bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incisional hernia rate 3 years after midline laparotomy
Authors: Fink C , Baumann P , Wente M N , Knebel P , Bruckner T , Ulrich A , Werner J , Büchler M W , Diener M K
Published: November 2013

Background

Incisional hernia is the most frequent long-term complication after visceral surgery, with an incidence of between 9 and 20 per cent 1 year after operation. Most controlled studies provide only short-term follow-up, and the actual incidence remains unclear. This study evaluated the incidence of incisional hernia up to 3 years after midline laparotomy in two prospective trials.

Methods

Three-year follow-up data from the ISSAAC (prospective, multicentre, historically controlled) and INSECT (randomized, controlled, multicentre) trials focused on the rate of incisional hernia 1 and 3 years after surgery. Differences between the two groups were compared using t tests for continuous data and the χ2 test for categorical data.

Results

Analysis of 775 patients included in the two trials suggested that the incisional hernia rate increased significantly from 12·6 per cent at 1 year to 22·4 per cent 3 years after surgery (P < 0.001), a relative increase of more than 60 per cent.

Conclusion

This follow-up of two trials demonstrated that 1 year of clinical follow-up for detection of incisional hernia is not sufficient; follow-up for at least 3 years should be mandatory in any study evaluating the rate of postoperative incisional hernia after midline laparotomy.
Lung volume reduction surgery in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. A case report
Authors: de Laffolie Jan , Hirschburger Markus , Bauer Jürgen , Berthold Lars D. , Faas Dirk , Heckmann Matthias
Published: November 2013

Key Clinical Message

A preterm infant at the age of 9 months with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and large lobar emphysema, compromising ventilation into adjacent lobes with respiratory failure under maximal conservative treatment and pulmonary arterial hypertension recovered initially well after bilateral lung volume reduction surgery, but progressed 2 years later into respiratory failure. The initial imaging with Magnetic‐Resonance‐Imaging (MRI)‐Angiography and decision‐making was difficult and interdisciplinary treatment was essential.
Scanning Photoelectron Microscopy Study of the Pt/Phosphoric‐Acid‐Imbibed Membrane Interface under Polarization
Authors: Doh Won H. , Gregoratti Luca , Amati Matteo , Zafeiratos Spyridon , Law Yeuk T. , Neophytides Stylianos G. , Orfanidi Alin , Kiskinova Maya , Savinova Elena R.
Published: November 2013

A model membrane‐electrode assembly of a high‐temperature polymer‐exchange membrane fuel cell based on a phosphoric‐acid‐imbibed membrane is studied under polarization by using scanning photoelectron microscopy (SPEM). The ability of SPEM to simultaneously probe the morphology, surface composition, and chemical state of cell constituents provides essential information on processes relevant to fuel cells. Despite the low ambient pressure of 1×10−5 mbar, by utilizing a dynamic high‐pressure system, it is possible to monitor the Pt‐catalyzed reduction of phosphoric acid with hydrogen and unveil the long‐disputed nature of the ensuing products.
Reinvestigation of Electric Field‐Induced Optical Activity in α‐Quartz: Application of a Polarimeter With Four Photoelastic Modulators
Authors: Gupta Arnab Sen , Arteaga Oriol , Haislmaier Ryan , Kahr Bart , Gopalan Venkatraman
Published: November 2013

Linear electrogyration (electric field‐induced optical activity) and electro‐optic effects in x‐cut and z‐cut right‐handed (RH) α‐quartz were measured using a complete Mueller matrix polarimeter. The polarimeter used in the analysis was equipped with four photoelastic modulators operating at different frequencies. This configuration is especially sensitive due to the fidelity of the modulators and the fact that all the Mueller matrix elements can be delivered without any moving optical elements. The linear electrogyration coefficient γ11 as a function of the wavelength of incident light was remeasured. The coefficient γ33, required by symmetry to be zero, was evaluated as a control. γ11 was much smaller than values obtained previously using devices dependent on mechanical light modulation. Electrogyration measurements have often been confounded by the much larger linear electro‐optic effect. The Mueller calculus used herein is well suited to the separation of the competing changes to the polarization state of light. Quadratic electrogyration associated with elements β11 and β33 was not detectable. Chirality 26:430–433, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Absolute Configurations of Four Resorcylic Acid Lactones, Paecilomycins J − M, by CD/TDDFT Calculations
Authors: Xu Liang‐Xiong , Xue Jing‐Hua , Wu Ping , You Xiao‐Ying , Wei Xiao‐Yi
Published: November 2013

The absolute configurations of four resorcylic acid lactones (RALs), paecilomycins J − M (1 − 3 and 5), were assigned by Time‐Dependent Density‐Functional Theory (TDDFT) calculations of their electronic circular dichroism (CD) spectra. The previously reported structure 4 for paecilomycin M was found to be incorrect and should be changed to structure 5. Analysis of structure‐spectrum relationship for this group of RALs suggested that V′‐shape conformations give type I CD spectra (two negative Cotton effects around 300 and 260 nm, a positive Cotton effect around 220 nm) while V‐shape conformations yield type II spectra (signs of three Cotton effects were opposite to those in type I). Chirality 26:44–50, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Generation of Tetrahydro‐3H‐indeno[2,1‐d]pyrimidines by the Tandem Reaction of 2‐(2‐Alkynylphenyl)aziridines with 2‐Iso­cyanoacetates
Authors: Zheng Danqing , Wu Jie
Published: November 2013

A base‐promoted tandem reaction of 2‐(2‐alkynylphenyl)aziridines with 2‐isocyanoacetates in the presence of copper(II) triflate gives tetrahydro‐3H‐indeno[2,1‐d]pyrimidines in good yields, with the formation of two new rings and three bonds.
The moderating role of attribute accessibility in conditioning multiple specific attributes
Authors: Förderer Sabine , Unkelbach Christian
Published: November 2013

Attribute conditioning (AC) refers to people's changed assessment of stimuli's (conditioned stimuli, CSs) attributes due to pairings with stimuli possessing these attributes (unconditioned stimuli, USs). Up to now, research only showed conditioning of only one attribute within a conditioning session (e.g., athleticism) and measured assessment changes in only this single attribute. The current study shows attribute‐specific AC effects in multi‐attribute environments and shows that attribute accessibility determines which of a US's multiple attributes are conditioned. Experiment 1 shows AC effects for artificial logos with attributes varying across USs (e.g., athletic, intelligent, or funny). Experiment 2 shows that these AC effects persist over time. Experiment 3 directly manipulated accessibility for attributes varying between and within USs (e.g., a US being sexy and familial) with a priming procedure. Priming‐specific attributes prior to conditioning determined which attribute of a US was conditioned to paired CSs. We discuss theoretical implications for AC, as well as practical implications for brand image formation and advertising. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adenosine Triphosphate Sensing by Electrocatalysis with DNAzyme
Authors: Wang Guangfeng , Chen Ling , Zhu Yanhong , Wang Lun , Zhang Xiaojun
Published: November 2013

Electrocatalysis of redox enzymes shows wide application for biosensing. DNAzymes exhibiting specific catalytic activities have aroused great interest recently. However, there are few studies on the electrocatalysis between DNAzyme and electron mediator. In this paper, based on the electrocatalysis of methylene blue (MB) and horseradish peroxidase mimicking DNAzyme (HRP‐DNAzyme), an amplified electrochemical biosensor for the detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was designed. In the present system, by means of the ATP‐aptamer interaction, two guanine‐rich DNA sequences, one of which was labeled with MB at the 5′ end, were assembled on the gold electrode. In the presence of K+ and hemin, the guanine‐rich DNA sequences transferred to HRP‐DNAzyme. The conformational change of the structure resulted in the approaching of MB and HRP‐DNAzyme which made the electrocatalytic process between MB and HRP‐DNAzyme possible. We used cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to study the electrocatalytic process. The system was therefore utilized for amplified detection of ATP without imposing any new constraints to the platform which showed satisfactory result.
A High Performance Electrochemical Biosensing Platform for Glucose Detection and IgE Aptasensing Based on Fe3O4/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite
Authors: Teymourian Hazhir , Salimi Abdollah , Firoozi Somayeh
Published: November 2013

A Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (Fe3O4/r‐GO/GCE) was further expanded into the design of a high performance electrochemical biosensing platform. First, direct electrochemistry of glucose oxidase(GOx) immobilized onto Fe3O4/r‐GO/GCE and its biocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation was investigated. Then, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to investigate the electrochemical oxidation behavior of four DNA free bases of guanine (G), adenine (A), thymine (T) and Cytosine (C) at Fe3O4/r‐GO/GCE. In addition, a label‐free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method of detection was developed for Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in which the binding of IgE‐specific aptamers immobilized on Fe3O4/r‐GO/GCE leads to impedance changes associated with IgE binding events.
Redox potential and pH behavior effect on arsenic removal from water in a constructed wetland mesocosm
Authors: Valles‐Aragón M.C. , Olmos‐Márquez M.A. , Llorens E. , Alarcón‐Herrera M.T.
Published: November 2013

Arsenic retention in constructed wetlands is highly influenced by environmental conditions, physicochemical and biological interactions, particularly in the rhizosphere (pH, redox potential, and temperature). The present research investigated the effects of redox potential and pH behavior on arsenic retention in the constructed wetland mesocosm. The study was conducted in three prototypes. Two planted (HA and HB) with Eleocharis macrostachya and Schoenoplectus americanus, respectively; a third one (HC) remained unplanted as control. The system was in continuous operation during 343 days, fed by groundwater with arsenic concentration at 90.66 ± 14.95 µg L−1, and a hydraulic retention time of 2 days. Monitored parameters were: redox potential, pH, dissolved oxygen, water and environmental temperature, arsenic concentration inlet and outlet. Oxidizing conditions (87–516 mV) were reported during most of the hot and warm season (84–90%); while reducing conditions (up to −539 mV) where reported the rest of the time. On cold season, only oxidizing conditions were detected. A pH from 7.0 to 8.0 was preserved for HA and HB, whereas HC preserved higher pH values (8.0 to 8.5). HA and HB behavior was observed similar among them, reporting higher arsenic retention than HC. This means that plants play an important role on arsenic retention in the constructed wetlands mesocosm. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 1332–1339, 2014
The Clinical Implications of High Levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder Features in Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study
Authors: Huke Vanessa , Turk Jeremy , Saeidi Saeideh , Kent Andrew , Morgan John. F.
Published: November 2013

Objective

This study examined autism spectrum disorder (ASD) features in relation to treatment completion and eating disorder psychopathology in anorexia nervosa (AN).

Method

Thirty‐two adult women were recruited from specialist eating disorder services. Features of ASD and disordered eating were measured. Premature termination of treatment was recorded to explore whether ASD traits had impact on early discharge. A healthy control group was also recruited to investigate ASD traits between clinical and nonclinical samples.

Results

Significant differences were found between the AN group and the healthy control group in obsessive‐compulsive disorder traits, depression and anxiety and ASD traits, with significant differences between groups in Social Skill and Attention Switching. The AN group reported no significant relationship between disordered eating severity and ASD traits. No significant effect was found between ASD features and treatment completion.

Discussion

Raw data on premature termination of treatment, despite no statistic impact, showed that seven out of the eight participants with high features of ASD completed treatment as planned compared with 50% of those with low ASD traits. Unexpectedly, this suggests enhanced treatment adherence in ASD. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
A Versatile Omnibus Test for Detecting Mean and Variance Heterogeneity
Authors: Cao Ying , Wei Peng , Bailey Matthew , Kauwe John S. K. , Maxwell Taylor J.
Published: November 2013

Recent research has revealed loci that display variance heterogeneity through various means such as biological disruption, linkage disequilibrium (LD), gene‐by‐gene (G × G), or gene‐by‐environment interaction. We propose a versatile likelihood ratio test that allows joint testing for mean and variance heterogeneity (LRTMV) or either effect alone (LRTMorLRTV) in the presence of covariates. Using extensive simulations for our method and others, we found that all parametric tests were sensitive to nonnormality regardless of any trait transformations. Coupling our test with the parametric bootstrap solves this issue. Using simulations and empirical data from a known mean‐only functional variant, we demonstrate how LD can produce variance‐heterogeneity loci (vQTL) in a predictable fashion based on differential allele frequencies, high D′, and relatively lowr2values. We propose that a joint test for mean and variance heterogeneity is more powerful than a variance‐only test for detecting vQTL. This takes advantage of loci that also have mean effects without sacrificing much power to detect variance only effects. We discuss using vQTL as an approach to detect G × G interactions and also how vQTL are related to relationship loci, and how both can create prior hypothesis for each other and reveal the relationships between traits and possibly between components of a composite trait.
Evidence for Serotonin as a Relevant Inducer of Liver Regeneration After Liver Resection in Humans
Authors: Starlinger Patrick , Assinger Alice , Haegele Stefanie , Wanek David , Zikeli Silvia , Schauer Dominic , Birner Peter , Fleischmann Edith , Gruenberger Birgit , Brostjan Christine , Gruenberger Thomas
Published: November 2013

Liver regeneration (LR) involves a complex interplay of growth factors and antagonists. In this context, platelet-derived serotonin (5-HT) has been identified as a critical inducer of LR in mice. Clinical evidence for a role of 5-HT in LR in humans is lacking. Accordingly, serum and plasma 5-HT was monitored perioperatively in 60 patients undergoing liver resection, of which 35 served as exploration and 25 as validation sets. Intraplatelet (IP) levels of 5-HT were calculated by subtraction of plasma 5-HT from serum values. Serum markers of liver function were used to evaluate LR and liver dysfunction (LD). In the exploration setting, IP 5-HT levels significantly decreased after liver resection (

P

< 0.001) and gradually recovered during the first week. IP 5-HT measured before surgery specifically predicted LD in the subsequent 7 days (area under the curve: 0.721;

P

= 0.029). Patients suffering from postoperative LD and morbidity were found to have reduced IP 5-HT levels during the entire perioperative period. Furthermore, we validated that reduced preoperative IP 5-HT (<73 ng/mL) was associated with an increased incidence of postoperative LD and morbidity (

P

=0.045 and

P

= 0.021) and were able to demonstrate that IP 5-HT levels were an independent predictor of poor clinical outcome.

Conclusions:

These findings provide evidence that IP 5-HT correlates with LR in humans: Patients with low IP 5-HT before liver resection suffered from delayed hepatic regeneration. Therefore, IP 5-HT levels may prove a helpful clinical marker to predict postoperative LD and clinical outcome before hepatic resection and initiate suitable interventions. (Hepatology 2014;60:257-266)
Estrogen Receptor Ligands Ameliorate Fatty Liver Through a Nonclassical Estrogen Receptor/Liver X Receptor Pathway in Mice
Authors: Han Song-iee , Komatsu Yoko , Murayama Akiko , Steffensen Knut R. , Nakagawa Yoshimi , Nakajima Yuka , Suzuki Michiko , Oie Shohei , Parini Paolo , Vedin Lise-Lotte , Kishimoto Hiroyuki , Shimano Hitoshi , Gustafsson Jan-Åke , Yanagisawa Junn
Published: November 2013

Liver X receptor (LXR) activation stimulates triglyceride (TG) accumulation in the liver. Several lines of evidence indicate that estradiol-17β (E2) reduces TG levels in the liver; however, the molecular mechanism underlying the E2 effect remains unclear. Here, we show that administration of E2 attenuated

sterol regulatory element-binding protein

(

SREBP

)

-1

expression and TG accumulation induced by LXR activation in mouse liver. In

estrogen receptor alpha

(

ERα

) knockout (KO) and liver-specific

ERα

KO mice, E2 did not affect

SREBP-1

expression or TG levels. Molecular analysis revealed that ERα is recruited to the

SREBP-1c

promoter through direct binding to LXR and inhibits coactivator recruitment to LXR in an E2-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate the existence of a novel liver-dependent mechanism controlling TG accumulation through the nonclassical ER/LXR pathway. To confirm that a nonclassical ER/LXR pathway regulates ERα-dependent inhibition of LXR activation, we screened ERα ligands that were able to repress LXR activation without enhancing ERα transcriptional activity, and, as a result, we identified the phytoestrogen, phloretin. In mice, phloretin showed no estrogenic activity; however, it did reduce

SREBP-1

expression and TG levels in liver of mice fed a high-fat diet to an extent similar to that of E2.

Conclusion :

We propose that ER ligands reduce TG levels in the liver by inhibiting LXR activation through a nonclassical pathway. Our results also indicate that the effects of ER on TG accumulation can be distinguished from its estrogenic effects by a specific ER ligand. (Hepatology 2014;59:1791–1802)
Beta‐type calcium phosphates with and without magnesium: From hydrolysis of brushite powder to robocasting of periodic scaffolds
Authors: Richard Raquel C. , Sader Márcia S. , Dai Jisen , Thiré Rossana M. S. M. , Soares Gloria D. A.
Published: November 2013

Several approaches have attempted to replace extensive bone loss, but each of them has their limitation. Nowadays, additive manufacture techniques have shown great potential for bone engineering. The objective of this study was to synthesize beta tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP), beta tricalcium phosphate substituted by magnesium (β‐TCMP), and biphasic calcium phosphate substituted by magnesium (BCMP) via hydrolysis and produce scaffolds for bone regeneration using robocasting technology. Calcium deficient apatites, with and without magnesium were obtained by hydrolysis, calcined and physico‐chemically characterized. Colorimetric cell viability assay, calcium nodule formation, and the expression of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, transforming growth factor beta‐1 and collagen were assessed using a mouse osteoblastic cell line (MC3T3‐E1). Direct‐write assembly of cylindrical periodic scaffolds was done via robotic deposition using β‐TCP, β‐TCMP, and BCMP colloidal inks. The sintered scaffolds were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Archimede's method, and uniaxial compression test. According to the cell viability assay, the powders induced cell proliferation. Calcium nodule formation and bone markers activity suggested that the materials present potential value in bone tissue engineering. The scaffolds built by robocasting presented interconnected porous and exhibited mean compressive strength between 7.63 and 18.67 MPa, compatible with trabecular bone. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3685–3692, 2014.
β‐Dicalcium silicate‐based cement: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro bioactivity and biocompatibility studies
Authors: Correa Daniel , Almirall Amisel , García‐Carrodeguas Raúl , Alberto dos Santos Luis , De Aza Antonio H. , Parra Juan , Ángel Delgado José
Published: November 2013

β‐dicalcium silicate (β‐Ca2SiO4, β‐C2S) is one of the main constituents in Portland cement clinker and many refractory materials, itself is a hydraulic cement that reacts with water or aqueous solution at room/body temperature to form a hydrated phase (C‐S‐H), which provides mechanical strength to the end product. In the present investigation, β‐C2S was synthesized by sol–gel process and it was used as powder to cement preparation, named CSiC. In vitro bioactivity and biocompatibility studies were assessed by soaking the cement samples in simulated body fluid solutions and human osteoblast cell cultures for various time periods, respectively. The results showed that the sol–gel process is an available synthesis method in order to obtain a pure powder of β‐C2S at relatively low temperatures without chemical stabilizers. A bone‐like apatite layer covered the material surface after soaking in SBF and its compressive strength (CSiC cement) was comparable with that of the human trabecular bone. The extracts of this cement were not cytotoxic and the cell growth and relative cell viability were comparable to negative control. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3693–3703, 2014.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity of Novel 6H‐1,3,5‐Oxathiazine S,S‐Dioxides
Authors: Islam Md. Rafiqul , Takikawa Yuji , Lim Kwon Taek
Published: November 2013

A series of novel 6H‐1,3,5‐oxathiazine S,S‐dioxides were synthesized by the m‐CPBA oxidation (2.2 equiv) of 6H‐1,3,5‐oxathizines. The synthetic utilities of the newly synthesized cyclic sulfones were investigated. In a thermal condition, compounds 6H‐1,3,5‐oxathiazine S,S‐dioxides were found relatively stable, but Lewis acid‐induced thermal reaction afforded the corresponding amides. The plausible pathway to amides from 6H‐1,3,5‐oxathiazine S,S‐dioxides was also discussed in this account.
Molecular arrangement between multivalent glycocluster and Pseudomonas aeruginosa LecA (PA‐IL) by atomic force microscopy: influence of the glycocluster concentration
Authors: Sicard D. , Chevolot Y. , Souteyrand E. , Imberty A. , Vidal S. , Phaner‐Goutorbe M.
Published: November 2013

New therapeutics strategy against cystic fibrosis seeks to prevent the adhesion of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) on the epithelial cells in the lungs. One of the factors that induces the adhesion is the interaction between natural glycocluster present on the cells and lectins such as the PA lectin LecA (PA‐IL) present on the bacterium. By introducing synthetic glycoclusters with a great affinity with the lectin PA‐IL, the adhesion can be prevented. In this study, we characterized, by atomic force microscopy, the interaction between a tetra‐galactosylated glycocluster and the PA‐IL lectin for high concentration of lectins (2.5 μM).We showed that the strong lectin/lectin interaction is reduced even for low concentration of glycoclusters (1 for 20 000 lectins). We assumed that it is due to the tensioactive behavior of the glycoclusters. It was shown that the arrangement of the created complexes induced different structures evolving from one‐dimensional elongated aggregates to two‐dimensional compact islands when increasing the glycocluster concentration. This evolution can be interpreted as the predominance of the glycocluster/lectin interaction. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probing tethered targets of a single biomolecular complex with atomic force microscopy
Authors: Wu Na , Wang Qi , Zhou Xingfei , Jia Si Si , Fan Youjie , Hu Jun , Li Bin
Published: November 2013

DNA origami shows tremendous promise as templates for the assembly of nano‐components and detection of molecular recognition events. So far, the method of choice for evaluating these structures has been atomic force microscopy (AFM), a powerful tool for imaging nanoscale objects. In most cases, tethered targets on DNA origami have proven to be highly effective samples for investigation. Still, while maximal assembly of the nanostructures might benefit from the greatest flexibility in the tether, AFM imaging requires a sufficient stability of the adsorbed components. The balance between the tether flexibility and sample stability is a major, poorly understood, concern in such studies. Here, we investigated the dependence of the tethering length on molecular capture events monitored by AFM. In our experiments, single biotin molecules were attached to DNA origami templates with various linker lengths of thymidine nucleotides, and their interaction with streptavidin was observed with AFM. Our results show that the streptavidin‐biotin complexes are easily detected with short tethered lengths, and that their morphological features clearly change with the tethering length. We identify the functionally useful tether lengths for these investigations, which are also expected to prove useful in the construction and further application of DNA origami in bio‐nanotechnology studies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A review of the preparation and application of flavour and essential oils microcapsules based on complex coacervation technology
Authors: Xiao Zuobing , Liu Wanlong , Zhu Guangyong , Zhou Rujun , Niu Yunwei
Published: November 2013

This paper briefly introduces the preparation and application of flavour and essential oils microcapsules based on complex coacervation technology. The conventional encapsulating agents of oppositely charged proteins and polysaccharides that are used for microencapsulation of flavours and essential oils are reviewed along with the recent advances in complex coacervation methods. Proteins extracted from animal‐derived products (gelatin, whey proteins, silk fibroin) and from vegetables (soy proteins, pea proteins), and polysaccharides such as gum Arabic, pectin, chitosan, agar, alginate, carrageenan and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose are described in depth. In recent decades, flavour and essential oils microcapsules have found numerous potential practical applications in food, textiles, agriculturals and pharmaceuticals. In this paper, the different coating materials and their application are discussed in detail. Consequently, the information obtained allows criteria to be established for selecting a method for the preparation of microcapsules according to their advantages, limitations and behaviours as carriers of flavours and essential oils. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Multimodal treatment of locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma: Which regimen should we choose? Outcome analysis of perioperative chemotherapy versus neoadjuvant chemoradiation in 105 patients
Authors: Hoeppner Jens , Zirlik Katja , Brunner Thomas , Bronsert Peter , Kulemann Birte , Sick Olivia , Marjanovic Goran , Hopt Ulrich Theodor , Makowiec Frank
Published: November 2013

Background

The study was done to compare treatment and long‐term outcomes of neoadjuvant chemoradiation (neoCRT) and perioperative chemotherapy (periCTX) in patients with surgically treated esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Methods

An analysis of 105 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma undergoing neoCRT (n = 58) or periCTX (n = 47) and esophagectomy between 2000 and 2012 was carried out.

Results

The overall median survival was 5.97 years. Postoperative morbidity and in‐hospital mortality occurred in 74%/7% of the patients the neoCRT group and in 53%/0% of the patients in the periCTX group (P = 0.03/P = 0.08). Total or subtotal histological tumor response after neoadjuvant treatment and esophagectomy was found in 59% after neoCRT and 30% after periCTX (P < 0.01). Three‐ and five‐year survival rates were 52%/45% for neoCRT and 68%/63% for periCTX (P = 0.05). PeriCTX was identified as an independent predictor of survival (RR2.6; 95% CI 1.3–5.1; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

A higher rate of histologic response to neoCRT compared to histologic response following the preoperative cycles of periCTX does not translate to a benefit in overall survival. PeriCTX offers a decreased incidence of treatment‐related morbidity and mortality and at least equal results in terms of survival compared to neoCRT in patients with locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:287–293. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design of a multilayered six‐aperture directional coupler using substrate integrated waveguide
Authors: Mbaye Moustapha , Talbi Larbi , Hettak Khelifa
Published: November 2013

The design of a six‐aperture, 10‐dB directional coupler using substrate integrated waveguide is presented. Size constraints precluded addition of holes in series, however, in parallel the addition enhanced performance without increasing size. Here, 10‐dB coupling with ±2‐dB coupling ripple and reflection coefficient exceeded that of 15 dB over 34% of bandwidth. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:23–27, 2014
Compact microstrip antennas using CSRR structure ground plane
Authors: Hu Jian‐Rong , Li Jiu‐Sheng
Published: November 2013

In this article, a method for simultaneously enhancing the gain and reducing the size of microstrip antennas using a spiral complementary openings resonance ring (CSRR) structure ground plane has been presented. The proposed antenna is successfully designed and measured, which provides frequency band from 5.145∼5.387 GHz. By adjusting the size of the spiral CSRR on the ground plane, small size antenna of 25 × 25 × 0.8 mm3 and 5.8 dBi of relative high gain are achieved. Comparing the simulated and measured results confirm the suitability of the proposed antenna for wireless local area network application. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:117–120, 2014
Theoretical and experimental research on the effect of coupler splitting ratio for fiber loop ring‐down spectroscopy technology
Authors: Zhao Yong , Bai Lu , Wang Qi
Published: November 2013

The Fiber Loop Ring‐down Spectroscopy (FLRDS) technique has become popular in recent years. However, as the ring‐down signal is a series of decaying pulses, very few pulses' peak intensities and their time delays could be found and fitted in an exponential equation. This paper analyzes the importance of splitting ratio of the couplers with respect to improving the accuracy of the fitted equation, makes mathematical models of the whole system, simulates the ring‐down signal under different splitting ratio of the couplers and establishes FLRDS experimental system. The experimental results are in good agreement with theory, which indicated that both of the two coupler splitting ratios of 10:90 are found to be the optimal solution with a ring‐down time of 24.5 µs in our system. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:99–103, 2014
Switchable and tunable microwave photonic filter based on reflective semiconductor optical amplifier
Authors: Xu Enming , Wang Fei , Li Peili
Published: November 2013

A microwave photonic filter, which can be switched between a high‐Q bandpass filter and a notch filter, is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. It is based on a recirculating delay line loop with a reflective semiconductor optical amplifier, and negative taps are generated employing wavelength conversion. The filter can be also tuned by adjusting an optical variable delay line. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:198–201, 2014
A mechanical tuning method for superconducting filter in both frequency domain and time domain
Authors: Song Xiaoke , Wei Bin , Cao Bisong , Guo Xubo , Zhang Xiaoping , Zheng Tianning , Wang Jingchen , Shang Zhaojiang
Published: November 2013

This article presents a mechanical tuning method for high‐temperature superconducting (HTS) filter based on the frequency domain and the time domain using dielectric tuning rods and metallic tuning rods. The resonant frequency tuning effect with dielectric and metallic rods was analyzed using lumped‐element models. The simulation results showed that the resonant frequency of each resonator can be tuned separately. An eight‐pole HTS twin spiral filter was tuned with the proposed method in frequency domain and time domain simultaneously, as a demonstration. After tuning, the filter has a 16.82 dB return loss, a 0.26 dB insertion loss and a 0.14 dB in‐band ripple. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:217–223, 2014
Seizure Prophylaxis in Neurocritical Care: A Review of Evidence‐Based Support
Authors: Rowe A. Shaun , Goodwin Haley , Brophy Gretchen M. , Bushwitz Jennifer , Castle Amber , Deen David , Johnson Dachelle , Lesch Christine , Liang Norah , Potter Emily , Roels Christina , Samaan Karen , Rhoney Denise H. ,   for the Neurocritical Care Society Pharmacy Section
Published: November 2013

Seizures are a well‐described complication of acute brain injury and neurosurgery. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are frequently utilized for seizure prophylaxis in neurocritical care patients. In this review, the Neurocritical Care Society Pharmacy Section describes the evidence associated with the use of AEDs for seizure prophylaxis in patients with intracerebral tumors, traumatic brain injury, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, craniotomy, ischemic stroke, and intracerebral hemorrhage. Clear evidence indicates that the short‐term use of AEDs for seizure prophylaxis in patients with traumatic brain injury and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage may be beneficial; however, evidence to support the use of AEDs in other disease states is less clear.
Facets of the Tetsuo Nozoe Legacy Immortalized in an Enduring Series of International Symposia on Novel Aromatic Compounds (ISNA)
Authors: Scott Lawrence T.
Published: November 2013

Note from the Editor:

According to Robert K. Merton (1988), “Invisible college” is a term used “to designate the informal collectives of scientists interacting in their research on similar problems, these groups being generally limited to a size ‘that can be handled by interpersonal relationships.’ ” Invisible colleges can be highly competitive, even ugly in their priority races, or they can be congenial, even enthusiastically supportive to its members. In the community of organic chemists who studied novel aromatic chemistry in the 1950s–1990s, one man—Tetsuo Nozoe—is largely responsible for bringing together researchers from across the world and setting the tone of brotherhood. Larry Scott, today a senior scholar of that invisible college, warmly shares the spirit of Tetsuo Nozoe with each of us in the following essay.

 Jeffrey I. Seeman

 Guest Editor

 University of Richmond

 Richmond, Virginia 23173, USA

 E‐mail: jseeman@richmond.edu
Spatial‐temporal fusion for flotation froth image denoising based on BLS‐GSM method in curvelet domain
Authors: Liu Jinping , Gui Weihua , Tang Zhaohui , Chen Qing
Published: November 2013

The visual appearance of flotation froth surface involves a major cue about the flotation performance, which is significant for machine‐vision‐based flotation process monitoring and control. However, the froth image suffers from noise contamination inevitably, which incurs serious negative effects on the visual feature extraction of froth images. This paper presents a spatial‐temporal image denoising scheme based on statistical modeling of the froth image in the Curvelet domain and weighted processing of the relative patches of adjacent image sequences. First, the Gaussian scale‐mixture model of the image coefficients in the local spatial neighborhood is investigated according to their statistical distribution property to get the clean coefficients based on inner‐frame content by using Bayesian least‐squares estimation. Then, the temporal patches from adjacent image sequences are performed with weighted impact factors according to the similarities of the relative patches after motion compensation. Thus, clean image coefficients based on spatial‐temporal content are achieved. This method is validated by the simulated additive noise removal and the real industrial image processing. The results of simulation and real application of image noise elimination reveal the excellent performance of this method, which can effectively reconstruct the froth image while protecting more bubble details for the following froth description. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Increasing importance of truly informed consent: the role of written patient information
Authors: Kirby Roger , Challacombe Ben , Hughes Simon , Chowdhury Simon , Dasgupta Prokar
Published: November 2013

Complaints to the General Medical Council (GMC) and litigation against doctors are currently rising at an alarming rate, with an increase of 23 per cent from 7153 in 2010 to 8781 in 2011.1 This equates to a 1:64 chance of the GMC investigating any individual doctor. Of all the causes of dissatisfaction among patients, one of the most common is the feeling that they ‘were not told’ that a particular outcome might result from a given treatment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons
Encounters with the moral economy of water: convergent evolution in Valencia
Authors: Trawick Paul , Ortega Reig Mar , Palau Salvador Guillermo
Published: November 2013

This article presents the results of comparative fieldwork on the huerta of Valencia in Spain, a successful community‐managed irrigation system of medium scale, one governed collectively by thousands of small farmers organized into 10 autonomous but highly interdependent irrigator groups. The study tested a model identified previously in research on successful systems of much smaller scale in Peru, a set of principles of operation that, when affirmed by farmers and obeyed as collective‐choice rules, interact to create equity among water rights and transparency in water use in an unusual way. The authors show that a nearly identical set are at work in all 10 communities of Valencia, revealing the unique manner in which these work together to promote successful and sustainable cooperation, both within and between the user groups, and arguing that their presence in Spain and the Andes is indicative, not of diffusion from one continent to another, but of independent invention. These principles together laid the foundations for separate Andean and Islamic hydraulic traditions, which were often manifested locally in robust and equitable systems of the same general type, here called the moral economy of water. This kind of communal system appears to have emerged repeatedly, and often independently, in a great many other locales and settings throughout the world; its adaptive dynamics are shown to be of great relevance to small farmers today as they face the growing scarcity of water being induced by population growth and by climate change. WIREs Water 2014, 1:87–110. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1008

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Rights to Water

Human Water > Water Governance

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
Endoscopic Evaluation of Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication: 89 % Success Rate 10 Years After Surgery
Authors: Neuvonen Perttu , Iivonen Mauri , Rantanen Tuomo
Published: November 2013

Background

The surgical outcome of fundoplication can be evaluated by means of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS). The literature reveals only one prior long‐term follow‐up series with endoscopic evaluation of the fundoplication wraps after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). The results achieved at a university clinic showed LNF to be more durable than open fundoplication (ONF). Previously, in our community‐based hospital, the results of ONF were somewhat poorer than those achieved at a university clinic. The objective of the present study was to describe the long‐term results of LNF in our hospital as regards surgical and symptomatic outcomes.

Methods

In 1997–1999, 107 LNFs were performed in our hospital. A questionnaire with symptom evaluation was mailed to all patients. The patients who agreed to participate were interviewed and underwent EGDS.

Results

Of the 107 patients, 64 (59.8 %) participated in the study (40 men, mean age 61.9 years, range 28–85 years). The mean follow‐up time was 9.8 years. Seven endoscopic examinations (10.9 %) showed a defective fundic wrap; three of the patients had undergone reoperation. Fifty‐eight (90.6 %) patients had no or minimal heartburn and 61 (95.3 %) had no or minimal regurgitation. Twenty‐three (35.9 %) patients had moderate or severe dysphagia, and 43 (67.2 %) patients had moderate or severe flatulence. Fifty‐seven (89.1 %) patients would have opted for surgery again.

Conclusions

This study contributes to the previous notion that LNF is associated with fewer surgical failures than ONF. Our results indicate that LNF can well be performed in a community‐based hospital with acceptable long‐term results.
Testing for Measurement Invariance with Respect to an Ordinal Variable
Authors: Merkle Edgar C. , Fan Jinyan , Zeileis Achim
Published: November 2013

Researchers are often interested in testing for measurement invariance with respect to an ordinal auxiliary variable such as age group, income class, or school grade. In a factor-analytic context, these tests are traditionally carried out via a likelihood ratio test statistic comparing a model where parameters differ across groups to a model where parameters are equal across groups. This test neglects the fact that the auxiliary variable is ordinal, and it is also known to be overly sensitive at large sample sizes. In this paper, we propose test statistics that explicitly account for the ordinality of the auxiliary variable, resulting in higher power against “monotonic” violations of measurement invariance and lower power against “non-monotonic” ones. The statistics are derived from a family of tests based on stochastic processes that have recently received attention in the psychometric literature. The statistics are illustrated via an application involving real data, and their performance is studied via simulation.
A Note on Weighted Likelihood and Jeffreys Modal Estimation of Proficiency Levels in Polytomous Item Response Models
Authors: Magis David
Published: November 2013

Warm (in Psychometrika, 54, 427–450, 1989) established the equivalence between the so-called Jeffreys modal and the weighted likelihood estimators of proficiency level with some dichotomous item response models. The purpose of this note is to extend this result to polytomous item response models. First, a general condition is derived to ensure the perfect equivalence between these two estimators. Second, it is shown that this condition is fulfilled by two broad classes of polytomous models including, among others, the partial credit, rating scale, graded response, and nominal response models.
Nature humaine et complexion du corps chez les médecins italiens de la fin du Moyen Âge
Authors: Chandelier Joël , Robert Aurélien
Published: November 2013

Comment définir l’homme d’un point de vue médical, sans tomber dans un pur matérialisme? Voilà la question que se posèrent les médecins italiens de la fin du Moyen Âge lorsqu’ils élaborèrent une théorie complète de la notion de complexion, conçue comme « qualité substantielle » propre à l’homme, mais variant dans certaines limites en fonction de l’hérédité, du régime, de l’âge ou encore des climats et des moeurs. Dès lors, certains de ces médecins pouvaient envisager d’améliorer, par leur art, non seulement la santé, mais aussi l’humanité de chaque individu.
Src regulates membrane trafficking of the Kv3.1b channel
Authors: Bae Seong Han , Kim Dong Hyun , Shin Seok Kyo , Choi Jin Sung , Park Kang-Sik
Published: November 2013

The Kv3.1 channel plays a crucial role in regulating the high‐frequency firing properties of neurons. Here, we determined whether Src regulates the subcellular distributions of the Kv3.1b channel. Co‐expression of active Src induced a dramatic redistribution of Kv3.1b to the endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, co‐expression of the Kv3.1b channel with active Src induced a remarkable decrease in the pool of Kv3.1b at the cell surface. Moreover, the co‐expression of active Src results in a significant decrease in the peak current densities of the Kv3.1b channel, and a substantial alteration in the voltage dependence of its steady‐state inactivation. Taken together, these results indicate that Src kinase may play an important role in regulating membrane trafficking of Kv3.1b channels.
Assessment of Reportable Disease Incidence After Hurricane Sandy, New York City, 2012
Authors: Greene Sharon K. , Wilson Elisha L. , Konty Kevin J. , Fine Annie D.
Published: November 2013

Objective

Hurricane Sandy's October 29, 2012 arrival in New York City caused flooding, power disruption, and population displacement. Infectious disease risk may have been affected by floodwater exposure, residence in emergency shelters, overcrowding, and lack of refrigeration or heating. For 42 reportable diseases that could have been affected by hurricane-related exposures, we developed methods to assess whether hurricane-affected areas had higher disease incidence than other areas of NYC.

Methods

We identified post-hurricane cases as confirmed, probable, or suspected cases with onset or diagnosis between October 30 and November 26 that were reported via routine passive surveillance. Pre-hurricane cases for the same 4-week period were identified in 5 prior years, 2007–2011. Cases were geocoded to the census tract of residence. Using data compiled by the NYC Office of Emergency Management, we determined (1) the proportion of the population in each census tract living in a flooded block and (2) the subset of flooded tracts severely “impacted”, e.g., by prolonged service outages or physical damage. A separate multivariable regression model was constructed for each disease, modeling the outcome of case counts using a negative binomial distribution. Independent variables were: neighborhood poverty; whether cases were pre- or post-hurricane (time); the proportion of the population flooded in impacted and not impacted tracts; and interaction terms between the flood/impact variables and time. Models used repeated measures to adjust for correlated observations from the same tract and an offset term of the log of the population size. Sensitivity analyses assessed the effects of case count fluctuations and accounted for variations in reporting volume by using an offset term of the log of total cases.

Results

Only legionellosis was statistically significantly associated with increased occurrence in flooded/impacted areas post-hurricane, adjusting for baseline differences (P = .04). However, there was only 1 legionellosis case post-hurricane in a flooded/impacted area.

Conclusions

Hurricane Sandy did not appear to elevate reportable disease incidence in NYC. Defining and acquiring reliable data and meta-data regarding hurricane-affected areas was a challenge in the weeks post-storm. Relevant metrics could be developed during disaster preparedness planning. These methods to detect excess disease can be adapted for future emergencies. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:513-521)