bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An open port sampling interface for liquid introduction atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Van Berkel Gary J. , Kertesz Vilmos
Published: August 2015

RATIONALE

A simple method to introduce unprocessed samples into a solvent for rapid characterization by liquid introduction atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry has been lacking. The continuous flow, self‐cleaning open port sampling interface introduced here fills this void.

METHODS

The open port sampling interface used a vertically aligned, co‐axial tube arrangement enabling solvent delivery to the sampling end of the device through the tubing annulus and solvent aspiration down the center tube and into the ionization source of the mass spectrometer via the commercial APCI emitter probe. The solvent delivery rate to the interface was set to exceed the aspiration rate, creating a continuous sampling interface along with a constant, self‐cleaning spillover of solvent from the top of the probe.

RESULTS

Using the open port sampling interface with positive ion mode APCI and a hybrid quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer, rapid, direct sampling and analysis possibilities are exemplified with plastics, ballpoint and felt tip ink pens, skin, and vegetable oils. These results demonstrated that the open port sampling interface could be used as a simple, versatile and self‐cleaning system to rapidly introduce multiple types of unprocessed, sometimes highly concentrated and complex, samples into a solvent flow stream for subsequent ionization and analysis by mass spectrometry. The basic setup presented here could be incorporated with any self‐aspirating liquid introduction ionization source (e.g., ESI, APCI, APPI, ICP, etc.) or any type of atmospheric pressure sampling‐ready mass spectrometer system.

CONCLUSIONS

The open port sampling interface provides a means to introduce and quickly analyze unprocessed solid or liquid samples with the liquid introduction atmospheric pressure ionization source without fear of sampling interface or ionization source contamination. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suppression of peptide ion dissociation under electron capture: role of backbone amide hydrogen
Authors: Wong P.‐S. Joyce , Chen Xiangfeng , Deng Liulin , Wang Ze , Li Wan , Elaine Wong Y. L. , Dominic Chan T.‐W.
Published: August 2015

Rationale

The electron capture dissociation (ECD) of proteins/peptides is affected by the nature and sequence of amino acid residues. Electron capture/transfer with no dissociation is an intriguing phenomenon that has occasionally been observed. We have previously identified that diarginated peptides enriched with glutamic acid residues were found to show suppression of backbone fragmentation. In this paper, we report the effect of geometrical parameters of a peptide, including chain length, conformation and amide hydrogen, on the suppression of ECD fragmentation using synthetic model peptides.

Methods

Glycine containing model polypeptides were used to probe the mechanism. Molecular‐mechanics was used to obtain the conformation of the precursor ions. The ECD experiments were performed on a Bruker APEX III 4.7 T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer.

Results

Significant decreases in the intensities of the fragment ions were observed for the 23‐mer polypeptide with only one E residue. This implied that the E:R ratio was no longer the sole determining factor for the occurrence of suppression effects. Results of conformational searches showed that there was a hydrogen‐bonding 'ladder' formed in the 23‐mer polypeptide, which was not found in the 15‐mer peptide. Substituting the normal amino acid residues by the corresponding N‐methylated amino acid residues in the model peptide, the suppression effect disappeared.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that survival of the intact reduced peptide ion after electron capture depends also on the length of the peptide. The amide hydrogen was critical in forming the resonance structure that suppressed the ECD fragmentation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compound‐specific δ13C analyses reveal sterol metabolic constraints in an aquatic invertebrate
Authors: Gergs René , Steinberger Nicole , Beck Birgit , Basen Timo , Yohannes Elizabeth , Schulz Ralf , Martin‐Creuzburg Dominik
Published: August 2015

Rationale

Dietary sterol deficiencies can have severe life history consequences for consumers. Compound‐specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) was applied to the exploration of the sterol metabolic constraints and bioconversion capacities of the amphipod Gammarus roeselii. Evaluating structural sterol requirements has great potential to improve our understanding of the ecological relevance of sterols as limiting nutrients.

Methods

Juvenile G. roeselii were reared on food mixtures consisting of different ratios of the two algae Scenedesmus obliquus (cultivated with 13C‐labeled NaHCO3) and Nannochloropsis limnetica (unlabeled), which have been shown previously to differ in food quality. We measured the sterol content and composition using a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector and the δ13C values of sterols using compound‐specific isotope ratio mass spectrometry to examine potential sterol‐mediated nutritional constraints of G. roeselii.

Results

In the food mixtures, δ13C values of cholesterol, synthesized by N. limnetica, were −25‰ and those of the Δ7‐phytosterols, chondrillasterol and fungisterol, synthesized by S. obliquus, were 7 and 18‰, respectively. Although the cholesterol concentrations in G. roeselii decreased with increasing proportion of dietary S. obliquus, the δ13C values remained constant at −25‰. Lathosterol, which appeared in G. roeselii at high dietary proportions of S. obliquus, had a δ13C value of 35‰.

Conclusions

We provide evidence that the the Δ7‐phytosterols present in S. obliquus cannot be metabolized to cholesterol in G. roeselii, resulting in the accumulation of lathosterol in the animals and potentially in sterol‐limited growth. These findings emphasize the advantage of CSIA in revealing the physiological mechanisms associated with nutritional constraints. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A non‐instrument‐based method for the analysis of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded human spinal cord via matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: O'Rourke Matthew B. , Djordjevic Steven P. , Padula Matthew P.
Published: August 2015

Rationale

This paper, in conjunction with a work published earlier this year by O'Rourke et al., aims to provide a comprehensive set of protocols for the analysis of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue via matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) in a low‐cost and highly repeatable and robust way, thereby allowing other research teams to begin their own IMS‐centered avenues of research.

Methods

Samples of FFPE tissue were sectioned at 5 µm, water float mounted to specially prepared ITO glass slides and then dilipidated in a graded alcohol series. Tissue sections were then antigen retrieved under pressure in 20 mmol Tris‐HCl (pH 8.8), coated with trypsin and digested O/N at 37°C. Samples were then sublimated with matrix to a final coverage of 0.2 mg/cm2, recrystallised at 37°C with 50:50 acetonitrile (ACN)/0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) for 1 h and analysed with a MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometer.

Results

Serial sections were imaged, revealing little to no variation with regards to image quality and corresponding spectra. We have also attempted to describe the processes that govern the various aspects of this protocol with respect to each step necessary to ensure reproducibility.

Conclusions

We are confident that this protocol in conjunction with the work published earlier by O'Rourke et al. provides the basis for a repeatable and robust protocol for the analysis of tissues from various sources via MALDI‐IMS. The descriptions of key steps within allows for easy adoption of the protocol while allowing for desired modifications to be performed with minimal yet intuitive adjustment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic study of glycopeptide esterification for the semi‐quantitative determination of sialylation in antibodies
Authors: Gomes de Oliveira Andrey Giovanni , Roy Rini , Raymond Céline , Bodnar Edward D. , Tayi Venkata S. , Butler Michael , Durocher Yves , Perreault Hélène
Published: August 2015

Rationale

In the expression of recombinant proteins, an important parameter to control or influence is their level of sialylation. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometric (MS) methods tend to either underestimate (positive mode) or overestimate (negative mode) the content of sialylated vs. neutral glycans in glycoproteins. Esterification methods have been developed for free sialylated glycans and sialylated Asn‐glycans, allowing these acidic groups to ionize with the same efficiency as neutral sugars.

Methods

Here we describe a method which modifies glycopeptides by esterification. This simple procedure is applied to glycopeptides isolated from tryptic digests of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), some highly sialylated. To better understand the effect of esterification on the peptide backbone, synthetic EEQYNSTYR was esterified and studied by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Acetamidation of EEQYNSTYR was also studied as some mAb samples had been overalkylated prior to tryptic digestion.

Results

As a general trend, ethyl‐esterification or lactonization is observed for each sialic acid on glycoforms of EEQYNSTYR (the N‐glycosylated tryptic peptide of IgG Fc), depending on the branching position of the sialic acid (α2,3 or α2,6). Esterification also affects the carboxyl groups in the peptide, including the C‐terminal COOH.

Conclusions

For antibody analysis, MALDI‐MS ion abundances give a better semi‐quantitative estimate of sialylation levels for esterified than for unreacted glycopeptides. The method is simple to use and helps to differentiate the branching patterns of sialic acids in antibodies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low Carbon Innovation in China: From Overlooked Opportunities and Challenges to Transitions in Power Relations and Practices
Authors: Tyfield David , Ely Adrian , Geall Sam
Published: August 2015

This paper explores environmental innovation in the largest emerging economy – China – and its potential for contributing to global transitions to low‐carbon, more sustainable patterns of development. It builds on earlier studies bringing alternative forms of low(er)‐technology, ‘below‐the‐radar', ‘disruptive' and/or social innovation into its analysis. In addition, however, the paper develops our understanding of low‐carbon innovation by paying particular attention to issues of changing power relations and social practices: theoretical issues that need attention in the literature generally but are notably absent when studying transitions in China. This shift in perspective allows four neglected questions to be introduced and, in each case, points to both opportunities and challenges to low‐carbon system transition that are overlooked by an orthodox focus on technological innovations alone. These are briefly illustrated by drawing on examples from three key domains of low‐carbon innovation: solar‐generated energy, electric urban mobility, and food and agriculture. © 2015 The Authors. Sustainable Development published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
How do Public Demonstration Projects Promote Green‐Manufacturing Technologies? A Case Study from China
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Xu Guannan , Minshall Tim , Liu Peng
Published: August 2015

Public demonstration projects are used to promote the upscaling of green‐manufacturing technologies in China, in order to expedite innovation ‘catch‐up’ and transitions to sustainable development. However, these projects are facing implementation challenges, because the relevant barriers are different from traditional demonstrations in new technological niches, when involving complex economic concerns and prolific small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as adopters. This paper, therefore, adopts a case‐based approach to investigate a specific example of a demonstration project in China to support the large‐scale diffusion of green technology and its pilot implementations. Through the case study, this paper reveals that these demonstrations face a different set of diffusion barriers in testing technologies and promoting learning. In addition, this case also shows that a new policy model may be needed in order to cope with these barriers, when emphasizing market‐oriented policies and non‐legislative actors as well as combining them with traditional mandatory measures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Nanomaterial‐enabled Rapid Detection of Water Contaminants
Authors: Mao Shun , Chang Jingbo , Zhou Guihua , Chen Junhong
Published: August 2015

Water contaminants, e.g., inorganic chemicals and microorganisms, are critical metrics for water quality monitoring and have significant impacts on human health and plants/organisms living in water. The scope and focus of this review is nanomaterial‐based optical, electronic, and electrochemical sensors for rapid detection of water contaminants, e.g., heavy metals, anions, and bacteria. These contaminants are commonly found in different water systems. The importance of water quality monitoring and control demands significant advancement in the detection of contaminants in water because current sensing technologies for water contaminants have limitations. The advantages of nanomaterial‐based sensing technologies are highlighted and recent progress on nanomaterial‐based sensors for rapid water contaminant detection is discussed. An outlook for future research into this rapidly growing field is also provided.
Highly Sensitive Electro‐Plasmonic Switches Based on Fivefold Stellate Polyhedral Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhong Liubiao , Jiang Yueyue , Liow Chihao , Meng Fanben , Sun Yinghui , Chandran Bevita K. , Liang Ziqiang , Jiang Lin , Li Shuzhou , Chen Xiaodong
Published: August 2015

Electron–photon coupling in metal nanostructures has raised a new trend for active plasmonic switch devices in both fundamental understanding and technological applications. However, low sensitivity switches with an on/off ratio less than 5 have restricted applications. In this work, an electrically modulated plasmonic switch based on a surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) system with a single fivefold stellate polyhedral gold nanoparticle (FSPAuNP) is reported. The reversible switch of the SERS signal shows high sensitivity with an on/off ratio larger than 30. Such a high on/off ratio arises primarily from the plasmonic resonance shift of the FSPAuNP with the incident laser due to the altered free electron density on the nanoparticle under an applied electrochemical potential. This highly sensitive electro‐plasmonic switch may enable further development of plasmonic devices.
Effects of spatial and temporal resolution of the turbulent inflow on wind turbine performance estimation
Authors: Rai Raj K. , Gopalan Harish , Naughton Jonathan W.
Published: August 2015

The effects of spatial and temporal resolution of wind inflows generated using large eddy simulations (LES) on the scales of turbulence present in the wind inflow, and the resulting changes in wind turbine performance were investigated for neutral atmospheric boundary layer conditions. Wind inflows with four different spatial resolutions and five different temporal resolutions were used to produce different turbine responses. An aero‐elastic code assessed the dynamic response of two wind turbines to the different inflows. Auto‐spectral density functions (ASDF) of turbine responses, such as blade deflection and bending moment, that are representative of the turbine response were used to assess the effect of the inflow. The results indicated that, as additional turbulence scales were resolved, the wind turbines showed a similar increased response that was evident in both the ASDF and variance of the different wind turbine performance parameters. As a result, the amount to which turbulence is resolved in the inflow, particularly using tools such as LES, will be important to consider when using these inflows for wind turbine design and performance prediction. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In fault ride through reactive current rise time requirements of various European grid codes—analysis based on a full‐converter wind turbine
Authors: Curzi Massimiliano , Sharma Ranjan , Martin Frank
Published: August 2015

The European transmission system operators specify grid codes to ensure a safe and reliable operation of the electrical power system, even during grid faults. Wind power plants have to comply with such specific requirements prior to installation and operation. Some of the requirements, however, are open to interpretation, especially because of lack of specification, and therefore, they pose technical challenges to full‐converter wind turbines. In fact, different interpretations leave it open to debate on whether a requirement can be fulfilled or not. The rise time requirement across some European grid codes is discussed in this paper. First the uncertainties in some transmission system operators' definitions of rise time, step response time and settling time are presented, and then a comparative analysis is performed among calculation methods, such as instantaneous reactive current in alpha‐beta reference frame, direct and quadrature reference frame and root mean square of the positive sequence component. The comparison results of both ideal cases and randomly selected measurements from actual full‐converter wind turbine field tests show that the rise time of the reactive current is significantly affected by the calculation methods. This effect in some cases can make the difference between fulfilling the requirement or not. As a result of that, it is highlighted in this paper the need for a common understanding of the rise time requirements between industry and system operators, based on clear technical fundamentals. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ecological monitoring through harmonizing existing data: Lessons from the boreal avian modelling project
Authors: Barker Nicole K. S. , Fontaine Patricia C. , Cumming Steven G. , Stralberg Diana , Westwood Alana , Bayne Erin M. , Sólymos Péter , Schmiegelow Fiona K. A. , Song Samantha J. , Rugg David J.
Published: August 2015

To accomplish the objectives of a long‐term ecological monitoring program (LTEM), repurposing research data collected by other researchers is an alternative to original data collection. The Boreal Avian Modelling (BAM) Project is a 10‐year‐old project that has integrated the data from >100 avian point‐count studies encompassing thousands of point‐count surveys, and harmonized across data sets to account for heterogeneity induced by methodological and other differences. The BAM project faced the classic data‐management challenges any LTEM must deal with, as well as special challenges involved with harmonizing so many disparate data sources. We created a data system consisting of 4 components: Archive (to preserve each contributor's data), Avian Database (harmonized point‐count data), Biophysical Database (spatially explicit environmental covariates), and Software Tools library (linking the other components and providing analysis capability). This system has allowed the project to answer many questions about boreal birds; we believe it to be successful enough to merit consideration for use in monitoring other taxa. We have learned a number of lessons that will guide the project as it moves forward. These include the importance of creating a data protocol, the critical importance of high‐quality metadata, and the need for a flexible design that accommodates changes in field techniques. One of the challenges the BAM team faced—gaining access to relevant data sets—may become easier with the increased expectation by journals and funding agencies that documenting and preserving research data be a standard part of scientific research. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Use and application of range mapping in assessing extinction risk in Canada
Authors: Loehle Craig , Sleep Darren J. H.
Published: August 2015

When a species potentially at risk of extinction is considered for legally protected status, changes in geographic range over time are often evaluated and utilized in listing decisions. Range changes are also used to guide conservation management decisions. Although changes in geographic range may provide information relevant to conservation decisions, many factors affect estimates of geographic range. We investigated how geographic range change is estimated and used in the listing process. We evaluated all terrestrial vertebrates in Canada whose assessment as threatened or endangered was based at least partially on small range or range reduction. The 39 cases of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians (including 2 populations of 1 species) used a variety of historical and recent data, including natural history archives, special surveys, and standardized surveys. Little mention was made in the reports of the methods used for range delineation or the limitations of geographic range maps. Of the 39 cases listed by the reports as being threatened or endangered in Canada at least in part due to geographic range, 32 (82%) had ≤10% of their current global range in Canada (i.e., most had wide ranges in the United States), resulting in the listing of species with marginal and sometimes nonviable populations within Canada even when the global population was not at risk. We identify several ways that listing decisions could be improved. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Evaluation of a reproductive index for estimating songbird productivity: Case study of the golden‐cheeked warbler
Authors: Reidy Jennifer L. , O'Donnell Lisa , Thompson Frank R.
Published: August 2015

It is critically important to determine and understand relationships between endangered species populations and landscape and habitat features to effectively manage and conserve populations and the habitats they rely on. Several recent studies focused on the golden‐cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia), an endangered songbird that breeds exclusively in central Texas, USA, have used a reproductive index to link pairing and breeding success to various factors of interest. However, no field test has evaluated the performance of a reproductive index at estimating productivity of golden‐cheeked warblers or similar forest songbirds. We computed reproductive index ranks for 5 observers from multiple plots during 2013 and 2014 and compared these ranks with actual reproductive success determined from territory mapping and nest monitoring of color‐banded adults. At the territory level, we found no significant correlation between 84 matched territories delineated by the reproductive index and territories delineated by intensive monitoring. At the plot level, index monitoring underestimated the total number of territorial males, but density from index monitoring was weakly correlated with actual density. We found no significant relationship for pairing success estimated from the reproductive index and actual pairing success, or with breeding success from the reproductive index with nest survival or actual breeding success, when controlling for observer. The reproductive index did not produce reliable estimates of reproductive performance at either the territory or plot level and we recommend intensive monitoring of color‐banded individuals when absolute estimates of reproductive success rates or other demographic measures are required, such as in species viability or threat assessments. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Ca4Au10Zn3 – A Substitution Variant of AlB2 by Incorporation of Zn3 Triangles
Authors: Gerke Birgit , Hoffmann Rolf‐Dieter , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: August 2015

The gold‐rich intermetallic phase Ca4Au10Zn3 was synthesized from the elements by high‐frequency melting in sealed tantalum ampoules. Analyses of the sample by X‐ray powder and single crystal diffraction indicated a new structure type with a small homogeneity range resulting from Au/Zn mixing: C2/c, a = 1598.4(2), b = 819.7(1), c = 1188.2(2) pm, β = 120.93(1)°, wR2 = 0.0397, 2292 F2 values, 83 variables for Ca4Au9.66(1)Zn3.34(1), and a = 1596.6(2), b = 818.8(2), c = 1187.1(2) pm, β = 120.91(2)°, wR2 = 0.0280, 2296 F2 values, 83 variables for Ca4Au9.98(1)Zn3.02(1). The gold atoms built up a three‐dimensional distorted tetrahedral network with Au–Au distances ranging from 274–294 pm. The cavities within this network are filled by calcium atoms and Zn3 triangles (272–279 pm Zn–Zn) in an ordered manner. The small homogeneity range Ca4Au10–xZn3+x concerns Au/Zn mixing within the triangles and the tetrahedral network as well. The crystal chemical relationship with the aristotype AlB2 is discussed on the basis of a group‐subgroup scheme.
Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS) Uganda: Update for Household Survey
Authors: Fuller Anthony T. , Butler Elissa K. , Tran Tu M. , Makumbi Fredrick , Luboga Samuel , Muhumza Christine , Chipman Jeffrey G. , Groen Reinou S. , Gupta Shailvi , Kushner Adam L. , Galukande Moses , Haglund Michael M.
Published: August 2015

Introduction

The first step in improving surgical care delivery in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) is quantifying surgical need. The Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS) is a validated household survey that has been previously implemented in three LMICs with great success. We implemented the SOSAS survey in Uganda, a medium‐sized country with comparatively more language and ethnic group diversity.

Methods

The investigators partnered with the Performance Monitoring and Accountability 2020 (PMA2020) Uganda to access a data collection platform sampling 2520 households in 105 randomly selected enumeration areas. Due to geographic size consideration and language diversity, SOSAS’s methodology was updated in three significant dimensions (1) technology, (2) staff management, and (3) questionnaire adaptations.

Results

The SOSAS survey was successfully implemented with non‐medically trained but field proven research assistants. We sampled 2315 of 2402 eligible households (response rate 96.4 %) and 4248 of 4374 eligible individual respondents (response rate 97.1 %). The female‐to‐male ratio was 51.1–48.9 %. Total survey cost was USD 73,145 and data collection occurred in 14 days.

Discussion

SOSAS Uganda has demonstrated that non‐medically trained, but university‐educated, experienced researchers supervised by academic surgeons can successfully perform accurate data collection of SOSAS. SOSAS can be successfully implemented within larger and more diverse LMICs using existing national survey platforms, and SOSAS Uganda provides insights on how SOSAS can be executed specifically within other PMA2020 program countries.
Feasibility of Catheter Placement Under Ultrasound Guidance for Progressive Preoperative Pneumoperitoneum for Large Incisional Hernia with Loss of Domain
Authors: Alyami M. , Passot G. , Voiglio E. , Lundberg P. W. , Valette P. J. , Muller A. , Caillot J. L.
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Large incisional hernias with loss of domain (LIHLD) of the abdominal wall remain a therapeutic challenge due to the difficulty of replacing the contents of the hernia sac into the peritoneal cavity. Preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP) is a valuable option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of peritoneal catheter insertion under ultrasound guidance for PPP and to compare the morbidity and mortality of this new technique to previously used techniques in our department.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed retrospectively from February 1989 to April 2013 in a single institution. Three different techniques of PPP were evaluated: surgical subcutaneous implantable port (SIP), surgical peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC), and radiologic multipurpose drainage catheter (MDC). Collected data included patients’ age, sex, body mass index, medical and surgical history, hernia location, PPP technique, length of hospitalization, volume of air injected, morbidity and mortality linked to PPP, and the procedure of hernia repair.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients with a mean age of 63.1 years were evaluated. Progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum was performed using SIP, PDC, and MDC for 14, 11, and 12 patients, respectively. Overall morbidity related to the technique was seen in 36 % of SIP, 27 % of PDC, and 0 % of MDC. One patient from the SIP group died on the 3rd postoperative day due to septic shock following aspiration pneumonia. No postoperative mortality in the other groups was observed.

Conclusion

The MDC is an interesting modification of the original technique and is a safe procedure. It is a minimally invasive technique with a very low risk of perforation of the viscera. Therefore, the use of a non‐absorbable prosthesis with MDC technique can be offered for all patients undergoing PPP without increasing the risk of infection.
A Comparison of Laparoscopy and Laparotomy for the Management of Abdominal Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Yueli , Xiang Ying , Wu Na , Wu Long , Yu Zubin , Zhang Mengxuan , Wang Minghao , Jiang Jun , Li Yafei
Published: August 2015

Background

This study aimed to systematically review and compare the perioperative outcomes of laparoscopy with laparotomy for abdominal trauma patients.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis comparing the perioperative outcomes of laparoscopy with laparotomy for abdominal trauma patients. Clinical endpoints included length of hospital stay, operation time, amount of intraoperative blood loss, time to postoperative exhaust, time to regular diet, time to out of bed, duration of postoperative pain, postoperative complications, perioperative mortality rate, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, missed injuries, conversions to laparotomy, and cure rate.

Results

Sixty‐four studies including 9058 patients with abdominal trauma were included. In these studies, laparoscopy was used as a screening, diagnostic, or therapeutic tool. Meta‐analysis showed significant reductions in the incidence of postoperative complications (relative risk [RR] [95 % confidence interval (CI)] 0.37 [0.29–0.46]), perioperative mortality rate (RR 0.64; 95 % CI 0.52–0.80), operation time (mean difference [MD] [95 % CI] −19.93 min [−34.43 to 5.43]), length of hospital stay (MD −5.15 days; 95 % CI −6.80 to 3.50), amount of intraoperative blood loss (MD −141.33 ml; 95 % CI −260.99 to 21.67), time to postoperative exhaust (MD −5.32 h; 95 % CI −8.60 to 2.05), time to regular diet (MD −3.46 h; 95 % CI −6.31 to 0.61), time to out of bed (MD −23.51 h; 95 % CI −24.85 to 22.16), duration of postoperative pain (MD −21.34 h; 95 % CI −22.65 to 20.03), length of ICU stay (MD −1.89 days; 95 % CI −4.05 to 0.27) in patients with abdominal trauma treated with laparoscopy compared with laparotomy. The pooled incidence of postoperative complications, missed injuries, conversions, and perioperative mortality rate of laparoscopy among the case reports were 0.04 (95 % CI 0.03–0.06), 0.01 (95 % CI 0.01–0.02), 0.24 (95 % CI 0.20–0.28), 0.01(95 % CI 0.01–0.02), respectively. Cure rate of laparoscopy ranged from 46 to 95 % and the pooled rate was 0.76 (95 % CI 0.71–0.81).

Conclusions

Laparoscopy is an effective way to improve perioperative outcomes and reduce the complications of hemodynamically stable patients with abdominal trauma. It is worth further popularization in clinical practice.
Aminotic Fluid Index and its Correlation with Fetal Growth and Perinatal Outcome
Authors: Madaan Sonia , Mendiratta Suman Lata , Jain Pawan Kumar , Mittal Meenakshi
Published: August 2015

The present study aimed to measure amniotic fluid index (AFI) in high-risk pregnancies at ≥30 weeks of gestation and its correlation with fetal growth and perinatal outcome. The Study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi. Ultrasound examination was done on women with high-risk pregnancy (pregnancy-induced hypertension, intrauterine growth restriction, diabetes, and postdated pregnancy etc.) attending the antenatal OPD and maternity ward at ≥30 weeks of gestation. AFI was measured by the four quadrant technique. The study included 48 (48 %) primigravida and 52 (52 %) multigravida. Sixteen patients with a history of previous abortion had mean AFI of 9.97 cm which was lower than patients with no history of previous abortion i.e., 11.87 cm (P ≥ 0.1 insignificant). The mean AFI was maximum between 34–36 weeks, i.e., 13.1 cm, after which, it gradually decreased to 9.08 cm beyond 40 weeks. Mean AFI of patients with <40 weeks of gestation gradually decreased from 12.2 cm to 8.0 cm after 42 weeks (P value <0.05). Patients with IUGR had low mean AFI i.e., 9.8 cm whereas mean AFI in patients without IUGR was 12.1 cm (P value <0.01). Congenital anomalies were found in 4 % patients in the present study. Out of seven cases of perinatal mortality encountered, four (57 %) had abnormal AFI values, of which, two had low AFI (i.e., <8 cm) and two had abnormally-high AFI values i.e., >18 cm. Serious congenital malformations were present in three neonates, which resulted in early neonatal death. Out of these three, one patient had low AFI i.e., <8 cm and one had abnormally-high AFI value i.e., >24 cm. The study supports the view that AFI is a quick, noninvasive, and good indicator of fetal outcome in high-risk pregnancy.
Baseline Evaluation With a Sweating Thermal Manikin of Personal Protective Ensembles Recommended for Use in West Africa
Authors: Coca Aitor , DiLeo Travis , Kim Jung-Hyun , Roberge Raymond , Shaffer Ronald
Published: August 2015

Objective

Experience with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) ensembles by health care workers responding to the Ebola outbreak in the hot, humid conditions of West Africa has prompted reports of significant issues with heat stress that has resulted in shortened work periods.

Methods

A sweating thermal manikin was used to ascertain the time to achievement of a critical core temperature of 39°C while wearing 4 different PPE ensembles similar to those recommended by the World Health Organization and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) at 2 different ambient conditions (32°C/92% relative humidity and 26°C/80% relative humidity) compared with a control ensemble.

Results

PPE ensembles that utilized coveralls with moderate to high degrees of impermeability attained the critical core temperature in significantly shorter times than did other ensembles. Encapsulation of the head and neck region resulted in higher model-predicted subjective impressions of heat sensation.

Conclusions

To maximize work capacity and to protect health care workers in the challenging ambient conditions of West Africa, consideration should be given to adjustment of work and rest schedules, improvement of PPE (e.g., using less impermeable and more breathable fabrics that provide the same protection), and the possible use of cooling devices worn simultaneously with PPE. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:536–542)
Skin and Environmental Contamination in Patients Diagnosed With Clostridium difficile Infection but Not Meeting Clinical Criteria for Testing
Authors: Kundrapu Sirisha , Sunkesula Venkata , Tomas Myreen , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: August 2015

Of 134 patients diagnosed with Clostridium difficile infection, 30 (22%) did not meet clinical criteria for testing because they lacked significant diarrhea or had alternative explanations for diarrhea and no recent antibiotic exposure. For these patients, skin and/or environmental contamination was common only in those with prior antibiotic exposure.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(11):1348–1350
The Use of a Combination Antibiogram to Assist with the Selection of Appropriate Antimicrobial Therapy for Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Infections
Authors: Hsu Alice J. , Carroll Karen C. , Milstone Aaron M. , Avdic Edina , Cosgrove Sara E. , Vilasoa Mercedes , Tamma Pranita D.
Published: August 2015

Combination antibiograms can be used to evaluate organism cross-resistance among multiple antibiotics. As combination therapy is generally favored for the treatment of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), combination antibiograms provide valuable information about the combination of antibiotics that achieve the highest likelihood of adequate antibiotic coverage against CPE.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(12):1458–1460
A systematic review of the influence of rice characteristics and processing methods on postprandial glycaemic and insulinaemic responses
Authors: Boers Hanny M. , Seijen ten Hoorn Jack , Mela David J.
Published: August 2015

Rice is an important staple food for more than half of the world's population. Especially in Asian countries, rice is a major contributor to dietary glycaemic load (GL). Sustained consumption of higher-GL diets has been implicated in the development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. Given that a reduction in postprandial glycaemic and insulinaemic responses is generally seen as a beneficial dietary change, it is useful to determine the variation in the range of postprandial glucose (PPG) and insulin (PPI) responses to rice and the primary intrinsic and processing factors known to affect such responses. Therefore, we identified relevant original research articles on glycaemic response to rice through a systematic search of the literature in Scopus, Medline and SciFinder databases up to July 2014. Based on a glucose reference value of 100, the observed glycaemic index values for rice varieties ranged from 48 to 93, while the insulinaemic index ranged from 39 to 95. There are three main factors that appear to explain most of the variation in glycaemic and insulinaemic responses to rice: (1) inherent starch characteristics (amylose:amylopectin ratio and rice cultivar); (2) post-harvest processing (particularly parboiling); (3) consumer processing (cooking, storage and reheating). The milling process shows a clear effect when compared at identical cooking times, with brown rice always producing a lower PPG and PPI response than white rice. However, at longer cooking times normally used for the preparation of brown rice, smaller and inconsistent differences are observed between brown and white rice.
Nut consumption is inversely associated with both cancer and total mortality in a Mediterranean population: prospective results from the Moli-sani study
Authors: Bonaccio Marialaura , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , De Curtis Amalia , Costanzo Simona , Bracone Francesca , Persichillo Mariarosaria , Donati Maria Benedetta , de Gaetano Giovanni , Iacoviello Licia
Published: August 2015

Nut intake has been associated with reduced inflammatory status and lower risk of CVD and mortality. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between nut consumption and mortality and the role of inflammation. We conducted a population-based prospective investigation on 19 386 subjects enrolled in the Moli-sani study. Food intake was recorded by the Italian version of the European Project Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition FFQ. C-reactive protein, leucocyte and platelet counts and the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio were used as biomarkers of low-grade inflammation. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. During a median follow-up of 4·3 years, 334 all-cause deaths occurred. As compared with subjects who never ate nuts, rare intake (≤2 times/month) was inversely associated with mortality (multivariable HR=0·68; 95 % CI 0·54, 0·87). At intake ≥8 times/month, a greater protection was observed (HR=0·53; 0·32, 0·90). Nut intake (v. no intake) conveyed a higher protection to individuals poorly adhering to the Mediterranean diet (MD). A significant reduction in cancer deaths (HR=0·64; 95 % CI 0·44, 0·94) was also observed, whereas the impact on CVD deaths was limited to an inverse, but not significant, trend. Biomarkers of low-grade inflammation were reduced in nut consumers but did not account for the association with mortality. In conclusion, nut intake was associated with reduced cancer and total mortality. The protection was stronger in individuals with lower adherence to MD, whereas it was similar in high-risk groups (diabetics, obese, smokers or those with the metabolic syndrome), as compared with low-risk subjects. Inflammation did not explain the observed relationship.
Making National Identity Salient: Impact on Attitudes toward Immigration and Multiculturalism
Authors: Breton Charles
Published: August 2015

Does national identity necessarily have exclusionary effects when it comes to immigration attitudes or is it possible that some national identities act as inclusive forces? While research in Europe and in the US points to the former, one of the long-standing explanations for Canada's success with immigration has been the central place played by immigration and multiculturalism in its national identity. Using the Canadian case, this research tests the possibility that some national identities might represent an inclusive force. It does so through a nationally representative survey experiment (N = 1500) where respondents' national identity was primed before answering questions on immigration and multiculturalism. The analysis shows that contrary to previous results obtained in the Netherlands, priming Canadian identity does not increase anti-immigration attitudes. A new prime designed to isolate the effect of national identity even decreased these exclusionary attitudes.
Why Should Oil Rich Nigeria Make A Law for the Promotion of Renewable Energy in the Power Sector?
Authors: Oniemola Peter Kayode
Published: August 2015

Nigeria is an oil rich country, endowed with both conventional and renewable energy sources. Electricity generation in Nigeria is dominated by oil and gas. The use of renewable energy in the power sector has not been promoted, despite Nigeria's abundant renewable energy potential. Using the law to integrate renewable energy into the Nigerian power sector will promote energy security and access, a clean environment and economic development. This article argues that the benefits of renewable energy outweigh its negative environmental and social impacts, also when compared to oil and gas. It posits that creating a law for the promotion of renewable energy in the power sector will enhance the benefits of renewable energy. Therefore, there should be affirmative law to support renewable energy and provide for a framework for ensuring that other laws do not constitute barriers to the deployment of renewable energy in the power sector.
Keeping “the wheel in motion”: Trans-Atlantic Credit Terms, Slave Prices, and the Geography of Slavery in the British Americas, 1755–1807
Authors: Radburn Nicholas
Published: August 2015

This article uses a new dataset of 330 slaving voyages to examine terms of credit issued for British American slave sales between 1755 and 1807. It shows that credit terms consistently varied between American colonies, and that slave ship captains considered these differences when electing where to land enslaved Africans. Our dataset also shows that credit terms were highly erratic, especially in the last quarter of the century, contributing to both surges and collapses in the slave trade to individual colonies, and in the trade as a whole. Four such instances are examined in detail to show that instability in credit terms played an important and hitherto unacknowledged role in the volume and direction of Britain's trans-Atlantic slave trade in the second one-half of the eighteenth century.
Grain Market Integration in the Baltic Sea Region in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Andersson Fredrik N.G. , Ljungberg Jonas
Published: August 2015

This article explores the development of market integration within the Baltic Sea region and with England, from the 1840s to the late 1880s. It exploits two new datasets on grain prices. The degree of market integration is estimated using a wavelet variant of dynamic factor analysis that takes account of both time and distance. Additionally, we use the London corn market as the benchmark for the degree of market integration. Our results show that the role of distance disappeared in the wheat and rye, but not in the oats and barley trade, as the Baltic Sea Region became integrated into the Atlantic economy.
On the Method of Typical Bounded Differences
Authors: WARNKE LUTZ
Published: August 2015

Concentration inequalities are fundamental tools in probabilistic combinatorics and theoretical computer science for proving that functions of random variables are typically near their means. Of particular importance is the case wheref(X) is a function of independent random variablesX= (X1, . . .,Xn). Here the well-knownbounded differences inequality(also called McDiarmid's inequality or the Hoeffding–Azuma inequality) establishes sharp concentration if the functionfdoes not depend too much on any of the variables. One attractive feature is that it relies on a very simple Lipschitz condition (L): it suffices to show that |f(X) −f(X′)| ⩽ckwheneverX, X′differ only inXk. While this is easy to check, the main disadvantage is that it considersworst-casechangesck, which often makes the resulting bounds too weak to be useful.

In this paper we prove a variant of the bounded differences inequality which can be used to establish concentration of functionsf(X) where (i) thetypicalchanges are small, although (ii) the worst case changes might be very large. One key aspect of this inequality is that it relies on a simple condition that (a) is easy to check and (b) coincides with heuristic considerations as to why concentration should hold. Indeed, given an event Γ that holds with very high probability, we essentially relax the Lipschitz condition (L) to situations where Γ occurs. The point is that the resultingtypicalchangesckare often much smaller than the worst case ones.

To illustrate its application we consider the reverseH-free process, whereHis 2-balanced. We prove that the final number of edges in this process is concentrated, and also determine its likely value up to constant factors. This answers a question of Bollobás and Erdős.
Balanced bilingualism and executive functioning in children
Authors: WEBER RACHEL C. , JOHNSON AUDREA , RICCIO CYNTHIA A. , LIEW JEFFREY
Published: August 2015

The extant research suggests bilingualism is associated with enhanced cognitive effects, most evident in attention and executive functioning (EF). The current study examined the contributions of balance in the bilingualism (Spanish–English) of children to performance-based measures and caregiver ratings of EF. Participants included 30 bilingual children. Balance in children's bilingualism was correlated with caregiver ratings of task initiation. After controlling for demographic variables, balance in bilingualism significantly accounted for 37% of the variance in ratings of children's task initiation. Additional research is needed regarding associations between dual-language exposure, linguistic competence, and cognitive development in children.