bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of the cultivation and processing of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) for production of prescription medicines in the UK
Authors: Potter David J.
Published: October 2013

The quality demands of the pharmaceutical industry require prescription medicines to be consistent in their active ingredient content. Achieving this, using raw cannabis as a feedstock, is especially challenging. The plant material is extremely inhomogeneous, and the ratios of active ingredients are affected by a range of factors. These include the genetics of the plant, the growing and storage conditions, the state of maturity at harvest, and the methods used to process and formulate the material. The reasons for this variability are described, with particular emphasis on the botanical considerations. To produce the complex botanical medicine Sativex®, which contains the cannabinoids Δ9–tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) and a range of other ingredients, GW Pharmaceuticals had to manage these variables. This medicine, for the treatment of spasticity due to multiple sclerosis, is the first cannabis‐based medicine to be approved in the UK. The company's methodology for producing this and other chemotypes is described. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
p35 promotes the differentiation of amacrine cell subtype in the zebrafish retina under the regulation of egr1
Authors: Zhang Liyun , Bonilla Sylvia , Zhang Yuqing , Leung Yuk Fai
Published: October 2013

Background: Early growth response 1 (egr1) is a transcription factor (TF) for controlling the differentiation of Parvalbumin (Parv) ‐expressing amacrine cells (ACs) in zebrafish. However, the downstream factors of this process have not been identified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of p35, a neuronal‐specific activator of cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) and a known in vitro target of egr1, in the differentiation of these ACs. Results: In the p35‐knockdown retinas, Parv+ but not islet1+ ACs were specifically reduced. This phenotype was highly similar to that in the Egr1‐knockdown retinas. Furthermore, p35 expression was reduced in the Egr1‐knockdown retinas, particularly in the AC region; while egr1 was only modestly reduced in this region in the p35‐knockdown retinas. Conclusions: p35 likely acts downstream of egr1 to control the differentiation of Parv+ ACs. Developmental Dynamics 243:315–323, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patterning of sexually dimorphic neurogenesis in the Caenorhabditis elegans ventral cord by Hox and TALE homeodomain transcription factors
Authors: Kalis Andrea K. , Kissiov Djem U. , Kolenbrander Emily S. , Palchick Zachary , Raghavan Shraddha , Tetreault Breanna J. , Williams Erin , Loer Curtis M. , Wolff Jennifer Ross
Published: October 2013

Background: Reproduction in animals requires development of distinct neurons in each sex. In C. elegans, most ventral cord neurons (VCNs) are present in both sexes, with the exception of six hermaphrodite‐specific neurons (VCs) and nine pairs of male‐specific neurons (CAs and CPs) that arise from analogous precursor cells. How are the activities of sexual regulators and mediators of neuronal survival, division, and fate coordinated to generate sex‐specificity in VCNs? Results: To address this, we have developed a toolkit of VCN markers that allows us to examine sex‐specific neurogenesis, asymmetric fates of daughters of a neuroblast division, and regional specification on the anteroposterior axis. Here, we describe the roles of the Hox transcription factors LIN‐39 and MAB‐5 in promoting survival, differentiation, and regionalization of VCNs. We also find that the TALE class homeodomain proteins CEH‐20 and UNC‐62 contribute to specification of neurotransmitter fate in males. Furthermore, we identify that VCN sex is determined during the L1 larval stage. Conclusions: These findings, combined with future analyses made possible by the suite of VCN markers described here, will elucidate how Hox‐mediated cell fate decisions and sex determination intersect to influence development of neuronal sex differences. Developmental Dynamics 243:159–171, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The meaning of (quality of) life in patients with eating disorders: A comparison of generic and disease‐specific measures across diagnosis and outcome
Authors: Ackard Diann M. , Richter Sara , Egan Amber , Engel Scott , Cronemeyer Catherine L.
Published: October 2013

Objective

Compare general and disease‐specific health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) among female patients with an eating disorder (ED).

Method

Female patients (n = 221; 95.3% Caucasian; 94.0% never married) completed the Medical Outcome Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and Eating Disorders Quality of Life (EDQoL) as part of a study of treatment outcomes. Multivariate regression models were used to compare HRQoL differences across initial ED diagnosis (85 AN‐R, 19 AN‐B/P, 27 BN, 90 EDNOS) and ED diagnostic classification at time of outcome assessment (140 no ED, 38 subthreshold ED, 43 full threshold ED).

Results

There were no significant differences across ED diagnosis at initial assessment on either of the SF‐36 Component Summary scores. However, patients with AN‐B/P scored poorer on the work/school EDQoL subscales than other ED diagnoses, and on the psychological EDQoL subscale compared to AN‐R and EDNOS. At outcome assessment, comparisons across full threshold, subthreshold and no ED classification indicated that those with no ED reported better HRQoL than those with full threshold ED on the SF‐36 Mental Components Summary and three of four EDQoL subscales. Furthermore, those with no ED reported better psychological HRQoL than those with subthreshold ED.

Discussion

Disease‐specific HRQOL measures are important to use when comparing HRQoL in ED patients across treatment and outcome, and may have the sensitivity to detect meaningful differences by diagnosis more so than generic instruments. EDQoL scores from patients remitted from symptoms approach but do not reach scores for unaffected college females; thus, treatment should continue until quality of life is restored. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:259–267)
Parasite predators exhibit a rapid numerical response to increased parasite abundance and reduce transmission to hosts
Authors: Hopkins Skylar R. , Wyderko Jennie A. , Sheehy Robert R. , Belden Lisa K. , Wojdak Jeremy M.
Published: October 2013

Predators of parasites have recently gained attention as important parts of food webs and ecosystems. In aquatic systems, many taxa consume free‐living stages of parasites, and can thus reduce parasite transmission to hosts. However, the importance of the functional and numerical responses of parasite predators to disease dynamics is not well understood. We collected host–parasite–predator cooccurrence data from the field, and then experimentally manipulated predator abundance, parasite abundance, and the presence of alternative prey to determine the consequences for parasite transmission. The parasite predator of interest was a ubiquitous symbiotic oligochaete of mollusks, Chaetogaster limnaei limnaei, which inhabits host shells and consumes larval trematode parasites. Predators exhibited a rapid numerical response, where predator populations increased or decreased by as much as 60% in just 5 days, depending on the parasite:predator ratio. Furthermore, snail infection decreased substantially with increasing parasite predator densities, where the highest predator densities reduced infection by up to 89%. Predators of parasites can play an important role in regulating parasite transmission, even when infection risk is high, and especially when predators can rapidly respond numerically to resource pulses. We suggest that these types of interactions might have cascading effects on entire disease systems, and emphasize the importance of considering disease dynamics at the community level.
Patterns and dynamics of rapid local adaptation and sex in varying habitat types in rotifers
Authors: Scheuerl Thomas , Stelzer Claus‐Peter
Published: October 2013

Local adaptation is an important principle in a world of environmental change and might be critical for species persistence. We tested the hypothesis that replicated populations can attain rapid local adaptation under two varying laboratory environments. Clonal subpopulations of the cyclically parthenogenetic rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus were allowed to adapt to two varying harsh and a benign environment: a high‐salt, a food‐limited environment and untreated culture medium (no salt addition, high food). In contrast to most previous studies, we re‐adjusted rotifer density to a fixed value (two individuals per ml) every 3–4 days of unrestricted population growth, instead of exchanging a fixed proportion of the culture medium. Thus our dilution regime specifically selected for high population growth during the entire experiment and it allowed us to continuously track changes in fitness (i.e., maximum population growth under the prevailing conditions) in each population. After 56 days (43 asexual and eight sexual generations) of selection, the populations in the harsh environments showed a significant increase in fitness over time relative to the beginning compared to the population in untreated culture medium. Furthermore, the high‐salt population exhibited a significantly elevated ratio of sexual offspring from the start of the experiment, which suggested that this environment either triggered higher rates of sex or that the untreated medium and the food‐limited environment suppressed sex. In a following assay of local adaptation we measured population fitness under “local” versus “foreign” conditions (populations adapted to this environment compared to those of the other environment) for both harsh habitats. We found significantly higher fitness values for the local populations (on average, a 38% higher fitness) compared to the foreign populations. Overall, local adaptation was formed rapidly and it seemed to be more pronounced in the high‐salt treatment.
Stable [M2F11]– (M = Nb, Ta) Salts of Protonated 1,3‐Dimethoxybenzene
Authors: Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido , Pinzino Calogero , Zacchini Stefano
Published: October 2013

The 3:1 molar reactions of MF5 (M = Nb, 1a; M = Ta, 1b) with 1,3‐dimethoxybenzene in CHCl3 led to the formation of the arenium salts [2,4‐(OMe)2C6H5][M2F11] (M = Nb, 3a; M = Ta, 3b) in good yields. The reactions took place with the intermediate formation of (MF5)2[κ2‐1,3‐(OMe)2C6H4] (M = Nb, 2a; M = Ta, 2b), followed by single‐electron oxidation of the arene and production of MF4 (identified by means of EPR spectroscopy as the acetonitrile adduct). Compounds 3a and b were fully characterised both in solution (NMR) and in the solid‐state (X‐ray, IR and elemental analysis), while 2a and b were identified by NMR spectroscopy in CD2Cl2 solution. The reactions of 1,3‐dimethoxybenzene with Ag[NbF6] or Ag[Sb2F11] in CD2Cl2/CHCl3 afforded [2,4‐(OMe)2C6H5]+. It was found that 1,3‐dimethoxybenzene was inert towards the addition of aqueous H[SbF6] under comparable experimental conditions.
Synthesis of Rhodium(I) Boryl Complexes: Catalytic N–H Activation of Anilines and Ammonia
Authors: Teltewskoi Michael , Kalläne Sabrina I. , Braun Thomas , Herrmann Roy
Published: October 2013

The treatment of the rhodium methyl complex [Rh(Me)(PEt3)3] (1) with diboranes B2[(OR)2]2 gave the 16‐valence‐electron rhodium(I) boryl complexes [Rh{B(OR)2}(PEt3)3] [2: (OR)2 = pin = pinacolato, O2C2Me4; 3: (OR)2 = cat = catecholato, O2C6H4; 4: (OR)2 = O2C5H10]. The reactions of 2 and 4 with anilines yielded the amidoboranes HN[B(OR)2](R′) [6: B(OR)2 = Bpin, R′ = C6F5; 7: B(OR)2 = Bpin, R′ = Ph; 8: B(OR)2 = BO2C5H10, R′ = Ph] and the rhodium hydrido complex [Rh(H)(PEt3)3] (5) by N–H activation. The addition of ammonia to 2 resulted in the generation of the amine HN(Bpin)2 (9) as well as 5. The amidoboranes 6, 7, and 9 can also be synthesized catalytically with turnover numbers of 10 for 9 and 8 for 6 and 7.
Simultaneous Synthesis of Polyoxometalates and Metal Nanoparticles from Molecular Precursors – Redox‐Active Microreactors and Functional Nanomaterials
Authors: Mitchell Scott G. , de la Fuente Jesús M.
Published: October 2013

This communication describes a straightforward and tuneable one‐pot aqueous synthetic route towards an array of nanomaterials spanning gold nanoparticles, hollow tungsten oxide structures and single‐crystalline polyoxometalates (POMs). Furthermore, the POMs synthesized by this method are capable of producing a second collection of colloidal gold nanoparticles under mild synthetic conditions without toxic reducing agents and other pretreatments.
FeCl3‐Catalyzed Self‐Condensation of Enamides for the Synthesis of Enamido‐Substituted Nitrogen‐Containing Quaternary Carbon Centers
Authors: Zhao Mi‐Na , Du Wei , Ren Zhi‐Hui , Wang Yao‐Yu , Guan Zheng‐Hui
Published: October 2013

The FeCl3‐catalyzed self‐condensation of enamides offers a new strategy for the synthesis of enamido‐substituted nitrogen‐containing quaternary carbon centers, which are attractive structures in organic chemistry. The reaction affords nitrogen‐containing quaternary carbon centers in good yields under mild reaction conditions. The catalytic system was also employed in the condensation of enamides with indoles for the synthesis of bis‐indoles.
Reissert‐Type Acylation with Acylzirconocene Chloride Complexes
Authors: Saito Akio , Sakurai Hikaru , Sudo Kohei , Murai Kosuke , Hanzawa Yuji
Published: October 2013

In the presence of ClCO2Et, the use of CuI in MeNO2 efficiently catalyzed the Reissert‐type acylation of isoquinoline derivatives with acylzirconocene chlorides. In the reaction of quinolines with acylzirconocene chlorides, the choice of catalyst and solvent was crucial to the regioselective formation of adducts. The cationic RhI‐catalyzed reaction in MeNO2 preferentially afforded 1,2 adducts. On the other hand, the CuI‐catalyzed reaction in CH2Cl2 preferentially afforded 1,4 adducts.
Regioselective Diels–Alder Reactions Directed by Carbonyl Groups on the Rim of Open‐Cage Fullerene Derivatives
Authors: Xu Liang , Zhang Qianyan , Zhang Gang , Liang Sisi , Yu Yuming , Gan Liangbing
Published: October 2013

A C60 fullerene open‐cage derivative with an 18‐membered orifice reacts with electron‐rich dienes on the rim of the orifice selectively. Both the mono and the bis adduct have been obtained in good yields by controlling the ratio of the reactants and the reaction time. Single‐crystal structures show a head‐to‐tail and back‐to‐back dimer for the mono adduct of 1,4‐diphenylbutadine and a head‐to‐tail polymeric chain for the bis adduct of 2,3‐dimethylbutadiene.
Use of Cationic Surfactants Film Carbon Paste Electrodes Modified with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes in Electrochemical Analysis of dsDNA
Authors: Serpi C. , Voulgaropoulos A. , Girousi S.
Published: October 2013

Direct electrochemistry of dsDNA based on the enhancement effect of cationic surfactants such as dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) was achieved by using a carbon paste electrode modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs/CPE) as the basal electrode. The results indicated that the dsDNA molecules have been adsorbed quite strongly on the cationic surfactants’ film and very well developed peaks which were attributed to the oxidation of guanine residues on the dsDNA molecule structure were obtained from both electrodes. The electrochemical behavior of dsDNA at the surface of the modified electrodes was also evaluated. Based on the signal of guanine, under the optimal conditions, very low levels of dsDNA were detected following short accumulation times with detection limits of 0.650 mg L−1 and 0.119 mg L−1 for DTAB/MWCNTs/CPE and TTAB/MWCNTs/CPE, respectively.
Ion‐Transfer Voltammetry at Carbon Nanofibre Membranes Produced by 500 °C Graphitisation/Graphenisation of Electrospun Poly‐Acrylonitrile
Authors: Ahn Sunyhik D. , Mao Boyang , Pascu Sofia I. , Vuorema Anne , Mitchels John M. , Marken Frank
Published: October 2013

Low temperature carbonisation (500 °C) of poly‐acrylonitrile nanofibres (typically 100 nm diameter) electrospun into a nanoweb‐like deposit on tin‐doped indium oxide (ITO) substrates (or as free‐standing membrane over glass capillaries) yields active carbon film electrodes but with only relatively low electrochemical activity. Without resorting to higher carbonisation temperatures, substantial improvements in both electrical conductivity and electron transfer reactivity are observed after “surface‐graphenisation”, that is coating with graphene‐oxide prior to vacuum carbonisation. Improvements in voltammetric characteristics are demonstrated for both membranes mounted on ITO substrates and free‐standing membranes suspended over the end of a borosilicate glass capillaries for (i) the aqueous phase hydroquinone/benzoquinone redox system and (ii) the biphasic oil|aqueous ion transfer redox system tetraphenylporphyrinato‐Mn(III/II) in 4‐phenyl‐(3‐propyl)‐pyridine).
Effect of interfacial Maxwell stress on time periodic electro‐osmotic flow in a thin liquid film with a flat interface
Authors: Mayur Manik , Amiroudine Sakir , Lasseux Didier , Chakraborty Suman
Published: October 2013

Electro‐osmotic flows (EOF) have seen remarkable applications in lab‐on‐a‐chip based microdevices owing to their lack of moving components, durability, and nondispersive nature of the flow profiles under specifically designed conditions. However, such flows may typically suffer from classical Faradaic artifacts like electrolysis of the solvent, which affects the flow rate control. Such a problem has been seen to be overcome by employing time periodic EOFs. Electric field induced transport of a conductive liquid is another nontrivial problem that requires careful study of interfacial dynamics in response to such an oscillatory flow actuation. The present study highlights the role of electric field generated Maxwell stress and free surface potential along with the electric double layer thickness and forcing frequency, toward influencing the interfacial transport and fluid flow in free‐surface electro‐osmosis under a periodically varying external electric field, in a semi‐analytical formalism. Our results reveal interesting regimes over which the pertinent interfacial phenomena as well as bulk transport characteristics may be favorably tuned by employing time varying electrical fields.
Recent advances in the application of capillary electromigration methods for food analysis and Foodomics
Authors: García‐Cañas Virginia , Simó Carolina , Castro‐Puyana María , Cifuentes Alejandro
Published: October 2013

In this work, the analysis of foods and food components using capillary electromigration methods is reviewed. The present work presents and discusses the main CE applications performed in Food Science and Technology including the new field of Foodomics, reviewing recent results on food quality and safety, nutritional value, storage, bioactivity, as well as applications of CE for monitoring food interactions and food processing. The CE analysis of a large variety of food‐related molecules with different chemical properties, including amino acids, peptides, proteins, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, DNA fragments, vitamins, toxins, pesticides, additives, and other minor compounds is described. The use of microchips, CE‐MS, and chiral‐CE in food analysis is also discussed as well as other current and foreseen trends in this area of research. Following the previous review by Castro‐Puyana et al. (Electrophoresis, 2012, 33, 147–167), the current review covers the papers that were published from February 2011 to February 2013.
Recent developments in capillary and microchip electroseparations of peptides (2011–2013)
Authors: Kašička Václav
Published: October 2013

The review presents a comprehensive survey of recent developments and applications of capillary and microchip electroseparation methods (zone electrophoresis, ITP, IEF, affinity electrophoresis, EKC, and electrochromatography) for analysis, isolation, purification, and physicochemical and biochemical characterization of peptides. Advances in the investigation of electromigration properties of peptides, in the methodology of their analysis, including sample preseparation, preconcentration and derivatization, adsorption suppression and EOF control, as well as in detection of peptides, are presented. New developments in particular CE and CEC modes are reported and several types of their applications to peptide analysis are described: conventional qualitative and quantitative analysis, determination in complex (bio)matrices, monitoring of chemical and enzymatical reactions and physical changes, amino acid, sequence and chiral analysis, and peptide mapping of proteins. Some micropreparative peptide separations are shown and capabilities of CE and CEC techniques to provide relevant physicochemical characteristics of peptides are demonstrated.
The activity of rot fungi (Postia placenta) during drying and rewetting cycles measured by isothermal calorimetry
Authors: Wadsö Lars , Johansson Sanne , Pilgård Annica , Alfredsen Gry
Published: October 2013

Rot fungi are a major problem in the construction sector, and method to study under which moisture and temperature coefficients they grow are therefore of significant interest. Measurements of heat production rate have been made on wood samples with the brown rot fungus Postia placenta at different moisture contents (MCs). The results clearly show the heat production rate (a measure of respiration rate and fungal activity) is moisture‐dependent. For most cases, less heat was produced when the MC was decreased, and more heat was produced when the MC was increased. It was also found that when the MC increased after a dry period, the increase in activity was significantly delayed. However, if the moisture state was then kept constant at a high level, the activity slowly increased, showing that the fungi need time to recover back to the original activity level after drying. Isothermal calorimetry is a measurement technique well suited for the study of the activity of wood‐decaying fungi as a function of temperature and moisture content.
Synthesis of biolubricant components from waste cooking oil using a biocatalytic route
Authors: Chowdhury Avisha , Mitra Debarati , Biswas Dipa
Published: October 2013

The call for “sustainable development” has laid special emphasis on the “go green” concept and thus countries worldwide are taking initiatives to procure successful “clean and green technologies”. In this milieu the uncongenial conventional mineral‐oil based lubricants, causing adverse environmental impacts, can efficaciously be replaced by biodegradable vegetable oil based biolubricants. This article presents successful utilization of waste cooking oil (WCO) to synthesize biolubricant using a biocatalytic route. The developed methodology includes a two‐step process of enzymatic (Candida rugosa) hydrolysis of WCO to free fatty acids (FFA), followed by biocatalytic (Novozyme 435) esterification of FFA with octanol in a solvent‐free system to produce the octyl esters (desired biolubricant components). A classical method of parametric study was employed to explore the effect of different physico‐chemical parameters on the esterification reaction. The reaction conditions to achieve maximum conversion (95%) in minimum time were, initial water content = 0.5 wt % of FFA, octanol: FFA molar ratio = 3:1, catalyst = 5 wt % of FFA and temperature = 60°C. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed that the product formed was ester. WCO thus serves as an alternative feedstock for biolubricant synthesis and additionally aids up in skillful waste minimization and reuse. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 933–940, 2014
Study of demagnetization risk for a 12 kW direct driven permanent magnet synchronous generator for wind power
Authors: Sjökvist Stefan , Eriksson Sandra
Published: October 2013

One of the main aspects when designing a permanent magnet (PM) generator is to choose suitable PMs, both in terms of achieving the required flux in the generator but also of withstanding high demagnetizing fields, that is, having sufficiently high coercivity. If the coercivity is too low, the magnets are at risk of demagnetizing, fully or partially, at the event of a short circuit and/or an increase in temperature. This study aims to determine the risk of demagnetization for a 12 kW direct driven permanent magnet synchronous generator. Furthermore, as the prices on PMs have increased drastically the last few years the possibility to use smaller and/or cheaper PMs of different grades has been investigated. A new proprietary finite element method (FEM) model has been developed, which is also presented. The study is based on simulations from this FEM model and is focused on NdFeB magnets. Results show that the reference magnet can withstand a two‐phase short circuit at both the temperatures tested and in both geometries. The use of cheaper magnets, smaller air gap and in the event of a two‐phase short circuit often results in partial irreversible demagnetization. However, magnets with lower coercivity are easier demagnetized.
MetroNet: a disruption‐tolerant approach for mobile downloads on metro systems
Authors: Tung Li‐Ping , Chen Yi‐Chao , Lan Kun‐chan , Chen Ling‐Jyh
Published: October 2013

In this study, we propose a disruption‐tolerant network based system called MetroNet, which exploits the precise schedules of metro systems to pre‐fetch data and facilitate mobile Internet downloads, even if an end‐to‐end path between the source (i.e. content sources) and the destination (i.e. users) does not exist contemporaneously. Using a comprehensive set of simulations, as well as real‐world scenarios of the Taipei and Atlanta metro systems, we demonstrate that MetroNet can handle the intermittent Internet connectivity caused by mobility and therefore provide a better mobile download service. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed call admission control algorithm utilises the network resource effectively and provides better quality of service for mobile users than the first‐come‐first‐serve and least‐first algorithms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evacuation characteristics of visually impaired people – a qualitative and quantitative study
Authors: Sørensen Janne Gress , Dederichs Anne Simone
Published: October 2013

Evacuation characteristics for the blind and visually impaired people are presented in the current study. Forty participants in the age from 10 to 69 years with impairments for all of the four Danish categories (A–D) took part in the study. The mean free walking speed descending stairs for categories C and D were found to be comparable with values found in Danish and Swedish guidelines. The walking speed of people with visual impairments was not affected by an increasing density on the stairs to the same extent as the walking speed of able‐bodied adults. It was found that people with visual impairments were able to uphold a higher walking speed descending stairs than able‐bodied adults for increasing person density. The initial walking speed on horizontal planes is lower than the value suggested in literature. The horizontal mean free walking speed depends on the degree of vision loss. The design of the building environment is important for the ability to orientate for people with reduced sight. Walls and handrails are important for the self‐orientation possibilities for people with visual impairments. The findings in the current study are indicative trends for evacuation characteristics of the blind and visually impaired people. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Competing food concepts – Implications for Hawai'i, USA
Authors: Loke Matthew K. , Leung PingSun
Published: October 2013

As public interest in food security continues in Hawai‘i and elsewhere in the United States of America, so does the deluge of competing food concepts. Many issues in these overlapping concepts remain hazy, with various proponents advocating for different objectives. While food self‐sufficiency is less desirable from an efficiency or trade standpoint, this does not preclude its usefulness for noneconomic policy objectives. In Hawai‘i, free trade has opened a pathway for invasive species that is destructive to local agriculture, native species, and the host ecosystem. Due to Hawai‘i geographic isolation and cultural diversity, many residents will support food concepts which promote the theme, “local production for local consumption, under local control,” despite apparent advantages in food security which impacts more people in more places than other competing food concepts.
Tungsten Diffusion Modified AISI 304 Stainless Steel for PEMFC Bipolar Plate
Authors: Wang L. X. , Sun J. C. , Li S. , Ji S. J. , Wen Z. S. , Jing B.
Published: October 2013

Plasma surface diffusion alloying method has been applied to prepare a tungsten diffusion modified layer on the surface of AISI 304 stainless steel (W‐304 SS). A series of material evaluation experiments were performed on the W‐304 SS specimens to determine whether it is suitable to be used as PEMFC bipolar plate. Results show that the tungsten modified layer (about 2.5 μm in thickness) is mainly composed of tungsten elements. Potentiodynamic and potentiostatic as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements in simulated PEMFC operating conditions of 2 ppm F– and 0.05 M H2SO4 solution at 70 °C bubbling with either air or pure H2, suggest that the corrosion resistance and the passivated behavior of the W‐304 SS are improved. Meanwhile, the interfacial contact resistance (ICR) for the as‐received W‐304 SS reduces considerably, which yields better results than those found in untreated specimens.
Recurrent pre‐existing and acquired DNA copy number alterations, including focal TERT gains, in neuroblastoma central nervous system metastases
Authors: Cobrinik David , Ostrovnaya Irina , Hassimi Maryam , Tickoo Satish K. , Cheung Irene Y. , Cheung Nai‐Kong V.
Published: October 2013

Stage 4 neuroblastomas have a high rate of local and metastatic relapse and associated disease mortality. The central nervous system (CNS) is currently one of the most common isolated relapse sites, yet the genomic alterations that contribute to these metastases are unknown. This study sought to identify recurrent DNA copy number alterations (CNAs) and target genes relating to neuroblastoma CNS metastases by studying 19 pre‐CNS primary tumors and 27 CNS metastases, including 12 matched pairs. SNP microarray analyses revealed that MYCN amplified (MYCNA) tumors had recurrent CNAs different from non‐MYCNA cohorts. Several CNAs known to be prevalent among primary neuroblastomas occurred more frequently in CNS metastases, including 4p−, 7q+, 12q+, and 19q− in non‐MYCNA metastases, and 9p− and 14q− irrespective of MYCNA status. In addition, novel CNS metastases‐related CNAs included 18q22.1 gains in non‐MYCNA pre‐CNS primaries and 5p15.33 gains and 15q26.1→tel losses in non‐MYCNA CNS metastases. Based on minimal common regions, gene expression, and biological properties, TERT (5p), NR2F2 (15q), ALDH1A3 (15q), CDKN2A (9p), and possibly CDH7 and CDH19 (18q) were candidate genes associated with the CNS metastatic process. Notably, the 5p15 minimal common region contained only TERT, and non‐MYCNA CNS metastases with focal 5p15 gains had increased TERT expression, similar to MYCNA tumors. These findings suggest that a specific genomic lesion (18q22.1 gain) predisposes to CNS metastases and that distinct lesions are recurrently acquired during metastatic progression. Among the acquired lesions, increased TERT copy number and expression appears likely to function in lieu of MYCNA to promote CNS metastasis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tibetan and Indian lithospheres in the upper mantle beneath Tibet: Evidence from broadband surface‐wave dispersion
Authors: Agius Matthew R. , Lebedev Sergei
Published: October 2013

Broadband seismic experiments over the last two decades have produced dense data coverage across Tibet. Yet, the mechanism of the India‐Asia lithospheric convergence beneath it remains a puzzle, with even its basic features debated and with very different end‐member models advocated today. We measured highly accurate Rayleigh‐ and Love‐wave phase‐velocity curves in broad period ranges (up to 5–200 s) for a few tens of pairs and groups of stations across Tibet, combining, in each case, hundreds to thousands of interstation measurements made with cross‐correlation and waveform‐inversion methods. Robust shear‐velocity profiles were then determined by extensive series of nonlinear inversions of the data, designed to constrain the depth‐dependent ranges of isotropic‐average shear speeds and radial anisotropy. Temperature anomalies in the upper mantle were estimated from shear velocities using accurate petrophysical relationships. Our results reveal strong heterogeneity in the upper mantle beneath Tibet. Very large high‐velocity anomalies in the upper mantle are consistent with the presence of underthrust (beneath southwestern Tibet) and subducted (beneath central and eastern Tibet) Indian lithosphere. The corresponding thermal anomalies match those estimated for subducted Indian lithosphere. In contrast to the Indian lithosphere, Tibetan lithosphere and asthenosphere display low‐to‐normal shear speeds; Tibetan lithosphere is thus warm and thin. Radial anisotropy in the upper mantle is weak in central and strong in northeastern Tibet, possibly reflecting asthenospheric flow above the subducting Indian lithospheric slab.
Vascular depression: overrepresented among African Americans?
Authors: Reinlieb Michelle E. , Persaud Amanda , Singh Deepika , Garcon Ernst , Rutherford Bret R. , Pelton Gregory H. , Devanand D. P. , Roose Steven P. , Sneed Joel R.
Published: October 2013

Objective

Our primary aim was to compare the rate of vascular depression among a clinical sample of African American and Caucasian depressed older adults. Secondary aims included characterizing the clinical and neuropsychological profile of vascular depression and comparing antidepressant response rates between patients with vascular and nonvascular depression.

Methods

This was a two‐site, multi‐ethnic, open 8‐week trial of antidepressant medication in older adults with depression. Men and women 50 years or older meeting DSM‐IV criteria for nonpsychotic unipolar depression participated in this trial. Each participant underwent a comprehensive psychiatric and neuropsychological evaluation and a brain MRI, which were performed at baseline.

Results

Forty‐six patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Forty‐two of those patients received an MRI at baseline. Sixteen patients met criteria for vascular depression. Patients with vascular depression were significantly more likely to be African American and have a higher likelihood of being female, a higher rate of hypertension and psychomotor retardation, a lower rate of family history of affective illness, and frontal systems dysfunction on neuropsychological testing. The difference in response rates between patients with vascular and nonvascular depression did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

This is the first study to document high rates of vascular depression in a clinical sample of African Americans and Caucasians. Our findings suggest that vascular depression may be overrepresented among African Americans, which is consistent with the high rates of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and stroke in this population. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
All things to all people? The provision of outreach by community mental health teams for older people in England: findings from a national survey
Authors: Tucker Sue , Wilberforce Mark , Brand Christian , Abendstern Michele , Challis David
Published: October 2013

Objective

The objective of this study is to identify the extent of outreach activity community mental health teams (CMHTs) for older people provide to mainstream services in light of the recommendations of the National Dementia Strategy. In particular, to determine the range of settings in receipt of support; to specify the form of this activity; to identify the professionals involved; and to explore the factors associated with the provision of such support.

Methods

A self‐administered postal questionnaire was sent to all CMHTs in England. The reported arrangements were categorised and reviewed according to a taxonomy of outreach developed from the literature.

Results

Three hundred and seventy six (88%) of the CMHTs responded. Although nearly all teams undertook some outreach work, much of this was informal in nature. Nevertheless, the vast majority of teams had some formal outreach arrangements in at least one mainstream setting. Just less than three‐quarters provided support (most typically education) to care homes, approaching half centres to day centres, and over a third to primary care practices, social services teams, home care providers and general hospitals, respectively. Link workers were the favoured means of supporting general hospital staff. Community mental health nurses were most commonly involved in providing outreach, and larger teams were more likely than smaller teams to have formalised arrangements. A significant minority of teams expressed concerns about their capacity to provide effective services.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that both more resources and more evidence will be needed to meet the National Dementia Strategy's aim of improving care for older people with mental health problems in mainstream settings. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The nuances of cognition and depression in older adults: the need for a comprehensive assessment
Authors: Brown Patrick J. , Sneed Joel R. , Rutherford Bret R. , Devanand D. P. , Roose Steven P.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the confluence of depression, cognitive impairment, and vascular risk factors in older individuals.

Methods

The study uses baseline data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center. Data were collected across Alzheimer's Disease Centers in the USA. The sample included 12,634 individuals (cognitive intact = 8022; amnestic mild cognitive impairment [aMCI] = 3652; nonamnestic MCI [nonaMCI] = 960). The Geriatric Depression Scale assessed depression; the Trail Making Test assessed executive function.

Results

The proportion of participants with depression was higher in the aMCI (18%) and nonaMCI group (21%) as compared with that in the cognitively intact group (8%); there was no difference in rates of depression between aMCI and nonaMCI groups. The proportion of participants with executive dysfunction differed between nondepressed and depressed individuals for the cognitively intact (8% vs. 12%) and aMCI groups (28% vs. 35%), but not for the nonaMCI group (37% vs. 41%). Nine percent of the cognitively intact group had executive dysfunction compared with 31% of the aMCI group and 40% of the nonaMCI group. The proportion of participants with hypertension was greater in individuals with executive dysfunction compared with those with no executive deficits; the presence of hypertension was not associated with depression severity.

Conclusions

The confluence of vascular risk factors, episodic memory impairment, and depression and executive dysfunction highlights the need for comprehensive assessment of depressed older adults that can aid clinicians in the formulation of treatment planning and inform clinicians and researchers about long‐term prognosis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
North American winter‐spring storms: Modeling investigation on tropical Pacific sea surface temperature impacts
Authors: Basu Soumik , Zhang Xiangdong , Polyakov Igor , Bhatt Uma S.
Published: October 2013

An increased frequency and intensity of winter and spring storms have recently manifested over a broad area of North America—along the east coast of the U.S. especially, though global mean storm tracks are suggested to shift northward. To understand these changes, we have conducted atmospheric model experiments, examining the response of North American storm activity to the elevated tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) associated with El Niño. The results indicate that, when tropical Pacific SST increases, there are more numerous intense storms over southwestern, southeastern, and northwestern North America, but fewer weaker storms over the northeast. Transient eddy analysis of the general circulation demonstrates consistent changes, suggesting systematic changes from large‐scale general circulation to synoptic‐scale storms. These changes can be attributed to enhanced lower tropospheric baroclinicity, to which the southward shift and an intensification of extratropical jet streams make a major contribution.
Seismic evidence for lithospheric modification beneath the Mojave Neovolcanic Province, Southern California
Authors: Allison Chelsea M. , Porter Ryan C. , Fouch Matthew J. , Semken Steven
Published: October 2013

The Mojave Neovolcanic Province (MNVP), located in the Mojave block of southern California, comprises late Miocene to Quaternary small‐volume basaltic centers. Geochemistry indicates an asthenospheric source for the MNVP beginning in the late Miocene, but no physical evidence of missing mantle lithosphere has been presented. We utilize receiver functions and ambient noise tomography to image the lithosphere beneath the Mojave block. Regionally, we find thin crust that thickens distal to sites of MNVP volcanism. Shear wave velocities between 40 and 75 km depth are consistent with the presence of mantle lithosphere in the southern Mojave block and very thin or missing mantle lithosphere to the north. With one exception, MNVP volcanoes lie along this sharp boundary. Our observations, together with the established geologic history and geochemistry of the MNVP, can be explained by small‐scale edge‐driven convection producing ongoing lithospheric removal within the Mojave block. Our results provide another example of lithospheric instability that occurs in response to rapid changes in mantle dynamics induced by major changes in tectonic plate geometry.
An information‐theoretic perspective on teleconnections
Authors: Greene Arthur M.
Published: October 2013

A classical paradigm for terrestrial climate variability involves remote sea surface temperature forcing, communicated to receptor regions via atmospheric teleconnections. Here the teleconnection link is abstracted in terms of Shannon's information‐theoretic measure “channel capacity.” An upper bound on the channel capacity for December‐January‐February (DJF) seasonal precipitation teleconnections with sea surface temperature in the NINO3.4 region, when both variables are tercile‐quantized, is estimated as 1 bit, meaning that it is only marginally possible to distinguish reliably between two NINO3.4 input states on the basis of observed precipitation output amounts, the central tercile acting principally to degrade reliability. A relationship between the channel capacity in a continuous model and the correlation coefficient is established; the corresponding nonlinear transformation provides a useful shift in perspective on the communication of information as such via teleconnections.
HETEROGENEITY IN ACTION: THE ROLE OF PASSIVE PERSONALIZATION IN COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS RESEARCH
Authors: Basu Anirban , Jena Anupam B. , Goldman Dana P. , Philipson Tomas J. , Dubois Robert
Published: October 2013

Despite the goal of comparative effectiveness research (CER) to inform patient‐centered care, most studies fail to account for the patient‐centeredness of care that already exist in practice, which we denote as passive personalization (PP). Because CER studies describe the average effectiveness of treatments rather than heterogeneity in how individual patients respond to therapies, clinical or coverage policies that respond to CER results may undermine PP in clinical practice and generate worse outcomes. We study this phenomenon empirically in the context of use of antipsychotic drugs in Medicaid patients with schizophrenia using novel instrumental variable methods. We find strong support for PP in clinical practice and demonstrate that the average effects from a CER study cannot be replicated in practice because of the presence of PP. In contrast, providing physicians with evidence to further personalize treatment can produce significant benefits. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Desmoid tumors of the head and neck: A therapeutic challenge
Authors: de Bree Eelco , Zoras Odysseas , Hunt Jennifer L. , Takes Robert P. , Suárez Carlos , Mendenhall William M. , Hinni Michael L. , Rodrigo Juan P. , Shaha Ashok R. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Ferlito Alfio , de Bree Remco
Published: October 2013

Desmoid tumor, or aggressive fibromatosis, is a rare, histologically benign, fibroblastic lesion that infrequently presents in the head and neck. Desmoid tumors often grow locally, invasively, and may, in rare instances, be fatal secondary to invasion into critical structures, such as airway or major vessels. The most common treatment is surgery, but desmoid tumors are characteristically associated with a high local recurrence rate after resection. Although the margin status seems to be of importance, operations that avoid function loss and esthetic disfigurement should be the primary goal. The efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy is controversial. Its potential benefit should be carefully balanced against possible radiation‐induced adverse effects. Alternative treatment modalities, such as primary radiotherapy and medical treatment or a wait‐and‐see policy, may be preferable to mutilating surgery. Considering all the aforementioned, it seems obvious that desmoid tumors of the head and neck present a therapeutic challenge and require an individualized approach. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Head Neck, 36: 1517–1526, 2014
IL-17 Signaling Accelerates the Progression of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Harley Isaac T.W. , Stankiewicz Traci E. , Giles Daniel A. , Softic Samir , Flick Leah M. , Cappelletti Monica , Sheridan Rachel , Xanthakos Stavra A. , Steinbrecher Kris A. , Sartor Balfour R. , Kohli Rohit , Karp Christopher L. , Divanovic Senad
Published: October 2013

Inflammation plays a central pathogenic role in the pernicious metabolic and end-organ sequelae of obesity. Among these sequelae, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease in the developed world. The twinned observations that obesity is associated with increased activation of the interleukin (IL)-17 axis and that this axis can regulate liver damage in diverse contexts prompted us to address the role of IL-17RA signaling in the progression of NAFLD. We further examined whether microbe-driven IL-17A regulated NAFLD development and progression. We show here that IL-17RA−/− mice respond to high-fat diet stress with significantly greater weight gain, visceral adiposity, and hepatic steatosis than wild-type controls. However, obesity-driven lipid accumulation was uncoupled from its end-organ consequences in IL-17RA−/− mice, which exhibited decreased steatohepatitis, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase enzyme expression, and hepatocellular damage. Neutralization of IL-17A significantly reduced obesity-driven hepatocellular damage in wild-type mice. Further, colonization of mice with segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB), a commensal that induces IL-17A production, exacerbated obesity-induced hepatocellular damage. In contrast, SFB depletion protected from obesity-induced hepatocellular damage.

Conclusion :

These data indicate that obesity-driven activation of the IL-17 axis is central to the development and progression of NAFLD to steatohepatitis and identify the IL-17 pathway as a novel therapeutic target in this condition. (Hepatology 2014;59:1830–1839)