bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
At the Razor's Edge: Surgeons have Lower Stress Levels than the General Population
Authors: Nasr Adonis , Collaço Iwan Augusto , Abreu-Reis Phillipe , Manfrinato Marília França Madeira , Tomasich Flavio Saavedra , Bassani Tayron , Clivatti Gustavo Moreira , Fontanella Alana Padilha , Ito Juliana Midori , Hammerschmidt Ivilin
Published: October 2016

Objective

To evaluate the stress level in physicians of different levels of formation and to compare it between different medical specialties and the general population.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study, using a questionnaire validated in Brazil in 2010, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10).

Results

The stress level was higher among surgical doctors in comparison with clinical doctors, regardless of the stage of formation. There was a difference between the sex of the professionals, men showing lower results. None of these was statistically significant. Comparing to the American population or South Brazilian teachers, the medical preceptors presented a significant lower level of stress.

Conclusion

The medical specialty as well as gender and level of medical formation influence in the professional stress level, being elevated in fields of higher working hours and constant pressure.

Descriptors

Stress, surgery, residents, medical students.

How to cite this article

Abreu-Reis P, Nasr A, Tomasich FS, Collaco IA, Bassani T, Clivatti GM, Fontanella AP, Ito JM, Manfrinato MFM, Hammerschmidt I. At the Razor's Edge: Surgeons have Lower Stress Levels than the General Population. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2016;5(1):26-30.
Quantification of uncertainties in OCO-2 measurements of XCO2:
simulations and linear error analysis
Authors: Connor Brian , Bösch Hartmut , McDuffie James , Taylor Tommy , Fu Dejian , Frankenberg Christian , O'Dell Chris , Payne Vivienne H. , Gunson Michael , Pollock Randy , Hobbs Jonathan , Oyafuso Fabiano , Jiang Yibo
Published: October 2016

Abstract. We present an analysis of uncertainties in global measurements of the column averaged dry-air mole fraction of CO2 (XCO2) by the NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2). The analysis is based on our best estimates for uncertainties in the OCO-2 operational algorithm and its inputs, and uses simulated spectra calculated for the actual flight and sounding geometry, with measured atmospheric analyses. The simulations are calculated for land nadir and ocean glint observations. We include errors in measurement, smoothing, interference, and forward model parameters. All types of error are combined to estimate the uncertainty in XCO2 from single soundings, before any attempt at bias correction has been made. From these results we also estimate the "variable error" which differs between soundings, to infer the error in the difference of XCO2 between any two soundings. The most important error sources are aerosol interference, spectroscopy, and instrument calibration. Aerosol is the largest source of variable error. Spectroscopy and calibration, although they are themselves fixed error sources, also produce important variable errors in XCO2. Net variable errors are usually < 1 ppm over ocean and ∼ 0.5–2.0 ppm over land. The total error due to all sources is ∼ 1.5–3.5 ppm over land and ∼ 1.5–2.5 ppm over ocean.
Addressing the assumption of stationarityin statistical bias correction of temperature
Authors: Grillakis Manolis G. , Koutroulis Aristeidis G. , Daliakopoulos Ioannis N. , Tsanis Ioannis K.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Bias correction of climate variables has become a standard practice in Climate Change Impact (CCI) studies. While various methodologies have been developed, their majority assumes that the statistical characteristics of the biases between the modeled data and the observations remain unchanged in time. However, it is well known that this assumption of stationarity cannot stand in the context of a climate. Here, a method to overcome the assumption of stationarity and its drawbacks is presented. The method is presented as a pre-post processing procedure that can potentially be applied with different bias correction methods. The methodology separates the stationary and the non-stationary components of a time series, in order to adjust the biases only for the former and preserve intact the signal of the later. The results show that the adoption of this method prevents the distortion and allows for the preservation of the originally modeled long-term signal in the mean, the standard deviation, but also the higher and lower percentiles of the climate variable. Daily temperature time series obtained from five Euro CORDEX RCM models are used to illustrate the improvements of this method.
A structure-exploiting numbering algorithm for finite elements on
extruded meshes, and its performance evaluation in Firedrake
Authors: Bercea Gheorghe-Teodor , McRae Andrew T. T. , Ham David A. , Mitchell Lawrence , Rathgeber Florian , Nardi Luigi , Luporini Fabio , Kelly Paul H. J.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. We present a generic algorithm for numbering and then efficiently iterating over the data values attached to an extruded mesh. An extruded mesh is formed by replicating an existing mesh, assumed to be unstructured, to form layers of prismatic cells. Applications of extruded meshes include, but are not limited to, the representation of three-dimensional high aspect ratio domains employed by geophysical finite element simulations. These meshes are structured in the extruded direction. The algorithm presented here exploits this structure to avoid the performance penalty traditionally associated with unstructured meshes. We evaluate the implementation of this algorithm in the Firedrake finite element system on a range of low compute intensity operations which constitute worst cases for data layout performance exploration. The experiments show that having structure along the extruded direction enables the cost of the indirect data accesses to be amortized after 10–20 layers as long as the underlying mesh is well ordered. We characterize the resulting spatial and temporal reuse in a representative set of both continuous-Galerkin and discontinuous-Galerkin discretizations. On meshes with realistic numbers of layers the performance achieved is between 70 and 90 % of a theoretical hardware-specific limit.
Return to Play Following Open Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Novais Eduardo N. , Mayo Meredith , Kestel Lauryn A. , Carry Patrick M. , Mayer Stephanie W.
Published: October 2016

Introduction:

After treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in adolescent competitive athletes, the rate, timing, and level of return to play have not been well reported.

Methods:

Adolescent athletes who underwent open FAI treatment were assessed at a minimum 1-year follow-up. Patients completed a self-reported questionnaire centered on the time and level of return to play. Pain and functional outcomes were assessed using the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS).

Results:

Among the 24 athletes included, 21 (87.5%) (95% confidence interval [CI], 67.6% to 97.3%) successfully returned to play after open FAI treatment. The median time to return to play was 7 months (95% CI, 6 to 10 months). Of the 21 who returned to play, 19 (90%) returned at a level that was equivalent to or greater than their level of play before surgery. Three athletes (12.5%) did not return to play and indicated that failure to return to play was unrelated to their hip. There was significant improvement in the mHHS (P < 0.0001), HOOS (P < 0.0001), α angle (P < 0.0001), and offset (P < 0.0001).

Discussion:

Most adolescent athletes can expect to return to the same or better level of sports participation during the first year after open treatment of FAI.
Extremity War Injuries XI: Maintaining Force Readiness During an Era of Military Transition
Authors: Davila COL Jeffrey N. , Schmidt Andrew H.
Published: October 2016

The symposium Extremity War Injuries XI focused on issues related to the transitions in medical care that are occurring as the focus of the war on terror changes. Titled “Maintaining Force Readiness During an Era of Military Transition,” this year’s symposium highlighted the results of Department of Defense–funded research in musculoskeletal injury, the evolution of combat casualty care, and the readiness of the fighting force. The issues highlighted related to the force readiness of both troops and their medical support as well as the maintenance of the combat care expertise that has been developed during the last decade of conflict. As always, participants in breakout sessions addressed the research gaps in the topics discussed.
A Case Report of Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 Producing Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Mizuguchi Konomi , Sato Koichi , Maekawa Hiroshi , Sakurada Mutsumi , Orita Hajime , Kushida Tomoyuki , Senuma Kouji , Ito Tomoaki , Matsuzawa Hirokazu , Watanabe Syunsuke , Tokuda Satoshi , Ueda Syuhei , Wada Ryo
Published: October 2016

The gastric cancer producing carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a rare and unknown that characterize informations.

74-year-old woman who was admitted with complaints of epigastric discomfort. An advanced cancer was found in her lower gastric region; biopsy of the tumor revealed poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Her serum CA 19-9 was extremely elevated at 2322 U/ml and computed tomography demonstrated enlargement of the para-aortic lymph node; thus the tumor was considered unresectable. The patient received 8 cycles of chemotherapy with S-1/cisplatin, which shrank the para-aortic lymph node dramatically, hence she underwent D2 gastrectomy. Immunohistochemical staining of the resected cancer revealed that a third of the cancer cells were positive for CA 19-9. In addition, her serum CA 19-9 decreased rapidly after surgery and she remains alive without recurrence three years after surgery.

We report one high level of CA 19-9 gastric cancer case with dramatically chemosensitive.
Technology Management: A Cross-Disciplinary Master-Program with a Focus on Leadership
Authors: Johnsson Charlotta , Nilsson Carl-Henric , Kleppesto Stein
Published: October 2016

Leadership is important. Management is important. There are good reasons to conceptually and pedagogically separate the two in order to see some fundamental differences. In a cross disciplinary master program named Technology Management at Lund University, Sweden, the students are given opportunities to study and learn management, and however, what makes the program unique is its profound focus on leadership. The Technology Management program includes six courses, Teamwork and Leadership being one of them. In this course, theories and knowledge in leadership is learnt and discussed, this is then intertwined into the other courses in which it is practiced, and finally the outcome is brought back to the Teamwork and Leadership course for further discussions. In addition to this the students are writing daily reflections in a so called Learning Journal, over a one-year period, making it possible for the students to reflect over and thereby shape their own leadership style and mindset. Course evaluations and placement reports indicates that the students learning about theories, practice and mindset related to leadership is ranked as the most valuable learning from their entire educational curricula/period.
The Popular Financial Reporting: Focus on Stakeholders—The first European Experience
Authors: Biancone Paolo Pietro , Secinaro Silvana , Brescia Valerio
Published: October 2016

The aim of the article is to analyze the role of the Popular Financial Reporting as tool of transparency and accountability. Our analysis examines the case of “Popular Financial Reporting of the City of Turin”: bya questionnaire of analysis of the stakeholder satisfaction the study consider the different social variables because they influence the content and the comprehension. The method is based on data analysis reporting frequencies and percentages of answers of the questionnaire and, when possible, evaluating these results according to the level of instruction. The Chi-Square test was used to identify statistically significant differences among categories of educational level. Globally, the feedbacks were positive and the document could be defined as an important and strategic way to keep aware the stakeholders about the policies of the City. However, some improvement could be made, especially considering the differences observed among the educational level categories.
A State-Space Version of Fama and French’s Three-Factor Model: Evidence from the Tunisian Stock Exchange
Authors: Bergaoui Nejla , Trabelsi Abdelwahed
Published: October 2016

We develop a state-space version of the three-factor model of Fama and French (1993) for exploring the macroeconomic determinants of risk underlying size (SMB) and value (HML) factors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that examines how loadings on HML and SMB factors are affected by unanticipated changes in macroeconomic factors and whether they exhibit an asymmetric behavior over the business cycle. We test the hypothesis that the betas associated with HML and SMB factors of firms with different size or a different BE/ME ratio react differently to changes in macroeconomic conditions. In addition to the hypothesis that some type of stocks (value and small ones) become more responsive to such a change during period of economic contraction than during an expansion. Our focus is the Tunisian stock Exchange. The evidence we found supports the time variation of portfolios returns’ sensitivities to market, HML and SMB factors with unanticipated changes in monetary and economic conditions. Hence, the assumption of constant coefficients in the traditional three-factor model seems to be unreasonable. Betas associated with HML and SMB factors showed countercyclical behavior through the phases of the business cycle. In a recession, value (small) firm’s risk associated with the HML (SMB) factor is more strongly affected by worsening credit market conditions than during an economic expansion. Further results show that value (small) firm’s risk associated with the HML (SMB) factor is more strongly affected by tighter credit market conditions than growth (large) firm’s risk. Thus, our results most closely support a risk-based explanation for SMB and HML.
Analysis of an Acquisition in the Banking Sector: Banamex and Citigroup
Authors: Vargas-Hernandez José G. , López-Morales José Satsumi , Palafox-Alcantar Pablo Giovanni
Published: October 2016

The Mexican banking sector during 90´s it has had transitions from private to public and to private again, and it is one of the main sectors which have received Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), mainly from Spain. In this regard the main aim of this paper is to analyze the acquisition of Banamex by Citigroup. In order to reach this aim a case analysis method was carried out. The results suggests that Citigroup invested in Banamex for consolidate its presence in Latin America, the profits in Mexico, imitate the Spanish banks that some years ago have invested in Mexican banks, the banking sector in Mexico was deregulated as consequence of neoliberal policies and the potential market that represent Mexico, finally the acquisition of Banamex allowed competition in the banking sector and the entry of new competitors in the industry. t peculiar investment strategies have on the well-known relation between size and performance of SRI funds. major-bidi;mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>This paper analyzes the wealth distribution taking into account the reaction of the market to the alliance as an indicator of a successful strategy. It explores the case of the automobile industry, which is characterised by a high use of inter-firm cooperation, such as strategic alliances and mergers & acquisitions, to effectively compete in the global market and face the global crisis.
Dates Palm Farming Systems Sustainability and Risk Efficiency in Oman
Authors: Ishag Kheiry Hassan M
Published: October 2016

Date Palm is the most important cultivar in Oman and occupies 35% of total cultivated area and 78% of the total fruit trees area. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries attempted to improve Date production but due to climate change and environmental constrains agricultural production has shown instability in production and generated a desire to build a sustainable farming systems. The study used stochastic model to analyze Date Palm Farming Systems in Oman and identify the most sustainable and risk efficient one. Stochastic Efficiency with Respect to Function (SERF) technique use certainty equivalent concept to rank a set of risk efficient alternatives. The study found Batinah Region is the most risk efficient region and got a positive NPV with a probability of 88% followed by Dakhiliyah Region 77% and Dahirah Region 67%. The study also indicates Batinah and Dakhiliyah Regions which cultivate 52% of total Date Palm area in Oman is located in risk efficient farming system areas. Risk premium analysis performed and shows Dakhiliyah Region farmers can pay up to RO 59 for replanting Date Palm tree and move to Batinah Region farming practices with less risky farming system. The farmer in Dahirah Region is willing to pay RO 144 per Date Palm tree to shift to more efficient farming system practices such as Batinah Region. Date Palm Farming System analysis should be used as a basis and foundation for replanting program and resources and environmental constrains need be considered. A right economic incentives to be given to encourage production of selected Date Palm varieties for each region to increase ecosystem resilience and economic benefit.
Crimea vs. Donbas: How Putin Won Russian Nationalist Support—and Lost it Again
Authors: Kolstø Pål
Published: October 2016

The article analyzes how the nationalist segment of the Russian public has engaged in attempts to interpret and evaluate the Crimean annexation and the war in Donbass. The Crimean annexation was justifi ed in the Kremlin by a novel use of nationalist rhetoric. Initially, this rhetoric paid off particularly well—boosting Putin’s popularity ratings and endearing him to virtually all Russian nationalists. He could present himself as the foremost defender both of ethnic Russians abroadandof Russia’s state interests, stealing the thunder from Russian ethnonationalists and the state-centered nationalists alike. However, in spite of the initial euphoria, the war in Eastern Ukraine has antagonized the nationalist segment of the Russian public which had been won over by the Kremlin only months earlier. Russian TV footage of burned houses in East Ukrainian towns and hamlets prompted questions about why Putin was not doing more to defend them.
Личностни профили на субекти с различен когнитивен стил
Authors: Arabadzhieva Hristina Nikolaeva , Asenova Ivanka Vasileva
Published: October 2016

Проучена е връзката между когнитивните стилове и някои важни личностни качества при 421 клинично здрави субекти в зряла възраст (средна възраст 30,25 ± 9,71; 176 мъже). Те бяха изследвани чрез въпросника на Slocum (Slocum & Hellriegel, 1983), базиран на типологията на когнитивните стилове на Карл Юнг (Jung, 1923) с цел определяне на индивидуално предпочитания когнитивен стил – сетивност-мислене (лявохемисферен стил), интуиция-чувстване (дяснохемисферен стил), интуиция-мислене и сетивност-чувстване (смесен тип стилове), а впоследствие и чрез Gießen-тест, с цел оценка на личностните качества социален резонанс, доминантност/подчиненост, интрапсихичен контрол, основно настроение, способност за контакт и общуване, социална потентност/импотентност. Получените резултати показаха, че когнитивният стил инициира съществени различия между групите с различен тип стил по отношение на качествата доминантност/подчиненост и основно настроение. Докато групата с дяснохемисферния когнитивен стил интуиция-чувстване демонстрира тенденция на отклоняване към подчиненост и депресивен тон на настроението, останалите групи демонстрираха тенденция на отклоняване към доминантност и хипоманийно настроение.
Joan Veny & Mar Massanell: «Dialectologia catalana. Aproximació pràctica als parlars catalans», Barcelona, Publicacions de la UB / Publicacions de la UA / Publicacions de la UV, 2015, 397 pp.
Authors: Giralt Latorre Javier
Published: October 2016

Resum sobre el llibre de Joan Veny & Mar Massanell: Dialectologia catalana. Aproximació pràctica als parlars catalans, Barcelona, Publicacions de la Universitat de Barcelona / Publicacions de la Universitat d’Alacant / Publicacions de la Universitat de València, 2015, 397 pp., ISBN: 978-84-475-4201-7.
Evolution of genes involved in feeding preference and metabolic processes in Calliphoridae (Diptera: Calyptratae)
Authors: Cardoso Gisele Antoniazzi , Marinho Marco Antonio Tonus , Monfardini Raquel Dietsche , Espin Ana Maria Lima de Azeredo , Torres Tatiana Teixeira
Published: October 2016

Background

The genotype-phenotype interactions among traits governing feeding preference are of fundamental importance to behavioral genetics and evolutionary biology. The genetic basis of behavioral traits has been explored in different taxa using different approaches. However, the complex nature of the genetic mechanisms undergirding behavior is poorly understood. Here, we present an evolutionary study of candidate genes related to parasitism in Calliphoridae (Diptera: Calyptratae). Closely related species in this family exhibit distinct larval feeding habits, most notably necro-saprophagy and obligate parasitism.

Methods

To understand the genetic and molecular bases underlying these habits, expression levels of eight candidate genes for feeding behavior—Cyp6g2, foraging, glutamate dehydrogenase, Jonah65aiv, Malvolio, PGRP-SC2,RPS6-p70-protein kinase,andsmooth—were measured in four species using qPCR. Moreover we used expression values and sequence information to reconstruct the relationship among species and thedN/dSrate to infer possible sites under selection.

Results

For most candidate genes, no statistically significant differences were observed, indicating a high degree of conservation in expression. However,Malvoliowas differentially expressed between habits. Evolutionary analyses based on transcript levels and nucleotide sequences ofMalvoliocoding region suggest that transcript levels were correlated to feeding habit preferences among species, although deviations under a strictly neutral model were also observed in statistical tests.

Discussion

Malvoliowas the only gene demonstrating a possible connection to feeding habit. Differences in gene expression may be involved in (or be a result of) the genetic regulation of Calliphoridae feeding habit. Our results are the first steps towards understanding the genetic basis and evolution of feeding behavior in Calliphoridae using a functional approach.
Bone protein “extractomics”: comparing the efficiency of bone protein extractions ofGallus gallusin tandem mass spectrometry, with an eye towards paleoproteomics
Authors: Schroeter Elena R. , DeHart Caroline J. , Schweitzer Mary H. , Thomas Paul M. , Kelleher Neil L.
Published: October 2016

Proteomic studies of bone require specialized extraction protocols to demineralize and solubilize proteins from within the bone matrix. Although various protocols exist for bone protein recovery, little is known about how discrete steps in each protocol affect the subset of the bone proteome recovered by mass spectrometry (MS) analyses. Characterizing these different “extractomes” will provide critical data for development of novel and more efficient protein extraction methodologies for fossils. Here, we analyze 22 unique sub-extractions of chicken bone and directly compare individual extraction components for their total protein yield and diversity and coverage of bone proteins identified by MS. We extracted proteins using different combinations and ratios of demineralizing reagents, protein-solubilizing reagents, and post-extraction buffer removal methods, then evaluated tryptic digests from 20 µg aliquots of each fraction by tandem MS/MS on a 12T FT-ICR mass spectrometer. We compared total numbers of peptide spectral matches, peptides, and proteins identified from each fraction, the redundancy of protein identifications between discrete steps of extraction methods, and the sequence coverage obtained for select, abundant proteins. Although both alpha chains of collagen I (the most abundant protein in bone) were found in all fractions, other collagenous and non-collagenous proteins (e.g., apolipoprotein, osteonectin, hemoglobin) were differentially identified. We found that when a standardized amount of extracted proteins was analyzed, extraction steps that yielded the most protein (by weight) from bone were oftennotthe ones that produced the greatest diversity of bone proteins, or the highest degree of protein coverage. Generally, the highest degrees of diversity and coverage were obtained from demineralization fractions, and the proteins found in the subsequent solubilization fractions were highly redundant with those in the previous fraction. Based on these data, we identify future directions and parameters to consider (e.g., proteins targeted, amount of sample required) when applying discrete parts of these protocols to fossils.
Characterization of a male reproductive transcriptome forPeromyscus eremicus(Cactus mouse)
Authors: Kordonowy Lauren L. , MacManes Matthew D.
Published: October 2016

Rodents of the genusPeromyscushave become increasingly utilized models for investigations into adaptive biology. This genus is particularly powerful for research linking genetics with adaptive physiology or behaviors, and recent research has capitalized on the unique opportunities afforded by the ecological diversity of these rodents. Well characterized genomic and transcriptomic data is intrinsic to explorations of the genetic architecture responsible for ecological adaptations. Therefore, this study characterizes the transcriptome of three male reproductive tissues (testes, epididymis and vas deferens) ofPeromyscus eremicus(Cactus mouse), a desert specialist. The transcriptome assembly process was optimized in order to produce a high quality and substantially complete annotated transcriptome. This composite transcriptome was generated to characterize the expressed transcripts in the male reproductive tract ofP. eremicus,which will serve as a crucial resource for future research investigating our hypothesis that the male Cactus mouse possesses an adaptive reproductive phenotype to mitigate water-loss from ejaculate. This study reports genes under positive selection in the male Cactus mouse reproductive transcriptome relative to transcriptomes fromPeromyscus maniculatus(deer mouse) andMus musculus.Thus, this study expands upon existing genetic research in this species, and we provide a high quality transcriptome to enable further explorations of our proposed hypothesis for male Cactus mouse reproductive adaptations to minimize seminal fluid loss.
Social bufferingandcontact transmission: network connections have beneficial and detrimental effects onShigellainfection risk among captive rhesus macaques
Authors: Balasubramaniam Krishna , Beisner Brianne , Vandeleest Jessica , Atwill Edward , McCowan Brenda
Published: October 2016

In social animals, group living may impact the risk of infectious disease acquisition in two ways. On the one hand, social connectedness puts individuals at greater risk or susceptibility for acquiring enteric pathogens via contact-mediated transmission. Yet conversely, in strongly bonded societies like humans and some nonhuman primates, having close connections and strong social ties of support can also socially buffer individuals against susceptibility or transmissibility of infectious agents. Using social network analyses, we assessed the potentially competing roles of contact-mediated transmission and social buffering on the risk of infection from an enteric bacterial pathogen (Shigella flexneri) among captive groups of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Our results indicate that, within two macaque groups, individuals possessing more direct and especially indirect connections in their grooming and huddling social networks wereless susceptibleto infection. These results are in sharp contrast to several previous studies that indicate that increased (direct) contact-mediated transmission facilitates infectious disease transmission, including our own findings in a third macaque group in which individuals central in their huddling network and/or which initiated more fights weremore likelyto be infected. In summary, our findings reveal that an individual’s social connections may increaseordecrease its chances of acquiring infectious agents. They extend the applicability of the social buffering hypothesis, beyond just stress and immune-function-related health benefits, to the additional health outcome of infectious disease resistance. Finally, we speculate that the circumstances under which social buffering versus contact-mediated transmission may occur could depend on multiple factors, such as living condition, pathogen-specific transmission routes, and/or an overall social context such as a group’s social stability.
Risk and clinical predictors of osteoporotic fracture in East Asian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Lee Ping-Hsueh , Kok Victor C. , Chou Po-Liang , Ku Ming-Chang , Chen Yu-Ching , Horng Jorng-Tzong
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Osteoporosis is becoming an impending epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region. The association between risk of osteoporotic fracture (OTPF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in East Asian patients is yet to be fully examined. We conducted a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study of 98,700 patients aged ≥50 years with or without COPD using a national administrative claims dataset.

Materials and Methods

The patients were divided into COPD and comparison groups comprising 19,740 and 78,960 patients, respectively. The groups were 1 to 4 matched for age, gender, index date, diabetes mellitus, pre-existing osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease. Information such as the geographic area where southern part represented more sunshine exposure, smoking-related diagnoses, alcohol use disorder, whether there was regular use of inhaled corticosteroids and oral corticosteroids, vitamin D prescriptions, Charlson-Deyo comorbidity index score, and other relevant medical comorbidities were extracted for analysis. They were followed up until OTPF or the end of the year 2013. The outcome measure was an osteoporotic vertebral fracture and other long-bone fractures. A multivariate Cox model was constructed to derive adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for OTPF with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) after controlling for age, sex, insurance premium category, vitamin D prescription, osteoporosis, and coronary heart disease (CHD). Kaplan–Meier curves of the probability of OTPF-free survival for each cohort were compared using the log-rank test. Patients with OTPF during the first follow-up year were excluded from the overall risk calculation. Contributing factors to the increased risk of OTPF in COPD patients were examined in a sensitivity analysis.

Results

After a total follow-up of 68,743 patient-years for the COPD group and 278,051 patient-years for the matched comparison group, the HR for OTPF was 1.24 (95% CI [1.02–1.51];P = 0.0322) in COPD patients. The aHR was increased by 30% for vertebral OTPF (aHR = 1.297, 95% CI [1.020–1.649];P = 0.0339). Differential lag time sensitivity analysis revealed a progressively elevated risk up to 8-fold increase in women (aHR = 8.0 (95% CI [1.81–35.4];P < 0.01)) during the fifth follow-up year. COPD patients with pre-existing osteoporosis or given vitamin D prescription harbor a sustained increased risk up to the 5th (aHR, 4.1; 95% CI [1.61–10.35]) and third (aHR, 2.97; 95% CI [1.48–5.97]) follow-up year, respectively.

Conclusions

Our nationwide population-based cohort study demonstrates that East Asian COPD patients aged 50 and beyond do harbor a modestly increased risk for osteoporotic vertebral fractures particularly for those who are female, have pre-existing osteoporosis or require vitamin D prescription.
Synthetic lung surfactants containing SP-B and SP-C peptides plus novel phospholipase-resistant lipids or glycerophospholipids
Authors: Notter Robert H. , Gupta Rohun , Schwan Adrian L. , Wang Zhengdong , Shkoor Mohanad Gh , Walther Frans J.
Published: October 2016

Background

This study examines the biophysical and preclinical pulmonary activity of synthetic lung surfactants containing novel phospholipase-resistant phosphonolipids or synthetic glycerophospholipids combined with Super Mini-B (S-MB) DATK and/or SP-Css ion-lock 1 peptides that replicate the functional biophysics of surfactant proteins (SP)-B and SP-C. Phospholipase-resistant phosphonolipids used in synthetic surfactants are DEPN-8 and PG-1, molecular analogs of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylglycerol (POPG), while glycerophospholipids used are active lipid components of native surfactant (DPPC:POPC:POPG 5:3:2 by weight). The objective of the work is to test whether these novel lipid/peptide synthetic surfactants have favorable preclinical activity (biophysical, pulmonary) for therapeutic use in reversing surfactant deficiency or dysfunction in lung disease or injury.

Methods

Surface activity of synthetic lipid/peptide surfactants was assessedin vitroat 37 °C by measuring adsorption in a stirred subphase apparatus and dynamic surface tension lowering in pulsating and captive bubble surfactometers. Shear viscosity was measured as a function of shear rate on a Wells-Brookfield micro-viscometer.In vivopulmonary activity was determined by measuring lung function (arterial oxygenation, dynamic lung compliance) in ventilated rats and rabbits with surfactant deficiency/dysfunction induced by saline lavage to lower arterial PO2to <100 mmHg, consistent with clinical acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Results

Synthetic surfactants containing 5:3:2 DPPC:POPC:POPG or 9:1 DEPN-8:PG-1 combined with 3% (by wt) of S-MB DATK, 3% SP-Css ion-lock 1, or 1.5% each of both peptides all adsorbed rapidly to low equilibrium surface tensions and also reduced surface tension to ≤1 mN/m under dynamic compression at 37 °C. However, dual-peptide surfactants containing 1.5% S-MB DATK + 1.5% SP-Css ion-lock 1 combined with 9:1 DEPN-8:PG-1 or 5:3:2 DPPC:POPC:POPG had the greatestin vivoactivity in improving arterial oxygenation and dynamic lung compliance in ventilated animals with ARDS. Saline dispersions of these dual-peptide synthetic surfactants were also found to have shear viscosities comparable to or below those of current animal-derived surfactant drugs, supporting their potential ease of deliverability by instillation in future clinical applications.

Discussion

Our findings support the potential of dual-peptide synthetic lipid/peptide surfactants containing S-MB DATK + SP-Css ion-lock 1 for treating diseases of surfactant deficiency or dysfunction. Moreover, phospholipase-resistant dual-peptide surfactants containing DEPN-8/PG-1 may have particular applications in treating direct forms of ARDS where endogenous phospholipases are present in the lungs.
A statistical analysis of equatorial plasma bubble structures based on an all‐sky airglow imager network in China
Authors: Sun Longchang , Xu Jiyao , Wang Wenbin , Yuan Wei , Li Qinzeng , Jiang Chaowei
Published: October 2016

This paper investigates the statistical features of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) using airglow images from 2012 to 2014 from a ground‐based network of four imagers in the equatorial region of China. It is found that (1) EPBs mainly occur during 21:00–00:00 local time (LT) in equinoxes. There is an asymmetry in occurrence rates between March (June) and September equinoxes (December solstices). (2) Most EPBs occur in groups of two to six depletions. The distance between adjacent EPB depletions is ~100–700 km, and the average is 200–300 km. The zonal extension of an EPB group is usually less than 1500 km but can reach 3000 km. (3) EPBs usually have a maximum drift velocity near 100 m/s at 21:00–22:00 LT in 9.5° ± 1.5° geomagnetic latitude and then decrease to 50–70 m/s toward sunrise. (4) The averaged westward tilt angle of most EPBs (with respect to the geographic north‐south) increased from 5°–10° to 23°–30° with LT between 20:00 and 03:00 LT, then decreasing to 10°–20° toward sunrise. (5) When 90 < F10.7 < 140, the maximum magnetic latitudinal extension (PMLE) is usually lower than 15.0° (apex height ~725 km), but it can reach 23.0° (apex height ~1330 km) when F10.7 > 140. The maximum PMLE increases by 3.4°–5.5° when F10.7 changes from 90 to 190. (6) The EPB occurrence patterns and zonal drift velocities are significantly different from those at Kolhapur, India, which locates west to our stations by 20.0°–32.0° in longitude.
Impacts of changing fire weather conditions on reconstructed trends in U.S. wildland fire activity from 1979 to 2014
Authors: Freeborn Patrick H. , Jolly W. Matt , Cochrane Mark A.
Published: October 2016

One component of climate‐fire interactions is the relationship between weather conditions concurrent with burning (i.e., fire danger) and the magnitude of fire activity. Here daily environmental conditions are associated with daily observations of fire activity within ecoregions across the continental United States (CONUS) by aligning the latter 12 years of a 36 year gridded fire danger climatology with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer fire products. Results reveal that although modern relationships (2003–2014) vary regionally, fires across the majority of CONUS are more likely to be present and burning more vigorously as fire danger increases. Applying modern relationships to the entire climatology (1979–2014) indicates that in the absence of other influences, changes in fire danger have significantly increased the number of days per year that fires are burning across 42–49% of CONUS (by area) while also significantly increasing daily fire growth and daily heat release across 37–45% of CONUS. Increases in the fire activity season length coupled with an intensification of daily burning characteristics resulted in a CONUS‐wide +0.02 Mha yr−1 trend in burned area, a 10.6 g m−2 yr−1 trend in the amount of fuel consumed per unit burned area, and ultimately a +0.51 Tg yr−1 trend in dry matter consumption. Overall, the results demonstrate regional variations in the response of fires to changes in fire danger and that weather conditions concurrent with burning have a three‐pronged impact on the magnitude of fire activity by affecting the seasonal duration, spatial extent, and combustion intensity.
Nano‐ and Micro‐Mechanical Properties of Ultrafine‐Grained Materials Processed by Severe Plastic Deformation Techniques
Authors: Kawasaki Megumi , Ahn Byungmin , Kumar Praveen , Jang Jae‐il , Langdon Terence G.
Published: October 2016

The processing of bulk metals through the application of severe plastic deformation (SPD) provides the potential for achieving exceptional grain refinement leading to ultrafine‐grained (UFG) materials. These materials generally exhibit high strength but very limited ductility at room temperature. The recent development in the nanoindentation technique provides significant feasibility in evaluating the micro‐mechanical behavior of UFG materials. Accordingly, this review examines the available experimental results showing the enhancement in strength and ductility through nanoindentation analysis in various materials after different SPD techniques. A comprehensive tabulation is also presented listing the available data for the strain rate sensitivity, m, in a variety of UFG metals processed by SPD.
Self‐Assembled Dual Dye‐Doped Nanosized Micelles for High‐Contrast Up‐Conversion Bioimaging
Authors: Mattiello Sara , Monguzzi Angelo , Pedrini Jacopo , Sassi Mauro , Villa Chiara , Torrente Yvan , Marotta Roberto , Meinardi Francesco , Beverina Luca
Published: October 2016

Sensitized triplet–triplet annihilation based photon up‐conversion (TTA‐UC) greatly improves the scope and applicability of fluorescence bioimaging by enabling anti‐Stokes detection at low powers, thus eliminating the background autofluorescence and limiting the potential damage of the living tissues. Here the authors present a facile, one‐step protocol to prepare dual dye‐doped, TTA‐UC active nanomicelles starting from the commercially available surfactant Kolliphor EL, a component of several FDA approved preparations. These nanosized micelles show an unprecedented up‐conversion yield of 6.5% under 0.1 W cm−2 excitation intensity in an aqueous, nondeaerated dispersion. The supramolecular architecture obtained preserves the embedded dyes from oxygen quenching, allowing satisfactory anti‐Stokes fluorescence imaging of 3T3 cells. This is the first example of efficient multicomponent up‐converters prepared using highly biocompatible materials approved by the international authority, paving the way for the development of new complex and multifunctional materials for advanced theranostics.
Synthesis of Uniquely Structured SnO2 Hollow Nanoplates and Their Electrochemical Properties for Li‐Ion Storage
Authors: Park Gi Dae , Lee Jung‐Kul , Kang Yun Chan
Published: October 2016

A new mechanism for the transformation of nanostructured metal selenides into uniquely structured metal oxides via the Kirkendall effect, which results from the different diffusion rates of metal and Se ions and O2 gas, is proposed. SnSe nanoplates are selected as the first target material and transformed into SnO2 hollow nanoplates by the Kirkendall effect. SnSe‐C composite powder, in which SnSe nanoplates are attached or stuck to amorphous carbon microspheres, transforms into several tens of SnO2 hollow nanoplates by a thermal oxidation process under an air atmosphere. Core–shell‐structured SnSe‐SnSe2@SnO2, SnSe2@SnO2, Se‐SnSe2@SnO2, and Se@SnO2 and yolk–shell‐structured Se@void@SnO2 intermediates are formed step‐by‐step during the oxidation of the SnSe nanoplates. The uniquely structured SnO2 hollow nanoplates have superior cycling and rate performance for Li‐ion storage. Additionally, their discharge capacities at the 2nd and 600th cycles are 598 and 500 mA h g‐1, respectively, and the corresponding capacity retention measured from the 2nd cycle is as high as 84%.
Stueckelberg Oscillations in a Two‐State Two‐Path Model of a Conical Intersection
Authors: Nalbach Peter , Javanbakht Samaneh , Stahl Christopher , Thorwart Michael
Published: October 2016

The two‐state two‐path model is introduced as a minimized model to describe the quantum dynamics of an electronic wave packet in the vicinity of a conical intersection. It involves two electronic potential energy surfaces each of which hosts a pair of quasi‐classical trajectories over which the wave packet is assumed to be delocalized. When both trajectories evolve dynamically either diabatically or adiabatically, the full wave packet dynamics shows only features of the dynamics around avoided level crossings in the vicinity of the conical intersection. When one trajectory evolves adiabatically whereas the other trajectory follows a diabatic evolution, quantum mechanical interference of the wave packet components on each path generates Stueckelberg oscillations in the transition probability. These are surprisingly robust against a dissipative environment and, thus, should be a marker for conical intersections.
Evolution of surface plasmon–polariton wave in a thin metal film: The modulation‐instability effect
Authors: Moiseev Sergey G. , Korobko Dmitry A. , Zolotovskii Igor O. , Fotiadi Andrei A.
Published: October 2016

The modulation instability development of intensive surface plasmon–polariton waves in a thin metal film is studied. It is shown both analytically and numerically that the modulation‐instability effect can give rise to spatial redistribution and longitudinal localization of surface plasmon–polariton wave energy on the subwavelength scale. Analytical expressions for the driving parameters of the modulation instability process − nonlinearity and dispersion − are derived. The impact of the film thickness and dielectric permittivities of constituents on the dynamics of surface plasmon–polariton wave transformation is considered. Numerical simulations show that in the layer structure comprising a silver film of subwavelength thickness a train of subpicosecond optical pulses with high repetition rate can be generated.

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Thiolate‐Mediated Photoinduced Synthesis of Ultrafine Ag2S Quantum Dots from Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Cao Yitao , Geng Wei , Shi Run , Shang Lu , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Liu Limin , Wu Li‐Zhu , Tung Chen‐Ho , Yin Yadong , Zhang Tierui
Published: October 2016

Photoinduced syntheses offer significant advantages over conventional thermal strategies, including improved control over reaction kinetics and low synthesis temperatures, affording nanoparticles with nontrivial and thermodynamically unstable structures. However, the photoinduced syntheses of non‐metallic nanocrystalline products (such as metal sulfides) have not yet been reported. Herein, we demonstrate the first photoinduced synthesis of ultrafine (sub‐2 nm) Ag2S quantum dots (QDs) from Ag nanoparticles at 10 °C. By thorough investigation of the mechanism for the transformation, a fundamental link was established between the intrinsic structures of the molecular intermediates and the final Ag2S products. Our results confirm the viability of low‐temperature photochemical approaches in metal sulfide synthesis, and demonstrate a new rule which could be followed in it.
Synthese nichtnatürlicher Aminosäuren durch die regioselektive Cobalt(III)‐katalysierte intermolekulare Carboaminierung von Alkenen
Authors: Lerchen Andreas , Knecht Tobias , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Glorius Frank
Published: October 2016

Wir berichten über eine regioselektive und vollständig atomökonomische Cobalt(III)‐katalysierte Reaktion für die acyclische intermolekulare Carboaminierung von Alkenen. Die gezeigte Carboaminierungsmethode ermöglicht die direkte Synthese von nichtnatürlichen Aminosäurederivaten und verläuft unter redoxneutralen Bedingungen mit einer vollständig regioselektiven C‐C‐ und C‐N‐Bindungsknüpfung. Des Weiteren veranschaulicht diese Reaktion das inhärent unterschiedliche mechanistische Verhalten des Cp*CoIII‐Katalysators und seines Cp*RhIII‐Gegenstücks, insbesondere im Hinblick auf die β‐Hydrid‐Eliminierung.
Kontrollierte Polymerisation von Multivinyl‐Monomeren: Bildung einer cyclischen/verknoteten Einzelketten‐Polymerarchitektur
Authors: Gao Yongsheng , Newland Ben , Zhou Dezhong , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof , Wang Wenxin
Published: October 2016

Flory und Stockmayer prognostizierten vor siebzig Jahren, dass die Polymerisation von Multivinyl‐Monomeren (MVMs) unweigerlich in der Entstehung eines unlöslichen Gelnetzwerks resultiert. Seitdem wurden MVMs nahezu ausschließlich als Vernetzer verwendet. Kürzlich entwickelte Polymerisationsstrategien wie die radikalische Polymerisation mit reversibler Deaktivierung (“reversible deactivation radical polymerization”, RDRP) erweiterten die Möglichkeiten zur Herstellung neuartiger Polymerarchitekturen und die Benutzung ungewohnter funktioneller Gruppen. Dieser Kurzaufsatz beleuchtet neben geschichtlichen Hintergründen zum Problem der Polymerisation von MVMs auch die Synthese neuer cyclischer/verknoteter Polymerstrukturen. Einige potentielle Anwendungsmöglichkeiten werden ebenfalls diskutiert, denn das Potential dieser Polymerarchitekturen ist noch lange nicht ausgeschöpft.