bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depth Estimation of Potential Field by Minimum Inversion Fitting Error
Authors: Ru‐Kuan XIE , Ping WANG , Hao‐Jun LIU
Published: April 2016

Estimation of source depth plays an important role in quantitative interpretation of magnetic or gravity data. Various methods have been developed to conduct this estimation, especially for magnetic source depth. They include slope, Naudy, Werner deconvolution, Euler deconvolution, analytical signal, source parameter imaging (SPI), the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and tilt‐depth approaches.

We present a new method to estimate the depth of a field source, which is based on equivalent source technology and potential field inversion. A single layer of 2.5D cuboids model is established as an equivalent source with initial physical property parameters. The single equivalent source layer moves from shallow to deep at certain interval and is used as the initial model to invert the data. Then we estimate the field source depth by inversion fitting error. From shallow to deep, the inversion fitting error usually becomes smaller. The minimum inversion fitting error matches the corresponding field source depth. Because only one equivalent source layer is necessary to invert, the inversion is faster than traditional inversion methods and does not require depth weighting.

Calculation of theoretical model data shows that this method can obtain accurate depth of the field source. The data processing of a thin plate with an aspect ratio of 7.5 shows that the depth calculation error is about one measured point (25 m). The data processing of a thick plate with an aspect ratio from 0.5 to 1.5 shows that the depth calculation error is less than one measured point (25 m). Processing of measured aeromagnetic gradient data indicates that the central depth of the magnetic source is between 200 m to 250 m. Drilling data show that such anomalies are caused by the diorite at depth from 200 m to 300 m, in agreement well with estimation. These tests demonstrate that the depth estimation method suggested in this paper is applicable to both isolated anomalies and combined anomalies.
Sinkhole‐Native Oil‐Degrading Microbial Consortium for Hydrocarbon‐Polluted Seawater Remediation
Authors: Lizardi‐Jiménez Manuel Alejandro , López Sánches Eva Yahaira , Gómez‐de‐Jesús Adrián , García‐Cruz Norberto Ulises , Hernández‐Flores Cesar Ignacio
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to apply an aerobic biotechnological process for the purification of seawater polluted with hydrocarbons. With this purpose, water samples from different sinkholes from Quintana Roo, Mexico, were collected during the seasons of high (July) and low tourist activity (October), and their levels of pollution were evaluated. The results show that anthracene and icosane concentrations were related to tourism activity. Another achievement of this work was the isolation of a mixed culture, including Enterobacter, Serratia, Escherichia, Proteus, and Klebsiella, from the most polluted sinkhole found, capable of using diesel as a sole carbon source. Finally, using the mixed culture, kinetic studies of diesel degradation in seawater were carried out by sequential batch in an airlift bioreactor, obtaining a high percentage, >75%, of diesel uptake after 100 h.
Antihyperglycemia and Antihyperlipidemia Effect of Protoberberine Alkaloids From Rhizoma Coptidis in HepG2 Cell and Diabetic KK‐Ay Mice
Authors: Ma Hang , Hu Yinran , Zou Zongyao , Feng Min , Ye Xiaoli , Li Xuegang
Published: April 2016

Preclinical Research

Rhizoma Coptidis (RC), the root of Coptis chinensis Franch, a species in the genus Coptis (family Ranunculaceae), has been commonly prescribed for the treatment of diabetes in Chinese traditional herbal medicine applications. The present study is focused on the assessment of the antihyperglycemia and antidiabetic hyperlipidemia effect of five protoberberine alkaloids, berberine (BBR), coptisine (COP), palmatine (PAL), epiberberine (EPI), and jatrorrhizine (JAT), separated from R. Coptidis in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and diabetic KK‐Ay mice. Protoberberine alkaloids are effective in modulating hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. After adding BBR and COP to culture medium, glucose consumption of HepG2 cells was increased. In KK‐Ay mice assays, suppressed fasting blood glucose level and ameliorated glucose tolerance were observed after BBR/COP administration. After treated with berberine and coptisine, in the same dose of 5 µg/mL, the glucose consumption of HepG2 cells were promoted and, respectively, reached 96.1% and 17.6%. Body weight, food consumption, water intake, and urinary output of KK‐Ay mice were reduced after treated with EPI. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride of mice were decreased after treated with palmatine and jatrorrhizine. Serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol of mice was increased after palmatine, jatrorrhizine, and berberine administrated. Moreover, hepatomegaly was attenuated in JTR‐treated mice. Suggested that these protoberberine alkaloids from R. Coptidis have potential curative effect for diabetes. Drug Dev Res 77 : 163–170, 2016.   © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intracellular Golgi Complex organization reveals tissue specific polarity during zebrafish embryogenesis
Authors: Sepich Diane S. , Solnica‐Krezel Lila
Published: April 2016

Background: Cell polarity is essential for directed migration of mesenchymal cells and morphogenesis of epithelial tissues. Studies in cultured cells indicate that a condensed Golgi Complex (GC) is essential for directed protein trafficking to establish cell polarity underlying directed cell migration. Dynamic changes of the GC intracellular organization during early vertebrate development remain to be investigated. Results: We used antibody labeling and fusion proteins in vivo to study the organization and intracellular placement of the GC during early zebrafish embryogenesis. We found that the GC was dispersed into several puncta containing cis‐ and trans‐Golgi Complex proteins, presumably ministacks, until the end of the gastrula period. By early segmentation stages, the GC condensed in cells of the notochord, adaxial mesoderm, and neural plate, and its intracellular position became markedly polarized away from borders between these tissues. Conclusions: We find that GC is dispersed in early zebrafish cells, even when cells are engaged in massive gastrulation movements. The GC accumulates into patches in a stage and cell‐type specific manner, and becomes polarized away from borders between the embryonic tissues. With respect to tissue borders, intracellular GC polarity in notochord is independent of mature apical/basal polarity, Wnt/PCP, or signals from adaxial mesoderm. Developmental Dynamics 245:678–691, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Looking beneath the surface: using hydrogeology and traits to explain flow variability effects on stream macroinvertebrates
Authors: Kath Jarrod , Harrison Evan , Kefford Ben J. , Moore Leah , Wood Paul J. , Schäfer Ralf B. , Dyer Fiona
Published: April 2016

Flow variability drives important instream ecohydrological processes. Nonetheless, generalizations about ecological responses to flow variability are elusive and complicated by interacting factors. Hydrogeological controls on groundwater inputs into streams are often an overlooked factor that may interact with flow variability and influence instream ecology. Flow effects on ecology are also complicated by flora and fauna trait diversity, which makes some organisms more sensitive to flow variability than others. To improve understanding regarding the effects of flow variability on instream communities, we utilized a long‐term 17‐year data set of macroinvertebrate communities from eight sites on the Upper Murrumbidgee River catchment, south eastern Australia. Hydrogeological mapping provided a proxy of groundwater influence on instream ecology. Generalized linear mixed models were used to test hydrogeology (i.e. groundwater influence) and flow variability effects on selected taxa and trait groups. Trait groups tested were those with drought‐resistant life stages, no drought‐resistant life stages and those with poor dispersal traits. Non‐drought resistant and poor dispersing taxa responded to hydrogeology and stream flow variables, while taxa with drought‐resistant traits did not. Poor dispersing taxa displayed the strongest positive response to interactions between high mean flow and hydrogeological conditions that facilitate groundwater inputs. While the importance of flow variability is widely recognized, the combined role of hydrogeology and trait groups on macroinvertebrate responses has not been widely considered thus far. This study demonstrates that the consideration of hydrogeology and faunal traits can help improve the understanding of macroinvertebrate population and community responses to flow regime variability. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Removal of di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and mineral oil from crude hazelnut skin oil using molecular distillation–multiobjective optimization for DEHP and tocopherol
Authors: Gelmez Beyza , Ketenoglu Onur , Yavuz Huseyin , Tekin Aziz
Published: April 2016

Different distillation conditions of DEHP were investigated to decrease concentration in hazelnut skin oil. In a short‐path distillation column, different absolute pressures (1–3 mbar) and evaporator temperatures (200–230°C) were used. When distilled at 230°C under 1 mbar of absolute pressure, a reduction of 98.95% of initial DEHP concentration was achieved. At this condition, DEHP concentration was found 0.32 mg/kg. Tocopherols were also removed by molecular distillation inevitably. At 220°C temperature and 3 mbar absolute pressure, total tocopherols were reduced from initial concentration of 780.63–419.24 mg/kg. Since tocopherols were desired to remain in hazelnut skin oil, a multiobjective optimization process was performed. When upper DEHP boundary was set to 1.5 mg/kg, 15 different alternative paths were reached while maximizing total tocopherol amount within pressure‐temperature boundaries. After each molecular distillation, mineral oil content was reduced nearly by sixfold from an initial concentration of 64 mg/kg. Even when distillation temperature was set to 200°C, mineral oil content was drastically reduced to approximately 10 mg/kg level.

Practical applications: DEHP is a common contaminant in oil materials packed with plastic packages. Removal of DEHP is of great importance due to negative health impacts. Since tocopherol loss should be kept minimum while processing oil for removal of DEHP, process conditions should be carefully selected. This study reveals optimum molecular distillation conditions for this purpose. These conditions could be evaluated in industrial plants for producing best quality products with maximum tocopherol content as possible.

Removal of DEHP and MOSH from crude hazelnut skin oil by molecular distillation.
Novel anti‐adipogenic properties of the individual trans8,cis10 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomer in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Martins Susana V. , Pires Virgínia M. R. , Madeira Ana P. , Nascimento Mafalda , Alfaia Cristina M. , Castro Matilde F. , Soveral Graça , Prates José A.M. , Lopes Paula A.
Published: April 2016

In this study, we hypothesized that trans(t)8,cis(c)10 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomer possesses anti‐adipogenic properties in resemblance to its structural analog, the t10,c12 CLA isomer. After chemical synthesis and purification of the t8,c10 CLA isomer in our laboratory, we report, for the first time, its individual action on the lipid metabolism of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Cells were supplemented with 50 μM of linoleic acid (LA), t10,c12, or t8,c10 during 11 days of differentiation. Intracellular triacylglycerols (TAG) content was affected by fatty acid treatments. The t8,c10 CLA isomer reduced TAG content but in a lower magnitude, three times less, than the t10,c12 isomer. The supplementation with LA increased TAG storage thus reversing CLA isomers effect. The fatty acid profile of treated adipocytes showed that the t8,c10 CLA isomer incorporation was identical to the t10,c12. The mRNA expression of several genes involved in lipogenesis, lipolysis, fatty acid β‐oxidation, and adipocytes differentiation underlying anti‐adipogenic action was determined. The t10,c12 CLA isomer decreased gene expression levels related to lipogenesis but did not up‐regulate HSL and PPARA associated with lipolysis and fatty acid β‐oxidation, respectively. The t8,c10 CLA isomer increased SCD mRNA level without affecting delta 9 desaturase index‐16, an indicator of SCD enzyme activity. Taken together, our results indicate that the t8,c10 CLA isomer, tested individually on lipid metabolism of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, is anti‐adipogenic.

Practical applications: New and more effective weight loss supplements are widely pursued facing the worldwide obesity epidemic. Over the last few decades, the anti‐adipogenic properties of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) have been studied and confirmed for the t10,c12 CLA isomer but, until now, there was no information on its structural analog, the t8,c10. This study provides novel insights on the putative anti‐adipogenic ability of the t8,c10 CLA isomer exploiting potential molecular mechanisms of action in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes.

The present study reports, for the first time, the anti‐adipogenic properties of the individual t8,c10 CLA isomer in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, obtained through chemical synthesis and purification in our laboratory. mRNA expression levels of several genes involved in potential molecular mechanisms of anti‐adipogenic action, as lipogenesis, lipolysis, fatty acid β‐oxidation and differentiation, were evaluated.
Formal Total Synthesis of Brevisamide by Using a Tandem Isomerization/C–O and C–C Bond Formation Reaction
Authors: Banoth Shivalal , Maity Saurabh , Kumar Sudheer R. , Yadav J. S. , Mohapatra Debendra K.
Published: April 2016

A highly stereoselective formal total synthesis of brevisamide is described that proceeds through a convergent pathway and utilizes our own tandem isomerization/C–O and C–C bond formation reaction as the key step to construct the trans‐2,6‐disubstituted dihydropyran ring system. Other significant reactions in this synthesis include an iodolactonization, a Crimmins‐modified “non‐Evans” syn aldol reaction, and a Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons olefination.
Synthesis of high‐quality graphene oxide from spent mobile phone batteries
Authors: Badawy Sayed M.
Published: April 2016

Synthesis of high‐quality graphene oxide from waste graphite recovered from spent mobile phone batteries was investigated. Graphite powders were easily removed from the anodic copper foil of lithium ion batteries opposed to being sent to landfills. Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared by leaching and oxidation of the graphite with a mixture of potassium permanganate and concentrated sulfuric acid. The structure of GO has been studied using Infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FT‐IR spectra of GO indicate the existence of –OH, ketone and ‐O‐ groups. Crystalline monolayer and multilayer nano‐sized structures of exfoliated graphene oxide sample exhibiting atomically smooth edges were observed by SEM and TEM. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1485–1491, 2016
Prognostic value of midtreatment FDG‐PET in oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Pollom Erqi L. , Song Jie , Durkee Benjamin Y. , Aggarwal Sonya , Bui Timothy , von Eyben Rie , Li Ruijiang , Brizel David M. , Loo Billy W. , Le Quynh‐Thu , Hara Wendy Y.
Published: April 2016

Background

Prognostic metabolic imaging indices are needed for risk stratification for patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively examined pretreatment and midtreatment fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) parameters in patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer who were treated with definitive chemoradiation.

Results

A total of 74 patients were evaluated. Pretreatment metabolic tumor volume (MTV) using threshold of 50% standardized uptake value (SUV) maximum (MTV50%) was associated with progression‐free survival (PFS; p = .003; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.57 per 10 cc; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17–2.11) and overall survival (OS; p = .01; HR = 1.36 per 10 cc; 95% CI = 1.07–1.74). Midtreatment MTV using a threshold of SUV 2.0 (MTV2.0) was associated with PFS (p < .001; HR = 1.24 per 10 cc; 95% CI = 1.10–1.39) and OS (p = .009; HR = 1.21 per 10 cc; 95% CI = 1.05–1.39). Nodal total lesion glycolysis (TLG) velocity >5% decrease/week was associated with improved PFS (p = .04; HR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.15–0.95).

Conclusion

Metabolic response during chemoradiation is associated with survival in locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer and may aid with risk‐adapting treatment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: First–1478, 2016
Mixing of event and pre‐event water in a shallow Entisol in sloping farmland based on isotopic and hydrometric measurements, SW China
Authors: Zhao Pei , Tang Xiangyu , Zhao Peng , Zhang Wei , Tang Jialiang
Published: April 2016

Water percolation and flow processes in subsurface geologic media play an important role in determining the water source for plants and the transport of contaminants or nutrients, which is essential for water resource management and the development of measures for pollution mitigation. During June 2013, the dynamics of the rainwater, soil water, subsurface flows and groundwater in a shallow Entisol on sloping farmland were monitored using a hydrometric and isotopic approach. The results showed that effective mixing of rainwater and soil water occurred in hours. The rebound phenomenon of δD profiles in soils showed that most isotope‐depleted rainwater largely bypassed the soil matrix when the water saturation in the soil was high. Preferential‐flow, which was the dominant water movement pattern in the vadose zone, occurred through the whole soil profile, and infrequent piston‐flow was mainly found at 20–40 cm in depth. The interflow in the soil layer, composed of 75.2% rainwater, was only generated when the soil profile had been saturated. Underflow in the fractured mudrock was the dominant flow type in this hillslope, and outflow was dominated by base flow (groundwater flow) with a mean contribution of 76.7%. The generation mechanism of underflow was groundwater ridging, which was superimposed upon preferential‐flow composed mainly of rainwater. The quick mixing process of rainwater and soil water and the rapid movement of the mixture through preferential channels in the study soil, which shows a typical bimodal pore size distribution, can explain the prompt release of pre‐event water in subsurface flow. Water sources of subsurface flows at peak discharge could be affected by the antecedent soil water content, rain characteristics and antecedent groundwater levels. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Locally 3‐Transitive Graphs of Girth 4
Authors: Perles Micha A. , Martini Horst , Kupitz Yaakov S.
Published: April 2016

A natural topic of algebraic graph theory is the study of vertex transitive graphs. In the present article, we investigate locally 3‐transitive graphs of girth 4. Taking our former results on locally symmetric graphs of girth 4 as a starting point, we show what properties are retained if we weaken the requirement of local symmetry to local 3‐transitivity.
Measurement of skeletal muscle perfusion dynamics with pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL): Assessment of relative labeling efficiency at rest and during hyperemia, and comparison to pulsed arterial spin labeling (PASL)
Authors: Englund Erin K. , Rodgers Zachary B. , Langham Michael C. , Mohler Emile R. , Floyd Thomas F. , Wehrli Felix W.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To compare calf skeletal muscle perfusion measured with pulsed arterial spin labeling (PASL) and pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) methods, and to assess the variability of pCASL labeling efficiency in the popliteal artery throughout an ischemia‐reperfusion paradigm.

Materials and Methods

At 3T, relative pCASL labeling efficiency was experimentally assessed in five subjects by measuring the signal intensity of blood in the popliteal artery just distal to the labeling plane immediately following pCASL labeling or control preparation pulses, or without any preparation pulses throughout separate ischemia‐reperfusion paradigms. The relative label and control efficiencies were determined during baseline, hyperemia, and recovery. In a separate cohort of 10 subjects, pCASL and PASL sequences were used to measure reactive hyperemia perfusion dynamics.

Results

Calculated pCASL labeling and control efficiencies did not differ significantly between baseline and hyperemia or between hyperemia and recovery periods. Relative to the average baseline, pCASL label efficiency was 2 ± 9% lower during hyperemia. Perfusion dynamics measured with pCASL and PASL did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Average leg muscle peak perfusion was 47 ± 20 mL/min/100g or 50 ± 12 mL/min/100g, and time to peak perfusion was 25 ± 3 seconds and 25 ± 7 seconds from pCASL and PASL data, respectively. Differences of further metrics parameterizing the perfusion time course were not significant between pCASL and PASL measurements (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

No change in pCASL labeling efficiency was detected despite the almost 10‐fold increase in average blood flow velocity in the popliteal artery. pCASL and PASL provide precise and consistent measurement of skeletal muscle reactive hyperemia perfusion dynamics. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;44:929–939.
Quantum dots assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric detection of carbohydrates: qualitative and quantitative analysis
Authors: Bibi Aisha , Ju Huangxian
Published: April 2016

A quantum dots (QDs) assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric (QDA‐LDI‐MS) strategy was proposed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of a series of carbohydrates. The adsorption of carbohydrates on the modified surface of different QDs as the matrices depended mainly on the formation of hydrogen bonding, which led to higher MS intensity than those with conventional organic matrix. The effects of QDs concentration and sample preparation method were explored for improving the selective ionization process and the detection sensitivity. The proposed approach offered a new dimension to the application of QDs as matrices for MALDI‐MS research of carbohydrates. It could be used for quantitative measurement of glucose concentration in human serum with good performance. The QDs served as a matrix showed the advantages of low background, higher sensitivity, convenient sample preparation and excellent stability under vacuum. The QDs assisted LDI‐MS approach has promising application to the analysis of carbohydrates in complex biological samples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The utility of indocyanine green near infrared fluorescent imaging in the identification of parathyroid glands during surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Zaidi Nisar , Bucak Emre , Okoh Alexis , Yazici Pinar , Yigitbas Hakan , Berber Eren
Published: April 2016

Background and Objectives

Intraoperative adjuncts for the localization of parathyroid glands in parathyroid surgery are limited. The aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of indocyanine green (ICG) near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent imaging in patients undergoing surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).

Methods

ICG imaging was performed in 33 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy (PTX). Thyroid and parathyroid ICG uptake were assessed and independently verified on a grading scale. Clinical variables were recorded and analyzed for factors associated with ICG uptake.

Results

Of 112 glands identified by naked eye, 104 (92.9%) demonstrated ICG uptake. Concomitant ICG fluorescence was identified in the thyroid in all patients. There was a trend toward increased ICG fluorescence in patients <60 years of age (P = 0.05). A higher degree of fluorescence was seen in patients presenting with pre‐operative calcium values >11 mg/dl (P = 0.04) and in those parathyroids larger than 10 mm (P < 0.01). All patients had biochemically proven cure. No patients who underwent subtotal PTX (n = 6) developed postoperative hypoparathyroidism.

Conclusion

ICG can reliably localize parathyroid glands during PTX and additionally allow for assessment of parathyroid perfusion in patients undergoing subtotal resection. Concomitant fluorescence of the thyroid gland limits ICG's usefulness in directing the course of PTX. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:771–774. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Particulate matter stoichiometry driven by microplankton community structure in summer in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean
Authors: Rembauville M. , Blain S. , Caparros J. , Salter I.
Published: April 2016

Microplankton community structure and particulate matter stoichiometry were investigated in a late summer survey across the Subantarctic and Polar Front in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean. Microplankton community structure exerted a first order control on PON:POP stoichiometry with diatom‐dominated samples exhibiting much lower ratios (4–6) than dinoflagellate and ciliate‐dominated samples (10–21). A significant fraction of the total chlorophyll a (30–70%) was located beneath the euphotic zone and mixed layer and sub‐surface chlorophyll features were associated to transition layers. Although microplankton community structure and biomass was similar between mixed and transition layers, the latter was characterized by elevated Chl:POC ratios indicating photoacclimation of mixed layer communities. Empty diatom frustules, in particular of Fragilariopsis kerguelensis and Pseudo‐nitzschia, were found to accumulate in the Antarctic Zone transition layer and were associated to elevated BSi:POC ratios. Furthermore, high Si(OH)4 diffusive fluxes (>1 mmol m2 d−1) into the transition layer appeared likely to sustain silicification. We suggest transition layers as key areas of C and Si decoupling through (1) physiological constraints on carbon and silicon fixation (2) as active foraging sites for grazers that preferentially remineralize carbon. On the Kerguelen Plateau, the dominant contribution of Chaetoceros Hyalochaete resting spores to microplankton biomass resulted in a three‐fold enhancement of POC concentration at 250 m, compared to other stations. These findings further highlight the importance of diatom resting spores as a significant vector of carbon export through the intense remineralization horizons characteristing Southern Ocean ecosystems.
Development of the Tool to Reduce Inappropriate Medications (TRIM): A Clinical Decision Support System to Improve Medication Prescribing for Older Adults
Authors: Niehoff Kristina M. , Rajeevan Nallakkandi , Charpentier Peter A. , Miller Perry L. , Goldstein Mary K. , Fried Terri R.
Published: April 2016

Study Objective

To create a clinical decision support system (CDSS) for evaluating problems with medications among older outpatients based on a broad set of criteria.

Design

Web‐based CDSS development.

Setting

Primary care clinics at a Veterans Affairs medical center.

Participants

Forty veterans 65 years and older who were prescribed seven or more medications that included those for treatment of diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

Measurements and Main Results

The Tool to Reduce Inappropriate Medications (TRIM) uses a program to extract age, medications, and chronic conditions from the electronic health record to identify high‐risk patients and as input for evaluating the medication regimen. Additional health variables obtained through chart review and direct patient assessment are entered into a Web‐based program. Based on a series of algorithms, TRIM generates feedback reports for clinicians. TRIM identified medication reconciliation discrepancies in 98% (39/40) of veterans, potentially inappropriate medications in 58% (23/40), potential problems with feasibility (based on poor adherence and/or cognitive impairment) in 25% (10/40), potential overtreatment of hypertension in 50% (20/40), potential overtreatment of diabetes in 43% (17/40), inappropriate dosing of renally excreted medications in 5% (2/40), and patient‐reported adverse reactions in 5% (2/40).

Conclusion

This evaluation of TRIM demonstrated that data elements can be extracted from the electronic health record to identify older primary care patients at risk for potentially problematic medication regimens. Supplemented with chart review and direct patient assessment, these data can be processed through clinical algorithms that identify potential problems and generate patient‐specific feedback reports. Additional work is necessary to assess the effects of TRIM on medication deprescribing.
Polymer phase transition in n‐lauryl methacrylate monoliths
Authors: Dembahri Zahra , Le Gac Séverine , Tobal Kamal , Chirani Naziha , Rolando Christian , Benmouna Farida , Benmouna Mustapha
Published: April 2016

Monolithic materials prepared from a mixture of n‐lauryl methacrylate (LMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) dedicated to nano‐liquid chromatography separation were synthesized using in situ UV polymerization in 75 µm inner diameter capillary tubing. A mixture of cyclohexanol and ethylene glycol was used as a porogen to control porosity. While the preparation conditions yielded satisfactory analytical results, values of pertinent parameters turned out to be critical for obtaining columns with efficient separation. In particular, the impact of two key parameters was studied here in an attempt to identify optimal preparation conditions: (a) different concentrations of the crosslinker EGDMA and (b) different porogen compositions while the monomer to porogen ratio was kept constant. Resulting monolithic phases were characterized in terms of permeability, mean pore diameter and swelling using three different eluents (water, acetonitrile and a mixture at maximum viscosity). First, the LMA/EGDMA monolithic phases present peculiar morphology and hydrodynamic properties for 37% by weight of EGDMA, as reflected by the peak observed for their permeability and mean pore diameter. Swelling experiments revealed the coexistence of two phases in the monolithic structure: a highly crosslinked rigid phase which was insensitive to swelling in the presence of solvent and a weakly crosslinked flexible phase exhibiting significant swelling, with a transition to such a biphasic behavior taking place at 37% by weight of EGDMA. The effects of porogen composition and network swelling properties are presented based on a combination of the Flory − Huggins theory of isotropic mixing in polymer solutions and the Flory − Rehner theory of rubber elasticity in the affine network approximation. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Monolithic Si nanocrystal/crystalline Si tandem cells involving Si nanocrystals in SiC
Authors: Schnabel Manuel , Canino Mariaconcetta , Schillinger Kai , Löper Philipp , Summonte Caterina , Wilshaw Peter R. , Janz Stefan
Published: April 2016

Monolithic tandem cells involving a top cell with Si nanocrystals embedded in SiC (Si NC/SiC) and a c‐Si bottom cell have been prepared. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the intended cell architecture is achieved and that it survives the 1100 °C anneal required to form Si NCs. The cells exhibit mean open‐circuit voltages Voc of 900–950 mV, demonstrating tandem cell functionality, with ≤580 mV arising from the c‐Si bottom cell and ≥320 mV arising from the Si NC/SiC top cell. The cells are successfully connected using a SiC/Si tunnelling recombination junction that results in very little voltage loss. The short‐circuit current densities jsc are, at 0.8–0.9 mAcm−2, rather low and found to be limited by current collection in the top cell. However, equivalent circuit simulations demonstrate that in current‐mismatched tandem cells such as the ones studied here, higher jsc, when accompanied by decreased Voc, can arise from shunts or breakdown in the limiting cell rather than improved current collection from the limiting cell. This indicates that Voc is a better optimisation parameter than jsc for tandem cells where the limiting cell exhibits poor junction characteristics. The high‐temperature‐stable cell architecture developed in this work, coupled with simulations highlighting potential pitfalls in tandem cell analysis, provides a suitable route for optimisation of Si NC layers for photovoltaics on a tandem cell device level. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid‐Assisted Plasma‐Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition of Catechol and Quinone‐Functionalized Coatings: Insights into the Surface Chemistry and Morphology
Authors: Mauchauffé Rodolphe , Moreno‐Couranjou Maryline , Boscher Nicolas D. , Duwez Anne‐Sophie , Choquet Patrick
Published: April 2016

Liquid‐assisted plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (LA‐PECVD) provides a convenient approach toward the preparation of functional surfaces. In this work, the LA‐PECVD approach is reported for the high deposition rate of tuneable catechol and quinone‐functionalized coatings from plasma polymerization of vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMOS) and dopamine acrylamide (DOA). Most particularly, the influence of the liquid precursor delivery rate and of the plasma power density on the chemistry and morphology of the formed layers are investigated. Precursor delivery rate and plasma power conditions are found, through mass measurement, XPS, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy, to enable the high deposition rate of cross‐linked coatings. Interestingly, the integration and conservation of the catechol functional group from the DOA monomer are highlighted through the reduction of a silver nitrate solution and silver nanoparticles formation observation via SEM/EDX. Due to the presence of oxidant species and to the bombardment of the layer with highly energetic species, quinone groups formation is likely to occur during the plasma treatment and is then highlighted via ToF‐SIMS analyses of a surface successfully derivatized with a β‐lactamase. The conservation of both functional groups on the surface makes this type of layer promising for numerous applications. Quinone groups provide a real platform for the immobilization of biomolecules with various properties, e.g., antibiotics degradation, antibacterial, while the catechol groups are interesting for trapping radicals or metal ions for water treatment applications.
Wabenträgersysteme aus Stahltrapezprofilen
Authors: Krahwinkel Manuel , Petersen Tobias
Published: April 2016

Der vorliegende Beitrag behandelt das Biegetragverhalten von Wabenträgersystemen. Wabenträgersysteme sind eine neu entwickelte Konstruktionslösung zur Dacheindeckung im Stahlhallenbau bestehend aus spiegelsymmetrisch angeordneten und über stiftförmige Verbindungsmittel schubfest miteinander verbundenen Stahltrapezprofilen. Die Konstruktionslösung erlaubt eine Erhöhung der baupraktisch üblichen Rahmenabstände im Stahlhallenbau von 6 bis 9 m auf bis zu 15 m. Es werden die durchgeführten experimentellen und numerischen Untersuchungen präsentiert. Auf Basis einer numerischen Parameteruntersuchung konnten unter Variation baupraktisch relevanter Randbedingungen die maximale zulässige Flächenbelastung und die Biegesteifigkeit unterschiedlicher Wabenträgersysteme bestimmt werden. Hierzu wurde ein Bemessungskonzept entwickelt und auf die Ergebnisse der Parameteruntersuchungen angewendet. Abschließend werden praxisorientierte Bemessungstafeln präsentiert und durch ein Anwendungsbeispiel erläutert.

Honeycomb girder systems made of trapezoidal corrugated steel sheets.This paper deals with the load carrying behavior under bending of honey comb girder systems. Honeycomb girder systems are a newly developed construction solution for the cladding of roofs and facades of industrial steel‐framed buildings. They consist of a mirror‐symmetric arrangement of trapezoidal corrugated steel sheets connected with mechanical fasteners. This construction solution allows an increase of the steel frame distances from 6 m to 9 m up to 15 m. Experimental and numerical investigations, which have been carried out, are discussed. Based on numerical parametric studies the maximum characteristic distributed load and the effective bending stiffness of honeycomb girder systems with varying practically relevant geometric boundary conditions are determined. A design concept was developed and applied to the results of numerical parametric studies. The use of practical design tables is explained by a worked example.
Physicochemical and structural properties of different colored sweet potato starches
Authors: Lee Byung‐Hoo , Lee Young‐Tack
Published: April 2016

Physicochemical and structural properties of starch from orange‐ and purple‐fleshed sweet potatoes were investigated and compared to those of typical white‐fleshed sweet potatoes. Slight differences were found in the proximate composition and amylose content of the starch from colored sweet potatoes. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that the sweet potato starch granules were round and polygonal. The average granule size of the starch isolated from orange‐fleshed sweet potatoes was higher than those from white‐ and purple‐fleshed sweet potatoes. X‐ray diffraction patterns demonstrated that all the starch samples exhibited C‐type crystallinity near A‐type. The swelling power and solubility of starch from orange‐ and purple‐fleshed sweet potatoes were greater than those from white sweet potatoes. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the enthalpy of starch from white sweet potatoes was greater than that of the other types of sweet potato. Starch from different colored sweet potatoes exhibited somewhat different RVA pasting properties. Structural analysis such as molecular size distribution and branch chain length showed minimal structural differences among the starch samples from colored sweet potatoes.
Lessons from Freelancing, Lighting Design to Genetic Counseling
Authors: Disco Michele
Published: April 2016

Theatrical lighting design and genetic counseling may seem like antipodal career choices. The former was chosen from a belief in the dynamism of the theatrical experience, as well as love of the actual work. As I grew older, the powerful personal experiences of a life encompassing miscarriages, the birth of a child with a genetic disorder, and breast cancer profoundly directed my choice of a new career; one that I also love. Clearly, the day‐to‐day work is very different. However, people in both professions strive to create a transformative space for their respective public. Rather than being left behind, lessons learned by working as a freelancer have served as a source of inspiration as I have matured into my new career. Three specific strategies, supported by literature on career models, have been paramount. First, keeping an eye on the big picture encourages awareness of where the field of genetics and the genetic counseling job market are headed. That awareness leads to the advocacy necessary to achieve the outcomes genetic counselors want. Second, striving for continual personal growth keeps genetic counselors engaged and personally ready for professional changes. Third, networking provides the connections to make clinical and advocacy efforts successful, in addition to essential social support.
Constant tree species richness along an elevational gradient of Mt. Bokor, a table‐shaped mountain in southwestern Cambodia
Authors: Zhang Meng , Tagane Shuichiro , Toyama Hironori , Kajisa Tsuyoshi , Chhang Phourin , Yahara Tetsukazu
Published: April 2016

Some previous studies along an elevational gradient on a tropical mountain documented that plant species richness decreases with increasing elevation. However, most of studies did not attempt to standardize the amount of sampling effort. In this paper, we employed a standardized sampling effort to study tree species richness along an elevational gradient on Mt. Bokor, a table‐shaped mountain in southwestern Cambodia, and examined relationships between tree species richness and environmental factors. We used two methods to record tree species richness: first, we recorded trees taller than 4 m in 20 uniform plots (5 × 100 m) placed at 266–1048‐m elevation; and second, we collected specimens along an elevational gradient from 200 to 1048 m. For both datasets, we applied rarefaction and a Chao1 estimator to standardize the sampling efforts. A generalized linear model (GLM) was used to test the relationship of species richness with elevation. We recorded 308 tree species from 20 plots and 389 tree species from the general collections. Species richness observed in 20 plots had a weak but non‐significant correlation with elevation. Species richness estimated by rarefaction or Chao1 from both data sets also showed no significant correlations with elevation. Unlike many previous studies, tree species richness was nearly constant along the elevational gradient of Mt. Bokor where temperature and precipitation are expected to vary. We suggest that the table‐shaped landscape of Mt. Bokor, where elevational interval areas do not significantly change between 200 and 900 m, may be a determinant of this constant species richness.
Metabolic fingerprints of human primary endothelial and fibroblast cells
Authors: Žigon Polona , Mrak-Poljšak Katjuša , Lakota Katja , Terčelj Matic , Čučnik Saša , Tomsic Matija , Sodin-Semrl Snezna
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Human primary cells originating from different locations within the body could differ greatly in their metabolic phenotypes, influencing both how they act during physiological/pathological processes and how susceptible/resistant they are to a variety of disease risk factors. A novel way to monitor cellular metabolism is through cell energetics assays, so we explored this approach with human primary cell types, as models of sclerotic disorders.

Objectives

In order to better understand pathophysiological processes at the cellular level, our goals were to measure metabolic pathway activities of endothelial cells and fibroblasts, and determine their metabolic phenotype profiles.

Methods

Biolog Phenotype MicroArray™ technology was used for the first time to characterize metabolic phenotypes of diverse primary cells. These colorimetric assays enable detection of utilization of 367 specific biochemical substrates by human endothelial cells from the coronary artery (HCAEC), umbilical vein (HUVEC) and normal, healthy lung fibroblasts (NHLF).

Results

Adenosine, inosine, d-mannose and dextrin were strongly utilized by all three cell types, comparable to glucose. Substrates metabolized solely by HCAEC were mannan, pectin, gelatin and prevalently tricarballylic acid. HUVEC did not show any uniquely metabolized substrates whereas NHLF exhibited strong utilization of sugars and carboxylic acids along with amino acids and peptides.

Conclusion

Taken together, we show for the first time that this simple energetics assay platform enables metabolic characterization of primary cells and that each of the three human cell types examined gives a unique and distinguishable profile.
Collaboration between service professionals during the delivery of health care: Evidence from a multiple‐case study in U.S. hospitals
Authors: Senot Claire , Chandrasekaran Aravind , Ward Peter T.
Published: April 2016

We investigate service delivery in one specific type of professional service firms (PSF), namely hospitals. A distinctive operational feature of this setting is that the delivery of health care services requires continuous collaboration between two professional workforces: physicians and nurses. We conducted a multiple‐case study at five acute care U.S. hospitals, which involved 49 semi‐structured interviews, to uncover the organizational mechanisms that facilitate effective collaboration between physicians and nurses. Our analyses suggest that they experience distinct challenges that prevented collaboration during health care delivery. Specifically, physicians typically favored evidence‐based standards of care which can sometimes undermine patient interactions. We refer to this preference as a disease‐focus challenge. We also found that nurses were often hesitant to speak‐up during their interactions with the physicians, which constitute a hierarchical challenge. Commonly prescribed mechanisms, such as multi‐disciplinary rounding, were not effective in overcoming these challenges. Our analyses revealed new forms of collaboration between different levels of the physician and nursing entities, which we denote as “nursing‐led cross‐level collaboration” and “physician‐led cross‐level collaboration”. Our study suggests that nursing‐led cross‐level collaboration helped mitigate the disease‐focus challenge experienced by physicians while physician‐led cross‐level collaboration helped mitigate the hierarchical challenge experienced by nurses. It also offers preliminary insights on how PSF in general can develop and sustain such collaboration. Taken together, our findings offer new insights on the micro‐foundations of work performed by PSF.
Meaning Reconstruction in the Wake of Loss: Evolution of a Research Program
Authors: Neimeyer Robert A.
Published: April 2016

As theories of bereavement have evolved, so too have evidence-based interventions to mitigate complications in post-loss adaptation. This article reviews one line of programmatic research grounded in a conceptualisation of grieving as an attempt to reaffirm or reconstruct a world of meaning challenged by loss. Anchored in therapeutic encounters with the bereaved, a meaning reconstruction approach to loss has grown over the past 15 years to generate an increasingly substantial research base, as well as to develop and refine a wide array of contributions to psychological assessment and therapy. By summarising the major models, measures and methods resulting from this collaborative work, it offers an introduction to meaning reconstruction for those unfamiliar with it, noting its contributions to date, its areas of future development, and its relevance for clinical practice.
Accepting difference, seeking common ground: Sino-Indian statistical exchanges 1951–1959
Authors: GHOSH ARUNABH
Published: April 2016

Starting as early as 1951, and with increasing urgency after 1956, Chinese and Indian statisticians traded visits as they sought to learn from each other's experiences. At the heart of these exchanges was the desire to learn more about a cutting-edge statistical method, random sampling, which, while technically complex, held great practical salience for large and diverse countries such as China and India. This paper draws upon unpublished documents, letters, institutional archives, memoirs, oral history and newspaper reports to reconstruct the sequence of these exchanges, their outcomes and the concerns of the participants. The exchanges demonstrate not only the crucial role played by Indian statisticians in the rise of random sampling, but also the amount of resistance these methods generated in places like China (and the Soviet Union). As a clear instance of South–South scientific exchange, they also compel a broadening of our understanding of early Cold War scientific networks, which should no longer be dominated by centre–periphery models that take either the USSR or the US as the centre. Finally, the exchanges hint at the varied nature of post-1949 Sino-Indian history, a subfield still dominated by geopolitics and a focus on the causes, course and legacy of the Sino-Indian War of 1962.