bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of gold nanoparticle clusters in living cells studied by sectional dark‐field optical microscopy and chromatic analysis
Authors: Wang Sheng‐Hann , Lee Chia‐Wei , Tseng Fan‐Gang , Liang Kuo‐Kan , Wei Pei‐Kuen
Published: September 2015

The evolution of gold nanoparticle (Au NP) clusters in living cells are studied by using sectional dark‐field optical microscopy and chromatic analysis approach. During endocytosis, Au NP clusters undergo fantastic color changes, from green to yellow‐orange due to the plasmonic coupling effect. Analysis of brightness/hue values of the dark‐field images helps estimate the numbers of Au NPs in the clusters. The Au NP clusters were further categorized into four groups within the endocytosis. As the results, the late endosomes had increased number of large Au NP clusters with time, while clustered numbers in secondary and tertiary groups were first increased and then decreased due to the fusion and fission of the endocytic vesicles. The time constants and cluster numbers for different groups are fitted by using an integrated rate equation, and show a positive correlation with the size of the Au NP cluster. The efficiency of Au NP uptake is only about 50% for normal cells, while 75% for cancer cells. Compared to normal cells, cancer cells show a larger number in uptake, while faster rate in removal. The propose method helps the kinetic study of endocytosed nanoparticles in physiological conditions.

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A taxonomy of seven‐day readmissions to an urban teaching hospital
Authors: Burke Daniel , Link Nate , Bails Douglas , Fang Yixin , Janjigian Michael P.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Understanding the mechanism of unplanned hospital readmissions is necessary for accurate prediction and prevention.

OBJECTIVE

To identify specific mechanisms of unplanned readmissions through medical narratives obtained from chart reviews.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Urban tertiary care hospital.

PATIENTS

Two hundred seventy patients accounted for 335 unplanned 7‐day readmissions between July 2010 and July 2011.

MEASUREMENTS

Readmissions were classified into 1 of 5 distinct categories.

RESULTS

Readmitted subjects were more likely to have had a longer length of stay during the first admission compared to nonreadmitted patients. Readmissions due to unpredictable/unpreventable complications or unrelated events constituted the highest percentage at 46%. Readmissions due to patient factors such as substance abuse, signing out against medical advice, or nonadherence to the treatment plan constituted 31%. Readmissions designated as preventable accounted for 24%. Among preventable readmissions, the most common cause was incomplete management of the index diagnosis. The interobserver level of agreement across the 5 major categories was substantial.

CONCLUSIONS

We found through detailed chart review of patients readmitted within 7 days to an urban teaching hospital that the majority of readmissions were not avoidable and were often due to unpredictable or unpreventable complications of the primary diagnosis from the index hospitalization or to patient behaviors that contradicted the treatment plan. These results question the value of readmissions as a valid metric of quality and support future interventions in hospital systems to reduce preventable readmissions. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:33–38. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Electron ionization LC‐MS with supersonic molecular beams—the new concept, benefits and applications
Authors: Seemann Boaz , Alon Tal , Tsizin Svetlana , Fialkov Alexander B. , Amirav Aviv
Published: September 2015

A new type of electron ionization LC‐MS with supersonic molecular beams (EI‐LC‐MS with SMB) is described. This system and its operational methods are based on pneumatic spray formation of the LC liquid flow in a heated spray vaporization chamber, full sample thermal vaporization and subsequent electron ionization of vibrationally cold molecules in supersonic molecular beams. The vaporized sample compounds are transferred into a supersonic nozzle via a flow restrictor capillary. Consequently, while the pneumatic spray is formed and vaporized at above atmospheric pressure the supersonic nozzle backing pressure is about 0.15 Bar for the formation of supersonic molecular beams with vibrationally cold sample molecules without cluster formation with the solvent vapor. The sample compounds are ionized in a fly‐though EI ion source as vibrationally cold molecules in the SMB, resulting in ‘Cold EI’ (EI of vibrationally cold molecules) mass spectra that exhibit the standard EI fragments combined with enhanced molecular ions. We evaluated the EI‐LC‐MS with SMB system and demonstrated its effectiveness in NIST library sample identification which is complemented with the availability of enhanced molecular ions. The EI‐LC‐MS with SMB system is characterized by linear response of five orders of magnitude and uniform compound independent response including for non‐polar compounds. This feature improves sample quantitation that can be approximated without compound specific calibration. Cold EI, like EI, is free from ion suppression and/or enhancement effects (that plague ESI and/or APCI) which facilitate faster LC separation because full separation is not essential. The absence of ion suppression effects enables the exploration of fast flow injection MS‐MS as an alternative to lengthy LC‐MS analysis. These features are demonstrated in a few examples, and the analysis of the main ingredients of Cannabis on a few Cannabis flower extracts is demonstrated. Finally, the advantages of EI‐LC‐MS with SMB are listed and discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A surgical algorithm for partial or total eyebrow flap reconstruction
Authors: Accardo Giuseppe , Aveta Achille , Ambrosino Elena , Aceto Bianca , Di Martino Annalena , Schonauer Fabrizio
Published: September 2015

The eyebrow is one of the five aesthetic sub‐units of the forehead and it plays a key role in communication and facial expression. Reconstruction of this region can be challenging. Several methods have been described, mostly based on the size of the defect and on the part of the eyebrow that they involve. We describe our experience in 48 patients underlining the importance of a surgical algorithm for repairing eyebrow defects. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:603–609. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of wolf removal on livestock depredation recurrence and wolf recovery in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming
Authors: Bradley Elizabeth H. , Robinson Hugh S. , Bangs Edward E. , Kunkel Kyran , Jimenez Michael D. , Gude Justin A. , Grimm Todd
Published: September 2015

Wolf (Canis lupus) predation on livestock and management methods used to mitigate conflicts are highly controversial and scrutinized especially where wolf populations are recovering. Wolves are commonly removed from a local area in attempts to reduce further depredations, but the effectiveness of such management actions is poorly understood. We compared the effects of 3 management responses to livestock depredation by wolf packs in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming: no removal, partial pack removal, and full pack removal. We examined the effectiveness of each management response in reducing further depredations using a conditional recurrent event model. From 1989 to 2008, we documented 967 depredations by 156 packs: 228 on sheep and 739 on cattle and other stock. Median time between recurrent depredations was 19 days following no removal (n = 593), 64 days following partial pack removal (n = 326), and 730 days following full pack removal (n = 48; recurring depredations were made by the next pack to occupy the territory). Compared to no removal, full pack removal reduced the occurrence of subsequent depredations by 79% (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.21, P < 0.001) over a span of 1,850 days (5 years), whereas partial pack removal reduced the occurrence of subsequent depredations by 29% (HR = 0.71, P < 0.001) over the same period. Partial pack removal was most effective if conducted within the first 7 days following depredation, after which there was only a marginally significant difference between partial pack removal and no action (HR = 0.86, P = 0.07), and no difference after 14 days (HR = 0.99, P = 0.93). Within partial pack removal, we found no difference in depredation recurrence when a breeding female (HR = 0.64, P = 0.2) or ≥1‐year‐old male was removed (HR = 1.0, P = 0.99). The relative effect of all treatments was generally consistent across seasons (spring, summer grazing, and winter) and type of livestock. Ultimately, pack size was the best predictor of a recurrent depredation event; the probability of a depredation event recurring within 5 years increased by 7% for each animal left in the pack after the management response. However, the greater the number of wolves left in a pack, the higher the likelihood the pack met federal criteria to count as a breeding pair the following year toward population recovery goals. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Unimolecular Reaction Properties for the Long‐Chain Alkenyl Radicals
Authors: Bian Huiting , Wang Zhaohui , Zhang Feng , Wang Zhandong , Zhu Jiping
Published: September 2015

Although alkenyl radicals are important intermediates involved in both alkanes and alkenes combustion, previous kinetic studies on them are very limited, especially for the long‐chain alkenyl radicals. To deeply investigate unimolecular reaction activities of long‐chain alkenyl radicals, a series of octenyl (C8H15) radicals were chosen to study the reaction kinetics of three typical types of reactions (i.e., intramolecular radical addition, internal H‐migration, and bond dissociation) in this work. The CBS‐QB3 method was used to build potential energy surfaces for these reactions, and the transition state theory was applied to obtain the high‐pressure limit rate constants. Some general rules are observed from our systematic calculations in respect of structure–activity relationships.
Distribution of zeros and disconjugacy of fourth order differential equations
Authors: Saker S. H. , Kubiaczyk I.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we study the gaps between zeros of nontrivial solutions of fourth order differential equations subject to some boundary conditions, and establish some sufficient conditions for (2, 2)‐disconjugacy. The results, which cover some boundary value problems in bending of beams, will be proved by making use of a generalization of Hardy's inequality and some Opial and Wirtinger type inequalities. Some examples are considered to illustrate the main results.
Some remarks on uniformly regular Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Disconzi Marcelo , Shao Yuanzhen , Simonett Gieri
Published: September 2015

We establish the equivalence between the family of uniformly regular Riemannian manifolds without boundary and the class of manifolds with bounded geometry.
Highly Flexible, Tough, and Self‐Healing Supramolecular Polymeric Materials Using Host–Guest Interaction
Authors: Nakahata Masaki , Takashima Yoshinori , Harada Akira
Published: September 2015

Flexible, tough, and self‐healable polymeric materials are promising to be a solution to the energy problem by substituting for conventional heavy materials. A fusion of supramolecular chemistry and polymer chemistry is a powerful method to create such intelligent materials. Here, a supramolecular polymeric material using multipoint molecular recognition between cyclodextrin (CD) and hydrophobic guest molecules at polymer side chain is reported. A transparent, flexible, and tough hydrogel (host–guest gel) is formed by a simple preparation procedure. The host–guest gel shows self‐healing property in both wet state and dry state due to reversible nature of host–guest interaction. The practical utility of the host–guest gel as a scratch curable coating is demonstrated.

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Equations of second order in time with quasilinear damping: existence in Orlicz spaces via convergence of a full discretisation
Authors: Emmrich Etienne , Šiška David , Wróblewska‐Kamińska Aneta
Published: September 2015

A nonlinear evolution equation of second order with damping is studied. The quasilinear damping term is monotone and coercive but exhibits anisotropic and nonpolynomial growth. The appropriate setting for such equations is that of monotone operators in Orlicz spaces. Global existence of solutions in the sense of distributions is shown via convergence of the backward Euler scheme combined with an internal approximation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subsonic non‐isentropic ideal gas with large vorticity in nozzles
Authors: Chen Chao
Published: September 2015

This paper investigates the steady subsonic inviscid flows with large vorticities through two‐dimensional infinitely long nozzles. We establish the existence and uniqueness of the smooth subsonic ideal flows, which are governed by a two‐dimensional complete Euler system. More precisely, given the horizontal velocity with possible large oscillation and the entropy of the incoming flows at the entrance of the nozzles, it was shown that there exists a critical value; if the mass flux of the incoming flows is larger than the critical one, then there exists a unique smooth subsonic polytropic gas through the given smooth infinitely long nozzles. Furthermore, the maximal speed of the flows approaches to the sonic speed, as the mass flux goes to the critical value. The results improve the previous work for steady subsonic flows with small vorticities and for subsonic irrotational flows and indicate that the large vorticity is admissible for the smooth subsonic ideal flows in nozzles. This paper gives a rigorous proof to the well posedness of the smooth subsonic problem first posed back in the basic survey of Lipman Bers for inviscid flows with large vorticities. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term complications of continent cutaneous urinary diversion in adult spinal cord injured patients
Authors: Perrouin‐Verbe Marie‐Aimée , Chartier‐Kastler Emmanuel , Even Alexia , Denys Pierre , Rouprêt Morgan , Phé Véronique
Published: September 2015

Objective

To report the long‐term complications of continent cutaneous urinary diversion(CCUD) in spinal cord injured(SCI) patients unable to perform intermittent self‐catheterization(ISC) through the urethra.

Materials and Methods

Between July 2001 and January 2012, adult SCI patients with a neurogenic bladder who underwent CCUD according to Mitrofanoff's/Monti's/Casale's principle were enrolled. A concomitant supratrigonal and augmentation enterocystoplasty were performed because of refractory detrusor overactivity or low bladder compliance. Early postoperative complications were reported according to Clavien‐Dindo classification. Long‐term complications, stomal and urethral continence, renal function, urodynamic parameters and quality‐of‐life were assessed.

Results

Overall, 29 consecutive SCI patients were included, median age 35 years (IQR 26–46). Median follow‐up time was 66 months (IQR 50–80). Two post‐operative severe complications (grade III–IV) were reported. One patient had a stomal stenosis and another patient a tube stenosis. Both were treated by dilation. Two patients developed fistulae between the tube and the skin and required a surgical treatment. Three patients had bladder stones managed with endoscopy. Two patients had remnant stress urine leakage through the urethra, which was treated surgically: one received periurethral balloons(ACTTM) and one a tension‐free vaginal tape. Creatinine clearance remained stable postoperatively. Urodynamic parameters were significantly improved. At last follow‐up, 100% of patients had a catheterizable continent stoma and urethral continence was achieved in 96%. An improvement of quality‐of‐life was reported by 90% of patients.

Conclusions

CCUD allowed these patients to keep ISC as a voiding pattern and to be continent without any appliance. The main complications were related to the tube and to bladder enlargement; thus, annual monitoring is required. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:1046–1050, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intensified Chemotherapy With Dexrazoxane Cardioprotection in Newly Diagnosed Nonmetastatic Osteosarcoma: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Schwartz Cindy L. , Wexler Leonard H. , Krailo Mark D. , Teot Lisa A. , Devidas Meenakshi , Steinherz Laurel J. , Goorin Allen M. , Gebhardt Mark C. , Healey John H. , Sato Judith K. , Meyers Paul A. , Grier Holcombe E. , Bernstein Mark L. , Lipshultz Steven E.
Published: September 2015

Background

Although chemotherapy has improved outcome of osteosarcoma, 30–40% of patients succumb to this disease. Survivors experience substantial morbidity and mortality from anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity. We hypothesized that the cardioprotectant dexrazoxane would (i) support escalation of the cumulative doxorubicin dose (600 mg/m2) and (ii) not interfere with the cytotoxicity of chemotherapy measured by necrosis grading in comparison to historical control data.

Procedure

Children and adolescents with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma were treated with MAP (methotrexate, doxorubicin, cisplatin) or MAPI (MAP/ifosfamide). Dexrazoxane was administered with all doxorubicin doses. Cardioprotection was assessed by measuring left ventricular fractional shortening. Interference with chemotherapy‐induced cytotoxicity was determined by measuring tumor necrosis after induction chemotherapy. Feasibility of intensifying therapy with either high cumulative‐dose doxorubicin or high‐dose ifosfamide/etoposide was evaluated for “standard responders” (SR, <98% tumor necrosis at definitive surgery).

Results

Dexrazoxane did not compromise response to induction chemotherapy. With doxorubicin (450–600 mg/m2) and dexrazoxane, grade 1 or 2 left ventricular dysfunction occurred in five patients; 4/5 had transient effects. Left ventricular fractional shortening z‐scores (FSZ) showed minimal reductions (0.0170  ±  0.009/week) over 78 weeks. Two patients (<1%) had secondary leukemia, one as a first event, a similar rate to what has been observed in prior trials. Intensification with high‐dose ifosfamide/etoposide was also feasible.

Conclusions

Dexrazoxane cardioprotection was safely administered. It did not impair tumor response or increase the risk of secondary malignancy. Dexrazoxane allowed for therapeutic intensification increasing the cumulative doxorubicin dose in SR to induction chemotherapy. These findings support the use of dexrazoxane in children and adolescents with osteosarcoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Successful Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in XIAP Deficiency Using Reduced‐Intensity Conditioning
Authors: Chellapandian Deepak , Krueger Joerg , Schechter Tal , Gassas Adam , Weitzman Sheila , Naqvi Ahmed , Ali Muhammad
Published: September 2015

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is currently the only available curative therapy for X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) deficiency. Myeloablative conditioning regimens are associated with high mortality rates. Reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) is recommended in order to decrease treatment‐related toxicities, but RIC regimens increase the risk for mixed donor‐recipient chimerism that may progress to graft loss. We report our experience with a patient with XIAP deficiency who was successfully treated with allogeneic HSCT using a RIC protocol. Post‐transplant chimerism was vigilantly monitored and maintained with donor lymphocyte infusions and a stem cell boost to a level that prevented hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis recurrence. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Analysis of Treosulfan Conditioning Before Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Children and Adolescents With Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Boztug Heidrun , Sykora Karl‐Walter , Slatter Mary , Zecca Marco , Veys Paul , Lankester Arjan , Cant Andrew , Skinner Roderick , Wachowiak Jacek , Glogova Evgenia , Pötschger Ulrike , Peters Christina
Published: September 2015

Background

Standard myeloablative conditioning regimens for children with hematological malignancies undergoing allogeneic HSCT are based mainly on total body irradiation or busulfan. Their serious short‐ and long‐term side effects warranted the exploration of less toxic alternatives. Treosulfan is increasingly used for adults and children before HSCT due to its potent immunosuppressive and cytotoxic effects combined with low organ toxicity.

Procedure

To further investigate the role of treosulfan conditioning in children, the EBMT Pediatric diseases working party performed a retrospective analysis of 193 children with hematological malignancies (ALL n = 71, AML n = 47, MDS/MPS n = 40, other leukemia/lymphoma n = 25) undergoing allogeneic HSCT following treosulfan between January 2005 and July 2010.

Results

Early regimen‐related toxicity was low and mainly gastrointestinal. Veno‐occlusive disease and neurological toxicity were rare. There was no association of toxicity with type of disease or treosulfan dose. High‐grade early toxicity was not higher in infants or patients undergoing second or later transplantation. Treatment related mortality was low at 14%. Three‐year event‐free survival was 45 ± 4% and not significantly influenced by number of transplants, however it appeared to be significantly better for infants (P = 0.022). When compared to treosulfan plus fludarabine, the combination of treosulfan, fludarabine and an alkylator (either thiotepa or melphalan) resulted in significantly better overall survival (OS, P = 0.048) and a trend toward better EFS.

Conclusions

Treosulfan based conditioning is a safe and effective approach for children with hematological malignancies, including and importantly for infants and those patients undergoing second or later transplantation. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermal Stability Studies Comparing IMX‐101 (Dinitroanisole/Nitroguanidine/NTO) to Analogous Formulations Containing Dinitrotoluene
Authors: Oxley Jimmie C. , Smith James L. , Donnelly Maria A. , Colizza Kevin , Rayome Stephanie
Published: September 2015

The 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) replacement, IMX‐101, containing 43.5 % 2,4‐dinitroanisole (DNAN), 19.7 % 3‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐one (NTO) and 36.8 % nitro‐guanidine (NQ), has been certified for use as an insensitive munition. IMX‐101 has passed standardized performance, stability, and aging tests but in some categories was not necessarily an improvement over TNT or RDX. This study compared the thermal stability of DNAN and another low‐melting nitroarene, 2,4‐dinitrotoulene (DNT). When examined individually, DNAN was more stable; but formulated in IMX‐101 with NTO and NQ, the opposite was true. In two part mixtures, NQ had a similar acceleratory effect on the decomposition of both nitroarenes, while NTO had a greater impact on DNAN than on NTO. Ammonia, a reported decomposition product of both NQ and NTO, also accelerated the decomposition of both DNAN and DNT, with a larger impact on DNAN. The formation of dinitroaniline, potentially due to the interaction between the nitroarenes and ammonia, was detected by LC/MS as a decomposition product when either nitroarene was combined with NTO and/or NQ, indicating that this molecule may play a significant role in the decomposition mechanism. While not advocating the use of DNT in insensitive munitions formulations, this study addresses the importance of chemical compatibility as a criterion for selecting replacement components in formulations.
Selection rule and entanglement in energy transfer between doubly concentrically arranged nanostructures
Authors: Oka Hisaki
Published: September 2015

Abstractauthoren We theoretically investigate the energy transfer between concentrically arranged nanostructures by using a quantum‐entanglement measure. The model system is formed in double concentric circles of interacting two‐level systems, where the outer circle is the donor and the inner circle is the acceptor. We show that a rapid energy transfer can be achieved by utilizing a strongly entangled donor–acceptor state. First, we clarify that a selection rule exists in the energy‐transfer process; the energy transfer from the donor to the acceptor occurs only between the energy eigenstates having the same rotational symmetry. Next, in terms of the analysis of the degree of quantum entanglement, we clarify that the quantum entanglement is strongly formed between the donor and acceptor with higher rotational symmetry and the energy transfer process dominates in the donor–acceptor entangled state. Finally, we show that a rapid energy transfer can occur by efficiently exciting the entangled state with the help of thermal fluctuation at room temperature. From the aspect of device applications, this mechanism has the advantage over the conventional energy‐transfer process in natural photosynthetic systems because no spatial disorder and fluctuation are required. Application to photonic devices using the nanomaterial is also discussed.
Chemisorption of thiol‐functionalized metallocene molecules on Si(111)‐ Ag√3×√3 surface: A density functional theory study
Authors: Ozkaya Sibel , Birlik Demirel Gokcen
Published: September 2015

Herein, chemical adsorption properties of the thiol‐functionalized metallocene molecules [M(C5H4SH)2] on Si(111)‐Ag√3×√3 surface were investigated using density functional theory calculation. For this purpose, thiol‐modified ferrocene [Fe(C5H4SH)2], osmocene [Os(C5H4SH)2], and ruthenocene [Ru(C5H4SH)2] molecules were attached on the surface via two different binding models. The more favorable chemical binding energies of [Fe(C5H4SH)2], [Os(C5H4SH)2], and [Ru(C5H4SH)2] molecules were calculated as −3.42, −2.15, and −2.00 eV, respectively. The results showed that the adsorption energies of metallocene molecules change independently by increasing the radius of metal ions where on going down the group of the periodic table. The calculated adsorption energies showed that [Fe(C5H4SH)2] molecule was more stable on the Si(111)‐Ag√3×√3 surface. By calculating the electronic band structure for metallocene/Si(111)‐Ag√3×√3 surfaces, we identified a flat dispersion band in a part of the surface Brillouin zone. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vision‐based Localization and Robot‐centric Mapping in Riverine Environments
Authors: Yang Junho , Dani Ashwin , Chung Soon‐Jo , Hutchinson Seth
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a vision‐based localization and mapping algorithm developed for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can operate in a riverine environment. Our algorithm estimates the three‐dimensional positions of point features along a river and the pose of the UAV. By detecting features surrounding a river and the corresponding reflections on the water's surface, we can exploit multiple‐view geometry to enhance the observability of the estimation system. We use a robot‐centric mapping framework to further improve the observability of the estimation system while reducing the computational burden. We analyze the performance of the proposed algorithm with numerical simulations and demonstrate its effectiveness through experiments with data from Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois. We also draw a comparison to existing approaches. Our experimental platform is equipped with a lightweight monocular camera, an inertial measurement unit, a magnetometer, an altimeter, and an onboard computer. To our knowledge, this is the first result that exploits the reflections of features in a riverine environment for localization and mapping.
Re‐examine intern programs to ensure compliance with FLSA
Authors: Wilson Mark
Published: September 2015

In this competitive employment market, colleges can certainly afford to be highly selective when choosing the best candidates for their internship programs. But colleges cannot afford to be nonchalant about the design and intent of their internship programs.
The effect of explicit environmentally oriented metacognitive guidance and peer collaboration on students' expressions of environmental literacy
Authors: Adler Idit , Zion Michal , Mevarech Zemira R.
Published: September 2015

The prevalence of habitat and life‐threatening environmental problems has motivated environmental researchers to develop education programs to strengthen students' environmental literacy. We argue that the connection between environmental literacy and metacognition is theoretically promising. Therefore, we developed theMeta‐CICmodel, which is designed to develop students' environmental literacy, in parallel to supporting their metacognition. The core of this model is open inquiry‐based learning. An explicit environmentally focused metacognitive guidance (Meta) was embedded within the inquiry setting. This guidance referred to the components of metacognition and the strands of environmental literacy. The model includes two levels of collaboration: theCollaborating Inquiry(CI), which refers to the interactions between a pair of students working on an inquiry project; and theCollaborating Inquiry Community(CIC), which refers to the interactions among pairs of students working on different projects. We investigated the contribution of theMeta‐CICmodel to students' expression of environmental literacy. For this purpose, 250 seventh and eight grade students, who conducted open inquiry projects throughout a full school year, participated in this research. We examined students' environmental literacy using two tools: an environmental literacy questionnaire, which adopts a positivist, outcome‐based approach; and an innovative Environmental Literacy INventory (ELIN), which adopts a phenomenological process‐based approach. The environmental literacy questionnaire served as pre‐ and post‐test measurements. The ELIN was used to analyze students' reflections, following their involvement in the inquiry process. The results of this study provide supporting evidence for the theoretical relationship between metacognition and environmental literacy, and demonstrate the different effects of theMetaand theCICcomponents on students' expressions of environmental literacy. The results also point to the importance of providing explicit and context‐based metacognitive support. This study highlights the importance of developing students' high order thinking and implementing theMeta‐CICmodel, within the framework of environmental education. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 53: 620–663, 2016
Moore’s Paradox, Introspection and Doxastic Logic
Authors: Rieger Adam ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: September 2015

An analysis of Moore’s paradox is given in doxastic logic. Logics arising from formalizations of various introspective principles are compared; one logic, K5c, emerges as privileged in the sense that it is the weakest to avoid Moorean belief. Moreover it has other attractive properties, one of which is that it can be justified solely in terms of avoiding false belief. Introspection is therefore revealed as less relevant to the Moorean problem than first appears.
Prediction of single fetal demise after laser therapy for twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Eschbach S. J. , Boons L. S. T. M. , Wolterbeek R. , Middeldorp J. M. , Klumper F. J. C. M. , Lopriore E. , Oepkes D. , Haak M. C.
Published: September 2015

Objective

Single fetal demise (SFD) occurs in up to 20% of monochorionic pregnancies treated with laser coagulation for twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). We aimed to determine the independent factors associated with SFD to improve outcome in the care of TTTS pregnancies in the future.

Methods

This was a case–control study on twin pregnancies treated for TTTS between 2007 and 2013. Data on ultrasound, laser surgery and outcome were retrieved from our monochorionic twin database. We analyzed separately cases of SFD in donor and recipient twins, and compared them with treated pregnancies that resulted in two live births.

Results

Of the 273 TTTS pregnancies treated with laser coagulation, SFD occurred in 30 donors (11.0%) and 27 recipients (9.9%). In 67% of pregnancies with SFD, the death occurred within 1 week after laser treatment. For SFD in donors, absent/reversed end‐diastolic flow in the umbilical artery was the strongest predictor (odds ratio (OR), 3.0 (95% CI, 1.1–8.0); P = 0.01), followed by the presence of an arterioarterial anastomosis (OR, 4.2 (95% CI, 1.4–13.1); P = 0.03) and discordance in estimated fetal weight (OR, 1.0 (95% CI, 1.0–1.1); P = 0.04). For SFD in recipients, independent predictors were absent/reversed A‐wave in the ductus venosus (OR, 3.6 (95% CI, 1.2–10.5); P = 0.02) and the absence of recipient‐to‐donor arteriovenous anastomoses (OR, 10.6 (95% CI, 1.8–62.0); P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our findings confirm earlier reports that suggest that abnormal blood flow is associated with SFD after laser treatment for TTTS. The association of SFD with the type of anastomoses is a new finding. We speculate that the type of anastomoses present determines the degree of hemodynamic change during laser therapy. Future strategies should aim at stabilizing fetal circulation before laser therapy to decrease the vulnerability to acute preload and afterload changes. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Enhancement of mechanical and thermal properties of (Poly[vinyl alcohol])‐Dialdehyde starch composites via the incorporation of montmorillonite nanofillers
Authors: Bee Soo‐Tueen , Sin Lee Tin , Khor Su‐Luang , Lim Kien‐Sin , Rahmat Abdul Razak
Published: September 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of nano‐size montmorillonite (MMT) in poly(vinyl alcohol)‐(dialdehyde starch) (PVOH‐DAS) blending system. DAS was initially synthesized through periodate oxidation method, followed by a solution casting procedure to prepare a PVOH‐DAS‐MMT blend hybrid. Increasing the amount of MMT significantly increased the thermal decomposition temperatures of PVOH‐DAS blends. This is because the intercalated MMT particles in the PVOH‐DAS matrix could restrict the diffusion of oxygen and volatile gases throughout the PVOH‐DAS matrix by delaying the decomposition temperature. The incorporation of MMT particles into the PVOH‐DAS matrix has significantly increased the d‐spacing and interchain separation of peaks (001) and (002). The effective intercalation of PVOH‐DAS matrix into interlayer galleries of MMT particles could increase the interlayer galleries gap distance. Increasing the amounts of MMT has significantly increased the mechanical properties of all PVOH‐DAS blends. The intercalation effect of MMT particles in the PVOH‐DAS matrix could improve the compatibility between PVOH and DAS phases in the PVOH‐DAS matrix by effectively transferring applied stress throughout the polymer matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 23:E128–E141, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
μ‐Rhodizonato‐1κO,1:2κO′,2κO′′‐tetra(triphenylphosphine)disilver(I): A Molecular Complex with the [C6O6]2– Ligand Template
Authors: Finger Lars H. , Sundermeyer Jörg
Published: September 2015

The first silver rhodizonate and overall fourth transition metal rhodizonate complex is presented. The title compound shows a so far unobserved coordination mode of the rhodizonate ligand, which is atypically distorted from planarity. The structure discussion is accompanied by a thorough literature review of the hitherto structurally characterized rhodizonate salts and complexes.
The uncertainty of climate sensitivity and its implication for the Paris negotiation
Authors: Kaya Yoichi , Yamaguchi Mitsutsune , Akimoto Keigo
Published: September 2015

Uncertainty of climate sensitivity is one of the critical issues that may affect climate response strategies. Whereas the equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS) was specified as 2–4.5 °C with the best estimate of 3 °C in the 4th Assessment Report of IPCC, it was revised to 1.5–4.5 °C in the 5th Assessment Report. The authors examined the impact of a difference in ECS assuming a best estimate of 2.5 °C, instead of 3 °C. The current pledges of several countries including the U.S., EU and China on emission reductions beyond 2020 are not on track for the 2 °C target with an ECS of 3 °C but are compatible with the target with an ECS of 2.5 °C. It is critically important for policymakers in Paris to know that they are in a position to make decisions under large uncertainty of ECS.
High Sucrose Intake Ameliorates the Accumulation of Hepatic Triacylglycerol Promoted by Restraint Stress in Young Rats
Authors: Corona‐Pérez Adriana , Díaz‐Muñoz Mauricio , Rodríguez Ida Soto , Cuevas Estela , Martínez‐Gómez Margarita , Castelán Francisco , Rodríguez‐Antolín Jorge , Nicolás‐Toledo Leticia
Published: September 2015

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disorder. Stress promotes the onset of the NAFLD with a concomitant increment in the activity of the hepatic 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD‐1). However, the interaction between the stress and a carbohydrate‐enriched diet for the development of NAFLD in young animals is unknown. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of chronic stress on the hepatic triacylglycerol level of young rats fed or not with a high sucrose‐diet. For doing this, 21‐day old male Wistar rats were allocated into 4 groups: control (C), chronic restraint stress (St), high‐sucrose diet (S30), and chronic restraint stress plus a 30 % sucrose diet (St + S30). Chronic restraint stress consisted of 1‐hour daily session, 5 days per week and for 4 weeks. Rats were fed with a standard chow and tap water (C group) or 30 % sucrose diluted in water (S30 group). The St + S30 groups consumed less solid food but had an elevated visceral fat accumulation in comparison with the St group. The St group showed a high level of serum corticosterone and a high activity of the hepatic 11β‐HSD‐1 concomitantly to the augmentation of hepatic steatosis signs, a high hepatic triacylglycerol content, and hepatic oxidative stress. Conversely, the high‐sucrose intake in stressed rats (St + S30 group) reduced the hepatic 11β‐HSD‐1 activity, the level of serum corticosterone, and the hepatic triacylglycerol content. Present findings show that a high‐sucrose diet ameliorates the triacylglycerol accumulation in liver promoted by the restraint stress in young male rats.
Interpretation of Gravity Anomaly and Crustal Thickness Mapping of Narmada-Son Lineament in Central India
Authors: Ghosh G. K.
Published: September 2015

The Narmada–Son Lineament (NSL) is one of the major lineaments in central India which splits the Indian Peninsula into two parts. The area of study is seismically active and positioned in a multifaceted transition zone with complex geological setting. The gravity anomaly varies from ENE–WSW to NW-SE direction due to the upliftment of Mahakoshal rocks. This includes the presence of meta-volcanic and meta-sedimentary rocks existing along the upper part of the Narmada river as well as western part of the Son valley. This tectonic resettlement process causes changes in the Narmada and Son river courses.

In this study, an attempt has been made to estimate the source depth locations and delineation of fault boundaries in parts of the Shahdol - Katni area of the Narmada-Son Lineament (NSL) using 3D Euler deconvolution and horizontal gradient analysis of gravity data. The estimated source depth solutions are projected in between 1 km to 5 km, however, in average, the depths are varying between 2 km to 3 km. The derived result may be useful for further detailed integrated geo-scientific study.
Study on Physico-chemical Properties, Mineral Matters and Leaching Characteristics of Some Indian Coals and Fly Ash
Authors: Saikia Binoy K. , Sharma Arpita , Sahu Om P. , Baruah Bimala P.
Published: September 2015

Six high sulphur coal samples along with two fly ash samples were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive x-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Spectroscopy (SEM) techniques to interpret their mineral matters and inorganic constituents. The proximate, ultimate and sulfur analyses of the coal and fly ash samples were also performed to know their possible aspects of utilization. Significant amount of silicate/clay minerals along with other elements are found to be present in these coals and fly ash samples. The SEM micrographs showed the presence of pyrite and marcasite in different forms including clusters of pyrites in the coals. The leaching characteristics of the coal and fly ash samples showed the mobilization of some potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) from them. Mercury was found to be leached out with ~0.50 ppm from fly ash samples in water.
Report of Ba-Fe-Titanate in Lamproite Dyke of Nonia Nala, Barakar Formation, Gondwana Coalfield, Eastern India and its Significance
Authors: Maitra Monoj , Bhattacharyya Ashok
Published: September 2015

Widely variable modal mineralogy and reconstituted or hybridised character of peralkaline lamproites of Gondwana Coalfield in Eastern India demands mineralogical studies for magma genesis in petrogenetic point of view. This work reports a Ba-Fe titanate and the unnamed titanosilicate minerals that developed at the last-stage of crystallisation which characterised Ba enriched source for primary magma.
Revisit of Shivalik Region in Different States of Northwestern India
Authors: Yadav R. P. , Panwar Pankaj , Arya Swarn Lata , Mishra P. K.
Published: September 2015

Shivalik region is sandwiched between Himalayan ecosystem and Indo-Gangetic plains in northwestern India. However, its area is reported to range from 2.14 to 8.00 m ha in northwestern India by different workers. Based on geology and physiography, we demarcated the Shivalik region (3.33 mha), covering hills (1.79 mha) and its piedmont plains or foot hills (1.54 m ha) in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and union territory of Chandigarh at an elevation ranging from 217 to 2332 m above MSL. The delineated map showing Shivalik region will be useful in conserving the natural resources of the region without any dispute over its location and area.
Absent/Hypoplastic Fetal Nasal Bone and Its Association with Aneuploidies
Authors: Dash Pratima , Puri Ratna Dua , Goyal Manisha , Bijarnia Sunita , Lall Meena , Kotecha Udhaya , Verma Ishwar Chander
Published: September 2015

Absence or hypoplasia of fetal nasal bone (AHNB) in the first or second trimester scans, with increased risk for trisomy 21 has been shown in many studies. In view of reports of ethnic difference in the size of the nasal bone the usefulness of its evaluation in Indian women is desirable. All pregnant women presenting to the Genetic Clinic from Jan 2012 through April 2014 with ultrasound finding of absent or hypoplastic nasal bone, in either first or second trimester of pregnancy were prospectively enrolled in the study, after obtaining informed consent. Nasal bone hypoplasia was defined as nasal bone length less than 2.5th percentile for the period of gestation. The presence of other associated soft markers for aneuploidies along with result of biochemical screening was also recorded. All the patients were counseled for the appropriate invasive testing. Chorionic villi or amniotic fluid cells were analyzed using FISH studies for chromosome no. 13, 18, 21 and sex chromosomes and also cultured for the complete karyotype. The gestational age varied from 11 to 22 weeks, with the majority being between 17 and 20 weeks. The cohort of 92 patients was divided into five groups: Group 1: Isolated hypoplastic nasal bone with low risk in biochemical screening and no additional soft marker—30 cases (32. 6 %); Group 2: Isolated absent nasal bone—25 cases (27.1 %); Group 3: AHNB with additional ultrasound markers—29 cases (31.5 %); Group 4: Absent nasal bone (ANB) with high risk in biochemical screening with no other ultrasound abnormality—7 cases (7.6 %); and Group 5: ANB with additional ultrasound findings and abnormal biochemical screen (1 case). The karyotype in 20 (21.7 %) of 92 cases was abnormal. In group 1 three cases (10 %) had chromosomal abnormalities—47, XXX; mosaic 45, X; 47, XXY. In group 2, three (12 %) cases had trisomy 21. In group 3, 12 (41.3 %) cases had chromosomal abnormality—trisomy 21 (10), derivative 22 (1), triploidy (1). In group 4 trisomy 21was present in two (28.5 %) cases. The one patient in group 5 had a normal fetal karyotype. The present study shows that isolated absent/hypoplastic nasal bone was associated with chromosomal disease in 10–12 % of cases. However, cases where AHNB was associated with ultrasound anomalies, or with high risk biochemical studies yielded abnormal chromosomes in a significantly larger number of patients (41.4 and 28.5 % respectively). It is, therefore, recommended that this group should always be analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities. Recent studies suggest that nasal bone length may be smaller in fetuses in Indian women. If standards derived in Indian women are used, the yield of chromosomal abnormalities may be greater.
Use of Disinfection Cap to Reduce Central-Line–Associated Bloodstream Infection and Blood Culture Contamination Among Hematology–Oncology Patients
Authors: Kamboj Mini , Blair Rachel , Bell Natalie , Son Crystal , Huang Yao-Ting , Dowling Mary , Lipitz-Snyderman Allison , Eagan Janet , Sepkowitz Kent
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we examined the impact of routine use of a passive disinfection cap for catheter hub decontamination in hematology–oncology patients.

SETTING

A tertiary care cancer center in New York City

METHODS

In this multiphase prospective study, we used 2 preintervention phases (P1 and P2) to establish surveillance and baseline rates followed by sequential introduction of disinfection caps on high-risk units (HRUs: hematologic malignancy wards, hematopoietic stem cell transplant units and intensive care units) (P3) and general oncology units (P4). Unit-specific and hospital-wide hospital-acquired central-line–associated bloodstream infection (HA-CLABSI) rates and blood culture contamination (BCC) with coagulase negative staphylococci (CONS) were measured.

RESULTS

Implementation of a passive disinfection cap resulted in a 34% decrease in hospital-wide HA-CLABSI rates (combined P1 and P2 baseline rate of 2.66–1.75 per 1,000 catheter days at the end of the study period). This reduction occurred only among high-risk patients and not among general oncology patients. In addition, the use of the passive disinfection cap resulted in decreases of 63% (HRUs) and 51% (general oncology units) in blood culture contamination, with an estimated reduction of 242 BCCs with CONS. The reductions in HA-CLABSI and BCC correspond to an estimated annual savings of $3.2 million in direct medical costs.

CONCLUSION

Routine use of disinfection caps is associated with decreased HA-CLABSI rates among high-risk hematology oncology patients and a reduction in blood culture contamination among all oncology patients.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(12):1401–1408