bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Metforminium(2+) Decavanadates – Crystal Structures and Solid‐State Characterization
Authors: Sánchez‐Lombardo Irma , Sánchez‐Lara Eduardo , Pérez‐Benítez Aarón , Mendoza Ángel , Bernès Sylvain , González‐Vergara Enrique
Published: August 2014

Three new compounds were formed between decavanadate and diprotonated metformin (H2Metf) at different pH values and in the presence or absence of ammonium cations, namely, [H2Metf]3[V10O28]·8H2O (1), [H2Metf]2[NH4]2[V10O28]·10H2O (2), and [H2Metf]2[NH4]2[V10O28]·4H2O (3). We present their spectroscopic, thermal, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction characterization. The solid‐state structure of 1 shows that the three H2Metf2+ dications that counterbalance the charge of the decavanadate anion are in the close vicinity of the latter, as a result of the strong Coulombic forces that arise from the ionic charges. The replacement of one metforminium(2+) cation by two ammonium cations results in two hydrates 2 and 3, which differ only in their water content. Although 2 and 3 crystallize in the same centrosymmetric space group as 1, a remarkable difference for 2 and 3 is that the [V10O28]6– anion is placed on an inversion center, which is not the case for 1.
Organocatalytic Oxidation of Secondary Alcohols Using 1,2‐Di(1‐naphthyl)‐1,2‐ethanediamine (NEDA)
Authors: Al‐Hunaiti Afnan , Räisänen Minna , Pihko Petri , Leskelä Markku , Repo Timo
Published: August 2014

Diamine, 1,2‐di(1‐naphthyl)‐1,2‐ethanediamine (NEDA), efficiently catalyzes the oxidation of alcohols by using TBHP as an oxidant. Notably, secondary benzyl alcohols are oxidized in almost quantitative yields, and the catalyst also displays high activity towards even hindered cycloaliphatic secondary alcohols. With enantiopure (R,R)‐NEDA, oxidative kinetic resolution can be realized and depending on the alcohol ee up to 99 % are achieved.
Assessment of chronic post‐surgical pain after knee replacement: Development of a core outcome set
Authors: Wylde V. , MacKichan F. , Bruce J. , Gooberman‐Hill R.
Published: August 2014

Background

Approximately 20% of patients experience chronic post‐surgical pain (CPSP) after total knee replacement (TKR). There is scope to improve assessment of CPSP after TKR, and this study aimed to develop a core outcome set.

Methods

Eighty patients and 43 clinicians were recruited into a three‐round modified Delphi study. In Round 1, participants were presented with 56 pain features identified from a systematic review, structured interviews with patients and focus groups with clinicians. Participants assigned importance ratings, using a 1–9 scale, to individual pain features; those features rated as most important were retained in subsequent rounds. Consensus that a pain feature should be included in the core outcome set was defined as the feature having a rating of 7–9 by ≥70% of both panels (patients and clinicians) and 1–3 by ≤15% of both panels or rated as 7–9 by ≥90% of one panel.

Results

Round 1 was completed by 71 patients and 39 clinicians, and Round 3 by 62 patients and 33 clinicians. The final consensus was that 33 pain features were important. These were grouped into an 8‐item core outcome set comprising: pain intensity, pain interference with daily living, pain and physical functioning, temporal aspects of pain, pain description, emotional aspects of pain, use of pain medication, and improvement and satisfaction with pain relief.

Conclusions

This core outcome set serves to guide assessment of CPSP after TKR. Consistency in assessment can promote standardized reporting and facilitate comparability between studies that address a common but understudied type of CPSP.
Efficacy and well‐being in rural north India: The role of social identification with a large‐scale community identity
Authors: Khan Sammyh S. , Hopkins Nick , Tewari Shruti , Srinivasan Narayanan , Reicher Stephen David , Ozakinci Gozde
Published: August 2014

Identifying with a group can contribute to a sense of well‐being. The mechanisms involved are diverse: social identification with a group can impact individuals' beliefs about issues such as their connections with others, the availability of social support, the meaningfulness of existence, and the continuity of their identity. Yet, there seems to be a common theme to these mechanisms: identification with a group encourages the belief that one can cope with the stressors one faces (which is associated with better well‐being). Our research investigated the relationship between identification, beliefs about coping, and well‐being in a survey (N = 792) administered in rural North India. Using structural equation modelling, we found that social identification as a Hindu had positive and indirect associations with three measures of well‐being through the belief that one can cope with everyday stressors. We also found residual associations between participants' social identification as a Hindu and two measures of well‐being in which higher identification was associated with poorer well‐being. We discuss these findings and their implication for understanding the relationship between social identification (especially with large‐scale group memberships) and well‐being. We also discuss the application of social psychological theory developed in the urban West to rural north India. © 2014 The Authors. European Journal of Social Psychology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Manganese‐Loaded Activated Carbon for the Removal of Organosulfur Compounds from High‐Sulfur Diesel Fuels
Authors: Al‐Ghouti Mohammad A. , Al‐Degs Yahya S.
Published: August 2014

The adsorptive capacity of activated carbon (AC) is significantly enhanced toward weakly interacting organosulfur compounds (OSC) from sulfur‐rich diesel fuel. Sulfur compounds are selectively removed from diesel after surface modification by manganese dioxide (MnO2). A selective surface for OSC removal was created by loading MnO2 on the surface; π‐complexation between the partially filled d‐orbitals of Mn4+ and the S atom is the controlling mechanism for OSC removal. Principal component analysis (PCA) of adsorption data indicated the significance of the Mn–AC mass and the temperature as experimental parameters according to the following correlation: OSC adsorption (mg Sg−1)=3.94 (mass)−0.06 (part. diam.)−3.28 (temp)+0.02 (conc.). The kinetics of OSC adsorption confirmed that OSC removal by Mn–AC is a fast process in which 66 % of the surface is filled in 30 min. Kinetic data were best fitted by pseudo‐first‐ and second‐order models compared to diffusion‐based models. Surface and pore diffusion has only a minor role in the process.
Revised biostratigraphic scheme for the Early Pleistocene of the UK based on arvicolids (Mammalia, Rodentia)
Authors: Mayhew D.F.
Published: August 2014

This paper reviews the Early Pleistocene arvicolids from the UK, including new material, and updating the taxonomy and the stratigraphic interpretations. The biostratigraphic system for the Pliocene and Early Pleistocene proposed by Tesakov for southeast Europe is applied to the UK assemblages. Previous work which recognized three faunal groups is confirmed. The latest assemblages, from the ‘Weybourne Crag’ deposits (currently included in the Wroxham Crag Formation), fall within arvicolid biozone MNR1. The earlier arvicolids, from the Norwich Crag, fall within biozone MNR2, in two distinct levels. The later level, dating from the second half of biozone MNR2, includes the arvicolids from deposits exposed on the Suffolk coast near Southwold, including Easton Bavents. These underlie deposits previously assigned to the Baventian Stage. The earlier arvicolid assemblages date from the first part of biozone MNR2 (or just possibly the end of biozone MNR3) and come from Norwich Crag Formation deposits including the type Bramertonian (Bramerton, Norfolk), as well as deposits at and near the surface in the area of Sizewell (Suffolk). On the basis of palaeomagnetic calibration in southeast Europe, the three levels of the UK sequence are interpreted as corresponding to approximate absolute age limits of 2.1–2.25 Ma (‘Weybourne Crag’), 2.25–2.35 Ma (the later Norwich Crag Formation) and 2.35–2.45 Ma (the earlier Norwich Crag Formation). The revised arvicolid biostratigraphy is considered to be valid for the North Sea Basin area, allowing correlation with deposits in the Netherlands, and a link to be made between continental and marine biostratigraphic schemes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional connectivity of hippocampal and prefrontal networks during episodic and spatial memory based on real‐world environments
Authors: Robin Jessica , Hirshhorn Marnie , Rosenbaum R. Shayna , Winocur Gordon , Moscovitch Morris , Grady Cheryl L.
Published: August 2014

Several recent studies have compared episodic and spatial memory in neuroimaging paradigms in order to understand better the contribution of the hippocampus to each of these tasks. In the present study, we build on previous findings showing common neural activation in default network areas during episodic and spatial memory tasks based on familiar, real‐world environments (Hirshhorn et al. (2012) Neuropsychologia 50:3094–3106). Following previous demonstrations of the presence of functionally connected sub‐networks within the default network, we performed seed‐based functional connectivity analyses to determine how, depending on the task, the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex differentially couple with one another and with distinct whole‐brain networks. We found evidence for a medial prefrontal‐parietal network and a medial temporal lobe network, which were functionally connected to the prefrontal and hippocampal seeds, respectively, regardless of the nature of the memory task. However, these two networks were functionally connected with one another during the episodic memory task, but not during spatial memory tasks. Replicating previous reports of fractionation of the default network into stable sub‐networks, this study also shows how these sub‐networks may flexibly couple and uncouple with one another based on task demands. These findings support the hypothesis that episodic memory and spatial memory share a common medial temporal lobe‐based neural substrate, with episodic memory recruiting additional prefrontal sub‐networks. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Short‐term plasticity based network model of place cells dynamics
Authors: Romani Sandro , Tsodyks Misha
Published: August 2014

Rodent hippocampus exhibits strikingly different regimes of population activity in different behavioral states. During locomotion, hippocampal activity oscillates at theta frequency (5–12 Hz) and cells fire at specific locations in the environment, the place fields. As the animal runs through a place field, spikes are emitted at progressively earlier phases of the theta cycles. During immobility, hippocampus exhibits sharp irregular bursts of activity, with occasional rapid orderly activation of place cells expressing a possible trajectory of the animal. The mechanisms underlying this rich repertoire of dynamics are still unclear. We developed a novel recurrent network model that accounts for the observed phenomena. We assume that the network stores a map of the environment in its recurrent connections, which are endowed with short‐term synaptic depression. We show that the network dynamics exhibits two different regimes that are similar to the experimentally observed population activity states in the hippocampus. The operating regime can be solely controlled by external inputs. Our results suggest that short‐term synaptic plasticity is a potential mechanism contributing to shape the population activity in hippocampus. © 2014 The Authors. Hippocampus Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ethanol inhibits long‐term potentiation in hippocampal CA1 neurons, irrespective of lamina and stimulus strength, through neurosteroidogenesis
Authors: Ramachandran Binu , Ahmed Saheeb , Zafar Noman , Dean Camin
Published: August 2014

Ethanol inhibits memory encoding and the induction of long‐term potentiation (LTP) in CA1 neurons of the hippocampus. Hippocampal LTP at Schaffer collateral synapses onto CA1 pyramidal neurons has been widely studied as a cellular model of learning and memory, but there is striking heterogeneity in the underlying molecular mechanisms in distinct regions and in response to distinct stimuli. Basal and apical dendrites differ in terms of innervation, input specificity, and molecular mechanisms of LTP induction and maintenance, and different stimuli determine distinct molecular pathways of potentiation. However, lamina or stimulus‐dependent effects of ethanol on LTP have not been investigated. Here, we tested the effect of acute application of 60 mM ethanol on LTP induction in distinct dendritic compartments (apical versus basal) of CA1 neurons, and in response to distinct stimulation paradigms (single versus repeated, spaced high frequency stimulation). We found that ethanol completely blocks LTP in apical dendrites, whereas it reduces the magnitude of LTP in basal dendrites. Acute ethanol treatment for just 15 min altered pre‐ and post‐synaptic protein expression. Interestingly, ethanol increases the neurosteroid allopregnanolone, which causes ethanol‐dependent inhibition of LTP, more prominently in apical dendrites, where ethanol has greater effects on LTP. This suggests that ethanol has general effects on fundamental properties of synaptic plasticity, but the magnitude of its effect on LTP differs depending on hippocampal sub‐region and stimulus strength. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genome‐wide small nucleolar RNA expression analysis of lung cancer by next‐generation deep sequencing
Authors: Gao Lu , Ma Jie , Mannoor Kaiissar , Guarnera Maria A. , Shetty Amol , Zhan Min , Xing Lingxiao , Stass Sanford A. , Jiang Feng
Published: August 2014

Emerging evidence indicates that small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), a class of small noncoding RNAs, may play important function in tumorigenesis. Nonsmall‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the number one cancer killer for men and women. Systematically characterizing snoRNAs in NSCLC will develop biomarkers for its early detection and prognostication. We used next‐generation deep sequencing to comprehensively characterize snoRNA profiles in 12 NSCLC tissues. We used quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) to verify the findings in 40 surgical Stage I NSCLC specimens and 126 frozen NSCLC tissues of different stages. The 126 NSCLC tissues were divided into a training set and a testing set. Deep sequencing identified 458 snoRNAs, of which, 29 had a ≥3.0‐fold expression level change in Stage I NSCLC tissues versus normal tissues. qRT‐PCR analysis showed that 16 of 29 snoRNAs exhibited consistent changes with deep sequencing data. The 16 snoRNAs exhibited 0.75–0.94 area under receiver–operator characteristic curve values in distinguishing lung tumor from normal lung tissues (all ≤0.0001) with 70.0–95.0% sensitivity and 70.0–95.0% specificity. Six genes (snoRA47, snoRA68, snoRA78, snoRA21, snoRD28 and snoRD66) were identified whose expressions were associated with overall survival of the NSCLC patients. A prediction model consisting of three genes (snoRA47, snoRA68 and snoRA78) was developed in the training set of 77 cases, which could significantly predict overall survival of the NSCLC patients (p < 0.0001). The prognostic performance of the prediction model was confirmed in the testing set of 49 NSCLC patients. The identified snoRNA signatures may provide potential biomarkers for the early detection and prognostication of NSCLC.
STRONG, SAFE, AND SECURE: NEGOTIATING EARLY FATHERING AND MILITARY SERVICE ACROSS THE DEPLOYMENT CYCLE
Authors: Dayton Carolyn Joy , Walsh Tova B. , Muzik Maria , Erwin Michael , Rosenblum Katherine L.
Published: August 2014

Military fathers of young children often endure repeated separations from their children, and these may disrupt the early parent–child relationship. Postdeployment reunification also poses challenges; disruptions that have occurred must often be repaired in the context of heightened emotions on the part of each family member at a time when fathers are themselves readjusting to the routines and responsibilities of family life. The current study employed qualitative research with the central aim of informing a richer understanding of these experiences. Interviews were conducted with 14 military fathers of young children who had experienced separation from their families during deployment. Narratives were coded using principles of grounded theory, and common parenting themes were extracted. Fathers shared their hopes that their young children would develop qualities of strength, confidence, and self‐sufficiency. They also discussed difficulty in supporting the development of these qualities in their young children due to problems dealing with the negative emotions and difficult behaviors that their children exhibited. Reliance on their parenting partner was commonly cited as an effective strategy as fathers transitioned back to family life. Implications for intervention programs include the provision of parenting and self‐care skills and inclusion of the father's parenting partner in the intervention.
EXPECTANT FATHERS’ INTUITIVE PARENTING: ASSOCIATIONS WITH PARENT CHARACTERISTICS AND POSTPARTUM POSITIVE ENGAGEMENT
Authors: Schoppe‐Sullivan Sarah J. , Altenburger Lauren E. , Settle Theresa A. , Kamp Dush Claire M. , Sullivan Jason M. , Bower Daniel J.
Published: August 2014

This study examined expectant fathers’ intuitive parenting behavior and its correlates and associations with fathers’ postpartum positive engagement. One hundred eighty‐two expectant couples completed the Prenatal Lausanne Trilogue Play in the third trimester of pregnancy. Coders rated expectant fathers’ and mothers’ intuitive parenting behavior during this procedure. Expectant parents also completed surveys regarding their psychological and demographic characteristics. At 3 months postpartum, fathers completed time diaries that assessed the time that they spent in developmentally appropriate, positive engagement activities with their infants. Examination of correlates of expectant fathers’ intuitive parenting behavior revealed that expectant fathers showed lower levels of these behaviors than did expectant mothers, that intuitive parenting behavior was moderately positively associated for mothers and fathers, and that individual differences in expectant fathers’ intuitive parenting behavior were associated with parent demographic and psychological characteristics. In particular, expectant fathers showed greater intuitive parenting behavior when they had greater human capital and more progressive beliefs about parent roles, and when their partners had lower parenting self‐efficacy. Findings also indicated that expectant fathers’ greater intuitive parenting behavior was predictive of fathers’ greater subsequent engagement in developmentally appropriate activities at 3 months postpartum, but only when expectant mothers demonstrated low levels of intuitive parenting behavior.
The First‐Year Experience in Community Colleges
Authors: Bers Trudy , Younger Donna
Published: August 2014

This chapter will examine characteristics of first‐year experience programs in community colleges, with specific attention to the extant research about their effectiveness, the ways in which research and program delivery can be integrated, and the unique challenges of delivering FYE programs and conducting research about them in community colleges.
Pedagogy in Counselor Education: A 10‐Year Content Analysis of Journals
Authors: Barrio Minton Casey A. , Wachter Morris Carrie A. , Yaites LaToya D.
Published: August 2014

This content analysis includes 230 peer‐reviewed articles regarding teaching and learning published in journals of the American Counseling Association and its divisions between January 2001 and December 2010. Results include examination of focus, pedagogical foundations, and the methodologies used. Implications for the scholarship of teaching and learning in counselor education are discussed.
Factors for Personal Counseling Among Counseling Trainees
Authors: Byrne J. Stephen , Shufelt Brett
Published: August 2014

The present study explored the use of counseling among counselor trainees and the characteristics of consumers and nonconsumers. Approximately 61% of those surveyed (n = 85) reported that they had received counseling, with the majority being mental health counseling trainees. Nonconsumers (n = 54) indicated that they coped with problems in other ways but would consider counseling if they experienced trauma.
Students' Perspectives on Gatekeeping in Counselor Education: A Case Study
Authors: Foster Jennifer M. , Leppma Monica , Hutchinson Tracy S.
Published: August 2014

Through in‐depth interviews, the authors examined 10 master's‐level counseling students' perceptions of gatekeeping. Case analysis resulted in 3 major themes pertaining to the necessity of gatekeeping, vital components, and counseling student characteristics. Implications of the findings are also discussed.
Contributions of Family Factors to Career Readiness: A Cross‐Cultural Comparison
Authors: Fan Weiqiao , Cheung Fanny M. , Leong Frederick T. L. , Cheung Shu Fai
Published: August 2014

The authors examined the contributions of perceived family intrusiveness to career decision‐making difficulties (CDMD) and the mediating effect of family orientation as a personality trait in different cultural settings. In Study 1, a web‐based survey of 1,563 Hong Kong college students showed that perceived family intrusiveness significantly contributed to CDMD. This relationship was mediated by the relational personality trait emphasizing family orientation. Study 2 compared this pattern of relationship between a Hong Kong sample of 392 college students and a U.S. sample of 367 college students. The mediation model was only supported in the Hong Kong sample. Specifically, although the contributions of family intrusiveness to CDMD were demonstrated across the 2 cultural settings, the significant influences of family orientation were only supported in the Hong Kong sample. Implications for career development and counseling with college students from different cultural backgrounds are discussed.
Childhood Career Development in Mainland China: A Research and Practice Agenda
Authors: Liu Jianwei , McMahon Mary , Watson Mark
Published: August 2014

Career development in adolescence and adulthood has been widely researched; however, less is known about childhood career development, particularly in non‐Western cultures. This is especially the case in mainland China, where children grow up in a unique context. The Confucian tradition of emphasizing education as an important social ladder and parents' role in their children's development may restrict children's development of career‐planning skills. By contrast, the shift from a planned economy to a market economy enables individuals to choose careers and demands that individuals have career‐planning skills. The elementary school years could be a starting point to develop such skills by providing career guidance for children. This article considers childhood career development in mainland China, discusses the status quo of childhood career development research and practice, and considers an agenda for future research and practice.
Recovery and Cultivation of Keratinocytes From Shipped Mouse Skin
Authors: Yang Hsin‐ya , La Thi Dinh , Gurenko Zhanna , Steenhuis Pieter , Liu Wei , Isseroff R. Rivkah
Published: August 2014

Murine keratinocyte culture from neonatal skin is an important tool for studying the functional role of specific genes in epithelial biology. However, when the transgenic animal is only available in a geographically distant local, obtaining viable keratinocytes can be problematic. A method for transferring the isolated murine skin from collaborating labs could decrease the cost of shipping live animals, and would allow the efficient use of the tissues from the transgenic animals. Here we optimized shipping conditions and characterized the cells retrieved and cultured from mouse skin shipped for 48 h at 0 °C. The cultured keratinocytes from the control, non‐shipped skin and the 2‐day shipped skin were 43.6 +/− 7.8% viable, doubled every 2 days, and expressed comparable amounts of heat shock proteins and CD29/integrin beta‐1. However, under the same shipping conditions, the 3‐day shipped tissue failed to establish colonies in the culture. Therefore, this 2‐day shipping technique allows the transfer mouse skin from distant locations with recovery of viable, propagatable keratinocytes, facilitating long‐distance collaborations. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 242–245, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sulfur‐replaced Fenton systems: can sulfate radical substitute hydroxyl radical for advanced oxidation technologies?
Authors: Zhou Danna , Zhang Hui , Chen Long
Published: August 2014

Sulfate radicals (SO4•−) and hydroxy radicals (HO•) are the major radicals used in advanced oxidation technologies (AOTs) for the removal of contaminants. Although SO4•− reacts with organic or inorganic compounds with rate constants comparatively lower than that of HO•, AOTs based on SO4•− (abbreviated as SR‐AOTs) have gained lots of attention due to the selective oxidation and non‐pH‐dependence. A series of systems using persulfate (PS) or peroxymonosulfate (PMS) instead of H2O2 is designated as a sulfate radical‐Fenton system or sulfur‐replaced Fenton system (SR‐Fenton). Comparisons and analogies between Fenton (Fenton‐like) systems and SR‐Fenton systems are made and some new SR‐AOTs systems without PS or PMS are introduced. The possibility for the substitution of HO• by SO4•− for AOTs is discussed. Most likely in the future, efforts will be concentrated on product‐oriented AOTs with the purpose of recovery of chemical products rather than mineralization of organic contaminants, producing greenhouse gas CO2. Moreover, such SR‐Fenton system may be more atomically economical. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Toward hyperpolarized molecular imaging of HIV: synthesis and longitudinal relaxation properties of 15N‐Azidothymidine
Authors: Shchepin Roman V. , Chekmenev Eduard Y.
Published: August 2014

Previously unreported 15N labeled Azidothymidine (AZT) was prepared as an equimolar mixture of two isotopomers: 1‐15N‐AZT and 3‐15N‐AZT. Polarization decay of 15N NMR signal was studied in high (9.4 T) and low (~50 mT) magnetic fields. 15N T1 values were 45 ± 5 s (1‐15N‐AZT) and 37 ± 2 s (3‐15N‐AZT) at 9.4 T, and 140 ± 16 s (3‐15N‐AZT) at 50 mT. 15N‐AZT can be potentially 15N hyperpolarized by several methods. These sufficiently long 15N‐AZT T1 values potentially enable hyperpolarized in vivo imaging of 15N‐AZT, because of the known favorable efficient (i.e., of the time scale shorter than the longest reported here 15N T1) kinetics of uptake of injected AZT. Therefore, 3‐15N‐AZT can be potentially used for HIV molecular imaging using hyperpolarized magnetic resonance imaging.
Rubella outbreak in the union territory of Chandigarh, North India
Authors: Singh Mini P. , Kumar Archit , Gautam Neha , Khurana Jasmine , Gupta Madhu , Ratho Radha Kanta
Published: August 2014

Rubella virus outbreaks usually occur when a large numbers of susceptible individuals accumulate. The disease presents clinically with fever and maculopapular rash. The present study reports the investigation of rubella outbreak in a modern and well‐planned village near Chandigarh, North India. The blood samples were collected from 39 cases with febrile rash and from 15 age and sex matched healthy controls residing in the same locality and subjected for the detection of Rubella IgM and IgG antibodies by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The throat swabs, urine and blood samples from acute cases were also collected and subjected to RT‐PCR using the primers targeting the E1 region. The genetic characterization of the rubella virus was carried out to identify the circulating genotypes. In the present outbreak, 13 laboratory confirmed cases were reported. Rubella IgM antibodies were detected in 12/39 (30.7%) patients. Rubella RNA could be detected in 83.3% (5/6) of urine, 22.2% (2/9) of throat swabs, and 8.3% (1/12) of blood samples. The rubella genotype responsible for the present outbreak was identified as genotype 1a. This outbreak highlights the need for the introduction of rubella vaccine in the National Immunization Programme of India to prevent outbreaks and to aim towards the eradication of this disease. This study reports the presence of genotype 1a in North India for the first time and stresses the need for further molecular work to identify the circulating strains of the virus. J. Med. Virol. 87:344–349, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of different new packaging materials on biscuit quality during accelerated storage
Authors: Romani Santina , Tappi Silvia , Balestra Federica , Rodriguez Estrada Maria Teresa , Siracusa Valentina , Rocculi Pietro , Dalla Rosa Marco
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

The effect of innovative multilayer packaging materials versus a standard one on biscuit quality was studied during accelerated storage at 25, 35, 45 °C and 50% relative humidity for 92 days. Three different packaging materials were used: metalized orientated polypropylene (OPP)/paper (control); metalized poly‐lactic acid (PLA)/paper; metalized OPP with ethylene vinyl acetate pro‐oxidant additive (EVA‐POA)/paper. EVA‐POA additive is used to make the plastic layer biodegradable. Various quality sample parameters (moisture, water activity (aw), texture, peroxide value (PV), hexanal) were analysed during storage. Rate constants (k) and activation energies (Ea) of hydration reactions and hexanal formation were calculated.

RESULTS

No remarkable differences in the evolution of primary and secondary lipid oxidation were observed among differently packed biscuits during storage. All samples maintained PV levels between 4 and 14 meq O2 kg−1 oil. The product in flexible packaging with PLA reached the highest moisture and aw levels, but they did not significantly and adversely affect the other quality characteristics.

CONCLUSION

The obtained results demonstrate that the new tested packaging materials were suitable for commercial biscuit storage, having similar performance and preservation effects on the overall product quality to those of the standard one. Furthermore, these results could make a contribution to the food industry, encouraging the use of packaging materials with a negligible environmental impact as an alternative to petroleum‐based ones. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of the 2‐μm continuous wave thulium laser for the resection of oral squamous cell carcinomas does not impair pathological assessment
Authors: Pothen Ajit J. , Evenboer Januska , Swartz Justin E. , Willems Stefan M. , Van Cann Ellen M. , Janssen Luuk M. , van der Heijden Geert J. , Grolman Wilko
Published: August 2014

Background and Objective

Current resection modalities for oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) vary from cold steel over CO2 laser to monopolar electro‐surgery (MO). We compared thulium laser (TL) as a new modality with MO with regards to pathological assessment.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Forty‐two patients who were treated for OSCC by either TL or MO were included. All resected specimens were assessed with special attention to margin interpretation and thermal damage.

Results

Depth of thermal damage ranged from 1.0 to 3.5 mm in the TL group compared to 1.0–4.0 mm in the MO group without interfering with the pathological assessment. The percentage of positive margin resections was three times higher in the MO group compared with the TL group.

Conclusions

This study shows resections done by TL do not impair pathological assessment when compared to MO resections. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:608–613, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatic Encephalopathy Is Associated With Significantly Increased Mortality Among Patients Awaiting Liver Transplantation
Authors: Wong Robert J. , Gish Robert G. , Ahmed Aijaz
Published: August 2014

The prioritization of liver transplantation (LT) for patients with end-stage liver disease uses the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), which attempts to identify the sickest patients and thereby those who are in greatest need for LT. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is not included in MELD, and severity of liver disease and risk of wait-list removal or wait-list death may be underestimated by MELD in patients with HE. Using United Network for Organ Sharing registry data, we evaluated the impact of HE on 90-day wait-list survival among adult LT wait-list registrants in the United States from 2003 to 2012. Survival was stratified by HE severity (none, grade 1–2, grade 3–4) and MELD. There were 84,947 new LT wait-list registrants during the study period; 36.8% had no HE, 57.4% had grade 1–2 HE, and 5.9% had grade 3–4 HE. Ninety-day wait-list mortality was significantly higher among patients with grade 3–4 HE compared with patients with grade 1–2 HE or no HE (24.4% versus 6.8% versus 3.5%; P < 0.001). When stratified by MELD, patients with grade 3–4 HE had 90-day wait-list mortality similar to that of nonencephalopathic patients with MELD scores 6–7 points higher. With the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, patients with grade 3–4 HE had 66% greater risk of 90-day mortality than patients without HE (hazard ratio = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.45–1.90; P < 0.001). The inclusion of HE severity in MELD improved the area under receiver operating curve for predicting 90-day wait-list survival from 0.6508 to 0.6863. In conclusion, grade 3–4 HE at time of wait-list registration significantly increases 90-day wait-list mortality independent of MELD score. Incorporating HE in the assessment of LT priority may improve prognostication of liver disease severity and prioritization for LT. Liver Transpl 20:1454–1461, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Impact of Catalyst on the Stability of Initiators on Au Substrate in Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Tang Yongming , Osibanjo Richard O. , Moore Jessica , Towns Elyse N. , Kuhl Tonya L. , Land Donald P.
Published: August 2014

Desorption of thiol‐based self‐assembled monolayers on gold surfaces makes surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP) challenging and results in reduced density “grafted from” polymer film. In this work, in situ attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy shows that copper‐based catalysts typically used in SI‐ATRP cause substantial desorption of bound thiol‐based initiator films from gold surfaces. Other reaction conditions factors such as low temperature, presence of radicals, and solvents selection have relatively minor effects in comparison. Indeed, the desorption of initiator films is reduced from more than 80% to about 45% when CuCl catalyst is used for the ATRP of styrene instead of CuBr catalyst. However, the polymerization rate is significantly slower in this case.

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Diagnostic criteria for Huntington's disease based on natural history
Authors: Reilmann Ralf , Leavitt Blair R. , Ross Christopher A.
Published: August 2014

Huntington's disease (HD) is currently diagnosed based on the presence of motor signs indicating 99% “diagnostic confidence” for HD. Recent advances in the understanding of HD natural history and neurobiology indicate that disease‐related brain changes begin at least 12 to 15 years before the formal diagnosis based on motor onset. Furthermore, subtle motor dysfunction, cognitive changes, and behavioral alterations are often seen before diagnosis made according to the current criteria. As disease‐modifying treatments are developed, likely beginning therapy early will be desirable. We therefore suggest that expanded diagnostic criteria for HD should be adapted to better reflect the natural history of the disease, to enable the conduct of clinical trials in premanifest subjects targeting prevention of neurodegeneration, and to facilitate earlier symptomatic treatment. We propose a new set of criteria for HD diagnostic categories in the International Classification of Diseases that reflect our current understanding of HD natural history and pathogenesis. Based on defined criteria, for example, the Diagnostic Confidence Level and the Total Functional Capacity scales of the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale, HD should be divided in the categories “genetically confirmed” with the subcategories “presymptomatic,” “prodromal,” and “manifest” and “not genetically confirmed” subdivided into “clinically at risk,” “clinically prodromal,” and “clinically manifest.” © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Equipment for underground roadway drivage: Products and engineering from Neuhäuser GmbH
Authors: Rautenstrauch Oliver , Kulassek Michael
Published: August 2014

Neuhäuser GmbH has delivered products and components for a great variety of requirements for roadway drivage at underground mines for more than 50 years. The company's product range includes drilling systems and crawler type vehicles as well as rail systems. Neuhäuser offers comprehensive planning and independent engineering for all technical areas, including technical support, training and support of the projects.
High dose of prebiotics reduces fecal water cytotoxicity in healthy subjects
Authors: Windey Karen , François Isabelle , Broekaert Willem , De Preter Vicky , Delcour Jan A. , Louat Thierry , Herman Jean , Verbeke Kristin
Published: August 2014

Scope

In vitro and animal studies have shown differential colonic fermentation of structurally different prebiotics. We evaluated the impact of two structurally different prebiotics (wheat bran extract (WBE, containing arabinoxylan‐oligosaccharides) and oligofructose) on colonic fermentation and markers of bowel health in healthy volunteers.

Methods and results

Nineteen healthy subjects completed a double‐blind, cross‐over randomized controlled trial. Interventions with WBE, oligofructose or placebo for 2 wk (week 1: 15 g/day; week 2: 30 g/day) were separated by 2‐wk wash‐out periods. At the end of each study period, colonic fermentation was characterized through a metabolomics approach. Fecal water genotoxicity and cytotoxicity were determined using the comet and WST‐1 assay, respectively, as parameters of gut health. Cluster analysis revealed differences in effects of WBE and oligofructose on colonic fermentation. WBE, but not oligofructose, reduced fecal p‐cresol (p= 0.009) and isovaleric acid concentrations (p= 0.022), markers of protein fermentation. Fecal water cytotoxicity was significantly lower after intake of WBE (p= 0.015). Both WBE‐ and oligofructose‐intake tended to reduce fecal water genotoxicity compared to placebo (WBE:p= 0.060; oligofructose:p= 0.057). Changes in fermentation were not related to changes in fecal water toxicity.

Conclusion

Structurally different prebiotics affect colonic fermentation and gut health in a different way.
Experimental verification of an ann‐based model for 2D DOA estimation of closely spaced coherent sources
Authors: Stoilkovic Marija , Stankovic Zoran , Milovanovic Ivan , Doncov Nebojsa , Milovanovic Bratislav , Zwick Thomas
Published: August 2014

This article presents development and validation of an artificial neural network (ANN)‐based model for accurate two‐dimensional direction of arrival estimation of two coherent sources. The ANN model is developed using simulated signals and its performance is evaluated by measurements inside an anechoic chamber. Simulations and experiments show good agreement in estimating both azimuth and elevation angles of coherent sources. The proposed model demonstrates ability to separate two closely spaced sources and outperforms MUSIC with spatial smoothing preprocessing in the case of small number of signal snapshots. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2558–2562, 2014
Evanescent wave optical trapping and transport of polystyrene microspheres on microfibers
Authors: Irawati N. , John V. , Aeinehvand M. M. , Ibrahim F. , Ahmad H. , Harun S. W.
Published: August 2014

We investigate the manipulation of polystyrene microspheres using the evanescent optical field surrounding a silica microfiber. The microfiber is produced using a flame brushing technique from a standard single‐mode optical fiber. It is observed that the polystyrene microspheres can be attracted and trapped along the microfiber by means of evanescent field, which provides both scattering and gradient forces. The number of microspheres attached to a microfiber decreases in a quadratic manner with the increase in microfiber waist diameter. Scattering and gradient forces exerted on the microspheres also depend on the microsphere size where a larger number of polystyrene microspheres were seen attached to the microfiber if the microsphere size is smaller. It is also observed that the microspheres attached to the microfiber are propelled along the microfiber in the direction of the propagating light. These results show that the proposed optical trapping mechanism can be used for manipulating and identifying minute biological objects such as bacteria, yeast, and organelles. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2630–2634, 2014
An X‐to‐Ka band MMIC up‐converter in GaAs pHEMT technology for Ka‐band broadband satellite communications
Authors: Florian C. , Resca D. , Biondi A. , Scappaviva F.
Published: August 2014

In this article, an X‐band to Ka‐band up‐converter circuit designed for the transmitting chain of Satcom‐on‐the‐move terminals is presented. The circuit is implemented using a 0.25 µm GaAs pHEMT microwave monolithic integrated circuit commercial process. It operates at fixed LO frequency of 22 GHz, IF input frequency within the band (8–9) GHz and corresponding RF output frequency within (30–31) GHz band. The up‐converter circuit is composed of a resistive FET mixer, a K‐band LO buffer amplifier, and a Ka‐band medium power amplifier at the RF output. The bias operating condition of the entire multifunction chip is Vdd = 2.8 V, Idq = 322 mA, for a power consumption of 900 mW, when the Ka‐band high power amplifier (HPA) operates in linear conditions. The chip dimensions are 3.4 × 2.8 mm2. The up‐converter provides more than 12 dB conversion gain over the full bandwidth, when operated with LO input power of 0 dBm and IF fixed input power of −5 dBm. It also achieves 25 dBc of LO isolation at the RF output port. The high 1 dB compression point P1dB > 19 dBm, along with an OTOI in excess of 29 dBm, make the circuit suitable to directly drive Ka‐band high power amplifiers in very linear operating conditions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2649–2656, 2014
Small‐size adjustable LTE/WWAN coupled‐fed loop antenna for mobile handset applications
Authors: Chang Chih‐Hua , Huang Shao‐Yu , Wei Wan‐Chu , Ma Pei‐Ji
Published: August 2014

A compact reconfigurable coupled‐fed loop antenna of the mobile handset for multiband long‐term evolution (LTE)/wireless wide area network operation is presented. The antenna volume is 5 × 10 × 30 mm3 only, while the protruded ground has a width of 30 mm for mounting electronic components. The proposed antenna is consisted of a loop strip and a driven strip. Through the driven strip capacitively coupled to the loop strip, the antenna can generate a 0.25‐wavelength loop resonant mode to form the antenna's lower band to cover the GSM850/900 bands (824–960 MHz). The simple driven strip is also an efficient radiator to excite a resonant mode for the antenna's upper band to cover the GSM1800/1900/WCDMA Band1 bands (1710–2170 MHz). Moreover, when the chip inductor connected to the loop strip has been adjusted from 0 to 12 nH, the antenna's lower band can be shifted to lower frequency and cover the LTE Band17 band (704–746 MHz) and the antenna's upper band is not varied. This tunable technique can allow the loop antenna to cover more operating bands without adding the antenna volume. Detailed operating principle and performances of the proposed antenna are discussed in this article. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2687–2691, 2014
Dual frequency circularly polarized cross‐shaped slotted patch antenna with a small frequency ratio
Authors: Samsuzzaman Md. , Islam M. T.
Published: August 2014

A compact novel probe‐feed single‐layer annular ring, dual‐frequency circularly polarized (CP) microstrip antenna is assessed numerically and experimentally in this communication. The antenna characterizes a small frequency ratio with good impedance bandwidth. The dual band operations are realized using two circular patches with one annular ring slot and exact feed position. In addition, a cross shaped slot is placed in the patch to achieve circular polarization. The antenna geometry structure is simulated using a commercially available electromagnetic solver high frequency structural simulator. The simulated and measured results, costly match within the operating bandwidth. The experimental results depict a 10‐dB return loss bandwidth of 15 MHz (2.415–2.430 GHz) for the lower band and 15 MHz (2.895–2.910 GHz) for the upper band, respectively. The measured 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth is 0.826% (2.410–2.430 GHz) for the lower band and 0.862% (2.880–2.905 GHz) for the upper band. The frequency ratio of the upper and lower band is 1.19. The overall antenna size is 0.363 λ0 × 0.363 λ0 × 0.013 λ0 at 2.42 GHz. Details of the obtained dual band CP performances are also presented and discussed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2711–2719, 2014
Internally loaded cross‐coupled open‐loop resonators for a miniaturized bandpass filter using integrated passive device technology
Authors: Zorigt Chuluunbaatar , Wang Cong , Kim Nam Y.
Published: August 2014

In this article, an open‐loop resonator with internally loaded side‐coupled double open‐loops is proposed for use in the design of a compact bandpass filter with high selectivity and improved out‐of‐band rejection characteristics. The outer main open‐loop resonators are designed to operate at the center frequency of 7.7 GHz. In addition, side‐coupled double open‐loops are used to enhance electromagnetic coupling to provide high selectivity response and suppressed harmonics with an additional transmission zero at the bandstop region. The operating frequency shifting is performed by tuning the electromagnetic coupling strength without changing the configuration of the outer main open‐loops. To achieve a miniature size with high selectivity, the integrated passive devices semiconductor fabrication technology is implemented to achieve a compact size of 2.2 × 4.98 mm2, which is a compact size for X‐band downlink satellite communication applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2737–2740, 2014
Thermal Behavior of Polyethylene Reactor Alloys Polymerized by Ziegler–Natta/Late Transition Metal Hybrid Catalyst
Authors: Ahmadjo Saeid , Dehghani Samaneh , Zohuri Gholam Hossein , Nejabat Gholam Reza , Jafarian Hamed , Ahmadi Mostafa , Mortazavi Seyed Mohammad Mahdi
Published: August 2014

Polyethylene reactor alloys are synthesized through heterogeneous ethylene polymerization with a new type of Ziegler‐Natta (ZN)/late transition metal (LTM) hybrid catalyst. The effect of various parameters including catalyst composition (LTM/ZN = 0.01, 0.02, 0.04), polymerization temperature (TP = 30, 30–60, 60 °C) and loading temperature (TL = 30, 60 °C) on catalyst activity, chain's vinyl content, viscosity average molecular weight (Mv) and thermal properties are investigated. Two distinct melting peaks were observed in the ranges of 110–140 °C and 60–90 °C, indicating presence of two different lamellar structures. LTM/ZN ratio shifted melting peaks toward lower values. Rheological properties confirmed homogeneity of polymer blend's microstructure as they follow time temperature superposition.