bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gait mechanics 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are associated with longer‐term changes in patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Erhart‐Hledik Jennifer C. , Chu Constance R. , Asay Jessica L. , Andriacchi Thomas P.
Published: May 2016

This study tested the hypothesis that side‐to‐side differences in knee gait mechanics 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are associated with long‐term (∼8 years post‐reconstruction) changes in patient‐reported outcome scores. Sixteen subjects (5 males; age: 29.1 ± 7.1 years) with primary unilateral ACL reconstruction were gait tested at baseline (2.2 ± 0.3 years post‐ACL reconstruction) and filled out KOOS and Lysholm surveys. At long‐term follow‐up (7.7 ± 0.7 years post‐ACL reconstruction), the same subjects completed KOOS and Lysholm surveys. Pearson correlation coefficients assessed relationships between side‐to‐side differences in kinematics and kinetics at baseline and changes in Lysholm and KOOS Pain/QOL scores from 2 to 8 years post‐ACL reconstruction. Significant associations were seen between greater average varus rotation (Lysholm: R = −0.654, p = 0.006) and less anterior femoral displacement (Lysholm: R = 0.578, p = 0.019) during stance of the ACL reconstructed knee versus the contralateral knee at baseline and worse follow‐up outcome scores. Significant associations were seen between greater peak knee flexion moment (KOOS Pain: R = −0.572, p = 0.026; KOOS QOL: R = −0.636, p = 0.011), peak knee adduction moment (Lysholm: R = −0.582, p = 0.018; KOOS Pain: R = −0.742, p = 0.002; KOOS QOL: R = −0.551, p = 0.033), and peak internal rotation moment (Lysholm: R = 0.525, p = 0.037; KOOS Pain: R = 0.815, p < 0.001; KOOS QOL: R = 0.777, p = 0.001) in the ACL reconstructed knee at baseline with worse follow‐up outcomes. The results of this study support the hypotheses that early changes in gait mechanics following ACL reconstruction are associated with longer‐term clinical changes in patient‐reported outcomes, suggesting that biomechanical markers obtained as early as 2 years after ACL reconstruction may be useful to understand clinical outcomes in this population. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:634–640, 2017.
Microcrystalline testing used in combination with Raman micro‐spectroscopy for absolute identification of novel psychoactive substances
Authors: Elie Leonie , Elie Mathieu , Cave Gareth , Vetter Marleen , Croxton Ruth , Baron Mark
Published: May 2016

Two new psychoactive substances, namely 4‐methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) and 5,6‐methylenedioxy‐2‐aminoindane (MDAI) were analysed with a novel combination of microcrystalline tests followed by Raman micro‐spectroscopy to facilitate their absolute identification. The discrimination power of the proposed combination was successfully demonstrated through the analysis of the positional isomers 2‐ and 3‐methylmethcathinone. The addition of mercury dichloride as a microcrystalline test reagent produced specific microcrystals of each tested analyte. The robustness of the method was evaluated in the presence of common cutting agents (caffeine and benzocaine) as well as on street samples. The crystal lattice structures of mephedrone, 2‐methylmethcathinone and MDAI mercury dichloride microcrystals were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. This confirmed the presence of both drug and reagent together in the lattice and accounts for the distinct habit of the observed microcrystals. Raman spectra of the formed microcrystals differed from those obtained from their standard salt form by loss and/or gain of some vibrational modes. Particularly important was the appearance of the mercury chloride link to each tested drug molecule which showed as strong bands at low wavenumbers. Its presence was corroborated by its detection in the crystal lattice. It was therefore concluded that microcrystalline testing followed by Raman micro‐spectroscopy satisfies the technique combination requirement for psychoactive substances recommended by the Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drugs (SWGDRUG) and provides a rapid and cheap analysis route. The proposed technique combination also aids the development of new microcrystalline tests as it allows for confirmation of the uniqueness of the developed microcrystals almost in‐situ rather than growing single crystals for often long periods of time needed for single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rate Constants and Sticking Coefficients for H2 and He Obtained by Analysis of Agglomeration in a Nozzle Beam
Authors: Goodisman J. , Chaiken J.
Published: May 2016

Cluster–cluster reaction rate constants are obtained from measurements of coalescence in nozzle‐beam expansions. Coalescence is described by the Smoluchowski equations, modified to accommodate changes in volume and temperature. The asymptotic form of the cluster size distribution can reveal the scaling of the second‐order rate constants Kjk with the sizes of colliding particles. Scalings derived in the past are demonstrably incorrect and physically unjustifiable. Here, we use the physically reasonable scaling, Kjk = K11jμkμ, to study H2 coalescence in a nozzle beam. Experimental size distributions fit the predicted asymptotic form, Nk = Akae−bk, very well, with deviations identifying magic numbers. We obtain the base agglomeration cross section K11 and the parameter μ, and thus all the rate constants, for H2. By comparing with products of geometric cross section and relative velocity, we find sticking coefficients. Experimental results for a nozzle‐beam expansion of He are analyzed similarly, to yield K11 and μ, and hence sticking coefficients, for He. These are compared to those for H2.
Safety of transoral surgery for oropharyngeal malignancies: An analysis of the ACS NSQIP
Authors: Su Henry K. , Ozbek Umut , Likhterov Ilya , Brant Jason , Genden Eric M. , Urken Mark L. , Chai Raymond L.
Published: May 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Minimally invasive transoral surgical approaches for the resection of oropharyngeal tumors offer unique opportunities to achieve oncologically sound results while reducing treatment‐related morbidity. The objective of this study is to characterize the mortality and complication rates of transoral oncologic resections in a large, prospective, de‐identified national dataset from multiple hospitals.

Study Design

Retrospective, multi‐institutional cohort study of 305 patients.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) datasets were accessed and examined for adult patients who underwent transoral surgical resection of oropharyngeal cancers during the years 2010 through 2013. Patient demographics, postoperative complications, and 30‐day mortality were evaluated.

Results

A total of 305 patients in the 2010 to 2013 ACS NSQIP datasets met study criteria. For the 18 postoperative complications that we assessed, 24 of 305 patients developed 37 complications, representing a complication rate of 7.9%. Among all patients, the 30‐day mortality rate was 0.7%, representing two patient deaths. The presence of preoperative dyspnea, hypertension requiring medication, and an American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of 3 or 4 were significantly associated with extended hospital length of stay (LOS) (> 4 days). On multivariate analysis, hypertension was the only factor that was marginally significant with a longer LOS (odds ratio = 1.74, P = 0.057).

Conclusion

Transoral resection of properly selected oropharyngeal tumors is safe, with low 30‐day morbidity and mortality. A greater understanding of the risk factors for complications following transoral surgery may improve patient selection and safety.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:2484–2491, 2016
Impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on patients undergoing laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer
Authors: Sylvester Michael J. , Marchiano Emily , Park Richard Chan Woo , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: May 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common comorbidity in patients undergoing laryngeal cancer surgery, the impact of this comorbidity in this setting is not well established. In this analysis, we used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) to elucidate the impact of COPD on outcomes after laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer.

Methods

The NIS was queried for patients admitted from 1998 to 2010 with laryngeal cancer who underwent total or partial laryngectomy. Patient demographics, type of admission, length of stay, hospital charges, and concomitant diagnoses were analyzed.

Results

Our inclusion criteria yielded a cohort of 40,441 patients: 3,051 with COPD and 37,390 without. On average, COPD was associated with an additional $12,500 (P < 0.001) in hospital charges and an additional 1.4 days (P < 0.001) of hospital stay. There was no significant difference in incidence of in‐hospital mortality between the COPD and non‐COPD groups after total laryngectomy (1.1% in COPD vs. 1.0% in non‐COPD; P = 0.776); however, there was an increased incidence of in‐hospital mortality in the COPD group compared to the non‐COPD group after partial laryngectomy (3.4% in COPD vs. 0.4% in non‐COPD; P < 0.001). Multivariate adjusted logistic regression revealed that COPD was associated with greater odds of pulmonary complications after both partial laryngectomy (odds ratio [OR] = 3.198; P < 0.001) and total laryngectomy (OR = 1.575; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease appears to be associated with greater hospital charges, length of stay, and postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after partial, but not total, laryngectomy appears to be associated with increased risk of in‐hospital mortality.

Level of Evidence

2C. Laryngoscope, 2016 127:417–423, 2017
Optical classification and characterization of marine particle assemblages within the western Arctic Ocean
Authors: Neukermans Griet , Reynolds Rick A. , Stramski Dariusz
Published: May 2016

We develop an optical classification of marine particle assemblages from an extensive dataset of particle optical properties collected in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the spectral particulate backscattering‐to‐absorption ratio partitioned the dataset into seven optically‐distinct clusters of particle assemblages, each associated with different characteristics of particle concentration, composition, and phytoplankton taxonomic composition and size. Three phytoplankton‐dominated clusters were identified. One was characterized by small‐sized phytoplankton that are typically associated with regenerated production, and comprised samples from the subsurface chlorophyll‐a maximum in oligotrophic waters of the Beaufort Sea. The other two clusters represented diatom‐dominated particle assemblages in turbid shelf waters with differing contributions of photoprotective pigments. Such situations are generally associated with significant new production. Two clusters were dominated by organic nonalgal material, one representing clear waters off the shelf, the other representative of post‐diatom bloom conditions in the Chukchi Sea. Another distinct cluster represented mineral‐dominated particle assemblages that were observed in the Colville and Mackenzie River plumes and near the seafloor. Finally, samples in a cluster of mixed particle composition were scattered throughout all locations. Optical classification improved performance of predictive bio‐optical relationships. These results demonstrate a capability to discriminate distinct assemblages of suspended particles associated with specific ecological conditions from hyperspectral measurements of optical properties, and the potential for identification of ecological provinces at synoptic time and space scales from optical sensors. Analogous analysis of multispectral optical data strongly reduced this capability.
Electromyographic evidence in support of a knock‐in mouse model of DYT1 Dystonia
Authors: DeAndrade Mark P. , Trongnetrpunya Amy , Yokoi Fumiaki , Cheetham Chad C. , Peng Ning , Wyss J. Michael , Ding Mingzhou , Li Yuqing
Published: May 2016

Introduction

DYT1 dystonia is an autosomal‐dominant movement disorder characterized by abnormal, often repetitive, movements and postures. Its hallmark feature is sustained or intermittent contractions of muscles involving co‐contractions of antagonist muscle pairs. The symptoms are relieved with the anticholinergic drug trihexyphenidyl. The primary mutation is a trinucleotide deletion (ΔGAG) in DYT1/TOR1A, which codes for torsinA. Previous studies showed that (1) heterozygous Dyt1 ΔGAG knock‐in mice, which have an analogous mutation in the endogenous gene, exhibit motor deficits and altered corticostriatal synaptic plasticity in the brain and (2) these deficits can be rescued by trihexyphenidyl. However, brain imaging studies suggest that the Dyt1 knock‐in mouse models nonmanifesting mutation carriers of DYT1 dystonia. The aim of this work was to examine the hallmark features of DYT1 dystonia in the Dyt1 knock‐in mice by analyzing muscular activities.

Methods

Wireless telemetry devices with biopotential channels were implanted to the bicep and the rectus femori muscles in Dyt1 knock‐in mice, and muscular activities were recorded before and after trihexyphenidyl administration.

Results

(1) Consistent with DYT1 dystonia patients, Dyt1 knock‐in mice showed sustained contractions and co‐contractions of the antagonistic bicep femoris and rectus femoris. (2) The abnormal muscle contractions were normalized by trihexyphenidyl.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the motor deficits in Dyt1 knock‐in mice are likely produced by abnormal muscle contractions, and Dyt1 knock‐in mice can potentially be used as a manifesting disease model to study pathophysiology and develop novel therapeutics. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Double‐gated myocardial ASL perfusion imaging is robust to heart rate variation
Authors: Do Hung Phi , Yoon Andrew J. , Fong Michael W. , Saremi Farhood , Barr Mark L. , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Cardiac motion is a dominant source of physiological noise (PN) in myocardial arterial spin labeled (ASL) perfusion imaging. This study investigates the sensitivity to heart rate variation (HRV) of double‐gated myocardial ASL compared with the more widely used single‐gated method.

Methods

Double‐gating and single‐gating were performed on 10 healthy volunteers (n = 10, 3F/7M; age, 23–34 years) and eight heart transplant recipients (n = 8, 1F/7M; age, 26–76 years) at rest in the randomized order. Myocardial blood flow (MBF), PN, temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and HRV were measured.

Results

HRV ranged from 0.2 to 7.8 bpm. Double‐gating PN did not depend on HRV, while single‐gating PN increased with HRV. Over all subjects, double‐gating provided a significant reduction in global PN (from 0.20 ± 0.15 to 0.11 ± 0.03 mL/g/min; P = 0.01) and per‐segment PN (from 0.33 ± 0.23 to 0.21 ± 0.12 mL/g/min; P < 0.001), with significant increases in global temporal SNR (from 11 ± 8 to 18 ± 8; P = 0.02) and per‐segment temporal SNR (from 7 ± 4 to 11 ± 12; P < 0.001) without significant difference in measured MBF.

Conclusion

Single‐gated myocardial ASL suffers from reduced temporal SNR, while double‐gated myocardial ASL provides consistent temporal SNR independent of HRV. Magn Reson Med 77:1975–1980, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Messgrößen für die Diffusion
Authors: Kärger Jörg
Published: May 2016

Wie sich Gastmoleküle in nanoporösen Wirtsystemen bewegen, ist durch NMR‐Spektroskopie mit gepulsten Feldgradienten, PFG‐NMR, direkt messbar. Methoden der Mikrobildgebung erfassen auch Transportphänomene unter Nichtgleichgewichtsbedingungen, wie sie bei Adsorption und Desorption sowie bei chemischen Reaktionen vorliegen.
Körper sauber, Meer verdreckt
Authors: Margraf Natalie
Published: May 2016

Nachdem acht US‐Bundesstaaten Mikroplastik in abwaschbaren Kosmetika verboten haben, folgt nun das gesamte Land mit einem Gesetz. Australien zieht nach. Und was macht die EU? Abwarten.
Schüler im internationalen Wettbewerb
Authors: Bohrmann‐Linde Claudia , Geller Heidrun , Tausch Michael W.
Published: May 2016

Auch im Jahr 2015 stellten sich Schüler deutscher Schulen mit Schwerpunkt in den Naturwissenschaften den Fragen des internationalen Chemiewettbewerbs des Royal Australian Chemical Institute. Die Ergebnisse zeigen Fachkompetenzen und Problemlösefähigkeiten im internationalen Vergleich.
A second‐order ensemble method based on a blended backward differentiation formula timestepping scheme for time‐dependent Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Jiang Nan
Published: May 2016

We present a second‐order ensemble method based on a blended three‐step backward differentiation formula (BDF) timestepping scheme to compute an ensemble of Navier–Stokes equations. Compared with the only existing second‐order ensemble method that combines the two‐step BDF timestepping scheme and a special explicit second‐order Adams–Bashforth treatment of the advection term, this method is more accurate with nominal increase in computational cost. We give comprehensive stability and error analysis for the method. Numerical examples are also provided to verify theoretical results and demonstrate the improved accuracy of the method. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 34–61, 2017
Fabrication of a copolymer flocculant and application for Cr(VI) removal
Authors: You Lijun , Song Lidao , Lu Feifei , Zhang Qiqing
Published: May 2016

A copolymer flocculant (CATCS) derived from starch and chitosan was fabricated and used as eco‐friendly adsorbent for removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The CATCS flocculant was characterized by scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetic analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of CATCS dosage, initial Cr(VI) concentration, pH, and reaction time on removal of Cr(VI) were discussed. The results showed CATCS removed Cr(VI) effectively and the adsorption isotherm agreed well with the Freundlich isotherm and R–P isotherm models. The enthalpy change (ΔH) of the process was 16.75 kJ/mol suggesting the existence of chemisorption and the reaction was endothermic. Moreover, the negative free energy change (ΔG) indicated the adsorption process was feasible and spontaneous. The positive entropy change (ΔS) showed there was an increase of disorder in the system during the adsorption process. The adsorption kinetics results showed that the adsorption could be described by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics mechanism. The activation energy (Ea) of the adsorption reaction was 29.16 kJ/mol. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:1213–1220, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Poly(ethylene glycol)–polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane as a novel plasticizer and thermal stabilizer for poly(vinyl chloride) nanocomposites
Authors: Yang Shuyan , Wu Wenjian , Jiao Yuanqi , Fan Hongbo , Cai Zhuodi
Published: May 2016

The plasticizing and thermostabilizing effect of poly(ethylene glycol)–polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (PEG‐POSS) on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is discussed thoroughly in this work. As PEG‐POSS content increases, PVC becomes more flexible and the decomposition temperature of PVC increases slightly. Meanwhile, the temperature of maximum HCl emission is elevated from 265.3 °C in neat PVC to 285.7 °C in PVC nanocomposites, with the peak intensity of HCl emission decreased by 30.8%, and a new lower intensity of HCl emission peak appearing at much higher temperature (around 370 °C), which is in accordance with the maximum degradation temperature of PEG‐POSS. Thereby, a possible dehydrochlorination mechanism is suggested according to the fact that the electron donor effect of ether groups would stabilize the CCl bonds by means of more electron cloud stacked in those bonds, which agrees with Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy experiments in terms of hydrogen bonds. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantification of the nucleophilic reactivity of nicotine
Authors: Byrne Peter A. , Kobayashi Shinjiro , Breugst Martin , Laub Hans , Mayr Herbert
Published: May 2016

Rate and equilibrium constants of the reactions of nicotine and structurally related compounds with benzhydrylium ions have been determined UV‐Vis spectroscopically using stopped‐flow and laser‐flash techniques. The pyridine nitrogen of nicotine was identified as the site of thermodynamically and kinetically controlled attack. Quantum chemical calculations showed that the introduction of a pyrid‐3‐yl moiety into the 2‐position of N‐methylpyrrolidine (to give nicotine) reduces the Lewis basicity of the pyrrolidine ring by 24 kJ mol−1, whereas the analogous introduction of a phenyl ring decreases this quantity by only 11 kJ mol−1. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational spectra, conformational properties and argon matrix photochemistry of diacetyl diselenide, CH3C(O)Se2C(O)CH3
Authors: Gómez Castaño Jovanny A. , Romano Rosana M. , Salamanca Ana R. , Amésquita Germán , Beckers Helmut , Willner Helge , Della Védova Carlos O.
Published: May 2016

By oxidation of selenoacetic acid, CH3C(O)SeH, we have prepared the hitherto unknown diacetyl diselenide, [CH3C(O)Se]2. Its vibrational properties were studied experimentally, both in neat liquid (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman) with the molecule isolated in argon matrix at low temperatures and theoretically using MP2 and B3LYP methods in combination with 6‐31+G(d), 6‐311++G(3df,3dp) or aug‐cc‐pvDZ basis sets. Analysis of Ar matrix spectra reveals a conformational equilibrium in gas phase at room temperature, which was interpreted by considering only two of the three stable rotamers predicted by our three‐dimensional potential energy surface scans. Energetic properties of three minima found theoretically were further studied in terms of donor–acceptor interactions by using natural bond orbital calculations at the same levels of theory. From this, it was possible to rationalize the conformational stability order and molecular structures by means of vicinal hyperconjugative delocalizations involving lone pairs on selenium or oxygen atoms and C=O, C–C or Se–C antibonding orbitals. The photochemistry of the compound in the argon matrix in the range between 200 and 800 nm was also investigated, revealing only one photochemical path to produce ketene, H2C=C=O, methylselane, CH3SeH, and carbonyl selenide, OCSe. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transport properties of small molecules in zwitterionic polymers
Authors: Shah Shawreen , Liu Junyi , Ng Siucheung , Luo Shuangjiang , Guo Ruilan , Cheng Chong , Lin Haiqing
Published: May 2016

Despite great interests in using zwitterionic polymers for membrane surface modification to enhance antifouling properties, there lacks fundamental understanding of the relationship between polymer structure and water/salt separation properties. In this study, two series of zwitterionic polymers were prepared from sulfobetaine methacrylate and 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine. Both are crosslinked by poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). These copolymers were thoroughly characterized in terms of sol‐gel fraction, density, glass transition temperature, contact angle, water and salt transport properties, and pure‐gas permeability. Interestingly, the zwitterionic polymers exhibit water sorption and permeability similar to noncharged poly(ethylene glycol)‐based materials. These zwitterionic polymers exhibit lower NaCl diffusivity and permeability and thus higher water/NaCl selectivity than the non‐charged PEG‐based materials at similar water volume fractions, demonstrating their promise for membrane surface modification for desalination and wastewater treatment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1924–1934
A comparison of two representations of subgrid‐scale cloud structure in a global model: radiative effects as a function of cloud characteristics
Authors: Paquin‐Ricard Danahé , Vaillancourt Paul A. , Barker Howard W. , Cole Jason N. S.
Published: May 2016

Two approaches to account for the radiative impacts of subgrid‐scale variability of cloud in a general circulation model (GCM) are compared: (i) deterministic reduction of cloud optical depth imbedded within the radiative transfer scheme and (ii) stochastic subcolumns employed with the Monte Carlo Independent Column Approximation (McICA). This article analyzes impacts, as a function of cloud phase and cloud fraction, due to replacement of deterministic method (which is used currently in the GCM) with the McICA method, as well as the introduction of cloud‐water horizontal inhomogeneity and changes to the description of cloud vertical overlap.

The largest radiative effects are produced by changing horizontal inhomogeneity of cloud water, which, when enhanced, generally decreases cloud albedo and emissivity, with the exception of some ice clouds, the albedo of which increases. Reducing the extent to which clouds overlap vertically has smaller and opposite effects relative to increasing horizontal inhomogeneity, with the exception of some ice clouds, where both effects have the same sign. These effects are, however, less pronounced than the increases to both cloud albedo and emissivity that stem from replacement of the deterministic optical depth reduction method by McICA. In essence, deterministic reduction of cloud optical depth has a more aggressive impact on radiative transfer than does McICA's stochastic sampling of horizontal inhomogeneity. When the McICA methodology is applied interactively in the GCM, both cloud fraction and water content for low‐level clouds are reduced relative to the deterministic method.
Effect of germinated black bean cotyledons (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as an extruded flour ingredient on physicochemical characteristics, in vitro digestibility starch, and protein of nixtamalized blue maize cookies
Authors: de la Rosa‐Millán Julián , Pérez‐Carrillo Esther , Guajardo‐Flores Sara
Published: May 2016

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of extruded germinated black bean cotyledon flour (EBB) as a substitute of nixtamalized blue maize (NBM) flour on proximal composition, physicochemical characteristics, protein, starch digestion performance, and sensory analysis with a just about right (JAR) scale of NBM cookies. A ratio of 82.5:7.5 (NBM:EBB) decreased the viscosity of the flour mixtures, thus decreasing the spread factor to 15.44%. The EBB significantly increased the protein content and its digestibility 17.43 and 3.65%, respectively. A relative higher amount of slowly digestible starch and remaining RS was found in the substituted EBB cookies. Furthermore, EBB substitution showed a significantly lower predicted GI than that elaborated solely with NBM. The JAR scale showed that cookies substituted with EBB7.5 were evaluated with an ideal texture (70.0%). Overall, considering functional and nutritional properties, NBM plus EBB could be a good alternative to produce high‐protein cookies.
Detection and treatment of atherosclerosis using nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Jia , Zu Yujiao , Dhanasekara Chathurika S. , Li Jun , Wu Dayong , Fan Zhaoyang , Wang Shu
Published: May 2016

Atherosclerosis is the key pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, which is a silent killer and a leading cause of death in the United States. Atherosclerosis starts with the adhesion of inflammatory monocytes on the activated endothelial cells in response to inflammatory stimuli. These monocytes can further migrate into the intimal layer of the blood vessel where they differentiate into macrophages, which take up oxidized low‐density lipoproteins and release inflammatory factors to amplify the local inflammatory response. After accumulation of cholesterol, the lipid‐laden macrophages are transformed into foam cells, the hallmark of the early stage of atherosclerosis. Foam cells can die from apoptosis or necrosis, and the intracellular lipid is deposed in the artery wall forming lesions. The angiogenesis for nurturing cells is enhanced during lesion development. Proteases released from macrophages, foam cells, and other cells degrade the fibrous cap of the lesion, resulting in rupture of the lesion and subsequent thrombus formation. Thrombi can block blood circulation, which represents a major cause of acute heart events and stroke. There are generally no symptoms in the early stages of atherosclerosis. Current detection techniques cannot easily, safely, and effectively detect the lesions in the early stages, nor can they characterize the lesion features such as the vulnerability. While the available therapeutic modalities cannot target specific molecules, cells, and processes in the lesions, nanoparticles appear to have a promising potential in improving atherosclerosis detection and treatment via targeting the intimal macrophages, foam cells, endothelial cells, angiogenesis, proteolysis, apoptosis, and thrombosis. Indeed, many nanoparticles have been developed in improving blood lipid profile and decreasing inflammatory response for enhancing therapeutic efficacy of drugs and decreasing their side effects. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1412. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1412

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Cardiovascular Disease
Synthesis and Properties of 4,4′‐Di(n‐Tetradecyl) Diphenyl Methane Disulfonate Salt
Authors: Xu Kai , Wang Danping , Xu Hujun
Published: May 2016

The gemini surfactant, sodium 4,4′‐di(n‐tetradecyl) diphenyl methane disulfonate, has been synthesized in four steps with high yield and only one isomer. The structures of intermediate products were analyzed by 1H‐NMR spectrometry and elemental analysis. Mass spectrometry was applied to the analysis of the final product. The Krafft point, surface tension, and critical micelle concentration of the aqueous solution and the oil–water interfacial tension were measured. The results indicate that the gemini surfactant exhibits an ultra‐low interfacial tension of 7.22 × 10−3 mN/m, which shows potential applications for enhanced oil recovery.
Learning to manage complexity through simulation: students’ challenges and possible strategies
Authors: Gormley Gerard J. , Fenwick Tara
Published: May 2016

Many have called for medical students to learn how to manage complexity in healthcare. This study examines the nuances of students’ challenges in coping with a complex simulation learning activity, using concepts from complexity theory, and suggests strategies to help them better understand and manage complexity.

Wearing video glasses, participants took part in a simulation ward-based exercise that incorporated characteristics of complexity. Video footage was used to elicit interviews, which were transcribed. Using complexity theory as a theoretical lens, an iterative approach was taken to identify the challenges that participants faced and possible coping strategies using both interview transcripts and video footage.

Students’ challenges in coping with clinical complexity included being: a) unprepared for ‘diving in’, b) caught in an escalating system, c) captured by the patient, and d) unable to assert boundaries of acceptable practice.

Many characteristics of complexity can be recreated in a ward-based simulation learning activity, affording learners an embodied and immersive experience of these complexity challenges. Possible strategies for managing complexity themes include: a) taking time to size up the system, b) attuning to what emerges, c) reducing complexity, d) boundary practices, and e) working with uncertainty. This study signals pedagogical opportunities for recognizing and dealing with complexity.
First Trimester Screening for Pre-eclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Selvaraj Lakshmy Ravi , Rose Nity , Ramachandran Meenakshi
Published: May 2016

This paper is an analysis of the effectiveness of various first trimester markers in detecting uteroplacental insufficiency. The various parameters used for screening in 3373 women were uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) >90th percentile, maternal characteristics, mean arterial pressure (MAP), PAPP-A lower than 0.5 MoM, and PlGF test. Adverse pregnancy outcomes related to uteroplacental insufficiency, namely low birth weight, fetal loss, delivery before 36 weeks (due to abnormal fetal Doppler or oligohydramnios), and hypertension were assessed. Adverse outcomes were found in 37 % of patients who had high uterine PI, in 52 % of cases that had a positive risk after inclusion of maternal characteristics, MAP, and uterine artery Doppler, 55 % of women with low PAPP-A values, 85 % in cases that had both low PAPP-A values and high uterine artery PI, in all the cases positive for early onset pre-eclampsia (PE), and in 65 % of cases positive for late onset PE after inclusion of all parameters mentioned above with PlGF testing. Hence, PlGF test had the maximum detection rate for early onset PE. However, the predictive efficacy for detection of PE and fetal growth restriction (FGR) is quite good when PAPP-A is combined along with first trimester risk prediction using maternal characteristics, MAP, and uterine artery PI. The adverse outcomes were very minimal in the screen negative group, thus first trimester screening for PE and FGR definitely helps in triaging patients earlier in pregnancy giving the advantage of adding low-dose aspirin and increasing surveillance in screen positive group which would help us in minimizing adverse perinatal outcomes.
The effects of promotions on hedonic versus utilitarian purchases
Authors: Kivetz Ran , Zheng Yuhuang
Published: May 2016

Because it is harder to justify hedonic purchases than utilitarian purchases, it is proposed that promotions will have a stronger positive effect on the purchase likelihood of hedonic than utilitarian products. This and related propositions are tested in multiple studies using a variety of product categories and promotions. The results demonstrate that promotions are more effective in driving purchase decisions when: (a) the product is hedonic rather than utilitarian; (b) the product is framed as more hedonic; and (c) the consumer has a hedonic rather than utilitarian consumption goal. Consistent with our conceptualization, the enhanced impact of promotions on hedonic purchases is attenuated when: (a) the hedonic product is intended as a gift for others; (b) consumers can construct justifications for their purchase ahead of time; (c) consumers arenotaccountable for their decisions; and (d) the promotion is contingent on purchasing additional product units (i.e., a quantity discount like “Buy 10, get 50% off”). Importantly, the present research reconciles and explains the seemingly inconsistent prior findings regarding the effects of price versus quantity promotions.
Beneficial effects of home‐based cardiac rehabilitation on metabolic profiles in coronary heart‐disease patients
Authors: Chen Jing‐Ting , Lin Tsung‐Hsien , Voon Wen‐Chol , Lai Wen‐Ter , Huang Mao‐Hsiung , Sheu Sheng‐Hsiung , Chen Chun‐Kai
Published: May 2016

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased risk of CHD. Cardiac rehabilitation is considered an effective intervention and a Class I indication in patients with CHD. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of home‐based, integrated cardiac rehabilitation (HBICR) of patients with CHD in modifiable risk‐factor control and exercise capacity. Sixty‐four patients with CHD were investigated and randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received a HBICR containing medication use, exercise program, smoking‐cessation counseling, and education regarding risk factors, nutrition, and the necessity of continuing the program, whereas the control group received traditional care. Baseline and follow‐up assessments at 3 months and 12 months, including body composition, metabolic syndrome risk score, and biochemical tests were performed in all patients. Additionally, cardiopulmonary function tests were also performed at baseline and 3‐month follow‐up assessments. There was a significant between‐group, within‐group, and interaction effect found in the MetS Z scores. Significant within‐group effects were also observed in modified Adult Treatment Panel III score, waist circumference, high‐density lipoprotein, and low‐density lipoprotein. However, several cardiopulmonary parameters did not differ significantly at 3‐month follow‐up between the two groups, including peak V̇O2, peak heart rate, peak respiratory exchange ratio, anaerobic threshold V̇O2, heart‐rate reserve, and heart‐rate recovery after 1 min and after 2 min. Our results showed that HBICR exhibited significant positive effects on modifiable risk‐factor control in CHD patients.
Methotrexate treatment in progressive tubal ectopic pregnancies and hCG‐related clinicosurgical implications
Authors: Dogan Askin , Gulhan Ibrahim , Uyar Ibrahim , Ekin Atalay , Gezer Cenk , Bilgin Muzaffer , Taner Cüneyt E. , Ertas Ibrahim E.
Published: May 2016

Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between the success of methotrexate treatment and β‐hCG levels in progressive tubal ectopic pregnancies. We defined a retrospective cohort of 394 progressive tubal ectopic pregnancy patients treated with methotrexate. A single‐dose methotrexate protocol using 50 mg/m2 was administered to patients with progressive tubal ectopic pregnancy. Surgery was performed in patients who exhibited signs of acute abdomen due to tubal rupture. Of 394 patients that received methotrexate treatment, 335 (84.6%) responded to medical treatment, while the remaining 59 (15.36%) underwent surgery due to treatment failure. β‐hCG levels in the failure group were significantly higher as compared with the success group at Day 1, Day 4, and Day 7 (2116 ± 3157 vs. 4178 ± 3422, 2062 ± 3551 vs. 4935 ± 4103, and 1532 ± 3007 vs. 3900 ± 4783, respectively). The receiver operating characteristics curve for β‐hCG levels at Day 1 was 0.738, with a cutoff value of 1418 mIU/mL, while sensitivity and specificity values reached the optimum for treatment success (83.1% and 59.4%, respectively). Medical treatment with methotrexate achieved an 85.02% success rate for the treatment of progressive tubal ectopic pregnancy, while success rates for medical treatment decreased significantly when initial β‐hCG levels were >1418 mIU/mL.
THE NOT-SO-SIMPLE ECONOMICS OF PRODUCTION QUOTA BUYOUTS
Authors: SCHMITZ ANDREW , HAYNES DWAYNE , SCHMITZ TROY G.
Published: May 2016

This article updates and expands the literature on the impact of production quotas. Unlike many of the early studies, our focus is largely on the removal of production quota programs. We study cases wherein production quota programs have been eliminated and quota owners were compensated for their losses. Specifically, we examine (1) production quotas in both the absence and presence of trade, (2) production quota buyouts (three case studies), (3) sources of funding, and (4) general equilibrium considerations. A fifth section briefly discusses externalities, the interpretation of consumer surplus measures, and the nature of conducting economic analyses of addictive goods.
A Comparative Analysis of the Protection of Trade Names Under the English Tort of Passing Off and Section 18 of Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code
Authors: REEKIE Surutchada , REEKIE Adam
Published: May 2016

The English common law tort of passing off came into the spotlight in 2015 with the UK Supreme Court case ofStarbucks (HK) Ltd v British Sky Broadcasting Groupsettling the current position regarding the question of the territorial scope of goodwill. This article undertakes a comparative study of the tort with Section 18 of theThai Civil and Commercial Codewhich, it argues, has been interpreted by the Thai Supreme Court to offer a materially similar remedy to the English tort in two important conceptual aspects: the requirement for misrepresentation and the so-called “hard line” approach to the territorial scope of goodwill, as affirmed byStarbucks. The analysis carries important implications for comparative lawyers and legislators in both the UK and Thailand, and challenges assumptions based on a simplistic categorization of Thailand as a civil law jurisdiction.
Genome research in pre-dementia stages of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Moreno-Grau Sonia , Ruiz Agustín
Published: May 2016

Genetic characterization of individuals at risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), i.e. people having amyloid deposits in the brain without symptoms, people suffering from subjective cognitive decline (SCD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), has spurred the interests of researchers. However, their pre-dementia genetic profile remains mostly unexplored. In this study, we reviewed the loci related to phenotypes of AD, MCI and SCD from literature and performed the first meta-analyses evaluating the role of apolipoprotein E (APOE) in the risk of conversion from a healthy status to MCI and SCD. For AD dementia risk, an increased number of loci have been identified; to date, 28 genes have been associated with Late Onset AD. In MCI syndrome,APOEis confirmed as a pheno-conversion factor leading from MCI to AD, and clusterin is a promising candidate. Additionally, our meta-analyses revealedAPOEas genetic risk factor to convert from a healthy status to MCI [OR = 1.849 (1.587–2.153);P = 2.80  × 10−15] and to a lesser extent from healthy status to SCD [OR = 1.151 (1.015–1.304);P = 0.028]. Thus, we believe that genetic studies in longitudinal SCD and MCI series may provide new therapeutic targets and improve the existing knowledge of AD. This type of studies must be completed on healthy subjects to better understand the natural disease resistance to brain insults and neurodegeneration.
Inertial-particle accelerations in turbulence: a Lagrangian closure
Authors: Vajedi S. , Gustavsson K. , Mehlig B. , Biferale L.
Published: May 2016

The distribution of particle accelerations in turbulence is intermittent, with non-Gaussian tails that are quite different for light and heavy particles. In this article we analyse a closure scheme for the acceleration fluctuations of light and heavy inertial particles in turbulence, formulated in terms of Lagrangian correlation functions of fluid tracers. We compute the variance and the flatness of inertial-particle accelerations and we discuss their dependency on the Stokes number. The closure incorporates effects induced by the Lagrangian correlations along the trajectories of fluid tracers, and its predictions agree well with results of direct numerical simulations of inertial particles in turbulence, provided that the effects induced by inertial preferential sampling of heavy/light particles outside/inside vortices are negligible. In particular, the scheme predicts the correct functional behaviour of the acceleration variance, as a function of $St$, as well as the presence of a minimum/maximum for the flatness of the acceleration of heavy/light particles, in good qualitative agreement with numerical data. We also show that the closure works well when applied to the Lagrangian evolution of particles using a stochastic surrogate for the underlying Eulerian velocity field. Our results support the conclusion that there exist important contributions to the statistics of the acceleration of inertial particles independent of the preferential sampling. For heavy particles we observe deviations between the predictions of the closure scheme and direct numerical simulations, at Stokes numbers of order unity. For light particles the deviation occurs for larger Stokes numbers.
Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 inhibits adipose tissue inflammation and intestinal permeability in mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Kawano Michio , Miyoshi Masaya , Ogawa Akihiro , Sakai Fumihiko , Kadooka Yukio
Published: May 2016

The probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 (LG2055) has anti-obesity effects. Obesity is closely correlated with inflammation in adipose tissue, and maintaining adipose tissue in a less-inflamed state requires intestinal integrity or a barrier function to protect the intestine from the disruption that can be caused by a high-fat diet (HFD). Here, we examined the anti-inflammatory and intestinal barrier-protecting effects of LG2055 in C57BL/6 mice fed a normal-fat diet (NFD), HFD, or the HFD containing LG2055 (HFD-LG) for 21 weeks. HFD-LG intake significantly prevented HFD-induced increases in body weight, visceral fat mass, and the ratio of inflammatory-type macrophages to anti-inflammatory ones in adipose tissue. Mice fed the HFD showed higher intestinal permeability to a fluorescent dextran administered by oral administration and an elevated concentration of antibodies specific to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the blood compared with those fed the NFD, suggesting an increased penetration of the gut contents into the systemic circulation. These elevations of intestinal permeability and anti-LPS antibody levels were significantly suppressed in mice fed the HFD-LG. Moreover, treatment with LG2055 cells suppressed an increase in the cytokine-induced permeability of Caco-2 cell monolayers. These results suggest that LG2055 improves the intestinal integrity, reducing the entry of inflammatory substances like LPS from the intestine, which may lead to decreased inflammation in adipose tissue.
Observations and modeling of fjord sedimentation during the 30 year retreat of Columbia Glacier, AK
Authors: BOLDT LOVE KATHERINE , HALLET BERNARD , PRATT THOMAS L. , O'NEEL SHAD
Published: May 2016

To explore links between glacier dynamics, sediment yields and the accumulation of glacial sediments in a temperate setting, we use extensive glaciological observations for Columbia Glacier, Alaska, and new oceanographic data from the fjord exposed during its retreat. High-resolution seismic data indicate that 3.2 × 108m3of sediment has accumulated in Columbia Fjord over the past three decades, which corresponds to ~5 mm a−1of erosion averaged over the glaciated area. We develop a general model to infer the sediment-flux history from the glacier that is compatible with the observed retreat history, and the thickness and architecture of the fjord sediment deposits. Results reveal a fivefold increase in sediment flux from 1997 to 2000, which is not correlated with concurrent changes in ice flux or retreat rate. We suggest the flux increase resulted from an increase in the sediment transport capacity of the subglacial hydraulic system due to the retreat-related steepening of the glacier surface over a known subglacial deep basin. Because variations in subglacial sediment storage can impact glacial sediment flux, in addition to changes in climate, erosion rate and glacier dynamics, the interpretation of climatic changes based on the sediment record is more complex than generally assumed.