bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential application of ocular and cervical vestibular‐evoked myogenic potentials in meniere's disease: A review
Authors: Young Yi‐Ho
Published: October 2012

By stimulating the ear with air‐conducted sound or bone‐conducted vibration stimuli, vestibular‐evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) can be recorded on the contracted neck muscles, termed cervical VEMP (cVEMP), and on the extraocular muscles, termed ocular VEMP (oVEMP). These two electrophysiological tests expand the test battery for clinicians to explore the dynamic otolithic function, adding a potential usefulness to the sacculocollic reflex and vestibulo‐ocular reflex, respectively. The inner ear test battery, including audiometry, and cVEMP, oVEMP and caloric tests, is designed for complete evaluation of the inner ear function, namely, the cochlea, saccule, utricle, and semicircular canals, respectively. Using this test battery to study the localization and prevalence of hydrops formation reveals that the declining function in the cochlea, saccule, utricle, and semicircular canals mimics the declining sequence of hydrops formation in temporal bone studies. This study reviewed the physiological results in Meniere's patients via the inner ear test battery, especially the potential application of the oVEMP and cVEMP tests, to correlate with the histopathological findings of Meniere's disease. Laryngoscope, 2012
Malignant melanoma induces migration and invasion of adult mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Watts Tammara L. , Cui Ruwen
Published: October 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine if melanoma cells secrete chemotactic factors that result in the migration of multipotent stem cells.

Study Design:

In vitro cell culture.

Methods:

Chemotaxis and invasion of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was determined using the modified Boyden chamber assay. Quantification of growth factors secreted by melanoma cells (A375) was determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

Conditioned A375 melanoma media caused significant migration and invasion of hMSCs compared to serum‐free controls and conditioned media from normal melanocytes (P < .0001). The migratory effect appeared maximal after the A375 media was conditioned for 48 hours. Physiologically relevant concentrations of fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF2) (90 pg/mL) secreted by A375 melanoma cells caused significant migration of hMSCs (P < .001) compared to serum‐free and normal melanocyte controls. Neutralization of FGF2 inhibited the migration of hMSCs to that of the negative controls (conditioned media from normal melanocytes).

Conclusions:

The melanoma tumor microenvironment may be maintained through chemotaxis and invasion of multipotent hMSCs, and this migratory effect appears to be mediated in part through secretion of FGF2 by melanoma cells. Laryngoscope, 2012
Congenital neurocristic tumor of the head and neck
Authors: Patel Sapna , Rudzinski Erin , Perkins Jonathan
Published: October 2012

Neurocristic tumors are rare growths with a predilection for the scalp region. These lesions have a highly variable appearance and an unpredictable course. Long‐term surveillance is recommended due to their potential for recurrence and possible malignant transformation into melanoma. The following is a report on congenital neurocristic tumor of the scalp and neck region. Laryngoscope, 2013
Current use of intralesional cidofovir for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
Authors: Derkay Craig S. , Volsky Peter G. , Rosen Clark A. , Pransky Seth M. , McMurray J. Scott , Chadha Neil K. , Froehlich Patrick
Published: October 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The authors sought to define the indications, administration, and adverse events associated with intralesional cidofovir use for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP).

Study Design:

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods:

A 21‐question online survey was distributed to 115 selected adult and pediatric laryngeal surgeons internationally. Results were used to draft statements of best practice, which were approved by the full membership of the RRP Task Force.

Results:

Eighty‐two surgeons, who altogether presently manage 3,043 patients with RRP, responded to the survey. Seventy‐four surgeons previously used cidofovir, reporting 1,248 patients in the last decade (estimated 801 adults and 447 children). Single indications for adjuvant cidofovir included six or more surgeries per year, increasing frequency of surgery, and extralaryngeal spread (in children). Most adult surgeons use 20 to 40 mg in <4 mL; pediatric surgeons use <20 mg in <2 mL. Scheduled administration following an initiation trial of five injections is common; cidofovir is discontinued following a complete response. Most surgeons biopsy routinely, use special informed consent, and are willing to participate in multi‐institutional clinical trials on cidofovir uses, efficacy, and safety.

Conclusions:

Eighteen statements were approved by the RRP Task Force after discussion of the survey results. Intralesional cidofovir may be initiated if surgical debulking is required every 2 to 3 months. The concept of an adjuvant regimen with regular biopsy is favored. Administration should remain below established safe limits of dosing (3 mg/kg) and volume. Informed consent, including discussion of off‐label use and acute kidney injury in children, is important. A special consent form sample is included. There remains a need for high‐quality data. Laryngoscope, 2013
The new database Seed Oil Fatty Acids (SOFA)
Authors: Matthäus Bertrand
Published: October 2012

After more than three years the internet‐based database “Seed Oil Fatty Acids” (SOFA) is available again (http://sofa.mri.bund.de) free of charge after registration. This database is a unique collection of information about the fatty acid composition of wild plant seeds. The data were collected from the appropriate pharmaceutical, botanical and chemical literature over a period of more than 40 years. With financial assistance from the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection via the lead partner Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR) the new database system based on mySQL and PHP as source language was created. Currently more than 18.000 different tables with about 130.000 individual data sets are searchable from the database. Additionally the database contains about 600 different fatty acids with more than 2.500 synonyms. The search for a defined (e. g. unusual or technically interesting) fatty acid or plant (family, genus, species) which contains this fatty acid is possible online. This search can be done by use of synonyms for the fatty acid (trivial name, systematic name) but also by using substructures of the fatty acid defined by an alpha‐numeric delta‐notation. It is possible to combine the search for different fatty acids by Boolean operators such as “AND” and “OR”. This paper gives an overview about the application of the different search forms and provides search examples.
Bio‐based adipic acid from renewable oils
Authors: Beardslee Thomas , Picataggio Stephen
Published: October 2012

Adipic acid (hexanedioic acid, C6H10O4) is a high‐volume dicarboxylic acid used as a chemical intermediate in the commercial manufacture of nylon 6,6, thermoplastic polyurethane resins, plasticizers, adhesives and synthetic lubricants, with an estimated global market worth approximately $6.3 billion. We report here the development of a robust industrial yeast strain and fermentation process for production of bio‐based adipic acid at high yield and selectivity from any vegetable oil, regardless of its fatty acid composition. Bio‐based adipic acid could alleviate many of the drawbacks associated with adipic acid produced from petrochemical sources and offer a sustainable alternative to benzene price swings as well as a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Influence of gut microbiota and manipulation by probiotics and prebiotics on host tissue fat: Potential clinical implications
Authors: Wall Rebecca , Ross Paul R. , Shanahan Fergus , Quigley Eamonn M , Dinan Timothy G. , Cryan John F. , Fitzgerald Gerald F. , Stanton Catherine
Published: October 2012

The gut microbiota is considered as one of the most important environmental factors impacting on host metabolism, contributing to variations in body weight, fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism. Modification of the gut microbiota by dietary interventions such as probiotics and prebiotics may favourably affect host lipid metabolism. We have shown that microbial metabolism in the gut, and its manipulation by administered microbes can influence fatty acid composition of a number of organs in the host. Furthermore, a prebiotic approach was shown to alter polyunsaturated fatty acids in white adipose tissue. Although a deeper knowledge of the interactions between members of the gut microbiota and fatty acids is needed, nutritional modulation of this complex community may represent a realistic target for modification of host fatty acid composition.
Methoxypoly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐Poly(L‐glutamic acid)‐Loaded Cisplatin and a Combination With iRGD for the Treatment of Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancers
Authors: Song Wantong , Li Mingqiang , Tang Zhaohui , Li Quanshun , Yang Yan , Liu Huaiyu , Duan Taicheng , Hong Hua , Chen Xuesi
Published: October 2012

CDDP is loaded into methoxypoly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(L‐glutamic acid) (mPEG‐b‐PLG), and a combination with iRGD is applied for NSCLC chemotherapy. The CDDP‐loaded micelles show sustained cisplatin release in PBS, dose‐ and time‐dependent inhibition to HeLa and A549 cell proliferation, and no apparent hemolysis activities. In in vivo studies using subcutaneous NSCLC xenograft models (A549), both free CDDP and CDDP‐loaded micelles show an evident anti‐tumor effect. However, the toxicity of CDDP is significantly reduced in the cases of CDDP‐loaded micelles and co‐administration with iRGD, and the survival time is prolonged by over 30%. Therefore, mPEG‐b‐PLG‐loaded cisplatin and the combination with iRGD provides a promising new therapy for NSCLC.

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Effects of pH value and temperature of solution on the removal efficiency of support material
Authors: Kuo C.‐C. , Tsou Y.‐C.
Published: October 2012

Removing support material from rapid prototyping part fabricated by fused deposition modeling is required when the object is completed. Removing support material from rapid prototyping part system rapidly and efficiently is an important concern because the product life cycle is shorter than before. Effects of pH value and temperature of solution on the removal efficiency of support material were investigated in this study. Both pH value and temperature of the solution contribute to the removal efficiency of support material. The saving in the removing time of up to 83.4% is achieved by integrating two effects. The trend equation of y = 293.42x + 544.72 is capable of predicting the removing time. Removing time (y) can be predicted directly from the volume of support material (x). The error rate can be controlled within 5.11%. Surface roughness improvement rate of up to 46.3% is achieved using the solution with a pH value of 13 and a temperature of 95°C.
Study on contact stresses of un‐stepped rounded D‐ring under uniform squeeze rate and internal pressure by photoelastic experimental hybrid method
Authors: Mose B. R. , Hawong J.‐S.
Published: October 2012

The stresses that occur in an un‐stepped rounded D‐ring loaded with various internal pressures and compressed to a 20% squeeze rate are analyzed using photoelastic experimental hybrid method. The analysis shows that the contact stresses on both the upper and front sides of the D‐ring increase as the applied internal pressure increases with the magnitudes of σX and σY being considerably higher than those of τXY. At a pressure of zero and 20% compression, the isochromatic fringe patterns of the un‐stepped D‐ring are almost symmetrical. However, as the internal pressure applied to the D‐ring increases the isochromatic fringe patterns shift and curve smoothly towards the extrusion gap making the upper and front sides to be more stressed than the lower side. At a pressure of 1.96 MPa and above, the contact stresses on the upper side were found to be almost constant along the contact length. By supplying a fillet radius of 2.1 mm at the corners of the un‐stepped D‐ring the high stresses at the corners were reduced by up to 45%. The results from the study further demonstrated that the un‐stepped rounded D‐ring with a ratio of r/d = 0.3 to be can be an alternative choice to the O‐ring for sealing applications. Interestingly, the pressures that the un‐stepped D‐ring can withstand before extrusion are higher than those of an O‐ring.
A numerical technique for solving fractional variational problems
Authors: Khader M. M. , Hendy A. S.
Published: October 2012

This paper presents an accurate numerical method for solving a class of fractional variational problems (FVPs). The fractional derivative in these problems is in the Caputo sense. The proposed method is called fractional Chebyshev finite difference method. In this technique, we approximate FVPs and end up with a finite‐dimensional problem. The method is based on the combination of the useful properties of Chebyshev polynomials approximation and finite difference method. The Caputo fractional derivative is replaced by a difference quotient and the integral by a finite sum. The fractional derivative approximation using Clenshaw and Curtis formula introduced here, along with Clenshaw and Curtis procedure for the numerical integration of a non‐singular functions and the Rayleigh–Ritz method for the constrained extremum, is considered. By this method, the given problem is reduced to the problem for solving a system of algebraic equations, and by solving this system, we obtain the solution of FVPs. Special attention is given to study the convergence analysis and evaluate an error upper bound of the obtained approximate formula. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the proposed technique. A comparison with another method is given. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconstruction of curves with minimal energy using a blending interpolator
Authors: Sun Qinghua , Bao Fangxun , Pan Jianxun , Duan Qi
Published: October 2012

A weighted blending interpolator, a kind of smooth rational spline based only on function values, is constructed using a rational cubic spline and a polynomial spline. In order to meet the needs of practical design, a new control method is employed to control the shape of curves. The advantage of the method is that it can be applied to modify the local shape of an interpolating curve by selecting suitable parameters and weight coefficients simply. Also, when the weight coefficient is in [0,1], the error estimation formula of this interpolator is obtained. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Special functions and systems in Hermitian Clifford analysis
Authors: Schepper Nele De , Peña Dixan Peña , Sommen Frank
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we study some new special functions that arise naturally within the framework of Hermitian Clifford analysis, which concerns the study of Dirac‐like systems in several complex variables. In particular, we focus on Hermite polynomials, Bessel functions, and generalized powers. We also derive a Vekua system for solutions of Hermitian systems in axially symmetric domains. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are transversus abdominis/oblique internal and pelvic floor muscles coactivated during pregnancy and postpartum?
Authors: Pereira Larissa Carvalho , Botelho Simone , Marques Joseane , Amorim Cesar Ferreira , Lanza Ana Helena , Palma Paulo , Riccetto Cassio
Published: October 2012

Aim

The aim of this study was to simultaneously evaluate both transversus abdominis/internal oblique (Tra/IO) and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) during isometric exercises in nulliparous, pregnant, and postpartum women.

Methods

The study included 81 women divided into four groups: (G1) nulliparous women without urinary symptoms (n = 20); (G2) primigravid pregnant women with gestational age ≥24 weeks (n = 25); (G3) primiparous postpartum women after vaginal delivery with right mediolateral episiotomy (n = 19); (G4) primiparous postpartum women after cesarean section delivery, with 40 to 60 days of postpartum (n = 17). The assessment consisted of simultaneous surface electromyography (EMGs) of the PFM and Tra/IO, during three isometric maximum voluntary contractions.

Results

Only nulliparous women presented significant simultaneous Tra/IO and PFM co‐activation when asked to contract PFM (P = 0.0007) or Tra/IO (P = 0.00001).

Conclusions

There is co‐activation of the transversus abdominis/internal oblique and the pelvic floor muscles in young, asymptomatic nulliparous women. This pattern was modified in primigravid pregnant and primiparous postpartum women regardless of the delivery mode. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 416–419, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Indwelling urinary catheterization after acute stroke
Authors: Wu Chun‐Hsien , Tseng Mei‐Chiun , Chen Yu‐Wei , Sung Sheng‐Feng , Yeh Poh‐Shiow , Lin Huey‐Juan
Published: October 2012

Aims

Prolonged indwelling urinary catheterization (IUC) increases risk of urinary tract infection. We aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors associated with IUC following acute stroke, and its impact on stroke outcome.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled stroke patients hospitalized within 10 days after onset from August 2006 to December 2008. Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the cumulative incidence of IUC, and Cox regression analysis to evaluate the independent predictors. The impact of IUC on poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale >2 or dead) at 3 months was studied by logistic regression.

Results

Of 2,803 patients, 697 (25%) received indwelling urinary catheters. Catheterization was carried out mostly within 1–2 days of admission (86%), with estimated cumulative incidence of 13% (95% confidence interval, 11–14%) at 2 days in patients with ischemic stroke (IS), and 57% (53–61%) in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In IS patients, IUC was significantly associated with increasing age, baseline stroke severity, and neurological deterioration. In ICH patients, stroke severity on admission was the only significant predictor after adjustment. We assessed the 3‐month outcome in 2,388 patients, after excluding 177 (6%) dead at discharge, 164 (6%) without providing informed consent, and 74 (3%) lost to follow‐up. IUC during acute hospitalization was significantly associated with unfavorable 3‐month outcome after adjustment.

Conclusions

IUC was common in acute stroke care and associated with unfavorable outcome at 3 months. Whether judicious use of urinary catheters in acute stroke patients would improve outcomes may warrant further studies. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 480–485, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrocardiogram‐triggered, higher order, projection‐based B0 shimming allows for fast and reproducible shim convergence in spinal cord 1H MRS
Authors: Hock Andreas , Fuchs Alexander , Boesiger Peter , Kollias Spyros S. , Henning Anke
Published: October 2012

1H MRS allows insight into the chemical composition of the central nervous system. However, as a result of technical challenges, it has rarely been applied to the spinal cord. In particular, the strong susceptibility changes around the spinal cord and the pulsatile flow of the cerebrospinal fluid lead to distinct B0 field distortions which often considerably degrade the spectral quality. Hence, B0 shimming is one of the main challenges in 1H MRS of the spinal cord. Electrocardiogram (ECG)‐triggered, higher order, projection‐based B0 shimming was introduced and compared with both conventional projection‐based B0 shimming and B0 shimming based on ECG‐triggered, three‐dimensional B0 field mapping. The linewidth of the unsuppressed water peak was used to evaluate the reproducibility and the potential improvement to B0 homogeneity. The use of ECG‐triggered projection‐based B0 shimming in combination with ECG triggering during preparation phases and triggering during acquisition of the spectra is the most robust method and thus helps to improve the spectral quality for MRS of the spinal cord. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic three‐dimensional imaging of phosphocreatine recovery kinetics in the human lower leg muscles at 3T and 7T: a preliminary study
Authors: Parasoglou Prodromos , Xia Ding , Chang Gregory , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: October 2012

The rate of phosphocreatine (PCr) resynthesis after physical exercise has been extensively studied with phosphorus (31P)‐MRS. Previous studies have used small surface coils that were limited to measuring one superficial muscle per experiment. This study focuses on the development and implementation of a spectrally selective three‐dimensional turbo spin echo (3D‐TSE) sequence at 3T and 7T with temporal resolution of 24 s, using two geometrically identical volume coils. We acquired imaging data of PCr recovery from four healthy volunteers and one diabetic patient, who performed plantar flexions using resistance bands. We segmented the anatomical regions of six different muscles from the lower leg, namely the gastrocnemius [lateral (GL) and medial (GM)], the tibialis [anterior (TA) and posterior (TP)], the soleus (S) and the peroneus (P) and measured the local PCr resynthesis rate constants. During the same examination, we also acquired unlocalized 31P‐MRS data at a temporal resolution of 6 s.

At 3T, the PCr resynthesis rate constants were measured at 25.4 ± 3.7 s [n = 4, mean ± standard deviation (SD)] using the MRS method and 25.6 ± 4.4 s using the MRI method. At 7T, the measured rates were 26.4 ± 3.2 s and 26.2 ± 4.7 s for MRS and MRI. Using our imaging method, we measured the local PCr resynthesis rate constants in six individual muscles of the lower leg (min/max 20.2/31.7 s). The recovery rate constants measured for the diabetic patient were 55.5 s (MRS) and 52.7 s (MRI).

The successful implementation of our 3D‐method suggests that imaging is possible at both fields with a relatively high spatial resolution (voxel size: 4.2 mL at 3T and 1.6 mL at 7T) using volume coils and that local PCr resynthesis rates can be obtained in a single measurement. The advantage of the imaging method is that it can highlight differences in PCr resynthesis rates between different muscles in a single measurement in order to study spatial gradients of metabolic properties of diseased states for which very little is currently known. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recording Specific Entheseal Changes of Fibrocartilaginous Entheses: Initial Tests Using the Coimbra Method
Authors: Henderson C. Y. , Mariotti V. , Pany‐Kucera D. , Villotte S. , Wilczak C.
Published: October 2012

A working group was established in 2009 during a workshop in Coimbra, Portugal to review the various methodologies used to record entheseal changes (EC) and develop a standardised system to facilitate comparisons across studies. This paper presents the first results of the Coimbra method, a new qualitative method for recording fibrocartilaginous entheses based on the types of changes observed.

Materials and methods: The new method divides the enthesis into a margin (only the area opposite the acute angle of fibre attachment) and surface (which also includes the remaining margin). Five features are recorded: bone formation, erosion, fine porosity, macro‐porosity and cavitation. A total of 67 male skeletons from the identified SIMON collection, Geneva, Switzerland, all of whom were manual workers and aged between 20 and 79 years, were used for this study. Six skeletons were used by the authors as exemplars to determine standard criteria for recording each change. Thirty male skeletons were selected to test intra‐observer and inter‐observer error of the new method. An additional 31 skeletons were used for a preliminary test of the relationship between EC and age, using exploratory statistics and ordinal regression.

Results: Intra‐observer and inter‐observer error had a similar percentage agreement of around 70%. The exploratory statistics indicated a general trend for increased scores of each feature with age, but ordinal regression demonstrated that this was not statistically significant (p < 0.05) for all features.

Discussion: The recording method is repeatable for some entheses. The effect of the ageing process is dependent on enthesis and EC feature. Unlike most methods, the Coimbra method records EC features in detail; this has the advantage of allowing studies of the relationship between different EC and age as well as sex and occupation. Further studies on larger identified skeletal collections are needed to test the effect of age, sex and occupation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Air‐dried 3D‐collagen–chitosan biocomposite scaffold for tissue engineering application
Authors: Kumar B. Santhosh , Aigal Sahaja , Ramesh D. Vijaya
Published: October 2012

Collagen–chitosan scaffolds of different compositions were developed using emulsion air‐drying method. The scaffolds prepared adding 10–30 wt% of chitosan to collagen improved the mechanical properties of the composite scaffold, and 7:3 ratio (collagen :chitosan) was found to be a better composite having a tensile strength of 13.57 MPa with 9% elongation at break. The water‐uptake characteristics were performed at different pH and found to be ameliorated for the composite scaffolds compared to pure collagen and chitosan scaffold, respectively. The pores ranging from 100 to 300 μm were well interconnected, and their distribution was fairly homogeneous in the scaffold as observed through scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the scaffold decreased the bacterial counts and supported fibroblasts attachment and proliferation, thus demonstrating this composite to be a good substrate for biomedical application.POLYM. COMPOS., 33:2029–2035, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of electrospun polyurethane/inorganic‐particles nanofibers
Authors: Han Xiao‐Jian , Huang Zheng‐Ming , Huang Chen , Du Zhao‐Fang , Wang Hao , Wang Jian , He Chuang‐Long , Wu Qing‐Sheng
Published: October 2012

To develop a novel functional fibrous scaffold, a blend‐electrospinning technique was applied to transfer polyurethane/inorganic‐particles solutions into nanofibers, in which titanium dioxide, copper, or/and silver nanoparticles were used. The resultant nanofibers were subsequently characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and tensile mechanical test. Furthermore, the structural change and the thermal properties of the electrospun fabrics were examined by X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Antibacterial performance of the resulting nanofibrous mats on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was also measured. Experimental results have shown that when the ratio of polyurethane solution and titanium dioxide sol was in 3.5:1, 89.55% of the Escherichia coli and 82.35% of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were killed under a UV‐light activation. However, the introduction of silver or/and cuprum nanoparticles into the polyurethane/TiO2 (in the ratio of 3.5:1) nanofibers led to a significant improvement in their antibacterial ability without any photocatalysis.POLYM. COMPOS., 33:2045–2057, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Flammability and thermal characterization of PMMA/clay nanocomposites and thermal kinetics analysis
Authors: Pandey Priyanka , Anbudayanidhi S. , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K
Published: October 2012

A detailed study of thermal stability of Poly (Methyl methacrylate)/layered silicate nanocomposites has been carried out in this work. Commercially modified nanoclays such as cloisite 30B (30B), cloisite 93A (C93A) and Na‐MMT and in‐house modified Na‐MMT were used as nanofiller in this study. All the systems were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal conductivity. Investigations revealed the improved thermal properties of PMMA nanocomposites and the validity of Ozawa and Kissinger for the PMMA nanocomposites were also confirmed. Detailed study on thermal degradation kinetics using Ozawa and Kissinger model was carried out. The flammability of the materials has been investigated by cone calorimeter experiment, which showed reduced flammability of the nanocomposites. Formation of protective char layers during burning of nanocomposites was also observed through SEM analysis.POLYM. COMPOS., 33:2058–2071, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dehydropyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Two Cryptantha Species: Including Two New Open Chain Diesters One of Which is Amphoteric
Authors: Colegate Steven M. , Gardner Dale R. , Davis T. Zane , Betz Joseph M. , Panter Kip E.
Published: October 2012

Introduction

A livestock poisoning outbreak near Kingman, Arizona, USA, potentially linked to dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids, prompted an evaluation of some local plants for the presence of these hepatotoxic alkaloids.

Objective

To qualitatively and quantitatively examine two species of Cryptantha, a Boraginaceous genus previously shown to produce potentially toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, collected from the vicinity of Kingman, Arizona.

Method

Plant extracts were analysed using HPLC–electrospray ionisation (+)–MS and MS/MS to determine the presence of dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid esters. Identities were confirmed by comparison of chromatographic and MS data with authenticated standards and, in the case of the previously undescribed alkaloids, using one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy and high‐resolution mass measurement.

Results

Cryptantha inequata and C. utahensis were shown to produce retronecine‐based dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids at approximately 0.05% and 0.09% w/w respectively. Cryptantha inequata produced mainly echimidine, acetylechimidine and echiuplatine; dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids that were previously associated with Echium plantagineum. The previously undescribed structure of echiuplatine was elucidated as an amphoteric, open chain diester with angelic acid and 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaric acid. Along with lycopsamine, intermedine and dihydroxyechiumine, C. utahensis produced cryptanthine, a previously undescribed open chain diester alkaloid esterified with angelic acid and 2,3‐dihydroxy‐2‐methylbutanoic acid. All pyrrolizidine alkaloids detected were present in the plants mainly as their N‐oxides.

Conclusion

The retronecine‐based alkaloids detected in both Cryptantha species herein investigated aligns them within the Krynitzkia subgenus. The dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids detected are expected to be toxic but the low levels in the plants potentially mitigate the risk. The identification of the amphoteric echiuplatine provides a cautionary note with respect to the analysis of total dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid content. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Design of Experiment Approach for the Process Optimisation of Microwave Assisted Extraction of Lupeol fromFicus racemosaLeaves Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Das Anup Kumar , Mandal Vivekananda , Mandal Subhash C.
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Triterpenoids are a group of important phytocomponents fromFicus racemosa(syn.Ficus glomerata Roxb.) that are known to possess diverse pharmacological activities and which have prompted the development of various extraction techniques and strategies for its better utilisation.

Objective

To develop an effective, rapid and ecofriendly microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) strategy to optimise the extraction of a potent bioactive triterpenoid compound, lupeol, from young leaves ofFicus racemosausing response surface methodology (RSM) for industrial scale‐up.

Material and Method

Initially a Plackett–Burman design matrix was applied to identify the most significant extraction variables amongst microwave power, irradiation time, particle size, solvent:sample ratio loading, varying solvent strength and pre‐leaching time on lupeol extraction. Among the six variables tested, microwave power, irradiation time and solvent–sample/loading ratio were found to have a significant effect (P < 0.05) on lupeol extraction and were fitted to a Box–Behnken‐design‐generated quadratic polynomial equation to predict optimal extraction conditions as well as to locate operability regions with maximum yield.

Results

The optimal conditions were microwave power of 65.67% of 700 W, extraction time of 4.27 min and solvent–sample ratio loading of 21.33 mL/g. Confirmation trials under the optimal conditions gave an experimental yield (18.52 µg/g of dry leaves) close to the RSM predicted value of 18.71 µg/g.

Conclusion

Under the optimal conditions the mathematical model was found to be well fitted with the experimental data. The MAE was found to be a more rapid, convenient and appropriate extraction method, with a higher yield and lower solvent consumption when compared with conventional extraction techniques. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal ventriculomegaly due to familial submicroscopic terminal 6q deletions
Authors: Wadt Karin , Jensen Lisa Neerup , Bjerglund Lise , Lundstrøm Majken , Kirchhoff Maria , Kjaergaard Susanne
Published: October 2012

Submicroscopic terminal 6q deletions are rare. We report on two familial submicroscopic terminal 6q deletions ascertained because of prenatally detected isolated ventriculomegaly and further delineate the variable prenatal and postnatal phenotype. We review published cases of <5 Mb terminal 6q deletions. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diabetes in primary schools: overcoming barriers to good care
Authors: Edge Julie A
Published: October 2012

With increasing numbers of children being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at younger ages, and intensification of insulin regimens, many more children require support with their diabetes at primary school. I report here our own experience of setting up a structure for support in schools based on trained volunteers who can supervise or administer insulin with pens or pumps, and who do so based on intensive management including carbohydrate counting and correction doses.

There is a clear legal framework to support families asking for help in schools but still no compulsion on schools to provide a member of staff to carry out care, which has to rely on volunteers. We have, however, negotiated a system with our primary care trust and local authority whereby diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs) train up volunteers identified by the school, and, together with the parents, draw up a comprehensive medical management plan. The volunteers are then trained by the DSN, and the parent agrees to go into the school to supervise until both the volunteer and parent are happy that they are competent, when the DSN then goes back into school to certify competence. This has taken several years to complete, but all schools in Oxfordshire but one have agreed to work according to this guidance so that over 130 children now receive appropriate care in school. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons.
Implementing psychological assessments required by the Best Practice Tariff for Paediatric Diabetes
Authors: Barnard Katharine , Davis Nikki , Taylor Chris
Published: October 2012

Despite advances in technologies, health outcomes for young people with diabetes remain suboptimal. The prevalence of psychosocial morbidity is alarmingly higher than in the general population with clinically elevated depression and anxiety symptoms present in 15–25% of adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Associated poor self‐care, suboptimal glycaemic control and recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis are common.

The aims of this article are to outline common psychological difficulties for young people, and the screening tools available, and to assess the potential impact of the best practice tariff for paediatric diabetes.

Common psychological problems include depression, anxiety, disordered eating and burnout. Similarly to the multi‐factorial aetiology of paediatric diabetes, there are multiple contributors to psychological functioning. There is no nationally recognised gold standard for psychological screening at present and provision is varied across the UK.

Until standardised tools are developed and validated, it is likely that standards and screening methods will remain variable but will be clarified and nationally agreed as the tariff beds in and is more broadly attained in units across the country. National audit data highlight that enhanced care for young people as intended under the new best practice tariff is necessary. Service adjustment is likely to be challenging; however, the aim of better psychological coping annually assessed with access to appropriate psychology services is long overdue. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons.
Natural rubber/cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene nanocomposites: Vulcanization behavior, mechanical properties, and thermal stability
Authors: Bottazzo Jlenia , Guglielmi Massimo , Polizzi Stefano , Brusatin Giovanna
Published: October 2012

Natural rubber/cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene (NR/BR) blends with two types of layered nanofillers, montmorillonite (MMT) and layered double hydroxide (LDH), both in pristine and organically modified forms are produced and investigated. Faster curing is found for all the NR/BR blends, except for the one containing the unmodified MMT. This effect can be attributed to the groups placed in the interlayer regions of the clays; more precisely to ammonium groups for the organo‐MMTs and to OH groups for LDHs. Mechanical properties and thermal stability of rubber compounds are investigated. It has been demonstrated that the performance of the final nanocomposite is significantly affected by the kind of clay. Particularly, the organo‐MMTs provoke an improvement of the mechanical properties and increase the thermal stability of about 4–5° C in respect to the pure NR/BR matrix. On the contrary, the poor compatibility of unmodified MMT and of LDH clays with the rubber blend is evident and no enhancement on the composite performance has been observed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © Society of Plastics Engineers
The role of psychopathic traits and substance abuse in predicting violent victimization in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Dolan Mairead , O'Malley Kate , McGregor Kate
Published: October 2012

We examined the relationship between psychopathic traits and substance abuse and violent victimization in 94 community patients meeting DSM‐IV criteria for schizophrenia spectrum disorders in contact with public mental health services in Victoria, Australia. Data on violence and victimization were collated from multiple sources and combined to categorize patients into victims of serious violence (VV; n = 74) and those who were not victims of serious violence (NVV; n = 20) groups.

The VV group had higher rates of unemployment and previous violence but did not differ from the NVV on current symptom ratings. The VV group has significantly higher substance abuse and psychopathy scores, but only psychopathy score significantly contributed to the prediction of victimization. All psychopathy facets were reasonably good predictors of victimization status, but the antisocial facet contributed most to the prediction of victimization. A better understanding of the role and contribution of antisocial (particularly psychopathic) traits in violent victimization in mentally ill populations is needed to better inform community management plans.

Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An overview and evaluation of the oncology family caregiver project: improving quality of life and quality of care for oncology family caregivers
Authors: Ferrell Betty , Hanson Jo , Grant Marcia
Published: October 2012

Objective

With changes in health care, oncology family caregivers (FCs) provide the vast majority of patient care. Yet, FCs assume their role with little or no training and with limited resources within the cancer setting to support them. The purpose of this project is to develop and implement a curriculum to improve the quality of life and quality of care for FCs by strengthening cancer care settings in this area.

Methods

A National Cancer Institute (NCI) R25 grant funded the development of an FC curriculum for professional healthcare providers. The curriculum, based on the City of Hope Quality‐of‐Life Model, is presented to professionals from cancer centers in national training courses. The project brings together the most current evidence‐based knowledge and multiple resources to help improve FC support. Participants develop goals related to implementation and dissemination of the course content and resources in their home institution. Goal evaluation follows at 6, 12, and 18 months.

Results

To date, three courses have been presented to 154 teams (322 individuals) representing 39 states. Course evaluations were positive, and participants have initiated institutional FC support goals. Although the goals are diverse, the broad categories include support groups, staff/FC/community education, resource development, assessment tools, and institutional change.

Conclusions

There is a critical need to improve support for cancer FCs. This FC training course for professionals is a first step in addressing this need.

Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lime sulfur toxicity to broad mite, to its host plants and to natural enemies
Authors: Venzon Madelaine , Oliveira Rafael M , Perez André L , Rodríguez‐Cruz Fredy A , Martins Filho Sebastião
Published: October 2012

Background

An acaricidal effect of lime sulfur has not been demonstrated for Polyphagotarsonemus latus. However, lime sulfur can cause toxicity to natural enemies and to host plants. In this study, the toxicity of different concentrations of lime sulfur to P. latus, to the predatory mite Amblyseius herbicolus and to the predatory insect Chrysoperla externa was evaluated. Additionally, the phytotoxicity of lime sulfur to two P. latus hosts, chili pepper and physic nut plants, was determined.

Results

Lime sulfur at a concentration of 9.5 mL L−1 restrained P. latus population growth. However, this concentration was deleterious to natural enemies. The predatory mite A. herbicolus showed a negative value of instantaneous growth rate, and only 50% of the tested larvae of C. externa reached adulthood when exposed to 10 mL L−1. Physic nut had severe injury symptoms when sprayed with all tested lime sulfur concentrations. For chili pepper plants, no phytoxicity was observed at any tested concentration.

Conclusion

Lime sulfur might be used for P. latus control on chili pepper but not on physic nut owing to phytotoxicity. Care should be taken when using lime sulfur in view of negative effects on natural enemies. Selective lime sulfur concentration integrated with other management tactics may provide an effective and sustainable P. latus control on chili pepper. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Estimating degradation rates in outdoor stagnant water by inverse modelling with TOXSWA: a case study with prosulfocarb
Authors: Adriaanse Paulien I , Boesten Jos JTI , Crum Steven JH
Published: October 2012

Background

The regulatory risk assessment of pesticides requires the assessment of exposure of aquatic ecosystems in small surface waters adjacent to agricultural fields. This exposure is predicted using simulation models, for which an important input parameter is the degradation rate in water. In regulatory dossiers, the decline rate in water from outdoor mesocosms is often available, but this rate encompasses more processes than degradation. Therefore, a procedure was designed for estimating the degradation rate in water that was suitable for mesocosm studies with limited datasets, e.g. datasets lacking site‐specific sorption coefficients and relevant sediment properties. The procedure, based upon inverse modelling with TOXSWA, has been tested on a dataset for prosulfocarb in stagnant ditches.

Results

A degradation half‐life in the ditch water of 2.9 days (20 °C) was found. This short half‐life was to a significant extent accounted for by biodegradation rather than hydrolysis or photolysis. This half‐life was considerably shorter than the half‐life in the water layer of two laboratory water–sediment system experiments.

Conclusion

The estimation procedure resulted in a unique half‐life for the degradation rate in water. Such outdoor mesocosm studies seem to be better suited to assessing the degradation rate in water in ditches than the conventional water–sediment studies. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Self‐formed Schottky barrier induced selector‐less RRAM for cross‐point memory applications
Authors: Park Sangsu , Jung Seungjae , Siddik Manzar , Jo Minseok , Park Jubong , Kim Seonghyun , Lee Wootae , Shin Jungho , Lee Daeseok , Choi Godeuni , Woo Jiyong , Cha Euijun , Lee Byoung Hun , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: October 2012

We propose a selector‐less Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (PCMO) based resistive‐switching RAM (RRAM) for high‐density cross‐point memory array applications. First, we investigate the inhomogeneous barrier with an effective barrier height (Φeff), i.e., self‐formed Schottky barrier. In addition, a scalable 4F2 selector‐less cross‐point 1 kb RRAM array has been successfully fabricated, demonstrating set, reset, and read operation for high cell efficiency and high‐density memory applications. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Deglycosylation of Liquiritin Strongly Enhances its Inhibitory Potential Towards UDP‐Glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) Isoforms
Authors: Guo Bin , Fan Xu‐Ran , Fang Zhong‐Ze , Cao Yun‐Feng , Hu Cui‐Min , Yang Julin , Zhang Yan‐Yan , He Rong‐Rong , Zhu Xu , Yu Zhen‐Wen , Sun Xiao‐Yu , Hong Mo , Yang Lu
Published: October 2012

The detailed mechanisms on licorice–drug interaction remain to be unclear. The aim of the present study is to investigate the inhibition of important UGT isoforms by two important ingredients of licorice, liquiritin, and liquiritigenin. The results showed that liquiritigenin exhibited stronger inhibition towards all the tested UGT isoforms than liquiritin. Data fitting using Dixon and Lineweaver–Burk plots demonstrated the competitive inhibition of liquiritigenin towards UGT1A1 and UGT1A9‐mediated 4‐MU glucuronidation reaction. The inhibition kinetic parameters (Ki) were calculated to be 9.1 and 3.2 μM for UGT1A1 and UGT1A9, respectively. Substrate‐dependent inhibition behaviour was also observed for UGT1A1 in the present study. All these results will be helpful for understanding the deep mechanism of licorice–drug interaction. However, when translating these in vitro parameters into in vivo situations, more complex factors should be considered, such as substrate‐dependent inhibition of UGT isoforms, the contribution of UGT1A1 and UGT1A9 towards the metabolism of drugs, and many factors affecting the abundance of ingredients in the licorice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Revealing the 1 nm/s extensibility of nanoscale amorphous carbon in a scanning electron microscope
Authors: Zhang Wei
Published: October 2012

In an ultra‐high vacuum scanning electron microscope, the edged branches of amorphous carbon film (∼10 nm thickness) can be continuously extended with an eye‐identifying speed (on the order of ∼1 nm/s) under electron beam. Such unusual mobility of amorphous carbon may be associated with deformation promoted by the electric field, which resulted from an inner secondary electron potential difference from the main trunk of carbon film to the tip end of branches under electron beam. This result demonstrates importance of applying electrical effects to modify properties of carbon materials. It may have positive implications to explore some amorphous carbon as electron field emission device. SCANNING 35: 261‐264, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.