bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns in the prevalence of congenital heart defects, metropolitan Atlanta, 1978 to 2005
Authors: Bjornard Kari , Riehle‐Colarusso Tiffany , Gilboa Suzanne M. , Correa Adolfo
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of patterns in prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHDs) is important for clinical care, etiologic research, and prevention. We evaluated temporal and racial/ethnic trends in the birth prevalence of CHDs in metropolitan Atlanta from 1978 to 2005.

METHODS

Cases of CHDs were obtained from the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program among live born infants, stillborn infants, and pregnancy terminations of at least 20 weeks gestation. We calculated birth prevalence per 10,000 live births and used joinpoint regression analysis to calculate the average annual percent change for total CHDs and for 23 specific subtypes in the total population and among whites and blacks. To evaluate racial/ethnic variations, we calculated prevalence ratios among blacks and Hispanics compared with whites.

RESULTS

Between 1978 and 2005, 7301 infants and fetuses with major structural CHDs were ascertained among 1,079,062 live births (67.7 per 10,000). The prevalence of all CHDs in aggregate increased from 50.3 per 10,000 in 1978–1983 to 86.4 per 10,000 in 2000–2005. The prevalence of septal defects and vascular rings increased and the prevalence of tricuspid atresia decreased, while other CHD prevalences were stable. Racial/ethnic prevalence differences were found for all CHDs combined and muscular ventricular septal defects, aortic stenosis, and atrioventricular septal defects.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of total CHDs, primarily common, less severe types, are increasing, with some racial/ethnic differences. Further studies could clarify the possible reasons for such variations including differences in ascertainment, risk factors, or susceptibility. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new stenting technique for bifurcation lesions a nine‐patient case series
Authors: Karabay Kanber Ocal , Bagirtan Bayram , Aytekin Vedat
Published: February 2013

Aims

This study describes and reports preliminary outcomes using kissing T‐stenting and small protrusion (K‐TAP), a novel modification of traditional T‐stenting and small protrusion (TAP).

Methods and Results

Nine patients who were treated with K‐TAP between May 2008 and February 2012 at two hospitals were retrospectively included in this study. The primary endpoints were angiographic success, procedural success, and the composite 30‐day and long‐term occurrences of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), which consisted of death, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, repeated percutaneous coronary intervention of the target vessel, and non‐Q‐wave and Q‐wave myocardial infarctions. Data were obtained from the review of institutional databases, folder auditing, a telephone survey of the patients, and the review of angiograms. Angiographic success and procedural success were achieved in all patients. The mean fluoroscopy time for the total procedure was 24.1 min (range 20–28). No complications occurred during the procedures. The MACE rate during the mean follow‐up period of 102 weeks (range 22–196 weeks) was 0%.

Conclusions

K‐TAP, a new coronary bifurcation stenting method, has favorable angiographic and procedural success rates and a low early post‐procedure MACE rate. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the K‐TAP method. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prediction of outcome in patients with low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of human papillomavirus, TERC, and MYC
Authors: Obermann Ellen C. , Prince Spasenija Savic , Barascud Audrey , Grilli Bruno , Herzog Michelle , Kaup Daniela , Cathomas Gieri , Tirri Brigitte Frey , Zlobec Inti , Wight Edward , Bubendorf Lukas
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND

Cytology is an excellent method with which to diagnose preinvasive lesions of the uterine cervix, but it suffers from limited specificity for clinically significant lesions. Supplementary methods might predict the natural course of the detected lesions. The objective of the current study was to test whether a multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay might help to stratify abnormal results of Papanicolaou tests.

METHODS

A total of 219 liquid‐based cytology specimens of low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 49 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) specimens, 52 high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) specimens, and 50 normal samples were assessed by FISH with probes for the human papillomavirus (HPV), MYC, and telomerase RNA component (TERC). Subtyping of HPV by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in a subset of cases (n=206).

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation found between HPV detection by FISH and PCR (P<.0001). In patients with LSILs, the presence of HPV detected by FISH was significantly associated with disease progression (P<.0001). An increased MYC and/or TERC gene copy number (>2 signals in>10% of cells) prevailed in 43% of ASCUS specimens and was more frequent in HSIL (85%) than in LSIL (33%) (HSIL vs LSIL: P<.0001). Increased TERC gene copy number was significantly correlated with progression of LSIL (P<.01; odds ratio, 7.44; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.73; positive predictive value, 0.30; negative predictive value, 0.94)

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of HPV by FISH analysis is feasible in liquid‐based cytology and is significantly correlated with HPV analysis by PCR. The analysis of TERC gene copy number may be useful for risk stratification in patients with LSIL. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:423–31. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Organic‐Free Self‐Assembled Copper Sulfide Microflowers
Authors: Kumar Baskaran Ganesh , Muralidharan Krishnamurthi
Published: February 2013

The hexamethyldisilazane‐assisted synthesis of organic‐free copper sulfide microflowers is described herein. The synthetic method was developed in such a way as not to leave any trace of organic material in the copper sulfide nanoparticles after purification. The flowers were constructed by the self‐assembly of nanoflakes. Copper sulfide was formed via an S–N polymeric intermediate, which drives the formation of copper sulfide by elmination of trimethylsilyl chloride as a key product. A reaction mechanism has been proposed based on the results of time‐dependent NMR studies. The self‐assembly and stability of the microflowers are explained on the basis of analytical data.
Concentrations and trends of halogenated flame retardants in the pooled serum of residents of Laizhou Bay, China
Authors: He Songjie , Li Mingyuan , Jin Jun , Wang Ying , Bu Yunjie , Xu Meng , Yang Xianfeng , Liu Anming
Published: February 2013

The south coast of Laizhou Bay, in northeastern China, is a production area for halogenated flame retardants (HFR). In 2007, the authors measured serum concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Laizhou Bay residents. To assess the PBDE concentration trend, and determine the concentrations of the emerging flame retardants Dechlorane Plus (DP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH), the authors measured the concentrations of 8 PBDE congeners, 2 DP isomers, and TBPH in 10 composite samples, which were pooled from the serum collected from 305 Laizhou Bay residents in October 2011. The average concentration of the total PBDE (∑8PBDE) concentration in all serum pools was 240 ng/g lipid weight, and the highest serum pool concentration (in the 30- to 39-yr-old male group) was 780 ng/g lipid weight. Brominated diphenyl ether-209 was the dominant congener, accounting for 87% of ∑8PBDE. Compared with a previous study, ∑8PBDE serum concentrations in the present study showed no change in order of magnitude, but the relative contribution of BDE-209 to ∑8PBDE was higher. The average concentration of ∑DP in all serum pools was 3.6 ng/g lipid weight, ranging from 1.4 ng/g lipid weight (in the 50- to 59-yr-old male group) to 11 ng/g lipid weight (in the 20- to 29-yr-old male group). The concentration of DP was lower than in other reported studies. The study also detected TBPH in the 30- to 39-yr-old female group, suggesting that TBPH, as an emerging HFR, requires further monitoring. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1242–1247. © 2013 SETAC
Stochastic modeling of the Earth's magnetic field: Inversion for covariances over the observatory era
Authors: Gillet N. , Jault D. , Finlay C. C. , Olsen N.
Published: February 2013

Inferring the core dynamics responsible for the observed geomagnetic secular variation requires knowledge of the magnetic field at the core‐mantle boundary together with its associated model covariances. However, most currently available field models have been built using regularization conditions, which force the expansions in the spatial and time domains to converge but also hinder the calculation of reliable second‐order statistics. To tackle this issue, we propose a stochastic approach that integrates, through time covariance functions, some prior information on the time evolution of the geomagnetic field. We consider the time series of spherical harmonic coefficients as realizations of a continuous and differentiable stochastic process. Our specific choice of process, such that it is not twice differentiable, mainly relies on two properties of magnetic observatory records (time spectra, existence of geomagnetic jerks). In addition, the required characteristic times for the low degree coefficients are obtained from available models of the magnetic field and its secular variation based on satellite data. We construct the new familyCOV‐OBSof field models spanning the observatory and satellite era of 1840–2010. These models include the external dipole and permit sharper time changes of the internal field compared to previous regularized reconstructions. The a posteriori covariance matrix displays correlations in both space and time, which should be accounted for through the secular variation error model in core flow inversions and geomagnetic data assimilation studies.
High‐resolution bathymetry reveals contrasting landslide activity shaping the walls of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge axial valley
Authors: Cannat Mathilde , Mangeney Anne , Ondréas Hélène , Fouquet Yves , Normand Alain
Published: February 2013

Axial valleys are found along most slow‐spreading mid‐ocean ridges and are one of the most prominent topographic features on Earth. In this paper, we present the first deep‐tow swath bathymetry for the axial valley walls of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge. These data allow us to analyze axial valley wall morphology with a very high resolution (0.5 to 1 m compared to ≥ 50 m for shipboard multibeam bathymetry), revealing the role played by landslides. Slow‐spreading ridge axial valleys also commonly expose mantle‐derived serpentinized peridotites in the footwalls of large offset normal faults (detachments). In our map of the Ashadze area (lat. 13°N), ultramafic outcrops have an average slope of 18° and behave as sliding deformable rock masses, with little fragmentation. By contrast, the basaltic seafloor in the Krasnov area (lat. 16°38′N) has an average slope of 32° and the erosion of the steep basaltic rock faces leads to extensive fragmentation, forming debris with morphologies consistent with noncohesive granular flow. Comparison with laboratory experiments suggests that the repose angle for this basaltic debris is > 25°. We discuss the interplay between the normal faults that bound the axial valley and the observed mass wasting processes. We propose that, along axial valley walls where serpentinized peridotites are exposed by detachment faults, mass wasting results in average slopes ≤ 20°, even in places where the emergence angle of the detachment is larger.
The role of land use change in the recent warming of daily extreme temperatures
Authors: Christidis Nikolaos , Stott Peter A. , Hegerl Gabriele C. , Betts Richard A.
Published: February 2013

Understanding how temperature extremes respond in a climate forced by human activity is of great importance, as extreme temperatures are detrimental to health and often responsible for mortality increases. While previous detection and attribution studies demonstrated a significant human influence on the recent warming of daily extremes, contributions of individual anthropogenic forcings like changes in land use have not yet been investigated in such studies. Here we apply an optimal fingerprinting technique to data from observations and experiments with a new earth system model to examine whether changing land use has led to detectable changes in daily extreme temperatures on a quasi‐global scale. We find that loss of trees and increase of grassland since preindustrial times has caused an overall cooling trend in both mean and extreme temperatures which is detectable in the observed changes of warm but not cold extremes. The warming in both mean and extreme temperatures due to anthropogenic forcings other than land use is detected in all cases, whereas the weaker effect of natural climatic forcings is not detected in any. This is the first formal attribution of observed climatic changes to changing land use, suggesting further investigations are justified, particularly in studies of warm extremes.
Small‐scale permeability heterogeneity has negligible effects on nutrient cycling in streambeds
Authors: Bardini L. , Boano F. , Cardenas M.B. , Sawyer A.H. , Revelli R. , Ridolfi L.
Published: February 2013

Aquatic sediment hosts coupled pore water flow and biogeochemical reactions that mediate water quality across the fluvial corridor including adjacent alluvial aquifers. However, the effect of small‐scale variations in sediment hydraulic properties on nutrient transformation occurring within the sediment is poorly understood. We show through numerical flow and transport simulations, for two realistic heterogeneous permeability cases typical of lowland rivers and two idealized homogeneous ones, that there is little difference in the reactive transport fields, the bulk reaction rates, and nutrient sink/source function despite stark differences in flow fields. This is because the reactions are ultimately controlled by characteristic or bulk residence times that are similar for the heterogeneous and homogeneous cases. This is a promising result for predictive models based solely on relative ratios of residence times and reactive time scales.
Voxelwise multivariate analysis of multimodality magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Naylor Melissa G. , Cardenas Valerie A. , Tosun Duygu , Schuff Norbert , Weiner Michael , Schwartzman Armin
Published: February 2013

Most brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies concentrate on a single MRI contrast or modality, frequently structural MRI. By performing an integrated analysis of several modalities, such as structural, perfusion‐weighted, and diffusion‐weighted MRI, new insights may be attained to better understand the underlying processes of brain diseases. We compare two voxelwise approaches: (1) fitting multiple univariate models, one for each outcome and then adjusting for multiple comparisons among the outcomes and (2) fitting a multivariate model. In both cases, adjustment for multiple comparisons is performed over all voxels jointly to account for the search over the brain. The multivariate model is able to account for the multiple comparisons over outcomes without assuming independence because the covariance structure between modalities is estimated. Simulations show that the multivariate approach is more powerful when the outcomes are correlated and, even when the outcomes are independent, the multivariate approach is just as powerful or more powerful when at least two outcomes are dependent on predictors in the model. However, multiple univariate regressions with Bonferroni correction remain a desirable alternative in some circumstances. To illustrate the power of each approach, we analyze a case control study of Alzheimer's disease, in which data from three MRI modalities are available. Hum Brain Mapp 35:831–846, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased risk for cancer among offspring of women with fertility problems
Authors: Hargreave Marie , Jensen Allan , Deltour Isabelle , Brinton Louise A. , Andersen Klaus K. , Kjaer Susanne K.
Published: February 2013

Some studies have indicated that children born after fertility treatment have a potential risk for cancer, but the results are inconsistent. Furthermore, any negative effects of fertility treatment might be due to the underlying infertility rather than to the procedure itself. In the largest cohort study to date with information on fertility, we examined whether the offspring of women with fertility problems had a higher risk for cancer than offspring of women without fertility problems. The study cohort consisted of 2,830,054 offspring born in Denmark between 1964 and 2006. Of these, 125,844 were offspring of women evaluated for infertility. Cox regression models were used to estimate the possible effect of being the offspring of a woman evaluated for infertility on the risk for cancer. Analyses were performed separately for cancer during childhood (0–19 years) and cancer in young adulthood (>20 years). We found that offspring born to women with fertility problems had higher overall risks for cancer in childhood (hazard ratio (HR), 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–1.32) and in young adulthood (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04–1.43) than offspring of women without fertility problems. Offspring of women with fertility problems had significantly increased risks for leukemia in childhood (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.06–1.60) and for cancer of the endocrine glands in young adulthood (HR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.35–5.29). These findings suggest that offspring born to mothers with fertility problems are at increased risk for cancer in both childhood and young adulthood. If real, our findings of an ∼18% overall increase in risk for cancer in childhood and an ∼22% overall increase in risk for cancer in young adulthood would mean about four additional cases of childhood cancer and about nine additional cases of cancer in young adults per 100,000 exposed offspring.
A brief review on hydrometallurgical technologies for recycling spent lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Chagnes Alexandre , Pospiech Beata
Published: February 2013

Lithium‐ion battery is a mature technology that is used in various electronic devices. Nowadays, this technology is a good candidate as energy storage for electric vehicles. Therefore, much research is focused on the development of high‐density power lithium‐ion batteries. Government regulations force manufacturers to recycle the batteries for safety and health reasons but recycling could also be interesting from an economic viewpoint since cathodes in lithium‐ion batteries contain valuable metals. The electrodes in lithium‐ion batteries will evolve to provide more energy and the recycling processes will have to fit with this evolution. Leaching, bioleaching and solvent extraction are at the centre of these processes. In this paper, recent leaching and solvent extraction strategies for recovering valuable metals from spent lithium‐ion batteries are reviewed and the evolution of these processes is discussed. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Solvent extraction of thorium(IV) and rare earth elements with novel polyaramide extractant containing preorganized chelating groups
Authors: He Lutao , Jiang Qian , Jia Yiming , Fang Yuyu , Zou Shuliang , Yang Yuanyou , Liao Jiali , Liu Ning , Feng Wen , Luo Shunzhong , Yang Yanqiu , Yang Liang , Yuan Lihua
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND

Oligoamides containing intramolecular hydrogen bonds have proved to be excellent extractants for metal cations, but their polymeric counterparts have never been used. Thorium separation from rare earth elements has long been a research subject due to its importance in nuclear energy and metallurgy. In this work a novel polyaramide has been synthesized and investigated for solvent extraction and separation of thorium and rare earths.

RESULTS

The synthesized polymer 1 [(C32H46N2O6)n], shows a high extractability of 89.4% towards Th(IV) compared with only 36–48% for rare earths. The optimized pH value for extraction of Th(IV) was 3.97. At C1/CM = 2.0, the extraction for Th(IV) reached 95.1%. When adding NaNO3, the separation of Th(IV) from La(III) is more efficient than that from Eu(III) or Yb(III), especially at higher NaNO3 concentration. Th(IV) can be thoroughly stripped from organic phase at 1.50 mol L‐1 HNO3 concentration.

CONCLUSION

Direct condensation of aromatic diamine and diacid led to a novel polyaramide with introverted chelating groups. Selective extraction of Th(IV) with respect to rare earths was observed and the extraction was an endothermic process. The salting‐out agent and C1/CM ratio can affect the separation efficiency. Thus, the polymer 1 may be a potential candidate for separating thorium and rare earths under specified conditions. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Studies on silk secretion in the trichoptera (F. Limnephilidae): I. Histology, histochemistry, and ultrastructure of the silk glands
Authors: Engster Maryann S.
Published: February 2013

As part of a study on trichopteran silk secretion, the histology, histochemistry, and ultrastructure of the silk glands of two species of limnephilid trichopteran larvae, Pycnopsyche guttifer (Walk.) and Neophylax concinnus McL., were investigated. The silk glands consist of three anatomically distinct regions: a long, posterior silk‐secreting region; a shorter, anterior conducting tube; and a terminal press/common duct. In Pycnopsyche, there is also a modified bulbous region between the secreting and conducting areas. Each anatomical region has a distinct cell type. There are two structurally and histochemically different components of the secretion in the glandular lumen: a core and a peripheral layer. Both components are produced all along the gland and are principally proteinaceous. However, the peripheral layer is also PAS and alcian blue (pH. 2.5) positive and shows β‐metachromasia with toluidine blue (pH 3.5), indicating the presence of both neutral and acidic polysaccharides.
Epidemiology of hepatitis D in patients infected with hepatitis B virus in bucharest: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Popescu G.A. , Otelea D. , Gavriliu L.C. , Neaga E. , Popescu C. , Paraschiv S. , Fratila M.
Published: February 2013

Epidemiological analyses indicate a decreasing level of hepatitis D (HDV) infections in most developed countries during the last 15 years. Romania, however, is one of the European countries that still has high morbidity from HDV; this study was performed in order to estimate the HDV prevalence in the Bucharest area. Three thousand four hundred sixty‐one hepatitis B (HBV) infected patients were invited to participate and 1,094 were recruited. Serum anti‐HDV IgG was detected in 223 patients indicating a hepatitis D seroprevalence of 20.4% (95% CI = 18.1–22.9) in patients chronically infected with HBV, less than that seen in previous studies. Seroprevalence was not gender related, but patients over 40 years were more likely to have anti‐HDV antibodies, RR = 1.9 (1.2; 3.0). Detectable hepatitis D viraemia was found in 67.7% of the patients who were positive for anti‐HDV. The HDV genotype was characterized for 40 isolates; all were very similar and belonged to genotype 1. Serum HBV‐DNA was detectable less frequently in patients positive for anti‐HDV than in patients infected with HBV alone: 68.5% versus 89.3%, OR 3.9 (1.7; 10.0), but the extent of this HDV replicative dominance varies with the sensitivity of the HBV‐DNA detection. 19.3% of the subjects who tested positive for anti‐HDV IgG had a HBV‐DNA level higher than four logs. This high prevalence prompts the need for better HBV vaccination coverage and measures to prevent super infection with HDV in patients infected with HBV. J. Med. Virol. 85:769–774, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis E virus antigen detection as an early diagnostic marker: Report from India
Authors: Majumdar Manasi , Singh Mini P. , Pujhari Sujit Kumar , Bhatia Deepak , Chawla Y. , Ratho R.K.
Published: February 2013

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is implicated in many outbreaks of viral hepatitis in the Indian subcontinent. The conventional diagnosis of such outbreaks rests on the detection of anti‐HEV IgM antibodies. However, IgM antibodies develop after 4–5 days of infection. An early‐diagnostic marker is imperative for timely diagnosis of the outbreak and also initiation of control measures. This study aimed to determine the use of hepatitis E virus antigen detection as an early diagnostic marker in an outbreak in comparison to anti‐HEV IgM and RT‐PCR analyses. Forty samples were collected during a suspected outbreak of viral hepatitis due to HEV. A total of 36 samples were positive for one or more HEV markers. The positivity for anti‐HEV IgM, HEV antigen, and RT‐PCR was 91.6%, 69.4%, and 47.2% respectively. RT‐PCR and HEV antigen detection gave the highest positive results (100%) in the first 3 days of illness. Positive HEV PCR declined to 54% by Days 4–7, whereas HEV antigen and IgM detection were 88% and 100%, respectively. Sequencing of representative HEV samples indicated that the strains responsible for this outbreak belonged to genotype I, subtype 1a. HEV antigen was found to be an early diagnostic marker of acute infection. HEV antigen was detected in three additional cases in the early phase (1–3 days), and they had no detectable anti‐HEV IgM antibodies. These three samples were also positive for HEV RNA. After Day 7, anti‐HEV IgM was the main diagnostic indicator of infection. J. Med. Virol. 85:823–827, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced prefrontal serotonin 2A receptor signaling in the subchronic phencyclidine mouse model of schizophrenia
Authors: Santini Martin A. , Ratner Cecilia , Aznar Susana , Klein Anders B. , Knudsen Gitte M. , Mikkelsen Jens D.
Published: February 2013

Prefrontal serotonin 2A receptors (5‐HT2ARs) have been linked to the pathogenesis and treatment of schizophrenia. Many antipsychotics fully occupy 5‐HT2AR at clinical relevant doses, and activation of 5‐HT2A receptors by lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and LSD‐like drugs induces a schizophrenia‐like psychosis in humans. Subchronic phencyclidine (PCP) administration is a well‐established model for schizophrenia‐like symptoms in rodents. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether subchronic PCP administration changes expression, binding, or functionality of cortical 5‐HT2ARs. As a measure of 5‐HT2AR functionality, we used the 5‐HT2AR agonist 2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodoamphetamine (DOI)‐induced head‐twitch response (HTR) and mRNA expression of the immediate‐early genes (IEGs) activity‐related cytoskeletal associated‐protein (Arc), c‐fos, and early growth response protein 2 (egr‐2) in the frontal cortex. Mice were treated with PCP (10 mg/kg) or saline for 10 days, followed by a 5‐day washout period. The PCP pretreatment increased the overall induction of HTR and frontal cortex IEG mRNA expression following a single challenge with DOI. These functional changes were not associated with changes in 5‐HT2AR binding. Also, binding of the 5‐HT1AR and the 5‐HT transporter was unaffected. Finally, basal mRNA level of Arc was increased in the prefrontal cortex after subchronic PCP administration as revealed with in situ hybridization. Together these findings indicate that PCP administration produces changes in the brain that result in an increase in the absolute effect of DOI. Therefore, neurotransmission involving the 5‐HT2AR could contribute to the behavioral deficits observed after PCP treatment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Humus balancing in Central Europe—concepts, state of the art, and further challenges
Authors: Brock Christopher , Franko Uwe , Oberholzer Hans‐Rudolf , Kuka Katrin , Leithold Günter , Kolbe Hartmut , Reinhold Jürgen
Published: February 2013

Humus‐balancing methods are simple tools for the assessment of interactions between agricultural land use and soil organic matter (SOM). Aside from this commonality, approaches for humus balancing differ considerably with regard to their specific aim, scope, and methodical approach. The term “humus balance” covers both simple models to quantify SOM change in arable soils, or soil organic C (SOC) change in particular, and models that refer to the optimization of soil productivity in arable soils by calculating organic‐fertilizer demand, without quantifying SOM or SOC change. This situation naturally has caused much discussion and misunderstandings. Against this background, the aim of this review is to systematically explore the different methodical approaches to humus balancing in order to contribute to a more sophisticated discussion of this model family, its opportunities, and limitations. As humus balancing has long history as well as special actual relevance in Germany, and, lately Switzerland, we focus on these countries and discuss the different approaches that are presently available and applied there. We argue that humus balances can be roughly categorized into “ecological” and “agronomical” approaches based on their specific concepts and methodology. Ecological humus balances comprise a strong link to quantitative SOM change, while humus balances of the agronomical family refer to the maintenance of soil productivity without a quantitative link to SOM change. Lately, some models have been presented that link the two concepts. However, we identify that humus‐balancing methods often are insufficiently validated, partly because the validation of agronomical humus balances is not easily possible without a very comprehensive field‐experimental basis. Further, the comparability of different approaches even within the two concept families is low at present, indicating the need for a comparative model evaluation for a proper assessment of the methods.
Effect of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) on soil‐phosphorus availability and organic acids
Authors: Possinger Angela R. , Byrne Loren B. , Breen Nancy E.
Published: February 2013

As a cover crop, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) may increase soil‐P availability. Buckwheat was grown in low‐P and P‐fertilized field plots, and organic anions were measured in rhizosphere soil. Soil‐P availability was not affected by buckwheat, but the concentration of rhizosphere tartrate2– was significantly higher (p < 0.005) in low‐P vs. P‐fertilized plots. This suggests that organic‐anion root exudation may have a role in buckwheat‐rhizosphere P dynamics.
Respectful Language: How Dialogue Supports Moral Development of Leaders and Respectful Culture
Authors: Chapman Laura M.
Published: February 2013

This article outlines key ideas from a small‐scale piece of research undertaken as a study for a dissertation into language use in learning organizations. The inquiry focuses on how language use may be used in reflection when understood as ethical leadership action. Anecdotal evidence suggested that an eye on the bottom line and a compliance approach imposed by legislation during a period of recession had a negative effect on dialogue, with exchanges being less courteous and less generous during daily dealings. The aim of this study was to find out what professionals working in the field of learning and development understand the term respectful language to mean. The study explored theories based on reflection and drawn on experience. It modeled ethical practice by way of presenting the ideas of a diverse community of practice. The findings are presented as an interpretation based on rich narratives, which practitioners may find useful to aid their dialogue in a tough economic climate.
Effect of extraction, pasteurization and cold storage on flavonoids and other secondary metabolites in fresh orange juice
Authors: Bai Jinhe , Manthey John A , Ford Bryan L , Luzio Gary , Cameron Randall G , Narciso Jan , Baldwin Elizabeth A
Published: February 2013

Background

Fresh orange juice is perceived to be more wholesome than processed juice. Fresh juice may have nutrients and phytonutrients that differ from pasteurized or processed juice.

Results

‘Hamlin’ and ‘Valencia’ oranges were extracted using a commercial food service juicer, pasteurized or not, resulting in fresh‐commercial juice (FCJ) or pasteurized FCJ (FCPJ) for comparison with pasteurized processed juice (PPJ) in 2009, and gently hand‐squeezed ‘Valencia’ juice (HSJ) in 2010 for nutrient and phytonutrient content. Regardless of pasteurization, FCJ/FCPJ contained 25–49% lower insoluble solids than the PPJ, while in HSJ the insoluble solids content was between that of FCJ and PPJ. The major orange juice flavonoid glycosides were twofold higher in PPJ than in FCJ/FCPJ and HSJ, indicating that the extraction and finishing process led to more peel tissue in the juice than fresh juice extraction methods. The total phenolic content (TPC) in the juices followed a similar pattern to the flavonoid glycoside content. The polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs), associated with peel oil, occurred at the highest levels in the FCJ/FCPJ and lowest in HSJ. Limonoids and alkaloids occurred at higher levels in PPJ and HSJ than in FCJ/FCPJ.

Conclusion

The high peel oil content of FCJ/FCPJ resulted in higher PMF levels compared to PPJ and HSJ, while flavonoid glycosides, limonoids and alkaloids, which occur at high concentrations in the inner peel albedo, occurred at higher concentrations in PPJ. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Failure of explicit movement control in patients with functional motor symptoms
Authors: Pareés Isabel , Kassavetis Panagiotis , Saifee Tabish A. , Sadnicka Anna , Davare Marco , Bhatia Kailash P. , Rothwell John C. , Bestmann Sven , Edwards Mark J.
Published: February 2013

Functional neurological symptoms are one of the most common conditions observed in neurological practice, but understanding of their underlying neurobiology is poor. Historic psychological models, based on the concept of conversion of emotional trauma into physical symptoms, have not been implemented neurobiologically, and are not generally supported by epidemiological studies. In contrast, there are robust clinical procedures that positively distinguish between organic and functional motor signs that rely primarily on distracting attention away from movement or accessing it covertly. We aimed to investigate the neurobiological principles underpinning these techniques and implications for understanding functional symptoms. We assessed 11 patients with functional motor symptoms and 11 healthy controls in three experimental set‐ups, where voluntary movements were made either with full explicit control or could additionally be influenced automatically by factors of which participants were much less aware (one‐back reaching, visuomotor transformation, and precued reaction time with variable predictive value of the precue). Patients specifically failed in those tasks where preplanning of movement could occur and under conditions of increasing certainty regarding the movement to be performed. However, they implicitly learned to adapt to a visuomotor transformation as well as healthy controls. We propose that when the movement to be performed can be preplanned or is highly predicted, patients with functional motor symptoms shift to an explicit attentive mode of processing that impairs kinematics of movement control, but movement becomes normal when such processes cannot be employed (e.g., during unexpected movement or implicit motor adaptation). © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Improved intravoxel incoherent motion analysis of diffusion weighted imaging by data driven Bayesian modeling
Authors: Orton Matthew R. , Collins David J. , Koh Dow‐Mu , Leach Martin O.
Published: February 2013

In addition to the diffusion coefficient, fitting the intravoxel incoherent motion model to multiple b‐value diffusion‐weighted MR data gives pseudo‐diffusion measures associated with rapid signal attenuation at low b‐values that are of use in the assessment of a number of pathologies. When summary measures are required, such as the average parameter for a region of interest, least‐squares based methods give adequate estimation accuracy. However, using least‐squares methods for pixel‐wise fitting typically gives noisy estimates, especially for the pseudo‐diffusion parameters, which limits the applicability of the approach for assessing spatial features and heterogeneity. In this article, a Bayesian approach using a shrinkage prior model is proposed and is shown to substantially reduce estimation uncertainty so that spatial features in the parameters maps are more clearly apparent. The Bayesian approach has no user‐defined parameters, so measures of parameter variation (heterogeneity) over regions of interest are determined by the data alone, whereas it is shown that for the least‐squares estimates, measures of variation are essentially determined by user‐defined constraints on the parameters. Use of a Bayesian shrinkage prior approach is, therefore, recommended for intravoxel incoherent motion modeling. Magn Reson Med 71:411–420, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of primary and secondary filler structures in a polymer matrix by atomic force microscopy images analysis methods
Authors: Morozov I.A.
Published: February 2013

Segmentation algorithms have been developed to study the surface of filled rubbers using atomic force microscopy (AFM) images. The analysis reveals two types of segments in the material: micropellets (large, dense inclusions of a insufficiently ground filler) and aggregates (small primary filler inclusions). The proposed approach allows us to find the minimum size of a representative area, starting from the filler distribution can be treated as homogeneous (mesoscale). Secondary structures (clusters) created by aggregates are identified and their fractal parameters are calculated. The validity of the approach for the analysis of rubbers filled with carbon black is demonstrated. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Distinct lipid compositions of two types of human prostasomes
Authors: Brouwers Jos F. , Aalberts Marian , Jansen Jeroen W. A. , van Niel Guillaume , Wauben Marca H. , Stout Tom A. E. , Helms J. Bernd , Stoorvogel Willem
Published: February 2013

Prostasomes are vesicles secreted by prostate epithelial cells and found in abundance in seminal plasma. They regulate aspects of sperm cell function and are also thought to prevent immune‐mediated destruction of sperm cells within the female reproductive tract. In a previous study, we isolated two distinct populations of prostasomes, differing both in size and protein composition, from the seminal fluid of vasectomized men. In the current study, we characterized the lipid content of these two prostasome populations. Both prostasome types had an unusual lipid composition, with high levels of sphingomyelin (SM), cholesterol, and glycosphingolipids at the expense of, in particular, phosphatidylcholine. The different classes of glycerophospholipids consisted mainly of mono‐unsaturated species. The sphingosine‐based lipids, SM and the hexosylceramides, were characterized by a near absence of unsaturated species. The two types of prostasome differed in lipid composition, particularly with regard to the relative contributions of SM and hexosylceramides. Potential implications of the lipid compositions of prostasomes for the mechanisms of their formation and function are discussed.
150 years later: a look at Loschmidt's contributions to organic chemistry
Authors: Roth Heinz D.
Published: February 2013

Examining the structures presented by Loschmidt in 1861 shows that he portrayed organic structures in a visually appealing way, but the structures do not support several claims and accolades of Loschmidt's modern‐day champions. There is serious doubt that Loschmidt viewed benzene as a planar cyclic array of six carbon atoms; he did not understand positional isomerism of benzene derivatives or the essence of geometric isomerism. He did not recognize that carbons of the C6 nucleus could only be singly bonded to a substituent. Concerning his “prediction” of cyclopropane, Loschmidt may have been the first to consider a “circular” array of three atoms; this achievement must be viewed in the light of similar predictions for a cyclic dinitrogen oxide, tetracyclohexane, heptacyclononane, and a [1,1]‐metacyclophane. His structures worked well for strings of sp2‐hybridized carbons or for molecules with chains of tri‐substituted carbons. Loschmidt did not differentiate between the bond lengths of double and triple bonds, as claimed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vertical confinement and interface effects on the microstructure and charge transport of P3HT thin films
Authors: Jimison Leslie H. , Himmelberger Scott , Duong Duc T. , Rivnay Jonathan , Toney Michael F. , Salleo Alberto
Published: February 2013

Using X‐ray diffraction‐based pole figures, we present quantitative analysis of the microstructure of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) thin films of varying thicknesses, which allows us to determine the crystallinity and microstructure at the semiconductor‐dielectric interface. We find that the interface is approximately one fourth as crystalline as the bulk of the material. Furthermore, the use of a self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) enhances the density of interface‐nucleated crystallites by a factor of ∼20. Charge transport measurements as a function of film thickness correlate with interface crystallinity. Hence, we establish the crucial role of SAMs as nucleating agents for increasing carrier mobility in field‐effect devices. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
Determining changes in the distribution and abundance of a Rhyzopertha dominica phosphine resistance allele in farm grain storages using a DNA marker
Authors: Kaur Ramandeep , Daniels Emily V , Nayak Manoj K , Ebert Paul R , Schlipalius David I
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND

The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), is a highly destructive pest of stored grain that is strongly resistant to the fumigant phosphine (PH3). Phosphine resistance is due to genetic variants at the rph2 locus that alter the function of the dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) gene. This discovery now enables direct detection of resistance variants at the rph2 locus in field populations.

RESULTS

A genotype assay was developed for direct detection of changes in distribution and frequency of a phosphine resistance allele in field populations of R. dominica. Beetles were collected from ten farms in south‐east Queensland in 2006 and resampled in 2011. Resistance allele frequency increased in the period from 2006 to 2011 on organic farms with no history of phosphine use, implying that migration of phosphine‐resistant R. dominica had occurred from nearby storages.

CONCLUSION

Increasing resistance allele frequencies on organic farms suggest local movement of beetles and dispersal of insects from areas where phosphine has been used. This research also highlighted for the first time the utility of a genetic DNA marker in accurate and rapid determination of the distribution of phosphine‐resistant insects in the grain value chain. Extending this research over larger landscapes would help in identifying resistance problems and enable timely pest management decisions. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Eccentric Loading of Fluorogen with Aggregation‐Induced Emission in PLGA Matrix Increases Nanoparticle Fluorescence Quantum Yield for Targeted Cellular Imaging
Authors: Geng Junlong , Li Kai , Qin Wei , Ma Lin , Gurzadyan Gagik G. , Tang Ben Zhong , Liu Bin
Published: February 2013

A simple strategy is developed to prepare eccentrically or homogeneously loaded nanoparticles (NPs) using poly (DL‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) as the encapsulation matrix in the presence of different amounts of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the emulsifier. Using 2,3‐bis(4‐(phenyl(4‐(1,2,2‐triphenylvinyl)‐phenyl)amino)‐phenyl)‐fumaronitrile (TPETPAFN), a fluorogen with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics, as an example, the eccentrically loaded PLGA NPs show increased fluorescence quantum yields (QYs) as compared to the homogeneously loaded ones. Field emission transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence lifetime measurements reveal that the higher QY of the eccentrically loaded NPs is due to the more compact aggregation of AIE fluorogens that restricts intramolecular rotations of phenyl rings, which is able to more effectively block the non‐radiative decay pathways. The eccentrically loaded NPs show far red/near infrared emission with a high fluorescence QY of 34% in aqueous media. In addition, by using poly([lactide‐co‐glycolide]‐b‐folate [ethylene glycol]) (PLGA‐PEG‐folate) as the co‐encapsulation matrix, the obtained NPs are born with surface folic acid groups, which are successfully applied for targeted cellular imaging with good photostability and low cytotoxicity. Moreover, the developed strategy is also demonstrated for inorganic‐component eccentrically or homogeneously loaded PLGA NPs, which facilitates the synthesis of polymer NPs with controlled internal architectures.
Probabilistic description of crop development and irrigation water requirements with stochastic rainfall
Authors: Vico Giulia , Porporato Amilcare
Published: February 2013

Key Points

Crop development and irrigation are idealized as dichotomic Markov processes

Probability density functions of yield and irrigation are obtained analytically

They are a tool for decision making under uncertainty
Seasonal small‐scale spatial variability in alpine snowfall and snow accumulation
Authors: Scipión D. E. , Mott R. , Lehning M. , Schneebeli M. , Berne A.
Published: February 2013

Key Points

Data are based on weather radar and laser scans

Spatial variability of snowfall and snow accumulation variability

Snow accumulation variability is governed by small‐processes close to the ground
Some thoughts on English for Research Publication Purposes (ERPP) and related issues
Authors: Flowerdew John
Published: February 2013

Academic writing for research publication takes place around the globe, involving, according to a recent account, 5.5 million scholars, 2,000 publishers and 17,500 research/higher education institutions (Lillis & Curry 2010: 1). Because so many scholars whose first language is not English are now using English for publication purposes and because of the research interest that has developed in the field, a specialist term has been coined,English for Research Publication Purposes(ERPP). This paper presents an overview of some issues relating to ERPP.