bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking the state of the delay hyperchaotic Lü system using the coullet chaotic system via a single controller
Authors: Zhou Yan , Shi Xuerong , Wang Zuolei , Huang Juanjuan , Tang Keming , Yu Jianjiang
Published: December 2014

In this article, a partial synchronization scheme is proposed based on Lyapunov stability theory to track the signal of the delay hyperchaotic Lü system using the Coullet system based on only one single controller. The proposed tracking control design has two advantages: only one controller is adopted in our approach and it can allow us to drive the hyperchaotic system to a simple chaotic system even with uncertain parameters. Numerical simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed partial synchronization scheme. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 125–130, 2016
Effects of Mood Induction on the Pain Responses in Patients with Migraine and the Role of Pain Catastrophizing
Authors: Goli Zahra , Asghari Ali , Moradi Alireza
Published: December 2014

Migraine has close associations with depression and anxiety. Catastrophizing, an alarmist reaction to pain, has been proposed as one of the mediators in the relationship between headache and emotional distress. However, much experimental evidence is needed to make such a view more validated. The aims of this study are to examine the effects of mood induction on the pain responses and to investigate the role of pain catastrophizing in the relationship between pain and mood amongst a sample of patients with migraine. For this purpose, 60 patients with migraine were recruited from a headache clinic in Tehran‐Iran and were randomly assigned into one of three groups: negative mood induced group, positive mood induced group and control group. The following instruments and measures were used in this study: mood induction by presenting different types of films (positive, negative), a computerized cognitive task to elicit pain, Beck Depression Inventory and Pain Catastrophizing Scale. The results showed that while the induction of depressed mood increased the pain intensity, the induction of positive mood reduced it significantly (p < 0.05). Further analyses revealed that catastrophizing is as a confounding factor in the relationship between pain and mood. Once catastrophizing scores were entered into the analyses as a covariate, the significant effect of mood on the pain intensity reduced. In conclusion, both mood and catastrophizing are important factors in understanding the migraine pain. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed in the paper. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Pain‐related catastrophizing and mood induction are important factors in understanding pain intensity amongst patients with migraine pain.

Catastrophizing as a confounding factor in the relationship between pain and mood may partially mediate the relationship between mood and pain.

Therapeutic interventions should focus on the reduction of depression and catastrophizing.
1,2‐Dithiooxalato‐Bridged Heterobimetallic Complexes as Single‐Source Precursors for Ternary Metal Sulfide Semiconductors
Authors: Nowotny Mathias , Foro Sabine , Heinschke Silvio , Hoffmann Rudolf C. , Schneider Jörg J.
Published: December 2014

The new 1,2‐dithiooxalato‐bridged bimetallic Cu–Ga, Cu–In, and Cu–Sn complexes [{(Ph3P)2Cu(μ‐S2C2O2)}3Ga] (1), [{(Ph3P)2Cu(μ‐S2C2O2)}3In] (2), [(Ph3P)2Cu(μ‐S2C2O2)In(S2CNEt2)2] (3), and [{(Ph3P)2Cu(μ‐S2C2O2)}2Sn(S2C2O2)] (4) were prepared and spectroscopically fully characterized. The crystal structures of 2–4 are presented. Complexes 3 and 4 are potential molecular single‐source precursors (SSP) for the ternary semiconductors CuInS2 and Cu2SnS3, respectively, which can be manipulated under ambient conditions. Indeed, a study of the thermal degradation of 3 and 4 revealed that 3 affords pure nanoscaled CuInS2 (mean diameter ca. 2 nm) when the decomposition is carried out in an oleylamine solution by using a hot‐injection or arrested‐precipitation technique at temperatures well below 250 °C. In contrast, 4 decomposes under the same reaction conditions in an ambiguous manner and forms mixed binary chalcogenide phases. This can be explained by a subtle influence of the relative stability of possible SnII and SnIV intermediates in the case of SSP [{(Ph3P)2Cu(μ‐S2C2O2)}2Sn(S2C2O2)] (4).
Interpretation biases in chronic pain patients: an incidental learning task
Authors: Khatibi A. , Sharpe L. , Jafari H. , Gholami S. , Dehghani M.
Published: December 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of chronic pain on interpretation bias for ambiguous faces, using a recently developed paradigm with ecologically valid stimuli.

Methods

Fifty patients with chronic pain and 25 healthy controls were trained to respond to probes following the presentation of happy or painful faces, using an incidental learning task. During a test phase, ambiguous faces were presented. The degree to which participants were faster to respond to probes presented where painful (rather than happy) faces had previously been presented was taken as an indication of the interpretation bias towards painful faces.

Results

All participants had learnt the originally presented contingency. As predicted, chronic pain patients showed a greater bias towards interpreting ambiguous faces as painful than control participants. Further, there were correlations between fear of pain and catastrophizing and interpretation bias, indicating that participants with higher fear of pain and higher scores on a measure of catastrophizing were more likely to interpret ambiguous faces as painful. Severity of pain was inversely associated with increased interpretation bias for pain.

Conclusion

These results show clear evidence that chronic pain patients do demonstrate an interpretation bias towards painful faces and that this bias is greater for those who catastrophize more and have higher levels of fear of pain, but experienced less pain in the preceding week. Given the recent potential shown for interventions that modify cognitive biases, this paradigm would seem to be well suited to future efforts to modify interpretation biases in pain.
Comparative Distribution and Validity of DSM‐IV and DSM‐5 Diagnoses of Eating Disorders in Adolescents from the Community
Authors: Flament Martine F. , Buchholz Annick , Henderson Katherine , Obeid Nicole , Maras Danijela , Schubert Nick , Paterniti Sabrina , Goldfield Gary
Published: December 2014

Objectives

DSM‐5 changes for eating disorders (EDs) aimed to reduce preponderance of non‐specified cases and increase validity of specific diagnoses. The objectives were to estimate the combined effect of changes on prevalence of EDs in adolescents and examine validity of diagnostic groupings.

Method

A total of 3043 adolescents (1254 boys and 1789 girls, Mage = 14.19 years, SD = 1.61) completed self‐report questionnaires including the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale.

Results

Prevalence of full‐threshold EDs increased from 1.8% (DSM‐IV) to 3.7% (DSM‐5), with a higher prevalence of bulimia nervosa (1.6%) and the addition of the diagnosis of purging disorder (1.4%); prevalence of binge eating disorder was unchanged (0.5%), and non‐specified cases decreased from 5.1% (DSM‐IV) to 3.4% (DSM‐5). Validation analyses demonstrated that DSM‐5 ED subgroups better captured variance in psychopathology than DSM‐IV subgroups.

Discussion

Findings extend results from previous prevalence and validation studies into the adolescent age range. Improved diagnostic categories should facilitate identification of EDs and indicate targeted treatments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Examining the WorkFORCE™ Assessment for Job Fit and Core Capabilities of FACETS™
Authors: Naemi Bobby , Seybert Jacob , Robbins Steven , Kyllonen Patrick
Published: December 2014

This report introduces the WorkFORCE™ Assessment for Job Fit, a personality assessment utilizing the FACETS™ core capability, which is based on innovations in forced‐choice assessment and computer adaptive testing. The instrument is derived from the five‐factor model (FFM) of personality and encompasses a broad spectrum of personality assessment. This document provides an overview of the assessment, beginning with detailing evidence‐based practices for personality measurement and modeling its relationship to workplace outcomes. We address the validity and fairness of this assessment, the creation of composite scores, and the generalizability of the assessment across languages and job types. We conclude with recommendations on the use of this capability for workforce applications and guidelines for future research.
The burning behaviors of pool fire flames under low pressure
Authors: Liu Jiahao , He Yaping , Zhou Zhihui , Yao Wei , Yuen Richard , Wang Jian
Published: December 2014

To investigate the influence of low pressure on pool fire behaviors, liquid n‐heptane pool fires with the diameters of 6, 8, and 10 cm were tested in a low‐pressure altitude chamber. The tests were conducted under different static chamber pressures, ranging from 40 to 60 to 80 to 101 kPa. Fuel mass loss and high‐speed flame video were recorded during the whole burning process of each test. The mass burning intensity is determined by the convective and radiative heat feedback to the fuel, and analysis shows that the convective part is the major contributor to fuel evaporation. Video recordings show that flame height increases with the reduction of pressure, as supported by the dimensionless analysis. The flame puffing amplitude increases under low pressure, resulting in a portion of the flame being quenched. A special phenomenon was observed from the flame videos in that flame rotation emerged at the ending burning stage, which was attributed to the Coriolis force effect. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive subdivision piecewise linear interface calculation (ASPLIC) for 2D multi‐material hydrodynamic simulation codes
Authors: Fochesato C. , Loubère R. , Motte R. , Ovadia J.
Published: December 2014

In this work, we propose an adaptive subdivision piecewise linear interface calculation (PLIC) for 2D multimaterial hydrodynamic simulation codes. Classical volume‐of‐fluid PLIC technique uses one line segment and one given normal to separate two materials. Unfortunately, these paradigms are not sufficient when filaments occur, leading to the creation of flotsam and jetsam. We propose to detect such situations and to split the computational mixed cell into reconstruction subzones. Within these subzones, one computes a so‐called subgradient using an incomplete stencil of neighbors, and the material is distributed in these subzones. Given subzone volume fraction and the subgradient, one computes one line segment using classical PLIC method, leading to a modified PLIC method for subscale material entity. The subdivision procedure relies on a splitting point, which is chosen as a specific information about the relative location of the filament in the cell, leading to an adaptive subdivision for PLIC reconstructions. Numerical tests are carried out in a 2D Lagrange + Remap multimaterial hydrodynamics Eulerian code. Static and dynamic filaments and fragments are simulated in advection or stretched in vortex‐like motion. The full hydrodynamics equations are solved on a more realistic test (shock‐bubble impact). Results show that our approach supplements classical PLIC method for situations when filaments and fragments occur. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complete response of huge buccal malignant melanoma in an octogenarian patient to arterial chemotherapy
Authors: Wu Chih‐Feng , Wu Chieh‐Shan , Yu Wei‐Wen , Huang Ming‐Yii
Published: December 2014

Background

Primary oral mucosal melanoma is uncommon. However, it is an aggressive entity, and the absence of a standardized treatment protocol makes for an extremely poor prognosis.

Methods

We described the clinical course and treatment by arterial chemotherapy of an 87‐year‐old patient with nonresectable huge buccal malignant melanoma. Continuous intra‐arterial infusion of fluorouracil (50 mg/24 hours) and 1 intermittent weekly 10‐mg shot of cisplatin were given.

Results

The patient with oral melanoma presented with a roughly 6‐ × 4‐cm exophytic mass that was noticed on the right buccal mucosa. The buccal tumor regressed dramatically until complete disappearance of the tumor mass was achieved at 2.5 months after intra‐arterial chemotherapy was initiated. In total, 2880 mg of fluorouracil and 80 mg of cisplatin were administrated. The side effects of intra‐arterial chemotherapy were mild and tolerable.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that intra‐arterial chemotherapy could be an alternative treatment for nonresectable buccal malignant melanoma. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: E134–E138, 2015
Comparison of negative pressure wound therapy and conventional dressing methods for fibula free flap donor site management in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Bach Christine A. , Guilleré Lia , Yildiz Sinasi , Wagner Isabelle , Darmon Serge , Chabolle Frédéric
Published: December 2014

Background

Evaluation of the efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy in fibula free flap donor site management in head and neck cancer.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center retrospective study from 2007 to 2013 comparing fibula free flap donor site healing time after conventional bolster dressing or negative pressure wound therapy.

Results

Thirteen patients were treated by conventional dressing and 16 patients were treated by negative pressure wound therapy. The mean graft loss rate was higher in the bolster group (37%) than in the negative pressure wound therapy group (19%). The mean total healing time was significantly shorter in the negative pressure wound therapy group than in the bolster group (67 days vs 163 days; p = .02).

Conclusion

The use of negative pressure wound therapy for fibula free flap donor site management facilitates early patient mobilization, ensures better graft acceptance, and significantly decreases the healing time. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 696–699, 2016
High IDH1 expression is associated with a poor prognosis in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Ma Qiu‐Ling , Wang Jing‐Han , Wang Yun‐Gui , Hu Chao , Mu Qi‐Tian , Yu Meng‐Xia , Wang Lei , Wang Dong‐Mei , Yang Min , Yin Xiu‐Feng , Chen Fei‐Fei , Lu Sha‐Sha , Chen Jian , Zhu Zhi‐Juan , Chen Sai‐Juan , Jin Jie
Published: December 2014

The prognostic value of IDH1 mutations has been systematically evaluated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients recently. However, the role of IDH1 expression in AML is still under exploration. To investigate the clinical significance, we analyzed the IDH1/2 expression in 320 patients with cytogenetically normal AML (CN‐AML) by quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. High expression of IDH1 was predominant in patients with FLT3‐ITD and DNMT3A mutations and less prevalent in cases with CEBPA double allele mutations. Strong association was observed between high IDH1 expression and low expression of microRNA 181 family. Prognosis was adversely affected by high IDH1 expression, with shorter overall survival and event‐free survival in the context of clinical characteristics, including age, WBC count, and gene mutations of NPM1, FLT3‐ITD, CEBPA, IDH1, IDH2 and DNMT3A in CN‐AML. Moreover, the clinical outcome of IDH1 expression in terms of overall survival, event‐free survival and complete remission rate still remained in multivariate models in CN‐AML. Importantly, the prognostic value was validated using the published microarray data from 79 adult patients treated according to the German AMLCG‐1999 protocol. Our results demonstrated that high IDH1 expression is associated with a poor prognosis of CN‐AML.
The effects of the framing of time on delay discounting
Authors: DeHart William Brady , Odum Amy L.
Published: December 2014

We examined the effects of the framing of time on delay discounting. Delay discounting is the process by which delayed outcomes are devalued as a function of time. Time in a titrating delay discounting task is often framed in calendar units (e.g., as 1 week, 1 month, etc.). When time is framed as a specific date, delayed outcomes are discounted less compared to the calendar format. Other forms of framing time; however, have not been explored. All participants completed a titrating calendar unit delay‐discounting task for money. Participants were also assigned to one of two delay discounting tasks: time as dates (e.g., June 1st, 2015) or time in units of days (e.g., 5000 days), using the same delay distribution as the calendar delay‐discounting task. Time framed as dates resulted in less discounting compared to the calendar method, whereas time framed as days resulted in greater discounting compared to the calendar method. The hyperboloid model fit best compared to the hyperbola and exponential models. How time is framed may alter how participants attend to the delays as well as how the delayed outcome is valued. Altering how time is framed may serve to improve adherence to goals with delayed outcomes.
MRS measured fatty acid composition of periprostatic adipose tissue correlates with pathological measures of prostate cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Iordanescu Gheorghe , Brendler Charles , Crawford Susan E. , Wyrwicz Alice M. , Venkatasubramanian Palamadai N. , Doll Jennifer A.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

To investigate the association between magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopically measured fatty acid composition of periprostatic adipose tissue and pathological markers of prostate cancer aggressiveness.

Materials and Methods

Periprostatic adipose (PPA) and subcutaneous adipose (SQA) tissue from prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were examined ex vivo by proton MR spectroscopy at 14.1T (n = 31). Fractions of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, total unsaturated, and saturated fatty acids, as well as T2 relaxation times were measured from the spectra. Univariate and multivariate analyses based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and support vector machines (SVM) were used to evaluate the association between differential measures of fatty acid levels in the PPA and SQA tissues and Gleason score and extracapsular extension (ECE), which are pathological measures of prostate cancer aggressiveness.

Results

Both pathological markers for aggressive prostate cancer have separable patterns in the MRS features space. The association between ECE and PPA tissue fatty acid composition is linear (area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AROC) and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 1.00, [1.00, 1.00]), along the Δ(fM/fS) measure, and is marked by elevated monounsaturated and reduced saturated fatty acids in the PPA tissue relative to SQA. In contrast, the association between Gleason score and PPA tissue fatty acid composition is nonlinear (classifier AROC and 95% CIs: 0.86, [0.71, 1.00]).

Conclusion

Fatty acid composition is altered in the PPA tissue of patients with aggressive prostate cancer. Ex vivo MR spectroscopy may be a useful tool in studying the altered fatty acid metabolism in prostate cancer. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:651–657.
Mathematical Modeling of Crystallization Elution Fractionation of Ethylene/1‐Octene Copolymers
Authors: Chokputtanawuttilerd Nuttawat , Anantawaraskul Siripon , Inwong Nantiya , Soares João B. P.
Published: December 2014

Crystallization elution fractionation (CEF) is a relatively new polyolefin characterization technique used to estimate the chemical composition distribution (CCD) of semicrystalline copolymers. CEF is developed to enhance the resolution and reduce the analysis time of temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) by separating polymer samples in both the crystallization and elution steps. A model based on the concept of population balance, crystallization/dissolution kinetics, and dispersion model is developed to understand the CEF fractionation mechanisms. The proposed CEF model is found to describe well the experimental CEF profiles of a series of ethylene/1‐octene copolymers with different comonomer contents.

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Well‐posedness for the Cauchy problem of the modified Hunter–Saxton equation in the Besov spaces
Authors: Mi Yongsheng , Mu Chunlai
Published: December 2014

This paper is concerned with the Cauchy problem of the modified Hunter‐Saxton equation. The local well‐posedness of the model equation is obtained in Besov spaces
(which generalize the Sobolev spaces Hs) by using Littlewood‐Paley decomposition and transport equation theory. Moreover, the local well‐posedness in critical case (with
) is considered.
Ambarzumyan‐type theorem with polynomially dependent eigenparameter
Authors: Yang Chuan‐Fu , Xu Xiao‐Chuan
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we are concerned with the inverse Sturm–Liouville problem with polynomially dependent eigenparameter in discontinuity and boundary conditions. By using a self‐adjoint operator‐theoretic interpretation for this sort of problem, Ambarzumyan theorem is provided for the mentioned Sturm–Liouville operator. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factor structure of the Spanish version of the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 in Mexican women
Authors: Familiar Itziar , Ortiz‐Panozo Eduardo , Hall Brian , Vieitez Isabel , Romieu Isabelle , Lopez‐Ridaura Ruy , Lajous Martin
Published: December 2014

Structure of the Spanish version of the nine‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) has been inconclusive. We report the factor structure of the PHQ‐9 in 55,555 women from the Mexican Teachers' Cohort (MTC). Factor structure of the PHQ‐9 was assessed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in two sub‐samples (n = 27,778 and 27,777 respectively). A one‐factor model of the PHQ‐9 was the solution with the best fit to the data, exhibiting strong factor loadings (0.71 to 0.90) and high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). A prevalence rate of moderate to high severity of depressive symptoms of 12.6% was identified. Results suggest that a global score is an appropriate measure of depressive symptoms and commend the use of the Spanish PHQ‐9 as a measure of depression for research and clinical purposes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of nerve growth factor–induced sensitization pattern in lumbar and tibial muscle and fascia
Authors: Weinkauf Benjamin , Deising Saskia , Obreja Otilia , Hoheisel Ulrich , Mense Siegfried , Schmelz Martin , Rukwied Roman
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Nerve growth factor (NGF) induces profound hyperalgesia. In this study we explored patterns of NGF sensitization in muscle and fascia of distal and paraspinal sites. Methods: We injected 1 µg of NGF into human (n = 8) tibialis anterior and erector spinae muscles and their fasciae. The spatial extent of pressure sensitization, pressure pain threshold, and mechanical hyperalgesia (150 kPa, 10 s) was assessed at days 0.25, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21. Chemical sensitization was explored by acidic buffer injections (pH 4, 100 µl) at days 7 and 14. Results: The mechanical hyperalgesia area was larger in tibial fascia than in muscle. Pressure pain thresholds were lower, tonic pressure pain ratings, and citrate buffer evoked pain higher in fascia than in muscle. Conclusions: Spatial mechanical sensitization differs between muscle and fascia. Thoracolumbar fasciae appear more sensitive than tibial fasciae and may be major contributors to low back pain, but the temporal sensitization profile is similar between paraspinal and distal sites. Muscle Nerve 52: 265–272, 2015
Cortical phase changes measured using 7‐T MRI in subjects with subjective cognitive impairment, and their association with cognitive function
Authors: van Rooden Sanneke , Buijs Mathijs , van Vliet Marjolein E. , Versluis Maarten J. , Webb Andrew G. , Oleksik Ania M. , van de Wiel Lotte , Middelkoop Huub A. M. , Blauw Gerard Jan , Weverling‐Rynsburger Annelies W. E. , Goos Jeroen D. C. , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Koene Ted , Scheltens Philip , Barkhof Frederik , van de Rest Ondine , Slagboom P. Eline , van Buchem Mark A. , van der Grond Jeroen
Published: December 2014

Studies have suggested that, in subjects with subjective cognitive impairment (SCI), Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐like changes may occur in the brain. Recently, an in vivo study has indicated the potential of ultra‐high‐field MRI to visualize amyloid‐beta (Aβ)‐associated changes in the cortex in patients with AD, manifested by a phase shift on T2*‐weighted MRI scans. The main aim of this study was to investigate whether cortical phase shifts on T2*‐weighted images at 7 T in subjects with SCI can be detected, possibly implicating the deposition of Aβ plaques and associated iron. Cognitive tests and T2*‐weighted scans using a 7‐T MRI system were performed in 28 patients with AD, 18 subjects with SCI and 27 healthy controls (HCs). Cortical phase shifts were measured. Univariate general linear modeling and linear regression analysis were used to assess the association between diagnosis and cortical phase shift, and between cortical phase shift and the different neuropsychological tests, adjusted for age and gender. The phase shift (mean, 1.19; range, 1.00–1.35) of the entire cortex in AD was higher than in both SCI (mean, 0.85; range, 0.73–0.99; p < 0.001) and HC (mean, 0.94; range, 0.79–1.10; p < 0.001). No AD‐like changes, e.g. increased cortical phase shifts, were found in subjects with SCI compared with HCs. In SCI, a significant association was found between memory function (Wechsler Memory Scale, WMS) and cortical phase shift (β = –0.544, p = 0.007). The major finding of this study is that, in subjects with SCI, an increased cortical phase shift measured at high field is associated with a poorer memory performance, although, as a group, subjects with SCI do not show an increased phase shift compared with HCs. This increased cortical phase shift related to memory performance may contribute to the understanding of SCI as it is still unclear whether SCI is a sign of pre‐clinical AD. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Characterization of Layered Double Hydroxides and Their Potential as Nonviral Gene Delivery Vehicles
Authors: Balcomb Blake , Singh Moganavelli , Singh Sooboo
Published: December 2014

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) exhibit characteristic anion‐exchange chemistry making them ideal carriers of negatively charged molecules like deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). In this study, hydrotalcite (Mg−Al) and hydrotalcite‐like compounds (Mg−Fe, Zn−Al, and Zn−Fe), also known as LDHs, were evaluated for their potential application as a carrier of DNA. LDHs were prepared by coprecipitation at low supersaturation and characterized by Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR), Raman, and inductively coupled plasma—optical emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD patterns showed strong and sharp diffraction peaks for the (003) and (006) planes indicating well‐ordered crystalline materials. TEM images yielded irregular circular to hexagonal‐shaped particles of 50–250 nm in size. Varying degrees of DNA binding was observed for all the compounds, and nuclease digestion studies revealed that the LDHs afford some degree of protection to the bound DNA. Minimal toxicity was observed in human embryonic kidney (HEK293), cervical cancer (HeLa) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines with most showing a cell viability in excess of 80 %. All LDH complexes promoted significant levels of luciferase gene expression, with the DNA:Mg−Al LDHs proving to be the most efficient in all cell lines.
Sunlight curable hybrid organic–inorganic methacrylic‐based coatings: analysis of the cure mechanism and functional properties
Authors: Esposito Corcione C. , Striani R. , Frigione M.
Published: December 2014

An experimental ultraviolet (UV) polymerizable hybrid organic–inorganic protective coating, mainly intended for the surface protection of porous calcareous stone substrates, has been recently proposed and patented. The hybrid product evidenced an extraordinary hydrophobicity character, able to guarantee a high protection of the stone against water actions, as well as a high traspirability. Furthermore, it is able to equal the performance of commercial available coatings, with the important adjunctive advantage to be free solvent. The application of this product involves the use of a “dual curing” treatment, necessary to harden the coating applied on the substrate, representing this latter a technological limit. The dual curing treatment consists of 6 hr of exposure to a UV‐lamp plus 1 hr at 140°C in oven. In order to avoid this procedure, not easy to realize in situ, two different modifications of the composition of the hybrid product are proposed in this paper. The first one allows the photopolymerization of the hybrid coating only by sunlight exposure. The second one, even though requiring a UV exposure to photo‐polymerize the coating, does not need the subsequent thermal treatment at 140°C. Several experimental characterizations were performed on the newly developed hybrid products, in order to select an optimal composition for the formulations. The selected innovative products were, finally, applied on a calcareous stone substrate, typical of Apulia Region (Pietra Leccese, PL). Both coatings exhibit excellent water‐repellent action and a slight variation of the natural stone color. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New acid/base salts as co‐catalysts for the organocatalyzed ring opening polymerization of lactide
Authors: Miao Yong , Stanley Nicholas , Favrelle Audrey , Bousquet Till , Bria Marc , Mortreux André , Zinck Philippe
Published: December 2014

(R)‐(+)‐binaphathyl‐diyl hydrogen phosphate (BNPH)/ diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) and (1R)‐(−)−10‐camphorsulfonic acid (CSA)/4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) acid–base salts were synthesized and assessed for the ring‐opening polymerization of rac‐lactide. They were found to be inactive toward the polymerization in the presence of a protic initiator. When used in combination with a base such as DBU or DMAP and a protic initiator, these acid/base conjugates led to well‐controlled polymerization in mild conditions (DM < 1.1 in all cases). With DBU, the presence of the salt was found to lead to narrower molecular weight distributions than those obtained using the base alone, and to prevent undesirable transesterification reactions occurring at the end of the reaction. An increase in activity was observed using the salts in combination with DMAP as compared with DMAP alone, together with an improvement of the control over the molecular weight. The results were discussed on the basis of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance analyzes including acid/base equilibria involving the use of two different bases. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 659–664
Small‐molecule inhibitors of JC polyomavirus infection
Authors: Yatawara Achani , Gaidos Gabriel , Rupasinghe Chamila N. , O'Hara Bethany A. , Pellegrini Maria , Atwood Walter J. , Mierke Dale F.
Published: December 2014

The JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) infects approximately 50% of the human population. In healthy individuals, the infection remains dormant and asymptomatic, but in immuno‐suppressed patients, it can cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a potentially fatal demyelinating disease. Currently, there are no drugs against JCPyV infection nor for the treatment of PML. Here, we report the development of small‐molecule inhibitors of JCPyV that target the initial interaction between the virus and host cell and thereby block viral entry. Utilizing a combination of computational and NMR‐based screening techniques, we target the LSTc tetrasaccharide binding site within the VP1 pentameric coat protein of JCPyV. Four of the compounds from the screen effectively block viral infection in our in vitro assays using SVG‐A cells. For the most potent compound, we used saturation transfer difference NMR to determine the mode of binding to purified pentamers of JCPyV VP1. Collectively, these results demonstrate the viability of this class of compounds for eventual development of JCPyV‐antiviral therapeutics. Copyright © 2014 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Idealised simulations of polar low development in an Arctic moist‐baroclinic environment
Authors: Terpstra Annick , Spengler Thomas , Moore Richard W.
Published: December 2014

This study examines the influence of moisture, baroclinicity, and static stability on developing disturbances at high latitudes by utilising an idealised baroclinic channel model. The set‐up is composed of environmental baroclinicity defined by a zonally uniform jet in thermal wind balance with a meridional temperature gradient and moisture content defined by relative humidity profiles. Initiation of disturbance growth is achieved by superimposing a weak, surface‐based warm‐cored cyclonic disturbance to the set‐up. The experiments show that the disturbance is able to amplify within such an environment in the absence of an upper‐level perturbation, surface fluxes, friction, or radiation. Separation between developing and non‐developing disturbances is feasible by considering the baroclinic and diabatic contributions to eddy available potential energy. Developing disturbances show a clear diabatic dominance during the early stage of development, whereas experiments lacking this diabatic boost fail to intensify within a 3‐day time window. A comparison with the conceptual framework of the Diabatic Rossby Vortex (DRV) growth mechanism provides insight into the dynamical pathway potentially underlying the enhanced amplification. The emerging disturbance qualitatively resembles the postulated DRV structure, the major difference being a decreased depth in comparison with simulated and observed DRVs in midlatitudes. A suit of sensitivity experiments examines the range of atmospheric conditions in which enhanced amplification by diabatic processes is possible. Threshold values for moisture content and isentropic slopes are identified.
Selecting linear algebra kernel composition using response time prediction
Authors: Hurault Aurélie , Baek Kyungim , Casanova Henri
Published: December 2014

Numerical linear algebra libraries provide many kernels that can be composed to perform complex computations. For a given computation, there is typically a large number of functionally equivalent kernel compositions. Some of these compositions achieve better response times than others for particular data and when executed on a particular computer architecture. Previous research provides methods to enumerate (a subset of) these kernel compositions. In this work, we study the problem of determining the composition that yields the lowest response time. Our approach is based on a response time prediction for each candidate combination. While this prediction could in principle be obtained using analytical and/or empirical performance models, developing accurate such models is known to be challenging. Instead, we define a feature space that captures salient properties of kernel combinations and predict response time using supervised machine learning. We experiment with a standard set of machine learning algorithms and identify an effective algorithm for our kernel composition selection problem. Using this algorithm, our approach widely outperforms the strategy that would consist in always using the simplest kernel composition and is often close to the fastest kernel compositions among those evaluated. We quantify the potential benefit of our approach if it were to be implemented as part of an interactive computational tool. We find that although the potential benefit is substantial, a limiting factor is the kernel composition enumeration overhead. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct Nkx2-5 Transcriptional Repression of Isl1 Controls Cardiomyocyte Subtype Identity
Authors: Dorn Tatjana , Goedel Alexander , Lam Jason T. , Haas Jessica , Tian Qinghai , Herrmann Franziska , Bundschu Karin , Dobreva Gergana , Schiemann Matthias , Dirschinger Ralf , Guo Yanchun , Kühl Susanne J. , Sinnecker Daniel , Lipp Peter , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Kühl Michael , Moretti Alessandra
Published: December 2014

During cardiogenesis, most myocytes arise from cardiac progenitors expressing the transcription factors Isl1 and Nkx2-5. Here, we show that a direct repression of Isl1 by Nkx2-5 is necessary for proper development of the ventricular myocardial lineage. Overexpression of Nkx2-5 in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) delayed specification of cardiac progenitors and inhibited expression of Isl1 and its downstream targets in Isl1+ precursors. Embryos deficient for Nkx2-5 in the Isl1+ lineage failed to downregulate Isl1 protein in cardiomyocytes of the heart tube. We demonstrated that Nkx2-5 directly binds to an Isl1 enhancer and represses Isl1 transcriptional activity. Furthermore, we showed that overexpression of Isl1 does not prevent cardiac differentiation of ESCs and in Xenopus laevis embryos. Instead, it leads to enhanced specification of cardiac progenitors, earlier cardiac differentiation, and increased cardiomyocyte number. Functional and molecular characterization of Isl1-overexpressing cardiomyocytes revealed higher beating frequencies in both ESC-derived contracting areas and Xenopus Isl1-gain-of-function hearts, which associated with upregulation of nodal-specific genes and downregulation of transcripts of working myocardium. Immunocytochemistry of cardiomyocyte lineage-specific markers demonstrated a reduction of ventricular cells and an increase of cells expressing the pacemaker channel Hcn4. Finally, optical action potential imaging of single cardiomyocytes combined with pharmacological approaches proved that Isl1 overexpression in ESCs resulted in normally electrophysiologically functional cells, highly enriched in the nodal subtype at the expense of the ventricular lineage. Our findings provide an Isl1/Nkx2-5-mediated mechanism that coordinately regulates the specification of cardiac progenitors toward the different myocardial lineages and ensures proper acquisition of myocyte subtype identity. Stem Cells  2015;33:1113–1129
Chloride ion transport mechanism in concrete due to wetting and drying cycles
Authors: Gang Xu , Yun‐pan Li , Yi‐biao Su , Ke Xu
Published: December 2014

The transport mechanism of chloride ions in concrete during wetting and drying cycles of varying duration is evaluated in this paper. The experimental test results were used to validate a numerical simulation model in order to assess the influence of diffusion coefficient, surface chloride ion concentration and ratio of dry‐wet cycle durations on the transport mechanism of chloride ions in concrete. Experimental and numerical analysis results indicate that the maximum transmission depth of chloride ions in concrete depends on the diffusion coefficient and the dry‐wet cycle regime but has little relationship with the surface concentration of chloride. The chloride ion transmission in the surface zone accelerates only if the dry‐wet ratio is > 1. As the dry‐wet ratio increases, so the chloride ion transmission accelerates. It tends to become stable when the dry‐wet ratio reaches 5:1. The dry‐wet cycles accelerate the transport process of chloride ions within a certain distance from the surface; beyond this distance, chloride ions in the complete immersion specimen migrate more rapidly than those under dry‐wet cycles. The peak concentration of chloride ions within the convection zone has a relationship with the diffusion coefficient, the surface chloride ion concentration and the dry‐wet regime. The smaller the diffusion coefficient, the higher the surface chloride concentration; the greater the dry‐wet ratio, the higher the peak of convection can be.
Refinement in hybridised institutions
Authors: Madeira Alexandre , Martins Manuel A. , Barbosa Luís S. , Hennicker Rolf
Published: December 2014

Hybrid logics, which add to the modal description of transition structures the ability to refer to specific states, offer a generic framework to approach the specification and design of reconfigurable systems, i.e., systems with reconfiguration mechanisms governing the dynamic evolution of their execution configurations in response to both external stimuli or internal performance measures. A formal representation of such systems is through transition structures whose states correspond to the different configurations they may adopt. Therefore, each node is endowed with, for example, an algebra, or a first-order structure, to precisely characterise the semantics of the services provided in the corresponding configuration. This paper characterises equivalence and refinement for these sorts of models in a way which is independent of (or parametric on) whatever logic (propositional, equational, fuzzy, etc) is found appropriate to describe the local configurations. A Hennessy–Milner like theorem is proved for hybridised logics.
Near‐Infrared Fluorescence Imaging for Real‐Time Intraoperative Anatomical Guidance in Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Schols Rutger M. , Connell Niels J. , Stassen Laurents P. S.
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, using contrast agents with fluorescent characteristics in the near‐infrared (NIR: 700–900 nm) window, is considered to possess great potential for clinical practice in the future of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), given its capacity for intraoperative, real‐time anatomical navigation, and identification. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the literature concerning the current and potential future applications of fluorescence imaging in supporting anatomical guidance during MIS, and thereby guiding future research.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed and Embase databases. All identified articles were screened and checked for eligibility by two authors. In addition, literature was sought by screening references of eligible articles.

Results

After administration of a fluorescent dye (e.g., indocyanine green), NIRF imaging can be helpful to improve the visualization of vital anatomical structures during MIS. Extra‐hepatic bile ducts, arteries, ureters, sentinel lymph nodes, and lymph vessels have successfully been identified using NIRF imaging. A uniform approach regarding timing and route of dye administration has not yet been established. Optimization of both imaging systems and fluorescent dyes is needed to improve current shortcomings. New preclinical dyes are considered for optimization of NIRF imaging.

Conclusion

Future implementation of new intraoperative optical methods, such as NIRF, could significantly contribute to intraoperative anatomy navigation and facilitate critical decision‐making in MIS. Further research (i.e., large multi‐center randomized controlled trials) is needed to establish the true value of this innovative optical imaging technique in standard clinical practice.
Systematic review of cell adhesion molecules and estrogen receptor expression in the endometrium of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Baracat Maria Cândida P. , Serafini Paulo C. , Simões Ricardo dos S. , Maciel Gustavo A.R. , Soares José M. , Baracat Edmund C.
Published: December 2014

Background

Infertility associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) could be related to many mechanisms including endometrial factors.

Objectives

To review cell adhesion molecule and estrogen receptor expression in the endometrium.

Search strategy

A systematic review was performed of the Medline and Cochrane databases for papers published in any language between 2004 and 2014. The search term was “‘polycystic ovary syndrome’ OR ‘Stein Leventhal syndrome’ OR ‘anovulation’ AND ‘endometrium’ OR ‘endometria.’”

Selection criteria

Research studies on endometrial cell adhesion molecules and estrogen receptor expression among women with PCOS diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria were included.

Data collection and analysis

Data were extracted from identified studies and the quality of assessment was analyzed.

Main results

Six studies were included. Data were controversial with respect to MUC1 and αVβ3 integrin expression with significantly higher and lower levels, respectively, in women with PCOS. Estrogen receptor expression was enhanced among patients with PCOS as compared with healthy women.

Conclusions

Endometrial factors influence embryo receptivity as indicated by the molecular mediators identified in the studies, including cell adhesion molecules and the estrogen receptor.
Nonlinear effects on the receptivity of cross-flow in the swept Hiemenz flow
Authors: Thomas Christian , Hall Philip , Davies Christopher
Published: December 2014

Nonlinear effects on the receptivity of cross-flow in the swept Hiemenz boundary layer are investigated. Numerical simulations are generated using a vorticity form of the Navier–Stokes equations. Steady perturbations are established using surface suction and blowing distributed along the spanwise direction as either a periodic strip or a band of small holes. The method of excitation, the size and the location of the prescribed forcing are shown to have a significant influence on the receptivity of the boundary layer. Blowing holes are found to excite perturbations with considerably larger magnitudes than those generated using a periodic suction and blowing strip. A semi-logarithmic relationship is derived that relates the initial amplitude of the linear-only disturbances with the location at which the absolute magnitude of the chordwise primary Fourier harmonic attains a stationary point or a size of approximately one-tenth of the free-stream spanwise velocity. Furthermore, the size of the physical chordwise velocity perturbation about this position can be estimated directly from the linear-only solutions. This would suggest that, for sufficiently small initial amplitudes, the onset of some nonlinear flow development properties can be predicted directly from a linear receptivity analysis.
Predicting the potential invasion suitability of regions to cassava lacebug pests (Heteroptera: Tingidae:Vatigaspp.)
Authors: Montemayor S.I. , Dellapé P.M. , Melo M.C.
Published: December 2014

Cassava (Manihot esculentaCrantz) is one of the most important staple crops for small farmers in the tropics, feeding about 800 million people worldwide. It is currently cultivated in South and Central America, Africa and Asia. The genusVatigais widespread throughout the Neotropical region. Its species are sympatric and feed exclusively on cassava. The main objectives of this paper are: (1) to assess the potential distribution ofVatiga, one of the most relevant pests of cassava; (2) to project the resulting models onto the world; (3) to recognize areas with suitable and optimal climates (and thus, high probability) for future colonization, and (4) to compare this model with the harvested area of cassava analyzing the climatic variables required by both the host and the pest species. Species distribution models were built using Maxent (v3.3.3k) with bioclimatic variables from the WorldClim database in 2.5 arc min resolution across the globe. Our model shows thatVatigahas the potential to expand its current distribution into other suitable areas, and could invade other regions where cassava is already cultivated, e.g., Central Africa and Asia. Considering the results and the high host specificity ofVatiga, its recent appearance in Réunion Island (Africa) poses a serious threat, as nearby areas are potentially suitable for invasion and could serve as dispersal routes enablingVatigato reach the continent. The present work may help prevention or early detection ofVatigaspp. in areas where cassava is grown.