bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients with dementia syndrome in public and private services in southern Brazil
Authors: Camargo Carlos Henrique Ferreira , Retzlaff Giuliano , Justus Filipe Fernandes , Resende Marcelo
Published: May 2015

Dementia is characterized by deficits in more than one cognitive domain, affecting language, praxis, gnosis, memory or executive functions. Despite the essential economic growth observed in many developing countries, especially over the last century, huge differences remain in health care, whether among nations themselves or across different regions of the same country. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the management and main features of dementia, comparing public (PUBL) and private (PRIV) reference services. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of subjects with dementia. Sociocultural data, mean follow-up time in the service, Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) scores at admission, main diagnosis of dementia, family history of dementia, comorbidities, imaging methods and treatment were assessed. RESULTS: the time elapsed before admission in the service of the PUBL group (2.08±2.06 years) was higher than for the PRIV group (1.24±2.55 years) (p=0.0356); the MMSE score at admission in the PUBL group (15.05±8.16 years) was lower than in the PRIV group (18.95±6.69 years) (p=0.016); the PUBL group showed lower treatment coverage with cholinesterase inhibitors (52.94%) than the PRIV group (84.93%) (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: Patients seeking the public health service have less access to medical care, reaching the system at more advanced stages of disease. The public service also offered lower pharmacological coverage.
Engineered timber and structural form in sustainable design
Authors: Dickson Michael , Parker Dave
Published: May 2015

In the context of a world of finite resources, wood, timber and engineered timber products offer the opportunity to construct schools and houses, offices, concert halls and long-span public buildings in a much more sustainable manner. Engineering design is discussed for a range of timber buildings that have used sawn timber and complex laminated and engineered timber in frames, arches, grids, gridshells and shells.
Paleoceanographic Events and Lithologic/Geochemical Facies of the
Greenhorn Marine Cycle (Upper Cretaceous) Examined Using Natural Gamma-Ray
Spectrometry
Authors: Zelt Frederick B.
Published: May 2015

Field measurement of gamma-ray spectra on outcrops of Upper Cretaceous marine shale and limestone that were deposited in the Western Interior Seaway in Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado provides accurate estimates of total gamma radiation and potassium, uranium, and thorium contents. Spectrometer profiles of measured sections were combined with lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic data to show that during Early Turonian time, potassium and thorium contents, total gamma radiation, Th/U, and K/U decreased offshore. Oxygenated bottom waters predominated within 100 km of the western paleoshoreline, whereas oxygen-depleted bottom waters were dominant more than 600 km offshore. During late Middle Turonian time, well-oxygenated bottom water may have extended across the study area. Peak transgressions are characterized by low Th/U and K/U and can be identified in outcrops and on well logs. Anomalously high Th/U and K/U near the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary and in the Coniacian may correspond to “oceanic anoxic events.” Lithologic/geochemical facies are identified on Th-U plots.
Foraminifera as Indicators of Water Mass in the Cretaceous Greenhorn Sea,
Western Interior
Authors: Eicher Don L. , Diner Richard
Published: May 2015

The distribution of foraminifera in the Greenhorn Western Interior seaway reflects the influence of water masses from both the north and south. Three distinct benthic biofacies (arenaceous, mixed, calcareous) are recognized. As the seaway deepened a benthic fauna composed of arenaceous species was succeeded in the center of the seaway by a zone barren of benthic foraminifera and in fringing environments shoreward by a mixed biofacies. The northward expansion of the barren zone, which indicates a deoxygenated benthos, coincided with the influx of diverse planktonics of southern affinities. The distributions of the benthic biofacies and of planktonic diversities probably reflect bathymetry. The appearance of a calcareous benthic fauna at the base of the Bridge Creek Limestone Member of the Greenhorn Formation represents oxygenation of the sea floor due to increased vertical circulation. The alternation of limestones and marlstones in the Bridge Creek reflects alternations in the productivity of calcareous plankton. The limestones represent episodes of dry climate at low latitudes when large volumes of warm saline bottom water formed, stratification of the oceans weakened, and widespread upwelling boosted productivity. Marlstones represent wet climates at low latitudes when little WSBW formed, stratification of the oceans intensified, and productivity fell. The Bridge Creek foraminifera do not support the idea that a brackish lid developed periodically on the seaway.
Depositional History of the Graneros Shale (Cenomanian), Rock Canyon
Anticline
Authors: Kauffman Erle G.
Published: May 2015

The Graneros Shale at Pueblo is typical of the formation throughout the southern Colorado Front Range. It is comprised of three members: The lower shale member, middle Thatcher Limestone Member, and upper shale member. The Graneros is generally represented by dark gray, slightly to moderately silty, well-laminated, non-calcareous clay shale containing scattered low diversity benthic faunas. Many parts of the Graneros lack faunas or bioturbation. These features, and relatively high levels of organic carbon (1 - 4.2 %/wt.) suggest a predominance of quiet water, oxygen-depleted (dysaerobic), benthic environments in proximal to medial offshore settings below wave base. The Graneros Shale preserves abundant event marker beds, enhancing precise regional correlation; bentonites are especially abundant and reflect the waning stages of the largest Cretaceous (Lake Albian) volcanic episode. High-resolution stratigraphic analysis of the Graneros Shale demonstrates dynamic environmental and paleoceanographic changes during its deposition, as follows: Well-circulated, oxygenated benthic substrates within reach of storm wave base (Facies 1; base of lower shale member) grade upward into; (2) quiet water, oxygen-depleted benthic environments below wave base (lower source rock interval); to (3) moderately well-circulated and partially oxygenated substrates in quiet water settings, preserving little organic carbon at the top of the lower shale member; to (4) a rapid incursion of Subtropical, oxygenated, normal marine waters with accelerated eustatic rise; calcareous shales and pelletoid limestone characterize this interval and contain a moderately to highly diverse warm water benthic and pelagic biota (the Thatcher Limestone Member); to (5) quiet water, oxygen-depleted benthic environments preserving abundant organic material in medial offshore settings (upper shale member); and at Pueblo (6), a recirculation event in the seaway associated with incursion of warm southern waters, normalization of oxygen and salinity, and development of diverse benthic faunas. This event marks the first phase of a long pelagic carbonate-producing episode that characterizes the overlying Greenhorn Formation. Fourth-order eustatic fluctuations are thought to be the major controlling factor in major facies changes during deposition.
Foraminifera of the Cenomanian-Turonian Boundary Interval, Greenhorn
Formation, Rock Canyon Anticline, Pueblo, Colorado
Authors: Leckie R. Mark
Published: May 2015

Seventeen samples bracketing the Cenomanian -Turonian stage boundary in the Bridge Creek Limestone (Greenhorn Formation), Pueblo, Colorado, were analyzed for planktonic and benthic foraminifera. A major turnover in the biostratigraphically important, deep-dwelling planktonic foraminifera occurred across this boundary. The Cenomanian rotaliporids were succeeded by the Turonian globotruncanids, perhaps due in part to dynamic global oceanographic developments including the expansion of an oceanic oxygen-minimum zone. Shallow-dwelling planktonic foraminifera on the other hand, were strongly influenced by regional factors (e.g. salinity) affecting the uppermost water column of the Greenhorn sea.
Biostratigraphy and Paleoecology of Calcareous Nannofossils in the
Greenhorn Marine Cycle
Authors: Watkins David K.
Published: May 2015

Preliminary biostratigraphic investigation of the Greenhorn Limestone at Pueblo, Colorado indicates that the Lincoln, Hartland, and lower Bridge Creek members are part of the Lithraphidites acutum calcareous nannofossil Zone. The middle and upper part of the Bridge Creek Member is assigned to the Quadrum gartneri Zone. Subdivision of these zones is difficult due to the scarcity of several biostratigraphically important taxa. Biohorizons based on secondary taxa do, however, offer promise for intrabasinal and intercontinental correlation.

Paleobiogeographic analysis using three time-slices across the basin suggests that fresh-water influx from the basin margins was an important factor in restricting nannofossil occurrence and diversity during the initial stages of the invasion of oceanic surface water masses into the basin (middle Cenomanian). By maximum transgression, however, the effects of fresh-water influx appear to be minimal in the eastern and central portions of the basin.
Isotopic and Sedimentological Study of the Lower Niobrara Formation,
Lyons, Colorado
Authors: Pratt Lisa M. , Barlow Lisa K.
Published: May 2015

Samples of the Fort Hays Limestone and lower Smoky Hill Shale Members of the Niobrara Formation were collected from a quarry in Lyons, Colorado. Studies of levels of bioturbation, organic carbon content, carbonate carbon content, and isotopic composition of whole-rock carbonate and inoceramid bivalve shells indicate significant variation in most of these properties through this interval. The oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions of whole-rock carbonate are relatively constant and unusually negative, reflecting the largely recrystallized nature of the fine-grained constituents and a locally elevated thermal history. These factors were of less influence on inoceramid bivalve shells, which appear to have retained isotopic compositions close to primary values. From the uppermost part of the shale and limestone unit through the basal part of the lower limestone unit of the Smoky Hill, there is a marked change in paleoenvironmental conditions indicated by a decrease in extent of bioturbation, increase in organic carbon content, and decrease in oxygen isotopic values of inoceramids. These nearly synchronous changes suggest increasing influence of riverine water and decreasing benthic circulation in the Western Interior seaway during deposition of these rocks.
FEM and BEM Stress Analysis of Mandibular Bone Surrounding a Dental Implant
Authors: Perrella Michele , Franciosa Pasquale , Gerbino Salvatore
Published: May 2015

In the present work the structural behaviour of a mandible with a dental implant, considering a unilateral
occlusion, is numerically analysed by means of the Finite Element Method (FEM) and the Boundary Element Method
(BEM). The mandible, whose CAD model was obtained by computer tomography scans, is considered as completely
edentulous and only modelled in the zone surrounding the implant. The material behaviour of bone is assumed as isotropic
linear elastic or, alternatively, as orthotropic linear elastic. With reference to the degree of osteo-integration between the
implant and the mandibular bone, a partial osteo-integration is considered; consequently a nonlinear contact analysis is
performed, with allowance for friction at the interface between implant and bone. A model of a commercial dental implant
is digitised by means of optical 3D scanning process and fully reconstructed in all its geometrical features. Special
attention is drawn to the mathematical reconstruction of the CAD model in order to facilitate the meshing process in the
BEM environment and reduce the geometrical imperfections generated during the CAD to CAE translation process. The
results of FEM and BEM analyses in terms of stress distribution on the mandible are compared in order to benchmark the
two methodologies against accuracy and pre-processing efforts.
Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy After Distal Radius Fracture Malunion: Review of Literature
Authors: Barbaric Katarina , Rujevcan Gordan , Labas Marko , Delimar Domagoj , Bicanic Goran
Published: May 2015

Malunion of distal radius fracture is often complicated with shortening of the radius with disturbed radio- ulnar variance, frequently associated with lesions of triangular fibrocartilage complex and instability of the distal radioulnar joint. Positive ulnar variance may result in wrist pain located in ulnar part of the joint, limited ulnar deviation and forearm rotation with development of degenerative changes due to the overloading that occurs between the ulnar head and corresponding carpus. Ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) is the standard procedure for correcting positive ulnar variance. Goal of this procedure is to minimize the symptoms by restoring the neutral radio - ulnar variance. In this paper we present a variety of surgical techniques available for ulnar shorthening osteotomy, their advantages and drawbacks. Methods of ulnar shortening osteotomies are divided into intraarticular and extraarticular. Intraarticular method of ulnar shortening can be performed arthroscopically or through open approach. Extraarticular methods include subcapital osteotomy and osteotomy of ulnar diaphysis, which depending on shape can be transverse, oblique, and step cut. All of those osteotomies can be performed along wrist arthroscopy in order to dispose and treat possibly existing triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries. At the end we described surgical procedures that can be done in case of ulnar shorthening osteotomy failure.
A New Case of Fracture of a Modular Femoral Neck Device After a Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Trieb Klemens , Stadler Nicola
Published: May 2015

This report addresses a new case of a modular femoral neck fracture after total hip arthroplasty. A now seventy-three-year- old overweight female underwent total hip replacement of the right hip because of osteoarthritis in the year 2002. Then, years later, the head and the polyethylene were changed due to wear. In October 2014, the patient was transferred from the trauma department of her hometown to our department after she had slipped and fallen directly on her right hip. The x-rays done at the trauma department have shown no periprosthetic fracture but a fracture of the modular neck. Therefore, the patient was transferred to our department in order to undergo a revision arthroplasty with change of the stem and head after splitting the femur.
Effect of Osteonecrosis Intervention Rod Versus Core Decompression Using Multiple Small Drill Holes on Early Stages of Necrosis of the Femoral Head: A Prospective Study on a Series of 60 Patients with a Minimum 1-Year-Follow-Up
Authors: Miao Haixiong , Ye Dongping , Liang Weiguo , Yao Yicun
Published: May 2015

Introduction:

The conventional CD used 10 mm drill holes associated with a lack of structural support. Thus, alternative methods such as a tantalum implant, small drill holes, and biological treatment were developed to prevent deterioration of the joint. The treatment of CD by multiple 3.2 mm drill holes could reduce the femoral neck fracture and partial weight bearing was allowed. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of osteonecrosis intervention rod versus core decompression using multiple small drill holes on early stages of necrosis of the femoral head.

Method:

From January 2011 to January 2012, 60 patients undergoing surgery for osteonecrosis with core decompression were randomly assigned into 2 groups based on the type of core decompression used: (1) a total of 30 osteonecrosis patients (with 16 hips on Steinburg stageⅠ,20 hips on Steinburg stageⅡ) were treated with a porous tantalum rod insertion. The diameter of the drill hole for the intervention rod was 10mm.(2) a total of 30 osteonecrosis patients (with 14 hips on Steinburg stageⅠ,20 hips on Steinburg stageⅡ) were treated with core decompression using five drill holes on the lateral femur, the diameter of the hole was 3.2 mm. The average age of the patient was 32.6 years (20-45 years) and the average time of follow-up was 25.6 months (12- 28 months) in the rod implanted group. The average age of the patient was 35.2 years (22- 43 years) and the average time of follow-up was 26.3 months (12-28 months) in the small drill holes group.

Results:

The average of surgical time was 40 min, and the mean volume of blood loss was 30 ml in both surgical groups. The average of Harris score was improved from 56.2 ± 7.1 preoperative to 80.2 ± 11.4 at the last follow-up in the rod implanted group (p < 0.05). The mean Harris score was improved from 53.8 ± 6.6 preoperative to 79.7 ± 13.2 at the last follow-up in the small drill holes group (p<0. 05). No significant difference was observed in Harris score between the two groups. At the last follow-up, 28 of 36 hips were at the same radiographic stages as pre-operation, and 8 deteriorated in the rod implanted group. 26 of 34 hips were at the same radiographic stage as pre-operation, and 8 deteriorated in the small drill holes group. No significant difference was observed in radiographic stage between the two groups. There was no favourable result on the outcome of a tantalum intervention implant compared to multiple small drill holes.

Discussion:

CD via multiple small drill holes would allow similar postoperative load-bearing and seems to result in similar or even better clinical outcome without the prolonged implantation of an expensive tantalum implant. A tantalum rod intervention and core decompression using multiple small drill holes were effective on the stage I hips rather than stage II hips.
Depressive Symptoms in a Trial Behavioral Family Systems Therapy for Diabetes: A Post Hoc Analysis of Change
Authors: Riley Andrew R. , Duke Danny C. , Freeman Kurt A. , Hood Korey K. , Harris Michael A.
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to test whether Behavioral Family Systems Therapy for Diabetes (BFST-D), an evidence-based family therapy, produces individual changes in depressive symptoms for adolescents with type 1 diabetes in suboptimal glycemic control (HbA1c ≥9.0% [≥74.9 mmol/mol]).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing two modes of BFST-D delivery: in clinic versus Internet videoconferencing. There were no significant differences between groups in the RCT, so groups were collapsed into a within-group prepost design for secondary analyses. A multiple regression analysis was performed to test for mediation of treatment outcomes by changes in family processes.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in glycemic control, depressive symptoms, and family functioning were found from pre- to posttreatment. A multiple regression analysis for within-subject mediation indicated that improvements in depressive symptoms were partially mediated by improvements in parent-youth conflict; however, family process changes did not mediate diabetes health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to improving treatment adherence and glycemic control, BFST-D has collateral benefits on depressive symptoms.
Low Serum Vitamin D Levels Are Associated With Increased Arterial Stiffness in Youth With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Jha Pranati , Dolan Lawrence M. , Khoury Philip R. , Urbina Elaine M. , Kimball Thomas R. , Shah Amy S.
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE

Adult studies demonstrate that low vitamin D (25[OH]D) is an independent risk factor for arterial stiffness. Similar studies have not been conducted in youth with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The objective was to elicit the association between 25[OH]D and arterial stiffness in obese youth with and without T2DM. We hypothesized that 25[OH]D would be inversely correlated with arterial stiffness indices, including pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and brachial distensibility (BrachD).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis was conducted in Cincinnati, OH, from 2004 to 2010. 25[OH]D, PWV, AIx, and BrachD were measured in 190 youth with T2DM, 190 obese control subjects without T2DM, and 190 lean control subjects without T2DM. Multivariate analyses were conducted to elicit the independent association between 25[OH]D and arterial stiffness indices by group.

RESULTS

The mean age was 17.9 ± 3.4 years, 55% were African American, and 34% were male. The mean 25[OH]D levels were 21.27, 14.29, and 14.13 ng/mL in lean individuals, obese individuals, and obese individuals with T2DM, respectively (P < 0.01). PWV, AIx, and BrachD worsened from lean to obese to T2DM (P < 0.01). General linear models found that 25[OH]D level was independently associated with PWV in lean individuals and with AIx in the group with T2DM such that a 3 ng/mL increase in 25[OH]D was associated with an AIx decrease of 1% (baseline AIx = 5.7 ± 12.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

25[OH]D is inversely associated with some measures of arterial stiffness in lean adolescents and obese adolescents with T2DM but not in obese normoglycemic adolescents. Future studies are needed to determine if supplemental 25[OH]D is important for cardiovascular health.
Riluzole for the treatment of acute traumatic spinal cord injury: rationale for and design of the NACTN Phase I clinical trial
Authors: Fehlings Michael G. , Wilson Jefferson R. , Frankowski Ralph F. , Toups Elizabeth G. , Aarabi Bizhan , Harrop James S. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Harkema Susan J. , Guest James D. , Tator Charles H. , Burau Keith D. , Johnson Michele W. , Grossman Robert G.
Published: May 2015

In the immediate period after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) a variety of secondary injury mechanisms combine to gradually expand the initial lesion size, potentially leading to diminished neurological outcomes at long-term follow-up. Riluzole, a benzothiazole drug, which has neuroprotective properties based on sodium channel blockade and mitigation of glutamatergic toxicity, is currently an approved drug that attenuates the extent of neuronal degeneration in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Moreover, several preclinical SCI studies have associated riluzole administration with improved functional outcomes and increased neural tissue preservation. Based on these findings, riluzole has attracted considerable interest as a potential neuroprotective drug for the treatment of SCI. Currently, a Phase I trial evaluating the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of riluzole in human SCI patients is being conducted by the North American Clinical Trials Network (NACTN) for Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury. The current review summarizes the existing preclinical and clinical literature on riluzole, provides a detailed description of the Phase I trial, and suggests potential opportunities for future investigation. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT00876889.
Quantitative testing in spinal cord injury: overview of reliability and predictive validity
Authors: Boakye Maxwell , Harkema Susan , Ellaway Peter H. , Skelly Andrea C.
Published: May 2015

Object

The objective of this study was to identify commonly used physiological outcome measures and summarize evidence on the reliability and predictive validity of quantitative measures used in monitoring persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed through January 5, 2012, was conducted to identify publications using common outcome measures in persons with SCI and for studies that were specifically designed to evaluate the reliability and predictive validity of selected quantitative measures. Quantitative measures were defined as tests that quantify sensory and motor function, such as amount of force or torque, as well as thresholds, amplitudes, and latencies of evoked potentials that might be useful in studies and monitoring of patients with SCI. Reliability studies reporting interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) or weighted κ coefficients were considered for inclusion. Studies explicitly evaluating correlation between measures and specific functional outcomes were considered for predictive validity.

Results

From a total of 121 potentially relevant citations, 6 studies of reliability and 4 studies of predictive validity for quantitative tests met the inclusion criteria. In persons with incomplete SCI, ICCs for both interrater and intrarater reliability of electrical perceptual threshold (EPT) were ≥ 0.7 above the sensory level of SCI but were less reliable below the sensory level. Interclass correlation coefficients for interrater and intrarater reliability of the Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension (GRASSP) components ranged from 0.84 to 0.98. For electromyography, the ICC was consistently high for within-day tests. The overall quality of reliability of the majority of studies was poor, due to the potential for selection bias and small sample sizes. No classic validation studies were found for the selected measures, and evidence regarding the predictive validity of the measures was limited. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) may be correlated with ambulatory capacity, as well as the Barthel Index and motor index scores, but this correlation was limited for evaluation of bladder function recovery in 3 studies that assessed the correlation between baseline or initial SSEPs and a specific clinical outcome at a later follow-up time. All studies used convenience samples and the overall sample quality was low.

Conclusions

Evidence on the reliability and validity of the quantitative measures selected for this review is limited, and the overall quality of existing studies is poor. There is some evidence for the reliability of the EPT, dermatomal SSEPs, and the GRASSP to suggest that they may be useful in longitudinal studies of patients with SCI. There is a need for high quality studies of reliability, responsiveness, and validity for quantitative measures to monitor the level and degree of SCI.
Quantitative and sensitive assessment of neurophysiological status after human spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Kun , Atkinson Darryn , Boakye Maxwell , Tolfo Carie Z. , Aslan Sevda , Green Matthew , McKay Barry , Ovechkin Alex , Harkema Susan J.
Published: May 2015

Object

This study was designed to develop an objective and sensitive spinal cord injury (SCI) characterization protocol based on surface electromyography (EMG) activity.

Methods

Twenty-four patients at both acute and chronic time points post-SCI, as well as 4 noninjured volunteers, were assessed using neurophysiological and clinical measures of volitional motor function. The EMG amplitude was recorded from 15 representative muscles bilaterally during standardized maneuvers as a neurophysiological assessment of voluntary motor function. International Standards for the Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) examinations were performed as a clinical assessment of lesion severity.

Results

Sixty-six functional neurophysiological assessments were performed in 24 patients with SCI and in 4 neurologically intact individuals. The collected EMG data were organized by quantitative parameters and statistically analyzed. The correlation between root mean square (RMS) of the EMG signals and ISNCSCI motor score was confirmed by Kendall correlation analysis. The Kendall correlation value between overall muscles/levels, motor scores, and the RMS of the EMG data is 0.85, with the 95% CI falling into the range of 0.76–0.95. Significant correlations were also observed for the soleus (0.51 [0.28–0.74]), tibialis anterior (TA) (0.53 [0.33–0.73]), tricep (0.52, [0.34–0.70]), and extensor carpi radialis (ECR) (0.80 [0.42–1.00]) muscles. Comparisons of RMS EMG values in groups defined by ISNCSCI motor score further confirmed these results. At the bicep and ECR, patients with motor scores of 5 had nearly significantly higher RMS EMG values than patients with motor scores of 0 (p = 0.059 and 0.052, respectively). At the soleus and TA, the RMS of the EMG value was significantly higher (p < 0.01) for patients with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale motor scores of 5 than for those with ISNCSCI motor scores of 0. Those with C-7 ISNCSCI motor scores of 5 had significantly higher RMS EMG values at the tricep than those with motor scores of 4 (p = 0.008) and 0 (p = 0.02). Results also show that surface EMG signals recorded from trunk muscles allowed the examiner to pick up subclinical changes, even though no ISNCSCI scores were given.

Conclusions

Surface EMG signal is suitable for objective neurological SCI characterization protocol design. The quantifiable features of surface EMG may increase SCI characterization resolution by adding subclinical details to the clinical picture of lesion severity and distribution.
Reconstructing thermal properties of firn at Summit, Greenland, from a temperature profile time series
Authors: Giese Alexandra L. , Hawley Robert L.
Published: May 2015

We have constrained the value for thermal diffusivity of near-surface snow and firn at Summit Station, Greenland, using a Fourier-type analysis applied to hourly temperature measurements collected from eight thermistors in a closed-off, air-filled borehole between May 2004 and July 2008. An implicit, finite-difference method suggests that a bulk diffusivity of ∼25 ± 3m2a−1is the most reasonable for representing macroscale heat transport in the top 30 m of firn and snow. This value represents an average diffusivity and, in a conduction-only model, generates temperature series whose phase shifts with depth most closely match those of the Summit borehole data (rms difference between measurements and model output is ∼6 days). This bulk value, derived numerically and corroborated analytically, is useful over large tracts of the Greenland ice sheet where density and microstructure are unknown.
Food Inhibits the Oral Bioavailability of the Major Green Tea Antioxidant Epigallocatechin Gallate in Humans
Authors: Naumovski Nenad , Blades Barbara , Roach Paul
Published: May 2015

The bioavailability of the most abundant and most active green tea antioxidant, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) remains uncertain. Therefore, the systemic absorption of EGCG was tested in healthy fasted humans. It was administered as capsules with water or with a light breakfast, or when incorporated within a strawberry sorbet. The results for plasma EGCG clearly revealed that taking EGCG capsules without food was better; the AUC was 2.7 and 3.9 times higher than when EGCG capsules were taken with a light breakfast (p = 0.044) or with EGCG imbedded in the strawberry sorbet (p = 0.019), respectively. This pattern was also observed for Cmax and Cav. Therefore, ingesting food at the same time as EGCG, whether it was imbedded or not in food, substantially inhibited the absorption of the catechin. As with some types of medications that are affected by food, it appears that EGCG should be taken without food in order to maximise its systemic absorption. Therefore, based on these findings, ingesting EGCG with water on an empty stomach is the most appropriate method for the oral delivery of EGCG in clinical trials where EGCG is to be investigated as a potential bioactive nutraceutical in humans.
Current and Future Friends of the Earth: Assessing Cross-National Theories of Environmental Attitudes
Authors: Stenner Karen , Nwokora Zim
Published: May 2015

Empirical studies of public opinion on environmental protection have typically been grounded in Inglehart’s post-materialism thesis, proposing that societal affluence encourages materially-sated publics to look beyond their interests and value the environment. These studies are generally conducted within, or at best across, Western, democratic, industrialized countries. Absence of truly cross-cultural research means the theory’s limitations have gone undetected. This article draws on an exceptionally broad dataset—pooling cross-sectional survey data from 80 countries, each sampled at up to three different points over 15 years—to investigate environmental attitudes. We find that post-materialism provides little account of pro-environment attitudes across diverse cultures, and a far from adequate explanation even in the affluent West. We suggest that unique domestic interests, more than broad value systems, are driving emerging global trends in environmental attitudes. The environment’s future champions may be the far from ‘post-material’ citizens of those developing nations most at risk of real material harm from climate change and environmental degradation.
Receiver-Triggered Handshake Protocol for DTN in Disaster Area
Authors: Yamashita Ryoma , Takami Kazumasa
Published: May 2015

When a disaster hits a wide area, communication services for public use will be rendered unavailable. This will make it difficult to confirm the safety of people in the disaster area. A solution to this problem is to form delay/disruption tolerant networks (DTN) using mobile terminals of victims, those of rescuers, who serve as information carriers, and terminals (servers) in shelters. In this paper, we propose using a receiver-triggered handshake protocol for communication between these terminals. We have developed the bundle layer protocol for this handshake method. The proposed method has been implemented on a network simulator to build an evaluation environment. The disaster area has been modeled on an area around Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. Victims are randomly distributed in the area. We have compared the proposed method with Epidemic Routing and Spray and Wait in terms of the delivery rate at which messages reach their destinations, and the length of time taken for messages to reach their destinations. We have found that the delivery rate of the three methods are, more or less, the same, but that the proposed method is superior to the other two methods in terms of storage usage and battery consumption of terminals, and the number of bundles generated in the network.
Relationship between High School Mathematics Grade and Number of Attempts Required to Pass the Medication Calculation Test in Nurse Education: An Explorative Study
Authors: Alteren Johanne , Nerdal Lisbeth
Published: May 2015

In Norwegian nurse education, students are required to achieve a perfect score in a medication calculation test before undertaking their first practice period during the second semester. Passing the test is a challenge, and students often require several attempts. Adverse events in medication administration can be related to poor mathematical skills. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between high school mathematics grade and the number of attempts required to pass the medication calculation test in nurse education. The study used an exploratory design. The participants were 90 students enrolled in a bachelor’s nursing program. They completed a self-report questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed. The results provided no basis for the conclusion that a statistical relationship existed between high school mathematics grade and number of attempts required to pass the medication calculation test. Regardless of their grades in mathematics, 43% of the students passed the medication calculation test on the first attempt. All of the students who had achieved grade 5 had passed by the third attempt. High grades in mathematics were not crucial to passing the medication calculation test. Nonetheless, the grade may be important in ensuring a pass within fewer attempts.
Anesthetic Propofol Overdose Causes Vascular Hyperpermeability by Reducing Endothelial Glycocalyx and ATP Production
Authors: Lin Ming-Chung , Lin Chiou-Feng , Li Chien-Feng , Sun Ding-Ping , Wang Li-Yun , Hsing Chung-Hsi
Published: May 2015

Prolonged treatment with a large dose of propofol may cause diffuse cellular cytotoxicity; however, the detailed underlying mechanism remains unclear, particularly in vascular endothelial cells. Previous studies showed that a propofol overdose induces endothelial injury and vascular barrier dysfunction. Regarding the important role of endothelial glycocalyx on the maintenance of vascular barrier integrity, we therefore hypothesized that a propofol overdose-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction is caused by impaired endothelial glycocalyx. In vivo, we intraperitoneally injected ICR mice with overdosed propofol, and the results showed that a propofol overdose significantly induced systemic vascular hyperpermeability and reduced the expression of endothelial glycocalyx, syndecan-1, syndecan-4, perlecan mRNA and heparan sulfate (HS) in the vessels of multiple organs. In vitro, a propofol overdose reduced the expression of syndecan-1, syndecan-4, perlecan, glypican-1 mRNA and HS and induced significant decreases in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)/NADH ratio and ATP concentrations in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Oligomycin treatment also induced significant decreases in the NAD+/NADH ratio, in ATP concentrations and in syndecan-4, perlecan and glypican-1 mRNA expression in HMEC-1 cells. These results demonstrate that a propofol overdose induces a partially ATP-dependent reduction of endothelial glycocalyx expression and consequently leads to vascular hyperpermeability due to the loss of endothelial barrier functions.
Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (+)-Lyngbyabellin M
Authors: Pirovani Rodrigo , Brito Gilmar , Barcelos Rosimeire , Pilli Ronaldo
Published: May 2015

Lyngbyabellin M is a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase/polyketide synthase derived metabolite isolated from the cyanobacterium M. bouillonii displaying thiazole rings and a distinct chlorinated octanoic acid chain. Its absolute configuration was proposed based on the comparison of its spectroscopic data with those of other representatives of this family of marine natural products, as well as degradation and derivatization studies. Here the first total synthesis of (+)-lyngbyabellin M is described based on the coupling of three key intermediates: two chiral thiazole moieties and an anti hydroxycarboxylic acid prepared stereoselectively via a boron enolate mediated aldol reaction directed by Masamune’s chiral auxiliary.
Astaxanthin Pretreatment Attenuates Hepatic Ischemia Reperfusion-Induced Apoptosis and Autophagy via the ROS/MAPK Pathway in Mice
Authors: Li Jingjing , Wang Fan , Xia Yujing , Dai Weiqi , Chen Kan , Li Sainan , Liu Tong , Zheng Yuanyuan , Wang Jianrong , Lu Wenxia , Zhou Yuqing , Yin Qin , Lu Jie , Zhou Yingqun , Guo Chuanyong
Published: May 2015

Background: Hepatic ischemia reperfusion (IR) is an important issue in complex liver resection and liver transplantation. The aim of the present study was to determine the protective effect of astaxanthin (ASX), an antioxidant, on hepatic IR injury via the reactive oxygen species/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ROS/MAPK) pathway. Methods: Mice were randomized into a sham, IR, ASX or IR + ASX group. The mice received ASX at different doses (30 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg) for 14 days. Serum and tissue samples at 2 h, 8 h and 24 h after abdominal surgery were collected to assess alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), inflammation factors, ROS, and key proteins in the MAPK family. Results: ASX reduced the release of ROS and cytokines leading to inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy via down-regulation of the activated phosphorylation of related proteins in the MAPK family, such as P38 MAPK, JNK and ERK in this model of hepatic IR injury. Conclusion: Apoptosis and autophagy caused by hepatic IR injury were inhibited by ASX following a reduction in the release of ROS and inflammatory cytokines, and the relationship between the two may be associated with the inactivation of the MAPK family.
Electronic Structure and Magnetism of Mn-Doped ZnO Nanowires
Authors: Zhang Fuchun , Chao Dandan , Cui Hongwei , Zhang Weihu , Zhang Weibin
Published: May 2015

The geometric structures, electronic and magnetic properties of Mn-doped ZnO nanowires were investigated using density functional theory. The results indicated that all the calculated energy differences were negative, and the energy of the ground state was 0.229 eV lower than ferromagnetic coupling, which show higher stability in antiferromagnetic coupling. The calculated results indicated that obvious spin splitting phenomenon occurred near the Femi level. The Zn atoms on the inner layer of ZnO nanowires are easily substituted by Mn atoms along the [0001] direction. It was also shown that the Mn2+-O2−-Mn2+ magnetic coupling formed by intermediate O atom was proved to be caused by orbital hybridization between Mn 3d and O 2p states. The magnetic moments were mainly attributed to the unpaired Mn 3d orbitals, but not relevant with doping position of Mn atoms. Moreover, the optical properties of Mn-doped ZnO nanowires exhibited a novel blue-shifted optical absorption and enhanced ultraviolet-light emission. The above results show that the Mn-doped ZnO nanowires are a new type of magneto-optical materials with great promise.
Development of a Portable Non-Invasive Swallowing and Respiration Assessment Device
Authors: Shieh Wann-Yun , Wang Chin-Man , Chang Chia-Shuo
Published: May 2015

Dysphagia is a condition that happens when a person cannot smoothly swallow food from the mouth to the stomach. It causes malnourishment in patients, or can even cause death due to aspiration pneumonia. Recently, more and more researchers have focused their attention on the importance of swallowing and respiration coordination, and the use of non-invasive assessment systems has become a hot research trend. In this study, we aimed to integrate the timing and pattern monitoring of respiration and swallowing by using a portable and non-invasive approach which can be applied at the bedside in hospitals or institutions, or in a home environment. In this approach, we use a force sensing resistor (FSR) to detect the motions of the thyroid cartilage in the pharyngeal phase. We also use the surface electromyography (sEMG) to detect the contraction of the submental muscle in the oral phase, and a nasal cannula to detect nasal airflow for respiration monitoring during the swallowing process. All signals are received and processed for swallowing event recognition. A total of 19 volunteers participated in the testing and over 57 measurements were made. The results show that the proposed approach can effectively distinguish the swallowing function in people of different ages and genders.
Aperiodic Linear Networked Control Considering Variable Channel Delays: Application to Robots Coordination
Authors: Santos Carlos , Espinosa Felipe , Santiso Enrique , Mazo Manuel
Published: May 2015

One of the main challenges in wireless cyber-physical systems is to reduce the load of the communication channel while preserving the control performance. In this way, communication resources are liberated for other applications sharing the channel bandwidth. The main contribution of this work is the design of a remote control solution based on an aperiodic and adaptive triggering mechanism considering the current network delay of multiple robotics units. Working with the actual network delay instead of the maximum one leads to abandoning this conservative assumption, since the triggering condition is fixed depending on the current state of the network. This way, the controller manages the usage of the wireless channel in order to reduce the channel delay and to improve the availability of the communication resources. The communication standard under study is the widespread IEEE 802.11g, whose channel delay is clearly uncertain. First, the adaptive self-triggered control is validated through the TrueTime simulation tool configured for the mentioned WiFi standard. Implementation results applying the aperiodic linear control laws on four P3-DX robots are also included. Both of them demonstrate the advantage of this solution in terms of network accessing and control performance with respect to periodic and non-adaptive self-triggered alternatives.
Ultrasonic Sensor Signals and Optimum Path Forest Classifier for the Microstructural Characterization of Thermally-Aged Inconel 625 Alloy
Authors: De Albuquerque Victor , Barbosa Cleisson , Silva Cleiton , Moura Elineudo , Filho Pedro , Papa João , Tavares João
Published: May 2015

Secondary phases, such as laves and carbides, are formed during the final solidification stages of nickel-based superalloy coatings deposited during the gas tungsten arc welding cold wire process. However, when aged at high temperatures, other phases can precipitate in the microstructure, like the γ'' and δ phases. This work presents an evaluation of the powerful optimum path forest (OPF) classifier configured with six distance functions to classify background echo and backscattered ultrasonic signals from samples of the inconel 625 superalloy thermally aged at 650 and 950 \(^\circ\)C for 10, 100 and 200 h. The background echo and backscattered ultrasonic signals were acquired using transducers with frequencies of 4 and 5 MHz. The potentiality of ultrasonic sensor signals combined with the OPF to characterize the microstructures of an inconel 625 thermally aged and in the as-welded condition were confirmed by the results. The experimental results revealed that the OPF classifier is sufficiently fast (classification total time of 0.316 ms) and accurate (accuracy of 88.75% and harmonic mean of 89.52) for the application proposed.
Strong Ferromagnetically-Coupled Spin Valve Sensor Devices for Droplet Magnetofluidics
Authors: Lin Gungun , Makarov Denys , Schmidt Oliver
Published: May 2015

We report a magnetofluidic device with integrated strong ferromagnetically-coupled and hysteresis-free spin valve sensors for dynamic monitoring of ferrofluid droplets in microfluidics. The strong ferromagnetic coupling between the free layer and the pinned layer of spin valve sensors is achieved by reducing the spacer thickness, while the hysteresis of the free layer is eliminated by the interplay between shape anisotropy and the strength of coupling. The increased ferromagnetic coupling field up to the remarkable 70 Oe, which is five-times larger than conventional solutions, brings key advantages for dynamic sensing, e.g., a larger biasing field giving rise to larger detection signals, facilitating the operation of devices without saturation of the sensors. Studies on the fundamental effects of an external magnetic field on the evolution of the shape of droplets, as enabled by the non-visual monitoring capability of the device, provides crucial information for future development of a magnetofluidic device for multiplexed assays.
Synthesis, characterization and in vitro effects of 7 nm alloyed silver–gold nanoparticles
Authors: Ristig Simon , Chernousova Svitlana , Meyer-Zaika Wolfgang , Epple Matthias
Published: May 2015

Alloyed silver–gold nanoparticles were prepared in nine different metal compositions with silver/gold molar ratios of ranging from 90:10 to 10:90. The one-pot synthesis in aqueous medium can easily be modified to gain control over the final particle diameter and the stabilizing agents. The purification of the particles to remove synthesis by-products (which is an important factor for subsequent in vitro experiments) was carried out by multiple ultracentrifugation steps. Characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential centrifugal sedimentation (DCS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV–vis spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) showed spherical, monodisperse, colloidally stable silver–gold nanoparticles of ≈7 nm diameter with measured molar metal compositions very close to the theoretical values. The examination of the nanoparticle cytotoxicity towards HeLa cells and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) showed that the toxicity is not proportional to the silver content. Nanoparticles with a silver/gold molar composition of 80:20 showed the highest toxicity.