bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Separation of Enantiomers of Alanine from Racemic Mixture by Polycrystalline Metal Surfaces - A Spectroelectrochemical Approach
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Pal Samanwita , Chhabbra Meenu , Harinipriya S
Published: July 2015

Spectroelectrochemicalinvestigation of racemic alanine on polycrystalline metal surfaces was studied in 1M LiClO4 medium, to achieve cost effective separation of biologically important molecules from the racemic mixture. Analysis of the FTIR spectrum of racemic alanine in 1M LiClO4 indicated degradation of the same. Upon prolonged exposure in LiClO4, byproducts from degradation of alanine increasedin concentration as also observed from UV-Vis spectroscopy. Cyclic Voltammetry studies unraveled different adsorption behaviors on different metal surfaces for the racemic and the enantiomeric solution of alanine. Further FTIR analysis of the alanine solution after Cyclic Voltammetry revealed possible presence of cyanide (-C≡N) and terminal alkyne as byproducts. As predicted by Monte Carlo simulations earlier, Circular Dichroism implied the dextro rotation ofthe racemic alanine solution after Cyclic Voltammetry. These results support the preferential adsorption of L-alanine over D-alanine from racemic mixture that could be attributed to the umbrella inversion of the molecule after adsorption on the metal surface in presence of applied electric field in the LiClO4 environment. A plausible mechanism for the formation of terminal alkyne and -C≡N byproducts had also been attempted.
Magnetically Controlled Release of Dispersed Iron Oxide Nanoparticles from Imprinted Organic Thin Films
Authors: Witt Julia , Mandler Daniel , Wittstock Gunther
Published: July 2015

Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NP) were compressed together with oleic acid (OA) in a Langmuir-Blodgett trough. Optimized dilution of the NP allowed the transfer of two-dimensional nanocomposites of Fe3O4-NP and OA to gold substrates. The characterization of the two-dimensional composite by scanning force microscopy (SFM) showed the existence of a sub-monolayer coverage with a few NP being pushed into the second layer. Polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectra (PM IRRAS) showed the presence of oleic acid. The nanoparticles could be removed in an external magnetic field of a permanent magnet as evidenced by SFM while the OA monolayer was left on the gold substrate as shown by PM IRRAS. Such composite layers can be used for the controlled release of specified small amount of intact NP.
Surface Dynamics Study of DNA Loop Formation Using Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Arugula Mary , Yang Fuling , Somasundaram Subramaniam , Easley Christopher J , Shannon Curtis , Simonian Aleksandr
Published: July 2015

Electrochemical proximity assay (ECPA), was recently developed for direct protein quantitation as low as 158 fM. In this assay, the loop-like DNA structure holds methylene blue (MB-DNA) in close proximity with the gold surface when target is present, ensuring efficient electron transfer. However, for studying DNA binding dynamics on gold surfaces, investigations were carried by immobilizing SH-DNA onto SPR sensor surface to form self-assembled monolayer. DNA loop and MB-DNA oligonucleotides were alternately hybridized to the SH-DNA complementarily forming loop-like structure. Sensogram results showed increase in refractive angle (RA) when DNA alternately hybridized with complementary strands, however upon elimination of DNA loop or SH-DNA showed no discernible RA signal, suggesting loss in loop structure. We found that the SH-DNA binding on the gold surface was affected by free thiols moieties. Purification of SH-ssDNA led to signal enhancement in target binding in comparison to non-purified. We anticipate the feasibility of this study in improving the speed and sensitivity of ECPA-based biomarker recognition.
(Plenary) Printed Electrochemical Instruments for Biosensors
Authors: Beni Valerio , Nilsson David , Arven Patrik , Norberg Petronella , Gustafsson Göran , Turner Anthony Peter Francis
Published: July 2015

Mobile diagnostics for healthcare, food safety and environmental monitoring, demand a new generation of inexpensive sensing systems suitable for production in high volume. Herein we report on the development of a new disposable electrochemical instrument exploiting the latest advances in printed electronics and printed biosensors. The current system is manufactured under ambient conditions with all interconnections printed; electrochemical measurements and data elaboration are realized by the integration onto the platform of two chips: a MICROCHIP-PIC24F16KA101 and a Texas Instrument’s LMP91000. A PEDOT.PSS vertical electrochromic display (VECD) is also incorporated into the system to visualize the data. A printed Enfucell 3V manganese dioxide battery was used to deliver the required power. Finally, in order to demonstrate the utility of the system, screen-printed sensors for the detection of glucose were added and the performance of the overall system was evaluated.
Exploration of Chemical Bonding Transformation Mapping to Assist Low-k Dielectric Nanostructure Fabrication
Authors: Rimal Sirish , Mukherjee Tamal , Goswami Arindom , Ross Nick , Chyan Oliver
Published: July 2015

In leading edge integrated circuit manufacturing, reduction of RC time delay by incorporation of porous ultra low-k interlayer dielectrics into Cu interconnect nanostructure continues to pose major integration challenges. The main challenge is that porous structure renders interlayer dielectrics mechanically weak, chemically unstable and more susceptible to the RIE plasma etching damages. Besides the challenge of handling weak porous ultra low-k materials, a lack of sensitive metrology to guide systematic development of plasma etching, restoration and cleaning processes is the major stumbling block. We explored Multiple Internal Reflection Infrared Spectroscopy and associated IR techniques as a sensitive (sub-5 nm) characterization tool to investigate chemical bonding modification across fluorocarbon etch residues and low-k dielectric interface after plasma etching, ashing, UV curing and post-etch cleaning. The new insights on chemical bonding transformation mapping can effectively guide the development of clean-friendly plasma etch for creating ultra low-k dielectric nanostructures with minimal dielectric damages.
Minimizing the caliber of myelinated axons by means of nodal constrictions
Authors: Johnson Christopher , Holmes William R. , Brown Anthony , Jung Peter
Published: July 2015

In myelinated axons, most of the voltage-gated ion channels are concentrated at the nodes of Ranvier, which are short gaps in the myelin sheath. This arrangement leads to saltatory conduction and a larger conduction velocity than in nonmyelinated axons. Intriguingly, axons in the peripheral nervous system that exceed about 2 μm in diameter exhibit a characteristic narrowing of the axon at nodes that results in a local reduction of the axonal cross-sectional area. The extent of constriction increases with increasing internodal axonal caliber, reaching a threefold reduction in diameter for the largest axons. In this paper, we use computational modeling to investigate the effect of nodal constrictions on axonal conduction velocity. For a fixed number of ion channels, we find that there is an optimal extent of nodal constriction which minimizes the internodal axon caliber that is required to achieve a given target conduction velocity, and we show that this is sensitive to the precise geometry of the axon and myelin sheath in the flanking paranodal regions. Thus axonal constrictions at nodes of Ranvier appear to be a biological adaptation to minimize axonal volume, thereby maximizing the spatial and metabolic efficiency of these processes, which can be a significant evolutionary constraint. We show that the optimal nodal morphologies are relatively insensitive to changes in the number of nodal sodium channels.
A Rare Cause of Intestinal Obstruction in Infants: Ileum Duplication Cyst and Literature Review
Authors: Arslan Mehmet Serif , Basuguy Erol , Zeytun Hikmet , Arslan Serkan , Aydogdu Bahattin , Okur Mehmet Hanifi , Ozkir Mariah , Ibiloglu Ibrahim , Uygun Ibrahim
Published: July 2015

Cases of neonatal gastrointestinal system (GIS) obstruction are quite complex for pediatric surgery clinics. A rare cause of intestinal obstruction is the duplication cyst (DC). A three-day-old male patient presented at our clinic with a history of abdominal distension and bilious vomiting on the second day following birth. Although pathology had not yet been determined from observation and examination, surgery was performed when the patient could not tolerate oral feeding. An ileal DC forming an incomplete obstruction was observed. Ileoileal anastomosis was performed on the patient. Because DCs can present with different clinical symptoms, it is quite difficult to diagnose them in neonate patients. Lacking an imaging method that can provide an exact diagnosis, the diagnostic laparotomy is a suitable approach for both diagnosis and treatment to avoid delays in treatment.
Robust Predictive Functional Control for Flight Vehicles Based on Nonlinear Disturbance Observer
Authors: Zhang Yinhui , Yang Huabo , Jiang Zhenyu , Hu Fan , Zhang Weihua
Published: July 2015

A novel robust predictive functional control based on nonlinear disturbance observer is investigated in order to address the control system design for flight vehicles with significant uncertainties, external disturbances, and measurement noise. Firstly, the nonlinear longitudinal dynamics of the flight vehicle are transformed into linear-like state-space equations with state-dependent coefficient matrices. And then the lumped disturbances are considered in the linear structure predictive model of the predictive functional control to increase the precision of the predictive output and resolve the intractable mismatched disturbance problem. As the lumped disturbances cannot be derived or measured directly, the nonlinear disturbance observer is applied to estimate the lumped disturbances, which are then introduced to the predictive functional control to replace the unknown actual lumped disturbances. Consequently, the robust predictive functional control for the flight vehicle is proposed. Compared with the existing designs, the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed flight control are illustrated and validated in various simulation conditions.
Independent predictors of poor vitamin K antagonist control in venous thromboembolism patients
Authors: Gebel Martin , Sahin Kurtulus , Lensing Anthonie W. A. , Meijer Karina , Kooistra Hilde A. M.
Published: July 2015

Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are used to prevent recurrent disease in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Their efficacy and safety depend on individual time in therapeutic range (iTTR) and variability of International Normalised Ratios (INR). We aimed to identify independent predictors of poor VKA control > 28 days. In a prospective cohort of 3825 VTE patients, separate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of low iTTR (first quartile) and instability (iTTR median). Subsequently, the association between these predictors and clinical outcomes was investigated. Weight < 50 kg (odds ratio [OR]=1.89; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.03–3.49), active cancer at baseline (OR=1.52; CI1.05–2.19), secondary VTE (OR=1.42; CI1.20–1.68), and INR < 2.0 at stop of double therapy (OR=1.35; CI1.09–1.67) were independent predictors of low iTTR. The first two were also predictive for instability (OR=1.96; CI1.06–3.63 and OR=1.95; CI1.36–2.80, respectively). ORs of early ( 28 days) low iTTR and instability depended on VKA type. In acenocoumarol users, early low iTTR was an independent predictor of subsequent low iTTR (OR=1.92; CI1.31–2.80) and instability (OR=1.55; CI1.07–2.23). In warfarin users, early low iTTR (OR=1.36; CI1.09–1.69) and instability (OR=1.25; CI1.01–1.55) were additionally predictive for low iTTR, but only the latter was predictive for instability (OR=1.91; CI1.57–2.32). Many predictors of VKA control also predicted premature discontinuation, but only region was prognostic for clinical outcome. In conclusion, we identified several independent predictors of low iTTR and instability > 28 days, which showed some similarities but did not fully overlap. Early VKA control was of additional value for prediction of both, but had to be interpreted in the context of VKA type.
Leaf venation patterns in the genus Saxifraga (Saxifragaceae)
Authors: Zhang Zhuoxin , XIA NIANHE , GORNALL RICHARD J.
Published: July 2015

Details of leaf venation in 150 species of Saxifraga L. representing all 13 sections are reported. Three main patterns were observed: palinactinodromous, acrodromous and camptodromous. Species with lobed leaves have palinactinodromous patterns, whereas those with entire leaves are acrodromous or camptodromous. Thus species from sections Heterisia, Irregulares,  Cymbalaria, Cotylea and Mesogyne are palinactinodromous; species from sections Saxifraga, Ciliatae, Bronchiales  and Trachyphyllum, in which some have lobed and some have entire leaves, are either  palinactinodromous or acrodromous, according to the leaf margin; species from sections Ligulatae and Porphyrion, whose hydathodes secrete calcium bicarbonate, have camptodromous venation. Intermediate states occur in section Gymnopera (between palinactinodromous and camptodromous) and in section Porphyrion subsection Oppositifoliae and section Xanthizoon (intermediate between acrodromous and camptodromous). The pattern of distribution across the genus and selected outgroups shows that the ancestral state is likely to be palinactinodromous.
Danio annulosus, a new species of chain Danio from the Shuvolong Falls in Bangladesh (Teleostei: Cyprinidae: Danioninae)
Authors: KULLANDER SVEN O. , RAHMAN MD. MIZANUR , NORÉN MICHAEL , MOLLAH ABDUR ROB
Published: July 2015

Danio annulosus, new species, is described from a small pool below the Shuvolong Falls in the Kaptai Lake system in Bangladesh. It shares with chain danios (D. assamila, D. dangila, D. catenatus, D. concatenatus, and D. sysphigmatus) a colour pattern consisting of series of dark rings with light interspaces along the side, complete lateral line, 14 circumpeduncular scales, a produced first ray in the pectoral fin, and a black humeral spot. It differs from other chain danios in possessing much shorter pectoral and pelvic fins, and a humeral spot that is slightly wider than deep instead of round or deeper than wide. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence separates D. annulosus from the most similar species, D. catenatus by a p-distance of 3.4%. Although recorded from only a single locality, Danio annulosus is expected to have a wider distribution in the Karnafuli River drainage.
A new species of Andean frog of the genus Bryophryne from southern Peru Anura: Craugastoridae) and its phylogenetic position, with notes on the diversity of the genus
Authors: CHAPARRO JUAN C. , PADIAL JOSÉ M. , GUTIÉRREZ ROBERTO C. , RIVA IGNACIO DE LA
Published: July 2015

We describe a new species of terrestrial frog of the genus Bryophryne (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the wet puna and elfin forests of the Amazonian versant of the Andes. The new species seems to be restricted to high altitude environments at elevations between 3506–3651 m in the area now protected by Megantoni National Sanctuary and Manu National Park (Distrito de Echarate, Provincia La Convención, Departamento Cusco, Peru). The new species is characterized by lacking vomerine processes of vomers, by having tympanic annulus and tympanic membrane not evident through the skin, smooth dorsal skin with scattered warts, conspicuous dorsolateral, middorsal, and occipital folds, warty flanks, areolate skin on ventral surfaces of the body, and by lacking finger and toe fringes and basal web on feet. In life, specimens have bright and highly variable dorsal coloration that ranges from olive-green to red with variable combinations of red or orange marks (red or orange in the green form and olive-green in the red form). Molecular phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA place the new species within the genus Bryophryne and as sister group of B. cophites. Bryophryne bustamantei, also sequenced for this study, is found as the sister group of the clade formed by B. cophites and the new species. Bryophryne is found as sister group of Psychrophrynella in maximum likelihood analyses and as the sister group of a large clade of holoadenines in parsimony analyses. The genus Bryophryne now contains nine species, all of them distributed along the Cordillera Oriental of the Peruvian Andes, southeast of the Apurimac River valley.
India Gateway Program: Transformational learning opportunities in an international context
Authors: Dorsett Pat , Clark Julie , Phadke Suniti K
Published: July 2015

Internationalisation is increasingly important in the social work curriculum. With globalisation and international resettlement, social workers require competencies to work locally with diverse populations as well as overseas. Study abroad experiences are used to enhance international content, cultural sensitivity and self-awareness in curricula. This article evaluates an Australian study tour focussing on students’ perspectives. Indications are that it was effective in enhancing cultural sensitivity, understanding of factors contributing to inequity, the lived experience of poverty, personal growth and professional identity. For students, it was a valued and transformational learning experience.
A computational fluid dynamics study of the effects of buoyancy on air flow surrounding a building
Authors: Yau YH , Lian YC
Published: July 2015

In designing a durable building envelope, the air flow around a building plays an important role. Buoyancy is one of the factors that can affect air flow patterns. The contribution of outdoor buoyancy to the air flow surrounding a building was studied in this research. The building studied was the headquarters of the Malaysian Energy Commission. This building has a unique architectural outlook, and is called the Diamond Building due to its design. Outdoor field data such as air velocity, ambient temperature and surface temperature were collected during physical measurement. Air flow simulation was then carried out using the computational fluid dynamics software ANSYS. A total of four cases were studied in this research. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the simulation results were carried out to show the influence of the outdoor buoyancy effect on the air flow patterns. The results showed that the air flow surrounding a building had a maximum velocity of 0.69 m/s dominated by the buoyancy effect when no wind was present. If a stronger natural wind of 3 m/s was present, the buoyancy effect was negligible.

Practical application: The new findings from the outdoor buoyancy to the air flow surrounding a building in the tropics could be used as an important guide for building design engineers and researchers. The intention is to improve the design of building envelopes. Surrounding air flow has a significant influence on the building’s ventilation as well as the outdoor contaminant movement, and it penetrates the building’s envelopes. Surrounding airflow, which was considered solely contributed by wind previously, can now be examined at a more accurate airflow pattern by considering the buoyancy effect on airflow.
Support for Restorative Justice in a Sample of U.S. University Students
Authors: Ahlin Eileen M. , Gibbs Jennifer C. , Kavanaugh Philip R. , Lee Joongyeup
Published: July 2015

Theories of restorative justice suggest that the practice works best when offenders are enmeshed in multiple interdependencies or attachments to others and belong to a culture that facilitates communitarianism instead of individualism. Restorative justice principles and practices are thus believed to be incongruent with the individualistic culture and legal system of the United States, especially compared with that of nations like Australia and Japan. Using a nonprobability convenience sample of students enrolled in a large public university in the United States, our study examines attitudes toward restorative justice as a fair and just process for reintegrating offenders and meeting the needs of victims. Results indicate that our sample holds less punitive attitudes than citizens in either Australia or Japan. Our findings are discussed in light of recent policy shifts in the United States that suggest a concerted move toward decarceration following the 2008 recession.
Abuse Experiences of Family Members, Child Maltreatment, and the Development of Sex Offending Among Incarcerated Adolescent Males
Authors: McCuish Evan C. , Cale Jesse , Corrado Raymond R.
Published: July 2015

Child sexual abuse is considered a risk factor for the development of sexual offending in adolescence. Beyond this, comparisons of the risk factor profiles between adolescent sex offenders (ASOs) and adolescent non-sex offenders (ANSOs) have uncovered minimal differences. However, differences between ASOs and ANSOs in terms of patterns in the abuse histories of their family members have rarely been studied. The aim in the current study was to retrospectively examine histories of abuse among family members of ASOs compared with ANSOs to determine whether and how these were related to youth abuse experiences and sexual offending in adolescence. The current study is based on a sample of 482 incarcerated male adolescents (ASOs = 67, ANSOs = 415). Latent class analysis was conducted to determine multidimensional familial abuse profiles, and a series of logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between family abuse profiles, youth abuse experiences, and adolescent sexual offending. Overall, familial abuse profiles were related to subsequent youth abuse experiences and sexual offending, and these abuse profiles differentiated ASOs and ANSOs.
The role of fire in the late Holocene forest decline in semi-arid North China
Authors: Yin Yi , Liu Hongyan , Hao Qian
Published: July 2015

Based on a sediment core from Lake Hulun Nuur in the semi-arid forest-steppe ecotone in North China, we reconstructed the history of climate change, vegetation development, and fire frequency in this region during the mid- to late Holocene. Four stages were identified: (1) 6300–4900 cal. yr BP, a warm-humid phase dominated by forest vegetation with moderate fire incidence and a gradual drying trend; (2) 4900–4250 cal. yr BP, a warm-dry phase dominated by forest vegetation with increased aridity and high fire occurrence; (3) 4250–1750 cal. yr BP, a gradual drying phase with forest decline and low fire occurrence; and (4) 1750 cal. yr BP–present, a cool-dry phase dominated by steppe with some decrease in aridity. Building on previous studies in this region, the successive timing of forest replacement by steppe along the precipitation gradient in the late Holocene indicates a gradual retreat of the forest margin under climate drying. Vegetation succession was predominantly determined by climate, but forests showed strong resilience to mid-Holocene drought events. Fire was suggested as a triggering disturbance that acted to reduce the resilience of forests to drought and prevent rapid forest recovery under subsequent climatic amelioration. No simple anti-correlation between fire and Pacific monsoon intensity suggested by previous studies was found here, highlighting vegetation as a critical factor for fire occurrence through the accumulation of fuel in the semi-arid region, where vegetation growth is strongly constrained by precipitation.
Elevated expressions of myeloid-related proteins-8 and -14 are danger biomarkers for lupus nephritis
Authors: Tantivitayakul P , Benjachat T , Somparn P , Leelahavanichkul A , Kittikovit V , Hirankarn N , Pisitkun T , Avihingsanon Y
Published: July 2015

Myeloid-related proteins, MRP-8 and -14, which have been identified as molecules that mediate the danger signaling in innate immune response, are also known as the DAMPs (damage associated molecular pattern molecules). The proteins were found in infiltrating macrophages and neutrophils at inflammatory sites. Their expression was correlated with severe forms of glomerulonephritis. Therefore, this study examined whether or not MRP-8 and -14 can be used as biomarkers for identifying severely active lupus nephritis (LN). Total blood leukocyte samples and renal biopsy tissues from a prospective cohort of LN patients were used to determine mRNA and protein expression levels of MRP-8 and -14. The mRNA levels of MRP-8 and -14 in total blood leukocytes were significantly higher in active LN patients than quiescent LN patients and healthy controls. Moreover, the mRNA levels of MRP-8 and -14 in the total blood leukocytes and kidney tissues were significantly correlated with therapeutic response and the mRNA expression levels in the kidney were associated with an early loss of the kidney function. MRP-8 and -14 can be used as non-invasive prognostic biomarkers in patients with LN.
Lupus in a patient with cystinosis: is it drug induced?
Authors: Eroglu F K , Besbas N , Ozaltin F , Topaloglu R , Ozen S
Published: July 2015

A 9-year-old girl with a diagnosis of cystinosis since 2 years of age, on cysteamine therapy, presented with complaints of serositis and arthritis, and laboratory tests revealed high antinuclear antibody titers with hypocomplementemia. Kidney biopsy was not consistent with lupus nephritis. With prednisolone treatment her complaints resolved and creatinine level decreased, but on follow-up, serological features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) continued. Six years after cessation of prednisolone, lupus features were reactivated, with positive antihistone antibodies and ANCA. Coincidence of cystinosis and SLE is very rare, and to the best of our knowledge this is the fourth case reported in the literature. Physicians should be aware that cystinosis patients may have some autoimmune manifestations with features of true or drug-induced lupus. In the light of this case, pathophysiology and treatment are discussed.
Dermatophytosis in farmed mink (Mustela vison) caused by Trichophyton equinum
Authors: Overy David P. , Marron-Lopez Fany , Muckle Anne , Bourque Andrea , Lund Lorraine , MacHattie David , Lopez Alfonso
Published: July 2015

This report details 2 outbreaks of dermatophytosis in 2 different mink ranches. On the first farm, only kits were affected, while on the second farm, small numbers of adults were infected. Affected mink were otherwise clinically healthy and in good body condition. Three animals were euthanized and submitted for autopsy. Grossly, mink exhibited locally extensive to coalescing areas of crusting alopecia but no other significant gross lesions in internal organs. Microscopically, skin lesions were characterized by chronic hyperplastic dermatitis with folliculitis, furunculosis, occasional intracorneal pustules, and large numbers of intrafollicular fungal arthrospores and hyphae. The dermatophyte was cultured and identified as Trichophyton equinum based on molecular barcoding of the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal DNA gene.
Naturalistic Instructional Approaches in Early Learning
Authors: Snyder Patricia A. , Rakap Salih , Hemmeter Mary Louise , McLaughlin Tara W. , Sandall Susan , McLean Mary E.
Published: July 2015

Naturalistic instructional approaches are used to provide intentional and systematic instruction to young children with disabilities during typically occurring activities. Several naturalistic instructional approaches have been described in the extant literature, although different terms have been used to refer to these approaches (e.g., activity-based intervention, embedded instruction). The purpose of this systematic review was to identify, examine, and summarize the empirical literature focused on naturalistic instructional approaches for preschool children with disabilities when instruction was delivered in classroom settings. Forty-three studies that met established inclusion criteria were reviewed and coded using systematic procedures. Studies were coded to permit within- and across-approach comparisons as well as with respect to quality indicators for study design features and relationships to reported outcomes. Findings suggest a need to specify clearly the contextual and procedural components of naturalistic instructional approaches to advance understanding about this evidence-based practice and the functional relationships between implementation of the approaches and child learning outcomes.
Which Lymph Nodes Contain Metastases in Colon Cancer Patients? A Retrospective Histopathological Evaluation of 156 Patients
Authors: da Costa David W. , Vrouenraets Bart C. , Witte Birgit I. , van Dekken Herman
Published: July 2015

Background. We hypothesized that a reliable N0 status can be established by sampling and evaluating the largest lymph nodes in the resected large-bowel specimen of patients with colon cancer. Patients and methods. This was a retrospective analysis of all surgical colon cancer patients treated between 2008 and 2010, excluding those who had received neoadjuvant treatment. We analyzed the relationship between lymph node size and the presence of metastasis. Furthermore, we examined other prognostic factors for a histopathological N+ status. Results. Our patient group consisted of 156 patients with a median age of 73 years (range = 29-91 years). A total of 2044 lymph nodes (a median of 12 per patient, range = 2-47 nodes) were harvested, 1803 (88.2%) without and 241 (11.8%) with tumor spread. Using a unique ranking model, we found that in 58 out of the 59 N+ patients (98.3%, 95% confidence interval = 90.9% to 99.9%), the largest tumor-positive node was among the 5 largest lymph nodes in the specimen. The examination of ≥10 lymph nodes had no effect on the chance of finding a positive lymph node compared with examination of <10 nodes ( P = .46). Conclusion. In our study, the N-stage was determined by the 5 largest nodes in almost all specimens. The chance of finding a small tumor-positive node when the larger ones were clean was very small.
Pin Tract Infection Following Correction of Charcot Foot With Static Circular Fixation
Authors: Finkler Elissa S. , Kasia Christopher , Kroin Ellen , Davidson-Bell Victoria , Schiff Adam P. , Pinzur Michael S.
Published: July 2015

Background:

The traditional nonsurgical accommodative treatment for diabetes-associated Charcot foot arthropathy has been unsuccessful in improving the quality of life in affected individuals. This has led to the growing interest in surgical correction of the acquired deformity with either “super construct” internal fixation implants or fine-wire static circular external fixation. The use of static circular external fixation without implants has been demonstrated to achieve high rates of deformity correction with low complication rates. The goal of this investigation was to assess the risk of pin site infection in this high-risk patient population.

Methods:

Over an 11-year period, 283 consecutive diabetic patients underwent single-stage correction of Charcot foot deformity with static fine-wire circular external fixation and no internal fixation devices. Pin care was minimal.

Results:

Fifty-nine (20.8%) patients developed clinical signs of pin tract infection in at least 1 pin site. Forty-nine occurred in patients undergoing surgical correction of deformity in the foot. Eight occurred in patients undergoing surgical correction at the ankle level and 2 in patients undergoing complex reconstruction for combined foot and ankle deformity. Higher rates of pin site infections were observed in patients with osteomyelitis present at the time of surgery (25.6%) as compared with patients without evidence of infection (17.8%), although the difference was not statistically significant ( P = .1184). There was no correlation between body mass index and pin site infection ( P = .288). There was a statistically significant trend ( P < .05) for higher rates of pin site infection in patients with elevated hemoglobin A1C levels. Erythema and drainage resolved in all patients with local pin care and empiric oral antibiotic therapy. None of the wires were removed prematurely, and all infections resolved following removal of the circular external fixator at the scheduled time for removal.

Conclusions:

Pin site infection was common following surgical correction of the acquired deformity associated with Charcot foot. These acquired pin site infections were a nuisance but did not appear to add permanent morbidity or require additional surgery to resolve.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Child Protection Investigations in Out-of-Home Care
Authors: Font Sarah A.
Published: July 2015

Keeping children safe in out-of-home care requires an understanding of the contexts under which maltreatment occurs. This study examines how maltreatment investigations differ across four settings (nonrelative foster, informal kinship, formal kinship, and congregate care). I focus on four elements of maltreatment: the perpetrator’s role (e.g., out-of-home caregiver and peer), maltreatment type, probability of substantiation, and victim characteristics. I use statewide Wisconsin administrative data in years 2005–2012, which has an analytic sample of over 96,000 placements. Data are analyzed using descriptive statistics and multi-level logistic regression. Alleged maltreatment is not uncommon in out-of-home care—the total investigation rate ranged from 5% (congregate care) to 15% (informal kinship care). Four percent of all placements were investigated for maltreatment by an out-of-home caregiver, of which 9% were substantiated. Maltreatment by peers (siblings or other foster children) was investigated in 1% of all placements, of which 20% were substantiated. Neglect was the most commonly alleged maltreatment type in informal kinship care, whereas physical abuse was most commonly alleged in all other placement types. Children who were female, Black, or between ages 6 and 10 experienced heightened risk of maltreatment in out-of-home care.
A Trial of Telephone Support Services to Prevent Further Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Stevens Jack , Scribano Philip V. , Marshall Jessica , Nadkarni Radha , Hayes John , Kelleher Kelly J.
Published: July 2015

We conducted a randomized-controlled trial of telephone support services (TSS) versus enhanced usual care (EUC) for women who had reported intimate partner violence (IPV) within the past year during a visit to a pediatric emergency department. TSS nurse interventionists identified appropriate referrals to community programs, helped participants by problem-solving barriers to obtaining these local services, and provided social support. Three hundred women, ages 18 years and above were recruited. The TSS and EUC groups did not differ on any outcome variable, including IPV victimization, feelings of chronic vulnerability to a perpetrator, depressive symptoms, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.
New European tricksters: Polish jokes in the context of European Union labour migration
Authors: Weaver Simon , Ozieranski Piotr
Published: July 2015

In the context of contemporary European labour migration, where the most publicised pattern of labour migration sees Eastern European migrants move West, the dominant scholarly interpretation of Polish jokes is not applicable for the analysis of much of the joking by or about the Poles. Humour scholars frequently categorise jokes about ethnic groups into stupid or canny categories, and the Poles have been the butt of stupidity (‘Polack’) jokes in Europe and the United States. Today, in the European Union, Polish stupidity stereotyping in humour is less active and the Polish immigrant is hard working and a threat to indigenous labour, yet joking does not depict this threat in a canny Pole. The article applies the liminal concept of the trickster – an ambiguous border crosser or traveller – to elaborate some of the characteristics of jokes told by and about Polish migrants in the EU, mainly in the British context. A more robust explanatory framework is thus offered than is currently available in humour studies.
The conceivable benefits of being comprehensive – Finnish Local Education Authorities on recognising and controlling the social costs of school choice
Authors: Varjo Janne , Kalalahti Mira
Published: July 2015

Since the 1980s, numerous education reforms have sought to dismantle centralised bureaucracies and replace them with devolved systems of schooling that emphasise parental choice and competition between increasingly diversified types of schools. Nevertheless, the Finnish variety of post-comprehensivism continues to emphasise municipal assignment of school places, in the form of the neighbourhood school principle; albeit, in its current form, with the possibility for locally controlled choice and competition, channelled especially through classes with a special emphasis. Based on nine in-depth thematic interviews with experts in provision, management or evaluation of local level compulsory education, this paper focuses on how the conceivable costs and benefits of school choice are recognised and controlled in urban Finnish municipalities. Two distinctive discourses were found to be embodied in the portrayals of the costs and benefits of choice: the legitimization of school choice; and promoting the comprehensive system. The legitimation of school choice discourse is built on the acceptable, but strictly limited reasons for choice, and necessity of school choice. In contrast, the discourse of fostering the comprehensive system is based on the ideology of equality of educational opportunities. It is constructed upon the traditional, universal, non-selective features of the comprehensive school. Against this background, possibilities for school choice can be, and must be, locally controlled – even restricted, if needed – in order to prevent a vicious circle of failing schools in deprived neighbourhoods.
Comprehensive education boundaries and remedies on the edges of the Spanish educational system
Authors: Martínez Morales Ignacio , Bernad i Garcia Joan Carles , Molpeceres Pastor Mariángeles , López Míriam Abiétar , Navas Saurin Almudena , Marhuenda Fluixá Fernando , Giménez Urraco Elena
Published: July 2015

Throughout the history of education different conceptions have been developed about the role and the function that education has in society as a whole. Such conceptions have been constructed around different discourses that show underlying social conflicts. The different educational practices acquire their legitimacy through such discourses, which organize the action of the subjects participating in them. In the research works that have been developed from the University of Valencia over the period 1994 to 20141, discursive keys through which educators of comprehensive measures legitimate their action have been identified. In those analyses a notion of discourse as the structure of arguments and justifications articulated around a rationale that gives meaning and allows organization of reality in a given socio-historical context with participation of different subjects was assumed.
PI3K Inhibitor Combined With Chemotherapy Can Enhance the Apoptosis of Neuroblastoma Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Geng Xianjie , Xie Lingling , Xing Hongshun
Published: July 2015

Activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway is a novel poor prognostic indicator of neuroblastoma (NB), and the positive effects of chemotherapy on NB have been confirmed. In this study, we investigated the effect of small molecule PI3K inhibitor PI103 on chemosensitivity. The PI3K inhibitor cooperates with doxorubicin to synergistically induce apoptosis and to reduce tumor growth of NB in in vitro and in vivo models. Human NB cells, SH-SY5Y and SK-N-BE(2), were treated with PI103 combined doxorubicin-enhanced Bid cleavage, activated Bax, and caspase 3. Activation of caspase 3 was also observed in xenografts of NB in nude mice upon combination of doxorubicin with the specific PI3K inhibitor PI103. Cell viability was assessed with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays. Both PI103 and doxorubicin inhibited growth of NB in vitro and PI103 induced a G1 arrest of NB cells. PI103 combined doxorubicin significantly inhibits the growth of established NB tumors, induced apoptosis of tumor cells, and improved the survival of mice in vivo. Taken together, our findings suggest that PI3K inhibition seems to be a promising option to sensitize tumor cells for chemotherapy in NB, which may be effective in the treatment of NBs.
Experience of Spiritual Care in Cardiac Rehabilitation: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Hosseini Mohammadali , Davidson Patricia M. , Khoshknab Masoud Fallahi , Nasrabadi Alireza Nikbakht
Published: July 2015

The aim of the study was to explore the experience of spiritual care among a cardiac rehabilitation team. Spiritual care is an important dimension of providing comprehensive care, and understanding the views of health professionals is pivotal to making recommendations for caring. This study used an interpretive phenomenological approach. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 13 cardiac rehabilitation professionals. Seven persons participated in individual interviews and six in focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using Smith and Osborn’s interpretative phenomenological analysis method. Study data were categorized into more than 150 initial themes, 12 clustered and four superordinate themes, included: ‘Helping patients to obtain a meaningful sense of being’, ‘Providing religious/spiritual focused care’, ‘holistic approach to rehabilitation is needed’ and ‘spirituality as a neglected aspect of rehabilitation’. Participants described that they did not have sufficient training in providing spiritual care. Nurses’ awareness of spiritual care meaning among a cardiac rehabilitation team is helping to respond to rehabilitation care in a holistic approach. Helping patients to get a meaningful sense of being is an important part of assisting in recovery and adjustment following an acute cardiac event. Providing clear guidelines and support for providing spiritual care in cardiac rehabilitation is required.
Optimization analysis on assembly interference of cylindrical roller bearings
Authors: Ye Zhen-huan , Wang Li-qin
Published: July 2015

Distribution of loads and contact stress has a great influence on fatigue life of bearings. In view of the fact that the nonload area is ubiquitous in cylindrical roller bearings, there is a method for prolonging the fatigue life design by adjusting the working clearance of cylindrical roller bearings. In this article, optimization model of fatigue life of cylindrical roller bearings is developed with a quasi-dynamic method and calculated method of bearing life based on micro-area contact, considering the effect of assembly interference, temperature rise, and high-speed centrifugation. Aiming to the different geometry parameters and operating parameters of bearings, the effects of assembly interference on bearing fatigue life are discussed. The results show that the optimum fatigue life of roller bearings is achieved at negative working clearance with the loads distributed evenly within half ring. The optimum working clearance of roller bearings is not influenced by radial load. But with the increase in pitch diameter or decrease in rolling elements, the optimum assembly interference increases, and accelerating revolution of roller bearings will increase the optimum assembly interference as well.
Distal bypass to a critically ischemic foot increases the skin perfusion pressure at the opposite site of the distal anastomosis
Authors: Mochizuki Yasuaki , Hoshina Katsuyuki , Shigematsu Kunihiro , Miyata Tetsuro , Watanabe Toshiaki
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The purpose of the study was to reveal the effect of blood flow supply to the foot by analyzing the skin perfusion pressure values and the pedal arch connection after bypass surgery.

Patients and methods

We selected 48 operated limbs whose skin perfusion pressure was measured pre- and post-operatively on the opposite site of distal anastomosis. We also assigned the ischemic limbs to three groups according to the patency of the pedal arch: good, intermediate, and poor.

Results

The mean value of skin perfusion pressure increased significantly from 27.0 ± 14.9 to 52.8 ± 16.0 ( p < 0.001) post-operatively. Skin perfusion pressure improved in most of the limbs post-operatively and decreased or unchanged in only four limbs, all of which showed improved tissue loss. Three amputated limbs were due to infection, and all showed an increase in skin perfusion pressure.

Conclusion

It was difficult to correlate limb prognosis to skin perfusion pressure and the pedal arch connection.
Potential of irradiated high density polyethylene/ethylene propylene rubber-carbon nanotube nanocomposite as shoe sole
Authors: Lutpi Husniyah Aliyah , Anuar Hazleen , Mohamed Mohd Ambri , Salit Sapuan M
Published: July 2015

The material selection for shoe soles is important as it determines the long-term performance of sports shoes, especially the performances of athletes’ shoes with respect to comfort during walking, running and jumping. An effective approach is developed to establish a strong interface between the carbon nanotube and high-density polyethylene/ethylene propylene rubber matrix by introducing electron beam radiation to the nanocomposite as a crosslinking technique. This study focuses on the carbon nanotube variation in the polymer matrix of high-density polyethylene and ethylene propylene rubber. The mechanical properties of high-density polyethylene/ethylene propylene rubber–carbon nanotube nanocomposites with different carbon nanotube contents were investigated at 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 wt% of carbon nanotube content. The combinations of nanofillers and polymer matrix stimulate the performance of sports shoes soles since each of them exhibits superior properties. The aim of this article is to find the optimum carbon nanotube content over the mechanical properties of electron beam–irradiated high-density polyethylene/ethylene propylene rubber nanocomposite for shoe soles. These irradiated nanocomposites are melt blended before compression moulding of the specimens. The specimens were then irradiated under electron beams at 100 kGy. The irradiated nanocomposites were tested for their tensile, impact, hardness and wear properties. The morphology of the tensile failure fracture was analysed under a field emission scanning electron microscope. The addition of carbon nanotubes improved the mechanical properties of the samples for both unirradiated and irradiated nanocomposites; however, they dropped after 3 wt% of carbon nanotube content. The carbon nanotube content at 3 wt% was found to be the most effective in enhancing the mechanical properties, particularly wear in irradiated nanocomposite, due to the better crosslinking and carbon nanotube dispersion.