bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant Activation of TGF-β in Subchondral Bone at the Onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis Joint Destruction
Authors: Xu Xin , Zheng Liwei , Bian Qin , Xie Liang , Liu Wenlong , Zhen Gehua , Crane Janet L , Zhou Xuedong , Cao Xu
Published: May 2015

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that often leads to joint destruction. A myriad of drugs targeting the immune abnormalities and downstream inflammatory cascades have been developed, but the joint destruction is not effectively halted. Here we report that aberrant activation of TGF-β in the subchondral bone marrow by immune response increases osteoprogenitors and uncoupled bone resorption and formation in RA mouse/rat models. Importantly, either systemic or local blockade of TGF-β activity in the subchondral bone attenuated articular cartilage degeneration in RA. Moreover, conditional deletion of TGF-β receptor II (Tgfbr2) in nestin-positive cells also effectively halted progression of RA joint destruction. Our data demonstrate that aberrant activation of TGF-β in the subchondral bone is involved at the onset of RA joint cartilage degeneration. Thus, modulation of subchondral bone TGF-β activity could be a potential therapy for RA joint destruction. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Coalition of Nuclear Receptors in the Nervous System
Authors: Förthmann Benjamin , Aletta John M. , Lee Yu‐Wei , Terranova Chris , Birkaya Barbara , Stachowiak Ewa K. , Stachowiak Michal K. , Claus Peter
Published: May 2015

A universal signaling module has been described which utilizes the nuclear form of Fibroblast growth Factor Receptor 1 (FGFR1) in a central role directing the post‐mitotic development of neural cells through coordinated gene expression. In this review, we discuss in detail the current knowledge of FGFR1 nuclear interaction partners in three scenarios: (i) Engagement of FGFR1 in neuronal stem cells and regulation of neuronal differentiation; (ii) interaction with the orphan receptor Nurr1 in development of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons; (iii) modulation of nuclear FGFR1 interactions downstream of nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling. These coalitions demonstrate the versatility of non‐canonical, nuclear tyrosine kinase signaling in diverse cellular differentiation programs of neurons. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2875–2880, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
GLP‐2 as Beneficial Factor in the Glucose Homeostasis in Mice Fed a High Fat Diet
Authors: Baldassano Sara , Rappa Francesca , Amato Antonella , Cappello Francesco , Mulè Flavia
Published: May 2015

Glucagon like peptide‐2 (GLP‐2) is a gastrointestinal hormone released in response to dietary nutrients, which acts through a specific receptor, the GLP‐2 receptor (GLP‐2R). The physiological effects of GLP‐2 are multiple, involving also the intestinal adaptation to high fat diet (HFD). In consideration of the well‐known relationship between chronic HFD and impaired glucose metabolism, in the present study we examined if the blocking of the GLP‐2 signaling by chronic treatment with the GLP‐2R antagonist, GLP‐2 (3–33), leads to functional consequences in the regulation of glucose metabolism in HFD‐fed mice. Compared with animals fed standard diet (STD), mice at the 10th week of HFD showed hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance, high plasma insulin level after glucose load, increased pancreas weight and β cell expansion, but not insulin resistance. In HFD fed mice, GLP‐2 (3–33) treatment for 4 weeks (from the 6th to the 10th week of diet) did not affect fasting glycaemia, but it significantly increased the glucose intolerance, both fasting and glucose‐induced insulin levels, and reduced the sensitivity to insulin leading to insulin‐resistance. In GLP‐2 (3–33)‐treated HFD mice pancreas was significantly heavier and displayed a significant increase in β‐cell mass in comparison with vehicle‐treated HFD mice. In STD mice, the GLP‐2 (3–33) treatment did not affect fasted or glucose‐stimulated glycemia, insulin, insulin sensitivity, pancreas weight and beta cell mass. The present study suggests that endogenous GLP‐2 may act as a protective factor against the dysregulation of the glucose metabolism that occurs in HFD mice, because GLP‐2 (3‐33) worsens glucose metabolism disorders. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 3029–3036, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deficiency in the α1 subunit of Na+/K+‐ATPase Enhances the Anti‐Proliferative Effect of High Osmolality in Nucleus Pulposus Intervertebral Disc Cells
Authors: Mavrogonatou Eleni , Papadimitriou Konstantinos , Urban Jill P. , Papadopoulos Vassilios , Kletsas Dimitris
Published: May 2015

Intervertebral disc cells are constantly exposed to a hyperosmotic environment. Among cellular responses towards this stress is the inhibition of proliferation through the activation of p38 MAPK and p53. In an effort to further elucidate the biochemical pathways triggered by hyperosmotic stress, we assessed the high osmolality‐induced transcriptional changes of bovine nucleus pulposus cells using whole‐genome arrays. A 5‐ and a 24‐h hyperosmotic treatment led to the differential expression of >100 and >200 genes, respectively, including nine genes encoding transporters (SLC4A11, SLC5A3, ATP1A1, SLC38A2, KCNK17, KCTD20, KCTD11, SLC7A5, and CLCA2). Differences in the transcriptional profile of these selected genes, as indicated by the microarrays experiments, were validated by qRT‐PCR in 2D and 3D cell cultures, under hyperosmolar salt and sorbitol conditions, revealing the presence of a common triggering signal for osmotic adaptation. The key signaling molecules p38 MAPK and p53 were demonstrated to differently participate in the regulation of the aforementioned transporters. Finally, siRNA‐mediated knocking‐down of each one of the three transporters with the highest and sustained over‐expression (i.e., SLC4A11, SLC5A3, and ATP1A1) had a distinct outcome on the transcriptional profile of the other transporters, on p38 MAPK and p53 phosphorylation and consequently on cell cycle progression. The inhibition of ATP1A1 had the most prominent effect on the transcription of the rest of the transporters and was found to enhance the anti‐proliferative effect of hyperosmotic conditions through an increased G2/M cell cycle block, ascribing to this pump a central role in the osmoregulatory response of nucleus pulposus cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 3037–3048, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age‐dependency of glycosaminoglycan content in lumbar discs: A 3t gagcEST study
Authors: Müller‐Lutz Anja , Schleich Christoph , Pentang Gael , Schmitt Benjamin , Lanzman Rotem S. , Matuschke Felix , Wittsack Hans‐Jörg , Miese Falk
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To analyze age‐dependency of glycosaminoglycan content using gagCEST (glycosaminoglycan chemical exchange saturation transfer) imaging in lumbar intervertebral discs of healthy volunteers.

Materials and Methods

In all, 70 volunteers without low back pain (mean age 44 ± 14 years, range: 21–69 years) were examined with T2‐weighted and gagCEST imaging with a 3T MR scanner, with approval of the local Ethics Committee after written informed consent was obtained. Pfirrmann grading and classification into discs without bulging and herniation, discs with bulging, and discs with herniation were performed. Only intervertebral discs without bulging and herniation were analyzed. A region‐of‐interest‐based gagCEST analysis of nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) was performed. Correlation between age and gagCEST was tested within groups of equal Pfirrmann score.

Results

GagCEST effects decreased significantly from 3.09 ± 1.12% in 20–29 years old volunteers to −0.24 ± 1.36% in 50–59 years old volunteers (P < 0.001). In the case of Pfirrmann scores 2 and 3, a significant correlation was observed between gagCEST effect and age (Pfirrmann score 2, NP: ρ = –0.558, P < 0.001; Pfirrmann score 3, NP: ρ = –0.337, P = 0.048). For Pfirrmann scores 1 and 4, no significant correlation was obtained (Pfirrmann score 1, NP: ρ = –0.046, P = 0.824; Pfirrmann score 4, NP: ρ = –0.316, P = 0.188).

Conclusion

We show a decreased gagCEST effect likely corresponding to decreasing glycosaminoglycans with aging. Hence, age‐matched analysis of gagCEST imaging may be necessary in future studies. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1517–1523.
Comprehensive theoretical analysis and experimental exploration of ultrafast microchip‐based high‐field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) technique
Authors: Li Lingfeng , Wang Yonghuan , Chen Chilai , Wang Xiaozhi , Luo Jikui
Published: May 2015

High‐field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) has become an efficient technique for separation and characterization of gas‐phase ions at ambient pressure, which utilizes the mobility differences of ions at high and low fields. Micro FAIMS devices made by micro‐electromechanical system technology have small gaps of the channels, high electric field and good installation precision, as thus they have received great attentions. However, the disadvantage of relatively low resolution limits their applications in some areas. In this study, theoretical analysis and experimental exploration were carried out to overcome the disadvantage. Multiple scans, characteristic decline curves of ion transmission and pattern recognitions were proposed to improve the performance of the microchip‐based FAIMS. The results showed that although micro FAIMS instruments as a standalone chemical analyzer suffer from low resolution, by using one or more of the methods proposed, they can identify chemicals precisely and provide quantitative analysis with low detection limit in some applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) for the analysis of deuterium enrichment of water
Authors: Walker Dillon K. , Thaden John J. , Deutz Nicolaas E. P.
Published: May 2015

Incorporation of deuterium from deuterium oxide (2H2O) into biological components is a commonly used approach in metabolic studies. Determining the dilution of deuterium in the body water (BW) pool can be used to estimate body composition. We describe three sensitive GC/MS/MS methods to measure water enrichment in BW. Samples were reacted with NaOH and U‐13C3‐acetone in an autosampler vial to promote deuterium exchange with U‐13C3‐acetone hydrogens. Headspace injections were made of U‐13C3‐acetone‐saturated air onto a 30‐m DB‐1MS column in electron impact‐mode. Subjects ingested 30 ml 2H2O, and plasma samples were collected. BW was determined by standard equation. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scans were performed to calculate body mass, body volume and bone mineral content. A four‐compartmental model was used to estimate body composition (fat and fat free mass). Full‐scan experiments generated an m/z 45 peak and to a lesser extent an m/z 61 peak. Product fragment ions further monitored included 45 and 46 using selected ion monitoring (Method1), the 61 > 45 and 62 > 46 transition using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM; Method2) and the neutral loss, 62 > 45, transition (Method3). MRM methods were optimized for collision energy (CE) and collision‐induced dissociation (CID) argon gas pressure with 6 eV CE and 1.5 mTorr CID gas being optimal. Method2 was used for final determination of 2H2O enrichment of subjects because of lower natural background. We have developed a sensitive method to determine 2H2O enrichment in BW to enable measurement of FM and FFM. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atypical presentation of human bocavirus: Severe respiratory tract infection complicated with encephalopathy
Authors: Akturk Hacer , Sık Guntulu , Salman Nuran , Sutcu Murat , Tatli Burak , Akcay Ciblak Meral , Bulent Erol Oguz , Hancerli Torun Selda , Citak Agop , Somer Ayper
Published: May 2015

Human bocavirus (HBOV) has been reported as a worldwide distributed respiratory pathogen. It has also been associated with encephalitis recently by detection of the virus in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients presented with encephalitis. This retrospective study aimed to present clinical features of HBOV infections in children with respiratory symptoms and describe unexplained encephalopathy in a subgroup of these patients. Results of 1,143 pediatric nasal samples from mid‐December 2013 to July 2014 were reviewed for detection of HBOV. A multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction assay was used for viral detection. Medical records of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. HBOV was detected in 30 patients (2.6%). Median age was 14 months (5–80). Clinical diagnoses were upper respiratory tract infection (n = 10), bronchopneumonia (n = 9), acute bronchiolitis (n = 5), pneumonia (n = 4), acute bronchitis (n = 1), and asthma execarbation (n = 1). Hospitalization was required in 16 (53.3%) patients and 10 (62.5%) of them admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Noninvasive mechanical ventilation modalities was applied to four patients and mechanical ventilation to four patients. Intractable seizures developed in four patients while mechanically ventilated on the 2nd–3rd days of PICU admission. No specific reason for encephalopathy was found after a thorough investigation. No mortality was observed, but two patients were discharged with neurological sequela. HBOV may lead to respiratory infections in a wide spectrum of severity. This report indicates its potential to cause severe respiratory infections requiring PICU admission and highlights possible clinical association of HBOV and encephalopathy, which developed during severe respiratory infection. J. Med. Virol. 87:1831–1838, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of intensity and instrument sensitivity in Raman mineral identification
Authors: Bartholomew P. R. , Dyar M. D. , Brady J. B.
Published: May 2015

Mineral identification is a basic and common element of investigations in a wide variety of fields that deal with natural crystalline materials and their synthetic analogues. Raman spectroscopy has been shown to be effective for mineral identification through spectral pattern matching and, in addition, offers a number of practical advantages over established mineral‐identification technologies. In order to make Raman technology accessible to the user community that routinely requires a mineral identification tool, the systematics of Raman spectra of minerals must be investigated and incorporated into instrument design, software design, and methodology documentation. This paper quantifies the range of Raman intensities that can be expected from natural minerals and investigates the incorporation of this information into instrument standards and analytical methodology. For this study, 7978 Raman spectra representing 2159 mineral species were extracted from the RRUFF database (http://rruff.info) and separated into four instrument‐specific groups. Pseudo‐logarithmic histograms show that Raman intensities of minerals can span four orders of magnitude, and opaque minerals tend to have one order of magnitude lower intensities than non‐opaque minerals. Examples of inter‐instrument comparisons show that instrument sensitivity can vary by a factor of 35. An experiment investigating the data quality required for mineral identification indicates that a functional minimum signal‐to‐noise ratio is 15. The results of this study can be used to design data collection strategies. The minerals quartz and pyrite are shown to represent the high‐frequency center of intensity distributions for non‐opaque and opaque minerals, respectively. The requirements for a relevant instrument‐sensitivity standard are also discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrophobic‐hydrophilic monolithic dual‐phase layer for two‐dimensional thin‐layer chromatography coupled with surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy detection
Authors: Zheng Binxing , Liu Yanhua , Li Dan , Chai Yifeng , Lu Feng , Xu Jiyang
Published: May 2015

Hydrophobic‐hydrophilic monolithic dual‐phase plates have been prepared by a two‐step polymerization method for two‐dimensional thin‐layer chromatography of low‐molecular‐weight compounds, namely, several dyes. The thin 200 μm poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate) layers attached to microscope glass plates were prepared using a UV‐initiated polymerization method within a simple glass mold. After cutting and cleaning the specific area of the layer, the reassembled mold was filled with a polymerization mixture of butyl methacrylate and ethylene dimethacrylate and subsequently irradiated with UV light. During the second polymerization process, the former layer was protected from the UV light with a UV mask. After extracting the porogens and hydrolyzing the poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate) area, these two‐dimensional layers were used to separate a mixture of dyes with great difference in their polarity using reversed‐phase chromatography mode within the hydrophobic layer and then hydrophilic interaction chromatography mode along the hydrophilic area. In the latter dimension only the specific spot was developed further. Detection of the separated dyes could be achieved with surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
Preparation of a multi‐hollow magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer for the selective enrichment of indolebutyric acid
Authors: Li Shanshan , Yin Chao , Ren Shuiying , Yang Tao , Wang Jide , Feng Shun
Published: May 2015

A simple strategy was developed for the preparation of multi‐hollow magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers by incorporating 3‐indolebutyric acid and ferroferric oxide nanoparticles simultaneously into a poly(styrene‐co‐methacrylic acid) copolymer matrix. The as prepared absorbents were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and mercury porosimetry. The adsorption isotherms of indolebutyric acid revealed that there are two types of affinity binding sites in the absorbents. The apparent maximum binding capacity and dissociation constant were 17.88 mg/g and 158.7 μg/mL for high‐affinity binding sites and 9.310 mg/g and 35.04 μg/mL for low‐affinity binding sites, respectively. The results testified that multi‐hollow magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers possessed excellent recognition capacity and fast kinetic binding behavior to the objective molecules due to the high specific surface area as large as 511.3 m2/g. Recoveries of 75.5–86.8% were obtained for the indolebutyric acid spiked at three concentration levels in blank and pear samples.
Combination of integrated expanded bed adsorption chromatography and countercurrent chromatography for the direct extraction and purification of pseudohypericin and hypericin from St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.)
Authors: Cai Fanfan , Li Yang , Zhang Min , Zhang Hongyang , Wang Yuerong , Hu Ping
Published: May 2015

St. John's wort has attracted particular attention because of its beneficial effects as an antidepressant, antiviral, and anticancer agent. A method for the combination of integrated expanded bed adsorption chromatography and countercurrent chromatography for the simultaneous extraction and purification of pseudohypericin and hypericin from the herb is presented in this paper. Firstly, the constituents were extracted and directly adsorbed by expanded bed adsorption chromatography under optimal conditions. The stepwise elution was then performed by expanded bed adsorption chromatography that enriched the targets with higher purities and recoveries compared to other methods. Secondly, the eluent fractions from expanded bed adsorption chromatography were further separated by two‐step high‐speed countercurrent chromatography. A two‐step high‐speed countercurrent chromatography method with a biphasic solvent system composed of n‐hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water with a volume ratio of 1:2:1:2 was performed by stepwise changing the flow rate of the mobile phase. Consequently, 5.6 mg of pseudohypericin and 2.2 mg of hypericin with purities of 95.5 and 95.0%, respectively, were successfully obtained from 40 mg of crude sample.
Exploring the Implications of Virtual Reality Technology in Tourism Marketing: An Integrated Research Framework
Authors: Huang Yu Chih , Backman Kenneth Frank , Backman Sheila J. , Chang Lan Lan
Published: May 2015

The proliferation of the Internet and other technological innovations has transformed the structure of the tourism industry as well as affected how tourism destinations are perceived and consumed. The 3D virtual world provides opportunities for destination marketing organizations to communicate with targeted markets by offering a rich environment for potential visitors to explore tourism destinations. However, as of yet, there is little understanding about how to effectively market tourism destinations to virtual world participants who are technology users as well as potential consumers. The purpose of the present study is to develop a research framework that integrates the technology acceptance model (TAM) and self‐determination theory to understand how tourists use a 3D virtual world. Primary data were obtained for this study through self‐administered Web questionnaires. The data were conducted in a laboratory setting with 186 participants. This study contributes to the empirical TAM literature by applying the model to a 3D virtual tourism site. Additionally, this study provides a research framework to capture the entertainment nature of a 3D virtual world by extending the TAM to incorporate psychological elements of self‐determination theory to understand consumer experience. From the perspective of tourism professionals, this study contributes to an understanding of how best to construct informative and interactive tourist destinations in 3D virtual worlds to attract potential online and real‐world tourists. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supplemental Activator and Reducing Agent Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of 2‐Hydroxyethyl Acrylate from High Molar Mass Poly(ethylene oxide) Macroinitiator in Dilute Solution
Authors: Nicol Erwan , Nzé René‐Ponce
Published: May 2015

Triple hydrophilic asymmetric poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA‐b‐PEO‐b‐PHEA) triblock copolymers are obtained by copper(0) catalyzed reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP). Copper wire catalyzed polymerization of HEA from large PEO (Mn = 35 000 g mol−1) macroinitiator in dimethylsulfoxide or in water fails to reach high monomer conversion in a controlled manner contrary to what is previously published with a shorter PEO macroinitiator. Catalysis by nascent Cu(0) particles generated by disproportionating CuBr in water allows rapid polymerization and high monomer conversion with a rather good control of both dispersity and HEA block length. Model disproportionation experiment shows that HEA influences the disproportionation/comproportionation equilibrium. Larger quantities of HEA lead to higher apparent rate constants and less disproportionation of CuBr which is in agreement with the supplemental activator and reducing agent atom transfer radical polymerization (SARA ATRP) mechanism and not with the single electron transfer–living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP) mechanism.

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Hydrophilic Conjugated Polymers with Large Bandgaps and Deep‐Lying HOMO Levels as an Efficient Cathode Interlayer in Inverted Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Kan Yuanyuan , Zhu Yongxiang , Liu Zhulin , Zhang Lianjie , Chen Junwu , Cao Yong
Published: May 2015

Two hydrophilic conjugated polymers, PmP‐NOH and PmP36F‐NOH, with polar diethanol­amine on the side chains and main chain structures of poly(meta‐phenylene) and poly(meta‐phenylene‐alt‐3,6‐fluorene), respectively, are successfully synthesized. The films of PmP‐NOH and PmP36F‐NOH show absorption edges at 340 and 343 nm, respectively. The calculated optical bandgaps of the two polymers are 3.65 and 3.62 eV, respectively, the largest ones so far reported for hydrophilic conjugated polymers. PmP‐NOH and PmP36F‐NOH also possess deep‐lying highest occupied molecular orbital levels of −6.19 and −6.15 eV, respectively. Inserting PmP‐NOH and PmP36F‐NOH as a cathode interlayer in inverted polymer solar cells with a PTB7/PC71BM blend as the active layer, high power conversion efficiencies of 8.58% and 8.33%, respectively, are achieved, demonstrating that the two hydrophilic polymers are excellent interlayers for efficient inverted polymer solar cells.

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Convergence analysis of an accelerated expectation‐maximization algorithm for ill‐posed integral equations
Authors: Geng Chuanxing , Wang Jinping
Published: May 2015

The maximum‐likelihood expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm has attracted considerable interest in single‐photon emission computed tomography, because it produces superior images in addition to be being flexible, simple, and allowing a physical interpretation. However, it often needs a large number of calculations because of the algorithm's slow rate of convergence. Therefore, there is a large body of literature concerning the EM algorithm's acceleration. One of the accelerated means is increasing an overrelaxation parameter, whereas we have not found any analysis in this method that would provide an immediate answer to the questions of the convergence. In this paper, our main focus is on the continuous version of an accelerated EM algorithm based on Lewitt and Muehllenner. We extend their conclusions to the infinite‐dimensional space and interpret and analyze the convergence of the accelerated EM algorithm. We also obtain some new properties of the modified algorithm. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical bifurcation of a delayed diffusive food‐limited model with Dirichlet boundary condition
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Ding Xiaohua
Published: May 2015

This paper studies the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation of a diffusive food‐limited model with a finite delay and Dirichlet boundary condition by the backward Euler difference scheme, Crank‐Nicolson difference scheme, and nonstandard finite‐difference scheme. The existence of Neimark‐Sacker bifurcation at the equilibrium is obtained. Our results show that Crank‐Nicolson and nonstandard finite‐difference schemes are superior to the backward Euler difference scheme under the means of describing approximately the dynamics of the original system. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the analytical results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global asymptotic stability of CNNs with impulses and multi‐proportional delays
Authors: Xueli Song , Pan Zhao , Zhiwei Xing , Jigen Peng
Published: May 2015

This paper is devoted to global asymptotic stability of cellular neural networks with impulses and multi‐proportional delays. First, by means of the transformation vi(t) = ui(et), the impulsive cellular neural networks with proportional delays are transformed into impulsive cellular neural networks with the variable coefficients and constant delays. Second, we prove the global exponential stability of the latter by nonlinear measure, and that the exponential stability of the latter implies the asymptotic stability of the former. We furthermore provide a sufficient condition to the existence, uniqueness, and the global asymptotic stability of the equilibrium point of the former. Our results are generalizations of some existing ones. Finally, an example and its simulation are presented to illustrate effectiveness of our method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stochastic Modeling of Polymer Microstructure From Residence Time Distribution
Authors: Lemos Tiago , Melo Príamo A. , Pinto José Carlos
Published: May 2015

Stochastic modeling constitutes a powerful technique to obtain complete distributions of microstructural properties of polymer materials and may help to synthesize polymers with well‐defined microstructure, as in the case of controlled radical polymerizations (CRP). However, these techniques have been often applied to describe polymerizations performed in batch or idealized continuous plug flow conditions. The present manuscript describes a Monte Carlo technique that can be used to calculate microstructural properties in polymerization systems performed continuously with arbitrary residence time distributions (RTD), under regime of complete micromixing segregation. The technique approximates the continuous system by a set of batch reactors, operated independently, whose volumes and batch times can be related to the discretized version of the RTD. The technique is applied successfully to describe a styrene‐based CRP reaction carried out in an ideal continuous stirred tank reactor and a tubular non‐ideal tubular reactor.
The Effects of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise on Markers of Large Joint Health in Stable Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Law Rebecca‐Jane , Saynor Zoe L. , Gabbitas Julia , Jones Jeremy , Kraus Alexandra , Breslin Anne , Maddison Peter J. , Thom Jeanette M.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Exercise is beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, patients and health professionals have expressed concern about the possible detrimental effects of exercise on joint health. The present study investigated the acute and chronic effects of high‐intensity, low‐impact aerobic and resistance exercise on markers of large joint health in RA.

Methods

Eight RA patients and eight healthy, matched control (CTL) participants performed 30 minutes’ high‐intensity, low‐impact aerobic and lower‐body resistance exercise, one week apart. Primary outcome measures assessing joint health were serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (sCOMP) and knee joint synovial inflammation (Doppler ultrasound colour fraction; CF). These measures were taken at baseline, immediately after and 0.5, one, two, six and 24 hours post‐exercise. In a separate study, nine RA patients completed eight weeks of progressive exercise training. The same outcome measures were reassessed at baseline, and at one hour post‐exercise of training weeks 0, 1, 4 and 8.

Results

RA patients showed higher overall sCOMP [RA: 1,347 ± 421, CTL: 1,189 ± 562 ng/mL; p < 0.05; effect size (ES) = 0.32] and CF when scanned longitudinally (RA: 0.489 ± 0.30 × 10–3, CTL: 0.101 ± 0.13 × 10–3; p < 0.01; ES = 1.73) and transversely (RA: 0.938 ± 0.69 × 10–3, CTL: 0.199 ± 0.36 × 10–3; p < 0.01; ES = 1.33) than CTL. However, no acute effects on joint health were observed post‐exercise. Similarly, no chronic effects were observed over eight weeks of combined aerobic and resistance training in RA, with positive effects on physical fitness and function.

Conclusions

RA patients on stable treatment with low disease activity were able to perform an individually prescribed high‐intensity, low‐impact aerobic and resistance exercise without changes in markers of large joint health. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utilization of surgical procedures and racial disparity in the treatment of urinary incontinence after prostatectomy
Authors: Gupta Shubham , Ding Laura , Granieri Michael , Le Ngoc‐Bich , Peterson Andrew C.
Published: May 2015

Aims

To analyze the rates of incontinence procedures after radical prostatectomy, and define the variables associated with them.

Methods

We conducted an IRB approved retrospective review of patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy at a single institute from January 1998 to December 2012. Logistic regression and time to event analyses were performed to ascertain variables associated with receipt of incontinence procedure after prostatectomy.

Results

Four thousand four hundred one men underwent radical prostatectomy (69.8% open, 30.1% laparoscopic or robotic) of whom 74.3% were white Caucasian and 22.1% were African‐American. Overall, 165 (3.7%) patients underwent a total of 191 procedures for male urethral sling or artificial urinary sphincter placement. African‐American men received fewer incontinence procedures than white Caucasian men (2.1% versus 4.3%, P = 0.001); and with a longer delay after prostatectomy than white Caucasian men (28.3 months versus 19.9 months, P = 0.029). Men who had a laparoscopic or robotic prostatectomy received an incontinence procedure earlier than men who had an open prostatectomy (17.6 months versus 24.4 months, P = 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, age at prostatectomy, diagnosis of incontinence, and race were independently associated with receiving an incontinence procedure.

Conclusions

The overall rate of incontinence surgery after radical prostatectomy is low at 3.7%. African‐American men receive incontinence procedures at a lower rate and with a longer delay after prostatectomy than white Caucasian men. Further studies are needed to define the reasons for this racial disparity in urinary incontinence surgery in the prostate cancer survivor. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:733–737, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimation of atmospheric PSF parameters for hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Berisha Sebastian , Nagy James G. , Plemmons Robert J.
Published: May 2015

We present an iterative approach to solve separable nonlinear least squares problems arising in the estimation of wavelength‐dependent point spread function parameters for hyperspectral imaging. A variable projection Gauss–Newton method is used to solve the nonlinear least squares problem. An analysis shows that the Jacobian can be potentially very ill conditioned. To deal with this ill conditioning, we use a combination of subset selection and other regularization techniques. Experimental results related to hyperspectral point spread function parameter identification and star spectrum reconstruction illustrate the effectiveness of the resulting numerical scheme. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TH1 and TH17 cells promote crescent formation in experimental autoimmune glomerulonephritis
Authors: Hünemörder Stefanie , Treder Julia , Ahrens Stefanie , Schumacher Valéa , Paust Hans‐Joachim , Menter Thomas , Matthys Patrick , Kamradt Thomas , Meyer‐Schwesinger Catherine , Panzer Ulf , Hopfer Helmut , Mittrücker Hans‐Willi
Published: May 2015

Autoimmunity against the Goodpasture antigen α3IV‐NC1 results in crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN). Both antibodies and T cells directed against α3IV‐NC1 have been implicated in disease development and progression. Using the model of experimental autoimmune glomerulonephritis (EAG) in DBA/1 mice, we aimed to characterize the frequency and function of α3IV‐NC1‐specific CD4+ T cells in the kidneys. DBA/1 mice repeatedly immunized with human α3IV‐NC1 developed necrotizing/crescentic GN. Kidneys with crescentic GN contained CD4+ cells responding to α3IV‐NC1 with the production of IFN‐γ or IL‐17A, demonstrating the accumulation of both α3IV‐NC1‐specific TH1 and TH17 cells. To test the functional relevance of TH1 and TH17 cells, EAG was induced in DBA/1 mice deficient in IFN‐γR, IL‐17A or IL‐23p19. Mice of all knockout groups mounted α3IV‐NC1 IgG, developed nephrotic range proteinuria, and IgG deposition to the glomerular basement membranes at levels similar to immunized wild‐type mice. However, all knockout groups showed significantly fewer glomerular crescents and attenuated tubulointerstitial damage. Our results suggest that both α3IV‐NC1‐specific TH1 and TH17 cells accumulate in the kidneys and are crucial for the development of necrotizing/crescentic GN. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of intra‐abdominal cystic lesions by fetal ultrasonography: diagnostic agreement between prenatal and postnatal diagnosis
Authors: Marchitelli Giulia , Stirnemann Julien , Acanfora Marta Maddalena , Rousseau Veronique , Salomon Laurent J. , Ville Yves
Published: May 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic agreement between the prenatal diagnosis of intra‐abdominal cystic lesions made by ultrasound examination and the postnatal diagnosis.

Methods

We reviewed all consecutive cases referred for an anechoic abdominal cyst from 2009 to 2013. Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis was compared with postnatal diagnosis. Prenatal diagnosis was defined as ‘correct’ if a specific prenatal diagnosis or one of the possible diagnoses was confirmed postnatally, as ‘not confirmed’ if the postnatal examination revealed no abnormalities and as ‘incorrect’ if the postnatal diagnosis was different from those suggested prenatally.

Results

Seventy‐three cases were included, and prenatal diagnoses were made at a median gestational age of 27 weeks (range: 13–36). Correct diagnoses were made in 66 cases (90.4%), including four in which the lesion resolved spontaneously in utero; two diagnoses were ‘not confirmed’ postnatally, and one was incorrect (a prenatal diagnosis of intestinal duplication was in fact an anorectal malformation). Postnatal diagnosis was not achieved in four cases: None of them required surgery, and clinical follow‐up was favorable. The abdominal cysts were isolated in 52 cases (71%) and associated with other anomalies in 21 cases (29%). Aneuploidies were diagnosed in three cases (all trisomy 21). Eight cases underwent termination of pregnancy; there were no fetal deaths and one neonatal death. Postnatal surgery was performed in 30 out of 65 liveborn infants (46.1%).

Conclusion

Overall diagnostic agreement between prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of fetal intra‐abdominal cystic lesions is high. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Substituent effects on cyclonona‐3,5,7‐trienylidenes: a quest for stable carbenes at density functional theory level
Authors: Koohi Maryam , Kassaee Mohammad Zaman , Haerizade Bibi Narjes , Ghavami Monireh , Ashenagar Samaneh
Published: May 2015

Nine boat‐shaped cyclonona‐3,5,7‐trienylidenes are compared and contrasted with respect to their multiplicity, nucleophilicity, electrophilicity, band gap (ΔEHOMO − LUMO), Natural bond orbital (NBO) atomic charge, force constant, as well as the aptitude for dimerization, and rearrangement through proper isodesmic reactions at B3LYP/AUG‐cc‐pVTZ and B3LYP/6‐311++G**//B3LYP/6‐31+G* levels of theory. The nine cyclic carbenes include unsubstituted (1CH2) plus eight α‐cyclopropylcyclonona‐3,5,7‐trienylidenes, which are substituted with ά‐SiMe2, ά‐NMe, ά‐PMe, ά‐O, ά‐S, ά‐CH2, ά‐cyclopropyl, and ά‐CMe2 (2SiMe2, 2NMe, 2PMe, 2O, 2S, 2CH2, 2cyclopropyl, and 2CMe2, respectively). The latter eight species enjoy the stabilizing interaction of the occupied Walsh orbital of cyclopropyl with the vacant pπ orbital of the carbene center (Walshcyclopropyl → pπ carbene). Among them, the singlet closed shell 2NMe appears the most promising for exhibiting the highest relative singlet–triplet energy gap (ΔEs − t = 27.1 kcal mol−1). In contrast, the least stable derivative is triplet 2SiMe2, which exhibits the lowest relative ΔEs − t of −5.5 kcal mol−1. The overall trend of ΔEs‐t is 2NMe > 2PMe > 2S > 2O > 2cyclopropyl > 2CMe2 > 2CH2 > 1CH2 > 2SiMe2. With one negative force constant, the unsubstituted 1CH2 turns out to be a transition state, whereas the rest emerge as minima. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2014 President's plenary international psycho‐oncology society: moving toward cancer care for the whole patient
Authors: Bultz Barry D. , Travado Luzia , Jacobsen Paul B. , Turner Jane , Borras Josep M. , Ullrich Andreas W.H.
Published: May 2015

The International Psycho‐oncology Society (IPOS) has just celebrated its 30th anniversary. The growth of psychosocial oncology has been exponential, and this relatively new field is becoming a core service that focuses on prevention, reducing the burden of cancer, and enhancing the quality of life from time of diagnosis, through treatment, survivorship, and palliative care. Looking back over the past 30 years, we see that cancer care globally has evolved to a new and higher standard. Today, ‘cancer care for the whole patient’ is being accomplished with an evidence‐based model that addresses psychosocial needs and integrates psycho‐oncology into the treatment and care of patients.

The President's Plenary Session in Lisbon, Portugal, highlighted the IPOS Mission of promoting global excellence in psychosocial care of people affected by cancer through our research, public policy, advocacy, and education. The internationally endorsed IPOS Standard of Quality Cancer Care, for example, clearly states the necessity of integrating the psychosocial domain into routine care, and that distress should be measured as the sixth vital sign after temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and pain.

The plenary paper also discussed the global progress being made in Europe, North America, and Australia in providing quality cancer care for the whole patient. Collaborative partnerships between IPOS and organizations such as the European Partnership Action Against Cancer and the World Health Organization are essential in building capacity for the delivery of high‐quality psycho‐oncology services in the future. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internal Structure and Composition of a Rock Glacier in the Dry Andes, Inferred from Ground‐penetrating Radar Data and its Artefacts
Authors: Monnier Sébastien , Kinnard Christophe
Published: May 2015

Using ground‐penetrating radar (GPR), we studied an entire 2.2 km long rock glacier (3780–4350 m asl) in the dry Andes of Chile with the aim of inferring its composition. In the high‐quality, unmigrated data, we identified the active layer base and the rock glacier floor. In between, hyperbolae generated by diffracting boulders were inventoried; the ones along the rock glacier floor (n = 51) allowed determination of the average electromagnetic (EM) velocity in the rock glacier, the latter being further used for migration. Within the rock glacier (16–39 m thick), the EM velocity varies between 0.076 and 0.167 m.ns‐1; the main stratigraphic features observed are upward‐dipping reflectors. The low EM velocities (<0.10 m.ns‐1) found at some locations suggest the presence of significant unfrozen water fractions. A strong (R2 = 0.77), inverse linear relationship was also found between the diffracting point density and the EM velocity, and was used to indicate the ice content in the rock glacier. The fraction of ice in the rock glacier was estimated to vary between 0.22 and 0.83, with an average of 0.66; these results were tested by recalculation of the EM velocity. The relationships between rock glacier development and glacial processes are questioned. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐energy‐product MnBi films with controllable anisotropy
Authors: Zhang Wenyong , Kharel Parashu , Valloppilly Shah , Yue Lanping , Sellmyer David J.
Published: May 2015

High‐anisotropy NiAs‐type MnBi films are produced by in situ annealing of Bi/Mn/Bi trilayers, [Bi/Mn/Bi]n multilayers, and subsequent magnetic field annealing. Phase components, crystallographic anisotropy, and magnetic properties of the MnxBi100−x thin films exhibits strong dependence on Mn concentration. High‐purity MnBi thin films with perfect c‐axis orientation are obtained by carefully controlling the Mn/Bi ratio. An energy product of 16.3 MGOe, which is the highest value reported so far, is achieved for the x = 50 film of thickness t = 100 nm. The MnBi thick film (t = 2 μm) changes from isotropic to anisotropic after magnetic field annealing. Depending on the direction of the applied field during magnetic field annealing, the MnBi thick film may have out‐of‐plane or in‐plane anisotropy. This control of anisotropy direction enables applications of MnBi films in permanent‐magnet, spintronic devices, or magnetic micro‐electro‐mechanical systems. In addition, the room‐temperature magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant and saturation polarization of the hard magnetic MnBi phase are determined to be K = K1 + K2 = 15.0 Mergs cm−3 and Js = 8.2 kG, respectively.
Effects of temperature and voids on the interfacial fracture of Si/a‐Si3N4 bilayer systems
Authors: Lin Pamela , Babicheva Rita I. , Xue Ming , Zhang Hai Shu , Xu Huan , Liu Bo , Zhou Kun
Published: May 2015

This work studies the effects of temperature, voids at or near the interface on the interfacial fracture behavior, and mechanisms of the Si/a‐Si3N4 bilayer systems via molecular dynamics simulations. Under mode I loading, at 300 K, the interfacial strength of the bilayer system without voids is ∼22.5 GPa and it undergoes brittle fracture at the interface. However, at 600 K, failure occurs in the a‐Si3N4 layer in a ductile mode. With the existence of void in the Si layer, crack initiates at the void and propagates toward the interface when the temperature is 300 K. However, as temperature increases to 600 K, the defected bilayer system undergoes brittle fracture at the interface at a significantly lowered interfacial strength. With the presence of void at the interface, the bilayer system fractures at the interface with a deteriorated strength regardless of temperature. Under mode II loading, the Si/a‐Si3N4 system undergoes three deformation processes: elastic deformation, followed by plastic deformation in the a‐Si3N4 layer, and subsequently, interfacial sliding. The presence of voids at different locations and the increase in temperature lower the stresses required for interfacial sliding but do not have significant effect on the shear deformation processes. This study provides an insight to fracture behavior of Si/a‐Si3N4 system at certain operating conditions.
The onset of the barotropic sudden warming in a global model
Authors: Liu Y. S. , Scott R. K.
Published: May 2015

The barotropic, vortex‐splitting sudden warming is analyzed in a simple global model, comprising the rotating shallow‐water equations on the sphere with and without the effects of thermal forcing. A quasi‐stationary approach is suggested as an effective means of exploring the two‐dimensional parameter space of forcing amplitude and a suitable measure of vortex strength. We find that the main dynamical regimes obtained previously in a quasi‐geostrophic f‐plane model by Matthewman and Esler persist in the global model, with the exception of certain rotating vortex states that depend on the method of initialization. Short‐lived regimes in which the vortex splits and reforms repeatedly are observed under certain parameters, although gradual dissipation of the vortex means that these cannot be classified as persistent vacillating states.
One‐Dimensional Dielectric/Metallic Hybrid Materials for Photonic Applications
Authors: Li Yong Jun , Xiong Xiao , Zou Chang‐Ling , Ren Xi Feng , Zhao Yong Sheng
Published: May 2015

Explorations of 1D nanostructures have led to great progress in the area of nanophotonics in the past decades. Based on either dielectric or metallic materials, a variety of 1D photonic devices have been developed, such as nanolasers, waveguides, optical switches, and routers. What's interesting is that these dielectric systems enjoy low propagation losses and usually possess active optical performance, but they have a diffraction‐limited field confinement. Alternatively, metallic systems can guide light on deep subwavelength scales, but they suffer from high metallic absorption and can work as passive devices only. Thus, the idea to construct a hybrid system that combines the merits of both dielectric and metallic materials was proposed. To date, unprecedented optical properties have been achieved in various 1D hybrid systems, which manifest great potential for functional nanophotonic devices. Here, the focus is on recent advances in 1D dielectric/metallic hybrid systems, with a special emphasis on novel structure design, rational fabrication techniques, unique performance, as well as their wide application in photonic components. Gaining a better understanding of hybrid systems would benefit the design of nanophotonic components aimed at optical information processing.