bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of the Quality Concept in Analytical Laboratories
Authors: Cuadros‐Rodríguez Luis , González‐Casado Antonio , Ruiz‐Samblás Cristina , Bagur‐González María G.
Published: May 2017

The formal recognition of quality in the laboratory context dates from the end of the twentieth century, when the first written standards, outlining specific quality requirements, were published. Since then, and for almost 30 years, the concept of quality related to the activity of analytical laboratories has evolved significantly. It has also currently diversified according to the specific laboratory work scenario and the type and intended use of the results. This evolution is particularly noticeable in pharmaceutical laboratories that carry out quality control of drugs and medical devices. With regard to this specific subject, these laboratories are undoubtedly a step ahead of analytical laboratories that operate in other essential fields, such as food safety or environmental monitoring.

This article provides an overview of analytical laboratories' concern with quality requirements that is objective although not entirely devoid of criticism. The article has been structured into sections, adopting a top‐down approach (from general to specific issues): laboratory, instruments and equipment, methods and procedures, and results. Two annexes are included: the first one summarizes the evolution of the main written standards (ISO 9001, ISO 17025 and GLP), while the second annex provides a comprehensive list of current technical standards and directives related to analytical quality laboratories.
Island Coalescence during Film Growth: An Underestimated Limitation of Cu ALD
Authors: Hagen Dirk J. , Connolly James , Povey Ian M. , Rushworth Simon , Pemble Martyn E.
Published: May 2017

The processes involved in the low‐temperature (30–60 °C) growth of ultrathin copper films such as those required in complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processing are studied using atomic layer deposition (ALD) combined with simple modeling. The ALD growth is performed using the copper precursor Cu(II)‐bisaminoalkoxide CTA‐1 together with a hydrogen plasma. It is found that the growth processes differ significantly between the substrate materials used. On substrates such as Si and TaN, the formation of isolated islands is observed. The coalescence of smaller islands, which were initially formed in very high density on the substrate, is found to be the main reason for this interesting growth mode. The general limitations imposed on the use of ALD as a method for the deposition of ultrathin Cu films resulting from the findings presented here are described.
Guanidinium Hydroiodide/Cumene Hydroperoxide‐Mediated Intermolecular Oxidative Coupling Reaction of β–Ketoamides with Oxindoles
Authors: Kato Takanari , Yasui Koji , Odagi Minami , Nagasawa Kazuo
Published: May 2017

The first catalytic intermolecular oxidative cross‐coupling reaction between two different carbonyl compounds was achieved by using cumene hydroperoxide as an environmentally friendly, mild oxidant in the presence of a cyclic guanidinium hydroiodide derivative as a catalyst. Cross‐coupling reaction between variouβ ketoamides and oxindoles took place smoothly, and the corresponding 1,4‐dicarbonyl compounds were obtained in 80–99% yield.

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Thermische Disproportionierung von Oxo‐funktionalisiertem Graphen
Authors: Grote Fabian , Gruber Christoph , Börrnert Felix , Kaiser Ute , Eigler Siegfried
Published: May 2017

Die nasschemische Synthese von Graphen ist nach wie vor eine Herausforderung. Ein Weg führt über die kontrollierte Oxidation von Graphit unter Einführung sauerstoffhaltiger funktioneller Gruppen. Dadurch entsteht ein Material, das nach reduktiver Defunktionalisierung Graphen liefert. Obwohl die thermische Verarbeitung zu leitfähigem Kohlenstoff führt, wird das Kohlenstoffgerüst als Folge der Bildung von CO2 aufgebrochen. Hier untersuchen wir die thermische Verarbeitung von Oxo‐funktionalisiertem Graphen (oxo‐G) mit niedrigem (4–6 %) oder hohem Funktionalisierungsgrad (50–60 %). Aus Raman‐spektroskopischen Untersuchungen und mittels Transmissionselektronenspektroskopie bei atomarer Auflösung (HRTEM) finden wir, dass die thermische Verarbeitung überwiegend zu einem intakten hexagonalen Kohlenstoffgerüst führt. Dabei liegt die Defektdichte bei 0.8 %. Wir schließen auf eine Reorganisation sauerstoffhaltiger Gruppen. Dieser Befund stellt die thermische Graphenherstellung aus oxo‐G‐Derivaten in Aussicht.
Evolution of aqueous micellar solutions in the injection fluids of alkaline–surfactant–polymer and alkaline–surfactant floodings from injection to production
Authors: Zhao Mi , Wu Di , Wang Jian , Zhang Huiping , Liu Wenjie , Zhang Rui
Published: May 2017

In an effort to determine the sources of the nanomicron and submicron oil droplets in the produced water of an industrial ASP flooding project conducted at Daqing fields, evolution of the lower aqueous phases in artificial ASP and AS flooding injection fluids during aging in contact with crude oil and after dilution by reservoir brine was investigated by means of dynamic light scattering and oil content determination. Nanosize swollen micelles were identified in the lower aqueous phases of the artificial ASP and AS flooding injection fluids during aging in contact with crude oil. Slow solubilization of crude oil components by micelles in the lower aqueous phase was observed. Nanomicron and submicron oil droplets were detected in the artificially produced water, which were prepared by diluting the lower aqueous phases of aged artificial AS and ASP flooding injection fluids with reservoir brine to surfactant contents below critical micelle concentration. The nanomicron and submicron oil droplets identified in the blended produced water entering water treatment facilities of the ASP flooding project were determined to have evolved mainly from the swollen micelles in the injection fluid, which broke up when the surfactant content fell to bellow critical micelle concentration. © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Sticky Anchor Hypothesis: Ego Depletion Increases Susceptibility to Situational Cues
Authors: Banker Sachin , Ainsworth Sarah E. , Baumeister Roy F. , Ariely Dan , Vohs Kathleen D.
Published: May 2017

Self‐control depletion has been linked both to increased selfish behavior and increased susceptibility to situational cues. The present research tested two competing hypotheses about the consequence of depletion by measuring how people allocate rewards between themselves and another person. Seven experiments analyzed behavior in standard dictator games and reverse dictator games, settings in which participants could take money from another person. Across all of these experiments, depleted participants made smaller changes to the initial allocation, thereby sticking closer to the default position (anchor) than non‐depleted participants. These findings provide support for a “sticky anchor hypothesis,” which states that the effects of depletion on behavior are influenced by the proximal situational cues rather than by directly stimulating selfishness per se. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Situ Formation of Co9S8/N‐C Hollow Nanospheres by Pyrolysis and Sulfurization of ZIF‐67 for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zeng Peiyuan , Li Jianwen , Ye Ming , Zhuo Kaifeng , Fang Zhen
Published: May 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Zhen Fang at the Anhui Normal University. The image symbolizes how Co9S8/N‐C hollow nanospheres can be obtained by a simple process of pyrolysis and sulfurization. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201700881.
Total Synthesis of (+)‐Chinensiolide B from α‐Santonin
Authors: Zhang Lingqiong , Dai Xiaoli , Tao Lianzhi , Xie Chunsong , Zhang Min , Wang Min
Published: May 2017

A short and efficient total synthesis of (+)‐chinensiolide B is reported, starting from commercially available α‐santonin. This strategy could be used for rapid preparation of chinensiolides and their derivative for further structure activity relationship studies.
Calibrated brightfield‐based imaging for measuring intracellular protein concentration
Authors: Mudrak Nathan J. , Rana Priyanka S. , Model Michael A.
Published: May 2017

Intracellular protein concentration is an essential cell characteristic, which manifests itself through the refractive index. The latter can be measured from two or more mutually defocused brightfield images analyzed using the TIE (transport‐of‐intensity equation). In practice, however, TIE does not always achieve quantitatively accurate results on biological cells. Therefore, we have developed a calibration procedure that involves successive imaging of cells in solutions containing different amounts of added protein. This allows one to directly relate the output of TIE (T) to intracellular protein concentration C (g/L). The resultant relationship has a simple form: C ≈ 1.0(T/V), where V is the cell volume (μm3) and 1.0 is an empirical coefficient. We used calibrated TIE imaging to characterize the regulatory volume increase (RVI) in adherent HeLa cells placed in a hyperosmotic solution. We found that while no RVI occurs over the first 30–60 min, the protein concentration fully recovers after 20 h. Because interpretation of such long experiments may depend on whether protein concentration varies significantly throughout the cell cycle, we measured this parameter in three cell lines: HeLa, MDCK and DU145. Our data indicate that protein concentration remains relatively stable in these cells. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Identification and quantification of predominant metabolites of synthetic cannabinoid MAB‐CHMINACA in an authentic human urine specimen
Authors: Hasegawa Koutaro , Minakata Kayoko , Gonmori Kunio , Nozawa Hideki , Yamagishi Itaru , Watanabe Kanako , Suzuki Osamu
Published: May 2017

An autopsy case in which the cause of death was judged as drug poisoning by two synthetic cannabinoids, including MAB‐CHMINACA, was investigated. Although unchanged MAB‐CHMINACA could be detected from solid tissues, blood and stomach contents in the case, the compound could not be detected from a urine specimen. We obtained six kinds of reference standards of MAB‐CHMINACA metabolites from a commercial source. The MAB‐CHMINACA metabolites from the urine specimen of the abuser were extracted using a QuEChERS method including dispersive solid‐phase extraction, and analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with or without hydrolysis with β‐glucuronidase. Among the six MAB‐CHMINACA metabolites tested, two predominant metabolites could be identified and quantified in the urine specimen of the deceased. After hydrolysis with β‐glucuronidase, an increase of the two metabolites was not observed. The metabolites detected were a 4‐monohydroxycyclohexylmethyl metabolite M1 (N‐(1‐amino‐3,3‐dimethyl‐1‐oxobutan‐2‐yl)‐1‐((4‐hydroxycyclohexyl)methyl)‐1H–indazole‐3‐carboxamide) and a dihydroxyl (4‐hydroxycyclohexylmethyl and tert‐butylhydroxyl) metabolite M11 (N‐(1‐amino‐4‐hydroxy‐3,3‐dimethyl‐1‐oxobutan‐2‐yl)‐1‐((4‐hydroxycyclohexyl)methyl)‐1H–indazole‐3‐carboxamide). Their concentrations were 2.17 ± 0.15 and 10.2 ± 0.3 ng/mL (n = 3, each) for M1 and M11, respectively. Although there is one previous in vitro study showing the estimation of metabolism of MAB‐CHMINACA using human hepatocytes, this is the first report dealing with in vivo identification and quantification of MAB‐CHMINACA metabolites in an authentic human urine specimen.
Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of 131I and 60Co in follicular thyroid cancer cell (WRO) with and without recombinant human thyroid‐stimulating hormone treatment
Authors: Valgôde Flávia Gomes Silva , da Silva Márcia Augusta , Vieira Daniel Perez , Ribela Maria Teresa Carvalho Pinto , Bartolini Paolo , Okazaki Kayo
Published: May 2017

Normally, differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) tends to be biologically indolent, highly curable and has an excellent prognosis. However, the treatment may fail when the cancer has lost radioiodine avidity. The present study was carried out in order to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of 131I and 60Co and radioiodine uptake in WRO cells, derived from DTC, harboring the BRAFV600E mutation. WRO cells showed a relatively slow cell cycle of 96.3 h with an unstable karyotype containing various double minutes. The genotoxicity assay (micronucleus test) showed a relative high radioresistance to 131I (0.07–3.70 MBq/mL), independent of treatment with recombinant human thyroid‐stimulating hormone (rhTSH). For the cytotoxicity assay, WRO cells were also relatively resistant to 60Co (range: 0.2–8.3 Gy), but with a gradual decrease of viability as a function of time for higher doses (20 and 40 Gy, starting from the fifth to sixth day). For internal irradiation with 131I, WRO cells showed a decline in viability at radioactive concentration higher than 1.85 MBq/mL; this was even more effective at 3.70 MBq/mL, but only when preceded by rhTSH, in coincidence with the highest level of 131I uptake. These data show promising results, since the loss of the ability of thyroid cells to concentrate radioiodine is considered to be one of the main factors responsible for the failure of 131I therapy in patients with DTC. The use of tumor‐derived cell lines as a model for in vivo tumor requires, however, further investigations and deep evaluation of the corresponding in vivo effects. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:451–461, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An endogenously clustered factor approach to international business cycles
Authors: Francis Neville , Owyang Michael T. , Savascin Ozge
Published: May 2017

Factor models have become useful tools for studying international business cycles. Block factor models can be especially useful as the zero restrictions on the loadings of some factors may provide some economic interpretation of the factors. These models, however, require the econometrician to predefine the blocks, leading to potential misspecification. In Monte Carlo experiments, we show that even a small misspecification can lead to substantial declines in fit. We propose an alternative model in which the blocks are chosen endogenously. The model is estimated in a Bayesian framework using a hierarchical prior, which allows us to incorporate series‐level covariates that may influence and explain how the series are grouped. Using international business cycle data, we find our country clusters differ in important ways from those identified by geography alone. In particular, we find that similarities in institutions (e.g., legal systems, language diversity) may be just as important as physical proximity for analyzing business cycle comovements.
Poly(N‐(4‐aminobutyl)‐acrylamide) as mimetic polylysine for improving survival and differentiation of cerebellar granule neurons
Authors: Wang Yu‐Hsin , Chang Shao‐Hsuan , Mau‐Hsu Daxen , Wang Jyh‐Horng , Young Tai‐Horng
Published: May 2017

Poly(N‐(4‐aminobutyl)‐acrylamide) (P4Am) and poly‐d‐lysine (PDL) possess the same butylamine side chain. The main difference is the peptide structure, which is in the main chain of PDL but in the side chain of P4Am. PDL has been extensively used in the preparation of neuronal cultures. We assumed neurons are sensitive enough to distinguish such structure difference so these two cationic polymers were compared at serial coating concentrations for culturing cerebellar granule neurons from 7‐day‐old Wistar rats in this study. Cellular viability and morphology assay showed no obvious difference for neurons cultured at high coating concentrations (>0.31 µg/mL) of these two polymers. In contrast, the difference in the peptide structure between P4Am and PDL could be distinguished by neurons at low coating concentrations (< 0.16 µg/mL). P4Am at low coating concentration could keep aggregates with three or four thick processes to support a more complete neural network with higher cellular viability than PDL. This suggests the interaction between neurons and the specific peptide structure of P4Am at low coating concentration was able to improve survival and differentiation of cultured cerebellar granule neurons. Although neural cells exhibited different morphologies and activities on high and low P4Am coating concentrations, immunofluorescence imaging confirmed most of cultured cells were functionally mature neurons, stained by neurofilament, synapsin I, and GAP43. The information should be useful for designing new biomaterials for regeneration of damaged circuits following disease or trauma. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1194–1201, 2018.
Deposition of mannose‐binding lectin and ficolins and activation of the lectin pathway of complement on the surface of polyurethane tubing used for cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Eppa Łukasz , Pągowska‐Klimek Izabela , Świerzko Anna S. , Moll Maciej , Krajewski Wojciech R. , Cedzyński Maciej
Published: May 2017

The artificial surface used for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a crucial factor activating the complement system and thus contributing to the generation of a systemic inflammatory response. The activation of classical and alternative pathways on this artificial surface is well known. In contrast, lectin pathway (LP) activation has not been fully investigated, although noted during CPB in several studies. Moreover, we have recently proved the contribution of the LP to the generation of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome after pediatric cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to assess LP‐mediated complement activation on the surface of polyurethane CPB circuit tubing (noncoated Chalice ®), used for CPB procedures in children with congenital heart disease. We found deposition of mannose‐binding lectin, ficolin‐1, −2, and −3 on the surface of unused tubing and on tubing used for CPB from a small minority of patients. Furthermore, we observed deposition of complement C4 activation products on tubing used for CPB and previously unused tubing after incubation with normal serum. The latter finding indicates LP activation in vitro on the polyurethane surface. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1202–1208, 2018.
The CRH‐Transgenic Cushingoid Mouse Is a Model of Glucocorticoid‐Induced Osteoporosis
Authors: Williams‐Dautovich Jasmine , Yogendirarajah Keertika , Dela Cruz Ariana , Patel Rucha , Tsai Ricky , Morgan Stuart A , Mitchell Jane , Grynpas Marc D , Cummins Carolyn L
Published: May 2017

Glucocorticoids (GCs) have unparalleled anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, which accounts for their widespread prescription and use. Unfortunately, a limitation to GC therapy is a wide range of negative side effects including Cushing's syndrome, a disease characterized by metabolic abnormalities including muscle wasting and osteoporosis. GC‐induced osteoporosis occurs in 30% to 50% of patients on GC therapy and thus, represents an important area of study. Herein, we characterize the molecular and physiologic effects of GC‐induced osteoporosis using the Cushing's mouse model, the corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) transgenic mouse (CRH‐Tg). The humeri, femurs, and tibias from wild‐type (WT) and CRH‐Tg male mice, aged 13 to 14 weeks old were subjected to multiple bone tests including, micro–computed tomography (μCT), static and dynamic histomorphometry, strength testing, and gene expression analyses. The CRH‐Tg mice had a 38% decrease in cortical bone area, a 35% decrease in cortical thickness, a 16% decrease in trabecular thickness, a sixfold increase in bone adiposity, a 27% reduction in osteoid width, a 75% increase in bone‐resorbing osteoclast number/bone surface, a 34% decrease in bone formation rate, and a 40% decrease in bone strength compared to WT mice. At the gene expression level, CRH‐Tg bone showed significantly increased osteoclast markers and decreased osteoblast markers, whereas CRH‐Tg muscle had increased muscle atrophy gene markers compared to WT mice. Overall, the CRH‐Tg mouse model aged to 14 weeks recapitulated many features of osteoporosis in Cushing's syndrome and thus, represents a useful model to study GC‐induced osteoporosis and interventions that target the effects of GCs on the skeleton. © 2017 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Functional Adaptation of the Calcaneus in Historical Foot Binding
Authors: Reznikov Natalie , Phillips Carina , Cooke Martyn , Garbout Amin , Ahmed Farah , Stevens Molly M
Published: May 2017

The normal structure of human feet is optimized for shock dampening during walking and running. Foot binding was a historical practice in China aimed at restricting the growth of female feet for aesthetic reasons. In a bound foot the shock-dampening function normally facilitated by the foot arches is withdrawn, resulting in the foot functioning as a rigid extension of the lower leg. An interesting question inspiring this study regards the nature of adaptation of the heel bone to this nonphysiological function using the parameters of cancellous bone anisotropy and 3D fabric topology and a novel intertrabecular angle (ITA) analysis. We found that the trabecular microarchitecture of the normal heel bone, but not of the bound foot, adapts to function by increased anisotropy and preferred orientation of trabeculae. The anisotropic texture in the normal heel bone consistently follows the physiological stress trajectories. However, in the bound foot heel bone the characteristic anisotropy pattern fails to develop, reflecting the lack of a normal biomechanical input. Moreover, the basic topological blueprint of cancellous bone investigated by the ITA method is nearly invariant in both normal and bound foot. These findings suggest that the anisotropic cancellous bone texture is an acquired characteristic that reflects recurrent loading conditions; conversely, an inadequate biomechanical input precludes the formation of anisotropic texture. This opens a long-sought-after possibility to reconstruct bone function from its form. The conserved topological parameters characterize the generic 3D fabric of cancellous bone, which is to a large extent independent of its adaptation to recurrent loading and perhaps determines the mechanical competence of trabecular bone regardless of its functional adaptation. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.

Abstract

This study investigates the adaptation of the heel bone in bound feet, following the historical practice of foot deformation (top panels). The results show that the pattern of anisotropy in the bound foot bones can be distinguished from that of the normal foot bones (bottom panels).
Outcome after one year of upper airway stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea in a multicenter German post‐market study
Authors: Steffen Armin , Sommer J. Ulrich , Hofauer Benedikt , Maurer Joachim T. , Hasselbacher Katrin , Heiser Clemens
Published: May 2017

Objective/Hypothesis

Upper airway stimulation (UAS) of the hypoglossal nerve has been implemented in the routine clinical practice for patients with moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who could not adhere to continuous positive airway pressure. This study reports objective and patient‐reported outcome after 12 months of implantation.

Study Design

Multicenter prospective single‐arm study.

Methods

Consecutive patients who received the UAS system (Inspire Medical Systems, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, Maple Grove, MN, U.S.A.) were enrolled in three German centers. Key study exclusion criteria included body mass index > 35 kg/m2, apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) < 15 or > 65, or complete concentric collapse at the soft palate during sedated endoscopy. Data collection at 6‐ and 12‐month visit include home sleep test and patient‐reported outcome measures.

Results

Among the total of 60 participants, the median AHI reduced from 28.6 to 9.5 from baseline to 12 months. Patient‐reported outcome measured in Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire both improved significantly from baseline to 12 months. The average usage time was 39.1 ± 14.9 hours per week among all participants based on recordings by the implanted device. One patient requested a removal of the device for cosmetic and other personal reasons and was completed without sequelae.

Conclusion

This study supported that UAS is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with OSA in routine clinical practice.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:509–515, 2018
Clinical chronic rhinosinusitis outcomes in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Virgin Frank W.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis are common conditions in cystic fibrosis (CF). Approximately 2–3% of pediatric CF patients per year have sinus disease requiring surgery. It has been well established that there is a significant negative impact on quality of life associated with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in the non‐CF patient population. However, the impact of CRS on the pediatric CF population remains uncertain. The purpose of this article is to review the current state of outcome measures for CRS in pediatric CF patients.

Data Sources

PubMed and EMBASE literature review

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE electronic databases were searched using Boolean searches that incorporated mesh headings and plain language for quality of life, symptom evaluation, pediatric patients, and sinusitis/rhinosinusitis. Studies were included if the study primarily evaluated a pediatric Cystic Fibrosis‐Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CF‐CRS) population and the primary outcome measure was quality of life evaluation.

Results

The search yielded 34 unique articles. A total of 7 articles met inclusion criteria

Conclusions

Despite the high frequency of chronic rhinosinusitis in the pediatric CF patient population, its impact on quality of life is not well understood. Currently there is a lack of a validated disease specific quality of life instruments available to assess the impact of CRS on the pediatric CF patient population.

Level of Evidence

5.
What role for learning health systems in quality improvement within healthcare providers?
Authors: Foley Thomas John , Vale Luke
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Recent decades have seen a focus on quality in healthcare. Quality has been viewed across 6 dimensions—safe, effective, patient‐centred, timely, efficient and equitable. As IT has enabled the transformation of other industries, there has been an increasing interest in the potential for learning health systems (LHS) to improve quality in healthcare. We are not aware of any systematic attempt to investigate the potential impacts of different types of LHS on quality within healthcare providers.

Methods

A review of the limited LHS literature informed the topics for 25 expert interviews, 6 focus groups, and 2 site visits. A deductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify the different types of LHSs and their potential impacts across the 6 dimensions of quality.

Results

Six types of LHS were identified—intelligent automation, clinical decision support, predictive models, positive deviance, surveillance, and comparative effectiveness research. The thematic analysis identified that the 6 types of LHS could potentially have a broad range of positive impacts across the 6 dimensions of quality. However, they also identified the potential for negative impacts on quality and highlighted that many of the potential impacts have not been substantiated through rigorous evaluation.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that LHSs may represent an evolution of existing quality improvement techniques or even fundamentally new capabilities within quality improvement. However, they also highlight the need for further research to evaluate the impacts.
Efficient Homodifunctional Bimolecular Ring‐Closure Method for Cyclic Polymers by Combining RAFT and Self‐Accelerating Click Reaction
Authors: Qu Lin , Sun Peng , Wu Ying , Zhang Ke , Liu Zhengping
Published: May 2017

An efficient metal‐free homodifunctional bimolecular ring‐closure method is developed for the formation of cyclic polymers by combining reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and self‐accelerating click reaction. In this approach, α,ω‐homodifunctional linear polymers with azide terminals are prepared by RAFT polymerization and postmodification of polymer chain end groups. By virtue of sym‐dibenzo‐1,5‐cyclooctadiene‐3,7‐diyne (DBA) as small linkers, well‐defined cyclic polymers are then prepared using the self‐accelerating double strain‐promoted azide–alkyne click (DSPAAC) reaction to ring‐close the azide end‐functionalized homodifunctional linear polymer precursors. Due to the self‐accelerating property of DSPAAC ring‐closing reaction, this novel method eliminates the requirement of equimolar amounts of telechelic polymers and small linkers in traditional bimolecular ring‐closure methods. It facilitates this method to efficiently and conveniently produce varied pure cyclic polymers by employing an excess molar amount of DBA small linkers.

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Dynamic phosphocreatine imaging with unlocalized pH assessment of the human lower leg muscle following exercise at 3T
Authors: Khegai Oleksandr , Madelin Guillaume , Brown Ryan , Parasoglou Prodromos
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To develop a high temporal resolution imaging method that measures muscle‐specific phosphocreatine (PCr) resynthesis time constant (τPCr) and pH changes in muscles of the lower leg following exercise on a clinical 3T MRI scanner.

Methods

We developed a frequency‐selective 3D non‐Cartesian FLORET sequence to measure PCr with 17‐mm nominal isotropic resolution (28 mm actual resolution) and 6‐s temporal resolution to capture dynamic metabolic muscle activity. The sequence was designed to additionally collect inorganic phosphate spectra for pH quantification, which were localized using sensitivity profiles of individual coil elements. Nineteen healthy volunteers were scanned while performing a plantar flexion exercise on an in‐house developed ergometer. Data were acquired with a dual‐tuned multichannel coil array that enabled phosphorus imaging and proton localization for muscle segmentation.

Results

After a 90‐s plantar flexion exercise at 0.66 Hz with resistance set to 40% of the maximum voluntary contraction, τPCr was estimated at 22.9 ± 8.8 s (mean ± standard deviation) with statistical coefficient of determination r2 = 0.89 ± 0.05. The corresponding pH values after exercise were in the range of 6.9‐7.1 in the gastrocnemius muscle.

Conclusion

The developed technique allows measurement of muscle‐specific PCr resynthesis kinetics and pH changes following exercise, with a temporal resolution and accuracy comparable to that of single voxel 31P‐MRS sequences. Magn Reson Med 79:974–980, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Two‐dimensional and shear wave elastography ultrasound: A reliable method to analyse spastic muscles?
Authors: Mathevon Laure , Michel F. , Aubry S. , Testa R. , Lapole T. , Arnaudeau L. F. , Fernandez B. , Parratte B. , Calmels P.
Published: May 2017

Introduction: Few data exist on the feasibility and reliability of measuring muscular atrophy in 2 dimensions (2D) by ultrasonography (US) and elasticity with shear wave elastography (SWE) in spastic muscles. Methods: Fourteen patients with chronic stroke took part in 2 intersession reliability experiments performed with 1‐week intervals between sessions. Pennation angle (PA), muscle thickness (MT), and shear elastic modulus (µ) were measured in spastic gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscles at rest and at maximal passive stretching in paretic and nonparetic legs. Results: On the paretic side, the coefficient of variation (CV) in GM was 6.30% for MT and 6.40% for PA at rest and was 7.53% and 8.26% for MT and PA, respectively, at maximal passive stretching. The reliability of the µ measurement was good only for GM at rest on the paretic side (CV = 9.86%). Discussion: 2D US associated with SWE shows promise for assessing structural changes in muscles. With some methodological adaptations, this approach could help guide spasticity treatment. Muscle Nerve 57: 222–228, 2018
Glycidyl Azide‐butadiene Block Copolymers: 2 Synthesis from a Mesylated Precursor
Authors: Cappello Miriam , Filippi Sara , Mori Leonardo , Polacco Giovanni
Published: May 2017

Glycidyl azide‐butadiene block copolymers are potential binders for solid propellants. The azidic part contributes to the overall energy outputs, while the butadiene block improves the mechanical properties. Synthetic strategies proposed in literature are not appropriate for production of large‐scale quantities. The mesylation of one homopolymer, followed by reaction with the OH terminal groups of the second is proposed here. The reaction is simple and does not show the drawbacks of the previously suggested alternatives. The block copolymers can be used as “partially” energetic binders. Moreover, they work well as compatibilizer in mechanical blends of the two homopolymers, that otherwise rapidly segregate in two distinct phases.
Preparing medical students for the realities of NHS prescribing
Authors: Stewart Kate
Published: May 2017

Professor Simon Maxwell is medical director of the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) and professor of student learning at the University of Edinburgh Medical School. He is also a consultant physician at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. He talks to Kate Stewart about the PSA and the impact it is having on prescribing education in the UK and beyond.
Assessment and management of cerebral palsy in the under‐25s
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: May 2017

In January, NICE published its first guideline on cerebral palsy (NG62), with the aim of improving the diagnosis and treatment of children and young people across England. This article provides a summary of the guidance.
How Much Does Ownership Form Matter?
Authors: Fitza Markus , Tihanyi Laszlo
Published: May 2017

Research summary: Previous studies have emphasized firm and industry effects on variation in firm performance, but the relationship between forms of ownership and firm performance has been the focus of limited research. This article examines the extent to which ownership form (i.e., public or private ownership) and ownership structure (including diffused ownership and blockholding) affect firm performance. The results of an analysis of 30,525 European Union (EU) firms indicate that form of ownership is an important explanatory factor in the difference in performance among firms. These results underscore the need to study firms characterized by different ownership arrangements and to provide empirical evidence for the study of firm ownership in strategic management.

Managerial summary: Motivated by growing evidence on the involvement of different types of owners in the strategies of firms, we studied the extent to which a firm's ownership form (type of legal incorporation, such as public and private ownership forms) and ownership structure (diffused ownership and blockholding) affect its performance. Our study of more than 30,000 firms from the European Union shows that ownership form differences explain some of the performance differences between firms. Our results also indicate that firms with different ownership forms are differently affected by their competitive environment. Overall, the study suggests that choosing the right ownership form can have important strategic consequences. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Informed consent: Montgomery trumps Bolam
Authors: Mansell Josephine , Mansell Martin
Published: May 2017

The old paternalistic system, where doctors could decide what to tell patients about the risks involved in a procedure, has gone. In this article, the authors describe how the requirements around informed consent are now clearly defined and need to be heeded.
Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome – a pain in the hip
Authors: Dick Alastair , Bankes Marcus
Published: May 2017

The presentation of elderly patients with hip pain due to osteoarthritis is familiar to most general practitioners. Hip pain in the younger adult, particularly men, can be a less familiar and more challenging presentation. In this article the authors describe femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, an increasingly recognised cause of hip pain in the younger population.
Extrinsic regulation of hematopoietic stem cells in development, homeostasis and diseases
Authors: Lee Yeojin , Decker Matthew , Lee Heather , Ding Lei
Published: May 2017

Lifelong generation of blood and immune cells depends on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Their function is precisely regulated by complex molecular networks that integrate and respond to ever changing physiological demands of the body. Over the past several years, significant advances have been made in understanding the extrinsic regulation of HSCs during development and in homeostasis. Propelled by technical advances in the field, the cellular and molecular components of the microenvironment that support HSCs in vivo are emerging. In addition, the interaction of HSCs with their niches is appreciated as a critical contributor to the pathogenesis of a number of hematologic disorders. Here, we review these advances in detail and highlight the extrinsic regulation of HSCs in the context of development, homeostasis, and diseases. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e279. doi: 10.1002/wdev.279

This article is categorized under:

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Tissue Stem Cells and Niches

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Regeneration

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cells and Disease
Endophytic fungal assemblage in Achyranthes aspera Linn. revealed by internal transcribed spacer region of nuclear ribosomal RNA genes
Authors: John Reshma , Mathew Linu
Published: May 2017

Only scanty reports are available on endophytic fungal associations in Achyranthes aspera Linn. Hence in this study a total of 504 isolates belonging to ten different species of fungi were isolated from asymptomatic, surface sterilised segments of leaf, stem and root of A. aspera collected from different locations of Kerala, India. Among the isolates ascomycetes were most prevalent. Colonisation rate of fungal endophytes was high in leaf tissue (95%) followed by stem (77.75%) and root segments (33.33%). The most frequent and dominant coloniser of the host plant were Colletotrichum sp., which was isolated from all locations. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of hyphae in the intra and intercellular spaces of the plant tissue. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of nuclear rRNA genes showed that the fungi recovered belonged to the lineages of Sordariomycetes, Dothideomycetes, Eurotiomycetes and Tremellomycetes. A maximum likelihood tree revealed the relationship between the obtained sequence data and the closest sequences retrieved from the GenBank.
Hot springs of Indian Himalayas: potential sources of microbial diversity and thermostable hydrolytic enzymes
Authors: Sahay Harmesh , Yadav Ajar Nath , Singh Atul Kumar , Singh Surendra , Kaushik Rajeev , Saxena Anil Kumar
Published: May 2017

Microbial communities in hot springs at high elevations have been extensively studied worldwide. In this sense, the Indian Himalaya regions is valuable ecosystems for providing both the extreme ‘cold’ and ‘hot’ sites for exploring microbial diversity. In the present study, a total of 140 thermophilic bacteria were isolated from 12 samples collected from Manikaran and Yumthang hot springs of Indian Himalayas. The bacterial isolates were studied for phylogenetic profiling, growth properties at varying conditions and potential sources of extracellular thermostable hydrolytic enzymes such as protease, amylase, xylanase and cellulase. Based on production of extracellular hydrolases, 51 isolates from Manikaran (28) and Yumthang thermal springs (23) were selected and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing which included 37 distinct species of 14 different genera namely Anoxybacillus, Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Brevundimonas, Burkholderia, Geobacillus, Paenibacillus, Planococcus, Pseudomonas, Rhodanobacter, Thermoactinomyces, Thermobacillus, Thermonema and Thiobacillus. Out of 51 hydrolase producing bacteria, 24 isolates showed stability at wide range of temperature and pH treatments. In present investigation, three thermotolerant bacteria namely, Thermobacillus sp NBM6, Paenibacillus ehimensis NBM24 and Paenibacillus popilliae NBM68 were found to produced cellulase-free xylanase. These potential extracellular thermostable hydrolytic enzymes producing thermophilic bacteria have a great commercial prospect in various industrial, medical and agriculture applications.
Biodegradation of α-endosulfan via hydrolysis pathway by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia OG2
Authors: Ozdal Murat , Ozdal Ozlem Gur , Algur Omer Faruk , Kurbanoglu Esabi Basaran
Published: May 2017

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia OG2 was isolated from the intestine of cockroaches that was collected from a cow barn contaminated some pesticides belong to pyrethroid and organochlorine groups. OG2 was able to degrade α-endosulfan in non sulfur medium (NSM) as a sole sulfur source for growth within 10 days of incubation. The effects of some growth parameters on endosulfan biodegradation by OG2 was studied and found that the biodegradation was significantly affected by the endosulfan concentrations, pH and temperature. Experimental results obtained in different conditions show that the optimum concentration of α-endosulfan, pH and temperature were 100 mg/L, 8.0 and 30 °C, respectively. Under these conditions, the bacterium degraded 81.53% of the α-endosulfan after 10 days. The concentration of α-endosulfan and its metabolites was determined by HPLC. Endosulfan ether, endosulfan lactone and endosulfan diol were the main metabolites in culture, but did not produce toxic metabolite, endosulfan sulfate. These results suggested that S. maltophilia OG2 degrades α-endosulfan via a hydrolysis pathway. The present study indicates that strain OG2 may have potential use in the biodegradation of pesticides contaminated environments.
Unveiling the North Korean Economy
Authors: Kim Byung-Yeon
Published: May 2017

North Korea is one of the most closed and secretive societies in the world. Despite a high level of interest from the outside world, we have very little detailed information about how the country functions economically. In this valuable book for both the academic and policy-making circles, Byung-Yeon Kim offers the most comprehensive and systematic analysis of the present day North Korean economy in the context of economic systems and transition economics. It addresses what is really happening in the North Korean economy, why it has previously failed, and how the country can make the transition to a market economy. It takes advantage not only of carefully reconstructed macro data but also rich, new data at the micro level, such as quantitative surveys of North Korean refugees settled in South Korea, and the surveys of Chinese companies that interact heavily with North Korea.
Experimental and computational investigations of flow dynamics in LPP combustor
Authors: YAN Y. W. , Liu Y. P. , Liu Y. C. , Li J. H.
Published: May 2017

A Lean Premixed Prevaporised (LPP) low-emission combustor with a staged lean combustion technology was developed. In order to study cold-flow dynamics in the LPP combustor, both experimental tests using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) to quantify the flow dynamics and numerical simulation using the commercial software (FLUENT) were conducted, respectively. Numerical results were in good agreement with the experimental data. It is shown from the observation of the results that: there is a Primary Recirculation Zone (PRZ), a Corner Recirculation Zone (CRZ) and a Lip Recirculation Zone (LRZ) in the LPP combustor, and the exchanges of mass, momentum and energy between pilot swirling flow and primary swirling flow are contributed by the velocity gradients, and the shear flow is transformed into a mixing layer exhibiting the higher Reynolds stresses, which suggests the mixing process is strictly affected by the Reynolds stresses.
Motivated numeracy and enlightened self-government
Authors: KAHAN DAN M. , PETERS ELLEN , DAWSON ERICA CANTRELL , SLOVIC PAUL
Published: May 2017

Why does public conflict over societal risks persist in the face of compelling and widely accessible scientific evidence? We conducted an experiment to probe two alternative answers: the ‘science comprehension thesis’ (SCT), which identifies defects in the public's knowledge and reasoning capacities as the source of such controversies; and the ‘identity-protective cognition thesis’ (ICT), which treats cultural conflict asdisablingthe faculties that members of the public use to make sense of decision-relevant science. In our experiment, we presented subjects with a difficult problem that turned on their ability to draw valid causal inferences from empirical data. As expected, subjects highest in numeracy – a measure of the ability and disposition to make use of quantitative information – did substantially better than less numerate ones when the data were presented as results from a study of a new skin rash treatment. Also as expected, subjects’ responses became politically polarized – and even less accurate – when the same data were presented as results from the study of a gun control ban. But contrary to the prediction of SCT, such polarization did not abate among subjects highest in numeracy; instead, itincreased. This outcome supported ICT, which predicted that more numerate subjects would use their quantitative-reasoning capacity selectively to conform their interpretation of the data to the result most consistent with their political outlooks. We discuss the theoretical and practical significance of these findings.
Putting nudges in perspective
Authors: LOEWENSTEIN GEORGE , CHATER NICK
Published: May 2017

Conventional economic policy focuses on ‘economic’ solutions (e.g. taxes, incentives, regulation) to problems caused by market-level factors such as externalities, misaligned incentives and information asymmetries. By contrast, ‘nudges’ provide behavioural solutions to problems that have generally been assumed to originate from limitations in human decision making, such as present bias. While policy-makers have good reason for exploiting the power of nudges, we argue that these extremes leave open a large space of policy options that have received less attention in the academic literature. First, there is no reason that solution and problem need have the same theoretical basis: there are promising behavioural solutions to problems that have causes that are well explained by traditional economics, and conventional economic solutions often offer the best line of attack on problems of behavioural origin. Second, there is a wide range of hybrid policy actions with both economic and behavioural components (e.g. framing a tax or incentive in a specific way), and there exist many societal problems – perhaps the majority – that arise from both economic and behavioural factors (e.g. firms’ exploitation of consumers’ behavioural biases). This paper aims to remind policy-makers that behavioural economics can influence policy in a variety of ways, of which nudges are the most prominent but not necessarily the most powerful.
Hand Rub Consumption Has Almost Doubled in 132 German Hospitals Over 9 Years
Authors: Wetzker Wibke , Walter Janine , Bunte-Schönberger Karin , Schwab Frank , Behnke Michael , Gastmeier Petra , Reichardt Christiane
Published: May 2017

Annual surveillance data (2007–2015), collected continuously in 132 German hospitals, was evaluated for development of alcohol-based hand-rub consumption (AHC) as a surrogate parameter for hand hygiene adherence. Overall, the median increase in AHC was 94%. The increases over 9 years were significant in all units and quartiles of AHC at baseline.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:870–872