bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic modeling of spatial heterogeneity of biofilms in microbial fuel cells reveals substrate limitations in electrical current generation
Authors: Jayasinghe Nadeera , Franks Ashley , Nevin Kelly P. , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan
Published: August 2014

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been proposed as an alternative energy resource for the conversion of organic compounds to electricity. In an MFC, microorganisms such as Geobacter sulfurreducens form an anode‐associated biofilm that can completely oxidize organic matter (electron donor) to carbon dioxide with direct electron transfer to the anode (electron acceptor). Mathematical models are useful in analyzing biofilm processes; however, existing models rely on Nernst–Monod type expressions, and evaluate extracellular processes separated from the intracellular metabolism of the microorganism. Thus, models that combine both extracellular and intracellular components, while addressing spatial heterogeneity, are essential for improved representation of biofilm processes. The goal of this work is to develop a model that integrates genome‐scale metabolic models with the model of biofilm environment. This integrated model shows the variations of electrical current production and biofilm thickness under the presence/absence of NH4 in the bulk solution, and under varying maintenance energy demands. Further, sensitivity analysis suggested that conductivity is not limiting electrical current generation and that increasing cell density can lead to enhanced current generation. In addition, the modeling results also highlight instances such as the transformation into respiring cells, where the mechanism of electrical current generation during biofilm development is not yet clearly understood.
Carbon‐Supported Molybdenum‐Based Catalysts for the Hydrodeoxygenation of Maize Oil
Authors: Qin Yu , He Lili , Duan Jinzhao , Chen Ping , Lou Hui , Zheng Xiaoming , Hong Haiping
Published: August 2014

The hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of maize oil was performed in an autoclave with Mo‐based catalysts supported by different carbon materials, such as reduced graphene oxide, activated charcoal, graphite, and fullerene. Nanostructured Mo‐based catalysts with different phase compositions were prepared by using the carbothermal hydrogen reduction method at temperatures ranging from 500 to 700 °C and characterized by Raman spectroscopy, N2 adsorption isotherms, SEM, TEM, XRD, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and ammonia temperature‐programmed desorption. The highest total hydrocarbon yield of 90.32 % was obtained on the reduced graphene oxide‐supported molybdenum carbide catalyst at 700 °C. These results are subject to the complicated effect of different factors such as phase composition, defect concentration, and particle size on the catalytic behavior of the materials. Unique structures of different supports also play a significant role in the HDO reaction. On the basis of the results of comprehensive analysis of products and catalysts, an HDO mechanism was proposed. These Mo‐based catalysts are a promising system to prepare high‐quality diesel fuels from renewable resources.
Safe Transport of Acrylic Acid in Railroad Tank Cars. Part 1: Determination of the Self‐Accelerating Decomposition Temperature
Authors: Krause Gerhard , Wehrstedt Klaus‐Dieter , Malow Marcus , Budde Klaus , Mosler Jürgen
Published: August 2014

Experiments according to a test specified in the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Manual of Tests and Criteria, and numerical simulations by means of a finite element method are employed to determine the self‐accelerating decomposition temperature of acrylic acid in a railroad tank car. The results demonstrate that the transport of acrylic acid in big tank cars is safe as long as some basic conditions are taken into account.
Structure–Performance Correlation of Nanocellulose‐Based Polymer Electrolytes for Efficient Quasi‐solid DSSCs
Authors: Chiappone Annalisa , Bella Federico , Nair Jijeesh R. , Meligrana Giuseppina , Bongiovanni Roberta , Gerbaldi Claudio
Published: August 2014

Invited for this month′s cover is the work of Dr. C. Gerbaldi and co‐workers at Politecnico di Torino (Italy), in collaboration with the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia. The cover image indicates the use of natural cellulose to improve photon uptake in quasi‐solid dye‐sensitized solar cells. The authors’ tag‐line is “back to cellulose for a sustainable futuristic energy ecosystem supply”. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/celc.201402051.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ag8(Ge1−x,Snx)(S6−y,Sey) Colloidal Nanocrystals
Authors: Zhou Bin , Xing Yedi , Miao Shu , Li Mingrun , Zhang Wen‐Hua , Li Can
Published: August 2014

A facile colloidal approach to synthesize Ag8(Ge1−x,Snx)(S6−y,Sey) nanocrystals (NCs) in a highly controlled way across the entire compositional ranges (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤6) has been developed. The NCs exhibit a uniform size distribution, highly crystalline structure, over 1 g scalable synthesis, and tunable band gaps in the range of 0.88–1.45 eV by varying their chemical compositions. The Ag8GeS6 NCs with a band gap of approximately 1.45 eV were employed as a model light harvester to assess their applicability in solar cells by a full solution‐processing device, yielding an efficiency of 0.28 % under AM1.5 illumination, demonstrating their application potential in solar energy utilization.
An Efficient Rose Bengal Based Nanoplatform for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Gianotti Enrica , Martins Estevão Bianca , Cucinotta Fabio , Hioka Noboru , Rizzi Manuela , Renò Filippo , Marchese Leonardo
Published: August 2014

Organically modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) containing rose bengal (RB), a xanthene dye, were successfully synthesized. RB‐modified MSNs have shown a relevant photostability and a high efficiency in the photoproduction and delivery of singlet oxygen (1O2), which is particularly promising for photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications. In vitro tests have evidenced that RB‐MSNs are able to reduce cell proliferation in one of the most aggressive skin cancer types (SK‐MEL‐28) after green‐light irradiation.
IgA kappa/IgA lambda heavy/light chain assessment in the management of patients with IgA myeloma
Authors: Boyle Eileen M. , Fouquet Guillemette , Guidez Stéphanie , Bonnet Sarah , Demarquette Helene , Dulery Remy , Herbaux Charles , Noel Marie Pierre , Manier Salomon , Schraen Suzanna , Onraed Brigitte , Faucompré Jean‐Luc , Hennache Bernadette , Petillon Marie Odile , Mathiot Claire , Avet‐Loiseau Herve , Facon Thierry , Harding Stephen J. , Moreau Philippe , Leleu Xavier
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Accurate quantification of immunoglobulin A (IgA) monoclonal immunoglobulins by serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) can be difficult and can impact the assessment of response among patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Therefore, there is a need to identify new assays that better reflect disease burden and response to treatment, and correlate with patient outcome. IgA Hevylite (HLC) measures IgA kappa and IgA lambda separately and provides precise quantitative measurements of the monoclonal IgA expression and polyclonal‐isotype matched suppression. In the current study, the authors assessed the usefulness of these assays in the diagnosis of IgA MM and sought to comment on the prognostic value of the assays.

METHODS

A study of 157 patients with IgA MM for whom diagnostic samples were available was performed. HLC measurements were performed on a nephelometer and the results were compared with those of electrophoresis.

RESULTS

All presentation sera (100 IgA kappa specimens and 57 IgA lambda specimens) were found to have abnormal IgA HLC ratios (IgA kappa median ratio: 336.2 [range, 8.2‐7353] and IgA lambda ratio: 0.011 [range, 0.0003‐0.45]). In comparison, SPEP bands were quantifiable in only 105 of 157 samples (67%) (median, 28.5 g/L [range, 2.2 g/L‐98 g/L]). Of the total of 157 patients, 12 patients (8%) presented with oligosecretory myeloma (<10 g/L; including 4 patients with nonquantifiable SPEP bands). HLC uniquely allows for the measurement of isotype paired suppression, which was found to be associated with shortened overall survival in the current study.

CONCLUSIONS

In the current study, IgA HLC ratios were found to be abnormal in all patients and the assay was able to produce quantifiable results in more MM sera than either SPEP or total IgA, potentially representing a solution to the issue of comigration and oligosecretory MM. These preliminary data require confirmation in larger prospective trials to validate the usefulness of IgA HLC. Cancer 2014;120:3952–3957. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Locked‐in Biomimetic Surface Gradients that are Tunable in Size, Density and Functionalization
Authors: Krabbenborg Sven O. , van Weerd Jasper , Karperien Marcel , Jonkheijm Pascal , Huskens Jurriaan
Published: August 2014

Tuneable and stable surface‐chemical gradients in supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) hold great promise for a range of applications in biological sensing and screening. Yet, until now, no method has been reported that provides temporal control of SLB gradients. Herein we report on the development of locked‐in SLB gradients that can be tuned in space, time and density by applying a process to control lipid phase behaviour, electric field and temperature. Stable gradients of charged Texas‐Red‐, serine‐ or biotin‐terminated lipids have been prepared. For example, the Texas‐Red surface density was varied from 0 to 2 mol %, while the length was varied between several tens to several hundreds of microns. At room temperature the gradients are shown to be stable up to 24 h, while at 60 °C the gradients could be erased in 30 min. Covalent and non‐covalent chemical modification of the gradients is demonstrated, for example, by FITC, hexahistidine‐tagged proteins, and SAv/biotin. The amenability to various (bio)chemistries paves the way for novel SLB‐based gradients, useful in sensing, high‐throughput screening and for understanding dynamic biological processes.
Synthesis of Cross‐Linked Glycopeptides and Ureas by a Mechanochemical, Solvent‐Free Reaction and Determination of Their Structural Properties by TEM and X‐ray Crystallography
Authors: Kumar Vajinder , Giri Santosh Kumar , Venugopalan Paloth , Kartha K. P. Ravindranathan
Published: August 2014

A highly efficient and cost‐effective green method for the synthesis of complex glycopeptides and ureas mediated by carbonyl diimidazole under solvent‐free conditions is reported. The reactions could be performed conveniently in a planetary ball mill by dry grinding, and the isolation of the novel sugar derivatives thus produced could be very efficiently achieved by size exclusion chromatography with environmentally benign substances. A diacetone galactose based diamide, upon crystallization, could be examined by X‐ray crystallography and was found to possess a heart‐shaped structure. Although the 4‐aminophenyl galactoside based diamide synthesized formed spherical particles, the alanine‐based diamide formed nanofilamentous/‐tubular structures as analyzed by TEM imaging.
Double Br sources fabrication and photocatalytic property of p‐n junction BiOBr/ZnO composites for phenol removal
Authors: Duo Fangfang , Wang Yawen , Mao Xiaoming , Fan Caimei , Zhang Hui
Published: August 2014

P‐n junction BiOBr/ZnO composites were prepared by a facile solvothermal process with double Br sources of CTAB and KBr. The samples were characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, DRS, BET and PL. The BiOBr/ZnO composites exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than single BiOBr and ZnO for the degradation of phenol under simulated sunlight irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of BiOBr/ZnO composites could be mainly ascribed to the high‐efficiency separation of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs through BiOBr/ZnO p‐n junction. The reaction mechanism for the removal of phenol was also discussed. Hole and ·OH were the main reactive species. Moreover, the influence of disparate ratios of double Br sources to BiOBr/ZnO composites was also investigated. The results indicated that the BiOBr/ZnO composites prepared by double Br sources showed better photocatalytic activities than the sample prepared by single Br source.
Redox‐Initiated Hydrogel System for Detection and Real‐Time Imaging of Cellulolytic Enzyme Activity
Authors: Malinowska Klara H. , Verdorfer Tobias , Meinhold Aylin , Milles Lukas F. , Funk Victor , Gaub Hermann E. , Nash Michael A.
Published: August 2014

Understanding the process of biomass degradation by cellulolytic enzymes is of urgent importance for biofuel and chemical production. Optimizing pretreatment conditions and improving enzyme formulations both require assays to quantify saccharification products on solid substrates. Typically, such assays are performed using freely diffusing fluorophores or dyes that measure reducing polysaccharide chain ends. These methods have thus far not allowed spatial localization of hydrolysis activity to specific substrate locations with identifiable morphological features. Here we describe a hydrogel reagent signaling (HyReS) system that amplifies saccharification products and initiates crosslinking of a hydrogel that localizes to locations of cellulose hydrolysis, allowing for imaging of the degradation process in real time. Optical detection of the gel in a rapid parallel format on synthetic and natural pretreated solid substrates was used to quantify activity of T. emersonii and T. reesei enzyme cocktails. When combined with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and AFM imaging, the reagent system provided a means to visualize enzyme activity in real‐time with high spatial resolution (<2 μm). These results demonstrate the versatility of the HyReS system in detecting cellulolytic enzyme activity and suggest new opportunities in real‐time chemical imaging of biomass depolymerization.
Development of Biosensor for Catechol Using Electrosynthesized Poly(3‐methylthiophene) and Incorporation of LAC Simultaneously
Authors: Sethuraman V. , Muthuraja P. , Sethupathy M. , Manisankar P.
Published: August 2014

Simultaneous electropolymerization of 3‐methylthiophene and incorporation of Laccase (LAC) was carried out in the presence of propylene carbonate as a medium by amperometric method. This enzyme modified electrode was used for the sensing of polyphenol. Catechol is taken as a model compound for the study. UV‐Vis spectral studies suggest no denaturation of LAC in presence of propylene carbonate. The SEM studies reveal the surface morphology and incorporation of LAC in P3MT with agglomerated flaky masses are observed in with and without enzyme micrographs. The cyclic voltammograms were recorded for 0.01 mM catechol on plain glassy carbon, polymer and enzyme incorporated electrodes at pH 6.0 and scan rate 50 mV s−1. The fabricated electrochemical biosensor was used for the determination of catechol in aqueous solution by Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) technique. The concentration linear range of 8×10−8 to 1.4×10−5 M a value of MichealisMenten constant Km=7.67 µmol dm−3 and activation energy is 32.75 kJ mol−1. It retains 83 % of the original activity after 60 days which is much higher than that of other biosensors. The developed biosensor was used to quantify catechol in the determination in real samples.
Electrochemical Detection of Sulfanilamide Using Pencil Graphite Electrode Based on Molecular Imprinting Technology
Authors: Tadi Kiran Kumar , Motghare R. V. , Ganesh V.
Published: August 2014

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for sulfanilamide (SN) sensing is prepared through in‐situ electropolymerization of pyrrole (Py) on pencil graphite electrode (PGE). Computational study using density functional theory with B3LYP level is performed to analyze and evaluate the template‐monomer geometry. Among the various functional monomers studied pyrrole is found to have the highest binding interaction energy with SN and it is chosen as a functional monomer. Electropolymerization of pyrrole in the presence of SN on PGE is carried out using cyclic voltammetry. Structural morphology of the imprinted polymer is characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) studies. Quantitative measurements of MIP based SN detection are performed by using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry studies. Several important kinetic parameters influencing the performance of SN sensor such as limit of detection, linear concentration range and sensitivity etc. are determined and analyzed. Under the optimized conditions, MIP based SN sensor proposed in this work has a very low detection limit of 2.0×10−8 M (S/N=3) and possesses two linear ranges from 5.0×10−8 to 1.1×10−6 M and 1.1×10−6 to 48×10−6 M with a sensitivity value of 1.158 and 0.012 µA/µM respectively. This particular sensor shows a good selectivity towards SN in presence of potential other structural analogue interferences namely sulfamethaxazole, sulfathiazole and sulfadiazine. Furthermore, the fabricated sensor is successfully applied to quantitatively determine and analyze SN present in spiked human serum and ground water samples.
Improving complex kinship analyses with additional STR loci
Authors: Carboni Ilaria , Iozzi Sara , Nutini Anna Lucia , Torricelli Francesca , Ricci Ugo
Published: August 2014

In a standard paternity testing, mother, child, and alleged father are analyzed with STR markers using commercially available kits. Since Italian civil legislation does not have thresholds to confirm a paternity, paternity is practically proven when likelihood ratio increases prior probability of paternity to posterior, accepted by court as sufficient. However, in some cases the number of markers included in a commercial kit may be insufficient to conclusively prove or disprove a relationship between individuals, especially when complex family scenarios are suspected or indirect analyses are required. Additional genetic information can increase the values of the likelihood ratio regarding the detection of true parental relationships in a pedigree, while reducing the chances of false attributions (e.g. false paternities). In these cases the introduction of a 26Plex amplification system allows to examine 23–26 additional markers depending on the commercial kit used, thus increasing the statistical power of the kinship analysis. The PCR conditions were optimized for a multiplex amplification system and a new generation CE instrument. In order to demonstrate the utility of additional STRs markers, four complex kinship cases are presented.
Test Score Equating Using Discrete Anchor Items Versus Passage‐Based Anchor Items: A Case Study Using SAT® Data
Authors: Liu Jinghua , Zu Jiyun , Curley Edward , Carey Jill
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of discrete anchor items versus passage‐based anchor items on observed score equating using empirical data. This study compares an SAT® critical reading anchor that contains more discrete items proportionally, compared to the total tests to be equated, to another anchor that contains fewer discrete items and more passage‐based items proportionally. Both of these anchors were administered in an SAT administration. The impact of anchor type on equating was evaluated with respect to equating bias. The results clearly reveal that the anchor with more discrete items almost always leads to more accurate equating functions than does the anchor with more passage‐based items.
A Generalization of Pythagoras's Theorem and Application to Explanations of Variance Contributions in Linear Models
Authors: Carlson James E.
Published: August 2014

Many aspects of the geometry of linear statistical models and least squares estimation are well known. Discussions of the geometry may be found in many sources. Some aspects of the geometry relating to the partitioning of variation that can be explained using a little‐known theorem of Pappus and have not been discussed previously are the topic of this report. I discuss, using the theorem, how geometric explanation helps us understand issues relating to contributions of independent variables to explanation of variance in a dependent variable. A particular concern that the theorem helps explain involves nonorthogonal linear models including correlated regressors and analysis of variance.
The role of postnatal neurogenesis in supporting remote memory and spatial metric processing
Authors: Kesner Raymond P. , Hui Xu , Sommer Taylor , Wright Casey , Barrera Vanessa R. , Fanselow Michael S.
Published: August 2014

In this study, we determined the contribution of juvenile neurogenesis to the performance of mice on a remote memory for temporally based association task and in a novelty based spatial pattern separation task. This was accomplished by mating homozygous DNMT1‐loxP mice with heterozygous GFAP‐Cre mice and comparing Cre+ (no postnatal neurogenesis) to Cre− (wild type) littermate offspring. The results indicate that Cre+ mice are impaired relative to Cre− mice in the remote memory for a temporal based association task and in a novelty based spatial pattern separation task. These results support the temporal integration model of Aimone et al., [(2006) Nat Neurosci 9:723–727] and provide further support for an important role for postnatally born neurons in spatial pattern separation. In contrast, Cre+ mice are not impaired relative to Cre− mice in an object‐context recognition task and a spatial location recognition task. These latter data suggest that postnatally derived neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) do not support all spatial and object recognition functions of the DG. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The use of plasma exchange in Hashimoto's encephalopathy: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Cook Melissa K. , Malkin Mark , Karafin Matthew S.
Published: August 2014

Hashimoto's Encephalopathy (HE) is a very rare condition characterized by psychosis, seizures, cognitive fluctuations, and myoclonus. In a few published cases, plasma exchange has been used due to the theoretical removal of antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti‐TPO), one of the postulated causes of the condition. We report a case of HE treated by plasma exchange where no clinical or neurophysiologic improvement was observed despite documented reduction of the anti‐TPO antibody to levels below the limits of laboratory detection. We discuss these findings in the context of the known literature for this disease process. J. Clin. Apheresis 30:188–192, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increasing trends in heavy rain during the warm season in eastern Japan and its relation to moisture variation and topographic convergence
Authors: Iwasaki Hiroyuki
Published: August 2014

Using 34 years of hourly observational data collected from 1976 to 2009, the frequency of hourly heavy‐rain events during the warm season in eastern Japan was studied. A significant regional trend of heavy rain was not recognized over the area as a whole; however, stations with increasing trends in heavy rain were detected when daytime convergences towards the central mountains were strong. These stations were concentrated in a mesoscale region at the southern foot of the mountains in the northern Kanto district. In addition, the surface‐specific humidity (qsfc) in the mountainous region nearby also displayed an increasing trend, which was correlated with the increasing frequency of hourly heavy‐rain events. It is thought that the mechanism driving the recent increasing trend in heavy rain is an increase in qsfc in the mountainous region under the conditions that mesoscale convergence of surface winds developed.
Effect of genetic and climatic variability on the metabolic profiles of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) seeds and sprouts
Authors: Na Jom Kriskamol , Chanput Wasaporn , Ngampongsai Sumana
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Black gram is becoming increasingly of interest for consumers worldwide. The metabolomics have been conducted to reflect the life history of each individual plant. The metabolic pattern of black gram seeds and sprouts was profiled to investigate genetic and climatic influences on a broad range of chemical constituents.

RESULTS

Distinct differences in metabolite profiles among three black gram varieties for both intact seeds and sprouts were observed. The differential impact of climate on metabolite profiles of the variety Chai Nat 80 during both dry and rainy seasons was investigated. Univariate statistical analysis demonstrated that greater maturity due to adequate moisture in the rainy season led to a higher content of nutritionally relevant polar metabolites, whereas the dry season resulted in a high relative amount of storage lipid because of immaturity due to insufficient rain and water supply.

CONCLUSION

The investigation confirmed the potential of metabolite profiling to assist in breeding and farming practices. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Guidelines for lymphoscintigraphy and F18 FDG PET scans in Melanoma
Authors: Uren Roger F. , Howman‐Giles Robert , Chung David , Thompson John F.
Published: August 2014

Melanoma has a high potential to develop metastases. Accurate staging is essential for appropriate management. Sentinel node (SN) status is a powerful prognostic factor in early stage melanoma. Staging is assisted by SN biopsy after lymphoscintigraphy to locate all true SNs prior to biopsy. PET using F18‐FDG can detect metastases and is used to restage patients with AJCC Stages III and IV disease before planning surgery with curative intent. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:405–419. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Community melanoma research: From start up to follow up
Authors: Beitsch Peter , Huber Tiffany
Published: August 2014

Most surgical oncologists receive exposure to clinical studies in their fellowships; however they receive little if any practical knowledge as to how to become a clinical researcher. This article will provide a broad introduction to setting up a community based surgical oncology research program with emphasis on the practical issues necessary to be successful. Topics to be discussed include choosing appropriate studies, setting up the team, IRB issues, financial concerns, helpful hints for enrolling patients, and much more. Getting a program going can seem daunting but ultimately will be very rewarding for both the surgeon and their patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:447–451. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current and planned multicenter trials for patients with primary or metastatic melanoma
Authors: Sondak Vernon K. , Han Dale , Deneve Jeremiah , Kudchadkar Ragini
Published: August 2014

Multicenter clinical trials have established new standards of care in the surgical and medical management of malignant melanoma. They have led to the testing of new therapies and improved outcomes for patients with loco‐regional and distant disease. Many pressing questions remain, however, and additional multicenter trials are currently underway to address them. The purpose of this review is to summarize relevant ongoing and planned multicenter trials that have and continue to define current melanoma management. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:430–437. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence‐based treatment of early‐stage melanoma
Authors: Ross Merrick I. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E.
Published: August 2014

The vast majority of patients with newly diagnosed melanoma are “early‐stage” ‐ ie, clinically localized to the primary cutaneous site. For such patients, surgery represents the mainstay of treatment; current standards of surgical management have evolved based on evidence obtained from randomized trials, large multi‐center and single institutional databases, and consensus panels. Treatment strategies include wide excision of the primary site with margins dictated by important biological features such as Breslow tumor thickness, and sentinel node biopsy to surgically evaluate the regional nodal basins at risk. Sentinel node biopsy has become an important component of the initial management of many of these patients for accurate staging of regional lymph nodes, as well as enhanced regional disease control and improved survival in the patients with microscopically involved nodes. Evidence is presented that supports the rational use of these surgical strategies and reconciles some of the controversies that have emerged. The degree to which established national treatment guidelines are followed and the consequences of non‐compliance with these guidelines have become the focus of recent clinical investigations; results of these efforts are also discussed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:341–353. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrasound assessment of lymph nodes in the management of early‐stage melanoma
Authors: Thompson John F. , Haydu Lauren E. , Sanki Amira , Uren Roger F.
Published: August 2014

It has been suggested that ultrasound examination of regional lymph nodes provides staging and prognostic information that is as accurate as sentinel node biopsy in patients who present with cutaneous melanoma. However, in most studies the sensitivity of ultrasound in detecting nodal metastasis has been low (23% in a recent large series). For the present, sentinel node biopsy remains the most accurate method of regional node staging in patients with newly diagnosed melanoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:354–360. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Systemic treatment of metastatic melanoma: New approaches
Authors: Hamid Omid , Boasberg Peter D. , Rosenthal Katherine , O'Day Steven J.
Published: August 2014

The field of melanoma therapeutics has experienced a dramatic paradigm shift over the last 12 months through recent discoveries of novel therapeutics targeting known oncogenes and immunotherapeutic antibodies. In this article, we review these findings and provide a framework to understand these discoveries, their significance in melanoma therapy, and role in clinical care. As this understanding grows, enduring therapeutic success may be achieved through tailored use of molecular markers and immunotherapies in sequential or combinatorial methods. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:425–429. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analyte zone sharpening in pressurized capillary electrochromatography based on electrophoretic migration under a heterogeneous field
Authors: Kitagawa Shinya , Buno Hiroki , Sakabe Koichi , Nakagawa Hiroyuki , Ohtani Hajime
Published: August 2014

Significant peak width reductions, or peak height enhancements, of angiotensins were observed when a high voltage was applied to hydrophilic interaction pressurized capillary electrochromatography using gradient elution with mobile phases containing perchloric acid. The investigation using a contactless conductivity detector revealed that perchloric acid was adsorbed on the surface of the stationary phase, when the acetonitrile content in the mobile phase was high, and released from the stationary phase by increasing the water content during a gradient procedure. The released perchloric acid formed a highly concentrated zone moving from the column inlet to the outlet. The electrochromatographic behavior of the analytes, primarily electrophoretic migration, was changed in this zone. As a consequence of the significant variation in migration velocity of the analytes, the sample band width was reduced similar fashion to on‐capillary concentration in capillary electrophoresis. Using this result, the reduction of band width and enhancement in separation efficiency was demonstrated in reversed‐phase pressurized electrochromatography, in which the conductivity of the mobile phase was significantly altered using a step gradient. The resolution between benzoic acid and 1‐naphthalene sulfonic acid was successfully improved from 2.7 to 4.3 by using the band width reduction method based on field‐amplified stacking.
The influence of copper in ash deposits on the corrosion of boiler tube alloys for waste‐to‐energy plants
Authors: Galetz M. C. , Bauer J. T. , Schütze M. , Noguchi M. , Takatoh C. , Cho H.
Published: August 2014

Previous laboratory studies reported in the literature and field experience have revealed the accelerating effect of the heavy metals lead and zinc on the corrosion behaviour of materials used in waste incineration plants. The major problem is that heavy metal containing chloride and sulphate salts usually have relatively low melting points, often below the metal temperature of the boiler surfaces. While the negative influence of lead and zinc is well‐known, copper is another heavy metal that can occur in high amounts of up to 2000 mg/kg in refuse‐derived fuel, which is the fuel produced by shredding and dehydrating solid municipal waste that is burned in modern waste‐to‐energy plants. The impact of copper additions on the corrosion behaviour of one iron‐based austenitic alloy 1.4952 and three nickel‐based alloys 2.4856 (alloy 625), 2.4633 (alloy 602 CA), 2.4605 (alloy 59), which are often used in waste incineration plants was investigated. The results of these studies clearly show the strong corrosive effect of copper content in salt mixtures on the corrosion of steels and nickel‐based alloys.
The effect of surface pre‐treatments on corrosion behavior of cerium‐based conversion coatings on Al 7075‐T6
Authors: Danaee I. , Zamanizadeh H. R. , Fallahi M. , Lotfi B.
Published: August 2014

Cerium‐based conversion coatings were deposited on Al 7075‐T6 and characterized to determine the effect of different surface pre‐treatments on the corrosion rate and surface morphology. The methods of potentiodynamic polarization and scanning electron microscopy were employed. The experimental results suggest that cerium‐based conversion coating is corrosion resistant in NaCl solution. Corrosion current decreased with alkaline cleaning and acid activation of aluminum surface before cerium oxide deposition. Alkaline cleaning and activation improved deposition of cerium‐based conversion coatings compared to only alkaline cleaning. Analysis of the surface morphology of the coatings showed that the coatings deposited on the alkaline cleaning and acid treated panels exhibited lower visible cracks compared to coatings on only alkaline cleaned panels.
Challenges and Solutions for Joining Polymer Materials
Authors: Jin Xin , Heepe Lars , Strueben Jan , Adelung Rainer , Gorb Stanislav N. , Staubitz Anne
Published: August 2014

The different mechanisms contributing to adhesion between two polymer surfaces are summarized and described in individual examples, which represent either seminal works in the field of adhesion science or novel approaches to achieve polymer–polymer adhesion. A further objective of this article is the development of new methodologies to achieve strong adhesion between low surface energy polymers.

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Flow‐compensated intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion imaging
Authors: Wetscherek Andreas , Stieltjes Bram , Laun Frederik Bernd
Published: August 2014

Purpose

The pseudo‐diffusion coefficient D* in intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging was found difficult to seize. Flow‐compensated diffusion gradients were used to test the validity of the commonly assumed biexponential limit and to determine not only D*, but also characteristic timescale τ and velocity v of the incoherent motion.

Theory and Methods

Bipolar and flow‐compensated diffusion gradients were inserted into a flow‐compensated single‐shot EPI sequence. Images were obtained from a pipe‐shaped flow phantom and from healthy volunteers. To calculate the IVIM signal outside the biexponential limit, a formalism based on normalized phase distributions was developed.

Results

The flow‐compensated diffusion gradients caused less signal attenuation than the bipolar ones. A signal dependence on the duration of the flow‐compensated gradients was found at low b‐values in the volunteer datasets. The characteristic IVIM parameters were estimated to be v = 4.60 ± 0.34 mm/s and τ = 144 ± 10 ms for liver and v = 3.91 ± 0.54 mm/s and τ = 224 ± 47 ms for pancreas.

Conclusion

Our results strongly indicate that the biexponential limit does not adequately model the diffusion signal in liver and pancreas. By using both bipolar and flow‐compensated diffusion gradients of different duration, the characteristic timescale and velocity of the incoherent motion can be determined. Magn Reson Med 74:410–419, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The inf‐sup constant for the divergence on corner domains
Authors: Costabel Martin , Crouzeix Michel , Dauge Monique , Lafranche Yvon
Published: August 2014

The inf‐sup constant for the divergence, or LBB constant, is related to the Cosserat spectrum. It has been known for a long time that on nonsmooth domains the Cosserat operator has a nontrivial essential spectrum, which can be used to bound the LBB constant from above. We prove that the essential spectrum on a plane polygon consists of an interval related to the corner angles and that on three‐dimensional domains with edges, the essential spectrum contains such an interval. We obtain some numerical evidence for the extent of the essential spectrum on domains with axisymmetric conical points by computing the roots of explicitly given holomorphic functions related to the corner Mellin symbol. Using finite element discretizations of the Stokes problem, we present numerical results pertaining to the question of the existence of eigenvalues below the essential spectrum on rectangles and cuboids. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 439–458, 2015
Simulation of percolation threshold and electrical conductivity in composites filled with conductive particles: Effect of polydisperse particle size distribution
Authors: Arenhart R.G. , Barra G.M.O. , Fernandes C.P.
Published: August 2014

A Monte Carlo simulation method was developed in the open source programing language Python to predict the conductive filler concentration at the percolation threshold and the electrical conductivity for different filler concentrations in electrically conductive composites (ECCs) with fiber‐like conductive fillers. The computer method was programmed to consider the aspect ratio distribution of the fibers or a single average aspect ratio for the determination of the percolation threshold. The results for the two cases were compared to values reported in the literature for liquid crystal polymers (LCP) with synthetic graphite (SG) and to results obtained experimentally for polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with polypyrrole (PPy)‐coated amorphous silica fibers (ASF). Additionally, a contact resistance based on the tunneling effects principle was used to predict the electrical conductivity, and the results of the simulations were compared to the experimental data for the same ECCS. It was found that the percolation thresholds predicted through the simulations considering the aspect ratio distribution were within the concentration limits associated with the transition from electrical insulation to conductivity, while the electrical conductivity predictions had similar behavior to the experimental data, although the values were of different magnitudes. POLYM. COMPOS., 61–69, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Optically transparent polycarbonate/clay nanocomposites with improved performance using phosphonium modified organoclay: Preparation and characterizations
Authors: Suin Supratim , Shrivastava Nilesh K. , Maiti Sandip , Khatua Bhanu B.
Published: August 2014

The present work focuses on the morphology and properties of polycarbonate (PC)/clay nanocomposites prepared through melt blending and solution blending at two different loadings of organoclay (0.5 and 1 phr). The oraganoclay was prepared by incorporating thermally 2‐oxopropyl triphenyl phosphonium ion (OTPP) into the clay gallery with an intention to preserve the optical transparency of PC in the PC/clay nanocomposites. An increase in gallery height from 1.24 to 1.86 nm along with the extraordinary thermal stability (∼1.34% wt loss at 280°C, after 20 min) of the OTPP modified montmorillonite (OTPP‐MMT) made it suitable for retention of optical transparency of PC and delamination of the clay platelets in the nanocomposites. The morphological analysis revealed that the clay platelets were randomly dispersed into the PC matrix. An increase in glass transition temperature (Tg) as well as thermal stability of the PC in the nanocomposites was evident from thermal analysis. The strength and modulus of PC increased extensively with increase in OTPP‐MMT loading in the nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were found to retain optical transparency of PC without generation of any color in both the blending technique. POLYM. COMPOS., 199–212, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Clinical Pharmacy Should Adopt a Consistent Process of Direct Patient Care
Authors: Harris Ila M. , Phillips Beth , Boyce Eric , Griesbach Sara , Hope Charlene , Sanoski Cynthia , Sokos Denise , Wargo Kurt
Published: August 2014

Although the application of a consistent process of care serves as a foundational principle for most health care professions, this is not true for the discipline of clinical pharmacy. Without an explicit, reproducible process of care, it is not possible to demonstrate to patients, caregivers, or health professionals the ways in which the clinical pharmacist can reliably contribute to improved medication‐related outcomes. A consistent patient care process should describe the key steps that all clinical pharmacists will follow when they encounter a patient, regardless of the type of practice, the clinical setting, or the medical conditions or medications involved. Four essential elements serve as the cornerstones of the clinical pharmacist's patient care process: assess the patient and his or her medication therapy, develop a plan of care, implement the plan, and evaluate the outcomes of the plan. Despite the fact that several processes of care have been advocated for clinical pharmacists, none has been adopted by the clinical pharmacy discipline. In addition, numerous publications evaluate outcomes related to clinical pharmacy services, but it is difficult to determine what process of patient care was used in most of these studies. In our view, a consistent process of direct patient care that includes the four essential elements should be adopted by the clinical pharmacy discipline. This process should be clear, straightforward and intuitive, readily documentable, and applicable to all practice settings. Once adopted, the process should be implemented across practice settings, taught in professional degree programs, integrated into students’ clinical rotations, refined during residency training, and used as a foundation for future large‐scale studies to rigorously study the effects of the clinical pharmacist on patients’ medication‐related outcomes.
Blood pressure monitoring in psychiatric inpatients with bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Kelbrick Marlene , Abdaldayim Saydah
Published: August 2014

People with bipolar affective disorder are at increased risk of hypertension, but cardiovascular health screening practices in mental health services are inconsistent and often sub‐optimal. Here, the authors describe their audit to identify adults with bipolar affective disorder and comorbid hypertension in an acute psychiatric inpatient unit, and to establish the unit's level of compliance with local and national guidelines with regard to blood pressure monitoring.
A case of inappropriate sexual behaviour in mixed dementia
Authors: Gomes‐Pinto Alister
Published: August 2014

There is currently no first‐line psychotropic indicated in the management of inappropriate sexual behaviours in dementia (ISBD). This case report highlights the treatment of a patient with mixed dementia, who developed significant ISBD symptoms which resolved upon commencing a popular SSRI. The authors include an evidence‐based summary of other medications which have demonstrated some success in reducing ISBDs.
Reduction in self‐harming behaviour after zuclopenthixol decanoate
Authors: Javed Qaiser , Chorghade Amit , Javed Sarwat , Pervez Yusuf
Published: August 2014

No psychotropic drug is specifically licensed for the management of emotionally unstable borderline personality disorder. Prescribing ‘off‐label’ places additional responsibilities on the prescriber and may increase liability if there are adverse effects. This case report describes a patient with borderline personality disorder who was started on zuclopenthixol decanoate with successful outcome in terms of reducing self‐harming behaviour and impulsivity.
Providing care to a child with cancer: a longitudinal study on the course, predictors, and impact of caregiving stress during the first year after diagnosis
Authors: Sulkers Esther , Tissing Wim J. E. , Brinksma Aeltsje , Roodbol Petrie F. , Kamps Willem A. , Stewart Roy E. , Sanderman Robbert , Fleer Joke
Published: August 2014

Objective

This study investigated the course, predictors, and impact of caregiving stress on the functioning of primary caregivers of children with cancer during the first year after a child's cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Primary caregivers (N = 95, 100% mother, 86% response rate) of consecutive newly diagnosed paediatric cancer patients (0–18 years) completed measures of caregiving stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and self‐reported health at diagnosis, and 3, 6, and 12 months thereafter.

Results

Results indicated a significant decrease in caregiving stress (especially during the first 3 months after diagnosis). Caregiving stress was predicted by single marital status and the ill child being the mother's only child. Multilevel analyses, controlled for socio‐demographic and medical covariates, showed that, over time, the decline in caregiving stress was accompanied by a reduction in depressive symptoms and anxiety. The amount of variance explained by caregiving stress was 53% for depressive symptoms, 47% for anxiety, and 3% for self‐reported health.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that caregiving stress is an important factor in understanding parental adjustment to childhood cancer. This offers possibilities for developing interventions aimed at preventing caregiving stress, and strengthening mothers' confidence in their ability to provide good care. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transportation behaviour of fluopicolide and its control effect against Phytophthora capsici in greenhouse tomatoes after soil application
Authors: Jiang Lili , Wang Hongyan , Xu Hui , Qiao Kang , Xia Xiaoming , Wang Kaiyun
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Fluopicolide, a novel benzamide fungicide, was registered for control of oomycete pathogens, including Phytophthora capsici. In this study, fluopicolide (5% SC) was applied in soil at rates of 1.5, 3 and 6 L ha−1 [the normal (ND), double (DD) and quadruple dosages (QD) respectively] to investigate its transportation behaviour and control efficiency on tomato blight as a soil treatment agent.

RESULTS

The results showed that fluopicolide applied to soil could be absorbed by tomato roots and then transplanted to stems and leaves. It could exist in tomato roots for more than 30 days, and in leaves and stems until day 20 after application. The decline in fluopicolide in soil was in accordance with a first‐order dynamics equation, with half‐lives of 5.33, 4.75 and 5.42 days for the ND, DD and QD treatments respectively. The control efficiencies of fluopicolide were better with soil application than with spraying application, and the inhibition ratios were 93.02, 97.67 and 100 on day 21 for the ND, DD and QD treatments respectively.

CONCLUSION

Soil application of fluopicolide could control P. capsici in greenhouse tomatoes with high efficiency and long persistence. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry