bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a Continuous Process Setup for Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Production from Steel Converter Slag
Authors: Mattila Hannu‐Petteri , Zevenhoven Ron
Published: February 2014

A mineral carbonation process “slag2PCC” for carbon capture, utilization, and storage is discussed. Ca is extracted from steel slag by an ammonium salt solvent and carbonated with gaseous CO2 after the separation of the residual slag. The solvent is reused after regeneration. The effects of slag properties such as the content of free lime, fractions of Ca, Si, Fe, and V, particle size, and slag storage on the Ca extraction efficiency are studied. Small particles with a high free‐lime content and minor fractions of Si and V are the most suitable. To limit the amount of impurities in the process, the slag‐to‐liquid ratio should remain below a certain value, which depends on the slag composition. Also, the design of a continuous test setup (total volume ∼75 L) is described, which enables quick process variations needed to adapt the system to the varying slag quality. Different precipitated calcium carbonate crystals (calcite and vaterite) are generated in different parts of the setup.
A pseudo‐differential current‐reuse structure for opamp‐sharing pipelined analog‐to‐digital converters
Authors: Moosazadeh Tohid , Yavari Mohammad
Published: February 2014

In this paper, a power efficient pseudo‐differential (PD) current‐reuse structure is presented to alleviate the memory effects of opamp‐sharing in pipelined analog‐to‐digital converters. To implement the PD current‐reuse structure, a switched‐capacitor circuit is introduced for multiplying digital‐to‐analog converter, which has a slight modification compared with the conventional switching scheme with no power penalty. In the proposed multiplying digital‐to‐analog converter circuit, the common‐mode offset amplification of the PD structures is eliminated. Moreover, a PD current‐reuse amplifier is developed from the telescopic structure with an inverter‐based gain‐boosting circuit. The effectiveness of the proposed structure is evaluated in comparison with existing current‐reuse techniques. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activation of PI3K and R‐ras signaling promotes the extension of sensory axons on inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans
Authors: Silver Lee , Michael James V. , Goldfinger Lawrence E. , Gallo Gianluca
Published: February 2014

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are extracellular inhibitors of axon extension and plasticity, and cause growth cones to exhibit dystrophic behaviors. Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) is a lipid kinase activated by axon growth promoting signals. In this study, we used embryonic chicken dorsal root ganglion neurons to determine if CSPGs impair signaling through PI3K. We report that CSPGs inhibit PI3K signaling in axons and growth cones, as evidenced by decreased levels of phosphorylated downstream kinases (Akt and S6). Direct activation of PI3K signaling, using a cell permeable phosphopeptide (PI3Kpep), countered the effects of CSPGs on growth cones and axon extension. Both overnight and acute treatment with PI3Kpep promoted axon extension on CSPG‐coated substrates. The R‐Ras GTPase is an upstream positive regulator of PI3K signaling. Expression of constitutively active R‐Ras promoted axon extension and growth cone elaboration on CSPGs and permissive substrata. In contrast, an N‐terminus‐deleted constitutively active R‐Ras, deficient in PI3K activation, promoted axon extension but not growth cone elaboration on CSPGs and permissive substrata. These data indicate that activation of R‐Ras‐PI3K signaling may be a viable approach for manipulating axon extension on CSPGs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 918–933, 2014
Deep phylogeographic divergence of a migratory passerine in Sino‐Himalayan and Siberian forests: the Red‐flanked Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus) complex
Authors: Luo Site , Wu Yuchun , Chang Qing , Liu Yang , Yang Xiaojun , Zhang Zhengwang , Zhang Min , Zhang Qiang , Zou Fasheng
Published: February 2014

Enormous mountainous forests in Sino‐Himalayans and Siberia harbor important avian biodiversity in the Northern Hemisphere. Numerous studies in last two decades have been contributed to systematics and taxonomy of passerines birds in these regions and have revealed various and complex phylogeographic patterns. A passerine species Red‐flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus provided a good system to manifest such evolutionary complexity. The subspecies T. c. cyanurus and T. c. rufilatus (or/and T. c. pallidior), divergent in morphology, acoustics, and migratory strategies are allopatric in Siberia and Sino‐Himalayan forests, respectively. The two taxa most likely deserve full species status but rigorous genetic analysis is missing. In this study, multilocus phylogeography based on mitochondrial DNA and Z‐linked DNA reveals that T. c. cyanurus and T. c. rufilatus are reciprocally monophyletic with significant statistical support and differ with a large number of diagnostic nucleotide sites resulting substantial genetic divergence. Our finding supports the proposed split of Tarsiger cyanurus s.l. that T. cyanurus and T. rufilatus should be treated as two full species. Whether “pallidior” is a subspecies or geographical form of T. rufilatus is still uncertain. Additionally, these two forest passerine species may have diverged 1.88 (3.25–1.30) Mya, which might be shaped by geographical vicariance due to grassland and desert steppe on the central Loess Plateau during the Pliocene. Taken together, this study and further suggests another independent example of North Palearctic–Sino‐Himalayan phylogeographic pattern in Palearctic birds.
Cytotoxic Titanium(IV) Complexes of Chiral Diaminobis(phenolato) Ligands: Better Combination of Activity and Stability by the Bipyrrolidine Moiety
Authors: Miller Maya , Tshuva Edit Y.
Published: February 2014

Racemic and enantiomerically pure titanium(IV) complexes with ortho‐bromo‐para‐methyl‐substituted diaminobis(phenolato) ligands were prepared with NH‐, NMe‐, and bipyrrolidine‐based diamino bridges through ligand‐to‐metal chiral induction. The hydrolytic stability of the complexes was evaluated, and their cytotoxicity was measured using HT‐29 human colon cancer cells based on the MTT assay. All stereochemical forms of the NMe‐based complexes, although demonstrating the highest hydrolytic stability, were biologically inactive. For the NH and bipyrrolidine‐based active complexes, the pure enantiomers exhibited high cytotoxicity whereas the racemic mixtures were inactive, supporting the involvement of a polynuclear active species. The bipyrrolidine complexes appear to provide the best combination of hydrolytic stability and biological activity, presumably by minimizing steric bulk and consequently enabling biological accessibility.
Tuning Reductive and Oxidative Photoinduced Electron Transfer in Amide‐Linked Anthraquinone–Porphyrin–Ferrocene Architectures
Authors: Melomedov Jascha , Ochsmann Julian Robert , Meister Michael , Laquai Frédéric , Heinze Katja
Published: February 2014

Porphyrin amino acids 3a–3h with meso substituents Ar of tunable electron‐donating power (Ar = 4‐C6H4OnBu, 4‐C6H4OMe, 4‐C6H4Me, Mes, C6H5, 4‐C6H4F, 4‐C6H4CF3, C6F5) have been linked at the N terminus to anthraquinone Q as electron acceptor through amide bonds to give Q‐PAr dyads 4a–4h. These were conjugated to ferrocene Fc at the C terminus as electron donor to give the acceptor‐chromophore‐donor Q‐PAr‐Fc triads 6a–6h. To further modify the energies of the electronically excited and charge‐separated states, the triads 6a–6h were metallated with zinc(II) to give the corresponding Q‐(Zn)PAr‐Fc triads Zn‐6a–Zn‐6h. The Q‐PAr1 dyad (Ar1 = C6H5) was further extended with a second porphyrin PAr2 (Ar2 = 4‐C6H4Me) as well as appended to a ferrocene to give the tetrad Q‐PAr1‐PAr2‐Fc 9. Almost all the conjugates show strongly reduced fluorescence quantum yields and excited‐state lifetimes, which has been interpreted as photoinduced electron transfer (PET) either from the excited porphyrin to the quinone (oxidative PET) or from the ferrocene to the excited porphyrin (reductive PET). Electrochemical data, absorption spectroscopy, steady‐state emission, time‐resolved fluorescence, transient absorption pump‐probe spectroscopy as well as DFT calculations have been used to elaborate the preferred PET pathway (reductive vs. oxidative PET) in these architectures with systematically varied electron‐donating substituents at the central chromophore.
Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazole‐4‐carboxamide‐Containing Foldamers for Sulfate Recognition
Authors: Cao Li , Jiang Runsheng , Zhu Yulan , Wang Xinlong , Li Yongjun , Li Yuliang
Published: February 2014

A series of triazolecarboxamide‐containing foldamers were synthesized from simple starting materials by means of repeated [3+2] cycloadditions) and acid–amine coupling reactions. Foldamer–anion binding behavior and affinities were determined by 1H NMR titration in [D2]dichloromethane. The selective recognition of sulfate by these motifs was studied by one‐ and two‐dimensional (1H, 1H‐1H COSY and NOESY) NMR spectroscopy as well as UV/Visible and fluorescence titrations. The structures of the triazolecarboxamide‐containing foldamers can be optimized for highly selective recognition of sulfate anions by changing the numbers of triazolecarboxamide units and by the introduction of electron‐withdrawing substituents on the terminal benzene ring. These findings indicate the importance of the structural compatibility between the receptor and anions for the highly selective anion binding as well as the electronic effect on tuning the anion‐binding affinities of receptors.
On the Use of Amperometry for Real Time Assessment of Drug‐Release Profile from Therapeutic Nanoparticles
Authors: Ensafi Ali A. , Heydari‐Bafrooei Esmaeil , Rezaei Behzad
Published: February 2014

A simple electrochemical method was used to directly assess the drug‐release profile. The method is based on the multiple pulse amperometric measurement of the oxidation and reduction of doxorubicin released from liposome at a MWCNTs‐modified glassy carbon electrode (MWCNT‐GCE). The released doxorubicin was detected at +0.60 and −0.60 V by two different oxidation and reduction processes, respectively. The third potential pulse (−1.00 V) was applied for the regeneration of MWCNT‐GCE. The main advantage of this method is that there is no need for any operation for the quantitative analysis during the release of the drug from nanoparticles.
Risk Factors and Antecedent Life Events in the Development of Anorexia Nervosa: A Portuguese Case‐Control Study
Authors: Machado Bárbara C. , Gonçalves Sónia F. , Martins Carla , Hoek Hans W. , Machado Paulo P.
Published: February 2014

Objective

The aetiology of anorexia nervosa (AN) is considered to be multifactorial. This study aims to identify potential risk factors for AN and whether these factors are specific to AN or precede the development of psychiatric disorders in general and to identify specific life events in the 12 months immediately preceding the onset of eating disorder (ED) symptoms.

Method

A case‐control design was used to compare a group of women who meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for AN (N = 86) with healthy controls (N = 86) and with a group of controls with other psychiatric disorders (N = 68), each group matched to the AN patients by age and parental socioeconomic status bands. Risk factors were assessed by interviewing each person with the Oxford Risk Factor Interview.

Results

Women with AN reported significantly higher rates of perfectionism, negative attitudes toward parents' shape and weight, significant concern about feeling fat and a family history of AN or bulimia nervosa. Critical comments about weight, shape or eating was the most notable event in the year preceding AN onset.

Discussion

Perfectionism and a family history of ED emerged as the most convergent findings in the development of AN, along with being critical toward parents' shape and weight, and feeling fat. Critical comments about appearance and eating seem to be an important precipitating factor in AN onset. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Influence of storage temperature and time on the physicochemical and bioactive properties of roselle‐fruit juice blends in plastic bottle
Authors: Mgaya‐Kilima Beatrice , Remberg Siv Fagertun , Chove Bernard Elias , Wicklund Trude
Published: February 2014

Roselle‐fruit juice blends were made from roselle extract and mango, papaya, and guava juices at the ratio of 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, and 20:80, % roselle: fruit juice, respectively. The blends were pasteurized at 82.5°C for 20 min and stored in 100 mL plastic bottles at 28 and 4°C for 6 months. The effects of storage time and temperature on physicochemical and bioactive properties were evaluated. Total soluble solids, pH, and reducing sugars increased significantly (P < 0.05) in some blends while titratable acidity decrease with increasing storage time. Vitamin C, total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA), total phenols (TPC), and antioxidant activity (ferric reducing ability of plasma, FRAP) in all roselle‐fruit blends (40% roselle) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) at 28 and 4°C as storage progressed. Vitamin C in all roselle‐fruit blends (40% roselle) decreased from 58–55% to 43–42% when stored at 28 and 4°C, respectively. TMA losses were 86–65% at 28°C and 75–53% at 4°C while TPC losses were 66–58% at 28°C and 51–22% at 4°C. Loss of antioxidant capacity (FRAP) was 18–46% at 28°C and 17–35% at 4°C. A principal component analysis (PCA) differentiated roselle‐ juice fruit blends into two clusters with two principle components PC1 and PC2, which explained 97 and 3% (blends stored at ambient temperature) and 96 and 4% (blends stored at refrigerated temperature) of the variation, respectively. PC1 differentiated roselle‐guava juice blends which were characterized by vitamin C, TPC, FRAP, and pH, while PC2 from another cluster of roselle‐mango and roselle‐papaya juice blends and was characterized by TSS, RS, and color parameters (L* a* b*). However, TMA was the main variable with the highest effect on all roselle‐fruit juice blends regardless of the storage time and temperature.
White matter development and early cognition in babies and toddlers
Authors: O'Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Dean Douglas C. , Ginestet Cedric E. , Walker Lindsay , Waskiewicz Nicole , Lehman Katie , Dirks Holly , Piryatinsky Irene , Deoni Sean C.L.
Published: February 2014

The normal myelination of neuronal axons is essential to neurodevelopment, allowing fast inter‐neuronal communication. The most dynamic period of myelination occurs in the first few years of life, in concert with a dramatic increase in cognitive abilities. How these processes relate, however, is still unclear. Here we aimed to use a data‐driven technique to parcellate developing white matter into regions with consistent white matter growth trajectories and investigate how these regions related to cognitive development. In a large sample of 183 children aged 3 months to 4 years, we calculated whole brain myelin volume fraction (VFM) maps using quantitative multicomponent relaxometry. We used spatial independent component analysis (ICA) to blindly segment these quantitative VFM images into anatomically meaningful parcels with distinct developmental trajectories. We further investigated the relationship of these trajectories with standardized cognitive scores in the same children. The resulting components represented a mix of unilateral and bilateral white matter regions (e.g., cortico‐spinal tract, genu and splenium of the corpus callosum, white matter underlying the inferior frontal gyrus) as well as structured noise (misregistration, image artifact). The trajectories of these regions were associated with individual differences in cognitive abilities. Specifically, components in white matter underlying frontal and temporal cortices showed significant relationships to expressive and receptive language abilities. Many of these relationships had a significant interaction with age, with VFM becoming more strongly associated with language skills with age. These data provide evidence for a changing coupling between developing myelin and cognitive development. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4475–4487, 2014. © 2014 The Authors. Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Placebo analgesia and reward processing: Integrating genetics, personality, and intrinsic brain activity
Authors: Yu Rongjun , Gollub Randy L. , Vangel Mark , Kaptchuk Ted , Smoller Jordan W. , Kong Jian
Published: February 2014

Our expectations about an event can strongly shape our subjective evaluation and actual experience of events. This ability, applied to the modulation of pain, has the potential to affect therapeutic analgesia substantially and constitutes a foundation for non‐pharmacological pain relief. A typical example of such modulation is the placebo effect. Studies indicate that placebo may be regarded as a reward, and brain activity in the reward system is involved in this modulation process. In the present study, we combined resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) measures, genotype at a functional COMT polymorphism (Val158Met), and personality measures in a model to predict the magnitude of placebo conditioning effect indicated by subjective pain rating reduction to calibrated noxious stimuli. We found that the regional homogeneity (ReHo), an index of local neural coherence, in the ventral striatum, was significantly associated with conditioning effects on pain rating changes. We also found that the number of Met alleles at the COMT polymorphism was linearly correlated to the suppression of pain. In a fitted regression model, we found the ReHo in the ventral striatum, COMT genotype, and Openness scores accounted for 59% of the variance in the change in pain ratings. The model was further tested using a separate data set from the same study. Our findings demonstrate the potential of combining resting‐state connectivity, genetic information, and personality to predict placebo effect. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4583–4593, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparing MODFLOW simulation options for predicting intra‐meander flux
Authors: Han Bangshuai , Endreny Theodore A.
Published: February 2014

During the evolution of meander bends, the intra‐meander groundwater head gradients steepen and generate zones of accelerated water and nutrient intra‐meander fluxes important for ecosystem processes. This paper compares and contrasts three MODFLOW groundwater model packages based on their simulation of intra‐meander flux for two stages of meander evolution observed in a sandbox river table and one level of river bed clogging, where the hydraulic conductivity in the river bed is lower than in the adjacent aquifer. These packages are the Time‐Variant Specified Head package [constant head (CHD)], River package (RIV), and Streamflow‐Routing package (SFR2), each controlling the groundwater or river head bounding the intra‐meander region. The RIV and SFR2 packages fix river stage and allow for variation in groundwater head below the river, which is suggested for simulating intra‐meander flux for all sinuosities with and without river bed clogging whenever river bed parameters are available. The CHD package fixes below river groundwater head and fails to simulate intra‐meander head loss and flux in meanders with high sinuosity or river bed clogging. In low sinuosity meanders and in cases without river bed clogging, there were no significant differences between MODFLOW packages for simulating river intra‐meander head loss and flux. This research demonstrates why MODFLOW users need to consider the limitations of each package when simulating intra‐meander flux in reaches with river bed clogging, high sinuosity, or similarly steep hydraulic gradients. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simplified storm index method to extrapolate intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves for ungauged stations in central Chile
Authors: Pizarro Roberto , Valdés Rodrigo , Abarza Alejandro , Garcia‐Chevesich Pablo
Published: February 2014

Most of meteorological stations in Chile register rainfall amounts once every 24 h. The creation of intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves requires continuous recorded data, and this insufficiency of proper instrumentation has resulted in a lack of IDF curves nationwide. The objective of this study is to further develop and evaluate the feasibility of a new method to estimate IDF curves in ungauged stations under Mediterranean climates of central Chile. A technique used to address this problem is the use of a storm index (SI), also known as the ‘K’ method, which allows the construction of IDF curves from stations with discontinuous data, by extrapolating data from stations with continuous records, as long as daily rainfall intensities for both stations differ by less than 2 mm h−1. To test the applicability of this method, SI values were calculated for 40 meteorological stations located throughout Central Chile (latitudes 30°S to 40°S). The extrapolated IDF curves were then compared with observed data, and the goodness of fit was determined. The results indicate that the storm index method can adequately estimate hourly IDF curve values for stations lacking of continuous rainfall data. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shyness and Adaptation to School in a Chinese Community
Authors: Feng Xin , Harkness Sara , Super Charles M. , Jia Rongfang
Published: February 2014

This study examined the process of adjustment in shy and nonshy children during the transition to school in a Chinese community. Children (35 shy and 19 nonshy) were assessed three times before and after they entered the first grade. Shy and nonshy children's interactions with peers and teachers, perceived peer acceptance, and anxious behaviour were measured using multiple methods, including naturalistic observations, self‐report, and teacher report. Results indicated that shy and nonshy children showed consistently different behavioural profiles in free play settings and structured classes during the transition. However, teacher ratings of and peer responses to shy and nonshy children were not consistently different. Results are discussed in relation to the cultural context where the study was conducted. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘I Want to Play Alone’: Assessment and Correlates of Self‐Reported Preference for Solitary Play in Young Children
Authors: Coplan Robert J. , Ooi Laura L. , Rose‐Krasnor Linda , Nocita Gabriella
Published: February 2014

The goal of this study was to develop and validate an interview assessment of preference for solitary activities for use with young children. We also tested the postulation that negative peer experiences would heighten preference for solitude, particularly among young shy children. Participants were N = 193 children (87 boys, 106 girls; Mage = 65.76 mos, SD = 12.68) attending preschools and elementary schools (kindergarten, grade 1) located in south‐eastern Ontario, Canada. Self‐reported preference for solitude was measured with the newly developed Preference for Solitary Play Interview (PSPI). Children also reported their perceived peer acceptance. Mothers provided ratings of children's social withdrawal (shyness and unsociability) and social engagement outside of school, and teachers assessed children's socio‐emotional functioning at school. Among the results, the newly developed PSPI displayed good psychometric properties and evidence of construct/convergent validity. For example, preference for solitary play was positively related to indices of social withdrawal, and negatively associated with social engagement, prosocial behaviour, and perceived peer acceptance. In addition, peer exclusion was found to exacerbate the association between shyness and preference for solitary play. Results are discussed in terms of the assessment and implications of preference for solitude in early childhood. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene regulatory networks and epigenetic modifications in cell differentiation
Authors: Roy Siddhartha , Kundu Tapas K.
Published: February 2014

It is becoming increasingly clear that the functionalities of an organism are mostly derived from regulation of its gene repertoire. Specialized cell types are created from pluripotent stem cells by regulating expression of genes. In eukaryotes, genes are primarily regulated by gene regulatory networks consisting of highly sequence‐specific transcription factors and epigenetic modifications. The former mode of regulation is more readily reversible and non‐heritable across cell generations, whereas the latter mode is less reversible and heritable. In this article, we explore the relationship between cell differentiation and the two modes of regulation of gene expression, focusing primarily on pluripotent and multipotent stem cells. Recent studies suggest that stem cells execute different gene expression programs, probably driven by one or more gene regulatory network(s). It is now also evident that as stem cells differentiate to more specialized progeny cells, rewriting of epigenetic marks occurs in parallel with the change in the pattern of gene expression. A conceptual framework is put forward in which it is proposed that the cell fate determining gene regulatory network in a pluripotent or multipotent cell has the capability to exist in multiple stationary states with each stationary state dictating a particular pattern of gene expression. We also propose that the broad pattern of gene expression in each stationary state, termed the lineage biased state or LIBS, resembles that of a more differentiated progeny cell. The differentiation process leading to a particular progeny cell involves rewriting of epigenetic marks that result in upregulation of genes in a LIBS and silencing of genes involved in alternative LIBS; thus selecting a particular pattern of gene expression and making a lineage commitment. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(2):100–109, 2014
The wonders of 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose
Authors: Xi Haibin , Kurtoglu Metin , Lampidis Theodore J.
Published: February 2014

Through the eons of time, out of all possible configurations, nature has selected glucose not only as a vital source of energy to sustain life but also as the molecule who's structure supplies the appropriate elements required for a cell to grow and multiply. This understanding, at least in part, explains the profound effects that the analog of glucose, 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose, has been shown to have on as common and widespread diseases as cancer, viral infection, aging‐related morbidity, epilepsy, and others. This review is confined to summarizing some of the salient findings of this remarkable compound as they relate mainly to cancer. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(2):110–121, 2014
Hedonic Housing Prices in Paris: An Unbalanced Spatial Lag Pseudo‐Panel Model with Nested Random Effects
Authors: Baltagi Badi H. , Bresson Georges , Etienne Jean‐Michel
Published: February 2014

This paper estimates a hedonic housing model based on flats sold in the city of Paris over the period 1990–2003. This is done using maximum likelihood estimation, taking into account the nested structure of the data. Paris is historically divided into 20 arrondissements, each divided into four quartiers (quarters), which in turn contain between 15 and 169 blocks (îlot, in French) per quartier. This is an unbalanced pseudo‒panel data containing 156,896 transactions. Despite the richness of the data, many neighborhood characteristics are not observed, and we attempt to capture these neighborhood spillover effects using a spatial lag model. Using likelihood ratio tests, we find significant spatial lag effects as well as significant nested random error effects. The empirical results show that the hedonic housing estimates and the corresponding marginal effects are affected by taking into account the nested aspects of the Paris housing data as well as the spatial neighborhood effects.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Space maintenance using crosslinked collagenated porcine bone grafted without a barrier membrane in one‐wall intrabony defects
Authors: Park Jung‐Im , Yang Cheryl , Kim Young‐Taek , Kim Min‐Soo , Lee Jung‐Seok , Choi Seong‐Ho , Jung Ui‐Won
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of crosslinked collagenated porcine bone (CPB) for the repair of surgically prepared one‐wall intrabony defects in dogs. Buccolingually opened, one‐wall, box‐type periodontal defects (4 × 5 mm) were prepared bilaterally at the mesial side of the mandibular fourth premolars in beagle dogs (N = 5). Block‐type CPB (4 × 5 × 5 mm) was placed on either the left or right side for the CPB site; the opposite site served as a sham‐surgery control. Micro‐computed tomographic and histological analyses were performed on block specimens obtained from the dogs after a 3‐month healing period. There was less mean bone regeneration and cementum regeneration at the experimental sites than at the sham‐surgery control sites. Most of the porcine bone particles were located under the floor of the defect and were sequestered from pristine bone. These findings show that CPB can be localized within the defect during the wound‐healing period by a process of crosslinking; however, the application of CPB alone without a barrier membrane may not be effective in promoting periodontal regeneration in noncontained‐type defects. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1454–1461, 2014.
Is There a Relation Between Triglyceride Concentrations in Very Low Density Lipoprotein and the Index of Insulin Resistance in Nondiabetic Subjects?
Authors: Kurosaki Yoshifumi , Tsukushi Tomoaki , Munekata Shinichi , Kanoh Yuhsaku , Moriya Tatsumi , Nishinari Makoto , Aoyama Naoyoshi , Ogawa Zensuke
Published: February 2014

Background

Serum very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels increase during the early stages of insulin resistance; therefore, determination of VLDL levels would be useful for evaluating the progression of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical utility of triglyceride in VLDL (VLDL‐TG) level, determined using a homogeneous assay kit (Shino‐test Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), as an index of insulin resistance.

Methods

We enrolled 74 subjects in this study (diabetic subjects, n = 42; nondiabetic subjects, n = 32). The levels of VLDL‐TG, remnant‐like lipoprotein particle cholesterol, preheparin lipoprotein lipase mass, and other biochemical markers were determined.

Results

VLDL‐TG levels were significantly higher in the diabetic group (1.04 ± 0.84 mmol/l vs. 0.64 ± 0.42 mmol/l, P < 0.01) than in the nondiabetic group. In the nondiabetic group, VLDL‐TG was significantly correlated with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), the index for insulin resistance (r = 0.513, P = 0.003). VLDL‐TG levels, but not TG levels, were higher in the highest quartile (HOMA‐IR) of the nondiabetic group.

Conclusion

VLDL‐TG level was a useful early marker for insulin resistance, especially in nondiabetic subjects. The homogeneous VLDL‐TG assay is a simple, low‐cost method for determining insulin resistance.
Delta Mean Neutrophil Volume (ΔMNV) is Comparable to Procalcitonin for Predicting Postsurgical Bacterial Infection
Authors: Zhu Yihua , Cao Xingjian , Zhang Kexia , Xie Wei , Xu Dongsheng , Zhong Chongjun
Published: February 2014

Background

The Coulter LH750 (Beckman Coulter, Brea, CA) analyzer can determine intrinsic biophysical properties of white blood cell (WBC), known as cell population data. Previous studies have shown that mean neutrophil volume (MNV) was significantly increased in postsurgical patients with bacterial infection. To further validate its potential clinical usefulness, we investigate the changes in MNV before and after surgery, called ΔMNV. We also compare the ΔMNV with procalcitonin (PCT) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in terms of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for postsurgical bacterial infection.

Methods

Blood samples from 300 healthy controls, 219 cardiac surgical patients without postsurgical infection, and 31 cardiac surgical patients complicated with postsurgical bacterial infection were studied.

Results

There are no statistically significant differences for WBC count and neutrophil percentage prior to or after surgery between postsurgical noninfected and infected patients. However, the ΔMNV is significantly increased in postsurgical infected patients when compared with noninfected patients (P < 0.05). The receiver‐operating characteristics analysis reveals the ΔMNV and PCT have largest areas under curves (0.92, 0.93 on the second day and 0.94, 0.99 on the third day postsurgery, respectively) compared to other parameters.

Conclusion

ΔMNV shows comparable sensitivity and specificity to PCT and superior sensitivity and specificity to WBC or CRP for predicting postsurgical bacterial infection. The potential clinical application of this parameter merits further exploration in a larger prospective study.
A Study of Hepcidin and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein‐1 in Egyptian Females With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Mohammed Moataz Fatthy , Belal Dawlat , Bakry Seham , Marie Mohamed A. , Rashed Laila , Eldin Reham Emad , El‐Hamid Samah Abd
Published: February 2014

Background

Lupus nephritis is one of the most serious manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Novel biomarkers are necessary to enhance the diagnostic accuracy, prognostic stratification, monitoring of treatment response, and detection of early renal flares.

Methods

Our study was conducted on 90 participants. They were divided into three groups, group I (controls) encompassed 30 ages and sex‐matched healthy personnel. Group II included 30 non‐nephritic SLE patients and finally group III included 30 SLE nephritic patients. Urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (UMCP‐1) and hepcidin were evaluated by ELISA technique, compared and correlated in different groups, with each other and with other routine variables and with renal biopsy done to study group (III).

Results

Both UMCP‐1 and hepcidin in group III showed significant increase compared to other two groups (controls and group II) (468 ± 128, 111 ± 12, 252 ± 56 pg/ml, respectively, for UMCP‐1 and 40 ± 12, 11 ± 2, 20 ± 5 ng/ml, respectively, for hepcidin, P < 0.01). Also both UMCP‐1 and hepcidin in group III showed significant increase in diffuse proliferative subgroup compared to focal proliferative and mesangioproliferative subgroups (580 ± 43, 502 ± 46, and 352.6 ± 100 pg/ml, respectively, for UMCP‐1 and 47.8 ± 9.5, 41.4 ± 6, and 32.9 ± 10.8 ng/ml, respectively, for urinary hepcidin, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

UMCP‐1 and hepcidin could be associated with the susceptibility of lupus nephritis.
Evaluation of Renal Functions in Preterm Infants With Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Tabel Yılmaz , Öncül Mehmet , Elmas Ahmet Taner , Güngör Serdal
Published: February 2014

Background

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate urinary glutathione S transferases π (GST‐π), beta‐2‐microglobulin (B2‐MG), and N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase (NAG) levels as markers revealing the effect of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) on renal function in preterm infants.

Methods

The study was performed with 76 preterm infants whose gestational ages were between 28 and 32 weeks. Twenty‐six preterm infants with RDS (cases) and 50 preterm infants without RDS (controls) enrolled in the study. Blood and urine samples were obtained on postnatal (PN) day 3 and 30. Urinary GST‐π levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and urinary B2‐MG levels were determined by nephelometric method.

Results

There was no significant difference in urinary B2‐MG and GST‐π levels between RDS and non‐RDS groups on PN day 3 (P > 0.05 for each). However, preterm infants with RDS had significantly higher urinary B2‐MG and GST‐π levels than the control group on PN day 30 (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.031, respectively). Urinary NAG levels were higher in RDS group than those of the controls on both PN day 3 and 30, but these findings were not statistically significant (P > 0.05, for each).

Conclusion

Preterm infants with RDS had increased levels of both GST‐π and B2‐MG levels on PN day 30, suggesting subclinical tubular dysfunction, probably secondary to hypoxic stress.
Stability of [−2]Pro‐PSA in Whole Blood and Serum: Analysis for Optimal Measurement Conditions
Authors: Igawa Tsukasa , Takehara Kosuke , Onita Toru , Ito Kazuto , Sakai Hideki
Published: February 2014

Background

The clinical usefulness of [−2]pro‐PSA (where PSA is prostate‐specific antigen) in prostate cancer diagnosis has been emphasized in recent studies. To determine proper blood sample handling conditions for [−2]pro‐PSA evaluation, we analyzed the preanalytical stability of [−2]pro‐PSA.

Methods

Blood samples from 22 Japanese males were stored under various conditions before total PSA (tPSA), free PSA, and [−2]pro‐PSA concentrations were measured, and the preanalytical stability of [−2]pro‐PSA and the changes in the Prostate Health Index (phi) were assessed.

Results

[−2]Pro‐PSA was stable in serum for at least 24 hr at both room temperature (RT) and at 4°C. However, [−2]pro‐PSA levels in whole blood increased rapidly over time, particularly at RT. Mean recovery (%) of [−2]pro‐PSA in whole blood at RT was >110% at 1 hr after drawing of blood. The phi tended to increase over time in a pattern similar to the change in[−2]pro‐PSA.

Conclusions

Preanalytical stability was lower for [−2]pro‐PSA than for free PSA or tPSA. Whole‐blood [−2]pro‐PSA increased in a time‐dependent manner, particularly at RT. Thus, whole blood samples collected at RT should be centrifuged within 1 hr after drawing. The [−2]pro‐PSA in serum is stable for at least 24 hr at both RT and at 4°C.
Comparison of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevalence Examined by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration Equation With That by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Equation in Korean Adult Population
Authors: Shin Sang‐Yong , Kwon Min‐Jung , Park Hyosoon , Woo Hee‐Yeon
Published: February 2014

Background

The new estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) equation, Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equation, was recently introduced. We compared the prevalence of CKD examined by the CKD‐EPI equation with that by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation.

Methods

We analyzed the data from a total of 14,605 Korean adults (age ≥20 years), who were enrolled in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2007, 2009, and 2010. CKD stages 1 and 2 were defined as eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 with proteinuria measured by dipstick. CKD stages 3–5 were defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Results

The eGFRs calculated by the CKD‐EPI equation were higher than those calculated by the MDRD equation (P < 0.001), especially in women and young people. The prevalence of CKD stages 3–5 calculated by the MDRD equation was 6.8%, 3.0%, and 3.0% in 2007, 2009, and 2010, respectively. The prevalence of CKD stages 3–5 calculated by CKD‐EPI equation was 7.7%, 2.7%, and 2.6% in 2007, 2009, and 2010, respectively. When defining the CKD using the CKD‐EPI equation, 55 (32.7%) of 350 cases were reclassified into more advanced stages and 295 cases (67.3%) were reclassified into less‐advanced stages.

Conclusion

The CKD‐EPI equation caused an overall low prevalence of CKD compared to the MDRD. Therefore, CKD‐EPI equation might be helpful to prevent an overestimation of CKD.
Fast computation of myelin maps from MRI T2 relaxation data using multicore CPU and graphics card parallelization
Authors: Yoo Youngjin , Prasloski Thomas , Vavasour Irene , MacKay Alexander , Traboulsee Anthony L. , Li David K.B. , Tam Roger C.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

To develop a fast algorithm for computing myelin maps from multiecho T2 relaxation data using parallel computation with multicore CPUs and graphics processing units (GPUs).

Materials and Methods

Using an existing MATLAB (MathWorks, Natick, MA) implementation with basic (nonalgorithm‐specific) parallelism as a guide, we developed a new version to perform the same computations but using C++ to optimize the hybrid utilization of multicore CPUs and GPUs, based on experimentation to determine which algorithmic components would benefit from CPU versus GPU parallelization. Using 32‐echo T2 data of dimensions 256 × 256 × 7 from 17 multiple sclerosis patients and 18 healthy subjects, we compared the two methods in terms of speed, myelin values, and the ability to distinguish between the two patient groups using Student's t‐tests.

Results

The new method was faster than the MATLAB implementation by 4.13 times for computing a single map and 14.36 times for batch‐processing 10 scans. The two methods produced very similar myelin values, with small and explainable differences that did not impact the ability to distinguish the two patient groups.

Conclusion

The proposed hybrid multicore approach represents a more efficient alternative to MATLAB, especially for large‐scale batch processing. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:700–707. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plaggic Anthrosol: Soil of the Year 2013 in Germany: An overview on its formation, distribution, classification, soil function and threats
Authors: Giani Luise , Makowsky Lutz , Mueller Klaus
Published: February 2014

The Plaggic Anthrosol (German: Plaggenesch) has been elected “Soil of the Year 2013” in Germany. This article reviews present knowledge on the formation, distribution, classification, soil functions, and threats of Plaggic Anthrosols. As the colors of Plaggic Anthrosols differ, we introduce a “Grey Plaggic Anthrosol” and a “Brown Plaggic Anthrosol”. The term Plaggic Anthrosols is used in WRB, whereas those soils are classified as Agrosems according to the Russian, as Plagganthrepts according to the US Soil Taxonomy, and Plaggenesch according to the German taxonomy. The formation of Plaggic Anthrosols is the result of a former arable land use technique, the plaggen agriculture, starting ≈ 1000 y ago and lasting since the introduction of mineral fertilization. During processing plaggen agriculture, plaggen or sods of humic topsoil horizons were cut in the landscape, carried to the stables, enriched with dung, and subsequently spread out onto the fields as an organic‐earthy manure. The manure decomposed and humified, whereas the mineral fraction remained and raised the land surface by 0.1 cm y–1 in average. Hence, the diagnostic horizon, a thick (70–130 cm) humus‐rich man‐made epipedon, often containing artefacts, was formed over time. The main region of spatial distribution of Plaggic Anthrosols is NW Germany, The Netherlands and NE Belgium. Minor occurrences are reported from other parts of Europe. Compared to the associated soils, Plaggic Anthrosols hold considerable natural, archive and utilization functions, but are threatened by degradation when their use as arable soil is rendered.
Vibrational spectra of carbon dioxide adsorbed on nanopore walls at supermonolayer and submonolayer coverage
Authors: Arakcheev V. G. , Morozov V. B.
Published: February 2014

Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy is applied to probe the microstructure of CO2 adsorbed in nanoporous glass Vycor with a mean pore radius of 2 nm. CARS spectra of the Q‐branch (1388 cm‐1) were measured at 22 °C at pressures decreasing in a range providing the transition from the condensed phase in the whole volume of the pores to submonolayer coverage on their walls. The spectral behavior demonstrates sequential changes in the fluid state inside the nanopores. The analysis of the experimental results allowed us to characterize and compare the spectral properties of gas‐like, liquid‐like, and surface adsorbed carbon dioxide. The results provide clear evidence that as the surface coverage is decreased, the vibrational frequency shifts down. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volatile profiles of flavedo, pulp and seeds in Poncirus trifoliata fruits
Authors: Papa Fabrizio , Maggi Filippo , Cianfaglione Kevin , Sagratini Gianni , Caprioli Giovanni , Vittori Sauro
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND

Poncirus trifoliata, also known as trifoliate orange, is a tree native to China and Korea and widely used all over the world as a rootstock breeding material. In this study the differences among the volatile profiles of flavedo, pulp and seeds from two cultivars (var. trifoliata and var. monstrosa) grown in Italy (Marche, Abruzzo and Sicily) were determined. Headspace solid phase microextraction and hydrodistillation techniques were used in combination with GC/FID and GC/MS to obtain the volatile profiles of the samples.

RESULTS

Both techniques permitted the differentiation of fruit parts based on the main volatile components: the flavedo was characterized by monoterpene hydrocarbons such as limonene and myrcene, the seeds were characterized by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as (E)‐caryophyllene and germacrene D, while the pulp showed an intermediate composition. The main differences in volatile profiles obtained by the two techniques were analyzed by chemometric techniques such as principal component analysis.

CONCLUSION

The study did not highlight significant differences in volatiles between the two cultivars of trifoliate orange, while few differences in the number of volatiles in the fruit parts were revealed by the two techniques. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Bronchoscopic finding determined outcome after chemoradiotherapy in esophageal cancer patients with airway invasion
Authors: Yin Shun‐Ying , Chao Yin‐Kai , Tseng Chen‐Kan , Chang Hsien‐Kun , Liu Yun‐Hen , Wu Yi‐Cheng , Chen Tzu‐Ping , Yeh Chi‐Hsiao
Published: February 2014

Background

We studied whether the bronchoscopic findings could be help to predict outcome after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with airway invasion by esophageal cancer.

Method

Between 2000 and 2010, we retrospectively investigated esophageal cancer patients with T4 disease due to airway invasion who had received CRT as first line treatment. Airway invasion is defined as infiltration of the tracheobronchial wall or protruded intraluminal growth on bronchoscopy. The total radiation dose of CRT was 60 Gy and divided into two cycles. Bronchoscopic findings were evaluated together with other clinical parameters and correlated with overall survival (OS).

Result

There were 68 patients with a mean age of 54.5 years. After the first cycle of CRT, bronchoscopic examination showed complete regression of endobronchial lesion in 16 patients. OS was 26% at 1 year and 5% at 3 years with the median survival time (MST) of 7 months. Multivariate analysis revealed vocal cord palsy (unfavorable, OR [95% CI]:2 [1.07–3.84], P = 0.03), carina involvement (unfavorable, OR [95% CI]:2.6 [1.12–6], P = 0.025) and intraluminal tumor growth (unfavorable, OR [95% CI]:1.9 [1.1–3.3], P = 0.023) as independent factors for survival. The MST after CRT was 12.1, 6.1, 5.7 months in patients with 0, 1, 2 factors, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Bronchoscopic finding determined outcome after CRT in esophageal cancer patients with airway invasion J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:808–811. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Benefits from Service Bundling in Destination Branding: The Role of Trust in Enhancing Cooperation among Operators in the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Marcoz Elena Maria , Mauri Chiara , Maggioni Isabella , Cantù Chiara
Published: February 2014

Service bundling helps tourism organizations develop competitiveness. Cooperation within destinations builds service bundles and positively impacts image. This paper aims to shed light on the role of trust in cooperation among tourism operators in place branding strategy and investigates the impact of perceived benefits achievable through service bundling on hoteliers' orientation to networking, that is, willingness to cooperate with restaurants, theme parks, spas, and so on. A survey of 164 hoteliers finds that trust in other tourism operators mediates the impact of perceived relational benefits on networking orientation. Operators' innovativeness mediates the relationship between perceived economic benefits and networking orientation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.