bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolution of Enantiomers of Novel C2‐Symmetric Aminobisphosphinic Acids via Diastereomeric Salt Formation With Quinine
Authors: Kaboudin Babak , Faghihi Mohammad Reza , Kazemi Foad , Yokomatsu Tsutomu
Published: October 2014

C2‐symmetric N,N‐bis(phosphinomethyl)amines were prepared by the thermal reaction of aromatic aldehydes with ammonia and hypophosphorus acid as previously described. Both enantiomers of C2‐symmetric N,N‐bis(phosphinomethyl)amine were obtained in a high enantiomeric purity through the diastereomeric salt formation with (–)‐quinine, and subsequent fractional crystallization. X‐ray crystallographic analysis of one of the diastereomeric salts clearly revealed that (–)‐quinine could be an efficient resolving agent for obtaining the single enantiomer (R,R)‐N,N‐bis(phosphinomethyl)amine. Chirality 27:71–74, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Manipulation and Orientation of Zeolite L by Using a Magnetic Field
Authors: Fibikar Sandra , Luppi Gianluigi , Martínez‐Junza Victor , Clemente‐León Miguel , De Cola Luisa
Published: October 2014

A simple approach for the functionalization of cylindrically shaped zeolite L crystals with iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles is reported. These functionalized zeolites can be aligned very easily by applying a magnetic field in solution, on different substrates, and in a polymeric matrix. The aligned zeolite loaded with fluorescent dyes are anisotropic in both absorption and fluorescence owing to the linear arrangement of the channels and the restricted rotation of the molecules inside the channels. These findings can be applied on polymeric matrices, such as poly[3‐3′(vinylcarbazole)].
Azacrown Ethers from Mustard Carbonate Analogues
Authors: Aricò Fabio , Udrea Ilina , Crisma Marco , Tundo Pietro
Published: October 2014

Polycondensation of a nitrogen mustard carbonate analogue with aromatic diols under dilution conditions affords a series of azacrown ethers previously not easily accessible as they require multistep synthesis including protection, purification, cyclization and methylation. This novel synthesis relies upon the anchimeric effect of the nitrogen mustard carbonate and it does not require the use of any base.
Electron‐Acceptor‐Dependent Light Absorption, Excited‐State Relaxation, and Charge Generation in Triphenylamine Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Li Renzhi , Zhang Min , Yan Cancan , Yao Zhaoyang , Zhang Jing , Wang Peng
Published: October 2014

By choosing a simple triphenylamine electron donor, we herein compare the influence of electron acceptors benzothiadiazole benzoic acid (BTBA) and cyanoacrylic acid (CA), on energy levels, light absorption, and dynamics of excited‐state evolution and electron injection. DFT and time‐dependent DFT calculations disclosed remarkable intramolecular conformational changes for the excited states of these two donor–acceptor dyes. Photoinduced dihedral angle variation occurs to the triphenylamine unit in the CA dye and backbone planarization happens to conjugated aromatic blocks in the BTBA dye. Femtosecond spectroscopic measurements suggested the crucial role of having a long excited‐state lifetime in maintaining a high electron‐injection yield because a reduced driving force for a low energy‐gap dye can result in slower electron‐injection dynamics.
Vigorous physical activity impairs myocardial function in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and in mutation positive family members
Authors: Saberniak Jørg , Hasselberg Nina E. , Borgquist Rasmus , Platonov Pyotr G , Sarvari Sebastian I. , Smith Hans‐Jørgen , Ribe Margareth , Holst Anders G. , Edvardsen Thor , Haugaa Kristina H.
Published: October 2014

Aims

Exercise increases risk of ventricular arrhythmia in subjects with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). We aimed to investigate the impact of exercise on myocardial function in ARVC subjects.

Methods and Results

We included 110 subjects (age 42 ± 17 years), 65 ARVC patients and 45 mutation‐positive family members. Athletes were defined as subjects with ≥4 h vigorous exercise/week [≥1440 metabolic equivalents (METs × minutes/week)] during a minimum of 6 years. Athlete definition was fulfilled in 37/110 (34%) subjects. We assessed right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) myocardial function by echocardiography, and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The RV function by RV fractional area change (FAC), RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) by echocardiography, and RV ejection fraction (EF) by MRI was reduced in athletes compared with non‐athletes (FAC 34 ± 9% vs. 40 ± 11%, RVGLS –18.3 ± 6.1% vs. –22.0 ± 4.8%, RVEF 32 ± 8% vs. 43 ± 10%, all P < 0.01). LV function by LVEF and LVGLS was reduced in athletes compared with non‐athletes (LVEF by echocardiography 50 ± 10% vs. 57 ± 5%, LVEF by MRI 46 ± 6% vs. 53 ± 8%, and LVGLS –16.7 ± 4.2% vs. –19.4 ± 2.9%, all P < 0.01). The METs × minutes/week correlated with reduced RV and LV function by echocardiography and MRI (all P < 0.01). The LVEF by MRI was also reduced in subgroups of athlete index patients (46 ± 7% vs. 54 ± 10%, P = 0.02) and in athlete family members (47 ± 3% vs. 52 ± 6%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Athletes showed reduced biventricular function compared with non‐athletes in ARVC patients and in mutation‐positive family members. The amount and intensity of exercise activity was associated with impaired LV and RV function. Exercise may aggravate and accelerate myocardial dysfunction in ARVC.
Chitosan/AuNPs Modified Graphene Electrochemical Sensor for Label‐Free Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Detection
Authors: Teixeira Sofia , Ferreira Nadia S. , Conlan Robert Steven , Guy O. J. , Sales M. Goreti F.
Published: October 2014

A new immunosensor is presented for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), made by electrodepositing chitosan/gold‐nanoparticles over graphene screen‐printed electrode (SPE). The antibody was covalently bound to CS via its Fc‐terminal. The assembly was controlled by electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and followed by Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR). The hCG‐immunosensor displayed linear response against the logarithm‐hCG concentration for 0.1–25 ng/mL with limit of detection of 0.016 ng/mL. High selectivity was observed in blank urine and successful detection of hCG was also achieved in spiked samples of real urine from pregnant woman. The immunosensor showed good detection capability, simplicity of fabrication, low‐cost, high sensitivity and selectivity.
Damage index based on stiffness degradation of low‐rise RC walls
Authors: Carrillo Julian
Published: October 2014

Widely used damage indices, such as ductility and drift ratios, do not account for the influences of the duration of strong shaking, the cumulative inelastic deformation or energy dissipation in structures. In addition, the formulation and application of most damage indices have until now been based primarily on flexural modes of failure. However, evidence from earthquakes suggests that shear failure or combined shear‐flexure behavior is responsible for a large proportion of failures. Empirical considerations have been made in this paper for evaluating structural damage of low‐rise RC walls under earthquake ground motions by means of a new energy‐based low‐cycle fatigue damage index. The proposed empirical damage index is based on the results of an experimental program that comprised six shake table tests of RC solid walls and walls with openings; results of six companion walls tested under QS‐cyclic loading were used for comparison purposes. Variables studied were the wall geometry, type of concrete, web shear steel ratio, type of web shear reinforcement, and testing method. The index correlates the stiffness degradation and the destructiveness of the earthquake in terms of the duration and intensity of the ground motions. The stiffness degradation model considers simultaneously the increment of damage associated to the low‐cycle fatigue, energy dissipation, and the cumulative cyclic parameters, such as displacement demand and hysteretic energy dissipated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impairment of functional integration of the default mode network correlates with cognitive outcome at three months after stroke
Authors: Dacosta‐Aguayo Rosalia , Graña Manuel , Iturria‐Medina Yasser , Fernández‐Andújar Marina , López‐Cancio Elena , Cáceres Cynthia , Bargalló Núria , Barrios Maite , Clemente Immaculada , Toran Pera , Forés Rosa , Dávalos Antoni , Auer Tibor , Mataró Maria
Published: October 2014

Resting‐state studies conducted with stroke patients are scarce. The study of brain activity and connectivity at rest provides a unique opportunity for the investigation of brain rewiring after stroke and plasticity changes. This study sought to identify dynamic changes in the functional organization of the default mode network (DMN) of stroke patients at three months after stroke. Eleven patients (eight male and three female; age range: 48–72) with right cortical and subcortical ischemic infarctions and 17 controls (eleven males and six females; age range: 57–69) were assessed by neurological and neuropsychological examinations and scanned with resting‐state functional magnetic ressonance imaging. First, we explored group differences in functional activity within the DMN by means of probabilistic independent component analysis followed by a dual regression approach. Second, we estimated functional connectivity between 11 DMN nodes both locally by means of seed‐based connectivity analysis, as well as globally by means of graph‐computation analysis. We found that patients had greater DMN activity in the left precuneus and the left anterior cingulate gyrus when compared with healthy controls (P < 0.05 family‐wise error corrected). Seed‐based connectivity analysis showed that stroke patients had significant impairment (P = 0.014; threshold = 2.00) in the connectivity between the following five DMN nodes: left superior frontal gyrus (lSFG) and posterior cingulate cortex (t = 2.01); left parahippocampal gyrus and right superior frontal gyrus (t = 2.11); left parahippocampal gyrus and lSFG (t = 2.39); right parietal and lSFG (t = 2.29). Finally, mean path length obtained from graph‐computation analysis showed positive correlations with semantic fluency test (r
s = 0.454; P = 0.023), phonetic fluency test (r
s = 0.523; P = 0.007) and the mini mental state examination (r
s = 0.528; P = 0.007). In conclusion, the ability to regulate activity of the DMN appears to be a central part of normal brain function in stroke patients. Our study expands the understanding of the changes occurring in the brain after stroke providing a new avenue for investigating lesion‐induced network plasticity. Hum Brain Mapp 36:577–590, 2015. © 2014 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
It's All About CareerSKILLS: Effectiveness of a Career Development Intervention for Young Employees
Authors: Akkermans Jos , Brenninkmeijer Veerle , Schaufeli Wilmar B. , Blonk Roland W. B.
Published: October 2014

The aim of our study was to investigate the effectiveness of the CareerSKILLS program, a career development intervention based on career competencies and the JOBS methodology, which aims to stimulate career self‐management and well‐being of young employees. In a quasi‐randomized control trial, the effects of the program were tested in a homogeneous sample of young employees with intermediate vocational education (Nintervention = 112, Nnon‐intervention = 61) and in a heterogeneous sample of employees from a special reintegration program (Nintervention = 71, Nnon‐intervention = 41). Our results support the effectiveness of the intervention: participants of the CareerSKILLS program, versus a control group, showed increases in six career competencies (reflection of motivation, reflection on qualities, networking, self‐profiling, work exploration, and career control), self‐efficacy, resilience against setbacks, career‐related behaviors, perceived employability, and work engagement. These results provide empirical support for the effectiveness of the CareerSKILLS program. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles by photon correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Malm Björn , Yoshimatsu Keiichi , Ye Lei , Krozer Anatol
Published: October 2014

We follow template‐binding induced aggregation of nanoparticles enantioselectively imprinted against (S)‐propranolol, and the non‐imprinted ones, using photon correlation spectroscopy (dynamic light scattering). The method requires no separation steps. We have characterized binding of (R,S)‐propranolol to the imprinted polymers and determined the degree of non‐specificity by comparing the specific binding with the results obtained using non‐imprinted nanoparticles. Using (S)‐propranolol as a template for binding to (S)‐imprinted nanoparticle, and (R)‐propranolol as a non‐specific control, we have determined range of concentrations where chiral recognition can be observed. By studying aggregation induced by three analytes related to propranolol, atenolol, betaxolol, and 1‐amino‐3‐(naphthalen‐1‐yloxy)propan‐2‐ol, we were able to determine which parts of the template are involved in the specific binding, discuss several details of specific adsorption, and the structure of the imprinted site. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ConBr, a lectin from Canavalia brasiliensis seeds, modulates signaling pathways and increases BDNF expression probably via a glycosylated target
Authors: Rieger Débora K. , Cunha Rodrigo M. S. , Lopes Mark William , Costa Ana Paula , Budni Josiani , Rodrigues Ana Lúcia S. , Walz Roger , Teixeira Edson H. , Nascimento Kyria S. , Cavada Benildo S. , Leal Rodrigo B.
Published: October 2014

In the central nervous system, many receptors, ion channels and neurotransmitter transporters are glycoproteins, where the glycan chains are modulator elements. Lectins are proteins, which recognize and bind carbohydrate complexes. We have previously shown that ConBr, a lectin purified from Canavalia brasiliensis seeds, produced antidepressant‐like effect and blocked hippocampal neurotoxicity induced by quinolinic acid and glutamate. Noteworthy, all these effects occurred in a dependence of its carbohydrate recognition domain. Therefore, the present study was undertaken in order to elucidate intracellular signaling pathways regulated by ConBr that may be potentially associated with the antidepressant and neuroprotective effects previously reported to be dependent on carbohydrate interaction. ConBr (10 µg/site) was injected into the ventricle (i.c.v.) of mice, and the hippocampi were removed 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 h after treatment. Our results showed that in the period of 0.5–3 h, ConBr induced activation of the protein kinases Akt, ERK1, and PKA. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of CREB‐Ser133 was stimulated by ConBr (1–6 h), while brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA was increased at 12 h and BDNF protein at 18–24 h. Our data suggest that an early activation of protein kinases may trigger CREB‐dependent BDNF transcription, resulting in a subsequent increase of BDNF protein in response to ConBr. Later, increment of Akt phosphorylation was observed 24 h after ConBr administration, possibly due to BDNF/TrkB‐dependent activation of Akt. Our findings indicate that ConBr is a multifunctional molecule capable to activate signaling pathways involved in neuroplasticity and neuroprotection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study on the spectral characteristics of surface enhanced Raman scattering based on far‐field extinction and near‐field electromagnetic field intensity of 2D nanostructures
Authors: Hsu Keng H. , Fang Nicholas , Fung Kin‐hung
Published: October 2014

A new solid‐state electrochemical patterning technique was applied to fabrication of high‐resolution silver bowtie antennas and hexagonal arrays. These silver nanofeatures were used to investigate the relation among surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement factor (EF), extinction, local electromagnetic (EM) field maxima of the features. It is found that spectral extinction property or the plasmonic resonance of a given SERS substrate alone is not sufficient for determining optimal EF; the number of points of high local EM field, or ‘hot spots’, and the distribution of those high‐field spots, too, play a role. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impediments to Mental Health Treatment as Predictors of Mental Health Symptoms Following Combat
Authors: Wright Kathleen M. , Britt Thomas W. , Moore DeWayne
Published: October 2014

This longitudinal study examined whether impediments to mental health treatment would predict changes in mental health symptoms (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] and depression) in the months following soldiers returning from combat. Three‐hundred ten combat veterans completed measures of impediments to treatment and measures of PTSD and depression symptoms at 2, 3, and 4 months following a 15‐month combat deployment. Structural equation modeling revealed that greater impediments (a latent variable indexed by stigma, practical barriers, and negative treatment attitudes) at 2 months predicted increased PTSD and depression symptoms from 2–3 months (β = .14) and greater impediments at 3 months predicted increased symptoms from 3–4 months (β = .26). In contrast, evidence was not obtained for the opposite causal direction of symptoms predicting higher levels of impediments at the different periods. Possible mechanisms for the predictive effects of impediments are discussed.
Quality of Life in Ethiopia's Street Youth at a Rehabilitation Center and the Association With Trauma
Authors: Mannert Kerstin , Dehning Sandra , Krause Daniela , Leitner Bianka , Rieder Georg , Siebeck Matthias , Tesfaye Markos , Abera Mubarek , Hailesilassie Hailemariam , Tesfay Kenfe , Jobst Andrea
Published: October 2014

Quality of life (QOL) tends to be lower among the homeless than the general population, and traumatic events experienced on the streets have a negative impact on QOL. Low‐income countries face a high number of street youth, yet little research has been performed so far on QOL, trauma, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among this group. This study aimed at examining the QOL of a sample of Ethiopian street youth within a rehabilitation program and at exploring whether the street youth have experienced traumatic events and show posttraumatic stress symptoms. We interviewed 84 street youths with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL‐BREF) and the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents (DICA). Mean QOL scores differed significantly between the groups assessed at the beginning and at the end of the program (Cohen's d = 0.48). Eighty‐three percent of the Ethiopian street youths had experienced traumatic events, and 25.0% met criteria for PTSD according to the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. QOL did not differ between those with and without PTSD symptoms. These findings show the high rate of traumatic events among Ethiopian street youth and the importance for rehabilitation programs that focus on improving QOL. The results of the study may have cultural limitations.
Resilience and Mental Health in Adult Survivors of Child Abuse Associated with the Institution of the Austrian Catholic Church
Authors: Lueger‐Schuster Brigitte , Weindl Dina , Kantor Viktoria , Knefel Matthias , Glück Tobias , Moy Yvonne , Butollo Asisa , Jagsch Reinhold
Published: October 2014

In recent years, reports of institutional abuse within the Catholic Church have emerged and research on the consequences on mental health is in its beginnings. In this study, we report findings on current mental health and resilience in a sample of adult survivors of institutional abuse (N = 185). We compared 3 groups of survivors that differed regarding their current mental health to investigate aspects of resilience, coping, and disclosure. The majority of the sample was male (76.2%), the mean age was 56.28 (SD = 9.46) years, and more than 50.0% of the sample was cohabiting/married. Most of the survivors reported severe mental health problems. Known protective factors (education, social support, age) were not associated with mental health in our sample. Our findings corroborate that institutional abuse has long‐term effects on mental health. We found that fewer emotional reactions during disclosure, task‐oriented coping, and optimism were associated with better mental health. The study was limited by a cross‐sectional design, but we conclude that the kind of institutional abuse reported is especially adverse, and thus typical protective factors for mental health do not apply. Future research should focus on intrapersonal factors and institutional dynamics to improve treatment for persons affected by institutional abuse.
PTSD Diagnoses Among Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans: Comparison of Administrative Data to Chart Review
Authors: McCarron Kelly K. , Reinhard Matthew J. , Bloeser Katharine J. , Mahan Clare M. , Kang Han K.
Published: October 2014

To guide budgetary and policy‐level decisions, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) produces quarterly reports that count the number of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 309.81) in their electronic medical record administrative data. We explored the accuracy of VA administrative data (i.e., diagnostic codes used for billing purposes), by comparing it to chart review evidence of PTSD (i.e., medical progress notes and all other clinical documentation contained in the entire VA medical record). We reviewed VA electronic medical records for a nationwide sample of 1,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with at least one ICD‐9‐CM code for PTSD in their VA administrative data. Among veterans sampled, 99.9% had 2 or more ICD‐9‐CM codes for PTSD. Reviewing all VA electronic medical record notes for these 1,000 veterans for the full course of their VA health care history revealed that PTSD was diagnosed by a mental health provider for 89.6%, refuted for 5.6%, and PTSD was never evaluated by a mental health provider for 4.8%. VA treatment notes for the 12 months preceding chart review showed that 661 veterans sampled received a VA PTSD diagnosis during that 12‐month timeframe, and of these 555 were diagnosed by a mental health provider (83.9%). Thus, the presence of an ICD‐9‐CM code for PTSD approximated diagnoses by VA mental health providers across time points (89.6% for entire treatment history and 83.9% for 12 months prior to chart review). Administrative data offer large‐scale means to track diagnoses and treatment utilization; however, their limitations are many, including the inability to detect false‐negatives.
Blending of Diblock and Triblock Copolypeptide Amphiphiles Yields Cell Penetrating Vesicles with Low Toxicity
Authors: Rodriguez April R. , Choe Uh‐Joo , Kamei Daniel T. , Deming Timothy J.
Published: October 2014

We prepared dual hydrophilic triblock copolypeptide vesicles that form both micron and nanometer scale vesicles in aqueous media. The incorporation of terminal homoarginine segments into methionine sulfoxide‐based vesicles was found to significantly enhance their cellular uptake compared to a non‐ionic control. We also demonstrated that diblock and triblock copolypeptides with similar hydrophobic domains were found to mix well and form vesicle populations with uniform compositions. Blending of amphiphiles in vesicle nanocarriers was found to impart these materials with many advantageous properties, including good cellular uptake while maintaining minimal toxicity, as well as biological responsiveness to promote vesicle disruption and release of encapsulated cargos.
Successfully achieving target weight loss influences subsequent maintenance of lower weight and dropout from treatment
Authors: Yamada Tomohide , Hara Kazuo , Svensson Akiko Kishi , Shojima Nobuhiro , Hosoe Jun , Iwasaki Minaka , Yamauchi Toshimasa , Kadowaki Takashi
Published: October 2014

Objectives

The influence of the amount and rate of weight loss on subsequently regaining weight and dropout from treatment in severely obese patients targeting 5% weight loss was investigated.

Methods

A total of 120 consecutive hospital patients with severe obesity (BMI: 42 ± 9 kg/m2) participated in an inpatient program targeting 5% weight loss that involved goal setting, charting weight four times daily, and diet and exercise. They were followed after discharge to assess subsequent regaining of weight and dropout.

Results

Mean weight loss was 4.9 ± 2.4% after a mean of 19 days in the hospital, and 43% of the patients achieved the target weight loss (>5%). Over the median 2‐year follow‐up period, greater than 5% in‐hospital weight loss was associated with a significantly lower risk of regaining weight after adjustment for various factors (>5% to ≤7% loss: hazard ratio 0.30 [0.11‐0.85] for regaining all of the lost weight and 0.32 [0.13‐0.78] for regaining half of the lost weight). No significant relation between the amount or rate of weight loss and dropout from subsequent outpatient treatment was seen.

Conclusions

Successfully achieving the target weight loss in a comprehensive program predicts subsequent maintenance of lower weight without increasing the risk of dropout. Successful in‐hospital weight loss might increase the motivation of obese patients.
Monogenic diabetes and type 1 diabetes mellitus: a challenging combination
Authors: Uday Suma , Campbell Fiona M , Cropper Julie , Shepherd Maggie
Published: October 2014

The co‐existence of maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to a glucokinase gene (GCK) mutation and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is rarely diagnosed. We present a family with GCK mutation, where one member also has T1DM. We highlight the challenges faced in the management of a child with dual diagnosis, due to the higher threshold for activation of counter‐regulatory hormones in GCK mutations. Fluctuations in blood glucose (BG) levels and significant hypoglycaemia on attempts at normalising BG levels complicate management in these patients. Resetting the threshold for hypoglycaemia and target BG, combined with insulin pump therapy, enabled us to significantly reduce hypoglycaemia and improve quality of life. The population prevalence of GCK‐MODY is 1.1 in 1000. T1DM neither predisposes to nor protects from GCK‐MODY; one would therefore expect the prevalence of GCK‐MODY to be the same in T1DM patients.

In conclusion, it is important to recognise the co‐existence of T1DM and GCK‐MODY as symptoms of hypoglycaemia at BG levels usually considered ‘within target’ pose management challenges. A combined diagnosis warrants careful consideration of BG target. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paediatric and adolescent diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Brink Stuart J
Published: October 2014

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the two acute emergency situations in those who have diabetes mellitus. DKA should be identifiable and is often preventable. Any associated complications of DKA should also be preventable with proper education and treatment. Awareness of presenting signs and symptoms, on the part of the general public, primary care providers and emergency department personnel, should help minimise the severity of DKA through earlier diagnosis and focusing on appropriate physiologic treatment as well as close, ongoing monitoring to minimise potential lethal DKA complications such as cerebral oedema. Missed diagnosis, late diagnosis, inappropriate treatment, delayed treatment and lack of appropriate monitoring are usually associated with more morbidity and mortality as well as increased hospital costs. Insulin treatment is only one part of DKA management. Fluid and electrolyte monitoring and treatment are often a critical aspect of such management. All aspects of DKA recognition, treatment and prevention must be emphasised to decrease DKA morbidity and mortality around the world. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Densification and Hydration of HMDSO Plasma Polymers
Authors: Blanchard Noémi E. , Hanselmann Barbara , Drosten Johannes , Heuberger Manfred , Hegemann Dirk
Published: October 2014

Plasma polymer films were deposited from hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) in a low‐pressure discharge. The influence of the energetic conditions in the gas phase as well as at the surface on the densification/cross‐linking of the hydrophobic films was studied. The fragmentation of the monomer in the plasma seems to be of similar importance for film densification as the energetic particle interactions at the surface. A map of fragmentation chemical pathways can thus be proposed for HMDSO. The aging and hydration of the HMDSO films were studied and hydration history effects related to the energetic conditions applied in the plasma process were observed. Effective water penetration was possible as evidenced by silver release studies.
Advances in Anticancer Protein Delivery using Micro‐/Nanoparticles
Authors: Sun Wujin , Lu Yue , Gu Zhen
Published: October 2014

Proteins exhibiting anticancer activities, especially those capable of discriminately killing cancer cells, have attracted increasing interest in developing protein‐based anticancer therapeutics. This Progress Report surveys recent advances in delivering anticancer proteins directly to tumor tissue for inducing apoptosis/necrosis or indirectly to antigen presenting cells for provoking immune responses. Protein delivery carriers such as inorganic particles, lipid particles, polymeric particles, DNA/protein‐based biomacromolecular particles, as well as cell based carriers are reviewed with comments on their advantages and limitations. Future challenges and opportunities are also discussed.
Cosmological implications from O(D, D)
Authors: Ma C.‐T. , Chen C.‐M.
Published: October 2014

Double field theory (DFT) offers a manifest O(D, D) formulation for massless closed string field theory with both momentum and winding excitations. The gauge symmetry is defined by the generalized Lie derivative which is the extension of the Courant bracket. In this work, we solve and study the properties of FRW (Friedmann‐Robertson‐Walker) and doubled spherically symmetric metric of DFT.
ADM reduction of Einstein action and black hole entropy
Authors: Park I.Y.
Published: October 2014

We reduce the 4D Einstein‐Hilbert action to a constant‐radius hypersurface of foliation. The resulting theory is a scalar theory defined on a 3D hypersurface of the original black hole background, and has an exponential potential. Once the the hypersurface is located at the Schwarzschild radius, the 3D theory is effectively reduced to a 2D Liouville type theory. We compute the entropy associated with the hypersurface intrinsic degrees of freedom, and show that its leading order reproduces the Bekenstein‐Hawking area law. The subleading terms come in logarithm/inverse powers of the area.
Topological surface states of Bi2Te2Se are robust against surface chemical modification
Authors: Thomas Conor R. , Sahasrabudhe Girija , Kushwaha Satya Kumar , Xiong Jun , Cava Robert J. , Schwartz Jeffrey
Published: October 2014

The robustness of the Dirac‐like electronic states on the surfaces of topological insulators (TIs) during materials process‐ing is a prerequisite for their eventual device application. Here, the (001) cleavage surfaces of crystals of the topological insulator Bi2Te2Se (BTS) were subjected to several surface chemical modification procedures that are common for electronic materials. Through measurement of Shubnikov–de Hass (SdH) oscillations, which are the most sensitive measure of their quality, the surface states of the treated surfaces were compared to those of pristine BTS that had been exposed to ambient conditions. In each case – surface oxidation, deposition of thin layers of Ti or Zr oxides, or chemical modification of the surface oxides – the robustness of the topological surface electronic states was demonstrated by noting only very small changes in the frequency and amplitude of the SdH oscillations. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Adaptive Phase II Nonparametric EWMA Control Chart with Variable Sampling Interval
Authors: Liu Liu , Chen Bin , Zhang Jian , Zi Xuemin
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we provide an adaptive Phase II nonparametric exponentially weighed moving average control chart using variable sampling interval for detecting a range of shifts in the location parameter. This chart is an adaptive one and has a variable sampling interval, which makes it more efficient. Further, it is a self‐starting scheme and thus can be used to monitor processes at the start‐up stages. The choice of the chart parameters is studied, and a simulation study demonstrates that the proposed control chart not only performs robustly for different distributions, but also efficiently detects various magnitudes of shifts. An illustrative example is given to introduce the implementation of this proposed control chart. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of textural and sensory characteristics of low‐fat mayonnaise prepared from octenyl succinic anhydride modified corn and white sorghum starches
Authors: Ali Tahira Mohsin , Waqar Saad , Ali Syeda , Mehboob Sundus , Hasnain Abid
Published: October 2014

Mayonnaise is a popular condiment containing 65–75% oil by weight. The aim of the study was to develop a low fat (75% fat‐replaced) mayonnaise using chemically modified octenyl‐succinic anhydride (OSA) corn and OSA‐sorghum starches. Secondly, the functional properties of native and modified corn and sorghum starches were also compared. The setback viscosity of OSA‐sorghum starch was found to be the least while the textural changes in OSA‐sorghum on cold storage were found to be negligible. Overall acceptability of low fat mayonnaise (LFM) was scored higher than full‐fat mayonnaise (FFM). But the textural attributes of LFM made from OSA‐sorghum were found to be quite similar to FFM.
Learning with handoff cost constraint for network selection in heterogeneous wireless networks
Authors: Du Zhiyong , Wu Qihui , Yang Panlong
Published: October 2014

In heterogeneous wireless networks, network selection algorithms provide the user with the optimum network access choice. The optimal network is evaluated according to network parameters. Considering that the network parameters are dynamic and unavailable for the user in realistic heterogeneous wireless network environments, most existing network selection algorithms cannot work effectively. Learning‐based algorithms can address the problem of uncertain network parameters, while they commonly need considerable network handoff, resulting in unbearable handoff cost. In order to tackle the uncertainty of network parameters, we formulate the network selection problem as a multi‐armed bandit problem. Moreover, two online learning‐based network selection algorithms with a special consideration on reducing network handoff cost are proposed. By updating in a block manner, both algorithms achieve optimal logarithmic‐order regret and limited network handoff cost. The simulation indicates that the two algorithms can significantly reduce the network handoff cost and improve the transmission performance compared with existing algorithms, simultaneously. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What is the Incidence of Biliary Carcinoma in Choledochal Cysts, When Do They Develop, and How Should it Affect Management?
Authors: Sastry Amit V. , Abbadessa Benjamin , Wayne Michael G. , Steele Justin G. , Cooperman Avram M.
Published: October 2014

The incidence of cancer in choledochal cysts (CCs) in adults was calculated to determine the timing and need for surgery. In 78 publications (1996–2010), 434 of 5780 reported CCs patients had cancer. Cholangiocarcinoma (70.4 %) and gallbladder cancer (23.5 %) were the most common malignancies. Only nine malignancies were reported before age 18 (0.42 %). In contrast, the incidence of malignancy in adults was 11.4 %. The median age for diagnosis of cancer was 42 years, and the incidence increased with each decade.
On investigation of interdependence between sub-problems of the Travelling Thief Problem
Authors: Mei Yi , Li Xiaodong , Yao Xin
Published: October 2014

In this paper, the interdependence between sub-problems in a complex overall problem is investigated using a benchmark problem called Travelling Thief Problem (TTP), which is a combination of Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) and Knapsack Problem (KP). First, the analysis on the mathematical formulation shows that it is impossible to decompose the problem into independent sub-problems due to the non-linear relationship in the objective function. Therefore, the algorithm for TTP is not straightforward although each sub-problem alone has been investigated intensively. Then, two meta-heuristics are proposed for TTP. One is the Cooperative Co-evolution (CC) that solves the sub-problems separately and transfers the information between them in each generation. The other is the Memetic Algorithm (MA) that solves TTP as a whole. The comparative results showed that MA consistently obtained much better results than both the standard and dynamic versions of CC within comparable computational budget. This indicates the importance of considering the interdependence between sub-problems in an overall problem like TTP.
Obesity and Social Inequality in America
Authors: Broady Kristen E. , Meeks Aisha G.
Published: October 2014

In the United States food has become a weapon for social control. Hunger and conversely obesity have contributed to the subjugation of underserved populations and served to perpetuate social inequality. This research provides an analysis of the literature on factors that influence obesity rates, however the question of why these factors play a significant role probes deeper into the political and social structures that lend themselves to such inequities. Obesity rates have historically been higher in Southern states, leading to a consideration of historical food preparation and consumption practices and the intergenerational transmission of food culture. This study uses ordinary least squares regression and data from the Centers for Disease Control, and Prevention (CDC), the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Census to examine the factors that influence state level obesity rates. The results indicate a significant positive correlation between Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) assistance and the obesity rate. Lack of physical activity and the percentage of African American residents are also significantly correlated with the level of obesity. In contrast healthy food outlets within a half-mile of the residence appear to be associated with lower levels of obesity.
Regionale StadtLandschaften – Muster der lebensweltlichen Erfahrung postindustrieller Raumproduktion zwischen Homogenisierung und Fragmentierung
Authors: Kropp Cordula
Published: October 2014

Customarily, cities are being described in terms of their historical origins and as manifestations of political conceptions, while rural areas are being characterized by natural spatial features and their contrast to cities. Due to its hybridity, “regional rurbanism” defies categorical con- sideration. It is more likely perceived as the result of the ambiguous interaction of social and natural, planned and unplanned, endogenous and exogenous forces. When it comes to living and working in these spatial contexts labels such as “rural” or “urban” have less and less value. What does the hybridization mean for everyday spatial experi- ences? Henri Lefebvre, whose spatial triad concepts are a starting point for the considerations at hand, discarded the urban-rural-differentiation on the grounds that it no lon- ger corresponded to the social production of space under the terms of global urbanization processes and world-wide capitalism. And yet, along with tendencies toward homog- enization, there are fragmentation processes at work, which accentuate spatial inequalities and received the attention in a two-dimensional treatment of spatial dynamics. The pa- per uses the above-mentioned, common characteristics of post-industrial spatial production as a starting point for the reconstruction of four spatial trends – homogenization, po-larization, fragmentation and diversification. It is discussed how they may shape regionally varying spatial experiences of the life-world in order to better understand the constel- lationofconditionsthatapplytocivicspaceappropriation beyond the classifications of planning. The study opens up novel perspectives for basic research in the fields of ur- ban and regional planning that leave growth policy criteria behind.
Qualitative analysis of rupture solutions for a MEMS problem
Authors: Wei Juncheng , Dávila Juan , Wang Kelei
Published: October 2014

We prove sharp Hölder continuity and an estimate of rupture sets for sequences of solutions of the following nonlinear problem with negative exponent

\mathrm{\Delta }u = \frac{1}{u^{p}}\:\text{in}\:\Omega ,\:p > 1.

As a consequence, we prove the existence of rupture solutions with isolated ruptures in a bounded convex domain in

\mathbb{R}^{2}

.
Existence and regularity of strict critical subsolutions in the stationary ergodic setting
Authors: Davini Andrea , Siconolfi Antonio
Published: October 2014

We prove that any continuous and convex stationary ergodic Hamiltonian admits critical subsolutions, which are strict outside the random Aubry set. They make up, in addition, a dense subset of all critical subsolutions with respect to a suitable metric. If the Hamiltonian is additionally assumed of Tonelli type, then there exist strict subsolutions of class

\mathrm{C}^{1,1}

in

\mathbb{R}^{N}

. The proofs are based on the use of Lax–Oleinik semigroups and their regularizing properties in the stationary ergodic environment, as well as on a generalized notion of Aubry set.
Molecular recognition in the interaction of chloroplast 2‐Cys peroxiredoxin with NADPH‐thioredoxin reductase C (NTRC) and thioredoxin x
Authors: Bernal-Bayard Pilar , Ojeda Valle , Hervás Manuel , Cejudo Francisco J. , Navarro José A. , Velázquez-Campoy Adrián , Pérez-Ruiz Juan M.
Published: October 2014

In addition to the standard NADPH thioredoxin reductases (NTRs), plants hold a plastidic NTR (NTRC), with a thioredoxin module fused at the C‐terminus. NTRC is an efficient reductant of 2‐Cys peroxiredoxins (2‐Cys Prxs). The interaction of NTRC and chloroplastic thioredoxin x with 2‐Cys Prxs has been confirmed in vivo, by bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays, and in vitro, by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments. In comparison with thioredoxin x, NTRC interacts with 2‐Cys Prx with higher affinity, both the thioredoxin and NTR domains of NTRC contributing significantly to this interaction, as demonstrated by using the NTR and thioredoxin modules of the enzyme expressed separately. The presence of the thioredoxin domain seems to prevent the interaction of NTRC with thioredoxin x.
The frustrating partnership: Honor, status, and emotions in Russia’s discourses of the West
Authors: Tsygankov Andrei P.
Published: October 2014

This paper analyzes Russia’s presidential discourses and emotions of the West from March 2008 to December 2012. By studying the languages of inclusiveness and exclusiveness in annual addresses to the Federation Council and public statements, I have identified several distinct stages in the Kremlin’s emotional evolution from fear to hope to frustration: the initial fear (March 2008–June 2009), hope (September 2009–the late 2010), and frustration (since the early 2011). The Russia’s emotional shifts are shaped by the country’s historically established social relations with the West and are not to be reduced to the dynamics of power and prestige/status. Russia’s deep emotional connection to the West as well as Russia’s own concept of national honor are the two factors that drive the nation’s leaders’ complex actions, feelings, and rhetoric. Russia displays emotions of hope each time it feels that its honor is being respected and those of frustration, fear and anger when in the eyes of Kremlin its identity/honor as not recognized.
A semi-quantitative approach for modelling crop response to soil fertility: evaluation of the AquaCrop procedure
Authors: VAN GAELEN H. , TSEGAY A. , DELBECQUE N. , SHRESTHA N. , GARCIA M. , FAJARDO H. , MIRANDA R. , VANUYTRECHT E. , ABRHA B. , DIELS J. , RAES D.
Published: October 2014

Most crop models make use of a nutrient-balance approach for modelling crop response to soil fertility. To counter the vast input data requirements that are typical of these models, the crop water productivity model AquaCrop adopts a semi-quantitative approach. Instead of providing nutrient levels, users of the model provide the soil fertility level as a model input. This level is expressed in terms of the expected impact on crop biomass production, which can be observed in the field or obtained from statistics of agricultural production. The present study is the first to describe extensively, and to calibrate and evaluate, the semi-quantitative approach of the AquaCrop model, which simulates the effect of soil fertility stress on crop production as a combination of slower canopy expansion, reduced maximum canopy cover, early decline in canopy cover and lower biomass water productivity. AquaCrop's fertility response algorithms are evaluated here against field experiments with tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) in Ethiopia, with maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Nepal, and with quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) in Bolivia. It is demonstrated that AquaCrop is able to simulate the soil water content in the root zone, and the crop's canopy development, dry above-ground biomass development, final biomass and grain yield, under different soil fertility levels, for all four crops. Under combined soil water stress and soil fertility stress, the model predicts final grain yield with a relative root-mean-square error of only 11–13% for maize, wheat and quinoa, and 34% for tef. The present study shows that the semi-quantitative soil fertility approach of the AquaCrop model performs well and that the model can be applied, after case-specific calibration, to the simulation of crop production under different levels of soil fertility stress for various environmental conditions, without requiring detailed field observations on soil nutrient content.
Age, growth, longevity, mortality and reproductive biology ofDipturus oxyrinchus, (Chondrichthyes: Rajidae) off the Gulf of Gabès (Southern Tunisia, central Mediterranean)
Authors: Kadri Hasna , Marouani Sondes , Bradai Mahamed Nejmeddine , Bouaïn Abderrahmen , Morize Eric
Published: October 2014

The age, growth, longevity, mortality and reproductive parameters were estimated forDipturus oxyrinchusfrom the Gulf of Gabès (Southern Tunisia, central Mediterranean Sea), collected monthly during 2007 from commercial fisheries. The present study provides the first data on age and growth of this species in Tunisian waters, as well as additional data on its reproduction. A total of 240 females (16.5–105 cm total length (TL)) and 280 males (15.5–95 cmTL) were examined to study the reproductive cycle. A subsample of 285 specimens (175 females and 110 males, ranging from 15.5 to 105 cmTL) were analysed to study the age and growth. The oldest female in this study was 25 yr and 105 cmTL, whereas the oldest male was 22 yr and 95 cm. The annual deposition of growth bands was verified by marginal increment and edge analysis. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters wereL∞ = 123.9 ± 2.56 cm,K = 0.08 ± 0.004 yr−1andt0 =  −1.26 ± 0.04 10−1yr for females andL∞ = 102.1 ± 3.23 cm,K = 0.12 ± 0.007 10−3yr−1andt0 = −1.18 ± 0.03 10−1yr for males. Growth was not significantly different between sexes. The maturity size was 72.05 cm for males and 82.1 cm for females. The maturity age was estimated to be 11.95 and 13.96 years, respectively, for males and females. Size and age at maturity were not significantly different between sexes. The estimated longevity was 26.18 and 38.84 yr for males and females, respectively. Based on life history parameters, natural mortality was estimated at 0.53 yr−1for females and 0.41 yr−1for males.