bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for electronic structure mapping in organic semiconductors
Authors: Nádaždy V. , Schauer F. , Gmucová K.
Published: October 2014

We introduce an energy resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method to map the electronic density of states (DOS) in organic semiconductor materials. The method consists in measurement of the charge transfer resistance of a semiconductor/electrolyte interface at a frequency where the redox reactions determine the real component of the impedance. The charge transfer resistance value provides direct information about the electronic DOS at the energy given by the electrochemical potential of the electrolyte, which can be adjusted using an external voltage. A simple theory for experimental data evaluation is proposed, along with an explanation of the corresponding experimental conditions. The method allows mapping over unprecedentedly wide energy and DOS ranges. Also, important DOS parameters can be determined directly from the raw experimental data without the lengthy analysis required in other techniques. The potential of the proposed method is illustrated by tracing weak bond defect states induced by ultraviolet treatment above the highest occupied molecular orbital in a prototypical σ-conjugated polymer, poly[methyl(phenyl)silylene]. The results agree well with those of our previous DOS reconstruction by post-transient space-charge-limited-current spectroscopy, which was, however, limited to a narrow energy range. In addition, good agreement of the DOS values measured on two common π-conjugated organic polymer semiconductors, polyphenylene vinylene and poly(3-hexylthiophene), with the rather rare previously published data demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method.
Flexoelectricity in barium strontium titanate thin film
Authors: Kwon Seol Ryung , Huang Wenbin , Shu Longlong , Yuan Fuh-Gwo , Maria Jon-Paul , Jiang Xiaoning
Published: October 2014

Flexoelectricity, the linear coupling between the strain gradient and the induced electric polarization, has been intensively studied as an alternative to piezoelectricity. Especially, it is of interest to develop flexoelectric devices on micro/nano scales due to the inherent scaling effect of flexoelectric effect. Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 thin film with a thickness of 130 nm was fabricated on a silicon wafer using a RF magnetron sputtering process. The flexoelectric coefficients of the prepared thin films were determined experimentally. It was revealed that the thin films possessed a transverse flexoelectric coefficient of 24.5 μC/m at Curie temperature (∼28 °C) and 17.44 μC/m at 41 °C. The measured flexoelectric coefficients are comparable to that of bulk BST ceramics, which are reported to be 10–100 μC/m. This result suggests that the flexoelectric thin film structures can be effectively used for micro/nano-sensing devices.
Active-elastic bistable minimum energy structures
Authors: Follador M. , Conn A. T. , Mazzolai B. , Rossiter J.
Published: October 2014

The design of structures that combine the principles of minimum energy and bistable mechanisms is presented. A minimum energy configuration is achieved by the interaction of one or more elastic elements and two strips of stretched elastomer, which also operate as dielectric actuators. The system has two equilibrium states, and the actuators are used to trigger the switch from one state to the other. An analytical model, based on the approach of energy minimization, was implemented to assist the design of the geometrical parameters. A prototype shows bistability and is able to switch equilibrium state varying its bending angle from −40° to 40°.
Large-scale micropropagation of the Australian key species Gahnia radula (Cyperaceae) and its return to revegetation sites
Authors: Kodym Andrea , Clarke Ian , Aponte Cristina , Turner Shane , Bunn Eric , Delpratt John
Published: October 2014

We report on the successful propagation of the sedge Gahnia radula (R.Br.) Benth. from seed by using plant tissue culture, and its successful establishment in the field. This keystone species, although common along parts of the eastern coast of Australia, is currently not available for revegetation because of a lack of efficient propagation methods, leading to the use of substitute species in many restoration programs. Even though seed quality is a common problem for G. radula, one population bearing filled seed was located in the near-east of Melbourne and after harvest of fruit in December 2011, seeds were successfully germinated in vitro after removal of the pericarp. Overnight soaking in sterile 10% (v/v) smoke water before culturing enhanced in vitro germination from 29.2% to 66.7%. In vitro-grown seedlings were then used as starting material for tissue-culture propagation via shoot culture. A micropropagation rate of about six new plantlets per cycle was achieved within 5–6 weeks with liquid half-strength Murashige–Skoog medium and a pulse treatment with 10 µM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2 µM naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Plants rooted after receiving a pulse treatment with 5 µM kinetin and were successfully acclimatised into potting mix and were ready for field planting after 5–6 months. Tube stock was planted into two field sites with minimal weed control. Survival was 98% in both cases 1 month after planting and 54% and 74% after the summer. Division of in vitro-derived plants in the nursery was very successful, with 93–96% establishment of divisions. This research highlights the important role of plant tissue culture in conserving biodiversity of native flora.
Judeo-Spanish in contact with Portuguese
Authors: Quintana Aldina
Published: October 2014

Judeo-Spanish is the language spoken by Sephardim, the descendants of the Jews who were expelled from the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon in 1492 and found refuge in the Ottoman Empire. Judeo-Spanish has been in contact with several languages and is itself the outcome of pervasive contact among Ibero-Romance languages. This paper focuses on the contact between Judeo-Spanish and Portuguese following the immigration of Portuguese Jews and Crypto-Jews to the Ottoman Empire from the late 15th century to the 18th century. The outcome of these contacts was the integration of linguistic patterns and lexical items from Portuguese into Judeo-Spanish via accommodation in the pre-koine, or later through other pathways, before Portuguese speakers definitively shifted to Judeo-Spanish.
On the partially divergent phonology  of Spanish, Portuguese and points in between
Authors: Ferreira Letania , Holt D. Eric
Published: October 2014

In this chapter we explore the comparative markedness and phonotactics of Spanish and Portuguese phonology as a framework in which to consider: (i) the segmental inventories of each language, (ii) the phonological processes of the grammar of each language (including how prosody may impact these), as well as (iii) certain historical and dialectal developments, including (iv) phonologically intermediate/hybrid variants.
On the structural basis of non-redundant acquisition
Authors: Rothman Jason , Giancaspro David , Halloran Becky
Published: October 2014

This chapter has two goals: (a) to discuss the Spanish-Portuguese interface in current formal language acquisition research and (b) to highlight the contributions of this language pairing in the emerging field of formal third language (L3) acquisition. The authors discuss two L3 acquisition studies (Montrul, Dias, & Santos, 2011; Giancaspro, Halloran, & Iverson, in press) examining Differential Object Marking, a morphological case marker present in Spanish but not in Portuguese, arguing that the results show how data from Spanish-English bilinguals learning Brazilian Portuguese as an L3 illuminate the deterministic role of structural and typological similarity in linguistic transfer. The data provide supportive evidence for only one of three existing L3 transfer models: the Typological Proximity Model (Rothman, 2010, 2011, 2013).
Cross-linguistic transfer of core aspectual conceptualizations in Portuguese and Spanish
Authors: Salaberry M. Rafael , Martins Custodio
Published: October 2014

Aspect is a complex grammatical concept inherently affected by contextual information. Such complexity may be determined by stark contrasts between levels of information and layers of context affecting its interpretation. Convergence in aspectual interpretation decreases as layers of contextual information increase. Complexity is added as we expand the range of cross-linguistic interpretations. This chapter analyzes data of L2 Spanish and L2 Portuguese and of native speakers of both languages to assess the possible equivalence of aspectual knowledge, and, by extension, the possible cross-linguistic transfer. Results show a significant level of consistency across Portuguese and Spanish regarding aspectual interpretations, providing ground for the theoretical argument that invariant aspectual meanings and the different layers of contextual information are dynamically intertwined.
Variation and change in Latin American Spanish and Portuguese
Authors: Guy Gregory R.
Published: October 2014

Western hemisphere varieties of Spanish and Portuguese show substantial similarity in the patterning of sociolinguistic variation and change. Caribbean and coastal dialects of Latin American Spanish share several variables with Brazilian Portuguese (e.g., deletion of coda –s, –r). These variables also show similar social distribution in Hispanic and Lusophone communities: formal styles and high status speakers are consonantally conservative, while higher deletion is associated with working class speakers and informal styles. The regions that show these sociolinguistic parallels also share common historical demographic characteristics, notably a significant population of African ancestry and the associated history of extensive contact with African languages into the 19th C. But contemporary changes in progress are also active, further differentiating Latin American language varieties.
Secondary stress exist in Cairene Arabic?
Authors: Aquil Rajaa
Published: October 2014

In this paper I demonstrate that secondary stress in Cairene Arabic (CA) exists, and that is by invoking Optimality Theoretic (OT) constraints of FootBinarity, Align-Head/R, Trochaic, Wsp, *Clash, and *Lapse. There is no dispute in the literature over the place of primary stress, on one of the rightmost three syllables. However, very few studies support the presence of secondary stress (Harms, 1981; Welden, 1980), while more research suggest that secondary stress does not exist (Aljarah, 2008; De Lacy, 1998; Halle & Vergnaud, 1987; Hayes, 1995; Kenstowicz, 1994; McCarthy, 1979; Watson, 2002). Although I agree with research (Gairdner, 1926; Harms, 1981; Welden, 1980) that secondary stress exists in CA, I refute the data and analysis proposed by this research.
Paradoxical paradigms! Evidence from Lebanese Arabic phonology
Authors: Haddad Youssef A. , Wiltshire Caroline R.
Published: October 2014

Examinations of Optimal Paradigms (McCarthy, 2005) suggest that only phonological outputs of inflectional paradigms obey Optimal Paradigm constraints, whereby each member of a given paradigm strives to resemble the phonological structure of each other member of that paradigm. Words that are derived from “base” words, on the other hand, are claimed to obey Base-Output constraints which require all members of the paradigm to conform to the structure of one member selected as a Base. In this study, we examine Lebanese Arabic paradigms of sound regular, sound geminate, weak hollow, and weak defective verbs. Lebanese Arabic verbal paradigms show that while Base-Output constraints do play a role in determining the phonological structure of related words derived from a base, Optimal Paradigm constraints also participate in such morphology. The outcome is paradoxical paradigms in which members strive to resemble a Base while at the same time trying to resemble each other phonologically.
The Arabic of Bukhara
Authors: Miller Kerith
Published: October 2014

The Arabic spoken in the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan displays an unusual degree of integration between three distinct language families: Semitic, Indo-Aryan, and Turkic. This paper proposes an analysis of Bukhara Arabic based upon data collected between 1935 and 1943. The analysis involves classification of the verbal system drawing on the principal parts theory of Finkel and Stump (2007a), the purpose of which is to determine the essential parts needed to predict the remaining forms in a lexeme’s paradigm. The analysis includes an examination of the productivity of the verbal nonconcatenative derivative systems to reveal the changes involved in the partial adoption of concatenative systems. The results shed further light on the morphological processes of Semitic languages under strong contact conditions with other language families.
Increased Energy Drink use as a Predictor of Illicit Prescription Stimulant Use
Authors: Woolsey Conrad L. , Williams Ronald D. , Jacobson Bert H. , Housman Jeff M. , McDonald Jason D. , Swartz Julie H. , Evans Marion W. , Sather Thomas E. , Barry Adam E. , Davidson Robert T.
Published: October 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine energy drink usage patterns and to investigate the relationship between energy drink use and illicit use of prescription stimulants among college students.

Methods

A sample of 605 undergraduate and graduate students (mean age ± SD: 21.96 ± 4.216) from a large midwestern university voluntarily participated in the study.

Results

Of the participants, 48.9% ( n = 296) reported using energy drinks in the past 30 days, whereas 25.3% ( n = 153) reported using prescription stimulant drugs in the past 30 days. Among prescription stimulant users without a valid medical prescription, Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression analysis revealed that the frequency of energy drink consumption was a significant predictor of illicit prescription stimulant use, with the odds for use increasing by 14% with each additional day of energy drink use (odds ratio for using = 1.143, P ≤ .001). Analyses revealed statistically significant differences ( P < .05) between prescription stimulant users and nonusers for all energy drink use variables, with the strongest predictors of prescription stimulant use being the number of days using energy drinks in the past 30 days and number of energy drink binges in the past 30 days.

Conclusions

Results indicate that the frequency of energy drink use was a significant predictor of the illicit use of prescription stimulants.
Accurate estimation of haplotype frequency from pooled sequencing data and cost-effective identification of rare haplotype carriers by overlapping pool sequencing
Authors: Cao Chang-Chang , Sun Xiao
Published: October 2014

Motivation: A variety of hypotheses have been proposed for finding the missing heritability of complex diseases in genome-wide association studies. Studies have focused on the value of haplotype to improve the power of detecting associations with disease. To facilitate haplotype-based association analysis, it is necessary to accurately estimate haplotype frequencies of pooled samples.

Results: Taking advantage of databases that contain prior haplotypes, we present Ehapp based on the algorithm for solving the system of linear equations to estimate the frequencies of haplotypes from pooled sequencing data. Effects of various factors in sequencing on the performance are evaluated using simulated data. Our method could estimate the frequencies of haplotypes with only about 3% average relative difference for pooled sequencing of the mixture of 10 haplotypes with total coverage of 50×. When unknown haplotypes exist, our method maintains excellent performance for haplotypes with actual frequencies >0.05. Comparisons with present method on simulated data in conjunction with publicly available Illumina sequencing data indicate that our method is state of the art for many sequencing study designs. We also demonstrate the feasibility of applying overlapping pool sequencing to identify rare haplotype carriers cost-effectively.

Availability and implementation: Ehapp (in Perl) for the Linux platforms is available online (http://bioinfo.seu.edu.cn/Ehapp/).

Contact:  xsun@seu.edu.cn

Supplementary information: Supplementary Data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Ceftobiprole and ampicillin increase daptomycin susceptibility of daptomycin-susceptible and -resistant VRE
Authors: Werth Brian J , Barber Katie E , Tran Nikki , Nonejuie P , Sakoulas G , Pogliano J , Rybak Michael J
Published: October 2014

Objectives

The synergistic combination of daptomycin plus ampicillin has proven to be effective against VRE including daptomycin-non-susceptible strains. Ceftobiprole is a cephalosporin with broad binding affinity for enterococcal PBP subtypes including PBP5. Given the synergy between β-lactams and daptomycin against VRE, it was of interest to determine whether ceftobiprole offered any synergistic advantage with daptomycin compared with ampicillin.

Methods

MICs were determined by broth microdilution in the presence and absence of ampicillin or ceftobiprole for 20 ampicillin-resistant VRE. Six strains, including two isogenic pairs of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and two vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis, were evaluated for synergy using time–kill methods. Synergy was defined as a ≥2 log10 cfu/mL reduction of the combination over the most active single agent. Binding of daptomycin-bodipy in the presence and absence of ceftobiprole was quantified.

Results

Daptomycin MICs ranged from 2 to 256 mg/L. The addition of ceftobiprole and ampicillin reduced daptomycin MICs by a median of 3 and 4 log2 dilutions, respectively. In time–kill studies, daptomycin plus either ceftobiprole or ampicillin was synergistic against four of six strains, but not the same strains. Both combinations were synergistic against the vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis strains. Ceftobiprole exposure increased daptomycin-bodipy binding by 2.8 times (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Ceftobiprole appears to offer a similar degree of synergistic activity to ampicillin when combined with daptomycin against VRE. Further research should explore the genetic and phenotypic qualities of strains that respond preferentially to ceftobiprole as opposed to ampicillin.
Divide-and-conquer quantum mechanical material simulations with exascale supercomputers
Authors: Wang Lin-Wang
Published: October 2014

Recent developments in large-scale materials science simulations, especially under the divide-and-conquer method, are reviewed. The pros and cons of the divide-and-conquer method are discussed. It is argued that the divide-and-conquer method, such as the linear-scaling 3D fragment method, is an ideal approach to take advantage of the heterogeneous architectures of modern-day supercomputers despite their relatively large prefactors among linear-scaling methods. Some developments in graphics processing unit (GPU) electronic structure calculations are also reviewed. The accelerators like GPU could be an essential part for the future exascale supercomputing.
Intracellular Catalytic Domain of Symbiosis Receptor Kinase Hyperactivates Spontaneous Nodulation in Absence of Rhizobia
Authors: Saha Sudip , Dutta Ayan , Bhattacharya Avisek , DasGupta Maitrayee
Published: October 2014

Symbiosis Receptor Kinase (SYMRK), a member of the Nod factor signaling pathway, is indispensible for both nodule organogenesis and intracellular colonization of symbionts in rhizobia-legume symbiosis. Here, we show that the intracellular kinase domain of a SYMRK (SYMRK-kd) but not its inactive or full-length version leads to hyperactivation of the nodule organogenic program in Medicago truncatula TR25 (symrk knockout mutant) in the absence of rhizobia. Spontaneous nodulation in TR25/SYMRK-kd was 6-fold higher than rhizobia-induced nodulation in TR25/SYMRK roots. The merged clusters of spontaneous nodules indicated that TR25 roots in the presence of SYMRK-kd have overcome the control over both nodule numbers and their spatial position. In the presence of rhizobia, SYMRK-kd could rescue the epidermal infection processes in TR25, but colonization of symbionts in the nodule interior was significantly compromised. In summary, ligand-independent deregulated activation of SYMRK hyperactivates nodule organogenesis in the absence of rhizobia, but its ectodomain is required for proper symbiont colonization.
FAMA Is an Essential Component for the Differentiation of Two Distinct Cell Types, Myrosin Cells and Guard Cells, inArabidopsis
Authors: Shirakawa Makoto , Ueda Haruko , Nagano Atsushi J. , Shimada Tomoo , Kohchi Takayuki , Hara-Nishimura Ikuko
Published: October 2014

Brassicales plants, including Arabidopsis thaliana, have an ingenious two-compartment defense system, which sequesters myrosinase from the substrate glucosinolate and produces a toxic compound when cells are damaged by herbivores. Myrosinase is stored in vacuoles of idioblast myrosin cells. The molecular mechanism that regulates myrosin cell development remains elusive. Here, we identify the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor FAMA as an essential component for myrosin cell development along Arabidopsis leaf veins. FAMA is known as a regulator of stomatal development. We detected FAMA expression in myrosin cell precursors in leaf primordia in addition to stomatal lineage cells. FAMA deficiency caused defects in myrosin cell development and in the biosynthesis of myrosinases THIOGLUCOSIDE GLUCOHYDROLASE1 (TGG1) and TGG2. Conversely, ectopic FAMA expression conferred myrosin cell characteristics to hypocotyl and root cells, both of which normally lack myrosin cells. The FAMA interactors ICE1/SCREAM and its closest paralog SCREAM2/ICE2 were essential for myrosin cell development. DNA microarray analysis identified 32 candidate genes involved in myrosin cell development under the control of FAMA. This study provides a common regulatory pathway that determines two distinct cell types in leaves: epidermal guard cells and inner-tissue myrosin cells.
Chief marketing officer’s equity incentives: economic determinants and effects on shareholder value
Authors: Fabrizi Michele
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the economic determinants and the effects on firm value of the Chief Marketing Officer’s (CMO’s) equity incentives.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical analysis uses 586 firm-year observations corresponding to 227 unique firms collected from Execucomp dataset over the period 2000-2009.

Findings

– The paper documents that when a firm’s marketing intensity increases, the CMO’s equity incentives significantly increase; CMO’s equity incentives are positively related to shareholder value, and this positive relationship is incremental to that between the Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO)’s equity incentives and firm value; the positive impact of the CMO’s equity incentives on the firm value is partially mediated by marketing investments.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper helps understand under which circumstances firms provide the CMO with high-equity incentives and what the performance implications are of providing the CMO with long-term incentives.

Practical implications

– Results indicate that companies should try to incent the CMO with equity-based incentives because the CMO can boost shareholder value on a way that is incremental to how the CEO does so. As a consequence, if the board of directors decides not to provide the CMO with sufficient equity incentives, it is likely that this decision will be suboptimal for shareholders.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first to analyze the structure and effect on firm value of the CMO’s compensation in answer to calls for research on compensation of executives other than CEOs.
Chest compression with kneeling posture in hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A randomised crossover simulation study
Authors: Oh Jaehoon , Chee Youngjoon , Lim Taeho , Cho Youngsuk , Kim In Young
Published: October 2014

Purpose

We suggest an alternative chest compression (CC) in kneeling posture using a ‘kneeling stool’ on which the performer kneels beside the patient on a bed in‐hospital. In kneeling posture, we can maintain high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) without the bed height adjustment, which is necessary and inconvenient in standing posture.

Methods

This study is a randomised crossover trial with 38 participants working in one ED. The first group knelt on the kneeling stool beside a manikin placed on a bed, whereas the second group stood on a step stool with the manikin at knee level using bed height adjustment. All the participants performed continuous chest compression for 5 min without audio‐visual feedback. After that, the posture was changed in each group. The parameters of CC quality (CC depth, rate, accuracy, and incomplete chest recoil), visual analogue scale (VAS) for fatigue and pain, and preference of participants were compared between the two groups.

Results

The data of 33 participants in both postures were analysed following exclusion of five participants. In the comparisons overall and per minute between the two postures, the parameters and VAS do not differ significantly (all P > 0.05) except for the median 1st CC rate that was faster in kneeling posture than in standing posture, P = 0.01). Twenty‐three performers preferred the kneeling posture.

Conclusions

A kneeling posture with a kneeling stool were preferred by participants, which have shown similar results in CC parameters and VAS with a standing posture on a stepstool with bed height adjustment during in‐hospital CPR.
Effects of short photoperiod on energy intake, thermogenesis, and reproduction in desert hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii)
Authors: ZHANG Xueying , ZHAO Zhijun , VASILIEVA Nina , KHRUSHCHOVA Anastasia , WANG Dehua
Published: October 2014

Desert hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii) are the least known species in the genus Phodopus with respect to ecology and physiology, and deserve scientific attention, particularly because of their small body size. Here, the responses of energy metabolism and reproductive function to short photoperiods in desert hamsters were investigated. Male and female desert hamsters were acclimated to either long day (LD) (L:D 16:8 h) or short day (SD) photoperiods (L:D 8:16 h) for three months, and then the females were transferred back to an LD photoperiod for a further five months, while at the end of the SD acclimation the males were killed and measurements were taken for serum leptin as well as molecular markers for thermogenesis. We found that like the other two species from the genus Phodopus, the desert hamsters under SD decreased body mass, increased adaptive thermogenesis as indicated by elevated mitochondrial protein content and uncoupling protein‐1 content in brown adipose tissue, and suppressed reproduction compared to those under LD. However, different from the other two species, desert hamsters did not show any differences in energy intake or serum leptin concentration between LD and SD. These data suggest that different species from the same genus respond in different ways to the environmental signals, and the desert adapted species are not as sensitive to change in photoperiod as the other two species.
Effects of Enrichment with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega‐3 and Conjugated Linoleic Acid) on Consumer Liking of Beef Aged for 7 or 21 d Evaluated at Different Locations
Authors: Pérez‐Juan María , Realini Carolina E. , Barahona Marta , Sarriés Maria Victoria , del Mar Campo Maria , Beriain María José , Vitale Mauro , Gil Marta , Albertí Pere
Published: October 2014

The effect of different animal diets supplemented with linseed (source of omega‐3 fatty acids: n‐3) and/or conjugated linoleic acid (CON: control, LIN: 10% linseed, CLA: 2% conjugated linoleic acid, LINCLA: 10% linseed plus 2% CLA) on consumer liking of beef aged for 7 or 21 d was assessed in 3 Spanish cities. Overall, tenderness, juiciness, and flavor liking of beef were evaluated by consumers (n = 720) using 9‐point scales. Hedonic scores assigned by consumers did not differ (P > 0.05) for beef from animals fed the different diets and aged for 7 or 21 d. Consumer scores showed an increasing trend in beef liking with aging time. Consumers from Pamplona assigned lower (P < 0.05) hedonic scores for beef liking than consumers from Barcelona and Zaragoza. Linseed and/or CLA can be fed to improve the fatty acid profile in beef with minimal impact on consumer liking. Consumer ratings seem to depend on regional tastes and preferences.
Determining the Mechanism and Parameters of Hydrate Formation and Loss in Glucose
Authors: Scholl Sarah K. , Schmidt Shelly J.
Published: October 2014

Water–solid interactions are known to play a major role in the chemical and physical stability of food materials. Despite its extensive use throughout the food industry, the mechanism and parameters of hydrate formation and loss in glucose are not well characterized. Hydrate formation in alpha‐anhydrous glucose (α‐AG) and hydrate loss in glucose monohydrate (GM) were studied under equilibrium conditions at various relative humidity (RH) values using saturated salt slurries for 1 y. The mechanism of hydrate formation and hydrate loss were determined through mathematical modeling of Dynamic Vapor Sorption data and Raman spectroscopy was used to confirm the mechanisms. The critical temperature for hydrate loss in GM was determined using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The moisture sorption profiles of α‐AG and GM were also studied under dynamic conditions using an AquaSorp Isotherm Generator. Hydrate formation was observed at and above 68% RH at 25 °C and the conversion of α‐AG to GM can best be described as following a nucleation mechanism, however, diffusion and/or geometric contraction mechanisms were also observed by Raman spectroscopy subsequent to the coalescence of initial nucleation sites. Hydrate loss was observed to occur at and below 11% RH at 25 °C during RH storage and at 70 °C during TGA. The conversion of GM to α‐AG follows nucleation and diffusion mechanisms. Hydrate formation was evident under dynamic conditions in α‐AG and GM prior to deliquescence. This research is the first to report hydrate formation and loss parameters for crystalline α‐AG and GM during extended storage at 25 ˚C.
Biosorption of Al+3 and Cd+2 by an Exopolysaccharide from Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Authors: Polak‐Berecka Magdalena , Szwajgier Dominik , Waśko Adam
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to assess the removal of Cd2+ and Al3+ from aqueous solutions by an exopolysaccharide (EPS) from Lactobacillus rhamnosus E/N. The biosorption kinetics of EPS for Cd2+ and Al3+ were studied by equilibrium dialysis after incubation from 0 h to 58 h. The actual concentrations of Cd2+ and Al3+ in external solutions were measured by a fluorescence method after complexation with 8‐hydroxyquinoline. Binding of metal ions by EPS was observed, with maximum adsorption after 0 to 24 and 48 to 58 h for Cd2+, and after 24 h for Al3+. The existing analytical method, involving the binding of metal ions was measured using a dialysis membrane was significantly improved in our study. This new method could be applied in future studies of this type. The results of this study demonstrate that EPS from Lb. rhamnosus E/N has a Cd2+ and Al3+ biosorption capacity. Surface adsorption of the metal ions at surface of EPS was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy analysis suggests a role of the functional groups ─OH, C═O, and COO− from EPS in the binding of Cd2+ and Al3+ ions.
Lower incidence of post‐dural puncture headache with spinal catheterization after accidental dural puncture in obstetric patients
Authors: VERSTRAETE S. , WALTERS M. A. , DEVROE S. , ROOFTHOOFT E. , VAN DE VELDE M.
Published: October 2014

Background

Accidental dural puncture (ADP) and post‐dural puncture headache (PDPH) are important complications of obstetric regional anesthesia. Inserting the catheter intrathecally after ADP to prevent PDPH has gained popularity. Nonetheless, data on the effect of an intrathecal catheter on PDPH and epidural blood patch (EBP) rates are mixed. Our primary objective was to examine if spinal catheterization reduces the incidence of PDPH after ADP in obstetric patients.

Methods

Anesthetic records of 29,749 regional blocks performed between January 1997 and July 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. In all blocks containing an epidural component, 18‐gauge epidural needles were used. All patients who experienced a witnessed ADP or PDPH without ADP were identified. Data from patients with or without a prolonged spinal catheter were compared.

Results

There were 128 events of witnessed ADP (0.43%). Following known ADP, 39 women had an epidural catheter placed at a different level and 89 had an intrathecal catheter (20‐gauge) for at least 24 h. Sixty‐one patients developed PDPH after observed ADP (48%). Prolonged intrathecal catheter placement significantly reduced the incidence of PDPH after ADP to 42% compared with 62% in those who have the catheter re‐sited epidurally [odds ratio = 2.3 (95% confidence interval 1.04–4.86); P = 0.04].

Conclusions

The incidence of ADP, PDPH and blood patching is similar with previously published studies. After witnessed ADP, inserting the epidural catheter intrathecally significantly reduced the incidence of PDPH.
Adductor canal blockade for moderate to severe pain after arthroscopic knee surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: ESPELUND M. , GREVSTAD U. , JÆGER P. , HÖLMICH P. , KJELDSEN L. , MATHIESEN O. , DAHL J. B.
Published: October 2014

Background

The analgesic effect of the adductor canal block (ACB) after knee surgery has been evaluated in a number of trials. We hypothesized that the ACB would provide substantial pain relief to patients responding with moderate to severe pain after arthroscopic knee surgery.

Methods

Fifty subjects with moderate to severe pain after arthroscopic knee surgery were enrolled in this placebo‐controlled, blinded trial. All subjects received two ACBs; an initial ACB with either 30 ml ropivacaine 7.5 mg/ml (n = 25) (R group) or saline (n = 25) (C group) and after 45 min a second ACB with the opposite study medication, according to randomization. Primary outcome was pain during 45 degrees active flexion of the knee at 45 min after the first block, assessed on a 0–100 mm visual analogue scale. Secondary outcome measures were: pain at rest and during flexion of the knee, worst pain experienced during a 5‐m walk, patient's evaluation of muscle strength during walk, and amount of sufentanil administered during the 90‐min study period.

Results

Regarding primary outcome, mean pain score difference between groups was 34 (95% CI: 25 to 44) mm, P < 0.001, in favour of the R group. At rest, mean pain score difference was 32 (23 to 41) mm, P < 0.001, and during walk: 21 (6 to 36) mm, P = 0.01 in favour of the R group. There were no differences between groups regarding other secondary outcome measures.

Conclusion

The ACB is a relevant option for patients with moderate to severe pain after arthroscopic knee surgery.
Nicotine‐induced locomotor sensitization: pharmacological analyses with candidate smoking cessation aids
Authors: Goutier Wouter , Kloeze Margreet , McCreary Andrew C.
Published: October 2014

There are a number of approved therapeutics for the management of alcohol dependence, which might also convey the potential as smoking cessation aids. The present study investigated the effect of a few of these therapeutics and potential candidates (non‐peptide vasopressin V1b antagonists) on the expression of nicotine‐induced behavioral sensitization in Wistar rats. The following compounds were included in this evaluation: rimonabant, bupropion, topiramate, acamprosate, naltrexone, mecamylamine, nelivaptan (SSR‐149415, V1b antagonist) and two novel V1b antagonists. Following the development of nicotine‐induced locomotor sensitization and a withdrawal period, the expression of sensitization was assessed in the presence of one of the examined agents given 30 minutes prior to the nicotine challenge injection. Acamprosate, naltrexone, rimonabant, mecamylamine, nelivaptan and V1b antagonist ‘compound 2′ significantly antagonized the expression of nicotine‐induced sensitization. Whereas topiramate showed a trend for effects, the V1b antagonist ‘compound 1′ did not show any significant effects. Bupropion failed to block sensitization but increased activity alone and was therefore tested in development and cross‐sensitization studies. Taken together, these findings provide pre‐clinical evidence that these molecules attenuated the expression of nicotine‐induced sensitization and should be further investigated as putative treatments for nicotine addiction. Moreover, V1b antagonists should be further investigated as a potential novel smoking cessation aid.
Loading and composite restoration assessment of various non‐carious cervical lesions morphologies – 3D finite element analysis
Authors: Soares PV , Machado AC , Zeola LF , Souza PG , Galvão AM , Montes TC , Pereira AG , Reis BR , Coleman TA , Grippo JO
Published: October 2014

Background

The present study analysed the effects of different occlusal loading on premolars displaying various non‐carious cervical lesions morphologies, restored (or not) with composites, by 3D finite element analysis.

Methods

A three‐dimensional digital model of a maxillary premolar was generated using CAD software. Three non‐carious cervical lesions morphological types were simulated: wedged‐shaped, saucer and mixed. All virtual models underwent three loading types (100 N): vertical, buccal and palatal loading. The simulated non‐carious cervical lesions morphologies were analysed with and without restorations to consider specific regions, such as the occlusal and gingival walls as well as the depth of the lesions. Data summarizing the stress distribution were obtained in MPa using Maximum Principal Stress.

Results

Palatal loads were responsible for providing the highest values of accumulated tensile stress on the buccal wall; 27.66 MPa and 25.76 MPa for mixed and wedged‐shaped morphologies, respectively. The highest tensile values found on non‐carious cervical lesions morphologies restored with composite resin were 5.9 MPa in the mixed morphology, similar to those found on sound models despite their morphologies and occlusal loading.

Conclusions

The various non‐carious cervical lesions morphologies had little effect on stress distribution patterns, whereas the loading type and presence of composite restorations influenced the biomechanical behaviour of the maxillary premolars.
Improving health service delivery for women with diabetes in pregnancy in remote Australia: survey of care in the Northern Territory Diabetes in Pregnancy Partnership
Authors: Edwards Laura , Connors Christine , Whitbread Cherie , Brown Alex , Oats Jeremy , Maple‐Brown Louise ,   the NT Diabetes in Pregnancy Partnership
Published: October 2014

Background

In the Northern Territory (NT), 38% of 3500 births each year are to Indigenous women, 80% of whom live in regional and remote areas. Compared with the general Australian population, rates of pre‐existing type 2 diabetes in pregnancy are 10‐fold higher and rates of gestational diabetes are 1.5‐fold higher among Indigenous women. Current practices in screening for diabetes in pregnancy in remote Australia are not known.

Aims

To assess current health service delivery for NT women with diabetes in pregnancy (DIP) by surveying healthcare professionals' views and practices in DIP screening and management.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of NT healthcare professionals providing clinical care for women with DIP was conducted based on pre‐identified themes of communication, care‐coordination, education, orientation and guidelines, logistics and access, and information technology.

Results

Of the 116 responders to the survey, 78% were primary healthcare professionals, 32% midwives and 25% general practitioners. High staff turnover was evident: of Central Australian professionals, only 33% (urban) and 18% (regional/remote) had been in their current position over 5 years. DIP screening was conducted at first antenatal visit by 66% and at 24–28‐week gestation by 81%. Only 50% of respondents agreed that most women at their health service received appropriate care for DIP, and 41% of primary care practitioners were neutral or not confident in their skills to manage DIP.

Conclusions

It is promising that many healthcare professionals report following new guidelines in conducting early pregnancy screening for DIP in high risk women. Several challenges were identified in healthcare delivery to a high risk population in remote Australia.
Can we teach core clinical obstetrics and gynaecology skills using low fidelity simulation in an interprofessional setting?
Authors: Kumar Arunaz , Gilmour Carole , Nestel Debra , Aldridge Robyn , MCLelland Gayle , Wallace Euan
Published: October 2014

Core clinical skills acquisition is an essential component of undergraduate medical and midwifery education. Although interprofessional education is an increasingly common format for learning efficient teamwork in clinical medicine, its value in undergraduate education is less clear. We present a collaborative effort from the medical and midwifery schools of Monash University, Melbourne, towards the development of an educational package centred around a core skills‐based workshop using low fidelity simulation models in an interprofessional setting. Detailed feedback on the package was positive with respect to the relevance of the teaching content, whether the topic was well taught by task trainers and simulation models used, pitch of level of teaching and perception of confidence gained in performing the skill on a real patient after attending the workshop. Overall, interprofessional core skills training using low fidelity simulation models introduced at an undergraduate level in medicine and midwifery had a good acceptance.
Impact of using the international association of diabetes and pregnancy study groups criteria in South Auckland: prevalence, interventions and outcomes
Authors: Ekeroma Alec J. , Chandran Gokilavani S. , McCowan Lesley , Ansell David , Eagleton Carl , Kenealy Tim
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Adopting the modified International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria for diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) will increase the prevalence of GDM resulting in increased resource utilisation and an unknown effect on clinical outcomes.

Aims

To determine the prevalence of GDM by the modified IADPSG criteria and compare characteristics and pregnancy outcomes between women with GDM by IADPSG‐additional, those with GDM by the New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes (NZSSD) criteria and those with a normal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Methods

All women who delivered at Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB) for a 12‐month period from July 2012 to June 2013 had demographic, pregnancy and laboratory data obtained from hospital databases and clinical records.

Results

Of the 6376 (85%) of eligible women screened for GDM, 381 (6%) had GDM by NZSSD criteria and an additional 238 (4%) by the modified IADPSG‐additional criteria, a relative increase of 62%. Women with GDM by NZSSD criteria had similar characteristics compared to women with GDM by IADPSG‐additional. The outcomes between the two groups were also similar with the exception of a higher induction of labour (IOL) rate in women with GDM by NZSSD and a higher mean birthweight in the GDM by IADPSG‐additional.

Conclusion

Adopting the modified IADPSG criteria will result in a 62% increase in the number of GDM cases with a significant impact on workload and resources. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support the introduction of the IADPSG criteria for our service.
Description of a new non‐injectable connector to reduce the complications of arterial blood sampling
Authors: Mariyaselvam M. Z. , Heij R. E. , Laba D. , Richardson J. A. , Hodges E. J. , Maduakor C. A. , Carter J. J. , Young P. J.
Published: October 2014

Arterial cannulation is associated with complications including bacterial contamination, accidental intra‐arterial injection and blood spillage. We performed a series of audits and experiments to gauge the potential for these, as well as assess the possible contribution of a new device, the Needle‐Free Arterial Non‐Injectable Connector (NIC), in reducing these risks. The NIC comprises a needle‐free connector that prevents blood spillage and a one‐way valve allowing aspiration only; once screwed onto the side port of a three‐way tap, the device can only be removed with difficulty. We performed a clinical audit of arterial monitoring systems in our intensive care unit, which showed an incidence of bacterial colonisation of five in 86 (6%) three‐way tap ports. We constructed a manikin simulation experiment of the management of acute bradycardia, in which trainee doctors were required to inject atropine intravenously. Ten of 15 (66%) doctors injected the drug into the three‐way tap of the arterial monitoring system rather than into the intravenous cannula or the central venous catheter. In a laboratory study, we replicated the arterial blood sampling and flushing sequence from a three‐way tap, with the syringes attached either directly to the three‐way tap port or to a NIC attached to the port. The first (discard) syringe attached to the three‐way tap was contaminated with bacteria. Bacterial growth was found in 17 of 20 (85%) downstream flushed samples (corresponding to the patient's circulation) when the three‐way tap was accessed directly, compared to none of 20 accessed via the NIC (p < 0.0001). Growth was found on all of 20 (100%) ports accessed directly compared to none of 20 accessed via the NIC (p < 0.0001). The NIC effectively prevents bacteria from contaminating sampling lines. As its design also prevents accidental intra‐arterial injection, we suggest that it can reduce complications of arterial monitoring.
Is the Measurement of Serum Formate Concentration Useful in the Diagnostics of Acute Methanol Poisoning? A Prospective Study of 38 Patients
Authors: Zakharov Sergey , Kurcova Ivana , Navratil Tomas , Salek Tomas , Komarc Martin , Pelclova Daniela
Published: October 2014

The aim of this article was to study the role of serum formate (S‐formate) in diagnosing methanol poisoning. A prospective study was undertaken of 38 patients from the Czech methanol mass poisoning in 2012 – median age 51 [interquartile range (IQR) 37–62] years with confirmed methanol poisoning. S‐formate was measured enzymatically. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to examine the predictive ability of S‐formate. Asymptomatic patients had median S‐formate of 1.9 (IQR 1.5–2.4) mmol/L. The median S‐formate was 15.2 (IQR 13.9–17.6) mmol/L in symptomatic subjects with visual disturbances, 15.4 (12.1–18.0) mmol/L in subjects with dyspnoea and 15.7 (IQR 12.8–18.5) mmol/L in comatose patients. The differences in serum formate concentrations in symptomatic patients depending on clinical features were not significant (all p > 0.05). Patients with long‐term visual sequelae of poisoning had median S‐formate of 16.1 (IQR 14.3–19.9) mmol/L; with central nervous system (CNS) sequelae, patients had 15.9 (IQR 14.2–19.5) mmol/L. In lethal cases, the median S‐formate was 15.2 (IQR 13.8–15.9) mmol/L. The probability of a poor outcome (death or survival with sequelae) was higher than 90% in patients with S‐formate ≥17.5 mmol/L, S‐lactate ≥7.0 mmol/L and/or pH <6.87. The ROC analysis showed that the corresponding areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.64 (0.44–0.85 CI 95%) for S‐formate, 0.75 (0.56–0.93 CI 95%) for ‘S‐formate+S‐lactate’ and only 0.54 (0.38–0.69 CI 95%) for serum methanol, which is lower than for S‐formate (p < 0.05). The measurement of S‐formate is an important tool in the laboratory diagnostics and clinical management of acute methanol poisoning. S‐formate ≥3.7 mmol/L can lead to the first clinical signs of visual toxicity, indicating haemodialysis. S‐formate ≥11–12 mmol/L is associated with visual/CNS sequelae and a lethal outcome.