bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyaluronidase modulates bleomycin‐induced lung injury detected noninvasively in small rodents by radial proton MRI
Authors: Egger Christine , Cannet Catherine , Gérard Christelle , Dunbar Andrew , Tigani Bruno , Beckmann Nicolau
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To assess whether hyaluronic acid, a building block of proteoglycans and extracellular matrix with hydrophilic characteristics, might contribute to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐detected proton signals elicited by bleomycin in the lung. To this end, hyaluronidase, which degrades hyaluronic acid, was administered to bleomycin‐challenged animals.

Materials and Methods

Fibrosis was induced by oropharyngeal aspiration (OA) of bleomycin. Mice received bleomycin once daily (0.1 mg/kg) on 6 consecutive days, while rats were given a single dose (2 or 4 mg/kg). Hyaluronidase, budesonide, and the respective vehicles were also administered via OA. Animals were examined using a radial ultrashort echo time sequence. Histology of picrosirius reflecting collagen and tissue gene analysis were performed postmortem.

Results

In mice, hyaluronidase induced an increase of high intensity signals by 34 ± 12 μL (means ± SD, P = 0.007), consistent with the ability of the degradation products of hyaluronic acid to provoke acute inflammation. Budesonide was able to resolve hyaluronidase‐induced signals or to prevent their formation. Combined administration of budesonide and hyaluronidase to bleomycin‐treated rats resulted in an overall decrease (−17.1 ± 7%, P = 0.02) of the MRI‐detected bleomycin‐induced signals. Moreover, the relative gene expression of hyaluronidase was reduced (−61.8 ± 10.2%, P < 0.001) in fibrotic lungs.

Conclusion

The present data indicate that hyaluronic acid contributes to the bleomycin‐induced responses detected by MRI in the lung. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:755–764. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐resolution mass spectrometry to evaluate the influence of cross‐breeding segregating populations on the phenolic profile of virgin olive oils
Authors: Sánchez de Medina Verónica , Calderón‐Santiago Mónica , El Riachy Milad , Priego‐Capote Feliciano , Luque de Castro María Dolores
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

The growing demand for high‐quality virgin olive oils (VOOs) has increased the interest in olive breeding programs. Cross‐breeding is considered, within these programs, the best strategy to generate new cultivars as an attempt to improve the present cultivars. In this research, the phenolic profile of VOOs from target crosses (Arbequina × Arbosana, Picual × Koroneiki and Sikitita × Arbosana) and their corresponding genitors (Arbequina, Arbosana, Koroneiki, Picual and Sikitita) has been evaluated using a targeted metabolomics approach.

RESULTS

The phenolic profiles were obtained by liquid chromatographic–hybrid quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric targeted analysis of 37 phenols or compounds involved in the main pathways for their biosynthesis. Statistical multivariate analysis by principal component analysis was applied to study the influence of genotype on phenol composition. Phenolic compounds with the highest contribution to explain the observed variability associated to genotype were identified through fold change algorithms (cut‐off > 2.0) and t‐test analysis.

CONCLUSION

A total of nine phenols (viz. quercetin, ligstroside aglycon (p‐HPEA‐EA), demethyl oleuropein aglycon, oleuropein aglycon (3,4‐DHPEA‐EA), hydroxypinoresinol, hydroxytyrosol and phenolic acids such as p‐coumaric acid, ferulic acid and protocatechuic acid) contributed to explain the observed variability with 99% confidence (P<0.01). © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Mismatch repair system and p53 expression in patients with T1 and T2 colorectal cancer: Predictive role of lymph node metastasis and survival
Authors: Huh Jung Wook , Kim Hee Cheol , Kim Seok Hyung , Park Yoon Ah , Cho Yong Beom , Yun Seong Hyeon , Lee Woo Yong , Chun Ho‐Kyung
Published: March 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive role of the mismatch repair (MMR) system and p53 expression for lymph node metastasis and long‐term survival in patients with T1 and T2 colorectal cancer.

Methods

A total of 543 patients with T1 or T2 colorectal cancers who underwent radical surgery with regional lymphadenectomy from December 2007 to December 2009 were analyzed. Predictive factors for lymph node metastasis and prognostic factors were analyzed.

Results

During the median follow‐up period of 4 years, the 5‐year disease‐free survival rate for patients without lymph node metastasis was 94.8%, which was significantly higher than that for those with lymph node metastases (85.2%; P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, gender, tumor location, N category, lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, and perineural invasion were independent prognostic factors for disease‐free survival; however MMR defect, p53 expression, and microsatellite instability (MSI) were not. The presence of lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, and tumor budding were independent predictors of lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions

In patients with T1 or T2 colorectal cancer, lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, and tumor budding were predictive of lymph node metastasis; however, MMR defect, p53 expression, and MSI were not predictive. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:848–852. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomical study of critical features on the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus: Clinical implications
Authors: Wang Liang , Gun Ramazan , Youssef Ahmed , Carrau Ricardo L. , Prevedello Daniel M. , Otto Bradley A. , Ditzel Leo
Published: March 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Endonasal approaches to the pterygopalatine fossa for epistaxis or as part of a transpterygoid approach have been popularized somewhat by the ability to control the terminal branches of the maxillary artery (MA). Surgical landmarks are useful to identify these arteries. Therefore, identification of surface features on the posterior wall of the antrum that reflect the position of deeper structures within the pterygopalatine fossa would help predict anatomical position and orientation.

Study Design

Describe the incidence of identifiable markings on the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus and ascertain their nature.

Methods

An anatomical study of 18 cadaveric specimens noting and recording the presence, location, and number of prominences on the posterior wall of the antrum. After removing the bony wall, structure in the pterygopalatine fossa corresponding to the surface markings was noted.

Results

Two prominences were identified. Prominence (P)1 extended from the upper part of the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus to the inferior orbit and corresponded to the infraorbital nerve. P2 was located at the middle part of the posterior wall, below P1, and corresponded to the MA. P2 was located medial to a vertical “drop line” where P1 connected to the posterior wall. P1 and P2 were found in 41.7% and 22.2%, respectively, of the specimens.

Conclusions

This study defines features on the maxillary sinus posterior wall from an endoscopic perspective. These landmarks may be useful to identify the MA and its branches during surgery within the pterygopalatine fossa.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 124:2451–2455, 2014
Elaboration of Superhydrophobic Surfaces containing Nanofibers and Wrinkles with Controllable Water and Oil Adhesion
Authors: El‐Maiss Janwa , Darmanin Thierry , Taffin de Givenchy Elisabeth , Guittard Frederic
Published: March 2014

In order to find an alternative to long perfluorinated chains in the elaboration of non‐wetting surfaces with favorable bioaccumulative potential, we report the synthesis of an original 3,4‐propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) derivative containing a short perfluorobutyl chain (C4F9) and its use for the elaboration of superhydrophobic surfaces containing both wrinkles and nanofibers by electropolymerization (deposition by cyclic voltammetry). The diameter of the nanofibers is about 150 nm. The length and density of nanofibers, as well as the presence of wrinkles, can be controlled with the number of scans and the scan rate. These parameters are correlated with the adhesion of water and oil droplets.
Hand Exercise Intervention in Patients with Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Regardt Malin , Schult Marie‐Louise , Axelsson Yvonne , Aldehag Anna , Alexanderson Helene , Lundberg Ingrid E. , Henriksson Elisabet Welin
Published: March 2014

Objective

The aim of the present study was to develop a 12‐week hand exercise intervention for patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) and evaluate adherence, patients' opinions of the programme design and overall feasibility, and the effect on hand function and activity limitation after the intervention.

Method

A pilot hand exercise intervention was conducted on a convenience sample of 15 patients with reduced handgrip strength and established, inactive PM and DM. Acceptable adherence was set at 75%. The programme was evaluated based on patients' opinions regarding exertion, the movements involved and overall feasibility. Hand‐ and pinch‐grip strength, grip ability, dexterity and activity limitation were assessed.

Results

Eleven of 15 patients completed the intervention, with acceptable adherence of 78–100%. Measures of handgrip strength, dexterity and activity limitation were reduced at baseline compared with normative data from the literature. Throughout the intervention, rates of perceived exertion were scored between ‘moderate’ and ‘fairly strong’. Finger abduction and adduction were excluded from the hand exercise programme because they were not feasible to perform. Repetitions of the exercise increased gradually to a maximum of 30 per movement. Patients regarded this as too time‐consuming and suggested ten repetitions daily or 10–20 repetitions 2–4 times per week. There were some individual, clinically meaningful improvements in hand function and activity limitation. A comparison between baseline and after the intervention showed that the three‐jaw (tripod) pinch‐grip strength (left hand) had increased (p < 0.007; z = –2.7).

Conclusion

A hand exercise programme was found to be feasible to perform by patients with established PM or DM. The effect was limited, with few individual improvements in hand function and activity limitation, indicating a need to increase the resistance in the movements and to limit the duration of each exercise session. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced thermal and electrical properties of epoxy composites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Wang Yi , Yu Jinhong , Dai Wen , Song Yingze , Wang Dong , Zeng Liming , Jiang Nan
Published: March 2014

We reported a facile approach to fabricate graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)/epoxy composites with a novel blend method. The influence of GNPs on the thermal and electrical properties was investigated. Compounds with different GNPs content (0–8 wt%) were mixed with a Flacktek speedmixer at a speed of 3000 rpm for 5 min. The thermal conductivity of the epoxy composites with 8 wt% GNPs was 1.181 W/m K, which is increased by 627% compared with those of the neat epoxy. It is found that the thermal stability and electrical property also have a certain degree of improvement. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrate that the structures of the composites have a closed relationship with their properties. In addition, the incorporation of GNPs in epoxy matrix indicated excellent Vickers hardness at the low weight fractions of GNPs. POLYM. COMPOS. 36:556–565, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Consultant delivered seven‐day health care: results from a medical model on a diabetes base ward
Authors: Raghavan RP , Baskar V , Buch H , Singh BM , Viswanath AK
Published: March 2014

There is increasing emphasis on consultant delivered health care outside normal working hours, although its impact on outcomes away from emergency assessment units is not well known. We introduced structured seven‐day working for consultants on a 28 bedded diabetes base ward. Subsequent evaluation of its impact on patient throughput measures is presented.

We measured discharge patterns and rates, length of stay and 30‐day readmission following the introduction of seven‐day consultant working including weekend ward rounds. Data collected over an identical seven‐month period before and after the introduction of weekend consultant ward rounds were compared.

Sixty percent of discharged patients in both periods compared had diabetes. The number of discharges during the study period (seven months) increased from 459 to 496 almost entirely owing to increase in weekend discharges (45 to 83). The overall length of stay (LoS) was largely unchanged (11.3±15.4 vs 10.5±7.9), although there was a significant reduction in the LoS of weekend discharges (11.2±10.3 vs 7.9±6.4, p<0.01). Thirty‐day emergency readmission fell from 132 to 107. Effectively this translated to 625 potential bed days gained over a seven‐month period representing an annual saving of approximately £123 000 at basic tariff.

We concluded that consultant seven‐day working is effective in facilitating increased discharges with reductions in LoS and readmissions, and has significant economic benefit. Additional work is needed to evaluate the impact on quality measures, especially with regard to specialty specific outcomes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons. Practical Diabetes 2014; 31(2): 58–61
Barriers and enablers to translating gestational diabetes guidelines into practice
Authors: Wilkinson Shelley Ann , McCray Sally , Beckmann Michael , Parry Annette , McIntyre Harold David
Published: March 2014

Reduced insulin requirements and improved blood glucose level (BGL) control in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been documented in a study validating American Nutrition Practice Guidelines that included a dietitian appointment schedule. No Australian nutrition practice guidelines exist and care differs across centres. Guideline dissemination alone does not change practice; assessment of barriers/enablers and implementation design must be theory‐driven. We describe this assessment and the planned intervention to implement a schedule of dietitian consults for GDM care.

A barriers and enablers analysis was undertaken. Data sources included hospital records, clinic observation, and staff surveys. Dietetic visits were compared with the Nutrition Practice Guideline. Barriers were categorised into domains from the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Of 44 clinic staff surveyed, most believed regular dietetic contact could influence diet, but fewer believed contact could influence BGLs, pharmacotherapy, and care costs, and only half felt contact could influence weight gain or macrosomia. Women's lack of awareness of the benefits of scheduled contact with a dietitian and staff's unfamiliarity with current practice were identified. There was a significant shortfall in dietitian resources. Other barriers included lack of dedicated clinic space and exclusion from the clinic care pathway.

Identified barrier ‘domains’ were: Knowledge; Beliefs about consequences; Intentions; Social/professional role/identity; Social influences; Memory, attention, and decision processes; and Environmental context and resources. Effective change interventions have been mapped to domains. Outcomes of the evaluation will be uptake of the new dietetic schedule and its effect on requirement for pharmacotherapy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons. Practical Diabetes 2014; 31(2): 67–72
Survey of junior doctors' knowledge of the use of new guidelines in the management of diabetic ketoacidosis in adults
Authors: Nalla Preethi , Nukalapati Lokesh , Gosrani Deepan , Evans Peter J
Published: March 2014

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common medical emergency. In recent years a weight‐based, fixed‐rate intravenous insulin infusion regimen has replaced the conventional sliding scale regimen for effective management of DKA. These guidelines have come into effect from 2012 at a hospital in south east Wales.

A survey was conducted to assess the junior doctors' (medical and surgical) knowledge of these guidelines as per trust protocol. The results of this survey clearly show that a significant number of doctors (35% of medical and 63% of surgical doctors) were not aware of these guidelines; 15% of medical and 22% of surgical doctors were not aware of the criteria for the diagnosis of DKA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons. Practical Diabetes 2014; 31(2): 81–83
Processing of nanocomposites PLA/graphite using a novel elongational mixing device
Authors: Ibarra‐Gómez Rigoberto , Muller René , Bouquey Michel , Rondin Jérôme , Serra Christophe A. , Hassouna Fatima , Mouedden Yamna El , Toniazzo Valérie , Ruch David
Published: March 2014

Expanded graphite (EG) was added to polylactic acid (PLA) and then fully mixed in a novel elongational mixing device (RMX) to obtain PLA/EG nanocomposites. The operation of the new mixer device is based on the induced multiple passages of material (by means of reciprocating pistons) at different flow speeds through a short capillary die, thus creating convergent/divergent elongational flows. Highly homogeneous materials were obtained at all mixing conditions and particle size ranged from hundred to several hundreds of nanometers. Also, X‐ray diffractograms showed different intensity of the characteristic peak of EG (3% wt/wt EG was kept constant), suggesting partial exfoliation. Furthermore, the molecular weight of processed neat PLA samples was assessed in order to correlate the PLA degradation to morphology and reinforcement mechanisms in the nanocomposites, as a function of the RMX parameters. As well, final flow properties of neat PLA and EG compounds were obtained by dynamic rheology. Thermo‐mechanical degradation of PLA was found to play a major role in the rheology of mixing. On the other hand, PLA nanocomposites presented a storage modulus between 20 and 40% higher than neat PLA. Finally, morphology comparison between the RMX and an internal mixer, at the same mixing energy input, demonstrated a higher dispersive mixing efficiency for the RMX. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:214–222, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
An integrated top‐down and bottom‐up proteomic approach to characterize the antigen‐binding fragment of antibodies
Authors: Dekker Lennard , Wu Si , Vanduijn Martijn , Tolić Nikolai , Stingl Christoph , Zhao Rui , Luider Theo , Paša‐Tolić Ljiljana
Published: March 2014

We have previously shown that different individuals exposed to the same antigen produce antibodies with identical mutations in their complementarity determining regions (CDR), suggesting that CDR tryptic peptides can serve as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Complete Fabs derived from disease specific antibodies have even higher potential; they could potentially be used for disease treatment and are required to identify the antigens toward which the antibodies are directed. However, complete Fab sequence characterization via LC‐MS analysis of tryptic peptides (i.e. bottom‐up) has proven to be impractical for mixtures of antibodies. To tackle this challenge, we have developed an integrated bottom‐up and top‐down MS approach, employing 2D chromatography coupled with Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS), and applied this approach for full characterization of the variable parts of two pharmaceutical monoclonal antibodies with sensitivity comparable to the bottom‐up standard. These efforts represent an essential step toward the identification of disease specific antibodies in patient samples with potentially significant clinical impact.
MBD5 and MBD6 interact with the human PR‐DUB complex through their methyl‐CpG‐binding domain
Authors: Baymaz H. Irem , Fournier Alexandra , Laget Sophie , Ji Zongling , Jansen Pascal W. T. C. , Smits Arne H. , Ferry Laure , Mensinga Anneloes , Poser Ina , Sharrocks Andrew , Defossez Pierre‐Antoine , Vermeulen Michiel
Published: March 2014

MBD5 and MBD6 are two members of the methyl‐CpG‐binding domain (MBD) family of proteins that are poorly characterized. Studies performed thus far have failed to show binding of the MBD5 and MBD6 MBD to methylated DNA. Here, we show that both MBD5 and MBD6 interact with the mammalian PR‐DUB Polycomb protein complex in a mutually exclusive manner. Strikingly, the MBD of MBD5 and MBD6 is both necessary and sufficient to mediate this interaction. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses reveal that MBD6 and FOXK2/PR‐DUB share a subset of genomic target genes, suggesting a functional interaction in vivo. Finally, we show that MBD6, but not MBD5, is recruited to sites of DNA damage in a PR‐DUB independent manner. Our study thus implies a shared function for MBD5 and MBD6 through an interaction with PR‐DUB, as well as an MBD6‐specific recruitment to sites of DNA damage.
Barocaloric effect in metamagnetic shape memory alloys
Authors: Mañosa Lluís , Stern‐Taulats Enric , Planes Antoni , Lloveras Pol , Barrio Maria , Tamarit Josep‐Lluís , Emre Baris , Yüce Suheyla , Fabbrici Simone , Albertini Franca
Published: March 2014

We report on calorimetric measurements under hydrostatic pressure in a series of composition related metamagnetic shape memory alloys. We show that metamagnetic shape memory alloys exhibit a barocaloric effect whose magnitude compares well to the magnetocaloric effect exibited by this kind of alloys. While in metamagnetic alloys the magnetocaloric effect is inverse, the barocaloric effect has been found to be conventional. The values obtained for the pressure‐induced entropy changes at moderate pressures are in the range of those reported for giant caloric materials.
Hypolipidemic and antiinflammation activities of fermented soybean fibers from meju in C57BL/6 J mice
Authors: Kim Jong‐Ho , Jia Yaoyao , Lee Jung‐Gyu , Nam Bora , Lee Ji Hae , Shin Kwang‐Soon , Hurh Byung Serk , Choi Yong Ho , Lee Sung‐Joon
Published: March 2014

Meju, a naturally fermented soy block used to produce soy paste and soy sauce in Korea, is suggested to exhibit hypolipidemic and antiinflammatory activities; however, its mechanisms of action are elusive. Here, we report that the water‐soluble fibers but not the amino acids and peptides from meju exhibited hypolipidemic activity in vivo. Feeding of fermented soybean fibers (FSF) from meju reduced plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, adipocyte size, and hepatic lipid accumulation in C57BL/6 J mice. FSF treatment reduced HMG‐CoA reductase expression, whereas the expression of genes in the fatty acid uptake and subsequent beta‐oxidation were significantly induced in the livers. Hepatic lipogenic genes, including Srebp1c and Lxrα, were unaltered. Feeding with the fermented soybean peptides and amino acids (FSPA) induced the expression of lipogenic genes, which may have canceled the induction of low‐density lipoprotein receptor and Cyp7a1 gene expressions in FSPA livers. The plasma concentrations of C‐reactive protein, TNF‐α, and interlukin‐6 were significantly reduced in the FSF, FSPA, and meju groups compared with the control groups, suggesting that both of the fibers and peptides/amino acids from meju may be beneficial. These findings suggest that soluble fibers from meju are critical hypolipidemic components that regulate hepatic gene expressions and reduce proinflammatory cytokines in vivo. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Luteolin Inhibits Hyperglycemia‐Induced Proinflammatory Cytokine Production and Its Epigenetic Mechanism in Human Monocytes
Authors: Kim Hye Joo , Lee Wooje , Yun Jung‐Mi
Published: March 2014

Hyperglycemia is a key feature in diabetes. Hyperglycemia has been implicated as a major contributor to several complications of diabetes. High glucose levels induce the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Luteolin is a flavone isolated from celery, green pepper, perilla leaf, and chamomile tea. Luteolin has been reported to possess antimutagenic, antitumorigenic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of luteolin on proinflammatory cytokine secretion and its underlying epigenetic regulation in high‐glucose‐induced human monocytes. Human monocytic (THP‐1) cells were cultured under controlled (14.5 mM mannitol), normoglycemic (NG, 5.5 mM glucose), or hyperglycemic (HG, 20 mM glucose) conditions, in the absence or presence of luteolin. Luteolin (3–10 μM) was added for 48 h. While hyperglycemic conditions significantly induced histone acetylation, NF‐κB activation, and proinflammatory cytokine (IL‐6 and TNF‐α) release from THP‐1 cells, luteolin suppressed NF‐κB activity and cytokine release. Luteolin also significantly reduced CREB‐binding protein/p300 (CBP/p300) gene expression, as well as the levels of acetylation and histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity of the CBP/p300 protein, which is a known NF‐κB coactivator. These results suggest that luteolin inhibits HG‐induced cytokine production in monocytes, through epigenetic changes involving NF‐κB. We therefore suggest that luteolin may be a potential candidate for the treatment and prevention of diabetes and its complications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A DFT study on a mutipathways, one product reaction: Initially divergent radical reactions reconverge to form a single product
Authors: Sun Chuanzhi , Wang Kui , Sun Haitao , Sun Nan , Chen Dezhan
Published: March 2014

The mechanism for initially divergent radical reactions reconverging to form a single product is studied using density functional theory calculations. The calculation results suggest that there are six possible pathways from reactants to products. The free energy barriers of the rate‐determining steps of each pathway are almost equal. Thus, different from usual reaction, the selectivity of this reaction is determined by the relative value of free energy barriers of the two competitive reactions, that is, cyclization and bimolecular trapping, rather than that of rate‐determining steps. In all reaction pathways, cyclization reaction is more competitive than bimolecular trapping reaction due to its low free energy barrier. In addition, the free energy barriers of bimolecular trapping reaction between Bu3SnH and reactants are all lower than that of NCC6H11. However, Bu3SnH is not always suitable due to its large steric repulsion. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new predictive model for the bond strength of FRP‐to‐concrete composite joints
Authors: Abdellahi Majid , Heidari Javad , Bahmanpour Maryam
Published: March 2014

In this work, gene expression programming (GEP), as a new tool, has been used to predict the bond strength of fibre‐reinforced polymer‐to‐concrete composite joints as the performance symbol of this structure. Some 238 datasets were collected from the literature, divided into 192 and 46 sets at random and then trained and tested respectively by means of GEP. The parameters width of prism, concrete cylinder compressive strength, width of fibre‐reinforced polymer (FRP), thickness of FRP, modulus of elasticity of FRP and bond length were used as input parameters. Using these input parameters, the bond strength of FRP‐to‐concrete composite joints in different conditions was predicted in the GEP model. The training and testing results in the GEP model show that GEP is a powerful tool for predicting the bond strength values of the FRP‐to‐concrete composite joints in the range considered.
Comparison of capture and escape rates between different types of portable cowbird traps
Authors: McLeod Mary Anne , Koronkiewicz Thomas J.
Published: March 2014

Control of brown‐headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) is often advocated to reduce parasitism and improve nesting success of sensitive populations of passerine birds, but little information is available in the literature concerning the relative effectiveness of different types of cowbird traps or the effects of these traps on non‐target species. We used portable traps to capture cowbirds in 2003–2007 at 3 study areas in southern Nevada and western Arizona. We compared the effectiveness of traps with flat tops versus funnel‐shaped tops in 2005 and compared entrance slots of 2 different widths in 2006–2007. Traps with funnel‐shaped tops had higher cowbird capture rates and lower escape rates than did flat‐topped traps. Funnel‐topped traps also had a higher capture rate of non‐target species. Funnel‐topped traps with a 3.8‐cm‐wide entrance slot had a higher capture rate for male cowbirds than did identical traps with a 3.2‐cm‐wide entrance slot. Capture rates for female cowbirds did not differ between slot sizes, nor did escape rates for either males or females. Capture rates for non‐target species did not differ between slot widths, but wider slots captured larger bodied species (e.g., white‐winged dove [Zenaida asiatica] and great‐tailed grackle [Quiscalus mexicanus]) that were not seen in the traps with narrower slots in the years when both slot widths were tested. Cowbird traps with a funnel‐topped design should be used to maximize the number of cowbirds captured and removed from a site. A slot width of 3.2 cm may minimize non‐target captures, particularly of larger bodied species, while still allowing effective removal of female cowbirds. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Engineering of Yarrowia lipolytica lipase Lip8p by circular permutation to alter substrate and temperature characteristics
Authors: Sheng Jun , Ji X F , Wang F , Sun M
Published: March 2014

Applications of lipases are mainly based on their catalytic efficiency and substrate specificity. In this study, circular permutation (CP), an unconventional protein engineering technique, was employed to acquire active mutants of Yarrowia lipolytica lipase Lip8p. A total of 21 mutant lipases exhibited significant shifts in substrate specificity. Cp128, the most active enzyme mutant, showed higher catalytic activity (14.5-fold) and higher affinity (4.6-fold) (decreased K  m) to p-nitrophenyl-myristate (pNP-C14) than wild type (WT). Based on the three-dimensional (3D) structure model of the Lip8p, we found that most of the functional mutation occurred in the surface-exposed loop region in close proximity to the lid domain (S112–F122), which implies the steric effect of the lid on lipase activity and substrate specificity. The temperature properties of Cp128 were also investigated. In contrast to the optimal temperature of 45 °C for the WT enzyme, Cp128 exhibited the maximal activity at 37 °C. But it is noteworthy that there is no change in thermostability.
Characterization of Nanocarbon Copper Composites Manufactured in Metallurgical Synthesis Process
Authors: Knych Tadeusz , Kwaśniewski Paweł , Kiesiewicz Grzegorz , Mamala Andrzej , Kawecki Artur , Smyrak Beata
Published: March 2014

Currently, there is a worldwide search for new forms of materials with properties that are significantly improved in comparison to materials currently in use. One promising research direction lies in the synthesis of metals containing modern carbon materials (e.g., graphene, nanotubes). In this article, the research results of metallurgical synthesis of a mixture of copper and two different kinds of carbon (activated carbon and multiwall carbon nanotubes) are shown. Samples of copper–carbon nanocomposite were synthesized by simultaneously exposing molten copper to an electrical current while vigorously stirring and adding carbon while under an inert gas atmosphere. The article contains research results of density, hardness, electrical conductivity, structure (TEM), and carbon decomposition (SIMS method) for the obtained materials.
Physicochemical and Antioxidant Characteristics of Kapok (Ceiba pentandra Gaertn.) Seed Oil
Authors: Anwar Farooq , Rashid Umer , Shahid Shaukat Ali , Nadeem Muhammad
Published: March 2014

In view of the growing demand for vegetable oils and fats, currently exploration of some under‐utilized and non‐conventional oil seed crops is of great concern. This work presents data on the detailed physicochemical and antioxidant attributes of kapok (Ceiba pentandra Gaertn.) seed oil. The kapok seeds contained an appreciable amount of oil (27.5 %), protein (35.0 %) and fiber (19.0 %). The extracted kapok seed oil (KSO) had an iodine value of 101.8 g of I2/100 g of oil, a saponification value of 187 mg of KOH/g of oil), and unsaponifiable matter 0.83 %. KSO also showed a good oxidation state as indicated by the measurements of the peroxide value, conjugated dienes, conjugated trienes, para‐anisidine and the induction period (Rancimat method). The tested oil showed a considerable amount of total phenolics (2.50 mg/100 g) and an appreciable free radical scavenging capacity. Gas liquid chromatographic analysis of fatty acids (FA) reveals that KSO mainly has linoleic acid (33.6 %) followed by oleic acid (23.4 %) and palmitic acid (22.4 %). Besides, a notable amount of cyclopropenoid fatty acids such as malvalic acid (9.1 %) and sterculic acid (2.8 %) was also detected. The FA composition of the tested oil was further verified by recording FTIR and NMR spectra. Among the oil phytosterols, analyzed by GC/GC–MS, β‐sitosterol was found to be the principal component whereas RP‐HPLC analysis showed the occurrence of γ‐tocopherol (550 mg/kg) as the major tocopherol along with considerable amount of α‐tocopherol (91 mg/kg) and δ‐tocopherol (5.52 mg/kg). It can be concluded from the results of this comprehensive study that under‐utilized kapok seeds are a potential feed stock for the production of a useful oil for edible and/or oleochemical applications.
Estradiol valerate plus dienogest versus ethinylestradiol plus levonorgestrel for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea
Authors: Petraglia Felice , Parke Susanne , Serrani Marco , Mellinger Uwe , Römer Thomas
Published: March 2014

Objective

To demonstrate the superiority of estradiol valerate plus dienogest (E2V/DNG) over ethinylestradiol plus levonorgestrel (EE/LNG) in reducing the number of days with dysmenorrheic pain among women with primary dysmenorrhea.

Methods

In a phase IIIb trial conducted at 44 centers worldwide between April 2009 and November 2010, otherwise healthy women aged 14 − 50 years requesting contraception were randomized to daily oral administration of E2V/DNG (n = 253) or EE/LNG (n = 254) for three 28‐day cycles. The primary efficacy variable was number of days with dysmenorrheic pain, the category of which (none, mild, moderate, severe) was self‐assessed on a daily basis (irrespective of menstrual bleeding status) and recorded on diary cards. Notably, the women documented their pain as they experienced it before taking any (permitted) rescue medication.

Results

Overall, 217 and 209 women receiving E2V/DNG and EE/LNG, respectively, completed the study. The mean ± SD change from baseline in number of days with dysmenorrheic pain was −4.6 ± 4.6 days and −4.2 ± 4.2 days for the E2V/DNG and EE/LNG groups, respectively (P = 0.34).

Conclusion

Both E2V/DNG and EE/LNG led to considerable relief of dysmenorrheic complaints among women with primary dysmenorrhea, decreasing the number of days with dysmenorrheic pain from baseline to a similar extent.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00909857
Evaluation of healthcare professionals’ understanding of eponymous maneuvers and mnemonics in emergency obstetric care provision
Authors: Jan Haider , Guimicheva Boriana , Gosh Srirupa , Hamid Rosol , Penna Leonie , Sarris Ippokratis
Published: March 2014

Objective

To evaluate whether eponymous maneuvers and mnemonics taught for the management of shoulder dystocia, vaginal breech delivery, and uterine inversion were remembered and understood in practice.

Methods

A questionnaire was distributed to obstetricians and midwives collecting information about the HELPERR and PALE SISTER mnemonics. Three extended matching questions evaluated participants’ knowledge of the correct maneuvers, with their matching eponyms, used in the management of shoulder dystocia, vaginal breech delivery, and uterine inversion.

Results

Of the 112 participants, 90% were familiar with the HELPERR mnemonic, with 79% using it in their practice. Of those who used it, only 32% could correctly decipher it (P = 0.032). PALE SISTER was mostly unfamiliar. The percentages of correct maneuvers used for managing shoulder dystocia, breech delivery, and uterine inversion were 84.6%, 58.3%, and 28.6%, respectively. However, the eponyms were correctly matched to their maneuvers in only 33.3%, 14.3%, and 0% of cases, respectively (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The meanings of the mnemonics for obstetric emergencies were frequently recalled incorrectly. This, together with the poor correlation between knowledge of maneuvers and their eponyms, limits their usefulness and indicates that teaching should focus on learning without relying on mnemonics and eponyms.
Posttraumatic Ossification of the Distal Radioulnar Joint
Authors: Ramon Yiu Lo , Yuen-Fai Leung , Yuen-Lun Lee
Published: March 2014

A 41-year-old lady had a history of fall injury with her left hand landed outstretched. The initial radiographs showed no fracture. She complained of persistent wrist pain and stiffness. The subsequent follow-up radiographs showed progressive radio-opaque lesion over the volar aspect of the distal radioulnar joint. Surgical excision was performed and patient regained full wrist joint motion and grip power.
Synthetic shoes attenuate hoof impact in the trotting warmblood horse
Authors: Back Willem , van Schie Maaike HM , Pol Jessica N
Published: March 2014

Impact is considered the most critical part of the stance phase for the development of chronic articular disorders such as osteoarthritis in the equine distal limb. Modern, synthetic shoeing materials are believed to modify impact and therefore are often used to treat an/r prevent lameness due to chronic joint disorders. Scientific evidence is scarce, however, to prove this. Hoof impact of forelimb was compared quantitatively in a group of horses under three conditions: unshod, classical steel shoes and shod with a synthetic shoe. Twelve sound warmblood horses were trotted by hand on an asphalt track at a mean speed of 3.5ms−1and measured in a Latin square design (unshod condition, with steel shoes and with polyurethane (PU) shoes) using a triaxial accelerometer that had been fixed to the lateral hoof wall of the left forelimb. The sampling frequency was set at 10kHz per channel. The maximum amplitude of vertical and horizontal, forwar/ackward accelerations at hoof impact was lowest when shod using the PU shoeing condition (P<0.05), but the duration of the impact vibrations was lowest when unshod. PU shoes cause more damping, less friction and slower shock absorption at hoof level compared with the other two conditions and thus modify impact. Synthetic, polyurethane shoes may help in reducing peak vibrations. These short-term effects appear to be promising enough to evaluate PU shoes under field conditions in reducing impact on the longer term after substantial wear and tear. Furthermore, the possible role of synthetic materials in repairing critical tissues or even in preventing osteoarthritis in horses warrants further investigation.
The Effect of the Surface Inclination on the Hydrodynamics and Thermodynamics of Leidenfrost Droplets
Authors: Pournaderi P. , Pishevar A. R.
Published: March 2014

In this research, the effect of the surface inclination on the hydrodynamics and heat transfer of droplets impinging on very hot surfaces is studied. The applied numerical algorithm is based on the accurate calculation of the vaporization rate in the simulation process using a combination of the level set and ghost fluid methods. Also a mesh clustering technique is utilized to create sufficient mesh resolution near the surface in order to take into account the effect of the thin vapor layer between droplet and very hot surface. The results are verified against available experiments. The effect of the surface inclination on the droplet maximum spreading radius, droplet contact time and total heat removal from the surface is considered. Results show that for the studied regime, the maximum spreading radius of the droplet is decreased with an increase in the surface inclination while the droplet contact time on the surface is independent from the surface inclination. For inclinations greater than 45°, the total heat removal is decreased considerably with an increase in the inclination angle. For smaller inclinations, the dependency of the total heat removal on the surface inclination is not strong.
Relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake
Authors: Spronk Inge , Kullen Charina , Burdon Catriona , O'Connor Helen
Published: March 2014

The present systematic review examined the relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake in adults (mean age ≥ 18 years). Relevant databases were searched from the earliest record until November 2012. Search terms included: nutrition; diet or food knowledge and energy intake; feeding behaviour; diet; eating; nutrient or food intake or consumption. Included studies were original research articles that used instruments providing quantitative assessment of both nutrition knowledge and dietary intake and their statistical association. The initial search netted 1 193 393 potentially relevant articles, of which twenty-nine were eligible for inclusion. Most of them were conducted in community populations (n22) with fewer (n7) in athletic populations. Due to the heterogeneity of methods used to assess nutrition knowledge and dietary intake, a meta-analysis was not possible. The majority of the studies (65·5 %: community 63·6 %; athletic 71·4 %) reported significant, positive, but weak (r< 0·5) associations between higher nutrition knowledge and dietary intake, most often a higher intake of fruit and vegetables. However, study quality ranged widely and participant representation from lower socio-economic status was limited, with most participants being tertiary educated and female. Well-designed studies using validated methodologies are needed to clarify the relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake. Diet quality scores or indices that aim to evaluate compliance to dietary guidelines may be particularly valuable for assessing the relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake. Nutrition knowledge is an integral component of health literacy and as low health literacy is associated with poor health outcomes, contemporary, high-quality research is needed to inform community nutrition education and public health policy.
Nitrogen balance and use efficiency on twenty-one intensive grass-based dairy farms in the South of Ireland
Authors: MIHAILESCU E. , MURPHY P. N. C. , RYAN W. , CASEY I. A. , HUMPHREYS J.
Published: March 2014

There is increasing concern about balancing agronomic and environmental gains from nitrogen (N) usage on dairy farms. Data from a 3-year (2009–2011) survey were used to assess farm-gate N balances and N use efficiency (NUE) on 21 intensive grass-based dairy farms operating under the good agricultural practice (GAP) regulations in Ireland. Mean stocking rate (SR) was 2·06 livestock units (LU)/ha, mean N surplus was 175 kg/ha, or 0·28 kg N/kg milk solids (MS), and mean NUE was 0·23. Nitrogen inputs were dominated by inorganic fertilizer (186 kg N/ha) and concentrates (26·6 kg N/ha), whereas outputs were dominated by milk (40·2 kg N/ha) and livestock (12·8 kg N/ha). Comparison with similar studies carried out before the introduction of the GAP regulations in 2006 would suggest that N surplus, both per ha and per kg MS, have significantly decreased (by 40 and 32%, respectively) and NUE increased (by 27%), mostly due to decreased inorganic fertilizer N input and improvements in N management, with a notable shift towards spring application of organic manures, indicating improved awareness of the fertilizer value of organic manures and good compliance with the GAP regulations regarding fertilizer application timing. These results would suggest a positive impact of the GAP regulations on dairy farm N surplus and NUE, indicating an improvement in both environmental and economic sustainability of dairy production through improved resource-use efficiencies. Such improvements will be necessary to achieve national targets of improved water quality and increased efficiency/sustainability of the dairy industry. The weak impact of SR on N surplus found in the present study would suggest that, with good management, increased SR and milk output per ha may be achievable, while decreasing N surplus per ha. Mean N surplus was lower than the overall mean surplus (224 kg N/ha) from six studies of northern and continental European dairy farms, while mean NUE was similar, largely due to the low input/output system that is more typical in Ireland, with seasonal milk production (compact spring calving), low use of concentrates, imported feed and forages, high use of grazed grass and lower milk yields per ha.
Effects of long-term fertilization on soil organic carbon content and aggregate composition under continuous maize cropping in Northeast China
Authors: SONG Z. W. , ZHU P. , GAO H. J. , PENG C. , DENG A. X. , ZHENG C. Y. , MANNAF M. A. , ISLAM M. N. , ZHANG W. J.
Published: March 2014

Fertilizer application can play an important role in soil organic carbon (SOC) retention and dynamics. The mechanisms underlying long-term accumulation and protection of SOC in intensive maize cropping systems, however, have not been well documented for cool high-latitude rainfed areas. Based on a 23-year fertilization experiment under a continuous maize cropping system at Gongzhuling, Jilin Province, China, the effects of fertilization regimes on SOC content and soil aggregate-associated carbon (C) composition were investigated. Results showed that, within the 0–1·0 m soil profile, SOC contents decreased significantly with soil depth in all treatments. In the topsoil layer (0–0·2 m), SOC concentrations in balanced inorganic fertilizers plus farmyard manure (MNPK), fallow system (FAL) and balanced inorganic fertilizers plus maize straw residue (SNPK) treatments were significantly greater than initial levels by 61·0, 34·1 and 20·1%, respectively. The MNPK and SNPK treatments increased SOC content by 50·7 and 12·4% compared to the unfertilized control in the topsoil layer, whereas no significant differences were found between balanced inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (NPK) and the unfertilized control treatment. There were no significant differences in aggregate-size distribution among the unfertilized control, NPK and MNPK treatments, whereas the SNPK treatment significantly enhanced the formation of micro-aggregates (53–250 μm) and decreased the formation of silt+clay aggregates (<53 μm) compared to the unfertilized control, NPK and MNPK treatments. Moreover, SOC concentrations in all aggregate fractions in the MNPK treatment were the highest among treatments. Furthermore, the MNPK treatment significantly increased SOC stock in micro- and silt+clay aggregates, which may slow down C decomposition in the soil. These results indicate that long-term manure amendment can benefit SOC sequestration and stability in the black soil of Northeast China.