bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of porosity and crack morphology on seismic velocity and permeability in the upper oceanic crust
Authors: Carlson R. L.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships between porosity, crack morphology, seismic velocity, and permeability in the upper oceanic crust. In a theoretical model, velocity is a quadratic function of porosity Φ, and the coefficients are functions of the fractional area of asperity contactAfacross the cracks, a measure of crack morphology; thus,v = v(Af, Φ). Fits to data sets from the lava and dike sections in Holes 504B and 1256D yieldAf = 0.096(8) and 0.045(3), with rms errors of 1.7 and 0.3%, respectively. Lower values ofAfaccount for the high porosities and low velocities observed in Layer 2A. After 0.2 Ma, the porosities of both Layer 2A and the deeper part of the lava pile remain in the range 8 ± 4%. The observed increase of Layer 2A velocities after 0.2 Ma is caused largely by changing crack morphology as opposed to decreasing porosity; at 8% porosity, an increase ofAffrom ∼0.003 to 0.1 accounts for an increase of velocity from ∼3 to >5 km/s. An empirical log‐linear relationship between permeabilityκandvsuggests a relationship betweenκandAfas well. This relationship betweenκandvcan be explained if the permeability coefficientκois a closely constrained quadratic function of the area of asperity contactAf.Afis thus the primary variable affecting both seismic velocities and the permeability of the uppermost oceanic crust.
Effects of network dissolution changes on pore‐to‐core upscaled reaction rates for kaolinite and anorthite reactions under acidic conditions
Authors: Kim Daesang , Lindquist W. Brent
Published: November 2013

We have extended reactive flow simulation in pore‐network models to include geometric changes in the medium from dissolution effects. These effects include changes in pore volume and reactive surface area, as well as topological changes that open new connections. The computed changes were based upon a mineral map from an X‐ray computed tomography image of a sandstone core. We studied the effect of these changes on upscaled (pore‐scale to core‐scale) reaction rates and compared against the predictions of a continuum model. Specifically, we modeled anorthite and kaolinite reactions under acidic flow conditions during which the anorthite reactions remain far from equilibrium (dissolution only), while the kaolinite reactions can be near‐equilibrium. Under dissolution changes, core‐scale reaction rates continuously and nonlinearly evolved in time. At higher injection rates, agreement with predictions of the continuum model degraded significantly. For the far‐from‐equilibrium reaction, our results indicate that the ability to correctly capture the heterogeneity in dissolution changes in the reactive mineral surface area is critical to accurately predict upscaled reaction rates. For the near‐equilibrium reaction, the ability to correctly capture the heterogeneity in the saturation state remains critical. Inclusion of a Nernst‐Planck term to ensure neutral ionic currents under differential diffusion resulted in at most a 9% correction in upscaled rates.
Locating and quantifying spatially distributed groundwater/surface water interactions using temperature signals with paired fiber‐optic cables
Authors: Mamer Ethan A. , Lowry Christopher S.
Published: November 2013

Diurnal temperature fluctuations of surface water, as result of solar heating, function as a tracer that continuously exchanges energy between streams, streambed sediments, and discharging groundwater. Analytical solutions exist to estimate discharge by extracting the amplitude ratio between pairs of subsurface temperature time series measurements. The research presented here adds to the expanding body of heat tracing literature by applying the amplitude‐shift time series discharge estimation method to pairs of distributed temperature sensor (DTS) fiber‐optic cables. A pair of DTS fiber‐optic cables is placed in an experimental streambed, one over the other, with a small vertical separation to measure continues heat‐based vertical streambed fluxes along the entire length of cable, thus eliminating a long series of point measurements. This study utilized time series data from synthetic data sets, modeled numerically using COMSOL Multiphysics, and physical data sets, modeled in a 10 m long sandbox model to assess the viability of this new distributed flux quantification method. Discharge estimated with spatially averaged temperature data are accurately approximated where groundwater flow is uniform and the temperature signal is constant at the streambed surface. Error is introduced where focused groundwater discharge exists, resulting in temperature profiles that vary laterally throughout the streambed. Spatial averaging inherent to DTS data results in dampening of flux measurements over focused discharge zones, as temperature is averaged as a result of the measurement technique. This leads to underestimating peak flux at localized discharge zones and overestimating discharge measurements away from these locations. The spatial integration of the DTS as well as the sampling interval and cable position can lead to error in calculated groundwater fluxes. Results demonstrate the potential advantages and disadvantages of using paired fiber‐optic cables to quantify high‐resolution groundwater discharge to streams at the reach scale.
A re‐examination of throats
Authors: Kim J.‐W. , Kim D. , Lindquist W. B.
Published: November 2013

We critically re‐examine the concept of a throat in a porous medium as a geometric quantity defined independently of an entry meniscus in a drainage process. To maintain the standard notion of a throat as a locally minimum‐area cross section in the pore network, we demonstrate with examples that throats must intersect each other. Using flow simulation, we show that these intersecting throats correspond to capillary pressure controlled entry points during drainage. We have designed a throat‐finding algorithm that explicitly locates intersecting throats, using a planar approximation for robustness and speed. The capability of the new algorithm was compared against an existing algorithm in the construction of pore‐throat networks from X‐ray computed tomography images of consolidated sandstones (7.5–22% porosity) and of an unconsolidated sand pack (32.5% porosity). We show that the probability of throat intersection increases significantly with porosity above 20%; in the sand pack, over 1/4 of all throats intersect with another.
Listeria monocytogenes: Cultivation and Laboratory Maintenance
Authors: Jones Grant S. , D'Orazio Sarah E.F.
Published: November 2013

This unit describes general procedures for the lab cultivation and storage of the Gram‐positive facultative intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The basic protocols are relevant for a wide scope of applications including microbial genetics and both in vitro and in vivo infection studies. Commonly used L. monocytogenes strains, serotypes, and growth parameters are also discussed. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 31:9B.2.1‐9B.2.7. ©2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Mouse Model of Foodborne Listeria monocytogenes Infection
Authors: Bou Ghanem Elsa N. , Myers‐Morales Tanya , D'Orazio Sarah E.F.
Published: November 2013

Listeria monocytogenes causes foodborne disease in humans that ranges in severity from mild, self‐limiting gastroenteritis to life‐threatening systemic infections of the blood, brain, or placenta. The most commonly used animal model of listeriosis is intravenous infection of mice. This systemic model is highly reproducible, and thus, useful for studying cell‐mediated immune responses against an intracellular bacterial pathogen, but it completely bypasses the gastrointestinal phase of L. monocytogenes infection. Intragastric inoculation of L. monocytogenes produces more variable results and may cause direct bloodstream invasion in some animals. The foodborne transmission model described here does not require specialized skills to perform and results in infections that more closely mimic human disease. This natural feeding model can be used to study both the host‐ and pathogen‐derived factors that govern susceptibility or resistance to orally acquired L. monocytogenes. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 31:9B.3.1‐9B.3.16. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Propagation, Quantification, Detection, and Storage of West Nile Virus
Authors: Brien James D. , Lazear Helen M. , Diamond Michael S.
Published: November 2013

West Nile virus (WNV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family of enveloped, single‐stranded, positive‐sense RNA viruses. WNV, an emerging viral pathogen, is transmitted by mosquitoes to birds and mammals and is responsible for an increasing incidence of human disease in North America and Europe. Due to its ease of use in the laboratory and the availability of robust mouse models of disease, WNV provides an excellent experimental system for studying molecular virology and pathogenesis of infection by flaviviruses. Here, we describe common laboratory techniques used to propagate, quantify, detect, and store WNV. We also briefly describe appropriate safety precautions required for the laboratory use of WNV, which is classified as a Biosafety Level 3 pathogen by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 31:15D.3.1‐15D.3.18. ©2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Human Norovirus Detection and Production, Quantification, and Storage of Virus‐Like Particles
Authors: Debbink Kari , Costantini Veronica , Swanstrom Jesica , Agnihothram Sudhakar , Vinjé Jan , Baric Ralph , Lindesmith Lisa
Published: November 2013

Human noroviruses constitute a significant worldwide disease burden. Each year, noroviruses cause over 267 million infections, deaths in over 200,000 children under the age of five, and over 50% of U.S. food‐borne illness. Due to the absence of a tissue culture model or small animal model to study human norovirus, virus‐like particles (VLPs) and ELISA‐based biological assays have been used to answer questions about norovirus evolution and immunity as well to provide a potential vaccine platform. This chapter outlines the protocols for norovirus detection in stool, as well as norovirus VLP design, production, purification, and storage using a Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE)–based virus replicon particle (VRP) expression system. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 31:15K.1.1‐15K.1.45. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
DNA Immunization
Authors: Wang Shixia , Lu Shan
Published: November 2013

DNA immunization was discovered in early 1990s, and its use has been expanded from vaccine studies to a broader range of biomedical research areas, such as the generation of high‐quality polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies as research reagents. In this unit, three common DNA immunization methods are described: needle injection, electroporation, and gene gun. In addition, several common considerations related to DNA immunization are discussed. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 31:18.3.1‐18.3.24. ©2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Bayes in biological anthropology
Authors: Konigsberg Lyle W. , Frankenberg Susan R.
Published: November 2013

In this article, we both contend and illustrate that biological anthropologists, particularly in the Americas, often think like Bayesians but act like frequentists when it comes to analyzing a wide variety of data. In other words, while our research goals and perspectives are rooted in probabilistic thinking and rest on prior knowledge, we often proceed to use statistical hypothesis tests and confidence interval methods unrelated (or tenuously related) to the research questions of interest. We advocate for applying Bayesian analyses to a number of different bioanthropological questions, especially since many of the programming and computational challenges to doing so have been overcome in the past two decades. To facilitate such applications, this article explains Bayesian principles and concepts, and provides concrete examples of Bayesian computer simulations and statistics that address questions relevant to biological anthropology, focusing particularly on bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology. It also simultaneously reviews the use of Bayesian methods and inference within the discipline to date. This article is intended to act as primer to Bayesian methods and inference in biological anthropology, explaining the relationships of various methods to likelihoods or probabilities and to classical statistical models. Our contention is not that traditional frequentist statistics should be rejected outright, but that there are many situations where biological anthropology is better served by taking a Bayesian approach. To this end it is hoped that the examples provided in this article will assist researchers in choosing from among the broad array of statistical methods currently available. Am J Phys Anthropol 57:153–184, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Density Functional Theory and Reaction Kinetics Studies of the Water–Gas Shift Reaction on Pt–Re Catalysts
Authors: Carrasquillo‐Flores Ronald , Gallo Jean Marcel R. , Hahn Konstanze , Dumesic James A. , Mavrikakis Manos
Published: November 2013

Periodic, self‐consistent density functional theory calculations (DFT‐GGA‐PW91) on Pt(1 1 1) and Pt3Re(1 1 1) surfaces, reaction kinetics measurements, and microkinetic modeling are employed to study the mechanism of the water–gas shift (WGS) reaction over Pt and Pt–Re catalysts. The values of the reaction rates and reaction orders predicted by the model are in agreement with the ones experimentally determined; the calculated apparent activation energies are matched to within 6 % of the experimental values. The primary reaction pathway is predicted to take place through adsorbed carboxyl (COOH) species, whereas formate (HCOO) is predicted to be a spectator species. We conclude that the clean Pt(1 1 1) is a good representation of the active site for the WGS reaction on Pt catalysts, whereas the active sites on the Pt–Re alloy catalyst likely contain partially oxidized metal ensembles.
Niobium: Activator and Stabilizer for a Copper‐Based Deacon Catalyst
Authors: Hammes Markus , Soerijanto Hary , Schomäcker Reinhard , Valtchev Martin , Stöwe Klaus , Maier Wilhelm F.
Published: November 2013

A highly active Cu‐based Deacon catalyst with an enhanced lifetime was developed by combining two corrosion‐resistant high‐throughput reactor setups in this combinatorial study. Catalyst activities were studied in a sequential 10‐fold reactor equipped with online MS. For accelerated catalyst ageing studies, a parallel 10‐fold reactor was used. The starting point was a CuTi mixed‐metal oxide found in former discovery investigations. As development criteria, catalyst stability and HCl conversion were selected. The amount of Cu in the CuTi catalysts were analyzed before and after the ageing process by X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Dopant elements were selected that are reported to form oxides with a high corrosion resistance against gaseous HCl. Our study revealed that doping with 1 mol % Nb reduced the Cu leaching during the reaction. Furthermore, the activation energy was decreased by Nb, which enhanced the chlorine production.
Axial Equilibrium Distance and Positioning of Particles in a Laminar Tube Flow
Authors: Matulka P. , Fischer M. , Ehrhard P. , Walzel P.
Published: November 2013

Particle transport in a laminar tube flow at low Reynolds numbers leads to accumulation of particles at specific equilibrium radii. The equilibrium radius depends on the particle size. Small particles find their equilibrium radius near the wall and large particles near the tube axis. During their radial migration to the equilibrium position, the particles move in axial direction with the flow. In an experimental setup, the axial equilibrium distance is measurement for several tube Reynolds numbers. The axial equilibrium distance is the distance a particle migrates in the flow direction, until it reaches its radial equilibrium position. The results are compared with CFD‐simulations of single particle movement in a laminar tube flow.
Identification of Intermediates in Zeolite‐Catalyzed Reactions by In Situ UV/Vis Microspectroscopy and a Complementary Set of Molecular Simulations
Authors: Hemelsoet Karen , Qian Qingyun , De Meyer Thierry , De Wispelaere Kristof , De Sterck Bart , Weckhuysen Bert M. , Waroquier Michel , Van Speybroeck Veronique
Published: November 2013

The optical absorption properties of (poly)aromatic hydrocarbons occluded in a nanoporous environment were investigated by theoretical and experimental methods. The carbonaceous species are an essential part of a working catalyst for the methanol‐to‐olefins (MTO) process. In situ UV/Vis microscopy measurements on methanol conversion over the acidic solid catalysts H‐SAPO‐34 and H‐SSZ‐13 revealed the growth of various broad absorption bands around 400, 480, and 580 nm. The cationic nature of the involved species was determined by interaction of ammonia with the methanol‐treated samples. To determine which organic species contribute to the various bands, a systematic series of aromatics was analyzed by means of time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. Static gas‐phase simulations revealed the influence of structurally different hydrocarbons on the absorption spectra, whereas the influence of the zeolitic framework was examined by using supramolecular models within a quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics framework. To fully understand the origin of the main absorption peaks, a molecular dynamics (MD) study on the organic species trapped in the inorganic host was essential. During such simulation the flexibility is fully taken into account and the effect on the UV/Vis spectra is determined by performing TDDFT calculations on various snapshots of the MD run. This procedure allows an energy absorption scale to be provided and the various absorption bands determined from in situ UV/Vis spectra to be assigned to structurally different species.
Binding Cofactors with Triplex‐Based DNA Motifs
Authors: Kröner Christoph , Göckel Anja , Liu Wenjing , Richert Clemens
Published: November 2013

Cofactors are pivotal compounds for the cell and many biotechnological processes. It is therefore interesting to ask how well cofactors can be bound by oligonucleotides designed not to convert but to store and release these biomolecules. Here we show that triplex‐based DNA binding motifs can be used to bind nucleotides and cofactors, including NADH, FAD, SAM, acetyl CoA, and tetrahydrofolate (THF). Dissociation constants between 0.1 μM for SAM and 35 μM for THF were measured. A two‐nucleotide gap still binds NADH. The selectivity for one ligand over the others can be changed by changing the sequence of the binding pocket. For example, a mismatch placed in one of the two triplets adjacent to the base‐pairing site changes the selectivity, favoring the binding of FAD over that of ATP. Further, changing one of the two thymines of an A‐binding motif to cytosine gives significant affinity for G, whereas changing the other does not. Immobilization of DNA motifs gives beads that store NADH. Exploratory experiments show that the beads release the cofactor upon warming to body temperature.
Study of kerosene–water two‐phase flow characteristics in vertical and inclined pipes
Authors: Hamad Faik A. , Albarzenji Dlir , Ganesan Poo B.
Published: November 2013

The kerosene–water flow in vertical and inclined pipes of 77.8 mm inner diameter and 4500 mm length has been investigated numerically. Simulations were carried out at three inclination angles of 0°, 5° and 30° from vertical for superficial water velocities in the range of 0.29–1.6 m/s and volumetric qualities in the range of 9.2–65.5%. Results from the simulations have been compared with the corresponding experimental data from our previous study to check the suitability of meshing, physical models and boundary conditions used. The results from CFD predictions show a reasonable agreement with the experimental data for the vertical pipe. Some discrepancies have been observed near the walls for inclined pipes as the flow becomes more complex with the appearance of drops swarms. The same computational domain was then used to investigate the effect of a higher volumetric quality and superficial water velocity on the flow characteristics. The axisymmetrical distribution of the volume fraction, water velocity and drops velocity which were observed in the vertical pipe has changed into asymmetrical distribution in the inclined pipe. It has also been observed that increasing the superficial water velocity and volumetric quality modifies the distributions of flow parameters due to the movement of kerosene drops toward the lower part of the pipe. The results from CFD predictions on the volume fraction distribution at 30° inclination indicate the appearance of phase inversion phenomenon when the volumetric quality becomes greater than 65%.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia: An Under‐recognized but Significant Concern in Cardiology Practice
Authors: Foody JoAnne M.
Published: November 2013

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common disorder in which genetic mutations in at least 1 of several genes lead to significantly increased levels of lipoproteins, in particular, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Most commonly, mutations in the low‐density lipoprotein receptor gene result in high plasma levels of apolipoprotein B‐containing lipoproteins (eg, low‐density lipoprotein and lipoprotein(a)). High plasma levels of lipoproteins increase the risk of cardiovascular events by as much as 20‐fold if left untreated. A 2011 survey of cardiologists performed by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) suggests that there is a need for greater awareness of FH among cardiologists with regard to its prevalence and heritability, and of the risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease associated with the disorder, such as premature coronary heart disease. Given that many patients with FH may first present to CV specialists at the time of a major coronary event, it is critical that cardiologists have strategies to manage this high‐risk subset of patients. This brief review responds to areas of need identified in the ACC survey and is intended to provide current information about FH and increase awareness about this disorder among cardiologists.
Prevalence and characteristics of moderate to severe fatigue: A multicenter study in cancer patients and survivors
Authors: Wang Xin Shelley , Zhao Fengmin , Fisch Michael J. , O'Mara Ann M. , Cella David , Mendoza Tito R. , Cleeland Charles S.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

The effective management of fatigue in patients with cancer requires a clear delineation of what constitutes nontrivial fatigue. The authors defined numeric cutpoints for fatigue severity based on functional interference and described the prevalence and characteristics of fatigue in patients with cancer and survivors.

METHODS

In a multicenter study, outpatients with breast, prostate, colorectal, or lung cancer rated their fatigue severity and symptom interference with functioning on the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory numeric scale of 0 to 10. Ratings of symptom interference guided the selection of numeric rating cutpoints between mild, moderate, and severe fatigue levels. Regression analysis identified significant factors related to reporting moderate/severe fatigue.

RESULTS

The statistically optimal cutpoints were ≥ 4 for moderate fatigue and ≥ 7 for severe fatigue. Moderate/severe fatigue was reported by 983 of 2177 patients (45%) undergoing active treatment and was more likely to occur in patients receiving treatment with strong opioids (odds ratio [OR], 3.00), those with a poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (OR, 2.00), those who had > 5% weight loss within 6 months (OR, 1.60), those who were receiving > 10 medications (OR, 1.58), those with lung cancer (OR, 1.55), and those with a history of depression (OR, 1.42). Among survivors (patients with complete remission or no evidence of disease, and not currently receiving cancer treatment), 29% of patients (150 of 515 patients) had moderate/severe fatigue that was associated with poor performance status (OR, 3.48) and a history of depression (OR, 2.21).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study statistically defined fatigue severity categories related to significantly increased symptom interference. The high prevalence of moderate/severe fatigue in both actively treated patients with cancer and survivors warrants the promoting of the routine assessment and management of patient‐reported fatigue. Cancer 2014;120:425–432. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Tolvaptan in hospitalized cancer patients with hyponatremia: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial on efficacy and safety
Authors: Salahudeen Abdulla K. , Ali Najeeba , George Marina , Lahoti Amit , Palla Shana
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

The rate of hyponatremia is higher in hospitalized cancer patients than in hospitalized patients without cancer and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. The availability of V2 receptor antagonists has been a major breakthrough in the management of hyponatremia, but its efficacy and safety in treating hyponatremia in patients with cancer is not known.

METHODS

Adult patients with cancer who were admitted to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center with nonhypovolemic hyponatremia (125‐130 mmol/L) were randomized to receive either tolvaptan or placebo in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, adaptive, randomized trial. Both groups received the standard of care for hyponatremia, except that patients were allowed to drink to thirst.

RESULTS

A preplanned Data Safety Monitoring Board analysis of 30 of 48 randomized patients who completed the study revealed that the primary endpoint of hyponatremia correction was met by 16 of 17 patients who received tolvaptan and by 1 of 13 patients who received placebo (94% vs 8%; P < .001), which met the study stopping rule for superiority. The secondary endpoints between the tolvaptan and placebo groups (mean ± standard deviation) for length of stay (21 ± 15 days vs 26 ± 15 days, respectively) and change in the Mini‐Mental State Examination score (−0.35 ± 1.66 vs 0.31 ± 2.42, respectively) were not significantly different. No overcorrection of serum sodium (>12 mmol/L per day) was noted in the tolvaptan group, and the main adverse events noted were dry mouth, polydipsia, and polyuria, leading to 13% study withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONS

Although tolvaptan was effective for correcting hyponatremia in patients with cancer, studies with a larger sample size will be required to confirm the current findings, including the outcomes of secondary endpoints. Cancer 2014;120:744–751. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Numerical simulation of the fluid structure interactions in a compliant patient‐specific arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Decorato Iolanda , Kharboutly Zaher , Vassallo Tommaso , Penrose Justin , Legallais Cécile , Salsac Anne‐Virginie
Published: November 2013

The objective of the study is to investigate numerically the fluid‐structure interactions (FSI) in a patient‐specific arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and analyze the degree of complexity that such a numerical simulation requires to provide clinically relevant information. The reference FSI simulation takes into account the non‐Newtonian behavior of blood, as well as the variation in mechanical properties of the vascular walls along the AVF. We have explored whether less comprehensive versions of the simulation could still provide relevant results. The non‐Newtonian blood model is necessary to predict the hemodynamics in the AVF because of the predominance of low shear rates in the vein. An uncoupled fluid simulation provides informative qualitative maps of the hemodynamic conditions in the AVF; quantitatively, the hemodynamic parameters are accurate within 20% maximum. Conversely, an uncoupled structural simulation with non‐uniform wall properties along the vasculature provides the accurate distribution of internal wall stresses, but only at one instant of time within the cardiac cycle. The FSI simulation advantageously provides the time‐evolution of both the hemodynamic and structural stresses. However, the higher computational cost renders a clinical use still difficult in routine. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave Plasmas at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Leins M. , Kopecki J. , Gaiser S. , Schulz A. , Walker M. , Schumacher U. , Stroth U. , Hirth T.
Published: November 2013

Microwave plasmas at atmospheric pressure are used for surface treatments like for example cleaning, sterilization or decontamination purposes, for a pre‐treatment to increase the adhesion of lacquer, paint, or glue, and for the deposition of different kind of layers and coatings. Micro plasma jets can also be applied for biomedical applications and for treatment of small and complex geometries like for example the inside of capillaries. Larger plasma torches which exhibit higher gas temperatures can also be used for chemical syntheses like waste gas decomposition, methane pyrolysis, or carbon dioxide dissociation and for plasma spraying purposes.

In the present publication an overview on the development and the investigation of the operating principle of two atmospheric pressure microwave plasma torches at frequencies of 2.45 GHz and 915 MHz will be presented. The plasma sources are based on a cylindrical resonator combined with coaxial structures. To explain how these plasma sources work, simulations of the electric field distribution will be discussed. Furthermore, some physical characteristics of an air and an Ar/H2 atmospheric plasma like gas temperatures, excitation temperatures and densities as well as the heating of the plasma by the microwave will be investigated. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
New phenethylamines in Europe
Authors: King L. A.
Published: November 2013

Sixteen phenethylamines are now included in Schedules I and II of the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Most of the ring‐substituted compounds are in Schedule I, whereas 2C‐B, amphetamine, and methamphetamine are listed in Schedule II. Substances in Schedule IV (e.g. benzphetamine) are now regarded as obsolete pharmaceutical products. They all represent the ‘old phenethylamines’. By 2013, nearly 100 illicit phenethylamines had been found in the European Union (EU). Of these, nine (MBDB, 4‐MTA, PMMA, 2C‐I, 2C‐T‐2, 2C‐T‐7, TMA‐2, 5‐IT and 4‐MA) were submitted for risk assessment by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). All except MBDB were recommended for EU‐wide control. Of the ‘new phenethylamines’, 2C‐B was the most commonly reported, but other 2C compounds were widespread. Many of the ring‐substituted phenethylamines are described in the 1991 book PIHKAL. Many fused ring phenethylamines have appeared in the past few years; they include further benzofurans (e.g. 5‐and 6‐APB), indanylalkylamines (e.g. 5‐IAP), dibenzofurans (e.g. 2C‐B‐FLY) and 2‐aminopropylindoles (e.g.5‐IT). The recent and rapid rise of phenethylamines with bulky N‐substituents (e.g. 25I‐NBOMe) has been particularly significant. Although not phenethylamines, it is notable that the thiophene bioisosteres of amphetamine and methamphetamine as well as certain conformationally‐restricted variants (e.g. aminoindanes) have been found in recent drug seizures. In the United Kingdom Misuse of Drugs Act, most ring‐substituted phenethylamines are either listed by name or are covered by generic definitions dating from 1977. In 2013, temporary generic legislation included a number of benzofurans, indanylalkylamines and certain ‘NBOMe’ compounds. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early weight gain predicts outcome in two treatments for adolescent anorexia nervosa
Authors: Le Grange Daniel , Accurso Erin C. , Lock James , Agras Stewart , Bryson Susan W.
Published: November 2013

Objective

Determine whether early weight gain predicts full remission at end‐of‐treatment (EOT) and follow‐up in two different treatments for adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN), and to track the rate of weight gain throughout treatment and follow‐up.

Method

Participants were 121 adolescents with AN (mean age = 14.4 years, SD = 1.6), from a two‐site (Chicago and Stanford) randomized controlled trial. Adolescents were randomly assigned to family‐based treatment (FBT) (n = 61) or individual adolescent focused therapy (AFT) (n = 60). Treatment response was assessed using percent of expected body weight (EBW) and the global score on the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE). Full remission was defined as having achieved ≥95% EBW and within one standard deviation of the community norms of the EDE. Full remission was assessed at EOT as well as 12‐month follow‐up.

Results

Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed that the earliest predictor of remission at EOT was a gain of 5.8 pounds (2.65 kg) by session 3 in FBT (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.670; p = .043), and a gain of 7.1 pounds (3.20 kg) by session 4 in AFT (AUC = 0.754, p = .014). Early weight gain did not predict remission at follow‐up for either treatment. A survival analysis showed that weight was marginally superior in FBT as opposed to AFT (Wald chi‐square = 3.692, df = 1, p = .055).

Discussion

Adolescents with AN who receive either FBT or AFT, and show early weight gain, are likely to remit at EOT. However, FBT is superior to AFT in terms of weight gain throughout treatment and follow‐up. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:124–129)
“Backdoor Induction” of Chirality in Asymmetric Hydrogenation with Rhodium(I) Complexes of Amino Acid Substituted Triphenylphosphane Ligands
Authors: Kokan Zoran , Kirin Srećko I.
Published: November 2013

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of 5‐(diphenylphosphanyl)isophthalic acid bioconjugates (Lig‐[R]2). In addition to symmetrically disubstituted conjugates with amino acids, peptides or amines, a convenient one‐pot, two‐step procedure for the synthesis of conjugates bearing two different substituents is reported. The 28 prepared phosphanes were used as monodentate ligands in the rhodium(I)‐catalyzed hydrogenation of 2‐acetamidoacrylate and (Z)‐α‐acetamidocinnamate. The ligand with the smallest side‐chain substituents Lig‐[Ala‐OMe]2 (1a) revealed the highest selectivity, with up to 84 % ee. The catalysts presented herein are models of artificial metalloenzymes in which the outer‐coordination sphere controls the selectivity in catalysis. The chirality of distant hydrogen‐bonded amino acids is transmitted by “backdoor induction” to the prochiral RhI center.
Ph‐tetraMe‐Bithienine, the First Member of the Class of Chiral Heterophosphepines: Synthesis, Electronic and Steric Properties, Metal Complexes and Catalytic Activity
Authors: Vaghi Luca , Benincori Tiziana , Cirilli Roberto , Alberico Elisabetta , Mussini Patrizia Romana , Pierini Marco , Pilati Tullio , Rizzo Simona , Sannicolò Francesco
Published: November 2013

Unknown 1H‐2,7‐dihydro‐1‐phenylphosphepine, containing a 2,2′,5,5′‐tetramethyl‐3,3′‐bithiophene atropisomeric scaffold (Ph‐tetraMe‐Bithienine), and its oxide have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The most evident structural feature is the very small dihedral angle. The electronic properties of the phosphane were quantitatively evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and compared with three other 2,7‐dihydro‐1‐phenylphosphepines differing in the nature of the biaromatic scaffold (biphenyl, 1,1′‐binaphthyl and 2,2′‐dimethoxybiphenyl). The racemate of the phosphane oxide was resolved into antipodes, which were reduced to the enantiopure phosphanes and employed as ligands in Rh and Pt complexes in homogeneous stereoselective catalytic reactions. The enantioselective ability and catalytic activity of the new mediators were found to be quite modest in the hydrogenation reactions of olefinic double bonds, whereas good performances were achieved in specific C–C bond‐forming reactions. The results are interpreted on the basis of the steric and electronic properties of the ligand.
Direct C–C Bond Construction from Arylzinc Reagents and Aryl Halides without External Catalysts
Authors: Minami Hiroki , Wang Xuan , Wang Chao , Uchiyama Masanobu
Published: November 2013

Direct cross‐coupling between an arylzinc reagent and an aryl halide was accomplished without any external catalyst, enabling efficient and selective formation of the corresponding biaryl compound with broad functional group compatibility.
Evaluation of the interaction between sodium hypochlorite and several formulations containing chlorhexidine and its effect on the radicular dentin—SEM and push‐out bond strength analysis
Authors: Graziele Magro Miriam , Carlos Kuga Milton , Regina Victorino Keli , Antonio Vázquez‐Garcia Fernando , Javier Aranda‐Garcia Arturo , Batista Faria‐Junior Norberto , Faria Gisele , Luis Shinohara André
Published: November 2013

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the presence of debris and smear layer after endodontic irrigation with different formulations of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and its effects on the push‐out bond strength of an epoxy‐based sealer on the radicular dentin. One hundred extracted human canines were prepared to F5 instrument and irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Fifty teeth were divided into five groups (n = 10), according to the final irrigation protocol with different 2% CHX formulations: G1 (control, no final rinse irrigation), G2 (CHX solution), G3 (CHX gel), G4 (Concepsis), and G5 (CHX Plus). In sequence, the specimens were submitted to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, in the cervical‐medium and medium‐apical segments, to evaluate the presence of debris and smear layer. The other 50 teeth were treated equally to a SEM study, but with the root canals filled with an epoxy‐based endodontic sealer and submitted to a push‐out bond strength test, in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds. G2, G3, G4, and G5 provided higher precipitation of the debris and smear layer than G1 (P < 0.05), but these groups were similar to each other (P > 0.05), in both segments. The values obtained in the push out test did not differ between groups, independent of the radicular third (P > 0.05). The CHXs formulations caused precipitation of the debris and smear layer on the radicular dentin, but these residues did not interfere in the push‐out bond strength of the epoxy‐based sealer. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:17–22, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative evaluation of liver function with T1 relaxation time index on Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI: Comparison with signal intensity‐based indices
Authors: Kamimura Kiyohisa , Fukukura Yoshihiko , Yoneyama Tomohide , Takumi Koji , Tateyama Akihiro , Umanodan Aya , Shindo Toshikazu , Kumagae Yuichi , Ueno Shin‐ichi , Koriyama Chihaya , Nakajo Masayuki
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To evaluate whether the reduction rate of T1 relaxation time of the liver (T1 relaxation time index) before and 20 minutes after gadolinium‐ethoxybenzyl‐diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA) injection has the potential to serve as an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based liver function test in comparison with signal intensity‐based indices.

Materials and Methods

Ninety‐nine patients with suspected liver lesions underwent Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI. T1 maps using 3D T1‐weighted gradient‐echo volumetric interpolated examination with two different flip angles were also performed before and 20 minutes after Gd‐EOB‐DTPA administration. T1 relaxation time index was compared with four signal intensity‐based indices in terms of the ability to discriminate Child‐Pugh A (CPA) and Child‐Pugh B (CPB) from normal liver function (NLF), and in terms of its correlation with indocyanine green (ICG) clearance.

Results

Twenty‐four patients were classified as NLF, 64 patients were classified as CPA, and 11 were classified as CPB group. The T1 relaxation time index was significantly lower for CPA (0.62 ± 0.08 vs. 0.68 ± 0.07, P = 0.021) and CPB (0.55 ± 0.15 vs. 0.68 ± 0.07, P < 0.001) than for NLF. All signal intensity‐based indices showed significant differences only when comparing NLF and CPB. The correlation coefficient with ICG clearance was the highest for T1 relaxation time index (r = −0.605, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The T1 relaxation time index has the potential to serve as an MRI‐based liver function test, and is most strongly correlated with ICG clearance among the Gd‐EOB‐DTPA MRI‐based indices investigated. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:884–889. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing anthropogenic disturbances to develop buffer zones for shorebirds using a stopover site
Authors: Koch Stephanie L. , Paton Peter W.C.
Published: November 2013

Anthropogenic disturbance can degrade the quality of stopover sites for migratory shorebirds. We investigated the potential effects of pedestrian traffic and shellfishing on foraging shorebirds at a key stopover site at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge (Monomoy Refuge), Massachusetts, USA. We experimentally approached 11 species of shorebirds to quantify flight‐initiation distances (FID) and found that species and age affected FID. Smaller Calidris sandpipers generally allowed pedestrians to approach within 25 m before flushing, whereas larger shorebirds (black‐bellied plover [Pluvialis squatarola] and American oystercatcher [Haematopus palliatus]) had FID over 50 m. We also found that juveniles of all species had shorter FID than adults. Based on adult FID, we developed species‐specific buffer distances for 11 species that ranged from 61 m for least sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) to 186 m for black‐bellied plover. We also investigated the potential impacts of commercial and recreational shellfish harvesters, who rake for soft‐shell clams (Mya arenaria) on mudflats where shorebirds actively foraged. Microhabitats with recent shellfishing activity had a positive influence on the density of 2 species (ruddy turnstone [Arenaria interpres], and American oystercatcher), whereas the presence of shellfishers did not appear to affect the density of other species of shorebird we monitored. We regularly detected black‐bellied plovers and ruddy turnstones actively foraging in microhabitats where shellfishers had recently exposed sediment. Given the levels of shellfishing and pedestrian traffic at Monomoy Refuge, we found no evidence to suggest that current human activity has a strong negative impact on migratory shorebirds using Monomoy Refuge. However, if the amount of pedestrian traffic and shellfishing were to increase substantially, a buffer zone system might have to be implemented during peak migration periods to minimize impacts, with buffers >185 m from key foraging sites to reduce disturbance to the most sensitive species. © 2013 The Wildlife Society
Age and breeding stage‐related variation in the survival and harvest of temperate‐breeding Canada Geese in Ontario
Authors: Iverson Samuel A. , Reed Eric T. , Hughes R. John , Forbes Mark R.
Published: November 2013

The abundance of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) nesting in temperate regions of North America has increased dramatically during the past half century. Numbers have reached nuisance levels in many areas and supplementary hunting seasons, which are timed to occur before and after traditional waterfowl hunting periods, are widely employed to limit population growth. We evaluated how changes in hunting regulations have affected population growth, the seasonal age distribution of harvest, and survival rates of temperate‐breeding Canada geese banded in Ontario. We found that although the number of geese harvested in the province has increased, population growth has not abated. Annual survival rates of locally nesting adults (i.e., after‐hatch‐year geese captured in brood flocks) have declined in association with harvest liberalization (pre‐liberalization:  = 0.78 ± 0.06 SE; post‐liberalization:  = 0.74 ± 0.04 SE) and we estimated negative process correlation between hunter recovery rates and survival rates within this group (ρ = − 0.24), which is indicative of an additive effect of harvest mortality on total mortality. However, peak harvest has advanced into early September, which is a time when large numbers of molt migrant individuals are present in northern portions of the population's range. Molt migrant flocks are comprised primarily of subadults and adult geese that failed to hatch eggs (i.e., non‐reproductive individuals), many of which are unaffiliated with the local breeding population. We found that hunter recovery rates of non‐reproductive geese were greater and survival rates were less than those of locally nesting adults; however, process correlation between recovery and survival rates was weakly positive (ρ = 0.09), which indicates that harvest mortality is at least partially compensatory within non‐reproductive cohorts. We conclude that current harvest levels are insufficient to halt population growth and that the influence of hunting, relative to its potential, is diminished by a disproportionate take of individuals of low reproductive value during the early hunting season. © The Wildlife Society, 2013
Omega‐3 PUFA supplementation and the response to evoked endotoxemia in healthy volunteers
Authors: Ferguson Jane F. , Mulvey Claire K. , Patel Parth N. , Shah Rhia Y. , Doveikis Julia , Zhang Weiyu , Tabita‐Martinez Jennifer , Terembula Karen , Eiden Michael , Koulman Albert , Griffin Julian L. , Mehta Nehal N. , Shah Rachana , Propert Kathleen J. , Song Wen‐Liang , Reilly Muredach P.
Published: November 2013

Scope

Fish oil‐derived n‐3 PUFA may improve cardiometabolic health through modulation of innate immunity. However, findings in clinical studies are conflicting. We hypothesized that n‐3 PUFA supplementation would dose‐dependently reduce the systemic inflammatory response to experimental endotoxemia in healthy humans.

Methods and results

The Fenofibrate and omega‐3 Fatty Acid Modulation of Endotoxemia (FFAME) study was an 8‐wk randomized double‐blind trial of placebo or n‐3 PUFA supplementation (Lovaza 465 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + 375 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) at “low” (1/day, 900 mg) or “high” (4/day, 3600 mg) dose in healthy individuals (N = 60; age 18–45; BMI 18–30; 43% female; 65% European‐, 20% African‐, 15% Asian‐ancestry) before a low‐dose endotoxin challenge (LPS 0.6 ng/kg intravenous bolus). The endotoxemia‐induced temperature increase was significantly reduced with high‐dose (p = 0.03) but not low‐dose EPA + DHA compared to placebo. Although there was no statistically significant impact of EPA + DHA on individual inflammatory responses (tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), IL‐6, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP‐1), IL‐1 receptor agonist (IL‐1RA), IL‐10, C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA)), there was a pattern of lower responses across all biomarkers with high‐dose (nine of nine observed), but not low‐dose EPA + DHA.

Conclusion

EPA + DHA at 3600 mg/day, but not 900 mg/day, reduced fever and had a pattern of attenuated LPS induction of plasma inflammatory markers during endotoxemia. Clinically and nutritionally relevant long‐chain n‐3 PUFA regimens may have specific, dose‐dependent, anti‐inflammatory actions.