bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro and in vivo assessment of lactic acid‐modified chitosan scaffolds for potential treatment of full‐thickness burns
Authors: Velasquillo Cristina , Silva‐Bermudez Phaedra , Vázquez Nadia , Martínez Alan , Espadín Andres , García‐López Julieta , Medina‐Vega Antonio , Lecona Hugo , Pichardo‐Baena Raúl , Ibarra Clemente , Shirai Keiko
Published: June 2017

Autologous skin transplantation is today's “gold standard” treatment for full‐thickness burns. However, when > 30% of total body surface area is damaged, there is an important shortage of autologous donor sites for skin grafting; then, treatment alternatives become crucial. Such alternatives can be based on polymeric scaffolds capable of functioning as protective covers and cells/factors carriers. Chitosan (CTS) is a natural‐derived polymer with relevant biological‐related properties but poor mechanical performance. Improved mechanical properties can be achieved through lactic acid grafting (LA‐g); nevertheless, LA‐g affects the biological response towards the CTS‐based materials. In this work, CTS‐LA scaffolds with different LA‐g percentages were synthesized and evaluated to determine appropriate LA‐g degrees for full‐thickness burns treatment. In vitro results indicated that the higher the LA‐g percentage, the lower the capability of the scaffolds to sustain fibroblasts culture. Scaffolds with LA‐g around 28% (CTS‐LA28) sustained cell culture and allowed normal cell functionality. Further evaluation of CTS‐LA28 as acellular and cellular grafts in a full‐thickness burn mouse model showed that at 28 days post‐burn, macroscopic characteristic of the reparation tissue were closer to healthy skin when cellular grafts were used for treatment; histological evaluation also showed that dermis cellularity and collagenous fibers structure were similar to those in healthy skin when cellular grafts were used for burns treatment. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2875–2891, 2017.
One‐Step Synthesis of 3,4‐Diphenyl‐2‐pyrrolinones by Solvent‐Free and Bi2O3‐Catalyzed Approaches and Cytotoxicity Screening Against Glioma Cells
Authors: Cunha Silvio , Serafim José Claudio , de Santana Lourenço Luis Botelho , Damasceno Fabiano , Correia José Tiago Menezes , Santos Airam Oliveira , Oliveira Mona , Ribeiro Janaína , Amparo Jéssika , Costa Silvia Lima
Published: June 2017

Multifunctionalized 2‐pyrrolinones were synthesized from the formal aza‐[3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of acyclic enaminones and diphenylcyclopropenone. For primary enaminones, solventless reaction under microwave heating was developed. On the other hand, catalysis by Bi2O3 under conventional heating was the more suitable strategy when secondary enaminones were employed. These conditions allowed the synthesis of a set of 2‐pyrrolinones with two vicinal phenyl substituents, which were evaluated for cytotoxicity against U251 and C6 glioblastoma cells. In general, all tested 2‐pyrrolinones with two vicinal phenyl rings were more active than those without this structural moiety, and 1‐butyl‐5‐methyl‐5‐(2‐oxopropyl)‐3,4‐diphenyl‐1,5‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrrol‐2‐one was the most cytotoxic and appears to be a new possibility as an antitumor scaffold to this aggressive brain tumor.
Semi‐quantitative reconstruction of early to late Holocene spring and summer sea ice conditions in the northern Barents Sea
Authors: Berben Sarah M. P. , Husum Katrine , Navarro‐Rodriguez Alba , Belt Simon T. , Aagaard‐Sørensen Steffen
Published: June 2017

Semi‐quantitative estimates of early to late Holocene spring sea ice concentration (SpSIC) and occurrence of summer sea ice for the northern Barents Sea have been obtained by analysing the biomarkers IP25, brassicasterol and a tri‐unsaturated highly branched isoprenoid lipid in a Holocene marine sediment core. Sub‐surface water mass variations were derived from planktic foraminiferal assemblages and stable isotopes (δ18O, δ13C). The record indicates paleoceanographic changes over three intervals. During Period I (ca. 9500–5900 cal a BP), the study location experienced the lowest recorded SpSIC (ca. 25%) with short spring seasons and long productive summers, resulting partly from increased Atlantic Water inflow that caused a stronger ocean–atmosphere heat exchange. Throughout Period II (ca. 5900–2700 cal a BP), the winter sea ice margin migrated southwards and an overall cooling trend resulted in higher SpSIC (ca. 60%) and increased delivery of cold Arctic Water. During Period III (ca. 2700 cal a BP to present), SpSIC increased further (ca. 75%) and some sea ice remained during summer months. A sub‐surface warming probably indicates a decoupling of heat exchange between the ocean and the atmosphere. Longer springs and shorter summers were accompanied by the most southerly location of the winter sea ice margin.
Chromatographic analysis of tryptophan metabolites
Authors: Sadok Ilona , Gamian Andrzej , Staniszewska Magdalena Maria
Published: June 2017

The kynurenine pathway generates multiple tryptophan metabolites called collectively kynurenines and leads to formation of the enzyme cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. The first step in this pathway is tryptophan degradation, initiated by the rate‐limiting enzymes indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase, or tryptophan 2,3‐dioxygenase, depending on the tissue. The balanced kynurenine metabolism, which has been a subject of multiple studies in last decades, plays an important role in several physiological and pathological conditions such as infections, autoimmunity, neurological disorders, cancer, cataracts, as well as pregnancy. Understanding the regulation of tryptophan depletion provide novel diagnostic and treatment opportunities, however it requires reliable methods for quantification of kynurenines in biological samples with complex composition (body fluids, tissues, or cells). Trace concentrations, interference of sample components, and instability of some tryptophan metabolites need to be addressed using analytical methods. The novel separation approaches and optimized extraction protocols help to overcome difficulties in analyzing kynurenines within the complex tissue material. Recent developments in chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry provide new opportunity for quantification of tryptophan and its degradation products in various biological samples. In this review, we present current accomplishments in the chromatographic methodologies proposed for detection of tryptophan metabolites and provide a guide for choosing the optimal approach.
Computer‐aided design and synthesis of a highly selective molecularly imprinted polymer for the extraction and determination of buprenorphine in biological fluids
Authors: Ganjavi Farideh , Ansari Mehdi , Kazemipour Maryam , Zeidabadinejad Leila
Published: June 2017

Buprenorphine is widely used to aid the cessation of opioids in addicted patients. To the best of our knowledge, there is no selective extraction method for buprenorphine from biological fluids. Here, we describe the synthesis of a molecularly imprinted polymer with the aid of computational design and its application for selective extraction of buprenorphine from plasma and urine. Computational design was used to study intermolecular interactions in the pre‐polymerization mixture by the comparison of the binding energy between buprenorphine (template) and functional monomers. The largest interaction energy of template‐monomers was obtained at ratio of 1:5 buprenorphine/acrylic acid monomers. Afterwards, the molecularly imprinted polymer was synthesized through precipitation polymerization technique and was employed for selective extraction of buprenorphine. Optimization of various parameters of the molecularly imprinted polymer solid‐phase extraction of buprenorphine was carried out by a design of experiment approach using a central composite design and the analyte was determined by employing high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Equilibrium isotherms were studied, and results revealed that the sorption process was in adoption with Langmuir model. Maximum enrichment capacity and Langmuir constant were calculated as 18.2 mg/g and 0.797 L/mg, respectively. Kinetic studies indicated the sorption process followed a pseudo‐second‐order model.
Novel strategy for quality consistency evaluation of Chinese medicine “YIQING” tablet that combines the simultaneous quantification and screening of ten bioactive constituents
Authors: Gong Dandan , Hong Yilang , Sun Guoxiang , Zhang Jing
Published: June 2017

The UV characteristics for different categories compounds in complex traditional Chinese medicines and herbal preparations usually vary. Thus, to achieve the integral analysis of multiwavelength fingerprint characteristics, we introduced a novel strategy of multiwavelength total fusion profiling. The simultaneous separation and quantification of multiple components by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection was developed in an effective, accurate, and reliable way. Furthermore, a 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging assay was set up to detect and screen the bioactivity of similar‐structure constituents (aloe‐emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, baicalein, wogonin, baicalin, wogonoside, berberine hydrochloride, and jatrorrhizine hydrochloride). Moreover, the high‐performance liquid chromatography DPPH assay was developed to monitor the relationship between the biological activity and the spatial structure, the number of hydroxyl groups, the concentration of the analytes in samples. The result of qualitative classification for 15 batches of “YIQING” tablets using principle component analysis was consistent with the quantitative fingerprint assessment using the average linear quantitative fingerprint method. Therefore, chemometrics, multiwavelength total fusion profiling in conjunction with average linear quantitative fingerprint method and antioxidant activity can control the quality of traditional Chinese medicines/herbal preparations comprehensively and practically.
Autonomous acoustic recorders reveal complex patterns in avian detection probability
Authors: Thompson Sarah J. , Handel Colleen M. , Mcnew Lance B.
Published: June 2017

Avian point‐count surveys are typically designed to occur during periods when birds are consistently active and singing, but seasonal and diurnal patterns of detection probability are often not well understood and may vary regionally or between years. We deployed autonomous acoustic recorders to assess how avian availability for detection (i.e., the probability that a bird signals its presence during a recording) varied during the breeding season with time of day, date, and weather‐related variables at multiple subarctic tundra sites in Alaska, USA, 2013–2014. A single observer processed 2,692 10‐minute recordings across 11 site‐years. We used time‐removal methods to assess availability and used generalized additive models to examine patterns of detectability (joint probability of presence, availability, and detection) for 16 common species. Despite lack of distinct dawn or dusk, most species displayed circadian vocalization patterns, with detection rates generally peaking between 0800 hours and 1200 hours but remaining high as late as 2000 hours for some species. Between 2200 hours and 0500 hours, most species’ detection rates dropped to near 0, signaling a distinctive rest period. Detectability dropped sharply for most species in early July. For all species considered, time‐removal analysis indicated nearly 100% likelihood of detection during a 10‐minute recording conducted in June, between 0500 hours and 2000 hours. This indicates that non‐detections during appropriate survey times and dates were attributable to the species’ absence or that silent birds were unlikely to initiate singing during a 10‐minute interval, whereas vocally active birds were singing very frequently. Systematic recordings revealed a gradient of species’ presence at each site, from ubiquitous to incidental. Although the total number of species detected at a site ranged from 16 to 27, we detected only 4 to 15 species on ≥5% of the site's recordings. Recordings provided an unusually detailed and consistent dataset that allowed us to identify, among other things, appropriate survey dates and times for species breeding at northern latitudes. Our results also indicated that more recordings of shorter duration (1–4 min) may be most efficient for detecting passerines. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Water quality longitudinal profile of the Paraíba do Sul River, Brazil during an extreme drought event
Authors: Pacheco Felipe S. , Miranda Marcela , Pezzi Luciano P. , Assireu Arcilan , Marinho Marcelo M. , Malafaia Márcio , Reis André , Sales Matias , Correia Gilsinéia , Domingos Patrícia , Iwama Allan , Rudorff Conrado , Oliva Pedro , Ometto Jean P.
Published: June 2017

This work addresses the relationships between Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) and water quality in the Paraíba do Sul River (PSR), located in one of the most populated regions in Brazil. We conducted a water sampling program (analyzing nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, turbidity, total carbon, oxygen concentration, and conductivity) during a severe drought period from 2014 to 2016. The 210 samples were spaced about 5 km apart from headwaters to the Atlantic Ocean and taken over 63 d. We calculated a water quality index and applied a self‐organizing map (SOM) to explore the relationship between LULC and water quality. There was a significant influence on water quality from the urban area's socioeconomic profile. This observation reflects the influence of cities with a high population density and a low economic condition, which leads to further degradation and erosion of the riverbanks. The most degraded reservoir of the PSR (Funil) partially buffers these effects by retaining deposited sediments and nutrient loads, leading to downstream water quality improvement. Better management practices of the riverbanks in the lower reach contribute to additional water quality improvements. Three major clusters identified using the SOM had completely different and explainable water quality patterns, suggesting an abrupt change in water quality due to human interventions. This information is crucial to improve management projects for the river at a watershed level, and with the expectation of future water shortages.
Developing multicenter consortia in liver disease in Latin America: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Mendizabal Manuel , Silva Marcelo O.
Published: June 2017

The development of consortia has been useful for exploring challenging scenarios and uncharted territories in liver disease treatments. Several consortia already developed in the United States and Europe have become key factors in patient care decision‐making processes and medical education, and they have also impacted policy makers' decisions. In Latin America, the situation is different. As a result of a combination of different factors, our region has not been able to develop networking advantages in research and education in liver diseases. Thus far, most of the initial experiences focused on the development of collaborative groups established to investigate a particular topic, which were dissolved once the questions were answered. It is the aim of this review to describe those difficulties we confront in developing multicenter liver consortia in Latin America, to identify those challenges we face, and also to describe the opportunities we have for improvement. Liver Transplantation 23 1210–1215 2017 AASLD.
The utility of a single simple question in the evaluation of patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Abraham Alon , Breiner Ari , Barnett Carolina , Katzberg Hans D. , Bril Vera
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Assessing myasthenia gravis (MG) can be challenging, and multiple scales are available to evaluate disease severity. We evaluated the utility of a single, simple question, as part of the MG evaluation: “What percentage of normal do you feel regarding your MG, 0%–100% normal?” Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients attending the neuromuscular clinic from January 2014 to December 2015 was performed. Responses were correlated with symptoms and signs, the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Score (QMGS), the Myasthenia Gravis Impairment Index (MGII), and the 15‐item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life scale (MG‐QOL15). Results: The total cohort included 169 patients. The percentage of normal correlated strongly with limb muscle weakness and MG scales, moderately with bulbar and respiratory symptoms, and weakly with ocular manifestations. Discussion: The question, “What percentage of normal do you feel regarding your MG?” is feasible and valid, and can be incorporated easily into routine clinical evaluation. Muscle Nerve 57: 240–244, 2018
Electroconductive and magnetic properties of pure carbon soot produced in arc discharge: Regimes of various buffer gas pressure
Authors: Zaikovskii Alexey V. , Novopashin Sergey A.
Published: June 2017

The electroconductive and magnetic properties of nanomaterials containing carbon nanoforms synthesised for electrocatalytic, electrochromic and ferrofluid applications, etc., are of interest to researchers. This article aims to understand the physical effects influencing the electroconductive and magnetic properties of materials synthesised by arc discharge. The nanomaterial formation processes leading to the formation of magnetic and electroconductive structures are also discussed. Arc discharge between graphitic electrodes results in the emergence of a fan‐shaped jet of helium and carbon. The gasdynamic and temperature parameters of the jet depend on the parameters of the arc discharge and the buffer gas. Variations in the parameters of the carbon vapour flow change the kinetics of carbon condensation, leading to variations in the morphology and structure of the carbon material. The main external parameter of the synthesis (buffer gas pressure) was varied in the study, and correlations between the intensity ratio of the D to G peaks on the Raman spectrum and the electrical conductivity and the magnetic susceptibility values were found. During the synthesis, nanographite structures were formed. However, the formation of an amorphous carbon structure on the free ‘zig‐zag’ edges of the graphite fragments reduced the magnetic susceptibility, the electrical conductivity and the ID/IG ratio.

The amorphous carbon layer was deposited on the graphite structure, which reduces magnetic susceptibility, electrical conductivity and the ID/IG ratio.
Silicon self‐interstitial properties deduced from platinum profiles after annealing with controlled cooling
Authors: Johnsson Anna , Pichler Peter , Schmidt Gerhard
Published: June 2017

Experiments of platinum diffusion in silicon were used to extract information about the equilibrium concentration of silicon self‐interstitials. In these experiments, the platinum was driven in from a silicide and the temperature was ramped down with different rates after the main annealing process at constant temperature. Simulations show that the concentration of substitutional platinum in the bulk region is sensitive to the value of the equilibrium concentration of self‐interstitials within a certain range. It was therefore possible to determine an upper limit for that parameter at 830°C based on our measurements.
High‐temperature performance of non‐polar (11–20) InGaN quantum dots grown by a quasi‐two‐temperature method
Authors: Wang Tong , Puchtler Tim J. , Zhu Tongtong , Jarman John C. , Oliver Rachel A. , Taylor Robert A.
Published: June 2017

Non‐polar (11–20) a‐plane InGaN quantum dots (QDs) are one of the strongest candidates to achieve on‐chip applications of polarised single photon sources, which require a minimum operation temperature of ∼200 K under thermoelectrically cooled conditions. In order to further improve the material quality and optical properties of a‐plane InGaN QDs, a quasi‐two‐temperature (Q2T) method has been developed, producing much smoother underlying InGaN quantum well than the previous modified droplet epitaxy (MDE) method. In this work, we compare the emission features of QDs grown by these two methods at temperatures up to 200 K. Both fabrications methods are shown to be able to produce QDs emitting around the thermoelectric cooling barrier. The sample fabricated by the new Q2T method demonstrates more stable operation, with an order of magnitude higher intensity at 200 K comparing to the comparable QDs grown by MDE. A detailed discussion of the possible mechanisms that result in this advantage of slower thermal quenching is presented. The use of this alternative fabrication method hence promises more reliable operation at temperatures even higher than the thermoelectric cooling threshold, and facilitates the on‐going development of high temperature polarised single photon sources based on a‐plane InGaN QDs.
Growth mechanism of InGaN nanodots on three‐dimensional GaN structures
Authors: Park Donghwy , Min Daehong , Nam Okhyun
Published: June 2017

In this study, we investigated the growth mechanism of indium gallium nitride (InGaN) nanodots (NDs) and an InGaN layer, which were simultaneously formed on a three‐dimensional (3D) gallium nitride (GaN) structure, having (0001) polar, (11‐22) semi‐polar, and (11‐20) nonpolar facets. We observed the difference in the morphological and compositional properties of the InGaN structures. From the high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM) images, it can be seen that the InGaN NDs were formed only on the polar and nonpolar facets, whereas an InGaN layer was formed on the semi‐polar facet. The indium composition variation in all the InGaN structures was observed using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and the energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). The different growth mechanism can be explained by two reasons: (i) The difference in the diffusivities of indium and gallium adatoms at each facet of 3D GaN structure; and (ii) the difference in the kinetic Wulff plots of polar, semi‐polar, and nonpolar GaN planes.
Sustainable groundwater remediation and reuse case study
Authors: Carver Marc , Gertz Mitchell
Published: June 2017

Sustainability is an important consideration when designing a remedy given the value that can be demonstrated to all stakeholders. A case study is presented that illustrates an example where sustainability was emphasized during the selection and implementation of a groundwater remedy. An extensive free and/or residual product investigation was completed to demonstrate that hydraulic control is a suitable remedy and active direct treatment was not required pursuant to the state regulations. A pump and treat system for onsite hydraulic containment was installed to control plume migration. The system allows for 100 percent reuse of treated groundwater in the manufacturing process. Both the groundwater reuse and investigation conclusions have resulted in significant cost savings and sustainability benefits, including the reduction in the annual load on the drinking water aquifer by up to 138 million gallons per year.
MnO2 Nanoparticles Confined in TiO2 Nanotubes for Catalytic Combustion of Butane
Authors: Zhang Sen , Luo Weimin , Yang Xu , Lv Tai , Huang Yanqin , Dong Kaijun , Li Xinjun
Published: June 2017

A confined MnO2 catalyst with MnO2 nanoparticles entrapped in TiO2 nanotube was synthesized through vacuum‐assisted impregnation method. Due to the confinement effect of TiO2 nanotube, the electron density distribution between the exterior and interior nanotube surface is modulated. As such, the confined MnO2 can facilitate the formation and migration of active oxygen species in the catalyst. The catalyst exhibits the enhanced activity in the catalytic combustion of butane, and the reaction temperature is significantly lowered. This result demonstrates that the confined MnO2 in TiO2 nanotube can serve as a cost‐effective catalyst for the elimination of VOCs from the air.
Palladium Nanoparticles Immobilized on Cross‐Linked Polymeric Ionic Liquid Material: Application as Efficient and Recoverable Catalyst for the Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes
Authors: Jiao Nianming , Li Zelong , Xia Chungu , Liu Jianhua
Published: June 2017

This study offers an exclusive class of cross linked polymeric ionic liquid material poly(divinylbenzene‐co‐dication imidazole ionic liquids) (P(DVB‐DIIL)), as a host immobilization of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs). The resulting P(DVB‐DIIL)‐Pd catalysts were fully characterized using some different techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The immobilized palladium catalyst showed high activity for the hydrogenation of nitroarenes with H2 under mild conditions, affording the corresponding products in good to excellent yields. Moreover, the catalyst could be recovered easily and reused 10 times without significant loss of reactivity. The existence of NHC ligands in cross‐linked polymeric ionic liquid material may be responsible for the formation of active and stable supported Pd NPs catalyst.
Reduction of vibration on a cantilever Timoshenko beam subjected to repeated sequence of excitation with magnetorheological outriggers
Authors: Ndemanou Buris Peggy , Fankem Eliane Raïssa , Nana Nbendjo Blaise Romeo
Published: June 2017

This paper deals with the statistical effects of an outrigger system on a cantilever beam under seismic excitation. The nonstationary random approach is employed to simulate seismic events. The Timoshenko beam approach is used to model the frame‐core tube linked at a point of its length by the damped outriggers, therefore are connected vertically two magnetorheological damper devices. The peak root‐mean‐square values of displacement responses is employed as a best measure effective to specify the optimal locations of outriggers according to different vibration modes. To evaluate the performance of the control system, the control algorithm based on Lyapunov stability theory is adopted to seek the input voltage leading to the reduction of vibration.
The atmospheric circulation conditions of the occurrence of heatwaves in Lublin, southeast Poland
Authors: Bartoszek Krzysztof , Krzyżewska Agnieszka
Published: June 2017

Characteristics of heatwaves in Lublin in the years 1951–2015, along with a description of the circulation conditions of heatwaves, are discussed in this paper. A heatwave is defined as the occurrence of at least 3 consecutive days with an air temperature Tx > 30 °C. It can be affected by circulation patterns, which are presented in the form of average distribution maps (i.e. sea level pressure and air temperature in the lower troposphere over the European continent). The occurrence of heatwaves in Lublin is determined by anticyclone stagnation to the east of Poland as well as the surface low‐pressure gradient patterns located over western and central Europe. In recent years, the recorded numbers of days with Tx > 30 °C and the persistence of hot weather have increased (compared to the period 1971–1990). Moreover, extreme values (i.e. when Tx > 35 °C) are observed more frequently in contrast with previous decades.
Of Wives and Daughters: Stereotypes of the Caring Female?
Authors: Zimmermann Martina
Published: June 2017

This chapter illustrates how the perceived degree of caregiver burden impacts on the caregiver’s perception and, thus, presentation of the patient. The insights so gained call for stronger socio-economic caregiver support. ‘Of Wives and Daughters’ also aims to separate out conceptual differences between parental and spousal caregiving: shared memories of a life-long relationship colour patient presentation, also because they enable the maintaining of pre-narrative identity; daughters may care mindful of their generational duties, but see their own identity as child at stake. This chapter also argues that the increasing societal awareness of dementia and a related awareness of caregiver needs led to a shift from a stereotypical caregiver- to a more patient-centred approach in caregiving, which is strongly reflected in more recent caregiver accounts.
About Tradition and Triumph: Patients Popularise Dementia Narrative
Authors: Zimmermann Martina
Published: June 2017

This chapter dissects how societal expectations regarding the dementia patient’s performance and productivity impose successful narrative articulation as central to the perception of identity, social assertion and self. It explores the phenomenon that the first patient accounts present linear and edited (rather than chaos) narratives, and aims at understanding how the discrepancy between illness process and narrative plot impacts on the reader’s perception of patient and condition. A comparison of patient-versus co-authored texts that additionally accounts for different stages in the severity of dementia is as revealing as an analysis of sequential publications by the same patient. This investigation supports the argument that gradually intensifying patient activism, also related to their popularising dementia narratives, enables patients’ freedom of presentation towards structurally less accomplished accounts.
On Reclaiming Authority: The Enabling Discourse of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zimmermann Martina
Published: June 2017

This chapter illustrates how more recent Alzheimer’s disease patient narratives take patient activism further in both form and contents. Disease-imposed constraints become the narrative’s core in terms of both aesthetic presentation and political pursuit. This development parallels the changes observed in caregiver life-writing, as patients and their needs reach the centre of narrative presentation and performance. This chapter argues that patients can thrive, building on earlier advocacy of their fellow sufferers, on more fragmented illness presentation. They can choose narrative forms that match their attention span as well as their political intentions, and show them as living within their remaining capabilities. In this way, patients authoritatively claim their continued independence within their narrative abilities, making themselves partners in the ensuing sociopolitical, cultural and economic debates.
Maintenance in Medieval England
Authors: Rose Jonathan
Published: June 2017

This is the first book covering those who abused and misused the legal system in medieval England and the initial attempts of the Anglo-American legal system to deal with these forms of legal corruption. Maintenance, in the sense of intermeddling in another person's litigation, was a source of repeated complaint in medieval England. This book reveals for the first time what actually transpired in the resultant litigation. Extensive study of the primary sources shows that the statutes prohibiting maintenance did not achieve their objectives because legal proceedings were rarely brought against those targeted by the statutes: the great and the powerful. Illegal maintenance was less extensive than frequently asserted because medieval judges recognized a number of valid justifications for intermeddling in litigation. Further, the book casts doubt on the effectiveness of the statutory regulation of livery. This is a treasure trove for legal historians, literature scholars, lawyers, and academic libraries.
Seeds of Stability
Authors: Kapstein Ethan B.
Published: June 2017

Under what conditions do the governments of developing countries manage to reform their way out of political and economic instability? When are they instead overwhelmed by the forces of social conflict? What role can great powers play in shaping one outcome or the other? This book is among the first to show in detail how the United States has used foreign economic policy, including foreign aid, as a tool for intervening in the developing world. Specifically, it traces how the United States promoted land reform as a vehicle for producing political stability. By showing where that policy proved stabilizing, and where it failed, a nuanced account is provided of how the local structure of the political economy plays a decisive role in shaping outcomes on the ground.
Between- and within-site variation in medication choices and adverse events during procedural sedation for electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation and flutter
Authors: Clinkard David , Stiell Ian , Lang Eddy , Rose Stuart , Clement Catherine , Brison Robert , Rowe Brian H. , Borgundvaag Bjug , Langhan Trevor , Magee Kirk , Stenstrom Rob , Perry Jeffery J. , Birnie David , Wells George , McRae Andrew
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Although procedural sedation for cardioversion is a common event in emergency departments (EDs), there is limited evidence surrounding medication choices. We sought to evaluate geographic and temporal variation in sedative choice at multiple Canadian sites, and to estimate the risk of adverse events due to sedative choice.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of one health records review, the Recent Onset Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter-0 (RAFF-0 [n=420, 2008]) and one prospective cohort study, the Recent Onset Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter-1 (RAFF-1 [n=565, 2010 – 2012]) at eight and six Canadian EDs, respectively. Sedative choices within and among EDs were quantified, and the risk of adverse events was examined with adjusted and unadjusted comparisons of sedative regimes.

Results

In RAFF-0 and RAFF-1, the combination of propofol and fentanyl was most popular (63.8% and 52.7%) followed by propofol alone (27.9% and 37.3%). There were substantially more adverse events in the RAFF-0 data set (13.5%) versus RAFF-1 (3.3%). In both data sets, the combination of propofol/fentanyl was not associated with increased adverse event risk compared to propofol alone.

Conclusion

There is marked variability in procedural sedation medication choice for a direct current cardioversion in Canadian EDs, with increased use of propofol alone as a sedation agent over time. The risk of adverse events from procedural sedation during cardioversion is low but not insignificant. We did not identify an increased risk of adverse events with the addition of fentanyl as an adjunctive analgesic to propofol.
Make it two: A case report of dual sequential external defibrillation
Authors: Bell Colin R. , Szulewski Adam , Brooks Steven C.
Published: June 2017

Dual sequential external defibrillation (DSED) is the process of near simultaneous discharge of two defibrillators with differing pad placement to terminate refractory arrhythmias. Previously used in the electrophysiology suite, this technique has recently been used in the emergency department and prehospital setting for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We present a case of successful DSED in the emergency department with neurologically intact survival to hospital discharge after refractory ventricular fibrillation (RVF) and review the putative mechanisms of action of this technique.
To flap or not to flap: comparison between flapping and clapping propulsions
Authors: Martin Nathan , Roh Chris , Idrees Suhail , Gharib Morteza
Published: June 2017

A comparison between swimming by flapping and by periodic contractions is conducted. Swimming by flapping is approximated as a pitching plate while swimming by periodic contractions is approximated as clapping plates. A direct comparison is made between the two propulsion mechanisms by utilizing a machine that can operate in either a flapping or a clapping mode between Reynolds numbers of 1880 and 11 260 based on the average plate tip velocity and span. The average thrust generated and the average input power required per cycle are compared between cases where the total sweep angle and the total sweep time are identical. Variation of the kinematics results in a similar thrust between the two mechanisms, but a greater power is required for clapping. Variation of the flexibility results in a consistent decrease in the required power for clapping and a decrease in thrust at high flexibility. Variation of the duty cycle for clapping rigid plates results in a significant increase in thrust and a significant decrease in the required power. Overall, the results suggest that flapping propulsion is the more effective propulsion mechanism within the range of Reynolds numbers tested.
Concentration and velocity statistics of inertial particles in upward and downward pipe flow
Authors: Oliveira J. L. G. , van der Geld C. W. M. , Kuerten J. G. M.
Published: June 2017

Three-dimensional particle tracking velocimetry is applied to particle-laden turbulent pipe flows at a Reynolds number of 10 300, based on the bulk velocity and the pipe diameter, for developed fluid flow and not fully developed flow of inertial particles, which favours assessment of the radial migration of the inertial particles. Inertial particles with Stokes number ranging from 0.35 to 1.11, based on the particle relaxation time and the radial-dependent Kolmogorov time scale, and a ratio of the root-mean-square fluid velocity to the terminal velocity of order 1 have been used. Core peaking of the concentration of inertial particles in up-flow and wall peaking in down-flow have been found. The difference in mean particle and Eulerian mean liquid velocity is found to decrease to approximately zero near the wall in both flow directions. Although the carrier fluid has all of the characteristics of the corresponding turbulent single-phase flow, the Reynolds stress of the inertial particles is different near the wall in up-flow. These findings are explained from the preferential location of the inertial particles with the aid of direct numerical simulations with the point-particle approach.
Geography, Transparency, and Institutions
Authors: MAYSHAR JORAM , MOAV OMER , NEEMAN ZVIKA
Published: June 2017

We propose a theory in which geographic attributes explain cross-regional institutional differences in (1) the scale of the state, (2) the distribution of power within state hierarchy, and (3) property rights to land. In this theory, geography and technology affect the transparency of farming, and transparency, in turn, affects the elite’s ability to appropriate revenue from the farming sector, thus affecting institutions. We apply the theory to explain differences between the institutions of ancient Egypt, southern Mesopotamia, and northern Mesopotamia, and also discuss its relevance to modern phenomena.
Material Connections: German Schools, Things, and Soft Power in Argentina and Chile from the 1880s through the Interwar Period
Authors: Penny H. Glenn
Published: June 2017

From the late nineteenth century through the interwar period, the production and consumption of German things played critical roles in delineating and connecting a wide variety of German places in Latin America. Such places became ubiquitous in Chile and Argentina. They flourished because there was ample room in the German imagination for the multiplicity of German places and the cultural hybridity that accompanied them to extend beyond Imperial Germany's national boundaries and colonial possessions. They also flourished because host societies found virtue in having those German places in their states. This essay uses German schools in Argentina and Chile as a window into the emergence of such German places and the soft power that accompanied them. Scholars often overlook that power when they focus on colonial questions or formal and informal imperialism in Latin America. More than any other institution, German schools became sites where the production and consumption of German things were concentrated and multilayered, and where the consistencies and great varieties of Germanness that arrived and evolved in Latin America gained their clearest articulation. Because those schools were both centers of communities and nodes in a global pedagogical network that thrived during the interwar period, they provide us with great insight into a nexus of motivations that created German places in Latin America. Life around these schools also underscores the importance of studying immigrants and their things together.
‘WHEN THE CHIEF TAKES AN INTEREST’: DEVELOPMENT AND THE REINVENTION OF ‘COMMUNAL’ LABOR IN NORTHERN GHANA, 1935–60
Authors: WIEMERS ALICE
Published: June 2017

As colonial and nationalist governments pursued small-scale development in mid-century northern Ghana, so-called ‘voluntary’, ‘communal’, or ‘self-help’ labor became a key determinant of funding. District records and oral histories show how colonial officials, chiefs, and party politicians alternately cast unpaid labor as a way to cut costs, a catalyst for new forms of politics, and an expression of local cohesion. This article extends analysis of ‘self-help’ beyond articulations of and debates about national policy, examining daily negotiations over budgeting and building. It follows two chiefs who used their ability to raise labor to navigate a rapidly changing political landscape. The line between coercion and voluntarism was rarely clear, nor were the meanings of labor fixed for administrators, chiefs, or their constituents. These local actors created the circumstances for successive governments to frame unpaid labor as a legitimate demand on rural citizens.
CASTE DIFFERENTIALS IN DEATH CLUSTERING IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN INDIAN STATES
Authors: Ranjan Mukesh , Dwivedi Laxmi Kant , Mishra Rahul
Published: June 2017

This study assessed caste differentials in family-level death clustering, linked survival prospects of siblings (scarring) and mother-level unobserved heterogeneity affecting infant mortality risk in the central and eastern Indian states of Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Family-level infant death clustering was examined using bivariate analysis, and the linkages between the survival prospects of siblings and mother-specific unobserved heterogeneity were captured by applying a random effects logit model in the selected Indian states using micro-data from the National Family Health Survey-III (2005–06). The raw data clustering analysis showed the existence of clustering in all four states and among all caste groups with the highest clustering found in the Scheduled Castes of Jharkhand. The important factor from the model that increased the risk of infant deaths in all four states was the causal effect of a previous infant death on the risk of infant death of the subsequent sibling, after controlling for mother-level heterogeneity and unobserved factors. The results show that among the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, infant death clustering is mainly affected by the scarring factor in Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, while mother-level unobserved factors were important in Odisha and both (scarring and mother-level unobserved factors) were key factors in Chhattisgarh. Similarly, the Other Caste Group was mainly influenced by the scarring factor only in Odisha, mother-level unobserved factors in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh and both (scarring and mother-level unobserved factors) in Madhya Pradesh. From a government policy perspective, these results would help in identifying high-risk clusters of women among all caste groups in the four central and eastern Indian states that should be targeted to address maternal and child health related indicators.
Did the ‘croaky voice’ public health campaign have any impact on the stage of laryngeal cancer at presentation in 84 cases from the Humber and Yorkshire Coast Cancer Network?
Authors: Mistry S G , Jose J , Allgar V
Published: June 2017

Background:

A public health campaign on laryngeal cancer was conducted in 2011 in the Humber and Yorkshire Coast Cancer Network. This study evaluated its subsequent impact (if any) upon the stage of laryngeal cancer at presentation.

Methods:

Cases of laryngeal cancer diagnosed in the Humber and Yorkshire Coast Cancer Network from January 2009 to July 2014 were identified from cancer registries and were dichotomised into early (tumour stage T1–2) and late (T3–4) disease. Statistical analysis using segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series data was performed.

Results:

There were no statistically significant changes in laryngeal cancer cases immediately after the intervention for both early (p = 0.191) and late (p = 0.680) stage disease. There were also no significant changes to monthly detection rates in both groups on follow up.

Conclusion:

Findings of the first public health campaign on laryngeal cancer in the UK are described. Such processes are complex; the implications for future study are discussed.
Hyper-responsivity to losses in the anterior insula during economic choice scales with depression severity
Authors: Engelmann J. B. , Berns G. S. , Dunlop B. W.
Published: June 2017

Background

Commonly observed distortions in decision-making among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) may emerge from impaired reward processing and cognitive biases toward negative events. There is substantial theoretical support for the hypothesis that MDD patients overweight potential losses compared with gains, though the neurobiological underpinnings of this bias are uncertain.

Methods

Twenty-one unmedicated patients with MDD were compared with 25 healthy controls (HC) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) together with an economic decision-making task over mixed lotteries involving probabilistic gains and losses. Region-of-interest analyses evaluated neural signatures of gain and loss coding within a core network of brain areas known to be involved in valuation (anterior insula, caudate nucleus, ventromedial prefrontal cortex).

Results

Usable fMRI data were available for 19 MDD and 23 HC subjects. Anterior insula signal showed negative coding of losses (gain > loss) in HC subjects consistent with previous findings, whereas MDD subjects demonstrated significant reversals in these associations (loss > gain). Moreover, depression severity further enhanced the positive coding of losses in anterior insula, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, and caudate nucleus. The hyper-responsivity to losses displayed by the anterior insula of MDD patients was paralleled by a reduced influence of gain, but not loss, stake size on choice latencies.

Conclusions

Patients with MDD demonstrate a significant shift from negative to positive coding of losses in the anterior insula, revealing the importance of this structure in value-based decision-making in the context of emotional disturbances.
SOCIETAL PERSPECTIVE ON COST DRIVERS FOR HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN SINDH, PAKISTAN
Authors: Khowaja Asif Raza , Mitton Craig , Qureshi Rahat , Bryan Stirling , Magee Laura A. , von Dadelszen Peter , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: June 2017

Background: Understanding cost-drivers and estimating societal costs are important challenges for economic evaluation of health technologies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study assessed community experiences of health resource usage and perceived cost-drivers from a societal perspective to inform the design of an economic model for the Community Level Interventions for Pre-eclampsia (CLIP) trials.

Methods: Qualitative research was undertaken alongside the CLIP trial in two districts of Sindh province, Pakistan. Nine focus groups were conducted with a wide range of stakeholders, including pregnant women, mothers-in-law, husbands, fathers-in-law, healthcare providers at community and health facility-levels, and health decision/policy makers at district-level. The societal perspective included out-of-pocket (OOP), health system, and program implementation costs related to CLIP. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo software.

Results: Most pregnant women and male decision makers reported a large burden of OOP costs for in- and out-patient care, informal care from traditional healers, self-medication, childbirth, newborn care, transport to health facility, and missed wages by caretakers. Many healthcare providers identified health system costs associated with human resources for hypertension risk assessment, transport, and communication about patient referrals. Health decision/policy makers recognized program implementation costs (such as the mobile health infrastructure, staff training, and monitoring/supervision) as major investments for the health system.

Conclusions: Our investigation of care-seeking practices revealed financial implications for families of pregnant women, and program implementation costs for the health system. The societal perspective provided comprehensive knowledge of cost drivers to guide an economic appraisal of the CLIP trial in Sindh, Pakistan.