bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parathyroid carcinoma survival: improvements in the era of intact parathyroid hormone monitoring?
Authors: Allen Miya E. , Semrad Alison , Yang Anthony D. , Martinez Steve R.
Published: May 2013

The intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) assay is a critical test in the diagnosis and management of PTH-mediated hypercalcemia, including parathyroid carcinoma (PCa). We hypothesized that the survival of patients diagnosed with PCa has improved since adoption of the iPTH assay into clinical practice. We identified all confirmed cases of PCa within the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database from 1973 to 2006. Patients were categorized into two eras based upon introduction of the iPTH assay: 1973 to 1997 (era I) and 1997 to 2006 (era II, when the iPTH assay was in standard use). We estimated overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) using the Kaplan-Meier method, with differences among survival curves assessed via log rank. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models compared the survival rates between treatment eras while controlling for patient age, sex, race/ethnicity, tumor size, nodal status, extent of disease, and type of surgery. Multivariate models included patients undergoing potentially curative surgery and excluded those with distant metastases. Risks of overall and disease-specific mortality were reported as hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Study criteria were met by 370 patients. Median survival was 15.6 years. Five-year rates of OS and DSS were 78% and 88% for era I and 82% and 96% for era II. On multivariate analysis, age, black race, and unknown extent of disease predicted an increased risk of death from any cause. Treatment era did not predict OS. No factor predicted PCa-specific mortality. In multivariate analysis, neither OS nor DSS have improved in the current era that utilizes iPTH for the detection and management of PCa.
Indeterminate cell histiocytosis with naïve cells
Authors: Bakry Ola A. , Samaka Rehab M. , Kandil Mona A. , Younes Sheren F.
Published: May 2013

Histiocytoses are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by proliferation and accumulation of cells of mononuclear-macrophage system and dendritic cells. Histiocytoses are categorized according to the cell of origin into Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), Non Langerhans cell histiocytoses and indeterminate cell histiocytosis (ICH). ICH is an extraordinary rare neoplastic dendritic cell disorder that has poorly understood histogenesis and pathogenesis. It is characterized by a proliferation of dendritic cells, which mimic Langerhans cells immunophenotypically (positive for CD1a and S-100 protein), but lack Birbeck granules characteristic of Langerhans cells. Twenty-four year-old Egyptian male was presented with reddish brown chest wall nodule. Clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructure features are typical for ICH. He was in a good state without any evidence of recurrence or metastasis after 24 months follow up. Peculiar histopathological features were detected in the present case. Many unidentified cells with Hematoxylin & Eosin Langerhans like features showed negative staining for S-100, CD1a, Langerin and CD68. In absence of cellular atypia and mitosis, the infiltrating cells showed epidermotropism that was reported once in ICH as well as neural and perineural invasion that were not previously reported. Therefore we prefer using a tentatively designated diagnosis; dendritic cell tumor, not otherwise specified or newly proposed diagnosis (Indeterminate cell histocytosis with naïve cells) for the present case.
Dosimetric comparison of different inhomogeneity correction algorithms for external photon beam dose calculations
Authors: Asnaashari Khadijeh , Nodehi Mohammad Rasa Golrokh , Mahdavi Seyyed Rabie , Gholami Somaye , Khosravi Hamid Reza
Published: May 2013

Dose calculation algorithm is one of the main sources of uncertainty in the radiotherapy sequences. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of different inhomogeneity correction algorithms for external photon beam dose calculations. The methodology was based on International Atomic Energy Agency TEC-DOC 1583. The phantom was scanned in every center, using computed tomography and seven tests were planned on three-dimensional treatment planning systems (TPSs). The doses were measured with ion chambers and the deviation between measured and TPS calculated dose was reported. This methodology was tested in five different hospitals which were using six different algorithms/inhomogeneity correction methods implemented in different TPSs. The algorithms in this study were divided into two groups: Measurement-based algorithms (type (a)) and model-based algorithms (type (b)). In type (a) algorithms, we saw 7.6% and 11.3% deviations out of agreement criteria for low- and high-energy photons, respectively. While in type (b) algorithms, these values were 4.3% and 5.1%, respectively. As a general trend, the numbers of measurements with results outside the agreement criteria increase with the beam energy and decrease with advancement of TPS algorithms. More advanced algorithm would be preferable and therefore should be implanted in clinical practice, especially for calculation in inhomogeneous medias like lung and bone and for high-energy beams calculation at low depth points.
Improved SAGE II cloud/aerosol categorization and observations of the Asian tropopause aerosol layer: 1989–2005
Authors: Thomason L. W. , Vernier J.-P.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. We describe the challenges associated with the interpretation of extinction coefficient measurements by the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE II) in the presence of clouds. In particular, we have found that tropospheric aerosol analyses are highly dependent on a robust method for identifying when clouds affect the measured extinction coefficient. Herein, we describe an improved cloud identification method that appears to capture cloud/aerosol events more effectively than early methods. In addition, we summarize additional challenges to observing the Asian Tropopause Aerosol Layer (ATAL) using SAGE II observations. Using this new approach, we perform analyses of the upper troposphere, focusing on periods in which the UTLS (upper troposphere/lower stratosphere) is relatively free of volcanic material (1989–1990 and after 1996). Of particular interest is the Asian monsoon anticyclone where CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar Pathfinder Satellite Observations) has observed an aerosol enhancement. This enhancement, called the ATAL, has a similar morphology to observed enhancements in long-lived trace gas species like CO. Since the CALIPSO record begins in 2006, the question of how long this aerosol feature has been present requires a new look at the long-lived SAGE II data sets despite significant hurdles to its use in the subtropical upper troposphere. We find that there is no evidence of ATAL in the SAGE II data prior to 1998. After 1998, it is clear that aerosol in the upper troposphere in the ATAL region is substantially enhanced relative to the period before that time. In addition, the data generally supports the presence of the ATAL beginning in 1999 and continuing through the end of the mission, though some years (e.g., 2003) are complicated by the presence of episodic enhancements most likely of volcanic origin.
Transport of atmospheric NOx and HNO3 over Cape Town
Authors: Abiodun B. J. , Ojumu A. M. , Jenner S. , Ojumu T. V.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Cape Town, the most popular tourist city in Africa, usually experiences air pollution with unpleasant odour in winter. Previous studies have associated the pollution with local emission of pollutants within the city. The present study examines the transport of atmospheric pollutants (NOx and HNO3) over South Africa and shows how the transport of pollutants from the Mpumalanga Highveld may contribute to the pollution in Cape Town. The study analysed observation data (2001–2008) from Cape Town air quality network and simulation data (2001–2004) from regional climate model (RegCM4) over southern Africa. The simulation accounts for the influence of complex topography, atmospheric condition, and atmospheric chemistry on emission and transport of pollutants over southern Africa. Flux budget analysis was used to examine whether Cape Town is a source or sink for NOx and HNO3 during the extreme pollution events. The results show that extreme pollution events over Cape Town are associated with the low-level (surface–850 hPa) transport of NOx from the Mpumalanga Highveld to Cape Town, and with a tongue of high concentration of HNO3 that extends from the Mpumalanga Highveld to Cape Town along the south coast of South Africa. The prevailing atmospheric conditions during the extreme pollution events feature an upper-level (700 hPa) anticyclonic flow over South Africa and a low-level col over Cape Town. The anticyclonic flow induces a strong subsidence motion, which prevents vertical mixing of the pollutants and caps high concentration of pollutants close to the surface as they are transported from the Mpumalanga Highveld toward Cape Town, while the col accumulates the pollutants over the city. This study shows that Cape Town can be a sink for the NOx and HNO3 during extreme pollution events and suggests that the accumulation of pollutants transported from other areas (e.g. Mpumalanga Highveld) may contribute substantially to the air pollution in Cape Town.
Optimal design of a climatological network: beyond practical considerations
Authors: Mauger G. S. , Bumbaco K. A. , Hakim G. J. , Mote P. W.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Station locations in existing environmental networks are typically chosen based on practical constraints such as cost and accessibility, while unintentionally overlooking the geographical and statistical properties of the information to be measured. Ideally, such considerations should not take precedence over the intended monitoring goal of the network: the focus of network design should be to adequately sample the quantity to be observed. Here we describe an optimal network design technique, based on ensemble sensitivity, that objectively locates the most valuable stations for a given field. The method is computationally inexpensive and can take practical constraints into account. We describe the method, along with the details of our implementation, and present example results for the US Pacific Northwest, based on the goal of monitoring regional annual-mean climate. The findings indicate that optimal placement of observing stations can often be highly unintuitive, thus emphasizing the importance of objective approaches. Although at coarse scales the results are generally consistent, sensitivity tests show important differences in the regions highlighted for new measurements, especially at smaller spatial scales. These uncertainties could be reduced with improvements in datasets and improved estimates of measurement error. We conclude that the method is best suited for identifying general areas within which observations should be focused, and suggest that the approach could serve as a valuable complement to land surveys and expert input in designing new environmental observing networks.
In-flight Calibration of the Cluster/CODIF sensor
Authors: Kistler L. M. , Mouikis C. G. , Genestreti K. J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The Cluster/CODIF sensor is a time-of-flight instrument that measures the ion composition over the energy range 40 eV e−1 to 40 keV e−1. It operated for 4 yr on S/C 1, 9 yr on S/C 3, and is still operational on S/C 4, after more than 12 yr. During this time the ion detection efficiency has decreased by a factor of 50. In this paper, we describe the methods used to track the efficiency changes throughout the mission for the three different spacecraft and for the different ion species. The methods include calculations of the efficiencies using rate data collected in the instrument, comparisons with other instruments on the Cluster satellites, and checks based on geophysically reasonable assumptions.
Improving computational efficiency in large linear inverse problems: an example from carbon dioxide flux estimation
Authors: Yadav V. , Michalak A. M.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Addressing a variety of questions within Earth science disciplines entails the inference of the spatiotemporal distribution of parameters of interest based on observations of related quantities. Such estimation problems often represent inverse problems that are formulated as linear optimization problems. Computational limitations arise when the number of observations and/or the size of the discretized state space becomes large, especially if the inverse problem is formulated in a probabilistic framework and therefore aims to assess the uncertainty associated with the estimates. This work proposes two approaches to lower the computational costs and memory requirements for large linear space–time inverse problems, taking the Bayesian approach for estimating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and uptake (a.k.a. fluxes) as a prototypical example. The first algorithm can be used to efficiently multiply two matrices, as long as one can be expressed as a Kronecker product of two smaller matrices, a condition that is typical when multiplying a sensitivity matrix by a covariance matrix in the solution of inverse problems. The second algorithm can be used to compute a posteriori uncertainties directly at aggregated spatiotemporal scales, which are the scales of most interest in many inverse problems. Both algorithms have significantly lower memory requirements and computational complexity relative to direct computation of the same quantities (O(n2.5) vs. O(n3)). For an examined benchmark problem, the two algorithms yielded massive savings in floating point operations relative to direct computation of the same quantities. Sample computer codes are provided for assessing the computational and memory efficiency of the proposed algorithms for matrices of different dimensions.
Improving the calibration of the best member method using quantile regression to forecast extreme temperatures
Authors: Gogonel A. , Collet J. , Bar-Hen A.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Temperature influences both the demand and supply of electricity and is therefore a potential cause of blackouts. Like any electricity provider, Electricité de France (EDF) has strong incentives to model the uncertainty in future temperatures using ensemble prediction systems (EPSs). However, the probabilistic representations of the future temperatures provided by EPSs are not reliable enough for electricity generation management. This lack of reliability becomes crucial for extreme temperatures, as these extreme temperatures can result in blackouts. A proven method to solve this problem is the best member method (BMM). This method improves the representation as a whole, but there is still room for improvement in the tails of the distribution. The idea of the BMM is to model the probability distribution of the difference between the forecast and realization. We improve the error modeling in BMM using quantile regression, which is more efficient than the usual two-stage ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. To achieve further improvement, the probability that a given forecast is the best one can be modeled using exogenous variables.
Weak layer fracture: facets and depth hoar
Authors: Reiweger I. , Schweizer J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Understanding the fracture behavior of weak snow layers is essential for modeling and predicting dry-snow slab avalanches. We therefore performed laboratory experiments with snow samples containing a weak layer consisting of either faceted crystals or depth hoar. During these experiments the samples were loaded with different loading rates and at various tilt angles until fracture. The strength of the samples decreased with increasing loading rate and increasing tilt angle. Additionally, we took pictures of the side of the samples with a high-speed video camera and calculated the displacement using a particle image velocimetry (PIV) algorithm. The fracture process within the weak layer could thus be studied in detail. We found a fracture in shear immediately followed by a collapse of the weak layer.
Snow density retrieval using SAR data: algorithm validation and applications in part of North Western Himalaya
Authors: Thakur P. K. , Garg R. D. , Aggarwal S. P. , Garg P. K. ,   Snehmani, Shi J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The current study has been done using Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to estimate the dry snow density in Manali sub-basin of Beas River located in state of Himachal Pradesh, India. SAR data from Radarsat-2 (RS2), Environmental Satellite (ENVISAT), Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) and Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS)-Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) have been used. The SAR based inversion models were implemented separately for fully polarimetric RS2, PALSAR and dual polarimetric ASAR Alternate polarization System (APS) datasets in Mathematica and MATLAB software and have been used for finding out dry snow dielectric constant and snow density. Masks for forest, built area, layover and shadow were considered in estimating snow parameters. Overall accuracy in terms of R2 value and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) was calculated as 0.85 and 0.03 g cm−3 for snow density based on the ground truth data. The retrieved snow density is highly useful for snow avalanche and snowmelt runoff modeling related studies of this region.
Playing for Keeps: Lifelong Learning in the Ludic Library
Authors: Fister Barbara
Published: May 2013

We take information literacy seriously, yet in a sense, the best researchers are playful. How might concepts of play inform our practice in libraries made for learning? What if we reconceptualized research from the systematic acquisition and use of intellectual property to a more creative and open approach to engaging with ideas in motion? What does it mean to be information literate in a world in which "publish" is a button?
A Win-Win Collaboration
Authors: Parkinson Mary Beth
Published: May 2013

This brief article reports on a collaborative book-borrowing policy between The Brendlinger Library of Montgomery County Community College and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library (WVPL), both located in Blue Bell, PA.  Beginning in January 2013, WVPL will donate books periodically to the Brendlinger Library in support of the students enrolled in Reading classes.  Circulation statistics will be reported to WVPL, and the books will be returned to WVPL for sale in the WVPL Friends of the Library book sale. Keywords: academic library; public library,  community college library; collaboration; developmental readers; reading programs; reading instruction; literacy; Montgomery County Community College; Wissahickon Valley Public Library
Table of Contents, Vol. 1, No. 1 (Spring 2013)
Authors: Barnett John H.
Published: May 2013

Table of Contents, Vol. 1, No. 1 (Spring 2013)
The Heritage Hunt: From Start to Update
Authors: Aulisio George J.
Published: May 2013

The librarians of the Weinberg Memorial Library developed and implemented a new library orientation program in only three short months. The library orientation, referred to as the Heritage Hunt, is an interactive scavenger hunt that was designed to reach the entire freshmen class. In this article, the  author discusses how the librarians managed to accommodate such a large number of students, why this program was developed, the difficulties that were experienced along the way, and plans for improvement based on the findings.
Vascular Access versus the Effect of Statins on Inflammation and Fibrinolysis in Renal Dialysis Patients
Authors: do Sameiro Faria Maria , Ribeiro Sandra , Rocha-Pereira Petronila , Miranda Vasco , Quintanilha Alexandre , Reis Flávio , Costa Elísio , Belo Luís , Santos-Silva Alice
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of statin therapy on inflammatory and fibrinolytic/endothelial (dys)function markers in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients under hemodialysis (HD), according to the type of vascular access.

Methods

This transversal study includes 191 ESRD patients under regular HD, divided into four groups according to vascular access and statin therapy: 87 patients with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and no statins (AVF-NS), 61 with AVF and statins (AVF-S), 27 with central venous dialysis catheter (CVC) and no statins (CVC-NS) and 16 with CVC and statins (CVC-S). The basic lipid profile and fibrinolytic/endothelial cell function markers were assessed.

Results

Patients with CVC presented significantly higher levels of D-dimers compared with AVF groups. CVC-NS patients also presented the highest IL-6 values, which were significantly higher than those presented by CVC-S patients. AVF-S patients presented significantly higher t-PA and PAI-1 values and lower adiponectin levels compared with AVF-NS.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that patients with CVC, particularly those not under statin therapy, present a higher production and turnover of fibrin. We also found that statin therapy decreases inflammation in CVC patients but is associated with a reduction of adiponectin and increased endothelial function marker levels in AVF patients.
Supply Chain Disruptions Are Inevitable—Get READI:
Authors: Harrison Terry P. , Houm P. J. , Thomas Douglas J. , Craighead Christopher W.
Published: May 2013

Companies have increasingly turned to the use of optimization to create value and drive efficiencies in their supply chains. However, this practice also exposes the firm to increased levels of risk stemming from supply chain disruptions which can be quite costly relative to both short- and long-term performance. In response, companies need to build and maintain resilience to combat these disruptive events. Yet managers struggle with how to build resilience and where to focus resiliency enhancements. This article proposes a versatile optimization approach, READI—Resiliency Enhancement Analysis via Deletion (of key supply chain node, flow, or activity) and Insertion (of mitigation strategy), and demonstrates this approach on the supply chain of a major consumer products company. READI can be enlightening relative to both descriptive insights, such as the criticality of supply chain nodes and current levels of network resilience, and prescriptive insights, such as where to implement resiliency enhancements.
The Effect of Antimicrobial Drugs Tylocolinum, Tetragold and Cidisept-o on Escherichia coli Ultrastructure
Authors: Shakhov A. G. , Fedosov D. V. , Sashnina L. Y. , Kazimirov O. V.
Published: May 2013

As a result of wide antibiotics, sulfonamides and other antimicrobial agents usage for the therapy of the animals with the bacterial infections caused by various causative agents including Escherichia coli, many microorganisms gained resistance to the chemotherapeutic agents. New combined drugs are being worked out during recent years, the components of which have various influence mechanisms on the bacterial cell that helps to provide resistance forming control. The results of the researches of the new antimicrobial agents, containing antibiotics in their composition, and non-antibiotic agent influence on the ultrastructure of Escherichia coli are represented in this study.

5-hour Escherichia coli 866 culture was processed by the drugs of the minimum bactericidal (Tylocolinum-0.39 µg/ml, Tetragold-6.25 µg/ml, Cidisept-o-25 µg/ml) and 4-time concentrations during 3 hours. Samples and control culture (without drugs) were fixed by the 2.5% glutaricdialdehyde on the s-Collidine Buffer, dehydrated in the ethanol with rising concentration, filled in epoxies. Ultrathin slices were stained by 2% water solution of uranyl acetate and lead citrate for 10 minutes. Then they were examined with the use of the electron microscope JEM-100 CX II by JEOL.

The research showed deep ultrastructural changes in Escherichia coli cells under the antimicrobial agent influence determined by synergistic effect of combined Tylocolinum and Tetragold drugs components, possessing various bacteria influencing mechanisms, and aldehyde that is a component of Cidisept-o.
 The electron microscopy usage allows to get unique information about the impact consequences of the traditional improved drugs and new drugs with antimicrobial activity on the bacterial infectious agents.
Exploring the Split and Join Capabilities of a Robotic Collective Movement Framework
Authors: Navarro Iñaki
Published: May 2013

Abstract The splitting and joining capabilities of a previously designed framework for the collective movement of mobile robots are studied. This framework is implemented in a distributed manner among the robots and allows scalability with increasing number of robots. It is expandable with new functionalities through the inclusion of new modules. Splitting functionality is created by including a new module, while joining does not need new structures. A total of 130 systematic experiments, grouped in six different sets, were undertaken to test the splitting and joining functions of the framework, yielding results in which robots behaved as expected. Four of the sets correspond to experiments in simulation using up to 40 robots. The remaining sets use eight real robots.
Backstepping-Based Inverse Optimal Attitude Control of Quadrotor
Authors: Honglei An , Jie Li , Jian Wang , Jianwen Wang , Hongxu Ma
Published: May 2013

Abstract Input saturation must be taken into account for applying rapid reorientation in the large angle manoeuvre of a quadrotor. In this paper, a backstepping-based inverse optimal attitude controller (BIOAC) is derived which has the property of a maximum convergence rate in the sense of a control Lyapunov function (CLF) under input torque limitation. In the controller, a backstepping technique is used for handling the complexity introducing by the unit quaternion representation of the attitude of a quadrotor with four parameters. Moreover, the inverse optimal approach is employed to circumvent the difficulty of solving the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation. The performance of BIOAC is compared with a PD controller in which the input torque limitation is not considered under the same unit quaternion representation using numerical simulation while the results show that BIOAC gains faster convergence with less control effort. Next, BIOAC is realized on a test bed and the effectiveness of the control law is verified by experimental studies.
Green Synthesis and Characterization of Biocompatible Gold Nanoparticles Using Solanum Indicum Fruits
Authors: Babu Punuri Jayasekhar , Sharma Pragya , Saranya Sibyala , Tamuli Ranjan , Bora Utpal
Published: May 2013

This paper reports on the eco-friendly synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Solanum indicum fruit extract (SFE). We have evaluated various parameters for synthesis of AuNPs such as SFE (0.03%), HAuCl4 (0.5 mM) and reaction time (20 seconds). The synthesized AuNPs were characterized with different physical techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). TEM experiments showed that AuNPs presented an anisotropic shape and size ranging from 5–50nm. FT-IR spectroscopy revealed that biomolecules containing an amine group (-NH2), a carbonyl group, -OH groups and other stabilizing functional groups were adsorbed on the surface of the synthesized AuNPs. EDX showed the presence of the elements on the surface of the AuNPs. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized AuNPs were tested on two different human cancer cell lines, HeLa and MCF-7 and were found to be nontoxic, thus providing an opportunity to be used in biomedical applications.
Wastewater treatment in Norway: An overview
Authors: Venkatesh Govindarajan
Published: May 2013

The challenges of providing services to growing populations multiply, as demonstrated by the trials faced in Norway as it searched for effective ways of addressing a growing wastewater treatment problem.
How to get real innovation flowing in the water industry
Authors: Matheson Jim
Published: May 2013

Serious challenges plague the water industry, in part because of a lack of collaboration and openness to looking beyond the status quo; innovative water clusters across the globe provide excellent models for delivering such collaborative solutions to the global marketplace.
Islands in the Screen: The Robinsonnade as Television Genre
Authors: Heyer Paul
Published: May 2013

The island survivor narrative, or robinsonnade, has emerged as a small but significant television genre over the past 50 years. The author considers its origins as a literary genre and the screen adaptations that followed. Emphasis is placed on how “island TV” employed a television aesthetic that ranged from an earlier conventional approach, using three cameras, studio locations, and narrative resolution in each episode, to open-ended storylines employing a cinematic style that exploits the new generation of widescreen televisions, especially with the advent of HDTV. Two case studies centre the argument: Gilligan’s Island as an example of the former, more conventional aesthetic, and Lost as an example of the new approach. Although both series became exceedingly popular, other notable programs are considered, two of which involved Canadian production teams: Swiss Family Robinson and The Mysterious Island. Finally, connections are drawn between robinsonnades and the emerging post-apocalyptic genre as it has moved from cinema to television.
Órdenes locales, acuerdos de paz y presencia diferenciada del Estado. Negociación con las Milicias Populares de Medellín
Authors: Caraballo Acuña Vladimir
Published: May 2013

This article is based on a principal hypothesis: the negotiation processes must be understood as relational mechanisms through which conflict actors adjust their previous relations of power, and not as lineal and altruist peace processes. In this way, the paper analyzes the negotiation with “Popular Militias of Medellín” in 1994 through the analysis of local legitimacies and the consequences of the negotiation to adjust of local relations of power. It concludes with three principal claims: a) negotiation processes are open windows of opportunity to adjust of previous relations of power, b) those processes require articulation between no-state and state legitimacies, and c) the articulation must be guaranteed with local and national state presence during and after the process.
An Odorless, One‐Pot Synthesis of Thioesters from Organic Halides, Thiourea and Benzoyl Chlorides in Water
Authors: Lu Guo‐ping , Cai Chun
Published: May 2013

Thioesterification can be realized via an odorless, one‐pot reaction through the in situ generation of S‐alkylisothiouronium salts from organic halides and thiourea in aqueous Triton X‐100 (TX100) micelles. The protocol is free of foul‐smell thiols and organic solvents, and operates under mild conditions, thereby offering considerable potential for applications in organic synthesis.
Enantioselective Rhodium‐Catalyzed Addition of Arylboronic Acids to Trifluoromethyl Ketones
Authors: Luo Renshi , Li Ke , Hu Yuling , Tang Wenjun
Published: May 2013

A new C2‐symmetrical, chiral bisphosphorus ligand proved to be efficient for the rhodium‐catalyzed nucleophilic addition of arylboronic acids to trifluoromethyl ketones, providing a series of chiral trifluoromethyl‐substituted tertiary alcohols in high yields (up to 93%) and excellent enantioselectivities (>99%).
Michael Addition of Ketones and Aldehydes to Maleimides Catalyzed by Modularly Designed Organocatalysts
Authors: Muramulla Savitha , Ma Jun‐An , Zhao John Cong‐Gui
Published: May 2013

Modularly designed organocatalysts (MDOs) formed in situ from the self‐assembly of primary α‐amino acids and Cinchona alkaloid thioureas were found to be excellent catalysts for the stereoselective Michael addition of enolizable ketones and aldehydes to maleimides. Using an MDO formed from quinidine thiourea and L‐2‐chlorophenylglycine, the corresponding Michael addition products, 3‐substituted succinimides, may be obtained in excellent yields and high enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Tandem Isomerization–Transfer Hydrogenation Reactions of γ‐Trifluoromethylated Allylic Alcohols and β‐Trifluoromethylated Enones
Authors: Bizet Vincent , Pannecoucke Xavier , Renaud Jean‐Luc , Cahard Dominique
Published: May 2013

The ruthenium–2‐propanol combination was found to transform γ‐trifluoromethylated allylic alcohols and β‐trifluoromethylated enones into the corresponding saturated alcohols in excellent yields via a one‐pot tandem process involving isomerization and transfer hydrogenation(s). High stereospecificity was demonstrated and evidence for two mechanistic pathways is provided. The method was applied to a rapid synthesis of trifluoromethylated citronellol.
Iodine(I) Reagents in Hydrochloric Acid‐Catalyzed Oxidative Iodination of Aromatic Compounds by Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine
Authors: Bedrač Leon , Iskra Jernej
Published: May 2013

Hydrochloric acid activates the oxidative iodination of aromatic compounds with the iodine‐ hydrogen peroxide system through the formation of an iodine(I) compound as the iodinating reagent. Activation with hydrochloric acid is more powerful than that with sulfuric acid. The formation of dichloroiodic(I) acid (HICl2) with various forms of hydrogen peroxide was followed using UV spectroscopy. The HICl2 was used as the iodinating reagent. In the preparative oxidative iodinaton of various aromatic compounds, hydrochloric acid was used in a catalytic amount and the iodine(I) reagent was formed in situ with 0.5 equiv. hydrogen peroxide and 0.5 equiv. molecular iodine. Two types of reactivity were observed in oxidative iodination with iodine(I) species catalyzed by hydrochloric acid: in the iodination of anisole 1a better yields of iodination were observed with a smaller amount of hydrochloric acid, while on the contrary 4‐tert‐butyltoluene 1b gave better yields of iodination upon increasing the amount of hydrochloric acid. Reactivity was further manipulated by the choice of the solvent (MeCN, trifluoroethanol, hexafluoro‐2‐propanol).
Functionalization of electrospun nanofibers of natural cotton cellulose by cerium dioxide nanoparticles for ultraviolet protection
Authors: Li Chaorong , Shu Shunxin , Chen Rui , Chen Benyong , Dong Wenjun
Published: May 2013

Nanofibers of natural cotton cellulose with a degree of polymerization above 10,000 were prepared by electrospinning; they were then functionalized with a rare‐earth nano‐oxide material of cerium dioxide (CeO2) by means of the hydrothermal method to obtain the designated properties. The morphology, structure, and properties of the as‐obtained nanocomposite fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectrophotometry. The results show that hydrothermally grown CeO2 nanoparticles exhibited a polycrystalline cubic fluorite structure and could be dispersed uniformly on the surface of the cellulose nanofiber. The strong interface and electrostatic interactions between the nanoparticles and nanofibers effectively prevented nanoparticle fall‐off. The modified natural cotton cellulose nanofibers showed excellent protection against UV radiation because of the function of the CeO2 particles. Such cellulose nanocomposite materials could have potential applications in UV protection for data‐storage or memory devices. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1524–1529, 2013
Characterization of void formation in polyamide 6 under tensile creep in alcohols by using thermoporosimetry
Authors: Sakai Eiichi , Kawagoe Makoto
Published: May 2013

The void formation in polyamide 6 under tensile creep in alcohols has been characterized by use of thermoporosimetry. After the specimens were creep‐elongated to a common preset strain of 9% in ethanol, 1‐propanol, 1‐butanol, 1‐hexanol, and 1‐octanol at room temperature, they were soaked in distilled water at 20°C, and then offered to the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) under cooling. The exothermic peaks indicating the presence of freezable water were detected for all the specimens elongated in alcohols except 1‐octanol. The void size distributions were assessed from the DSC curves by thermoporosimetry. The pores for the ethanol environment showed a wide size distribution from 2.5 to 8.5 nm in radius. The pores for 1‐propanol and 1‐butanol showed narrower distribution from 3 to 4 nm, and those for 1‐hexanol concentrated upon very small size of about 2 nm. The average pore radius was shown to be correlated with the solubility parameter of environmental alcohol. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1595–1601, 2013
Intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in pediatric low‐grade glioma
Authors: Paulino Arnold C. , Mazloom Ali , Terashima Keita , Su Jack , Adesina Adekunle M. , Okcu M. Faith , Teh Bin S. , Chintagumpala Murali
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate local control and patterns of failure in pediatric patients with low‐grade glioma (LGG) who received treatment with intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

METHODS

In total, 39 children received IMRT after incomplete resection or disease progression. Three methods of target delineation were used. The first was to delineate the gross tumor volume (GTV) and add a 1‐cm margin to create the clinical target volume (CTV) (Method 1; n = 19). The second was to add a 0.5‐cm margin around the GTV to create the CTV (Method 2; n = 6). The prescribed dose to the GTV was the same as dose to the CTV for both Methods 1 and 2 (median, 50.4 grays [Gy]). The final method was dose painting, in which a GTV was delineated with a second target volume (2TV) created by adding 1 cm to the GTV (Method 3; n = 14). Different doses were prescribed to the GTV (median, 50.4 Gy) and the 2TV (median, 41.4 Gy).

RESULTS

The 8‐year progression‐free and overall survival rates were 78.2% and 93.7%, respectively. Seven failures occurred, all of which were local in the high‐dose (≥95%) region of the IMRT field. On multivariate analysis, age ≤5 years at time of IMRT had a detrimental impact on progression‐free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

IMRT provided local control rates comparable to those provided by 2‐dimensional and 3‐dimensional radiotherapy. Margins ≥1 cm added to the GTV may not be necessary, because excellent local control was achieved by adding a 0.5‐cm margin (Method 2) and by dose painting (Method 3). Cancer 2013;119:2654–2659. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Evaluation of hepatic focal lesions using diffusion‐weighted MR imaging: Comparison of apparent diffusion coefficient and intravoxel incoherent motion‐derived parameters
Authors: Yoon Jeong Hee , Lee Jeong Min , Yu Mi Hye , Kiefer Berthold , Han Joon Koo , Choi Byung Ihn
Published: May 2013

Purpose

To determine whether parameters obtained from intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM)‐diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) using multiple b‐values can improve characterization of common focal liver lesions (FLLs), compared with the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCtotal).

Materials and Methods

Our Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study and informed consent was waived. In all, 142 patients with 169 FLLs underwent liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including IVIM‐DWI with multiple b factors at 3.0T. ADCtotal and IVIM‐DWI‐derived parameters including true diffusion (Dt), pseudodiffusion (Dp), and perfusion fraction (f) were calculated for each lesion and compared using dedicated software.

Results

Dt and ADCtotal were significantly lower in malignancies (0.95 ± 0.21, 1.14 ± 0.24, (×10−3 mm2/sec)) than in benign FLLs (1.61 ± 0.34, 1.72 ± 0.37, (×10−3 mm2/sec)). In the differential diagnosis of malignancies from benign lesions, Dt (Az value: 0.971) showed better diagnostic performance than ADCtotal (Az: 0.933) (P < 0.0005). Dt (Az: 0.961) also showed better diagnostic performance than ADCtotal (Az: 0.919) in differentiating hypervascular malignancies from benign hypervascular FLLs (P < 0.0005). In addition, Dp and f were significantly higher in hypervascular FLLs (35.74 ± 20.08 (×10−3 mm2/sec), 28.14 ± 11.82 (%)) than hypovascular FLLs (21.87 ± 13.8 (×10−3 mm2/sec), 12.2 ± 5.92 (%)) (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Dt provided better diagnostic performance than ADCtotal in differentiating benign from malignant lesions. Dp and f were significant parameters for diagnosing hypervascular FLLs. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:276–285. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intra‐ and interscan reproducibility using Fourier Analysis of STimulated Echoes (FAST) for the rapid and robust quantification of left ventricular twist
Authors: Reyhan Meral , Kim Hyun J. , Brown Matthew S. , Ennis Daniel B.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

To assess the intra‐ and interscan reproducibility of LV twist using FAST. Assessing the reproducibility of the measurement of new MRI biomarkers is an important part of validation. Fourier Analysis of STimulated Echoes (FAST) is a new MRI tissue tagging method that has recently been shown to compare favorably with conventional estimates of left ventricular (LV) twist from cardiac tagged images, but with significantly reduced user interaction time.

Materials and Methods

Healthy volunteers (N = 10) were scanned twice using FAST over 1 week. On day 1, two measurements of LV twist were collected for intrascan comparisons. Measurements for LV twist were again collected on day 8 for interscan assessment. LV short‐axis tagged images were acquired on a 3 Tesla (T) scanner to ensure detectability of tags during early and mid‐diastole. Peak LV twist is reported as mean ± SD. Reproducibility was assessed using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and the repeatability coefficient (RC) (95% confidence interval [CI] range).

Results

Mean peak twist measurements were 13.4 ± 4.3° (day 1, scan 1), 13.6 ± 3.7° (day 1, scan 2), and 13.0 ± 2.7° (day 8). Bland‐Altman analysis resulted in intra‐ and interscan bias and 95% CI of −0.6° [−1.0°, 1.6°] and 1.4° (−1.0°, 3.0°), respectively. The Bland‐Altman RC for peak LV twist was 2.6° and 4.0° for intra‐ and interscan, respectively. The CCC was 0.9 and 0.6 for peak LV twist for intra‐ and interscan, respectively.

Conclusion

FAST is a semi‐automated method that provides a quick and quantitative assessment of LV systolic and diastolic twist that demonstrates high intrascan and moderate interscan reproducibility in preliminary studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:463–468. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A sampling approach for predicting the eating quality of apples using visible–near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Martínez Vega Mabel V , Sharifzadeh Sara , Wulfsohn Dvoralai , Skov Thomas , Clemmensen Line Harder , Toldam‐Andersen Torben B
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

Visible–near infrared spectroscopy remains a method of increasing interest as a fast alternative for the evaluation of fruit quality. The success of the method is assumed to be achieved by using large sets of samples to produce robust calibration models. In this study we used representative samples of an early and a late season apple cultivar to evaluate model robustness (in terms of prediction ability and error) on the soluble solids content (SSC) and acidity prediction, in the wavelength range 400–1100 nm.

RESULTS

A total of 196 middle–early season and 219 late season apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) cvs ‘Aroma’ and ‘Holsteiner Cox’ samples were used to construct spectral models for SSC and acidity. Partial least squares (PLS), ridge regression (RR) and elastic net (EN) models were used to build prediction models. Furthermore, we compared three sub‐sample arrangements for forming training and test sets (‘smooth fractionator’, by date of measurement after harvest and random). Using the ‘smooth fractionator’ sampling method, fewer spectral bands (26) and elastic net resulted in improved performance for SSC models of ‘Aroma’ apples, with a coefficient of variation CVSSC = 13%. The model showed consistently low errors and bias (PLS/EN: R2cal = 0.60/0.60; SEC = 0.88/0.88°Brix; Biascal = 0.00/0.00; R2val = 0.33/0.44; SEP = 1.14/1.03; Biasval = 0.04/0.03). However, the prediction acidity and for SSC (CV = 5%) of the late cultivar ‘Holsteiner Cox’ produced inferior results as compared with ‘Aroma’.

CONCLUSION

It was possible to construct local SSC and acidity calibration models for early season apple cultivars with CVs of SSC and acidity around 10%. The overall model performance of these data sets also depend on the proper selection of training and test sets. The ‘smooth fractionator’ protocol provided an objective method for obtaining training and test sets that capture the existing variability of the fruit samples for construction of visible–NIR prediction models. The implication is that by using such ‘efficient’ sampling methods for obtaining an initial sample of fruit that represents the variability of the population and for sub‐sampling to form training and test sets it should be possible to use relatively small sample sizes to develop spectral predictions of fruit quality. Using feature selection and elastic net appears to improve the SSC model performance in terms of R2, RMSECV and RMSEP for ‘Aroma’ apples. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinically relevant modeling of urodynamics function: The VBN model
Authors: Valentini Françoise A. , Besson Gilbert R. , Nelson Pierre P. , Zimmern Philippe E.
Published: May 2013

Background

For the past two decades, a mathematical model of micturition was built step by step. Fundamental studies, presentations of the model and several applications to various male and female lower urinary tract dysfunctions have been published. We expect now that other teams will be interested in using it. In order to do so, a VBN pack (software in Linux and tutorial) is freely available.

Aims

The purpose of this review is to describe the model and to show its practical usefulness.

Materials and Methods

After a short description of the basis of the model and of how to use it, some published applications were summed up. The main application of the VBN model is to obtain a coherent modelling for a given patient from a set of several recordings (free uroflows and pressure‐flow study) obtained either during the same session or in follow up.

Results

This experience gradually led us to study what information could be extracted from a free uroflow. In addition, the model is valuable to quickly compute the effect of some additional condition; thus, it can predict the effect of an experimental artefact (urethral catheter, penile cuff).

Conclusion

Because the process of fitting model computations and real recordings is a powerful way to detect unexpected phenomena, the use of the VBN model provides a method to improve the knowledge of misunderstood dysfunctions of the lower urinary tract. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:361–366, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A basis for bounding the errors of proper generalised decomposition solutions in solid mechanics
Authors: de Almeida J. P. Moitinho
Published: May 2013

This paper presents an approach that extends the classical error bounding techniques to parametric models. It departs from appropriate pairs of complementary solutions of a linear elastic problem, obtained using a Proper Generalised Decomposition methodology, to determine approximations of selected local outputs and strict bounds of the error of these approximations. The paper starts by presenting the procedures used to obtain the complementary solutions. The properties, the convergence characteristics of the global error and the determination of an indicator of the error distribution are illustrated for a very simple example. The demonstration of the procedure used for determining local outputs and their bounds, also accompanied by illustrative examples, completes the paper.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.