bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common Sleeping Related Problems and Illnesses of Persons who Stayed within Geopathic Stress Zone
Authors: Convocar Jeremias L.
Published: April 2014

The study attempted to determine the common sleeping related problems and illnesses among persons who stayed for a period of time within geopathic stress (GS) zone. This descriptive research was conducted in November 2008 to April 2009 among conveniently and purposely selected home and office occupants in the third district of the province of Iloilo, Philippines who after having been surveyed using the Y-rod dowsing tool were found exposed within GS zone. The study used a self-made data gathering instrument based on several internet published theories and researches on problems and illnesses indirectly caused by GS. The study revealed that persons who stayed by seating or sleeping with their parts of bodies exposed within GS zone for a period of time commonly experienced the following: (a) Seating: Frequent waking with feeling of tiredness, tingling and numbness of feet, fatigue in the morning and restless sleep; Migraine, rheumatism, nervousness and high blood. (b) Heads: Insomnia, frequent waking with feeling of tiredness and fatigue in the morning; Migraine, nervousness, and demonic attacked. (c) Chests: Tingling and numbness of hands, frequent waking with feeling of tiredness, insomnia and fatigue in the morning; Cardiovascular circulation problem, asthma, and migraine. (d) Abdomens: Tingling and numbness of feet, insomnia and fatigue in the morning; Rheumatism, migraine, and nervousness. (e) Extremities: Tingling and numbness of feet, insomnia and fatigue in the morning; Arthritis, migraine, and nervousness.
Development and Utilization of a Modified Resonator Tube Apparatus for Sound Wave Experiments
Authors: Bello Alwielland Q.
Published: April 2014

Acoustic resonance is a physical phenomenon in which in-phase sound wavcombine together to produce maximum amplitude; on the other hand, out-of-phase sound waves cancel each other to produce minimum amplitude. The purpose of this study is to investigate and demonstrate this phenomenon with the use of a reliable device. This study requires a modified resonator tube apparatus to be developed and fabricated from locally-available materials for the purpose of demonstrating resonance and normal modes of sound waves. Air column length versus harmonic number (L vs n) and frequency versus harmonic number (f vs n) experiments were performed together with open-pipe and stopped-pipe procedures.
Application of Amino Acids on Philippine Native Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) Grown Under Flood Condition
Authors: Catubis Kent Marcial L. , Granada Brenda A. , Morales James B. , Alferez Roger R. , Asentista Raymund A. , Pascual Pet Roey L. , Saramosing Jovie G.
Published: April 2014

Flooding is the most important abiotic stress in the tropical and subtropical regions that negatively affects terrestrial plant growth and productivity and even leading to plant death. Amino acid accumulation, on the other hand, may serve as defense during stress resulting to tolerance among others. Thus, a study was conducted to determine the growth, root length and number of leaves produced by Philippine native tomato as affected by different levels of amino acid under varying durations of flooding. Data were statistically analyzed through Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Comparisons among means were done using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Shoot growth was increased with application of amino acids (100 ppm) after both flooding conditions (three and six days) at 3.28cm and 7.47cm, respectively. Moreover, no amino acid application or minimal amino acid application (100 ppm) produced the most number of leaves on unflooded and minimally flooded conditions (three days only). On root length, longer roots were produced by plants without amino acid (12.68 cm) or lesser amino acid (100 ppm) at 9.43 cm, while flooding had no significant effect on root length. These results clearly indicate the value of exogenous amino acid (100 ppm) application mainly on shoot growth of tomato. Furthermore, exogenous amino acid application is deemed necessary because even in both number of leaves and root length where results are comparable to without amino acid application, no negative effect was observed.
Sagayan: The Dance of Meranao Royalty
Authors: Maruhom Sahria
Published: April 2014

The paper examined the origin and historical background of Sagayan war dance, the dance of Meranao Royalty. Specifically it sought to answer the following aspects of Sagayan war dance 1) To determine the meaning of Sagayan war dance; 2) To describe how Sagayan war dance is being performed by the players including its traditional costumes and significance; and, 3) To describe the implications of Sagayan war dance in terms of good leadership and governance. The study used the descriptive design involving research techniques with the support of various Meranao materials found in the libraries of Mindanao State University maincampus, but other public and private schools located in Marawi City and Lanao Del Sur, which is the setting of the study. Aside from the materials found in the library, the researcher conducted personal interview to key informants who are knowledgeable on Sagayan war dance. The results show that in most occasions, Sagayan war dance is performed before any celebration or gathering. The study concludes that the Sagayan war dance conveys masculinity and bravery, attributes needed by leaders in the discharge of public duties.
Sobre prosodia, marcadores del discurso y unidades del discurso en español: evidencias de un corpus oral espontáneo
Authors:   Universitat de València, Cabedo Nebot Adrián
Published: April 2014

Los enfoques analíticos tradicionales establecen una fuerte dependencia entre los marcadores del discurso (DMs) y un número de marcas prosódicas regularmente asociadas a ellos (especialmente las pausas y fuertes variaciones en el tono), principalmente sobre la base exclusiva de DMs definidos en posición posterior en el texto escrito por una coma o punto y coma. En las teorías basadas en unidades discursivas, las unidades mínimas de discurso tienden a ser identificadas sobre la base de criterios prosódicos y, por lo tanto, los marcadores del discurso se consideran unidades independientes, unidades mínimas del discurso. Este documento, sin embargo, pone en entredicho esta estrecha relación mediante la presentación de un análisis prosódico y discursivo de once marcadores discursivos extraídos de un corpus de español espontáneo (Corpus Val. Es.Co 2.0, la versión en línea). Los datos muestran dos conclusiones principales: en primer lugar, que un marcador de discurso es, en efecto, una unidad de discurso mínima; en segundo lugar, sin embargo, que la relación entre los marcadores del discurso y las marcas prosódicas no es ni tan frecuente ni tan directa como se podría esperar inicialmente; por lo tanto, deben reconsiderarse los criterios utilizados para delimitar las unidades menores del discurso.
Toponimia en lengua española y evasión de los cameruneses frente a la realidad
Authors:   Universidad de Maroua, Hatolong Boho Zacharie
Published: April 2014

El entorno gráfico o escritural de Camerún sufre un proceso de hispanización a través de palabras y expresiones en español. Esas voces importadas por medio de varios canales designan lugares, estructuras o instituciones. Más que aculturarse, nos parece que los autores de esta práctica emprenden una huida frente a la pesada realidad socioeconómica que se experimenta en Camerún desde la década de los noventa. La evasión se opera de diversas maneras, sacando provecho de los medios y de las tecnologías de la información. Es espacial cuando se transponen topónimos ajenos en el contexto camerunés y temporal cuando se rememoran épocas gloriosas o idílicas del pasado. No obstante, el escapismo puede también realizarse a través de adjetivos valorativos o la designación de realidades puramente positivas. De ahí que los cameruneses se sirvan de símbolos como la bondad, la amistad, la divinidad, etc., para, en términos de sueño o de visceral deseo, positivar su vivir y salirse de la crisis generalizada. El objetivo del artículo ha sido analizar este fenómeno en base a unos datos recogidos en las ciudades de Camerún.
La fraseología en la clase de lengua extranjera: ¿misión imposible?
Authors:   Universidad de Alicante, Timofeeva Timofeev Larissa
Published: April 2014

En este artículo ofrecemos una perspectiva diferente del aprendizaje y la enseñanza de la fraseología en clase de lengua extranjera (LE). Partiendo de la premisa sobre el carácter eminentemente holístico del lenguaje, concebimos las unidades fraseológicas (UF) como elementos habituales e inherentes en la comunicación verbal, por lo que no pueden excluirse del proceso de adquisición de la competencia comunicativa en una LE. Nuestra propuesta consiste en partir de la fraseología para optimizar el desarrollo de diversas subcompetencias de la competencia comunicativa. Para ello, resulta imprescindible indagar en la configuración y el funcionamiento del significado fraseológico, que, según defendemos en este trabajo, conforma un conjunto de informaciones de diversa índole que se articulan en dos niveles, el semántico y el pragmático. Tal indagación permite desarrollar una serie de consideraciones con interesantes implicaciones didácticas.
Sensitivity of Coulomb stress change to the parameters of the Coulomb failure model: A case study using the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Xu Caijun , Freymueller Jeffrey T. , Li Zhenhong , Shen Wenbin
Published: April 2014

The Coulomb stress change has been widely employed to interpret mainshock‐mainshock and mainshock‐aftershock triggering as well as interactions amongst earthquake faults and volcanoes. This quantitative index is computed based on the Coulomb failure criterion and is a function of fault parameters including the source and receiver fault geometries, the friction coefficient on the receiver fault, and Skempton's coefficient of the host rock. Thus, for the robust determination of the Coulomb stress change, the sensitivity of the Coulomb stress change to these model parameters should be thoroughly assessed. However, notwithstanding numerous case studies, almost no systematic investigation of the sensitivity of the Coulomb stress change has been performed. Here we present an error estimator for the Coulomb stress change and then quantitatively investigate the sensitivity of the Coulomb stress change to the fault model parameters for the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake. Our results indicate that for this case the Coulomb stress change is the most sensitive to the uncertainty in the dip angle of the receiver fault, while the influences of the uncertainties in the slip model of the source fault, the strike, and rake angles of the receiver fault, and the friction and Skempton's coefficients cannot be neglected. Accordingly, it is crucial to perform a realistic estimate of the uncertainty in the Coulomb stress change. By performing such calculation, future Coulomb stress analyses such as the stress triggering of earthquake sequence and the likelihoods of potential earthquakes could be based on more robust Coulomb stress change maps.
The Syabru‐Bensi hydrothermal system in central Nepal: 1. Characterization of carbon dioxide and radon fluxes
Authors: Girault Frédéric , Perrier Frédéric , Crockett Robin , Bhattarai Mukunda , Koirala Bharat Prasad , France‐Lanord Christian , Agrinier Pierre , Ader Magali , Fluteau Frédéric , Gréau Claire , Moreira Manuel
Published: April 2014

The Syabru‐Bensi hydrothermal system (SBHS), located at the Main Central Thrust zone in central Nepal, is characterized by hot (30–62°C) water springs and cold (<35°C) carbon dioxide (CO2) degassing areas. From 2007 to 2011, five gas zones (GZ1–GZ5) were studied, with more than 1600 CO2 and 850 radon flux measurements, with complementary self‐potential data, thermal infrared imaging, and effective radium concentration of soils. Measurement uncertainties were evaluated in the field. CO2 and radon fluxes vary over 5 to 6 orders of magnitude, reaching exceptional maximum values of 236 ± 50 kg m−2 d−1 and 38.5 ± 8.0 Bq m−2 s−1, with estimated integrated discharges over all gas zones of 5.9 ± 1.6 t  d−1 and 140 ± 30 MBq d−1, respectively. Soil‐gas radon concentration is 40 × 103 Bq m−3 in GZ1–GZ2 and 70 × 103 Bq m−3 in GZ3–GZ4. Strong relationships between CO2 and radon fluxes in all gas zones (correlation coefficient R = 0.86 ± 0.02) indicate related gas transport mechanisms and demonstrate that radon can be considered as a relevant proxy for CO2. CO2 carbon isotopic ratios (δ13C from −1.7 ± 0.1 to −0.5 ± 0.1‰), with the absence of mantle signature (helium isotopic ratios R/RA < 0.05), suggest metamorphic decarbonation at depth. Thus, the SBHS emerges as a unique geosystem with significant deep origin CO2 discharge located in a seismically active region, where we can test methodological issues and our understanding of transport properties and fluid circulations in the subsurface.
Understanding subsidence in the Mississippi Delta region due to sediment, ice, and ocean loading: Insights from geophysical modeling
Authors: Wolstencroft Martin , Shen Zhixiong , Törnqvist Torbjörn E. , Milne Glenn A. , Kulp Mark
Published: April 2014

The processes responsible for land surface subsidence in the Mississippi Delta (MD) have been vigorously debated. Numerous studies have postulated a dominant role for isostatic subsidence associated with sediment loading. Previous computational modeling of present‐day vertical land motion has been carried out in order to understand geodetic data. While the magnitudes of these measured rates have been reproduced, the model parameter values required have often been extreme and, in some cases, unrealistic. In contrast, subsidence rates in the MD on the 103 year timescale due to delta loading estimated from relative sea level reconstructions are an order of magnitude lower. In an attempt to resolve this conflict, a sensitivity analysis was carried out using a spherically symmetric viscoelastic solid Earth deformation model with sediment, ice, and ocean load histories. The model results were compared with geologic and geodetic observations that provide a record of vertical land motion over three distinctly different timescales (past 80 kyr, past 7 kyr, and past ~15 years). It was found that glacial isostatic adjustment is likely to be the dominant contributor to vertical motion of the Pleistocene and underlying basement. Present‐day basement subsidence rates solely due to sediment loading are found to be less than ~0.5 mm yr−1. The analysis supports previous suggestions in the literature that Earth rheology parameters are time dependent. Specifically, the effective elastic thickness of the lithosphere may be <50 km on a 105 year timescale, but closer to 100 km over 103 to 104 year timescales.
Simulations of inner magnetosphere dynamics with an expanded RAM‐SCB model and comparisons with Van Allen Probes observations
Authors: Jordanova V. K. , Yu Y. , Niehof J. T. , Skoug R. M. , Reeves G. D. , Kletzing C. A. , Fennell J. F. , Spence H. E.
Published: April 2014

Simulations from our newly expanded ring current‐atmosphere interactions model with self‐consistent magnetic field (RAM‐SCB), now valid out to 9 RE, are compared for the first time with Van Allen Probes observations. The expanded model reproduces the storm time ring current buildup due to the increased convection and inflow of plasma from the magnetotail. It matches Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer (MagEIS) observations of the trapped high‐energy (>50 keV) ion flux; however, it underestimates the low‐energy (<10 keV) Helium, Oxygen, Proton, and Electron (HOPE) observations. The dispersed injections of ring current ions observed with the Energetic particle, Composition, and Thermal plasma (ECT) suite at high (>20 keV) energy are better reproduced using a high‐resolution convection model. In agreement with Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite and Integrated Science (EMFISIS) observations, RAM‐SCB indicates that the large‐scale magnetic field is depressed as close as ∼4.5 RE during even a moderate storm. Regions of electromagnetic ion cyclotron instability are predicted on the duskside from ∼6 to ∼9 RE, indicating that previous studies confined to geosynchronous orbit may have underestimated their scattering effect on the energetic particles.
The Search for Moderators in Disfluency Research
Authors: Oppenheimer Daniel M. , Alter Adam L.
Published: April 2014

Recent research has demonstrated that, under the right circumstances, making fonts harder to read can improve educational outcomes. However, the initial demonstrations did not fully map out the boundary conditions for where this effect will and will not be observed. In this paper, we identify some of the most plausible moderators of the effect and provide some cautionary notes on how to interpret and report findings regarding disfluency in education. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stimuli‐Responsive Materials for Controlled Release of Theranostic Agents
Authors: Wang Yucai , Shim Min Suk , Levinson Nathanael S. , Sung Hsing‐Wen , Xia Younan
Published: April 2014

Stimuli‐responsive materials are so named because they can alter their physicochemical properties and/or structural conformations in response to specific stimuli. The stimuli can be internal, such as physiological or pathological variations in the target cells/tissues, or external, such as optical and ultrasound radiations. In recent years, these materials have gained increasing interest in biomedical applications due to their potential for spatially and temporally controlled release of theranostic agents in response to the specific stimuli. This article highlights several recent advances in the development of such materials, with a focus on their molecular designs and formulations. The future of stimuli‐responsive materials will also be explored, including combination with molecular imaging probes and targeting moieties, which could enable simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of a specific disease, as well as multi‐functionality and responsiveness to multiple stimuli, all important in overcoming intrinsic biological barriers and increasing clinical viability.
Polysulfonated Fluoro‐oxyPBI Membranes for PEMFCs: An Efficient Strategy to Achieve Good Fuel Cell Performances with Low H3PO4 Doping Levels
Authors: Villa Davide Carlo , Angioni Simone , Barco Sonia Dal , Mustarelli Piercarlo , Quartarone Eliana
Published: April 2014

Polybenzimidazoles (PBIs) are promising materials to replace Nafion as the electrolyte in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The challenge with these materials is to achieve a good compromise between the H3PO4 doping level and membrane stability. This can be obtained by a proper monomer design, which can lead to better performing membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), in terms of durability, acid leaching, and electrode safety. Here the easy and inexpensive synthesis of hexafluoropropylidene oxyPBI (F6‐oxyPBI) and bisulfonated hexafluoropropylidene oxyPBI (F6‐oxyPBI‐2SO3H) is reported. The membranes based on F6‐oxyPBI‐2SO3H are more stable in an oxidative environment and more mechanically resistant than standard PBI and F6‐oxyPBI. Whereas the attainable doping levels are low because of fluorine‐induced hydrophobicity, polysulfonation allows high proton conductivity, and fuel cell performances better than those reported for MEAs with F6PBI‐ or PBI membranes with much higher doping levels. In the case of MEA with a F6‐oxyPBI‐2SO3H membrane, a peak power density of 360 mW cm−2 is measured. Fuel cell performances of 604 mV at 0.2 A cm−2 are maintained for 800 h without membrane degradation. Low H2 permeability is measured, which remains almost unaffected during a 1000 h life‐test.
Risk of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma after solid organ transplantation in the United States
Authors: Gibson Todd M. , Engels Eric A. , Clarke Christina A. , Lynch Charles F. , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Morton Lindsay M.
Published: April 2014

Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma arising in the context of immunosuppression is an important adverse outcome after solid organ transplantation. Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most commonly diagnosed subtype of post‐transplantation non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, but few studies of transplant recipients have examined subtype‐specific risks. Therefore, we examined DLBCL risk in the Transplant Cancer Match Study, including registry‐based cancer ascertainment among 96,615 solid organ transplants performed from 2000 to 2008. We determined standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals comparing DLBCL risk in transplant recipients with that in the general population, and used multivariable Poisson regression models to assess the impact of potential risk factors. We identified 321 incident cases of DLBCL, over 12 times more than expected based on general population rates (SIR = 12.6, 95% confidence interval = 11.2–14.0). SIRs were highest in young recipients and those receiving a lung or pancreas/kidney–pancreas transplant, and were greatly elevated for extranodal DLBCLs at the site of the transplantation compared with other sites. DLBCL risk was highest in the first year following transplantation, and SIRs for early‐onset DLBCL risk were elevated in association with Epstein‐Barr virus‐negative serostatus and use of polyclonal antibody induction therapy. In conclusion, associations between recipient and transplant factors and post‐transplantation DLBCL risk suggest a complicated interrelationship among multiple risk factors and timing of disease. Am. J. Hematol. 89:714–720, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genomic ancestry and somatic alterations correlate with age at diagnosis in Hispanic children with B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Walsh Kyle M. , de Smith Adam J. , Welch Tara C. , Smirnov Ivan , Cunningham Marc J. , Ma Xiaomei , Chokkalingam Anand P. , Dahl Gary V. , Roberts William , Barcellos Lisa F. , Buffler Patricia A. , Metayer Catherine , Wiemels Joseph L.
Published: April 2014

Hispanic children have a higher incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) than non‐Hispanic whites but tend to be diagnosed at older ages. In genome‐wide association studies, Native American ancestry and polymorphisms in six genes have been associated with ALL risk. In multivariable regression models, we investigated whether genomic ancestry, inherited risk SNPs, or acquired somatic alterations were associated with differences in age at diagnosis in Hispanic children with B‐cell ALL. Genome‐wide array data were used to estimate each participant's percent membership in the three Hispanic ancestral populations: Native American, African, and European. Each 20% increase in European ancestry was associated with a six month younger age at diagnosis (95% CI = 0.36–11.6 months, P = 0.037). Correspondingly, each 20% increase in Native American ancestry was associated with a six‐month older age at diagnosis (P = 0.037). Both the TEL‐AML1 translocation and high‐hyperdiploidy were associated with younger age at diagnosis (24.4 months, P = 2.0 x 10−4 and 12.4 months, P = 0.011, respectively), while CDKN2A and IKZF1 deletions were associated with older age at diagnosis (19.7 months, P = 7.0 x 10−4 and 18.1 months, P = 0.012, respectively). No associations with age at diagnosis were observed for RAS mutation, PAX5 deletion or for known heritable risk alleles in IKZF1, CDKN2A, PIP4K2A, GATA3, ARID5B, or CEBPE. Because younger age at diagnosis is associated with improved treatment outcomes for children with ALL, the effect of European ancestry on ALL survival may be mediated by its effect on age at diagnosis, or by proxy, its association with more treatable molecular subtypes of ALL. Am. J. Hematol. 89:721–725, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estradiol concentrations in young healthy US versus Chinese men
Authors: Xu Lin , Yeung Shiu Lun Au , Kavikondala Sushma , Schooling Catherine Mary
Published: April 2014

Objectives

The role of estrogens among men has rarely been explicitly considered. We examined differences in total, free, and bioavailable estradiol (Bio E) between young men from the United States (US) and the most economically developed part of China, that is, Hong Kong (HK).

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis was conducted based on 365 young men from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the US and 299 young Chinese men. All participants were aged from 18 to 29 years. Main outcome measures were total estradiol (E2) and calculated Bio E and free estradiol (FE).

Results

In both young US and Chinese men, E2 concentrations peaked at ages 25–29 years, at 43.3 pg/ml [95% confidence interval (CI) 41.9–44.8] in US men and 29.0 pg/ml (95% CI 26.2–32.0) in Chinese men. After adjustment for age and ethnicity, in all participants, US men had higher average concentrations of E2 [39.0 (95% CI 38.6–39.4) versus 28.3 (95% CI 28.3–28.4) pg/ml], FE [72.9 (95% CI 72.7–73.7) versus 56.8 (95% CI 56.6–56.9) ng/dl], and Bio E [17.9 (95% CI 17.7–18.1) versus 14.9 (95% CI 14.8–14.9) pg/ml] than HK men. Further adjustment for height or body mass index did not change the results.

Conclusions

Estradiol, and free and Bio E concentrations are much lower in young healthy Chinese men than US men. However, these findings based on comparison between the two assays in the two different locations need further confirmation. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:565–569, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epidemiology of fragile X syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hunter Jessica , Rivero‐Arias Oliver , Angelov Angel , Kim Edward , Fotheringham Iain , Leal Jose
Published: April 2014

Prevalence estimates for fragile X syndrome vary considerably. This systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to provide an accurate prevalence estimate for this disorder using primary publications in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library. Data were pooled using Bayesian fixed‐effects and random‐effects models. Primary analyses assessed the frequency of the full mutation and premutation in males and females in the total population (no bias against individuals with intellectual disability) and in female carriers of the premutation in normal populations (biased against individuals with intellectual disability), based on diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction or Southern blotting. A sensitivity analysis included studies using any diagnostic testing method and conference abstracts. Sixty‐eight recorded observations provided data for the primary (56 observations) and sensitivity (12 observations) analysis. Using the random‐effects model, frequency of the full mutation was 1.4 (95% CI: 0.1–3.1) per 10,000 males and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.0–2.9) per 10,000 females (1:7,143 and 1:11,111, respectively) in the total population. The premutation frequency was 11.7 (95% CI: 6.0–18.7) per 10,000 males and 34.4 (95% CI: 6.3–83.3) per 10,000 for females (1:855 and 1:291, respectively) in the total population. The prevalence of female carriers of the premutation in the normal population was 34.4 (95% CI: 8.9–60.3) per 10,000, or 1:291. Sensitivity analyses resulted in similar prevalence estimates but with wider heterogeneity. Prevalence estimates for the full mutation from this meta‐analysis are lower than those in previous reviews of fragile X syndrome epidemiological data. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of participant recruitment methods to a rare disease online registry
Authors: Johnson Kimberly J. , Mueller Nancy L. , Williams Katherine , Gutmann David H.
Published: April 2014

Internet communication advances provide new opportunities to assemble individuals with rare diseases to online patient registries from wide geographic areas for research. However, there is little published information on the efficacy of different recruitment methods. Here we describe recruitment patterns and the characteristics of individuals with the self‐identified autosomal dominant genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) who participated in an online patient registry during the 1‐year period from 1/1/2012 to 12/31/2012. We employed four main mechanisms to alert potential participants to the registry: (1) Facebook and Google advertising, (2) government and academic websites, (3) patient advocacy groups, and (4) healthcare providers. Participants reported how they first heard about the registry through an online questionnaire. During the 1‐year period, 880 individuals participated in the registry from all 50 U.S. States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 39 countries. Facebook and Google were reported as referral sources by the highest number of participants (n = 550, 72% Facebook), followed by healthcare providers (n = 74), and government and academic websites (n = 71). The mean participant age was 29 ± 18 years and most participants reported White race (73%) and female sex (62%) irrespective of reported referral source. Internet advertising, especially through Facebook, resulted in efficient enrollment of large numbers of individuals with NF1. Our study demonstrates the potential utility of this approach to assemble individuals with a rare disease from across the world for research studies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Copy number variant study of bipolar disorder in Canadian and UK populations implicates synaptic genes
Authors: Noor Abdul , Lionel Anath C. , Cohen‐Woods Sarah , Moghimi Narges , Rucker James , Fennell Alanna , Thiruvahindrapuram Bhooma , Kaufman Liana , Degagne Bryan , Wei John , Parikh Sagar V. , Muglia Pierandrea , Forte Julia , Scherer Stephen W. , Kennedy James L. , Xu Wei , McGuffin Peter , Farmer Anne , Strauss John , Vincent John B.
Published: April 2014

Genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from 936 bipolar disorder (BD) individuals and 940 psychiatrically healthy comparison individuals of North European descent were analyzed for copy number variation (CNV). Using multiple CNV calling algorithms, and validating using in vitro molecular analyses, we identified CNVs implicating several candidate genes that encode synaptic proteins, such asDLG1,DLG2,DPP6,NRXN1,NRXN2,NRXN3,SHANK2, andEPHA5, as well as the neuronal splicing regulatorRBFOX1(A2BP1), and neuronal cell adhesion moleculeCHL1. We have also identified recurrent CNVs on 15q13.3 and 16p11.2‐regions previously reported as risk loci for neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, we performed CNV analysis of individuals from 215 BD trios and identified de novo CNVs involving theNRXN1andDRD5genes. Our study provides further evidence of the occasional involvement of genomic mutations in the etiology of BD, however, there is no evidence of an increased burden of CNVs in BD. Further, the identification of CNVs at multiple members of the neurexin gene family in BD individuals, supports the role of synaptic disruption in the etiology of BD. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
1,1‐Bis(triflyl)alkadienes: Easy‐To‐Handle Building Blocks for Strongly Acidic Carbon Acids
Authors: Yanai Hikaru , Egawa Saki , Yamada Kenta , Ono Junpei , Aoki Motohide , Matsumoto Takashi , Taguchi Takeo
Published: April 2014

1,1‐Bis(triflyl)alkadienes are easily prepared by mixing bis(triflyl)methane and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes and then used as easy‐to‐handle building blocks for the preparation of strongly acidic carbon acids. The reaction of these alkadienes with either NaBH4 or organocerium reagents gave the desired carbon acids through a β‐selective nucleophilic addition reaction. Similar reactions of a 1,1‐bis(trifyl)alkadiene with sterically bulky iPrMgBr resulted in a δ‐selective alkylation instead. The present β‐alkylation is the realization of the synthesis of β‐branched 1,1‐bis(triflyl)alkanes with an acidic CH moiety. Furthermore, when submitted to a Mukaiyama aldol reaction, such β‐branched carbon acids had a higher catalyst activity than that of the corresponding nonbranched carbon acids.
Computational Kinetics of Cobalt‐Catalyzed Alkene Hydroformylation
Authors: Rush Laura E. , Pringle Paul G. , Harvey Jeremy N.
Published: April 2014

Density functional theory, coupled‐cluster theory, and transition state theory are used to build a computational model of the kinetics of phosphine‐free cobalt‐catalyzed hydroformylation and hydrogenation of alkenes. The model provides very good agreement with experiment, and enables the factors that determine the selectivity and rate of catalysis to be determined. The turnover rate is mainly determined by the alkene coordination step.
Intermolecular Domino Reaction of Two Aryl Iodides Involving Two CH Functionalizations
Authors: Sickert Marcel , Weinstabl Harald , Peters Brendan , Hou Xiao , Lautens Mark
Published: April 2014

A palladium‐catalyzed intermolecular cross‐coupling of two aryl iodides is reported, giving polycyclic ring systems with a high level of convergence and efficiency.
Study on effects of short glass fiber reinforcement on the mechanical and thermal properties of PC/ABS composites
Authors: Wang Weihua , Zhao Guoqun , Guan Yanjin , Wang Jingjing , Wang Chenggong
Published: April 2014

This article mainly investigated the length distributions of the alkali‐free short glass fibers in specimens and their effect on the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites. The results show that the initial length, addition level and feed way of the fibers have obvious effects on the length distributions of fibers in specimens, and thereby the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites. The main‐direction feed way has an intense shear action on the fibers in specimens. With the increase of the fiber content, the reinforcing effect of fibers on the tensile strength, flexural strength and flexural modulus of the composites is increased, while the impact strength is decreased first and then tends to be stable, and the strength factor (F) of the tensile strength to weld line is significantly reduced. The longer the fiber lengths in specimens are, the more obvious the reinforcing and toughening effects are. To some extent, with the increase of the fiber content, the storage modulus (E′) and loss modulus (E′′) of the specimens are increased, but the loss factor (Tan δ) is reduced. The effect of the fiber initial lengths on the heat‐degradation of composites is smaller than that of the fiber content. Meanwhile, adding fibers can improve the thermal stability of the composites, and this law is also confirmed by the heat deflection temperature (HDT) test. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40697.
Piezoelectric coaxial filaments produced by coextrusion of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and electrically conductive inner and outer layers
Authors: Martins Rui S. , Gonçalves Renato , Azevedo Tiago , Rocha José G. , Nóbrega João M. , Carvalho Helder , Lanceros‐Mendez Senentxu
Published: April 2014

The development of new thermoplastic polymer‐based piezoelectric sensors with filament geometry is described. These filaments are appropriate for integration into textiles and provide new possibilities in the design and development of low‐cost flexible sensors produced at high rates. The developed three‐layered piezoelectric monofilaments have been produced by coextrusion using poly(vinylidene fluoride) and two different polypropylene‐based electrically conductive polymers. Filaments with about 800‐µm diameter, producing electrical signals proportional to the mechanical deformation applied, were obtained. The signal output has been found adequate for straightforward use with conventional piezoelectric signal conditioning systems. One of the conductive polymers tested allowed better filament geometry and process stability. This article describes the coextrusion production process and the results obtained in the electromechanical tests performed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40710.
Long‐term variation of winter precipitation linked to sea‐surface heat fluxes around the Japan/East Sea
Authors: Fujita Mikiko , Takahashi Hiroshi G. , Ishizaki Noriko N. , Kimura Fujio
Published: April 2014

We revealed long‐term variation of winter precipitation at the northwest coast of Japan and its link to decadal variation of autumn‐to‐winter sea‐surface fluxes from the Japan/East Sea with observational data of sea‐surface fluxes, sea‐surface temperature (SST), and ocean heat content (OHC) data. Much precipitation was observed after 1995 because both SST and OHC were significantly higher in the Japan/East Sea. In a numerical experiment forced by the climatological SST that excluded the decadal change, the decadal variation of the land precipitation did not appear, suggesting that the decadal variation of the coastal precipitation is sensitive to SST.
H3.3 turnover: A mechanism to poise chromatin for transcription, or a response to open chromatin?
Authors: Huang Chang , Zhu Bing
Published: April 2014

Histone H3.3 turnover displays distinct dynamics at various genomic elements such as promoters, enhancers, gene bodies, and heterochromatic regions, suggesting that it is differentially regulated according to chromatin context. Incorporation of variant histones into chromatin provides a mechanism to modulate chromatin states in addition to histone modifications. The replication‐independent deposition and replacement of histone variant H3.3, i.e. H3.3 turnover, is mainly associated with transcriptional activity. H3.3 or H3.3‐like histone turnover has been studied in various organisms from yeast to mammals. Here, we review the recent progress on this topic. The diversified turnover profiles of H3.3, and their corresponding underlying mechanisms, may reflect distinct requirements for chromatin accessibility in different biological events.
The Cognitive Interview Buffers the Effects of Subsequent Repeated Questioning in the Absence of Negative Feedback
Authors: Wysman Lauren , Scoboria Alan , Gawrylowicz Julie , Memon Amina
Published: April 2014

The Cognitive Interview (CI) is known to elicit high‐quality information from cooperative witnesses. The present study examined whether the CI protects against two suggestive interview techniques: repeated questioning and negative feedback. Young adults (n = 98) watched one of two crime videos and were interviewed with either a CI or free recall. One week later, a second interviewer asked answerable questions (about information in the video) and unanswerable questions (about information not in the video). Half of the participants received negative feedback about their performance. All participants were then asked the questions a second time. The CI resulted in more correct responses to answerable questions and fewer errors to unanswerable questions at the first questioning. The CI produced the highest consistency for answerable questions in the face of repeated questioning in the absence of negative feedback, and resulted in the most changes in responses to answerable questions when negative feedback was applied. No effects were found for unanswerable questions. The CI protected against repeated questioning, but only in the absence of negative feedback. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemospecific Intramolecular Buchner Reaction Catalyzed by Copper(II) Acetylacetonate
Authors: Mo Shanyan , Xu Jiaxi
Published: April 2014

A chemospecific intramolecular Buchner reaction of N‐benzyl‐2‐cyano‐2‐diazoacetamides catalyzed by inexpensive copper(II) acetylacetonate (acac) has been achieved to synthesize a variety of 9‐aza‐1‐cyanobicyclo[5.3.0]deca‐2,4,6‐trien‐10‐ones, 5,7‐bicyclic products. The methodology involves sole chemoselectivity, an inexpensive metal catalyst, broad substrate scope, and moderate to excellent yields.
Effect of Polydispersity Index on the Grinding Limits of Highly Concentrated Limestone Suspensions
Authors: Ohenoja Katja , Saari Juha , Illikainen Mirja , Breitung‐Faes Sandra , Kwade Arno , Niinimäki Jouko
Published: April 2014

The impact of polydispersity index (PDI) values and doses of two sodium polyacrylates on grinding limits and particle size distributions of highly concentrated limestone suspensions was studied. The results indicated that viscosity and agglomerate particle size, and thus the apparent grinding limit, depended on the sodium polyacrylate dose as well as PDI value of sodium polyacrylate. The higher the sodium polyacrylate dose, the lower the viscosity and the smaller the apparent grinding limit were. The smallest primary particle size, the smallest apparent grinding limit, the narrowest agglomerate particle size distribution, and the lowest viscosity curve were obtained with sodium polyacrylate having a low PDI.
Reduction of Surface Roughness and Rounding of Limestone Particles in a Stirred Media Mill
Authors: Rácz Ádám
Published: April 2014

The process and end‐use behavior of ground material not only depends on the particle size or specific surface but is also influenced by the particle shape. Particle shaping can be done in a stirred media mill if the stress intensity is not enough to break the particle, so mainly abrasion and chipping are carried out. Low‐stress intensity milling is presented in a dry stirred media mill to reveal the particle base rounding and surface roughness reduction. The main parameters of the product‐related stress model are connected to the descriptive parameters of particle shaping. Batch grinding of limestone particles with narrow size distribution was carried out with different milling parameters. The product‐related stress model can be used for the description of particle shaping.
Use of an Enhanced Stress Model for the Optimization of Wet Stirred Media Milling Processes
Authors: Breitung‐Faes Sandra , Kwade Arno
Published: April 2014

Wet grinding processes, especially in terms of nanoparticle production, are extremely energy intensive, and for hard and abrasive product materials, high grinding media wear is produced. In order to minimize energy consumption, the choice of the process parameters is crucial. The decision on the process parameters often depends on experience or a certain number of laboratory‐ or pilot‐scale experiments. Here, an enhanced stress energy model is used, which enables the prediction of optimum process parameters for inorganic materials in wet stirred media milling based on results for a different grinding material. The use of this model to select the process parameters is also valid with regard to grinding media wear: The grinding media wear reaches minimum values if the optimum parameters pertaining to the minimum specific energy are chosen based on this enhanced stress energy model, especially if soft products are ground.
Dry Fine Grinding with Jet Mills: Potentials of Energy Optimization
Authors: Schwarzwälder Sophie , Nied Roland , Sickel Hermann
Published: April 2014

The interest in finer, dry products has led to the development of more efficient jet milling processes. The first part of the paper describes the thermodynamic basic principles for generation and application of steam, and compressed gases. Practical experience has shown that in the aspired fineness range stabilization during grinding provides an enormous potential for improvement. Some selected examples demonstrate that the energy requirement can be reduced by a factor of more than two by suitable choice of stabilizers.
A bootstrap estimation scheme for chemical compositional data with nondetects
Authors: Palarea‐Albaladejo Javier , Martín‐Fernández Josep Antoni , Olea Ricardo Antonio
Published: April 2014

The bootstrap method is commonly used to estimate the distribution of estimators and their associated uncertainty when explicit analytic expressions are not available or are difficult to obtain. It has been widely applied in environmental and geochemical studies, where the data generated often represent parts of whole, typically chemical concentrations. This kind of constrained data is generically called compositional data, and they require specialised statistical methods to properly account for their particular covariance structure. On the other hand, it is not unusual in practice that those data contain labels denoting nondetects, that is, concentrations falling below detection limits. Nondetects impede the implementation of the bootstrap and represent an additional source of uncertainty that must be taken into account. In this work, a bootstrap scheme is devised that handles nondetects by adding an imputation step within the resampling process and conveniently propagates their associated uncertainly. In doing so, it considers the constrained relationships between chemical concentrations originated from their compositional nature. Bootstrap estimates using a range of imputation methods, including new stochastic proposals, are compared across scenarios of increasing difficulty. They are formulated to meet compositional principles following the log‐ratio approach, and an adjustment is introduced in the multivariate case to deal with nonclosed samples. Results suggest that nondetect bootstrap based on model‐based imputation is generally preferable. A robust approach based on isometric log‐ratio transformations appears to be particularly suited in this context. Computer routines in the R statistical programming language are provided. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Site‐Specific Protection and Dual Labeling of Human Epidermal Growth Factor (hEGF) for Targeting, Imaging, and Cargo Delivery
Authors: Sonntag Michael H. , Ibach Jenny , Nieto Lidia , Verveer Peter J. , Brunsveld Luc
Published: April 2014

Well‐defined human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) constructs featuring selectively addressable labels are urgently needed to address outstanding questions regarding hEGF biology. A protein‐engineering approach was developed to provide access to hEGF constructs that carry two cysteine‐based site‐specific orthogonal labeling sites in multi‐milligram quantities. Also, a site‐selective (de)protection and labeling approach was devised, which allows selective modification of these hEGF constructs. The hEGF, featuring three native disulfide bonds, was expressed featuring additional sulfhydryl groups, in the form of cysteine residues, as orthogonal ligation sites at both the N and C termini. Temporary protection of the N‐terminal cysteine unit, in the form of a thiazolidine ring, avoids interference with protein folding and enables sequential labeling in conjunction with the cysteine residue at the C terminus. Based on thus‐generated hEGF constructs, sequential and site‐specific labeling with a variety of molecular probes could be demonstrated, thus leading to a biological fully functional hEGF with specifically incorporated fluorophores or protein cargo and native cellular targeting and uptake profiles. Thus, this novel strategy provides a robust entry to high‐yielding access of hEGF and rapid and easy site‐specific and multifunctional dual labeling of this growth factor.
Highly Selective Detection of Nerve‐Agent Simulants with BODIPY Dyes
Authors: Barba‐Bon Andrea , Costero Ana M. , Gil Salvador , Harriman Anthony , Sancenón Félix
Published: April 2014

Two chromo‐fluorogenic probes, each based on the boron dipyrromethene core, have been developed for the detection of nerve‐agent mimics. These chemosensors display both a color change and a significant enhancement of fluorescence in the presence of diethylcyanophosphonate (DCNP) and diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP). No interference from other organophosphorus compounds or acids has been observed. Two portable chemosensor kits have been developed and tested to demonstrate its practical application in real‐time monitoring.
Catalytic Asymmetric Assembly of Octahydroindolones: Divergent Synthesis of Lycorine‐type Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids (+)‐α‐Lycorane and (+)‐Lycorine
Authors: Sun Zhongwen , Zhou Mingtao , Li Xiang , Meng Xueling , Peng Fangzhi , Zhang Hongbin , Shao Zhihui
Published: April 2014

We report the first catalytic asymmetric approach to octahydroindolones and a divergent enantioselective synthesis of perhydroindole alkaloids, as exemplified by lycorine‐type Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (+)‐α‐lycorane and (+)‐lycorine, from a common intermediate by using a highly concise route. The assembly of octahydroindolones employs a catalytic enantioselective 1,4‐conjugate addition of nitro dienynes, followed by a TsOH‐catalyzed cascade synthesis of highly functionalized enones, and a diastereoselective intramolecular Michael addition.