bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a method for the analysis of phytosterols in sunflower seeds
Authors: Fernández‐Cuesta Álvaro , Aguirre‐González Marta R. , Ruiz‐Méndez Maria V. , Velasco Leonardo
Published: October 2011

Phytosterols are natural compounds that contribute to lower serum cholesterol in humans. Sunflower seeds and oils are rich sources of phytosterols. Breeding for phytosterol content in sunflower has been scarce thus far, mainly because of the lack of analytical methods suitable for use in plant breeding. The objective of this research was to validate a method for the analysis of phytosterols in small seed samples of sunflower. Samples consisting of six seeds were analyzed for phytosterol content in a set of 87 inbred lines using a method adapted to small samples. The accuracy of the method was evaluated through the standard error of the analysis of replicates of ground samples, which was 72.12 mg/kg compared to average values of 1665.3 and 1887.2 mg/kg seed in the samples. Sunflower inbred lines showed ranges of variation from 1426.0 to 4710.0 mg/kg seed and from 2855.2 to 9752.0 mg/kg oil. The method correlated strongly with the conventional method based on the analysis of extracted oils (r = 0.85). The results indicated that analysis of phytosterols on samples consisting of sunflower seeds is an accurate approach for breeding and genetic studies, in which extraction of the seed oil is not feasible.

Practical applications: Phytosterols are usually analyzed in extracted oils. However, studies in plant breeding and plant sciences often require a direct analysis of phytosterols in seeds, without previous oil extraction (e.g. large‐scale screening of germplasm in breeding programs or genetic studies). Our results will be useful for plant scientists interested in the analysis of phytosterols in small samples of plant tissues.
One‐Pot Synthesis of 2,7‐Dioxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes from Oxoallylsilanes
Authors: Pulido Francisco J. , Barbero Asunción , Abad Raquel
Published: October 2011

A one‐pot high‐yielding synthesis of silylated 2,7‐dioxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes from oxoallylsilanes is described. The mechanism of this tandem reaction is a sequential epoxidation of the allylsilane moiety and subsequent intramolecular cyclization. This simple protocol allows the synthesis of epoxy‐bridged tetrahydropyrans from allene in two high‐yielding steps: silylcupration of allene (followed by capture of the intermediate cuprate with enones) and treatment of the oxoallylsilanes thus obtained with MCPBA. However, under the same conditions, oxovinylsilanes yielded epoxysilyl ketones in a very stereoselective manner.
Intramolecular Tandem Isomerization–Mannich Reaction as a New Route Towards Aminocyclopentitols
Authors: Cao Hai Thuong , Roisnel Thierry , Grée René
Published: October 2011

A new efficient synthetic strategy has been developed to prepare aminocyclopentitols. It is based on an iron‐catalyzed tandem isomerization–Mannich reaction and uses chiral N‐tert‐butanesulfinamide as a chiral auxiliary. This methodology has been applied to the enantiocontrolled synthesis of a mannostatin A analogue, as well as isomers of known fucosidase and glycosidase inhibitors.
Nonlinear Forecasting Using Factor‐Augmented Models
Authors: Giovannetti Bruno Cara
Published: October 2011

Using factors in forecasting exercises reduces the dimensionality of the covariates set and, therefore, allows the forecaster to explore possible nonlinearities in the model. For an American macroeconomic dataset, I present evidence that the employment of nonlinear estimation methods can improve the out‐of‐sample forecasting accuracy for some macroeconomic variables, such as industrial production, employment, and Fed fund rate. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between changes in body weight and cognitive function in middle‐aged and older women
Authors: Lo Ada H.Y. , Pachana Nancy A. , Byrne Gerard J. , Sachdev Perminder S. , Woodman Richard J.
Published: October 2011

Background

Although several longitudinal studies indicate that weight loss precedes dementia in men and women, the relationship between weight changes and cognitive performance is unclear. This study investigated the relationship between changes in adiposity and cognitive function in community‐dwelling women.

Methods

Data were derived from the Longitudinal Assessment of Women Study, a population‐based study of 511 urban women initially aged 40–79 years. We analyzed data from 334 women who had complete information on demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, medical status, weight, height, and waist‐to‐hip ratio and cognitive scores at baseline and after a mean of 7.45 years of follow‐up. Cognition was assessed at baseline and follow‐up using the Mini Mental State Examination; the Auditory Delayed Index, Visual Delayed Index, and Working Memory Index from the Wechsler Memory Scale, Third Edition; and the Processing Speed Index from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Third Edition. Associations were adjusted for age, education, baseline cognitive performance, cardiovascular risk factors, menopausal status, and apolipoprotein E‐4 status.

Results

In multivariate analysis, both weight gain and loss were associated with poor Visual Delayed Index performance at follow‐up compared with stable weight (β = −4.02 ± 1.57, p = 0.011; β = −6.50 ± 2.39, p = 0.007, respectively). No significant associations were found between body mass index, waist circumference, or waist‐to‐hip ratio and any cognitive domains at follow‐up. Changes in cognitive performance were not associated with changes in adiposity measures.

Conclusion

Weight loss and weight gain were associated with poor cognitive performance in middle‐aged and older women compared with women with stable weight. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coupling to a cancer cell‐specific antibody potentiates tumoricidal properties of curcumin
Authors: Langone Phyllis , Debata Priya Ranjan , Dolai Sukanta , Curcio Gina Marie , Inigo Joseph Del Rosario , Raja Krishnaswami , Banerjee Probal
Published: October 2011

In vitro studies have shown that curcumin, a polyphenol from the culinary component turmeric, has strong anticancer properties. However, there is no consensus on its therapeutic effect in human. Our earlier experiments involving implanted murine melanoma B16F10 cells in the neck or brain of syngeneic C57BL6 mice showed that tail vein injection of curcumin blocks formation of lesions and tumor in these mice. However, such treatment was ineffective in eliminating established tumors that already occupied ≤10% of brain volume. Possible reasons include low solubility and rapid metabolism of curcumin in vivo. To increase its efficacy, we have linked curcumin through a cleavable arm to an antibody (Ab) against the melanoma surface antigen Muc18. The antibody‐coupled curcumin was 230‐fold more effective in eliminating B16F10 cells in vitro, and in vivo, it rapidly decimated established, B16F10‐evoked brain tumors, enabling the rescued mice to live normally far beyond 90 days from implantation of cancer cells. In contrast, mice treated with Muc18 Ab alone died of brain tumor within a month. In B16F10 cells, curcumin‐Ab (adduct) treatment caused a dramatic inhibition of NF‐kB: a transcription factor that is constitutively activated in cancer cells. Furthermore, overexpression of NF‐kB in the B16F10 cells blocked adduct‐evoked stimulation of caspase‐3/7 activity. Thus, by suppressing NF‐kB, the curcumin adduct inhibits other downstream tumor‐promoting proteins, thereby eliminating the B16F10 cells. Our study submits a novel yet generally applicable strategy of converting curcumin into a potent anticancer agent and provides a mechanistic framework for its action.
Comparison of permissible source region and multispectral data using efficient bioluminescence tomography method
Authors: Qin Chenghu , Zhu Shouping , Feng Jinchao , Zhong Jianghong , Ma Xibo , Wu Ping , Tian Jie
Published: October 2011

As a novel molecular imaging technology, bioluminescence tomography (BLT) has become an important tool for biomedical research in recent years, which can perform a quantitative reconstruction of an internal light source distribution with the scattered and transmitted bioluminescent signals measured on the external surface of a small animal. However, BLT is severely ill‐posed because of complex photon propagation in the biological tissue and limited boundary measured data with noise. Therefore, sufficient a priori knowledge should be fused for the uniqueness and stability of BLT solution. Permissible source region strategy and spectrally resolved measurements are two kinds of a priori knowledge commonly used in BLT reconstruction. This paper compares their performance with simulation and in vivo heterogeneous mouse experiments. In order to improve the efficiency of large‐scale source restoration, this paper introduces an efficient iterative shrinkage thresholding method that not only has faster convergence rate but also has better reconstruction accuracy than the modified Newton‐type optimization approach. Finally, a discussion of these two kinds of a priori knowledge is given based on the comparison results. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Predicting patient deterioration in youth mental health services: community mental health vs. managed care settings
Authors: Warren Jared S. , Nelson Philip L. , Burlingame Gary M. , Mondragon Sasha A.
Published: October 2011

Objective: To examine differences across a community mental health system and a private managed care system in the accuracy of a warning system designed to identify youth at risk for deterioration in mental health services. Design: Longitudinal outcome data from the Youth Outcome Questionnaire (Y‐OQ) were examined using multilevel modeling for 2,310 youth ages 4–17 who received outpatient treatment. Results: The warning system correctly identified 69% of cases that ultimately ended in deterioration in the community mental health setting, compared to 61% in the managed care setting. The overall hit rate (overall accuracy in classifying cases as deteriorators/non‐deteriorators) was the same in the two settings (75%). Conclusions: Results are consistent with previous research demonstrating that patient‐focused warning systems can be reasonably accurate in identifying youth cases at risk for treatment failure. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 67:1–17, 2011.
Neighborhood disorder and the sense of personal control: which factors moderate the association?
Authors: Kim Joongbaeck , Conley Meghan E.
Published: October 2011

This study examines whether and how select individual characteristics moderate the relationship between neighborhood disorder and a sense of personal control. Our findings show that neighborhood disorder is associated with a decreased sense of control. However, regression analyses including interaction terms of neighborhood disorder and some individual characteristics show that the negative effect of neighborhood disorder on sense of control is greater among Whites and people with low economic hardship, compared with racial minorities and those with high economic hardship, when neighborhood disorder is high. These results imply that, for Whites and those with low economic hardship, sense of control is more vulnerable to high levels of neighborhood disorder, even though Whites and people with low economic hardship show higher levels of sense of control than their counterparts when neighborhood disorder is low. Our research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of neighborhood disorder and psychological well‐being. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
“What do you say to them?” investigating and supporting the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people
Authors: Sherriff Nigel S. , Hamilton Wook E. , Wigmore Shelby , Giambrone Broden L.B.
Published: October 2011

This study explores the experiences and support needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people living in Sussex (UK), and the training needs of practitioners working with LGBTQ young people. The aims were to explore the experiences of young people including bullying, “coming out,” social service and educational needs, and to investigate how practitioners view the needs of LGBTQ young people. Twenty‐nine interviews were conducted and analyzed thematically. Participants stressed the social and health impact of discrimination and bullying on young people as well as barriers faced in accessing services. Young people require support, yet practitioners lack the training to provide that support. Practitioners are open to this training and both groups of participants believe effective training should include youth in the development and delivery. There is an urgent need for the development of appropriate and dedicated LGBTQ youth training for all practitioners working with young people. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treating alcohol withdrawal with oral baclofen: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Lyon Jeffrey E. , Khan Raza A. , Gessert Charles E. , Larson Pamela M. , Renier Colleen M.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

Abrupt cessation of alcohol intake causes habituated drinkers to experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the effect of the gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐B agonist baclofen on the course of acute symptomatic AWS.

DESIGN:

Prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study.

SETTING:

Two tertiary‐care hospitals in Duluth, Minnesota.

PATIENTS:

Inpatient adults admitted for any reason (including AWS) judged to be at high risk for AWS.

INTERVENTION:

Inpatients who developed symptoms of AWS received symptom‐triggered benzodiazepine treatment using lorazepam by standard protocol, and were randomized to receive baclofen 10 mg or placebo, 3 times per day, orally.

MEASUREMENTS:

AWS severity was assessed using the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale, Revised (CIWA‐Ar); lorazepam dose was monitored.

RESULTS:

Seventy‐nine subjects were enrolled. The 44 subjects who developed symptoms of AWS were randomized to baclofen or placebo. Thirty‐one subjects (18 baclofen, 13 placebo) completed 72 hours of assessments, either entirely as inpatients or with outpatient follow‐up. The need for high doses of benzodiazepines (20 mg or more of lorazepam over 72 hours) to control AWS was less likely in the baclofen treatment group (1 of 18) than in the placebo‐treated group (7 of 13) (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS:

We found that the use of baclofen was associated with a significant reduction in the use of high doses of benzodiazepine (lorazepam) in the management of symptomatic AWS. The use of low‐dose baclofen in the management of AWS deserves further study, as reduced dependence on high‐dose benzodiazepines in AWS management could improve patient safety. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;6:474–479. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Disaster recovery: Mitigating loss through documentation
Authors: Boisvert Sue
Published: October 2011

Flood, fire, tornado, hurricane. Whatever the cause, natural or man‐made, the result on an organization can be devastating. Planning and preparation for disaster must include significant attention to disaster recovery. The ability to produce documentation of what existed, what was damaged, recovery costs and income losses will be essential to the claims adjustment process. This article discusses strategies for creating a historical record, leveraging contemporaneous incident command documentation and working with contractors to identify and record disaster‐related expenses.
Pediatrics: A unique and volatile risk
Authors: Greve Paul
Published: October 2011

Pediatric risk is both unique and volatile. Children are more vulnerable when treated in any healthcare environment, but especially in the acute care setting. Children with chronic healthcare conditions are more challenging to treat and more susceptible to medical errors. Despite marked improvement in the national medical malpractice environment, the most volatile claims involve severely injured patients under age eighteen and especially those patients in the first year of life.

This article provides the context of pediatric care in reviewing the demographics of children and the healthcare delivery system. The unique factors of pediatric care that create increased risk are also reviewed. Low frequency/high severity claims involving children are discussed in detail as well as physician claims in the specialty of general pediatrics. Risk management solutions for pediatric issues are proposed.
Predicting response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer: Diffusion‐weighted 3 tesla MR imaging
Authors: Jung Se Hee , Heo Suk Hee , Kim Jin Woong , Jeong Yong Yeon , Shin Sang Soo , Soung Min‐Gyu , Kim Heong Rok , Kang Heoung Keun
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) on 3 Tesla (T) MR imaging to predict the tumor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty‐five patients who underwent neoadjuvant CRT and subsequent surgical resection were included. Tumor volume was measured on T2‐weighted MR images before and after neoadjuvant CRT and the percentage of tumor volume reduction was calculated. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value was measured on the DWI before and after neoadjuvant CRT, and the change of ADC (Δ ADC) was calculated. The histopathologic response was categorized either as a responder to CRT or as a nonresponder. The relationship between the ADC parameters and the percentage of tumor volume reduction or histopathologic response was then evaluated.

Results:

There was a significant correlation between tumor volume reduction and pre‐CRT ADC and Δ ADC, respectively (r = −0.352, r = 0.615). Pre‐CRT ADC of the histopathologic responders was significantly lower than that of the histopathologic nonresponders (P = 0.034). Δ ADC of the histopathologic responders was significantly higher than that of the histopathologic nonresponders (P < 0.005).

Conclusion:

DWI on 3T MR imaging may be a promising technique for helping to predict and monitor the treatment response to neoadjuvant CRT in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:110‐116. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early (72‐Hour) detection of radiotherapy‐induced changes in an experimental tumor model using diffusion‐weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and Q‐space imaging parameters: A comparative study
Authors: Peeters Frank , Rommel Denis , Abarca‐Quinones Jorge , Grégoire Vincent , Duprez Thierry
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

To assess and compare the potential of various diffusion‐related magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters to detect early radiotherapy (RT)‐induced changes in tumors.

Materials and Methods:

Nineteen tumors in a rat model were imaged on a clinical 3T system before and 72 hours after a single RT session. Diffusion imaging was performed using an echo planar sequence containing 16 b‐factors and six gradient directions. This allowed us to perform a tensor analysis of mono‐ and biexponential decays and a q‐space analysis. Parametric maps (both trace and fractional anisotropy) were reconstructed for: 2‐point apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), 16‐point ADC, biexponential amplitudes and ADCs, and height, width, and kurtosis of the probability density function (PDF). A texture analysis yielded quantities such as average and contrast. The sensitivity of diffusion‐related parameters was quantified in terms of the mean relative difference (when comparing pre‐ and post‐RT status).

Results:

Traces and anisotropies display differences in response to RT. Average traces are most sensitive for ADCs and kurtosis. Average anisotropies are all very sensitive except the slow biexponential component. The best contrast (traces) was found for the ADCs and the width of the PDF.

Conclusion:

ADC performed well, but high b‐values analysis added extra sensitive parameters for monitoring early RT‐induced changes. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;409‐417. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population viability analysis to identify management priorities for reintroduced Elk in the Cumberland Mountains, Tennessee
Authors: Kindall Jason L. , Muller Lisa I. , Clark Joseph D. , Lupardus Jason L. , Murrow Jennifer L.
Published: October 2011

We used an individual‐based population model to perform a viability analysis to simulate population growth (λ) of 167 elk (Cervus elaphus manitobensis; 71 male and 96 female) released in the Cumberland Mountains, Tennessee, to estimate sustainability (i.e.,λ > 1.0) and identify the most appropriate options for managing elk restoration. We transported elk from Elk Island National Park, Alberta, Canada, and from Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky, and reintroduced them beginning in December 2000 and ending in February 2003. We estimated annual survival rates for 156 radio‐collared elk from December 2000 until November 2004. We used data from a nearby elk herd in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to simulate pessimistic and optimistic recruitment and performed population viability analyses to evaluate sustainability over a 25‐year period. Annual survival averaged 0.799 (Total SE = 0.023). The primary identifiable sources of mortality were poaching, disease from meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis), and accidents (environmental causes and unintentional harvest). Population growth given pessimistic recruitment rates averaged 0.895 over 25 years (0.955 in year 1 to 0.880 in year 25); population growth was not sustainable in 100% of the runs. With the most optimistic estimates of recruitment, meanλincreased to 0.967 (1.038 in year 1 to 0.956 in year 25) with 99.6% of the runs failing to be sustainable. We suggest that further translocation efforts to increase herd size will be ineffective unless survival rates are increased in the Cumberland Mountains. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Synthesis of N‐butylphthalimide catalyzed by quaternary phosphonium salt‐type triphase catalysts based on cross‐linked polystyrene microspheres
Authors: Gao Baojiao , Wang Lin , Du Ruikui , Li Yanbin
Published: October 2011

Chloroacylation reactions of cross‐linked polystyrene (CPS) microspheres were conducted with two kinds of ω‐chloroacyl chlorides, chloroacetyl chloride, and 4‐chlorobutyryl chloride as reagent, respectively, and the chloromethylation reaction of CPS microspheres was also performed using 1,4‐bis (chloromethoxy) butane as reagent, obtaining three kinds of modified CPS microspheres on which the exchangeable chlorine atoms were introduced. Subsequently, the reactions of these modified microspheres with triphenylphosphine were carried out, respectively, and three kinds of quaternary phosphonium salt (QPS)‐type triphase catalysts (TPC) were prepared. These catalysts were used in the N‐alkylation reaction of phthalimide, namely the reaction of phthalimide in water phase with 1‐bromobutane in organic phase, resulting in N‐butylphthalimide. The effects of main reaction conditions on the triphase‐transfer catalysis reaction were examined, and the relationship between the structure and catalytic activity for these TPC was investigated. The experimental results indicate that the prepared QPS‐type TPC are effective for the N‐alkylation reaction of phthalimide carried out between oil phase and water phase. The polarity of the organic solvent and the temperature affect the reaction rate greatly. The result of the reaction in nitrobenzene having the highest polarity among the used several solvents is the best. It will make the reaction to speed up to raise temperature. The chemical structures of the TPC have crucial influences on the catalytic activity of the TPC. The catalyst with a longer spacer arm, which links the catalytic group to the matrix microspheres, has higher activity. The bonding density of QPS group on the polymer microspheres affects the hydrophilic and hydrophobic property of the TPC and, accordingly, affects the catalytic activity greatly. There is a maximum conversion of 1‐bromobutane as the bonding density of QPS group on TPC is 0.94 mmol/g. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 677–686, 2011
Xylitol nasal irrigation in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis: A pilot study
Authors: Weissman Joshua D. , Fernandez Francisca , Hwang Peter H.
Published: October 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine the tolerability of xylitol mixed with water as a nasal irrigant and to evaluate whether xylitol nasal irrigation results in symptomatic improvement of subjects with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Study Design:

A prospective, randomized, double‐blinded, controlled crossover pilot study.

Methods:

Twenty subjects were instructed to perform sequential 10‐day courses of daily xylitol and saline irrigations in a randomized fashion, with a 3‐day washout irrigation rest period at the start of each treatment arm. Collected data included patient characteristics, along with Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT‐20) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores reported at the beginning and end of each irrigation course.

Results:

Fifteen of the 20 subjects (75%) returned their SNOT‐20 and VAS data for analysis. There was a significant reduction in SNOT‐20 score during the xylitol phase of irrigation (mean drop of 2.43 points) as compared to the saline phase (mean increase of 3.93 points), indicating improved sinonasal symptoms (P = .0437). There was no difference in VAS scores. No patient stopped performing the irrigations owing to intolerance of the xylitol, although its sweet taste was not preferred by three subjects (21%). One patient reported transient stinging with xylitol.

Conclusions:

Xylitol in water is a well‐tolerated agent for sinonasal irrigation. In the short term, xylitol irrigations result in greater improvement of symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis as compared to saline irrigation.
The role of mitochondrial transition pores on bovine oocyte competence after heat stress, as determined by effects of cyclosporin A
Authors: Nabenishi Hisashi , Takagi Satoru , Kamata Hiroshi , Nishimoto Toshihumi , Morita Tetsuo , Ashizawa Koji , Tsuzuki Yasuhiro
Published: October 2011

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects on the nuclear maturation and subsequent embryonic development of bovine oocytes exposed to heat stress (HS) when treating bovine oocytes before in vitro maturation (IVM) with 1 µM cyclosporin A (CsA), an inhibitor of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. Mitochondrial activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis levels of the oocytes were also assessed. Nuclear maturation rates of both the HS‐exposed oocytes treated with or without CsA groups (HS + CsA or HS group) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of the control group, while the rate of the HS + CsA group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the HS group. Furthermore, although the cleavage and blastocyst formation rates of the HS group were significantly lower than those of the control groups (P < 0.05), both rates of the HS + CsA group recovered to the same level as those of the control group. The HS group showed a significantly higher ROS level, lower mitochondrial activity in the oocytes, and TUNEL‐positive cumulus cells, but not oocytes, compared with those of the control group (P < 0.05), whereas the TUNEL‐positive and mitochondrial activity levels of the HS + CsA group recovered to those of the control group. These results indicate that 1 µM CsA treatment before IVM may mitigate reduced mitochondrial activity, increase number of apoptotic cumulus cells under HS, and improve the nuclear maturation and developmental competence of bovine oocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79:31–40, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical Considerations about Near‐Wall Turbulence and Resulting Flow Control Schemes
Authors: Frohnapfel Bettina , Jovanović Jovan , Hasegawa Yosuke , Kasagi Nobuhide
Published: October 2011

Based on analytical considerations about how near‐wall turbulence needs to be modified in order to reduce the momentum loss towards solid walls and to yield lower energy losses, a mechanism of turbulent drag reduction is proposed. This mechanism suggests that drag reducing flow control at high Reynolds numbers should be designed to minimize the turbulent dissipation rate. A previously published approach on how a reduction of the turbulent dissipation in the near‐wall region can be achieved is analyzed further. The obtained results provide some new insight on the parameters that need to be considered when designing flow control schemes for skin friction drag reduction. (© 2010 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On a micro‐sphere based remodelling formulation for orthotropic soft biological tissue
Authors: Waffenschmidt Tobias , Menzel Andreas
Published: October 2011

An essential property of biological tissues in vivo is the ability to adapt according to respective loading conditions‐‐for example by changing its mass, shape, or internal structure, the latter for instance being associated with fibre reorientation and often denoted as remodelling. In this contribution, a three‐dimensional micro‐sphere‐based constitutive model for anisotropic soft biological tissue is presented, which includes these fibre‐reorientation‐related remodelling effects. As a key aspect, time‐dependent remodelling effects are incorporated by introducing evolution equations for the referential orientations of the integration directions, as present in the computational micro‐sphere approach. Based on this, a remodelling formulation for the orthotropic case with two mean fibre orientations will be presented. (© 2010 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Experimentelle Identifikation viskoelastischer Eigenschaften von Bremsbelägen
Authors: Hornig Sylwia , Hochlenert Daniel , von Wagner Utz
Published: October 2011

Bremsenquietschen ist ein hochfrequentes störendes Geräusch, welches auf reibungsinduzierte selbsterregte Schwingungen des Bremssystems zurückzuführen ist. Dabei verliert die nicht quietschende Konfiguration ihre Stabilität, das Bremssystem beginnt mit wachsenden Amplituden zu schwingen und erreicht schließlich einen Grenzzykel. Bei der mechanisch‐mathematischen Modellbildung zur Vorhersage des Bremsenquietschens ist das viskoelastische Verhalten der Reibmaterialien eine der wesentlichen Einflußgrößen. Aufgrund der starken Abhängigkeit der Reibmaterialien von der Art und Höhe der Belastung, wird nachfolgend ein Verfahren zur experimentellen Identifikation ihrer Eigenschaften unter Berücksichtigung von quietschrelevanten Belastungszuständen vorgestellt. Die experimentell identifizierten Parameter werden in ein Mehrkörper‐Bremsenmodell einer Kraftfahrzeugscheibenbremse integriert und erste Ergebnisse der nichtlinearen Stabilitätsanalyse vorgestellt. (© 2010 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Coarse grid correction by aggregation / disaggregation with application in image reconstruction
Authors: Popa Constantin , Nicola Aurelian , Rüde Ulrich
Published: October 2011

In algebraic reconstruction of images in computerized tomography we are dealing with rectangular, large, sparse and ill‐conditioned linear systems of equations. In this paper we describe a two‐grid algorithm for solving such kind of linear systems, which uses Kaczmarz's projection method as relaxation. The correction step is performed with a special “local” aggregation / disaggregation type procedure. In this respect, we have to solve a small sized minimization problem associated to each coarse grid pixel. The information so obtained is then “distributed” to the neighbour fine grid pixels. Some image reconstruction experiments are also presented. (© 2010 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structure characterization and DC conductivity of honeycomb patterned poly(N‐vinylcarbazole)/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite film via pretreatment at high temperature
Authors: Thinh Phung Xuan , Basavaraja C. , Kim Won Jung , Huh Do Sung
Published: October 2011

Poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) composites containing different concentrations of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were synthesized through the oxidative polymerization of N‐vinylcarbazole with ferric chloride. The synthesized composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet‐visible spectra, and thermogravimetric analysis. A honeycomb‐patterned film was fabricated by casting the PVK–MWCNT composite solution under humid conditions. The morphology of the honeycomb‐patterned films in the PVK–MWCNT polymer composites and the dependence of its pore diameter and pore height on MWCNT concentration were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The honeycomb‐patterned films were treated at 150, 250, 400, and 490°C to study the arrangement of MWCNTs in the patterned films and to measure the DC conductivity depending on the calcination temperature. DC conductivity of the patterned films was increased by increasing the concentration of MWCNT in the composites and in the increased pretreatment temperature. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Value‐based pricing of new drugs: where are we now?
Authors: Duerden Martin
Published: October 2011

Dr Martin Duerden discusses the latest details to emerge regarding value‐based pricing of new drugs, set to be introduced in January 2014. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
X‐ray diffraction characterization of microdefects in silicon crystals after high‐energy electron irradiation
Authors: Molodkin V. B. , Olikhovskii S. I. , Len E. G. , Sheludchenko B. V. , Lizunova S. V. , Kyslovs'kyy Ye. M. , Vladimirova T. P. , Kochelab E. V. , Reshetnyk O. V. , Dovganyuk V. V. , Fodchuk I. M. , Lytvynchuk T. V. , Klad'ko V. P. , Świątek Z.
Published: October 2011

The quantitative characterization of complex microdefect structures in silicon crystals grown by Czochralski method and irradiated with various doses of high‐energy electrons (18 MeV) has been performed by methods of the high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction. The concentrations and average sizes of dislocation loops and oxygen precipitates have been determined by using the combined treatment of reciprocal space maps and rocking curves based on the analytical formulas of the statistical dynamical theory of X‐ray diffraction by imperfect crystals with randomly distributed microdefects of several types.
Nonlinear, single‐distance phase retrieval and Schwinger regularization
Authors: Moosmann Julian , Hofmann Ralf , Baumbach Tilo
Published: October 2011

We apply an algorithm for phase retrieval from single‐distance data which takes nonlinear corrections into consideration in a perturbative way. Schwinger regularization is used for the inversion of the transverse Laplacian, and the applicability of the algorithm is demonstrated employing simulated data.
Magnetic ordering and electronic properties of Pd‐doped ZnO
Authors: González‐Hernández Rafael , López‐Pérez William , Jairo Arbey Rodríguez M.
Published: October 2011

We carried out first‐principles spin‐polarized calculations in order to provide comprehensive information regarding the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of the PdxZn1–xO (with x = 0.0625) semiconductor. The highly accurate all‐electron full‐potential linearized augmented plane wave method was used to calculate total energy and electronic structure of the Pd‐doped ZnO semiconductor. The recently developed Wu–Cohen generalized gradient approximation to the exchange correlation functional was adopted. The results indicate that the ferromagnetic ground state originates from the strong hybridization between Pd‐4d and O‐2p states, which is in agreement with previous studies on 4d doping in wide gap semiconductors. This article shows that 4d transition metals such as palladium may also be considered as candidates to explore new half‐metallic ferromagnetism in semiconductors. This study gives new clues to the fabrication of diluted magnetic semiconductors.
Electron optical characteristics of a concave electrostatic electron mirror for a scanning electron microscope
Authors: Hamarat R. T. , Witzani J. , Hörl E. M.
Published: October 2011

Numerical computer calculations are used to explore the design characteristics of a concave electrostatic electron mirror for a mirror‐attachment for a conventional scanning electron microscope or an instrument designed totally as a scanning electron mirror microscope. The electron paths of a number of set‐ups are calculated and drawn graphically in order to find the optimum shape and dimensions of the mirror geometry. This optimum configuration turns out to be the transition configuration between two cases of electron path deflection, towards the optical axis of the system and away from it.
The process of change in a science teacher's professional development: A case study based on the types of problems in the classroom
Authors: Vázquez‐Bernal Bartolomé , Mellado Vicente , Jiménez‐Pérez Roque , Leñero M. Carmen Taboada
Published: October 2011

The processes of change in teachers' practice have been the subject of many studies in educational research. We here describe a case study of long duration (in a course of time of 9 years) that has allowed us to gain some insight into how they occur and the underlying obstacles making the processes so slow. We take the professional development of a science teacher as involving the integration of reflection and classroom practice. In this theoretical framework, the so‐called complexity hypothesis is of particular significance. The teacher was immersed in diverse learning environments, including an action research program. The results showed her reflections and classroom practice to be in constant evolution, as also were the obstacles to her professional development and an obdurate core of practical theories that she brought with her about the exclusive use of closed problems strictly within the discipline being taught. By the end of the study, her use of activities focused on socioscientific issues was in its beginnings. Continued learning in practice with the community of her fellow teachers with the emotional support they provided and a solid knowledge of the content were revealed as essential for her professional development. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 96:337–363, 2012
A survey of mobile cloud computing: architecture, applications, and approaches
Authors: Dinh Hoang T. , Lee Chonho , Niyato Dusit , Wang Ping
Published: October 2011

Together with an explosive growth of the mobile applications and emerging of cloud computing concept, mobile cloud computing (MCC) has been introduced to be a potential technology for mobile services. MCC integrates the cloud computing into the mobile environment and overcomes obstacles related to the performance (e.g., battery life, storage, and bandwidth), environment (e.g., heterogeneity, scalability, and availability), and security (e.g., reliability and privacy) discussed in mobile computing. This paper gives a survey of MCC, which helps general readers have an overview of the MCC including the definition, architecture, and applications. The issues, existing solutions, and approaches are presented. In addition, the future research directions of MCC are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization-Based Model Fitting for Latent Class and Latent Profile Analyses
Authors: Huang Guan-Hua , Wang Su-Mei , Hsu Chung-Chu
Published: October 2011

Statisticians typically estimate the parameters of latent class and latent profile models using the Expectation-Maximization algorithm. This paper proposes an alternative two-stage approach to model fitting. The first stage uses the modified k-means and hierarchical clustering algorithms to identify the latent classes that best satisfy the conditional independence assumption underlying the latent variable model. The second stage then uses mixture modeling treating the class membership as known. The proposed approach is theoretically justifiable, directly checks the conditional independence assumption, and converges much faster than the full likelihood approach when analyzing high-dimensional data. This paper also develops a new classification rule based on latent variable models. The proposed classification procedure reduces the dimensionality of measured data and explicitly recognizes the heterogeneous nature of the complex disease, which makes it perfect for analyzing high-throughput genomic data. Simulation studies and real data analysis demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method.
Costs of psychiatric residential care in Italy
Authors: Grigoletti Laura , Amaddeo Francesco , de Girolamo Giovanni , Picardi Angelo ,   Gruppo Nazionale Progres
Published: October 2011

Objective– The aims of this study are: (1) to estimate patients' costs in Italian non hospital Residential Facilities (RF); (2) to analyse the relationship between the costs of care received by residents and patients' or facilities characteristics.Method– The PROGRES study included all Italian private and public RF (1370) with more than 4 beds. Of those, 265 were selected through stratified random sampling to be included in phase 2. Data were obtained through a schedule filled in by the facility manager. Additional information about costs related to the use of Community Psychiatric Service (CPS) by residents has also been collected. The cost components of residential accommodation include the costs of the RF, of the CPS, of general medical care, of the informal assistance provided by family or friends, and other non-medical costs.Results– The mean annual cost of stay in RFs was approximately 34,000 Euro, and it was related to the RF size and to staffing levels. Both RF and CPS are more expensive in the north of Italy, as compared to the center and the south. Costs were lower for older patients. CPS costs are lower when RF staffing levels are higher.Conclusions– In general, patients in RFs cost between 20,000 and 40,000 Euro per year; to this sum, additional 2,000-6,000 Euros per year should be added to include the costs of care provided outside the facility. Both RFs and CPS have different costs depending on the geographical area where the facilities are located, and staffing levels. Changes in CPS costs seem to be related to patients' characteristics.

Declaration of Interest: none
User/consumer involvement in mental health service delivery
Authors: Chamberlin Judi
Published: October 2011

The involvement of mental health service users in service delivery is a new and growing phenomenon. Such involvement is complex, given the history of paternalism in the mental health system, the power differential between service providers and service users, and the very differing views each group holds on multiple issues. Unless such differences are addressed, there can be no meaningful involvement. Service user involvement needs to apply to all aspects of the service delivery system, including professional training, service design, delivery, evaluation, and research. User/survivors, and their organizations, have developed a body of experience and knowledge that needs to be recognized and respected. Unless there are multiple opportunities for ongoing and open dialogue on these many difficult issues, real user involvement will not occur.

Declaration of Interest: the author has received no financial support that presents a conflict of interest.
Psychiatric rehabilitation. An open-network orientation
Authors: Burti Lorenzo , Guerriero Ernesto
Published: October 2011

Objective – To discuss the difficulties encountered in providing rehabilitation to multi-problematic clients, and possible remedies. Method – The principles of psychiatric rehabilitation are outlined in the frame of the bio-psycho-social model and in the light of long-term follow-up studies. The limits of professional services and the importance of natural networks for successful rehabilitation and social adjustment are highlighted. Results – Worker cooperatives and consumer self-help associations seem to successfully complement health and social services in meeting the complex needs of this population. Conclusions – The integration of formal and informal networks of care is a major challenge and a relatively neglected, but important area of interest in contemporary psychiatric rehabilitation.

Declaration of Interest: no conflict of interests.
Systematic review of clinical interventions for reducing treatment non-adherence in psychosis
Authors: Nosè Michela , Barbui Corrado
Published: October 2011

Aims- Studies investigating the efficacy of clinical interventions for reducing treatmeni non-adherence have generated contrasting findings, and treatment non-adherence remains very common in clinical practice. This systematic review was carried out to investigate the efficacy of clinical interventions that community psychiatric services can implement to reduce nonadherence in patients with psychosis.Method- Systematic review of randomised clinical trials, controlled clinical trials and observational studies assessing the efficacy of adherence enhancing interventions.Results- Forty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. Data suitable for re-analysis were reported in 24studies; from the remaining 23 studies, with no data suitable for re-analysis, outcome data were extracted according to what study authors reported. In the group of studies included in the meta-analysis educational andpsychotherapeutic interventions were more effective than usual care in reducing patient non-adherence. The remaining 23 studies reported contrasting findings regarding the efficacy of educational strategies. Case management models improved the adherence in half of studies, while other interventions were effective in the majority of studies reported.Conclusions- Community psychiatric services can arrange effective clinical interventions, backed by scientific evidence, for reducing patient non-adherence.
Psychotropic drug use in a sample of general population in the Sardinia region
Authors: Carta Mauro Giovanni , Hardoy Maria Carolina , Cadeddu Mariangela , Mura Gioia , Floris Anna Laura , Carpiniello Bernardo
Published: October 2011

Aims - To present the results of an epidemiologic research about psychotropic drug use inSardinia. Methods - Cross-sectional study on a sample of 1040 subjects randomly selected from registers. Setting - Community survey on three areas of Sardinia region. Evaluation: interviews carried out byphysicians by means of Italian version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Simplified.Drug consumption was evaluated concerning last week before the interview. Main Outcome Measures: point prevalence. Results - The rate of adults of the general population that consumed benzodiazepines was 10.1%, antidepressants 4.2%, 14.7% of the sample was using psychotropic drugs. 60% of subjects with diagnosis of ICD-10 Depressive Episod did not have the right pharmacologic treatment. A relevant proportion of subjects without lifetime psychiatric diagnosis (anxiety and/or depression) used antidepressants (0.8%). The pharmacologic therapies were managed by psychiatrics in 44.2% of cases, antidepressants were managed by general practitioners in 31.8% of subjects. Conclusions - The research underlines an increase of meet needs in subjects affected by depressive episodes against a previous Sardinian survey carried out over ten years ago. This change is parallel to a more frequent management of therapies by general practitioners. Their role seems to become more relevant in treating depressive illness.

Declaration of Interest

Mauro Giovanni Carta has received grants and research support from Regione Autonoma della Sardegna, Council of the European Union, European Union DGXII, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Lundbeck, Pharmacia, Recordati. Maria Carolina Hardoy has received grants and research support from University of Pisa, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Farmades. Bernardo Carpiniello has received grants and research support from GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Recordati, Janssen Cilag, EliLilly, Astra Zeneca.