bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of High-Heeled Gait
Authors: Esenyel Meltem , Walsh Katlen , Walden Judith Gail , Gitter Andrew
Published: April 2014

A within-subject comparative study of walking while wearing low-heeled sports shoes versus high-heeled dress shoes was performed to identify and describe changes in lower-extremity joint kinetics associated with wearing high-heeled shoes during level overground walking. A volunteer sample of 15 unimpaired female subjects recruited from the local community underwent quantitative measurement of sagittal and frontal plane lower-extremity joint function, including angular motion, muscular moment, power, and work. When walking in high-heeled shoes, a significant reduction in ankle plantar flexor muscle moment, power, and work occurred during the stance phase, whereas increased work was performed by the hip flexor muscles during the transition from stance to swing. In the frontal plane, increased hip and knee varus moments were present. These differences demonstrate that walking in high-heeled shoes alters lower-extremity joint kinetic function. Reduced effectiveness of the ankle plantar flexors during late stance results in a compensatory enhanced hip flexor “pull-off” that assists in limb advancement during the stance-to-swing transition. Larger muscle moments and increased work occur at the hip and knee, which may predispose long-term wearers of high-heeled shoes to musculoskeletal pain. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(1): 27-32, 2003)
Comorbidities Associated with Diabetic Foot Complications Among Asian Americans in Southern California
Authors: Han Paul Y. , Ezquerro Ruben , Pan Kwei-min , Hwang Steven , Chung Yong , Lu Jin-Jou
Published: April 2014

The comorbidities of diabetes mellitus were evaluated in an Asian American population with podiatric symptoms living in southern California. The three most common nonpedal complaints in men were blurred vision (73.6%), hypertension (64.1%), and erectile dysfunction (52.3%) and in women were blurred vision (84.5%), incontinence (71.5%), and low-back pain with radiculopathy-like symptoms (56.5%). The most significant finding was that only 3.2% of all patients had any previous knowledge or understanding of the risks of foot infection, ulceration, and amputation secondary to diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in ethnic populations once considered practically exempt continues to rise steadily, and Asians living in the United States are becoming casualties of diabetes mellitus and its complications. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(1): 37-41, 2003)
Reliability and Validity of Center-of-Pressure Quantification
Authors: Cornwall Mark W. , McPoil Thomas G.
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of two center-of-pressure quantification methods. One hundred five individuals (33 men and 72 women) with a mean age of 26.7 years participated in phase 1 of the study. Two measures of the center-of-pressure pattern, the lateral-medial area index and the lateral-medial force index, were calculated from plantar pressure data collected on all subjects. Between-trial reliability of the two measurements was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. In phase 2, frontal plane motion of the rearfoot was recorded in 30 individuals. Pearson correlation coefficients were then calculated between the two center-of-pressure indices and the magnitude of rearfoot eversion obtained from each subject during walking. Intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged from 0.374 to 0.889 for the lateral-medial area index and from 0.215 to 0.905 for the lateral-medial force index. Pearson correlation coefficients between the two center-of-pressure indices and the rearfoot kinematic variables ranged from 0.050 to 0.165. The lateral-medial area index and the lateral-medial force index may have adequate between-trial reliability but are not related to the magnitude of frontal plane rearfoot eversion during the stance phase of walking. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(2): 142-149, 2003)
Autogenous Bone Graft Interpositional Arthrodesis for the Correction of Flail Toe
Authors: Mahan Kieran T. , Downey Michael S. , Weinfeld Glenn D.
Published: April 2014

Digital surgery is one of the most common types of surgery performed by foot and ankle surgeons. Flail toe is a complication that may occur after overaggressive resection arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the lesser toes. Correction of flail toe deformity has received little attention and has predominantly involved soft-tissue procedures. The authors’ preferred technique for the surgical correction of flail toe is to place a unicortical autogenous bone graft (harvested from the ipsilateral calcaneus) within the revised proximal interphalangeal joint of the lesser toes to create a distraction arthrodesis. This technique allows restoration of digital length, stability, and purchase. A retrospective review of 22 such procedures in 13 patients is presented, along with a literature review of other procedures and a description of the authors’ current surgical technique and postoperative management protocol. Overall success using the authors’ procedure was 82%. Complications occurred in three patients, with one of the grafts showing complete resorption and two requiring additional surgical intervention owing to nonunion and malunion of toes. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(3): 167-173, 2003)
Neurogenic Positional Pedal Neuritis
Authors: Goldman Stuart M.
Published: April 2014

Neurogenic positional pedal neuritis is a presentation of neuritic symptoms in one or both feet usually affected by body position, specifically, the position of the spine. Its etiology is similar to that of neurogenic-induced claudication caused by spinal stenosis in that the symptoms are caused by compression or irritation of nerves of the lower lumbosacral spine, usually the fifth lumbar and first sacral nerve roots. Burning, stabbing, a cold feeling, aching, numbness, paresthesia, or a weak or tired feeling of the feet (during some part of the disease process) depend on spinal position and may occur during standing, walking, or even lying in bed. Symptoms may be severe and are often eliminated by lumbosacral spine flexion, such as by walking with wheeled support such as a grocery cart or walker; less frequently by negative-heel shoe modification, which can change the position of the lumbosacral spine in stance; or by alteration of sleeping position. This condition, which can include loss of protective sensation, is often misdiagnosed as neuropathy (especially in diabetic patients) or less frequently as biomechanical in origin. In diabetic patients, this condition is frequently the cause of failure of monochromatic infrared energy therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Treatment is aimed at reducing the spinal nerve or nerve root irritation. Clear definition of the pedal symptoms of spinal nerve compression within a single diagnostic category should facilitate identification and treatment. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(3): 174-184, 2003)
A Modified Technique for Morton’s Neuroma
Authors: Vito George R. , Talarico Leonard M.
Published: April 2014

Interdigital nerve decompression with relocation was performed on 82 feet in 78 patients. The primary indication for surgery was chronic neuritic symptoms that did not resolve with conservative treatment. All but four patients (95%) achieved complete resolution of preoperative symptoms within an average of 7 days following surgery, with full sensation restored at an average of 5 weeks. All of the patients could tolerate a shoe with a wide toe box within 8 days postoperatively. Interdigital nerve decompression with relocation provides for rapid resolution of neuritic symptoms and early return to normal activities. It is also a relatively easy surgical technique. As such, nerve decompression with relocation should be the procedure of choice for the treatment of Morton’s neuroma or interdigital nerve compression syndrome. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(3): 190-194, 2003)
Peroneal Tendon Abnormalities
Authors: Saxena Amol , Wolf Steven K.
Published: April 2014

The authors reviewed data from 40 peroneal tendon surgeries performed on 39 patients (25 males and 14 females) between 1991 and 1999. Patients underwent tendon repair, subluxation repair, and/or accessory ossicle and muscle excisions. Some patients underwent more than one procedure, including eight undergoing ankle stabilizations. Preoperatively and postoperatively, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle–hindfoot score was assessed. Average preoperative and postoperative ankle–hindfoot scores were 61.6 (range, 19 to 72) and 91.4 (range, 63 to 100), respectively. Mean group return-to-activity time, defined as initiation of regular activity, including sports, was 3.2 months (range, 1 to 6 months). There were 17 athletes and 22 active patients; no patients were sedentary. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate peroneal tendon pathology in 29 patients. Sensitivity was 82.7%; specificity, 50%; and positive predictive value, 100%. Overall results were excellent in 25 cases, good in 12, fair in 1, and poor in 2. A paired t-test showed that patients with previous steroid injections had statistically poorer results. Patients with symptoms for more than 12 months also had poorer outcomes. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(4): 272-282, 2003)
Ankle Dorsiflexion in Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Saxena Amol , Kim Will
Published: April 2014

Ankle equinus has been proposed to be associated with lower-extremity pathology. Physiologically normal measurements have been quantified in various populations. Forty high-school athletes (16 girls and 24 boys) without a history of ankle injury had ankle dorsiflexion measured with the knee extended and flexed by an experienced evaluator using a goniometer with the subjects supine. The group mean ± SD dorsiflexion for the right ankle was 0.35° ± 2.2° with the knee extended and 4.88° ± 3.23° with the knee flexed. The values for the left ankle were –0.6° ± 2.09° and 4.68° ± 3.33°, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between limbs using the Student t-test. In girls, values for right and left ankle dorsiflexion were 0.19° ± 2.1° and –0.7° ± 2.3°, respectively, with the knee extended and 4.88° ± 3.59° and 4.88° ± 3.07°, respectively, with the knee flexed. In boys, these values were 0.46° ± 2.3° and –0.5° ± 1.98° with the knee extended and 4.88° ± 3.04° and 4.54° ± 3.55° with the knee flexed. There were no statistically significant differences between boys and girls. Ankle dorsiflexion in asymptomatic adolescent athletes is approximately 0° with the knee extended and just less than 5° with the knee flexed. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(4): 312-314, 2003)
Fluoroquinolone Therapy and Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Vanek Diane , Saxena Amol , Boggs John M.
Published: April 2014

Fluoroquinolones have been associated with tendinopathies. The authors present three cases of Achilles tendinopathy in which the patients’ symptoms were preceded by treatment for unrelated bacterial infections with ciprofloxacin. Although the exact mechanism of the relationship is not understood, those who engage in sports or exercise should be advised of the risk of quinolone-induced tendinopathy. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(4): 333-335, 2003)
Tibial and Proximal Fibular Stress Fracture in a Rower
Authors: Losito James M. , Laird R. Clinton , Alexis Monica R. , Mora Jessica
Published: April 2014

Proximal fibular stress fractures are rare injuries that usually result from jumping and running activities of military recruits and athletes. This article describes a female university athlete with proximal lateral leg pain diagnosed by means of a triphase bone scan as proximal fibular stress fracture and proximal to middle one-third tibial stress fracture. This case highlights the need to examine not only the sport but also the athlete’s training habits to identify possible factors contributing to the injury. Body type, biomechanics, and gender are also possible etiologic factors. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(4): 340-343, 2003)
Satisfaction with Onychomycosis Treatment
Authors: Warshaw Erin M. , Bowman Thomas , Bodman Myron A. , Kim John J. , Silva Stefanie , Mathias Susan D.
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study, which involved two dermatology clinics and two podiatric medical clinics, was to determine whether a difference exists in patient-reported satisfaction and compliance between continuous terbinafine therapy and pulse-dose itraconazole therapy for the treatment of toenail onychomycosis. Patients in this multicenter, open-label, cross-sectional study had previously completed treatment with either oral terbinafine or oral itraconazole for toenail onychomycosis. Patients were interviewed by telephone to assess clinical outcomes, compliance, and satisfaction with treatment; clinical data were collected by medical chart review. Patients reported significantly greater ease and convenience of treatment and higher overall satisfaction with continuous terbinafine therapy compared with pulse-dose itraconazole therapy. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(5): 373-379, 2003)
Extensive Lipoma of the Foot
Authors: Pontious Jane , Zielaskowski Lorne A. , King Glenda
Published: April 2014

Although lipomas are the most common benign soft-tissue tumors found in the body, they are not commonly found in the foot. This case study concerns an unusually large lipoma on the plantar lateral aspect of the foot that was successfully excised without any sign of recurrence. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(5): 402-405, 2003)
Radiographic Anatomy of the Talus
Authors: Morgan Anthony , Kim Peter S. , Christman Robert A.
Published: April 2014

Detailed radiographic anatomy of the entire talus bone has not been previously described in the literature. We used radiopaque wire markers to identify 17 articular and nonarticular anatomical landmarks of the talus. Standard radiographic views of the foot and ankle were obtained: lateral (foot and ankle); anteroposterior, mortise, medial oblique, and lateral oblique (ankle); and dorsoplantar, medial oblique, and lateral oblique (foot). The resultant two-dimensional images are correlated to the three-dimensional anatomical specimen, and normal radiographic anatomy is described. Additionally, useful radiographic views for each anatomical landmark are identified. Composite figures of each useful view are presented as a pictorial atlas. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(6): 449-480, 2003)
Relationship Between the Subtalar Joint Inclination Angle and the Location of Lower-Extremity Injuries
Authors: Pierrynowski Michael R. , Finstad Eric , Kemecsey Marta , Simpson Jade
Published: April 2014

This study hypothesized that individuals who have a history of knee pain during repetitive weightbearing activities have a higher subtalar joint inclination angle than those with a history of foot pain. Study participants were selected on the basis of results of a written questionnaire that asked about the site and cause of injury and pain frequency and intensity. Pain items were graded on a 7-point Likert scale. Subjects were mainly young (18 to 32 years of age), healthy university students who had a history of knee pain (knee group) or foot pain (foot group) during weightbearing activity. Both foot and lower-leg kinematic data were used to estimate the magnitude of each participant’s subtalar joint inclination angle. These data were obtained while participants performed a series of open- and closed-kinetic-chain motions. The subtalar joint inclination angle was significantly greater for the knee group than for the foot group. The results of this study support the hypothesis that a higher subtalar joint inclination angle may predispose an individual to knee pain, and a lower subtalar joint inclination angle to foot pain. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(6): 481-484, 2003)
Complications of Screw-Fixated Chevron Osteotomies for the Correction of Hallux Abducto Valgus
Authors: Viehe Richard , Haupt D. Jeffrey , Heaslet Michael W. , Walston Sharon
Published: April 2014

The surgical records of three podiatric physicians were reviewed to identify all chevron-type osteotomies performed during 2000–2001 for the correction of bunion deformity, and complications were reviewed for each. In the 95 cases identified, 15 complications occurred in 12 patients. Of these 15 complications, 4 were soft-tissue infections (4 patients), 4 were cases of painful hardware (3 patients), 4 were cases of second metatarsal head pain (2 patients), 2 were cases of cystic changes initially interpreted as osteomyelitis but later determined to be degenerative changes (2 patients), and 1 was a case of stiff toe (1 patient). There were no cases of avascular necrosis, hallux varus, or recurrence. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(6): 499-502, 2003)
Triple Arthrodesis Using External Ring Fixation and Arched-Wire Compression
Authors: Talarico Leonard M. , Vito George R.
Published: April 2014

From January 1995 to December 2000, 87 patients at a single medical center underwent triple arthrodesis using external rings and arched-wire compression as the method of fixation. A retrospective evaluation was conducted to assess the clinical results of this technique. Eighty-four patients (97%) achieved clinical and radiographic fusion in 6 to 8 weeks. All of the patients were partially weightbearing during the first postoperative week. Thirty-one patients (36%) developed a superficial infection at one or more wire insertion sites, and nine (10%) experienced dehiscence of an incision. Three patients (3%) developed an asymptomatic nonunion. This article describes the use of external ring fixation with arched-wire compression for triple arthrodesis and presents the findings from 87 patients who underwent this technique. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 94(1): 12-21, 2004)
Plantar Pressure and Joint Motion After the Youngswick Procedure for Hallux Limitus
Authors: Bryant Alan R. , Tinley Paul , Cole Joan H.
Published: April 2014

The effects of the Youngswick osteotomy on plantar peak pressure distribution in the forefoot are presented for 17 patients (23 feet) with mild-to-moderate hallux limitus deformity and 23 control subjects (23 feet). During 2 years of follow-up, the operation produced a significant increase in the range of dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in these patients, reaching near-normal values. Preoperative and postoperative measurements, using a pressure-distribution measurement system, show that peak pressure beneath the hallux and the first metatarsal head remained unchanged. However, peak pressure was significantly increased beneath the second metatarsal head and decreased beneath the fifth metatarsal head. These findings suggest that the foot functioned in a less inverted manner postoperatively. Compared with normal feet, hallux limitus feet demonstrated significantly higher peak pressure beneath the fourth metatarsal head preoperatively and postoperatively. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 94(1): 22-30, 2004)
Infection and Fever in the Elderly
Authors: Cristofaro Patricia A.
Published: April 2014

The elderly make more frequent use of general podiatric medical services than the younger population. It is therefore important for podiatric physicians to become familiar with the general principles of infectious disease as applied to an elderly population, which is susceptible to a wider spectrum of disease with more subtle and unusual clinical signs and symptoms. This article reviews the diagnosis and evaluation of suspected infection, appropriate laboratory testing, patterns of specific infectious disease syndromes, and antibiotic use in the elderly. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 94(2): 126-134, 2004)
Laboratory Medicine and Diagnostic Testing
Authors: Kessimian Noubar
Published: April 2014

The clinical laboratory is a vital component of modern podiatric medical practice. In order to interpret laboratory data correctly, the practitioner must understand the essentials of diagnostic testing. These essentials include precision, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and prevalence-based values of a given test. In addition, the podiatric physician should be aware of the limitations, variations, and interferences that can spuriously alter test results. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 94(2): 194-197, 2004)
American Podiatric Medical Association Best Walking City Competition, 2003
Authors: Fisher Allan H. , Tzamaras George Paul , Scherer Julia E.
Published: April 2014

In 2003, the American Podiatric Medical Association conducted its second annual “Walking City Competition.” The objective of the study was to update and expand on the results of a previous study conducted in 2002, taking into account a wider variety of measures of walking and walking conditions and identifying the best cities for walking in the United States on a regional basis. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 94(2): 211-215, 2004)
Pelvic Lymph Node Irradiation Including Pararectal Sentinel Nodes for Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Vees Hansjörg , Dipasquale Giovanna , Nouet Philippe , Zilli Thomas , Cozzi Luca , Miralbell Raymond
Published: April 2014

We aimed to assess the dosimetric impact of advanced delivery radiotherapy techniques using either intensity modulated x-ray beams (IMXT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), or intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT), for high-risk prostate cancer patients with sentinel nodes in the pararectal region. Twenty high-risk prostate cancer patients were included in a prospective trial evaluating sentinel nodes on pelvic SPECT acquisition. To be eligible for the dosimetric study, patients had to present with pararectal sentinel nodes usually not included in the clinical target volume encompassing the pelvic lymph nodes. Radiotherapy-plans including the prostate, the seminal vesicles, and the pelvic lymph nodes with the pararectal sentinel nodes were optimized for 6 eligible patients. IMXT and IMPT were delivered with 7 and 3 beams respectively and VMAT with 2 arcs. Results were assessed with Dose-Volume Histograms and predictive normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCPs) models between the three competing treatment modalities aiming to deliver a total dose of 50.4 Gy in 1.8 Gy daily fractions. Target coverage was optimized with IMPT when compared to IMXT and VMAT. Coverage of the sentinel node was slightly better with IMXT (D98% 5 57.3 ± 5.1 Gy) when compared with VMAT (D98% 5 56.2 ± 4.1 Gy). The irradiation of rectal, bladder, small bowel, and femoral heads volumes was significantly reduced with IMPT when compared to IMXT and VMAT. NTCPs rates for rectal and bladder ≥ grade-3 late toxicity were better with IMPT (0.4 ± 0.0% and 0.0 ± 0.0%) compared with IMXT (4.6 ± 3.3% and 1.4 ± 1.1%), and VMAT (4.5 ± 4.0% and 1.6 ± 1.6%), respectively. Acceptable dose-volume distributions and low rectal and urinary NTCPs were estimated to geometrically complex pelvic volumes such as the ones proposed in this study using IMXT, VMAT and IMPT. IMPT succeeded, however, to propose the best physical and biological treatment plans compared to both X-ray derived plans.
Quantitative Protein Analysis Using Enzymatic [18O]Water Labeling
Authors: Castillo Mary Joan , Reynolds Kristy J. , Gomes Alexander , Fenselau Catherine , Yao Xudong
Published: April 2014

This unit describes the stepwise procedure for differential oxygen isotope labeling of peptides and mass spectrometric quantification of relative protein levels in comparative proteomic experiments. The [18O] labeling of peptides happens at the peptide C‐terminus and is achieved via the enzymatic oxygen exchange of tryptic peptides via catalysis of immobilized trypsin. Experimental considerations in effective incorporation and stabilization of the oxygen labels are discussed. Methods for mass spectrometric quantification of peptides with differential [16O] and [18O] isotopes are presented. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 76:23.4.1‐23.4.9. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Chemical Methods for Producing Disulfide Bonds in Peptides and Proteins to Study Folding Regulation
Authors: Okumura Masaki , Shimamoto Shigeru , Hidaka Yuji
Published: April 2014

Disulfide bonds play a critical role in the folding of secretory and membrane proteins. Oxidative folding reactions of disulfide bond–containing proteins typically require several hours or days, and numerous misbridged disulfide isomers are often observed as intermediates. The rate‐determining step in refolding is thought to be the disulfide‐exchange reaction from nonnative to native disulfide bonds in folding intermediates, which often precipitate during the refolding process because of their hydrophobic properties. To overcome this, chemical additives or a disulfide catalyst, protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), are generally used in refolding experiments to regulate disulfide‐coupled peptide and protein folding. This unit describes such methods in the context of the thermodynamic and kinetic control of peptide and protein folding, including (1) regulation of disulfide‐coupled peptides and protein folding assisted by chemical additives, (2) reductive unfolding of disulfide‐containing peptides and proteins, and (3) regulation of disulfide‐coupled peptide and protein folding using PDI. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 76:28.7.1‐28.7.13. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Rapid and Sensitive Automated Image‐Based Approach for In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of Cell Morphology and Quantification of Cell Number and Neurite Architecture
Authors: Tapias Victor , Greenamyre J. Timothy
Published: April 2014

Stereological methods for tissue cell counting, specifically for neuron quantification, decrease systematic error and sampling bias; however, they are tedious, labor intensive, and time consuming. Approaches for cell (neuron) quantification in vitro are not accurate, sensitive, or subsequently reproducible. Neuronal phenotype is related to alterations in cell morphology and neurite pattern. The techniques currently available for quantification of these features present several limitations. In this unit, we provide validated automated procedures for in vivo and in vitro quantification of cell number, morphological cell changes, and neurite morphometry in a fast, simple, and reliable manner. Our method counts up to 8 times as many neurons in less than 5% to 10% of the time required for stereological analysis (optical fractionator). In summary, this technology offers an unparalleled opportunity to examine features of cells at high resolution in a complex three‐dimensional environment. These techniques provide an exceptional in vivo and in vitro system for neurotoxicity studies, disease modeling, and drug discovery. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 68:12.33.1‐12.33.22. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
NOAA Budget Proposal Calls for a Small Increase, But Several Programs Would Be Sharply Cut
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: April 2014

The White House's proposed budget of $5.497 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for fiscal year (FY) 2015 would be good news for the agency overall if Congress goes along with the Obama administration's funding plan. The proposal would increase NOAA's discretionary budget by $174.1 million, 3.27% above the FY 2014 enacted budget (see Table ). The White House announced the overall federal budget on 4 March, and the NOAA budget “blue book” with specific funding numbers was issued in mid‐March.
Earth's Future Aims to Break Barriers to Interdisciplinary Science
Authors: McCarter Tricia
Published: April 2014

AGU's transdisciplinary journal, Earth's Future, explores topics that intersect science, policy, society, and sustainability. The journal was launched in late 2013. With the goal of better understanding the Earth as an evolving system and human interaction with our planet, this open‐access journal strives to be not only a new forum for scientists but also a place where policy makers, industry leaders, and the public can go for information to help them make decisions that affect us all.
Aquarius surface salinity and the Madden‐Julian Oscillation: The role of salinity in surface layer density and potential energy
Authors: Guan Bin , Lee Tong , Halkides Daria J. , Waliser Duane E.
Published: April 2014

Sea surface salinity (SSS) data from the Aquarius satellite are analyzed along with auxiliary data to investigate the SSS signature of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) in the equatorial Indian and Pacific Oceans, the effect of evaporation‐minus‐precipitation (E‐P), the implication for the role of ocean dynamics, and the SSS influence on surface density and potential energy. MJO‐related SSS changes are consistent with E‐P forcing in the western Indian Ocean throughout the MJO cycle and in the central Indian Ocean during the wet phase of the MJO cycle. However, SSS changes cannot be explained by E‐P in the central Indian Ocean during the dry phase and in the eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans throughout the MJO cycle, implying the importance of ocean dynamics. SSS has an overall larger contribution to MJO‐related surface density and potential energy anomalies than SST. It partially offsets the SST effect in the western‐to‐central Indian Ocean and reinforces the SST effect in the eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans. Ocean modeling and assimilation need to properly account for salinity effects in order to correctly represent mixed layer variability associated with the MJO. Our results also clarify some discrepancy in previous studies about the E‐P effect on MJO‐related SSS variations.
Supporting Parents, Siblings, and Grandparents of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Fiske Kate E. , Pepa Lauren , Harris Sandra L.
Published: April 2014

Autism spectrum disorders have a profound impact not only on the development of the individual with the diagnosis, but on the functioning of the family as a whole. Parents, siblings, and grandparents of individuals with autism face a range of unique challenges and experiences that can affect their psychological adjustment. Social support, available coping strategies, and family‐focused treatment approaches will all impact the psychological functioning of family members, and should be addressed in treatment to maximize outcome for the individual with autism.
Autism in the Courtroom
Authors: Mayerson Gary S.
Published: April 2014

There has been a dramatic increase in autism‐related litigation that is largely attributable to the civil rights movement and the equally dramatic reported increase in the incidence of autism in the general population. While the bulk of autism‐related litigation will continue to arise out of situations where parents are at odds with a school district as to what constitutes an appropriate and effective educational program, the next decade is likely to be marked by an expansion into new areas such as housing, employment, and opportunities for higher education.
Alternative Treatments
Authors: Smith Tristram , Oakes Leona , Selver Katelyn
Published: April 2014

Most individuals with ASD participate in alternative treatments, which are therapies intended to augment or supplant conventional remedies. Popular alternative treatments for ASD include biomedical interventions such as elimination diets or nutritional supplements and sensorimotor interventions such as swinging or brushing an individual's body. Although little research is available on most of these treatments, some have been found to be unsafe or ineffective. Resources are available to facilitate open communication between practitioners and families about alternative treatments and to help families make informed decisions about them. Over time, efforts to increase access to and quality of conventional care may reduce the impetus for families to seek alternative treatments.
Correlates and Responsiveness to Change of Measures of Skin and Musculoskeletal Disease in Early Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Wiese Alexandra B. , Berrocal Veronica J. , Furst Daniel E. , Seibold James R. , Merkel Peter A. , Mayes Maureen D. , Khanna Dinesh
Published: April 2014

Objective

Skin and musculoskeletal involvement are frequently present early in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). The current study examined the correlates for skin and musculoskeletal measures in a 1‐year longitudinal observational study.

Methods

Patients with dcSSc were recruited at 4 US centers and enrolled in a 1‐year study. Prespecified and standardized measures included physician and patient assessments of skin involvement, modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS), durometer score, Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index, serum creatine phosphokinase, tender joint counts, and presence/absence of tendon friction rubs, small joint contractures, and large joint contractures. Additionally, physician and patient global health assessments and health‐related quality of life assessments were recorded. Correlations were computed among the baseline global assessments, skin variables, and musculoskeletal variables. Using the followup physician and patient anchors, effect sizes were calculated.

Results

A total of 200 patients were studied: 75% were women, mean ± SD age was 50.0 ± 11.9 years, and mean ± SD disease duration from first non–Raynaud's phenomenon symptom was 1.6 ± 1.4 years. Physician global health assessment had large correlations with MRSS (r = 0.60) and physician‐reported skin involvement visual analog scale in the last month (r = 0.74), whereas patient global assessment had large correlations with MRSS, the Short Form 36 health survey physical component scale, skin interference, and skin involvement in the last month (r = 0.37–0.72). Four of 9 skin variables had moderate to large effect sizes (0.51–1.09).

Conclusion

Physician and patient global assessments have larger correlations with skin measures compared to musculoskeletal measures. From a clinical trial perspective, skin variables were more responsive to change than musculoskeletal variables over a 1‐year period, although both provide complementary information.
Polymeric Smart Coating Strategy for Titanium Implants
Authors: Berts Ida , Ossipov Dmitri , Fragneto Giovanna , Frisk Andreas , Rennie Adrian R.
Published: April 2014

Hydrogel coatings of modified hyaluronan on smooth titanium oxide surfaces that mimic orthopedics implant have been characterized using quartz crystal microbalance and neutron reflectivity measurements. Adsorption of bone morphogenetic protein‐2, BMP‐2, on a bare titanium oxide surface is compared to that on titanium oxide coated with hyaluronan with different chemical modifications, the most important being hyaluronan with bisphosphonate groups. Release of the BMP‐2 from these coatings was triggered by calcium ions. The amount of protein on the surface and the release both depend on the type of hyaluronan coating. We conclude that titanium oxide coated with bisphosphonate modified hyaluronan surfaces provides an excellent material for growth factor delivery.
Study of Physically Transient Insulating Materials as a Potential Platform for Transient Electronics and Bioelectronics
Authors: Acar Handan , Çınar Simge , Thunga Mahendra , Kessler Michael R. , Hashemi Nastaran , Montazami Reza
Published: April 2014

Controlled degradation and transiency of materials is of significant importance in the design and fabrication of degradable and transient biomedical and electronic devices and platforms. Here, the synthesis of programmable biodegradable and transient insulating polymer films is reported, which have sufficient physical and chemical properties to be used as substrates for the construction of transient electronics. The composite structure can be used as a means to control the dissolution and transiency rate of the polymer composite film. Experimental and computational studies demonstrate that the addition of gelatin or sucrose to a PVA polymer matrix can be used as a means to program and either slow or enhance the transiency of the composite. The dissolution of the polymer composites are fitted with inverse exponential functions of different time constants; the lower time constants are an indication of faster transiency of the polymer composite. The addition of gelatin results in larger time constants, whereas the addition of sucrose generally results in smaller time constants.
Highly Bright and Compact Alloyed Quantum Rods with Near Infrared Emitting: a Potential Multifunctional Nanoplatform for Multimodal Imaging In Vivo
Authors: Gao Duyang , Zhang Pengfei , Sheng Zonghai , Hu Dehong , Gong Ping , Chen Chi , Wan Qian , Gao Guanhui , Cai Lintao
Published: April 2014

Controlling synthesis of near‐infrared emitting quantum rods (QRs) for in vivo imaging is a major challenge in the fabrication of multifunctional nanoprobes. Here, a reliable synthetic approach for CdTe
x
Se1–x
/ZnS alloy nanocrystals to achieve highly bright (quantum yields up to 80%) with controllable rod‐shape and near‐infrared (650–870 nm) emission is developed. Aspect ratio and emission of QRs are correlated with composition, which can be easily tuned by changing Te and Se mole ratio. It illustrates that the content of Se plays an important role in maintaining the rod‐shape, while Te has a significant impact on emitting of the nanorods. Besides exhibiting great stability over a broad range of pH (4–10) and ion strength (up to 2 mol L‐1 NaCl solution), these hydrophilic QRs display good photo stability and storage stability. In particular, the specially absorbing of paramagnetic gadolinium ions on the QRs lead to a versatile method to engineer multimodal imaging nanoprobes, which are applied for in vivo lymph node dual‐modal imaging (fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging). These results suggest a promising strategy for engineering multifunctional imaging nanoprobes with the stable near‐infrared QRs.
Development and Simulation of Sulfur‐doped Graphene Supported Platinum with Exemplary Stability and Activity Towards Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Higgins Drew , Hoque Md Ariful , Seo Min Ho , Wang Rongyue , Hassan Fathy , Choi Ja‐Yeon , Pritzker Mark , Yu Aiping , Zhang Jiujun , Chen Zhongwei
Published: April 2014

Sulfur‐doped graphene (SG) is prepared by a thermal shock/quench anneal process and investigated as a unique Pt nanoparticle support (Pt/SG) for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Particularly, SG is found to induce highly favorable catalyst‐support interactions, resulting in excellent half‐cell based ORR activity of 139 mA mgPt
−1 at 0.9 V vs RHE, significant improvements over commercial Pt/C (121 mA mgPt
−1) and Pt‐graphene (Pt/G, 101 mA mgPt
−1). Pt/SG also demonstrates unprecedented stability, maintaining 87% of its electrochemically active surface area following accelerated degradation testing. Furthermore, a majority of ORR activity is maintained, providing 108 mA mgPt
−1, a remarkable 171% improvement over Pt/C (39.8 mA mgPt
−1) and an 89% improvement over Pt/G (57.0 mA mgPt
−1). Computational simulations highlight that the interactions between Pt and graphene are enhanced significantly by sulfur doping, leading to a tethering effect that can explain the outstanding electrochemical stability. Furthermore, sulfur dopants result in a downshift of the platinum d‐band center, explaining the excellent ORR activity and rendering SG as a new and highly promising class of catalyst supports for electrochemical energy technologies such as fuel cells.
Multifunctional Gold Nanorods for siRNA Gene Silencing and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Shen Jianliang , Kim Han‐Cheon , Mu Chaofeng , Gentile Emanuela , Mai Junhua , Wolfram Joy , Ji Liang‐nian , Ferrari Mauro , Mao Zong‐wan , Shen Haifa
Published: April 2014

Cancer is a complex disease that usually requires several treatment modalities. A multifunctional nanotherapeutic system is designed, incorporating small interfering RNA (siRNA) and gold nanorods (Au NRs) for photothermal therapy. Surface‐engineered Au NRs with polyethylenimine are synthesized using a layer‐by‐layer assembly and siRNA is absorbed on the surface. The siRNA is efficiently delivered into breast cancer cells, resulting in subsequent gene silencing. Cells are then irradiated with near‐infrared (NIR) light, causing heat‐induced anticancer activity. The combination of gene silencing and photothermal therapy results in effective inhibition of cell proliferation.
Structural Defects Control the Energy Level Alignment at Organic/Organic Interfaces
Authors: Yonezawa Keiichirou , Hinderhofer Alexander , Hosokai Takuya , Kato Kengo , Makino Rintaro , Schreiber Frank , Ueno Nobuo , Kera Satoshi
Published: April 2014

The dependence of the energy level alignment (ELA) on structural defects at an organic/organic heterojunction (OOH) of perfluoropentacene (PFP)‐on‐diindenoperylene (DIP) was investigated using X‐ray scattering and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. The density of structural defects near the interface between the PFP and DIP layers was varied by changing the growth temperature of the DIP film. A direct relationship was found between the defect density and the ELA at the OOH; the ELA together with the change in the electrostatic potential (quasi‐interface dipole layer) at the OOH varies systematically with the defect density near the interface. This indicates that a key factor affecting the ELA is the electrostatic potential change across the OOH interface, which is produced by electron transfer from DIP occupied gap states to PFP unoccupied gap states. These gap states originate from the defects and are effectively controlled by adjusting the growth conditions of the organic films. As a result, the ELA at OOH interfaces can be controlled by the density of structural defect, which is important for organic devices employing OOHs, such as organic photovoltaic cells.
Inorganic‐Base‐Catalysed Synthesis of α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones and 3,5‐Disubstituted Cyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐ones
Authors: Tao Hongqi , Duan Jindian , Li Pengfei
Published: April 2014

Both acyclic and cyclic α, β‐unsaturated ketones are important synthetic intermediates for many functional molecules. A simple and efficient strategy for providing either α, β‐unsaturated methyl ketones or 3,5‐disubstituted cyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐ones as the only product under appropriate reaction conditions was developed. When barium hydroxide was used as the catalyst, the reaction between aldehydes and ketones resulted in the formation of 3,5‐disubstituted cyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐ones in high yield via a five‐step domino reaction. On the other hand, potassium‐carbonate‐catalysed Claisen–Schmidt reactions between aldehydes and ketones furnished α, β‐unsaturated ketone in high yields.
N1‐Selective Oxidative CN Coupling of Azoles with Pyrroles Using a Hypervalent Iodine Reagent
Authors: Morimoto Koji , Ohnishi Yusuke , Nakamura Akira , Sakamoto Kazuma , Dohi Toshifumi , Kita Yasuyuki
Published: April 2014

A method for coupling azoles with pyrroles and related compounds using a hypervalent iodine reagent has been developed. The oxidative coupling to produce the CN bond directly from CH and NH bonds is attractive in view of sustainable chemistry by avoiding prefunctionalization of the substrates. Notably, the reactions are found to be N1‐selective at the azoles and tolerant of a broad range of substrates and functional groups.
Templatgesteuerte Photoreaktion von C60 auf Calcit
Authors: Lindner Robert , Rahe Philipp , Kittelmann Markus , Gourdon André , Bechstein Ralf , Kühnle Angelika
Published: April 2014

Wir zeigen die photochemisch induzierte Reaktion von C60 auf dem Nichtleiter Calcit, die mit Nichtkontakt‐Rasterkraftmikroskopie untersucht wurde. Die Bildung kovalenter Bindungen wird durch die Verringerung intermolekularer Abstände offensichtlich. Diese Interpretation wird zusätzlich durch UV/Vis‐ und Massenspektren an dicken Filmen gestützt. Die Bestrahlung von C60 führt zu wohlgeordneten, kovalent verknüpften Domänen. Darüber hinaus wird die Orientierung der Domänen durch die Gitterdimensionen des Calcitsubstrats vorgegeben. Die Gitterfehlanpassung gezielt zu nutzen, um bewusst die Richtung der Reaktion zu beeinflussen, ist ein neuer Ansatz, um Reaktionen auf Oberflächen maßzuschneidern. Hier stellen wir eine Strategie vor, die es ermöglicht, orientierte, kovalente Netzwerke auf Nichtleitern zu generieren.
Arylphosphonylation and Arylazidation of Activated Alkenes
Authors: Kong Wangqing , Merino Estíbaliz , Nevado Cristina
Published: April 2014

Two radical‐mediated processes of activated alkenes, namely arylphosphonylation and arylazidation, are described. The difunctionalization of alkenes by a tandem process that involves radical addition, 1,4‐aryl migration, and desulfonylation generates α‐aryl‐β‐heterofunctionalized amides bearing a quaternary stereocenter when the substituent on the nitrogen atom is an aryl group. Alternatively, heterooxindoles or spirobicycles can be obtained with excellent regioselectivity in the presence of an alkyl substituent on the nitrogen atom.
Stereocontrolled Synthesis of syn‐β‐Hydroxy‐α‐Amino Acids by Direct Aldolization of Pseudoephenamine Glycinamide
Authors: Seiple Ian B. , Mercer Jaron A. M. , Sussman Robin J. , Zhang Ziyang , Myers Andrew G.
Published: April 2014

β‐Hydroxy‐α‐amino acids figure prominently as chiral building blocks in chemical synthesis and serve as precursors to numerous important medicines. Reported herein is a method for the synthesis of β‐hydroxy‐α‐amino acid derivatives by aldolization of pseudoephenamine glycinamide, which can be prepared from pseudoephenamine in a one‐flask protocol. Enolization of (R,R)‐ or (S,S)‐pseudoephenamine glycinamide with lithium hexamethyldisilazide in the presence of LiCl followed by addition of an aldehyde or ketone substrate affords aldol addition products that are stereochemically homologous with L‐ or D‐threonine, respectively. These products, which are typically solids, can be obtained in stereoisomerically pure form in yields of 55–98 %, and are readily transformed into β‐hydroxy‐α‐amino acids by mild hydrolysis or into 2‐amino‐1,3‐diols by reduction with sodium borohydride. This new chemistry greatly facilitates the construction of novel antibiotics of several different classes.
Strictly Biphasic Soft and Hard Janus Structures: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Pang Xinchang , Wan Congshan , Wang Mengye , Lin Zhiqun
Published: April 2014

Janus structures, named after the ancient two‐faced Roman god Janus, comprise two hemistructures (e.g. hemispheres) with different compositions and functionalities. Much research has been carried out over the past few years on Janus structures because of the intriguing properties and promising potential applications of these unusually shaped materials. This Review discusses recent progress made in the synthesis, properties, and applications of strictly biphasic Janus structures possessing symmetrical structures but made of disparate materials. Depending on the chemical compositions, such biphasic structures can be categorized into soft, hard, and hybrid soft/hard Janus structures of different architectures, including spheres, rodlike, disclike, or any other shape. The main synthetic routes to soft, hard, and hybrid soft/hard Janus structures are summarized and their unique properties and applications are introduced. The perspectives for future research and development are also described.