bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tai Chi Chuan Exercise for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Lan Ching , Chen Ssu-Yuan , Wong May-Kuen , Lai Jin Shin
Published: November 2013

Exercise training is the cornerstone of rehabilitation for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although high-intensity exercise has significant cardiovascular benefits, light-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise also offers health benefits. With lower-intensity workouts, patients may be able to exercise for longer periods of time and increase the acceptance of exercise, particularly in unfit and elderly patients. Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Chi) is a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise. The exercise intensity of Tai Chi is light to moderate, depending on its training style, posture, and duration. Previous research has shown that Tai Chi enhances aerobic capacity, muscular strength, balance, and psychological well-being. Additionally, Tai Chi training has significant benefits for common cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, poor exercise capacity, endothelial dysfunction, and depression. Tai Chi is safe and effective in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, congestive heart failure (HF), and stroke. In conclusion, Tai Chi has significant benefits to patients with cardiovascular disease, and it may be prescribed as an alternative exercise program for selected patients with CVD.
-Tuple Total Restrained Domination in Complementary Prisms
Authors: Kazemi Adel P.
Published: November 2013

In a graph with , a -tuple total restrained dominating set is a subset of such that each vertex of   is adjacent to at least vertices of and also each vertex of is adjacent to at least vertices of  . The minimum number of vertices of such sets in is the -tuple total restrained domination number of . In [-tuple total restrained domination/domatic in graphs, BIMS], the author initiated the study of the -tuple total restrained domination number in graphs. In this paper, we continue it in the complementary prism of a graph.
A new species of Elathous Reitter (Coleoptera: Elateridae) from Turkey
Authors: KABALAK MAHMUT , PLATIA GIUSEPPE , AVCI MUSTAFA
Published: November 2013

A new click-beetle species, Elathous serti, from Denizli and Isparta provinces of Turkey is described. Photographs of the adults, drawings of the aedeagi, a contrasting comparison table, a key to all Turkish Elathous species, a distribution map, and a table of collecting months and collecting provinces of all Turkish species are provided.
Heterogeneous echogenicity of the underlying thyroid parenchyma: how does this affect the analysis of a thyroid nodule?
Authors: Park Mina , Park So Hee , Kim Eun-Kyung , Yoon Jung Hyun , Moon Hee Jung , Lee Hye Sun , Kwak Jin Young
Published: November 2013

Background

Heterogeneous echogenicity of the thyroid gland has been associated with diffuse thyroid disease and benign and malignant nodules can coexist with diffuse thyroid disease. Underlying heterogeneous echogenicity might make it difficult to differentiate between benign and malignant nodules on US. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of underlying thyroid echogenicity on diagnosis of thyroid malignancies using US.

Methods

A total of 1,373 patients who underwent US-guided fine needle aspiration of 1,449 thyroid nodules from June 2009 to August 2009 were included. The diagnostic performance of US assessment for thyroid nodules was calculated and compared according to underlying thyroid echogenicity. The diagnostic performance of US assessments in the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy according to the underlying parenchymal echogenicity was compared using a logistic regression with the GEE (generalized estimating equation) method. Each US feature of malignant and benign thyroid nodules was analyzed according to underlying echogenicity to evaluate which feature affected the final diagnosis.

Results

Among the 1,449 nodules, 325 (22.4%) were malignant and 1,124 (77.6%) were benign. Thyroid glands with heterogeneous echogenicity showed significantly lower specificity, PPV, and accuracy compared to thyroid glands with homogeneous echogenicity, 76.3% to 83.7%, 48.7% to 60.9%, and 77.6% to 84.4%, respectively (P = 0.009, 0.02 and 0.005, respectively). In benign thyroid nodules, microlobulated or irregular margins were more frequently seen in thyroid glands with heterogeneous echogenicity than in those with homogenous echogenicity (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Heterogeneous echogenicity of the thyroid gland significantly lowers the specificity, PPV, and accuracy of US in the differentiation of thyroid nodules. Therefore, caution is required during evaluation of thyroid nodules detected in thyroid parenchyma showing heterogeneous echogenicity.
Cyclophilin A from Schistosoma japonicum promotes a Th2 response in mice
Authors: Li Jinghui , Zhuang Wenjia , Cong Li , Shi Wenjun , Cai Xingyan , Huang Fengjuan , Liao Yiteng , Liu Yiyang , Li Jun , Chen Chunxia , Chen Xiao-Ping
Published: November 2013

Background

Schistosomiasis is a chronic infection, where the host immune response to the parasite changes from a predominantly Th1 to Th2 phenotype, when parasite enters the egg stage, restraining the host inflammatory immune responses to achieve a longer survival in the host. On the other hand, the development of Th2 responses causes immunopathological changes such as liver fibrosis. Therefore identification of schistosome-derived Th2 inducing molecules is important in the understanding of pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. A cyclophilin A homologue ofSchistosoma japonicumwas reported to be an egg-stage specific antigen, but its immunogenicity and immunoregulatory activities remain unknown.

Methods

We cloned and expressed the gene of cyclophilin A fromSchistosoma japonicum(AY814078), named as SjCyP18 based on its molecular weight. The expression profiles in different stages ofS. japonicumwere examined by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence assay. The immunogenicity of SjCyP18 was measured by the presence of IgG in the sera fromS. japonicuminfected patients and animals, and the Th2-promting activities were examined by the subclass of immunoglobulins against SjCyP18 and by the IL-4 induction in T cells following footpad injection of SjCyP18.

Results

The cloned SjCyP18 has 65% homology with human or mouse cyclophilin A at the amino acid level. In contrast to reports as an egg-stage specific antigen, the gene was found to be expressed in all stages ofS. japonicum. IgG responses against SjCyP18 were found in someS. japonicuminfected patients and were significantly induced when infection become patent and produce eggs in infected mice. Furthermore, the Th2-promoting subclass of IgG1 was the predominant isotype inS. japonicuminfected mice. More importantly, footpad injection of SjCyP18 induced a greater production of IL-4 than that of IFN-γ by lymphocytes compared to responses from PBS injection controls.

Conclusion

The cyclophilin A homologue found inS. japonicumis immunogenic and promotes Th2 responsesin vivowhich may contribute to the establishment of chronic infection by schistosomes.
A Community-Based Pilot Study of a Diabetes Pharmacist Intervention in Latinos: Impact on Weight and Hemoglobin A1c
Authors: Castejón Ana Maria , Calderón Jose Luis , Perez Alexandra , Millar Claudia , McLaughlin-Middlekauff Jane , Sangasubana Nisaratana , Alvarez Goar , Arce Lillian , Hardigan Patrick , Rabionet Silvia E.
Published: November 2013

Type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects Latinos increasing their risk of diabetes-related complications. This study used a randomized controlled design with a community-based approach to evaluate the impact of a culturally tailored pharmacist intervention on clinical outcomes in Latino diabetics. The intervention included a focused discussion and two individual pharmacist counseling sessions on medication, nutrition, exercise, and self-care to promote behavior changes. Sessions were culturally adapted for language, diet, family participation, and cultural beliefs. Clinical outcomes were measured at baseline and three months. Nineteen intervention and 24 control participants completed the study. Mean BMI reduction was greater for intervention than for control group participants (–0.73± 0.07 kg/m 2 versus + 0.37±0.02 kg/m 2 p<.009 respectively). Hemoglobin A1c was significantly reduced by 0.93±0.45% in the intervention group only. There was no significant difference in blood glucose, blood pressure, or lipid levels. An innovative culturally-sensitive pharmacist intervention improved selected clinical outcomes among Latino diabetics.
Different Levels of HIV DNA Copy Numbers in Cerebrospinal Fluid Cellular Subsets
Authors: Agsalda-Garcia Melissa , Shiramizu Bruce , Melendez Loyda , Plaud Marines , Liang Chin-Yuan , Wojna Valerie
Published: November 2013

Inequities in the incidence of HIV infection and AIDS with continued persistence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) exist in populations in Hawaii (HI) and Puerto Rico (PR). We previously reported that peripheral monocyte HIV DNA levels are high in patients in Hawaii with HAND and we now hypothesize that similar findings would be observed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cellular subsets. Cerebrospinal fluid cells were obtained from patients from PR and HI undergoing neurocognitive testing and sorted into monocytes (CD14+) and lymphocytes (CD14-) and HIV DNA was measured. From six PR subjects (three HAND, three normal cognition, NC) and six HI subjects (three HAND, three NC), HIV DNA burden in CD14+ cells was higher in HAND than NC patients; NC patients had higher HIV DNA burden in CD14-cells versus HAND. Differences in HIV DNA burden in particular CSF cellular subsets suggest that HIV DNA burden may play a role in HAND neuropathogenesis.
Gangster’s Paradise? Framing Crime in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Wilson Richard Ashby
Published: November 2013

Recent human rights and rule of law initiatives pursued by both national governments and international institutions are part of a continent-wide project of liberal reform that has altered the landscape of law and governance in Sub-Saharan Africa. The central questions motivating this article are twofold: how have societal and legal categories of crime changed in Sub-Saharan Africa over the last twenty years, and what role has been played by national institutions such as the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and international tribunals such as the International Criminal Court? Since this article aspires to say something about both the law and popular discourse on crime, it reviews legal decisions as well as African literature and film.
La crisis del “teatrista ilustrado” en la escena argentina contemporánea
Authors: Dubatti Jorge
Published: November 2013

For decades there have proliferated discourses in Argentine theatre that validate the artist as a political, moral, and human guide. We call that referenced function “enlightened theatre artists” or “authority theatre artists” which, beyond any specific theatrical knowledge, has been assumed by many creators in Argentina, especially since 1930 in the independent theatre field. In this article, we propose three objectives: to characterize that function, trace its genealogy and solidification in the history of Argentine theatre, and examine the contemporary theatre crisis especially in the post-dictatorship period (1983 to the present) through examples from the works and thought of Leónidas Barletta, Griselda Gambaro, Ricardo Bartis, Javier Daulte, and Rafael Spregelburd.
Poetry's Media
Authors: Ford Thomas H.
Published: November 2013

Anglophone modernist poetics set out to construct poems that were things just like the other things of the world. It was a project of recapturing solidity and objectivity for poetry. In consequence, it confronted with new urgency the question of poetry's media: it was forced to clarify what the raw material of a poem actually was. Because English exists in more than one material mode—it is "verbivocovisual"—most poets understood poetry to be a mixed art, and located the poetic principle at the intersection of language's discrete material substrata. This paper examines the answers given to the question of poetry's media by Charles Olson and William Wordsworth—answers framed, in both cases, in atmospheric, respiratory terms. From these two cases it sketches a media history of poetry as an aerial technology involving the transmission of breath. And it asks what implications our contemporary changing climate might have for this tradition of atmospheric poetics.
Criticism and Style
Authors: Chaouli Michel
Published: November 2013

What criticism is worth bothering with? It is criticism that brings to light testimony about how another human being has grappled with a significant part of the world in his or her own style. If the insight I glean from it manages to transcend the particularity of its source to become part of the resources I have for encountering the world, this testimony may be called a genuine form of knowledge, distinct from opinion or intuition. Yet it also maintains some of the texture with which it first appeared. The sort of knowledge I am interested in when reading criticism makes itself known not only through the words that appear on the page, but also through what has gone unsaid. The knowledge disclosed in criticism is above all a kind of self-knowledge, a knowledge of the self attained not through introspection, but through an encounter with something that both draws and exceeds the self. Criticism is a record of the change the self had to undergo to become receptive to the knowledge it is able to glean in the encounter with the object.
Uncovering Categories of Civically Engaged College Students: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Weerts David J. , Cabrera Alberto F. , Mejías Paulina Pérez
Published: November 2013

Various commissions and reports have called on colleges and universities to better prepare students for participation in a democratic society. A limit of such reports is that they often fail to consider how students might be categorized relative to their shared patterns of civic behaviors. Relying on alumni survey data from American College Testing (ACT), we employ latent class analysis (LCA) and identify four classes of college students that vary in their preferences for certain types of civic and noncivic activity. Implications for future research and the development of civic learning programs are discussed.
College on Credit: A Multilevel Analysis of Student Loan Default
Authors: Hillman Nicholas W.
Published: November 2013

This study updates and expands the literature on student loan default. By applying multilevel regression to the Beginning Postsecondary Students survey, four key findings emerge. First, attending proprietary institutions is strongly associated with default, even after accounting for students’ socioeconomic and academic backgrounds. Second, cumulative loan debt has a non-linear relationship to defaulting. Third, minoritized and students from low-income families default at disproportionately high rates; and fourth, unemployment and degree completion are strongly associated with greater default rates. These findings counter the argument that default is a “preexisting condition,” and the discussion is framed around implications for federal financial aid policy.
Weissella viridescens in meat products – a review
Authors: Dušková Marta , Kameník Josef , Karpíšková Renata
Published: November 2013

Although ubiquitous, bacteria of theWeissellagenus are not given sufficient attention. Many members of the genus were originally classified asLeuconostocorLactobacillus. With the development of molecular methods, these phylogenetically closely related bacteria formed a separate group, theWeissellagenus. Due to its heterofermentative metabolism,Weissellaspp. may cause considerable damage particularly in the meat industry. Slime formation and greening of meat products are sensory defects for which the technologically important speciesWeissella viridescensis responsible. This article summarizes basic information about the influence ofWeissella viridescenson meat processing.
Effects of organic selenium in broiler feed on the content of selenium and fatty acid profile in lipids of thigh muscle tissue
Authors: Kralik Zlata , Kralik Gordana , Biazik Ewa , Straková Eva , Suchý Pavel
Published: November 2013

The aim of our study was to determine the effects of selenium supplementation to broiler feed on the content of selenium, total fatty acids in lipids and on the oxidative stability of broiler thigh muscle tissue. The experiment involved 40 broilers fattened for 42 days. During the first three weeks, all broilers consumed starter diet containing 22% crude protein. After three weeks, broilers were divided into two groups and fed finisher diets containing 18% crude protein and supplemented with 3% sunflower oil and 3% linseed oil. Group 1 was not administered artificial selenium; Group 2 was supplemented with organic selenium at the amount of 0.5 mg Se/kg of feed. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) content of selenium was observed in the thigh muscle tissue of Group 2 compared to Group 1 (1.071 and 0.511 mg/kg of dry matter, respectively). The increase of selenium content in feed to 0.5 mg/kg resulted in an increase of total n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (from 5.27% to 6.25%), and in reduction of total monounsaturated fatty acids (from 39.60% to 36.74%) in the lipids of thigh muscle tissue. The increase in total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids induced significant (P < 0.05) lowering of the n6/n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio (4.62 and 5.01 for the first and second group, respectively). The increase of selenium content in broiler feed led to a decrease of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (P > 0.05) and increase of linolenic acid and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05) in thigh muscle tissue of broilers. Since selenium and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are nutricines, our results show that the produced broiler meat may be considered as functional food.
Assessment of oils of selected legumes and oil plants with regard to animal nutrition
Authors: Rusníková Lucie , Straková Eva , Suchý Pavel
Published: November 2013

The aim of our study was to compare nutritional quality of oils of legumes (soybean, pea, faba bean and lupin) and oil plants (rape, sunflower, poppy and flax) grown in the Czech Republic. Individual seeds of legumes and oil seeds were analysed for fat content and fatty acid profile. Fatty acids were detected by gas chromatography, following fat extraction. The fatty acid profile was evaluated for contents of fatty acids saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. The highest proportion of fat in the dry matter of seed was found in poppy, followed by sunflower, flax, rape, soybean, lupin, pea, and faba bean. Differences in fat contents between individual plants were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01), except for differences between flax and rape (P ≤ 0.05), pea and faba bean and poppy and sunflower (non-significant). Apart from rapeseed, markedly higher proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids were found in other oils but rapeseed had the least content of saturated fatty acids. Legumes had a favourable ratio of n-3:n-6 fatty acids, especially lupin oil (1:4.3), which is in accordance with the recommended ratio 1:5. Sunflower oil is less suitable, with n-3 present in trace concentration. The most significant source of n-3 is flaxseed oil. The study brings new findings regarding oil composition in a wide range of feed components. These data may be used for development of diets for specific purposes and for production of functional food.
Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in horses – review
Authors: Morán Gabriel , Folch Hugo
Published: November 2013

Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage is a major cause of poor performance in the equine athlete. It is an important cause of exercise intolerance and results from strenuous exercise and pathophysiological changes in the equine lung and possibly in the airways. Endoscopic surveys of the respiratory tracts of horses after competitive events have shown that many horses experience exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage. The reported incidence of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in different breeds varies between 40–85%. The cause of bleeding in exercising horses has fostered considerable debate over the past three centuries, but currently, the most accepted hypothesis is that the source of haemorrhage is disruption of the pulmonary capillaries during exercise. Furosemide is the medication used most widely for the treatment and prevention of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage. This review provides an update on the aetiology, clinical signs, physiopathology, diagnosis and treatment of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage.
Parametric decay of radial Alfvén waves in the expanding accelerating solar wind
Authors: Tenerani A. , Velli M.
Published: November 2013

We study the onset and evolution of the Alfvén wave parametric decay instability within the Accelerating Expanding Box model in the framework of a one‐fluid description of the plasma. As we are interested in understanding wave propagation and dissipation in the inner heliosphere and solar wind, the expansion of the solar wind itself may not be neglected. In this sense, the Accelerating Expanding Box provides a useful and simple model to mimic the effects that the expansion of the underlying atmosphere has on wave propagation and plasma dynamics. In the simulations, we follow the evolution of Alfvén waves along a fast solar wind stream, from the sub‐Alfvénic region up to a maximum heliocentric distance of nearly 4 AU. We consider exact solutions of the compressible MHD system given by circularly polarized Alfvén waves which propagate in the radial direction, along the mean magnetic field. Both monochromatic waves and a nonmonochromatic wave are considered. Monochromatic waves have periods ranging from a few minutes to a few hours, the latter being stabilized by the expansion. The nonmonochromatic wave has a central period of the order of a few minutes, with a broad spectrum containing frequencies near the threshold of the instability. In this case the Alfvén wave partly decays into backward daughter Alfvén waves up to the instability saturation, then giving rise to a nonlinear cascade of incompressible and compressible modes.
Modeling 3‐D density distribution in the mantle from inversion of geoid anomalies: Application to the Yellowstone Province
Authors: Chaves Carlos Alberto Moreno , Ussami Naomi
Published: November 2013

We developed a three‐dimensional scheme to invert geoid anomalies aiming to map density variations in the mantle. Using an ellipsoidal‐Earth approximation, the model space is represented by tesseroids. To assess the quality of the density models, the resolution and covariance matrices were computed. From a synthetic geoid anomaly caused by a plume tail with Gaussian noise added, the inversion code was able to recover a plausible solution about the density contrast and geometry when it is compared to the synthetic model. To test the inversion algorithm in a natural case study, geoid anomalies from the Yellowstone Province (YP) were inverted. From the Earth Gravitational Model 2008 expanded up to degree 2160, lower crust‐ and mantle‐related negative geoid anomalies with amplitude of approximately 70 m were obtained after removing long‐wavelength components (>5400 km) and crustal effects. We estimated three density models for the YP. The first model, the EDM‐1 (estimated density model), uses a starting model with density contrast equal to 0. The other two models, the EDM‐2 and EDM‐3, use an initial density derived from twoS‐velocity models for the western United States, the Dynamic North America Models ofSWaves by Obrebsky et al. (2011) and the Northwestern United States Teleseismic Tomography ofSWaves (NWUS11‐S) by James et al. (2011). In these three models, a lower and an upper bound for the density solution was also imposed as a priori information. Regardless of the initial constraints, the inversion of the residual geoid indicates that the lower crust and the upper mantle of the YP have a predominantly negative density contrast (~ −50 kg/m3) relative to the surrounding mantle. This solution reveals that the density contrast extends at least to 660 km depth. Regional correlation analysis between the EDM‐1 and NWUS11‐S indicates an anticorrelation (coefficient of ~ −0.7) at 400 km depth. Our study suggests that the mantle density derived from the inversion of geoid could be integrated with seismic velocity models to image mantle anomalous features beyond the depth limit of investigation achieved combining gravity and seismic tomography. ©2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.
Coastal cliff‐top ground motions as proxies for environmental processes
Authors: Norman Emma C. , Rosser Nick J. , Brain Matthew J. , Petley David N. , Lim Michael
Published: November 2013

A two‐year dataset of coastal cliff microseismic ground motions is used to explore energy transfer to a cliff. The long‐term dataset enables us to characterise cliff motion responses to a wide range of environmental processes and examine whether short‐term characteristics are representative of the long‐term. We examine whether cliff‐top motions are reliable proxies for environmental processes to inform future investigations into the drivers of erosion. The study is based at an actively eroding, macrotidal, hard rock cliffed coast where considerable intra‐annual variability in wave, tide, and storm conditions permit the examination of a full range of environmental permutations. Three frequency bands of ground motion are identified that represent wind and wave processes that transfer energy to the cliff. Examining mean energy transfer by aggregating the frequency bands by sea water elevation reveals a notable departure from tidal inundation duration alone, of relevance to understanding the timing, duration and intensity of effective processes of erosion. Peak energy transfer to the cliff face occurs during the largest storms where water levels significantly exceed those of tidal inundation rather than at locations most frequently inundated by tides. We anticipate it is therefore these conditions that are likely to be most effective in eroding hard rock coasts, rather than periods which accrue energy transfer associated with still or calm waters, and hence tidally modulated inundation may not relate well to coastal erosion. Promisingly, despite signal overlap and noise, cliff‐top motions can be used as proxies for the processes that transfer energy to the coast.
Poly(2,6‐di(thiophene‐2‐yl)‐3,5bis(4‐(thiophene‐2‐yl)phenyl)dithieno [3,2‐b;2',3'‐d]thiophene)/carbon nanotube composite for capacitor applications
Authors: Ates Murat , Eren Nuri , Osken Ipek , Baslilar Suzan , Ozturk Turan
Published: November 2013

A novel monomer, 2,6‐di(thiophene‐2‐yl)‐3,5bis(4‐(thiophene‐2‐yl)phenyl)dithieno[3,2‐b;2',3'‐d]thiophene (Th4DTT) has been synthesized and used as an electro‐active material. It has been electropolymerized onto glassy carbon (GC) electrode in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution (0.1 M) together with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). A good capacitive characteristics for P(Th4DTT)/MWCNT composite has been obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which is, to our best knowledge, the first report on capacitor behavior of a dithienothiophene. A synergistic effect has been resolved by Nyquist, Bode‐magnitude—phase and admittance plots. Specific capacitance of the conducting polymer/MWCNT, calculated from cyclic voltammogram (CV) together with area and charge formulas, has been found to be 20.17 F g−1. Long‐term stability of the capacitor has also been tested by CV, and the results indicated that, after 500 cycles, the specific capacitance is 87.37% of the initial capacitance. An equivalent circuit model of Rs(C1(R1(Q(R2W))))(C2R3) has been obtained to fit the experimental and theoretical data. The double layer capacitance (Cdl) value of P(Th4DTT)/MWCNT (4.43 mF cm−2) has been found to be 25 times higher than P(Th4DTT) (Cdl= 0.18 mF cm−2). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40061.
Improved zein films using polyethylenemaleic anhydride
Authors: Selling Gordon W. , Utt Kelly D.
Published: November 2013

The effect on the physical properties and solubility of corn protein (zein) films was studied after reaction of zein with polyethylenemaleic anhydride (PEMA). Reactions were carried out in dimethylformamide (DMF) solution where the concentration of PEMA was varied between 0 and 6%. After reaction at room temperature, cast films were prepared, and the physical and solubility properties were determined. Incorporating more than 2% PEMA provided films with increased tensile strength and elongation. Incorporating 6% PEMA provided films with higher tensile strength (32–42 MPa) and improved solvent resistance (100–21% solubility) relative to control. If the films were heated in an oven, the film's solubility decreased further. Solution rheology experiments demonstrated that the zein and PEMA formed a cross‐linked gel with time in DMF. Dynamic mechanical analysis experiments have shown that the PEMA‐modified zein films undergo a dramatic loss in modulus on reaching 116°C, whereas the control experiences this loss at 98°C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40122.
Mechanism for the formation of PNIPAM/PS core/shell particles
Authors: Zhang Li , Daniels Eric S. , Dimonie Victoria L. , Klein Andrew
Published: November 2013

A multi‐stage polymerization method was previously used to prepare PNIPAM/PS core/shell particles that exhibited uniform “raspberry‐like” structures. In this current study, this polymerization process was carefully investigated in order to elucidate the PS (polystyrene) shell formation mechanism. The results indicated that the “raspberry” structure is due to heterocoagulation of polystyrene domains onto PNIPAM (poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)) particle surfaces. Different sizes and numbers of the PS domains can be obtained by varying the styrene feed rate. It was also found that linear PNIPAM may increase the compatibility between PNIPAM and PS polymers. In addition, this heterocoagulation mechanism for forming structured particles was successfully applied to a PNIPAM and Ludox® colloidal silica nanoparticle system where a core/shell structure was also obtained. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40124.
Influence of copolymer fraction composition in ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene blends with ethylene/1‐hexene copolymers on material physical and tensile properties
Authors: Ushakova T. M. , Starchak E. E. , Krasheninnikov V. G. , Grinev V. G. , Ladygina T. A. , Novokshonova L. A.
Published: November 2013

The reactor blends (RBs) with bimodal molecular weight distribution on the base of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and low molecular weight random ethylene/1‐hexene copolymers (CEH) were synthesized by two‐step processes including ethylene polymerization followed by ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization over rac‐(CH3)2Si(Ind)2ZrCl2/methylaluminoxane catalyst. The four series of blends differed in a composition of copolymer fraction that was varied in a wide range (from 3.0 to 37.0 mol % of 1‐hexene). The differential scanning calorimetric study shows the double melting behavior of the net semicrystalline CEHs, which can be attributed to intramolecular heterogeneity in chain branch distribution. The introduction of CEHs leads to the modification of nascent RB crystalline and amorphous phases. Physical and tensile properties as well as melting indexes of the materials depend not only on the percentage of copolymer fraction that varied from 6.9 to 35.8 wt % but also on its composition. The increase of copolymer fraction with high content of 1‐hexene (≥11.0 mol %) in the blends leads to the change of the character of stress–strain curves; the materials behave as elastomers. Controlled regulation of copolymer fraction characteristics in the synthesis yields RBs combining the enough high strength, good plastic properties with enhanced melting indexes as compared with the net UHMWPE. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40151.
A focused assignment encouraging deep reading in undergraduate biochemistry
Authors: Spiegelberg Bryan D.
Published: November 2013

Encouraging undergraduate students to access, read, and analyze current primary literature can positively impact learning, especially in advanced courses. The incorporation of literature into coursework typically involves reading and responding to full research reports. Such exercises have clear value as students make connections between experiments and are able to probe and critique scientific logic. The exclusive use of full papers, though, may reinforce certain students' tendencies to rely on textual clues rather than a critical analysis of the actual data presented. I propose that structured activities requiring students to focus on individual parts of research papers, even on a single figure, are beneficial in a literature‐centered advanced undergraduate course, because they promote the deep reading that is critical to scientific discourse. In addition, I describe how one such focused assignment boosted learning and was well received by students in a second‐semester biochemistry course. © 2013 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 42(1):1–5, 2014
Impact of Intraoperative Distractions on Patient Safety: A Prospective Descriptive Study Using Validated Instruments
Authors: Sevdalis Nick , Undre Shabnam , McDermott James , Giddie Jasdeep , Diner Lila , Smith Gillian
Published: November 2013

Background

There is emerging evidence indicating that distractions in the operating room (OR) are prevalent. Studies have shown a negative impact of distractions, but they have been conducted mostly with residents in simulated environments. We tested the hypothesis that intraoperative distractions are associated with deterioration in patient safety checks in the OR.

Methods

We assessed 24 elective urologic procedures. Blinded trained assessors (two surgeons, one psychologist) used validated instruments to prospectively assess in vivo frequency and severity of distractions (related to communication, phones/pagers, equipment/provisions, OR environment, other hospital departments, or a member of the OR team) and completion of safety‐related tasks (related to the patient, equipment, and communication). Descriptive and correlational analyses were conducted.

Results

Mean case duration was 70 min (mean intraoperative time 31 min). A mean of 4.0 communication distractions (range 0–9) and 2.48 other distractions (range 0–5) were recorded per case (distraction rate of one per 10 min). Distractions from external visitors (addressed to the entire team or the surgeon) and distractions due to lack of coordination between hospital departments were most disruptive. Regarding safety checks, patient tasks were completed most often (85–100 %) followed by equipment tasks (75–100 %) and communication tasks (55–90 %). Correlational analyses showed that more frequent/severe communication distractions were linked to lower completion of patient checks intraoperatively (median rho –0.56, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Distractions are prevalent in ORs and in this study were linked to deterioration in intraoperative patient safety checks. Surgeons should be mindful of their tolerance to distractions. Surgical leadership can help control distractions and reduce their potential impact on patient safety and performance.
Cure Predictability During Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Udelsman Robert , Donovan Patricia , Shaw Cary
Published: November 2013

Background

A mathematical model for primary hyperparathyroidism (1°HPTH) was developed and embedded in software to yield intraoperative predictability curves.

Methods

A total of 1,754 consecutive 1°HPTH operative cases were screened to select 617 [554 single adenoma (SA), 63 multigland] patients with complete preoperative, intraoperative (pre‐exploration, time 0, every 5 min post‐resection), and postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium data. Data transformations and models were hypothesized and tested, including inverse functions, differences, half‐lives, differences from projected half‐lives, second‐order kinetics, second‐order derivatives, and time‐dependent ratios. Sub‐models of ratios were developed for time‐dependent and initial‐value combinations. For each time segment the log odds were modeled using multiple logistic stepwise regression. An idealized model was selected, embedded in software, and installed in a laptop computer to enable intraoperative decision analyses, PTH curve plotting, and storage and transmission of data. A subsequent cohort of 100 consecutive unselected patients [81 SAs, 19 multigland (13 hyperplasia, 2 MEN1, 1 lithium, 3 double adenomas)] inclusive of seven remedial cervical explorations were tested.

Results

The model predicted an overall curative resection in 95 % of patients. In SA patients, cure was predicted in 78/81 patients with a mean probability of 99.3 % at 11.8 ± 10.4 min post‐resection. In three cured patients, the software failed to suggest cure, because of a low baseline PTH or delayed clearance. The model also correctly predicted residual hyperfunctioning tissue in all tested multigland patients. All multigland patients underwent additional exploration with resection of residual disease resulting in a mean predicted cure rate of 97.9 % at 10.6 ± 7.3 min post‐resection completion in 17 patients. In two patients, the software predicted a mean cure rate of 22 % due to either a low PTH baseline or delayed clearance. Overall, the software accurately predicted cure in 95 of 100 cured cases.

Conclusions

This intraoperative prediction software expedites termination of surgery with a high level of curative confidence. Alternatively, the model accurately predicts residual disease prompting additional exploration. Because the model is based on a large set of multivariate regression curves, PTH values obtained at any post‐resection sampling interval generate prediction data with far greater accuracy than existing algorithms. The software is designed for convenient operative use and can print, store, and electronically transmit probability analyses and PTH curves in real‐time.
Stressbezogene Symptome und Stressverarbeitung bei depressiven Mädchen
Authors: Schmidt-Gies Ulrike , Laessle Reinhold
Published: November 2013

Fragestellung: Depressive Störungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen zeigen hohe Prävalenzraten. Für die Entstehung und Aufrechterhaltung von Depressionen in der Adoleszenz spielen unter anderem Stressfaktoren eine Rolle. Methodik: In der vorliegenden Studie wurde untersucht, welche Stresssymptome und welche Stressbewältigungsstrategien bei Mädchen mit einer Depression vorliegen. Nach DSM-IV diagnostizierte depressive Mädchen (n = 74) wurden mit einer nicht depressiven Kontrollgruppe bezüglich ihres Stresserlebens und ihrer Stressbewältigungsstrategien verglichen. Diese Variablen wurden anhand validierter Fragebögen zum Stresserleben und zur Stressverarbeitung erfasst. Resultate: Depressive Mädchen waren im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe durch eine signifikant stärkere Stressbelastung sowohl auf körperlicher als auch psychologischer Ebene charakterisiert. Auf den Skalen zur Messung der Stressverarbeitung hatten depressive Mädchen signifikant schlechtere Werte als die Kontrollgruppe. Schlussfolgerungen: Diese Querschnittsdaten legen nahe, dass bei depressiven Mädchen eine vorhandene Stressbelastung durch unzureichende Stressverarbeitung weiter bestehen bleibt oder sogar verstärkt wird. Inwieweit Stress eine depressive Erkrankung bei Jugendlichen auslöst oder erst in deren Folge auftritt, kann jedoch erst durch Längsschnittstudien geklärt werden.
Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Jaite Charlotte , Bachmann Christian , Dewey Marc , Weschke Bernhard , Spors Birgit , von Moers Arpad , Napp Adriane , Lehmkuhl Ulrike , Kappel Viola
Published: November 2013

Zahlreiche Forschungszentren setzen die Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) zu Studienzwecken an Minderjährigen ein. Angesichts dieser Forschungspraxis werden jedoch ethische Bedenken bezüglich der Belastung, der die Studienteilnehmer während der MRT-Untersuchung ausgesetzt sind, diskutiert. Ziel der Studie ist daher zu evaluieren, ob eine MRT-Untersuchung negative Emotionen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen induziert, die stärker sind als die gegenwärtig als «minimale Belastung» eingestufte Untersuchungsmethode der Elektroenzephalographie (EEG). Weiterhin wird die durch eine MRT-Untersuchung von Kindern und Jugendlichen induzierte emotionale Belastung mit der einer MRT-Untersuchung von Erwachsenen verglichen. Untersuchungsmethodenbezogene Emotionen werden in der vorliegenden Studie bei Kindern und Jugendlichen beiderlei Geschlechts im Alter von 8 bis 17;11 Jahren, bei denen ein MRT des Cerebrums mit medizinischer Indikation durchgeführt wird, erhoben. Eine Stichprobe von Kindern und Jugendlichen, die mittels EEG mit medizinischer Indikation untersucht wird, dient als Vergleichsgruppe sowie eine Stichprobe von erwachsenen Patienten im Alter von 18 bis 65 Jahren, bei denen eine medizinisch indizierte MRT-Untersuchung durchgeführt wird. Die Studie befindet sich zurzeit in der Phase der Datenerhebung. Die Intention des folgenden Beitrags besteht darin, das Studiendesign des MRT-Forschungsprojekts vorzustellen.
Facial Attractiveness and Helping Behavior Beliefs
Authors: Sacco Donald F. , Hugenberg Kurt , Kiel Elizabeth J.
Published: November 2013

On a between-subjects (Experiment 1A) and within-subjects (Experiment 1B) basis, participants indicated a belief that attractive and unattractive targets engage in less actual helping behavior than moderately attractive targets. In Experiment 2, attractive and moderately attractive targets were seen as more capable of helping than unattractive targets; attractive and unattractive targets were seen as less willing to help than moderately attractive targets. Multilevel modeling indicated that perceptions of helping capability and willingness mediated perceptions of how much targets actually help and should help. Whereas unattractive targets are seen as unhelpful due to both a lack of ability and motivation to help (negativity halo), attractive targets are also seen as unhelpful, but due uniquely to a perceived unwillingness to help.
Preferences of sheep, when supplemented, for forages in a Mediterranean rangeland management system
Authors: Al-Tabini Raed , Bailey Derek W. , Al-Khalidi Khalid , Shodiafat Mostafa
Published: November 2013

Most rangelands in Jordan are degraded and contain almost no perennial vegetation. A study was conducted near Tal alRumman, Jordan to evaluate grazing behaviour of sheep under typical sheep management conditions where supplemental barley provides the majority of the intake by sheep. The objectives were to determine if sheep preferred herbaceous or woody vegetation and to evaluate a management system that utilises limited areas of ungrazed perennial vegetation in expanses of heavily-grazed and severely-degraded rangeland. Twenty-five Awassi ewes were placed in three 0.1-ha paddocks of ungrazed native rangeland for 2.5 h each day for 3 consecutive days and observed. The three paddocks were grazed for 9 days during each of four seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn. Sheep were herded to and from the experimental paddocks in the morning and were fed 0.5 kg of barley in the evening. Virtually all grazing occurred in the experimental paddocks because rangeland areas where sheep were housed were severely degraded and contained very little herbage (<40 kg DM ha–1). Herbage mass of herbaceous perennial vegetation in the study area averaged 165 kg DM ha–1 and potentially edible portions (leaves and twigs) of shrubs averaged 82 kg DM ha–1. Sheep spent more time (P < 0.05) grazing than browsing, chewing, standing or ruminating during all seasons. Sheep spent most of their time grazing during the first hour of grazing, and then the time spent grazing declined (P < 0.05) and time standing and ruminating tended to increase near the end of the 2.5-h grazing period. Under typical management in Jordan where sheep are supplemented with barley, sheep clearly preferred herbaceous vegetation over shrubs. To meet sheep preferences, rangeland restoration efforts in Jordan should focus on establishment of mixes of grasses, forbs and shrubs rather than planting only shrubs. This study suggests that allowing sheep access to perennial vegetation for 2–3 h per day can potentially extend the grazing period of limited areas of restored rangeland while providing sheep sufficient time to complete a grazing bout.
Syntactic context effects in visual word recognition
Authors: Linzen Tal , Marantz Alec , Pylkkänen Liina
Published: November 2013

Words are typically encountered in the context of a sentence. Recent studies suggest that the contexts in which a word typically appears can affect the way it is recognized in isolation. We distinguish two types of context: collocational, involving specific lexical items, and syntactic, involving abstract syntactic structures. We investigate the effects of syntactic context using the distribution that verbs induce over the syntactic category of their complements (subcategorization frames). Magnetoencephalography (MEG) data was recorded while participants performed a lexical decision task. Verbs with low-entropy subcategorization distributions, in which most of the probability mass is concentrated on a handful of syntactic categories, elicited increased activity in the left anterior temporal lobe, a brain region associated with combinatory processing. Collocational context did not modulate neural activity, but had an effect on reaction times. These results indicate that both collocational and syntactic contextual factors affect word recognition, even in isolation.
Protein–DNA binding: complexities and multi-protein codes
Authors: Siggers Trevor , Gordân Raluca
Published: November 2013

Binding of proteins to particular DNA sites across the genome is a primary determinant of specificity in genome maintenance and gene regulation. DNA-binding specificity is encoded at multiple levels, from the detailed biophysical interactions between proteins and DNA, to the assembly of multi-protein complexes. At each level, variation in the mechanisms used to achieve specificity has led to difficulties in constructing and applying simple models of DNA binding. We review the complexities in protein–DNA binding found at multiple levels and discuss how they confound the idea of simple recognition codes. We discuss the impact of new high-throughput technologies for the characterization of protein–DNA binding, and how these technologies are uncovering new complexities in protein–DNA recognition. Finally, we review the concept of multi-protein recognition codes in which new DNA-binding specificities are achieved by the assembly of multi-protein complexes.