bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zinc‐deficiency resistance and biofortification in plants
Authors: Humayan Kabir Ahmad , Swaraz A. M. , Stangoulis James
Published: February 2014

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a well‐documented problem in plants, causing decreased yields and nutritional quality. When facing a shortage in Zn supply, plants acclimatize by enhancing the Zn acquisition. In this review, we highlight recent progress in understanding of plant resistance to Zn deficiency and discuss the future challenges to fully unravel its molecular basis of regulation. Emphasis is given on the physiological and molecular basis of Zn acquisition, the long‐distance transport of Zn and the genotypic variations in Zn use efficiency of plants. Prospects of Zn biofortification strategies as well as further efforts for crop improvement to overcome Zn deficiency are also addressed.
Full four‐component relativistic calculations of the one‐bond 77Se–13C spin‐spin coupling constants in the series of selenium heterocycles and their parent open‐chain selenides
Authors: Rusakov Yury Yu. , Rusakova Irina L. , Krivdin Leonid B.
Published: February 2014

Four‐component relativistic calculations of 77Se–13C spin–spin coupling constants have been performed in the series of selenium heterocycles and their parent open‐chain selenides. It has been found that relativistic effects play an essential role in the selenium–carbon coupling mechanism and could result in a contribution of as much as 15–25% of the total values of the one‐bond selenium–carbon spin‐spin coupling constants. In the overall contribution of the relativistic effects to the total values of 1J(Se,C), the scalar relativistic corrections (negative in sign) by far dominate over the spin‐orbit ones (positive in sign), the latter being of less than 5%, as compared to the former (ca 20%). A combination of nonrelativistic second‐order polarization propagator approach (CC2) with the four‐component relativistic density functional theory scheme is recommended as a versatile tool for the calculation of 1J(Se,C). Solvent effects in the values of 1J(Se,C) calculated within the polarizable continuum model for the solvents with different dielectric constants (ε 2.2–78.4) are next to negligible decreasing negative 1J(Se,C) in absolute value by only about 1 Hz. The use of the locally dense basis set approach applied herewith for the calculation of 77Se–13C spin‐spin coupling constants is fully justified resulting in a dramatic decrease in computational cost with only 0.1–0.2‐Hz loss of accuracy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A sub‒domain smoothed Galerkin method for solid mechanics problems
Authors: Hu Dean , Wang Yigang , Liu G. R. , Li Tong , Han Xu , Gu Y. T.
Published: February 2014

A sub‒domain smoothed Galerkin method is proposed to integrate the advantages of mesh‒free Galerkin method and FEM. Arbitrarily shaped sub‒domains are predefined in problems domain with mesh‒free nodes. In each sub‒domain, based on mesh‒free Galerkin weak formulation, the local discrete equation can be obtained by using the moving Kriging interpolation, which is similar to the discretization of the high‒order finite elements. Strain smoothing technique is subsequently applied to the nodal integration of sub‒domain by dividing the sub‒domain into several smoothing cells. Moreover, condensation of DOF can also be introduced into the local discrete equations to improve the computational efficiency. The global governing equations of present method are obtained on the basis of the scheme of FEM by assembling all local discrete equations of the sub‒domains. The mesh‒free properties of Galerkin method are retained in each sub‒domain. Several 2D elastic problems have been solved on the basis of this newly proposed method to validate its computational performance. These numerical examples proved that the newly proposed sub‒domain smoothed Galerkin method is a robust technique to solve solid mechanics problems based on its characteristics of high computational efficiency, good accuracy, and convergence. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal low‒thrust orbit transfers with eclipsing
Authors: Betts John T.
Published: February 2014

By choosing the optimal steering history of a spacecraft, it is possible to maximize the mass delivered from a park orbit to a mission orbit. A low‒thrust orbit transfer that models coasts when passing through the Earth's shadow can be formulated as a large‒scale optimal control problem with many distinct phases. This paper presents a technique that constructs an initial guess using a receding horizon algorithm. A series of large‒scale multiphase optimal control problems are then solved to refine the phase structure of the problem. The final optimal solution incorporates high fidelity physics and mesh refinement techniques within a large sparse nonlinear programming approach.
A macromolecular prodrug‐type injectable polymer composed of poly(depsipeptide‐co‐lactide)‐g‐PEG for sustained release of drugs
Authors: Takahashi Akihiro , Umezaki Masaya , Yoshida Yasuyuki , Kuzuya Akinori , Ohya Yuichi
Published: February 2014

We propose a macromolecular prodrug strategy of an injectable polymer (IP) system for continuous and sustained release of water‐soluble low‐molecular‐weight drugs. A biodegradable graft copolymer‐type IP covalently immobilizing model drugs via hydrolyzable ester bonds was synthesized through the coupling reaction of poly(depsipeptide‐co‐dl‐lactide), P(DG‐dl‐LA), having reactive carboxylic acid side‐chain groups with the amino derivative of a model drug (levofloxacin [LEV]) and monomethoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The solution of the obtained graft copolymer‐type IP/model drug conjugate exhibited a temperature‐responsive sol‐to‐gel transition between room temperature and body temperature in phosphate buffer solution, similar to P(GD‐dl‐LA)‐g‐PEG without LEV. The immobilization of the LEV molecule onto P(DG‐dl‐LA)‐g‐PEG did not have a significant influence on the sol‐to‐gel transition behavior, physical properties, or in vitro degradation rates of the hydrogels. The in vitro release of LEV derivatives from the P(DG‐dl‐LA)‐g‐PEG/LEV hydrogel in phosphate buffer solution was continuous for 11 weeks, which corresponded to the degradation period of the hydrogel, and slower than that from the control hydrogels prepared from P(DG‐dl‐LA)‐g‐PEG and PLGA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLGA that physically entrapped LEV molecules. These results suggest that the covalent attachment strategy is effective in achieving sustained release of low‐molecular‐weight drugs in IP systems and can be applied to drug delivery devices for highly bioactive drugs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of wood composite additives in the mechanical property changes of PE blends
Authors: Gu Ruijun , Sain Mohini , Kokta Bohuslav V.
Published: February 2014

Maleated polyethylene (MAPE) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) are both popularly used in polyethylene‐based composites combining with organic fillers such as natural fibers and inorganic fillers such as nanoclay. Systematic studies were undertaken to investigate the influences of MAPE and DCP on the mechanical properties and plasticity of PE composites with or without natural fibers. In addition, the effect of the fiber adding sequence was examined to obtain superior mechanical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:287–293, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis, Characterization, and drug release study of acrylamide‐co‐itaconic acid based smart hydrogel
Authors: Bera Rabin , Dey Ayan , Chakrabarty Debabrata
Published: February 2014

A new kind of pH and temperature responsive poly(acrylamide‐co‐itaconic acid) hydrogel was prepared by free radical polymerization using ammonium persulfate as initiator and different comonomer ratios. The hydrogels were characterized in terms of chemical composition, swelling‐deswelling behavior, morphology, crystallographic behavior, and drug release properties. All the hydrogels showed high swelling ability in aqueous solutions, the maximum being at pH 7. Swelling decreased on either side of pH 7 (i.e., both in acidic and alkaline region) and increased with increase in temperature. The hydrogel with 10 mol% itaconic acid (IA) absorbed maximum water among the copolymer gels. The cellular structures of the hydrogels were clearly revealed by microscopic analysis and SEM pictures. Swelling of the gels in water followed non‐Fickian type of diffusion principle. The hydrogel was proved to be a controlled release vehicle, for example in drug delivery by using its smart properties. The hydrogel with 10 mol% IA also absorbed maximum amount of drug (ascorbic acid) under study. Incorporation of drug in hydrogel matrix was established from XRD peak analysis. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:113–122, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Numerical and experimental study of the electrofusion welding process of polyethylene pipes
Authors: Chebbo Ziad , Vincent Michel , Boujlal Adil , Gueugnaut Dominique , Tillier Yannick
Published: February 2014

The electrofusion welding process is widely used to join polyethylene components in gas distribution networks. This article provides experimental and 3D‐finite element tools capable of reproducing the major phenomena that occur during an electrofusion process. A specific version of the 3D‐ finite element model simulation software Forge® has been developed to take into account the fitting parameters such as polyethylene thermal properties (i.e., melting and crystallization kinetics, phase transition, and thermal contact resistance) and the electrical and geometrical settings (i.e., welding input parameters). From a numerical point of view, a well refined highly anisotropic mesh adaptation is applied to well capture the contact condition between the heat source and the polyethylene. The computed results (temperature, melted, and cold areas) were compared with experimental data and gave very good agreement in terms of temperature and liquid phase fraction distribution. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:123–131, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis, structural aspects and nonlinear optical properties of novel phthalimide derivatives: theoretical and experimental approach
Authors: Singh Anil K. , Kishan Ram , Bahadur Vijay , Vijayan Narayanasamy , Balachandran Vadivelu , Tiwari Hemandra K. , Singh Brajendra K. , Rathi Brijesh
Published: February 2014

Novel phthalimides (1, 2, 3) possessing variability of cyclic amines have been synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques. Phthalimide 1 and 2 crystallized in a triclinic system with space group Pī; however, an orthorhombic system with a chiral space group of P212121 was observed for 3 possessing piperidine cyclic amine. The hydrogen atoms attached to the central chiral carbon were oriented anti to each other resulting in minimum steric repulsion. The occurrence of C–H···O hydrogen bonds in 1, 2, 3 enabled the building of several supramolecular structures. Hyperpolarizability 197.6096 Debye Å2 calculated for 1 was found to be higher than the hyperpolarizabilities, 138.0836 and 165.2521 Debye Å2 measured for 2 and 3, respectively. Subsequently, phthalimides (1, 2, 3) were assessed for second harmonic generation (SHG) response, and a negligible response was recorded for 1 and 2; however, 3 showed a significant response of 14.2 mV. In addition to acentric structure, helical structural motifs identified in 3 could be responsible for its enhanced SHG response. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compositional investigation of potassium doped Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells with efficiencies up to 20.8%
Authors: Jackson Philip , Hariskos Dimitrios , Wuerz Roland , Wischmann Wiltraud , Powalla Michael
Published: February 2014

We report on the interaction between intentional potassium doping of thin film Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells, CIGS absorber composition, and device efficiency. Up to now high efficiency CIGS solar cells could not be produced with a gallium/(gallium + indium) ratio higher than 35%. The new doping process step does not only increase solar cell conversion efficiencies up to 20.8%, but also allows a shift in the CIGS absorber composition towards higher gallium content whilst maintaining this high efficiencies level. We find that the saturation of the open circuit voltages for higher gallium content that is normally observed can partially be overcome by the new doping procedure. This observation leads us to the conclusion that even on this high performance level CIGS solar cells still hold a potential for further development beyond the record values reported here. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crocetin, a Carotenoid from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, Protects against Hypertension and Cerebral Thrombogenesis in Stroke‐prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Higashino Saori , Sasaki Yasuto , Giddings John C. , Hyodo Kanae , Fujimoto Sakata Shigeko , Matsuda Koichi , Horikawa Yoko , Yamamoto Junichiro
Published: February 2014

Crocetin is a natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid that is found in the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (Cape Jasmine) and in the stamen and pistil of Crocus sativus L. (saffron). It is used worldwide as an important spice, food colorant, and herbal medicine. In the current investigation, we have examined the cardiovascular effects of crocetin using stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSPs). Male SHRSPs (6 weeks old) were classified into three groups: a control group and two crocetin groups (25 and 50 mg/kg/day). The animals were given crocetin for 3 weeks. Body weights in each group were not significantly different during the treatment period, but the increase in systolic blood pressures observed with age was significantly moderated by crocetin. Thrombogenesis, assessed using a He‐Ne laser technique in pial vessels, was significantly decreased. Antioxidant activity, assessed by measuring urinary 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine levels, together with urinary nitric oxide (NO) metabolite levels, was increased significantly after treatment. Acetylcholine‐induced vasodilation was measured using the aorta and indicated that endothelial function was significantly improved by crocetin. These results strongly suggest that the antihypertensive and antithrombotic effects of crocetin were related to an increase in bioavailable NO, possibly mediated by decreased inactivation of NO by reactive oxygen species. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐temperature mass spectrometric study and modeling of thermodynamic properties of binary glass‐forming systems containing Bi2O3
Authors: Stolyarova V. L. , Shilov A. L. , Lopatin S. I. , Shugurov S. M.
Published: February 2014

RATIONALE

Binary glass‐forming systems containing bismuth(III) oxide, especially the Bi2O3‐SiO2 system, are of great importance in modern materials science: preparation of thin films, fiber optics, potential solar converters, and radiation shields in nuclear physics. Information on vaporization processes and thermodynamic properties obtained in the present study and the results of modeling of this system will be useful for optimization of the synthesis and applications of Bi2O3‐containing materials at high temperatures.

METHODS

High‐temperature Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry was used to study the vaporization processes and to determine the partial pressures of components of the Bi2O3‐SiO2 system. Measurements were performed with a MS‐1301 mass spectrometer. Vaporization was carried out using two iridium‐plated molybdenum effusion cells containing the sample under study and pure bismuth(III) oxide (reference substance). Modeling of the thermodynamic properties and structure of glasses and melts in the Bi2O3‐SiO2 and Bi2O3‐B2O3 systems was performed using a modified approach based on the generalized lattice theory of associated solutions (GLTAS).

RESULTS

At a temperature of 1000 K, Bi and O2 were found to be the main vapor species over the samples studied. The Bi2O3 activity as a function of composition of the Bi2O3‐SiO2 system was obtained from the measured partial pressures of the vapor species. The thermodynamic properties of mixing from oxides in this system were calculated. The advantages of GLTAS for modeling of glasses and melts in the binary systems containing Bi2O3 were demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

The thermodynamic functions of mixing in glasses and melts of the Bi2O3‐SiO2 system determined at 1000 K in the present study, as well as in the Bi2O3‐B2O3 system, demonstrated negative deviations from ideality. Modeling of the obtained experimental data using GLTAS allowed a correlation to be found between the thermodynamic properties and the relative number of bonds of various types formed in the glasses and melts of these systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation and Decomposition of Iron Nitrides Observed by in situ Powder Neutron Diffraction and Thermal Analysis
Authors: Widenmeyer Marc , Hansen Thomas C. , Meissner Elke , Niewa Rainer
Published: February 2014

In order to gain more information on the formation and decomposition behavior of various iron nitrides from different starting materials in situ neutron diffraction and thermal analysis under application of different gas atmospheres and heating rates were carried out. The following phases were observed during these investigations: crystalline α‐Fe, γ‐FeNz, γ′‐Fe4Ny, ϵ‐Fe3N1+x, ζ‐Fe2N, FeCl2, [Fe(NH3)6]Cl2, Fe(NH3)2Cl2, and amorphous Fe(NH3)Cl2. In situ neutron diffraction data were collected in high quality, due to an optimized experimental setup with a time resolution of two minutes on D20 (Institut Laue‐Langevin) allowing for detailed Rietveld analyses. For all phase transitions, decomposition and formation temperatures a strong dependency from the heating rate, thermal history of the sample, gas flow conditions, and particle size exists. The nitrogen contents observed during thermal decomposition of ζ‐Fe2N were related to the binary phase diagram Fe‐N. At low temperatures (< 400 °C) ϵ‐ and ζ‐phase are non‐equilibrated. However, through annealing equilibrium state is reached. For γ′‐Fe4Ny formed in situ at higher temperatures an expansion of the homogeneity range towards lower nitrogen content is observed above 600 °C. For the formation of ϵ‐Fe3N1+x from FeCl2 and NH3 a previously proposed reaction sequence involving different ammoniates was confirmed. This reaction occurs via formation of amorphous Fe(NH3)Cl2. The therein observed in situ formed ammoniates were additionally characterized by IR spectroscopy.
An Unprecedented 5‐Connected Self‐penetrated Cadmium(II) Coordination Polymer: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Luminescent Property
Authors: Zhang Shuxin , Liu Daofu
Published: February 2014

The CdII coordination polymer, [Cd(BDC)(L)1.5] (1) [H2BDC = isophthalic acid and L = 1,4‐bis(2‐methylimidazol‐3‐ium‐1‐yl)biphenyl], was synthesized by the assembly of CdII ion, L ligand, and isophthalic acid, respectively. Complex 1 was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analyses, FT‐IR spectroscopy, and power X‐ray diffraction (PXRD). X‐ray structural analysis reveals that complex 1 is a 5‐connected self‐penetrated net with point symbol (42.68). Furthermore, the luminescent property of the title complex is investigated.
Complex Polyanionic Nets in RbAu4.01(2)Ga8.64(5) and CsAu5Ga9: The Role of Cations in the Formation of New Polar Intermetallics
Authors: Smetana Volodymyr , Corbett John D. , Miller Gordon J.
Published: February 2014

Two new alkali metal‐poor phases with gold and gallium have been synthesized and structurally characterized using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. RbAu4.01(2)Ga8.64(5) (I) crystallizes in a new tetragonal structure type (tI163.8; I4/m, a = 8.806(1), c = 40.561(8) Å, Z = 12). The structure of I contains two types of (defect) icosahedra and three types of Rb‐centered distorted snub cubes composed of gold and gallium atoms, so that it is a novel tetragonal superstructure of the defect NaZn13‐type structure. The defect icosahedra, which are fully centered by Ga atoms, show distortions that minimize the number of Au–Au contacts as well as having a distribution of vacancies that create 12‐atom, 11‐atom, and 10‐atom polyhedra. CsAu5Ga9 (II) crystallizes with a hexagonal unit cell (hP30; P63/mmc, a = 7.635(1), c = 12.279(3) Å, Z = 2) in the BaNi9P5 structure type and is the first intermetallic compound of this type. This structure involves a 3‐d network of gold atoms, gallium atoms, and Ga–Ga dimers that form Cs@Au12Ga18 polyhedra, which share hexagonal faces along the c‐axis and pentagonal bipyramids in the ab‐plane. Its structure shares a resemblance with the hexagonal ZrBeSi structure type. Both compounds exhibit unusually large coordination polyhedra of gold and gallium atoms surrounding each alkali metal with up to 30 near neighbors and a reasonably dense packing. Tight‐binding electronic structure calculations on CsAu5Ga9 indicate that although the average Ga–Ga orbital interactions are optimized at the Fermi level, the specific interactions are not.
A Three‐dimensional Homochiral Camphorate Coordination Polymer Based on Two Types of Dinuclear Cadmium Clusters and a Flexible Bis(benzimidazole)‐based Ligand
Authors: Zhang Ju‐Wen , Kan Xiao‐Min , Li Xiao‐Hui , Gong Chun‐Hua , Tian Ai‐Xiang , Wang Xiu‐Li
Published: February 2014

A three‐dimensional (3D) homochiral metal‐organic coordination polymer with a 6‐connected 412.63 topology was synthesized hydrothermally, Cd4(D‐cam)4(bbbm)2 (1) [D‐H2cam = D‐(+)‐camphoric acid and bbbm = 1,1‐(1,4‐butanediyl)bis‐1H‐benzimidazole], which represents the first example of metal‐camphorate coordination polymers constructed from two types of dinuclear cadmium clusters [Cd2(O2C–)4] and a flexible bis(benzimidazole)‐based ligand. The thermal and photoluminescent properties of 1 were investigated.
Interaction of gypsum and the rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides plays an important role in anti-allergic effects of byakkokakeishito in mice
Authors: Makino Toshiaki , Shiraki Yusaku , Mizukami Hajime
Published: February 2014

Gypsum is a crude mineral drug used in the formulas of Japanese kampo medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-allergic effect of byakkokakeishito extract (BKT), which consists of gypsum (natural hydrous calcium sulfate), Anemarrhena Rhizome (rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides), Cinnamon Bark (bark of trunk of Cinnamomum cassia), Oriza Seed (seed of Oryza sativa), and Glycyrrhiza (root and stolon of Glycyrrhiza uralensis), and to clarify the role of gypsum in the formula. We prepared BKT by boiling a mixture of various quantities of gypsum and fixed amounts of the other four crude drugs in water. We evaluated the anti-allergic activity of the formulations using three different murine models of allergy: contact dermatitis induced by painting hapten onto skin; allergic dermatitis-like symptoms induced by cutaneous injection of mite-antigen; and skin passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction using ovalbumin as antigen. The calcium content in the various BKT samples was dose-dependently increased up to 60 g/day of human dosage. BKT significantly suppressed the allergic symptoms in the three different experimental models. The effect of BKT was augmented by increasing the gypsum dosage only in the PCA reaction model. The extract prepared from a mixture of Anemarrhena Rhizome and gypsum exhibited an effect comparable to that of BKT. BKT exhibits an anti-allergic effect in several animal models, which may provide experimental evidence for the clinical use of BKT in allergic diseases. Gypsum may augment the anti-allergic activity of BKT, presumably through increasing intestinal absorption of Anemarrhena Rhizome-derived active constituents.
Delayed surgical debridement in pediatric open fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ibrahim Talal , Riaz Muhammad , Hegazy Abdelsalam , Erwin Patricia J. , Tleyjeh Imad M.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

Open fractures are considered orthopedic emergencies that are traditionally treated with surgical debridement within 6 h of injury to prevent infection. However, this proclaimed “6-h rule” is arbitrary and not based on rigorous scientific evidence. The aim of our study was to systematically review the literature that compares late (>6 h from the time of injury) to early (<6 h from the time of injury) surgical debridement of pediatric open fractures.

Methods

We searched several databases from 1946 to 2013 for any observational or experimental studies that evaluated late and early surgical debridement of pediatric open fractures. We performed a meta-analysis using a random effects model to pool odds ratios for a comparison of infection rates between children undergoing late versus early surgical debridement. We also investigated the infection rates in upper- and lower-limb pediatric open fractures. Descriptive, quantitative, and qualitative data were extracted.

Results

Of the 12 articles identified, three studies (retrospective cohort studies) were eligible for the meta-analysis, encompassing a total of 714 open fractures. The pooled odds ratio (OR = 0.79) for infection between late and early surgical debridement was in favor of late surgical debridement but was not statistically significant (95 % CI 0.32, 1.99; p = 0.38, I2 = 0 %). No significant difference in infection rate was detected between pediatric open fractures in the upper and lower limbs according to the time threshold in the included studies (OR = 0.72, 95 % CI 0.29, 1.82; p = 0.40, I2 = 0 %).

Conclusions

The cumulative evidence does not, at present, indicate an association between late surgical debridement and higher infection rates in pediatric open fractures. However, initial expedient surgical debridement of open fractures in children should always remain the rule. Thus, multi-center randomized controlled trials or prospective cohort studies will be able to answer this question with more certainty and a higher level of evidence.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Stable incidence of surgical treatment and hospitalisation for humeral shaft fractures among 0- to 16-year-old patients in Finland from 1987 to 2010
Authors: Salonen A. , Pajulo O. , Lahdes-Vasama T. , Mattila V. M.
Published: February 2014

Background

Studies among children experiencing fractures report an increasing trend toward operative management. In the present study, we examined whether the same trend has occurred for humeral shaft fractures in accordance with increasing interest toward intramedullary nailing and other operative treatments. The number, incidence and treatment of all hospitalised 0- to 16-year-old patients with humeral shaft fractures in Finland was assessed over a recent 24-year period.

Method

The study included the entire adolescent (0–16 years) population in Finland during the 24-year period from January 1, 1987, to December 31, 2010. Data on hospitalised patients who sustained humeral shaft fractures were obtained from the nationwide National Hospital Discharge Register (NHDR) of Finland.

Results

During the study period, there were a total of 1,165 hospitalisations with a main or secondary diagnosis of humeral shaft fracture. The incidence of hospitalisation due to humeral shaft fractures was 4.8 per 100,000 person-years. The incidence increased only slightly among girls from 3.3 per 100,000 person-years in 1987 to 5.3 per 100,000 person-years in 2010. The incidence of reposition and casting was 1.1 per 100,000 person-years and the incidence of reposition with osteosynthesis, including intramedullary nailing, was 1.4 per 100,000 person-years. The specific incidence of intramedullary nailing remained low with no signs of increased incidence, and the incidence was 0.3 per 100,000 person-years. There were no significant changes in the incidence of surgical treatment during the 24-year study period.

Conclusion

Despite an overall increasing trend toward operative management of fractures in children, conservative management remains the treatment of choice for humeral shaft fractures based on the low and steady incidence of surgical treatment during the 24-year study period. In addition, the incidence of hospitalisation for fractures remained low without a significant increase during the study period.
Report on the 7th international workshop on the CCN family of genes
Authors: Perbal B. , Trackman P. , Castellot J. , Brigstock D. , Takigawa M. , Lau L. , Leask A.
Published: February 2014

In this report, chairs of the 7th International Workshop on the CCN family of Genes, review the progress made in understanding the biological functions of CCN proteins (CCN1, CCN2, CCN3, CCN4, CCN5 and CCN6) with a particular focus on their implications in various pathological conditions, including cancer, fibrosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
The Port Clearance Test: Why It Is Important to Clinicians
Authors: Dalton Michael , Pheil Natan , Lacy Jim , Dalton Jordan
Published: February 2014

Understanding proper chamber flushing volume for each port manufacturer and port chamber shape is of value to both clinicians and patients. Failing to follow adequate flushing volumes may lead to sludge buildup and further complications. By sampling the chamber flushing volume of ports of various shapes from different manufacturers, we were able to assess cumulative volume flushing rates using a mixture approximating the viscosity of blood. The data collected highlight the relationship between chamber shape, flushing volume, and flow rate and why it is important that manufacturers recommend adequate flushing volumes specific to each port.
Guidewires Unintentionally Retained During Central Venous Catheterization
Authors: Williams Tamara L. , Bowdle T. Andrew , Winters Bradford D. , Pavkovic Stephen D. , Szekendi Marilyn K.
Published: February 2014

Background: A number of mechanical complications can occur during the insertion of a central venous catheter (CVC), including breakage or loss of the wire and unrecognized failure to remove the wire. Complications related to retention of a guidewire can be serious or fatal.

Methods: Incident reports on retained CVC guidewires entered into the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) Safety Intelligence Patient Safety Organization (PSO) database (Chicago, IL) over a 5-year period were reviewed to improve our understanding of their circumstances, causes, and related patient outcomes.

Findings: A total of 42 events that involved retention of a whole guidewire or a fragment of a wire were found in the UHC Safety Intelligence PSO database from 2008 through 2012. Although one-third of these events were discovered during or at the end of the CVC insertion procedure, retained CVC guidewires were commonly discovered days to years after the procedure and on imaging tests performed for unrelated reasons or during other subsequent care. Managers who reviewed the events commonly recommended education and training to prevent retained CVC guidewires, but factors contributing to these events such as distractions and emergency situations also suggest the need for a device design that prevents the occurrence.

Conclusions: Efforts to prevent the loss of CVC guidewires should include clinician education and the development of a device design that prevents inadvertent guidewire loss and alerts clinicians when the end of the guidewire is near.
All Policies Are Glocal: International Environmental Policy Making with Strategic Subnational Governments
Authors: Bechtel Michael M. , Urpelainen Johannes
Published: February 2014

National governments have intensified their attempts to create international institutions in various policy fields such as the environment, finance and trade. At the same time, many subnational policy makers have begun to duplicate international efforts by setting their own, stricter policies while others remain inactive or enact more lax regulation. This ‘glocalization’ of policy creates a complex and potentially costly patchwork system of regulations. To shed light on this phenomenon, this article analyzes the interaction between subnational and national governments within a game-theoretic model of international treaty negotiations. The glocalization of regulatory policy can be understood as an attempt by subnational policy makers to strategically constrain or empower national governments in international negotiations. The study finds that the shadow of international treaty formation gives rise to within-country and cross-country policy balancing dynamics that may explain some of the subnational policy polarization that is currently observable in many countries. The article specifies the conditions under which these dynamics occur, spells out empirically testable hypotheses and identifies possible theoretical extensions.
The case for mistletoe in the treatment of laryngeal cancer
Authors: Shakeel M , Trinidade A , Geider S , Ah-See K W
Published: February 2014

Introduction:

Complementary and alternative medicine usage, though rising, remains largely devoid of a sound scientific basis; however, there is increasing evidence to support its use in cancer therapy.

Aim:

To present the case of a patient with laryngeal carcinoma who made a full recovery following mistletoe therapy, despite failing to respond to chemoradiotherapy and salvage laryngectomy.

Design:

Case report with relevant literature review.

Results:

The patient developed extensive, unresectable stomal recurrence, and it was deemed appropriate to supply palliative care only. Following treatment with mistletoe extract injections after palliative radiotherapy, he recovered fully and was eventually discharged from care.

Conclusion:

The benefit of mistletoe in laryngeal cancer treatment requires further investigation, and might be considered in selected patients, as an adjunct or when other conventional therapies have failed.
The Environmental Rules of Economic Development: Governing Air Pollution from Smelters in Chuquicamata and La Oroya
Authors: ORIHUELA JOSÉ CARLOS
Published: February 2014

Why and how do societies transform the environmental rules of economic development, or fail to do so? This article compares the experiences of Chile and Peru in the regulation of smelting activities between 1990 and 2010. Air pollution from smelters in Chuquicamata and La Oroya, each emblematic of the two countries’ mining industries, did not give rise to nationally destabilising protest. Nevertheless, despite the absence of pressing discontent with pollution, the environmental rules for mining could still be improved as a result of policy network activism and through highly idiosyncratic institutional channels. The analysis shows that policy entrepreneurship for Chuquicamata was enhanced by a national institutional environment that favoured bureaucratic autonomy, while parallel action for La Oroya was constrained by a political economy of state weakness and elite disregard.
The Army of the Andes: Chilean and Rioplatense Politics in an Age of Military Organisation, 1814–1817
Authors: CRUZ JUAN LUIS OSSA SANTA
Published: February 2014

This article analyses the organisation of the Army of the Andes, created in Mendoza between 1814 and 1817 with the aim of reconquering Chile from the royalists. The first section studies the role of José de San Martín as an informal arbiter in Bernardo O'Higgins’ dispute with José Miguel Carrera. The aim is to explain why San Martín decided to support O'Higgins, and the immediate consequences of this alliance. The second section addresses the main characteristics of the Army of the Andes and the process of militarisation experienced by the local inhabitants. Everyday life in Mendoza became inseparable from the needs of the revolutionary army. The paper then considers the so-called guerra de zapa and the participation of irregular agents. The involvement of spies and guerrilla officers in the revolution increased as warfare intensified. The final section analyses the crossing of the cordillera by the insurgents and the revolutionary triumph of 12 February 1817 at Chacabuco.
Physical activity, sedentary time and adiposity during the first two decades of life
Authors: Ekelund Ulf , Hildebrand Maria , Collings Paul J.
Published: February 2014

High amounts of time spent sedentary and low levels of physical activity have been implicated in the process of excessive adiposity gains in youth. The aim of this review is to discuss the role of physical activity, sedentary time and behaviour (i.e. television (TV)-viewing) in relation to adiposity during the first two decades of life with a specific focus on whether the association between sedentary time, and behaviour and adiposity is independent of physical activity. We identified nine cohort studies (three prospective) whether sedentary time was associated with adiposity independent of physical activity. Eight of these studies suggested that sedentary time was unrelated to adiposity when physical activity was taken into account. Results from studies (n 8) examining the independent association between TV-viewing and adiposity independent of physical activity were mixed. Those that observed a positive association between TV-viewing and adiposity independent of physical activity discussed that the association may be due to residual confounding. A few additional studies have also challenged the general notion that low levels of physical activity leads to fatness and suggested that higher baseline fatness may be predictive of a decline in physical activity. It appears unlikely that higher levels of sedentary time are associated with or predictive of, higher levels of adiposity when physical activity is controlled for in youth. Specific sedentary behaviours such as TV-viewing may be associated with adiposity independent of physical activity but the results may be explained by residual confounding.
Controlling invasive species by empowering environmental stakeholders: ecotourism boat operators as potential guardians of wildlife against the invasive American mink
Authors: Fraser Elaine J. , Macdonald David W. , Bryce Rosalind , Lambin Xavier
Published: February 2014

People who have a stake in their environment are more likely to volunteer to assist conservation but they must be empowered to do so. This study explored the possibility of harnessing volunteers in the control of an invasive predator, the American mink Neovison vison, which decimates seabird colonies in coastal west Scotland. A questionnaire was sent to ecotourism boat operators, a group assumed to have an economic interest in wildlife biodiversity and a stake in their environment, to gauge their opinion on lethal control of American mink. The majority (64%) of respondents were concerned about the presence of mink in their area, agreed with control in principle and were willing to become involved in a volunteer capacity. Respondents who would not volunteer but agreed with control (21%) might reconsider if mink had a visible impact on their local wildlife. The minimum level of support people expected was information on where to get, and how to deploy, monitoring and trapping equipment. This study confirms that people with an intrinsic interest in wildlife consider themselves willing to protect their local biodiversity, with only limited resource input, such as an information pack, from external sources.
The dichotomy between protection and logging of the Endangered and valuable timber speciesAmburana cearensisin north-west Argentina
Authors: Politi Natalia , Rivera Luis , Lizárraga Leónidas , Hunter Malcolm , Defossé Guillermo E.
Published: February 2014

Amburana cearensisis a commercially valuable timber species, categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is distributed throughout the seasonal dry tropical forests of Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru and Argentina. In Argentina it is restricted to the provinces of Salta, where legislation sets a minimum cutting diameter of 60 cm, and Jujuy, where logging of this species has been banned since 1972. The effect of these laws on the species’ conservation status has not been assessed. We estimated species density, using distance sampling methodology, and measured the diameter at breast height of each individual encountered at 13 sites in north-west Argentina. Across both provinces we found a density of 1.12 individuals ha−1(95% CI 0.48–2.63) and there was no significant difference between the density in Salta (5.15 ha−1;; 95% CI 3.14–8.45) and that in Jujuy (3.67 ha−1;; 95% CI 2.59–5.17), although 84% of the individuals encountered in Salta were found at one site. Diameter at breast height was significantly lower in Salta than in Jujuy (23 ± 12 vs 41 ± 18 cm; P < 0.05). These differences in the demography of the species between the provinces may be attributable to the application of different legislation. Our results indicate that it would be prudent to halt logging of this species in Salta until further information is gathered and a sustainable management plan developed.
Depressive symptoms and body mass index: co-morbidity and direction of association in a British birth cohort followed over 50 years
Authors: Geoffroy M.-C. , Li L. , Power C.
Published: February 2014

Background

An unhealthy body mass index (BMI) has been associated with depression but the direction of association is uncertain. Our aim was to estimate the co-morbidity and direction of association between BMI and depressive symptoms at several ages, from childhood to mid-adulthood.

Method

The data were from 18 558 individuals born in 1 week in March 1958, in England, Scotland and Wales, with follow-up at ages 7, 11, 16, 23, 33, 42, 45 and 50 years. Depression (scores ⩾90th percentile) was identified from child/adolescent (teacher questionnaires) and adult (self-complete questionnaires and clinical interview) measures. BMI (kg/m2) measured in child/adolescence and adulthood was classified as underweight, normal, overweight or obese.

Results

In cross-sectional analyses, obesity and underweight (not overweight) from 11 to 45 years were associated respectively with 1.3–2.1 and 1.5–2.3 times the risk of depression compared with normal weight. Using the time-lagged generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach, we tested (a) whether underweight or obesity at prior ages (7 to 45 years) predicted subsequent risk of depression (11 to 50 years), adjusting for baseline depression; and (b) whether depression at prior ages (7 to 42 years) predicted subsequent risk of underweight or obesity (11 to 45 years), adjusting for baseline BMI. In longitudinal analyses, underweight predicted subsequent depression in both sexes [odds ratio (OR) 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–1.40] and depression predicted subsequent underweight in males only (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.52–2.23). Obesity predicted subsequent depressive symptoms in females only (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.14–1.56), but depression did not predict obesity.

Conclusions

Clinicians should consider screening routinely for depression patients with unhealthy BMI, namely underweight and obesity, and vice versa.
Personality change associated with chronic diseases: pooled analysis of four prospective cohort studies
Authors: Jokela M. , Hakulinen C. , Singh-Manoux A. , Kivimäki M.
Published: February 2014

Background

Common chronic conditions, such as heart disease and cancer, are associated with increased psychological distress, functional limitations and shortened life expectancy, but whether these diseases alter aspects of personality remains unclear.

Method

To examine whether the onset of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, arthritis and respiratory disease is associated with subsequent changes in personality traits of the five-factor model, we pooled data from the Health and Retirement Study, the Midlife in the United States Survey, and the graduate and sibling samples of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study for an individual-participant meta-analysis (total n = 17 493; mean age at baseline 55.8 years).

Results

After adjustment for age, we observed consistent decreases in extraversion [−0.25 T-scores per one disease; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.40 to −0.10], emotional stability (−0.40, 95% CI −0.61 to −0.19), conscientiousness (−0.44, 95% CI −0.57 to −0.30) and openness to experience (−0.25, 95% CI −0.37 to −0.13) but not in agreeableness (−0.05, 95% CI −0.19 to 0.08) after the onset of chronic diseases. The onset of each additional chronic disease accelerated the average age-related personality change by 2.5 years in decreasing extraversion, 5.5 years in decreasing conscientiousness, and 1.6 years in decreasing openness to experience, and attenuated the increasing levels of emotional stability by 1.9 years. Co-morbid conditions were associated with larger changes than single diseases, suggesting a dose–response association between morbidity and personality change.

Conclusions

These results support the hypothesis that chronic diseases influence personality development in adulthood.
The Roman Marching Camp and Road at Loups Fell, Tebay
Authors: Gethin Bryn , Toller Hugh
Published: February 2014

A 15.2-ha Roman marching camp has been identified at the northern end of the Lune gorge where the Roman road northwards from Ribchester emerges into the Eden valley and the Cumbrian plain. The road runs here on an alignment that has not been determined before. The camp lies astride the road and faced east. The remains of the camp and the road are described and discussed.
Impact of vanB vancomycin-resistant enterococcal bacteraemia analysed as a time-varying covariate on length of hospital stay
Authors: CHEAH A. L. Y. , SPELMAN T. , PEEL T. , HOWDEN B. P. , SPELMAN D. , GRAYSON M. L. , NATION R. L. , KONG D. C. M.
Published: February 2014

The impact of vanB vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) bacteraemia on length of stay (LOS) in hospital, after adjusting for the time-varying nature of enterococcal bacteraemia (variable onset of bacteraemia post-admission), is unknown. Survival analyses (time-varying Cox and competing risks regression) were performed on vanB VRE bacteraemia patients, matched 1:1 with vancomycin-susceptible enterococci bacteraemia patients to determine the factors associated with LOS in these patients. In Cox regression analysis, vanB VRE bacteraemia, intensive-care-unit admission, Charlson co-morbidity index score ⩾4, and an increase in the time to receive appropriate antibiotics were associated with prolonged LOS. Competing risks regression which accounts for the influence of in-patient mortality on the ability to observe the event discharge alive from hospital suggests that, vanB VRE bacteraemia was not significantly associated with prolonged LOS. For the first time, the rate of discharge from hospital in patients with vanB VRE bacteraemia has been quantified.
The role of guided induction in paper-based data-driven learning
Authors: Smart Jonathan
Published: February 2014

This study examines the role of guided induction as an instructional approach in paper-based data-driven learning (DDL) in the context of an ESL grammar course during an intensive English program at an American public university. Specifically, it examines whether corpus-informed grammar instruction is more effective through inductive, data-driven learning or through traditional deductive instruction. In the study, 49 participants completed two weeks of ESL grammar instruction on the passive voice in English. The learners participated in one of three instructional treatments: a data-driven learning treatment, a deductive instructional treatment using corpus-informed teaching materials, and a deductive instructional treatment using traditional (i.e., non-corpus-informed) materials. Results from pre-test, post-test, and delayed post-test indicated that the DDL group significantly improved their grammar ability with the passive voice, while the other two treatment groups did not show significant gains. The findings from this study suggest that in this learning context there are measurable benefits to teaching ESL grammar inductively using paper-based DDL.