The differences in the processing details due to the use of a liquid modifier, which is advantageous for polyolefins, to the solid modifier films used, e.g., for polycarbonate are identified.
Mirabegron in overactive bladder: A review of efficacy, safety, and tolerability
Authors: Chapple Christopher R. , Cardozo Linda , Nitti Victor W. , Siddiqui Emad , Michel Martin C.
Published: October 2013

Aims

Mirabegron, the first β3‐adrenoceptor agonist to enter clinical practice, has a different mechanism of action from antimuscarinic agents. This review presents data on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of mirabegron in studies conducted to date.

Methods

All clinical data on mirabegron that are currently in the public domain are included, including some in‐press manuscripts.

Results

In Phase III clinical trials in patients with overactive bladder (OAB), mirabegron at daily doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg demonstrated significant efficacy in treating the symptoms of OAB, including micturition frequency, urgency incontinence, and urgency. Significant improvements in micturition frequency, urgency incontinence, and mean volume voided/micturition were seen as early as the first assessment (week 4) for mirabegron 50 and 100 mg, and were maintained throughout treatment. Responder analyses showed a significant improvement with mirabegron 50 and 100 mg in terms of dry rates, ≥50% reduction in mean number of incontinence episodes/24 hr, and the proportion of patients with ≤8 micturitions/24 hr at final visit. The benefit of mirabegron 50 and 100 mg was also evident in patients ≥65 years of age, and in both treatment‐naïve patients and those who previously discontinued antimuscarinic therapy. These data therefore demonstrate a clinically meaningful benefit with mirabegron in the objective endpoints of OAB. Assessment of measures of health‐related quality of life and treatment satisfaction showed that patients perceived treatment with mirabegron as meaningful. In OAB clinical trials of up to 12 months mirabegron appeared to be well tolerated. The most common adverse events (AEs) observed with mirabegron in clinical trials of up to 12 months were hypertension, nasopharyngitis, and urinary tract infection. The incidence of dry mouth was similar to placebo, and was between three and fivefold less than for tolterodine extended release 4 mg. Since dry mouth is the most bothersome AE associated with antimuscarinic drugs and often a reason for treatment discontinuation, mirabegron may be a valuable treatment option for these patients.

Conclusions

In Phase III clinical trials, mirabegron at daily doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg demonstrated significant efficacy in treating symptoms of OAB and, at doses of 50 and 100 mg, demonstrated significant improvements versus placebo on key secondary endpoints, as early as the first assessment (week 4), and these were maintained throughout treatment. In OAB clinical trials of up to 12 months, mirabegron appeared to be well tolerated. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:17–30, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fully Eulerian finite element approximation of a fluid‐structure interaction problem in cardiac cells
Authors: Laadhari A. , Ruiz‐Baier R. , Quarteroni A.
Published: October 2013

We propose in this paper an Eulerian finite element approximation of a coupled chemical fluid‐structure interaction problem arising in the study of mesoscopic cardiac biomechanics. We simulate the active response of a myocardial cell (here considered as an anisotropic, hyperelastic, and incompressible material), the propagation of calcium concentrations inside it, and the presence of a surrounding Newtonian fluid. An active strain approach is employed to account for the mechanical activation, and the deformation of the cell membrane is captured using a level set strategy. We address in detail the main features of the proposed method, and we report several numerical experiments aimed at model validation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of techniques for overcoming non‐uniqueness of boundary integral equations for the collocation partition of unity method in two‐dimensional acoustic scattering
Authors: Diwan G.C. , Trevelyan J. , Coates G.
Published: October 2013

The Partition of Unity Method has become an attractive approach for extending the allowable frequency range for wave simulations beyond that available using piecewise polynomial elements. The non‐uniqueness of solution obtained from the conventional boundary integral equation (CBIE) is well known. The CBIE derived through Green's identities suffers from a problem of non‐uniqueness at certain characteristic frequencies. Two of the standard methods of overcoming this problem are the so‐called Combined Helmholtz Integral Equation Formulation (CHIEF) method and that of Burton and Miller. The latter method introduces a hypersingular integral, which may be treated in various ways. In this paper, we present the collocation partition of unity boundary element method (PUBEM) for the Helmholtz problem and compare the performance of CHIEF against a Burton–Miller formulation regularised using the approach of Li and Huang. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of functionally graded nano‐TiO2‐reinforced epoxy matrix composites
Authors: Wang Yi , Ni Qing‐Qing , Zhu Yaofeng , Natsuki Toshiaki
Published: October 2013

Functionally graded nano‐TiO2 epoxy matrix composites were successfully fabricated using a centrifugal method. In the preparation of the composite, the aggregation of nano‐TiO2 occurred during curing, which had a negative effect on the composite performance. To solve this problem, we introduced a silane coupling agent to modify the surface of the nano‐TiO2, thereby improving the performance and mechanical properties simultaneously. The modified nano‐TiO2 (s‐TiO2) had better dispersion in the epoxy resin, making it possible to produce depth gradients of the mechanical properties of functionally graded materials (FGMs). The s‐TiO2 was characterized with respect to functional groups, morphology, and chemical elements using transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show that a silane layer was successfully coated on the surface. Also, the gradients of the mechanical and permittivity properties of the FGM indicated that by modifying the surface of the nano‐filler, it is possible to fabricate nano‐filler‐reinforced epoxy matrix FGMs using a centrifugal method. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:557–563, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
The influence of kaolin and calcined kaolin on SBR composite properties
Authors: Ahmed Nivin M. , El‐Sabbagh Salwa H.
Published: October 2013

Kaolin is a naturally abundant and cheap ore, which can impart various properties to rubber composites besides lowering its cost. In this work, kaolin and thermally treated kaolin (especially m‐kaolinite), which is the most active species of kaolin were added to styrene–butadiene rubber composites in different concentrations ranging between 10 and 50 phr to study their effect on SBR rheometric, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The main aim of this study was to state whether the activity of calcined kaolin will allow it to work as a bifunctional additive (i.e., reinforcing filler and accelerator) or an adverse one (i.e., working as an active radical breaking the polymer chains). The study revealed that SBR containing calcined kaolin performed better properties than those containing kaolin indicating that calcined kaolin worked as a bifunctional additive in SBR composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:570–580, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sexual dysfunction and sexual health concerns in women with diabetes
Authors: Meeking DR , Fosbury JA , Cummings MH
Published: October 2013

This article aims to investigate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction and sexual health problems in women with diabetes. We explore the causes, natural history and available treatments.

We have examined evidence from clinical and non‐clinical studies for sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes and report this information alongside our own large, self‐reported study of sexual health problems.

Sexual dysfunction is more prevalent in diabetic women compared to controls. Problems identified include reduced vaginal lubrication, inability to achieve orgasm, dyspareunia and reduction in libido. Other sexual health concerns include genito‐urinary infection, problems of self‐image, depression and mood‐related issues, plus a range of reproductive and contraceptive worries.

In conclusion, sexual health problems are common in women with diabetes. Women should be encouraged to talk about sexual health issues, and specialist advice and therapies should be made available to those who need it. Psychological factors have a more profound effect on sexual functioning in women with diabetes compared to men where physical sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction) is the dominant problem. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons.
Hypoglycaemia in hospital: a re‐audit and root cause analysis using a hypoglycaemic events reporting system
Authors: Rajkanna J , Martin D , Whittle L , Oyibo SO
Published: October 2013

Hypoglycaemia frequently affects hospitalised patients with diabetes mellitus and most events are both predictable and preventable. A previous audit demonstrated that the documentation of hypoglycaemic events in hospitalised patients was not only incomplete but sometimes non‐existent. We therefore devised a Hypoglycaemic Events Reporting System (HERS) to enable us to re‐audit the management of hypoglycaemic events and to perform root cause analyses.

Any member of staff providing treatment for hypoglycaemia documented each event on the paper format of HERS. This was used to enable retrieval of clinical notes for a retrospective audit and root cause analyses.

Seventy‐nine patient events were reported on HERS over a one‐year period. This occurred in 56 patients aged 21–92 years. The majority of events were mild, asymptomatic and single events that occurred at night in patients on insulin. Based on documented evidence, all patient events received initial treatment according to guidelines, 90% had a 15‐minute capillary blood glucose (CBG) check, 48% had a 20–40g carbohydrate snack, 54% had a repeat 45–60 minute CBG check, 17% had evidence of a doctor being informed and 49% had the event documented in the notes. Root cause analyses demonstrated common identifiable risk factors/causes and that 46% of patient events were deemed preventable.

This audit has demonstrated good compliance with the guidelines for the treatment of hypoglycaemia in hospital with room for improvement, especially around documentation. The HERS improved data quality and quantity for audit purposes. All hypoglycaemic events should be evaluated in terms of risk management and preventative strategies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons.
Refill adherence and self‐reported adverse drug reactions and sub‐therapeutic effects: a population‐based study
Authors: Hedna Khedidja , Hägg Staffan , Andersson Sundell Karolina , Petzold Max , Hakkarainen Katja M.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To assess refill adherence to dispensed oral long‐term medications among the adult population and to investigate whether the percentages of self‐reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and sub‐therapeutic effects (STEs) differed for medications with adequate refill adherence, oversupply, and undersupply.

Method

Survey responses on self‐reported ADRs and STEs were linked to the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register in a cross‐sectional population‐based study. Refill adherence to antihypertensive, lipid‐lowering, and oral anti‐diabetic medications was measured using the continuous measure of medication acquisition (CMA). The percentages of self‐reported ADRs and STEs were compared between medications with adequate refill adherence (CMA 0.8–1.2), oversupply (CMA > 1.2), and undersupply (CMA < 0.8).

Results

The study included 1827 persons, and the refill adherence was measured for 3014 antihypertensive, 839 lipid lowering, and 253 oral anti‐diabetic medications. Overall, 65.7% of the medications had adequate refill adherence, 21.9% oversupply, and 12.4% undersupply. The percentages of self‐reported ADRs and STEs were respectively 2.6%, 2.7%, and 2.1% (p > 0.5) for ADRs and 1.1%, 1.6%, and 1.5% (p > 0.5) for STEs.

Conclusions

Adequate refill adherence was found in two thirds of the medication therapies. ADRs and STEs were unexpectedly equally commonly reported for medications with adequate refill adherence, oversupply, and undersupply. These results suggest that a better understanding of patients' refill behaviors and their perceived medication adverse outcomes is needed and should be considered in improving medication management. The impact of individual and healthcare factors that may influence the association between refill adherence and reported medication adverse outcomes should be investigated in future studies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactive compatibilization of high‐impact poly(lactic acid)/ethylene copolymer blends catalyzed by N,N‐dimethylstearylamine
Authors: Feng Yulin , Zhao Guiyan , Yin Jinghua , Jiang Wei
Published: October 2013

The inherent brittleness of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) limits its wide application in many fields. Here, high‐impact PLA/ethylene–methyl acrylate–glycidyl methacrylate random terpolymer (EMA–GMA) blends were prepared with the addition of a small amount of N,N‐dimethylstearylamine (DMSA) catalyst. It was found that the notched impact resistance of various PLA/EMA–GMA blends could be considerably improved by adding DMSA. In particular, the notched Izod impact strength of the blend with 20 wt% EMA–GMA increased from 35.6 to 83.5 kJ m−2 by adding 0.2 wt% DMSA. Reactive compatibilization between PLA and EMA–GMA with DMSA was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that DMSA promoted the reaction between the epoxide group of EMA–GMA and end groups (–OH, –COOH) of PLA. This considerably improved the interfacial adhesion, leading to better wetting of the dispersed phase by the PLA matrix and finer dispersed EMA–GMA particles. Therefore, the significant increase in notched impact strength was attributed to the effective reactive compatibilization promoted by DMSA. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Total variance should drive data handling strategies in third generation proteomic studies
Authors: Herrmann Abigail G. , Searcy James L. , Le Bihan Thierry , McCulloch James , Deighton Ruth F.
Published: October 2013

Quantitative proteomics is entering its “third generation,” where intricate experimental designs aim to increase the spatial and temporal resolution of protein changes. This paper re‐analyses multiple internally consistent proteomic datasets generated from whole cell homogenates and fractionated brain tissue samples providing a unique opportunity to explore the different factors influencing experimental outcomes. The results clearly indicate that improvements in data handling are required to compensate for the increased mean CV associated with complex study design and intricate upstream tissue processing. Furthermore, applying arbitrary inclusion thresholds such as fold change in protein abundance between groups can lead to unnecessary exclusion of important and biologically relevant data.
Versatile functional poly(3‐hexylthiophene) for hybrid particles synthesis by the grafting onto technique: Core@shell ZnO nanorods
Authors: Awada Hussein , Medlej Hussein , Blanc Sylvie , Delville Marie‐Hélène , Hiorns Roger C. , Bousquet Antoine , Dagron‐Lartigau Christine , Billon Laurent
Published: October 2013

We demonstrate an efficient strategy to anchor poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) onto zinc oxide (ZnO) surfaces. Synthesis of a novel triethoxysilane‐terminated regioregular P3HT is herein reported and supported by thorough characterization. Three triethoxysilane‐terminated P3HTs of different molar masses were prepared via a hydrosilylation reaction from allyl‐terminated P3HT. MALDI‐TOF and 1H NMR were performed to characterize the polymer and show that around 80% of the chains are end‐functionalized. These polymers were then grafted onto the ZnO nanorods to create a macromolecular self‐assembled monolayer. This versatile technique could be subsequently applied to different metal oxide surfaces, such as silicon, titanium, or indium‐tin oxide, and represents a new one‐pot strategy based on triethoxysilane coupling reaction. Importantly, the influence of the molar mass on the grafting density and the polymer shell thickness was studied via thermo gravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The optical properties of the hybrid materials were determined by UV–visible absorption and photoluminescence to show a quenching effect of P3HT fluorescence by ZnO when grafted. This electronic transfer associated with an improved miscibility of the ZnO@P3HT, makes these hybrid materials suitable candidates for photovoltaic applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 30–38