bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CCR4 and CXCR3 play different roles in the migration of T cells to inflammation in skin, arthritic joints, and lymph nodes
Authors: Al‐Banna Nadia A. , Vaci Maria , Slauenwhite Drew , Johnston Brent , Issekutz Thomas B.
Published: April 2014

CCR4 and CXCR3 are expressed on several T‐cell subsets in inflamed tissues, yet their role in tissue‐specific recruitment is unclear. We examined the contributions of CCR4 and CXCR3 to T‐cell recruitment into inflamed joints in collagen‐induced arthritis, antigen‐draining lymph nodes (LNs) and dermal inflammatory sites (poly I:C, LPS, concanavalin A, and delayed type hypersensitivity), using labeled activated T cells from CXCR3−/−, CCR4−/−, and WT mice. Both CXCR3 and CCR4 deficiency reduced the development of arthritis, but did not affect Th1‐cell recruitment to the inflamed joints. Accumulation in inflamed LNs was highly CXCR3 dependent. In contrast, CCR4‐deficient Th1 cells had an increased accumulation in these LNs. Migration to all four dermal inflammatory sites by activated Th1 and T cytotoxic cells and memory CD4+ T cells was partially CXCR3‐dependent, but Treg‐cell migration was independent of CXCR3. The subset of cells expressing CCR4 has skin‐migrating properties, but CCR4 itself is not required for the migration. Thus, migration into these inflamed tissues is CCR4‐independent, and partially dependent on CXCR3, except for Treg cells, which require neither receptor. CCR4 may therefore affect retention of T cells in different tissues rather than trafficking out of the blood.
IL‐27p28 is essential for parent‐to‐F1 acute graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Marillier Reece G. , Uyttenhove Catherine , Goriely Stanislas , Marbaix Etienne , Van Snick Jacques
Published: April 2014

Acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) remains a life‐threatening complication of bone marrow transplantation. Here we show that IL‐27, a member of the IL‐12 cytokine family, plays an essential role in a parent‐to‐F1 murine aGVHD model, using B6 mice as parents and B6D2 mice as F1 recipients. IL‐27 is transiently detectable in the serum of B6D2 recipients of B6 spleen cells, with a peak at day 10. Treatment with anti‐IL‐27p28 mAb MM27.7B1 (αp28Ab), at the time of and six days after B6 cell transfer, blocked GVHD. Protection was associated with host cell survival and undiminished engraftment of donor cells, lack of host B‐cell depletion, increased Th2‐type immunoglobulin production, a decrease in serum IFN‐γ, a drop in anti‐H‐2Dd cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity and an increase in Foxp3+ T cells. We therefore conclude that IL‐27 plays a critical role in the parent‐to‐F1 model of aGVHD and that blocking IL‐27 could have therapeutic relevance.
Sweetened antibodies against humoral autoimmunity: Sialylated antibodies are required for IVIg‐mediated therapy
Authors: Fillatreau Simon
Published: April 2014

Antibodies are well known for their role in humoral immunity, and their prominent involvement in the protection afforded by successful vaccines against infections. A less appreciated function of antibodies is their capacity to dampen the autoimmune responses associated with some inflammatory diseases. Nevertheless, this paradoxical activity of antibodies is used to treat patients with autoimmune disease. Preparations of polyclonal serum IgG, which are obtained from pools of thousands of human blood donors and are called intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), are commonly used to treat patients suffering from immunothrombocytopenia. Although of important clinical significance the anti‐inflammatory function of polyclonal IgG remains poorly understood. Previous studies have primarily addressed its mode of action in a prophylactic setting. However, IVIg is usually applied therapeutically in the clinic. In a study published in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Schwab et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2014. 44: 1444–1453] focus specifically on the protective effect of IVIg in a therapeutic setting, in four different mouse models of autoantibody‐mediated pathology, in order to better approach the condition in human disease and therapy. This Commentary discusses how their findings have key implications for our understanding, and further deciphering, of the mode of action of this therapy.
Thermolysis of 4‐Diazotetrahydrofuran‐3‐ones: Total Change of Reaction Course Compared to Photolysis
Authors: Rodina Ludmila L. , Medvedev Jury J. , Galkina Olesia S. , Nikolaev Valerij A.
Published: April 2014

Thermolysis of 2,2,5,5‐tetrasubstituted 4‐diazodihydrofuran‐3‐ones in protic (BnOH) and aprotic (DMSO) media, in contrast to photolysis, gives rise to the formation of 2,2,4,5‐substituted 3(2H)‐furanones as a result of 1,2‐alkyl (aryl) shift. The thermal stability of diazodihydrofuranones in these processes is determined by the nature of the substituents at the C‐5 atom of the heterocyclic structure: alkyl and electron‐donating groups in the para‐position of the aryl substituent notably reduce the persistence of diazodihydrofuranones, whereas aryl groups and electron‐withdrawing substituents increase their stability considerably. Thermolysis of substituted 4‐diazodihydrofuran‐3‐ones in DMSO solution is a first‐order reaction that furnishes higher yields of furanones than thermolysis in BnOH. The reaction can serve as a preparative method for the synthesis of tetrasubstituted‐3(2H)‐furanones.
Consumer culture ideals, extrinsic motivations, and well‐being in children
Authors: Easterbrook Matthew J. , Wright Mark L. , Dittmar Helga , Banerjee Robin
Published: April 2014

Internalising the consumer culture ideals of materialism and appearance has been shown to be negatively related to adults' well‐being. Similarly, adults who strive towards these ideals for extrinsic reasons, such as to improve their image or status, have been shown to have lower levels of well‐being than those who strive towards them for intrinsic reasons, such as to help others or support healthy relationships. However, to date, there is little evidence that these links exist in children. In the present research, we use new, age‐appropriate scales to test our predictions derived from self‐determination theory that being extrinsically motivated to achieve materialistic and appearance ideals will predict their internalisation, which, in turn, will negatively predict children's well‐being. An initial pilot study found that extrinsic motives were negatively related to well‐being in a sample of 150 children aged 8–11 years but that intrinsic motives were not. In our main study, we modelled materialism and appearance as indicators of a single underlying consumer culture construct, and, in a sample of 160 youths aged 8–15 years, found support for our hypothesis that being extrinsically motivated to achieve these consumer culture ideals predicts their internalisation, which negatively predicts well‐being. We discuss the possible mechanisms involved in these processes and the implications of these findings for future research. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation, Characterization, and Bioelectrocatalytic Properties of Hemoglobin Incorporated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes‐Poly‐L‐lysine Composite Film Modified Electrodes Towards Bromate
Authors: Li Ying , Chen Shen‐Ming , Thangamuthu R. , Ajmal Ali M. , Al‐Hemaid Fahad M. A.
Published: April 2014

The present work describes preparation of hemoglobin‐incorporated multiwalled carbon nanotubes‐poly‐L‐lysine (MWCNT‐PLL)/Hb) composite modified electrode film modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and its electrocatalytic behavior towards reduction of bromate (${{\rm BrO}{{- \hfill \atop 3\hfill}}}$) in 0.1 M acetate buffer (pH 5.6). The modified electrode has been successfully fabricated by immobilizing hemoglobin on MWCNT dispersed in poly‐L‐lysine. The surface morphologies of MWCNT, PLL and Hb were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The voltammetric features suggested that the charge transport through the film was fast and the electrochemical behavior resembles that of surface‐confined redox species. Cyclic voltammetry was used to investigate the electrocatalytic behavior of the modified electrode towards bromate and was compared with that of the CNT‐modified as well as bare electrode. The analytical determination of bromate has been carried out in stirred solution at an optimized potential with a sensitivity of 7.56 μA mM−1 and the calibration curve was linear between 1.5×0−5 to 6.0×0−3 M.
Hedging Industrial Metals With Stochastic Volatility Models
Authors: Liu Qingfu , Chng Michael T. , Xu Dongxia
Published: April 2014

The financialization of commodities documented in [Tang and Xiong (2012) Financial Analyst Journal, 68:54–74] has led commodity prices to exhibit not only time‐varying volatility, but also price and volatility jumps. Using the class of stochastic volatility (SV) models, we incorporate such extreme price movements to generate out‐of‐sample hedge ratios. In‐sample estimation on China's copper (CU) and aluminum (AL) spot and futures markets confirms the presence of price jumps and price‐volatility jump correlations. Out‐of‐sample hedge ratios from the [Bates (1996) Review of Financial Studies, 9:69–107] SV with price jumps model deliver the greatest risk reduction on the unhedged positions at 59.55% for CU and 49.85% for AL. But it is the [Duffie, Pan, and Singleton (2000) Econometrica, 68:1343–1376] SV model with correlated price and volatility jumps that produces hedge ratios which yield the largest Sharpe Ratios of 0.644 for CU and 0.886 for AL. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 34:704–730, 2014
The structural neuroanatomy of metacognitive insight in schizophrenia and its psychopathological and neuropsychological correlates
Authors: Spalletta Gianfranco , Piras Fabrizio , Piras Federica , Caltagirone Carlo , Orfei Maria Donata
Published: April 2014

Lack of insight into illness is a multidimensional phenomenon that has relevant implications on clinical course and therapy compliance. Here, we focused on metacognitive insight in schizophrenia, that is, the ability to monitor one's changes in state of mind and sensations, with the aim of investigating its neuroanatomical, psychopathological, and neuropsychological correlates. Fifty‐seven consecutive patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition, Text Revision) diagnosis of schizophrenia were administered the Insight Scale, and comprehensive psychopathological and neuropsychological batteries. They underwent a high‐resolution T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging investigation. Gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes were analyzed on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis using Statistical Parametric Mapping 8. Reduced metacognitive insight was related to reduced GM volumes in the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and insula, and bilateral premotor area and putamen. Further, it was related to reduced WM volumes of the right superior longitudinal fasciculum, left corona radiata, left forceps minor, and bilateral cingulum. Increased metacognitive insight was related to increased depression severity and attentional control impairment, while the latter was related to increased GM volumes in brain areas linked to metacognitive insight. Results of this study suggest that prefrontal GM and WM bundles, all implied in cognitive control and self‐reflection, may be the neuroanatomical correlates of metacognitive insight in schizophrenia. Further, higher metacognitive insight is hypothesized to be a risk factor for depression which may subsequently impair attention. This line of research may provide the basis for the development of cognitive interventions aimed at improving self‐monitoring and compliance to treatment. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4729–4740, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnostic classification of arterial spin labeling and structural MRI in presenile early stage dementia
Authors: Bron Esther E. , Steketee Rebecca M.E. , Houston Gavin C. , Oliver Ruth A. , Achterberg Hakim C. , Loog Marco , van Swieten John C. , Hammers Alexander , Niessen Wiro J. , Smits Marion , Klein Stefan ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: April 2014

Because hypoperfusion of brain tissue precedes atrophy in dementia, the detection of dementia may be advanced by the use of perfusion information. Such information can be obtained noninvasively with arterial spin labeling (ASL), a relatively new MR technique quantifying cerebral blood flow (CBF). Using ASL and structural MRI, we evaluated diagnostic classification in 32 prospectively included presenile early stage dementia patients and 32 healthy controls. Patients were suspected of Alzheimer's disease (AD) or frontotemporal dementia. Classification was based on CBF as perfusion marker, gray matter (GM) volume as atrophy marker, and their combination. These markers were each examined using six feature extraction methods: a voxel‐wise method and a region of interest (ROI)‐wise approach using five ROI‐sets in the GM. These ROI‐sets ranged in number from 72 brain regions to a single ROI for the entire supratentorial brain. Classification was performed with a linear support vector machine classifier. For validation of the classification method on the basis of GM features, a reference dataset from the AD Neuroimaging Initiative database was used consisting of AD patients and healthy controls. In our early stage dementia population, the voxelwise feature‐extraction approach achieved more accurate results (area under the curve (AUC) range = 86 − 91%) than all other approaches (AUC = 57 − 84%). Used in isolation, CBF quantified with ASL was a good diagnostic marker for dementia. However, our findings indicated only little added diagnostic value when combining ASL with the structural MRI data (AUC = 91%), which did not significantly improve over accuracy of structural MRI atrophy marker by itself. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4916–4931, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Groundwater temperature evolution in the subsurface urban heat island of Cologne, Germany
Authors: Zhu Ke , Bayer Peter , Grathwohl Peter , Blum Philipp
Published: March 2014

Long‐term heating of shallow urban aquifers is observed worldwide. Our measurements in the city of Cologne, Germany revealed that the groundwater temperatures found in the city centre are more than 5 K higher than the undisturbed background. To explore the role of groundwater flow for the development of subsurface urban heat islands, a numerical flow and heat transport model is set up, which describes the hydraulic conditions of Cologne and simulates the transient evolution of thermal anomalies in the urban ground. A main focus is on the influence of horizontal groundwater flow, groundwater recharge and trends in local ground warming. To examine heat transport in groundwater, a scenario consisting of a local hot spot with a length of 1 km of long‐term ground heating was set up in the centre of the city. Groundwater temperature‐depth profiles at upstream, central and downstream locations of this hot spot are inspected. The simulation results indicate that the main thermal transport mechanisms are long‐term vertical conductive heat input, horizontal advection and transverse dispersion. Groundwater recharge rates in the city are low (<100 mm a−1) and thus do not significantly contribute to heat transport into the urban aquifer. With groundwater flow, local vertical temperature profiles become very complex and are hard to interpret, if local flow conditions and heat sources are not thoroughly known. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Floodplain connection buffers seasonal changes in urban stream water quality
Authors: Ledford Sarah H. , Lautz Laura K.
Published: March 2014

Urban streams in the Northeastern United States have large road salt inputs during the winter, increased nonpoint sources of inorganic nitrogen and decreased short‐term and permanent storage of nutrients. Restoration activities that re‐establish connection between streams and riparian environments may be effective for improving urban stream water quality. Meadowbrook Creek, a first‐order stream in Syracuse, NY, provides a unique setting to explore impacts of stream–floodplain connection because it flows along a negative urbanization gradient, from channelized and armoured headwaters to a broad, vegetated floodplain with a riparian aquifer. In this study, we investigated how reconnection to groundwater and introduction of riparian vegetation impacted urban surface water chemistry by making biweekly longitudinal surveys of stream water chemistry in the creek from May 2012 until June 2013. We used multiple methods to measure groundwater discharge rates along the creek. Chloride concentrations in the upstream, disconnected reach were influenced by discharge of road salt during snow melt events and ranged from 161.2 to 1440 mg/l. Chloride concentrations in the downstream, connected reach had less temporal variation, ranging from 252.0 to 1049 mg/l, because of buffering by groundwater discharge, as groundwater chloride concentrations ranged from 84.0 to 655.4 mg/l. In the summer, there was little to no nitrate in the disconnected reach because of limited sources and high primary productivity, but concentrations reached over 1 mg N/l in the connected reach because of the presence of riparian vegetation. During the winter, when temperatures fell below freezing, nitrate concentrations in the disconnected reach increased to 0.58 mg N/l but were still lower than the connected reach, which averaged 0.88 mg N/l. Urban stream restoration projects that restore floodplain connection may impact water quality by storing high salinity road run‐off during winter overbank events and discharging that water year‐round, thereby attenuating seasonal fluctuations in chloride. Contrary to prior findings, we observed that floodplain connection and riparian vegetation may alter nitrate sources and sinks such that nitrate concentrations increase longitudinally in connected urban streams. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical Thromboelastography to evaluate whole blood coagulation
Authors: Hajjarian Zeinab , Tripathi Markandey M. , Nadkarni Seemantini K.
Published: April 2014

Measurement of blood viscoelasticity during clotting provides a direct metric of haemostatic conditions. Therefore, technologies that quantify blood viscoelasticity at the point‐of‐care are invaluable for diagnosing coagulopathies. We present a new approach, Optical Thromboelastography (OTEG) that measures the viscoelastic properties of coagulating blood by evaluating temporal laser speckle fluctuations, reflected from a few blood drops. During coagulation, platelet‐fibrin clot formation restricts the mean square displacements (MSD) of scatterers and decelerates speckle fluctuations. Cross‐correlation analysis of speckle frames provides the speckle intensity temporal autocorrelation, g2(t), from which MSD is deduced and the viscoelastic modulus of blood is estimated. Our results demonstrate a close correspondence between blood viscoelasticity evaluated by OTEG and mechanical rheometry. Spatio‐temporal speckle analyses yield 2‐dimensional maps of clot viscoelasticity, enabling the identification of micro‐clot formation at distinct rates in normal and coagulopathic specimens. These findings confirm the unique capability of OTEG for the rapid evaluation of patients' coagulation status and highlight the potential for point‐of‐care use. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Successful hematopoietic stem cell collection in patients who fail initial plerixafor mobilization for autologous stem cell transplant
Authors: Veeraputhiran Muthu , Jain Tania , Cronin Simon , Al‐Kadhimi Zaid , Abidi Muneer H. , Ayash Lois , Mellert Kendra , Lum Lawrence G. , Ratanatharathorn Voravit , Uberti Joseph P. , Deol Abhinav
Published: April 2014

We report our experience of collecting stem cells in patients who failed to mobilize sufficient hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) using plerixafor (P) in the initial mobilization attempt. Twenty four patients were identified who failed a first mobilization attempt using P. Of these, 22 patients received granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and two patients received cyclophosphamide (CY) + G‐CSF in combination with P for the initial attempt. The agents used for second collection attempt were granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) + G‐CSF (19 patients), G‐CSF + P (three patients), CY + G‐CSF (one patient), and bone marrow harvest (one patient). A median of 0.6 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg (range 0–1.97) were collected in the initial attempt. A second collection was attempted at a median of 22 days (range 15–127) after the first failed mobilization. The median CD34+ cell dose collected with the second attempt was 1.1 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg (range 0–7.2). A third collection was attempted in six patients at median of 51 days (range 34–163) after the first failed mobilization. These patients collected a median of 1.1 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg (range 0–6.5). Total of 16 patients (67%) collected sufficient cells to undergo autologous stem cell transplant and eight patients (33%) were able to collect ≥2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg in a single subsequent attempt. Our experience suggests that a majority of patients who fail primary mobilization despite use of P can collect sufficient HSC with a subsequent attempt using combination of G‐CSF with either P or GM‐CSF. J. Clin. Apheresis 29:293–298 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population pharmacokinetics of hydroxyurea for children and adolescents with sickle cell disease
Authors: Wiczling Paweł , Liem Robert I. , Panepinto Julie A. , Garg Uttam , Abdel‐Rahman Susan M. , Kearns Gregory L. , Neville Kathleen A.
Published: April 2014

The objective of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model sufficient to describe hydroxyurea (HU) concentrations in serum and urine following oral drug administration in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease. Additionally, the measured hydroxyurea concentrations for particular sampling time were correlated with exposure measures (AUC) to find the most predictive relationship. Hydroxyurea concentrations were determined in 21 subjects. Using a population nonlinear mixed‐effect modeling, the HU PK was best described by a one‐compartment model with two elimination pathways (metabolic and renal) and a transit compartment absorption. The typical mean absorption time was 0.222 hour. The typical apparent volume of distribution was 21.8 L and the apparent systemic clearance was 6.88 L/h for an average weight patient of 30.7 kg. The 50% of the HU dose was renally excreted. Linear correlations were apparent between the plasma HU concentration at 1, 1.5, 2, 4, and 6 hours post‐dose and AUC with the most significant (R2 = 0.71) observed at 1.5 hours. A population PK model was successful in describing HU disposition in plasma and urine. Data from the model also demonstrated that HU plasma concentrations at 1.5 hours after an oral dose of the drug were highly predictive of systemic drug exposure.
Photocatalytic oxidation process used as a pretreatment to improve hexane vapors biofiltration
Authors: Saucedo‐Lucero Jose Octavio , Arriaga Sonia
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

Photolytic and photocatalytic oxidation processes were used as pretreatments for the purpose of producing more soluble and easily degradable byproducts that were subsequently treated in a biofiltration system for VOC treatment. n‐Hexane was chosen as a model hydrophobic VOC, and ZnO was used as a photocatalyst.

RESULTS

The potential of this technology was evaluated at an inlet load of 200 g m−3 h−1 and a residence time of 94.2 s for the coupled system. The results showed that the photocatalytic pretreatment had a greater impact on the removal of hexane than the photolytic pretreatment with elimination capacities (EC) of 43 g m−3 h−1 and 24 g m−3 h−1, respectively. The EC of hexane and the CO2 production reached in the coupled system increased by at least 20%. This behavior was directly related to the high biodegradability of byproducts produced in the photocatalytic system, such as alcohols and ketones.

CONCLUSION

Photocatalytic oxidation used as a pretreatment system for hexane vapors using ZnO as photocatalyst enabled the generation of byproducts with high solubility that could be easily degraded in subsequent biological treatment. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and Characterization of Spherical Polyimide Aerogel Microparticles
Authors: Kwon Jinuk , Kim Jinyoung , Yoo Taewon , Park Dongmyung , Han Haksoo
Published: April 2014

In the study described here, novel, polyimide (PI)‐based spherical aerogelmicroparticles are fabricated. The aerogel microparticles proposed in this study have an advantage over film‐shaped aerogels because the microparticles can be easily used for thermal insulation, drug release, and catalyst support. By using only a PI polymer as the raw material for the proposed PI aerogel microparticles, the problems associated with reinforcing conventional silica aerogels, such as inferior thermal resistance or incorporation with silica aerogel, are circumvented. The porosity of PI aerogel microparticles was determined to be 80% and specific surface area was determined as 103 m2 g−1. The pore sizes measured using mercury intrusion porosimetry are between 4 and 100 nm, with a representative pore size of 15 nm.
Complete NMR assignments of bioactive rotameric (3 → 8) biflavonoids from the bark of Garcinia hombroniana
Authors: Jamila Nargis , Khairuddean Melati , Khan Sadiq Noor , Khan Naeem
Published: April 2014

The genus Garcinia is reported to possess antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective and anti‐HIV activities. Garcinia hombroniana in Malaysia is used to treat itching and as a protective medicine after child birth. This study was aimed to isolate the chemical constituents from the bark of G. hombroniana and explore their possible pharmacological potential. Ethyl acetate extract afforded one new (1) and six (2–7) known 3 → 8 rotameric biflavonoids. Their structures were elucidated by UV, IR and NMR (1D and 2D) spectroscopy together with electron ionization/ESI mass spectrometric techniques and were identified as (2R, 3S) volkensiflavone‐7‐O‐rhamnopyranoside (1), volkensiflavone (2), 4″‐O‐methyl‐volkensiflavone (3), volkensiflavone‐7‐O‐glucopyranoside (4), morelloflavone (5), 3″‐O‐methyl‐morelloflavone (6) and morelloflavone‐7‐O‐glucopyranoside (7). The absolute configuration of compound 1 was assigned by circular dichroism spectroscopy as 2R, 3S. The coexistence of conformers of isolated biflavonoids in solution at 25 °C in different solvents was confirmed by variable temperature NMR studies. At room temperature (25 °C), compounds 1–7 exhibited duplicate NMR signals, while at elevated temperature (90 °C), a single set of signals was obtained. Compound 5 showed significant in vitro antioxidant activities against 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethyl benzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid radicals. The antibacterial studies showed that compounds 5 and 6 are the most active against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Compounds 3 and 6 also showed moderate antituberculosis activity against H38Rv. Based on the research findings, G. hombroniana could be concluded as a rich source of flavanone–flavone (3 → 8) biflavonoids that exhibit rotameric behaviour at room temperature and display significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Incontinence‐Associated Dermatitis, Incontinence, and Moisture as Risk Factors for Pressure Ulcer Development
Authors: Beeckman Dimitri , Van Lancker Aurélie , Van Hecke Ann , Verhaeghe Sofie
Published: April 2014

The aim of this analysis was to identify the association between incontinence‐associated dermatitis (IAD), its most important etiologic factors (incontinence and moisture), and pressure ulcers (PUs). A systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed. We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant papers dating through March 15, 2013. Fifty‐eight studies were included. Measures of relative effect at the univariate level were meta‐analyzed. In most studies (86%), a significant association between variables of interest was found, with pooled odds ratios of PUs in univariate models between 1.92 (95% CI 1.54–2.38) for urinary incontinence and 4.99 (95% CI 2.62–9.50) for double incontinence (p < .05). This evidence indicates an association between IAD, its most important etiological factors, and PUs. Methodological issues should be considered when interpreting the results of this review. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurobehavioral Effects of Aspartame Consumption
Authors: Lindseth Glenda N. , Coolahan Sonya E. , Petros Thomas V. , Lindseth Paul D.
Published: April 2014

Despite its widespread use, the artificial sweetener aspartame remains one of the most controversial food additives, due to mixed evidence on its neurobehavioral effects. Healthy adults who consumed a study‐prepared high‐aspartame diet (25 mg/kg body weight/day) for 8 days and a low‐aspartame diet (10 mg/kg body weight/day) for 8 days, with a 2‐week washout between the diets, were examined for within‐subject differences in cognition, depression, mood, and headache. Measures included weight of foods consumed containing aspartame, mood and depression scales, and cognitive tests for working memory and spatial orientation. When consuming high‐aspartame diets, participants had more irritable mood, exhibited more depression, and performed worse on spatial orientation tests. Aspartame consumption did not influence working memory. Given that the higher intake level tested here was well below the maximum acceptable daily intake level of 40–50 mg/kg body weight/day, careful consideration is warranted when consuming food products that may affect neurobehavioral health. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Personalizing medicine: a review of adaptive treatment strategies
Authors: Wallace Michael P. , Moodie Erica E. M.
Published: April 2014

Much of current pharmacological practice focuses on identifying the single ‘best’ treatment (or course of treatments) for a particular disease. Recently, however, focus has begun to shift towards a more patient‐centric rather than disease‐centric approach, where personal characteristics are used to identify the optimal treatment for an individual. Adaptive treatment strategies (also known as dynamic treatment regimes) are part of a rapidly expanding area of research whereby such personalized treatments can be identified. These methods can lead to improved results over standard ‘one size fits all’ approaches, as well as provide a route to formalizing a common practice of using ad hoc approaches when deciding or updating management plans. Here, we provide an introduction to adaptive treatment strategies, explaining their background, their purpose, and how they can be employed in practice. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minimizing signal detection time in postmarket sequential analysis: balancing positive predictive value and sensitivity
Authors: Maro Judith C. , Brown Jeffrey S. , Dal Pan Gerald J. , Kulldorff Martin
Published: April 2014

Purpose

Outcome misclassification in retrospective epidemiologic analyses has been well‐studied, but little is known about such misclassification with respect to sequential statistical analysis during surveillance of medical product‐associated risks, a planned capability of the US Food and Drug Administration's Sentinel System.

Methods

Using a vaccine example, we model and simulate sequential database surveillance in an observational data network using a variety of outcome detection algorithms. We consider how these algorithms, as characterized by sensitivity and positive predictive value, impact the length of surveillance and timeliness of safety signal detection. We show investigators/users of these networks how they can perform preparatory study design calculations that consider outcome misclassification in sequential database surveillance.

Results

Non‐differential outcome misclassification generates longer surveillance times and less timely safety signal detection as compared with the case of no misclassification. Inclusive algorithms characterized by high sensitivity but low positive predictive value outperform more narrow algorithms when detecting rare outcomes. This decision calculus may change considerably if medical chart validation procedures were required.

Conclusions

These findings raise important questions regarding the design of observational data networks used for pharmacovigilance. Specifically, there are tradeoffs involved when choosing to populate such networks with component databases that are large as compared with smaller integrated delivery system databases that can more easily access laboratory or clinical data and perform medical chart validation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extension of the orientation region of high density polyethylene molded by gas‐assisted injection molding: control of the thermal field
Authors: Xia Xiao‐Chao , Zhang Quan‐Ping , Wang Long , He Shan , Feng Jian‐Ming , Yang Ming‐Bo
Published: April 2014

Wider zones with close‐knit orientation crystals in high density polyethylene (HDPE) parts prepared via the gas‐assisted injection molding (GAIM) process were obtained under high cooling gas pressure. In this study, compressed nitrogen, as a cooling medium, was introduced to retain a high cooling rate of the polymer melt. The high gas pressure leads to fast cooling of the polymer melt, which contributes to the stability of more oriented and stretched chains during the cooling stage. Then many more oriented structures are formed. SEM shows that many more oriented structures and interlocking shish‐kebab structures are achieved in parts under highest cooling gas pressure (P3). The P3 parts possess a higher degree of orientation than the corresponding regions of parts under lowest cooling gas pressure (P1). Moreover, tensile testing indicates that, compared with P1 parts, although P3 parts have lower crystallinity, the mechanical properties are improved because of the wider orientation zone and many more interlocking shish‐kebab structures. Combining the HDPE molecular parameters with the characteristics of the GAIM flow field and temperature field, the stability of oriented or stretched chains and the formation of orientation structures in various zones of the parts were analyzed. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Diagnosing ‘male’ depression in men diagnosed with prostate cancer: the next step in effective translational psycho‐oncology interventions?
Authors: Sharpley Christopher F. , Bitsika Vicki , Christie David R. H.
Published: April 2014

Background

Depression in men diagnosed with prostate cancer is associated with several adverse outcomes. However, some data suggest that standard methods of assessing depression in males via the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) may omit several extra key symptoms of male depression. Therefore, this study tested the comparative effects of standard MDD‐based diagnostic criteria for depression and criteria for ‘male depression’ in a sample of men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Method

191 men diagnosed with prostate cancer completed a postal survey questionnaire containing questions about background variables, the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 for depression (PHQ9) and the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS). Comparisons were made of the relative prevalence of depression according to these scales, plus a scale that combined the PHQ9 and GMDS extra items for male depression

Results

Although there were significant correlations between total PHQ9 and GMDS scores, over one‐third of variance in the GMDS was not accounted for by the PHQ9, and sensitivity of the PHQ9 against the GMDS showed that about 24% of those patients identified as depressed on the GMDS would not be similarly identified on the PHQ9. Different prevalence rates from the two scales suggested that they were assessing different sets of symptoms of depression. A combined PHQ9‐GMDS scale of 15 items was used to produce a profile of male depression in these patients.

Conclusion

Adequate and reliable assessment of depression in men diagnosed with prostate cancer may require use of additional symptoms to those listed for MDD, and treatment planning and delivery could be more precise and effective using this methodology. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐principles study of sp‐electron half‐metallic superlattices in wurtzite structure
Authors: Zhou Baozeng , Dong Shengjie , Liu Yanyu , Zhang Zidan , Zhao Hui , Wu Ping
Published: April 2014

Density functional calculations are performed to study the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of sp‐electron half‐metallic superlattices (AN)1/(XN)1 (0001) (A = Ca, Sr, and Ba; X = Al and Ga) in wurtzite structure. All the superlattices are found to be spin polarized, and the calculated band structure suggests a 100% polarization of the conduction carriers. The hybridization of anionic p states with cationic d states is shown to be essential for the formation of localized orbitals and spin‐splitting. The half‐metallic electronic structure would be destroyed upon an excessive lattice compression. As ionic radius of the cations increase, large unit cell will lead to less hybridization and more atomic‐like behavior of p states and thus narrower bands and smaller gaps. Moreover, the analysis of the orbital‐decomposed partial density of states and spin density reveals that N atoms in different layers of the superlattice show distinct polarization phenomena.
Load balancing by work–stealing in quantum chemistry calculations: Application to hybrid density functional methods
Authors: Nikodem Astrid , Matveev Alexei V. , Soini Thomas M. , Rösch Notker
Published: April 2014

Parallel implementations of quantum chemistry programs targeting supercomputers are challenging applications of dynamic load balancing algorithms. The implementation of work stealing (WS) algorithms is discussed and their usefulness is demonstrated. Evaluation of the four‐center integrals of a Cu10 cluster requires 25 core‐hours overall, achieving 88% efficiency with simple WS for 2048 cores, and 97% with task presorting based on a cost estimate. Limitations of cost sorting become noticeable for larger systems. When spatial symmetry is exploited together with integral screening, bundling the original tasks yields an efficiency of 98% for Cu79 in Oh symmetry on 512, 1204, and 2048 cores. The advantage of WS algorithms described in this work is not limited to the evaluation of four‐center integrals. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost‐effective Atomic Layer Deposition Synthesis of Pt Nanotube Arrays: Application for High Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Wen Liaoyong , Mi Yan , Wang Chengliang , Fang Yaoguo , Grote Fabian , Zhao Huaping , Zhou Min , Lei Yong
Published: April 2014

Due to the unique advantages of Pt, it plays an important role in fuel cells and microelectronics. Considering the fact that Pt is an expensive metal, a major challenging point nowadays is how to realize efficient utilization of Pt. In this paper, a cost‐effective atomic layer deposition (ALD) process with a low N2 filling step is introduced for realizing well‐defined Pt nanotube arrays in anodic alumina nano‐porous templates. Compared to the conventional ALD growth of Pt, much fewer ALD cycles and a shorter precursor pulsing time are required, which originates from the low N2 filling step. To achieve similar Pt nanotubes, about half cycles and 10% Pt precursor pulsing time is needed using our ALD process. Meanwhile, the Pt nanotube array is explored as a current collector for supercapacitors based on core/shell Pt/MnO2 nanotubes. This nanotube‐based electrode exhibits high gravimetric and areal specific capacitance (810 Fg−1 and 75 mF cm−2 at a scan rate of 5 mV s−1) as well as an excellent rate capability (68% capacitance retention from 2 to 100 Ag−1). Additionally, a negligible capacitance loss is observed after 8000 cycles of random charging‐discharging from 2 to 100 Ag−1.
Anwendung der Teile 2 der Eurocodes 3 und 4 für Stahl‐ und Verbundbrücken
Authors: Hanswille Gerhard
Published: April 2014

Ende 2012 wurden in Deutschland durch das Bundesverkehrsministerium die Eurocodes für Brücken eingeführt und bei Vergaben für die Anwendung des Regelwerks mit den zugehörigen Nationalen Anhängen als Stichtag der 1. Mai 2013 festgelegt. Es wird über erste Erfahrungen mit dem neuen Regelwerk berichtet und der derzeitige Diskussionstand in den europäischen Gremien bezüglich der Weiterentwicklung des Eurocode 4‐2 für die Verbundbrücken dargestellt.

First Experiences with the use of the Parts 2 of Eurocodes 3 and 4 for steel and composite bridges and current activities regarding the evolution of these codes. In Germany at the end of 2012 the Eurocodes for Bridges were introduced by the ministry of transport and it was decided that for all bridges with an invitation of tenders after the 1st of May 2013 the design has to be performed according to the Eurocodes and the relevant National Annexes. The paper reports about first experiences with the new codes and gives an overview about the present European discussion regarding the evolution of these codes in the next years.
An Analysis of External Finance Availability on SMEs’ Decision Making: A Case Study of the Emerging Market of Poland
Authors: Steinerowska‐Streb Izabella , Steiner Artur
Published: April 2014

This article explores an understanding of the entrepreneurial behavior of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Poland, one of the emerging markets of the European Union, during the recent period of economic slowdown. It considers the role of accessibility to external financial resources in shaping decisions undertaken by such enterprises. The hypothesis is that, in a period of economic slowdown, SMEs that have difficulty in accessing external sources of financing adopt different strategies than those that have free access to those resources. The findings indicate that access to the external sources of financing is a statistically significant factor determining decisions of SMEs in relation to employment reduction, price reductions on goods/services, suspension of previously planned investments, and an increase in the level of salaries. Consequently, the study is important as it considers factors that impact the success and survival of SMEs in the emerging market; it is also unique, as it investigates these aspects in the recent period of the global economic downturn. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Transition to the Metallic State in Polycrystalline n‐type Doped ZnO Thin Films
Authors: Vai Alex T. , Kuznetsov Vladimir L. , Jain Himanshu , Slocombe Daniel , Rashidi Nazanin , Pepper Michael , Edwards Peter P.
Published: April 2014

We report a detailed investigation of the charge carrier transport in polycrystalline n‐type impurity‐doped zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films grown by spray pyrolysis over a wide range of carrier concentrations. Particular attention is devoted to a study of the composition‐dependent metal‐insulator transition (MIT) in this transparent conducting oxide (TCO). In order to describe the flow of electrons in these impurity‐doped thin films over this full range of conditions, it is necessary to consider multiple electronic conduction processes. The first conduction process arises from current carriers thermally excited from impurity states into the (host) ZnO conduction band. The second involves thermally‐activated, quantum‐mechanical tunnelling within an impurity band located close to the host conduction band. The latter conduction process predominates at low temperatures whilst the former dominates at high temperatures. We find that a MIT occurs at a critical carrier concentration between 2 and 6 × 1019 cm–3. At higher concentrations in this metallic regime, the impurity band merges with the ZnO conduction band. The location of the MIT was determined from low temperature resistivity data and the results are discussed in terms of the Mott and Ioffe‐Regel models. In addition, the overriding importance of grain boundaries is highlighted for these polycrystalline thin films; this is a key factor in determining and limiting electronic conduction in these samples, particularly at high temperatures. These results highlight the practical importance of understanding both the MIT and also grain boundary effects in determining the electrical performance of polycrystalline TCO films.
Postoperative Nonsteroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drugs and Risk of Anastomotic Leak: Meta‐analysis of Clinical and Experimental Studies
Authors: Bhangu Aneel , Singh Prashant , Fitzgerald J. Edward F. , Slesser Alistair , Tekkis Paris
Published: March 2014

Background

Enhanced recovery programs following colorectal resection recommend the use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as part of multimodal analgesia. The present study aimed to assess whether postoperative NSAID use increased the risk of anastomotic leak.

Methods

A systematic review of published literature was performed for studies comparing anastomotic leak following NSAID administration versus control. Meta‐analysis was conducted for studies in human patients and experimental animal models. The primary endpoint was anastomotic leak.

Results

The final analysis included 8 studies in humans and 12 experimental animal studies. Use of NSAIDs was significantly associated with anastomotic leak in humans (8 studies, 4,464 patients, odds ratio [OR] 2.14; p < 0.001). This effect was seen with nonselective NSAIDs (6 studies, 3,074 patients, OR 2.37; p < 0.001), but not with selective NSAIDs (4 studies, 1,223 patients, OR 2.32; p = 0.170). There was strong evidence of selection bias from all clinical studies, with additional inconsistent definitions and outcomes assessment. From experimental animal models, anastomotic leak was more likely with NSAID use (ten studies, 575 animals, OR 9.51; p < 0.001). Bursting pressures at day 7 were significantly lower in NSAID versus controls (7 studies, 168 animals, weighted mean difference −35.7 mmHg; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Emerging data strongly suggest that postoperative NSAIDs are linked to anastomotic leak, although most studies are flawed and may be describing pre‐existing selection bias. However, when combined with experimental data, these increasing concerns suggest caution is needed when prescribing NSAIDs to patients with pre‐existing risk factors for leak, until more definitive evidence emerges.
Distribution of various types of low‐risk human papillomavirus according to cervical cytology and histology in northern Chinese women
Authors: Wei Heng , Wang Ning , Zhang Yao , Zhang Jing , Wang Shizhuo , Zhang Shulan
Published: April 2014

Objective

To describe the distribution of specific types of low‐risk (LR) human papillomavirus (HPV) among a general population of northern Chinese women.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2012, 118 096 women were tested with the HPV Geno‐Array Test Kit (HybriBio) at China Medical University's Shengjing Affiliated Hospital, Shenyang, China. Among these women, 80 418 underwent cervical cytology and colposcopic examination, and 30 961 of these had a cervical biopsy. The prevalence of HPV infection among the women was analyzed according to age, and cytologic and histologic findings.

Results

CP8304 was the most common type of LR‐HPV overall, and was most prevalent in the youngest age group. The overall prevalence of LR‐HPV (averaged across all types) was 1.7% in women with normal cytology, 8.8% in those with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), 8.0% in those with low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), and 5.8% in those with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). LR‐HPV alone, without any high‐risk (HR)‐HPV, was most common among women with ASCUS and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) not otherwise specified (CINNOS) together. Co‐infections of LR‐HPV and HR‐HPV were most common among women with LSIL and CIN1.

Conclusion

These data will facilitate modeling of the cost‐effectiveness of a prophylactic LR‐HPV vaccination in China.