bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knee Instability and Basic and Advanced Function Decline in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Sharma Leena , Chmiel Joan S. , Almagor Orit , Moisio Kirsten , Chang Alison H. , Belisle Laura , Zhang Yunhui , Hayes Karen W.
Published: March 2015

Objective

Manifestations of instability in knee osteoarthritis (OA) include low overall knee confidence, low confidence that the knees will not buckle, buckling, and excessive motion during gait. Confidence and buckling may particularly influence activity choices, contributing to events leading to disability. Buckling is more likely to affect advanced than basic functional tasks. In this prospective longitudinal study, we tested the hypothesis that overall knee confidence, buckling confidence, buckling, and frontal plane motion during gait are associated with advanced 2‐year function outcomes in persons with knee OA.

Methods

Persons with knee OA were queried about overall knee confidence (higher score = worse confidence), buckling confidence, and knee buckling, and underwent quantitative gait analysis to quantify varus–valgus excursion and angular velocity. Physical function was assessed using the Late‐Life Function and Disability Instrument Basic and Advanced Lower Extremity Domain scores. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between baseline instability measures and baseline‐to‐2‐year function outcome, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

The sample was comprised of 212 persons (mean age 64.6 years, 76.9% women). Buckling was significantly associated with poor advanced function outcome (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.08, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.03–4.20) but not basic function outcome. Overall knee confidence was significantly associated with advanced outcome (adjusted OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.01–2.70), while associations between buckling confidence and both outcomes approached significance. Neither varus–valgus excursion nor angular velocity during gait was associated with either outcome.

Conclusion

Knee buckling and low knee confidence were each associated with poor 2‐year advanced function outcomes. Current treatment does not address these modifiable factors; interventions to address them may improve outcome in knee OA.
Importance of Contextual Factors When Measuring Work Outcome in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Systematic Review by the OMERACT Worker Productivity Group
Authors: Stolwijk Carmen , Castillo‐Ortiz José‐Dionisio , Gignac Monique , Luime Jolanda , Boonen A. ,   for the OMERACT Worker Productivity Group
Published: March 2015

Objective

To review the literature on contextual factors (CoFas) and their relationship to work outcomes in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

Articles that quantified the relationship between CoFas and employment status, sick leave, or presenteeism in individuals with AS were systematically identified. CoFas were classified into 5 domains for personal factors and 8 domains for environmental factors. We defined criteria for best‐evidence synthesis for each CoFa domain based on the number of studies exploring that domain, and the quality of evidence of individual studies based on the risk of bias, adjustment of multivariable analyses for disease activity and physical function, and sample size.

Results

Twenty‐five studies met our inclusion criteria: 20 addressed employment status, 6 examined sick leave, and 3 presenteeism. For employment, there was strong evidence for the role of age, moderate evidence for related skills/abilities, the absence of work accommodations, the nature of work and absence of workplace support, and poor evidence for the role of marital status. Evidence was insufficient for sex, education, and physical environment. For sick leave and presenteeism there were too few studies to perform a best‐evidence synthesis for the role of CoFas.

Conclusion

Using a newly proposed set of criteria for determining the best‐evidence of the association between CoFa domains and work outcome, the following factors emerged: age, related skills/abilities, work accommodations, nature of work, and workplace support. In addition to disease‐related variables, these CoFa domains seem important to include when designing and interpreting studies on work outcomes.
Glucocorticoid Use in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Association Between Dose and Health Care Utilization and Costs
Authors: Chen Shih‐Yin , Choi Chan‐Bum , Li Qian , Yeh Wei‐Shi , Lee Yuan‐Chi , Kao Amy H. , Liang Matthew H.
Published: March 2015

Objective

To investigate the determinants of health care utilization and costs with use of glucocorticoid (GC) drugs among adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study analyzed established SLE patients identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes from a large US insurance claims database in 2007–2011. Five patient groups were defined by their oral GC use during a 1‐year period: non‐GC users, <60 days of GC use, and ≥60 days of GC use in low dosage (≤7.5 mg/day), medium dosage (>7.5 to ≤15 mg/day), or higher dosage (>15 mg/day). Annual health care utilization and costs were compared across these groups. Incremental costs of GC groups, calculated as the difference in total health care costs compared with those of the non‐GC group, were estimated from multivariable regressions adjusting for demographic/clinical characteristics and stratified by concomitant immunosuppressant use.

Results

A total of 50,230 SLE patients were identified (52% non‐GC users, 20% <60 days of GC use, and 10% low dose, 10% medium dose, and 8% higher dose of ≥60 days of GC use). GC users had higher health care utilization and costs. Incremental costs were significant (all P < 0.01) for medium‐dose ($5,319 and $6,913) and higher‐dose ($12,517 and $15,019) GC groups, regardless of concomitant immunosuppressant use. The incremental costs for the low‐dose GC group with concomitant immunosuppressants ($1,285; P = 0.04) were smaller than the incremental costs for the low‐dose GC group without concomitant immunosuppressants ($2,514; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

GC use, especially at higher doses, was associated with higher health care utilization and costs. Findings in users with concomitant immunosuppressants suggest that therapies with a GC‐sparing effect may be associated with lower economic burden in SLE treatment.
Supercapacitor Electrodes Based on Hierarchical Mesoporous MnOx/Nitrided TiO2 Nanorod Arrays on Carbon Fiber Paper
Authors: Li Limin , Zhang Xuming , Wu Guosong , Peng Xiang , Huo Kaifu , Chu Paul K.
Published: March 2015

Metal nitride nanoarrays are attractive to electrochemical energy storage and in this work, hierarchical mesoporous manganese oxide (MnOx) nanoflakes and nitrided TiO2 nanorod arrays (NTNA) are prepared on carbon fiber paper (CFP) by hydrothermal synthesis and electrodeposition. The MnOx/NTNA/CFP electrode delivers outstanding electrochemical performance such as high areal capacitance of 327 mF cm−2 at a current density of 0.25 mA cm−2 and good cycling stability with 96% retention after 5000 cycles. Compared to the MnOx/TiO2/CFP and MnOx/CFP electrodes, the MnOx/NTNA/CFP electrode possesses better electrochemical properties such as higher areal capacitance, better electrochemical activity, and cycling life. The enhanced performance can be attributed to the nitrided TiO2 nanorod arrays with higher conductivity offering low electrochemical impedance and fast ion/electron transfer. The MnOx/NTNA/CFP electrode is a promising candidate in high‐performance supercapacitor applications.
Endoscopic vidian neurectomy: a prospective case series
Authors: Zhang Han , Micomonaco Damian C. , Dziegielewski Peter T. , Sowerby Leigh J. , Weis Ezekiel , Wright Erin D.
Published: March 2015

Background

Chronic refractory vasomotor rhinitis (VMR) is a debilitating condition that causes significant impairment of quality of life. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy and potential side effects of endoscopic vidian neurectomy as treatment for patients with VMR.

Methods

This study was a prospective, intent‐to‐follow case series. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) patients with debilitating VMR refractory to medical therapy and with significant impact on quality of life; (2) negative allergy history and skin testing; and (3) negative computed tomography (CT) scan to rule out skull‐base defect or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula. Patients underwent bilateral vidian neurectomy via a pterygomaxillary approach. Prior to surgery all patients underwent formal ophthalmologic testing to quantify preoperative ocular and lacrimal function. Ophthalmologic testing was repeated postoperatively at approximately 3 months. Patients also completed surveys regarding rhinologic outcomes including the Sinusitis Symptom Questionnaire (SSQ) and the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) at the following time points: preoperatively, and 1 week, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postsurgery. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were undertaken.

Results

Eleven patients (22 sides) underwent bilateral vidian neurectomy with pathologic confirmation of nerve section in all cases. Average follow‐up was 19.4 months. Statistically and clinically significant improvement was measured for both the SSQ and the SNOT‐22 and compared with the patients’ baseline scores (p < 0.0001). Subscores for rhinorrhea and nasal congestions were also statistically significantly improved (p < 0.05). No incidence of permanent or measureable dry eye has been reported.

Conclusion

The data suggests that vidian neurectomy is an effective, safe, and definitive treatment for most patients with VMR refractory to medical treatment.
Effects of titanate treatment on morphology and mechanical properties of graphene nanoplatelets/high density polyethylene nanocomposites
Authors: Pokharel Pashupati , Bae Hyunmin , Lim Jung‐Gyu , Lee Kyoung Yong , Choi Sunwoong
Published: February 2015

The effect of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and titanate coupling agent on morphology and mechanical properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE) nanocomposites was investigated. The titanate has a tendency to link chemically with the two dissimilar species GNPs and HDPE via proton coordination to generate a complete continuous phase for stress/strain transfer via the elimination of air voids and hydrophobicity. The interaction of titanate with GNPs and HDPE was effective to improve the dispersion of GNPs in HDPE composites. At constant weight (1 wt %) of titanate treatment for 2 and 5 wt % HDPE composites, we clearly observed a significantly high value of tensile strength and elongation at break than untreated composites. Particularly, composite containing 2 wt % GNPs in HDPE with titanate showed 66.5% improvement of the ultimate tensile strength and an enormously high value of elongation at break. The effect of GNPs dispersion and orientation in HDPE for the mechanical reinforcement was also evaluated based on the experimental modulus data to theoretical predictions made using the Halpin‐Tsai model. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42073.
Helios Enhances Treg Cell Function in Cooperation With FoxP3
Authors: Takatori Hiroaki , Kawashima Hirotoshi , Matsuki Ayako , Meguro Kazuyuki , Tanaka Shigeru , Iwamoto Taro , Sanayama Yoshie , Nishikawa Natsuko , Tamachi Tomohiro , Ikeda Kei , Suto Akira , Suzuki Kotaro , Kagami Shin‐ichiro , Hirose Koichi , Kubo Masato , Hori Shohei , Nakajima Hiroshi
Published: March 2015

Objective

Helios+FoxP3+CD4+ (Helios+) Treg cells are believed to be involved in the regulation of various autoimmune diseases; however, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the development of Helios+ Treg cells remain uncertain. This study was undertaken to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of Helios expression in CD4+ T cells and its roles in transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)–induced Treg cell function.

Methods

We examined the expression of Helios in CD4+ T cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis by DNA microarray analysis before and after treatment with biologic agents. We also examined the effect of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and TGFβ on Helios expression in CD4+ T cells in humans and mice. The effect of forced expression of Helios on murine induced Treg cell function was also examined. The role of FoxP3 in the induction and function of Helios was assessed by using CD4+ T cells from FoxP3‐deficient scurfy mice.

Results

Tocilizumab, but not tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors or abatacept, increased Helios expression in CD4+ T cells in patients with a good response. IL‐6 inhibited the TGFβ‐induced development of Helios+ induced Treg cells in both humans and mice. Both cell‐intrinsic FoxP3 expression and TGFβ signaling were required for Helios induction in murine induced Treg cells. The forced expression of Helios enhanced the expression of various Treg cell–related molecules and the suppressive function in murine induced Treg cells. Helios‐mediated enhancement of the suppressive function of induced Treg cells was obvious in FoxP3‐sufficient CD4+ T cells but not in FoxP3‐deficient CD4+ T cells.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that Helios enhances induced Treg cell function in cooperation with FoxP3.
Suppression of Peripheral Pain by Blockade of Voltage‐Gated Calcium 2.2 Channels in Nociceptors Induces RANKL and Impairs Recovery From Inflammatory Arthritis in a Mouse Model
Authors: Baddack Uta , Frahm Silke , Antolin‐Fontes Beatriz , Grobe Jenny , Lipp Martin , Müller Gerd , Ibañez‐Tallon Ines
Published: March 2015

Objective

A hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the chronic pain that accompanies inflammation and joint deformation. Patients with RA rate pain relief as the highest priority; however, few studies have addressed the efficacy and safety of therapies directed specifically toward pain pathways. The ω‐conotoxin MVIIA (ziconotide) is used in humans to alleviate persistent pain syndromes, because it specifically blocks the voltage‐gated calcium 2.2 (CaV2.2) channel, which mediates the release of neurotransmitters and proinflammatory mediators from peripheral nociceptor nerve terminals. The aims of this study were to investigate whether blockade of CaV2.2 can suppress arthritis pain, and to examine the progression of induced arthritis during persistent CaV2.2 blockade.

Methods

Transgenic mice expressing a membrane‐tethered form of MVIIA under the control of a nociceptor‐specific gene (MVIIA‐transgenic mice) were used in the experiments. The mice were subjected to unilateral induction of joint inflammation using a combination of antigen and collagen.

Results

CaV2.2 blockade mediated by tethered MVIIA effectively suppressed arthritis‐induced pain; however, in contrast to their wild‐type littermates, which ultimately regained use of their injured joint as inflammation subsided, MVIIA‐transgenic mice showed continued inflammation, with up‐regulation of the osteoclast activator RANKL and concomitant joint and bone destruction.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results indicate that alleviation of peripheral pain by blockade of CaV2.2‐ mediated calcium influx and signaling in nociceptor sensory neurons impairs recovery from induced arthritis and point to the potentially devastating effects of using CaV2.2 channel blockers as analgesics during inflammation.
Rissbreitenberechnung bei Flächentragwerken mit beliebig orientierter Bewehrung
Authors: Krakowski Waldemar , Empelmann Martin
Published: March 2015

Die Berechnung der Rissbreite von Stabtragwerken entsprechend DIN EN 1992‐1‐1 in Verbindung mit dem nationalen Anhang führt auf den bekannten und bewährten Ansatz der DIN 1045‐1. Der Nachweis gilt gleichermaßen für Bauteile unter Zug‐ als auch unter Biegebeanspruchung. Wesentliche Kenngrößen wie z. B. die Betonzugfestigkeit, der Stabdurchmesser und der Bewehrungsgrad werden mechanisch konsistent und ausreichend genau berücksichtigt. Für die Anwendung bei Flächentragwerken mit beliebig orientierter Bewehrung (Platten und Scheiben) sind die Angaben in DIN EN 1992‐1‐1 jedoch nicht ausreichend. Daher wurde im Rahmen von zwei Forschungsvorhaben ein verallgemeinerter Ansatz zur Berechnung der Rissbreiten entwickelt, der die bisherigen Regelungen auch auf Flächentragwerke mit beliebig orientierter Bewehrung erweitert. Im Beitrag werden die Grundlagen der Rissbreitenberechnung bei Flächentragwerken erläutert, ein neuer Ansatz vorgestellt sowie mit zur Verfügung stehenden Versuchsdaten abgeglichen und die Anwendung anhand eines typischen Ingenieurbauwerks aufgezeigt.

Crack width calculation for shell elements

The crack width calculation given in DIN EN 1992‐1‐1 is based on a tension strut model. Influenced by the main parameters as concrete tensile strength, diameter of reinforcement and reinforcement ratio this approach shows good agreement with test data. But application to shell elements like plates or panels is not possible without modification especially for arbitrary reinforcement orientation to the tensile direction. Therefore an extended approach has been developed for calculating crack widths of shell elements in any case. Based on tests this new approach allows variable application for the analysis of plates in bending and panels in tension. The approach has been checked against test data and other models known from literature. The application is demonstrated on a typical construction.
Bacteriophage therapy for membrane biofouling in membrane bioreactors and antibiotic‐resistant bacterial biofilms
Authors: Bhattacharjee Ananda Shankar , Choi Jeongdong , Motlagh Amir Mohaghegh , Mukherji Sachiyo T. , Goel Ramesh
Published: February 2015

To demonstrate elimination of bacterial biofilm on membranes to represent wastewater treatment as well as biofilm formed by antibiotic‐resistant bacterial (ARB) to signify medical application, an antibiotic‐resistant bacterium and its lytic bacteriophage were isolated from a full‐scale wastewater treatment plant. Based on gram staining and complete 16 S rDNA sequencing, the isolated bacterium showed a more than 99% homology with Delftia tsuruhatensis, a gram‐negative bacterium belonging to β‐proteobacteria. The Delftia lytic phage's draft genome revealed the phage to be an N4‐like phage with 59.7% G + C content. No transfer RNAs were detected for the phage suggesting that the phage is highly adapted to its host Delftia tsuruhatensis ARB‐1 with regard to codon usage, and does not require additional tRNAs of its own. The gene annotation of the Delftia lytic phage found three different components of RNA polymerase (RNAP) in the genome, which is a typical characteristic of N4‐like phages. The lytic phage specific to D. tsuruhatensis ARB‐1 could successfully remove the biofilm formed by it on a glass slide. The water flux through the membrane of a prototype lab‐scale membrane bioreactor decreased from 47 L/h m2 to ∼15 L/h m2 over 4 days due to a biofilm formed by D. tsuruhatensis ARB‐1. However, the flux increased to 70% of the original after the lytic phage application. Overall, this research demonstrated phage therapy's great potential to solve the problem of membrane biofouling, as well as the problems posed by pathogenic biofilms in external wounds and on medical instruments. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1644–1654. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High throughput screening of particle conditioning operations: I. System design and method development
Authors: Noyes Aaron , Huffman Ben , Godavarti Ranga , Titchener‐Hooker Nigel , Coffman Jonathan , Sunasara Khurram , Mukhopadhyay Tarit
Published: February 2015

The biotech industry is under increasing pressure to decrease both time to market and development costs. Simultaneously, regulators are expecting increased process understanding. High throughput process development (HTPD) employs small volumes, parallel processing, and high throughput analytics to reduce development costs and speed the development of novel therapeutics. As such, HTPD is increasingly viewed as integral to improving developmental productivity and deepening process understanding. Particle conditioning steps such as precipitation and flocculation may be used to aid the recovery and purification of biological products. In this first part of two articles, we describe an ultra scale‐down system (USD) for high throughput particle conditioning (HTPC) composed of off‐the‐shelf components. The apparatus is comprised of a temperature‐controlled microplate with magnetically driven stirrers and integrated with a Tecan liquid handling robot. With this system, 96 individual reaction conditions can be evaluated in parallel, including downstream centrifugal clarification. A comprehensive suite of high throughput analytics enables measurement of product titer, product quality, impurity clearance, clarification efficiency, and particle characterization. HTPC at the 1 mL scale was evaluated with fermentation broth containing a vaccine polysaccharide. The response profile was compared with the Pilot‐scale performance of a non‐geometrically similar, 3 L reactor. An engineering characterization of the reactors and scale‐up context examines theoretical considerations for comparing this USD system with larger scale stirred reactors. In the second paper, we will explore application of this system to industrially relevant vaccines and test different scale‐up heuristics. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1554–1567. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modified amelogenin is a new and versatile nanomaterial for biomedical applications
Authors: Imhof Thomas , Gruenewald Nora , Schwarz Guenter , Noack Michael J. , Koch Manuel
Published: February 2015

Amelogenin self‐assembly is crucial for tooth biomineralization and crystallite enamel orientation. Amelogenin forms stable nanoparticles under physiological conditions. Here, we tested whether the surface properties and binding characteristics of these particles could be modified to enhance amelogenin function as a biomaterial. We evaluated different amelogenin fusion proteins for their ability to form hybrid nanoparticles. As a proof‐of‐concept, the integrin‐binding tripeptide Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) sequence from fibronectin was integrated into mouse amelogenin (rM179) at three different positions. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements revealed that these amelogenin fusion proteins still form nanospheres. Additional DLS and isothermal titration calorimetry measurements showed that the mixtures of RGD‐modified amelogenin and wild‐type amelogenin form stable particles. We determined that insertion of the RGD‐loop at the amelogenin C‐terminus converts the nanoparticle into a cell‐binding substrate. Calvarial osteoblasts efficiently attached and spread on modified amelogenin, whereas almost no binding was observed on wild‐type amelogenin. These results establish amelogenin as a new versatile biomaterial that can be easily modified to add additional functions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1708–1713. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hi‐Fi SELEX: A high‐fidelity digital‐PCR based therapeutic aptamer discovery platform
Authors: Ouellet Eric , Foley Jonathan H. , Conway Edward M. , Haynes Charles
Published: February 2015

Current technologies for aptamer discovery typically leverage the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) concept by recursively panning semi‐combinatorial ssDNA or RNA libraries against a molecular target. The expectation is that this iterative selection process will be sufficiently stringent to identify a candidate pool of specific high‐affinity aptamers. However, failure of this process to yield promising aptamers is common, due in part to (i) limitations in library designs, (ii) retention of non‐specific aptamers during screening rounds, (iii) excessive accumulation of amplification artifacts, and (iv) the use of screening criteria (binding affinity) that does not reflect therapeutic activity. We report a new selection platform, High‐Fidelity (Hi‐Fi) SELEX, that introduces fixed‐region blocking elements to safeguard the functional diversity of the library. The chemistry of the target‐display surface and the composition of the equilibration solvent are engineered to strongly inhibit non‐specific retention of aptamers. Partition efficiencies approaching 106 are thereby realized. Retained members are amplified in Hi‐Fi SELEX by digital PCR in a manner that ensures both elimination of amplification artifacts and stoichiometric conversion of amplicons into the single‐stranded library required for the next selection round. Improvements to aptamer selections are first demonstrated using human α‐thrombin as the target. Three clinical targets (human factors IXa, X, and D) are then subjected to Hi‐Fi SELEX. For each, rapid enrichment of ssDNA aptamers offering an order‐nM mean equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) is achieved within three selection rounds, as quantified by a new label‐free qPCR assay reported here. Therapeutic candidates against factor D are identified. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1506–1522. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determinants of psychological resistance and recovery among women exposed to assaultive trauma
Authors: Rusch Heather L. , Shvil Erel , Szanton Sarah L. , Neria Yuval , Gill Jessica M.
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Women exposed to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) are at high risk for developing psychiatric disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), general anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and substance‐related disorders. However, this risk is not universal. Most women are resistant (i.e., remain asymptomatic), or recover following a brief symptomatic period. This study examined the psychological factors associated with resistant and recovered outcomes in a sample of high‐risk women exposed to assault‐related PTEs.

Method

One hundred and fifty‐nine women completed the Life Events Checklist and were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I Disorders. This resulted in three groups: (1) no diagnosis (no past or current psychiatric disorder diagnosis; n = 56), (2) past diagnosis (a past psychiatric disorder diagnosis, but none currently; n = 31), and (3) current diagnosis (a current diagnosis of one or more psychiatric disorders; n = 72). Groups were compared on sociodemographics, PTE exposure, psychopathology, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), and psychological resilience‐related factors.

Results

The majority of respondents (79%) did not develop chronic PTSD following assault exposure, and the most common psychiatric outcome was MDD (30%). High endorsement of mastery and social support were associated with the no diagnosis group; and greater reports of mastery and posttraumatic growth were associated with recovery from a past psychiatric disorder. Furthermore, both resilient groups (i.e., no diagnosis and past diagnosis) scored higher on HRQOL measures compared with the current diagnosis group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Psychological resilience has ramifications to health and well‐being, and identifying these factors has potential to inform preventive strategies and treatment interventions for assault exposed women.
Eliminating Barriers to Dual Enrollment in Oklahoma
Authors: Roach Rick , Gamez Vargas Juanita , David Kevin M.
Published: March 2015

Policy, financial, and transportation barriers have limited participation in dual enrollment for marginalized (low‐socioeconomic, first‐generation, and ethnic minority) students in Oklahoma. This chapter presents a collaborative effort by education and community leaders that has successfully eliminated these barriers and increased the number of marginalized students participating in dual enrollment.
Emerging Early College Models for Traditionally Underserved Students
Authors: Barnett Elisabeth , Maclutsky Evelyn , Wagonlander Chery
Published: March 2015

Emerging early college models are providing opportunities for high school students to accrue college credits and experience themselves as successful college students. The states of Michigan and New York are at the forefront of state‐level efforts to offer early college models to a wider range of high school students. This chapter features early college models and describes the variety of programmatic designs and student experiences.
The Challenges of Career and Technical Education Concurrent Enrollment: An Administrative Perspective
Authors: Haag Patricia W.
Published: March 2015

Career and technical education concurrent enrollment may pose unique challenges in programming and enrollment for program administrators, and this chapter describes the experiences and challenges of a CTE concurrent enrollment administrator.
Accidental retrieval of a fully deployed stent: A case report
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Saibal , Vyas Aniruddha , Yusuf Jamal
Published: February 2015

We describe a case of accidental retrieval of a fully deployed stent in ostial left anterior descending (LAD) artery. This occurred while attempting stent delivery in obtuse marginal (OM) artery due to entrapment of a wire which inadvertently had passed through the struts of ostial LAD stent. The proposed mechanism and recommendations to avoid this rare complication are discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter interventions across fresh suture lines in infants and children: An 8‐year experience
Authors: Nicholson George T. , Kim Dennis W. , Vincent Robert N. , Petit Christopher J.
Published: February 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of catheter dilation interventions in general upon surgical anastomotic sites in the immediate postoperative period.

Background

Early postoperative cardiac catheter intervention is regarded as high‐risk, particularly when a dilation intervention across a fresh suture line is performed.

Methods

All catheter dilation interventions performed upon a fresh suture line within 30 days of congenital heart surgery between August 2005 and December 2013 were reviewed. Values are reported as median and interquartile range (IQR). Primary endpoint was procedural success, which was defined as an increase in vessel diameter of >75% of the adjacent normal vessel or 50% increase over pre‐dilation diameter. Secondary endpoints included procedural complications and survival to hospital discharge.

Results

Forty‐five patients, median age 0.15 years (0.03–0.51 years), weight 4.1 kg (3.1–6.4 kg), underwent 62 interventional procedures on median postoperative day 7 (3–13 days). Among the 62 dilation interventions at surgical anastomotic areas, were 30 stent and 32 balloon angioplasty procedures. There were two major complications including: arterial dissection during stent placement and a procedural mortality due to pulmonary artery avulsion during angioplasty. There were 12 deaths (27%) prior to hospital discharge. The median ratio of maximum stent diameter to stenosis diameter was 2.62 (2.27–3.73). The median ratio of maximum balloon diameter to stenosis diameter was 2.27 (1.84–2.94). Stent placement was more likely to result in procedural success (OR 2.1; 95% confidence interval 1.6–2.8).

Conclusion

Though caution is paramount, early postoperative catheter dilation intervention across fresh suture lines can be performed safely in small, critically ill children. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endometriosis coexisting with mature cystic teratoma in the same ovary and ectopic pregnancy of left fallopian tube: a rare coexistence
Authors: Chae Heesuk , Rheu Chulhee
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

A coexistence of endometriosis and mature cystic teratoma in the same ovary is a rare occurrence although such tumors of ovaries are said to be common in the reproductive age group. We report a case of fimbrial ectopic pregnancy combined with simultaneous ipsilateral ovarian presentation of endometriosis and mature teratoma.
Delivery through perineal body and severed external anal sphincter with an intact vaginal orifice during a precipitous labor: a case report
Authors: Ismail Khadijah Irfah , McDonnell Brendan , O'Coigligh Seosamh
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

We present the case of a patient who delivered her baby through the perineal body with an intact vaginal introitus. Damage to the perineal body through its connection to the external anal sphincter can involve the rectovaginal septum with increased morbidity and thought to be linked to rectocele development.
Roving eye movements in a patient with hypoglycemic coma
Authors: Asakura Takanori , Mori Nobuaki
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

Roving eye movements are the sign of cortical dysfunction not involving the brainstem. This finding is useful in the differential diagnosis of impaired consciousness and indicates cerebral damage in patients with hypoglycemic coma.
Application of the crystallographic orbit analysis to the study of twinned crystals. The example of marcasite
Authors: Nespolo Massimo , Souvignier Bernd
Published: March 2015

The continuity of a substructure across the interface is considered a necessary condition for the formation of a twin. The application of the analysis of the eigensymmetry of crystallographic orbits to the derivation of this structural continuity is briefly reviewed and applied to the analysis of the {101} twin in marcasite. This analysis shows that one fourth of the structure, but half of the substructure near the composition surface, is common to the two orientations realized in the twin, the operation mapping the common atoms in the twinned domains being an n‐glide occurring every one fourth of the period along the direction quasi‐perpendicular to the twin plane. The existence of this significant common substructure justifies and explains the formation of the twin.
Matricellular protein SPARC/osteonectin expression is regulated by DNA methylation in its core promoter region
Authors: Torres‐Núñez Eva , Cal Laura , Suárez‐Bregua Paula , Gómez‐Marin Carlos , Moran Paloma , Gómez‐Skarmeta Jose Luis , Rotllant Josep
Published: February 2015

Background: SPARC/osteonectin is an evolutionarily conserved matricellular protein that modulates cell–matrix interaction and cell function. In all vertebrates, SPARC is dynamically expressed during embryogenesis. However, the precise function of SPARC and the regulatory elements required for its expression in particular during early embryogenesis are largely unknown. Results: The present study was undertaken to explore the molecular mechanisms that regulate sparc gene expression by in vivo functional characterization of the sparc promoter and identification of possible putative regulatory elements that govern basal promoter activity. We report here transient expression analyses of eGFP expression from transgenic zebrafish containing a Sparc‐iTol2‐eGFP‐BAC and/or 7.25 kb‐sparc‐Tol2‐eGFP constructs. eGFP expression was specifically found in the notochord, otic vesicle, fin fold, intermediate cell mass, and olfactory placode of BAC and Tol2 transposon vectors injected embryos. Deletion analysis revealed that promoter activity resides in the unique 5′‐untranslated intronic region. Computer‐based analysis revealed a putative CpG island immediately proximal to the translation start site within the intron sequence. Global inhibition of methylation with 5‐Aza‐2‐deoxycytidine promoted sparc expression in association with decreasing CpG methylation. Conclusions: Taken together, these data identify a contributory role for DNA methylation in regulating sparc expression in zebrafish embryogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 244:693–702, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Landscape‐scale accessibility of livestock to tigers: implications of spatial grain for modeling predation risk to mitigate human–carnivore conflict
Authors: Miller Jennifer R. B. , Jhala Yadvendradev V. , Jena Jyotirmay , Schmitz Oswald J.
Published: March 2015

Innovative conservation tools are greatly needed to reduce livelihood losses and wildlife declines resulting from human–carnivore conflict. Spatial risk modeling is an emerging method for assessing the spatial patterns of predator–prey interactions, with applications for mitigating carnivore attacks on livestock. Large carnivores that ambush prey attack and kill over small areas, requiring models at fine spatial grains to predict livestock depredation hot spots. To detect the best resolution for predicting where carnivores access livestock, we examined the spatial attributes associated with livestock killed by tigers in Kanha Tiger Reserve, India, using risk models generated at 20, 100, and 200‐m spatial grains. We analyzed land‐use, human presence, and vegetation structure variables at 138 kill sites and 439 random sites to identify key landscape attributes where livestock were vulnerable to tigers. Land‐use and human presence variables contributed strongly to predation risk models, with most variables showing high relative importance (≥0.85) at all spatial grains. The risk of a tiger killing livestock increased near dense forests and near the boundary of the park core zone where human presence is restricted. Risk was nonlinearly related to human infrastructure and open vegetation, with the greatest risk occurring 1.2 km from roads, 1.1 km from villages, and 8.0 km from scrubland. Kill sites were characterized by denser, patchier, and more complex vegetation with lower visibility than random sites. Risk maps revealed high‐risk hot spots inside of the core zone boundary and in several patches in the human‐dominated buffer zone. Validation against known kills revealed predictive accuracy for only the 20 m model, the resolution best representing the kill stage of hunting for large carnivores that ambush prey, like the tiger. Results demonstrate that risk models developed at fine spatial grains can offer accurate guidance on landscape attributes livestock should avoid to minimize human–carnivore conflict.
The Strengths and Weaknesses of Deliberation on River Basin Management Planning: Analysing the water framework directive implementation in Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: Parés Marc , Brugué Quim , Espluga Josep , Miralles‐de‐Imperial Júlia , Ballester Alba
Published: March 2015

By the means of evaluating the planning process carried out in Catalonia (Spain) according to the requirements of the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive, this article explores the relation between the characteristics of a deliberative process and its results. Our research examines the effects of a real deliberative process on river basin management planning, identifies its strengths and weakness and unveils those factors that explain the lights and the shadows of deliberation. Our evaluation shows that, although the deliberative process achieved significant outputs, most of the participants were unsatisfied with the results. The article concludes that the behaviour rules of the participants, the methodology used, the political engagement and the resources invested are crucial to understanding most of the deliberative processes' success. On the other hand, the lack of deliberative culture, the existence of weak governmental leadership and the absence of some key actors explain the participants' dissatisfaction with the results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Evaluating Participatory Processes in Conservation Policy and Governance: Lessons from a Natura 2000 pilot case study
Authors: Díez María‐Angeles , Etxano Iker , Garmendia Eneko
Published: March 2015

Participatory approaches have been incorporated in decision‐making to strengthen the involvement of social actors in natural resource management and governance. This paradigm shift is permeating the development of Natura 2000 in Europe. However, the implementation of participatory approaches is at an early stage and still contested. To assess the scope of these participatory approaches, this article: (1) reviews the role of participatory approaches in Natura 2000, (2) develops a common framework to evaluate such participatory processes, (3) applies this framework to a pilot case study and (4) based on the lessons learned, provides guidance for future developments. Although the relatively small sample of participants signals caution, the study shows that ensuring an open dialogue among the social actors served to enhance understanding of the various interests and facilitated the identification of areas for compromise. While these findings are promising, we also identify various challenges to a better and more open dialogue. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Nurse‐coordinated collaborative disease management improves the quality of guideline‐recommended heart failure therapy, patient‐reported outcomes, and left ventricular remodelling
Authors: Güder Gülmisal , Störk Stefan , Gelbrich Goetz , Brenner Susanne , Deubner Nikolas , Morbach Caroline , Wallenborn Julia , Berliner Dominik , Ertl Georg , Angermann Christiane E.
Published: March 2015

Background

Heart failure (HF) pharmacotherapy is often not prescribed according to guidelines. This longitudinal study investigated prescription rates and dosages of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEi/ARB), beta‐blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), and concomitant changes of symptoms, echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular (LV) function and morphology and results of the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) Health Survey in participants of the Interdisciplinary Network Heart Failure (INH) programme.

Methods and results

The INH study evaluated a nurse‐coordinated management, HeartNetCare‐HFTM (HNC), against Usual Care (UC) in patients hospitalized for decompensated HF [LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% before discharge). A total of 706 subjects surviving >18 months (363 UC, 343 HNC) were examined 6‐monthly. At baseline, 92% received ACEi/ARB, (HNC/UC 91/93%, P = 0.28), 86% received beta‐blockers (86/86%, P = 0.83), and 44% received MRA (42/47%, P = 0.07). After 18 months, beta‐blocker use had increased only in HNC (+7.6%, P < 0.001). Guideline‐recommended target doses were achieved more frequently in HNC for ACEi/ARB (HNC/UC: 50/25%, P < 0.001) and beta‐blockers (39/15%, P < 0.001). The following variables were more improved and/or better in subjects undergoing HNC compared with UC: LVEF (47 ± 12 vs. 44 ± 12%, P = 0.004, change +17/+14%, P = 0.010), LV end‐diastolic diameter (59 ± 9 vs. 61 ± 9.6 mm, P = 0.024, change −2.3/–1.4mm, P = 0.13), New York Heart Association class (1.9 ± 0.7 vs. 2.1 ± 0.7, P = 0.001, change −0.44/–0.25, P = 0.002) and SF‐36 physical component summary score (41.6 ± 11.2 vs. 38.5 ± 11.8, P = 0.004, change +3.3 vs. +1.1 score points, P < 0.02).

Conclusions

Prescription rates and dosages of ACEi/ARB and beta‐blockers improved more in HNC than UC patients. Concomitantly, participation in HNC was associated with significantly better clinical outcomes and more favourable echocardiographic changes after 18 months.
TCR sequences and tissue distribution discriminate the subsets of naïve and activated/memory Treg cells in mice
Authors: Bergot Anne‐Sophie , Chaara Wahiba , Ruggiero Eliana , Mariotti‐Ferrandiz Encarnita , Dulauroy Sophie , Schmidt Manfred , von Kalle Christof , Six Adrien , Klatzmann David
Published: February 2015

Analyses of the regulatory T (Treg) cell TCR repertoire should help elucidate the nature and diversity of their cognate antigens and thus how Treg cells protect us from autoimmune diseases. We earlier identified CD44hiCD62Llow activated/memory (am) Treg cells as a Treg‐cell subset with a high turnover and possible self‐specificity. We now report that amTreg cells are predominantly distributed in lymph nodes (LNs) draining deep tissues. Multivariate analyses of CDR3 spectratyping first revealed that amTreg TCR repertoire is different from that of naïve Treg cells (nTreg cells) and effector T (Teff) cells. Furthermore, in deep‐ versus superficial LNs, TCR‐β deep sequencing further revealed diversified nTreg‐cell and amTreg‐cell repertoires, although twofold less diverse than that of Teff cells, and with repertoire richness significantly lower in deep‐LN versus superficial‐LN Treg cells. Importantly, expanded clonotypes were mostly detected in deep‐LN amTreg cells, some accounting for 20% of the repertoire. Strikingly, these clonotypes were absent from nTreg cells, but found at low frequency in Teff cells. Our results, obtained in nonmanipulated mice, indicate different antigenic targets for naïve and amTreg cells and that amTreg cells are self‐specific. The data we present are consistent with an instructive component in Treg‐cell differentiation.
A Facile Route to Bis(pyridyl‐1,3,5‐triazine) Ligands with Fluorescing Properties
Authors: Geist Matthias F. , Chartrand Daniel , Cibian Mihaela , Zieschang Fabian , Hanan Garry S. , Kurth Dirk G.
Published: March 2015

We present a general method for the preparation of bis(pyridyl‐1,3,5‐triazine) (dpt) ligands via Stille coupling chemistry. The synthetic procedure surpasses known trimerisation procedures in terms of yield, flexibility, and diversity, as ditopic ligands with different spacers are now available. Polythiophene spacers give rise to different colours by extending the conjugated system and increasing HOMO energy levels. The luminescence properties can be tuned by the spacers, the emission is found in the region from 300–550 nm with nanosecond lifetimes. Preliminary experiments indicate thermochromic properties for the dpt‐FeII complexes.
Identification of peneplains by multi‐parameter assessment of digital elevation models
Authors: Haider Vicky L. , Kropáček Jan , Dunkl István , Wagner Bianca , von Eynatten Hilmar
Published: February 2015

The concept of peneplains has existed since the end of the nineteenth century. Typical peneplains are elevated geomorphological features with a low relief surface on top. They may be tilted due to tectonic activity or intersected by evolving erosion. Until now neither a standardized definition for peneplains, nor an established procedure to identify and quantify well preserved peneplains as prominent landforms existed. At present the global availability of homogeneous digital elevation models (DEMs) provides an accurate characterization of the morphology of the Earth surface. In this study a new, numerical, DEM‐based fuzzy‐logic approach is presented for the delineation of peneplains solely from a morphological perspective. The approach is based on a morphometric analysis of the 90‐arcsec Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) DEM. Four critical parameters are employed which are implemented within a geographic information system (GIS). The parameters for the correct and unambiguous description of a ‘flat top mountain’ are: (i) slope, (ii) curvature, (iii) terrain ruggedness index, and (iv) relative height. The approach was developed using a test area in the central Tibetan Plateau, which is characterized by representative and well preserved peneplains and for which additional field data were collected. In order to verify the method, peneplains were delineated in different regions with various geological settings for which potential peneplains were already described in the literature. The results from the Appalachian Mountains, Andes, Massif Central, and New Zealand confirm the robustness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicity of fluoride to aquatic species and evaluation of toxicity modifying factors
Authors: Pearcy Krysta , Elphick James , Burnett-Seidel Charlene
Published: March 2015

The present study was performed to investigate the toxicity of fluoride to a variety of freshwater aquatic organisms and to establish whether water quality variables contribute substantively to modifying its toxicity. Water hardness, chloride, and alkalinity were tested as possible toxicity modifying factors for fluoride using acute toxicity tests with Hyalella azteca and Oncorhynchus mykiss. Chloride appeared to be the major toxicity modifying factor for fluoride in these acute toxicity tests. The chronic toxicity of fluoride was evaluated with a variety of species, including 3 fish (Pimephales promelas, O. mykiss, and Salvelinus namaycush), 3 invertebrates (Ceriodaphnia dubia, H. azteca, and Chironomus dilutus), 1 plant (Lemna minor), and 1 alga (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata). Hyalella azteca was the most sensitive species overall, and O. mykiss was the most sensitive species of fish. The role of chloride as a toxicity modifying factor was inconsistent between species in the chronic toxicity tests. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1642–1648. © 2015 SETAC