bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workplace Physical Activity Interventions: A Systematic Review
Authors: To Quyen G. , Chen Ted T. L. , Magnussen Costan G. , To Kien G.
Published: May 2013

Objective.

To assess the effectiveness of workplace interventions in improving physical activity.

Data Source.

EBSCO research database (and all subdatabases).

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria.

Articles were published from 2000 to 2010 in English, had appropriate designs, and measured employees' physical activity, energy consumption, and/or body mass index (BMI) as primary outcomes. Articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded.

Data Extraction.

Data extracted included study design, study population, duration, intervention activities, outcomes, and results.

Data Synthesis.

Data were synthesized into one table. Results of each relevant outcome including p values were combined.

Results.

Twelve (60%) of 20 selected interventions reported an improvement in physical activity level, steps, or BMI, and there was one slowed step reduction in the intervention group. Among these, 10 were less than 6 months in duration; 9 used pedometers; 6 applied Internet-based approaches; and 5 included activities targeting social and environmental levels. Seven of 8 interventions with pre-posttest and quasi-experimental controlled design showed improvement on at least one outcome. However, 7 of 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) did not prove effective in any outcome.

Conclusion.

Interventions that had less rigorous research designs, used pedometers, applied Internet-based approaches, and included activities at social and environmental levels were more likely to report being effective than those without these characteristics.
Evaluation of the National Prevention Strategy in Reference to Historical Population Health
Authors: Kapp Julie M.
Published: May 2013

Scientists have estimated that approximately half of all deaths in the United States are attributed to largely preventable behaviors and exposures, such as tobacco use, diet and physical activity, and alcohol consumption. These findings are similar to reflections reported more than 100 years ago by public health authorities. Is it inevitable that half of the population will die prematurely, even as the average life span increases?
Large congenital nevus spilus—improved follow-up through the use of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Prodinger Christine , Tatarski Rafaella , Laimer Martin , Ahlgrimm-Siess Verena
Published: May 2013

Background: Nevus spilus (NS) is a potential precursor of melanoma; the vast majority of cases reported in the literature were histologically classified as superficial spreading melanoma.

Objective: To demonstrate the diagnostic value of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in this subtype of congenital nevi.

Methods: We report a case of a large congenital NS with equivocal clinical and dermoscopic findings in which RCM was applied for diagnosis and follow-up.

Results: There was a good correlation of RCM with histopathology and a lack of dynamic changes during follow-up.

Conclusion: Our observations indicate that RCM, as a non-invasive tool, can be useful for diagnosis and follow-up of clinically and dermoscopically equivocal NS.
The dermatologist’s stethoscope—traditional and new application of dermoscopy
Authors: Zalaudek Iris , Lallas Aimilios , Moscarella Elvira , Longo Caterina , Soyer H. Peter , Argenziano Giuseppe
Published: May 2013

Dermoscopy is a non-invasive tool that is largely recognized and used in the diagnosis of pigmented and non-pigmented skin tumors. A steadily increasing number of publications on alternative applications of dermoscopy suggest, however, that dermoscopy aids also the recognition of skin manifestations in general dermatology.
Does taping torso scars following dermatologic surgery improve scar appearance?
Authors: Rosengren Helena , Askew Deborah A. , Heal Clare , Buettner Petra G. , Humphreys Willliam O. , Semmens Lyndie A.
Published: May 2013

Background: Studies show that patients are significantly less satisfied with torso scars than scars elsewhere. Though not an uncommon practice, it is unknown if application of adhesive tapes following dermatological surgery help improve cosmesis.

Objective: To determine the effect of taping sutured torso wounds on overall scar appearance, scar width and patient satisfaction with the scar.

Patients/Methods: Participants having elliptical torso skin excisions in a primary care setting in regional Australia were randomized in a single-blinded, controlled trial to 12 weeks taping (intervention) or usual care (control) following deep and subcuticular suturing. A blinded assessor reviewed scars at three and six months.

Results: Of 195 participants recruited, 136 (63 taped, 73 controls) completed six months of follow-up. Independent blinded assessment of overall scar appearance was significantly better in taped participants (p= 0.004). Taping reduced median scar width by 1 mm (p=0.02) and when stratified by gender, by 3.0 mm in males (p=0.04) and 1.0 mm in females (p=0.2). High participant scar satisfaction was not further improved by taping.

Conclusion: Taping elliptical torso wounds for 12 weeks after dermatologic surgery improved scar appearance at six months.
Leading Classroom Discussions
Authors: González Gloriana , DeJarnette Anna F.
Published: May 2013

Students develop ownership and increase their understanding of mathematics when they are allowed to discuss alternative perspectives.
Conceptualizing Mathematics Using Narratives and Art
Authors: Kurz Terri L. , Bartholomew Barbara
Published: May 2013

To support mathematical investigations, use this framework to guide students in constructing art-based and technology-based literature.
Quick Reads:Sport Courts and Fields: A Context for Estimation and Tessellation
Authors: Reys Robert , Reys Rustin , Reys Barbara
Published: May 2013

Readers can view and mathematically compare the sizes of various playing surfaces.
Editorial
Authors: Kaseker Mônica , Moura Dione
Published: May 2013

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O diálogo interdisciplinar entre jornalismo e arquitetura da informação: estudo da estrutura de navegação do Portal G1/Sergipe
Authors: Franciscato Carlos Eduardo , Pereira Luiza Joiceane Cazumbá
Published: May 2013

As mudanças pelas quais o jornalismo vem passando com a digitalização ampla dos processos e conteúdos e a expansão das redes digitais alteram também a forma de as pesquisas caracterizarem o fenômeno. Neste trabalho, indicamos que disciplinas das áreas de ciências da informação e da computação, particularmente Arquitetura da Informação, são instrumentos analíticos e aplicados úteis para demonstrar que o jornalismo, estruturado em base tecnológica, vem sendo significativamente redefinido, articulando interdisciplinarmente princípios e noções humanísticos à lógica do pensamento computacional. Desenvolvemos um estudo de caso do portal de notícias G1/Sergipe, considerando seu surgimento a partir da transposição da estrutura de navegação do G1, pertencente às Organizações Globo. Essa apresentação comparada dos dois portais nos auxiliou a traçar algumas características estruturais para pensarmos um produto jornalístico na web. Propomos quatro níveis articulados: estrutura (estabelecimento de relações espaciais estáveis que sustentam as condições de inserção de conteúdos e navegação); fluxo (pressuposição sobre percursos de leitura do conteúdo jornalístico, propostos pelo produtor ou aplicados pelo usuário); conteúdo (integração macro e microestruturais de conteúdos em texto noticiosos baseados em uma plataforma comum multimídia e convergente); e indexação (sistema de banco de dados operando lógicas de indexação, armazenamento e recuperação de informações). São elementos que possuem características próprias e articuladas na construção do portal e podem ser constitutivos em uma definição de notícia em redes digitais.
As revistas mudam porque os suportes mudam: panorama do produto em formatos digitais
Authors: Dourado Tatiana Maria Silva Galvão
Published: May 2013

Propõe-se associar o panorama histórico da digitalização das revistas jornalísticas com a delimitação teórica acerca das materialidades no campo das Ciências da Comunicação. Para isso, é apresentado o processo de transição e consolidação do produto específico nos formatos digitais, desde os “teletexts magazines”, nos anos 1980, até as atuais “revistas sociais”, que, novamente, reorienta a lógica de distribuição e consumo de notícias. A pesquisa é possibilitada pelo método de revisão de literatura com foco na linha evolutiva das revistas, ainda escassa, e nos estudos sobre materialidades, exemplificada com estudos de casos ilustrativos, com intuito de compreender as diferentes atuações do produto nas interfaces virtuais.
A voz e a vez da classe C
Authors: Belisário Katia Maria
Published: May 2013

Surge no Brasil um novo perfil de telespectador, ouvinte, leitor e internauta, fruto do crescimento econômico e do surgimento da denominada “nova classe média”. Estudo do Instituto de Pesquisa a Data Popular, setembro de 2010, mostra que famílias de classe C têm R$ 427,6 bilhões para gastar com produtos e serviços. A mídia, de modo geral, cobiça a audiência e o consumo desse segmento, mas são os jornais populares que brilham. O Super Notícia, de Belo Horizonte, é hoje o jornal mais vendido do país, de acordo com dados do Instituto Verificador de Circulação (IVC), de junho 2012, especialmente na classe C. Segundo o IVC, ele vendeu 324.000.exemplares/dia contra 296.986 da Folha se S. Paulo. Este artigo objetiva nvestigar quais os elementos estimuladores de consumo do jornal popular pela classe C, de que forma atinge esse público e qual a influência do jornal na vida e no cotidiano dessas pessoas.
O momento decisivo no fotojornalismo atual: a importância da métis na atuação do fotógrafo
Authors: Maia Andréa Karinne Albuquerque
Published: May 2013

Desde sua origem, a Fotografia tem passado por constantes transformações que interferem na atuação o fotógrafo, essas mudanças facilitam o exercício da função, ao mesmo tempo, exigem do profissional um esforço para adaptar-se à nova realidade apresentada. No fotojornalismo, o ápice do trabalho está no momento decisivo, termo criado por Henri Cartier-Bresson, compreendido como a síntese do fato jornalístico cristalizado pela imagem. O avanço tecnológico tem facilitado a captação desse momento. Sobretudo, através da filmagem em HD (high definition), e posterior seleção do fotograma que melhor representa o acontecimento. Com o objetivo de lançar um olhar sobre essa questão, recorre-se ao conceito de métis, que pode ser entendida como uma espécie de inteligência voltada para a ação prática, um conjunto complexo de atitudes mentais que envolve astúcia e prudência. Nesse sentido, considera-se que a métis é uma competência essencial para a atuação no fotojornalismo. O aporte metodológico adotado consiste na pesquisa bibliográfica sobre o tema em análise.
Documentação e arte: campos imiscíveis do universo fotográco?
Authors: Peixoto João Guilherme de Melo
Published: May 2013

Desde seu surgimento, o campo da fotografia atravessa alterações as quais se mostram significativas para a definição dos critérios de valoração da atividade. Com o seu desenvolvimento, a produção de imagens sai de um setor primário (produção artesanal, unitária; participação direta do agente) para atingir uma secundidade (mecanização, utilização, serialização), o que representa uma incorporação de elementos da modernidade na sua essência. Contudo, pode-se observar que mudanças nas cadeias de produção, edição e circulação/consumo no universo fotográfico na contemporaneidade transcendem questões tecnológicas e/ou metodológicas e acionam debates os quais amplificam os questionamentos sobre o estatuto da imagem fotográfica. O presente artigo aborda as relações estéticas e de valor referentes à produção documental e artística para o universo fotográfico por meio da análise de trabalhos que oscilam entre os limites desses dois grandes campos da fotografia (a documentação e a arte). Quais os principais atributos que diferenciam tais gêneros? Existem pontos em comum entre eles?
O espaço do ouvinte: uma análise da interatividade nos sites das rádios CBN e Gaúcha
Authors: Quadros Mirian Redin de , Lopez Debora Cristina
Published: May 2013

O objetivo do presente artigo é refletir sobre a interatividade no rádio no atual processo de convergência midiática, especialmente no que se refere à utilização de websites institucionais como ferramentas de interação com os ouvintes. Para tanto, concentra-se na análise das possibilidades interativas disponibilizadas aos ouvintes-internautas nos websites de duas emissoras de rádio de caráter informativo: CBN e Gaúcha. A pesquisa desenvolve-se inicialmente a partir de um estudo bibliográfico exploratório sobre o conceito de interatividade, buscando construir uma definição do termo, partindo desde as origens da palavra “interação” até sua potencialização na comunicação mediada pelo computador. Em seguida, a análise dos websites das emissoras selecionadas será realizada mediante a aplicação da Ferramenta para Análise de Interatividade em Cibermeios. Ao final, com base nos dados coletados, pondera-se sobre os espaços destinados pelas emissoras para a interação com os ouvintes, refletindo sobre os principais gargalos na utilização dos websites institucionais como ferramentas interativas para o rádio.
Taking Research Experiences for Undergraduates Online
Authors: Hubenthal Michael , Judge Jasmeet
Published: April 2013

To today's budding scientists, the notion of sharing experiences and working collaboratively with distant peers is not a novelty. Instead, this is what most young scientists expect to achieve through the Internet portals they carry in their pockets and backpacks. They have never known a world without information and communication technologies (ICT) such as laptops, mobile phones, text messaging, and the Internet. As a result, they have grown to rely on uninterrupted access to the Internet for a range of information‐gathering and communication activities. Further, this generation of students has fully embraced structured online learning opportunities. For example, in 2011 more than 6.7 million U.S. students in higher education took at least one online course [Allen and Seaman, 2013].
Evaluating the seismic risk of mineral carbon sequestration
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: April 2013

Geologic carbon sequestration, in which carbon is captured and stored underground, has been proposed as one way to mitigate the climatic effects of carbon dioxide emissions. One method of geologic carbon sequestration is to inject carbon dioxide in aqueous solution into rocks. However, as the solution fills the pore space in the rocks, the fluid pressure on the rocks increases, potentially increasing the risk of earthquakes. Another option would be to inject carbon dioxide solutions into mafic rocks; the silicate minerals in these rocks react with the carbon dioxide, leaving solid carbonate reaction products, which decrease the amount of pore fluid.
Modified β‐casein restores thermal reversibility of human carbonic anhydrase II: The salt bridge mechanism
Authors: Fallah‐Bagheri Azadeh , Moosavi‐Movahedi Ali Akbar , Taghizadeh Mohammad , Khodarahmi Reza , Ma'mani Leila , Bijari Nooshin , Bohlooli Mousa , Shafiee Abbas , Sheibani Nader , Saboury Ali Akbar
Published: April 2013

Modified β‐casein (mβ‐CN) was investigated as an efficient additive for thermal reversibility of human carbonic anhydrase II (HCA II) at pH 7.75. The mβ‐CN was obtained via modification of β‐casein (β‐CN) acidic residues using Woodward's reagent K. The effects of mβ‐CN on the reversibility and stability of HCA II were determined by differential scanning calorimetry, UV–vis, and 1‐anilinonaphthalene‐8‐sulfonic acid fluorescence spectroscopic methods. The mβ‐CN, as an additive, enhanced thermal reversibility of HCA II by 33%. Together, our results indicated that mβ‐CN is very efficient in decreasing thermal aggregation and enhancing the stability of HCA II. Using theoretical studies, we propose that the mechanism for thermal reversibility is mediated through formation of a salt bridge between the Woodward part of mβ‐CN and the Zn ion of HCA II.
Functional characterization of an ACCase subunit from the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum expressed in Escherichia coli
Authors: Xie Wei‐Hong , Pang Fei , Niu Ying‐Fang , Zhang Meng‐Han , Yang Wei‐Dong , Liu Jie‐Sheng , Yan Dao‐Guang , Li Hong‐Ye
Published: April 2013

The marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a widely used forage species, has a storage lipid content of up to 30% dry cell weight. To explore the mechanism behind the high storage lipid accumulation in this diatom, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase), which catalyzes the first committed step of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, was characterized in this study. A homogeneous type of ACCase (PtACC) was identified from P. tricornutum by homology searches. The first exon of the ACCase gene (PtACC‐1) was cloned. PtACC‐1 was fused with a Myc epitope tag and cloned into plasmid pMD18 driven by the LacZ promoter and expressed in Escherichia coli. The expression of the PtACC‐1‐Myc protein was verified by Western blot. The neutral lipid content in transformed E. coli increased substantially by twofold as determined by Nile red fluorescent dye staining. Concomitantly, ACCase activity increased by 1.72‐fold. The fatty acid composition, analyzed by GC‐MS, demonstrated a significant difference in the ratio of saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). MUFAs of PtACC‐1 expressing cells increased by 13%. This study represents the first characterization of the key domains of ACCase from a diatom and demonstrates high neutral lipid accumulation in E. coli expressing PtACC‐1, providing an additional genetic resource with the potential for biodiesel development.
Decrease in gastrointestinal absorption of roxithromycin in bile duct cannulated rats due to depletion of bile salts
Authors: Lee Joo Hyun , Park Young Ju , Oh Ju‐Hee , Lee Young‐Joo
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of bile salts on gastrointestinal absorption and the plasma second peak phenomenon of roxithromycin in rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters of roxithromycin were calculated after single oral administration at a dose of 20 mg/kg in sham‐operated (control), bile duct cannulated (BDC) and bile salt co‐administered bile duct cannulated (BSBDC) rats. In BDC rats, the total area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC0–∞) and the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) were significantly smaller (0.572‐fold) and lower (0.412‐fold), respectively, than those in the control rats. These values were recovered by co‐administration of bile salt (0.831‐ and 0.828‐fold for AUC0–∞ and Cmax compared with the control, respectively). Thus, the decreased absorption of roxithromycin in BDC rats could be due to a depletion of bile. The solubility of roxithromycin was 3.09‐fold increased at 30 mm of sodium taurocholate. The oral dosage regimen of roxithromycin could be changed in patients with bile deficiency or when the drug is administered to individuals on a high‐fat diet, if the present rat data can be extrapolated to humans. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimized extract preparation methods and reaction conditions for improved yeast cell‐free protein synthesis
Authors: Hodgman C. Eric , Jewett Michael C.
Published: April 2013

Cell‐free protein synthesis (CFPS) has emerged as a powerful platform technology to help satisfy the growing demand for simple, affordable, and efficient protein production. In this article, we describe a novel CFPS platform derived from the popular bio‐manufacturing organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. By developing a streamlined crude extract preparation protocol and optimizing the CFPS reaction conditions we were able to achieve active firefly luciferase synthesis yields of 7.7 ± 0.5 µg mL−1 with batch reactions lasting up to 2 h. This duration of synthesis is the longest ever reported for a yeast CFPS batch reaction. Furthermore, by removing extraneous processing steps and eliminating expensive reagents from the cell‐free reaction, we have increased relative product yield (µg protein synthesized per $ reagent cost) over an alternative commonly used method up to 2000‐fold from ∼2 × 10−4 to ∼4 × 10−1 µg $−1, which now puts the yeast CPFS platform on par with other eukaryotic CFPS platforms commercially available. Our results set the stage for developing a yeast CFPS platform that provides for high‐yielding and cost‐effective expression of a variety of protein therapeutics and protein libraries. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 2643–2654. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost‐effectiveness of full coverage of aromatase inhibitors for Medicare beneficiaries with early breast cancer
Authors: Ito Kouta , Elkin Elena , Blinder Victoria , Keating Nancy , Choudhry Niteesh
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

Rates of nonadherence to aromatase inhibitors (AIs) among Medicare beneficiaries with hormone receptor‐positive early breast cancer are high. Out‐of‐pocket drug costs appear to be an important contributor to this and may be addressed by eliminating copayments and other forms of patient cost sharing. The authors estimated the incremental cost‐effectiveness of providing Medicare beneficiaries with full prescription coverage for AIs compared with usual prescription coverage under the Medicare Part D program.

METHODS

A Markov state‐transition model was developed to simulate AI use and disease progression in a hypothetical cohort of postmenopausal Medicare beneficiaries with hormone receptor‐positive early breast cancer. The analysis was conducted from the societal perspective and considered a lifetime horizon. The main outcome was an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio, which was measured as the cost per quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) gained.

RESULTS

For patients receiving usual prescription coverage, average quality‐adjusted survival was 11.35 QALYs, and lifetime costs were $83,002. For patients receiving full prescription coverage, average quality‐adjusted survival was 11.38 QALYs, and lifetime costs were $82,728. Compared with usual prescription coverage, full prescription coverage would result in greater quality‐adjusted survival (0.03 QALYs) and less resource use ($275) per beneficiary. From the perspective of Medicare, full prescription coverage was cost‐effective (incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio, $15,128 per QALY gained) but not cost saving.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing full prescription coverage for AIs to Medicare beneficiaries with hormone receptor‐positive early breast cancer would both improve health outcomes and save money from the societal perspective.Cancer2013;119:2494‐2502. ©2013 American Cancer Society.
Deriving bio-equivalents from in vitro bioassays: Assessment of existing uncertainties and strategies to improve accuracy and reporting
Authors: Wagner Martin , Vermeirssen Etiënne L.M. , Buchinger Sebastian , Behr Maximilian , Magdeburg Axel , Oehlmann Jörg
Published: April 2013

Bio-equivalents (e.g., 17β-estradiol or dioxin equivalents) are commonly employed to quantify the in vitro effects of complex human or environmental samples. However, there is no generally accepted data analysis strategy for estimating and reporting bio-equivalents. Therefore, the aims of the present study are to 1) identify common mathematical models for the derivation of bio-equivalents from the literature, 2) assess the ability of those models to correctly predict bio-equivalents, and 3) propose measures to reduce uncertainty in their calculation and reporting. We compiled a database of 234 publications that report bio-equivalents. From the database, we extracted 3 data analysis strategies commonly used to estimate bio-equivalents. These models are based on linear or nonlinear interpolation, and the comparison of effect concentrations (ECX). To assess their accuracy, we employed simulated data sets in different scenarios. The results indicate that all models lead to a considerable misestimation of bio-equivalents if certain mathematical assumptions (e.g., goodness of fit, parallelism of dose–response curves) are violated. However, nonlinear interpolation is most suitable to predict bio-equivalents from single-point estimates. Regardless of the model, subsequent linear extrapolation of bio-equivalents generates additional inaccuracy if the prerequisite of parallel dose–response curves is not met. When all these factors are taken into consideration, it becomes clear that data analysis introduces considerable uncertainty in the derived bio-equivalents. To improve accuracy and transparency of bio-equivalents, we propose a novel data analysis strategy and a checklist for reporting Minimum Information about Bio-equivalent ESTimates (MIBEST). Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1906–1917. © 2013 SETAC
Tunable delivery of bioactive peptides from hydroxyapatite biomaterials and allograft bone using variable‐length polyglutamate domains
Authors: Culpepper Bonnie K. , Webb William M. , Bonvallet Paul P. , Bellis Susan L.
Published: April 2013

Hydroxyapatite (HA) biomaterials and allograft bone are common alternatives to autogenous grafts; however, these materials lack the strong osteoinductive potential of autologous bone. Previous studies have established that polyglutamate domains, which bind selectively to HA, can be engineered onto bioactive peptides as a mechanism for coupling osteoinductive signals onto HA and allograft. In the current investigation, we adapted the polyglutamate approach to tailor delivery of a model collagen‐derived peptide, Asp‐Gly‐Glu‐Ala (DGEA), by manipulating the number of glutamates in the HA binding domain. Specifically, DGEA was modified with diglutamate (E2‐DGEA), tetraglutamate (E4‐DGEA), or heptaglutamate (E7‐DGEA), and it was found that initial peptide binding to HA and allograft was significantly enhanced as the number of glutamates increased. We also determined that the rate of release of polyglutamate‐DGEA from substrates over a 5‐day interval increased proportionally as the number of glutamate residues was decreased. Additionally, we tuned the peptide release rate by creating mixtures of E2‐DGEA, E4‐DGEA, and E7‐DGEA, and observed that release kinetics of the mixtures were distinct from pure solutions of each respective peptide. These collective results suggest that variable‐length polyglutamate domains provide an effective mechanism for controlled delivery of osteoregenerative peptides on HA‐containing bone graft materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1008–1016, 2014.
Long‐term starvation in cave salamander effects on liver ultrastructure and energy reserve mobilization
Authors: Bizjak Mali Lilijana , Sepčić Kristina , Bulog Boris
Published: April 2013

The morphological alterations of hepatocytes of cave‐dwelling salamander Proteus anguinus anguinus after food deprivation periods of one and 18 months were investigated and the concentrations of glycogen, lipids, and proteins in the liver were determined. Quantitative analyses of the hepatocyte size, the lipid droplets, the number of mitochondria, and volume densities of M and P in the hepatocytes were completed. After one month of food deprivation, the cytological changes in the hepatocytes are mainly related to the distribution and amount of glycogen, which was dispersed in the cytoplasm and failed to form clumps typical of normal liver tissue. After 18 months of food deprivation hepatocytes were reduced in size, lipid droplets were less numerous, peroxisomes formed clusters with small, spherical mitochondria, and specific mitochondria increased in size and lost cristae. Lysosomes, autophagic vacuoles, and clear vacuoles were numerous. The liver integrity was apparently maintained, no significant loss of cytoplasmic constituents have been observed. Biochemical analysis revealed the utilization of stored metabolic reserves in the liver during food deprivation. Glycogen is rapidly utilized at the beginning of the starvation period, whereas lipids and proteins are utilized subsequently, during prolonged food deprivation. In the Proteus liver carbohydrates are maintained in appreciable amounts and this constitutes a very important energy depot, invaluable in the subterranean environment. J. Morphol. 274:887–900, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The entotympanic in late fetal artiodactyla (Mammalia)
Authors: Maier Wolfgang
Published: April 2013

The entotympanic is a neomorphic component of the bulla tympanica of placental mammals. Ontogenetically, its rostral component seems to be derived from the tubal cartilage, whereas its caudal component is normally connected with the sheath of the tympanohyal; the present study indicates additional sources of the caudal entotympanic. The entotympanics develop in late fetal or early postnatal life as cartilaginous structures, but in most taxa they ossifiy endochondrally as “os bullae”. This skeletal element is absent only in a few placental orders, among them the Artiodactyla. Because it is present in their sister taxa within the Scrotifera, it is likely to be reduced secondarily in the even‐toed mammals. The study of histological serial sections of late fetal stages of several artiodactyl species shows that vestigial cartilaginous homologues of the entotympanics are invariably present, contrary to statements in the literature. In a few perinatal stages even secondary ossifications or calcifications of the entotympanic cartilages can be observed. The tubal cartilage of artiodactyls also continues into an anterior tegmen tympani (new term) that forms the floor of the fossa muscularis major. J. Morphol. 274:926–939, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polymer monolithic capillary microextraction combined on‐line with inductively coupled plasma MS for the determination of trace rare earth elements in biological samples
Authors: Zhang Lin , Chen Beibei , He Man , Hu Bin
Published: April 2013

A rapid and sensitive method based on polymer monolithic capillary microextraction combined on‐line with microconcentric nebulization inductively coupled plasma MS has been developed for the determination of trace/ultratrace rare earth elements in biological samples. For this purpose, the iminodiacetic acid modified poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate) monolithic capillary was prepared and characterized by SEM and FTIR spectroscopy. Factors affecting the extraction efficiency, such as sample pH, sample flow rate, sample/eluent volume, and coexisting ions were investigated in detail. Under the optimal conditions, the LODs for rare earth elements were in the range of 0.08 (Er) to 0.97 ng/L (Nd) with a sampling frequency of 8.5 h−1, and the RSDs were between 1.5% (Sm) and 7.4% (Nd) (c = 20 ng/L, n = 7). The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of trace/ultratrace rare earth elements in human urine and serum samples, and the recoveries for the spiked samples were in the range of 82–105%. The developed method was simple, rapid, sensitive, and favorable for the analysis of trace/ultratrace rare earth elements in biological samples with limited sample volume.
Efficient optimization of ultra‐high‐ performance supercritical fluid chromatographic separation of Rosa sericea by response surface methodology
Authors: Li Jin‐Rong , Li Min , Xia Bing , Ding Li‐Sheng , Xu Hong‐Xi , Zhou Yan
Published: April 2013

An approach for rapid optimization of ultra‐high‐performance supercritical fluid chromatographic (UHPSFC) gradient by response surface methodology was developed for fast separation of complex crude extracts of the leaves of Rosa sericea. The optimization was performed with Box–Behnken designs and the multicriteria response variables were described using Derringer's desirability. Based on factorial design experiments, five factors were selected for Box–Behnken designs to optimize the UHPSFC conditions, which led to 46 experiments being performed within 8 h. An evaporative light‐scattering detector (ELSD) was used, and quantitative analysis of main components in R. sericea samples was employed to evaluate the statistical significance of the parameters on UHPSFC‐ELSD analytes response. The results indicated that the optimized UHPSFC‐ELSD method is very sensitive with LODs and LOQs below 1.19 and 4.55 μg/mL, respectively. The overall intra‐ and interday variations were less than 3.91 and 6.41%, respectively. The recovery of the method ranged from 95.66 to 104.22%, with RSD < 5.91%. This newly developed UHPSFC‐ELSD method was demonstrated to be fast and sensitive in analyzing complex herbal extracts of Traditional Chinese Medicines.
Kinetics of the Rapid Base Catalyzed Iodination of Imidazole and 2‐Methylimidazole by Molecular Iodine in Aqueous Medium: pH Effect
Authors: Bonde S. L. , Dangat V. T. , Bhadane R. P. , Joshi V. S.
Published: April 2013

The second‐order kinetics of iodination of imidazole and 2‐methylimidazole in aqueous medium at various pH values and temperatures are studied in the presence and absence of a base catalyst. The reactions being electrophilic substitutions, molecular iodine is the sole iodinating agent, as the reactant solutions used are totally devoid of I− ions. The specific reaction rates of imidazole (I) and 2‐methylimidazole (II) for the catalyzed reactions are found to be 87.00 and 62.92 M−1 s−1 at 27.0°C, respectively, at 7.0 pH. The base component of the buffer used to maintain the pH catalyzes the reactions. The rapidity of the reactions necessitates the use of a rotating platinum electrode to follow the decay of the unreacted iodine. The study provides a quantitative verification of the reactivities of the substrates.
A Shock Tube Study of H2 + OH → H2O + H Using OH Laser Absorption
Authors: Lam King‐Yiu , Davidson David F. , Hanson Ronald K.
Published: April 2013

The rate constant for the reaction of hydroxyl radicals (OH) with molecular hydrogen (H2) was measured behind reflected shock waves using UV laser absorption of OH radicals near 306.69 nm. Test gas mixtures of H2 and tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) diluted in argon were shock‐heated to temperatures ranging from 902 to 1518 K at pressures of 1.15–1.52 atm. OH radicals were produced by rapid thermal decomposition of TBHP at high temperatures. The rate constant for the title reaction was inferred by best fitting the measured OH time histories with the simulated profiles from the comprehensive reaction mechanism of Wang et al. (USC‐Mech v2.0) (2007). The measured values can be expressed in the Arrhenius equation as k1(T) = 4.38 × 1013 exp(–3518/T) cm3 mol−1 s−1 over the temperature range studied. A detailed error analysis was performed to estimate the overall uncertainty of the title reaction, and the estimated (2 – σ) uncertainties were found to be ±17% at 972 and 1228 K. The present measurements are in excellent agreement with the previous experimental studies from Frank and Just (Ber Bunsen‐Ges Phys Chem 1985, 89, 181–187), Michael and Sutherland (J Phys Chem 1988, 92, 3853–3857), Davidson et al. (Symp (Int) Combust 1988, 22, 1877–1885), Oldenborg et al. (J Phys Chem 1992, 96, 8426–8430), and Krasnoperov and Michael (J Phys Chem A 2004, 108, 5643–5648).In addition, the measured rate constant is in close accord with the non‐Arrhenius expression from GRI‐Mech 3.0 (http://www.me.berkeley.edu/gri_mech/) and the theoretical calculation using semiclassical transition state theory from Nguyen et al. (Chem Phys Lett 2010, 499, 9–15).
Time‐Varying Flexible Least Squares for Thermal Desorption of Gases
Authors: Miron David J. , Kendell Shane M. , Munshi Alaa M. , Alanazi Abdullah K. , Brown Trevor C.
Published: April 2013

Time‐varying linear regression via flexible least squares is used to determine temperature‐dependent kinetic parameters during low‐pressure, steady‐state, temperature‐programmed desorption from catalytic surfaces. The flexible least squares approach optimizes time‐varying parameters by minimizing dynamic and measurement discrepancies between a linear theoretical model and experimental data using linear regression. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by calculation of accurate temperature‐dependent activation energies, preexponential factors, and differential conversion functions for the evolution of 3‐methyl‐2‐oxetanone (β‐lactone) during the selective oxidation of isobutane over aluminum phosphomolybdates.
On the Separation of Timescales in Chemically Activated Reactions
Authors: Pinches Samuel J. , da Silva Gabriel
Published: April 2013

Chemically activated reactions are important in describing the composition of reactive gases including flames, planetary atmospheres, and the interstellar medium (ISM). In a chemically activated reaction, two reactants combine to populate a vibrationally excited well that can undergo unimolecular transformations (isomerization, dissociation) or be thermalized through collisions with the bath gas. Once a well has been thermalized, it may still have sufficient energy to undergo further unimolecular reaction, in a purely thermal process. If the timescale for the thermally activated process is sufficiently short, such that it approaches that of the chemically activated reaction, the two concurrent processes become inseparable and the value of the phenomenological rate coefficient is no longer obvious. Here, we introduce the thermal decay (TD) procedure to determine phenomenological rate coefficients for chemically activated reactions proceeding on timescales approaching those of thermal reaction, principally for use in stochastic master equation simulations of multiple‐well multiple‐channel unimolecular reaction processes. By fitting the thermal decay of the initially activated well to a first‐order kinetic model, the would‐be thermal yield can be eliminated so as to arrive at the chemically activated component in a reliable and objective fashion. This technique is demonstrated here for the reaction of 1,3,6‐heptatriyne with H using the MultiWell code and a 16‐well 33‐channel C7H5 reaction model. A computer program implementing the TD method and for postprocessing of MultiWell output data, PPM, is provided.
Construction and Activity of a New Catalytic System in the Hydrolysis of Bis(4‐nitrophenyl) Phosphate Ester
Authors: Xie Jiaqing , Li Ci , Wang Min , Jiang Bingying
Published: April 2013

A new catalytic system containing an unsaturated heterocyclic nitrogen ligand and lanthanum(III) was constructed and used as a catalyst in the hydrolysis of bis(4‐nitrophenyl) phosphate ester (BNPP) in this work. The results indicated that this catalytic system showed greater catalytic activity in the hydrolysis of BNPP and better reproducibility and stability than other similar lanthanum(III) systems. The catalytic rate of the BNPP hydrolysis was about 107‐fold faster than that of its spontaneous hydrolysis at the same conditions. Compared with the previous Cu(II) or Ni(II) complex containing the same ligand in the water, the activity of the macrocyclic La(III) complex increases ca. 103‐fold for BNPP catalytic hydrolysis. The experimental data showed that the monohydroxy complex made of the heterocyclic nitrogen ligand and lanthanum(III) is the real active species as a catalyst in BNPP catalytic hydrolysis.
Hydrolysis Kinetic Studies of Schiff Bases Derived from Pyrrolic Aldehydes in Buffered Aqueous Ethanol and Sulfuric Acid Solutions: Structural Effects of Substitutes
Authors: Bengharez Zohra , El Bahri Zineb , Mesli Abderrezzak
Published: April 2013

Two series of substituted N‐pyrrolyl‐2‐methylene‐aniline were synthesized and characterized to study their stability in a large domain of pH (0–14) and especially in the H0 domain (–4 to 0). The hydrolysis kinetics of the azomethine group was established in homogeneous media using a thermostated UV–vis spectrophotometer. The hydrolysis mechanism was investigated, and the experimental kinetic constants were calculated. Then, the pH–rate diagram profile was determined and the structural effect of substitutes on the kinetic constants was clarified and discussed.
Numerical modelling of the hydro‐chemo‐mechanical behaviour of geomaterials in the context of CO2 injection
Authors: Vallin V. , Pereira J.M. , Fabbri A. , Wong H.
Published: April 2013

Safety assessment of geosequestration of CO2 into deep saline aquifers requires a precise understanding of the study of hydro‐chemo‐mechanical couplings occurring in the rocks and the cement well. To this aim, a coupled chemo‐poromechanical model has been developed and implemented into a research code well‐suited to the resolution of fully coupled problems. This code is based on the finite volume methods.

In a 1D axisymmetrical configuration, this study aims to simulate the chemo‐poromechanical behaviour of a system composed by the cement well and the caprock during CO2 injection. Major chemical reactions of carbonation occurring into cement paste and rocks are considered in order to evaluate the consequences of the presence of CO2 on the amount of dissolved matrix and precipitated calcium carbonates. The dissolution of the solid matrix is taken into account through the use of a chemical porosity. Matrix leaching and carbonation lead, as expected, to important variations of porosity, permeability and to alterations of transport properties and mechanical stiffness. These results justify the importance of considering a coupled analysis accounting for the main chemical reactions. It is worth noting that the modelling framework proposed in the present study could be extended to model the chemo‐poromechanical behaviour of the reservoir rock and the caprock when subjected to the presence of an acidic pore fluid (CO2‐rich brine). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic MRI evaluation of urethral hypermobility post‐radical prostatectomy
Authors: Suskind Anne M. , DeLancey John O.L. , Hussain Hero K. , Montgomery Jeffrey S. , Latini Jerilyn M. , Cameron Anne P.
Published: April 2013

Aims

One postulated cause of post‐prostatectomy incontinence is urethral and bladder neck hypermobility. The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of anatomical differences of urethral and bladder neck position at rest and with valsalva in continent and incontinent men post‐prostatectomy based on dynamic MRI.

Methods

All subjects underwent a dynamic MRI protocol with valsalva and non‐valsalva images and a standard urodynamic evaluation. MRI measurements were taken at rest and with valsalva, including (1) bladder neck to sacrococcygeal inferior pubic point line (SCIPP), (2) urethra to pubis, and (3) bulbar urethra to SCIPP. Data were analyzed in SAS using two‐tailed t tests.

Results

A total of 21 subjects (13 incontinent and 8 continent) had complete data and were included in the final analysis. The two groups had similar demographic characteristics. On MRI, there were no statistically significant differences in anatomic position of the bladder neck or urethra either at rest or with valsalva. The amount of hypermobility ranged from 0.8 to 2 mm in all measures. There were also no differences in the amount of hypermobility (position at rest minus position at valsalva) between groups.

Conclusions

We found no statistically significant differences in bladder neck and urethral position or mobility on dynamic MRI evaluation between continent and incontinent men status post‐radical prostatectomy. A more complex mechanism for post‐prostatectomy incontinence needs to be modeled in order to better understand the continence mechanism in this select group of men. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:312–315, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of bladder and kidney functioning in adult spina bifida patients by Dutch urologists: A survey
Authors: Veenboer Paul W. , Ruud Bosch J.L.H. , de Kort Laetitia M.O.
Published: April 2013

Aims

To investigate how urologists generally perform the follow‐up of adult spina bifida (SB) patients and to see to which extent recommendations from guidelines on neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction are followed.

Methods

A self‐designed electronic multiple choice questionnaire was sent to all 365 urologists in the Netherlands.

Results

Overall 100 urologists (27.4%) responded, of which 96 (26.3%) responses were usable. Of 95 urologists, 18 (18.9%) saw no adult SB patients, 47 (49.5%) saw 1–5 patients/year, 15 (15.8%) saw 6–10, and 15 urologists (15.8%) saw >10 adult SB patients/year. Of 96 urologists, a specialized clinic for adult SB patients was present in only 11 (11.5%) cases. Ultrasonography was performed regularly (at least once every 1–5 years) by 68/74 (91.9%) urologists. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined at least every 5 years by 66/74 (89.1%) urologists. For determination of GFR, serum creatinine was most often used (94.5%). Renography and video‐urodynamic investigations (UDS) were performed on a regular basis by 8.1% and 24.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

In adult SB patients, the responding Dutch urologists regularly evaluate bladder and kidney function using GFR and ultrasonography, although less frequently than recommended by the guidelines. UDS is performed on indication only, which is not in accordance with the guidelines. Regular UDS might be valuable to detect risk factors for insidious renal damage. The role of renography, as well as the desirability of multidisciplinary teams, has yet to be determined. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:289–295, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utility of sphincter electromyography and sacral reflex studies in women with cauda equina lesions
Authors: Podnar Simon
Published: April 2013

Aims

Sacral neurophysiologic studies have demonstrated their utility in men with suspected neurogenic sacral dysfunction. However, no similar studies have been performed in women. The present study aimed to test the utility of sacral neurophysiologic assessment in women with chronic cauda equina lesions.

Methods

Twenty‐four women with clinical and radiological signs supportive of chronic cauda equina lesions, and a group of 60 control women without clinical symptoms or signs of sacral neuropathic lesion were included. Clinical examination, including testing of saddle sensation, and neurophysiologic testing, including quantitative anal sphincter EMG and clitoro‐cavernosus reflex testing (on single and double electrical, and mechanical stimulation), were performed on each side separately. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated.

Results

Respective sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values were 63%, 92%, 83%, and 86% for quantitative anal sphincter EMG, 92–96%, 67–80%, 52–59%, and 95–96% for neurophysiologic testing of the clitoro‐cavernosus reflex (using different stimulation techniques), and 96–100%, 62–75%, 50–55%, and 97–98% for their combinations.

Conclusions

This study complements previous reports in men supporting the clinical utility of an neurophysiologic protocol that includes both quantitative anal sphincter EMG and sacral reflex studies for assessment of patients with suspected peripheral sacral lesions. Very high sensitivity and negative predictive value confirm high utility of sacral neurophysiologic studies in confirmation and exclusion of sacral neuropathic lesion. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:426–430, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.