bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic particle filter application to land surface temperature downscaling
Authors: Mechri Rihab , Ottlé Catherine , Pannekoucke Olivier , Kallel Abdelaziz
Published: February 2014

Thermal infrared data are widely used for surface flux estimation giving the possibility to assess water and energy budgets through land surface temperature (LST). Many applications require both high spatial resolution (HSR) and high temporal resolution (HTR), which are not presently available from space. It is therefore necessary to develop methodologies to use the coarse spatial/high temporal resolutions LST remote‐sensing products for a better monitoring of fluxes at appropriate scales. For that purpose, a data assimilation method was developed to downscale LST based on particle filtering. The basic tenet of our approach is to constrain LST dynamics simulated at both HSR and HTR, through the optimization of aggregated temperatures at the coarse observation scale. Thus, a genetic particle filter (GPF) data assimilation scheme was implemented and applied to a land surface model which simulates prior subpixel temperatures. First, the GPF downscaling scheme was tested on pseudoobservations generated in the framework of the study area landscape (Crau‐Camargue, France) and climate for the year 2006. The GPF performances were evaluated against observation errors and temporal sampling. Results show that GPF outperforms prior model estimations. Finally, the GPF method was applied on Spinning Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager time series and evaluated against HSR data provided by an Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer image acquired on 26 July 2006. The temperatures of seven land cover classes present in the study area were estimated with root‐mean‐square errors less than 2.4 K which is a very promising result for downscaling LST satellite products.
Dioxomolybdenum(VI) complex covalently attached to amino‐modified graphene oxide: heterogeneous catalyst for the epoxidation of alkenes
Authors: Li Zhifang , Wu Shujie , Zheng Dafang , Liu Jiayin , Liu Heng , Lu Haiming , Huo Qisheng , Guan Jingqi , Kan Qiubin
Published: February 2014

Transition metal salen complex MoO2–salen was successfully tethered onto amino‐functionalized graphene oxide (designated as MoO2–salen–GO), which was tested in the epoxidation of various alkenes using tert‐butylhydroperoxide or H2O2 as oxidant. Characterization results showed that dioxomolybdenum(VI) complex was successfully grafted onto the amino‐functionalized graphene oxide and the structure of the graphene oxide was well preserved after several stepwise synthesis procedures. Catalytic tests showed that heterogeneous catalyst MoO2–salen–GO was more active than its homogeneous analogue MoO2–salen in the epoxidation of cyclooctene due to site isolation. In addition, the MoO2–salen–GO catalyst could be reused three times without significant loss of activity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human papillomavirus and p53 expression in cancer of unknown primary in the head and neck region in relation to clinical outcome
Authors: Sivars Lars , Näsman Anders , Tertipis Nikolaos , Vlastos Andrea , Ramqvist Torbjörn , Dalianis Tina , Munck‐Wikland Eva , Nordemar Sushma
Published: February 2014

Patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) in the head neck region are generally treated with neck dissection followed by radiotherapy at times combined with chemotherapy, a treatment associated with considerable side effects. Some of these tumors may originate as human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), with better clinical outcome than head neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) in general, and could potentially do well with less treatment. Here, we therefore investigated whether HPV status and p53‐expression correlated to clinical outcome in patients with CUP in the head neck region. Fifty metastases were analyzed for presence of HPV DNA, and expression of p16INK4A and p53 and the data were correlated to clinical outcome. Patients with HPV DNA‐positive (HPVDNA+) metastases had significantly better 5‐year overall survival (OS) compared to those with HPVDNA− metastases (80.0% vs. 36.7%, respectively; P = 0.004), with a similar tendency for disease‐free survival (DFS). These survival rates showed excellent concordance with those of HPVDNA+ and HPVDNA− OSCC in Sweden during the same time period, strengthening the hypothesis that HPVDNA+ head and neck CUP may originate from HPVDNA+ OSCC. In addition, having absent/intermediary‐low as compared to high expression of p53 correlated to a better prognosis with a 69% as compared to 14% 5‐year OS, respectively (P < 0.001), and for DFS the tendency was analogous. In conclusion, both HPV status and p53 expression are valuable prognostic factors in patients with CUP in the head and neck region and should be further explored for clinical use.
Determination of the Absolute Stereochemistry of Two New Aristophyllene Sesquiterpenes: A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Investigation
Authors: Wu Rui‐Bo , Cheng Zhong‐Bin , Han Qing‐Hua , Lin Ting‐Ting , Zhou Jing‐Wei , Tang Gui‐Hua , Yin Sheng
Published: February 2014

Aristoyunnolins G (1) and H (2), two new diastereoisomeric sesquiterpenes featuring a rare aristophyllene skeleton, were isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Aristolochia yunnanensis. Their absolute stereochemistry involving three chiral centers was determined by combined chemical, spectral, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation methods. Chirality 26:189–193, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Right across the tree of life: The evolution of left–right asymmetry in the Bilateria
Authors: Namigai Erica K.O. , Kenny Nathan J. , Shimeld Sebastian M.
Published: February 2014

Directional left/right (LR) asymmetries, in which there are consistent, heritable differences in morphology between the left and right sides of bilaterally symmetrical organisms, are found in animals across the Bilateria. For many years, we have lacked evidence for shared mechanisms underlying their development. This led to the supposition that the mechanisms driving establishment of LR asymmetries, and consequently the asymmetries themselves, had evolved separately in the three major Superphyla that constitute the Bilateria. The recent discovery that the transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐B) ligand Nodal plays a role in the regulation of LR asymmetry in both Deuterostomia and Lophotrochozoa has reignited debate in this field, as it suggests that at least this aspect of the development of the LR axis is conserved. In this review, we discuss evidence for shared mechanisms of LR asymmetry establishment across the bilaterian tree of life and consider how these mechanisms might have diverged across the Metazoa over the last 500 million years or so of evolution. As well as the likelihood that Nodal is an ancestral mechanism for regulating LR asymmetry, we reemphasize cytoskeletal architecture as a potential shared mechanism underlying symmetry breaking. However, convergent evolution remains a distinct possibility and study of a wider diversity of species will be needed to distinguish between conserved and lineage‐specific mechanisms. genesis 52:458–470, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased Capacity of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2–Li[Li1/3Mn2/3]O2 Cathodes by MnOx‐surface Modification for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Jun , He Xin , Kloepsch Richard , Wang Sihui , Hoffmann Bjoern , Jeong Sangsik , Yang Yong , Li Jie
Published: February 2014

MnOx‐surface‐modified Li1.2Ni0.4/3Co0.4/3Mn1.6/3O2 cathode materials have been prepared by solid‐state reaction with varying post‐annealing temperatures. The MnOx coating layers are homogeneous and crystalline with a thickness of 10 nm. Below a current rate of 0.1 C and in the voltage range of 2.0–4.8 V, the MnOx‐modified material, which has been post‐annealed at 300 °C, shows high discharge capacities of 308, 320, and 363 mAh g−1 at 20, 40, and 60 °C, respectively. Meanwhile, this sample shows good rate capability that can deliver discharge capacities of 278 and 178 mAh g−1, respectively, at 1 C and 10 C, both tested at 20 °C. However, the modified sample displays more serious capacity degradation compared to the pristine sample. The significantly higher extent of the transition metal dissolution from the modified sample is proved by compositional analysis. Cycling performance could be improved by replacing the conventional electrolyte with an ionic‐liquid‐based electrolyte.
Technical Aspects of Ethyl Tert‐Butyl Ether (ETBE) for Large‐Scale Use as Gasoline Improver
Authors: Bardin M. E. , El‐Dein Hussin A. M. T. A. , Gushchin P. A. , Vinokurov V. A. , Burluka A. A.
Published: February 2014

Ethyl tert‐butyl ether (ETBE) is a promising gasoline improver and this study shows its comparison with other prospective oxygenated fuel additives. ETBE synthesis and its economics are reviewed with emphasis on sustainable production. Furthermore, an experimental investigation is performed on the impact of employing relatively large proportions of ETBE in fuel blends and a particular emphasis is put on the magnitude of cyclic variations at different operating conditions. Tests involved a primary reference fuel (95PRF and two mixtures of ethyl tert‐butyl ether (ETBE) with 95PRF. To provide a baseline for comparison, a commercial gasoline fuel containing 5 % by volume of ethanol (E05) was also tested. The experiments were performed by using a well‐controlled single‐cylinder research engine, which has a disc‐shaped combustion chamber with a full‐bore overhead optical access. The pressure recording method was used simultaneously with natural‐light video photography for recording the flame propagation. To quantify the cyclic variations, the indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP), the peak pressure and the crank value at which it is attained, and the time for 90 % mass fraction burnt (MFB) were used. Increasing proportion of ETBE in the fuel has very little effect on both the average rate of combustion and its cyclic variability, regardless of what parameter is chosen to characterize the it.
Nitrogen‐Containing Polycyclic Quinones as Cathode Materials for Lithium‐ion Batteries with Increased Voltage
Authors: Shimizu Akihiro , Tsujii Yutaka , Kuramoto Hiroki , Nokami Toshiki , Inatomi Yuu , Hojo Nobuhiko , Yoshida Jun‐ichi
Published: February 2014

Although organic cathode materials have received significant research interest as cathode materials of lithium‐ion batteries because of sustainability and flexibility, they suffer from lower voltages compared to inorganic materials. To increase the voltage of batteries using organic cathode materials without decreasing the capacity, we studied the effect of the replacement of the CH moieties β to the carbonyl group of quinones with nitrogen atoms. The coordination of N to Li in the reduced forms and the greater electronegativity of N compared to C make reduction energetically more favorable. The lithium batteries based on the nitrogen analogues of quinones as cathode materials exhibited voltages higher than 3.0 V (the first stage).
Scaling of Recovery by Cocurrent Spontaneous Imbibition in Fractured Petroleum Reservoirs
Authors: Mirzaei‐Paiaman Abouzar , Masihi Mohsen
Published: February 2014

Cocurrent spontaneous imbibition (COCSI) of an aqueous phase into matrix blocks arising from capillary forces is an important mechanism for petroleum recovery from fractured petroleum reservoirs. In this work, the analytical solution to the COCSI is used to develop the appropriate scaling equations. In particular, the backflow production of the nonwetting phase at the inlet face is considered. The resulting scaling equations incorporate all factors that influence the process and are found in terms of the Darcy number (Da) and capillary number, (Ca). The proposed scaling equations are validated against the published experimental data from the literature.
Performance enhancement of respiratory tumor motion prediction using adaptive support vector regression: Comparison with adaptive neural network method
Authors: Choi SeungWook , Chang Yongjun , Kim Namkug , Park Sung Ho , Song Si Yeol , Kang Heung Sik
Published: February 2014

The breathing motion moves internal organs and targeted regions determined by radiation therapy planning. For the radiation therapy, accurate prediction for breathing motion is of great interest as the outer targeted region treatment could endanger sensitive tissue. In this study, the use of a prediction algorithm with adaptive support vector regression (aSVR) was proposed and compared with the adaptive neural network (ANN) algorithm considering the prediction accuracy and training and predicting time. Respiration data from 87 patients treated by radiation therapy, were acquired with an optical marker at 30 Hz. Five types of prediction filters with the ANN or aSVR filters, were implemented and their performance was compared according to the size of the sliding window (2.5 and 5.0 sec), and the prediction latencies (100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 msec). Training and testing of the prediction algorithms with aSVR and ANN were performed. The root mean square error (RMSE) was used as the accuracy metric. The aSVR with an RBF kernel outperformed other prediction filters, including not only various types of ANN filters but also the aSVR with a linear kernel. A sliding window of 2.5 sec significantly and independently enhanced the overall accuracy. Otherwise, the training and prediction testing times were significantly prolonged in case of aSVR with an RBF kernel. The aSVR filter with the RBF kernel is in all cases superior to other filters regarding its accuracy; it also shows clinically applicable results from the viewpoint of training and predicting time, which may be effective for predicting patient breathing motion and thus enhancing the efficacy of radiation therapy.
Reversal effect of low‐intensity ultrasound on adriamycin‐resistant human hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Xia Wenfei , Ma Xiaopeng , Li Xingrui , Lu Chao , Yang Xiaowei , Zhu Zhi , Yi Jilin
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to determine whether the ultrasound, with a dosage that did not lead to acute and delayed inhibition, could potentiate the cytotoxicity of adriamycin to human hepatoma resistant cell line HepG2 both in vitro and in vivo. In order to determine whether low‐intensity ultrasound could reverse resistance in adriamycin‐resistant human hepatoma cell line HepG2/ADM in vitro, cells were subjected to a variable level of ultrasound. The results showed that survival rates were decreased in groups in which ultrasound and adriamycin were exerted. The same effect of low‐intensity ultrasound was also observed in the xenograft tumor experiment. Furthermore, transmission electron microscope revealed the cavitation effects play the determining role in accelerating transmembrane transportation, suggesting that low‐intensity ultrasound altered the cell membrane thus resulting in change in adriamycin uptake into HepG2/ADM cells. Further investigation of the underlying mechanisms showed that the reversal effect of low‐intensity ultrasound on adriamycin‐resistant human hepatoma cells was attributed to the downregulation of the multidrug resistant genes, MDR1 and MRP1, in both mRNA and protein expression. In addition, downregulation of MDR1 and MRP1 was detected in HepG2/ADM xenograft tumor treated with adriamycin and ultrasound. These observations suggest the use of ultrasound could increase cytotoxicity attributable to adriamycin in chemoresistant human hepatoma cancer cells. Ultrasound is a promising therapeutic modality for refractory hepatoma patients.
A variational level set segmentation formulation based on signal model for images in the presence of intensity inhomogeneity
Authors: Yang Hongzhe , Zhao Lihui , Tang Songyuan , Wang Yongtian
Published: February 2014

Biological images with significant intensity inhomogeneity are considerably difficult for the tissue segmentation. To overcome the difficulties caused by the intensity inhomogeneity, this study presents a variational level set method to simultaneous bias field estimation and tissue segmentation for images in the presence of intensity inhomogeneity. An energy function is defined in terms of two data fitting terms which incorporate the local clustering properties into the global region information. First, depended on the observed image mode, the local cluster property based on the observed signal is simplified to a criterion function which is similar to the Mumford‐Shah model. The local criterion energy is then integrated with a global region measure, which is based on intensity difference of the true signal. The energy is minimized in a variational level set formulation with a regularity term, thus avoiding the expensive computation of the level set reinitialization and keeping the curve close to the signal distance function. Experiment results on biological images show desirable performance and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Robust brain MRI denoising and segmentation using enhanced non‐local means algorithm
Authors: Aksam Iftikhar Muhammad , Jalil Abdul , Rathore Saima , Hussain Mutawarra
Published: February 2014

Image denoising is an integral component of many practical medical systems. Non‐local means (NLM) is an effective method for image denoising which exploits the inherent structural redundancy present in images. Improved adaptive non‐local means (IANLM) is an improved variant of classical NLM based on a robust threshold criterion. In this paper, we have proposed an enhanced non‐local means (ENLM) algorithm, for application to brain MRI, by introducing several extensions to the IANLM algorithm. First, a Rician bias correction method is applied for adapting the IANLM algorithm to Rician noise in MR images. Second, a selective median filtering procedure based on fuzzy c‐means algorithm is proposed as a postprocessing step, in order to further improve the quality of IANLM‐filtered image. Third, different parameters of the proposed ENLM algorithm are optimized for application to brain MR images. Different variants of the proposed algorithm have been presented in order to investigate the influence of the proposed modifications. The proposed variants have been validated on both T1‐weighted (T1‐w) and T2‐weighted (T2‐w) simulated and real brain MRI. Compared with other denoising methods, superior quantitative and qualitative denoising results have been obtained for the proposed algorithm. Additionally, the proposed algorithm has been applied to T2‐weighted brain MRI with multiple sclerosis lesion to show its superior capability of preserving pathologically significant information. Finally, impact of the proposed algorithm has been tested on segmentation of brain MRI. Quantitative and qualitative segmentation results verify that the proposed algorithm based segmentation is better compared with segmentation produced by other contemporary techniques.
Vagus nerve modulation using focused pulsed ultrasound: Potential applications and preliminary observations in a rat
Authors: Juan Eduardo J. , González Rafael , Albors Gabriel , Ward Matthew P. , Irazoqui Pedro
Published: February 2014

The use of focused ultrasonic waves to modulate neural structures has gained recent interest due to its potential in treating neurological disorders noninvasively. While several articles have focused on the use of ultrasound neuromodulation on peripheral nerves, none of these studies have been performed on the vagus nerve. We present preliminary observations on the effects of focused pulsed ultrasound (FPUS) on the conduction of the left cervical vagus nerve of a Long Evans rat. Ultrasound energy was applied at a frequency of 1.1 MHz, and at spatial‐peak, temporal average intensities that ranged from 13.6 to 93.4 W/cm2. Vagus nerve inhibition was observed in most cases. Results of this preliminary study suggested that there is a proportional relationship between acoustic intensity and the level of nerve inhibition.
Rapid method for assessing relative tissue stiffness using MR acoustic radiation force imaging
Authors: Hertzberg Yoni , Hugeri Mali , Navon Gil , Azhari Haim
Published: February 2014

Acoustic radiation force imaging (ARFI) has been suggested as a tool for remote palpation. In this study an MR‐ARFI sequence, based on echo‐planar‐imaging, is introduced, for remote semi‐quantitative assessment of local tissue stiffness. The focal zone of a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is positioned at the region of interest and a single HIFU burst is transmitted. The method then measures the entire time integral of the resulting displacement at the focal zone. Combining this measurement with the Kelvin–Voigt viscoelastic tissue model, a local stiffness index is obtained. The method was implemented on gel phantoms, ex‐vivo bovine brain and chicken liver specimens. The results have demonstrated the ability to evaluate the relative local stiffness within 600 ms and to distinguish between different tissues on the basis of their stiffness index. The method may potentially be used for remote palpation of suspicious regions for diagnostic purposes, or for providing a mechanical feedback during therapeutic procedures, such as thermal ablation.
Intralesional therapy with PV‐10 (Rose Bengal) for in‐transit melanoma
Authors: Ross Merrick I.
Published: February 2014

Rose Bengal is a novel injectable agent that has been evaluated as a rational treatment strategy for melanoma patients with recurrent unresectable local/regional metastases accessible for intralesional injection. PV‐10 (10% Rose Bengal) has completed phase 1 and phase 2 multi‐center clinical trials demonstrating significant local/regional disease control and also responses in non‐injected regional bystander lesions and distant metastases. The published results of studies that have assessed PV‐10 are presented, and the rationale for combining its use with recently approved immunotherapeutic agents is discussed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:314–319. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intraoperative radiation therapy for locally advanced primary and recurrent colorectal cancer: Ten‐year institutional experience
Authors: Hyngstrom John R. , Tzeng Ching‐Wei D. , Beddar Sam , Das Prajnan , Krishnan Sunil , Delclos Marc E. , Crane Christopher H. , Chang George J. , You Y. Nancy , Feig Barry W. , Skibber John M. , Rodriguez‐Bigas Miguel A.
Published: February 2014

Background

We evaluated the role of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) during radical resection of locally advanced colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated all patients with CRC treated with IORT at our institution from 2001 to 2010. IORT was delivered using high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (median 12.5‐Gy). We analyzed factors associated with postoperative morbidity, local control (LC), and overall survival (OS).

Results

One hundred patients were evaluated with 70% received IORT for recurrent tumors. R0 resection rate was 58%. Postoperative Grade ≥3 complications (33%) were independently associated with transfusions ≥3 units packed red blood cells (P = 0.016) and body mass index (BMI) ≥35 (P = 0.0499). Eighty‐two patients underwent external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) before IORT. Five‐year LC was 94%, for primary and 56%, for recurrent tumors, respectively (P = 0.007). Microscopic positive (R1) margins were not associated with LC (P = 0.316). BMI ≥30 (P = 0.048) and post‐discharge complications (P = 0.041) were independent risk factors for worse LC. Median post‐IORT OS was 67.7 (95% CI 51.1–84.3) months for all patients.

Conclusion

For patients with primary or recurrent locally advanced CRC, treatment with radical surgery and IORT achieved excellent LC outcomes irrespective of microscopic margin status. IORT may be indicated for tumors suspected to have close or positive microscopic margins. J. Surg. Oncol 2014; 109:652–658. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulation Study of the Impact of Permanent Groundcover on Soil and Water Changes in Jujube Orchards on Sloping Ground
Authors: Huang Jun , Wang Juan , Zhao Xining , Li Hongbin , Jing Zilong , Gao Xiaodong , Chen Xiaoli , Wu Pute
Published: February 2014

Land degradation is recognized as a major environmental problem in rainfed fruit orchards on the Chinese Loess Plateau. Six treatments were used to investigate surface runoff and soil moisture by means of simulated rainfall experiments: (i) a control (clean cultivation) (CC); (ii) strip cock's foot (Dactylis glomerata L.) cover (SCF); (iii) strip crown vetch (Coronilla varia L.) cover (SCV); (iv) strip bird's foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) cover (SBF); (v) strip white clover (Trifolium repens L.) cover (SWC); and (vi) complete white clover cover (WCC). The time to runoff was significantly longer under WCC than under other treatments (p < 0·05). The total runoff volume and sediment yield were significantly greater under CC than under the vegetation cover treatments (p < 0·05). The mean infiltration rate under WCC and CC was the largest and lowest and differed significantly from that under other treatments (p < 0·05). The change of soil water storage was the largest under WCC and the least under CC. The soil moisture was significantly greater under SCF than under other treatments (p < 0·05). Treatment SCF seemed to be the best groundcover for rainfed sloping jujube orchards on the Chinese Loess Plateau. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vector connectivity in graphs
Authors: Boros Endre , Heggernes Pinar , van 't Hof Pim , Milanič Martin
Published: February 2014

Motivated by challenges related to domination, connectivity, and information propagation in social and other networks, we initiate the study of the VECTOR CONNECTIVITY problem. This problem takes as input a graph G and an integer kv for every vertex v of G, and the objective is to find a vertex subset S of minimum cardinality such that every vertex v either belongs to S, or is connected to at least kv vertices of S by disjoint paths. If we require each path to be of length exactly 1, we get the well‐known VECTOR DOMINATION problem, which is a generalization of the famous DOMINATING SET problem and several of its variants. Consequently, our problem becomes NP‐hard if an upper bound on the length of the disjoint paths is also supplied as input. Due to the hardness of these domination variants even on restricted graph classes, like split graphs, VECTOR CONNECTIVITY seems to be a natural problem to study for drawing the boundaries of tractability for this type of problems. We show that VECTOR CONNECTIVITY can actually be solved in polynomial time on split graphs, in addition to cographs and trees. We also show that the problem can be approximated in polynomial time within a factor of on all n‐vertex graphs.Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 63(4), 277–285 2014
Polyaniline/MnO2 composite with high performance as supercapacitor electrode via pulse electrodeposition
Authors: Liu Tingting , Shao Guangjie , Ji Mingtong , Wang Guiling
Published: February 2014

A method of pulse electrodeposition was proposed to synthesize polyaniline (PANI)/MnO2 composite in aniline, H2SO4, and MnSO4 aqueous solution. The PANI/MnO2 composite has rod‐like structure and MnO2 particles are distributed on PANI uniformly. To evaluate the performance of the as‐prepared materials as supercapacitor electrodes, cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were performed. The PANI/MnO2 composite shows a higher specific capacitance (810 F g−1) than pure PANI (662 F g−1) at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. The cycle life of the composite was also excellent. After 1,000 cycles, it maintained 86.3% of its initial capacitance. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:113–120, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
ADMET reactions in miniemulsion
Authors: Cardoso Priscilla B. , Musyanovych Anna , Landfester Katharina , Sayer Claudia , de Araújo Pedro H. H. , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: February 2014

This work investigates acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization reactions in aqueous miniemulsion. Different types of ruthenium‐based catalysts and different surfactants (anionic, cationic, and nonionic) were evaluated. A Ru‐indenylidene catalyst (Umicore M2) showed higher activity in water if compared to the Ru‐benzylidene catalysts (Hoveyda Grubbs second generation and Grubbs first generation). Moreover, the catalyst activity was affected by the type of the surfactant. In summary, the Umicore M2 catalyst and the nonionic poly(ethylene oxide) based surfactant Lutensol AT80 were found to be the most suitable combination for ADMET reactions in miniemulsion allowing the preparation of polymers with number average molecular weight (Mn) of up to 15 kDa. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1300–1305
M‐theory solutions invariant under D(2,1; γ) ⊕ D(2,1;γ)
Authors: Bachas C. , D'Hoker E. , Estes J. , Krym D.
Published: February 2014

We simplify and extend the construction of half‐BPS solutions to 11‐dimensional supergravity, with isometry superalgebra D(2,1;γ) ⊕ D(2,1;γ). Their space‐time has the form AdS3× S3× S3 warped over a Riemann surface Σ. It describes near‐horizon geometries of M2 branes ending on, or intersecting with, M5 branes along a common string. The general solution to the BPS equations is specified by a reduced set of data (γ, h, G), where γ is the real parameter of the isometry superalgebra, and h and G are functions on Σ whose differential equations and regularity conditions depend only on the sign of γ. The magnitude of γ enters only through the map of h,G onto the supergravity fields, thereby promoting all solutions into families parametrized by |γ|. By analyzing the regularity conditions for the supergravity fields, we prove two general theorems: (i) that the only solution with a 2‐dimensional CFT dual is AdS3× S3× S3× ℝ2, modulo discrete identifications of the flat ℝ2, and (ii) that solutions with γ < 0 cannot have more than one asymptotic higher‐dimensional AdS region. We classify the allowed singularities of h and G near the boundary of Σ, and identify four local solutions: asymptotic AdS4/Z2 or AdS7′ regions; highly‐curved M5‐branes; and a coordinate singularity called the “cap”. By putting these “Lego” pieces together we recover all known global regular solutions with the above symmetry, including the self‐dual strings on M5 for γ <0, and the Janus solution for γ > 0, but now promoted to families parametrized by |γ|. We also construct exactly new regular solutions which are asymptotic to AdS4/Z2 for γ < 0, and conjecture that they are a different superconformal limit of the self‐dual string. Finally, we construct exactly γ > 0 solutions with highly curved M5‐brane regions, which are the formal continuation of the self‐dual string solutions across the decompactification point at γ = 0.
LC–MS/MS Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Free Urinary Steroids
Authors: Allende Fidel , Solari Sandra , Campino Carmen , Carvajal Cristian A. , Lagos Carlos F. , Vecchiola Andrea , Valdivia Carolina , Baudrand René , Owen Gareth I. , Fardella Carlos E.
Published: February 2014

Cortisol homeostasis is implicated in hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Two enzymes modulate cortisol availability; 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) preferentially converts inactive cortisone to cortisol, whereas 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) converts cortisol to cortisone. In contrast, 5α and 5β reductases inactivate cortisol by conversion to its tetrahydrometabolites: tetrahydrocortisol, allo-tetrahydrocortisol and tetrahydrocortisone. A subtle local increase in cortisol can be detected by measuring 24-h urine metabolites, LC–MS/MS being the reference method. The 11β-HSD2 activity is assessed based on the cortisol/cortisone ratio, and the 11β-HSD1 activity on the (tetrahydrocortisol + allo-tetrahydrocortisol)/tetrahydrocortisone ratio. To better understand hypertension and/or metabolic syndrome pathogenesis a method for simultaneous determination of cortisol, cortisone, tetrahydrocortisol, allo-tetrahydrocortisol and tetrahydrocortisone was developed and validated in an LC coupled with the new detector AB Sciex QTrap® 4500 tandem mass spectrometer. The steroids were extracted from 1 mL urine, using cortisol-D4 as internal standard. The quantification range was 0.1–120 ng/mL for cortisol and cortisone, and 1–120 ng/mL for tetrahydrometabolites, with >89 % recovery for all analytes. The coefficient of variation and accuracy was <10 %, and 85–105 %, respectively. Our LC–MS/MS method is accurate and reproducible in accordance with Food and Drug Administration guidelines, showing good sensitivity and recovery. This method allows the assessment of 11β-HSD2 and 11β-HSD1 activities in a single analytical run providing an innovative tool to explain etiology of misclassified essential hypertension and/or metabolic syndrome.
Long‐term effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy in adults with Gaucher disease: results from the NCS‐LSD cohort study
Authors: Anderson L. J. , Henley W. , Wyatt K. M. , Nikolaou V. , Hughes D. A. , Waldek S. , Logan S.
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapies (ERT) for adults with Gaucher disease (GD).

Design

A longitudinal, multi‐centre cohort study, including prospective and retrospective clinical data. Age‐ and gender‐adjusted treatment effects were estimated using generalised linear mixed models. Treated patients contributed data before and during treatment. Untreated patients contributed natural history data.

Participants

Consenting adults (N = 150, aged 16 to 83 years) with a diagnosis of GD who attended a specialist treatment centre in England. At recruitment, 131 patients were receiving ERT (mean treatment duration, 10.8 years; range 0–18 years).

Outcome measures

Clinical outcomes chosen to reflect disease progression, included platelet count; haemoglobin; absence/presence of bone pain; spleen and liver volumes and AST levels.

Results

One hundred and fifty adults were recruited. Duration of ERT was associated with statistically significant improvements in platelet count (p < 0.001), haemoglobin (p < 0.001), liver and spleen volumes (p < 0.001) and AST levels (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

These data provide further evidence of the long‐term effectiveness of ERT in adults with GD.
Early nitisinone treatment reduces the need for liver transplantation in children with tyrosinaemia type 1 and improves post‐transplant renal function
Authors: Bartlett David C. , Lloyd Carla , McKiernan Patrick J. , Newsome Phil N.
Published: February 2014

Background

Tyrosinaemia type 1 (HT1) is a rare disorder of tyrosine metabolism leading to liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment previously consisted of dietary restriction and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) but was transformed by the introduction of nitisinone in 1992. We describe the impact of nitisinone on the outcome and need for OLT in a single centre.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of patients treated for HT1 at Birmingham Children's Hospital from 1989–2009.

Results

Thirty eight patients were treated during the study period. Prior to 1992 6/7 (85.7 %) underwent OLT compared to 7/31 (22.6 %) after 1992 (p = 0.004) when nitisinone treatment was available. Furthermore, nitisinone‐treated patients proceeding to OLT started treatment at a median age of 428 (86–821) days compared to 52 (2–990) days in those who did not (p = 0.004). Pre‐OLT calculated glomerular filtration rate (cGFR) was similar in both groups but nitisinone prevented early decline after OLT (pre‐nitisinone median 99.8 to 45.8 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.02 versus nitisinone‐treated group median 104.3 to 89.9 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.5). Urinary protein:creatinine ratio (PCR) fell post‐OLT to within the normal range for those treated with nitisinone but remained elevated in those not treated with nitisinone. Tubular reabsorption of phosphate (TRP) was normal or near normal in both groups pre‐OLT and post‐OLT. Hypertension was commoner and more severe in those not treated with nitisinone.

Conclusions

Nitisinone reduces the need for OLT particularly when started early. For those progressing to OLT the use of prior nitisinone therapy results in a preservation of their subsequent renal function.
Synthesis and Properties of a Cationic Gemini Surfactant with the Hydrophenanthrene Structure
Authors: Pei Li‐jun , Cai Zhao‐sheng , Shang Shi‐bin , Song Zhan‐qian
Published: February 2014

A novel cationic gemini surfactant with the hydrophenanthrene structure has been synthesized from dehydroabietylamine. Its structure was confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, and elemental analysis. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the surfactant and its surface tension at the CMC (γCMC) in aqueous solution were about 1.58 × 10−5 mol L−1 and 36.6 mN m−1 at 25 °C, respectively. The emulsion composed of equal amounts of benzene and an aqueous solution with 0.1 % gemini surfactant as emulsifier maintained its stability for 8.5 h. Meanwhile, the antimicrobial activities of the gemini surfactant against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia aerogenes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis were much better than those of bromogeramine and ampicillin sodium against the same bacteria, and its minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were 16, 32, and 4 μg mL−1, respectively.
Performance-based ship management contracts using the Shipping KPI standard
Authors: Rialland Agathe , Nesheim Dag Atle , Norbeck Jan Arthur , Rødseth Ørnulf Jan
Published: February 2014

An important benefit of performance-based contracts is a better risk and profit-sharing mechanism and by that a means to overcome the “split incentive” problem in current shipping contracts. “Split incentive” means that the risk or cost of implementing beneficial measures does not fall on the same party that gets the benefits. However, performance-based contracts do not come without challenges. These are related to defining commonly agreed performance measurements and an incentive scheme that can counteract problems like allocative efficiency and information asymmetry. This paper gives an example of how these challenges can be addressed by using the Shipping KPI standard. The purpose of the paper is to show how a standard set of key performance indicator definitions and corresponding benchmark values can greatly simplify the design of a performance-based contracts scheme by providing well-defined references for both owner and manager. This is done by creating a bonus and penalty scheme where the payment is related to a single variable (budget performance), while a number of quality indicators control whether a bonus will be paid at all. The paper will discuss this principle in relationship to problems identified in literature on performance-based contracting and ship management and provide an overview of possible strengths and weaknesses.
Resistant starch and arabinoxylan augment SCFA absorption, but affect postprandial glucose and insulin responses differently
Authors: Ingerslev Anne Krog , Theil Peter Kappel , Hedemann Mette Skou , Lærke Helle Nygaard , Bach Knudsen Knud Erik
Published: February 2014

The effects of increased colonic fermentation of dietary fibres (DF) on the net portal flux (NPF) of carbohydrate-derived metabolites (glucose, SCFA and, especially, butyrate), hormones (insulin, C-peptide, glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide) and NEFA were studied in a healthy catheterised pig model. A total of six pigs weighing 59 (sem1·6) kg were fitted with catheters in the mesenteric artery and in the portal and hepatic veins, and a flow probe around the portal vein, and included in a double 3 × 3 cross-over design with three daily feedings (at 09.00, 14.00 and 19.00 hours). Fasting and 5 h postprandial blood samples were collected after 7 d adaptation to each diet. The pigs were fed a low-DF Western-style control diet (WSD) and two high-DF diets (an arabinoxylan-enriched diet (AXD) and a resistant starch-enriched diet (RSD)). The NPF of insulin was lower (P= 0·04) in AXD-fed pigs (4·6 nmol/h) than in RSD-fed pigs (10·5 nmol/h), despite the lowest NPF of glucose being observed in RSD-fed pigs (203 mmol/h,P= 0·02). The NPF of total SCFA, acetate, propionate and butyrate were high, intermediate and low (P< 0·01) in AXD-, RSD- and WSD-fed pigs, respectively, with the largest relative increase being observed for butyrate in response to arabinoxylan supplementation. In conclusion, the RSD and AXD had different effects on the NPF of insulin and glucose, suggesting different impacts of arabinoxylan and resistant starch on human health.
Dietary supplementation with tributyrin alleviates intestinal injury in piglets challenged with intrarectal administration of acetic acid
Authors: Hou Yongqing , Wang Lei , Yi Dan , Ding Binying , Chen Xing , Wang Qingjing , Zhu Huiling , Liu Yulan , Yin Yulong , Gong Joshua , Wu Guoyao
Published: February 2014

Tributyrin (TBU) is a good dietary source of butyrate and has beneficial effects on the maintenance of normal intestinal morphology. The present study tested the hypothesis that dietary TBU supplementation could alleviate intestinal injury in the acetic acid (ACA)-induced porcine model of colitis. A total of eighteen piglets (25 d old) were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups (control, ACA and TBU). The control and ACA groups were fed a basal diet and the TBU group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 0·1 % TBU. On day 15 of the trial, under anaesthesia, a soft catheter was inserted into the rectum of piglets (20–25 cm from the anus), followed by administration of either saline (control group) or ACA (10 ml of 10 % ACA solution for ACA and TBU groups). On day 22 of the trial, after venous blood samples were collected, piglets were killed to obtain mid-ileum and mid-colon mucosae. Compared with the control group, the ACA group exhibited an increase (P< 0·05) in lymphocyte counts, creatinine, PGE2, and malondialdehyde concentrations and diamine oxidase and inducible NO synthase activities in the plasma and lymphocyte density in the colon and a decrease in insulin concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity, ileal villus height:crypt depth ratios and goblet cell numbers in the colon. These adverse effects of ACA were attenuated by TBU supplementation. Moreover, TBU prevented the ACA-induced increase in caspase-3 levels while enhancing claudin-1 protein and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mRNA expression in the colonic mucosa. Collectively, these results indicate that dietary supplementation with 0·1 % TBU alleviates ACA-induced intestinal injury possibly by inhibiting apoptosis, promoting tight-junction formation and activating EGFR signalling.
Breast cancer risk prediction accuracy in Jewish Israeli high-risk women using the BOADICEA and IBIS risk models
Authors: LAITMAN YAEL , SIMEONOV MONICA , KEINAN-BOKER LITAL , LIPHSHITZ IRENA , FRIEDMAN EITAN
Published: February 2014

Several breast cancer risk prediction models have been validated in ethnically diverse populations, but none in Israeli high-risk women. To validate the accuracy of the IBIS and BOADICEA risk prediction models in Israeli high-risk women, the 10-year and lifetime risk for developing breast cancer were calculated using both BOADICEA and IBIS models for high-risk, cancer-free women, counselled at the Sheba Medical Center from 1 June 1996–31 May 2000. Women diagnosed with breast cancer by 31 May 2011 were identified from the Israeli National Cancer Registry. The observed to expected breast cancer ratios were calculated to evaluate the predictive value of both algorithms. Overall, 358 mostly (N = 205, 57·2%) Ashkenazi women, were eligible, age range at counselling was 20–75 years (mean 46·76 ± 9·8 years). Over 13·6 ± 1·45 years (range 11–16 years), 15 women (4·19%) were diagnosed with breast cancer, at a mean age of 57 ± 8·6 years. The 10-year risks assigned by BOADICEA and IBIS ranged from 0·2 to 12·6% and 0·89 to 21·7%, respectively. The observed:expected breast cancer ratio was 15/18·6 (0·8–95% CI 0·48–1·33) and 15/28·6 (0·52–95% CI 0·32–0·87), using both models, respectively. In Jewish Israeli high-risk women the BOADICEA model has a better predictive value and accuracy in determining 10-year breast cancer risk than the IBIS model.
The Divine Human Being
Authors: Koester Helmut
Published: February 2014

The belief in the greatness of individual human beings who are acknowledged as benefactors of the city, the nation, and humankind is as old as the beginnings of Western culture. When the first Christian apostles encountered this belief, it was already well established in the Greco-Roman world. And, with all its intriguing lure, it is still an important and pervasive current in our present situation. Indeed, this belief is very much alive as all of us face the demand for excellence in our teaching and our studies, as well as the expectation that graduates will emerge as recognized leaders in religious communities and in our society at large.
Salivary gland pathology in the paediatric population: implications for management and presentation of a rare case
Authors: Jablenska L , Trinidade A , Meranagri V , Kothari P
Published: February 2014

Introduction:

Salivary gland pathology in the paediatric population is rare and can present management challenges regarding both investigation and treatment.

Method:

Case report and review of available literature.

Results:

A seven-year-old, fit, well girl presented with a two-month history of a painless mass over the left parotid area. Ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a well-defined, 1.5 × 2 cm, predominantly solid lesion with minor internal cystic spaces arising from the superficial part of the gland. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no invasion of the deep lobe or skeletal erosion. Superficial parotidectomy was performed via a facelift incision. Histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma. Review of the literature emphasised important differences in managing this pathology in the paediatric population when compared with adults.

Conclusion:

We present the youngest reported case of a pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland, detail its management, and discuss the general approach to parotid pathology management in the paediatric population.
Infantile haemangiopericytoma: a rare congenital cervical tumour
Authors: Farrar E M , Bates J E H , Bitetti S , Bruce I A
Published: February 2014

Objective:

Infantile haemangiopericytoma is a rare childhood vascular tumour of borderline malignancy and unpredictable clinical course. It can present a diagnostic challenge due to indeterminate clinical, radiological and pathological features. This report presents the case of a large congenital haemangiopericytoma of the neck in a neonate, and discusses diagnosis, imaging, pathology and surgical management.

Clinical presentation:

A full-term neonate presented with a large posterior neck mass at birth. Pre-operative radiological appearances were suggestive of teratoma, but following surgical excision the diagnosis of infantile haemangiopericytoma was confirmed on histological analysis. There were no signs of recurrence at 12-month follow up.

Conclusion:

Haemangiopericytoma can follow an aggressive course in adults, including local recurrence and metastasis. The infantile variant is rare but typically follows a distinct clinical course, and is associated with more benign behaviour compared with similar tumours in adults and children over one year. Congenital haemangiopericytoma can be effectively treated with surgery, without requiring adjuvant therapy.