bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of C1‐Esterase‐inhibitor in angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor‐induced angioedema
Authors: Greve Jens , Bas Murat , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Schuler Patrick J. , Weller Patrick , Kojda Georg , Strassen Ulrich
Published: January 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

The study objective was to generate pilot data to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of C1‐esterase‐inhibitor concentrate (C1‐INH) compared to standard treatment in patients with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)‐induced angioedema affecting the upper aerodigestive tract.

Study Design

Proof‐of‐concept case series with historical control.

Methods

Adult patients with angioedema in the upper aerodigestive tract presenting to the emergency department were included. After establishing the diagnosis of ACEi‐induced angioedema based on patient history and thorough clinical examination, all patients were administered 1,000 international units (IU) of C1‐INH intravenously. A historical control group consisting of adult patients with ACEi‐induced angioedema who had been treated with intravenous corticosteroids and antihistamines at the same institution over the past 8 years was used for comparison. The most important parameters assessed were the time to complete resolution of symptoms and the need for intubation or tracheotomy.

Results

Ten patients were included in the C1‐INH group and 47 in the corticosteroid/antihistamine group. The time to complete resolution of symptoms was considerably longer in the historical control group (33.1 ± 19.4 hours) than in the C1‐INH group (10.1 ± 3.0 hours). No intubation or tracheotomy was needed in the C1‐INH group (0/10 patients), whereas three out of the 47 historical controls required tracheotomy and two were intubated (5/47).

Conclusion

The results suggest a role for C1‐INH as an effective and safe therapeutic option in patients with ACEi‐induced angioedema, which needs to be confirmed by further larger and double‐blinded studies.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:E198–E202, 2015
Mechanical, Thermal, Rheological and Morphological Properties of Binary and Ternary Blends of PLA, TPS and PCL
Authors: Mittal Vikas , Akhtar Tehsin , Matsko Nadejda
Published: January 2015

Binary and ternary blends containing different compositions of poly‐l‐lactide (PLA), thermoplastic starch (TPS) and poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) polymers were generated by melt extrusion procedure. The onset of thermal degradation was observed to increase from 300 °C to 327 °C when the PCL content was increased form 0% to 50%. DSC analysis further revealed that TPS addition resulted in slight lowering of peak melting temperature of PLA and PCL. Tensile modulus value of 1591 MPa was measured for PLA50TPS50 blend, which decreased to 866 MPa for the PLA50PCL50 blend. Storage modulus was also observed to decrease as a function of PCL content in the blends. The miscibility analysis revealed the impact of PCL in enhancing the intermixing of the polymers in the ternary blends.
Reconstruction of severely infected gluteal osteoradionecrosis using negative‐pressure wound therapy and latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps
Authors: Kim Sang Wha , Youn Dong Geun , Hwang Kyu Tae , Kim Jeong Tae , Kim Youn Hwan
Published: January 2015

Radiotherapy is mandatory for aggressive cancer treatment. Unfortunately, the high‐energy radiation used can lead to severe osteoradionecrosis. Radical debridement of devitalized bone and soft tissue coupled with reconstruction using well‐vascularized tissues is the accepted treatment for this condition. However, osteoradionecrosis cannot be controlled easily or rapidly. The aim of this study was to present the results of the use of serial negative‐pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in combination with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for treatment of gluteal osteoradionecrosis in a consecutive series of patients. Between January 2003 and December 2012, nine patients underwent reconstruction using serial NPWT and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps. We applied negative‐pressure dressings for at least 8 weeks. Final reconstruction was performed after the infection was controlled. The superior gluteal artery and vein were used as recipient vessels in all the cases. The mean interval between operation and radiation therapy was 28.3 ± 8.3 years, and the mean number of debridement performed was 6.3 ± 1. NPWT dressings were applied for 8–12 weeks (mean, 9.3 ± 2 weeks). The defects ranged in size from 14 × 8 cm to 18 × 15 cm. The flap size ranged from 15 × 10 cm to 18 × 15 cm. All flaps survived uneventfully except in one patient who experienced chronic seroma and wound dehiscence. There were no recurrences of osteomyelitis during the follow‐up periods (mean, 14 ± 6.1 months). Based on the results obtained from this consecutive series of patients, we suggest that this methodology may provide an alternative approach for the treatment of severe osteoradionecrosis of the gluteal region. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:29–36, 2016.
Use existing resources to better support adjunct faculty teaching online
Authors: Gomez Cynthia
Published: January 2015

If your institution has a robust offering of distance courses and programs, chances are that it also employs many adjunct instructors to teach them. That's the case at Golden Gate University. As one of the institutions to first begin putting their programs online, Golden Gate now offers about 193 course sections online, plus another 183 are Web‐enhanced and 45 are taught in a blended format. Half of its programs are available at a distance.
An atomistic insight into light‐sensitive polymers with methylstilbene building blocks
Authors: Bandeira Nuno A. G. , Tylkowski Bartosz , Bogdanowicz Krzysztof Artur , Giamberini Marta , Bo Carles
Published: January 2015

Controlled release of photosensitive systems is widely studied because of its numerous applications. However, just a few descriptions of the mechanism of this phenomenon have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the behaviour of a real system based on light‐sensitive α‐methylstilbene‐based copolyester microcapsules with vanillin as an upload under UV irradiation. For this purpose we aimed to elucidate some of the structural features of the chains by means of quantum chemical calculations applying periodic boundary conditions. Additionally, the excitation energy of an approximated model was used to verify the influence of large size and various functionalities of attached groups on the system. From the optimized structure of trans and cis isomers, it was proved that trans‐to‐cis isomerization can be responsible for a main chain length reduction by 20% in comparison to the initial state, thus confirming the experimental findings. Moreover, the major influence of double bonds on photoactivity of the system was justified by comparison of the calculated UV‐visible spectra of both forms with empirically obtained data which were in good agreement. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of polymers possessing tetraphenylethylene units by three‐component coupling reactions of poly(p‐phenylene ethynylene) derivative with aryl halides and phenylboronic acid
Authors: Suto Takeru , Nishiyama Hiroki , Inagi Shinsuke , Tomita Ikuyoshi
Published: January 2015

A derivative of poly(p‐phenylene ethynylene) was subjected to the palladium‐catalyzed three‐component coupling reactions with aryl halides and phenylboronic acid to obtain polymers having tetrasubstituted cis‐vinylene units. For example, 69% of the acetylene units in the prepolymer were converted to cis‐vinylene (i.e., tetrasubstituted cis‐vinylene) units using iodobenzene and phenylboronic acid (5 equiv each with respect to acetylene units). In the UV–vis absorption spectra of the resulting polymers, clear hypsochromic shifts of the absorption maxima were observed, while bathochromic shifts and suppression of the efficiency were observed in their photoluminescence spectra. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 787–791
Effects of aromatic regularity on the structure and conductivity of polyimide‐poly(ethylene glycol) materials doped with ionic liquid
Authors: Coletta Elyse , Toney Michael F. , Frank Curtis W.
Published: January 2015

An understanding of the structure and properties of polymer electrolyte systems can be crucial to a variety of different applications. The current work performs a study of the composition, structure and properties of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐aromatic polyimide systems incorporating ionic liquids that are relevant to several applications especially fuel cell membranes. Composition was varied through using different aromatic dianhydrides, aromatic diamines and in some cases synthesis solvent. Properties were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, small‐angle x‐ray scattering, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. By varying solvent, aromatic regularity and expected rigidity can be tuned, impacting average conductivity by 30%. Varying the aromatic diamine can influence the length scale and amount of aromatic regularity, which can ultimately affect the conductivity by a factor of four. The maximum conductivity reached was 83 mS/cm at 80 °C and 70 %RH. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 509–521
Conserved movement of TMS11 between occluded conformations of LacY and XylE of the major facilitator superfamily suggests a similar hinge‐like mechanism
Authors: Västermark Åke , Driker Adelle , Li Jiaqi , Saier Milton H.
Published: January 2015

The Δ‐distance maps can detect local remodeling that is difficult to accurately determine using superimpositions. Transmembrane segments (TMSs) 11 in both LacY and XylE of the major facilitator superfamily uniquely contribute the greatest amount of mobile surface area in the outward‐occluded state and undergo analogous movements. The intracellular part of TMS11 moves away from the C‐terminal domain and into the substrate cavity during the conformational change from the outward‐occluded to the inward‐occluded state. A difference was noted between LacY and XylE when they assumed the inward open state after releasing a substrate to the inside in which TMS11 of LacY moved further into the substrate release space, whereas in XylE, TMS11 slightly retracted into the C‐terminal domain. Independent movement of the N‐terminal half of TMS11 suggests that it is flexible in the middle. Repeat‐swapped homology modeling was used to discover that a loop connecting TMSs 10 and 11 in LacY probably moves during the transition between the unavailable outward‐open state and the outward‐occluded state. TMSs 11 and the other elements displaying a notable domain‐independent movement colocalize with the interdomain linker, suggesting that these elements could drive the alternating access movement between the domain halves. Preliminary evidence indicates that analogous movements occur in other members of the major facilitator superfamily. Proteins 2015; 83:735–745. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PI3K‐Mediated Proliferation of Fibroblasts by Calendula officinalis Tincture: Implication in Wound Healing
Authors: Dinda Manikarna , Dasgupta Uma , Singh Namrata , Bhattacharyya Debasish , Karmakar Parimal
Published: January 2015

Calendula officinalis, a member of the Asteraceae family, is a flowering plant and has been used for its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiinflammatory, anticancer and wound healing activity. The mode of action of C. officinalis tincture on wound healing is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of C. officinalis tincture (CDOT) on cell viability and wound closure. C. officinalis tincture stimulated both proliferation and migration of fibroblasts in a statistically significant manner in a PI3K‐dependent pathway. The increase in phosphorylation of FAK (Tyr 397) and Akt (Ser 473) was detected after treatment of CDOT. Inhibition of the PI3K pathway by wortmannin and LY294002 decreased both cell proliferation and cell migration. HPLC‐ESI MS revealed the presence of flavonol glycosides as the major compounds of CDOT. Altogether, our results showed that CDOT potentiated wound healing by stimulating proliferation and migration of fibroblast in a PI3K‐dependent pathway, and the identified compounds are likely to be responsible for wound healing activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An iterative learning control design approach for networked control systems with data dropouts
Authors: Xuhui Bu , Zhongsheng Hou , Shangtai Jin , Ronghu Chi
Published: January 2015

In network‐based iterative learning control (ILC) systems, data dropout often occurs during data packet transfers from the remote plant to the ILC controller. This paper considers the problem of controller design for such ILC processes. Packet missing is modeled by stochastic variables satisfying the Bernoulli random binary distribution, which renders such an ILC system to be a stochastic one. Then, the design of ILC law is transformed into the stabilization of a 2‐D stochastic system described by the Roesser model. A sufficient condition for mean‐square asymptotic stability is established by means of a linear matrix inequality technique, and formulas can be given for the control law design simultaneously. This result is further extended to more general cases where the system matrices also contain uncertain parameters. The effectiveness and merits of the proposed method are illustrated by a numerical example. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HCELL Expression on Murine MSC Licenses Pancreatotropism and Confers Durable Reversal of Autoimmune Diabetes in NOD Mice
Authors: Abdi Reza , Moore Robert , Sakai Shinobu , Donnelly Conor B. , Mounayar Marwan , Sackstein Robert
Published: January 2015

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an immune-mediated disease resulting in destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess potent immunomodulatory properties, garnering increasing attention as cellular therapy for T1D and other immunologic diseases. However, MSCs generally lack homing molecules, hindering their colonization at inflammatory sites following intravenous (IV) administration. Here, we analyzed whether enforced E-selectin ligand expression on murine MSCs could impact their effect in reversing hyperglycemia in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. Although murine MSCs natively do not express the E-selectin-binding determinant sialyl Lewisx (sLex), we found that fucosyltransferase-mediated α(1,3)-exofucosylation of murine MSCs resulted in sLex display uniquely on cell surface CD44 thereby creating hematopoietic cell E-/L-selectin ligand (HCELL), the E-selectin-binding glycoform of CD44. Following IV infusion into diabetic NOD mice, allogeneic HCELL+ MSCs showed threefold greater peri-islet infiltrates compared to buffer-treated (i.e., HCELL−) MSCs, with distribution in proximity to E-selectin-expressing microvessels. Exofucosylation had no effect on MSC immunosuppressive capacity in in vitro assays; however, although engraftment was temporary for both HCELL+ and HCELL− MSCs, administration of HCELL+ MSCs resulted in durable reversal of hyperglycemia, whereas only transient reversal was observed following administration of HCELL− MSCs. Notably, exofucosylation of MSCs generated from CD44−/− mice induced prominent membrane expression of sLex, but IV administration of these MSCs into hyperglycemic NOD mice showed no enhanced pancreatotropism or reversal of hyperglycemia. These findings provide evidence that glycan engineering to enforce HCELL expression boosts trafficking of infused MSCs to pancreatic islets of NOD mice and substantially improves their efficacy in reversing autoimmune diabetes. Stem Cells  2013;33:1523–1531
Safety and Feasibility of Laparoscopic Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Posterosuperior Liver Segments
Authors: Xiang Lunjian , Xiao Le , Li Jianwei , Chen Jian , Fan Yudong , Zheng Shuguo
Published: January 2015

Background

Laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) is mostly performed to treat solitary tumors in the anterolateral liver segments (II, III, IVb, V, and VI). Few reports are available on LH for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the posterosuperior liver segments (I, IVa, VII, and VIII), especially in association with cirrhosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and feasibility of LH in this clinical setting.

Methods

From January 2008 to January 2011, LH was conducted in 56 patients with HCC in the posterosuperior liver segments (PS group) and 70 patients with HCC in the anterolateral liver segments (AL group) who were admitted to Southwest Hospital of the Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China. The clinical data and follow‐up results in the two groups of patients were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

No patient in either group died during the perioperative period. Statistically significant differences were found between the PS and AL groups in terms of the operation time (217.5 ± 63.7 vs 176.8 ± 48.4 min, P = 0.000), volume of blood loss (295.5 ± 186.8 vs 220.4 ± 164.2 ml, P = 0.001), conversion rate from laparoscopy to laparotomy (17.9 vs 7.1 %, P = 0.031), transfusion rate (16.1 vs 4.3 %, P = 0.025), cases of hepatic inflow occlusion (38/18 vs 28/42, P = 0.002), and duration of inflow occlusion (41.3 ± 16.3 vs 31.3 ± 12.2 min, P = 0.005). Parameters with no significant differences between the two groups of patients included tumor size (4.0 ± 1.5 vs 3.9 ± 1.7 cm, P = 0.894), resection margin (1.7 ± 0.7 vs 1.8 ± 0.6 cm, P = 0.102), postoperative complication rate (16.1 vs 17.1 %, P = 0.873), postoperative anal exhaust time (3.2 ± 0.6 vs 3.0 ± 0.6 days, P = 0.361), and postoperative hospital stay (10.5 ± 2.7 vs 10.0 ± 0.6 days, P = 0.102). The serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels on postoperative days 1 and 3 were significantly higher in the PS group than in the AL group. There were no significant differences in the postoperative levels of the serum total bilirubin, albumin, ALT, or AST levels on postoperative days 5 and 7. After 2–48 months of follow‐up, no significant differences in the 1‐ and 3‐year overall survival rates (92.9 vs 95.7 %, P = 0.487 and 76.0 vs 76.8 %, P = 0.878, respectively) or 1‐ and 3‐year disease‐free survival rates (85.7 vs 87.1 %, P = 0.797 and 57.6 vs 56.4 %, P = 0.806, respectively) were noted between the two groups.

Conclusions

LH is safe and feasible for selected patients with HCC in the posterosuperior segments of the liver.
The proteome of cblC defect: in vivo elucidation of altered cellular pathways in humans
Authors: Caterino Marianna , Pastore Anna , Strozziero Maria Grazia , Di Giovamberardino Gianna , Imperlini Esther , Scolamiero Emanuela , Ingenito Laura , Boenzi Sara , Ceravolo Ferdinando , Martinelli Diego , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo , Ruoppolo Margherita
Published: January 2015

Methylmalonic acidemia with homocystinuria, cobalamin deficiency type C (cblC) (MMACHC) is the most common inborn error of cobalamin metabolism. Despite a multidrug treatment, the long‐term follow‐up of early‐onset patients is often unsatisfactory, with progression of neurological and ocular impairment. Here, the in‐vivo proteome of control and MMACHC lymphocytes (obtained from patients under standard treatment with OHCbl, betaine, folate and L‐carnitine) was quantitatively examined by two dimensional differential in‐gel electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE) and mass spectrometry. Twenty three proteins were found up‐regulated and 38 proteins were down‐regulated. Consistent with in vivo studies showing disturbance of glutathione metabolism, a deregulation in proteins involved in cellular detoxification, especially in glutathione metabolism was found. In addition, relevant changes were observed in the expression levels of proteins involved in intracellular trafficking and protein folding, energy metabolism, cytoskeleton organization and assembly. This study demonstrates relevant changes in the proteome profile of circulating lymphocytes isolated from treated cblC patients. Some results confirm previous observations in vivo on fibroblast, thus concluding that some dysregulation is ubiquitous. On the other hand, new findings could be tissue‐specific. These observations expand our current understanding of the cblC disease and may ignite new research and therapeutic strategies to treat this disorder.
The use of an iPad to Collect Patient-Reported Functional Outcome Measures in Hand Surgery
Authors: Yafef Mark , Goyal Nitin , Kokmeyer Daniel , Merrel Gregory A
Published: January 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate (1) patient preferences regarding iPad and paper-based questionnaires, (2) the efficacy of iPad and paper questionnaires in a hand surgery practice, (3) the influence of questionnaire length on patient preferences and data collection, and (4) patient characteristics associated with a preference for iPad-based questionnaires.

Methods

Two hundred total patients in a single hand surgery practice were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Each group completed either the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) or QuickDASH (QD) using either an iPad or pen and paper. Patient preferences, questionnaire completion and timing, and demographic data were analyzed.

Results

The use of an iPad was associated with a statistically stronger preference for the same delivery format in the future compared to paper for the MHQ (93.9 vs 52.1 %, p<0.001) and QD (90.0 vs 41.7 %, p<0.001). The MHQ iPad group found the survey “physically easy” more often compared to the MHQ paper group, while no difference was found among QD groups. Questionnaire timing between iPad and paper groups was similar for the MHQ but statistically longer with the iPad for QD. A significantly higher proportion of patients who preferred the iPad were under the age of 50 compared to those who preferred paper.

Conclusions

The addition of an iPad is an efficient and preferable questionnaire format for functional outcome assessment in a hand and upper extremity surgery practice setting. The iPad is particularly preferable for longer outcome questionnaires and for patients under the age of 50.
Exit Discrimination in the NFL: A Duration Analysis of Career Length
Authors: Ducking Johnny , Groothuis Peter A. , Hill James Richard
Published: January 2015

Exit discrimination is defined as the involuntary termination of employment due to racial characteristics holding productivity constant. We test for exit discrimination in the National Football League (NFL) using a panel study on career length. Our analysis focuses on six positional groups: defensive backs, defensive linemen, linebackers, running backs, tight ends and wide receivers. In our analysis, in addition to race, we include performance variables to determine their importance in determining career length. Using both parametric and semi-parametric hazard models, we find no evidence of exit discrimination in the NFL.
Effect of a Social Emotional Learning Programme for Primary School Students
Authors: Wong Agnes S.K. , Li-Tsang Cecilia W.P. , Siu Andrew M.H.
Published: January 2015

Objective/Background

This study evaluates the effect of a social emotional learning (SEL) programme for primary school students who have difficulties in social and emotional management, as reported by their teachers or parents.

Methods

Twenty-seven primary school students were recruited and randomly assigned to the treatment group (n = 14) and the control group (n = 13). The elementary school version of the Social Skills Rating System was used to assess the social skills and problem behaviours of the participants before and after the programme. The treatment group joined a six-session SEL programme, which was modified and localized based on the Strong Kids Programme. The programme aimed to improve participants’ social emotional skills, such as dealing with anxiety and understanding and identifying the emotions of self and others. Each session lasted for about 1 hour and was run in small groups.

Results

Problem behaviours were significantly less frequent in the treatment group after the programme (p = .008), but not in the control group. However, no significant changes were found in the measures of social skills.

Conclusion

The results of this pilot study show that the SEL can effectively reduce the problem behaviours of primary school students. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
How social context impacts on the development, identification and treatment of mental and substance use disorders among young people – a qualitative study of health care workers
Authors: Leahy D. , Schaffalitzky E. , Armstrong C. , Latham L. , McNicholas F. , Meagher D. , Nathan Y. , O’Connor R. , O’Keane V. , Ryan P. , Smyth B. P. , Swan D. , Cullen W.
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Social context has a major influence on the detection and treatment of youth mental and substance use disorders in socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas, particularly where gang culture, community violence, normalisation of drug use and repetitive maladaptive family structures prevail. This paper aims to examine how social context influences the development, identification and treatment of youth mental and substance use disorders in socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas from the perspectives of health care workers.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with health care workers (n=37) from clinical settings including: primary care, secondary care and community agencies and analysed thematically using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory to guide analysis.

Results

Health care workers’ engagement with young people was influenced by the multilevel ecological systems within the individual’s social context which included: the young person’s immediate environment/‘microsystem’ (e.g., family relationships), personal relationships in the ‘mesosystem’ (e.g., peer and school relationships), external factors in the young person’s local area context/‘exosystem’ (e.g., drug culture and criminality) and wider societal aspects in the ‘macrosystem’ (e.g., mental health policy, health care inequalities and stigma).

Conclusions

In socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas, social context, specifically the micro-, meso-, exo-, and macro-system impact both on the young person’s experience of mental health or substance use problems and services, which endeavour to address these problems. Interventions that effectively identify and treat these problems should reflect the additional challenges posed by such settings.
‘As long as it's good’: An intergenerational family perspective of bridging gaps between reality and ideality of second couplehood as a problem and as a solution
Authors: KOREN CHAYA , SIMHI SHIRAN
Published: January 2015

Second couplehood in old age following widowhood or divorce is a phenomenon developing with the increase in life expectancy and is yet to be accepted as part of the normative ageing process. The aim of this paper is to examine how family members of three generations perceive second couplehood in old age as a new phenomenon within a changing society and a dynamic family structure. The multigenerational families of 19 second-couplehood dyads (a total of 38 multigenerational families) were recruited using criterion sampling. The second-couplehood dyads were composed of men who repartnered at age 65+ and women at 60+, with children and grandchildren from a lifelong marriage. We tape recorded and transcribed verbatim 107 semi-structured qualitative interviews with older partners, their adult children and grandchildren. Analysis was based on grounded theory and dyadic-analysis principles adapted to families. Two main themes were found that presented gaps between reality and ideality experienced by the participants regarding second couplehood: as a problem through its disadvantages, and as a solution through its advantages. The gaps in both themes were bridged by the account: ‘as long as it's good’. Findings are discussed in the context of modernisation theory, the lifecourse and the family lifecycle perspectives relating to changes in family structure and ambivalence and how to deal with them on the macro, mezzo and micro levels.
Bordetella parapertussis outbreak in Bisham, Pakistan in 2009–2010: fallout of the 9/11 syndrome
Authors: JAVED S. , SAID F. , EQANI S. A. M. A. S. , BOKHARI H.
Published: January 2015

Pertussis or whooping cough is a highly contagious community disease mainly caused by Bordetella pertussis and B. parapertussis. We report a minor outbreak of whooping cough (2009–2010) in symptomatic subjects from Bisham, near Swat, Khyber Pukhtoonkhawa province, Pakistan. Interestingly, our results show that all the culture-positive isolates (n = 21) collected from children (average age 3·46 years), were identified as B. parapertussis after routine identification tests and PCR IS481, IS1001 and IS1002. Furthermore, in the affected patients, none had received immunization with diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DTPw) vaccine. Therefore, the possibility of the re-emergence of the disease due to limitation of basic health services as a result of the political unrest due to the 9/11 situation is also examined. Moreover, we discuss the importance of vaccinating both adults and children with DTPwPaw vaccine containing both organisms for better protection.
Presidential Campaigning in the 2002 Congressional Elections
Authors: Keele Luke J. , Fogarty Brian J. , Stimson James A.
Published: January 2015

Many different elements make up the strength of a president, but a president with a majority in both houses of Congress works from a position of power. While a congressional majority does not guarantee that a president can pass his agenda (witness Jimmy Carter and the first two years of the Clinton presidency), a president that has majority in Congress will have natural allies instead of natural enemies when he works to enact his legislative agenda.
Development and evaluation of a stand-alone index for the assessment of small children’s diet quality
Authors: Röytiö Henna , Jaakkola Johanna , Hoppu Ulla , Poussa Tuija , Laitinen Kirsi
Published: January 2015

Objective

To construct and evaluate an independent Children’s Index of Diet Quality (CIDQ).

Design

A food consumption questionnaire, which contained twenty-five multiple-item questions on eating and food intake, was formulated and evaluated against 7 d food records. Key questions that best reflected a healthy diet, defined in criteria set by the nutrient recommendations, were searched and validated by correlation and analyses of receiver-operating characteristic curves.

Settings

A cohort of a young population of South-West Finland.

Subjects

Participants (n 400) were 2–6-year-old children.

Results

Fifteen questions were identified to best depict the children’s diet quality in reference to the recommendations. These questions were scored, summarized and further constructed into a three-class index (good, moderate and poor dietary quality) where higher scores depicted better diet quality. The CIDQ cut-off score of 14 points for good dietary quality had a sensitivity of 0·59 and a specificity of 0·82 and the cut-off score of 10 points, for at least moderate dietary quality, had a sensitivity of 0·77 and a specificity of 0·69. Higher index scores were related to higher dietary intakes of several vitamins, lower dietary intakes of SFA and cholesterol, and further with lower serum cholesterol and higher serum vitamin C concentrations.

Conclusions

The three-class food index was found to represent diet quality as defined in recommendations and evaluated against nutrient intakes from food diaries and biochemical markers. This self-standing index could provide an effective and low-burden method to obtain information about diet quality and guide future recommendations.
Effekte von Musik auf das Herz-Kreislauf-System
Authors: Trappe Hans-Joachim , Breker Irini Maria
Published: January 2015

Musik (M) spielt im Leben eines jeden Menschen nicht nur eine wichtige Rolle, sondern hat auch Effekte auf Herzfrequenz (HF), Herzfrequenzvariabilität (HRV) und auf andere physiologische Parameter. Bei Musikern sind die Beeinflussungen von HF, HRV und autonomen Nervensystem größer als bei Musik-Zuhörern. Obgleich M als subjektives Empfinden zu interpretieren ist, zeigen Studien, dass objektive Parameter unter verschiedenen Umständen eindeutig durch Musik beeinflusst werden. Es wurde nachgewiesen, dass M als Prämedikation zu einer signifikant niedrigen Ängstlichkeitsrate führte als Midazolam. M wird auch bei anderen Situationen eingesetzt: bei depressiven Menschen, alten Menschen, zur Schmerztherapie und im Rahmen der Intensiv- bzw. Palliativmedizin. M sollte jedoch individuell nach den Wünschen der Pt ausgewählt werden. Nur so lassen sich die gewünschten Effekte erreichen: Ängste vermeiden und eine Verbesserung der Lebensqualität (QoL). Die besten M-Effekte sind durch klassische oder meditative M zu erreichen. Es gibt viele Komponisten, deren M zu einer Verbesserung der QoL führen. Besonders Bach, Mozart oder italienische Komponisten sind hier zu nennen. In einer eigenen Untersuchung konnten wir allerdings zeigen, dass klassische Musik, Heavy Metal, Lärm und Ruhe auf Herzfrequenz und Blutdruck zu ähnlichen, voneinander nicht signifikanten Unterschieden führten.
Harmony of the Heart: Music Therapy
Authors: Hanser Suzanne B. , Mandel Susan E.
Published: January 2015

This article presents a research agenda that began with the development of a clinical music therapy protocol, including music-assisted relaxation and imagery (MARI), for individuals with heart conditions who are referred for cardiac rehabilitation.  Health-related outcomes of this program were investigated in a randomized controlled trial, finding significant changes in blood pressure over time, and short-term changes in stress and anxiety. A mixed methods study then examined process and outcomes more thoroughly in a small sample of patients.  In a more recent trial, this approach was applied to individuals who have diabetes.  Coming full circle, the research investigations informed an adaptation of the original music therapy protocol for clinical use in cardiac rehabilitation.  Underlying mechanisms in the autonomic nervous system and future research directions are also discussed.
Creation of a Death by Suicide
Authors: Mallon Sharon , Stanley Nicky
Published: January 2015

Background: Suicide research acknowledges the negotiated nature of a coroner’s verdict of suicide. However, the process by which those who are bereaved come to determine that a death was a suicide has received little attention. Aims: To explore how young adults come to conceptualize their friends’ deaths as suicides. Method: In-depth interviews were undertaken with 12 young people whose friends had died by apparent suicides. Interviews were analyzsed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Few of the participants attended the inquest, and most placed little value on the verdict given to the death by the coroner. However, participants used processes and definitions similar to the coroners’ to explore and create meaning from their friend's final thoughts and actions in order to determine whether he/she meant to end their life. Conclusion: This research contributes to our understanding of the profound impact of death by suicide and the negotiated nature of participants’ understandings of the death. The findings can assist in understanding how the bereaved may be supported.
Conventional US, elastography and contrast enhanced US features of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma predict central compartment lymph node metastases
Authors: Hong Yu-Rong , Yan Cao-Xin , Mo Guo-Qaing , Luo Zhi-Yan , Zhang Ying , Wang Yong , Huang Pin-Tong
Published: January 2015

Lymph node metastases at the time of diagnosis have a major impact on both therapeutic strategy and tumor recurrence for patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Our objective was to evaluate the usefulness of PTMC characteristics on ultrasonography for predicting central compartment lymph node metastases (CCLNM) of PTMC. One hundred twenty seven patients who underwent surgery for PTMC were enrolled in this study. The relationship between the CCLNM and the characteristics on conventional US, elastographic and contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) were investigated. Univariate analysis indicated that PTMCs with CCLNM were more often nodule irregular shape, microcalcifications, hyperenhancing or isoenhancing parametric maps and peak index ≥1 at preoperative US and CEUS than those without CCLNM (P< 0.01, 0.05, 0.01 and 0.05 respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that microcalcification (OR:2.378, 95% CI: 1.096–5.158) and hyperenhancement or isoenhancement (OR:2.8, 95% CI: 1.287–6.094) were predictive for the presence of CCLNM. Elastography score was not significantly different between the groups. Our study indicated that preoperative thyroid nodule characteristics on conventional US and CEUS may serve as a useful tool to predict central compartment lymph node metastases in PTMC.
An improved separation method for classification of Macleaya cordata from different geographical origins
Authors: Qing Zhi-Xing , Liu Xiu-Bin , Wu Hui-Min , Cheng Pi , Liu Yi-Song , Zeng Jian-Guo
Published: January 2015

In this study, an improved separation method for the metabolomic study of polar and basic secondary metabolites by high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS) using an “Xcharge C18” column has been developed.
Gas-phase spectroscopy of singly reduced tris(bipyridine)ruthenium ions, Ru(bipy)3+
Authors: Byskov Camilla Skinnerup , Weber J. Mathias , Nielsen Steen Brøndsted
Published: January 2015

Light absorption in the visible region by isolated Ru(bipy)3+ (bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) monocations, prepared in vacuo by reduction of dications in collisional electron transfer from cesium atoms, was recorded using photodissociation mass spectroscopy and found to be broad and similar to that of acetonitrile-solvated ions (maximum at 520 nm).
Cyclopenta[b]naphthalene cyanoacrylate dyes: synthesis and evaluation as fluorescent molecular rotors
Authors: Kocsis Laura S. , Elbel Kristyna M. , Hardigree Billie A. , Brummond Kay M. , Haidekker Mark A. , Theodorakis Emmanuel A.
Published: January 2015

The application of an intramolecular dehydrogenative dehydro-Diels–Alder (IDDDA) reaction to the construction of fluorescent molecular rotors (D–π-A motif) containing a cyclopenta[b]naphthalene ring system is described.
Volatiles from nineteen recently genome sequenced actinomycetes
Authors: Citron Christian A. , Barra Lena , Wink Joachim , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: January 2015

The volatiles from nineteen genome sequenced actinobacteria were analysed by GC/MS and the identified terpenes were correlated to genome data.
Acid-promoted direct electrophilic trifluoromethylthiolation of phenols
Authors: Jereb Marjan , Gosak Kaja
Published: January 2015

A highly selective and effective, acid-promoted, electrophilic trifluoromethylthiolation of phenols is described.
Temperature-responsive mixed core nanoparticle properties determined by the composition of statistical and block copolymers in the core
Authors: Kotsuchibashi Y. , Ebara M. , Hoffman A. S. , Narain R. , Aoyagi T.
Published: January 2015

Mixed core nanoparticles were prepared from self-assembled statistical and block copolymers by controlling the solution temperature. Interestingly, an equal mass of specific statistical copolymers was successfully loaded into block copolymer micelle cores.
A novel biodegradable polymeric surfactant synthesized from carbon dioxide, maleic anhydride and propylene epoxide
Authors: Liu Yulei , Deng Kuirong , Wang Shuanjin , Xiao Min , Han Dongmei , Meng Yuezhong
Published: January 2015

Novel biodegradable polymeric surfactants were synthesized by the sulfonation of gradient structured terpolymers of CO2, propylene epoxide and maleic anhydride.
Interaction between red wine procyanidins and salivary proteins: effect of stomach digestion on the resulting complexes
Authors: Soares S. , Brandão E. , Mateus N. , de Freitas V.
Published: January 2015

Some tannin(T)/SP complexes were disrupted by gastric digestion, leading to T release. This was seen for complexes formed with tannin mono-, di- and trimers. In contrast, complexes made by tetra- and pentamers were more resistant to gastric digestion.
Enhanced electroactivity and substrate affinity of microperoxidase-11 attached to pyrene-linkers π–π stacked on carbon nanostructure electrodes
Authors: Prasad K. Sudhakara , Walgama Charuksha , Krishnan Sadagopan
Published: January 2015

An exceptionally large electroactively connected microperoxidase-11 (MP-11) with strong affinity for organic peroxide and offering a high electrocatalytic reduction current density of 7.5 mA cm−2is achieved for the first time.
Electrocatalysis of both oxygen reduction and water oxidation using a cost-effective three-dimensional MnO2/graphene/carbon nanotube
Authors: Ye Daixin , Wu Tong , Cao Hongmei , Wang Yi , Liu Baohong , Zhang Song , Kong Jilie
Published: January 2015

Bifunctional MnO2/graphene/carbon nanotubes were fabricated using a facile cost-effective one-pot method. They can act as efficient cathode catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with a positive onset potential and high cathodic density.
Selective hydrogen peroxide oxidation of sulfides to sulfones with carboxylated multi-walled carbon nano tubes (MWCNTs-COOH) as heterogeneous and recyclable nanocatalysts under organic solvent-free conditions
Authors: Veisi Hojat , Eshbala Fereshteh Hosseini , Hemmati Saba , Baghayeri Mehdi
Published: January 2015

This study deals with oxidation of sulfides to sulfones by using a heterogeneous and recyclable nanocatalyst.
Efficient photocatalysts from polymorphic cuprous oxide/zinc oxide microstructures
Authors: Li Ru , Yu Liangmin , Yan Xuefeng , Tang Qunwei
Published: January 2015

Polymorphic Cu2O/ZnO were synthesized by a mild solution method for photocatalysts, displaying enhanced photocatalytic activity. A pseudo cell was launched to demonstrate the potential charge-separation mechanism.
Intergrowth charring for flame-retardant glass fabric-reinforced epoxy resin composites
Authors: Jiang Jun , Cheng Yanbo , Liu Yuan , Wang Qi , He Yueshan , Wang Biwu
Published: January 2015

An interfacial intergrowth charring method is designed and employed in glass fabric-reinforced epoxy resin composites.
Multivalency: influence of the residence time and the retraction rate on rupture forces measured by AFM
Authors: Bacharouche Jalal , Degardin Mélissa , Jierry Loïc , Carteret Cédric , Lavalle Philippe , Hemmerlé Joseph , Senger Bernard , Auzély-Velty Rachel , Boulmedais Fouzia , Boturyn Didier , Coche-Guérente Liliane , Schaaf Pierre , Francius Grégory
Published: January 2015

Molecular orientation and flexibility of β-CD modulate the contact time and the multivalence effects of specific host–guest interactions.
Multifunctional polypyrene/silica hybrid coatings with stable excimer fluorescence and robust superhydrophobicity derived from electrodeposited polypyrene films
Authors: Xu Lianyi , Tong Faqin , Lu Xuemin , Lu Kai , Lu Qinghua
Published: January 2015

A fluorescent and robust superhydrophobic coating based on a fluorinated polypyrene/silica hybrid film was prepared readily on the large-scale substrates.
Aggregation-induced chirality, circularly polarized luminescence, and helical self-assembly of a leucine-containing AIE luminogen
Authors: Li Hongkun , Cheng Juan , Deng Haiqin , Zhao Engui , Shen Bo , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Wong Kam Sing , Wu Hongkai , Li Bing Shi , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: January 2015

TPE-Leu, an AIE luminogen, shows aggregation-induced chirality, and can self-assemble into helical micro/nanofibers, displaying good circularly polarized luminescence performance.
Fault location considering load uncertainty and distributed generation in power distribution systems
Authors: Mora‐Flórez Juan J. , Herrera‐Orozco Ricardo A. , Bedoya‐Cadena Andres F.
Published: January 2015

A proposal of a fault location technique for power distribution systems considering distributed generation (DG) and uncertainties associated to the fault resistance, load magnitude and model, fault type and faulted node is presented in this study. The approach presented here uses only single end measurements at the main power substation and at the DG source. To demonstrate the good performance of the proposed approach, tests on the 24.9 kV IEEE 34 nodes test feeder, which includes three‐phase and single‐phase laterals, are performed. According to the results, a high performance is obtained in the fault distance estimation, considering the shunt faults and the uncertainties in the proposed test scenarios. Finally, it is demonstrated that the proposed approach helps to maintain high continuity indexes by speeding up the fault location task in modern power distribution utilities.
Bandpass filters with multiple transmission zeros using open/shorted stubs
Authors: Feng Wenjie , Gao Xin , Che Wenquan
Published: January 2015

Two novel bandpass filters with multiple transmission zeros using open/shorted stubs are presented in this study. By utilising shorted coupled lines and the open/shorted stubs, five and eight out‐of‐band transmission zeros can be realised for the two bandpass filters from 0 to 2f0 (f0 is the centre frequency of the passband). Five and eight transmission zeros can be adjusted freely by only changing the electrical length of the open/shorted stubs. Two planar bandpass filters (3‐dB fractional bandwidths 7.44%, 3.88–4.18 GHz and 7.5%, 3.85–4.15 GHz) are designed and fabricated. The theoretical and measured results all show good in‐band filtering performances and high selectivity.
Beam envelope calculations in general linear coupled lattices
Authors: Chung Moses , Qin Hong , Groening Lars , Davidson Ronald C. , Xiao Chen
Published: January 2015

The envelope equations and Twiss parameters (β and α) provide important bases for uncoupled linear beam dynamics. For sophisticated beam manipulations, however, coupling elements between two transverse planes are intentionally introduced. The recently developed generalized Courant-Snyder theory offers an effective way of describing the linear beam dynamics in such coupled systems with a remarkably similar mathematical structure to the original Courant-Snyder theory. In this work, we present numerical solutions to the symmetrized matrix envelope equation for β which removes the gauge freedom in the matrix envelope equation for w. Furthermore, we construct the transfer and beam matrices in terms of the generalized Twiss parameters, which enables calculation of the beam envelopes in arbitrary linear coupled systems.
Structural evolution of small ruthenium cluster anions
Authors: Waldt Eugen , Hehn Anna-Sophia , Ahlrichs Reinhart , Kappes Manfred M. , Schooss Detlef
Published: January 2015

The structures of ruthenium cluster anions have been investigated using a combination of trapped ion electron diffraction and density functional theory computations in the size range from eight to twenty atoms. In this size range, three different structural motifs are found: Ru8−–Ru12− have simple cubic structures, Ru13−–Ru16− form double layered hexagonal structures, and larger clusters form close packed motifs. For Ru17−, we find hexagonal close packed stacking, whereas octahedral structures occur for Ru18−–Ru20−. Our calculations also predict simple cubic structures for the smaller clusters Ru4−–Ru7−, which were not accessible to electron diffraction measurements.