bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An ethics of forgiveness
Authors: Vorster J.M.
Published: November 2012

This article investigates the argument that the Christian idea of forgiveness can and should be translated into a socio-political context, from a Reformed perspective. It furthermore endeavours to provide guidelines that can be applied in the sphere of a political transition of the basis of an ethics of forgiveness. The new post-Apartheid society of South Africa is a good example of such a political transition. The central theoretical argument of this investigation is that the Christian theological perspective of forgiveness can indeed be translated into a socio-political praxis. Seen within the context of major biblical themes, this can provide a valuable, if not indispensable, contribution to the quest for reconciliation and nation-building in countries troubled by histories of colonialism, ethnocentrism, tribalism, racism and xenophobia.
Would Mothers Relax Their Degree of Selectivity for Supports Suitable for Egg-Laying When the Local Density of Conspecific Females Increases? A Case Study with Three Common Lepidopteran Leaf Miners
Authors: Béguinot Jean
Published: November 2012

Selecting suitable supports for egg-laying, among host species and host individuals, as well as between leaves of various qualities within a preferred host, is a major component of prehatching maternal care in herbivore insects. This feature is especially important for those species having a tightly concealed larval stage, such as leaf miners. Yet, increasing density of neighbouring conspecific females may possibly induce ovipositing mothers to relax their degree of selectivity, so as to distribute their eggs more evenly among host leaves and reduce the risk of future scramble competition between larvae within a same leaf. We test this hypothetical prediction for three common leaf-mining moths: Phyllonorycter maestingella, Phyllonorycter esperella, and Tischeria ekebladella. The prediction was supported by none of the three tested species. This suggests that, in these tiny insect species, mothers are either unable to account for the local density of neighbouring conspecific females and/or they have no effective motivation to react accordingly. In addition, this also suggests that host individuals differing by the average quality of their leaves yet exert no differentiated attractivity towards mothers at a distance. In turn, this emphasizes the role of contingent factors in the patterns of spatial distribution of insects' densities.
Un martyr canadien de la Révolution française
Authors: Oury Guy-Marie
Published: November 2012

Henri-François de Noyelle (1763-1794) est né à Loches dans une famille canadienne rentrée en France après la capitulation du pays. Il conserva toujours un lien avec le « pays » où vivaient toujours des membres de sa famille. Il fit partie de la marine française et fut envoyé aux Antilles pendant la Guerre d’indépendance américaine. Revenu en France il devint moine à l’abbaye bénédictine de Saint-Florent de Saumur. Quand la Révolution ferma ce couvent en 1790, il alla rejoindre ses frères à Marmoutier. Mais les ecclésiastiques réfractaires étaient pourchassés par la justice révolutionnaire. Arrêté à Amiens en décembre 1793, il fut guillotiné au mois d'août suivant.
Une jeunesse et son Église : les scouts-routiers
Authors: Savard Pierre
Published: November 2012

L’histoire du scoutisme au Canada français est liée à son acceptation par le clergé catholique qui ne l’a soutenu et encouragé que lorsqu’il s’est retrouvé dûment encadré et intégré aux mouvements d’action catholique. Des différents groupes de scouts, les scouts-routiers forment la branche aînée du mouvement. On retrouve ici les étapes de formation et l’évolution des scouts-routiers franco-canadiens entre les années 1930 et 1960. Les activités, rassemblements, pèlerinages et autres réunions offrent l’image d’une jeunesse ardente et engagée à travers les témoignages laissés par les scouts eux-mêmes.
Mgr Plessis et le journal de son voyage en Europe
Authors: Gallichan Gilles
Published: November 2012

En 1819 et 1820, l’évêque de Québec, Mgr Joseph-Octave Plessis, entreprend un voyage en Europe pour régler en Angleterre, en France et à Rome diverses affaires de son diocèse. Mission à la fois diplomatique, politique et religieuse, ce voyage s’avère une étape importante pour le statut de l’Église catholique romaine dans l’Amérique britannique de l’époque. Au cours des dernières années de sa vie, Mgr Plessis a rédigé ses souvenirs de voyage qui furent publiés en 1903. À travers ce journal, l’évêque s’y révèle par ses valeurs, ses points de vue et ses goûts. Mais surtout, ce document apparaît comme une riche source d’histoire et d’ethnologie.
High acceptability of cognitive screening in HIV‐infected patients: a pilot study
Authors: Fasel D , Kunze U , Monsch A , Battegay M
Published: November 2012

With combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) life expectancy of HIV‐infected persons is close to the one of non‐infected persons. Identifying neurocognitive deficits in ageing HIV‐infected individuals is important. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability of screening neurocognitive deficits in HIV‐infected patients. Thirty patients (26 men, 4 women) from the HIV clinic were examined with a new screening test and an in‐depth neuropsychological examination. The screening tests consisted of questions and examinations on cognition in everyday situations, mood and selected cognitive functions (word list memory, grooved pegboard, psychomotor speed, trail‐making test, psychomotor speed and executive functions, digit symbol test). Also, patients received a questionnaire to evaluate test acceptance. The mean age of the patients was 52.5 (30–74) years, mean education 12.5 (8–18) years. Seven patients had HIV‐stage CDC A, 12 B and 11 CDC stage C. The mean CD4 count was 657 cells/µl, the mean HIV viral load<20 cop./µl. All patients were treated with cART (7 with efavirenz). The screening test was done assisted by a nurse and lasted 26 minutes (mean). The screening indicated pathological signs of neurocognitive function in 11 (42%) patients. The in‐depth neuropsychological assessment revealed pathological conditions in 25 (83%) of patients; i.e. 16 (53%) patients had ANI (asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment), 8 (27%) had MND (mild neurocognitive disorder) and 1 (3%) had HAD (HIV‐associated dementia). Most patients (43.3%) judged the test as not too difficult and 56.6% as partly difficult. 96.6% of patients viewed the instructions of nurses as clear, 3.3% as unclear. 93.3% felt the test has not affected privacy and 83.3% estimated the screening as valuable and not worriesome. 83.4% of all patients were interested in their results and for none of the patients the test was too long. The test acceptability by the study nurses was also good. Only in 3.4% of tested persons they judged the test as too difficult for the patient. In 86.7% of tests they estimated the screening as valuable and in again 86.7% as not worrisome. For none of the nurses the test duration was too long. Only 16.6% of the patients had a completely normal neurocognitive testing. A short screening test lasting less than half an hour to search neurocognitive disorders assisted by a nurse is widely accepted by patients and nurses.
Increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture in women with systemic sclerosis: A comparative study with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Avouac Jérôme , Koumakis Eugénie , Toth Emese , Meunier Marine , Maury Emilie , Kahan André , Cormier Catherine , Allanore Yannick
Published: November 2012

Objective

To investigate whether women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have an increased risk of osteoporosis (OP) and related fractures compared to a high‐risk population with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and also healthy controls, and to determine putative specific OP and fracture risk factors.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study with successive inclusion of age‐matched healthy women and women with SSc and RA. Risk factors for OP and fracture were collected for all patients. Bone mineral density (BMD) was systematically measured at the lumbar spine and total hip region with dual x‐ray absorptiometry.

Results

We included 71 women with SSc, 139 women with RA, and 227 healthy women. The prevalence of OP and fracture was similar in SSc and RA, and was for both diseases higher than in healthy controls (OP: 30% in SSc, 32% in RA, and 11% in controls; fracture: 35% in SSc, 33% in RA, and 10% in controls). Multivariate analysis identified age as a risk factor of OP in SSc. Age and low 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels were recognized as risk factors of fracture in SSc. In comparison, age and corticosteroid treatment were associated with OP in RA. Multivariate analysis confirmed age, OP, and low 25(OH)D levels as independent risk factors of fractures in RA.

Conclusion

The prevalence of OP and fracture in SSc was increased compared to healthy women and reached the high prevalence associated with RA. Age and vitamin D deficiency were identified as risk factors of fracture in SSc. Therefore, increasing the awareness and performance of BMD measurements together with the vitamin D supply in patients with SSc is warranted.
Correlations of clinical and laboratory measures of balance in older men and women
Authors: Nguyen Uyen‐Sa D. T. , Kiel Douglas P. , Li Wenjun , Galica Andrew M. , Kang Hyun Gu , Casey Virginia A. , Hannan Marian T.
Published: November 2012

Objective

It is known that impaired balance is associated with falls in older adults; however, there is no accepted gold standard on how balance should be measured. Few studies have examined measures of postural sway and clinical balance concurrently in large samples of community‐dwelling older adults. We examined the associations among 4 types of measures of laboratory‐ and clinic‐based balance in a large population‐based cohort of older adults.

Methods

We evaluated balance measures in the Maintenance of Balance, Independent Living, Intellect and Zest in the Elderly Boston Study (276 men and 489 women ages 64–97 years). The measures included laboratory‐based anteroposterior (AP) path length and mean sway speed, mediolateral (ML) mean sway and root mean square, and area of ellipse postural sway; the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); the Berg Balance Scale; and the one‐leg stand test. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were assessed among the balance measures.

Results

The area of ellipse sway was highly correlated with the ML sway measures (r = >0.91, P < 0.0001) and sway speed was highly correlated with AP sway (r = 0.97, P < 0.0001). The Berg Balance Scale was highly correlated with the SPPB (r = 0.74, P < 0.001) and the one‐leg stand test (r = 0.82, P < 0.001). Correlations between the laboratory‐ and clinic‐based balance measures were low but statistically significant (−0.29 ≤ r ≤ −0.16, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Clinic‐based balance measures, and laboratory‐based measures comparing area of ellipse with ML sways or sway speed with AP sway, are highly correlated. There is less correlation between the clinic‐ and laboratory‐based measures. Since both laboratory‐ and clinic‐based measures inform balance in older adults, but are not highly correlated with each other, future work should investigate the differences.
Increased Risk of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Nationwide Population‐Based Study
Authors: Chang Yu‐Sheng , Liu Chia‐Jen , Chen Wei‐Sheng , Lai Chien‐Chih , Wang Shu‐Hung , Chen Tzeng‐Ji , Tzeng Cheng‐Hwai , Tsai Chang‐Youh , Wang Shuu‐Jiun
Published: November 2012

Objective

A relatively common occurrence of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been noted; however, the subsequent studies were conflicting. This nationwide population‐based study aimed to evaluate the risk of SAH in patients with SLE.

Methods

We identified 16,967 SLE patients from the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) database between 2000 and 2006, and compared the incidence rate of SAH with 16,967 randomly selected age‐ and sex‐matched non‐SLE subjects. A Cox multivariable proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the risk factors of SAH in the SLE cohort.

Results

The SLE cohort had a higher risk of SAH, with an incidence rate ratio of 4.84 (P < 0.001). Despite a younger age, the mortality rate after SAH was significantly higher in the SLE cohort compared to all of the non‐SLE SAH patients identified from the 1 million NHI beneficiaries (60.0% versus 38.9%; P = 0.007). Age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.01–1.05), platelet transfusion (HR 2.75, 95% CI 1.46–5.17), red blood cell transfusion (HR 7.11, 95% CI 2.81–17.97), and a mean daily steroid dose >10 mg of prednisolone or equivalent (HR 4.36, 95% CI 2.19–8.68) were independent risk factors for the new onset of SAH.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that SAH is a rare but associated complication of SLE with a high mortality rate. Other than age, higher mean daily steroid use and a history of platelet or red blood cell transfusion were associated with the occurrence of SAH in patients with SLE.
Efficient, Cyanine Dye Based Bilayer Solar Cells
Authors: Malinkiewicz Olga , Grancha Thais , Molina‐Ontoria Agustin , Soriano Alejandra , Brine Hicham , Bolink Henk J.
Published: November 2012

Simple bilayer solar cells, using commercially available cationic cyanine dyes as donors and evaporated C60 layer as an acceptor are prepared. Cyanine dyes with absorption maxima of 578, 615 and 697 nm having either perchlorate or hexafluorophosphate counter‐ions are evaluated. The perchlorate dye leads to cells with S‐shape current‐voltage curves; only the dyes with the hexafluorophosphate counter‐ions lead to efficient solar cells. When the wide bandgap dyes are employed, S‐shape current‐voltage curves are obtained when the conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS is used as hole transport layer. Substitution of PEDOT:PSS with MoO3 leads to cells with more rectangular current–voltage curves and high fill factors. Additionally, the cells using the MoO3 layer for hole extraction lead to high open circuit voltages of 0.9 V. In the case that a low bandgap hexafluorophosphate dye is used with the HOMO above that of the PEDOT:PSS the cell performance is independent on the type of hole transport layer employed. Using this approach, bilayer solar cells are obtained with power efficiencies ranging from 1.8 to 2.9% depending on the particular dye employed. These are impressive numbers for bilayer solar cell that are partially solution processed in ambient conditions.
Duplication 12p and Pallister–Killian syndrome: A case report and review of the literature toward defining a Pallister–Killian syndrome minimal critical region
Authors: Izumi Kosuke , Conlin Laura K. , Berrodin Donna , Fincher Christopher , Wilkens Alisha , Haldeman‐Englert Chad , Saitta Sulagna C. , Zackai Elaine H. , Spinner Nancy B. , Krantz Ian D.
Published: November 2012

Pallister–Killian syndrome (PKS) is a multisystem sporadic genetic condition characterized by facial anomalies, variable developmental delay and intellectual impairment, hypotonia, hearing loss, seizures, pigmentary skin differences, temporal alopecia, diaphragmatic hernia, congenital heart defects, and other systemic abnormalities. PKS is typically caused by the presence of a supernumerary isochromosome composed of the short arms of chromosome 12 resulting in tetrasomy 12p, which is often present in a tissue limited mosaic state. The PKS phenotype has also often been observed in individuals with complete or partial duplications of 12p (trisomy 12p rather than tetrasomy 12p) as the result of an interstitial duplication or unbalanced translocation. We have identified a proposita with PKS who has two small de novo interstitial duplications of 12p which, along with a review of previously reported cases, has allowed us to define a minimum critical region for PKS. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brothers with hypospadias, vertebral segmentation defects, and intellectual disability: New syndrome?
Authors: Phadke Shubha R. , Ranganath Prajnya , Boggula Vijay Raju , Gupta Divya , Phadke Rajendra V. , Sloman Melissa , Turnpenny Peter D.
Published: November 2012

We report on two brothers (born to nonconsanguineous parents) with short stature, hypospadias, scoliosis, vertebral segmentation defects of “spondylocostal dysostosis” type, and intellectual disability. Results of cytogenetic and molecular genetic tests performed, including routine karyotype, MLPA (multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification) for common microdeletions and subtelomeric copy number variants, microarray‐CGH analysis, and sequencing of four Notch signaling pathway genes (DLL3, MESP2, LFNG, and HES7), were all normal. We present a comparison of the condition in the two boys with known syndromes and suggest that they may represent a hitherto unreported syndrome, most likely following autosomal recessive inheritance, though X‐linked inheritance is not excluded. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neuroimaging and neurological findings in patients with hypochondroplasia and FGFR3 N540K mutation
Authors: Linnankivi Tarja , Mäkitie Outi , Valanne Leena , Toiviainen‐Salo Sanna
Published: November 2012

Hypochondroplasia (HCH), an autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia caused by mutations in the FGFR3 gene, has not been commonly associated with neurological problems. Temporal lobe dysgenesis associated with epilepsy was recently described in single patients. In this retrospective study, we assessed neurological and neuroimaging aspects of 13 FGFR3 (N540K) mutation verified HCH patients in Finland. Eight patients had neurocognitive difficulties, ranging from specific learning disorder (2/13) to mild intellectual disability (5/13) or global developmental delay (1/13). Six of 13 patients had a history of seizures or epilepsy. Eight patients had undergone MRI. They all had structural abnormalities consistent with temporal lobe dysgenesis. Six patients had peritrigonal white matter reduction, and 4 had abnormally shaped lateral ventricles. We recommend a close follow‐up of development in patients with HCH and a low threshold for neuroimaging. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Harnessing collective intelligence in social tagging using Delicious
Authors: Yi Kwan
Published: November 2012

A new collaborative approach in information organization and sharing has recently arisen, known as collaborative tagging or social indexing. A key element of collaborative tagging is the concept of collective intelligence (CI), which is a shared intelligence among all participants. This research investigates the phenomenon of social tagging in the context ofCIwith the aim to serve as a stepping‐stone towards the mining of truly valuable social tags for web resources. This study focuses on assessing and evaluating the degree ofCIembedded in social tagging over time in terms of two‐parameter values, number of participants, and top frequency ranking window. Five different metrics were adopted and utilized for assessing the similarity between ranking lists: overlapList,overlapRank,Footrule,Fagin's measure, and theInverseRank measure. The result of this study demonstrates that a substantial degree ofCIis most likely to be achieved when somewhere between the first 200 and 400 people have participated in tagging, and that a target degree ofCIcan be projected by controlling the two factors along with the selection of a similarity metric. The study also tests some experimental conditions for detecting social tags with highCIdegree. The results of this study can be applicable to the study of filtering social tags based onCI; filtered social tags may be utilized for the metadata creation of tagged resources and possibly for the retrieval of tagged resources.
Estimating fuel consumption and emissions based on reconstructed vehicle trajectories
Authors: Chen Zhong , Yang Chao , Chen Anthony
Published: November 2012

Microscopic emission models are widely used in emission estimation and environment evaluation. Traditionally, microscopic traffic simulation models and probe vehicles are two sources of inputs to a microscopic emission model. However, they are not effective in reflecting all vehicles' real‐world operating conditions. Using each vehicle's spot speed data recorded by detectors, this paper provides a new method to estimate all vehicles' real‐world activities data. These data can then be used as inputs to a microscopic emission model to estimate vehicle fuel consumption and emissions. The main task is to reconstruct trajectory of each vehicle and calculate second‐by‐second speed and acceleration from the activities data. The Next Generation Simulation dataset and the Comprehensive Modal Emissions Model are used in this study to calculate and analyze the emission results for both lane‐level and link‐level. The results showed that using the proposed method for estimating vehicle fuel consumption and emissions is promising. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of targeted neoadjuvant therapies in the treatment of solid organ tumours
Authors: Waddell T , Cunningham D
Published: November 2012

Background

The advent of affordable technologies to perform detailed molecular profiling of tumours has transformed understanding of the specific genetic events that promote carcinogenesis and which may be exploited therapeutically. The application of targeted therapeutics has led to improved outcomes in advanced disease and this approach is beginning to become established in the management of potentially curable disease for surgical patients.

Methods

This review article focuses on recent developments in the management of operable cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, specifically discussing the currently available data that evaluate the incorporation of targeted therapies in this setting.

Results

A variety of targeted molecules are now available as treatment options in the management of GI cancers. Most are aimed at growth inhibition by acting on cell surface targets or intracellular pathways. Treatment paradigms are gradually shifting towards more prevalent use of systemic treatment prior to surgical intervention for operable disease with the aim of tumour downsizing and improved rates of long-term cure.

Conclusion

A large number of ongoing clinical trials are evaluating novel targeted agents as neoadjuvant therapy in operable GI tumours. Therefore, further progress in the management of early-stage disease will undoubtedly be made over the next few years as these trials continue to report potentially practice-changing results.
Patient optimization for gastrointestinal cancer surgery
Authors: Fearon K C , Jenkins J T , Carli F , Lassen K
Published: November 2012

Background

Although surgical resection remains the central element in curative treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, increasing emphasis and resource has been focused on neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. Developments in these modalities have improved outcomes, but far less attention has been paid to improving oncological outcomes through optimization of perioperative care.

Methods

A narrative review is presented based on available and updated literature in English and the authors' experience with enhanced recovery research.

Results

A range of perioperative factors (such as lifestyle, co-morbidity, anaemia, sarcopenia, medications, regional analgesia and minimal access surgery) are modifiable, and can be optimized to reduce short- and long-term morbidity and mortality, improve functional capacity and quality of life, and possibly improve oncological outcome. The effect on cancer-free and overall survival may be of equal magnitude to that achieved by many adjuvant oncological regimens. Modulation of core factors, such as nutritional status, systemic inflammation, and surgical and disease-mediated stress, probably influences the host's immune surveillance and defence status both directly and through reduced postoperative morbidity.

Conclusion

A wider view on long-term effects of expanded or targeted enhanced recovery protocols is warranted.
Evaluation of a fast-track programme for patients undergoing liver resection
Authors: Schultz N A , Larsen P N , Klarskov B , Plum L M , Frederiksen H J , Christensen B M , Kehlet H , Hillingsø J G
Published: November 2012

Background

Recent developments in perioperative pathophysiology and care have documented evidence-based, multimodal rehabilitation (fast-track) to hasten recovery and to decrease morbidity and hospital stay for several major surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of introducing fast-track principles for perioperative care in unselected patients undergoing open or laparoscopic liver resection.

Methods

This was a prospective study involving the first 100 consecutive patients who followed fast-track principles for liver resection. Catheters and drains were systematically removed early, and patients were mobilized and started eating and drinking from the day of surgery. An opioid-sparing multimodal pain treatment was given for the first week. Discharge criteria were: pain sufficiently controlled by oral analgesics alone, patient comfortable with discharge and no untreated complications.

Results

Median length of stay (LOS) for all patients was 5 days, with 2 days after laparoscopic versus 5 days following open resection (P < 0·001). Median LOS after minor open resections (fewer than 3 segments) was 5 days versus 6 days for major resections (3 or more segments) (P < 0·001). Simple right or left hemihepatectomies had a median LOS of 5 days. The readmission rate was 6·0 per cent and 30-day mortality was zero.

Conclusion

Fast-track principles for perioperative care were introduced successfully and are safe after liver resection. Routine discharge 2 days after laparoscopic resection and 4–5 days after open liver resection may be feasible.
Stabilization of zeylenone in rat plasma by the presence of esterase inhibitors and its LC‐MS/MS assay for pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Wei Xiao‐Lan , Han Rong , Hu Xiao , Quan Li‐Hui , Liu Chun‐Yu , Chang Qi , Liao Yong‐Hong
Published: November 2012

Six esterase inhibitors, namely EDTA·2Na+, NaF, phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride, dichlorvos, bis‐nitrophenyl phosphate (BNPP) and thenoyltrifluoroacetone, and the mixture of NaF and BNPP, were evaluated for the stabilization of labile benzoate containing zeylenone in rat plasma. The mixture appeared to exhibit the most effectively stabilizing effect with the degraded content of zeylenone decreasing from >60% (in the absence of inhibitors) to <6%. Following the stabilization by the addition of NaF (5 mm) and BNPP (5 mm), the analytes in rat plasma were acidified by formic acid and extracted into ethyl acetate at 0°C. After chromatographic separation, the detection of zeylenone was performed on a 3200 Q‐Trap with positive ion electrospray mode, monitoring the ion transition m/z 383.2 → 105.0. The method was validated over the range from 2.68 to 1340 ng/mL with inter‐ and intra‐run precision for the quality control samples being less than 6.8%. The assay accuracy was within 100 ± 7.0%. The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats after the intratracheal administration of zeylenone in free drug or polymeric micellar solutions. The results showed that the pulmonary absorption of zeylenone loaded in micelles was significantly retarded compared with that of free drug solutions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Steric and Electronic Effects on the Configurational Stability of Residual Chiral Phosphorus‐Centered Three‐Bladed Propellers: Tris‐aryl Phosphane Oxides
Authors: Benincori Tiziana , Bonometti Valentina , Cirilli Roberto , Mussini Patrizia R. , Marchesi Andrea , Pierini Marco , Pilati Tullio , Rizzo Simona , Sannicolò Francesco
Published: November 2012

A series of tris‐aryl phosphane oxides existing as residual enantiomers or diastereoisomers with substituents on the aryl rings differing in size and electronic properties were synthesized and characterized. Their electronic properties were evaluated on the basis of their electrochemical oxidation and reduction potentials together with those of the corresponding “blade bromides” (i.e., the naphthalene derivatives displaying the same substitution pattern of the tris‐naphthyl phosphane oxide blades, with a bromo substituent where the phosphorus atom is located) determined by CV. The residual stereoisomeric phosphane oxides were isolated in a stereochemically pure state and were found to be highly configurationally stable at room temperature (stereoisomerization barriers of about 27 kcal mol−1). The chiroptical properties of the residual stereoisomers and the assignments of absolute configuration are discussed. The configurational stability of residual tris‐aryl phosphane oxides was found to be scarcely influenced by the electronic properties of the substituents present on the aromatic rings constituting the blades, while steric effects play the most relevant role. Detailed theoretical calculations are in agreement with the experimental results and also contribute to a rational interpretation of the stereodynamics of these systems.
Novel carrier recovery scheme in multicarrier digital TV system
Authors: Song Kevin , Jin Jie , Liu Yi
Published: November 2012

This work is aimed at researching and analyzing the performance of carrier recovery (CR) with two transmit antennas on a multicarrier digital TV system operating in time‐selective fading channel. It is shown in the paper that CR can correct the performance degradation caused by Doppler effect when the terminal is receiving high resolution digital TV signals in a fast moving environment. To have the ability to cover a large frequency range, the CR system should do a frequency sweep first. Then the coarse and fine frequency offset estimation is introduced. Both the theoretical and simulated results give valuable insight that the CR is able to perform well with a certain amount of channel fading. The phase and noise effect on the CR performance is also studied. The CR system and the working procedure concerning CR and timing recovery are also researched to give a full solution on synchronization. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On geometric statistics with diversity in multipath scattering channels
Authors: Le Khoa N.
Published: November 2012

This paper studies four aspects of multipath propagation with randomly distributed scatterers: (i) Gaussian and hyperbolic time‐of‐arrival (ToA) probability density functions (pdfs); (ii) theoretical bounds on the ToA pdfs; (iii) geometric pdfs in multipath propagation via Gaussian and hyperbolic scattering channels; and (iv) implementation of selective combining diversity as a method to decrease propagation delay, thus improving transmission performance. The Gaussian and hyperbolic scattering channels are employed to model random scatterers between a base station and a user equipment. One‐dimensional and three‐dimensional results of Gaussian and hyperbolic ToA pdfs are reported. Detailed discussions are given. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How Different Types of Traders Behave in the Taiwan Futures Market
Authors: Li Hung Chih , Lin Chao Hsien , Cheng Teng Yuan , Lai Syouching
Published: November 2012

This paper examines the heterogeneity of the disposition effect and its impact on profitability among three different types of traders, using complete trading data from Taiwan's futures market. More than 70% of the trading volume on this market comes from retail traders (RTs), with an additional 15% from foreign institutional traders (FIs) and proprietary traders (PTs). Both FIs and RTs exhibit the disposition effect whereas PTs do not, and FIs with a weaker disposition effect outperform RTs. This study provides evidence that RTs with the disposition effect tend to lessen the effect in the next period, exhibiting the phenomenon of mean reversion. While previous studies focus only on the static relationship between the disposition effect and profitability, ours explores the dynamic rather than the static behavior of RTs, providing a more complete and objective idea of their trading behavior. In addition, the positive relationship between the current disposition effect and prior profits suggests that the degree of the disposition effect increases when RTs have prior profits. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 33:1097–1117, 2013
Energy and the environment: Frack attack—environmentalists and hollywood renew attacks on hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Lesser Jonathan A.
Published: November 2012

Environmental groups have been trumpeting a new study by the US Geological Survey (USGS), which they claim “proves” the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) concerns about hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” In a September 30, 2012, press release, for example, the Sierra Club—an environmental group whose motto could be “whatever it is, we're against it”1—claimed that the USGS study “strongly suggests that as a result of fracking, gas is seeping into” the water supply in the town of Pavillion, Wyoming.2
High symptom burden prior to radiation therapy for head and neck cancer: A patient‐reported outcomes study
Authors: Gunn G. Brandon , Mendoza Tito R. , Fuller Clifton D. , Gning Ibrahima , Frank Steven J. , Beadle Beth M. , Hanna Ehab Y. , Lu Charles , Cleeland Charles S. , Rosenthal David I.
Published: November 2012

Background

As a first step toward developing effective strategies to control symptoms associated with head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment, we sought to describe the pattern of symptoms experienced before radiation therapy.

Methods

Subjects completed the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory–Head and Neck Module before beginning radiation therapy.

Results

In all, 270 patients participated. Symptom severity and interference varied between treatment‐naïve patients and those with prior treatment. Cluster analyses revealed that 33% of patients had high symptom burden. Symptoms most often rated moderate‐to‐severe were fatigue, sleep disturbance, distress, pain, and problems chewing and swallowing. Poorer performance status, higher T classification, and receipt of previous treatment correlated with higher symptom burden.

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of patients were experiencing high symptom burden. Because few interventions currently exist for several of the most problematic symptoms, research in symptom reduction that targets the pattern of symptoms described here is greatly needed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: 1490–1498, 2013
Dyadic Flexibility in Early Parent–Child Interactions: Relations with Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Child Negativity and Behaviour Problems
Authors: Lunkenheimer Erika S. , Albrecht Erin C. , Kemp Christine J.
Published: November 2012

Lower levels of parent–child affective flexibility indicate risk for children's problem outcomes. This short‐term longitudinal study examined whether maternal depressive symptoms were related to lower levels of dyadic affective flexibility and positive affective content in mother–child problem‐solving interactions at age 3.5 years (N = 100) and whether these maternal and dyadic factors predicted child emotional negativity and behaviour problems at a 4‐month follow‐up. Dyadic flexibility and positive affect were measured using dynamic systems‐based modelling of second‐by‐second affective patterns during a mother–child problem‐solving task. Results showed that higher levels of maternal depressive symptoms were related to lower levels of dyadic affective flexibility, which predicted children's higher levels of negativity and behaviour problems as rated by teachers. Mothers' ratings of child negativity and behaviour problems were predicted by their own depressive symptoms and individual child factors, but not by dyadic flexibility. There were no effects of dyadic positive affect. Findings highlight the importance of studying patterns in real‐time dyadic parent–child interactions as potential mechanisms of risk in developmental psychopathology. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The prognostic value of E‐cadherin in gastric cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xing XiangBin , Tang Yong‐Bo , Yuan Gang , Wang YongFei , Wang JinHui , Yang Yang , Chen MinHu
Published: November 2012

The prognostic impact of E‐cadherin downregulation in gastric cancer has been assessed for years while the results are controversial and heterogeneous. We thus comprehensively reviewed the evidence for evaluation of E‐cadherin expression in gastric cancer to determine this effect. We searched PubMed and Embase to identify eligible studies, and 26 studies comprising 4,383 gastric cancer patients were included to assess the association between E‐cadherin immunohistochemical expression and overall survival (OS) and clinicopathological characteristics. Summary hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to estimate the effect. We also performed meta‐regression and subgroup analysis according to study location, publication year, number of patients, quality score of studies and cut‐off value. Reduced E‐cadherin expression was significantly correlated with poor OS of gastric cancer patients (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.34–1.96). Subgroup analysis indicated that E‐cadherin low‐expression had an unfavorable impact on OS in Asian patients (HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.45–2.41). Moreover, downregulation of E‐cadherin was significantly associated with TNM stage (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.85–3.43), the depth of invasion (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.39–2.90), lymph node metastasis (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.68–3.40), distant metastasis (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.21–4.11), grade of differentiation (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.60–3.21), vascular invasion (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.10–3.13) and histological type of gastric cancer (OR 4.22, 95% CI 2.96–6.02). This meta‐analysis revealed that E‐cadherin expression might be a predicative factor of poor prognosis for gastric cancer particularly in Asia.
Psychological factors predict local and referred experimental muscle pain: A cluster analysis in healthy adults
Authors: Lee J.E. , Watson D. , Frey‐Law L.A.
Published: November 2012

Background

Recent studies suggest an underlying three‐ or four‐factor structure explains the conceptual overlap and distinctiveness of several negative emotionality and pain‐related constructs. However, the validity of these latent factors for predicting pain has not been examined.

Methods

A cohort of 189 (99 female, 90 male) healthy volunteers completed eight self‐report negative emotionality and pain‐related measures (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire – Revised, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Fear of Pain Questionnaire; Somatosensory Amplification Scale, Anxiety Sensitivity Index and Whiteley Index). Using principal axis factoring, three primary latent factors were extracted: general distress, catastrophic thinking and pain‐related fear. Using these factors, individuals clustered into three subgroups of high, moderate and low negative emotionality responses. Experimental pain was induced via intramuscular acidic infusion into the anterior tibialis muscle, producing local (infusion site) and/or referred (anterior ankle) pain and hyperalgesia.

Results

Pain outcomes differed between clusters (multivariate analysis of variance and multinomial regression), with individuals in the highest negative emotionality cluster reporting the greatest local pain (p = 0.05), mechanical hyperalgesia (pressure pain thresholds; p = 0.009) and greater odds (2.21 odds ratio) of experiencing referred pain when compared to the lowest negative emotionality cluster.

Conclusion

Our results provide support for three latent psychological factors explaining the majority of the variance between several pain‐related psychological measures, and that individuals in the high negative emotionality subgroup are at increased risk for (1) acute local muscle pain; (2) local hyperalgesia; and (3) referred pain using a standardized nociceptive input.
The influence of environmental factors on bone tissue engineering
Authors: Szpalski Caroline , Sagebin Fabio , Barbaro Marissa , Warren Stephen M.
Published: November 2012

Bone repair and regeneration are dynamic processes that involve a complex interplay between the substrate, local and systemic cells, and the milieu. Although each constituent plays an integral role in faithfully recreating the skeleton, investigators have long focused their efforts on scaffold materials and design, cytokine and hormone administration, and cell‐based therapies. Only recently have the intangible aspects of the milieu received their due attention. In this review, we highlight the important influence of environmental factors on bone tissue engineering. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Carbamate Protection of AChE Against Inhibition by Agricultural Chemicals
Authors: Wilson Barry W. , Rusli Francisca J. , Yan Tam Michelle Ka , DePeters Ed , Henderson John D.
Published: November 2012

The carbamate pyridostigmine bromide has been used as a pretreatment to protect individuals from the nerve agent soman. Previous research showed that pyridostigmine significantly protected human muscle acetylcholinesterase in vitro from soman and bovine red blood cell acetylcholinesterase from some organophosphorous pesticides. Research presented here demonstrates that pretreatment with other carbamates also protects acetylcholinesterase from inhibition by the pesticides chlorpyrifos‐oxon and diazinon‐oxon, but not from malaoxon. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:506‐509, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21456
High‐sensitive LC‐MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of mirodenafil and its major metabolite, SK‐3541, in human plasma: Application to microdose clinical trials of mirodenafil
Authors: Cho Doo‐Yeoun , Bae Soo Hyeon , Shon Ji‐Hong , Bae Soo Kyung
Published: November 2012

A high‐sensitivity LC/MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of mirodenafil and its major metabolite, SK‐3541, in human plasma. Mirodenafil, SK‐3541, and udenafil as an internal standard were extracted from plasma samples with methyl tert‐butyl ether. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Luna phenyl‐hexyl column (100 × 2.0 mm) with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of 5 mM ammonium formate and ACN (23:77, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. Detection and quantification were performed using a mass spectrometer in selected reaction monitoring mode with positive ESI at m/z 532.3 → 296.1 for mirodenafil, m/z 488.1 → 296.1 for SK‐3541, and m/z 517.3 → 283.2 for udenafil. The calibration curves were linear over a concentration range of 2–500 pg/mL using 0.5 mL plasma for the microdose of mirodenafil (100 μg). Analytical method validation of the clinical dose (100 mg), with a calibration curve range of 2–500 ng/mL using 0.025‐mL plasma, was also conducted. The other LC‐MS/MS conditions were similar to those used for the microdosing. Each method was applied successfully to pharmacokinetic studies after a microdose or clinical dose of mirodenafil to six healthy Korean male volunteers.
Linear and nonlinear free energy relationships in nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2‐bromo‐5‐nitrothiophene with morpholine
Authors: Harifi‐Mood Ali Reza , Mousavi‐Tekmedash Ali
Published: November 2012

The reaction of 2‐bromo‐5‐nitrothiophene with morpholine was studied as an aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction in various compositions of methanol with ethyl acetate and aqueous solution of methanol, ethanol, and propane‐2‐ol at 25°C. The second‐order rate coefficients of the reaction were spectrophotometerically determined. It was shown that a mounting trend with the mole fraction of water in aqueous solution of alcohols and a mild decreasing with the mole fraction of ethyl acetate in methanol–ethyl acetate mixtures. Solvent effect investigations based on linear free energy relationship (LFER) confirm that polarity has a major effect, whereas the hydrogen‐bond donor and acceptor abilities of the media have a minor effect on the reaction rate. A nonlinear free energy relationship based on preferential solvation hypothesis showed differences between the microsphere solvation of the solute and the bulk composition of the solvents, and nonideal behavior was observed in the trend of rate coefficients, which was consistent with LFER results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 45: 59–67, 2013
Unique Recovery Behavior in Amorphous Shape‐Memory Polymer Networks
Authors: Yakacki Christopher M. , Ortega Alicia M. , Frick Carl P. , Lakhera Nishant , Xiao Rui , Nguyen Thao D.
Published: November 2012

Shape‐memory polymers (SMPs) have emerged as a multi‐functional materials platform and have been proposed for a variety of applications ranging from simple actuators to biomedical devices. The shape‐memory cycle is demonstrated through a three‐step process of programming, storage, and recovery. In this paper, recent findings that associate each step of the shape‐memory cycle to unique recovery behavior are highlighted. The article focuses on the influence of deformation temperature, long‐term storage (physical aging), partially constrained recovery, and mechanically driven recovery with respect to shape‐memory behavior.

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DNA microarray analysis identified molecular pathways mediating the effects of supplementation of branched‐chain amino acids on CCl4‐induced cirrhosis in rats
Authors: Jia Huijuan , Takahashi Shoko , Saito Kenji , Kato Hisanori
Published: November 2012

Scope

This study addresses the effects of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) on global gene expression in liver and skeletal muscle and the molecular mechanisms underlying the improvement in liver cirrhosis using DNA microarray analysis combined with RNase protection assay.

Methods and results

Male Wistar rats administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) repeatedly for 19 weeks as a decompensated cirrhosis model were thereafter given BCAA‐enriched diet (AL) or normal diet (LC) for 5 weeks. The control‐diet rats without CCl4 administration were used as a normal control group. Gene expression in AL was reversed by twofold greater than in LC in the microarray were selected to elucidate the improvements in nutritional and metabolic disorders. Downregulation of fatty acid translocase (FAT)/Cd36, glutamine synthetase, and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isoenzyme 4 is believed to promote lower uptake of fatty acids, lower ammonia incorporation, and higher uptake of glucose, and thus to provide an energy source without using BCAA. Ultimately, the catabolism of BCAA and skeletal muscle protein would be slowed, maintaining BCAA concentrations in blood.

Conclusion

We established, for the first time, the regulatory gene pathways of processes involved in hepatic fibrosis and energy metabolism (hypoalbuminemia, hyperammonemia, and carbohydrate catabolism, and their relationships) under BCAA supplementation.