bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporally Controlled Ultrasonication‐Mediated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization in Miniemulsion
Authors: Zaborniak Izabela , Chmielarz Paweł
Published: August 2019

Due to the increasing requirement for more environmentally and industrially relevant approaches in macromolecules synthesis, ultrasonication‐mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (sono‐ATRP) in miniemulsion media is applied for the first time to obtain precisely defined poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (PBA) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) homopolymers, and poly(n‐butyl acrylate)‐block‐poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) (PBA‐b‐PtBA) and poly(n‐butyl acrylate)‐block‐poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA‐b‐PBA) copolymers. It is demonstrated in the reaction setup with strongly hydrophilic catalyst copper(II) bromide/tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine (CuIIBr2/TPMA) responsible for two principal mechanisms – interfacial and ion‐pair catalysis reflecting single‐catalyst approach. This solution turns out to be an excellent tool in controlled preparation of well‐defined polymers with narrow molecular weight distribution (up to Ð = 1.28) and preserves chain‐end functionality (DCF = 0.02% to 0.32%). Temporal control over the polymer chain growth is successfully conducted by turning the ultrasonication on/off. Taking into consideration long OFF stage (92.5 h) during ultrasonication‐induced polymerization in miniemulsion, synthesis is efficiently reinitiated without any influence on controlled characteristics maintaining the precise structure of received PBA homopolymers, confirmed by narrow molecular weight distribution (Ð = 1.26) and high retention of chain‐end functionality (DCF = 0.01%). This procedure constitutes an excellent simple and eco‐friendly approach in preparation of functional polymeric materials.
Controlling the Aspect Ratio of Supramolecular Fibers by Ultrasonication
Authors: Steinlein Christoph , Kreger Klaus , Schmidt Hans‐Werner
Published: August 2019

Tailoring the fiber length of supramolecular fibers with a homogeneous length distribution is challenging. Typically, self‐assembly processes, a bottom‐up approach, allow controlling the supramolecular fiber diameter but not the fiber length. Therefore, in this study, a top‐down approach, namely ultrasonication, is applied to achieve dimensional control of the length of supramolecular fibers. As a supramolecular building block, the benzenetrisamide (BTA),1,3,5‐tris(2,2‐dimethylpropionylamino)benzene (t‐Bu‐BTA), is selected since it effectively forms rigid supramolecular submicron fibers from solution. The important ultrasonication processing parameters, such as sonication time, fiber concentration, dispersion medium, and dispersion temperature are systematically varied to determine their influence on the final fiber length and length distribution. Controlling the cutting into short submicron fibers is readily achieved by adjusting the applied sonication time and the viscosity of the dispersion medium. Based on these results, it is now possible to tailor the aspect ratio of supramolecular submicron fibers.
Contrast Acuity With Different Colors in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Gupta Harsh V. , Zhang Nan , Driver‐Dunckley Erika , Mehta Shyamal H. , Beach Thomas G. , Adler Charles H.
Published: August 2019

Background

Abnormal color vision and contrast acuity may have significant impact on daily activities.

Objective

Evaluate color visual acuity, at high and low contrast, in Parkinson's disease (PD) and controls using an iPad application.

Methods

Color visual acuity was tested with the Variable Contrast Acuity Chart (King‐Devick Test LLC, Oakbrook Terrace, IL) on an iPad 2 at 40 cms using five colors (red, green, blue, yellow, and black) at low (2.5%) and high (100%) contrast. A numerical score (0–95) was assigned based on the number of correctly identified letters.

Results

Thirty‐six PD (mean ± standard deviation age 68 ± 10 years) and 36 controls (72 ± 11.2 years) were studied. PD disease duration was 6.4 ± 4.6 years; MDS‐UPDRS part II was 11.7 ± 7.0, and part III was 24.5 ± 9.9. After adjusting for age and sex, PD patients had significantly (P < 0.05) lower scores at high (100%) as well as low (2.5%) contrast for all five colors tested (red, green, blue, yellow, and black), except yellow low contrast (2.5%; P = 0.10). The largest effect size (0.88) was with yellow high contrast, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy using a cut‐off score of 82 was 31%, 97%, 92%, 58%, and 64%, respectively. No correlation to disease duration was found.

Conclusions

This iPad application may be a simple‐to‐use biomarker for assessing color vision in PD. Further research is needed to determine disease specificity and whether there is a role in monitoring disease progression, treatment response, and identifying prodromal PD.
The Geographic Diversity of Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs) in the Americas: A Systematic Review
Authors: Teive Hélio A. G. , Meira Alex T. , Camargo Carlos Henrique F. , Munhoz Renato P.
Published: August 2019

Background

The frequency and presentation of each of the most common forms of spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) varies widely. In the case of the Americas, this diversity is particularly dynamic given additional social, demographic, and cultural characteristics.

Objective

To describe the regional prevalence and clinical phenotypes of SCAs throughout the continent.

Methods

A literature search was performed in both MEDLINE and LILACS databases. The research was broadened to include the screening of reference lists of systematic review articles for additional studies. Investigations dating from the earliest available through 2019. Only studies in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were included. We analyzed publications with genetically confirmed cases only, ranging from robust samples with epidemiological data to case reports and case series from each country or regions.

Results

Overall, SCA3 is the most common form in the continent. Region‐specific prevalence and ranking of the common forms vary. On the other hand, region‐specific phenotypic variations were not consistently found based on the available literature analyzed, with the exception of the absence of epilepsy in SCA10 consistently described in a particular cluster of cases in South Brazil.

Conclusion

Systematic, multinational studies analyzing in detail the true frequencies of SCAs across the Americas as well as distinct clinical signs and clues of each form would be ideal to look for these potential variations.
Handwriting Movement Abnormalities in Symptomatic and Premanifest Huntington's Disease
Authors: Caligiuri Michael , Snell Chase , Park Sungmee , Corey‐Bloom Jody
Published: August 2019

Background

Kinematic measures of handwriting movements are sensitive to mild subclinical motor abnormalities stemming from a wide range of disorders involving the basal ganglia including Huntington's disease (HD). Prior research has not investigated handwriting movements in at‐risk individuals in the premanifest stage of HD.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine whether handwriting movement abnormalities are present prior to clinically manifest chorea in HD.

Methods

A total of 38 symptomatic HD, 30 gene‐positive premanifest, and 25 healthy control participants completed handwriting tasks consisting of circles, loops, sentences, and spirals with a noninking pen on a digitizing tablet. Multiple measures of pen stroke kinematics and pressure were measured along with the cognitive and motor status of each participant. Burden of pathology and CAG × age product scores were obtained from each participant with HD.

Results

Participants with HD exhibited significantly longer and more variable stroke durations, decreased handwriting smoothness, and increased and more variable pen pressures when compared with the healthy controls. We found significant positive associations between stroke duration and both burden of pathology and CAG × age product. Results from a discriminant function analysis revealed a 7‐factor model that distinguished premanifest from healthy controls with 85% accuracy. Factors in the model included greater variability in stroke amplitude, velocity and pen pressure, higher levels of pen pressure, longer stroke durations, and lower velocities for combinations of handwritten circles, sentences, and spirals.

Conclusions

These findings support the clinical utility of dynamic measures of handwriting kinematics as a potential early behavioral biomarker in HD.
Brachial plexus nerve injury and repair in a rabbit model part II: Does middle trunk injury result in loss of biceps function while repair results in recovery of biceps function
Authors: Kollitz Kathleen M. , Friedrich Patricia F. , Bishop Allen T. , Shin Alexander Y.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

There is conflicting anatomic and innervation data regarding the rabbit brachial plexus injury model. This study aims to validate a rabbit brachial plexus injury model. We hypothesize the middle trunk (C6, C7) is the primary innervation of the biceps, and when cut and unrepaired, would demonstrate lack of recovery and when repaired would demonstrate evidence of recovery.

Materials and Methods

Twenty two male New Zealand white rabbits (3–4 kg) underwent unilateral surgical division of the middle trunk. Five rabbits were randomly assigned to the “no‐repair” group while the remaining 17 rabbits underwent direct coaptation (“repair” group). Rabbits were followed for 12 weeks, with ultrasound measurement of biceps cross‐sectional area performed preoperatively, and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. At a euthanasia procedure, bilateral compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and isometric tetanic force (ITF) were measured. Bilateral biceps muscles were harvested and wet muscle weight was recorded. The operative side was expressed as a percentage of the non‐operated side, and differences between the no repair and repair rabbits were statistically compared.

Results

The repair group demonstrated significantly higher CMA (23.3 vs. 0%, p < .05), ITF (25.6 vs. 0%, p < .05), and wet muscle weight (65.8 vs. 52.0%, p < .05) as compared to the unrepaired group. At 4 weeks postoperatively, ultrasound‐measured cross‐sectional area of the biceps demonstrated atrophy in both groups. At 12 weeks, the repair group had a significantly larger cross‐sectional area as compared to the no‐repair group (89.1 vs. 59.3%, p < .05).

Conclusions

This injury model demonstrated recovery with repair and lack of function without repair. Longer survival time is recommended for future investigations.
Perinatal incontinence: Psychometric evaluation of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire—Urinary Incontinence Short Form and Wexner Scale
Authors: Slavin Valerie , Gamble Jenny , Creedy Debra K. , Fenwick Jennifer
Published: August 2019

Aim

The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire—Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ‐UI SF) and the Wexner Scale have been included in the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement core outcome set during pregnancy and childbirth, to measure urinary and anal incontinence. The reliability and validity of these instruments have not been fully evaluated in maternity populations. The aim of this study was to conduct a psychometric evaluation of the ICIQ‐UI SF and Wexner Scale.

Methods

Consecutive pregnant women (n = 309) who booked for care at one Australian birth facility between August 2017 and April 2018 completed the online surveys. Women who screened positive for urinary and/or anal incontinence were administered the ICIQ‐UI SF and/or Wexner Scale during pregnancy (
<27 and 36‐weeks) and postpartum (6 and 26‐weeks). Scale internal consistency, construct validity, and responsiveness were evaluated.

Findings

In women with urinary incontinence, the ICIQ‐UI SF demonstrated good internal consistency during pregnancy (baseline and 36 weeks) and 6‐weeks postpartum (mean inter‐item correlation: 0.47, 0.39, and 0.46, respectively), recorded significant change across three time‐points, and was sensitive to group differences in age and obesity during pregnancy. Wexner Scale was unsuitable for psychometric analysis due to insufficient numbers of women with anal incontinence.

Conclusion

The ICIQ‐UI SF is a valid and reliable instrument to measure urinary incontinence during pregnancy and postpartum. The findings support the inclusion of the ICIQ‐UI SF in the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement core outcome set for use during the perinatal period. Psychometric analysis of the Wexner Scale in larger maternity populations is recommended.
Effectiveness of a newly developed online self‐management program for male patients with uncomplicated lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Blanker Marco H. , Admiraal Anja , Brandenbarg Pim , Steffens Martijn G. , van Balken Michael R. , Mulder Henk‐Jan , van der Worp Henk
Published: August 2019

Aims

To explore the effect of an online self‐management program in secondary care for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Methods

We performed a prospective nonrandomized double‐cohort pilot study of consecutive adult men referred with uncomplicated LUTS to three urology outpatient departments. Men in both cohorts received care as usual from a urologist, but men in the intervention cohort also had access to an online self‐management program. Outcomes were assessed after 6 and 12 weeks: LUTS severity was assessed with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OABq), and the Perceived Global Impression of Improvement (PGI‐I). The main outcome of interest was a clear improvement in the PGI‐I scores (“much better” or “very much better”).

Results

Age, symptom severity, and quality of life scores were comparable between the intervention (n = 113) and standard care (n = 54) cohorts. Clear improvement in the PGI‐I scores was reported after 12 weeks in 19.4% and 26.1% of men in the intervention and standard care cohorts, respectively. However, logistic regression analysis indicated that the difference between cohorts was not significant. Multivariable linear regression analysis also indicated no significant differences between cohorts for the IPSS or the OABq score at either assessment point. Notably, the uptake of the intervention was low (53%).

Conclusions

We found no significant benefit from adding an online self‐management program to standard care for men with LUTS, probably due to the low uptake of the intervention that may have resulted from the timing in the care pathway.
Light‐driven atom transfer radical polymerization on supramolecular complexes of conjugated polymers and single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Fong Darryl , Yeung Jason , Lang Alice , Adronov Alex
Published: August 2019

Previous approaches used to decorate latently reactive conjugated polymer‐coated carbon nanotube complexes have utilized “grafting‐to” strategies. Here, we coat the carbon nanotube surface with a conjugated polymer whose side chains contain the radical initiator, α‐bromoisobutyrate, which enables atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) from the polymer–nanotube surface. Using light to generate Cu(I) in situ, ATRP is used to grow narrow dispersity polymer chains from the polymer–nanotube surface. We confirm the successful polymerization of (meth)acrylates from the polymer–nanotube surface using a combination of gel permeation chromatography and infrared spectroscopy. Strikingly, we demonstrate that nanotube optoelectronic properties are preserved after radical‐mediated polymer grafting using Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence mapping. Overall, this work elucidates a method to grow narrow dispersity polymer chains from the polymer–nanotube surface using light‐driven radical chemistry, with concurrent preservation of nanotube optoelectronic properties. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2015–2020
Radiative Decay of Bound Electron Pairs in Two‐Dimensional Topological Insulators
Authors: Sablikov Vladimir A. , Shchamkhalova Bagun S.
Published: August 2019

Bound electron pairs (BEPs) with energy in the bandgap are interesting because they can participate in charge and spin transport in modern topologically nontrivial materials. The problem of their stability is addressed and the radiative decay of the BEPs formed due to the negative reduced effective mass in 2D topological insulators is studied. The decay time is found to be rather large on the scale of the characteristic relaxation times of the electron system and significantly dependent on the topological properties and dispersion of the band states. In the topological phase, the decay time is much longer than in the trivial one, and is estimated as ≈1 ns for the HgTe/CdHgTe heterostructures. However, the longest decay time is in the topological phase with nearly flat dispersion in the band extrema.
Cu–Catalyzed C5 Nitration of Indolines under Mild Conditions
Authors: Gao Shanshan , Ma Yaorui , Tang Hao , Luo Junfei , Wang Kuan
Published: August 2019

A Cu‐catalyzed remote C—H nitration of indolines by the use of cheap and green tert‐butyl nitrite as an organo‐nitro surrogate has been reported. The reactions were performed at room temperature under air conditions without any other oxidant. The method exhibited high regioselective, direct nitration of indolines at the C5 position.
Analyzing the role of metacognitive awareness in preservice chemistry teachers' understanding of gas behavior in a multirepresentational instruction setting
Authors: Adadan Emine
Published: August 2019

This mixed‐method study examined the influence of metacognitive awareness on the change in preservice chemistry teachers' understandings of gas behavior in the context of multirepresentational (MR) instruction. The goal was to describe the types of understanding of gas behavior held by a group of participants with high metacognitive awareness (MA) and a group with low MA before and after the MR instruction. A total of 34 preservice chemistry teachers participated in the study. Data sources included the metacognitive awareness inventory and the two‐tier nature of gases diagnostic questionnaire. Data from these sources were coded and analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. A statistically significant difference was observed for the understanding of gas behavior before the MR instruction between the participants with high MA and those with low MA. Both groups of participants exhibited substantial progress toward a scientific understanding from pre‐ to post‐instruction. However, the participants with high MA outperformed those with low MA in terms of developing a more scientific understanding of gas behavior after the MR instruction. In addition, following the MR instruction, while the participants with high MA eliminated 85% of their alternative conceptions, the participants with low MA eliminated only about 60% of their alternative conceptions.
Laminar‐turbulent transition detection on airfoils by high‐frequency microphone measurements
Authors: Özçakmak Özge Sinem , Sørensen Niels Nørmark , Madsen Helge Aagaard , Sørensen Jens Nørkaer
Published: August 2019

In the present work, various data processing methods for laminar to turbulent transition detection on airfoils are assessed based on experimental data. For this purpose, NACA 63‐418 airfoil profile with surface microphones flush mounted both on the suction and the pressure side is used in the wind tunnel experiments. Reynolds numbers are changed in the range from 1.6·106 to 6·106 for various angles of attack. In this way, the transition behaviour of the airfoil is characterized. Time signals and spectrogram of the data, chordwise pressure level changes, and first moments are investigated. Standard deviations of pressure are observed to exhibit a peak at transition and slightly decreases for the fully turbulent flow staying always higher than the laminar flow. The most robust method to detect the transition location is found to be the characteristic frequency approach by spectral moments provided that the inflow turbulence is low. The numerical results are in agreement with experimental results on the pressure side where natural transition occurs. However, the transition due to surface irregularity and microphone placement occurs on the suction side. This cannot be predicted by the numerical tools. The Tollmien‐Schlichting wave frequencies and neutral curve points are determined from the experiments. The analysis shows that the most common curve length of the transition process is around 15% to 20%, and it can vary between 0% to 30 % of the chord. Increasing the Reynolds number leads to an earlier transition position closer to leading edge at both upper and lower surfaces.
Impact of vegetation selection on nitrogen and phosphorus processing in bioretention containers
Authors: Muerdter Claire P. , Smith Daniel J. , Davis Allen P.
Published: August 2019

A year‐long bioretention container study in Maryland, USA, measured the relationship between three plant species (Eutrochium dubium, Iris versicolor, and Juncus effusus) and N (, , , total nitrogen [TN], total dissolved nitrogen [TDN], dissolved organic nitrogen, particulate organic nitrogen [PON]) and total phosphorus (TP) removal from synthetic stormwater. Statistically significant removal was only found for and TP. Plant‐independent removal occurred 9 months after planting, and then changed to removal only by the least‐densely planted Juncus treatment. Removal in higher‐density Juncus plantings was suspected to be limited by preferential pathways created by high root density. Juncus’ low‐density removal success correlates with its high growth rate, root mass and length, and large biomass, matching previous literature. TP removal was plant‐independent. Shoot harvesting of one plant of each species after 1 year would remove 0.61 g N. Of the plant species in this study, Juncus effusus is most highly recommended for bioretention for its nutrient removal dynamics and year‐round green aesthetics.

Practitioner Points

Only the one‐Juncus density treatment had significant removal.

All Juncus treatments as well as non‐Juncus treatments prevented the PON, TN, or TDN export seen in the No‐plants control.

TP removal was plant‐independent.

Juncus had the greatest biomass increase and biomass N. Shoots contain the majority of biomass N for each plant species.

Juncus and Iris had high survivorship. Joe Pye had low survivorship. These, and all other study results, need field‐scale verification.
Residues from the dairy industry as co‐substrate for the flexibilization of digester operation
Authors: Hubert Christian , Steiniger Bettina , Schaum Christian
Published: August 2019

Water resource recovery facilities (WRRF) can make an important contribution to increase the share of renewable energies in Germany. In this context, it is important to utilize unused digester capacities on WRRF. In addition, a demand‐orientated biogas production could synchronize electricity demand and electricity generation and improve the overall energetic balance of the WRRF. As part of the project “Water Resource Recovery Facilities in interaction with the waste and energy industry: A German‐Austrian Dialogue – COMITO,” the influence of residues from the dairy industry on the digestion process was examined as well as the suitability for the flexibilization of digester gas production. Four reactors were fed with different amounts of flotation sludge from the dairy industry for several months. The difference in the feed resulted in organic loading (OLR) rates between 3.2 kg COD/(m3 day) and 6 kg COD/(m3 day). The reactors were fed with a daily shock load. The investigations showed that volumetric loads up to 4.4 kg COD/(m3 day) did not lead to an accumulation of organic acids. Organic loading rate of 6 kg COD/(m3 day) showed a significant accumulation of organic acids higher than 2,500 mg/L oHAc. Nevertheless, the reactor could be operated with a degradation rate of 71% with a corresponding biogas yield with a methane content of 71%. With increasing flotation sludge content, a higher concentration in ammonium of up to 2.000 mg/L NH4‐N could be detected in the effluent of the digester. Despite higher phosphorus concentration in the flotation sludge, the concentration of PO4‐P remained constant for all reactors fluctuating between 20 and 40 mg/L PO4‐P. Dewatering worsened significantly with increasing levels of flotation sludge.

Practitioner points

Main purpose of the research is to flexibilize digester operation on WRRF using flotation sludges from the dairy industry.

Flexibilization of the digester using flotation sludge is possible up to an organic load of 6 kg COD/(m3 day).

Higher NH4‐N concentration in the effluent of the digester must be accepted when using higher amounts of flotation sludge.

Phosphate concentration in the effluent of the digester remained on a low level despite higher phosphorus content in the flotation sludge.

High levels of organic acids (mainly acetic acid) can be tolerated and can be recovered within a short time after reducing the load.
Analysis of ranking data
Authors: Yu Philip L. H. , Gu Jiaqi , Xu Hang
Published: August 2019

Ranking is one of the simple and efficient data collection techniques to understand individuals' perception and preferences for some items such as products, people, and species. Ranking data are frequently collected when individuals are asked to rank a set of items according to a certain preference criterion. Over the years, many statistical models and methods have been developed for analyzing ranking data. This paper will give a literature review of these models and methods and present the recent advances of the analysis of ranking data.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Nonparametric Methods
Intergroup Dialogue: Engaging Difference for Social Change Leadership Development
Authors: Nagda Biren (Ratnesh) A.
Published: August 2019

This chapter focuses on intergroup dialogue (IGD)—a facilitated, colearning space among people from diverse backgrounds—as an exemplar of sociocultural conversations. IGD communication processes, pedagogy, and praxis principles are discussed to guide educators to infuse IGD practices in leadership development programs.
Reimagining Leadership Development for Social Change Through Critical Dialogue Practices
Authors: Nagda Biren (Ratnesh) A. , Roper Larry D.
Published: August 2019

This chapter proposes a transformative vision of critical‐dialogic leadership development. A framework is offered to guide reflection and dialogue among leadership educators to bring the vision to life.
Six-Gluon amplitudes in planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 super-Yang-Mills theory at six and seven loops
Authors: Caron-Huot Simon , Dixon Lance J. , Dulat Falko , von Hippel Matt , McLeod Andrew J. , Papathanasiou Georgios
Published: August 2019

Abstract

We compute the six-particle maximally-helicity-violating (MHV) and next-to-MHV (NMHV) amplitudes in planar maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory through seven loops and six loops, respectively, as an application of the extended Steinmann relations and using the cosmic Galois coaction principle. Starting from a minimal space of functions constructed using these principles, we identify the amplitude by matching its symmetries and predicted behavior in various kinematic limits. Through five loops, the MHV and NMHV amplitudes are uniquely determined using only the multi-Regge and leading collinear limits. Beyond five loops, the MHV amplitude requires additional data from the kinematic expansion around the collinear limit, which we obtain from the Pentagon Operator Product Expansion, and in particular from its single-gluon bound state contribution. We study the MHV amplitude in the self-crossing limit, where its singular terms agree with previous predictions. Analyzing and plotting the amplitudes along various kinematical lines, we continue to find remarkable stability between loop orders.
Bipolar clavicular fractures and treatment options
Authors: de Ruiter Kristian J. , Gardenbroek Tjibbe J. , Bos Kelly , van Heijl Mark , Halm Jens A.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Fractures of the clavicle are common injuries, accounting 2.6–4% of all fractures in adults. Of these fractures, 21–28% are lateral clavicle fractures and 2–3% are medial clavicle fractures. Bipolar clavicle fractures are defined as a lateral and medial fracture and are uncommon. There is no consensus on the treatment of these fractures. The aim of this study is to provide a treatment on bipolar clavicle fractures based on the current literature.

Methods

The electronic databases PubMed, the Cochrane library and EMBASE were searched up on September 25th, 2017. Two reviewers (KR and TG) independently screened titles and abstracts for their relevance. Studies designed to evaluate the outcomes of conservative and/or operative treatment of segmental bipolar clavicle fractures in adults (> 16 years) were included. Editorials and commentaries were excluded, as well as synthetic, cadaveric and animal studies. Primary outcomes considered were pain reduction and shoulder function. Secondary outcomes considered are complications.

Results

Ten studies reporting results from ten patients were included for the review. In most patients, if treated operatively, surgical treatment with the use of double plating was performed. Only in elderly patients conservative treatment was adopted. All included patients were pain free and had a full range of motion after 3–6 months. Only two case reports provided a DASH score, while in eight studies no functional outcome score was measured.

Conclusion

A missed bipolar fracture can complicate the clinical progress. Surgical management of these fractures may be necessary; however, the treatment of choice depends on the age of the patient, daily activities and comorbidity.
Features of urine S100B and its ability to rule out intracranial hemorrhage in patients with head trauma: a prospective trial
Authors: Vedin Tomas , Karlsson Mathias , Edelhamre Marcus , Bergenheim Mikael , Larsson Per-Anders
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Traumatic brain injury causes morbidity and mortality worldwide. S100B is the most documented emergency brain biomarker and its urine-assay might be advantageous because of easier sampling. The primary aim was to evaluate urine S100B’s ability to rule out intracranial hemorrhage. Secondary aims included S100B temporal pattern for 48 h post-trauma and chemical properties of urine that affect urine S100B.

Methods

Patients with head trauma were sampled for serum and urine S100B. Patients who were admitted for intracranial hemorrhage were sampled for 48 h to assess S100B-level, renal function, urine-pH, etc.

Results

The negative predictive value of serum S100B was 97.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 89.5–99.2%] and that of urine S100B was 89.1% (95% CI 85.5–91.9%). The specificity of serum S100B was 34.4% (95% CI 27.7–41.6%) and that of urine was 67.1% (95% CI 59.4–74.1%). Urine-pH correlated strongly with urine S100B during the first 6-h post-trauma. Trend-analysis of receiver operator characteristics of S100B in serum, urine the arithmetic difference between serum and urine S100B showed the largest area under the curve for arithmetic difference, which had a negative predictive value of 93.1% (95% CI 89.1–95.8%) and a specificity of 71.8% (95% CI 64.4–78.4%).

Conclusion

This study cannot support ruling out intracranial hemorrhage with urine S100B. Urine-pH might affect urine S100B and merits further studies. Serum and urine S100B have poor concordance and interchangeability. The arithmetic difference had a slightly better area under the curve and can be worth exploring in certain subgroups.
Mixed Olfactory Neuroblastoma and Adenocarcinoma with In Situ Neuroendocrine Hyperplasia
Authors: Attwood Jonathan E. , Jeyaretna Deva Sanjeeva , Sheerin Fintan , Shah Ketan A.
Published: August 2019

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare malignant neoplasm arising from the superior aspect of the nasal vault. Cases are characterised by insidious clinical presentation and high rates of recurrence despite surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. There are a small number of reports showing ONB with divergent epithelial or ganglionic differentiation, and ONB has also been found to coincide with adenocarcinoma. We present a case of mixed ONB with adenocarcinoma. The clinical presentation was unusual, with a tonic–clonic seizure preceded by chronic headache and anosmia. Imaging revealed a mass extending from the olfactory recess of the left nasal cavity through the cribriform plate to the anterior cranial fossa. The pathology demonstrated intraepithelial neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia in the left olfactory groove. This finding provides a unique insight into the cellular origin of this rare tumour, and appears to confirm the theory that ONB arises from neural stem cells in the olfactory neuroepithelium. Despite radical treatment, the patient suffered a distant recurrence within 1 year of treatment, which underlines the aggressive nature of this tumour.
Western Debates About Chinese Entrepreneurship in the Treaty Port Period, 1842–1911
Authors: KAMINISHI MIRIAM , SMITH ANDREW DAVID
Published: August 2019

This paper assesses how Westerners depicted Chinese entrepreneurship in the late Qing period. The paper, which is based on a range of primary sources in English, Portuguese, and French, shows that Western views of Chinese entrepreneurs were highly diverse and that while some contemporary authors viewed Chinese entrepreneurship through an Orientalist lens, others rejected this paradigm by stressing that Chinese people, or at least some subsets of the Han Chinese population, were extremely entrepreneurial. Another group of authors modified the Orientalist stereotype of Chinese stagnation by suggesting that Chinese businesspeople were capable of the lower entrepreneurial functions (e.g., simple arbitrage) but not the higher branches of entrepreneurship, which involved innovation and creative destruction. These entrepreneurial functions were, ethnocentrically, regarded as the domain of Westerners. The paper may extend our understanding about how the past still affects our current perception of Chinese entrepreneurship. It also develops our understanding of the cultural histories of entrepreneurship and Sino-Western business.
Efficacy and safety of a novel antimicrobial preoperative skin preparation
Authors: Crnich Christopher J. , Pop-Vicas Aurora E. , Hedberg Thomas G. , Perl Trish M.
Published: August 2019

Objective:

Alternatives to skin preparation with conventional preoperative antiseptics are required because of adverse reactions and the potential emergence of resistance. Here, we present 2 phase 2 studies of ZuraGard (ZG), a novel formulation of isopropyl alcohol and functional excipients developed for preoperative skin antisepsis.

Methods:

Microbial skin flora on abdominal and inguinal sites in healthy volunteers were quantitatively assessed following application of ZG versus a negative control (ZV) and a chlorhexidine/alcohol preparation, Chloraprep (CP). In trial 1, ZG administered for both recommended and abbreviated application times was compared with CP and ZV via bacterial reductions at 10 minutes, and 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours following application. In trial 2, the 10-minute postapplication responder rates (RRs) for ZG, participants with abdominal ≥2 log10 per cm2, and inguinal ≥3 log10 per cm2 reductions in colony-forming units (CFU) were compared to RRs of participants treated with CP.

Results:

In trial 1, ZG at the recommended application time reduced mean bacterial counts by ~3.18 log10 CFU/cm2 and ~2.98 log10 CFU/cm2 at abdominal and inguinal sites, respectively. Qualitatively similar reductions were observed for the abbreviated ZG application time and all CP applications. Application of ZV was ineffective. In trial 2, 10-minute RRs for ZG and CP exceeded 90% at abdominal sites. At inguinal sites, RRs were 83.3% for ZG and 86.7% for CP. No skin irritation or other adverse events were observed.

Conclusions:

ZG matched CP efficacy under these experimental conditions with immediate and persistent microbial reductions, including abbreviated application times. Further clinical studies of this novel preoperative antiseptic are merited.
Statistics, plumes and azimuthally travelling waves in ultimate Taylor–Couette turbulent vortices
Authors: Froitzheim Andreas , Ezeta Rodrigo , Huisman Sander G. , Merbold Sebastian , Sun Chao , Lohse Detlef , Egbers Christoph
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we experimentally study the influence of large-scale Taylor rolls on the small-scale statistics and the flow organization in fully turbulent Taylor–Couette flow for Reynolds numbers up to $Re_{S}=3\times 10^{5}$. The velocity field in the gap confined by coaxial and independently rotating cylinders at a radius ratio of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}=0.714$ is measured using planar particle image velocimetry in horizontal planes at different cylinder heights. Flow regions with and without prominent Taylor vortices are compared. We show that the local angular momentum transport (expressed in terms of a Nusselt number) mainly takes place in the regions of the vortex in- and outflow, where the radial and azimuthal velocity components are highly correlated. The efficient momentum transfer is reflected in intermittent bursts, which becomes visible in the exponential tails of the probability density functions of the local Nusselt number. In addition, by calculating azimuthal energy co-spectra, small-scale plumes are revealed to be the underlying structure of these bursts. These flow features are very similar to the one observed in Rayleigh–Bénard convection, which emphasizes the analogies of these systems. By performing a complex proper orthogonal decomposition, we remarkably detect azimuthally travelling waves superimposed on the turbulent Taylor vortices, not only in the classical but also in the ultimate regime. This very large-scale flow pattern, which is most pronounced at the axial location of the vortex centre, is similar to the well-known wavy Taylor vortex flow, which has comparable wave speeds, but much larger azimuthal wavenumbers.
Luminescence Dating of the Iron Age Deposits from Tell Damiyah in the Jordan Valley
Authors: al Khasawneh Sahar , Murray Andrew , Kafafi Zeidan , Petit Lucas
Published: August 2019

In this study, we investigate quartz-based luminescence optical dating of Iron Age deposits at the archaeological site of Tell Damiyah in the Jordan valley. Ten samples, taken from different occupation layers from two different excavation areas, proved to have good luminescence characteristics (fast-component dominated, dose recovery ratio 1.032 ± 0.010, n=24). The optical ages are completely consistent with both available14C ages and ages based on stylistic elements; it appears that this material was fully reset at deposition, although it is recognised that the agreement with age control is somewhat dependent on the assumed field water content of the samples. Further comparison with different OSL signals from feldspar, or investigations based on dose distributions from individual grains would be desirable to independently confirm the resetting of this material. It is concluded that the sediments of Tell Damiyah are very suitable for luminescence dating. Despite the relatively large associated age uncertainties of between 5 and 10%, OSL at tell sites has the potential to provide ages for material very difficult to date by conventional methods, and to identify reworked mixtures of older artifacts in a younger depositional setting.
BARP: Improving Mister P Using Bayesian Additive Regression Trees
Authors: BISBEE JAMES
Published: August 2019

Multilevel regression and post-stratification (MRP) is the current gold standard for extrapolating opinion data from nationally representative surveys to smaller geographic units. However, innovations in nonparametric regularization methods can further improve the researcher’s ability to extrapolate opinion data to a geographic unit of interest. I test an ensemble of regularization algorithms and find that there is room for substantial improvement on the multilevel model via more flexible methods of regularization. I propose a modified version of MRP that replaces the multilevel model with a nonparametric approach called Bayesian additive regression trees (BART or, when combined with post-stratification, BARP). I compare both methods across a number of data contexts, demonstrating the benefits of applying more powerful regularization methods to extrapolate opinion data to target geographical units. I provide an R package that implements the BARP method.
Amine variations in faecal content in the first weeks of life of newborns in relation to breast-feeding or infant formulas
Authors: Suárez Lorena , Moreno-Luque María , Martínez-Ardines Irene , González Nereida , Campo Patricia , Huerta-Cima Palmira , Sánchez Manuel
Published: August 2019

Breast-feeding is the ideal nutrition for a newborn’s integral necessities. It seems crucial therefore to know its composition in order to provide suitable infant formula when required. Of these, polyamines (with lactation and the microbiota being its intestinal source) are involved in the development of gut epithelium and immunity. Safety concerns limit human intervention studies. Therefore, we studied the amounts of polyamines supplied by breast milk (varying among mothers) or infant formula feeding, up to day 30 postpartum, in the faeces of newborns. Independent samples (68) of breast milk from fifty-nine healthy Caucasian woman (day 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 15 and 30 postpartum) who had natural deliveries after week 38, same-day faeces of newborns when available (eighty-one from breast milk and fifty-five from infant formula fed) and six infant formulas were collected and the polyamine content was determined by HPLC. In breast milk, polyamines and isoamylamine (a primary amine), with inter-individual variations, increased over time (with a higher content of spermidine; no other amines were present). Overall, they were much higher than in infant formula. By the 2nd week after birth, polyamines, cadaverine and tyramine, but not isoamylamine, were higher in the faeces of those fed infant formula compared with those fed breast milk. Cadaverine and tyramine could be used to predict the feeding type used for newborns. The differences in the content may be related to distinct colonisation of amine-producing bacteria, which can be established by polyamines. Further studies are required to determine the clinical utility of these findings.
The Local Determinants of Representation: Party Constituency Associations, Candidate Nomination and Gender
Authors: Cross William P. , Pruysers Scott
Published: August 2019

It is well established that political parties play a key role as gatekeepers to elected office. This article explores the local determinants of a diverse candidate pool. In particular, we seek to uncover the district- or riding-specific party factors that are related to women's participation in the parties’ candidate nomination stages. That is, why do some nomination races in a party have no women contestants, while others have many? Using data from an original survey of party constituency association presidents, as well as extensive nomination data from Elections Canada, we demonstrate that a number of local factors are related to the presence of women contesting a party's nomination. Local party associations with a woman serving as president, as well as associations that hold earlier and longer nominations, are significantly more likely to see a woman enter the contest. The results are important since they call attention to what parties do at the grassroots level, as well as highlight practical solutions for parties seeking to have more diversity in their candidate pool.
Early Devonian ultrapotassic magmatism in the North China Craton: geochemical and isotopic evidence for subcontinental lithospheric mantle metasomatism by subducted sediment-derived fluids
Authors: Niu Xiaolu , Dilek Yildirim , Liu Fei , Feng Guangying , Yang Jingsui
Published: August 2019

We report new U–Pb zircon age data, zircon in situ oxygen isotope, mineral chemistry, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions from the Early Devonian ultrapotassic Gucheng pluton in the North China Craton, and discuss its petrogenesis. The Gucheng pluton is exposed in the northern part of the North China Craton and forms a composite intrusion, consisting of K-feldspar-bearing clinopyroxenite, clinopyroxene-bearing syenite and alkali-feldspar syenite. Mineral phases in these lithologies include clinopyroxene (Wo43–48En19–35Fs18–38), sanidine (An0Ab3–11Or89–97), and subordinate titanite, andradite and Na-feldspar. These rocks show homogeneous Sr but variable Nd isotopic compositions, and have relatively high zircon in situ oxygen isotopes (δ18O = 5.2–6.7). The Gucheng plutonic rocks formed through fractional crystallization and accumulation from ultrapotassic magmas, which were originated from partial melting of metasomatic vein systems in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle of the North China Craton. These vein networks developed as a result of the reactions of fluids derived from subducted pelitic sediments on the downgoing Palaeo-Asian ocean floor with the enriched, subcontinental lithospheric mantle peridotites. Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U–Pb zircon dating has revealed a crystallization age of 415 Ma for the timing of the emplacement of the Gucheng pluton that marks the early stages of alkaline magmatism associated with the Andean-type continental margin evolution along the northern edge of the North China Craton facing the Palaeo-Asian Ocean.
‘An Ambiguous Area’: Mongolia in Soviet-Japanese relations in the mid-1930s
Authors: BRIDGES BRIAN
Published: August 2019

The Mongolian People's Republic (MPR) became the focus of intense competition between the Soviet Union and Japan in the 1930s, when it was more commonly known as Outer Mongolia. The Soviet Union viewed the MPR as an ideological and strategic ally, and was determined to defend that state against the increasingly adventurist actions of the Japanese military based in northern China. Japanese ambitions to solve the so-called ‘Manmo’ (Manchuria-Mongolia) problem led the Soviets to initiate ever-closer links with the MPR, culminating in the 1936 pact of mutual assistance which was intended to constrain Japanese pressure. Using unpublished Japanese materials as well as Russian and Mongolian sources, this article demonstrates how the Soviet leadership increasingly viewed the MPR as strategically crucial to the defence of the Soviet Far East.
Getting energy balance right in an obesogenic world
Authors: Moore J. Bernadette , Boesch Christine
Published: August 2019

Currently the world is facing an incredibly costly epidemic of obesity. Almost two-thirds of UK adults are either overweight or obese with estimated financial costs to the UK economy alone of £27 billion per year. While fundamentally obesity is a disorder of energy balance, several decades of research has demonstrated that maintaining energy balance is much more complex than the ‘energy in equals energy out’ equation that was once touted. The purpose of the 2018 Nutrition Society Summer Conference, ‘Getting energy balance right’ was to provide insight into the numerous factors influencing energy balance, considering varying needs across the lifespan, while highlighting advances and gaps in knowledge. Papers presented in this issue illustrate the wide range of factors involved in maintaining energy balance, including: epigenetics, the gut microbiome, physical activity and dietary factors including sugar. Given the complexity of energy balance, systems approaches were highlighted as useful for both understanding metabolism and pathophysiology, and for understanding how public health interventions to treat and prevent obesity should be implemented. The meeting concluded that numerous stakeholders, from individuals, to schools, industry and government, have roles to play in fostering a positive food environment that facilitates the maintenance of energy balance throughout the lifespan.