bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New psychoactive substances legislation in Ireland – Perspectives from academia
Authors: Kavanagh Pierce V. , Power John D.
Published: January 2014

The emergence of ‘legal highs’ or ‘new psychoactive substances’ (NPS) on the Irish market is reflective of their appearance in many countries, with some notable exceptions. The official response to the situation is examined here by looking at Irish controlled drugs legislation and drug enforcement policies as enacted in recent years and their effects on academic research on NPS. The philosophy and practice of outright bans of scheduled substances has not been effective in delivering the stated aims of illicit drug control, namely harm reduction. With these legislative changes, we have witnessed the removal of the ‘legitimate’ sale and open marketing of a number of NPS to the general public in commercial retail premises. However, as legislation was enacted, suppliers and vendors rapidly changed the contents of their legal high products from now controlled to non‐controlled substances. We have found that it is administratively challenging to perform scientific research on controlled substances at academic institutions. It is desirable to gather analytical, pharmacological, and toxicological data on these substances as they emerge on the market but due to the restrictive nature of licensing requirements, once a substance or generic class of substances is controlled, this becomes more difficult. The facts that any quantity of substance, no matter how small, is controlled, the nomenclature used to describe compounds is not consistent within the enacted legislation and the use of catch‐all classes of compounds with the intention of controlling many similar molecular structures, all create problematic issues for academic researchers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fasting during ramadan: A religious factor as a possible trigger or exacerbator for eating disorders in adolescents
Authors: Akgül Sinem , Derman Orhan , Kanbur Nuray Ö.
Published: January 2014

Culture‐based contributors play a role in eating disorders (EDs). Here, we present one such factor that may play a role in triggering ED's in adolescents: Fasting during the holy period of Ramadan. Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking, which starts from dawn lasting until sunset.

For the past 2 years, we have noticed an increase in patients with disordered eating patterns that have applied to Hacettepe University, Division of Adolescent Medicine during or shortly after Ramadan. We document six of these patients, three of which were diagnosed with an ED and three that did not meet full criteria.

We argue that the possible effects of a drastic change in ones diet such as that which occurs during Ramadan, play an important role in triggering ED's in adolescents with a predisposition or may exacerbate an eating pathology. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:905–910)
Synthesis and Characterization of a Cationic Phthalimido‐Functionalized N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complex of Palladium(II) and Its Catalytic Activity
Authors: Goh Serena L. M. , Högerl Manuel P. , Jokić Nadežda B. , Tanase Alexandrina D. , Bechlars Bettina , Baratta Walter , Mink János , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: January 2014

A cationic phthalimido‐functionalized N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) palladium(II) complex has been synthesized from [3‐methyl‐1‐(2′‐phthalimidoethyl)imidazolium] hexafluorophosphate ([NHCMe,PhtH]PF6) by transmetalation and isolated in 67 % yield. The title complex has been applied as catalyst in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction under benign aqueous conditions. The catalyst is active without any observable initiation period. High average turnover frequencies (TOFs) of up to 55000 h–1 have been reached with catalyst concentrations as low as 0.01 mol‐%.
Voltammetric Monitoring of Protein Aggregation from Solution Using Tris‐(2,2′‐Bipyridine) Osmium(II) Chloride Complex as an Electrocatalytic Mediator
Authors: Tercero Napoleon , Kotarek Joseph
Published: January 2014

The present work evaluates the feasibility of tracking protein aggregation voltammetrically by taking advantage of the intrinsic electroactivity of tyrosine residues. The electrocatalytic current due to the oxidation of tyrosine, mediated by tris‐(2,2′‐bipyridine)osmium(II) chloride, is used to report changes in protein aggregation state. We demonstrate, by the use of square wave voltammetry, that this system is able to differentiate between peptides containing equimolar tyrosine concentrations, and even detect tyrosine within large entities such as antibodies and insoluble amyloid fibrils. We also determine the aggregation time course of a model peptide, amyloid beta, detecting species with sizes from monomeric to insoluble aggregate. The method offers the prospect of monitoring biopharmaceutical aggregation and has potential to establish itself as a technique that is orthogonal to existing methods of aggregation detection.
Electropolymerized Diphenylamine on Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composite Film and Its Application to Develop a Multifunctional Biosensor
Authors: Tsai Tsung‐Hsuan , Ku Shu‐Hao , Chen Shen‐Ming , Lou Bih‐Show , Ali M. Ajmal , Al‐Hemaid Fahad M. A.
Published: January 2014

Diphenylamine (DPA) monomers have been electropolymerized on the amino‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (AFCNT) composite film modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The surface morphology of PDPA‐AFCNT was studied using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). The interfacial electron transfer phenomenon at the modified electrode was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The PDPA‐AFCNT/GCE represented a multifunctional sensor and showed good electrocatalytic behavior towards the oxidation of catechol and the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. Rotating‐disk electrode technique was applied to detect catechol with a sensitivity of 1360 µA mM−1 cm−2 and a detection limit of 0.01 mM. Amperometric determination of hydrogen peroxide at the PDPA‐AFCNT film modified electrode results in a linear range from 10 to 800 µM, a sensitivity of 487.1 µA mM−1 cm−2 and detection limit of 1 µM. These results show that the nano‐composite film modified electrode can be utilized to develop a multifunctional sensor.
Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Imipramine and Amitriptiline at a Nanoclay Composite Carbon Ionic Liquid Electrode
Authors: Eslami E. , Farjami F. , Aberoomand Azar P. , Saber Tehrani M.
Published: January 2014

A new carbon nanocomposite electrode has been designed by incorporation of montmorillonite nanoclay into a carbon ionic liquid electrode for the electrochemical determination of imipramine (IMP) and amitriptyline (AMT). They are expected to accumulate on the electrode surface through the cooperative interaction of ionic liquid and clay with the drugs. The proposed electrode also possesses attractive electrocatalytic effects towards the drugs especially AMT. Low detection limits of 19 nM for IMP and 24 nM for AMT were achieved. The proposed nanocomposite electrode exhibits good applicability for monitoring IMP and AMT in pharmaceutical formulations and blood serum samples.
Facile Preparation of α‐Zirconium Phosphate/Polyaniline Hybrid Film for Detecting Potassium Ion in a Wide Linear Range
Authors: Wang Yanhong , Xue Chunfeng , Li Xiumin , Du Xiao , Wang Zhongde , Ma Guozhang , Hao Xiaogang
Published: January 2014

A novel α‐zirconium phosphate/polyaniline (α‐ZrP/PANI) hybrid film used as K+ ion sensor was fabricated on carbon paper by electrochemical method. Mechanisms of film formation and detection of K+ ions were also proposed. The exfoliated α‐ZrP was mixed with PANI and deposited on carbon paper. The resultant α‐ZrP/PANI film exhibited a good current response to K+ ion with different concentrations. It also showed a wide logarithmic linear response in detecting K+ ions in the ranges of 10−8–10−4 M and 10−4–10−2 M, respectively. The results can be attributed to the synergetic effect of α‐ZrP and PANI.
Sloped multi‐roller isolation devices for seismic protection of equipment and facilities
Authors: Wang Shiang‐Jung , Hwang Jenn‐Shin , Chang Kuo‐Chun , Shiau Chia‐Yi , Lin Wang‐Chuen , Tsai Mu‐Sen , Hong Jia‐Xiang , Yang Yin‐Han
Published: January 2014

The rolling motion of mutually orthogonal rollers respectively sandwiched between two bearing plates in which one or both have V‐shaped sloping surfaces makes the sloped rolling‐type isolation device have an excellent in‐plane seismic isolation performance. In this study, the sloped rolling type isolation device in which a single roller moves between two V‐shaped sloping surfaces along each principle horizontal direction is refined by incorporating multi‐roller, built‐in damping, and pounding prevention mechanisms. The associated dynamic behavior is further clarified, and a simplified twin‐flag hysteretic model, which can be easily applied in most commercial computational tools is then proposed. Seismic simulation tests on the refined isolation devices (i.e. the sloped multi‐roller isolation devices) with different design parameters such as sloping angles of bearing plates and built‐in damping capabilities, together with a raised floor system by employing the sloped multi‐roller isolation devices, were conducted. Not only is the efficiency of the sloped multi‐roller isolation devices in seismically protecting the important objects, but also the practicability and accuracy of the proposed simplified numerical model in predicting the seismic responses of the sloped multi‐roller isolation devices is experimentally verified. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laboratory algal bioassays using PAM fluorometry: Effects of test conditions on the determination of herbicide and field sample toxicity
Authors: Sjollema Sascha B. , van Beusekom Sebastiaan A.M. , van der Geest Harm G. , Booij Petra , de Zwart Dick , Vethaak A. Dick , Admiraal Wim
Published: January 2014

Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) fluorometry, based on chlorophyll a fluorescence, is a frequently used technique in algal bioassays to assess toxicity of single compounds or complex field samples. Several test conditions can influence the test results, and because a standardized test protocol is currently lacking, linking the results of different studies is difficult. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to gain insight into the effects of test conditions of laboratory algal bioassays using PAM fluorometry on the outcome of toxicity tests. To this purpose, we described the results from several pilot studies on test development in which information is provided on the effects of the main test factors during the pretest phase, the test preparation, the exposure period, and the actual measurement. The experiments were focused on individual herbicides and complex field samples and included the effects of culturing conditions, cell density, solvent concentration, exposure time, and the presence of actinic light. Several of these test conditions were found to influence the outcome of the toxicity test, and the presented information provides important background information for the interpretation of toxicity results and describes which test conditions should be taken into account when using an algal bioassay with PAM fluorometry. Finally, the application of PAM fluorometry in algal toxicity testing is discussed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1017–1022. © 2014 SETAC
Gene‐dosage dependent overexpression at the 13q amplicon identifies DIS3 as candidate oncogene in colorectal cancer progression
Authors: de Groen Florence L.M. , Krijgsman Oscar , Tijssen Marianne , Vriend Lianne E.M. , Ylstra Bauke , Hooijberg Erik , Meijer Gerrit A. , Steenbergen Renske D.M. , Carvalho Beatriz
Published: January 2014

Colorectal cancer (CRC) development is in most cases marked by the accumulation of genomic alterations including gain of the entire q‐arm of chromosome 13. This aberration occurs in 40%–60% of all CRC and is associated with progression from adenoma to carcinoma. To date, little is known about the effect of the 13q amplicon on the expression of the therein located genes and their functional relevance. We therefore aimed to identify candidate genes at the 13q amplicon that contribute to colorectal adenoma to carcinoma progression in a gene dosage‐dependent manner. Integrative analysis of whole genome expression and DNA copy number signatures resulted in the identification of 36 genes on 13q of which significant overexpression in carcinomas compared with adenomas was linked to a copy number gain. Five genes showing high levels of overexpression in carcinomas versus adenomas were further tested by quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR in two independent sample sets of colorectal tumors (n = 40 and n = 47). DIS3 and LRCH1 revealed significant overexpression in carcinomas compared with adenomas in a 13q gain dependent manner. Silencing of DIS3 affected important tumorigenic characteristics such as viability, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, significant overexpression of DIS3 and LRCH1 associated with adenoma to carcinoma progression is linked to the CRC specific gain of 13q. The functional relevance of this copy number aberration was corroborated for DIS3, thereby identifying this gene as novel candidate oncogene contributing to the 13q‐driven adenoma to carcinoma progression. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deletion of GABA‐B Receptor in Schwann Cells Regulates Remak Bundles and Small Nociceptive C‐fibers
Authors: Faroni Alessandro , Castelnovo Luca Franco , Procacci Patrizia , Caffino Lucia , Fumagalli Fabio , Melfi Simona , Gambarotta Giovanna , Bettler Bernhard , Wrabetz Lawrence , Magnaghi Valerio
Published: January 2014

The mechanisms regulating the differentiation into non‐myelinating Schwann cells is not completely understood. Recent evidence indicates that GABA‐B receptors may regulate myelination and nociception in the peripheral nervous system. GABA‐B receptor total knock‐out mice exhibit morphological and molecular changes in peripheral myelin. The number of small myelinated fibers is higher and associated with altered pain sensitivity. Herein, we analyzed whether these changes may be produced by a specific deletion of GABA‐B receptors in Schwann cells. The conditional mice (P0‐GABA‐B1fl/fl) show a morphological phenotype characterized by a peculiar increase in the number of small unmyelinated fibers and Remak bundles, including nociceptive C‐fibers. The P0‐GABA‐B1fl/fl mice are hyperalgesic and allodynic. In these mice, the morphological and behavioral changes are associated with a downregulation of neuregulin 1 expression in nerves. Our findings suggest that the altered pain sensitivity derives from a Schwann cell‐specific loss of GABA‐B receptor functions, pointing to a role for GABA‐B receptors in the regulation of Schwann cell maturation towards the non‐myelinating phenotype. GLIA 2014;62:548–565
Identification by digital immunohistochemistry of intratumoral changes of immune infiltrates after vaccine in the absence of modifications of PBMC immune cell subsets
Authors: Farsaci Benedetto , Jochems Caroline , Grenga Italia , Donahue Renee N. , Tucker Jo A. , Pinto Peter A. , Merino Maria J. , Heery Christopher R. , Madan Ravi A. , Gulley James L. , Schlom Jeffrey
Published: January 2014

Preclinical studies have demonstrated that the combination of systemic subcutaneous (s.c.) vaccination with intratumoral (i.t.) vaccination was superior in the induction of antitumor activity vs. vaccination with either route alone. A subsequent phase I study employing i.t.‐s.c. vaccination was carried out in men with locally recurrent or progressive prostate cancer. rF‐PSA‐TRICOM (PROSTVAC) vaccine was administered intraprostatically and rV‐PSA‐TRICOM followed by rF‐PSA‐TRICOM vaccine was administered systemically. In that study no dose limiting toxicities were observed, 19/21 patients had stable or improved prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) values and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) increased in post‐ vs. pre‐treatment tumor biopsies, analyzed employing conventional immunohistochemistry (IHC). In the studies reported here, 31 phenotypes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analyzed prevaccination and postvaccination as well as the functions of PBMC regulatory T cells (Tregs) and natural killer cells. A trend was observed in decreases in serum PSA with the reduction of circulating Tregs postvaccination. Digital IHC was employed prevaccination and postvaccination to measure CD4 and CD8 TILs, as well as Treg TILs by conventional IHC. Few correlations were observed with CD4, CD8 or Treg in TILs vs. PBMCs. However, patients with lower levels of CD4 TILs prevaccination showed the greatest increases in CD4 TILs postvaccine, while Treg TILs decreased postvaccine. There was also a strong correlation between decreases in serum PSA and increases in CD8 TILs postvaccine. These studies provide additional rationale for the use of i.t.‐s.c. vaccinations and demonstrate a noncoordinate expression of specific immune subsets in PBMCs vs. tumor.
A mouse model for endometrioid ovarian cancer arising from the distal oviduct
Authors: van der Horst Paul H. , van der Zee Marten , Heijmans‐Antonissen Claudia , Jia Yundan , DeMayo Francesco J. , Lydon John P. , van Deurzen Carolien H.M. , Ewing Patricia C. , Burger Curt W. , Blok Leen J.
Published: January 2014

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy in Western countries. Early detection, however, is hampered by the fact that the origin of ovarian cancer remains unclear. Knowing that in a high percentage of endometrioid ovarian cancers Wnt/β‐catenin signaling is activated, and in view of the hypothesis that ovarian cancer may originate from the distal oviduct, we studied mice in which Wnt/β‐catenin signaling was activated in Müllerian duct‐derived tissues. Conditional adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) knockout mice were used to study the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in Müllerian duct‐derived organs. These PgrCre/+;Apcex15lox/lox mice (n = 44) were sacrificed at 10, 20, 40 and 80 weeks and uterus, oviduct, ovaries and surrounding fat tissues were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Using nuclear β‐catenin staining, Wnt/β‐catenin signaling activation was confirmed in the entire epithelium of the adult Müllerian duct (fimbriae, oviduct and endometrium), but was absent in ovarian surface epithelium cells (OSEs). Besides endometrial hyperplasia, in 87.2% of mice intraepithelial lesions of the distal oviduct were found, whereas OSEs remained unaffected. In addition, 62.5% of mice developed tumors in the distal and fimbrial part of the oviduct. In the ovaries, mainly at young age, in 16.3% of mice, simple epithelial cysts were noted, which developed further into endometrioid ovarian tumors, resembling human endometrioid ovarian cancer (27.9% of mice). Next to this, locoregional growth in the utero‐ovarian ligament was also shown. Here, for the first time, mutations (activation of Wnt/β‐catenin) in the distal oviduct result in precursor lesions that develop into ovarian tumors, resembling human endometrioid ovarian cancer.
Effects of chronic cold exposure on murine central nervous system
Authors: Cui Zhan‐Jun , Deng Jie‐Xin , Zhao Kai‐Bing , Yu Dong‐Ming , Hu Sang , Shi Shu‐Qin , Deng Jin‐Bo
Published: January 2014

Recently, cold‐adaptation medicine has gotten more and more attention because of its specific significance to health care, military activities, sports performance, and so on. Although numerous studies have focused on respiratory, immune, and circulatory systems as well as skin damage upon cold exposure, the impacts on central nervous system are not well understood. This study explores the effects of chronic cold exposure on the murine central nervous system. To establish a chronic cold‐exposure animal model, adult male mice from postnatal days 40–50 (P40–50) were housed at 0–4°C for 20 days. During the study period, estrogen receptors were labeled via immunohistochemistry, the dendritic spines of visual cortical pyramidal cells were labeled with DiI diolistic assay, and synaptic ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that cold exposure could inhibit neural proliferation significantly, with an increase of G‐protein‐coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) expression. Chronic cold exposure could also induce a decrease in the dendritic spines of pyramidal cells in visual cortex, along with a decrease in the number of synaptic formations. The ultrastructure of synapses after cold exposure was observed. It was found that pre‐ and postsynaptic membranes were fused, with a vague synaptic cleft. Furthermore, neuronal cytoplasmic and organelle swellings were also observed, along with microtubule disintegration. In conclusion, chronic cold exposure can cause structural and functional changes in the mouse central nervous system, possibly by direct participation of estrogen and its receptor, GPR30, in response to chronic cold exposure. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Micro‐analysis on Chinese over‐glaze red decoration of Linshui Kiln from Jin dynasty (1115–1234 ad)
Authors: Hao Wentao , Luo Wugan , Chen Yue , Wang Changsui
Published: January 2014

Red and green over‐glaze decoration on Chinese porcelains from the Song‐Jin periods is critical to the development for Chinese ceramics. To characterize the identity, crystal size, and band gap width of the red colorant, red and green porcelain shards from the Linshui kiln produced in the Jin dynasty (1115–1234 ad) are investigated using Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, and diffuse reflectance measurements. The colorant is shown to comprise hematite crystallites with the average diameter around 30 nm, and its crystal lattice is distorted as the result of the low firing of the decoration. The use of crystal size estimations coupled with band gap width calculations are believed to be employed for the first time on the study of Chinese archeological artifacts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly efficient white organic light‐emitting diodes with over 100 lm/W for next‐generation solid‐state lighting
Authors: Yamae Kazuyuki , Tsuji Hiroya , Kittichungchit Varutt , Ide Nobuhiro , Komoda Takuya
Published: January 2014

High‐performance two‐unit all‐phosphorescent white devices on a built‐up light extraction substrate that comprised high‐index materials were studied. As a result of suitable optical and electrical design, the device showed an extremely high efficacy of 114 lm/W at 1000 cd/m2. The device also showed 102 lm/W with long lifetime (LT70) of over 10,000 h at 3000 cd/m2. Outstanding external quantum efficiency of almost 50% was also achieved in a flat panel with an emissive area of 25 cm2. Color coordinates of the panel met the Energy Star® criteria of solid‐state lighting with CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage) 1931 (x, y) = (0.477, 0.423), and the color rendering index was 81.
Vascularized tissue to reduce fistula following salvage total laryngectomy: A systematic review
Authors: Paleri Vinidh , Drinnan Mike , van den Brekel Michiel W. M. , Hinni Michael L. , Bradley Patrick J. , Wolf Gregory T. , de Bree Remco , Fagan Johannes J. , Hamoir Marc , Strojan Primož , Rodrigo Juan P. , Olsen Kerry D. , Pellitteri Phillip K. , Shaha Ashok R. , Genden Eric M. , Silver Carl E. , Suárez Carlos , Takes Robert P. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Ferlito Alfio
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Pharyngocutaneous fistulae (PCF) are known to occur in nearly one‐third of patients after salvage total laryngectomy (STL). PCF has severe impact on duration of admission and costs and quality of life and can even cause severe complications such as bleeding, infection and death. Many patients need further surgical procedures. The implications for functional outcome and survival are less clear. Several studies have shown that using vascularized tissue from outside the radiation field reduces the risk of PCFs following STL. This review and meta‐analysis aims to identify the evidence base to support this hypothesis.

Data Sources

English language literature from 2004 to 2013

Review Methods

We searched the English language literature for articles published on the subject from 2004 to 2013.

Results

Adequate data was available to identify pooled incidence rates from seven articles. The pooled relative risk derived from 591 patients was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.47 to 0.85), indicating that patients who have flap reconstruction/reinforcement reduced their risk of PCF by one‐third.

Conclusion

This pooled analysis suggests that there is a clear advantage in using vascularized tissue from outside the radiation field in the laryngectomy defect. While some studies show a clear reduction in PCF rates, others suggest that the fistulae that occur are smaller and rarely need repair. Laryngoscope, 124:1848–1853, 2014
Utilization of a standardized tracheostomy capping and decannulation protocol to improve patient safety
Authors: Pandian Vinciya , Miller Christina R. , Schiavi Adam J. , Yarmus Lonny , Contractor Anisha , Haut Elliott R. , Feller‐Kopman David J. , Mirski Marek A. , Morad Athir H. , Carey John P. , Hillel Alexander T. , Maragos Carol S. , Bhatti Nasir I.
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To develop and assess the feasibility of a new standardized protocol to guide tracheostomy decannulation.

Study Design

Descriptive review of quality improvement project.

Methods

A quality improvement project was conducted in the inpatient setting of a tertiary urban academic hospital. Adult patients who had received a tracheostomy and for whom the indication for tracheostomy had resolved were included. A multidisciplinary task force reviewed input from clinicians caring for tracheostomy patients and developed a protocol for screening, capping, and decannulation. The primary outcome measured was successful decannulation.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients were screened for a capping trial over a 12‐month period; 54 were capped. Six patients were lost to follow‐up. Fifty patients passed the capping trial, and all 50 were decannulated successfully. When decannulation was pursued in one patient who had twice failed the screening criteria and subsequent capping trials, the patient failed decannulation and ultimately required reintubation for the management of secretions. The screening tool had high sensitivity (90%) and positive predictive value (100%) for successful decannulation. Additionally, the number of reported patient safety concerns decreased from seven in the 6 months preceding implementation of the program to one report in the 6 months after implementation.

Conclusion

The new tracheostomy capping and decannulation protocol assisted in predicting both successful and failed decannulation. Although several patients failed certain capping criteria initially, the protocol stipulated modifications of care that enabled successful decannulation. The screening tool had high sensitivity and promoted communication, standardization of practice, and patient safety.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 124:1794–1800, 2014
Renewable Alternating Aliphatic–Aromatic Copolyesters Derived from Biobased Ferulic Acid, Diols, and Diacids: Sustainable Polymers with Tunable Thermal Properties
Authors: Pion Florian , Ducrot Paul‐Henri , Allais Florent
Published: January 2014

Renewable alternating aliphatic–aromatic copolyesters are obtained through the polycondensation of biobased diacyl chlorides and bisphenols derived from ferulic acid and biosourced diols. The Tg of these thermoplastics can be tailored to closely match those of petroleum‐based poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and also give access to applications requiring polyesters with lower glass‐transition temperatures.

image
Cofinal elementary extensions
Authors: Schmerl James H.
Published: January 2014

We investigate some properties of ordered structures that are related to their having cofinal elementary extensions. Special attention is paid to models of some very weak fragments of Peano Arithmetic.
The space of minimal structures
Authors: Belegradek Oleg
Published: January 2014

For a signature L with at least one constant symbol, an L‐structure is called minimal if it has no proper substructures. Let be the set of isomorphism types of minimal L‐structures. The elements of can be identified with ultrafilters of the Boolean algebra of quantifier‐free L‐sentences, and therefore one can define a Stone topology on . This topology on generalizes the topology of the space of n‐marked groups. We introduce a natural ultrametric on , and show that the Stone topology on coincides with the topology of the ultrametric space iff the ultrametric space is compact iff L is locally finite (that is, L contains finitely many n‐ary symbols for any ). As one of the applications of compactness of the Stone topology on , we prove compactness of certain classes of metric spaces in the Gromov‐Hausdorff topology. This slightly refines the known result based on Gromov's ideas that any uniformly totally bounded class of compact metric spaces is precompact.
Comparison of sampling strategies and sparsifying transforms to improve compressed sensing diffusion spectrum imaging
Authors: Paquette Michael , Merlet Sylvain , Gilbert Guillaume , Deriche Rachid , Descoteaux Maxime
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Diffusion Spectrum Imaging enables to reconstruct the ensemble average propagator (EAP) at the expense of having to acquire a large number of measurements. Compressive sensing offers an efficient way to decrease the required number of measurements. The purpose of this work is to perform a thorough experimental comparison of three sampling strategies and six sparsifying transforms to show their impact when applied to accelerate compressive sensing‐diffusion spectrum imaging.

Methods

We propose a novel sampling scheme that assures uniform angular and random radial q‐space samples. We also compare and implement six discrete sparse representations of the EAP and thoroughly evaluate them on synthetic and real data using metrics from the full EAP, kurtosis, and orientation distribution function.

Results

The discrete wavelet transform with Cohen–Daubechies–Feauveau 9/7 wavelets and uniform angular sampling in combination with random radial sampling showed to be better than other tested techniques to accurately reconstruct the EAP and its features.

Conclusion

It is important to jointly optimize the sampling scheme and the sparsifying transform to obtain accelerated compressive sensing‐diffusion spectrum imaging. Experiments on synthetic and real human brain data show that one can robustly recover both radial and angular EAP features while undersampling the acquisition to 64 measurements (undersampling factor of 4). Magn Reson Med 73:401–416, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gradient rotating outer volume excitation (GROOVE): A novel method for single‐shot two‐dimensional outer volume suppression
Authors: Powell Nathaniel J. , Jang Albert , Park Jang‐Yeon , Valette Julien , Garwood Michael , Marjańska Małgorzata
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To introduce a new outer volume suppression (OVS) technique that uses a single pulse and rotating gradients to accomplish frequency‐swept excitation. This new technique, which is called gradient rotating outer volume excitation (GROOVE), produces a circular or elliptical suppression band rather than suppressing the entire outer volume.

Methods

Theoretical and k‐space descriptions of GROOVE are provided. The properties of GROOVE were investigated with simulations, phantom, and human experiments performed using a 4T horizontal bore magnet equipped with a TEM coil.

Results

Similar suppression performance was obtained in phantom and human brain using GROOVE with circular and elliptical shapes. Simulations indicate that GROOVE requires less SAR and time than traditional OVS schemes, but traditional schemes provide a sharper transition zone and less residual signal.

Conclusion

GROOVE represents a new way of performing OVS in which spins are excited temporally in space on a trajectory that can be tailored to fit the shape of the suppression region. In addition, GROOVE is capable of suppressing tailored regions of space with more flexibility and in a shorter period of time than conventional methods. GROOVE provides a fast, low SAR alternative to conventional OVS methods in some applications (e.g., scalp suppression). Magn Reson Med, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Magn Reson Med 73:139–149, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Propagation of Love wave in fiber‐reinforced medium lying over an initially stressed orthotropic half‐space
Authors: Kundu Santimoy , Gupta Shishir , Manna Santanu
Published: January 2014

In this paper, the propagation of Love waves in a fiber‐reinforced layered medium lying over an elastic orthotropic half‐space under initial stress has been investigated. We have obtained the velocity equations for Love wave in this media. It is observed that propagation of Love wave is influenced by reinforced parameters and initial stressed parameter. The velocity of Love wave has been computed for three different cases. Our computed equation of Love wave coincides with the standard equation of Love wave for the case of homogeneous layer and homogeneous half‐space (AEH Love, 1911). To study the effect of reinforced and initial stressed parameters, we have computed the numerical values for phase velocity and plotted in several figures. It is observed that the phase velocity decreases with the increases of reinforced parameters and initial stressed parameter. Using MATLAB software, GUI has been developed to generalize the effect of various parameters. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the origins of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) contrast in tumors at 9.4 T
Authors: Xu Junzhong , Zaiss Moritz , Zu Zhongliang , Li Hua , Xie Jingping , Gochberg Daniel F. , Bachert Peter , Gore John C.
Published: January 2014

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) provides an indirect means to detect exchangeable protons within tissues through their effects on the water signal. Previous studies have suggested that amide proton transfer (APT) imaging, a specific form of CEST, detects endogenous amide protons with a resonance frequency offset 3.5 ppm downfield from water, and thus may be sensitive to variations in mobile proteins/peptides in tumors. However, as CEST measurements are influenced by various confounding effects, such as spillover saturation, magnetization transfer (MT) and MT asymmetry, the mechanism or degree of increased APT signal in tumors is not certain. In addition to APT, nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) effects upfield from water may also provide distinct information on tissue composition. In the current study, APT, NOE and several other MR parameters were measured and compared comprehensively in order to elucidate the origins of APT and NOE contrasts in tumors at 9.4 T. In addition to conventional CEST methods, a new intrinsic inverse metric was applied to correct for relaxation and other effects. After corrections for spillover, MT and T1 effects, corrected APT in tumors was found not to be significantly different from that in normal tissues, but corrected NOE effects in tumors showed significant decreases compared with those in normal tissues. Biochemical measurements verified that there was no significant enhancement of protein contents in the tumors studied, consistent with the corrected APT measurements and previous literature, whereas quantitative MT data showed decreases in the fractions of immobile macromolecules in tumors. Our results may assist in the better understanding of the contrast depicted by CEST imaging in tumors, and in the development of improved APT and NOE measurements for cancer imaging. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcome of indwelling tunneled PleurX® catheter placement in pediatric and young adult patients with malignant effusions
Authors: Adams John , Auger JoAnne , Schiff Deborah
Published: January 2014

Malignant effusions may cause significant morbidity and mortality for cancer patients. Indwelling tunneled PleurX® catheter placement for intermittent drainage of malignant effusions has been shown to be efficacious in adults but has not been studied in children. We performed a retrospective review of nine children and young adults who underwent PleurX® catheter placement for the palliation of symptoms associated with malignant effusions. Eight of nine demonstrated symptomatic improvement and seven of nine were discharged from the hospital after catheter placement. No patients experienced catheter‐associated complications. PleurX® catheter placement should be considered for palliation of symptoms due to malignant effusions in pediatric oncology patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:1118–1120. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A meta‐analysis of the association between NQO1 C609T variation and acute myeloid leukemia risk
Authors: Li Cuiping , Liu Yun , Wei Shujiao , Zhou Yang
Published: January 2014

Quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) C609T polymorphisms have been implicated in acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) risk, but previously published studies are inconsistent and recent meta‐analyses have not been adequate. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta‐analysis was performed. Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched. The quality of studies was evaluated by using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Crude ORs with 95% CIs were used to assess the strength of association between theNQO1C609T polymorphisms and AML risk. A total of 14 studies including 2,245 cases and 3,310 controls were involved in this meta‐analysis. Overall, significantly elevated AML risk was associated with NQO1 C609T variant genotypes when all studies were pooled into the meta‐analysis (TT vs. CC: OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.15–1.81; dominant model: OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.09–1.68). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significantly increased risks were found for Asians (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.13–1.93,P = 0.005, I2 = 48.4%,P = 0.071 for heterogeneity). When stratified by studies of adults or children, statistically significantly elevated risks were found among adults (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.06–1.76,P = 0.017, I2 = 42.2%,P = 0.097 for heterogeneity). The accumulated evidence indicates thatNQO1 C609Tseems to confer a risk factor for AML among Asians and adults. Significant between‐study heterogeneity was observed, thus more studies based on larger case‐control population are required to further evaluate the role ofNQO1 C609Tpolymorphism in AML. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:771–777. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PROFESSIONAL ROLES AND PRACTICES OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS IN URBAN SCHOOLS
Authors: Graves Scott L. , Proctor Sherrie L. , Aston Candice
Published: January 2014

An empirical focus on the perspectives and experiences of practitioners who work in urban school districts is lacking in the school psychology literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the professional roles and practices of school psychologists who serve students, families, and schools located in urban school districts. School psychologists who practice in five racially and ethnically diverse urban districts were surveyed regarding their demographic profiles, professional practices, and current professional needs. In comparison to data reported in demographic surveys conducted by the National Association of School Psychologists, there were significant differences in demographics, practices, and issues that face school psychologists in urban settings. Implications are discussed in terms of improving services for urban populations.
Evidence of a minimum in refractive indexes of amorphous GexTe100−x films: Relevance to the development of infrared waveguides
Authors: Vigreux Caroline , Piarristeguy Andrea , Escalier Raphaël , Ménard Stéphane , Barillot Marc , Pradel Annie
Published: January 2014

Investigation of GexTe100−x amorphous films deposited by thermal co‐evaporation in a large zone of compositions revealed the presence of a minimum in the evolution of the refractive index in the range x ∈ [22;35]. Such a minimum has a great impact on the control of the film refractive index, an undeniable advantage for the manufacture of infrared waveguides. Indeed a similar fluctuation in the film composition in this zone during deposition results in a decrease in refractive index fluctuation by a factor of ∼10 as compared to variation observed in other regions.

On the left: planar waveguide formed by a GexTe100−x deposited onto an As2Se3 bulk glass; on the right: output of the m‐lines experiment in the near infrared.
Potential predictability of the sea‐surface temperature forced equatorial East African short rains interannual variability in the 20th century
Authors: Bahaga T. K. , Mengistu Tsidu G. , Kucharski F. , Diro G. T.
Published: January 2014

In this article, the predictability of the 20th century sea‐surface temperature (SST) forced East African short rains variability is analyzed using observational data and ensembles of long atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) simulations. To our knowledge, such an analysis for the whole 20th century using a series of AGCM ensemble simulations is carried out here for the first time. The physical mechanisms that govern the influence of SST on East African short rains in the model are also investigated. It is found that there is substantial skill in reproducing the East African short rains variability, given that the SSTs are known. Consistent with previous recent studies, it is found that the Indian Ocean and in particular the western pole of the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) play a dominant role for the prediction skill, whereas SSTs outside the Indian Ocean play a minor role. The physical mechanism for the influence of the western Indian Ocean on East African rainfall in the model is consistent with previous findings and consists of a gill‐type response to a warm (cold) anomaly that induces a westerly (easterly) low‐level flow anomaly over equatorial Africa and leads to moisture flux convergence (divergence) over East Africa. On the other hand, a positive El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) anomaly leads to a spatially non‐coherent reducing effect over parts of East Africa, but the relationship is not strong enough to provide any predictive skill in our model. The East African short rains prediction skill is also analyzed within a model‐derived potential predictability framework and it is shown that the actual prediction skill is broadly consistent with the model potential prediction skill. Low‐frequency variations of the prediction skill are mostly related to SSTs outside the Indian Ocean region and are likely due to an increased interference of ENSO with the Indian Ocean influence on East African short rains after the mid‐1970s climate shift.
Innovative diamond‐like carbon coatings for the conservation of bronzes
Authors: Faraldi Federica , Angelini Emma , Riccucci Cristina , Mezzi Alessio , Caschera Daniela , Grassini Sabrina
Published: January 2014

The research of new reliable materials and tailored conservation strategies to preserve metallic artefacts is the aim of this work. Diamond‐like carbon (DLC) thin films, deposited by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD), could be considered as innovative, safe and reliable materials for the long‐term conservation of metals being PECVD an environmentally friendly process already widely used for the successful protection of metallic artefacts. Our previous researches revealed that DLC thin films deposited by PECVD are suitable candidates for the protection of archaeological artefacts, due to their chemical inertia and transparency. In the present work, the results obtained by evaluation tests of the protective properties of DLC coatings will be discussed, deposited on bronzes whose surface chemical composition, morphology and structural features are similar to those of the archaeological bronzes. An accelerated degradation methodology simulating the worst conditions suffered by the archaeological Cu‐based alloys has been purposely developed, and combined XPS and SEM‐EDS investigations have been carried out to validate the protective effectiveness of the DLC films. The obtained results reveal the potential use of the DLC films as protective barrier layers able to isolate the surface of metallic artefacts, limiting dangerous corrosion phenomena such as the copper cyclic degradation reaction defined as ‘bronze disease’. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traceable thickness determination of organic nanolayers by X‐ray reflectometry
Authors: Wernecke Jan , Shard Alexander G. , Krumrey Michael
Published: January 2014

While several methods are available for layer thickness determination in the nanometer range, very few of them are suited for absolute measurements that can be traced to the SI units. Layer thickness determination from the oscillations that are observed in X‐ray reflectometry for metallic layers or oxides is well established, but the low density of most organic materials results in low contrast and thus weak oscillations. However, by using synchrotron radiation instead of X‐ray tubes, any photon energy can be selected, also in the range below 2 keV, to enhance the contrast significantly. The organic layers systems investigated here are Irganox 1010 and Fmoc‐pentafluoro‐L‐phenylalanine layers with nominal thicknesses between 20 and 100 nm, deposited on silicon wafers with a nominal 20 nm SiO2 layer. The measurements were performed at a photon energy of 1841 eV close to the Si K‐absorption edge. Pronounced oscillations with different periodicities were observed for all investigated systems. After determination of the critical angle, the measured reflectance is divided by the Fresnel reflectance. A Fourier transform of the remaining signal results in the power spectral density. The peaks in the spectra correspond to the thicknesses of individual layers or groups of layers. These organic bilayer systems can be clearly distinguished from monolayers and, with some knowledge on the sample structure, the individual layer thicknesses are obtained with low uncertainties. This enables the development of reference materials with certified thickness of organic layers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined use of SA‐XPS, XRD and SEM + EDS for the micro‐chemical characterisation of Ag‐based archaeological artefacts
Authors: Mezzi A. , Riccucci C. , de Caro T. , Angelini E. , Faraldi F. , Grassini S. , Gouda V. K.
Published: January 2014

The precious metallic artefacts are particularly interesting from a historical, artistic and economical point of view because they were used as jewels, amulets or artistic items and also for currency, medium of exchange and form of saving. By means of the combined use of XPS, X‐ray diffraction, SEM + energy dispersive spectrometry and optical microscopy, the micro‐chemical surface structure of the corrosion products grown on archaeological Ag‐based artefacts has been investigated in the present work. The obtained results allowed the identification of the corroding agents coming from the surrounding environment where the artefacts have been found, stored or exhibited. The experimental findings highlight the role of chloride ions that are present in the patina as chloroargyrite or corrode the copper islands scattered in the alloy giving rise to the formation of the dangerous species such as atacamite and paratacamite. Furthermore, the results shown different corrosion behaviours with the outermost layers enriched of S, Ca, Al, Si and Fe demonstrating the relationship between some soil constituents and surface alloy corrosion products giving rise to the formation of different compounds. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.