bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of Xylan Grafted with Polyethylene Glycol in Ionic Liquid and Their Use as Moisture‐Absorption/Retention Biomaterials
Authors: Zhang Xueqin , Wang Huihui , Wen Xiaoxiang , Zhang Aiping , Wang Xiaoying , Zhong Linxin , Liu Chuanfu , Sun Runcang
Published: February 2016

The objective of this study is to broaden the application of xylan as moisture‐absorption/retention biomaterials by grafting polyethylene glycol (PEG) on xylan backbone. Ionic liquid 1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([Amim]Cl) and 4,4‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate are used as reaction media and coupling reagent, respectively. FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, and gel permeation chromatography analyses indicate the successful occurrence of the grafting reaction. Thermogravimetric analysis/derivative thermogravimetry indicates that the thermal stability of xylan increases after the grafting of the PEG side chains. With an increase of the degree of substitution of xylan‐g‐PEG, the molecular weight (Mw) of PEG side chains (1000 and 5000 g mol−1), and the relative humidity of environment, the moisture‐absorption/retention ratio of xylan‐g‐PEG increases. To evaluate the biodegradability/biocompatibility of this promising material, the ratio of biochemical oxygen demand to chemical oxygen demand of xylan‐g‐PEG and the cytotoxicity are tested on the samples. The results indicate that PEG‐modified xylan has great potential as moisture‐absorption/retention biomaterials.

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Competition, Outside Directors and Executive Turnover: Implications for Corporate Governance in the EU
Authors: Buchwald Achim
Published: February 2016

This study examines the relevance of non‐executive outside directors with multiple directorships for corporate governance building on a large panel of European listed firms in the period 2003 to 2011. Focusing on executive turnover as an indicator for effective monitoring, the findings reveal that multiple directorships and product market competition are substitutes. Outsiders increase executive turnover in underperforming firms exclusively if competition in the industry is weak. In environments with effective competition, outsiders do not significantly influence the decision to replace underperforming managers. In fiercely competitive industries, the market pressure seems to effectively limit managerial discretion for opportunistic behavior. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fairness, One's Source of Income, and Others' Decisions: An Ultimatum Game Experiment
Authors: Lee Kangoh , Shahriar Quazi
Published: February 2016

In an ultimatum game experiment, this paper studies the effects of the proposer's source of income, earned income and unearned income, on the responder's decision to accept or reject the proposer's offer. The results show that as the earned‐income fraction increases, the responder tends to accept a lower offer. The results have implications for other types of behavior such as the demand for redistribution. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transverse relaxation of selectively excited metabolites in stroke at 21.1 T
Authors: Rosenberg Jens T. , Shemesh Noam , Muniz Jose A. , Dumez Jean‐Nicolas , Frydman Lucio , Grant Samuel C.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

This study seeks to evaluate in vivo T2 relaxation times of selectively excited stroke‐relevant metabolites via 1H relaxation‐enhanced magnetic resonance spectroscopy (RE‐MRS) at 21.1 T (900 MHz).

Methods

A quadrature surface coil was designed and optimized for investigations of rodents at 21.1 T. With voxel localization, a RE‐MRS pulse sequence incorporating the excitation of selected metabolites was modified to include a variable echo delay for T2 measurements. A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) animal model for stroke was examined with spectra taken 24 h post occlusion. Fourteen echo times were acquired, with each measurement completed in less than 2 min.

Results

The RE‐MRS approach produced high‐quality spectra of the selectively excited metabolites in the stroked and contralateral regions. T2 measurements reveal differential results between these regions, with significance achieved for lactic acid.

Conclusion

Using the RE‐MRS technique at ultra‐high magnetic field and an optimized quadrature surface coil design, full metabolic T2 quantifications in a localized voxel is now possible in less than 27 min. Magn Reson Med 77:520–528, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Investigating hyperoxic effects in the rat brain using quantitative susceptibility mapping based on MRI phase
Authors: Hsieh Meng‐Chi , Kuo Li‐Wei , Huang Yun‐An , Chen Jyh‐Horng
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To test whether susceptibility imaging can detect microvenous oxygen saturation changes, induced by hyperoxia, in the rat brain.

Methods

A three‐dimensional gradient‐echo with a flow compensation sequence was used to acquire
‐weighted images of rat brains during hyperoxia and normoxia. Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and QSM‐based microvenous oxygenation venography were computed from gradient‐echo (GRE) phase images and compared between the two conditions. Pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the cortex was examined and compared with venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) estimated by QSM. Oxygen saturation change calculated by a conventional Δ
map was also compared with the ΔSvO2 estimated by QSM.

Results

Susceptibilities of five venous and tissue regions were quantified separately by QSM. Venous susceptibility was reduced by nearly 10%, with an SvO2 shift of 10% during hyperoxia. A hyperoxic effect, confirmed by SpO2 measurement, resulted in an SvO2 increase in the cortex. The ΔSvO2 between hyperoxia and normoxia was consistent with what was estimated by the Δ
map in five regions.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that a quantitative susceptibility map is a promising technique for SvO2 measurement. This method may be useful for quantitatively investigating oxygenation‐dependent functional MRI studies. Magn Reson Med 77:592–602, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Impact of Mandatory HIV Screening in the Emergency Department: A Queuing Study
Authors: Liu Nan , Stone Patricia W. , Schnall Rebecca
Published: February 2016

To improve HIV screening rates, New York State in 2010 mandated that all persons 13–64 years receiving health care services, including care in emergency departments (EDs), be offered HIV testing. Little attention has been paid to the effect of screening on patient flow. Time‐stamped ED visit data from patients eligible for HIV screening, 7,844 of whom were seen by providers and 767 who left before being seen by providers, were retrieved from electronic health records in one adult ED. During day shifts, 10% of patients left without being seen, and during evening shifts, 5% left without being seen. All patients seen by providers were offered testing, and 6% were tested for HIV. Queuing models were developed to evaluate the effect of HIV screening on ED length of stay, patient waiting time, and rate of leaving without being seen. Base case analysis was conducted using actual testing rates, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of increasing the testing rate. Length of ED stay of patients who received HIV tests was 24 minutes longer on day shifts and 104 minutes longer on evening shifts than for patients not tested for HIV. Increases in HIV testing rate were estimated to increase waiting time for all patients, including those who left without being seen. Our simulation suggested that incorporating HIV testing into ED patient visits not only adds to practitioner workload but also increases patient waiting time significantly during busy shifts, which may increase the rate of leaving without being seen. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between a school‐based intervention and adiposity outcomes in adolescents: The Italian “EAT” project
Authors: Ermetici Federica , Zelaschi Roberta F. , Briganti Silvia , Dozio Elena , Gaeta Maddalena , Ambrogi Federico , Pelissero Gabriele , Tettamanti Guido , Marco Corsi Romanelli Massimiliano , Carruba Michele , Morricone Lelio , Malavazos Alexis E.
Published: February 2016

Objective

To evaluate whether a school‐based multicomponent educational program could improve adiposity measures in middle‐school adolescents.

Methods

A non‐randomized controlled pilot study was conducted in six state middle schools (487 adolescents, 11‐15 years) in townships in an urban area around Milan, three schools (n = 262 adolescents) being assigned to the intervention group and three schools (n = 225 adolescents) to the control group. The two‐school‐year intervention included changes in the school environment (alternative healthy vending machines, educational posters) and individual reinforcement tools (school lessons, textbook, text messages, pedometers, re‐usable water bottles). The main outcome measure was change in BMI z‐score. The secondary outcomes were changes in waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) and behavioral habits.

Results

The intervention was associated with a significant difference in BMI z‐score (−0.18 ± 0.03, P<0.01) and in WHtR (−0.04 ± 0.002, P < 0.001), after controlling for baseline covariates. Subgroup analysis showed the maximum association between the intervention and the difference in BMI z‐score for girls with overweight/obesity. Physical activity increased and consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages and high‐energy snacks decreased in adolescents after the intervention.

Conclusions

A school‐based multicomponent intervention conducted at both environmental and individual levels may be effective for reducing adiposity measures mainly in adolescents with overweight/obesity.
Obesity‐driven alterations in adipose‐derived stem cells are partially restored by weight loss
Authors: Pérez Laura M. , Suárez Javier , Bernal Aurora , de Lucas Beatriz , San Martin Nuria , Gálvez Beatriz G.
Published: February 2016

Objective

The therapeutic potential of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) is reduced by various stress‐inducing conditions that affect tissue homeostasis such as diabetes, aging, and obesity. Previous works have provided evidence of negative effects of obesity on ASC populations, but it is unclear whether this persists after a weight loss. This study evaluated whether weight loss can restore the attenuated properties found in ASCs derived from populations with obesity (oASCs).

Methods

In vitro functional analyses were performed to investigate the possible recovery properties in mouse oASCs. Using ASCs isolated from subcutaneous tissue from formerly obese mice (dASCs) and control mice (cASCs), cell proliferation, viability, and some regenerative properties in these cells were analyzed compared with oASCs to evaluate the functional cell state.

Results

Cell proliferation, viability, and some regenerative properties are strengthened in dASCs and cASCs compared with oASCs. Nevertheless, metabolic analysis reveals a mitochondrial load misbalance and function leading to impaired respiration in dASCs.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that an initial obese environment triggers a detrimental state in ASCs that is not completely recovered after weight loss.
Use of social networking sites and perception and intentions regarding body weight among adolescents
Authors: Sampasa‐Kanyinga H. , Chaput J.‐P. , Hamilton H. A.
Published: February 2016

Objective

Social networking sites (SNSs) not only offer users an opportunity to link with others but also allow individuals to compare themselves with other users. However, the link between the use of SNSs and the dissatisfaction with body weight is largely unknown. We investigated the associations between the use of SNSs and the perception of body weight and related behaviours among adolescent men and women.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 4,468 (48.5% women) 11–19‐year‐old Canadian students in grades 7 to 12 who participated in the 2013 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey.

Results

Overall, 54.6% of students reported using SNSs for 2 h or less per day, 28.0% reported using them for more than 2 h d−1 and 17.4% reported infrequent or no use of SNSs (reference category). After adjustment for covariates, results showed that adolescent women who use SNSs for more than 2 h d−1 had greater odds of dissatisfaction with body weight (odds ratio = 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30–3.16). More specifically, they were more likely to perceive themselves as overweight (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.34−3.60) compared with those who reported infrequent or no use of SNSs. Conversely, men who use SNSs for 2 h or less per day presented a lower risk for perceiving themselves as overweight (RRR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.47−0.98) but not those who use SNSs for more than 2 h d−1. Women who use SNSs for more than 2 h d−1 reported a greater likelihood of trying to lose weight (RRR = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.62−3.90).

Conclusions

Our results showed that heavy use of SNSs is associated with dissatisfaction with body weight in adolescent women.
Mutually exclusive BCOR internal tandem duplications and YWHAE‐NUTM2 fusions in clear cell sarcoma of kidney: not the full story
Authors: Kenny Colin , Bausenwein Sabrina , Lazaro Antonio , Furtwängler Rhoikos , Gooskens Saskia LM , van den Heuvel Eibrink Marry , Vokuhl Christian , Leuschner Ivo , Graf Norbert , Gessler Manfred , O'Sullivan Maureen J
Published: February 2016

Internal tandem duplication within the BCOR gene sequence that encodes the PUFD domain, important in the formation of the non‐canonical or variant polycomb repressor complex 1 (v‐PRC1), was very recently described in 100% of 20 clear cell sarcomas of kidney (CCSKs). None of those 20 cases bore the YWHAE–NUTM2 transcript, previously described by us in CCSK, and which constitutes the only other recurrent genetic aberration observed in CCSK, prompting consideration that these mutations might be mutually exclusive in CCSK. We analysed a cohort of 159 CCSKs and can now not only confirm that there is indeed mutual exclusivity of these BCOR and YWHAE mutations, but also show that a substantial proportion (in this series 11.8%) of CCSKs bear neither mutation when tested by these assays, raising the possibility of distinct aetiologies for subsets of CCSK. Clinical differences observed between the subsets support this notion. As CCSK may show poor chemo‐responsiveness, and current treatment protocols mandate the use of doxorubicin with its associated side‐effects, advances in understanding the disease biology with a view to more targeted and personalized treatment is a pressing need. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Stewardship Interventions on Antiretroviral Medication Errors in an Urban Medical Center: A 3‐Year, Multiphase Study
Authors: Zucker Jason , Mittal Jaimie , Jen Shin‐Pung , Cheng Lucy , Cennimo David
Published: February 2016

Background

There is a high prevalence of HIV infection in Newark, New Jersey, with University Hospital admitting approximately 600 HIV‐infected patients per year. Medication errors involving antiretroviral therapy (ART) could significantly affect treatment outcomes. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of various stewardship interventions in reducing the prevalence of prescribing errors involving ART.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of all inpatients receiving ART for HIV treatment during three distinct 6‐month intervals over a 3‐year period. During the first year, the baseline prevalence of medication errors was determined. During the second year, physician and pharmacist education was provided, and a computerized order entry system with drug information resources and prescribing recommendations was implemented. Prospective audit of ART orders with feedback was conducted in the third year. Analyses and comparisons were made across the three phases of this study.

Results

Of the 334 patients with HIV admitted in the first year, 45% had at least one antiretroviral medication error and 38% had uncorrected errors at the time of discharge. After education and computerized order entry, significant reductions in medication error rates were observed compared to baseline rates; 36% of 315 admissions had at least one error and 31% had uncorrected errors at discharge. While the prevalence of antiretroviral errors in year 3 was similar to that of year 2 (37% of 276 admissions), there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of uncorrected errors at discharge (12%) with the use of prospective review and intervention.

Conclusions

Interventions, such as education and guideline development, can aid in reducing ART medication errors, but a committed stewardship program is necessary to elicit the greatest impact.
Reactive Energetic Plasticizers for Energetic Polyurethane Binders Prepared via Simultaneous Huisgen Azide‐Alkyne Cycloaddition and Polyurethane Reaction
Authors: Ma Mingyang , Shen Yechen , Kwon Younghwan , Chung Chanhong , Kim Jin Seuk
Published: February 2016

Reactive energetic plasticizers (REPs) for use in glycidyl azido polymer (GAP) based polyurethane (PU) energetic binders were investigated. These REPs consisted of an activated terminal alkyne group that was expected to give rise to Huisgen azide‐alkyne 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition within the specific pot life for a PU formulation to prevent the migration of plasticizers, and with a gem‐dinitro group as an energy resource. A quantitative miscibility investigation between the plasticizers and uncured GAP showed that REPs exhibited better miscibility than conventional energetic plasticizers. The plasticization effect of the REPs on the GAP prepolymer with respect to the reduction of the viscosity illustrated REPs can effectively reduce the viscosity of the GAP prepolymer from 6,015 cP to 150–240 cP at the processing temperature when 50 wt‐% of REP was added. A comparison of the click reactivity and activation energies (Ea) of REPs and GAP prepolymer elucidated that the reactivity of azide‐alkyne cycloaddition depended on the dipolarophilicity of REPs which could be controlled by adjusting the length of methylene spacer between electron‐withdrawing groups (EWG) and neighboring alkynes in REPs. Thermogravimetric analysis manifested REP/GAP‐based PU binders maintained the thermal stability of the control GAP‐based PU binder. The mechanical properties and impact insensitivity of the GAP‐based PU binders were also improved by the incorporation of REPs.
Laser patterning of amorphous silicon thin films deposited on flexible and rigid substrates
Authors: Alpuim P. , Cerqueira M. F. , Iglesias V. , Machado G. , Borme J.
Published: February 2016

The possibility of direct writing thin semiconductive channels and structures on insulating substrates in a clean room‐free process is attractive for its simplicity, cost effectiveness, and possibility of a wide choice of substrates. A broad range of applications, such as large‐area electronic devices (touch screens, flexible displays), sensors, or optical wave guides could benefit from such a process. In this work, we directly write on doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H), with thickness in the range 10 nm–1 μm, using a Nd‐YAG laser operating at 532 nm that is part of a Witec Raman confocal system. The contrast in conductivity between the exposed and unexposed areas is so high that the a‐Si:H matrix needs not to be removed after exposure. B‐ and P‐doped films were deposited on plastic, glass, and oxidized silicon wafers. The laser power threshold for crystallization was studied. The highest conductivity (886 Ω−1 cm−1) was obtained on wafer. On hard substrates, it is possible to tune the mesoscopic electrical conductivity in a very broad range of values (∼10−4–103) by design of the pattern to be transferred. Patterned films are piezoresistive with gauge factors as high as +18 and −29 for p‐ and n‐type patterns, respectively.

SEM image of laser written lines on a 10 nm thick a‐Si:H film deposited on a Si/SiO2 substrate. Four regions are clearly distinguishable: the metal contact on the top area; the laser eroded area (lines); the crystallized areas adjacent to lines; the amorphous region at the bottom right.
A Study of the Amputee Experience of Viewing Self in the Mirror
Authors: Freysteinson Wyona , Thomas Lisa , Sebastian-Deutsch Amy , Douglas Denika , Melton Danielle , Celia Tania , Reeves Kristin , Bowyer Patricia
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To describe the trajectory of viewing self in a mirror after an ampu-tation and participants’ perceptions of what health care professionals should know about mirrors.

Design

Hermeneutic phenomenology

Methods

Focus groups were conducted to collect the research data.

Findings

The mirror experience had three key moments: decision, seeing, and consent. The trajectory of viewing self in a mirror had four key themes: mirror shock, mirror anguish, recognizing self, and acceptance: a new normal. Participants’ recommendations for introducing the mirror after an amputation and using a mirror to avoid skin breakdown and infection, and correct gait and balance are described.

Conclusions

This study provides a unique viewpoint into the world of those who have suffered amputation of a limb.

Clinical Relevance

Rehabilitation nurses and other health care professionals are encouraged through these participants to consider the effect and value of mirrors when caring for those who have had an amputation.
Structural characterizations and in vitro digestibility of acid‐treated wrinkled and smooth pea starch (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Shi Miaomiao , Wang Kai , Yu Shujuan , Gilbert Robert G. , Gao Qunyu
Published: February 2016

In this study, the molecular structure of acid‐treated wrinkled and smooth pea starch residues was investigated, and the in vitro digestibility of the residues with 2.2 M HCl at 35°C for different time periods (1, 3, 5, 8, and 15 days) was assessed. After acid treatment, the amounts of rapidly digestible and slowly digestible starches increased, whereas the amount of resistant starch decreased. The granular appearance of the two pea starches was destroyed and small fractions formed aggregates. The changes in the ratio of absorbance at 1047 cm−1 to that at 1022 cm−1, the intensities of major peaks, relative crystallinity, and thermodynamic parameters from DSC were observed during acid hydrolysis. These properties of wrinkled pea starches were significantly different from those of smooth pea starches. The crystallinity of acid‐hydrolyzed starches increased slightly with increased acid‐treatment time. From the entire hydrolysis process, the B polymorph of acid treated pea starch has a higher hydrolysis than that of A polymorph. A reduced tendency in chain‐length distribution occurred with the degradation of chains in amylose and amylopectin. These results demonstrated that the slow digestion and resistance properties of wrinkled and smooth pea starches were affected by both the structure of the amorphous and crystalline regions of starch granules.
Curtain wall façade system under lateral actions with regard to limit states
Authors: Gorenc Barbara , Beg † Darko
Published: February 2016

During high wind or earthquake action, high‐rise multi‐storey buildings respond with relatively large storey drifts. The building envelope, in this case a curtain wall, exposed to this in‐plane shear resists the action with its drift capacity. This paper describes tests on two different configurations of a newly developed unitized curtain wall, “Qbiss Air” (QAir), using three different cyclic protocols. The protocols were derived on the basis of the serviceability limit state for regions with moderate to high wind and seismicity. The details and configuration influence the response of the system significantly, so the design of the structure can provide accurate information for the design of such systems.
Lateral‐torsional buckling behaviour of I‐section beam‐columns with one‐sided rotation and warping restraint
Authors: Unterweger Harald , Taras Andreas , Feher Zoltan
Published: February 2016

In many practical applications, columns are often fixed to a practically rigid concrete structure at the column base. This additional restraint should increase the real load‐carrying capacity if the section is susceptible to lateral‐torsional buckling. However, this effect is rarely taken into account in design, as most current design rules do not provide sufficient guidance on how to account for this additional rigidity, and so the column base fixity is often ignored. The background to the verification formulae for lateral‐torsional buckling (LTB) of I‐section beam‐columns in Eurocode EN 1993‐1‐1 consists of comprehensive parametric numerical studies for members with “end fork” conditions only, i.e. for members with free rotational and warping deformations at both ends. However, these specific boundary conditions are not clearly mentioned in the code.

In the study presented in this paper, a comprehensive series of numerical FEM analyses for the realistic lateral‐torsional buckling behaviour of beam‐columns with one‐sided rotation and warping restraints was carried out and compared with the results based on the LTB resistance of the Eurocode, calculated with increased idealized buckling loads (Ncr, Mcr) that account for the end restraints. The most important results of this study are presented in this paper and the ultimate capacity is compared for two different beam‐column design methods in Eurocode 3: the interaction concept (EN 1993‐1‐1, 6.3.3) and the general method (EN 1993‐1‐1, 6.3.4).

In addition, a simplified formula is given for the additional bi‐moment at the end restraint, which is to be used for designing the welded joint. Finally, an improved LTB design curve (buckling reduction factor χLT) is presented, developed at the authors' institution, which may be used for the cases studied.
Accuracy of design‐oriented formulations for evaluating the flexural and shear capacities of FRP‐strengthened RC beams
Authors: D'Antino Tomasso , Triantafillou Thanasis C.
Published: February 2016

Fibre‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have been employed in the last few decades largely for the strengthening and seismic retrofitting of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Several studies are available in the literature and different analytical models have been proposed for evaluating the FRP contribution in strengthened RC elements. This paper analyses the accuracy of analytical models widely used for evaluating the flexural and shear contributions provided by the FRP. Some of those models are included in design guidelines. In particular, the analytical models for evaluating the FRP strain at intermediate crack‐induced debonding failure are analysed. The accuracy of each formulation is assessed comparing the analytical provisions with the experimental results collected from two databases, one for bending and one for shear. The results obtained show that most of the analytical flexural models achieve a good level of accuracy and only a few models provide inadequate results. A new formulation proposed for evaluating the FRP shear contribution is shown to be generally conservative, which comes at the expense of accuracy.
Psychiatric classifications: validity and utility
Authors: Jablensky Assen
Published: February 2016

Despite historical assumptions to the contrary, there is little evidence that the majority of recognized mental disorders are separated by natural boundaries. Diagnostic categories defined by their clinical syndromes should be regarded as ‘valid’ only if they have been shown to be truly discrete entities. Most diagnostic concepts in psychiatry have not been demonstrated to be valid in this sense, though many possess ‘utility’ by virtue of the information they convey about presenting symptoms, outcome, treatment response and, in some instances, aetiology. While researchers in genetics, neurobiology and population epidemiology are increasingly more likely to adopt a continuum/dimensional view of the variation in symptomatology, clinicians prefer to hold on to the categorical approach embodied in current classifications such as ICD‐10 and DSM‐5. Both points of view have plausible justification in their respective contexts, but the way forward may be in their conceptual reconciliation.
Lessons learned from unintended consequences about erasing the stigma of mental illness
Authors: Corrigan Patrick W.
Published: February 2016

Advocates and scientists have partnered to develop and evaluate programs meant to erase the egregious effects of the different forms of stigma. Enough evidence has been collected to yield lessons about approaches to stigma change. Some of the most insightful of these lessons emerge from unintended consequences of good intentioned approaches, and are the focus of this paper. They include the limited benefits of education especially when compared to contact, beating stigma is more than changing words, beware pity as a message, understand the competing agendas of stigma change, replace ideas of normalcy with solidarity, and avoid framing self‐stigma as the problem of people with mental illness and not of society. The paper ends with consideration of the back seat role that psychiatrists and other mental health providers should have in stigma change.
Preconcentration of mercury on polyaniline expands the horizon for energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence determination
Authors: Remya Devi P. S. , Suvarna S. , Ghosh M. , Kiran Kumar G. , Verma R. , Reddy A. V. R.
Published: February 2016

Hg(II) was sorbed on polyaniline from aqueous solutions, followed by determination using energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry. Distribution coefficient of Hg(II) on polyaniline was about 4 × 103 in water, whereas distribution coefficient was 1.2 × 104 at 0.1 M HCl and decreased drastically with increase in HCl concentration. Rapid kinetics of sorption was evinced by the 80% uptake within the initial 1 min and quantitative sorption within 5 min of equilibration. The sorption was found to follow Langmuir isotherm model, and the Langmuir capacity was calculated as 19.7 mg g−1. The ability of polyaniline to form stable and homogeneous pellets facilitated the energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence determination without recourse to elution. Detection limit of Hg was found to be 22 ng, considering 100 mg pellet of polyaniline. The apparent detection limit was 6 pg, as the preconcentration factor of Hg(II) on polyaniline was 4 × 103. The developed method is at par with the established method for mercury determination, namely, cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Accuracy of the method was established by the analysis of the International Atomic Energy Agency reference materials, namely, hair and lichen, for Hg(II). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leaf phenological shifts and plant–microbe–soil interactions can determine forest productivity and nutrient cycling under climate change in an ecosystem model
Authors: Miki Takeshi , Doi Hideyuki
Published: February 2016

Climate change is expected to affect tree leaf phenology by extending the length of the growing season (LGS), which will affect the productivity and nutrient cycling of forests. Interactions between plants and microbes will mediate the ecosystem processes further through microbe‐mediated plant–soil feedback (PSF). To investigate the possible consequences of interactions between the extension of the growing season (GS) and PSF under various conditions, we developed a simple theoretical model (LGS‐PSF model). The LGS‐PSF model predicts that microbe‐mediated PSF will intensify the negative effects of increasing temperature on the size of soil carbon stock when compared with simulations without the PSF effect. The combined effects of increasing temperature and PSF on the size of soil carbon stock occurs through enhanced activity of individual microbes and increased microbial population size. More importantly, the model also demonstrated that a longer GS mitigates this negative effect on carbon accumulation in soil, not through increased net primary production, but through intensified competition for nutrients between plants and microbes, thus suppressing microbial population growth. Our model suggested that the interactive effects of the LGS and PSF on carbon and nitrogen dynamics in forests should be incorporated into larger scale quantitative models for better forecasting of future forest functions under climate change.
Winter snowfall can have a positive effect on photosynthetic carbon fixation and biomass accumulation of biological soil crusts from the Gurbantunggut Desert, China
Authors: Zhao Ruiming , Hui Rong , Wang Zengru , Liu Lichao , Xie Min , An Lizhe
Published: February 2016

Winter snowfall is an important factor in the growth and development of biological soil crusts (BSCs) in temperate desert regions of China. In this study, intact algae, lichen, and moss crusts from the Gurbantunggut Desert were collected and exposed to five experimental treatments—snow removal (0S), snow decrease to half that of ambient conditions (1/2S), ambient snow (S), snow increase to 1.5 times that of ambient conditions (3/2S), and snow increase to twice that of ambient conditions (2S)—to evaluate the effect of snowfall on the ecophysiological parameters of the BSCs during the melt and at the end of the growing period. The results clearly identified differences in physiological and ecological indexes between snowfall manipulation treatments in March, and further found that the values of most of the ecophysiological indexes were influenced by snow removal/reduction treatments, the type of BSC and their interaction effect. The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, chlorophyll content, and the rates of photosynthesis and respiration of all three types of crust declined because of decreased soil water content with decreased snow cover, and this effect would likely be even greater under conditions of decreased precipitation. The rates of photosynthesis and respiration of the main types of BSC were changed by variations in the winter snowfall, and confirmed the existence of long‐term snowfall impacts on photosynthetic carbon fixation and biomass accumulation. These results provide a foundation for future studies to assess the potential effects of snowfall on the carbon sequestration of BSCs from arid and semi‐arid regions.
Synthesis, Characterization and Surface Properties of Amidosulfobetaine Surfactants Bearing Odd‐Number Hydrophobic Tail
Authors: shakil Hussain S. M. , Animashaun Mustapha Alao , Kamal Muhammad Shahzad , Ullah Nisar , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A. , Sultan Abdullah S.
Published: February 2016

Three amidosulfobetaine surfactants were synthesized namely: 3‐(N‐pentadecanamidopropyl‐N,N‐dimethyl ammonium) propanesulfonate (2a); 3‐(N‐heptadecanamidopropyl‐N,N‐dimethyl ammonium) propanesulfonate (2b), and 3‐(N‐nonadecanamidopropyl‐N,N‐dimethyl ammonium) propanesulfonate (2c). These surfactants were prepared by direct amidation of commercially available fatty acids with 3‐(dimethylamino)‐1‐propylamine and subsequent reaction with 1,3‐propanesultone to obtain quaternary ammonium salts. The synthesized surfactants were characterized by IR, NMR and mass spectrometry. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed that the synthesized surfactants have excellent thermal stability with no major thermal degradation below 300 °C. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of the surfactants 2a and 2b were found to be 2.2 × 10−4 and 1.04 × 10−4 mol/L, and the corresponding surface tension (γCMC) values were 33.14 and 34.89 mN m−1, respectively. The surfactants exhibit excellent surface properties, which are comparable with conventional surfactants. The intrinsic viscosity of surfactant (2b) was studied at various temperatures and concentrations of multi‐component brine solution. The plot of natural logarithm of relative viscosity versus surfactant concentration obtained from Higiro et al. model best fit the surfactant behavior. Due to good salt resistance, excellent surface properties and thermal stability, the synthesized surfactant has potential to be used in various oil field applications such as enhanced oil recovery, fracturing, acid diversion, and well stimulation.
Gender Differences in American Jewish Identity: Testing the Power Control Theory Explanation
Authors: Hartman Harriet
Published: February 2016

This paper addresses discrepancies in previous research about whether there are gender differences in Jewish identity. Four factors of Jewish identity are examined: multifaceted Jewish engagement, social Jewish identity, communal religious identity, and cultural Jewish identity. Using the 2011 New York Jewish Community Survey, gender differences in Jewish identity in seven denominational groups of American Jews are examined. The power control theory (PCT) is tested as an explanation for the gender differences, and found to be lacking. Measures of power imbalance in current family situations are used, in addition to measures related to socialization; the rationale for this variation is discussed. According to PCT, the Orthodox would exhibit greater gender differences in Jewish identity, but the opposite is true: significant gender differences are found for non-Orthodox denominations more than are found for the Orthodox. Being raised Orthodox does not contribute to the gender differences. Measures of power imbalance within families do not contribute to the explanation of variance in any of the Jewish identity factors. Possible generalization of the findings is discussed, as well as directions for further research.
The price of luck: paying for the hot hand of others
Authors: Bou Silvia , Brandts Jordi , Cayón Magda , Guillén Pablo
Published: February 2016

We report on the results of an experiment with a statistical choice task involving the toss of a fair coin. In our experiment, participants had to decide whether they were willing to pay a price to switch from betting on the future performance of one player to betting on that of another player. The switch was from a player who had been previously less successful in betting on five coin flips to another one who had been more successful in the same task. We conducted a treatment with the Becker–DeGroot–Marschak mechanism and one in which participants were faced with a fixed price. In both cases, participants exhibit a strong bias towards placing their bets on players with a good guessing history in the coin toss task. Participants’ behaviour is compatible with prescriptive luck beliefs, that is, the idea that luck is a somehow deterministic and personal attribute.
Serum Androgen Levels and Sexual Function Before and One Year After Treatment of Uterine Cervical Cancer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Everhov Åsa H. , Flöter Rådestad Angelique , Nyberg Tommy , Smedby Karin E. , Bergmark Karin , Lindén Hirschberg Angelica
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Radiotherapy or radical hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy (SOE) as treatment for uterine cervical cancer causes estrogen deprivation in premenopausal women. The effects on androgen production have rarely been examined but could be relevant for survivors of cervical cancer because insufficiency has been associated with low sexual function.

Aim

To investigate the effects of pelvic radiotherapy, hysterectomy with SOE, or surgery without SOE on androgen levels and to explore potential associations with sexual function.

Methods

Patients with cervical cancer (N = 60) were prospectively examined through blood sampling and questionnaires before and 1 year after treatments.

Main Outcome Measures

Serum testosterone (measured by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry), sex hormone-binding globulin, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol levels and Female Sexual Function Index scores.

Results

In women treated with radiotherapy (n = 38), median total and free testosterone levels were significantly decreased at 1-year follow-up compared with baseline in premenopausal women (n = 16; total testosterone −29%, P = .01; free testosterone −22%, P = .007) and postmenopausal women (n = 22; total testosterone −25%, P = .03; free testosterone −29%, P = .03). Androstenedione was decreased in premenopausal women only and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was decreased in postmenopausal women only after radiotherapy. In women treated with hysterectomy and SOE (n = 10), testosterone levels were lower but not significantly lower, and there was no change in those having surgery without SOE (n = 12). Female Sexual Function Index scores lower than 26.5 in sexually active women were reported by 80% 1 year after radiotherapy, by 44% after hysterectomy with SOE, and by 40% after surgery without SOE, with no significant differences compared with baseline values. No direct correlation between androgen levels and Female Sexual Function Index scores were found at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Total and free testosterone levels decreased slightly but significantly after pelvic radiotherapy in pre- and postmenopausal women. The clinical importance of this decrease is unclear, but androgen levels were not directly related to sexual function in this pilot setting.
Quaternary History of an Endemic Passerine Bird on Corsica Island: Glacial Refugium and Impact of Recent Forest Regression
Authors: Thibault Jean-Claude , Cibois Alice , Prodon Roger , Pasquet Eric
Published: February 2016

Molecular studies support the hypothesis that Corsica Island was a glacial refugium for a number of forest birds during the Pleistocene. We focused on the Corsican nuthatch (Sitta whiteheadi), an endemic passerine strongly associated with the laricio pine (Pinus nigra laricio). The range of laricio pine has been impacted by the Pleistocene glacial periods and forest has been recently fragmented by cutting and fires. Using both molecular (mitochondrial and nuclear) and morphological characters, we assessed the variation within the nuthatch population. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the Corsican nuthatch endured through the late Pleistocene and Holocene climatic variations, and sustained the subsequent cycles of forests reduction/expansion. The results also suggest that the recent anthropization of the landscape resulted in the isolation of a cluster of populations in the northern part of the island. The fragmentation of the habitat of the nuthatch may impede the future of the bird by creating isolated population units between which the gene flow is reduced.
Analysis of Layperson Tourniquet Application Using a Novel Color-Coded Device
Authors: Goolsby Craig , Chen Elizabeth , Branting Andrew , Weissbrod Elizabeth , David Jason , Moore Krista , Olsen Cara
Published: February 2016

Objective

To determine whether a color-coded tourniquet designed for public use increases successful tourniquet application by laypeople.

Methods

This was a randomized study conducted on April 25, 2015. The study occurred during the Maryland Day activity at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. Investigators recruited participants with posters displayed at major crosswalks around a central testing area. A total of 157 volunteers aged 18 years or older and without prior military service or medical training were enrolled. A participant stood in front of a waist-down mannequin with an isolated leg injury while an investigator read aloud a mass causality scenario. The investigator then asked the participant to apply a tourniquet to the mannequin’s leg. All participants received a 4-step illustrated just-in-time (JiT) instruction card designed to facilitate layperson tourniquet application. Test participants received a color-coded tourniquet designed for layperson use with instructions printed on the device. Control participants received a black Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T; Composite Resources, Rock Hill, SC). Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio in blocks of 50. The primary outcome was the proportion of successful tourniquet applications by those who received color-coded tourniquets compared to those who received black tourniquets. Secondary outcomes included validation of previous data analyzing layperson success with tourniquet application, time for successful placement, reasons for failed applications, and participant self-willingness and comfort using tourniquets. We also analyzed demographic data on the study population and inter-rater reliability regarding the assessment of successful tourniquet application.

Results

Participants supplied with color-coded tourniquets successfully placed the device 51.38% of the time, compared to 44.71% of the time for controls using a black tourniquet (risk ratio: 1.15; 95% confidence interval: 0.83-1.59; P=0.404). Participants’ self-reported willingness to use a tourniquet rose from 40.8% before the study to 80.3% after the study (P<0.05).

Conclusions

The color-coded device did not significantly increase laypeople’s proportion of successful tourniquet applications when compared with a standard black device. However, this study reproduced pilot study data showing that laypeople can successfully apply tourniquets about half the time if provided JiT instructions. Age, sex, race, income, and highest level of education were not found to impact one’s ability to properly apply a tourniquet. Laypeople’s willingness to apply tourniquets doubled to 80% after brief exposure to the device. These results affirm the feasibility of engaging laypeople as immediate lifesavers of trauma victims and justify further efforts to boost rates of proper application. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:274–280)
Antibiotic Utilization and Opportunities for Stewardship Among Hospitalized Patients With Influenza Respiratory Tract Infection
Authors: Ghazi Islam M. , Nicolau David P. , Nailor Michael D. , Aslanzadeh Jaber , Ross Jack W. , Kuti Joseph L.
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE

Hospitalized influenza patients are often treated with antibiotics empirically while awaiting final diagnosis. The goal of this study was to describe the inappropriate continuation of antibiotics for influenza respiratory tract infections (RTIs).

DESIGN

We retrospectively studied adults admitted to our institution over 2 respiratory flu seasons with positive influenza RTIs. Inappropriate antibiotic duration (IAD) was defined as antibiotic use for >24 hours after a positive influenza test in patients presenting with <72 hours of RTI symptoms and with no other indications of bacterial infection.

RESULTS

During the study period, 322 patients included in this study were admitted for influenza RTI. Respiratory cultures were ordered for 50 of these patients (15.5%) and 71 patients (22%) had a positive chest x-ray, but antibiotics were prescribed to 211 patients (65.5%) on admission. Antibiotics were inappropriately continued in 73 patients (34.5%). Patients receiving IAD had a longer length of stay (LOS) (median, 6 days; range, 4–9 days) compared with those whose antibiotics were discontinued appropriately (median, 5 days; range, 3–8 days) and those who were not treated with antibiotics (median, 4 days; range, 3–6 days;P<.001). However, mortality was similar among these 3 groups: 3 patients (4.1%) from the IAD cohort died; 6 patients (4.3%) from the group with an appropriate antibiotic duration died; and 2 patients [1.8%] from the group given no antibiotics died (P=.510). The 30-day readmission rates were similar as well: 9 patients (12.3%) from the IAD group were readmitted within 30 days; 21 patients (15.2%) from the group with appropriate antibiotic duration were readmitted; and 11 patients (9.9%) from the group given no antibiotics were readmitted (P=.455). Total hospital costs were greater in patients treated with IAD ($10,645; range, $6,485–$18,035) compared with the group treated with appropriate antibiotic duration ($7,479; range, $4,866–$12,922) and the group given no antibiotics $5,961 (range, $4,711–$9,575). Thus, the hospital experienced a median loss in net hospital revenue of $2,076 per IAD patient compared with a patient for which antibiotic duration was appropriate.

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients with influenza RTI received antibiotics on admission, and 34.5% were inappropriately continued on antibiotics without evidence of bacterial infection, which led to increased LOS, loss of net revenue, and no improvement in outcome. Thus, stewardship initiatives aimed at this population are warranted.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2016;37:583–589