bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: The Evolution of Amidine‐Based Brain Penetrant BACE1 Inhibitors
Authors: Oehlrich Daniel , Prokopcova Hana , Gijsen Harrie J. M.
Published: June 2014

Review: 111 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Small Molecular Aryl Acetylenes: Chemically Tailoring High‐Efficiency Organic Semiconductors for Solar Cells and Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Broggi Alessandra , Tomasi Ivan , Bianchi Luca , Marrocchi Assunta , Vaccaro Luigi
Published: June 2014

Review: [77 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Organic Photomechanical Materials
Authors: Kim Taehyung , Zhu Lingyan , Al‐Kaysi Rabih O. , Bardeen Christopher J.
Published: June 2014

Review: 146 refs.
Fabrication and Characterization of Sulfonate‐containing Polystyrene/CaCO3 Core‐shell Nanoparticles
Authors: Hu Yang , Wang Jishuai , Cheng Guanzhi , Shen Jie , Kan Chengyou
Published: June 2014

Polystyrene (PSt) seed latex was first prepared via soap‐free emulsion polymerization in the presence of a small amount of methacrylic acid using ammonium persulfate as initiator, and then seeded emulsion polymerization of sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate (NaSS) and St was carried out to synthesize P(St‐NaSS) core latex using 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator. After that, P(St‐NaSS)/CaCO3 core‐shell nanoparticles were fabricated by sequentially introducing Ca(OH)2 aqueous solution and CO2 gas into the core latex. The morphology of the core and core‐shell nanoparticles was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the state of CaCO3 shell was confirmed with high‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscope (HR‐STEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). Results showed that PNaSS chains were successfully grafted onto the PSt seed surface, and length of the PNaSS "hairs" could be modulated by adjusting NaSS amount. Sulfonic groups of the PNaSS hairs served as additives in the formation and stabilization of amorphous CaCO3(ACC) and prevented ACC from sequent transformation into crystalline states. The amount of the anchored CaCO3 increased with the growth of PNaSS hair length, and reached 51 wt% (by thermalgravimetric analysis) under the optimal encapsulating temperature of 45°C. Moreover, the forming mechanism of P(St‐NaSS)/CaCO3 core‐shell nanoparticles was proposed.
A Convenient Heterogeneous Reduction of Knoevenagel Product by Hantzsch Ester and Its Development into Reductive Alkylation of Malononitrile
Authors: Yang Yong‐Qing , Lu Zheng
Published: June 2014

Poor solubility of Hantzsch ester is used as indicator in the reduction of methylidene malononitrile. The Knoevenagel reaction is integrated to develop a reductive alkylation of malononitrile with aryl and aliphatic aldehyde as the carbonyl substrate.
Fe(OTf)3 Catalyzed Annulation of 2,3‐Disubstituted Indoles with Aziridines
Authors: Liu Hua , Zheng Chao , You Shu‐Li
Published: June 2014

A Fe(OTf)3 catalyzed [3+2] annulation reaction between 2,3‐disubstituted indoles and N‐Ts aziridines is described herein. A series of hexahydropyrrolo[3,4‐b]indole derivatives bearing two consecutive quaternary carboncenters can be generated efficiently. The reaction features cheap catalyst, mild conditions and operational simplicity.
Preparation of Fluorescent Polystyrene via ATRP with Dimethylamino Chalcones as Initiator
Authors: Zhou Qiuxuan , Gu Peiyang , Zhang Youhao , Li Najun , Xu Qingfeng , Zhang Yong , Lu Jianmei
Published: June 2014

4‐(3‐(4‐(Dimethylamino)phenyl)acryloyl)phenyl‐2‐bromo‐2‐methylpropanoate (APPBr) was used for the heterogeneous atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene (St) with copper(I) bromide/N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) catalytic system. The functional end group was characterized via UV‐Vis and 1H NMR spectra. The polymerization showed a first‐order kinetic characteristic and each of the obtained polymers had well‐controlled molecular weight and relatively low polydispersity index (PDI). Furthermore, the obtained end‐functionalized polystyrene (PS) in solution showed strong green‐light emission which is further affected by mixing different metal cations. In particular, the fluorescent intensity of the polymer was decreased in the presence of Ag+, Cu2+ and Fe3+.
Geochemical Fractionation of Trace Elements in Stream Sediments Contaminated by Mining Activity
Authors: Favas Paulo J. C. , Sarkar Santosh Kumar , Rakshit Dibyendu
Published: June 2014

This study was conducted along the watercourses which drain an abandoned mine (Vale das Gatas mine, Northern Portugal) with an objective to identify and quantify the impact of the mining activity on the quality of specific stream sediment fractions. The first phase of the study detected anomalous “total” concentrations of trace elements in the following sequential order: 9000 mg/kg Zn > 8200 mg/kg Pb > 5900 mg/kg W > 2450 mg/kg As > 1100 mg/kg Cu. The index of geoaccumulation values indicate that the sediment in the mine area and downstream the tailings were unpolluted to moderately polluted with Zn, unpolluted to highly polluted with Cd, moderately to highly polluted with Cu, moderately to very highly polluted with Pb and highly to very highly polluted with As. Some samples of stream sediments were selected for application of a modified sequential extraction technique to investigate the chemical elements present in the geochemical fractions of the sediment, thus identifying their toxicity, mobility, and degree of availability to the aquatic environment. Despite high total concentrations of several elements (Zn, Pb, W, As, Mn, Cu, Cd), only Pb and As are likely to create a dangerous situation according to the risk assessment code.
Unique hue data for colour appearance models. Part III: Comparison with NCS unique hues
Authors: Xiao Kaida , Pointer Michael , Cui Guihua , Chauhan Tushar , Wuerger Sophie
Published: June 2014

In this study, Swedish Natural Color System (NCS) unique hue data were used to evaluate the performance of unique hue predictions by the CIECAM02 colour appearance model. The colour appearance of 108 NCS unique hue stimuli was predicted using CIECAM02, and their distributions were represented in a CIECAM02 ac–bc chromatic diagram. The best‐fitting line for each of the four unique hues was found using orthogonal distance regression in the ac–bc chromatic diagram. Comparison of these predicted unique hue lines (based on the NCS data) with the default unique hue loci in CIECAM02 showed that there were significant differences in both unique yellow (UY) and unique blue (UB). The same tendency was found for hue uniformity: hue uniformity is worse for UY and UB stimuli in comparison with unique red (UR) and unique green (UG). A comparison between NCS unique hue stimuli and another set of unique hue stimuli (obtained on a calibrated cathode ray tube) was conducted in CIECAM02 to investigate possible media differences that might affect unique hue predictions. Data for UY and UB are in very good agreement; largest deviations were found for UR. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 40, 256–263, 2015
The Metacognitions about Symptoms Control Scale: Development and Concurrent Validity
Authors: Fernie Bruce A. , Maher‐Edwards Lorraine , Murphy Gabrielle , Nikčević Ana V. , Spada Marcantonio M.
Published: June 2014

Objective

This paper presents the development and preliminary validation of a self‐report instrument designed to measure metacognitions pertaining to symptoms control in the form of the following: (1) symptoms focusing and (2) symptoms conceptual thinking.

Methods

A total of 124 patients (95 female and 29 male) presenting with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) contributed data to the study to test the structure and psychometric properties of the Metacognitions about Symptoms Control Scale (MaSCS).

Results

A principal components factor analysis indicated that a two‐factor solution best fitted the data. The factors were labelled positive and negative metacognitions about symptoms control. Further analyses revealed that both factors had good internal consistency. Correlation analyses established preliminary concurrent validity, indicating that both positive and negative metacognitions about symptoms control were significantly associated with levels of fatigue in CFS. Regression analysis revealed that positive and negative metacognitions about symptoms control significantly predicted fatigue severity when controlling for anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

The newly developed instrument may help future research that examines the role of metacognitions in CFS, as well as aiding clinical assessment and case formulation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

The MaSCS is a useful first instrument to assess metacognitions in CFS.

The MaSCS may help to deepen our understanding of symptoms control (symptoms focusing and conceptual thinking about symptoms) in the experience of CFS symptoms.

Assessing and conceptualizing symptoms control through the MaSCS may aid treatment of CFS.
Self‐focused attention in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Zucker Nancy , Wagner H. Ryan , Merwin Rhonda , Bulik Cynthia M. , Moskovich Ashley , Keeling Lori , Hoyle Rick
Published: June 2014

Objective

The clinical presentation of anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by preoccupation with body experience, intrusive concerns regarding shape, and pathological fears of weight gain. These symptoms are suggestive of unrelenting self‐focused attention. No research to date has characterized self‐focused attention (SFA) in AN nor examined neurocognitive features that may facilitate an excessive, rigid, or sustained focus on one's appearance.

Method

This study examined SFA, body image disturbance, and executive functioning in women with current anorexia nervosa (AN‐C; n = 24), a history of AN who were weight‐restored at the time of the study (WR; n = 19), and healthy controls (n = 24).

Results

Private and public SFA were highest among WR and lowest among AN‐C. Shape concerns were negatively correlated with SFA, especially among AN‐C, after controlling for depression and social anxiety symptoms.

Discussion

Lower levels of SFA among AN‐C were unexpected and suggest the acute state of AN may lessen pathological self‐focus, negatively reinforcing symptoms. In addition, body image concerns may distract from general SFA. Deficits in executive attention may explain these findings, as each one unit increase in perseverative errors among AN‐C participants was associated with an almost one‐half unit decrease in public SFA. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:9–14)
Predictive factors of disordered eating and body image satisfaction in cyprus
Authors: Argyrides Marios , Kkeli Natalie
Published: June 2014

Objective

This study aimed to assess possible relationships and predictor variables between disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, the internalization of the thin ideal construct, body image satisfaction, body image investment, weight‐related anxiety, and body mass index (BMI) among Greek‐Cypriot female university students in Cyprus.

Method

A total of 243 female university students responded to self‐report measures assessing disordered eating, internalization of the thin ideal, body satisfaction, body image investment, and weight‐related anxiety.

Results

Disordered eating was positively correlated to the internalization of the thin ideal, body image investment, weight‐related anxiety, and BMI and negatively correlated with body image satisfaction. The internalization of the thin ideal was also positively correlated to weight‐related anxiety and body image investment and negatively correlated to body image satisfaction. Furthermore, weight‐related anxiety and internalization of the thin ideal have been found to be significant predictors of disordered eating attitudes.

Discussion

Possible explanations and vulnerability factors are addressed, as well as implication for prevention strategies and future research. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:431–435)
Family functioning in two treatments for adolescent anorexia nervosa
Authors: Ciao Anna C. , Accurso Erin C. , Fitzsimmons‐Craft Ellen E. , Lock James , Le Grange Daniel
Published: June 2014

Objective

Family functioning impairment is widely reported in the eating disorders literature, yet few studies have examined the role of family functioning in treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN). This study examined family functioning in two treatments for adolescent AN from multiple family members' perspectives.

Method

Participants were 121 adolescents with AN ages 12–18 from a randomized‐controlled trial comparing family‐based treatment (FBT) to individual adolescent‐focused therapy (AFT). Multiple clinical characteristics were assessed at baseline. Family functioning from the perspective of the adolescent and both parents was assessed at baseline and after 1 year of treatment. Full remission from AN was defined as achieving both weight restoration and normalized eating disorder psychopathology.

Results

In general, families dealing with AN reported some baseline impairment in family functioning, but average ratings were only slightly elevated compared to published impaired functioning cutoffs. Adolescents' perspectives on family functioning were the most impaired and were generally associated with poorer psychosocial functioning and greater clinical severity. Regardless of initial level of family functioning, improvements in several family functioning domains were uniquely related to full remission at the end of treatment in both FBT and AFT. However, FBT had a more positive impact on several specific aspects of family functioning compared to AFT.

Discussion

Families seeking treatment for adolescent AN report some difficulties in family functioning, with adolescents reporting the greatest impairment. Although FBT may be effective in improving some specific aspects of family dynamics, remission from AN was associated with improved family dynamics, regardless of treatment type. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:81–90)
Prevalence and severity of DSM‐5 eating disorders in a community cohort of adolescents
Authors: Smink Frédérique R.E. , van Hoeken Daphne , Oldehinkel Albertine J. , Hoek Hans W.
Published: June 2014

Objective

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5) includes a considerably revised eating disorder section. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence and severity of eating disorders based on the new DSM‐5 criteria in a community cohort of adolescents.

Method

This study is part of TRAILS (TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey), a Dutch cohort study on mental health and social development from preadolescence into young adulthood. At baseline, the participants (n = 2,230) were about 11 years old. Body mass index was measured at all four assessment waves. At age 19, the Composite International Diagnostic Interview was administered to 1,584 of the participants. A two‐stage screening approach was used to estimate the prevalence of DSM‐5 eating disorders. Adolescents at high risk for eating disorders (n = 312) were selected for an additional interview administered by eating disorder experts.

Results

Of the high‐risk group n = 296 (95%) could be interviewed. Among the women, the lifetime prevalence of DSM‐5 anorexia nervosa was 1.7%, of bulimia nervosa 0.8% and of binge eating disorder 2.3%. Eating disorders were relatively rare among the men. The severity of most cases was mild to moderate and detection and treatment rates depended on the level of severity.

Discussion

The most common DSM‐5 eating disorder diagnoses in adolescents in the community are anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Severity ratings for eating disorders seem valid in terms of both the distribution in the community and the correlation with detection and treatment by health care services. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:610–619)
Growth‐differentiation factor 15 and osteoprotegerin in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock: a biomarker substudy of the IABP‐SHOCK II‐trial
Authors: Fuernau Georg , Poenisch Christian , Eitel Ingo , de Waha Suzanne , Desch Steffen , Schuler Gerhard , Adams Volker , Werdan Karl , Zeymer Uwe , Thiele Holger
Published: June 2014

Aims

This study investigates the role of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and growth‐differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15) as predictors of outcome in cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute myocardial infarction. The novel biomarkers OPG and GDF‐15 have shown prognostic impact in various cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction. In acute myocardial infarction complicated by CS, the diagnostic and prognostic impact of these biomarkers has not been investigated yet. OPG and GDF‐15 may have additional prognostic impact on early prognosis assessment, being potentially useful for decision‐making in CS.

Methods and results

In the randomized Intra‐aortic Balloon Pump in cardiogenic Shock II (IABP‐SHOCK II)‐trial, 600 patients with CS complicating acute myocardial infarction undergoing early revascularization were assigned to therapy with or without IABP. Within a pre‐defined substudy, blood samples were collected from 190 patients during PCI. GDF‐15 and OPG serum levels were measured with standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. Patients with GDF‐15 and OPG levels greater than the median showed higher rates of death at 30 days by χ2 testing (OPG, 51% vs. 32%, P = 0.01; GDF‐15, 52% vs. 31%, P = 0.005) and log rank testing [GDF‐15, hazard ratio (HR) 1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–2.94; P = 0.005; OPG, HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.11–2.71; P = 0.01]. Both markers were significantly predictive of 30‐day mortality in univariable logistic regression analysis. In a multivariable logistic stepwise regression model, GDF‐15, TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) flow grade <3 after PCI, age, LVEF, and serum lactate remained significant predictors of 30‐day mortality.

Conclusion

GDF‐15 on admission is a significant independent predictor of short‐term mortality in infarct‐related CS.

Trail registration: NCT00491036
Predictors of mortality in acute heart failure: interaction between diabetes and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Go Yun Yun , Allen John Carson , Chia Shaw Yang , Sim Ling Ling , Jaufeerally Fazlur Rehman , Yap Jonathan , Ching Chi Keong , Sim David , Kwok Bernard , Liew Reginald
Published: June 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that diabetes modifies the risk of mortality in acute heart failure patients, especially in patients with impaired LVEF, and that impaired LVEF in turn modifies the risk of mortality in diabetic patients.

Methods and results

We studied 2121 patients with acute heart failure admitted at two centres in Singapore from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2009. The date of the last follow‐up was 31 December 2011, with a median follow‐up time (interquartile range) of 914 (442–1190) days. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios for all‐cause mortality in patients with LVEF ≥50%, LVEF 30–49%, and LVEF <30% relative to diabetic status. Impaired LVEF (<50%) in the presence of diabetes substantially increased the risk of mortality compared with non‐diabetics with LVEF <50%. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for diabetic patients with an LVEF of 30–49% (1.46, 95% 1.18–1.81) was not statistically different from the aHR in non‐diabetic patients with severely impaired LVEF of <30% (1.38, 95% CI 1.09–1.75) (P = 0.644). The deleterious effects of diabetes seemed to be confined to acute heart failure patients with impaired LVEF, as the mortality rate in patients with LVEF >50% was not increased. Other clinical predictors of mortality were ageing, prior myocardial infarction, systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg, creatinine ≥250 µmol/L, haemoglobin <9.0 g/dL, and prior stroke/transient ischaemic attack.

Conclusion

The interaction of diabetes and impaired LVEF in acute heart failure patients significantly amplifies the deleterious effects of each as distinct disease entities.
Phospholipids in pulmonary drug delivery
Authors: Wauthoz Nathalie , Amighi Karim
Published: June 2014

Pulmonary delivery is becoming the standard route of administration for treating respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is also gaining interest for non‐invasive systemic delivery of peptides and proteins. A limited number of excipients is approved or authorized for the pulmonary tract. This restricts the commercial potential of some formulations. Phospholipids and more particularly 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DPPC) are the main components of lung surfactant and are recognized as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) excipients for pulmonary drug delivery by the Food and Drug Administration. Moreover, phospholipids could modulate the physicochemical properties of drug delivery systems and therefore the drug release and/or dissolution. They can potentially modulate the drug pharmacokinetic by enhancing the drug permeability through the lung epithelium using palmitoyl‐based phospholipids, and/or by reducing recognition of the drug delivery systems by the alveolar macrophages by including DPPC or polyethyleneglycol (PEG) at their surface. Therefore, this review focuses on the formulations containing phospholipids or PEGylated phospholipids, such as micelles, liposomes, lipid micro‐/nanoparticles, large porous particles, solid dispersions, and microparticle suspensions.

Drug delivery systems composed mainly or secondarily by phospholipids could be aerosolized by an appropriate device (nebulizer for aqueous‐based formulations, pressurized metered dose inhalers for propellant or aqueous‐based formulations or dry powder inhaler for powder‐based formulations) to be deposited in the lungs following their aerodynamic diameter. Phospholipids included in the drug delivery systems could modulate aerodynamic performances and drug pharmacokinetic.
SF Box—A tool for evaluating the effects on soil functions in remediation projects
Authors: Volchko Yevheniya , Norrman Jenny , Rosén Lars , Norberg Tommy
Published: June 2014

Although remediation is usually aimed at reducing the risks posed by contaminants to human health and the environment, it is also desirable that the remediated soil within future green spaces is capable of providing relevant ecological functions, e.g., basis for primary production. Yet while addressing a contamination problem by reducing contaminant concentration and/or amounts in the soil, the remedial action itself can lead to soil structure disturbances, decline in organic matter and nutrient deficiencies, and in turn affect a soil's capacity to carry out its ecological soil functions. This article presents the Soil Function Box (SF Box) tool that is aimed to facilitate integration of information from suggested soil quality indicators (SQIs) into a management process in remediation using a scoring method. The scored SQIs are integrated into a soil quality index corresponding to 1 of 5 classes. SF Box is applied to 2 cases from Sweden (Kvillebäcken and Hexion), explicitly taking into consideration uncertainties in the results by means of Monte Carlo simulations. At both sites the generated soil quality indices corresponded to a medium soil performance (soil class 3) with a high certainty. The main soil constraints at both Kvillebäcken and Hexion were associated with biological activity in the soil, as soil organisms were unable to supply plant-available N. At the Kvillebäcken site the top layer had a content of coarse fragment (ø > 2 mm) higher than 35%, indicating plant rooting limitations. At the Hexion site, the soil had limited amount of organic matter, thus poor aggregate stability and nutrient cycling potential. In contrast, the soil at Kvillebäcken was rich in organic matter. The soils at both sites were capable of storing a sufficient amount of water for soil organisms between precipitation events. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2014;10:566–575. © 2014 SETAC

Key Points

A generic framework for soil function assessment within sustainability appraisal of remediation alternatives is presented. The framework is realized in the SF Box tool by scoring soil quality indicators and classifying the soil. Uncertainties in the soil quality indicators are treated using Monte Carlo simulation. The applicability of SF Box is demonstrated on 2 cases from Sweden.
Expressive writing promotes self‐reported physical, social and psychological health among Chinese undergraduates
Authors: Yang Zhihan , Tang Xiaoqing , Duan Wenjie , Zhang Yonghong
Published: June 2014

The present study examines the efficacy of expressive writing among Chinese undergraduates. The sample comprised of 74 undergraduates enrolled in a 9‐week intervention (35 in experimental class vs. 39 in control class). The writing exercises were well‐embedded in an elective course for the two classes. The 46‐item simplified Chinese Self‐Rated Health Measurement Scale, which assesses psychological, physical and social health, was adopted to measure the outcome of this study. Baseline (second week) and post‐test (ninth week) scores were obtained during the classes. After the intervention on the eighth week, the self‐reported psychological, social and physical health of the experimental class improved. Psychological health obtained the maximum degree of improvement, followed by social and physical health. Furthermore, female participants gained more psychological improvement than males. These results demonstrated that the expressive writing approach could improve the physical, social and psychological health of Chinese undergraduates, and the method can be applied in university psychological consulting settings in Mainland China.
Development and characterization of elastic nanocomposites for craniofacial contraction osteogenesis
Authors: Levi‐Polyachenko Nicole , Rosenbalm Tabitha , Kuthirummal Narayanan , Shelton Julie , Hardin Worth , Teruel Maria , Hobley Eboni , Wang Rui , Day Cynthia , Narayanan Vishnu , David Lisa , Wagner William D.
Published: June 2014

Development of resorbable elastic composites as an alternative means to apply contractive forces for manipulating craniofacial bones is described herein. Composites made from the biodegradable elastomer, poly (1,8‐octanediol co‐citric acid) (POC), and hydroxyapatite (nHA) with a 200 nm diameter (0–20% loadings) were created to develop a material capable of applying continuous contractive forces. The composites were evaluated for variation in their mechanical properties, rate of degradation, and interaction of the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with the polymer chains. First, an ex vivo porcine model of cleft palate was used to determine the rate of cleft closure with applied force. The closure rate was found to be 0.505 mm N−1. From this approximation, the ideal maximum load was calculated to be 19.82 N, and the elastic modulus calculated to be 1.98 MPa. The addition of nHA strengthens POC, but also reduces the degradation time by 45%, for 3% nHA loading, compared to POC without nHA. X‐ray diffraction data indicates that the addition of nHA to amorphous POC results in the formation of a semicrystalline phase of the POC adjacent to the nHA crystals. Based on the data, we conclude that amongst the 0–20% nHA loadings, a 3% loading of nHA in POC may be an ideal material (1.21 MPa elastic modulus and 13.17 N maximum load) to induce contraction forces capable of facilitating osteogenesis and craniofacial bone repair. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 407–416, 2015.
Laparotomy closure using an elastic suture: A promising approach
Authors: Lambertz A. , Vogels R. R. M. , Busch D. , Schuster P. , Jockenhövel S. , Neumann U. P. , Klinge U. , Klink C. D.
Published: June 2014

Background: Midline laparotomy wound failure like burst abdomen remains one of the major complications after abdominal surgery. The use of sutures with a closer resemblance to abdominal wall physiology, like elastic threads, could decrease the risk of these complications occurring. Thus, we evaluated the possibility of using a new elastic thread composed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as a suture for the closure of midline laparotomies compared to conventionally used polypropylene (PP) in a rabbit model. Methods: The elastic TPU thread was processed and tensile tests were performed. Twenty female chinchilla rabbits underwent midline laparotomy. They were randomized to a TPU and a PP group depending on the suture used for fascia closure. After 7 or 21 days, the abdominal walls were assessed macroscopically for wound healing complications and were explanted for histopathological investigation. Results: Tensile tests showed a mean elastic elongation of 55.5% and a sufficient material strength of the TPU thread. In animal experiments, there was no difference between the groups at 7 days; however, the TPU suture showed significantly less CD68 positive cells (p < 0.001) and a higher collagen I/III ratio (p = 0.011) than PP did after 21 days. The amount of apoptotic cells was significantly elevated in the TPU group (p = 0.007) after 21 days. No differences were found concerning granuloma size and number of Ki67‐positive cells. Conclusions: The newly developed TPU thread shows promising tensile characteristics. Midline laparotomy closure is feasible and safe in a rabbit model. Immunohistochemistry indicates similar biocompatibility and wound healing after implantation compared to PP after 21 days. To confirm these findings and to proof long‐term capability further studies need to be conducted. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 417–423, 2015.
The top clinical trial opportunities in therapeutic apheresis and neurology
Authors: Morgan Shanna M. , Shaz Beth H. , Pavenski Katerina , Meyer Erin K. , Delaney Meghan , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M.
Published: June 2014

Objective: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, of The National Institutes of Health, convened the 2012 State‐of‐the‐Science Symposium in therapeutic apheresis (TA) with the goals of identifying and prioritizing future research concept proposals to optimize the use of TA over the next decade. Methods: Six subcommittees, including neurology, were formed based on organ system, pathophysiology, and technology/special considerations. The subcommittees consisted of physicians, clinical subject matter experts, and basic scientists. Each subcommittee developed concept proposals that were presented, evaluated, and prioritized based on scientific importance, clinical significance, and feasibility. Results: The neurology subcommittee developed eight concept proposals. The proposals include therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in neuromyelitis optica; TPE versus intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in anti‐muscle specific kinase associated myasthenia gravis, severe acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and anti‐NMDA encephalitis; extracorporeal photopheresis in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and polymyositis; fibrinogen/low‐density lipoprotein apheresis in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss; and creation of a rare neurologic disease registry and biorepository. Conclusions: Key clinical research priorities to evaluate and optimize the use of TA on selected neurologic disorders exist. The research opportunities if addressed would provide evidence‐based data to inform the care of patients with these selected neurologic diseases. J. Clin. Apheresis 29:331–335 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Purinergic signaling mediated by P2X7 receptors controls myelination in sciatic nerves
Authors: Faroni A. , Smith R.J.P. , Procacci P. , Castelnovo L.F. , Puccianti E. , Reid A.J. , Magnaghi V. , Verkhratsky A.
Published: June 2014

Adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate, the physiological ligand of P2X receptors, is an important factor in peripheral nerve development. P2X7 receptor is expressed in Schwann cells (SCs), but the specific effects of P2X7 purinergic signaling on peripheral nerve development, myelination, and function are largely unknown. In this study, sciatic nerves from P2X7 knockout mice were analyzed for altered expression of myelin‐associated proteins and for alterations in nerve morphology. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that, in the wild‐type peripheral nerves, the P2X7 receptor was localized mainly in myelinating SCs, with only a few immunopositive nonmyelinating SCs. Complete absence of P2X7 receptor protein was confirmed in the sciatic nerves of the knockout mice by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Western blot analysis revealed that expression levels of the myelin proteins protein zero and myelin‐associated glycoprotein are reduced in P2X7 knockout nerves. In accordance with the molecular results, transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that P2X7 knockout nerves possess significantly more unmyelinated axons, contained in a higher number of Remak bundles. The myelinating/nonmyelinating SC ratio was also decreased in knockout mice, and we found a significantly increased number of irregular fibers compared with control nerves. Nevertheless, the myelin thickness in the knockout was unaltered, suggesting a stronger role for P2X7 in determining SC maturation than in myelin formation. In conclusion, we present morphological and molecular evidence of the importance of P2X7 signaling in peripheral nerve maturation and in determining SC commitment to a myelinating phenotype. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and vermicompost to maximize the production of foliar biomolecules in Passiflora alata Curtis seedlings
Authors: Oliveira Melquisedec S , Campos Maryluce AS , Silva Fábio SB
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are soil organisms that associate with plant roots and promote plant growth, increasing the concentration of secondary metabolites, which are molecules of interest to the pharmaceutical industry. Passiflora alata is a Brazilian medicinal plant that is used as a raw material for anxiolytic phytotherapeutic agents. The anxiolytic properties are related to the presence of biomolecules in the plant material, principally flavonoids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of inoculation with AMF and organic fertilization on the production of soluble carbohydrates and total foliar proteins, phenols and flavonoids in P. alata seedlings.

RESULTS

There was an effect of the tested treatments on the analyzed variables. Seedlings inoculated and cultivated in soil to which 0.15 kg vermicompost kg−1 had been added showed increased growth and production of primary and secondary metabolites compared with treatments with lower levels of manure, which did not differ from those cultivated in soil with 0.2 kg vermicompost kg−1.

CONCLUSION

The inoculation of P. alata seedlings with Gigaspora albida is an alternative to maximize the production of pharmacologically important foliar biomolecules, especially flavonoids, with benefits that vary in accordance with the fertility of the soil. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Motor progression of Parkinson's disease with the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 G2019S mutation
Authors: Yahalom Gilad , Orlev Yael , Cohen Oren S. , Kozlova Evgenia , Friedman Eitan , Inzelberg Rivka , Hassin‐Baer Sharon
Published: June 2014

Introduction

In this retrospective study, we compared motor disease progression in Ashkenazi‐Jewish (AJ) Parkinson's disease (PD) patients carrying the LRRK2*G2019S mutation with that of noncarriers.

Methods

Consecutive PD patients were recruited between 2004 and 2011. Disease progression of carriers versus noncarriers was compared using survival analysis, where the end‐point was the time from PD onset to reaching Hoehn and Yahr stage 3 (HY3).

Results

Overall, 405 AJ PD patients (males = 241[60%]) were genotyped, of whom 60 (males = 30) were LRRK2*G2019S mutation carriers. Time to HY3 did not differ significantly between mutation carriers and noncarriers (hazard ratio = 1.21, 95%CI = 0.83‐1.77, P = 0.33). Age at PD onset was younger for carriers than for noncarriers (59.1 ± 9.8 vs. 63.2 ± 12.0 years, respectively; P = 0.005). In both groups, young age at onset was strongly associated with longer time to HY3, (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The LRRK2*G2019S mutation status has no discernible effect on the rate of motor disease progression in AJ PD patients. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Chemikalien für Fracking
Authors: Plank Johann , Echt Timon
Published: June 2014

Fracking ist eine seit Jahrzehnten bekannte Methode, um konventionelle Kohlenwasserstofflagerstätten besser zu entölen. Erst durch die relativ neue Anwendung im Schiefergestein gelangte das Verfahren ins Bewusstsein der Öffentlichkeit — und in die Kritik.
Licht für Medizin und Diagnostik
Authors: Griesbeck Axel , Ihmels Heiko , Licha Kai , Mielke Tamara , Senge Mathias , Strehmel Bernd , Wöll Dominik
Published: June 2014

Tumortherapie, bildgebende Diagnostik, Fluoreszenzmikroskopie und schaltbare Materialien nutzen und profitieren von photochemischen und photophysikalischen Methoden.
Schmieren und schalten mit flüssigen Salzen
Authors: Hausen Florian , Bennewitz Roland
Published: June 2014

Reibung lässt sich elektrochemisch kontrollieren. Mit ionischen Flüssigkeiten elektrochemisch gesteuerte Reibvorgänge könnten in kleinskaligen, miniaturisierten Kontakten herkömmliche Schmiermittel ersetzen.
Für Krieg und Frieden — Nernst im Ersten Weltkrieg
Authors: Bartel Hans‐Georg
Published: June 2014

Walther Nernst war gerade 50 Jahre alt geworden, als im Jahr 1914 der Erste Weltkrieg begann. Wie viele andere Wissenschaftler unterstützte er den Krieg — auch und gerade die Entwicklung moderner Waffen. Gleichzeitig bemühte er sich um einen Friedensschluss.
Slope stability analyzing using recent swarm intelligence techniques
Authors: Gandomi Amir H. , Kashani Ali R. , Mousavi Mehdi , Jalalvandi Mehdi
Published: June 2014

Slope stability analysis of soil with a weak layer sandwiched between two strong layers is considered as a complex geotechnical problem. In this problem, the objective function is non‐convex and discontinuous with the presence of multiple strong local minima. Classical optimization techniques fail to converge to a valid solution unless a proper initial trial is adopted. Even though many new optimization algorithms have emerged, they have not been applied to geotechnical problems yet. In the present study, some recent swarm intelligence algorithms are adopted for some complicated example of slope stability problems and benchmarked with the traditional particle swarm optimization algorithm. From the results, it seems the levy flight krill herd algorithm is the most efficient method over proposed algorithms for this kind of problem. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐speed flow‐based classification on FPGA
Authors: Groléat Tristan , Vaton Sandrine , Arzel Matthieu
Published: June 2014

Analyzing the composition of Internet traffic has many applications nowadays, like tracking bandwidth‐consuming applications, QoS‐based traffic engineering and lawful interception of illegal traffic. Even though many flow‐based classification methods, such as support vector machines (SVM), have demonstrated their accuracy, few practical implementations of lightweight classifiers exist. We consider in this paper the design of a real‐time SVM traffic classifier at hundreds of Gb/s to allow online detection of categories of applications. We also implement a high‐speed flow reconstruction algorithm able to handle one million concurrent flows. The solution is based on the massive parallelism and low‐level network interface access of FPGA boards. We find maximum supported bit rates up to 408 Gb/s for classification and up to 20 GB/s for flow reconstruction for the most challenging trace. Results are confirmed using a commercial Combov2 board with a Virtex 5 FPGA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uniformly convergent C0‐nonconforming triangular prism element for fourth‐order elliptic singular perturbation problem
Authors: Chen Hongru , Chen Shaochun , Xiao Liuchao
Published: June 2014

In this article, we introduce a C
0‐nonconforming triangular prism element for the fourth‐order elliptic singular perturbation problem in three dimensions by using the bubble functions. The element is proved to be convergent in the energy norm uniformly with respect to the perturbation parameter. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 1785–1796, 2014
A discrete duality finite volume discretization of the vorticity‐velocity‐pressure stokes problem on almost arbitrary two‐dimensional grids
Authors: Delcourte Sarah , Omnes Pascal
Published: June 2014

We present an application of the discrete duality finite volume method to the numerical approximation of the vorticity‐velocity‐pressure formulation of the two‐dimensional Stokes equations, associated to various nonstandard boundary conditions. The finite volume method is based on the use of discrete differential operators obeying some discrete duality principles. The scheme may be seen as an extension of the classical Marker and Cell scheme to almost arbitrary meshes, thanks to an appropriate choice of degrees of freedom. The efficiency of the scheme is illustrated by numerical examples over unstructured triangular and locally refined nonconforming meshes, which confirm the theoretical convergence analysis led in the article. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 1–30, 2015
A new adaptive mixed finite element method based on residual type a posterior error estimates for the Stokes eigenvalue problem
Authors: Han Jiayu , Zhang Zhimin , Yang Yidu
Published: June 2014

In this article, we combine mixed finite element method, multiscale discretization, and Rayleigh quotient iteration to propose a new adaptive algorithm based on residual type a posterior error estimates for the Stokes eigenvalue problem. Both reliability and efficiency of the error indicator are proved. The efficiency of the algorithm is also investigated using Chen's Innovation Finite Element Method (iFEM) package. Numerical results are satisfying.© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 31–53, 2015
The influence of PVP on the synthesis and electromagnetic properties of PANI/PVP/CIP composites
Authors: Tang Jihai , Ma Li , Huo Qisheng , Yan Jun , Tian Nan , Xu Fenfang
Published: June 2014

Polyaniline/carbonyl iron powder (PANI/CIP) composites with core‐shell structure were synthesized via in situ polymerization in aqueous solution of polyvinylpyrrolidon (PVP). The micromorphology, structure, and microwave absorbing property of the PANI/PVP/CIP composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and vector network analysis. And, the modified mechanism of PVP on polymerization was discussed. The research showed that the presence of PVP was conducive to not only dispersion of CIP but also the formation coated well with PANI. PANI/CIP composites that were decorated by PVP have obviously improved on wave absorbing property compared with the composites which were synthesized without PVP. With the concentrations of 10 wt% PVP, the PANI/PVP/CIP composites show best microwave absorption, which the minimum reflection loss (RL) was −26.4 dB at 38.1 GHz and the corresponding thickness was 0.9 mm; for a thickness of 1.1 mm, an RL exceeding −10 dB was obtained in the frequency range of 27.6–39.0 GHz. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1799–1806, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Clinical application of noninvasive prenatal testing for the detection of trisomies 21, 18, and 13: a hospital experience
Authors: Zhou Qiyin , Pan Ling , Chen Songchang , Chen Fang , Hwang Rosa , Yang Xiaonan , Wang Wei , Jiang Jingyi , Xu Jian , Huang Hefeng , Xu Chenming
Published: June 2014

Objective

The aim of this study is to report the clinical application of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to detect chromosomal aneuploidies, especially trisomies 21, 18, and 13 in Chinese singleton pregnancies.

Methods

Pilot validation between NIPT with full karyotyping was conducted blindly on 306 cases. Subsequently, 7705 pregnancies were offered with NIPT. Follow‐up data was obtained in all cases.

Results

In the validation stage, a total of five NIPT positive cases were observed for trisomies 21 and 18, and results were confirmed by karyotyping; there were no cases of trisomy 13. Thus, the overall sensitivity and specificity in the validation stage was 100%. In 7705 cases, NIPT results were obtained in 7701 cases; 66 cases were classified as positive, including 48 cases of trisomy 21, 14 cases of trisomy 18, and 4 cases of trisomy 13. Subsequent karyotyping documented two false positive diagnoses for trisomies 21, 18, and 13, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of trisomies 21 and 18 and 13 were 100% and 99.9%, respectively. Additionally, prenatal chromosomal detection for pregnancies with NIPT has shown a gradual increase since its implementation.

Conclusion

Noninvasive prenatal testing allows a more suitable and efficient workflow for our patients' needs, together with invasive procedures allows a higher prenatal detection of chromosomal aneuploidies. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of Continuous‐Infusion Loop Diuretics in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Miller Jamie L. , Thomas Amber N. , Johnson Peter N.
Published: June 2014

Loop diuretics are commonly used in critically ill children to achieve appropriate fluid balance. They are often administered as a continuous intravenous infusion (CI) in hemodynamically unstable children because of fewer alterations in central venous pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate compared with scheduled intermittent dosing. During the past few years, however, drug shortages have been reported for bumetanide, torsemide, and furosemide. Therefore, to explore the use of alternative agents forCI, we performed a literature search to identify articles evaluating the use of furosemide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, and torsemideCIin critically ill children. The search was limited to English‐language articles in theMEDLINE(1946–December 2013),EMBASE(1980–December 2013), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–December 2013) databases and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2005–December 2013). Reference citations from relevant articles were also reviewed. A total of 10 reports representing 173 pediatric patients were included in the analysis. Most of the reports provided evidence for furosemide, and no reports with torsemide were identified. Wide variability inCIdosing was reported in these studies. When selecting the loop diureticCIfor critically ill patients, clinicians should consider their adverse‐event profiles, compatibility with other concomitant intravenous infusions, and pharmacoeconomics. Fluid balance and urine output should be monitored routinely to ensure appropriate response. The lowest initial dose should be used to achieve an appropriate fluid balance and target urine output of 1–3 ml/kg/hour while limiting the likelihood of toxicity.
Modeling the maximum power output of a distributed PV fleet
Authors: Wirth Georg , Lorenz Elke , Spring Andreas , Becker Gerd , Pardatscher Robert , Witzmann Rolf
Published: June 2014

In areas with a high (photovoltaic) PV penetration, the installed PV capacity is the decisive factor in network planning. This article discusses meteorological impacts on distribution networks in these areas. The focus thereby is to determine the maximum feed‐in power of a distributed PV fleet. Therefore, a meteorological classification of the situations with maximum feed‐in is presented. With these results, the maximum feed‐in power is calculated for Germany. The maximum feed‐in of a distributed PV fleet is found for clear sky situations with a limit of 85% of the installed standard test condition power. This limit could be confirmed by the analysis of measured PV power feed‐in and its impact on the voltage levels in a distribution grid. The investigations are based on the analysis of data from a very detailed measurement campaign in a distribution grid with very high PV penetration in southern Germany. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.