bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot randomised controlled trial of negative pressure wound therapy to treat grade III/IV pressure ulcers [ISRCTN69032034]
Authors: Ashby Rebecca L , Dumville Jo C , Soares Marta O , McGinnis Elizabeth , Stubbs Nikki , Torgerson David J , Cullum Nicky
Published: July 2012

Background

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is widely promoted as a treatment for full thickness wounds; however, there is a lack of high-quality research evidence regarding its clinical and cost effectiveness. A trial of NPWT for the treatment of grade III/IV pressure ulcers would be worthwhile but premature without assessing whether such a trial is feasible. The aim of this pilot randomised controlled trial was to assess the feasibility of conducting a future full trial of NPWT for the treatment of grade III and IV pressure ulcers and to pilot all aspects of the trial.

Methods

This was a two-centre (acute and community), pilot randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants were randomised to receive either NPWT or standard care (SC) (spun hydrocolloid, alginate or foam dressings). Outcome measures were time to healing of the reference pressure ulcer, recruitment rates, frequency of treatment visits, resources used and duration of follow-up.

Results

Three hundred and twelve patients were screened for eligibility into this trial over a 12-month recruitment period and 12/312 participants (3.8%) were randomised: 6 to NPWT and 6 to SC. Only one reference pressure ulcer healed (NPWT group) during follow-up (time to healing 79 days). The mean number of treatment visits per week was 3.1 (NPWT) and 5.7 (SC); 6/6 NPWT and 1/6 SC participants withdrew from their allocated trial treatment. The mean duration of follow-up was 3.8 (NPWT) and 5.0 (SC) months.

Conclusions

This pilot trial yielded vital information for the planning of a future full study including projected recruitment rate, required duration of follow-up and extent of research nurse support required. Data were also used to inform the cost-effectiveness and value of information analyses, which were conducted alongside the pilot trial.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN69032034.
Diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough in China: an insight into the status quo
Authors: Lai Kefang , Luo Wei , Zeng Guangqiao , Zhong Nanshan
Published: July 2012

Chronic cough is a very common complaint in clinics throughout China. Clinical and basic science research on chronic cough started late, but in recent years the effort has yielded promising findings regarding the etiological diagnosis, treatment and pathogenesis. We found that inflammation in nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis has some similarities to cough variant asthma but also a number of distinct differences. Recent evidence has also suggested a mechanistic link between airway neurogenic inflammation and and gastroesophageal reflux cough (GERC). Cough-related animal models have been developed, including models for esophageal reflux, nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis and allergic rhinitis. Normal reference values for differential cell counts in induced sputum, cough sensitivity and esophageal 24-h pH monitoring in Chinese healthy subjects have been established. By using a modified algorithm for the etiological diagnosis of chronic cough, the causes of chronic cough have been investigated across a number of cities in China. The most common causes of chronic cough are cough variant asthma, eosinophilic bronchitis, upper airway cough symptoms, atopic cough and GERC, however, there are some regional variations. The Chinese National Guidelines on Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Cough were drafted in 2005, updated in 2009, and have been widely publicized and disseminated through many channels since their publication.
Birth defects in Iraq and the plausibility of environmental exposure: A review
Authors: Al-Hadithi Tariq S , Al-Diwan Jawad K , Saleh Abubakir M , Shabila Nazar P
Published: July 2012

An increased prevalence of birth defects was allegedly reported in Iraq in the post 1991 Gulf War period, which was largely attributed to exposure to depleted uranium used in the war. This has encouraged further research on this particular topic. This paper reviews the published literature and provided evidence concerning birth defects in Iraq to elucidate possible environmental exposure. In addition to published research, this review used some direct observation of birth defects data from Al-Ramadi Maternity and Paediatric Hospital in Al-Anbar Governorate in Iraq from1stJuly 2000 through 30thJune 2002. In addition to depleted uranium other war-related environmental factors have been studied and linked directly or indirectly with the increasing prevalence of birth defects. However, the reviewed studies and the available research evidence do not provide a clear increase in birth defects and a clear indication of a possible environmental exposure including depleted uranium although the country has been facing several environmental challenges since 1980.
Thermoascus aurantiacus is a promising source of enzymes for biomass deconstruction under thermophilic conditions
Authors: McClendon Shara D , Batth Tanveer , Petzold Christopher J , Adams Paul D , Simmons Blake A , Singer Steven W
Published: July 2012

Background

Thermophilic fungi have attracted increased interest for their ability to secrete enzymes that deconstruct biomass at high temperatures. However, development of thermophilic fungi as enzyme producers for biomass deconstruction has not been thoroughly investigated. Comparing the enzymatic activities of thermophilic fungal strains that grow on targeted biomass feedstocks has the potential to identify promising candidates for strain development. Thielavia terrestris and Thermoascus aurantiacus were chosen for characterization based on literature precedents.

Results

Thermoascus aurantiacus and Thielavia terrestris were cultivated on various biomass substrates and culture supernatants assayed for glycoside hydrolase activities. Supernatants from both cultures possessed comparable glycoside hydrolase activities when incubated with artificial biomass substrates. In contrast, saccharifications of ionic liquid pretreated switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) revealed that T. aurantiacus enzymes released more glucose than T. terrestris enzymes over a range of protein mass loadings and temperatures. Temperature-dependent saccharifications demonstrated that the T. aurantiacus proteins retained higher levels of activity compared to a commercial enzyme mixture sold by Novozymes, Cellic CTec2, at elevated temperatures. Enzymes secreted by T. aurantiacus released glucose at similar protein loadings to CTec2 on dilute acid, ammonia fiber expansion, or ionic liquid pretreated switchgrass. Proteomic analysis of the T. aurantiacus culture supernatant revealed dominant glycoside hydrolases from families 5, 7, 10, and 61, proteins that are key enzymes in commercial cocktails.

Conclusions

T. aurantiacus produces a complement of secreted proteins capable of higher levels of saccharification of pretreated switchgrass than T. terrestris enzymes. The T. aurantiacus enzymatic cocktail performs at the same level as commercially available enzymatic cocktail for biomass deconstruction, without strain development or genetic modifications. Therefore, T. aurantiacus provides an excellent platform to develop a thermophilic fungal system for enzyme production for the conversion of biomass to biofuels.
Evolution of rural–urban health gaps in Morocco: 1992–2011
Authors: Abdesslam Boutayeb
Published: July 2012

Background

Moroccan authorities carry out regular surveys on population and family health (NSFFP 1980, NSPH 1992, SPFH 2004, NSPFH 2011). These surveys constitute valuable resources for monitoring socio-economic and health indicators. They provide an evidence base for health decision makers to help them to optimize health strategies in order to improve the health conditions of the whole population. They also provide updated measures on geographic disparities, socio-economic inequalities and health inequity. The most recent Moroccan population and family health survey (NSPFH 2011) was carried out between November 2010 and March 2011. The final report and the database are not yet accessible, but a preliminary report was released early March 2012. This report does not allow for a complete evaluation of the present health situation in Morocco. A partial equity analysis can, however, be devoted to the comparison of health indicators especially in terms of rural–urban gaps.

Results

The 2011 survey shows that Moroccan population is in the last phase of the demographic transition. The total fertility rate decreased from 5.6 children per woman in 1980 to 2.5 per woman in 2011. The mean age of first marriage increased from 24 years for men and 17.5 years for women in 1960 to 31.5 years and 26.3 years in 2011 for men and women, respectively. The age structure shows a trend of ageing population. A comparison with the 1992 NSPH indicates that adult illiteracy has decreased from 53% in 1992 to 37.6% in 2011.

During the same time period, women’s access to maternal care and health services improved significantly. For instance, the proportion of deliveries assisted by skilled health personnel increased from 31% in 1992 to 73.6% in 2011. Between 1992 and 2011, neonatal, postnatal, infant and under-five mortality rates were reduced by 44%, 65%, 54% and 64%, respectively.

Conclusion

This paper shows that average health indicators improved noticeably during the last two decades but rural–urban disparities are still a challenge for health decision makers. Socio-economic indicators, like illiteracy rate and unemployment, also demonstrate large gender inequalities. This preliminary analysis is designed to assist Moroccan health authorities to evaluate the current health situation in order to adopt cost-effective strategies that improve “health for all” and reduce the gaps between advantaged and disadvantaged populations.
Water-compatible Cascade Reaction: An Efficient Route to Substituted 2,3-Dihydrofurans
Authors: Zhang Ya-Ru , Luo Fang , Huang Xu-Jiao , Xie Jian-Wu
Published: July 2012

A highly efficient domino Michael addition–alkylation reaction of 1,3-dicarbonyl derivatives with 2-nitroacrylates was developed in water. The procedure tolerates a series of functional groups such as methoxy, bromo, chloro, and heteroaromatic groups, providing three types of 2,3-dihydrofuran derivatives in moderate to good yields.
Enantioselective Borohydride Reduction of Aliphatic Ketones Catalyzed by Ketoiminatocobalt(III) Complex with 1-Chlorovinyl Axial Ligand
Authors: Tsubo Tatsuyuki , Chen Hsiu-Hui , Yokomori Minako , Fukui Kosuke , Kikuchi Satoshi , Yamada Tohru
Published: July 2012

For the enantioselective borohydride reduction of aliphatic ketones, the optically active ketoiminatocobalt(II) catalysts was successfully designed based on their axial ligand. Instead of chloroform for the aryl ketone reduction, various axial ligand precursors were examined for the aliphatic ketone. Consequently, 1,1,1-trichloroethane was found to be the most effective activator of the cobalt(II) complexes to generate the corresponding 1-chlorovinyl cobalt(III) derivatives as the reactive intermediate. Several aliphatic ketones were successfully reduced to afford the corresponding secondary alcohols with high enantioselectivities.
Ensuring Employees' IT Compliance: Carrot or Stick?
Authors: Liang Huigang , Xue Yajiong , Wu Liansheng
Published: July 2012

With reward (carrot) and punishment (stick) widely applied by organizations to regulate mandatory IT usage, it is imperative to understand how these incentives influence employee compliance behavior. Drawing upon control theory and regulatory focus theory, this study investigates the relationships among regulatory focus, reward, punishment, and compliance behavior in mandatory IT settings. Survey data were collected from 186 employees in companies where enterprise resource planning (ERP) compliance was mandated. Analyses reveal that punishment expectancy is a strong determinant of compliance behavior, whereas the main effect of reward expectancy is not significant. Moreover, the relationship between reward expectancy and compliance behavior is moderated by promotion focus and the relationship between punishment expectancy and compliance behavior is moderated by prevention focus. This study provides an in-depth understanding of reward and punishment in mandatory IT settings and suggests that regulatory focus plays an important role in affecting employees' compliance with organizational controls.
Arthroscopic partial limbectomy for labral injury of the hip
Authors: Nakamura Y. , Ohishi H. , Kishiya M. , Toh S.
Published: July 2012

Although good to excellent short-term results of arthroscopic partial limbectomy of the hip have been reported, there is little information on the long-term outcome of the procedure. We report a case with a 16-year follow-up.

A 34-year old woman presented with a three-month history of severe pain and limitation of movement of the hip. Plain radiographs and arthrography showed no abnormality. MRI showed an effusion and a deformity of the anterosuperior part of the labrum. This was confirmed as an inverted labral tear that was debrided arthroscopically.

At 16 years post-operatively, she remained symptom-free. Plain radiographs showed no abnormality and MRI suggested that the sealing effect of the scar tissue prevented articular damage and degeneration.
Changes in bone mineral density of the acetabulum, femoral neck and femoral shaft, after hip resurfacing and total hip replacement
Authors: Penny J. O. , Brixen K. , Varmarken J. E. , Ovesen O. , Overgaard S.
Published: July 2012

It is accepted that resurfacing hip replacement preserves the bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur better than total hip replacement (THR). However, no studies have investigated any possible difference on the acetabular side.

Between April 2007 and March 2009, 39 patients were randomised into two groups to receive either a resurfacing or a THR and were followed for two years. One patient’s resurfacing subsequently failed, leaving 19 patients in each group.

Resurfaced replacements maintained proximal femoral BMD and, compared with THR, had an increased bone mineral density in Gruen zones 2, 3, 6, and particularly zone 7, with a gain of 7.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.6 to 12.5) compared with a loss of 14.6% (95% CI 7.6 to 21.6). Resurfacing replacements maintained the BMD of the medial femoral neck and increased that in the lateral zones between 12.8% (95% CI 4.3 to 21.4) and 25.9% (95% CI 7.1 to 44.6).

On the acetabular side, BMD was similar in every zone at each point in time. The mean BMD of all acetabular regions in the resurfaced group was reduced to 96.2% (95% CI 93.7 to 98.6) and for the total hip replacement group to 97.6% (95% CI 93.7 to 101.5) (p = 0.4863). A mean total loss of 3.7% (95% CI 1.0 to 6.5) and 4.9% (95% CI 0.8 to 9.0) of BMD was found above the acetabular component in W1 and 10.2% (95% CI 0.9 to 19.4) and 9.1% (95% CI 3.8 to 14.4) medial to the implant in W2 for resurfaced replacements and THRs respectively. Resurfacing resulted in a mean loss of BMD of 6.7% (95% CI 0.7 to 12.7) in W3 but the BMD inferior to the acetabular component was maintained in both groups.

These results suggest that the ability of a resurfacing hip replacement to preserve BMD only applies to the femoral side.
The effect of surgical factors on early patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) following total knee replacement
Authors: Baker P. N. , Deehan D. J. , Lees D. , Jameson S. , Avery P. J. , Gregg P. J. , Reed M. R.
Published: July 2012

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly being used to assess functional outcome and patient satisfaction. They provide a framework for comparisons between surgical units, and individual surgeons for benchmarking and financial remuneration. Better performance may bring the reward of more customers as patients and commissioners seek out high performers for their elective procedures. Using National Joint Registry (NJR) data linked to PROMs we identified 22 691 primary total knee replacements (TKRs) undertaken for osteoarthritis in England and Wales between August 2008 and February 2011, and identified the surgical factors that influenced the improvements in the Oxford knee score (OKS) and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) assessment using multiple regression analysis. After correction for patient factors the only surgical factors that influenced PROMs were implant brand and hospital type (both p < 0.001). However, the effects of surgical factors upon the PROMs were modest compared with patient factors. For both the OKS and the EQ-5D the most important factors influencing the improvement in PROMs were the corresponding pre-operative score and the patient’s general health status. Despite having only a small effect on PROMs, this study has shown that both implant brand and hospital type do influence reported subjective functional scores following TKR. In the current climate of financial austerity, proposed performance-based remuneration and wider patient choice, it would seem unwise to ignore these effects and the influence of a range of additional patient factors.
Dual Inhibitors of the Blood Coagulation Enzymes
Authors: Kranjc A. , Kikelj D.
Published: July 2012

The search for an ideal anticoagulant has spanned decades and has resulted in several approaches and the identification of novel target molecules for preventing and treating thrombosis. The first group of new anticoagulant agents acting through direct inhibition of coagulation factors were inhibitors of thrombin, but factor Xa inhibitors and, most recently, factor VIIa inhibitors have become attractive candidates. The structures of thrombin, factor Xa and factor VIIa show similarities in their active sites and, for this reason, attempts have been made to develop synthetic agents containing in a single molecule inhibitory activity against two of the enzymes of the blood coagulation cascade. Such dual inhibitors are now in preclinical studies and are, potentially, new anticoagulant drugs with improved properties. The emphasis of this review will be placed on dual inhibitors of thrombin / factor Xa and factor Xa / factor VIIa. Comparison of the active sites of these enzymes is included for better understanding of the structural demands to be met in designing effective dual inhibitors.
Recent Advances in 4-Thionucleosides as Potential Antiviral and Antitumor Agents
Authors: Gunaga Prashantha , Moon Hyung Ryong , Choi Won Jun , Shin Dae Hong , Park Jae Gyu , Jeong Lak Shin
Published: July 2012

The classical 4-oxonucleoside analogs exhibit interesting biological activities such as antibiotic, antiviral and antitumor, which are believed to be the result of inhibition of the viral or cellular DNA or RNA polymerase after being converted to their corresponding 5-triphosphates. However, the activity of 4- oxonucleosides were limited by their susceptibility to degradation by nucleoside phosphorylases or acid hydrolysis. This aspect called for the chemical modification of the carbohydrate portion. This compulsion led to two kinds of strategies; (1) replacement of the 4-oxygen by the methylene group - carbocyclic nucleosides; (2) replacement of the 4 oxygen by sulphur-4-thionucleosides. This group has also conferred the resistance to the nucleoside cleavage. Although, there were some pioneering work on 4-thionucleosides in 1960s and 1970s, the interest in this group of compounds was rekindled by the antiviral activities of 2-deoxy-4- thionucleosides reported independently by Secrist et al. and Walker et al. Subsequent contributions by the other authors, enhanced its standing as an important class of antiviral agents. Following is a reasonably exhaustive account of this class of compounds reported after 1990.
A New Model for Companion-Animal Primary Health Care Education
Authors: Stone Elizabeth A. , Conlon Peter , Cox Sherri , Coe Jason B.
Published: July 2012

The majority of graduates from veterinary schools in the United States and Canada join companion-animal practices. In most schools, their clinical learning and client interaction experiences occurred primarily in referral teaching hospitals. These specialty hospitals play an essential role in the veterinary care continuum by providing advanced training, clinically-based research, and sophisticated diagnostics and procedures. However, they are not ideal as the principal setting for preparing veterinarians to bring value to the primary health care practices that they join. A new model for companion-animal primary health care education and service delivery has been developed at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. The nine integrated programs, which have defined learning objectives and outcome assessments, include communication, nutrition, rehabilitation, behavior, welfare, One Health (ecosystem approach to health), preventive and general medicine, good citizenship, and research. The learning experience begins with first-year student veterinarians and takes place in a practice setting with paying clients from the community. Significantly, the students are learning in an environment that emphasizes the importance of the client experience, teamwork, and practice management while ensuring quality health care for patients. The future of companion-animal primary health care and the optimal preparation of veterinarians are critical issues for the veterinary colleges and profession. Enhanced research into new models for primary health care education and service delivery is urgently needed.
Activity-Modifying Behaviour Mediates the Relationship between Pain Severity and Activity Limitations among Adults with Emergent Knee Pain
Authors: Hamilton Clayon B. , Maly Monica R. , Clark Jessica M. , Speechley Mark , Petrella Robert J. , Chesworth Bert M.
Published: July 2012

Purpose: To determine whether activity-modifying behaviour mediates the relationship between the severity of knee pain and each of physical function and knee-related quality of life. Methods: A total of 105 participants with medial knee pain and no diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (mean age 52.2 [SD 6.7] y) completed two self-report questionnaires. The Questionnaire to Identify Knee Symptoms assessed activity-modifying behaviour; the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score assessed pain severity, physical function, and knee-related quality of life. Simple mediation analysis was performed using linear regression. Results: The unstandardized regression coefficient for activity-modifying behaviour revealed partial mediation of the effect of pain severity on physical function (0.31 (SE 0.09), p<0.001) and on knee-related quality of life (0.24 (SE 0.07), p<0.001). After accounting for activity-modifying behaviour, the variance in physical function that was explained by pain decreased from 45% to 15%, and the variance in knee-related quality of life that was explained by pain decreased from 64% to 25%. Conclusion: Activity-modifying behaviour partially mediates the relationship between pain severity and physical function and between pain severity and knee-related quality of life. Activity-modifying behaviour may thus counteract the impact of knee pain on physical function and knee-related quality of life, which explains why it is used by people with emergent knee pain.
Early induction of hypothermia for evacuated intracranial hematomas: a post hoc analysis of two clinical trials
Authors: Clifton Guy L. , Coffey Christopher S. , Fourwinds Sierra , Zygun David , Valadka Alex , Smith Kenneth R. , Frisby Melisa L. , Bucholz Richard D. , Wilde Elisabeth A. , Levin Harvey S. , Okonkwo David O.
Published: July 2012

Object

The authors hypothesized that cooling before evacuation of traumatic intracranial hematomas protects the brain from reperfusion injury and, if so, further hypothesized that hypothermia induction before or soon after craniotomy should be associated with improved outcomes.

Methods

The National Acute Brain Injury Study: Hypothermia I (NABIS:H I) was a randomized multicenter clinical trial of 392 patients with severe brain injury treated using normothermia or hypothermia for 48 hours with patients reaching 33°C at 8.4 ± 3 hours after injury. The National Acute Brain Injury Study: Hypothermia II (NABIS:H II) was a randomized, multicenter clinical trial of 97 patients with severe brain injury treated with normothermia or hypothermia for 48 hours with patients reaching 35°C within 2.6 ± 1.2 hours and 33°C within 4.4 ± 1.5 hours of injury. Entry and exclusion criteria, management, and outcome measures in the 2 trials were similar.

Results

In NABIS:H II among the patients with evacuated intracranial hematomas, outcome was poor (severe disability, vegetative state, or death) in 5 of 15 patients in the hypothermia group and in 9 of 13 patients in the normothermia group (relative risk 0.44, 95% CI 0.22–0.88; p = 0.02). All patients randomized to hypothermia reached 35°C within 1.5 hours after surgery start and 33°C within 5.55 hours. Applying these criteria to NABIS:H I, 31 of 54 hypothermia-treated patients reached a temperature of 35°C or lower within 1.5 hours after surgery start time, and the remaining 23 patients reached 35°C at later time points. Outcome was poor in 14 (45%) of 31 patients reaching 35°C within 1.5 hours of surgery, in 14 (61%) of 23 patients reaching 35°C more than 1.5 hours of surgery, and in 35 (60%) of 58 patients in the normothermia group (relative risk 0.74, 95%, CI 0.49–1.13; p = 0.16). A meta-analysis of 46 patients with hematomas in both trials who reached 35°C within 1.5 hours of surgery start showed a significantly reduced rate of poor outcomes (41%) compared with 94 patients treated with hypothermia who did not reach 35°C within that time and patients treated at normothermia (62%, p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Induction of hypothermia to 35°C before or soon after craniotomy with maintenance at 33°C for 48 hours thereafter may improve outcome of patients with hematomas and severe traumatic brain injury. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT00178711.
Halogen Interactions in 2,4,5-Tribromoimidazolium Salts
Authors: Froschauer Carmen , Kahlenberg Volker , Laus Gerhard , Schottenberger Herwig
Published: July 2012

The crystal structures of 2,4,5-tribromo-1-(prop-2-ynyl)imidazole and seven new 1,3-dialkyl-2,4,5-tribromoimidazolium salts (R1 = propenyl, propynyl, dibromopropenyl; R2 = Me, Et) with halogen-containing anions (tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate, triflimide) were determined. The structures revealed halogen...halogen and anion...π interactions. Contacts of the type Br...Br, Br...F, Br...O, Br...N, F...F, H...Br, H...F, F...π and O...π were identified. Specific interactions were quantified by Hirshfeld surface analysis.
Photoinduced Phase Transition in Strongly Electron-Lattice and Electron–Electron Correlated Molecular Crystals
Authors: Ishikawa Tadahiko , Onda Ken , Koshihara Shin-ya
Published: July 2012

Strongly electron-lattice- and electron-electron-correlated molecular crystals, such as charge transfer (CT) complexes, are often sensitive to external stimuli, e.g., photoexcitation, due to the cooperative or competitive correlation of various interactions present in the crystals. These crystals are thus productive targets for studying photoinduced phase transitions (PIPTs). Recent advancements in research on the PIPT of CT complexes, especially Et2Me2Sb[Pd(dmit)2]2 and (EDO-TTF)2PF6, are reviewed in this report. The former exhibits a photoinduced insulator-to-insulator phase transition with clearly assigned spectral change. We demonstrate how to find the dynamics of PIPT using this system. The latter exhibits a photoinduced hidden state as an initial PIPT process. Wide energy ranged time-resolved spectroscopy can probe many kinds of photo-absorption processes, i.e., intra-molecular and inter-molecular electron excitations and intramolecular and electron-molecular vibrations. The photoinduced spectral changes in these photo-absorption processes reveal various aspects of the dynamics of PIPT, including electronic structural changes, lattice structural changes, and molecular deformations. The complexities of the dynamics of the latter system were revealed by our measurements.
Cell Attachment to Hydrogel-Electrospun Fiber Mat Composite Materials
Authors: Han Ning , Johnson Jed K. , Bradley Patrick A. , Parikh Kunal S. , Lannutti John J. , Winter Jessica O.
Published: July 2012

Hydrogels, electrospun fiber mats (EFMs), and their composites have been extensively studied for tissue engineering because of their physical and chemical similarity to native biological systems. However, while chemically similar, hydrogels and electrospun fiber mats display very different topographical features. Here, we examine the influence of surface topography and composition of hydrogels, EFMs, and hydrogel-EFM composites on cell behavior. Materials studied were composed of synthetic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEGPCL) hydrogels and electrospun poly(caprolactone) (PCL) and core/shell PCL/PEGPCL constituent materials. The number of adherent cells and cell circularity were most strongly influenced by the fibrous nature of materials (e.g., topography), whereas cell spreading was more strongly influenced by material composition (e.g., chemistry). These results suggest that cell attachment and proliferation to hydrogel-EFM composites can be tuned by varying these properties to provide important insights for the future design of such composite materials.
A Search Strategy of Level-Based Flooding for the Internet of Things
Authors: Qiu Tie , Ding Yanhong , Xia Feng , Ma Honglian
Published: July 2012

This paper deals with the query problem in the Internet of Things (IoT). Flooding is an important query strategy. However, original flooding is prone to cause heavy network loads. To address this problem, we propose a variant of flooding, called Level-Based Flooding (LBF). With LBF, the whole network is divided into several levels according to the distances (i.e., hops) between the sensor nodes and the sink node. The sink node knows the level information of each node. Query packets are broadcast in the network according to the levels of nodes. Upon receiving a query packet, sensor nodes decide how to process it according to the percentage of neighbors that have processed it. When the target node receives the query packet, it sends its data back to the sink node via random walk. We show by extensive simulations that the performance of LBF in terms of cost and latency is much better than that of original flooding, and LBF can be used in IoT of different scales.
Prenatal Diagnosis of EEC Syndrome with “Lobster Claw” Anomaly by 3D Ultrasound
Authors: Rios Livia T. , Araujo Edward , Caetano Ana C. R. , Nardozza Luciano M. , Moron Antonio F. , Martins Marília G.
Published: July 2012

The EEC syndrome is a genetic anomaly characterized by the triad: ectodermal dysplasia (development of anomalies of the structures derived from the embryonic ectodermal layer), ectrodactyly (extremities, hands and feet malformations) and cleft lip and/or palate; these malformations can be seen together or in isolation. The prenatal diagnosis can be made by two-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS) that identifies the facial and/or limb anomalies, most characteristic being the “lobster-claw” hands. The three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) provides a better analysis of the malformations than the 2DUS. A 25-year-old primigravida, had her first transvaginal ultrasonography that showed an unique fetus with crow-rump length of 47 mm with poorly defined hands and feet,. She was suspected of having sporadic form of EEC syndrome. The 2DUS performed at 19 weeks confirmed the EEC syndrome, showing a fetus with lobster-claw hands (absence of the 2nd and 3rd fingers), left foot with the absence of the 3rd toe and the right foot with syndactyly, and presence of cleft lip/palate. The 3DUS defined the anomalies much better than 2DUS including the lobster-claw hands.
Mobile anesthesia: Ready, set, pack, and go
Authors: Khayata Issam , Bourque Jesse
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Although we get into the habit of thinking that anesthesia cannot be safely delivered without the availability of all equipments available in a state of the art Operating room, we find ourselves faced with situations where the availability and mobility of all this equipment is limited ; this results in the impetus to start a thought process of how we can perform mobile anesthesia with less technology. Disaster situations, such as earthquakes, floods, or armed conflicts, might happen in areas where access of a regular operating room might be hours away or not available at all. Golden Hour: Delivering mobile Anesthesia during the golden hour can be a totally different experience from customary anesthesia practices in a regular operating room.It requires setting up a field/forward surgical teams with its organization and structure. Total Intravenous anesthesia gained popularity in crisis and combat situations and has been documented as a safe method in crisis situations.Anesthesia configured medic bag: Is a modified medic bag that can be utilized to contain the most commonly used Anesthesia supply material in a portable way. Conclusion: In reviewing the knowledge of how to provide anesthesia in crisis and disaster situations we conclude that there is evidence that anesthesia can be safely and efficiently delivered in a remote areas with limited tools and technology.
Ecosystem metabolism in a stratified lake
Authors: Staehr Peter A. , Christensen Jesper P. A. , Batt Ryan D. , Read Jordan S.
Published: July 2012

Seasonal changes in rates of gross primary production (GPP), net ecosystem production (NEP), and respiration (R) were determined from frequent automated profiles of dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature in a clear‐water polymictic lake. Metabolic rate calculations were made using a method that integrates rates across the entire depth profile and includes DO exchange between depth layers driven by mixed‐layer deepening and eddy diffusivity. During full mixing, NEP was close to zero throughout the water column, and GPP and R were reduced 2–10 times compared to stratified periods. When present, the metalimnion contributed 21% and 27% to whole‐lake areal rates of GPP and R, respectively. Net autotrophy prevailed in the epilimnion (NEP = 11 ± 14 mmol O2 m−3 d−1; mean ± SD) compared to balanced production in the metalimnion (NEP = 2 ± 19 mmol O2 m−3 d−1) and net heterotrophic conditions in hypolimnic waters (NEP = −15 ± 24 mmol O2 m−3 d−1). Positive NEP occurred in the metalimnion during periods when the photic depth extended below the mixed‐layer depth. Although the single‐sonde method estimated higher areal GPP (19%) and R (14%) compared to the two depth‐integrated approaches, differences were not significant. During stratification, daily variability in epilimnetic DO was dominated by metabolism (46%) and air‐water gas exchange (44%). Fluxes related to mixed‐layer deepening dominated in meta‐ and hypolimnic waters (49% and 64%), while eddy diffusion (1% and 14%) was less important. Although air‐water gas exchange rates differed among the three formulations of gas‐transfer velocity, this had no significant effect on metabolic rates.
QUANTITATIVE MICROSTRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION OF CARBON-BLACK-FILLED RUBBERS BY AFM
Authors: Morozov I. A. , Lauke B. , Heinrich G.
Published: July 2012

A new technique is proposed for analysis of the microstructure of carbon-black-filled rubbers using atomic force microscopy (AFM) images for data processing. The idea consists of segmenting the continuous relief of an AFM scan into isolated fragments that reflect the filler network in rubber. Two structural states of filler are defined: aggregates (small-sized, branched fragments of the relief) and micropellets (dense, round-shape structures). All the information regarding the geometry and coordinates of fragments is stored in computer memory. Based on observations of the relative position of the fragments within a relief, separate aggregates are assembled into secondary structures—agglomerates. The microstructure of five polymers (SBR or IR) filled with N220 carbon black (10, 30, and 50 phr) was investigated. Two materials were loaded in tensile tests to examine the microstructure of extended samples. A comparative analysis of the following microstructure parameters is presented: character of distribution and dispersion of filler in the matrix, fractal characteristics of aggregates and agglomerates, aggregate size distribution, micropellets mass fraction and sizes, and the variation of orientation of the filler, its sizes, and the distance between the neighboring pairs of aggregates in materials subjected to tension.
Photocorrosion by Oxygen Uptake in Aqueous Cadmium Sulphide Suspensions
Authors: Meissner Dieter , Memming Rüdiger , Shuben Li , Yesodharan Seguna , Grätzel Michael
Published: July 2012

Photouptake of oxygen in aqueous CdS suspensions loaded with RuO2 or Rh2O3 leads to the formation of sulphate and cadmium ions following the stoichiometry

This reaction constitutes also the dominant pathway in bare CdS suspensions. In the latter case, hydrogen peroxide is formed as a byproduct.
A New Theoretical Approach for Predicting Excess Properties of Alkanol/Alkane Mixtures
Authors: Heintz Andreas
Published: July 2012

Quasichemical models and association theories have successfully been applied in literature to describe the excess Gibbs energy GE and the excess enthalpy HE of alkanol/alkane mixtures. These theories, however, are unable to predict the excess volume VE because of the restriction to the rigid lattice model. A derivation of a new approach based on a partition function is given in this work which combines the Kretschmer‐Wiebe association model with an equation of state developed by Flory et al. for nonpolar molecules of chainlike structure. The combined model contains two adjustable mixing parameters. It leads to a simultaneous description of GE, HE, and VE which is in good agreement with experimental GE and HE data of alkanol/alkane mixtures tested for mixtures of ethanol, propanol, hexanol, octanol, decanol, and dodecanol + hexane and nonane respectively. Experimental data of VE of the different alkanol/alkane systems ranging from strong positive over S‐shaped to negative concentration dependence are described correctly in qualitative respect. In some cases even quantitative agreement can be obtained.
Electric Field Induced Anisotropic Concentration Fluctuations in Solutions Containing 2‐Butanol, 1‐Butanol or 2‐Methyl‐1‐Propanol, Water and Ionic Surfactant
Authors: Illini P. , Platz G.
Published: July 2012

A T‐jump cell with light scattering detection for scattering angles from 30° to 120° perpendicular or 90° parallel to the direction of the electric field of the high voltage pulse was used for the investigation of solutions, whose compositions are in the neighbour hood of plait points and which consist of water, ionic surfactants and alkanols. The application of an electric field to solutions containing 2‐butanol, water and anionic surfactant yields an anisotropic scattering behaviour. The intensity increases strongly in direction of the field. Perpendicular to the field almost no field effect is observed. It is shown that the anisotropic scattering depends on anisotropic concentration fluctuations which are induced by the external electric field. The local microscopic dielectric constant remains isotropic. The temperature dependence of the field effect may be well understood in terms of critical phenomena. The relaxation time of the scattering intensity is the same as the relaxation time of the intensity correlation function which is measured by dynamic light scattering inside the T‐jump cell. The most striking result is the fact that cationic surfactants show much smaller or no field effects. The scattering relaxation amplitudes in solutions containing 1‐butanol or 2‐methyl‐1‐propanol are essentially smaller than in solutions with 2‐butanol. The scattering effects depend on fluctuations of the water alkanol composition. This is shown by the phase diagrams which were investigated at 25° C and 15° C for the ternary systems water, surfactant and alkanol.
State to State Photodissociation Experiments in Pulsed Nozzle Beams
Authors: Andresen Peter
Published: July 2012

The photodissociation of jet cooled H2O in the first absorption band is studied at 157 nm with an F2 excimer laser. The nascent OH product state distributions are analyzed by LIF. A highly selective, strong j‐dependent Λ‐doublet population is found. A quantitative explanation of the A‐doublet selectivity is given in terms of orientation effects of the unpaired pπ‐lobe in OH. The strong inversion between the Λ‐doublet states yields a pumpmechanism for astronomical OH‐masers.
Study of Hydroxyl Reactions with Methanol and Ethanol by Laser‐induced Fluorescence
Authors: Meier U. , Grotheer H. H. , Riekert G. , Just Th.
Published: July 2012

Temperature dependences of the overall rate constants were measured for the reactions CH3OH + OH (1) and C2H5OH + OH (2) from 300 to 1000 K. Branching ratios for reactions (1) and (2) were determined at 298 K and secondary reactions of the product radicals were investigated. A rate constant for the combined reaction/deactivation of OH (v = 1) by CH3OH was derived.
Radical Association Reactions in Gases at High Pressures
Authors: Borrell P. , Cobos C. J. , Croce De Cobos A. E. , Hippler H. , Luther K. , Ravishankara A. R. , Tree J.
Published: July 2012

The pressure dependence of the reactions NO3 + NO2 + M → N2O5 + M, NO2 + NO2 + M → N2O4 + M, H = O2 + M → HO2 + M, CH3 + O2 + M → CH3O2 + M, CH3 + M → C2H6 + M, O2 + O + M → SO2 + M was studied in the fall‐off range approaching the high pressure limit. N2 and other bath gases were used at pressures mostly up to 200 bar. Limiting high and low pressure rate constants k∞ and k0 are reported. The problem of underestimating k0 in extrapolations based only on data from the lowest part of the fall‐off range is demonstrated. Possibilities of the analysis of k∞ are shown by an example for the corresponding specific rate constants k(E, J), which allow comparisons with results from trajectory calculations on ab initio potential surfaces.
NMR Relaxation of 7Li in the Molten (LiCs)NO3 System
Authors: Nakamura Yoshio , Shimokawa Shigezo
Published: July 2012

The spin‐lattice relaxation time of 7Li in the molten (LiCs)NO3 system has been measured as a function of composition and temperature. The observed relaxation rates increase with increasing concentration of CsNO3. This behavior is explained in terms of the anion polarization effect due to the introduction of foreign cations with different ionic radius.
A Nonlinear Bridge between Irreversible Macrodynamics and Reversible Microdynamics
Authors: Schuch D. , Chung K.‐M. , Hartmann H.
Published: July 2012

A new method for the connection of irreversible macrodynamics and reversible microdynamics is described. Starting from the phenomenological macroscopic level, in a first step a classical nonlinear Schrödinger‐type field equation for the description of dissipative systems is obtained. Properties of the logarithmic nonlinearity taking into account the irreversible behaviour of the system are discussed. In order to reach the reversible microscopic level, the nonlinearity has to be removed which can be achieved via a nonunitary transformation. Similarities with other theories aiming at connecting the two levels of description starting from reversible microdynamics are shown.
Phyllotactic Iterations
Authors: Scholz H. J.
Published: July 2012

The origin of the golden angle γ = 137.5° found in most leaf arrangements is investigated by an inhibitor diffusion model. A recursive iteration scheme is set up generating inhibitor concentrations on the meristematic ring and angles xn between succeeding leaves. The universality of γ is reflected by existence of a broad parameter range with lim xn ≈ γ. Likewise, the golden angle is shown to occur in a modified Gierer‐Meinhardt model of nonlinear activator and inhibitor reactions.
Catalytic Dehydrochlorination of t‐Butyl Chloride on Alkali Halides
Authors: Yoshida N. , Akebe O. , Kishimoto S.
Published: July 2012

Potassium bromide treated with bromine and chlorine vapor respectively, was used as catalyst for the dehydrochlorination of t‐butyl chloride. The results indicated a clear correlation between the presence of color centers (V‐centers) in the halides and their catalytic activity. The activation energies of the catalytic dehydrochlorination were measured.
Hydration Dependence of the Head Group Mobility in Phospholipid (DMPC) Membranes
Authors: Nimtz G. , Enders A. , Binggeli B.
Published: July 2012

The dielectric dispersion in the frequency range 2–800 MHz of the zwitterionic dipolar phosphocholine head group has been measured from −20 to +60°C for DMPC depending on the amount of bound water. It is found that the head group rotation shows a sudden change at the gel‐fluid phase transition, 1. the rotation frequency becomes much higher and 2. the related dielectric response becomes much more pronounced in the fluid phase. Below 15 H2O molecules bound per lipid molecule the head group rotation frequency decreases with decreasing number of bound water. This observation reveals for the first time that there is a correlation between hydration dependence of the chain melting temperature and head group rotation. The thermal activation of the head group rotation in the fluid phase made us conclude that three hydrogen bonds have to be broken in order to rotate the head group.
Estimation of Structural Heterogeneity in Radical Copolymerized Polymer Networks by Comparison with Structural Homogeneous Model Networks
Authors: Fuhrmann J. , Leicht R. , Karim N.
Published: July 2012

A retrospective recalculation of the parameters of four known swelling equations has been performed so as to give the best correspondence to the swelling data points reported in the literature for homogeneous model polystyrene networks in benzene. A one parameter modification of the relation which fits the reported data best is used to describe the structural network heterogeneity according to a two phase model. This modified relation has been applied to study the increasing structural heterogeneity with increasing monomer conversion during the radical network formation of styrenedivinylbenzene networks with different initial divinyl composition as parameter.
Zum Einfluß der Zwischenphase und spezifischer Lösungsmittelwechselwirkungen auf Morphologie und Domänengrößen bei Blockcopolymeren
Authors: Bühler F. , Annighöfer F. , Gronski W.
Published: July 2012

For styrene‐isoprene blockcopolymers of lamellar morphology obtained by casting from solution the influence of various modifications of thermodynamic interactions on lamellar dimensions and longperiods is studied by electron microscopy. The thermodynamic interactions are modified by the generation of a broad interphase caused by the insertion of a poly(isoprene‐co‐styrene)copolymer block of random structure between the pure blocks and by use of a preferential solvent of the diene component in blockcopolymers containing 20 wt‐% isoprene leading to a highly ordered asymmetrical lamellar morphology. Both modifications lead to a compression of the lamellar domains and longperiods relative to the dimensions of symmetrical unmodified systems. The influence of the interblock content is described by the same functional dependence for both symmetrical and asymmetrical systems.