bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monthly rain amounts at Fabra Observatory (Barcelona, NE Spain): fractal structure, autoregressive processes and correlation with monthly Western Mediterranean Oscillation index
Authors: Lana X. , Burgueño A. , Martínez M. D. , Serra C.
Published: June 2016

Monthly rain amounts (MRA) recorded at Fabra Observatory (Barcelona, NE Spain) since 1917–2010, are analysed from two complementary points of view. First, mono‐ and multifractal characteristics of MRA are compared with those corresponding to the monthly Western Mediterranean Oscillation index (WeMOi), which affects the rainfall regime at the western Mediterranean region. Monofractality is analysed through Hurst and Hausdorff exponents, and a power law describing the dependence of MRA power spectra on frequency. The reconstruction theorem permits to quantify the complexity of the physical process by means of the correlation dimension and the Kolmogorov entropy. In agreement with this theorem, the predictive instability is also evaluated through the Lyapunov exponents. The multifractality is characterized by the critical Hölder exponent, as well as by the asymmetry and spectral width of the multifractal spectrum. Second, three predictive processes for MRA are tested. One of them is based on the assumption that MRA could be simulated by fractional Gaussian noise. The other two are, by one hand, an ARIMA(p,1,0) process for MRA; on the other hand, an adaptation of the ARIMA process for MRA taking as arguments preceding WeMOi. Finally, relationships between MRA and WeMOi confirm that outstanding MRA use to be coincident with negative WeMOi. An explanation is also proposed for the non‐negligible number of MRA corresponding to positive WeMOi.
Simultaneous determination of five common additives in insulating mineral oils by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet and coulometric detection
Authors: Bruzzoniti Maria Concetta , Sarzanini Corrado , Rivoira Luca , Tumiatti Vander , Maina Riccardo
Published: June 2016

Dielectric mineral oils are used to impregnate power transformers and large electrical apparatus, acting as both liquid insulation and heat dissipation media. Antioxidants and passivators are frequently added to mineral oils to enhance oxidation stability and reduce the electrostatic charging tendency, respectively. Since existing standard test methods only allow analysis of individual additives, new approaches are needed for the detection of mixtures. For the first time we investigate and discuss the performance of analytical methods, which require or do not require extraction as sample pretreatment, for the simultaneous reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography determination of passivators (benzotriazole, Irgamet® 39) and antioxidants (N‐phenyl‐1‐naphtylamine, 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenol, 2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐p‐cresol), chosen for their presence in marketed oils. Quick easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe and solid phase extractions were evaluated as sample pretreatments. Direct sample‐injection was also studied. Ultraviolet spectrophotometry and direct‐current coulometry detection were explored. As less prone to additive concentrations variability, the direct‐injection high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet and coulometric detection method was validated through comparison with Standard Method IEC 60666 and through an ASTM interlaboratory proficiency test. Obtained detection limits are (mg kg−1): benzotriazole (2.8), Irgamet® 39 (13.8), N‐phenyl‐1‐naphtylamine (11.9), 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenol (13.1), 2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐p‐cresol (10.2). Simultaneous determination of selected additives was possible both in unused and used oils, with good precision and accuracy.
Monitoring the quality consistency of Fufang Danshen Pills using micellar electrokinetic chromatography fingerprint coupled with prediction of antioxidant activity and chemometrics
Authors: Ji Zhengchao , Sun Wanyang , Sun Guoxiang , Zhang Jin
Published: June 2016

A fast micellar electrokinetic chromatography fingerprint method combined with quantification was developed and validated to evaluate the quality of Fufang Danshen Pills, a traditional Chinese Medicine, which has been used in the treatment of cardiovascular system diseases, in which the tetrahedron optimization method was first used to optimize the background electrolyte solution. Subsequently, the index of the fingerprint information amount of I was performed as an excellent objective indictor to investigate the experimental conditions. In addition, a systematical quantified fingerprint method was constructed for evaluating the quality consistency of 20 batches of test samples obtained from the same drug manufacturer. The fingerprint analysis combined with quantitative determination of two components showed that the quality consistency of the test samples was quite good within the same commercial brand. Furthermore, the partial least squares model analysis was used to explore the fingerprint–efficacy relationship between active components and antioxidant activity in vitro, which can be applied for the assessment of anti‐oxidant activity of Fufang Danshen pills and provide valuable medicinal information for quality control. The result illustrated that the present study provided a reliable and reasonable method for monitoring the quality consistency of Fufang Danshen pills.
Cytocompatible, Photoreversible, and Self‐Healing Hydrogels for Regulating Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Differentiation
Authors: Yu Lianlian , Xu Kaige , Ge Liangpeng , Wan Wenbing , Darabi Ali , Xing Malcolm , Zhong Wen
Published: June 2016

Photo‐crosslinking and self‐healing have received considerable attention for the design of intelligent materials. A novel photostimulated, self‐healing, and cytocompatible hydrogel system is reported. A coumarin methacrylate crosslinker is synthesized to modify the polyacrylamide‐based hydrogels. With the [2+2] cyclo‐addition of coumarin moieties, the hydrogels exhibit excellent self‐healing capacity when they are exposed to light with wavelengths at 280 and 365 nm, respectively. To enhance cell compatibility, a poly (amidoamine) crosslinker is also synthesized. Variations in light exposure times and irradiation wavelengths are found to alter the self‐healing property of the hydrogels. The hydrogels are shown to induce a regular cellular pattern. The hydrogels are used to regulate bone marrow stromal cells differentiation. The relative mRNA expressions are recorded to monitor the osteogenic differentiation of the cells.

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Tuning the Surface of Nanoparticles: Impact of Poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) on Protein Adsorption in Serum and Cellular Uptake
Authors: Koshkina Olga , Westmeier Dana , Lang Thomas , Bantz Christoph , Hahlbrock Angelina , Würth Christian , Resch‐Genger Ute , Braun Ulrike , Thiermann Raphael , Weise Christoph , Eravci Murat , Mohr Benjamin , Schlaad Helmut , Stauber Roland H. , Docter Dominic , Bertin Annabelle , Maskos Michael
Published: June 2016

Due to the adsorption of biomolecules, the control of the biodistribution of nanoparticles is still one of the major challenges of nanomedicine. Poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PEtOx) for surface modification of nanoparticles is applied and both protein adsorption and cellular uptake of PEtOxylated nanoparticles versus nanoparticles coated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and non‐coated positively and negatively charged nanoparticles are compared. Therefore, fluorescent poly(organosiloxane) nanoparticles of 15 nm radius are synthesized, which are used as a scaffold for surface modification in a grafting onto approach. With multi‐angle dynamic light scattering, asymmetrical flow field‐flow fractionation, gel electrophoresis, and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, it is demonstrated that protein adsorption on PEtOxylated nanoparticles is extremely low, similar as on PEGylated nanoparticles. Moreover, quantitative microscopy reveals that PEtOxylation significantly reduces the non‐specific cellular uptake, particularly by macrophage‐like cells. Collectively, studies demonstrate that PEtOx is a very effective alternative to PEG for stealth modification of the surface of nanoparticles.

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Empathic Relationships in Professional Services and the Moderating Role of Relationship Age
Authors: Weißhaar Isabelle , Huber Frank
Published: June 2016

Empathy has been identified as a key success factor for employees who interact with customers. Despite its overall relevance, only a few studies have acknowledged its multidimensional nature. Knowledge remains scarce about the relative impact of cognitive and affective empathy on relational outcomes. In addition, few pieces of research have explicitly acknowledged empathy as theorized within stage‐models focusing on the communication of empathy. The authors conceptualize empathy as a multidimensional construct perceived by the client. Empathy has to be communicated to be effective, while customers’ perceptions of empathy may also be more complex as they distinguish between cognitive and affective empathy. This article investigates the effects of perspective taking, emotional concern, and emotional contagion on trust and commitment. Drawing upon relationship stage concepts, the authors further argue that the influence is moderated by relationship age. Finally, this study investigates if employees benefit from being perceived as empathic partners in terms of “hard facts” (objective sales performance). Based on a data set from 215 business clients of a large consulting firm, this study adopts a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach by using multigroup analysis. To test the empathy–performance link, the authors aggregate customer responses nested in 84 employees and link perceived empathy with performance data. The results show that within B2B relationships, perspective taking exerts the strongest influence on trust, whereas emotional concern is the strongest driver for commitment. The results also confirm the moderating role of relationship age and that perspective taking leads to an increase in actual sales performance. This study underpins the relevance of empathy within services marketing, while providing a more detailed approach to account for empathy as a relation building tool. Practical and academic implications are also addressed.
Radiation‐Induced In Situ Synthesis of Gold Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Ali Zakaria Ismaiel , Eisa Weal H. , Saleh Hoda H. , Meligi Gamal A. , El‐Sokary Rehab
Published: June 2016

Gold nanoparticles were in situ synthesized via irradiation process, using PVA, (PVA:Cs), and (PVA:PAM) as host polymeric matrices. The effect of irradiation dose, polymer content, polymer combination AgNO3, chitosan, and poly acrylamide were studied. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have spherical nanoparticles shape with different size ranging from 10−35 nm, which were characterized by ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐VIS) spectroscopy, X‐ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) shows the spectral shift together with reduced intensity of the −OH stretching vibration upon incorporation of the Au nanoparticles indicating the coordination between Au nanoparticles and the OH groups originating from the PVA chains. The synthesized gold nanoparticles have been successfully applied as a catalyst in the degradation of methyl orange and methylene blue by NaBH4.
Luminescence Quenching and Enhancement by Adsorbed Metal Ions with Ruthenium Diimine Complexes Immobilized on Silica Polyamine Composites
Authors: Rosenberg Edward , Abbott Geoffrey , Ross J. B. Alexander , McVay Riley , Terwilliger Michelle
Published: June 2016

Luminescent ruthenium diimine complexes have been covalently bound to the surface of a silica polyamine composite (SPC) using peptide coupling agents. The loading of the complexes using this route is quite low (∼0.01–0.04 mmol/g) leaving sufficient surface amines to coordinate added metal ions. When the composite particles containing the Ru complexes are exposed to solutions of Cu2+, Ni2+ or Zn2+, luminescence is quenched with efficiencies that follow concentration dependence and the relative binding affinities of the ions. When heavy metal ions such as mercury or lead are adsorbed onto the same surface, luminescence is enhanced by a factor of ∼3.5. When the complexes are exposed to these metals in solution, no quenching or enhancement is observed. Both phenomena were shown to be the result of adsorption of the cations onto the polyamine surface by using the Stern‐Volmer relationship. The mechanism of both quenching and enhancement is discussed and the options for further development of this novel metal sensing technique are presented.
Infant digestion physiology and the relevance of in vitro biochemical models to test infant formula lipid digestion
Authors: Poquet Laure , Wooster Tim J.
Published: June 2016

Lipids play an important role in the diet of preterm and term infants providing a key energy source and essential lipid components for development. While a lot is known about adult lipid digestion, our understanding of infant digestion physiology is still incomplete, the greatest gap being on the biochemistry of the small intestine, particularly the activity and relative importance of the various lipases active in the intestine. The literature has been reviewed to identify the characteristics of lipid digestion of preterm and term infants, but also to better understand the physiology of the infant gastrointestinal tract compared to adults that impacts the absorption of lipids. The main differences are a higher gastric pH, submicellar bile salt concentration, a far more important role of gastric lipases as well as differences at the level of the intestinal barrier. Importantly, the consequences of improper in vitro replication of gastric digestions conditions (pH and lipase specificity) are demonstrated using examples from the most recent of studies. It is true that some animal models could be adapted to study infant lipid digestion physiology, however the ethical relevance of such models is questionable, hence the development of accurate in vitro models is a must. In vitro models that combine up to date knowledge of digestion biochemistry with intestinal cells in culture are the best choice to replicate digestion and absorption in infant population, this would allow the adaptation of infant formula for a better digestion and absorption of dietary lipids by preterm and term infants.
Deformation of disentangled polypropylene crystalline grains into nanofibers
Authors: Krajenta Justyna , Pawlak Andrzej , Galeski Andrzej
Published: June 2016

It was shown that a solid‐state deformation of polypropylene (PP) being in the form of partially disentangled powder is possible by blending with another molten polymer. During mixing of disentangled polypropylene powder with polystyrene at the temperature below melting of polypropylene crystals the shear forces deform powder grains into nanofibers. All disentangled powder particles larger than 0.7 µm underwent deformation into nanofibers having the mean thickness between 100 and 200 nm. Polypropylene nanofibers got entangled during blending and form a network within polystyrene matrix, reinforcing it. Network of entangled nanofibers can be further deformed with pronounced strain hardening and strength reaching 70 MPa at 135 °C. Blending resulted in generation of PP nanofibers and formation of PP nanofibers entangled network, thus formation of “all‐polymer nanocomposites” in one step compounding. The crucial feature for ultra‐deformation of PP grains by shearing during mixing is disentanglement of macromolecules. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1983–1994
Perceptions of cancer treatment decision making among American Indians/Alaska Natives and their physicians
Authors: Morris Arden M. , Doorenbos Ardith Z. , Haozous Emily , Meins Alexa , Javid Sara , Flum David R.
Published: June 2016

Objective

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients are significantly less likely than non‐Hispanic whites to receive guideline‐concordant cancer care. Our objective was to examine cancer treatment decision making among AI/AN patients and their providers.

Methods

From 2011 to 2014, AI/AN cancer patients and their surgeons were identified through a hospital registry in Washington State. Patients were invited to participate in a mailed survey that queried socio‐demographics, cultural affiliation, everyday perceived discrimination, and trust in providers. Both patients and surgeons were queried about decision‐making quality (collaboration and satisfaction). The primary outcome was association between patient and provider assessments of decision‐making quality. The secondary outcome was non‐adherence to treatment.

Results

Forty‐nine patients (62% response rate) and 14 surgeons (37% response rate) returned surveys. Half of patients had not completed high school; 41% were living in poverty. Half of patients reported a strong tribal affiliation and most reported experiencing some form of discrimination. Patients endorsed high trust in surgeons and a high quality decision‐making process; and surgeons' rated decision‐making quality even more highly than patients did in every domain. Non‐adherence to treatment recommendations was common (26%) and was significantly associated with lower patient‐reported collaboration and satisfaction with decision making.

Conclusions

Given the importance of adherence to cancer treatment for survival, the many non‐clinical reasons for non‐adherence, and the currently demonstrated association between decision‐making quality and adherence, it would be worthwhile to investigate how to increase AI/AN patient satisfaction with decision making and whether improving satisfaction yields improved adherence to the cancer treatment plan. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Psycho‐Oncology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Spirituality, emotional distress, and post‐traumatic growth in breast cancer survivors and their partners: an actor–partner interdependence modeling approach
Authors: Gesselman Amanda N. , Bigatti Silvia M. , Garcia Justin R. , Coe Kathryn , Cella David , Champion Victoria L.
Published: June 2016

Background

The association between spirituality and emotional health has been well documented in healthy individuals. A small literature has shown that spirituality plays a role in well‐being for some breast cancer (BC) survivors; however, this link is virtually unexplored in partners/spouses of survivors. The current study aimed to assess the relationship between spirituality, emotional distress, and post‐traumatic growth for BC survivors and their partners using a dyadic analyses approach.

Methods

A total of 498 couples who were 3–8 years post‐BC diagnosis were recruited from the Eastern Oncology Group database.

Results

For BC survivors and their partners, greater levels of spirituality were associated with increases in their own post‐traumatic growth. There was no relation between BC and partner spirituality and their own emotional distress, but partner's spirituality was associated with reduced occurrence of intrusive thoughts in the BC survivor. In contrast, BC survivors' spirituality was found to be wholly unrelated to partner's mental health and adjustment.

Conclusions

Following diagnosis and treatment, spirituality appears to associate with positive growth in BC survivors and their partners. However, BC survivor and partner spirituality seem to be ineffective at impacting the other's post‐traumatic growth or emotional distress, with the exception of intrusive thoughts. Dyadic analysis takes into account the reciprocal influence of close relationships on health and is an important and under‐utilized methodology in behavioral oncology research and clinical practice. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Transnational Migration Strategies of Chinese and Indian Students in Australia
Authors: Tan George , Hugo Graeme
Published: June 2016

Countries engaged in a race for highly skilled labour are prepared to modify immigration regulations to attract those migrants; however, despite abundant research regarding the mobility of the highly skilled, the mobility of international students and their subsequent migration patterns is not well understood. Using the transnational lens, this approach elucidates the practices and connections between multiples places in international student migration. This paper uses a study of Chinese and Indian students in Australia to shed light on the intricacies of their transnational migration strategies by investigating how their interactions with Australia's skilled migration programme not only results in permanent migration outcomes but also facilitate onward migration to other destinations. The configuration of Australia, and/or Adelaide at a finer spatial level, as gateways to preferred destinations illustrates how educational choices and immigration regimes intersect and impinge on the decision‐making process of Chinese and Indian students in Australia. By doing so, it not only unpacks the ‘difference’ usually associated with international education by emphasising on the importance of attractive immigration policies but also argues for the need to consider the lifetime mobility aspirations of international students and their mobility beyond the ‘stay‐return’ framework. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validity of the Original and Short Versions of the Dynamic Gait Index in Predicting Falls in Stroke Survivors
Authors: An Seung Heon , Jee Young Ju , Shin Hyeon Hui , Lee Gyu Chang
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

This study aimed to investigate the validity of the original version and short version of the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI-8 and DGI-4) in predicting falls in stroke survivors.

Design:

This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Method:

This study collected data for 57 chronic stroke survivors and evaluated the validity of the DGI-8 and DGI-4. To test functional ability, the Sit-to-Stand Test, gait subscale of the Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment, the 10-m Walk Test, the Fugl-Meyer assessment, and the Trunk Impairment Scale were used.

Findings:

For the DGI-8, the cutoff value for the prediction of a fall was shown to be 16.5, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78. The cutoff value of the DGI-4 was shown to be 9.5, with an AUC of 0.77.

Conclusions:

The study results show that the DGI-8 and DGI-4 have discrimination in the prediction of fall in stroke survivors.

Clinical Relevance:

DGI-8 and DGI-4 can be useful for predicting falls of stroke patients, allowing better quality of care.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Substituted Sulfonamide Tetrazole Derivatives as Antitubercular Agents
Authors: Suresh Amaroju , Suresh Narva , Misra Sunil , Kumar Muthyala Murali Krishna , Sekhar Kondapalli Venkata Gowri Chandra
Published: June 2016

The 1,2,4 triazole and tetrazole pharmacophore is still considered a viable lead structure for the synthesis of more efficacious and broad spectrum anti‐microbial agents. In this communication, a new class of highly potent anti‐tuberculosis agents are reported. Designed and synthesized a series of 18 compounds and evaluated them for their anti‐tubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain. Among the compounds tested, five compounds exhibited moderate anti‐TB activity (MIC = 6.25 µg/mL); compounds 8a, 8d, 8i, 9b and 9f displayed good activity (Minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) = 3.12 µg/mL), while compounds 8e, 8g, 8h, 9d and 9h exhibited excellent activity (MIC = 1.56 µg/mL) against the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Furthermore, they displayed no toxicity against CHO‐K1 cell lines at a concentration of 100 µM. These investigated analogues have emerged as potential leads to extend the scope of the anti‐tubercular research. Additionally, the most active compounds were docked to enzyme MTB CytP51 (2CIB.pdb) to understand ligand‐receptor binding interactions.
Achieving Both High Selectivity and Current Density for CO2 Reduction to Formate on Nanoporous Tin Foam Electrocatalysts
Authors: Du Dongwei , Lan Rong , Humphreys John , Sengodan Sivaprakash , Xie Kui , Wang Huanting , Tao Shanwen
Published: June 2016

Currently, low catalytic activity, selectivity and stability are the biggest challenges which restrict the large scale applications of CO2 electrochemical reduction. Formic acid, one of the highest value‐added products from electrochemical reduction of CO2, has gathered much interest. Here, we develop nanoporous tin foam catalysts which exhibit significantly high selectivity and faster production rate to formate. In a 0.1 M NaHCO3 solution, the maximum Faradaic efficiency for formate production can reach above 90 % with a current density over 23 mA cm−2, which are among the highest reported to date under ambient conditions. The improved production rate can be attributed to the high surface area and porous structure. Moreover, the electrocatalysts are quite stable, namely, the Faradaic efficiency remains unchanged during 16 hour electrolysis.
Solar street lighting: a key technology en route to sustainability
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Meneguzzo Francesco , Albanese Lorenzo , Pagliaro Mario
Published: June 2016

Today's solar street LED lights are able to provide reliable, quality lighting both in developing and developed countries, thereby reducing light poverty and the economic and environmental costs of electric outdoor lighting. Rapid technical innovation and dramatic price reduction in the LED, PV module, and battery components, which has occurred in the last 5 years, will accelerate the penetration of solar street LED lights across the world. Applications will not be limited to countries with significant insolation only but will extend to Northern regions as well. This study provides a critical overview of a technology that will play an important role en route to global sustainability. WIREs Energy Environ 2017, 6:e218. doi: 10.1002/wene.218

This article is categorized under:

Photovoltaics > Systems and Infrastructure

Solar Heating and Cooling > Economics and Policy

Solar Heating and Cooling > Systems and Infrastructure
Cost–Benefit Analysis of the Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery Program in Liver Surgery
Authors: Joliat Gaëtan‐Romain , Labgaa Ismaïl , Hübner Martin , Blanc Catherine , Griesser Anne‐Claude , Schäfer Markus , Demartines Nicolas
Published: June 2016

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs have been shown to ease the postoperative recovery and improve clinical outcomes for various surgery types. ERAS cost‐effectiveness was demonstrated for colorectal surgery but not for liver surgery. The present study aim was to analyze the implementation costs and benefits of a specific ERAS program in liver surgery.

Methods

A dedicated ERAS protocol for liver surgery was implemented in our department in July 2013. The subsequent year all consecutive patients undergoing liver surgery were treated according to this protocol (ERAS group). They were compared in terms of real in‐hospital costs with a patient series before ERAS implementation (pre‐ERAS group). Mean costs per patient were compared with a bootstrap T test. A cost‐minimization analysis was performed.

Results

Seventy‐four ERAS patients were compared with 100 pre‐ERAS patients. There were no significant pre‐ and intraoperative differences between the two groups, except for the laparoscopy number (n = 18 ERAS, n = 9 pre‐ERAS, p = 0.010). Overall postoperative complications were observed in 36 (49 %) and 64 patients (64 %) in the ERAS and pre‐ERAS groups, respectively (p = 0.046). The median length of stay was significantly shorter for the ERAS group (8 vs. 10 days, p = 0.006). The total mean costs per patient were €38,726 and €42,356 for ERAS and pre‐ERAS (p = 0.467). The cost‐minimization analysis showed a total mean cost reduction of €3080 per patient after ERAS implementation.

Conclusions

ERAS implementation for liver surgery induced a non‐significant decrease in cost compared to standard care. Significant decreased complication rate and hospital stay were observed in the ERAS group.
The Impact of Deep Sternal Wound Infection on Mortality and Resource Utilization: A Population‐based Study
Authors: Sears Erika D. , Wu Lizi , Waljee Jennifer F. , Momoh Adeyiza O. , Zhong Lin , Chung Kevin C.
Published: June 2016

Background

Recent national infection control efforts have been directed at reducing postsurgical infection rates, related morbidity, and cost. We sought to evaluate population‐level rates of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) after cardiac surgery, associated mortality, and resource use compared to patients undergoing cardiac surgery without postoperative DSWI relative to historical trends.

Methods

We analyzed the MarketScan® Commercial Claims Databases from 2009 to 2013 to identify adult patients who developed DSWI after open cardiac surgery. Patients with and without DSWI were compared. The outcomes of interest included 30‐day, 90‐day, and 1‐year in‐hospital mortality. Utilization outcomes, including total hospital days and inpatient costs, were calculated in the time period from the index cardiac surgery through 90 days after DSWI diagnosis.

Results

In this cohort, 176,537 patients underwent one or more cardiac surgery procedures. DSWI occurred in 2835 (1.6 %) patients. One‐year mortality for patients with DSWI was 10.7 versus 2.5 % (P < 0.001) in patients without DSWI. Mean hospital days in patients with DSWI were 33 versus 9 days for patients without DSWI (P < 0.001). Mean cost for patients with DSWI was greater than 2.5 times that of patients without DSWI ($211,478 vs $82,089, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Treatment of DSWI results in substantial morbidity, mortality, and excess cost for treating facilities. The rates of DSWI have not decreased dramatically over the last 10–20 years. Thus, more attention needs to be focused toward understanding treatment variation that exists in patients diagnosed with DSWI.
Thioesterase domain swapping of a linear polyketide tautomycetin with a macrocyclic polyketide pikromycin in Streptomyces sp. CK4412
Authors: Tripathi Ashootosh , Choi Si-Sun , Sherman David H , Kim Eung-Soo
Published: June 2016

Tautomycetin (TMC) is a linear polyketide metabolite produced by Streptomyces sp. CK4412 that has been reported to possess multiple biological functions including T cell-specific immunosuppressive and anticancer activities that occur through a mechanism of differential inhibition of protein phosphatases such as PP1, PP2A, and SHP2. We previously reported the characterization of the entire TMC biosynthetic gene cluster constituted by multifunctional type I polyketide synthase (PKS) assembly and suggested that the linear form of TMC could be generated via free acid chain termination by a narrow TMC thioesterase (TE) pocket. The modular nature of the assembly presents a unique opportunity to alter or interchange the native biosynthetic domains to produce targeted variants of TMC. Herein, we report swapping of the TMC TE domain sequence with the exact counterpart of the macrocyclic polyketide pikromycin (PIK) TE. PIK TE-swapped Streptomyces sp. CK4412 mutant produced not only TMC, but also a cyclized form of TMC, implying that the bioengineering based in vivo custom construct can be exploited to produce engineered macrolactones with new structural functionality.
Attitudes Toward Discussing Approved and Investigational Treatments for Cystic Fibrosis in Prenatal Genetic Counseling Practice
Authors: Elsas Caroline Rung , Schwind Elinor Langfelder , Hercher Laura , Smith Michael J. , Young Kara Gardner
Published: June 2016

This project aimed to explore the attitudes of prenatal genetic counselors toward discussion of novel approved and experimental CF treatments in the prenatal setting, and to assess how knowledge of genotype‐specific, targeted treatments may influence their current practices. Targeted treatments have the potential to impact the health‐related quality of life of individuals affected with CF and therefore, knowledge of the availability of such treatments may influence the decision‐making process of parents who receive a fetal diagnosis of CF. Using the 2012 FDA approval and introduction of ivacaftor into CF clinical practice as a case study, a survey was designed to explore the opinions and practices of prenatal genetic counselors with regard to counseling for a prenatal diagnosis of CF, and how those practices might be impacted by the availability of a new genotype‐specific treatment. Approximately 800 genetic counselors were sent questionnaires in January of 2013. Respondents were provided information about this treatment and were asked to rate its perceived benefits, along with the likelihood that they would discuss potential benefits and limitations with parents receiving a prenatal diagnosis of CF. One‐hundred sixty‐nine prenatal genetic counselors (21.1 %) responded to the survey. Results indicated that 80 % of respondents ‘never heard of the drug’, or they were ‘not exactly sure’ what it was. After reading the materials provided, counselors felt the new treatment would have ‘some’ or a ‘significant’ impact on an affected individual's life. Their opinions varied on what information about this treatment they would choose to discuss with their patients; even if the treatment is currently FDA approved and clinically available for affected individuals with the genotype of the fetus. However, they would ‘definitely’ refer these patients to a specialist to discuss targeted treatments further. Most prenatal genetic counselors indicated there are certain scenarios in the prenatal setting which warrant a discussion of targeted treatments for CF, at least on some level. Counselor's views on sharing information about new treatment options are shaped by their familiarity with the treatment and their perception of its benefits and limitations, their comfort discussing these subjects, and their interpretation of the genetic counselor's role. Most genetic counselors had never heard of ivacaftor or Kalydeco™ prior to taking the survey. Therefore, counselors need to be better educated about the availability of CFTR mutation‐based treatments before they will be able to incorporate discussion of new treatment options into their counseling.
Developmental pathways linking childhood and adolescent internalizing, externalizing, academic competence, and adolescent depression
Authors: Weeks Murray , Ploubidis George B. , Cairney John , Wild T. Cameron , Naicker Kiyuri , Colman Ian
Published: June 2016

This study examined longitudinal pathways through three domains of adaptation from ages 4–5 to 14–15 (internalizing problems, externalizing problems, and academic competence) towards depressive symptoms at age 16–17. Participants were 6425 Canadian children followed bi‐annually as part of the National Longitudinal Study of Children and Youth. Within‐domain (i.e., stability) effects were moderate in strength. We found longitudinal cross‐domain effects across one time point (i.e., one‐lag cascades) between internalizing and externalizing in early childhood (positive associations), and between academic competence and externalizing in later childhood and adolescence (negative associations). We also found cascade effects over multiple time points (i.e., multi‐lag cascades); lower academic competence at age 4–5 and greater internalizing at age 6–7 predicted greater age 12–13 externalizing, and greater age 6–7 externalizing predicted greater age 16–17 depression. Important pathways towards adolescent depression include a stability path through childhood and adolescent internalizing, as well as a number of potential paths involving all domains of adaptation, highlighting the multifactorial nature of adolescent depression.
Enhancing Occupational Therapy Students’ Knowledge, Competence, Awareness, and Interest in Accessibility
Authors: Bar Michal Avrech , Ratzon Navah Z.
Published: June 2016

Objective/Background

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the incorporation of an environmental assessment for accessibility, as part of an “Activity Analysis” course, would enhance new students’ knowledge, competence, awareness, and interest in accessibility issues for people with disabilities.

Methods

In this research, we included an out-of-class training of environmental assessment for accessibility. One hundred and two 1st-year occupational therapy students at Tel Aviv University participated in this research. Of the 102 participants, 56 experienced the training and 46 did not but attended the regular Activity Analysis course. The students explored a typical community environment, during which a specific checklist was used for assessing levels of accessibility. The “Accessibility-Knowledge Competence Awareness and Interests” questionnaire was administered before and after the course to both groups.

Results

Students who participated in the out-of-class training showed significant increases in their knowledge, competence, and partial awareness of accessibility and also had better grades in two separate courses that required knowledge of accessibility. There was no significant difference in the results of the Accessibility-Knowledge Competence Awareness and Interests before and after the Activity Analysis course in the control group.

Conclusion

The findings of the current study support the contribution of teaching 1st-year occupational therapy students the principles and practices of accessibility for people with disabilities, by improving their knowledge and level of competence at this early stage of their professional lives. Further studies are needed, however, to determine the optimal course of implementation in order to enhance awareness and interest in the subject of accessibility.
Shock-tunnel investigations on the evolution and morphology of shock-induced large separation bubbles
Authors: Sriram R. , Jagadeesh G.
Published: June 2016

Shock-tunnel experiments are carried out to study the strong interaction between an impinging shock wave and boundary layer on a flat plate, accompanied bylargeseparation bubble with a length comparable to the distance of the location of shock impingement from the leading edge of the plate. For nominal freestream Mach numbers ranging from 6 to 8.5, moderate to high total enthalpies of 1.3MJ/kg to 6MJ/kg are simulated in the Indian Institute of Science's hypersonic shock tunnels HST-2 (a conventional Hypersonic Shock Tunnel) and Free Piston Shock Tunnel (FPST) with freestream Reynolds numbers ranging from 4 × 106/m to 0.3 × 106/m. The strong impinging shock is generated by a wedge (or shock generator) at an angle of 30.96° to the freestream. From the time-resolved Schlieren flow visualisations using a high-speed camera and surface pressure measurements on the flat plate using fast response sensors, a statistically steady flow field with a large separation bubble was established within the short test time of the shock tunnels (around 600µs in HST-2 and 300µs in FPST). The role of various parameters on the interaction – Mach number, location of shock impingement and flow total enthalpy – are investigated from the measured separation length and surface pressure distribution. For the nominal Mach number of 8.5, with shock impingement at 100mm from the leading edge, the separation length increased from 60mm to 70mm as the total enthalpy is increased from 1.6MJ/kg to 2.4MJ/kg; whereas it dropped drastically to 30-40mm at 6MJ/kg. This is due to the prominence of real gas effects at higher enthalpies.
EQUITABLE RETIREMENT INCOME TONTINES: MIXING COHORTS WITHOUT DISCRIMINATING
Authors: Milevsky Moshe A. , Salisbury Thomas S.
Published: June 2016

There is growing interest in the design of pension annuities that insure against idiosyncratic longevity risk while pooling and sharing systematic risk. This is partially motivated by the desire to reduce capital and reserve requirements while retaining the value of mortality credits; see for example, Piggott et al. (2005) or Donnelly et al. (2014). In this paper, we generalize the natural retirement income tontine introduced by Milevsky and Salisbury (2015) by combining heterogeneous cohorts into one pool. We engineer this scheme by allocating tontine shares at either a premium or a discount to par based on both the age of the investor and the amount they invest. For example, a 55-year old allocating $10,000 to the tontine might be told to pay $200 per share and receive 50 shares, while a 75-year old allocating $8,000 might pay $40 per share and receive 200 shares. They would all be mixed together into the same tontine pool and each tontine share would have equal income rights. The current paper addresses existence and uniqueness issues and discusses the conditions under which this scheme can be constructed equitably — which is distinct from fairly — even though it isn't optimal for any cohort. As such, this also gives us the opportunity to compare and contrast various pooling schemes that have been proposed in the literature and to differentiate between arrangements that are socially equitable, vs. actuarially fair vs. economically optimal.
Evaporation of water: evaporation rate and collective effects
Authors: Carrier Odile , Shahidzadeh-Bonn Noushine , Zargar Rojman , Aytouna Mounir , Habibi Mehdi , Eggers Jens , Bonn Daniel
Published: June 2016

We study the evaporation rate from single drops as well as collections of drops on a solid substrate, both experimentally and theoretically. For a single isolated drop of water, in general the evaporative flux is limited by diffusion of water through the air, leading to an evaporation rate that is proportional to the linear dimension of the drop. Here, we test the limitations of this scaling law for several small drops and for very large drops. We find that both for simple arrangements of drops, as well as for complex drop size distributions found in sprays, cooperative effects between drops are significant. For large drops, we find that the onset of convection introduces a length scale of approximately 20 mm in radius, below which linear scaling is found. Above this length scale, the evaporation rate is proportional to the surface area.
‘Well, This is it. Just Get on With it’: Pain Willingness and Activity Engagement in People with Chronic Pain
Authors: Titus Cecelia A. , Biggs Herbert C.
Published: June 2016

Acceptance of chronic pain is associated with positive health outcomes. The study examined participants’ chronic pain experiences by exploring two acceptance factors: pain willingness and activity engagement. Eleven participants (seven women and four men) participated in semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed to identify pain willingness and activity engagement in participants’ experiences. The study found that participants demonstrated some pain willingness and activity engagement, but that avoidance and control could result in unwanted activity restrictions. Three themes were identified in participants’ accounts of getting on with their lives: making necessary adjustments, taking control and finding purpose and meaning. To improve outcomes for people with chronic pain, counsellors and rehabilitation professionals should encourage pain acceptance, and educate their clients about the effects of social withdrawal, and avoidance and control of pain.
Measuring Noise Temperatures of Phased-Array Antennas for Astronomy at CSIRO
Authors: Chippendale A. P. , Hayman D. B. , Hay S. G.
Published: June 2016

We describe the development of a noise-temperature testing capability for phased-array antennas operating in receive mode from 0.7 GHz to 1.8 GHz. Sampled voltages from each array port were recorded digitally as the zenith-pointing array under test was presented with three scenes: (1) a large microwave absorber at ambient temperature, (2) the unobstructed radio sky, and (3) broadband noise transmitted from a reference antenna centred over and pointed at the array under test. The recorded voltages were processed in software to calculate the beam equivalent noise temperature for a maximum signal-to-noise ratio beam steered at the zenith. We introduced the reference-antenna measurement to make noise measurements with reproducible, well-defined beams directed at the zenith and thereby at the centre of the absorber target. We applied a detailed model of cosmic and atmospheric contributions to the radio sky emission that we used as a noise-temperature reference. We also present a comprehensive analysis of measurement uncertainty including random and systematic effects. The key systematic effect was due to uncertainty in the beamformed antenna pattern and how efficiently it illuminates the absorber load. We achieved a combined uncertainty as low as 4 K for a 40 K measurement of beam equivalent noise temperature. The measurement and analysis techniques described in this paper were pursued to support noise-performance verification of prototype phased-array feeds for the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder telescope.
Deceived by orchids: sex, science, fiction and Darwin
Authors: ENDERSBY JIM
Published: June 2016

Between 1916 and 1927, botanists in several countries independently resolved three problems that had mystified earlier naturalists – including Charles Darwin: how did the many species of orchid that did not produce nectar persuade insects to pollinate them? Why did some orchid flowers seem to mimic insects? And why should a native British orchid suffer ‘attacks’ from a bee? Half a century after Darwin's death, these three mysteries were shown to be aspects of a phenomenon now known as pseudocopulation, whereby male insects are deceived into attempting to mate with the orchid's flowers, which mimic female insects; the males then carry the flower's pollen with them when they move on to try the next deceptive orchid. Early twentieth-century botanists were able to see what their predecessors had not because orchids (along with other plants) had undergone an imaginative re-creation: Darwin's science was appropriated by popular interpreters of science, including the novelist Grant Allen; then H.G. Wells imagined orchids as killers (inspiring a number of imitators), to produce a genre of orchid stories that reflected significant cultural shifts, not least in the presentation of female sexuality. It was only after these changes that scientists were able to see plants as equipped with agency, actively able to pursue their own, cunning reproductive strategies – and to outwit animals in the process. This paper traces the movement of a set of ideas that were created in a context that was recognizably scientific; they then became popular non-fiction, then popular fiction, and then inspired a new science, which in turn inspired a new generation of fiction writers. Long after clear barriers between elite and popular science had supposedly been established in the early twentieth century, they remained porous because a variety of imaginative writers kept destabilizing them. The fluidity of the boundaries between makers, interpreters and publics of scientific knowledge was a highly productive one; it helped biology become a vital part of public culture in the twentieth century and beyond.
Altitude and demography among the Sherpas
Authors: Gupta Ranjan
Published: June 2016

The Sherpas of Upper Khumbu (above 10,000 feet), Nepal, and their migrant counterparts at lower altitudes (3000–7000 feet) in Darjeeling District, West Bengal, show no statistically significant difference in age–sex structure or mortality, while there are suggestions of some fertility reduction at the higher altitudes.