bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insight into industrial PLA aging process by complementary use of rheology, HPLC, and MALDI
Authors: Dopico‐García Sonia , Ares‐Pernas Ana , Otero‐Canabal Jorge , Castro‐López Mar , López‐Vilariño José M. , González‐Rodríguez Victoria , Abad‐López María J.
Published: May 2013

Nowadays, there is a growing availability of biodegradable industrial materials intended to food contact applications whose service life behavior needs to be further investigated. This article is focused on the degradation of two materials based on polylactic acid. The correlation between the rate of degradation and the amount of trapped degradation products was investigated applying three characterization techniques in parallel, namely rheology, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). The rate of degradation was studied through the evaluation of their rheological properties and calculation of the number of average molecular weights, and weight‐average molecular weights. Water‐soluble oligomers and lactic acid were quantified by HPLC‐ultraviolet. Changes in cyclic and linear oligomers were monitored by MALDI‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Specimens of 4‐mm thickness of each biopolymer were subjected to hydrolysis in deionized water up to 6 months at two temperatures, simulating service conditions of food packaging. The diminution in viscosity and consequently in molecular weight distribution (20–60%) showed the degradation of the molecular structure of both polylactic acids. The chain scission was followed through the increasing values of lactic acid and hydrolyzed oligomers (twofold to eightfold), and the predominant signal of the linear oligomers over the cyclic ones with aging. Rheology, HPLC, and MALDI showed to be complementary tools to better understand the changes in the molecular structure. The obtained results showed the necessity of adding suitable stabilizers for each particular food packaging application. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐country rapid adverse drug event assessment: the Asian Pharmacoepidemiology Network (AsPEN) antipsychotic and acute hyperglycaemia study
Authors: Pratt Nicole , Andersen Morten , Bergman Ulf , Choi Nam‐Kyong , Gerhard Tobias , Huang Cecilia , Kimura Michio , Kimura Tomomi , Kubota Kiyoshi , Lai Edward Chia‐Cheng , Ooba Nobuhiro , Ösby Urban , Park Byung‐Joo , Sato Tsugumichi , Shin Ju‐Young , Sundström Anders , Yang Yea‐Huei Kao , Roughead Elizabeth E
Published: May 2013

Purpose

To undertake a multi‐country study to investigate the risk of acute hyperglycaemia with antipsychotic use.

Methods

Using a distributed network model with a common minimal data set, we performed a prescription sequence symmetry analysis (PSSA) to investigate the risk of acute hyperglycaemia associated with antipsychotic initiation. Incident insulin prescriptions were used as a proxy indicator of acute hyperglycaemia. Participating countries and population datasets included Australia (300,000 persons), Japan I (300,000 persons), Japan II (200,000 persons), Korea (53 million persons) Taiwan (1 million persons), Sweden (9 million persons), USA‐Public (87 million persons) and USA‐Private (47 million persons).

Results

Olanzapine showed a trend towards increased risk in most databases, with a significant association observed in the USA‐Public database (Adjusted sequence ratio (ASR) = 1.14; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.10–1.17) and Sweden (ASR = 1.53; 95% CI 1.13–2.06). Null or negative associations were observed for haloperidol, quetiapine and risperidone.

Conclusion

Acute hyperglycaemia appears to be associated with olanzapine use, however, this effect was only observed in two large databases. Despite different patterns of utilization of both antipsychotics and insulin, PSSA analysis results for individual antipsychotic medicines were qualitatively similar across most countries. PSSA, used in conjunction with existing methods, may provide a simple and timely method further supporting multi‐national drug safety monitoring. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimized statically non‐wetting hydrophobic electrospun surface of perfluorocyclobutyl aryl ether polymer
Authors: Verma Rajneesh , Creager Stephen , Ballato John , Smith Dennis W
Published: May 2013

A statically non‐wetting highly hydrophobic fibrous surface was generated from biphenyl perfluorocyclobutyl aryl ether polymer (BP‐PFCB) by electrospinning. The optimization of solution parameters, which include concentration of the solution and number‐average molecular weight of the polymer, was followed by optimization of the instrumental parameters, which include flow rate, inter‐electrode voltage and inter‐electrode distance. Varying these parameters resulted in different degrees of hydrophobicity on the generated surfaces. The degree of hydrophobicity was determined by measuring static water contact angles. The effects of these variations in electrospinning parameters on the thickness of the fibers constituting the surface were also observed. It was found that the hydrophobic nature of the electrospun fibrous surface of BP‐PFCB depended on two factors: fluorine concentration and thickness of the fibers. During the optimization of the parameters, three different morphological regimes, namely beads, beaded fibers and fibers, were observed. The fine tuning of electrospinning parameters eventually produced a statically non‐wetting, highly hydrophobic surface which predominantly consisted of an intricate network of nanoscale fibers. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Broadband light trapping with disordered photonic structures in thin‐film silicon solar cells
Authors: Bozzola Angelo , Liscidini Marco , Andreani Lucio Claudio
Published: May 2013

We theoretically investigate light trapping with disordered 1D photonic structures in thin‐film crystalline silicon solar cells. The disorder is modelled in a finite‐size supercell, which allows the use of rigorous coupled‐wave analysis to calculate the optical properties of the devices and the short‐circuit current density Jsc. The role of the Fourier transform of the photonic pattern in the light trapping is investigated, and the optimal correlation between size and position disorder is found. This result is used to optimize the disorder in a more effective way, using a single parameter. We find that a Gaussian disorder always enhances the device performance with respect to the best ordered configuration. To properly quantify this improvement, we calculate the Lambertian limit to the absorption enhancement for 1D photonic structures in crystalline silicon, following the previous work for the 2D case [M.A. Green, Progr. Photovolt: Res. Appl. 2002; 10(4), pp. 235–241]. We find that disorder optimization can give a relevant contribution to approach this limit. Finally, we propose an optimal disordered 2D configuration and estimate the maximum short‐circuit current that can be achieved, potentially leading to efficiencies that are comparable with the values of other thin‐film solar cell technologies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile one‐pot method of initiator fixation for surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization on carbon hard spheres
Authors: Ejaz Muhammad , Sunkara Bhanukiran , Kamboj Lakhinder , He Jibao , John Vijay T. , Pesika Noshir S. , Grayson Scott M.
Published: May 2013

An efficient and novel one‐pot process is developed to immobilize the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiators onto the surface of fully pyrolyzed carbon hard spheres (CHSs) via a radical trapping process from the in situ thermal decomposition of bis(bromomethylbenzoyl)peroxide. The CHSs do not require any additional preparative treatment prior to the initiator immobilization. Styrene and methyl methacrylate are polymerized onto initiator‐immobilized CHSs by surface‐initiated atomic transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP). Samples are characterized using Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. These methods of characterization confirmed that all the CHSs are coated with a uniform layer of grafted polymer. This efficient, one‐pot immobilization of ATRP‐initiators represents an exceptionally simple route for the rapid preparation of various polymer‐coated carbon‐based nanomaterials using SI‐ATRP. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3314–3322
Strain induced nanocavitation and crystallization in natural rubber probed by real time small and wide angle X‐ray scattering
Authors: Zhang Huan , Scholz Arthur K. , Merckel Yannick , Brieu Mathias , Berghezan Daniel , Kramer Edward J. , Creton Costantino
Published: May 2013

The concomitant appearance of crystallites and nanocavities under uniaxial strain is investigated by X‐ray scattering in a model natural rubber system. The nanocavities appear after crystallization and only when the true stress is above a critical cavitation stress σCav. The presence of crystallites alone does not influence the calculation of the void volume fraction ϕvoid. The nanocavities formed are 20–50 nm in size with a constant aspect ratio. The presence of filler shifts the critical crystallization extension ratio λCry, λCav, and σCav to lower values. The clear correlation between σCav and the crystallinity at the onset of cavitation χC(λCav) implies that the crystallites take most of the mechanical loading thus delaying the cavitation in the amorphous phase. Under cyclic loading, nanocavitation is significant only in the first loading and in the successive loadings if the extension ratio is above its maximum historical value. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1125–1138
Investigation of structures of PEO‐MgCl2 based solid polymer electrolytes
Authors: Yang Yujun , Huo Hong
Published: May 2013

The crystallinity of polyelectrolytes has long been known to affect their ionic conductivity, but the effects of water of hydration on polyelectrolyte structure are not commonly studied. Here, polymer complexes consisting of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with magnesium chloride (anhydrous MgCl2, MgCl2·4H2O, and MgCl2·6H2O, respectively) have been prepared by a mixed‐solvent method. Fourier transform‐infrared measurements indicate each magnesium chloride salt can coordinate with PEO to form a complex. The structures of (PEO)xMgCl2·4H2O and (PEO)xMgCl2·6H2O complexes are similar, whilst the structure of (PEO)xMgCl2 complex is different to both. Wide angle X‐ray diffraction studies indicate in each polymer complex system the crystallization of PEO is depressed by the interaction of magnesium cation with the ether oxygen of PEO. PEO in (PEO)xMgCl2 and (PEO)xMgCl2·4H2O are shown to be amorphous, but in (PEO)xMgCl2·6H2O it is crystalline. Polar optical microscopy images indicate in each PEO/magnesium chloride system the crystalline morphology clearly changes with the increase of magnesium salt content. The reason for the formation of the spherulites with special morphology are the strong interaction between magnesium cation and ether oxygen of PEO, and the different evaporation rates of ethanol and chloroform in mixed solvent. A better understanding of the effects of hydration on polyelectrolyte crystallinity can help in improving their use in a variety of applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1162–1174
Psoriasis: current treatment options and recent advances
Authors: Dvorakova Veronika , Markham Trevor
Published: May 2013

Management of psoriasis is based on a stepwise approach that includes a wide variety of treatment options. Our Drug review focusses on key points and recent advances in the management of psoriasis, followed by a review of the prescription data and sources of further information.
Buffer‐less Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells with Zn(O,S):Al transparent conductive oxide film
Authors: Julayhi Jasmeen , Minemoto Takashi
Published: May 2013

Transparent conductive oxide Zn(O,S):Al (AZOS) films with S/(S+O) 0.00 to 0.25 were fabricated by co‐sputtering of ZnO:Al and ZnS targets. All films showed high transparency of over 80% with edge shift at short wavelength which showed band gap changed as S/(S+O) increased. However, sheet resistance increased with increased S/(S+O), with over 104 Ω/sq at S/(S+O) of 0.25. These films were used in the fabrication of buffer‐less Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells with cell structure of Al/NiCr/AZOS/CIGS/Mo/SLG. The cell performance increased with S/(S+O), with highest efficiency of 9.05% at S/(S+O) 0.09. However, at higher S/(S+O) cell performance dropped and at 0.25 no cell performance was recorded which was due to the high sheet resistance. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Flow distortion at a dense forest edge
Authors: Dellwik Ebba , Bingöl Ferhat , Mann Jakob
Published: May 2013

The flow near tall forest edges is complex, yet poorly described. A field experiment using two meteorological masts equipped with sonic anemometers and a horizontally staring lidar was performed upwind and downwind of the interface between an open flat farmland and a tall (hc = 24 m) beech forest. Data obtained during near‐neutral conditions are presented for the wind direction towards the forest. Results from a high leaf area index period are compared with those from a low leaf area index period. For both periods, the wind speed increased above the forest and decreased within the forest, relative to the measurements upwind of the edge. The lidar data taken at several positions between the masts at 1.25hc show that the minimum wind speed occurred just upwind of the edge. At the 1.25hc level, at the forest mast, the momentum flux (\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{amsfonts}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$\overline{{\textbf{\textit{uw}}}}$ \end{document}) increased strongly over the forest and positive values were recorded during the high leaf area index period. A spectral analysis revealed that approximately half of this change was caused by low‐frequency, positively correlated eddies along the streamline. The remaining increase can qualitatively be explained with the concept of eddy‐blocking by the canopy top, which could also explain the observed increase in lateral variance and the decrease in the vertical variance. Despite the short distance to the edge of approximately 1.5hc, the beginning of a new internal boundary layer was visible at 1.04hc as a decrease in the vertical momentum flux. At this level, as well as within the forest, the results depended on the wind speed. The presented findings enhance the understanding of the forest edge flow and are useful for model verification and development.
Impacts of the EA and SCA patterns on the European twentieth century NAO–winter climate relationship
Authors: Comas‐Bru Laia , McDermott Frank
Published: May 2013

Much of the twentieth century multidecadal variability in the relationship between North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and winter climate over the North Atlantic–European sector can be linked to the combined effects of the NAO and either the East Atlantic pattern (EA) or the Scandinavian pattern (SCA). Our study documents how different NAO–EA and NAO–SCA combinations influence winter climatic conditions (temperature and precipitation) as a consequence of NAO dipole migrations. Using teleconnectivity maps, we find that the zero‐correlated line of the NAO–winter‐climate relationship migrates southwards when the EA is in the opposite phase to the NAO, related to a southwestwards migration of the NAO dipole under these conditions. Similarly, a clockwise movement of the NAO–winter‐climate correlated areas occurs when the phase of the SCA is opposite to that of the NAO, reflecting a clockwise movement of the NAO dipole under these conditions. Our study provides new insights into the causes of spatial and temporal nonstationarity in the climate–NAO relationships, particularly with respect to winter precipitation. Furthermore, interannual variability in the north–south winter precipitation gradient in the UK appears to reflect the migration of the NAO dipole linked to linear combinations of the NAO and the EA. The study also has important implications for studies of the role of the NAO in modulating the wind energy resource of the UK and Ireland, as well as for the selection of locations for terrestrial proxy archive reconstruction of past states of the NAO.
Super‐resolution image reconstruction using state information of a motorized head
Authors: Kogiso Kiminao , Onishi Satoru , Sugimoto Kenji
Published: May 2013

This paper presents an integrated system designed to obtain a high‐resolution image via super‐resolution image reconstruction by using an observer of a motorized head under control. An advantage of this integration is that the constructed system can algebraically and systematically calculate the registration and motion blur identification, which is quite different from the way in which the conventional methods preprocess captured images. To illustrate the effectiveness of the presented system, some experimental results are provided. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Electron Localisation in Ga‐Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Platts James A. , Thomsen Maja K. , Overgaard Jacob
Published: May 2013

The present study shows that a successful description of the electron density in a Ga‐containing compound using the present multipole model requires separation and independent radial scaling of the three Ga core shells. It is also shown that two similar compounds only differing in the oxidation state of the Ga atom provides similar residual density maps and thus the deficiencies in the standard multipole model are very similar in the two cases. Nevertheless, we find two fundamentally different core modified multipole models. It is found that introduction of the modified core parameters in the modelling of the experimental data has no significant impact. An analysis of the ELI‐D is introduced to study the localization of electrons in the Ga‐guanidinate moiety. There is a clear analogy between the Laplacian and the ELI‐D, however the latter is able to reveal details from the total density which is not available in the Laplacian. Only in an analysis of the valence density alone can the Laplacian reveal the finer details.
Syntheses, Structures, and Properties of Three Metal‐Organic Complexes with Different Dimensionality Based on Dipyrido[3,2‐d:2′3′‐f]quinoxaline and Different Dicarboxylates
Authors: Wang Xiu‐Li , Qu Yun , Liu Guo‐Cheng , Huang Jing‐Jing , Lin Hong‐Yan
Published: May 2013

Three new metal‐organic complexes [Ni2(dpq)2(L1)2(H2O)5]·H2O (1), [Pb2(dpq)2(L1)2]·H2O (2), and [Pb(dpq)(L2)] (3) (dpq = dipyrido[3,2‐d:2′3′‐f]quinoxaline, H2L1 = 1,1′‐biphenyl‐2, 2′‐dicarboxylic acid, H2L2 = 2‐carboxymethylsulfanyl nicotinic acid) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, IR, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses. X‐ray analysis reveals that complex 1 has a semi‐cycling dinuclear unit, which is extended into a 3D supramolecular architecture by hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions. Complex 2 is an unusual 0D + 1D cocrystal of dinuclear units and left‐/right‐handed helical chains, which are ultimately packed into a 3D supramolecular structure through hydrogen bonding interactions. Complex 3 shows a 2D network bridged by L2 anions, which is finally extended into a 3D supramolecular structure through π–π stacking interactions. The diverse structures of complexes 1–3 indicate that the central metal ions and the dicarboxylates have significant effects on the final structures. Moreover, the thermal stabilities, the photoluminescent properties of complexes 1–3 and the electrochemical property of complex 1 were also investigated.
Alkaline‐earth Metal Nitrides of the Main‐Group Elements: Crystal Structures and Properties of Inverse Perovskites
Authors: Niewa Rainer
Published: May 2013

The knowledge on alkaline‐earth metal nitrides of main‐group elements with Perovskite structures of the general composition (A3Nx)E is reviewed. Compounds with closely related crystal structures denoted as Ruddlesden‐Popper‐Series are also taken into account. In a second part, radii considerations are discussed for use in prediction of the occurrence of distorted Perovskites and hexagonal Perovskite stacking variants.
Carba‐closo‐dodecaborate Anions with Cluster Carbon–Phosphorous Bonds
Authors: Drisch Michael , Sprenger Jan A. P. , Finze Maik
Published: May 2013

Salts of monocarba‐closo‐dodecaborate anions with different phosphanyl groups that are bonded to the cluster carbon atom were studied. The series includes the anions [1‐R2P‐closo‐1‐CB11H11]– (R = Cl (1a), H (1b), iPr (1c)) as well as the related anions [1‐iPr2(O)P‐closo‐1‐CB11H11]– (1d) and [1‐H(HO)(O)P‐closo‐1‐CB11H11]– (1e) that were isolated either as cesium or [Et3NH]+ salts. All salts were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and the crystal structures of the Cs+ salts of the anions 1c and 1d were determined. In addition, the reactive anions [1‐Cl2P‐closo‐1‐CB11Hal11]– (Hal = F (2), Cl (3), Br (4), I (5)) were prepared and characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy in solution.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Luminescent Properties of Cadmium(II) and Silver(I) Complexes Based on the New ­in‐situ Formed Tetrazole Ligand
Authors: Xiang Jing , Luo Ya , Wu Jia‐Shou
Published: May 2013

Solvothermal reactions of 2‐(2‐benzoimidazolyl)acetonitrile (L1), NaN3 in the presence of metal salts in a mixture of EtOH/H2O afforded two polymers [Ag(L2)]n (1) and [Cd(L2)2]n (2) {L2 = 5‐[(benzoimidazolyl)methyl]‐1H‐tetrazolate}. The crystal structures of both compounds were determined by X‐ray crystallography. 1 has a 1D ribbon structure, which is stabilized by non‐covalent interaction; whereas 2 is a 1D helical chain. The distorted conformation of L2 facilitates the π‐π stacking, which connect the adjacent L2 ligands and eventually make a triply helical supra‐molecular chain with a 41 helical axis.The thermal stability of 1 and 2 were measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the solid state luminescence properties were investigated at room temperature.
The neuropsychiatry of inborn errors of metabolism
Authors: Walterfang Mark , Bonnot Olivier , Mocellin Ramon , Velakoulis Dennis
Published: May 2013

A number of metabolic disorders that affect the central nervous system can present in childhood, adolescence or adulthood as a phenocopy of a major psychiatric syndrome such as psychosis, depression, anxiety or mania. An understanding and awareness of secondary syndromes in metabolic disorders is of great importance as it can lead to the early diagnosis of such disorders. Many of these metabolic disorders are progressive and may have illness‐modifying treatments available. Earlier diagnosis may prevent or delay damage to the central nervous system and allow for the institution of appropriate treatment and family and genetic counselling. Metabolic disorders appear to result in neuropsychiatric illness either through disruption of late neurodevelopmental processes (metachromatic leukodystrophy, adrenoleukodystrophy, GM2 gangliosidosis, Niemann‐Pick type C, cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, and alpha mannosidosis) or via chronic or acute disruption of excitatory/inhibitory or monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems (acute intermittent porphyria, maple syrup urine disease, urea cycle disorders, phenylketonuria and disorders of homocysteine metabolism). In this manuscript we review the evidence for neuropsychiatric illness in major metabolic disorders and discuss the possible models for how these disorders result in psychiatric symptoms. Treatment considerations are discussed, including treatment resistance, the increased propensity for side‐effects and the possibility of some treatments worsening the underlying disorder.
Compositional dissimilarity patterns of reptiles and amphibians in insular systems around the world
Authors: Pitta Eva , Kassara Christina , Giokas Sinos , Sfenthourakis Spyros
Published: May 2013

Several studies have shown that taxa with poor dispersal ability have a higher level of compositional dissimilarity than good dispersers. However, compositional dissimilarity patterns between islands with respect to dispersal ability of taxa have never been investigated before. In this study, we investigated compositional dissimilarity patterns of three taxonomic groups, namely amphibians, lizards, and snakes, differing in their dispersal abilities, in various insular systems around the world. We compiled presence–absence matrices, based on which we calculated several metacommunity indices to check for differences among taxonomic groups and island types (oceanic and continental shelf) using classical statistical tests and generalized linear mixed‐effects models. According to our results, compositional dissimilarity was positively affected by the isolation of the insular system, in accordance to theory. In particular, oceanic systems were characterized by a high level of compositional dissimilarity between islands and subsequently by a low level of nestedness. SIEs may be generating these patterns causing distortions from expected levels of nestedness. Similar to our predictions, compositional dissimilarity patterns were also dependent on taxon‐specific dispersal ability, with good dispersers showing lower levels of between‐island compositional dissimilarity than poor dispersers in continental shelf systems. However, this pattern was not observed in oceanic systems. In conclusion, compositional dissimilarity in insular systems is dependent on both taxon and island type.
Empirical Research on the Mechanisms of Migration of Rural Laborers from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region
Authors: Xiaomin Liu
Published: May 2013

This paper studies the formation mechanisms of the pattern of labor force migration in the ethnic minority area, based on a sample of 120 administrative villages in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and by means of questionnaire investigation and indoor interview. The formation mechanism of the pattern of labor force migration, in essence the decision-making mechanism of the rural labor migration, could be interpreted by two factors, i.e. the motives to migrate, and the condition of migration. The rural labor migration in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has its own characteristics. The research shows a tendency that a complex mixture of different motives to migrate is gradually replacing a single economic one; the pursuit of a better cultural and social life has become more important. With respect to the social condition (or the social capital factor) of the fulfillment of rural labor force migration in Ningxia, the help of relatives and friends of rural laborers still serves as the main bridge. The advent and development of rural labor broking, however, has become an important element to promote rural migration in Ningxia. Meanwhile, local governments are also making efforts to accelerate the rural labor migration.
Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Enterography Findings in Crohn's Disease: What Does the Clinician Need to Know from the Radiologist?
Authors: Pesce Lamas Constantino Carolina , Souza Rodrigues Rosana , Araujo Oliveira Neto Jaime , Marchiori Edson , Eiras Araujo Antonio Luis , de Mello Perez Renata , Braz Parente Daniella
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this pictorial essay was to discuss and illustrate computed tomography and magnetic resonance enterography findings in patients with Crohn's disease. These noninvasive and easily performed methods for the evaluation of Crohn's disease are useful for differentiating between active and fibrotic bowel disease, and can help to guide treatment (medical vs surgical). Although inflammatory and fibrostenotic findings of Crohn's disease may overlap, computed tomography and magnetic resonance enterography can help to identify the presence, extent, and severity of active inflammation that may respond to medical therapy, and the existence of fistulas and fibrostenosis that may benefit from surgical management.
The Value of “Liver Windows” Settings in the Detection of Small Renal Cell Carcinomas on Unenhanced Computed Tomography
Authors: Sahi Kamal , Jackson Stuart , Wiebe Edward , Armstrong Gavin , Winters Sean , Moore Ronald , Low Gavin
Published: May 2013

Objective

To assess if “liver window” settings improve the conspicuity of small renal cell carcinomas (RCC).

Methods

Patients were analysed from our institution's pathology-confirmed RCC database that included the following: (1) stage T1a RCCs, (2) an unenhanced computed tomography (CT) abdomen performed ≤ 6 months before histologic diagnosis, and (3) age ≥ 17 years. Patients with multiple tumours, prior nephrectomy, von Hippel-Lindau disease, and polycystic kidney disease were excluded. The unenhanced CT was analysed, and the tumour locations were confirmed by using corresponding contrast-enhanced CT or magnetic resonance imaging studies. Representative single-slice axial, coronal, and sagittal unenhanced CT images were acquired in “soft tissue windows” (width, 400 Hounsfield unit (HU); level, 40 HU) and liver windows (width, 150 HU; level, 88 HU). In addition, single-slice axial, coronal, and sagittal unenhanced CT images of nontumourous renal tissue (obtained from the same cases) were acquired in soft tissue windows and liver windows. These data sets were randomized, unpaired, and were presented independently to 3 blinded radiologists for analysis. The presence or absence of suspicious findings for tumour was scored on a 5-point confidence scale.

Results

Eighty-three of 415 patients met the study criteria. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, t test analysis, and kappa analysis were used. ROC analysis showed statistically superior diagnostic performance for liver windows compared with soft tissue windows (area under the curve of 0.923 vs 0.879; P = .0002). Kappa statistics showed “good” vs “moderate” agreement between readers for liver windows compared with soft tissue windows.

Conclusion

Use of liver windows settings improves the detection of small RCCs on the unenhanced CT.
Granitoid magmatism of Early Paleozoic orogens
Authors: Distanova A.N.
Published: May 2013

Global manifestations of Early Paleozoic granite formation in the Central Asian Mobile Belt and some other orogenic areas worldwide are considered. The work is based on the author’s studies of Early Paleozoic granitoids from the Altai–Sayan and West Transbaikalian orogenic areas as well as abundant literature data on other world provinces. Special attention is paid to the scales of granitoid magmatism in the Early Paleozoic, its geodynamic settings, periods, and stages, compositional evolution over time, lateral variability in structures of different types, relationship with LIPs, and, correspondingly, connection with mantle plumes and superplumes..
Testing the Efficacy of Homemade Masks: Would They Protect in an Influenza Pandemic?
Authors: Davies Anna , Thompson Katy-Anne , Giri Karthika , Kafatos George , Walker Jimmy , Bennett Allan
Published: May 2013

Objective

This study examined homemade masks as an alternative to commercial face masks.

Methods

Several household materials were evaluated for the capacity to block bacterial and viral aerosols. Twenty-one healthy volunteers made their own face masks from cotton t-shirts; the masks were then tested for fit. The number of microorganisms isolated from coughs of healthy volunteers wearing their homemade mask, a surgical mask, or no mask was compared using several air-sampling techniques.

Results

The median-fit factor of the homemade masks was one-half that of the surgical masks. Both masks significantly reduced the number of microorganisms expelled by volunteers, although the surgical mask was 3 times more effective in blocking transmission than the homemade mask.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that a homemade mask should only be considered as a last resort to prevent droplet transmission from infected individuals, but it would be better than no protection. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;0:1–6)
Sexual victimization and anxiety and mood disorders: a case–control study based on the Danish registry system
Authors: Elklit A. , Shevlin M.
Published: May 2013

Aims

This study aimed to examine the relationship between rape and the subsequent psychiatric diagnosis of any anxiety or mood disorder.

Method

Data from the Danish Civil Registration System and the Danish Psychiatric Central Register were used to identify a sample of female victims who had visited a centre for rape victims during an index year and their subsequent psychiatric records were compared with a matched control group.

Results

While controlling for demographic variables and previous psychiatric disorders, the effect of sexual victimization increased the likelihood of a subsequent diagnosis of an anxiety disorder but not a mood disorder.

Conclusion

Sexual victimization significantly increases the likelihood of experiencing an anxiety disorder, and therefore victims require post-assault information and support.
The contiguity between churches and mosques in early Islamic Bilād al-Shām
Authors: Guidetti Mattia
Published: May 2013

This article examines the transformation of the sacred landscape in the cities of Syria and Palestine from late antiquity to early Islam. This phase of urban and architectural history, often obscured by the changes brought in during the medieval period, is investigated through a close comparison of textual and material evidence related to the main urban religious complexes. It is suggested that the new Friday mosques were frequently built contiguous to Christian great churches, creating a sort of shared sacred area within the cities. Legal issues related to the Islamic conquest and the status of minorities are considered in order to explain the rationale behind such a choice by Muslims.
Parallel surfaces in three-dimensional reducible spaces
Authors: Calvaruso Giovanni , Van der Veken Joeri
Published: May 2013

We completely classify non-degenerate surfaces with parallel second fundamental form in three-dimensional Riemannian and Lorentzian reducible spaces.
The effective equilibrium law for a highly heterogeneous elastic periodic medium
Authors: Charef Hamid , Sili Ali
Published: May 2013

We study the homogenization of the linearized system of elasticity standing for the equilibrium equation of a highly periodic heterogeneous elastic medium submitted to small deformations and made of two different materials: a very rigid material located in a set Fε (ε being the size of the period of the medium) of vertical fibres surrounded by a soft elastic material localized in the set Mε. The ratio between the coefficients of the elasticity tensor of the two materials is assumed to be 1/ε4. We deal with the general case without any special assumption, such as isotropy, on the material.
Oscillation of a class of differential equations with generalized phi-Laplacian
Authors: Cecchi Mariella , Došlá Zuzana , Marini Mauro
Published: May 2013

The oscillation of the nonlinear differential equation

where Φ is an increasing odd homeomorphism, is considered when the weight b is not summable near infinity. We extend previous results, stated for equations with the classical p-Laplacian, by obtaining necessary and sufficient conditions of integral type for the oscillation. The role of the boundedness of Im Φ [Dom Φ] is analysed in detail. Our results includes the case Φ* ◦ F linear near zero or near infinity, where Φ* is the inverse of Φ. Several examples, concerning the curvature or relativity operator, illustrate our results.
Architecture, Materialization and the Duality of Structure: a Maya Case Study of Structurally Shaped Innovation
Authors: Schwarz Kevin R.
Published: May 2013

This article addresses the problem of structural determinism in archaeological explanations of material culture change, specifically architecture. A discussion of Giddens' structuration theory emphasizes the duality of structure. The concept is updated by drawing on Gell's theory of agency in art and recent ideas on play, innovation, freedom and consensus prevalent in anthropology and archaeology. This approach shows that material culture is changed through structurally shaped innovation, such that agency is distributed across time, among groups regionally and among elites and commoners. The theoretical exposition develops a case study including discussion of an architectural grammar, ethnohistoric analogy and activity-area studies involving ceramic incense burners. The case study is the Classic–Postclassic transition (ad 750–1200) among the Maya of Petén, Guatemala. While earlier explanations of architectural change in this region focused on an in-migration event, the current investigation posits a Postclassic reconfiguration of Maya architecture, specifically changes in ‘C’-shaped stone benches, based on structurally shaped innovation and a distributed view of agency. The benches served as stages for more heterarchical ritual performances with the incense burners as opposed to the hierarchical ritual performances common in the Classic period. This account overcomes structural determinism by allowing for diversity and cultural specificity in our views of agency.
Short- and mid-term results of xenograft–bovine pericardial patch in the repair of intracardiac defects: final results of a single-centre study
Authors: Yaliniz Hafize , Salih Orhan K. , Atalay Atakan , Keklik Vecih , Gocen Ugur , Topcuoglu Mehmet S. , Guzel Yasin , Basturk Yuksel , Aslan Mehmet , Erdem Sevcan , Poyrazoglu Hakan
Published: May 2013

Introduction: A variety of patch materials have been used in the repair of intracardiac defects. We evaluated the short- and mid-term clinical and echocardiography results of glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium patches used to repair intracardiac defects in our clinic.Methods and results: This study examines the short- (up to 30 days post-operatively) and mid-term (up to 24 months post-operatively) results of 533 patients with intracardiac defects who underwent surgical correction with glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium patches between 2004 and 2010 at a university clinic. Short- and mid-term post-operative echocardiographic studies showed no evidence of calcification, thrombus, or aneurysmal dilatation on the patch. Vegetation developed in two (0.37%) of the 533 patients.Conclusion: These results that have been obtained from a group of large number of patients imply that the glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium patches may be preferable in the closure of cardiac defects because of their low complication rates and ease of use.
Scanning Confocal Electron Energy-Loss Microscopy Using Valence-Loss Signals
Authors: Xin Huolin L. , Dwyer Christian , Muller David A. , Zheng Haimei , Ercius Peter
Published: May 2013

Finding a faster alternative to tilt-series electron tomography is critical for rapidly evolving fields such as the semiconductor industry, where failure analysis could greatly benefit from higher throughput. We present a theoretical and experimental evaluation of scanning confocal electron energy-loss microscopy (SCEELM) using valence-loss signals, which is a promising technique for the reliable reconstruction of materials with sub-10-nm resolution. Such a confocal geometry transfers information from the focused portion of the electron beam and enables rapid three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction by depth sectioning. SCEELM can minimize or eliminate the missing-information cone and the elongation problem that are associated with other depth-sectioning image techniques in a transmission electron microscope. Valence-loss SCEELM data acquisition is an order of magnitude faster and requires little postprocessing compared with tilt-series electron tomography. With postspecimen chromatic aberration (Cc) correction, SCEELM signals can be acquired in parallel in the direction of energy dispersion with the aid of a physical pinhole. This increases the efficiency by 10×–100×, and can provide 3D resolved chemical information for multiple core-loss signals simultaneously.
Infektiöser Durchfall
Authors: Ortega Natalie , Rampini Silvana
Published: May 2013

Durchfall ist ein häufiges und komplexes Problem mit vielfältigen infektiösen und nicht-infektiösen Ursachen. Eine sorgfältige klinische und epidemiologische Evaluation des Durchfalls ist entscheidend für die weitere Abklärung und Therapie. Der akute Durchfall wird überwiegend durch virale und bakterielle Infektionen verursacht und ist meist selbstlimitierend. Bei persistierendem oder chronischem Durchfall muss eine parasitäre oder nicht infektiöse Ursache in Betracht gezogen werden. Stuhluntersuchungen müssen gezielt erfolgen. Die wichtigste Therapie ist die Flüssigkeitssubstitution. Eine empirische Antibiotikatherapie ist bei schweren Verläufen, persistierendem oder chronischem Durchfall sowie bei spezieller Epidemiologie und Risikofaktoren indiziert. In diesem Aufsatz werden die grundlegenden Überlegungen für einen rationalen Zugang zum infektiösen Durchfall diskutiert.
Melanom – Endlich gute Neuigkeiten
Authors: Wicki Andreas , Arnold Andreas W. , Itin Peter H. , Zippelius Alfred
Published: May 2013

Bis vor zwei Jahren gab es keine systemische Behandlung des metastasierten malignen Melanoms, die das Überleben verlängert hätte. Dank zweier neuer Therapieansätze ist nun erstmals eine effizientere Behandlung dieser Krankheit möglich geworden. Der T-Zell Aktivator Ipilimumab induziert die körpereigene Immunantwort gegenüber dem Melanom und kann bei 15–20% der Patienten eine langfristige Remission erzeugen. Der BRAF-Inhibitor Vemurafenib erzielt rasche und bisweilen komplette Remissionen bei BRAF V600E mutierten Melanomen. Damit stehen uns nun zwei wirksame Therapien zur Behandlung dieser schweren Erkrankung zur Verfügung.
Character Strengths in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Ruch Willibald , Weber Marco , Park Nansook , and Peterson† Christopher
Published: May 2013

The Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth (VIA-Youth) is a self-report inventory assessing 24 character strengths among people 10–17 years of age. This paper describes the adaptation and initial validation of a German version of this measure utilizing several samples (in total N = 2,110 self-reports of participants aged 10–17 years, 56.5% girls; N = 219 parent-reports) from Germany and Switzerland. The 24 scales yielded high reliability and exhibited stability over 4 months. Self-reports and parent-ratings of strengths converged well. An oblique five-factor solution was found to represent the data well. There were small age effects, and small to medium gender effects (e.g., girls scored higher on beauty and kindness). Character strengths of hope, gratitude, love, and zest correlated positively with global life satisfaction. Furthermore, most of the strengths were strong predictors of general self-efficacy. Overall, the German VIA-Youth demonstrated good psychometric properties and promising evidence for validity. The German VIA-Youth is recommended for the assessment of character strengths in German-speaking children and adolescents.
The Dutch Version of the Emotion Reactivity Scale
Authors: Claes Laurence , Smits Dirk , Bijttebier Patricia
Published: May 2013

In the present study we investigated the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Emotion Reactivity Scale (ERS; Nock, Wedig, Holmberg, & Hooley, 2008 ). A sample of 615 high school students completed the ERS, together with the Adult Temperament Questionnaire, the Utrecht Coping List, the Self-Injury Questionnaire, and the Eating Disorder Inventory-2. Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the one- and the three factor structure of the ERS. Both solutions showed stability across sex. However, given the high correlations between the three ERS subscales (ranging from r = .87 to r = .94), the more parsimonious 1-factor solution was preferred. The resulting ERS total scale had an internal consistency coefficient of .95 and was positively related to the temperament trait Negative Affectivity and negatively to Effortful Control. Additionally, it correlated significantly and positively with less adequate coping skills (such as Passive Depressive Reaction Patterns and Avoidance) and negatively with adequate coping skills (such as Active Problem Solving). Finally, the ERS scale discriminated between high school students with and without nonsuicidal self-injurious and eating-disorder related behaviors. The ERS is a reliable and valid questionnaire to measure emotion reactivity.
Adenosine A2A Receptors in Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A [11C]TMSX Brain PET Study
Authors: Rissanen Eero , Virta Jere R , Paavilainen Teemu , Tuisku Jouni , Helin Semi , Luoto Pauliina , Parkkola Riitta , Rinne Juha O , Airas Laura
Published: May 2013

In this study, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with a radioligand to adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR)—a potent regulator of inflammation—was used to gain insight into the molecular alterations in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and gray matter (GM) in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). Normal-appearing white matter and GM, despite seeming normal in conventional mangnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are important loci of widespread inflammation, neuronal damage, and source of progressive disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dynamic PET imaging using A2AR-specific [ 11 C]TMSX and brain MRI with diffusion tensor imaging were performed to eight SPMS patients and seven healthy controls. Distribution volumes ( VT) of [ 11 C]TMSX were analyzed from 13 regions of interest using Logan plot with arterial plasma input. The SPMS patients had significantly increased [ 11 C]TMSX- VT in NAWM compared with controls (mean (s.d.): 0.55 (± 0.08) vs. 0.45 (± 0.05); P = 0.036). Both the increased VT and the decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in NAWM were associated with higher expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores ( P = 0.030 and P = 0.012, respectively), whereas the T2-lesion load of SPMS patients did not correlate with EDSS. This study shows, that A2ARs are increased in the brain of SPMS patients, and that [ 11 C]TMSX-PET provides a novel approach to learn about central nervous system pathology in SPMS in vivo.
Analysing the visible conformational substates of the FK506-binding protein FKBP12
Authors: Mustafi Sourajit M. , Chen Hui , Li Hongmin , LeMaster David M. , Hernández Griselda
Published: May 2013

The 1H-15N 2D NMR correlation spectrum of the widely studied FK506-binding protein FKBP12 (FK506-binding protein of 12 kDa) contains previously unreported peak doublings for at least 31 residues that arise from a minor conformational state (12% of total) which exchanges with the major conformation with a time constant of 3.0 s at 43°C. The largest differences in chemical shift occur for the 80′s loop that forms critical recognition interactions with many of the protein partners for the FKBP family. The residues exhibiting doubling extend into the adjacent strands of the β-sheet, across the active site to the α-helix and into the 50′s loop. Each of the seven proline residues adopts a trans-peptide linkage in both the major and minor conformations, indicating that this slow transition is not the result of prolyl isomerization. Many of the residues exhibiting resonance doubling also participate in conformational line-broadening transition(s) that occur ~105-fold more rapidly, proposed previously to arise from a single global process. The 1.70 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) resolution X-ray structure of the H87V variant is strikingly similar to that of FKBP12, yet this substitution quenches the slow conformational transition throughout the protein while quenching the line-broadening transition for residues near the 80′s loop. Line-broadening was also decreased for the residues in the α-helix and 50′s loop, whereas line-broadening in the 40′s loop was unaffected. The K44V mutation selectively reduces the line-broadening in the 40′s loop, verifying that at least three distinct conformational transitions underlie the line-broadening processes of FKBP12.