bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of two classes of Lorenz‐type chaotic systems
Authors: Zhang Fuchen , Mu Chunlai , Zhang Guangyun , Lin Da
Published: July 2014

In this article, the dynamical behaviors of two classes of chaotic systems are considered based on generalized Lyapunov function theorem with integral inequalities. Explicit estimations of the ultimate bounds are derived. The results presented in this article contain the existing results as special cases. Computer simulation results show that the proposed method is effective. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 363–369, 2015
Controllable vapor phase growth of vertically aligned ZnO nanorods on TCO/Glass substrates
Authors: Dhanabalan Sathish Chander , Garcia John Paul , Calestani Davide , Pattini Francesco , Bissoli F. , Villani Marco , Rampino Stefano , Zappettini Andrea
Published: July 2014

Solution‐free and catalyst‐free vertically aligned ZnO nanorods have been synthesized by thermal CVD reactor at relatively low temperature (<500°C) to produce high‐surface 3D photoanode on glass substrate. Different TCOs films such as Al doped ZnO films deposited by PED, RF‐sputtering techniques and ITO were considered for the growth as starting seeding layer for the nanorods. The aim of the paper is mainly focused to control the thickness and length of these nanostructures by varying not only the growth parameters, such as amount of Zn evaporation, but also substrate characteristics, such as grain size of Al doped ZnO and ITO seeding films. The morphology of the different TCO substrates and also the grown ZnO nanorods have been analyzed with the help of atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The study revealed that size and orientation of ZnO nanorods are mainly related to TCO's grain morphology and crystallinity, while their length can be controlled by varying Zn evaporation parameters.
Absolute counting of neutrophils in whole blood using flow cytometry
Authors: Brunck Marion E. G. , Andersen Stacey B. , Timmins Nicholas E. , Osborne Geoffrey W. , Nielsen Lars K.
Published: July 2014

Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is used clinically to monitor physiological dysfunctions such as myelosuppression or infection. In the research laboratory, ANC is a valuable measure to monitor the evolution of a wide range of disease states in disease models. Flow cytometry (FCM) is a fast, widely used approach to confidently identify thousands of cells within minutes. FCM can be optimised for absolute counting using spiked‐in beads or by measuring the sample volume analysed. Here we combine the 1A8 antibody, specific for the mouse granulocyte protein Ly6G, with flow cytometric counting in straightforward FCM assays for mouse ANC, easily implementable in the research laboratory. Volumetric and Trucount™ bead assays were optimized for mouse neutrophils, and ANC values obtained with these protocols were compared to ANC measured by a dual‐platform assay using the Orphee Mythic 18 veterinary haematology analyser. The single platform assays were more precise with decreased intra‐assay variability compared with ANC obtained using the dual protocol. Defining ANC based on Ly6G expression produces a 15% higher estimate than the dual protocol. Allowing for this difference in ANC definition, the flow cytometry counting assays using Ly6G can be used reliably in the research laboratory to quantify mouse ANC from a small volume of blood. We demonstrate the utility of the volumetric protocol in a time‐course study of chemotherapy induced neutropenia using four drug regimens. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Ontogeny of object versus location recognition in the rat: Acquisition and retention effects
Authors: Westbrook Sara R. , Brennan Lauren E. , Stanton Mark E.
Published: July 2014

Novel object and location recognition tasks harness the rat's natural tendency to explore novelty (Berlyne, 1950) to study incidental learning. The present study examined the ontogenetic profile of these two tasks and retention of spatial learning between postnatal day (PD) 17 and 31. Experiment 1 showed that rats ages PD17, 21, and 26 recognize novel objects, but only PD21 and PD26 rats recognize a novel location of a familiar object. These results suggest that novel object recognition develops before PD17, while object location recognition emerges between PD17 and PD21. Experiment 2 studied the ontogenetic profile of object location memory retention in PD21, 26, and 31 rats. PD26 and PD31 rats retained the object location memory for both 10‐min and 24‐hr delays. PD21 rats failed to retain the object location memory for the 24‐hr delay, suggesting differential development of short‐ versus long‐term memory in the ontogeny of object location memory. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1492–1506, 2014.
Impact of oral fluid collection device on cannabinoid stability following smoked cannabis
Authors: Anizan Sébastien , Bergamaschi Mateus M. , Barnes Allan J. , Milman Garry , Desrosiers Nathalie , Lee Dayong , Gorelick David A. , Huestis Marilyn A.
Published: July 2014

Evaluation of cannabinoid stability in authentic oral fluid (OF) is critical, as most OF stability studies employed fortified or synthetic OF. Participants (n = 16) smoked a 6.8% delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cigarette, and baseline concentrations of THC, 11‐nor‐9‐carboxy‐THC (THCCOOH), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN) were determined within 24 h in 16 separate pooled samples (collected 1 h before to 10.5 or 13 h after smoking). OF was collected with the StatSure Saliva Sampler™ and Oral‐Eze® devices. Oral‐Eze samples were re‐analyzed after room temperature (RT) storage for 1 week, and for both devices after 4 °C for 1 and 4 weeks, and −20 °C for 4 and 24 weeks. Concentrations ±20% from initial concentrations were considered stable. With the StatSure device, all cannabinoids were within 80–120% median %baseline for all storage conditions. Individual THC, CBD, CBN and THCCOOH pool concentrations were stable in 100%, 100%, 80–94% and >85%, respectively, across storage conditions. With the Oral‐Eze device, at RT or refrigerated storage (for 1 and 4 weeks), THC, CBD and THCCOOH were stable in 94–100%, 78–89%, and 93–100% of samples, respectively, while CBN concentrations were 53–79% stable. However, after 24 weeks at −20 °C, stability decreased, especially for CBD, with a median of 56% stability. Overall, the collection devices’ elution/stabilizing buffers provided good stability for OF cannabinoids, with the exception of the more labile CBN. To ensure OF cannabinoid concentration accuracy, these data suggest analysis within 4 weeks at 4 °C storage for Oral‐Eze collection and within 4 weeks at 4 °C or 24 weeks at −20 °C for StatSure collection. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Climatic, ecophysiological, and phenological controls on plant ecohydrological strategies in seasonally dry ecosystems
Authors: Vico Giulia , Thompson Sally E. , Manzoni Stefano , Molini Annalisa , Albertson John D. , Almeida‐Cortez Jarcilene S. , Fay Philip A. , Feng Xue , Guswa Andrew J. , Liu Hu , Wilson Tiffany G. , Porporato Amilcare
Published: July 2014

Large areas in the tropics and at mid‐latitudes experience pronounced seasonality and inter‐annual variability in rainfall and hence water availability. Despite the importance of these seasonally dry ecosystems (SDEs) for the global carbon cycling and in providing ecosystem services, a unifying ecohydrological framework to interpret the effects of climatic variability on SDEs is still lacking. A synthesis of existing data about plant functional adaptations in SDEs, covering some 400 species, shows that leaf phenological variations, rather than physiological traits, provide the dominant control on plant‐water‐carbon interactions. Motivated by this result, the combined implications of leaf phenology and climatic variability on plant water use strategies are here explored with a minimalist model of the coupled soil water and plant carbon balances. The analyses are extended to five locations with different hydroclimatic forcing, spanning seasonally dry tropical climates (without temperature seasonality) and Mediterranean climates (exhibiting out of phase seasonal patterns of rainfall and temperature). The most beneficial leaf phenology in terms of carbon uptake depends on the climatic regime: evergreen species are favoured by short dry seasons or access to persistent water stores, whereas high inter‐annual variability of rainy season duration favours the coexistence of multiple drought‐deciduous phenological strategies. We conclude that drought‐deciduousness may provide a competitive advantage in face of predicted declines in rainfall totals, while reduced seasonality and access to deep water stores may favour evergreen species. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Food Addiction and Bulimia Nervosa
Authors: Meule Adrian , von Rezori Vittoria , Blechert Jens
Published: July 2014

In individuals with obesity and binge eating disorder (BED), eating patterns can show addictive qualities, with similarities to substance use disorders on behavioural and neurobiological levels. Bulimia nervosa (BN) has received less attention in this regard, despite their regular binge eating symptoms. The Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) was developed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders, and food addiction can be diagnosed when at least three addiction symptoms are endorsed and a clinically significant impairment or distress is present. Although the prevalence of food addiction diagnoses is increased in individuals with obesity and BED, recent studies which used the YFAS showed that there are also individuals with normal weight who can be classified as being ‘food addicted’. Based on self‐reported eating disorder symptoms, women with current (n = 26) or remitted (n = 20) BN, and a control group of women matched for age and body mass index (n = 63) completed the YFAS and other measures. Results revealed that all patients with current BN received a food addiction diagnosis according to the YFAS while only six (30%) women with remitted BN did. None of the women in the control group received a food addiction diagnosis. Results provide support for the notion that BN can be described as addiction‐like eating behaviour and suggest that food addiction most likely improves when BN symptoms remit. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Risk Premium in Electricity Prices: Evidence from the PJM Market
Authors: Xiao Yuewen , Colwell David B. , Bhar Ramaprasad
Published: July 2014

In this article, we construct a stochastic model for electricity spot prices, derive a pricing formula for electricity forward contracts, and specify risk premia inherent in such contracts. Our spot price model accounts for seasonality, mean‐reversion, and time‐varying jump intensity. Empirically, the model with a sinusoidal seasonal function, different mean‐reversion rates for the diffusion and jumps, and constant volatility is most appropriate among six different models for the United States market. The modeling approach leads us to investigate the stochastic risk premium due to both the diffusion and the jump components explicitly. The empirical results reveal that both risk premia are time‐varying and state‐dependent. The diffusion risk premium is negatively correlated with the diffusion level and fluctuates about zero, and the jump risk premium is negatively correlated with the jump level and always negative. In magnitude, the jump risk premium is much larger than the diffusion risk premium. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 35:776–793, 2015
Psychotic symptoms in older people without dementia from a Brazilian community‐based sample
Authors: Soares Walter Barbalho , Ribeiz Salma Rose I. , Bassitt Débora P. , De Oliveira Melaine C. , Bottino Cássio M. C.
Published: July 2014

Background

The international prevalence of psychotic symptoms in older subjects without dementia varies from 0.9% to 8.0%. However, an analysis of these symptoms in developing countries has not been undertaken.

Aims

To determine the prevalence and to correlate these symptoms with socioeconomic and clinical characteristics.

Method

A community‐based sample aged 60 years and older was evaluated. Those who screened positive for dementia, cognitive and functional impairment or significant depressive symptoms were excluded, resulting in 1125 individuals.

Results

The prevalence of psychotic symptoms was 9.1% (visual/tactile hallucinations, 7.8%; auditive hallucinations, 7.5%; persecutory delusions, 2.9%). Subjects with psychotic symptoms had lower Mini Mental State Examination and The Bayer Activities of Daily Living Scale scores, fewer years of schooling, belonged to lower socioeconomic classes compared with non‐psychotic subjects, and 80% had clinical comorbidities.

Conclusions

The prevalence was in the upper range of international data. Significant relationships were found between psychotic symptoms and lower Mini Mental State Examination score, fewer years of schooling and lower socioeconomic class. Clinical comorbidity was also very frequent. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Translating cognitive and everyday activity deficits into cognitive interventions in mild dementia and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Giebel Clarissa , Challis David
Published: July 2014

Objective

Mild dementia is marked by deficits in cognition and everyday activities. However, few studies have translated findings from both areas of functioning into effective cognitive rehabilitation. The purpose of this review was to critically evaluate the existing literature on the type and success of interventions and on their extent of use of cognitive theory. Given the limited evidence base in this population, further insights were obtained from studies on mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which involves fewer cognitive and everyday functioning problems than dementia.

Methods

From the literature searches, 11 studies on mild dementia and three studies on MCI were obtained. Studies were only included if the interventions either targeted instrumental activities of daily living or activities of daily living directly or as an outcome measure or if the interventions focused on real‐life aspects not captured in the standardised daily activities. For inclusion, patients needed a diagnosis of dementia or MCI, and Mini‐Mental State Examination scores had to be above 17 for mild dementia.

Results

The majority of interventions indicated improved everyday activity performance in early dementia and MCI. Focusing on individual, as opposed to global, daily activities appeared to be an important determinant of intervention success in mild dementia but not in MCI. However, few attempts had been made to develop interventions grounded in evidence‐based models.

Conclusions

This review highlights the need for further translation of the understanding of cognitive and everyday activity deficits into successful interventions for daily activities in MCI and early dementia. Hence, research is first required to link individual activities with cognitive domains. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unexpected Formation of 2‐Amino‐(1‐(2‐nitrophenylsulfinyl)azulene by the Reaction of 2‐Aminoazulene with 2‐Nitrobenzenesulfonyl Chloride
Authors: Nakagawa Hajime , Tsukada Satoru , Abe Noritaka , Gunji Takahiro
Published: July 2014

2‐Amino‐(1‐(2‐nitrophenylsulfinyl)azulene derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of 2‐aminoazulene with 2‐nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride. Crystal structures of these compounds were determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The sulfur atom derived nosyl group shows unique geometry. Furthermore, a reaction using 4‐nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride is also demonstrated.
Utility of BRAF mutation detection in fine‐needle aspiration biopsy samples read as “suspicious for papillary thyroid carcinoma”
Authors: Jara Sebastian M. , Bhatnagar Ramneesh , Guan Hui , Gocke Christopher D. , Ali Syed Z. , Tufano Ralph P.
Published: July 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of BRAF mutation testing on thyroid nodules “suspicious for papillary thyroid carcinoma” (PTC) cytology.

Methods

A chart review of patients with fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) results “suspicious for PTC” with subsequent thyroidectomy was performed. Corresponding archived FNA slides underwent BRAF mutation testing.

Results

Sixty‐six patients with FNA “suspicious for PTC” underwent thyroidectomy. Forty‐two (63.6%) had PTC diagnosed on final histopathology, whereas 21 (31.8%) had benign findings. Thirty‐five patients (83%) with histologically proven PTC underwent total thyroidectomy, whereas 7 (17%) underwent hemithyroidectomy. BRAF mutation was detected in 17 of 49 samples (34.6%) available for testing and had 45.5% sensitivity, 87.5% specificity, 88.2% positive predictive value (PPV), and 43.8% negative predictive value (NPV) for diagnosing PTC. Two of 4 patients (50%) who underwent hemithyroidectomy with subsequent completion thyroidectomy had mutated BRAF detected.

Conclusion

BRAF testing is a useful adjunct to improve PPV for patients with “suspicious for PTC” cytology. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1788–1793, 2015
Laryngeal cancer in Finland: A 5‐year follow‐up study of 366 patients
Authors: Haapaniemi Aaro , Koivunen Petri , Saarilahti Kauko , Kinnunen Ilpo , Laranne Jussi , Aaltonen Leena‐Maija , Närkiö Mervi , Lindholm Paula , Grénman Reidar , Mäkitie Antti , Atula Timo ,   The Finnish Head and Neck Oncology Working Group
Published: July 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to acquire nationwide data on the management and outcome of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in Finnish university hospitals over a 5‐year posttreatment follow‐up.

Methods

All records of patients diagnosed and treated for primary laryngeal SCC during 2001 to 2005 were reviewed.

Results

Three hundred sixty‐six patients with laryngeal cancer were identified, 360 of whom had laryngeal SCC. Three hundred forty‐two patients with laryngeal SCC (95%) were treated with curative intent. Five‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) for T1a, T1b, T2, T3, and T4 glottic SCC was 100%, 95%, 78%, 79%, and 53%, respectively. The corresponding figures for T1 to T4 supraglottic SCC were 68%, 54%, 72%, and 59%.

Conclusion

Results of this nationwide study give a general overview of the outcome of unselected patients treated with unified guidelines. Patients with T2 tumors, usually treated with radiotherapy (RT), had a worse prognosis than expected. This patient group warrants further investigation and possibly treatment intensification. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 36–43, 2016
Impact of race on oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma presentation and outcomes among veterans
Authors: Zevallos Jose P. , Sandulache Vlad C. , Hamblin John , Skinner Heath D. , Kramer Jennifer , Hartman Christine M. , Horter Kelsey L. , Lai Syeling , Zhou Xiaodong , Chiao Elizabeth Y.
Published: July 2014

Background

Racial disparities in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have been demonstrated and attributed to differences in human papillomavirus (HPV) status. The purpose of this study was to examine racial disparities in oropharyngeal SCC among veterans.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients with oropharyngeal SCC at a tertiary‐care Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were conducted to examine the effect of race on oropharyngeal SCC outcomes.

Results

Of 158 patients, 126 (79.7%) were white and 32 (20.3%) were African American. No difference in p16 tumor expression was noted between the groups. Five‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) was 42.6% and 55.1% for African Americans and whites, respectively (p = .372). Five‐year overall survival (OS) for African Americans and whites was 54.6% and 51.8%, respectively (p = .768). On multivariate analysis, there was no significant difference in risk of recurrence or death by race.

Conclusion

Racial disparities are largely ameliorated in patients with oropharyngeal SCC treated within the VA, there were no racial differences in p16 tumor expression, and outcomes remain poor. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 44–50, 2016
Value of narrow band imaging in the early diagnosis of laryngeal cancer
Authors: Kraft Marcel , Fostiropoulos Karolos , Gürtler Nicolas , Arnoux André , Davaris Nikolaos , Arens Christoph
Published: July 2014

Background

Narrow band imaging (NBI) is a new imaging technique for the depiction of tumor‐specific neoangiogenesis. The purpose of the present study was to assess the value of NBI in the early diagnosis of laryngeal cancer.

Methods

This prospective study includes 205 consecutive patients with a laryngeal lesion scheduled for microlaryngoscopy. NBI was immediately performed after white light endoscopy (WLE), whereas excisional biopsy was carried out for histologic verification of diagnosis.

Results

In identifying laryngeal cancer and its precursor lesions, NBI with WLE showed a significantly higher sensitivity (97% vs 79%) and accuracy (97% vs 90%) than WLE alone, but the specificity (96% vs 95%) was essentially equal in both methods.

Conclusion

NBI qualifies for rapid detection and delineation of suspicious lesions. Additionally, this noninvasive method is also beneficial in a variety of benign lesions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 15–20, 2016
Serglycin expression: An independent marker of distant metastases in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chia Claramae Shulyn , Ong Whee Sze , Li Xin Jian , Soong Yoke‐Lim , Chong Fui Teen , Tan Hiang‐Khoon , Soo Khee‐Chee , Qian Chao‐Nan , Teh Bin‐Tean , Iyer N. Gopalakrishna
Published: July 2014

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a high propensity for metastasis. The purpose of this study was for us to determine whether serglycin expression can be used to predict distant metastases.

Methods

Serglycin expression of tumor tissue of 112 patients with NPC was assessed based on percentage of tumor cells expressing serglycin, staining intensity, percentage of tumor‐infiltrated lymphocyte (TIL) expressing serglycin and TIL‐staining intensity.

Results

Risk factors for distant metastases include sex, smoking status, tumor intensity, and TIL percentage for serglycin. The odds of distant metastases was 4.13 and 0.18 in patients with strong tumor intensity and >50% TIL percentage, respectively. Based on a nomogram incorporating predictors, patients were stratified into 2 prognostic groups. The proportion of distant metastases in the high‐risk group (strong tumor intensity and ≤50% TIL percentage) was 78% versus 19% in the low risk group (p < .001).

Conclusion

Patients with NPC with tumors showing strong tumor intensity and low TIL percentage with serglycin may be at high risk for distant metastases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 21–28, 2016
Metals discharged during different flow conditions from a mixed agricultural‐forest catchment (NW Spain)
Authors: Soto‐Varela F. , Rodríguez‐Blanco M. L. , Taboada‐Castro M. M. , Taboada‐Castro M. T.
Published: July 2014

Metal loads were determined from water samples collected under different streamflow conditions (baseflow and storm events) in a rural catchment (NW Spain) during 4 years. A study at annual, seasonal and storm‐event scales was carried out. In all analysed scales, the export order was Fe > Al > Mn > Zn > Cu. A high inter‐annual, seasonal and storm‐event scale variability of metal load was observed. The total metal loads in stream were higher during baseflow conditions than during storm events, which only represented 4% of the duration of the study period and 25% of streamflow. During storm events, both Al and Fe loads accounted 45% of the total load of the study period, whereas Mn, Cu and Zn loads represented 42%, 33% and 24%, respectively. This highlights the role of high flows on metal export. Only four big events exported around 30% of load of each metal transported in events. At all time scales, a prevalence of export of particulate metals over dissolved metals was observed, more pronounced for Al, Fe and Mn than for Cu and Zn. The export of metals in the Corbeira catchment is influenced by runoff and, to a lesser extent, by the rainfall amount. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deep‐Blue Phosphorescent Emitters with Phosphoryl Groups for Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes by Solution Processes
Authors: Yun Hui‐Jun , Kim Kwon‐Hyeon , Kang So‐hee , Kim Jang‐Joo , Kim Yun‐Hi
Published: July 2014

The new deep‐blue iridium complex, Ir(dppfm)2pic, consisting of a phosphoryl group at the 3′‐position of the phenyl ring and a methyl group at the 4‐position of pyridine, was synthesized and characterized for applications in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Ir(dppfm)2pic exhibited an emission peak of 455 nm and high photoluminescence quantum yields of 73 %. Phosphorescent OLEDs based on Ir(dppfm)2pic exhibited a maximum external quantum efficiency of 7.8 % and Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.15, 0.22).
Comparing massed‐trial instruction, distributed‐trial instruction, and task interspersal to teach tacts to children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Majdalany Lina M. , Wilder David A. , Greif Abigail , Mathisen David , Saini Valdeep
Published: July 2014

Although massed‐trial instruction, distributed‐trial instruction, and task interspersal have been shown to be effective methods of teaching skills to children with autism spectrum disorders, they have not been directly compared. In the current study, we taught 6 children to tact shapes of countries using these methods to determine which would result in the quickest acquisition. Five of the 6 participants acquired the targets in the massed‐trial condition before the other 2 conditions.
Fetal demise in the early second trimester: Sonographic findings
Authors: Blumenfeld Zeev , Khatib Nizar , Zimmer Etan Z. , Bronshtein Moshe
Published: July 2014

Purpose

To report the etiology and the sonographic findings of fetal demise at 14–17 weeks' gestation.

Methods

A prospective transvaginal sonographic search of fetal anomalies was performed in 61 early second‐trimester cases of fetal demise. The findings were compared with the results of sonographic examinations of 22,500 viable fetuses between weeks 14 and 17.

Results

Of 61 cases of early fetal demise in 60 women (1:370), more than half of the fetuses (35/61, 57%) were associated with fetal edema, ranging from nuchal edema and cystic hygroma to fetal hydrops. In 9/61 (14.7%) fetuses, major anatomic anomalies were detected. There was no significant difference between the study group (nonviable fetuses) and the control group (viable fetuses) regarding maternal age and the prevalence of maternal fever, maternal thrombophilic mutations, vaginal bleeding, fertility treatments, maternal diseases, or use of medications.

Conclusions

The incidence of early midtrimester fetal demise is 1:370 pregnancies. The sonographic findings in fetal demise in the early second trimester suggest that 57% of them are associated with fetal edema and 14.7% are associated with major fetal malformations. We did not identify any significant maternal risk factor for fetal demise in the study group. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 43:109–112, 2015
Welfare Impacts of Microcredit Programmes: An Empirical Investigation in the State‐Designated Poor Counties of Shaanxi, China
Authors: Rahman M. Wakilur , Luo Jianchao , Minjuan Zhao
Published: July 2014

This paper evaluates the welfare impacts of microcredit programmes and the activities of non‐governmental organization microfinance service providers in state‐designated poor counties of Shaanxi, China. Study results suggest positive impacts on microcredit programme participants with respect to increased income (by 4.07 per cent), general expenditures (6.45 per cent) and savings (3.13 per cent). Top income quartile participants experience more benefits, and women gain greater access to decision‐making. These findings suggest that successful and sustainable microcredit intervention improves lives and plays an important role in improving rural economy, possibly reducing inequality between rural and urban areas in China. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dephosphorylation and biodistribution of 1‐13C‐phospholactate in vivo
Authors: Shchepin Roman V. , Pham Wellington , Chekmenev Eduard Y.
Published: July 2014

Here, we present a new approach for the delivery of a metabolic contrast agent for in vivo molecular imaging. The use of a phosphate‐protecting group that facilitates parahydrogen‐induced polarization of 1‐13C‐phospholactate potentially enables the in vivo administration of a hydrogenated hyperpolarized adduct. When injected, nonhyperpolarized 1‐13C‐phospholactate is retained in the vasculature during its metabolic conversion to 1‐13C‐lactate by blood phosphatases as demonstrated here using a mucin 1 mouse model of breast cancer and ex vivo high‐resolution 13C NMR. This multisecond process is a suitable mechanism for the delivery of relatively short‐lived 13C and potentially 15N hyperpolarized contrast agents using –OH phosphorylated small molecules, which is demonstrated here for the first time as an example of 1‐13C‐phospholactate. Through this approach, dl‐1‐13C‐lactate is taken up by tissues and organs including the liver, kidneys, brain, heart, and tumors according to a timescale amenable to hyperpolarized magnetic resonance imaging.
Synthesis and labeling of a piperazine‐based library of 11C‐labeled ligands for imaging of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter
Authors: Bergman Sara , Estrada Sergio , Hall Håkan , Rahman Rashidur , Blomgren Andreas , Larhed Mats , Svedberg Marie , Thibblin Alf , Wångsell Fredrik , Antoni Gunnar
Published: July 2014

The cholinergic system is involved in neurodegenerative diseases, and visualization of cholinergic innervations with positron emission tomography (PET) would be a useful tool in understanding these diseases. A ligand for the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), acknowledged as a marker for cholinergic neurons, could serve as such a PET tracer. The aim was to find a VAChT PET tracer using a library concept to create a small but diverse library of labeled compounds. From the same precursor and commercially available aryl iodides 6a–f, six potential VAChT PET tracers, [11C]‐(±)5a–f, were 11C‐labeled by a palladium (0)‐mediated aminocarbonylation, utilizing a standard protocol. The labeled compounds [11C]‐(±)5a–f were obtained in radiochemical purities >95% with decay‐corrected radiochemical yields and specific radioactivities between 4–25% and 124–597 GBq/µmol, respectively. Autoradiography studies were then conducted to assess the compounds binding selectivity for VAChT. Labeled compounds [11C]‐(±)5d and [11C]‐(±)5e showed specific binding but not enough to permit further preclinical studies. To conclude, a general method for a facile synthesis and labeling of a small piperazine‐based library of potential PET tracers for imaging of VAChT was shown, and in upcoming work, another scaffold will be explored using this approach
Synthetic methodologies in organic chemistry involving incorporation of [17O] and [18O] isotopes
Authors: Theodorou Vassiliki , Skobridis Konstantinos , Alivertis Dimitrios , Gerothanassis Ioannis P.
Published: July 2014

This review is a critical survey of the literature that aims to highlight the most significant developments on synthetic strategies involving stable oxygen isotopes ([17O] and [18O]). The labeling methodologies are categorized in groups, according to the oxygen‐containing functional group.
Restoration of axon conduction and motor deficits by therapeutic treatment with glatiramer acetate
Authors: Moore Spencer , Khalaj Anna J. , Patel Rhusheet , Yoon JaeHee , Ichwan Daniel , Hayardeny Liat , Tiwari‐Woodruff Seema K.
Published: July 2014

Glatiramer acetate (GA; Copaxone) is an approved drug for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The underlying multifactorial anti‐inflammatory, neuroprotective effect of GA is in the induction of reactive T cells that release immunomodulatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors at the injury site. These GA‐induced cytokines and growth factors may have a direct effect on axon function. Building on previous findings that suggest a neuroprotective effect of GA, we assessed the therapeutic effects of GA on brain and spinal cord pathology and functional correlates using the chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS. Therapeutic regimens were utilized based on promising prophylactic efficacy. More specifically, C57BL/6 mice were treated with 2 mg/mouse/day GA for 8 days beginning at various time points after EAE post‐induction day 15, yielding a thorough, clinically relevant assessment of GA efficacy within the context of severe progressive disease. Therapeutic treatment with GA significantly decreased clinical scores and improved rotorod motor performance in EAE mice. These functional improvements were supported by an increase in myelinated axons and fewer amyloid precursor protein‐positive axons in the spinal cords of GA‐treated EAE mice. Furthermore, therapeutic GA decreased microglia/macrophage and T cell infiltrates and increased oligodendrocyte numbers in both the spinal cord and corpus callosum of EAE mice. Finally, GA improved callosal axon conduction and nodal protein organization in EAE. Our results demonstrate that therapeutic GA treatment has significant beneficial effects in a chronic mouse model of MS, in which its positive effects on both myelinated and non‐myelinated axons results in improved axon function. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Neuroscience Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biodegradation measurements confirm the predictive value of the O:C‐ratio for biochar recalcitrance
Authors: Bai Mo , Wilske Burkhard , Buegger Franz , Bruun Esben Wilson , Bach Martin , Frede Hans‐Georg , Breuer Lutz
Published: July 2014

Suitable predictors of degradability are sought to support the identification of biochars with large potential to increase C sequestration in soils. We determined the biodegradation of 9 chars from hydrothermal carbonization and pyrolysis in two agricultural soils. The 200‐ and 115‐day degradation correlated strongly with the O:C‐ and slightly with the H:C‐atomic ratio of 9 and 14 biochars, respectively. Highest temperature treatment and ash content did not show similar correlations.
Clinical values of 18F‐FDG PET/CT in oral cavity cancer with dental artifacts on CT or MRI
Authors: Hong Hye Ran , Jin Soyoung , Koo Hyun Jung , Roh Jong‐Lyel , Kim Jae Seung , Cho Kyung‐Ja , Choi Seung‐Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon
Published: July 2014

Level of Evidence: 2a

Background and Objectives: To investigate the role of 18F‐FDG PET/CT in tumor staging, extent, and volume measurements in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients with/without dental artifacts on CT or MRI.

Methods: This study was conducted in 63 consecutive patients with OSCC who received initial workups including 18F‐FDG PET/CT and MRI. The results of the imaging modalities were compared to those of pathology, using McNemar's test and the paired t‐test.

Results: Thirty‐seven patients (59%) had dental or metallic artifacts obscuring primary tumors. 18F‐FDG PET/CT scanning was superior to MRI in tumor staging (weighted κ = 0.870 vs. 0.518, P = 0.004) in patients with dental artifacts. In addition, 18F‐FDG PET/CT scans were more specific than MRI in detecting sublingual gland (P = 0.014) and mouth floor (P = 0.011) involvement. In patients with dental artifacts, there was a significant discrepancy between primary tumor volume (PTV) measured by pathology and MRI (P = 0.018), but not between PTV measured from pathology and 18F‐FDG PET/CT at SUV2.5 (P = 0.245), which showed the highest intraclass correlation coefficient value (0.860).

Conclusion: 18F‐FDG PET/CT scans provide accurate tumor staging and volume measurements in OSCC patients with CR/MRI dental artifacts, leading to improved preoperative planning.

Level of Evidence: 2b

CONDENSED ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the clinical value of 18F‐FDG PET/CT in 63 patients with oral cavity cancers. In 37 (59%) patients with dental artifacts on CT/MRI, 18F‐FDG PET/CT showed superior results compared to MRI in tumor staging and represented the highest intraclass correlation coefficient value to tumor volume determined by pathology. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:696–701. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patient‐centering approaches for the surgical oncologist: Palliative care, patient navigation, and distress screening
Authors: Dunn Geoffrey P. , Miller Nina
Published: July 2014

Surgeons can more effectively meet the public's increased expectation of patient‐centered care by directing attention to pain, non‐pain symptoms, including depression and anxiety, in addition to the patient's personal preferences, resources, and support needs. Patient navigation and palliative care, both pioneered by surgeons, provide complementary frameworks for the screening, assessment and intervention needed to achieve enhanced patient outcomes including adherence to care, improved quality of life and patient satisfaction. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:621–628. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New polypyrrole–carbon nanotubes–silicon dioxide solid‐phase microextraction fiber for the preconcentration and determination of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o‐xylene using gas liquid chromatography
Authors: Sarafraz‐Yazdi Ali , Rounaghi Gholamhossein , Razavipanah Iman , Vatani Hossein , Amiri Amirhassan
Published: July 2014

For the first time, a polypyrrole–carbon nanotubes–silicon dioxide composite film coated on a steel wire was prepared by an electrochemical method. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that this composite film was even and porous. The prepared fiber was used as an absorbent for the headspace solid‐phase microextraction of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o‐xylene, followed by gas chromatographic analysis. This method presented an excellent performance, which was much better than that of a polypyrrole–carbon nanotube fiber. It was found that under the optimized conditions, the linear ranges were 0.01–200 ng/mL with correlation coefficients >0.9953, the detection limits were 0.005–0.020 ng/mL, the relative standard deviations were 3.9–6.4% for five successive measurements with a single fiber, and the reproducibility was 5.5–8.5% (n = 3). Finally, the developed method was successfully applied to real water samples, and the relative recoveries obtained for the spiked water samples were from 91.0 to 106.7%.
Estimating optimal time for fast chromatographic separations
Authors: Welch Christopher J. , Regalado Erik L.
Published: July 2014

The term tmin cc provides a ready estimate of the shortest time that can be obtained by “column cutting” for baseline resolution of two components showing excess chromatographic resolution. While actual column cutting is impractical, the tmin cc value is shown to be closely related to the minimum separation time obtainable by adjusting other parameters such as flow rate, mobile phase composition, and temperature, affording scientists interested in the development of fast chromatographic separations a convenient tool for estimating the minimum separation time that can be obtained by modifying a given method development screening result. Furthermore, the relationship between tmin cc and the minimum separation time obtainable by adjusting other parameters is shown to be dependent on the speed of the screening method, with aggressive screening gradients affording tmin cc estimates that match the actual minimum separation time, and “lazy” screening gradients affording tmin cc values that overestimate minimum separation time. Consequently, the analysis of the relationship between tmin cc and actual minimum separation time may be a useful tool for determining the “fitness” of method development screening methods.
Stage‐dependent nigral neuronal loss in incidental Lewy body and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Dijkstra Anke A. , Voorn Pieter , Berendse Henk W. , Groenewegen Henk J. ,   Netherlands Brain Bank, Rozemuller Annemieke J.M. , van de Berg Wilma D.J.
Published: July 2014

To gain a better understanding of the significance of α‐synuclein pathological conditions during disease progression in Parkinson's disease, we investigated whether 1) nigral neuronal loss in incidental Lewy body disease and Parkinson's disease donors is associated with the local burden α‐synuclein pathological conditions during progression of pathological conditions; 2) the burden and distribution of α‐synuclein pathological conditions are related to clinical measures of disease progression. Post‐mortem tissue and medical records of 24 Parkinson's disease patients, 20 incidental Lewy body disease donors, and 12 age‐matched controls were obtained from the Netherlands Brain Bank for morphometric analysis. We observed a 20% decrease in nigral neuronal cell density in incidental Lewy body disease compared with controls. Nigral neuronal loss (12%) was already observed before the appearance α‐synuclein aggregates. The progression from Braak α‐synuclein stage 3 to 4 was associated with a significant decline in neuronal cell density (46%). Nigral neuronal loss increased with later Braak α‐synuclein stages but did not vary across consecutive Braak α‐synuclein stages. We observed a negative correlation between neuronal density and local α‐synuclein burden in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease patients (ρ = −0.54), but no relationship with Hoehn & Yahr stage or disease duration. In conclusion, our findings cast doubt on the pathogenic role of α‐synuclein aggregates in elderly, but do suggest that the severity of neurodegeneration and local burden of α‐synuclein pathological conditions are closely coupled during disease progression in Parkinson's disease. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Dietary fat alters the expression of cortistatin and ghrelin systems in the PBMCs of elderly subjects: Putative implications in the postprandial inflammatory response
Authors: Gahete Manuel D. , Luque Raúl M. , Yubero‐Serrano Elena M. , Cruz‐Teno Cristina , Ibañez‐Costa Alejandro , Delgado‐Lista Javier , Gracia‐Navarro Francisco , Perez‐Jimenez Francisco , Castaño Justo P. , Lopez‐Miranda José
Published: July 2014

Scope

Dietary fat influences systemic inflammatory status, which determines the progression of age‐associated diseases. Since somatostatin (SST), cortistatin (CORT), and ghrelin systems modulate inflammatory response, we aim to comprehensively characterize the presence and regulation of the components of these systems in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs), a subset of white blood cells placed at the crossroad between diet and inflammation, in response to diets with different fat composition, and during the postprandial phase in elderly subjects.

Methods and results

The applied nutrigenomic, inflammation‐related PBMC‐based approach revealed that the majority of components of SST/CORT and ghrelin systems are present in the human PBMCs. Particularly, CORT, SST/CORT receptors (sst2, sst3, sst5, and sst5TMD4), ghrelin, its acylating enzyme (GOAT), In1‐ghrelin variant, and GHSR1b were detected in PBMCs. Their expression was altered in the long‐term by diet composition, and in the short‐term, during the postprandial phase. Of particular relevance is the postprandial elevation of CORT, sst2, and sst5 expression in PBMCs of subjects under n‐3 PUFAs‐enriched diet.

Conclusion

Our results suggest a potential relevant role of CORT/ssts and ghrelin systems in regulating PBMCs response to nutrient intake, which could help to explain the positive effects of n‐3 PUFAs‐enriched diets in reducing the inflammatory response.
Resveratrol and its major sulfated conjugates are substrates of organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs): Impact on growth of ZR‐75‐1 breast cancer cells
Authors: Riha Juliane , Brenner Stefan , Böhmdorfer Michaela , Giessrigl Benedikt , Pignitter Marc , Schueller Katharina , Thalhammer Theresia , Stieger Bruno , Somoza Veronika , Szekeres Thomas , Jäger Walter
Published: July 2014

Scope

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound with various pharmacological activities. These effects are observed despite its low bioavailability, which is particularly caused by extensive phase II metabolism. It is unknown whether resveratrol and its metabolites can accumulate to bioactive levels in organs and tissues through protein‐mediated transport mechanisms. Because organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) mediate the uptake of many clinically important drugs, we investigated their role in the cellular transport of resveratrol and its major glucuronides and sulfates.

Methods and results

Uptake experiments were performed with resveratrol and its glucuronides and sulfates in OATP‐expressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and breast cancer (ZR‐75‐1) cells. The uptake rates for resveratrol in OATP1B1‐, OATP1B3‐, and OATP2B1‐transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells were four‐ to sixfold higher compared to wild‐type cells. Resveratrol‐3‐O‐4′‐O‐disulfate was transported by OATP1B1 and OATP1B3, while resveratrol‐3‐O‐sulfate was exclusively transported by OATP1B3. However, resveratrol‐4′‐O‐sulfate, resveratrol‐3‐O‐glucuronide, and resveratrol‐4′‐O‐glucuronide did not show any affinity for these OATPs. OATP‐dependent uptake of resveratrol was also confirmed in ZR‐75‐1 cells.

Conclusion

Our data revealed that OATPs act as cellular uptake transporters for resveratrol and its major sulfates, which must be considered in humans following oral uptake of dietary resveratrol.
A parallel two‐level domain decomposition based one‐shot method for shape optimization problems
Authors: Chen Rongliang , Cai Xiao‐Chuan
Published: July 2014

A two‐level domain decomposition method is introduced for general shape optimization problems constrained by the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The optimization problem is first discretized with a finite element method on an unstructured moving mesh that is implicitly defined without assuming that the computational domain is known and then solved by some one‐shot Lagrange–Newton–Krylov–Schwarz algorithms. In this approach, the shape of the domain, its corresponding finite element mesh, the flow fields and their corresponding Lagrange multipliers are all obtained computationally in a single solve of a nonlinear system of equations. Highly scalable parallel algorithms are absolutely necessary to solve such an expensive system. The one‐level domain decomposition method works reasonably well when the number of processors is not large. Aiming for machines with a large number of processors and robust nonlinear convergence, we introduce a two‐level inexact Newton method with a hybrid two‐level overlapping Schwarz preconditioner. As applications, we consider the shape optimization of a cannula problem and an artery bypass problem in 2D. Numerical experiments show that our algorithm performs well on a supercomputer with over 1000 processors for problems with millions of unknowns. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.