bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do antipsychotics prevent postoperative delirium? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fok Mark C. , Sepehry Amir A. , Frisch Larry , Sztramko Richard , Borger van der Burg Boudewijn L. S. , Vochteloo Anne J. H. , Chan Peter
Published: January 2015

Objective

To summarize the effect of antipsychotics for preventing postoperative delirium.

Design

We conducted a literature search using Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and clinicaltrials.gov. We included randomized controlled trials of adults undergoing surgery who were given antipsychotics to prevent postoperative delirium. Quality was assessed via the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Random‐effects meta‐analysis and meta‐regression were conducted. Q‐statistics and I2 were used for assessment of heterogeneity. The main outcome was delirium incidence using validated definitions.

Results

A total of 1710 subjects were included, with a mean age ranging from 60.7 to 86.4 years. Antipsychotics reduced the incidence of postoperative delirium with the global effect‐size estimate (weighted odds ratio) using the random effects model of 0.44 (95% confidence interval: 0.28–0.70; N = 6; Q‐value: 16, p‐value 0.0005; I2 = 69%). Significant heterogeneity existed with the pooled global effect of delirium incidence; however, meta‐regression allowed us to test both treatment‐level and patient‐level explanations for significant between‐study variance. Baseline risk for delirium was found to be a significant contributor to study heterogeneity, and meta‐regression suggested that antipsychotic type and dosage were two of the several treatment‐level factors that also may have led to heterogeneity. Our analysis implied the presence of a breakeven baseline level of delirium risk below which preventive treatment with antipsychotics might prove ineffective.

Conclusions

Within the limits of few randomized controlled trials, antipsychotics appeared to reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium in several surgical settings, predominantly orthopedic and for those at higher risk for delirium. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
5‐HTTLPR genotype, asthma, diabetes and late‐life depression in an older French population
Authors: Omari‐Asor Lorraine , Stewart Robert , Artero Sylvaine , Ritchie Karen
Published: January 2015

Objective

Associations between environmental risk factors and depression have been reported to be stronger in people with the S allele of the S/L polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene‐linked promoter region (5‐HTTLPR); however, most studies have focused on adverse life events as a general exposure, and interactions with physical disorders have been less investigated. We therefore investigated associations of asthma and diabetes with depression in an older community population and compared these by 5‐HTTLPR genotype.

Methods

A sample of 1617 people aged 65 years and over, from Montpellier, France, were examined for depression, using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview assessments, and a standardised interview was conducted to establish physical health status. Blood samples were also taken for 5‐HTTLPR genotype.

Results

Depression was significantly associated with asthma and diabetes but not with 5‐HTTLPR genotype. After adjustment for age, sex, education and co‐residency, the association between asthma and depression did increase in strength and significance across genotype groups (odds ratios in LL, SL and SS genotypes: 1.59 (0.66–3.82), 1.88 (1.05–3.36) and 3.00 (1.26–7.13), respectively) although the interaction term fell below statistical significance (p = 0.29). No modification was observed for diabetes as an exposure.

Conclusions

The findings provided some support for effect modification by 5‐HTTLPR genotype for asthma but for not diabetes as risk factors for depression. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feeling addressed! The role of body orientation and co‐speech gesture in social communication
Authors: Nagels Arne , Kircher Tilo , Steines Miriam , Straube Benjamin
Published: January 2015

During face‐to‐face communication, body orientation and coverbal gestures influence how information is conveyed. The neural pathways underpinning the comprehension of such nonverbal social cues in everyday interaction are to some part still unknown. During fMRI data acquisition, 37 participants were presented with video clips showing an actor speaking short sentences. The actor produced speech‐associated iconic gestures (IC) or no gestures (NG) while he was visible either from an egocentric (ego) or from an allocentric (allo) position. Participants were asked to indicate via button press whether they felt addressed or not. We found a significant interaction of body orientation and gesture in addressment evaluations, indicating that participants evaluated IC‐ego conditions as most addressing. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and left fusiform gyrus were stronger activated for egocentric versus allocentric actor position in gesture context. Activation increase in the ACC for IC‐ego>IC‐allo further correlated positively with increased addressment ratings in the egocentric gesture condition. Gesture‐related activation increase in the supplementary motor area, left inferior frontal gyrus and right insula correlated positively with gesture‐related increase of addressment evaluations in the egocentric context. Results indicate that gesture use and body‐orientation contribute to the feeling of being addressed and together influence neural processing in brain regions involved in motor simulation, empathy and mentalizing. Hum Brain Mapp 36:1925–1936, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of the New Types of N‐Unsubstituted Aminomethylenebisorganophosphorus Acids and Their Derivatives
Authors: Prishchenko Andrey A. , Livantsov Mikhail V. , Novikova Olga P. , Livantsova Ludmila I. , Ershov Ivan S. , Petrosyan Valery S.
Published: January 2015

The interaction of trimethylsilyl esters of trivalent organophosphorus acids containing PH and POSiMe3 groups with hydrochlorides of ethoxymethylene imines is a convenient method for the synthesis of new trimethylsilyl esters of N‐unsubstituted aminomethylenebisorganophosphorus acids with three and four coordinated phosphorus. Also trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate as effective catalyst is used for the similar interaction of hydrochlorides of ethoxymethylene imines with tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphite. The corresponding bisorganophosphorus acids and their derivatives are presented.
Development of l‐histidine immobilized CIM® monolithic disks for purification of immunoglobulin G
Authors: Prasanna Rajasekar R. , Kamalanathan Agamudi S. , Vijayalakshmi Mookambeswaran A.
Published: January 2015

The pseudobiospecific affinity ligand l‐histidine was immobilized on epoxy, carbonyldiimidazole (CDI), and ethylenediamine (EDA) convective interaction media (BIA Separations, Slovenia) monolithic disks to obtain the histidyl affinity column for purification of immunoglobulin G (IgG). The kinetics and the mass transfer properties of the affinity columns were studied to determine the optimum buffer condition, flow rate, and concentration of IgG for maximum IgG adsorption. The binding capacities of all the three affinity columns were higher with zwitterionic buffer morpholinopropanesulfonic acid than with charged buffers such as tris‐HCl and phosphate buffers, and the optimum pH was 6.5. The interaction of IgG with histidine immobilized CDI and epoxy disks was found to be predominantly driven by ionic interaction, while the interaction with EDA‐histidine disk could be partially governed by multiple non‐covalent forces of interaction. The maximum binding capacity (Qm) of l‐histidine immobilized on EDA‐, CDI‐, and epoxy‐activated convective interaction media disks were 19.83 ± 0.25, 15.85 ± 0.18 and 12.11 ± 0.17 mg/ml of support, respectively, and the dissociation constant (Kd) were calculated to be in the micromolar range for all the three histidyl monolithic columns. Purification of IgG from untreated human serum was also attempted, and the results indicate the high potential of this method for purification of total IgG from complex biological sources and also for separation of IgG1 from other subclasses. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of affinity aqueous two‐phase systems for the fractionation of CD133+ stem cells from human umbilical cord blood
Authors: González‐González Mirna , Rito‐Palomares Marco
Published: January 2015

In a further attempt to establish a novel stem cell primary recovery strategy, the use of aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPS) complemented with the use of antibodies (known as immunoaffinity ATPS) is explored in this work. This type of liquid–liquid extraction systems exploits antigen–antibody affinity and represents a novel and selective approach for the purification of stem cells. The proposed bioengineering strategies include the implementation of traditional [polyethylene glycol (PEG), dextran (DEX) and ficoll] and novel (Ucon) immunoaffinity ATPS to prove the viability of cluster of differentiation 133 (CD133+) stem cells from human umbilical cord blood. Furthermore, the addition of the antibody is implemented to identify conditions under which contaminants and stem cells of interest concentrate in opposite phases. The objective of this work is to establish the initial basis for the development of a novel and scalable purification bioprocess for the selective recovery of CD133+ stem cells employing immunoaffinity ATPS. The reported methodology allows a partitioning of 62% CD133+ stem cells to the top phase of the ficoll 400,000–DEX 70,000 immunoaffinity ATPS. In PEG 8,000–DEX 500,000 and Ucon–DEX 75,000 systems, no difference was observed when compared with the conventional ATPS (without antibody addition), as the CD133 antibody does not have preference for the desired clean top phase. In all experiments, cell viability was at least 98% after ATPS recovery. This research highlights the challenges that must be addressed to allow the potential establishment of a separation process using immunoaffinity ATPS for the recovery and purification of stem cells. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extracellular matrix proteins interact with cell‐signaling pathways in modifying risk of achilles tendinopathy
Authors: Saunders Colleen J. , van der Merwe Lize , Cook Jill , Handley Christopher J. , Collins Malcolm , September Alison V.
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate interactions between variants within genes encoding components of the collagen fibril and components of cell‐signaling pathways within the extracellular matrix, and determine the relative contribution of these variants to Achilles tendinopathy risk in a polygenic model. A total of 339 asymptomatic control participants and 179 participants clinically diagnosed with Achilles tendinopathy were genotyped for variants within six genes encoding components of the collagen fibril and three genes encoding components of cell‐signaling pathways. Logistic regression, stepwise selection, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to select and evaluate genetic interactions and determine the relative contribution of these variants to overall genetic risk. The strongest, best fit polygenic risk model included the variables sex, three COL27A1 variants (rs4143245; rs1249744; rs946053), COL5A1 rs12722, CASP8 rs1045485, and CASP8 rs2824129 with an area under the ROC curve of 0.737 and the maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity indicators equal to 134%. Significant interactions between genes encoding components of the collagen fibril and genes encoding components of the cell‐signaling pathways modify risk of Achilles tendinopathy. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:898–903, 2015.
Accuracy of early‐phase versus dual‐phase single‐photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography in the localization of Parathyroid disease
Authors: Mandal Rajarsi , Muthukrishnan Ashok , Ferris Robert L. , de Almeida John R. , Duvvuri Umamaheswar
Published: January 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Preoperative localization for parathyroid disease has improved in recent years with the advent of dual‐phase 99mTc‐sestamibi single‐photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging. However, dual‐phase imaging is associated with increased cost, time, and radiation dose. The aim of this study was to investigate the need for late‐phase imaging when using SPECT/CT for the preoperative localization of parathyroid disease.

Study Design

Retrospective chart analysis.

Methods

A retrospective review of 75 patients who underwent preoperative imaging localization and subsequent surgical resection for parathyroid disease at a tertiary referral center was performed. Of these, 50 patients met study criteria including preoperative SPECT/CT imaging and specific reporting of early‐ and late‐phase focal radiotracer uptake. Localization accuracy was verified with definitive surgical findings confirmed by histological analysis and evidence of biochemical cure.

Results

Accurate localization of adenoma(s) was seen in 78.0% of patients using dual‐phase SPECT/CT. Early‐phase imaging alone localized 76.0%, whereas late‐phase imaging alone localized 74.0%. Sensitivity and specificity for dual‐phase imaging was 84.8% and 89.6%, respectively. In comparison, early‐phase localization alone was found to have a sensitivity/specificity of 84.4%/89.4%; sensitivity/specificity of late‐phase scanning alone was found to be 80.4%/89.1%. Dual‐phase SPECT/CT scanning did not provide a statistically significant improvement in adenoma localization when compared to early‐phase scanning alone.

Conclusions

Although further investigation is needed, the results of this study suggest that early‐phase SPECT/CT scanning alone may obviate the need for dual‐phase SPECT/CT scanning in the initial preoperative localization workup of parathyroid disease.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:1496–1501, 2015
Pediatric airway reconstruction with a prefabricated auricular cartilage and radial forearm free flap
Authors: Ahmad Faisal I. , O'Dell Karla , Peck Jessica J. , Wax Mark K. , Milczuk Henry A.
Published: January 2015

Prefabricated composite free flaps for complex airway reconstruction have been described for an adult series at our institution. We extended this approach to a pediatric patient with lifelong subglottic stenosis who had failed previous open airway reconstructions. A staged procedure was utilized in which a composite graft was created using conchal cartilages and a radial forearm free flap. This reconstruction improved the patency of her airway and decreased her dependency on intermittent airway dilations. Airway reconstruction with prefabricated conchal cartilage composite free flaps may be used as a salvage procedure for complex pediatric airway reconstruction when other methods have failed. Laryngoscope, 125:1979–1982, 2015
Dimensions and morphological characteristics of human newborn glottis
Authors: Sato Kiminori , Chitose Shun‐ichi , Umeno Hirohito
Published: January 2015

Objectives

The anterior glottis has the most important role in phonation. However, the posterior glottis appears to have an equally important role in respiration.

Dimensions and morphological characteristics of the newborn glottis were investigated.

Study Design

Histologic analysis of the human newborn glottis.

Methods

A total of 16 larynges were used. The whole organ section technique was employed.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the genders.

The average length of the glottis was 5.4 ± 0.6 mm in males and 5.7 ± 0.4 mm in females. The average length of the posterior glottis was 3.1 ± 0.5 mm in males and 3.2 ± 0.4 mm in females. It accounted for 57.5 ± 3.2% of the entire glottic length in males and 55.5 ± 5.3% in females and also accounted for 56.3 ± 4.6% of the entire glottic area in both sexes.

The average area of the glottis was 7.5 ± 2.5 mm2 in males and 8.2 ± 1.7 mm2 in females. The average area of the posterior glottis was 5.3 ± 2.0 mm2 in males and 5.5 ± 1.4 mm2 in females. It accounted for 69.2% ± 4.6% of the entire glottic area in males and 67.3% ± 5.8% in females. It also accounted for 68.0% ± 5.3% of the entire glottic area in both sexes.

The epithelium in the newborn posterior glottis was a ciliated epithelium, whereas it was stratified squamous epithelium in the anterior glottis.

Conclusions

The newborn posterior glottis occupied approximately 70% of the entire glottic area and was covered with respiratory epithelium. Due to size and configuration, the newborn glottis appears to be favored for respiration over phonation.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 125:E186–E189, 2015
Drug‐induced sleep endoscopy versus Müller maneuver in patients with retropalatal obstruction
Authors: Yilmaz Yavuz Fuat , Kum Rauf Oguzhan , Ozcan Muge , Gungor Volkan , Unal Adnan
Published: January 2015

Objective/Hypothesis

This study aimed to compare application of the Müller maneuver (MM) and application of drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) prior to surgery, in addition to MM, to further ascertain the location of an obstruction in the upper airway and whether the location would change the surgical treatment plan in patients with retropalatal obstruction.

Study Design

Prospective, clinical trial at a tertiary referral hospital.

Methods

This study included 39 obstructive sleep apnea patients who were recommended for surgical treatment. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: The first group (DISE plus MM) underwent a DISE (19 patients), in addition to the planned procedure according to MM. Meanwhile, the second group (MM only) underwent surgery based only on their MM evaluation (20 patients). Patients with retrolingual‐localized obstructions were excluded, whereas patients with ≥ third‐degree obstructions at the retropalatal level, according to DISE and/or MM, were included in the study.

Results

There was a significant improvement between pre‐ and postoperative polysomnography findings in both groups. However, the postoperative improvements between the groups were not statistically different. Because there was a significant change in the planned surgical procedures in the first group, there were significantly more combined surgeries followed by the DISE procedure.

Conclusions

Although the DISE resulted in more changes in the surgical treatment plan and higher rate of combined treatment compared to MM, we determined that this difference did not result in a significant difference in treatment success.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:2220–2225, 2015
Miscibility and tribological investigations of ionic liquids in biodegradable esters
Authors: Kronberger Markus , Pagano Francesco , Pejaković Vladimir , Igartua Amaya , Urbistondo Eva , Kalin Mitjan
Published: January 2015

The structural impact of ionic liquids was systematically investigated by assessing their behaviour as lubricant additives in two different biodegradable esters (refined rapeseed oil and synthetic ester). Cations were mainly based on derivatives of the tetraalkyl ammonium structure; the anions were alkyl sulfate, methyl sulfonate or bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. Miscibility experiments showed that ultrasound treatment yielded the most stable emulsions. X‐ray fluorescence was employed to determine maximum concentrations, at which ionic liquids formed stable mixtures in the base oil, either dissolved or as self‐stabilized emulsions. Steel/steel contacts lubricated with such saturated rapeseed oil blends were investigated in a reciprocating sliding tester at room temperature and at 100°C. For most anions, a significant reduction of friction and wear was found at ionic liquid concentrations of less than 0.1 weight%. At substantially higher concentrations, a destabilisation of the ionic liquid–ester mixtures was observed, which was accompanied by a loss of wear‐preventive properties. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the Resistance of Hepatitis C Virus NS5B Polymerase Inhibitors via Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Uengwetwanit Tanaporn , Robaa Dina , Sippl Wolfgang
Published: January 2015

In this work, we examined how known single point mutations (P495S, P495L, P495A, P496A, P496S and V499A) in Hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase influence the binding of benzimidazole‐5‐carboxamide derivatives which are potent NS5B inhibitors. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to analyze the binding of the inhibitors to the wild‐type and mutant enzymes. Binding free energy calculations (MM‐GB/SA method) and analyzing the decomposed binding free energy of individual residues were able to explain the differences in the inhibitory potency of the compounds at wild‐type and mutant enzymes and hence account for the appearance of resistance of mutant enzymes to the studied inhibitors. The obtained results were found to be in agreement with the known experimental data.
On existence and multiplicity of similarity solutions to a nonlinear differential equation arising in magnetohydrodynamic Falkner–Skan flow for decelerated flows
Authors: Naseri R. , Malek A. , Van Gorder R. A.
Published: January 2015

Previously, existence and uniqueness of a class of monotone similarity solutions for a nonlinear differential equation arising in magnetohydrodynamic Falkner–Skan flow were considered in the case of accelerating flows. It was shown that a solution satisfying certain monotonicity properties exists and is unique for the case of accelerated flows and some decelerated flows. In this paper, we show that solutions to the problem can exist for decelerated flows even when the monotonicity conditions do not hold. In particular, these types of solutions have nonmonotone second derivatives and are, hence, a distinct type of solution from those studied previously. By virtue of this result, the present paper demonstrates the existence of an important type of solution for decelerated flows. Importantly, we show that multiple solutions can exist for the case of strongly decelerated flows, and this occurs because of the fact that the solutions do not satisfy the aforementioned monotonicity requirements. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective conductivity of a composite material with stiff imperfect contact conditions
Authors: Castro L.P. , Kapanadze D. , Pesetskaya E.
Published: January 2015

We present an analytic and numerical analysis of several properties of a composite material with stiff imperfect interface conditions. Spaces of functions are identified wherewe can guarantee existence and uniqueness of solutions. In particular, formulas for the temperature distribution and flux are exhibited. Numerical calculations of the material characteristics such as temperature, flux and the effective conductivity are also performed and interpreted. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eine Substanz, zwei Flüssigkeiten
Authors: Seidl Markus , Amann‐Winkel Katrin , Bernard Jürgen , Loerting Thomas
Published: January 2015

Immer noch wird kontrovers diskutiert, warum ausgerechnet Wasser das Molekül des Lebens ist und es sich im Vergleich mit anderen Flüssigkeiten so anomal verhält.
Fragmentbasierte Wirkstoffentwicklung
Authors: Aretz Jonas , Rademacher Christoph
Published: January 2015

Um neue Wirkstoffe zu identifizieren, wird heute zunehmend auf fragmentbasiertes Screening zurückgegriffen. Die dafür erforderliche hohe Empfindlichkeit in der frühen Phase der Forschung liefern biophysikalische Methoden, darunter NMR‐Spektroskopie, Oberflächenplamonenresonanz‐Spektroskopie und Röntgenkristallographie.
Weizen unter der Lupe
Authors: Leusmann Eliza
Published: January 2015

Für den ersten vollständigen Entwurf des Weizenprototypgenoms trennten Genetiker die Chromosomen, zerkleinerten sie, und Bioinformatiker bauten die Sequenzinformationen mit dem Computer zusammen.
Laufbahn Universität?
Authors: Hachmann Anne
Published: January 2015

Die meisten Promovierten verlassen mit dem Doktortitel den akademischen Betrieb. Die Aussicht auf den Professorentitel lockt nur wenige. Doch Universitäten brauchen Personal auch abseits der Professorenstelle. Der Wissenschaftsrat empfiehlt, Karrierewege an Universitäten neu zu definieren.
Longitudinal reference range for umbilical cord cross‐sectional area in twin pregnancies at 18–32 weeks of gestation
Authors: Fernandes D. B. , Liao A. W. , Brizot M. L. , Francisco R. P. V. , Zugaib M.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to establish gestational age‐specific reference ranges for cross‐sectional area of the umbilical cord, and its components, in twin pregnancies and to compare them with previously reported singleton reference ranges.

Methods

This was a prospective longitudinal study involving uncomplicated dichorionic twin pregnancies. Sonographic measurements of the cross‐sectional area of the umbilical cord, umbilical vein and arteries and Wharton's jelly were obtained in a plane adjacent to the fetal abdomen, every 3 weeks, between 18 and 32 weeks of gestations. Multilevel regression analysis was used to determine gestational age‐specific reference ranges for each parameter, and these were plotted against singleton pregnancy references.

Results

Three hundred and thirty four ultrasound scans were performed in 44 twin pregnancies, between 18 and 32.9 weeks (mean: 3.8 ± 0.7 scans/pregnancy and mean interval between scans: 3.3 ± 0.9 weeks). All umbilical cord cross‐sectional areas (total, vein, artery and Wharton's jelly) showed a significant increase with gestational age. Compared with singleton pregnancy ranges, mean values were considerably lower in twin pregnancies and resemble the lower limits observed in singletons.

Conclusion

In twin pregnancies, cross‐sectional area of the umbilical cord, and its components, increases between 18 and 32 weeks, and mean values are substantially lower compared with singleton pregnancies. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regio‐chemistry control in propylene/isoprene copolymerization by metallocene catalysts
Authors: Niu Hui , Dong Jin‐Yong
Published: January 2015

Regio‐chemistry control in copolymerization of propylene with isoprene is pursued with C2‐symmetric ansa‐metallocene catalysts in order to efficiently synthesize isotactic polypropylene bearing pendant vinylidene functionality (iPP‐g‐VD) using isoprene as a convenient asymmetric diene feedstock. Two paths are taken by employing two well‐known but structurally different metallocenes that exhibit discrepant regio‐chemistry for α‐olefin insertion, namely rac‐Me2Si(2‐Me‐4‐Ph‐Ind)2ZrCl2 (1) and rac‐CH2(3‐t‐Bu‐Ind)2ZrCl2 (2), both of which tend to an improvement of isoprene 4,3‐ (primary) insertion specificity whilst depressing the regio‐reversed 3,4‐ (secondary) insertion. In the case of using 1–methylaluminoxane (MAO), the strategy is to use increased dosage of H2 to effectively integrate isoprene 3,4‐insertion into iPP main chain without developing π‐allyl–metal deadlock. In the case of using 2–MAO, however, the sterically highly hindered ligand structure only accommodates primary isoprene 4,3‐insertion. Synthesis of iPP‐g‐VD becomes much more controllable, with up to 1.91 mol% of side‐chain vinylidene groups having been realized on iPP, at fairly good catalyst activities and little or no sacrifice of polymer molecular weight. iPP‐g‐VD is revealed to be fully eligible as an intermediate for accessing polar‐functionalized polypropylene, with both hydroboration and subsequent hydroxylated functionalization and poly(methyl methacrylate) grafting proceeding with high yields. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
On the nature of phase separation of polymer solutions at high extension rates
Authors: Semakov Alexander V. , Kulichikhin Valery G. , Tereshin Aleksei K. , Antonov Sergei V. , Malkin Alexander Ya.
Published: February 2015

Experiments with stretching moderately concentrated polymer solutions have been carried out. Model experiments were carried out for poly(acrylonitrile) solutions in dimethyl siloxane. Just the choice of concentrated solutions allowed for a clear demonstration of a demixing effect with the formation of two separate phases—an oriented polymer fiber and solvent drops sitting on its surface. An original experimental device for following all subsequent stages in the demixing process was built. It combined two light beams, one transverse to the fiber and a second directed along (inside) the fiber, the latter played the role of an optical line. This gives a unique opportunity to observe processes occurring inside a fiber. The process of demixing starts from the volume phase separation across the whole cross section of a fiber at some critical deformation and the propagation of the front of demixing along the fiber. Then a solvent cylindrical skin appears which transforms into a system of separate droplets. New experimental data are discussed based on a comparison of the current different points of view on the phenomenon of deformation‐induced phase separation: thermodynamic shift of the equilibrium phase transition temperature, growth of stress‐induced concentration fluctuations in two‐component fluids, and mechanically pressing a solvent out from a polymer network. The general belief is that a rather specific (so‐called “beads‐on‐a‐string”) structure of a filament is realized in stretching dilute solutions: beads of a polymer solution connected by oriented polymer bridges forming a single object. The situation in stretching moderately concentrated solutions appears quite different: real phase separation was observed. So, the alternative phenomenon to the formation of the “beads‐on‐a‐string” structure has been experimentally proven. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 559–565
Review of methods for determination of total protein and peptide concentration in biological samples
Authors: Sapan Christine V. , Lundblad Roger L.
Published: January 2015

Clinical proteomics can be defined as the use of proteomic technologies to identify and measure biomarkers in fluids and tissues. The current work is intended to review various methods used for the determination of the total concentration of protein or peptide in fluids and tissues and the application of such methods to clinical proteomics. Specifically, this article considers the approaches to the measurement of total protein concentration, not the measurement of the concentration of a specific protein or group of proteins in a larger mixture of proteins. The necessity of understanding various concepts such as fit‐for‐use, quality‐by‐design, and other regulatory elements is discussed, as is the significance of using suitable standards for the protein quality of various samples.
A 3D Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Method with Reactive Flow Model for the Simulation of ANFO
Authors: Wang Guangyu , Liu Guirong , Peng Qing , De Suvranu , Feng Dianlei , Liu Moubin
Published: January 2015

ANFO (ammonium nitrate/fuel oil) is a widely used bulk industrial explosive mixture that is considered to be highly “non‐ideal” with long reaction zones, low detonation energies, and large failure diameters. Thus, its detonation poses great challenge for accurate numerical modeling. Herein, we present a numerical model to simulate ANFO based on improved smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method, which is a mesh‐free Lagrangian method performing well in simulating situations consist of moving interface and large deformation, as happened in high‐velocity impact and explosion. The improved three‐dimensional SPH method incorporated with JWL++ model is used to simulate the detonation of ANFO. Good agreement is observed between simulation and experiment, which indicates that the proposed method performs well in prediction of behavior of ANFO.
Infiltration hazards for building siting studies
Authors: Marx Jeffrey D. , Ishii Benjamin R.
Published: January 2015

Facility siting studies have been a requirement for many years, specifically for facilities that must comply with OSHA's PSM program. Facility siting is frequently interpreted as performing a building siting study which adheres to the guidance given in API RP 752. Many of the siting studies conducted for large facilities over the past few decades have focused on explosion overpressure impacts to occupied buildings, with more simplistic evaluations for fire and toxic gas impacts. Toxic gas impact analyses often only evaluate the potential exposure of a building location, to a specific gas concentration, and do not evaluate the level of infiltration into the building where occupants may be impacted. Infiltration of flammable gases has largely been ignored in most building siting studies. Despite this oversight, this hazard is one which should be addressed when following the guidance found within API RP 752. Through the use of dispersion modeling and infiltration analyses, the hazards associated with flammable or toxic gas infiltration can be incorporated into a building siting study. This article outlines the process of conducting a building siting study in accordance with API RP 752, with specific emphasis on the consequence analysis for infiltration analyses. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 35: 61–67, 2016
Naturally occurring bioactive compounds from four repellent essential oils against Bemisia tabaci whiteflies
Authors: Deletre Emilie , Chandre Fabrice , Barkman Barbara , Menut Chantal , Martin Thibaud
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

In tropical countries, netting is an effective sustainable tool for protecting horticultural crops against Lepidoptera, although not against small pests such as Bemisia tabaci, while smaller mesh netting can be used in temperate regions. A solution is to combine a net with a repellent. Previously we identified repellent essential oils: lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and citronella (Cymbopogon winternarius). The present study was designed to identify the active compounds of these essential oils, characterise their biological activity and examine their potential for coating nets. We investigated the efficiency and toxicity of nets dipped in different solutions. We then studied the repellent effect with an olfactometer and the irritant effect by videotracking.

RESULTS

Geraniol and citronellol were the most promising net coatings owing to their repellent effect. The repellency, irritancy or toxicity varied with the product and concentration, and these features were independent, indicating that the repellent and the irritant/toxic mechanisms were not the same. The combined effects of these different compounds account for the bioactivity of the mixture, suggesting interactions between the compounds.

CONCLUSION

This new sustainable strategy for protecting vegetable crops against whiteflies is discussed, in addition to the use of companion plants that could produce such bioactive compounds. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Nanostructuring of cochlear implant electrode contacts induces delayed impedance increasein vivo
Authors: Linke Ines , Fadeeva Elena , Scheper Verena , Esser Karl‐Heinz , Koch Jürgen , Chichkov Boris N. , Lenarz Thomas , Paasche Gerrit
Published: January 2015

A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device that helps to restore hearing for most severe hearing impaired patients. During the first 2–3 weeks after implantation of a cochlear implant electrode array, the electrical impedance at the electrode contacts increases. This increase is typically explained by the formation of fibrous tissue around the electrode array. To improve the electrode nerve interface in these patients, it is aimed at a reduction of tissue formation around the electrode array after implantation. Previously we have demonstrated that nanostructuring of platinum surfaces can inhibit fibroblast growthin vitro. In the current study we generated nanostructures directly on the surfaces of cochlear implant electrodes and tested their potential to reduce connective tissue formation around the electrode arrayin vivoby means of electrophysiological measurements. Guinea pigs were implanted with unstructured control or surface structured electrode arrays for 4 weeks. Impedance measurements were performed during the first 2 weeks daily, later weekly. Recorded impedances were typically lower for surface functionalized electrodes. Nanostructuring of the surface of the stimulating contacts of CI electrodes additionally resulted in a delayed increase in impedance showing that this modification has the potential forin vivoapplications.
Differential Regulation of Calcium Signalling Pathways by Components of Piper methysticum ('Awa)
Authors: Shimoda L. M. N. , Showman A. , Baker J. D. , Lange I. , Koomoa D. L. , Stokes A. J. , Borris R. P. , Turner H.
Published: January 2015

Kava is a soporific, anxiolytic and relaxant in widespread ritual and recreational use throughout the Pacific. Traditional uses of kava by indigenous Pacific Island peoples reflect a complex pharmacopeia, centered on GABA‐ergic effects of the well‐characterized kavalactones. However, peripheral effects of kava suggest active components other than the CNS‐targeted kavalactones. We have previously shown that immunocytes exhibit calcium mobilization in response to traditionally prepared kava extracts, and that the kavalactones do not induce these calcium responses. Here, we characterize the complex calcium‐mobilizing activity of traditionally prepared and partially HPLC‐purified kava extracts, noting induction of both calcium entry and store release pathways. Kava components activate intracellular store depletion of thapsigargin‐sensitive and ‐insensitive stores that are coupled to the calcium release activated (CRAC) current, and cause calcium entry through non‐store‐operated pathways. Together with the pepper‐like potency reported by kava users, these studies lead us to hypothesize that kava extracts contain one or more ligands for the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of ion channels. Indeed, TRP‐like conductances are observed in kava‐treated cells under patch clamp. Thus TRP‐mediated cellular effects may be responsible for some of the reported pharmacology of kava. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Hybrid statistical mechanics—quantum chemical model for proton transfer in 5‐azauracil and 6‐azauracil in water solution
Authors: Markova Nadezhda , Pejov Ljupco , Enchev Venelin
Published: January 2015

A hybrid statistical physics—quantum‐chemical methodology was implemented to study the water‐assisted intramolecular proton‐transfer processes in 5‐ and 6‐azauracils in aqueous solutions. The solvent effects were included in the model by explicit inclusion of two pairs of water molecules, which model the relevant part of the first hydration shell around the solute. The position of these water molecules was initially estimated by carrying out a classical Metropolis of dilute water solutions of the title compounds and subsequently analyzing solute–solvent intermolecular interactions in the Monte Carlo‐generated configurations. Sequentially to the statistical physics simulation, ab initio quantum mechanical (QM) level of theory was implemented. The effects of the water as solvent (at ab initio QM level) were introduced at two different levels—using solute–solvent clusters (four‐water molecules) and using the same clusters embedded in an external continuum. Full geometry optimizations of these complexes were carried out at MP2/6–31 + G(d, p) and conductor‐polarizable continuum model (C‐PCM)/MP2/6–31 + G(d, p). Single point calculations were performed at CCSD(T)/6–31 + G(d, p)//MP2/6–31 + G(d, p) computational level to obtain more accurate energies. According to our calculations hydrated azauracils should exist in three forms: mainly dioxo form and two hydroxy forms. The calculated proton transfer activation energies for tautomeric reactions of 5‐azauracil and 6‐azauracil show different pictures for these two compounds. According to C‐PCM/MP2/6–31 +G(d, p) data, water‐assisted proton transfer in 5‐azauracil realizes through two parallel reactions: 1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4(1H,3H)‐dione → 6‐hydroxy‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2(1H)‐one and 1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4(1H,3H)‐dione → 4‐hydroxy‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2(1H)‐one. Tautomeric equilibrium in 6‐azauracil in water could occur by two contiguous reactions: 1,2,4‐triazine‐3,5(2H,4H)‐dione → 5‐hydroxy‐1,2,4‐triazin‐3(2H)‐one and 5‐hydroxy‐1,2,4‐triazin‐3(2H)‐one → 3‐hydroxy‐1,2,4‐triazin‐5(2H)‐one. The proton transfer investigated reactions in 5‐ and 6‐azauracils involve concerted atomic movement. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptive consensus tracking for linear multi‐agent systems with heterogeneous unknown nonlinear dynamics
Authors: Sun Junyong , Geng Zhiyong
Published: January 2015

This paper considers the consensus tracking control problem for general linear multi‐agent systems with unknown dynamics in both the leader and all followers. Based on parameterizations of the unknown dynamics of all agents, two decentralized adaptive consensus tracking protocols, respectively, with dynamic and static coupling gains, are proposed to guarantee that the states of all followers converge to the state of the leader. Furthermore, this result is extended to the robust adaptive consensus tracking problem in which there exist parameter uncertainties and Lipschitz‐type disturbances in the network. It is also shown that the parameter estimation errors converge to zero based on contradiction method and Lyapunov function approach. Finally, a simulation example is provided to illustrate the theoretical results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Links between different stabilities of switched homogeneous systems with delays and uncertainties
Authors: Liu Xingwen , Liu Duyu
Published: January 2015

This paper addresses the links between three stabilities (attractivity, asymptotic stability, and exponential stability) of switched homogeneous systems with delays and uncertainties. A system has a certain property over a given set
of switching signals if the property holds for all switching signals in
. It is shown that a switched homogeneous system of degree one is exponentially stable over a given set of switching signals if it is attractive or asymptotically stable over the same set. The result is then applied to switched linear systems with delays and uncertainties. Finally, an example follows to show that ‘being over a given set of switching signals’ is necessary to guarantee the equivalence between different stabilities. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exposure to Racial Discrimination and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Women with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wagner Julie , Tennen Howard , Finan Patrick , Feinn Richard , Burg Matthew M. , Seawell Asani , White William B.
Published: January 2015

Diabetes is the only disorder in which women's risk for heart disease exceeds men's. Elevated blood pressure (BP) increases cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes. Racial discrimination and neuroticism are both associated with BP levels but have not been examined in concert. This study investigated self‐reported racial discrimination, neuroticism and ambulatory BP in women with type 2 diabetes. Thirty‐nine Black and 38 White women completed a race‐neutral version of the Schedule of Racist Events; BP was evaluated using ambulatory monitoring devices. Actigraphy and diaries were used to document times of sleep and wakefulness. Racial discrimination interacted with neuroticism to predict systolic and diastolic BP both while awake and during sleep, after adjustment for covariates. For each, the influence of racist events was stronger at lower levels of neuroticism. Racial discrimination is associated with higher levels of 24‐h BP in diabetic women who are low in neuroticism. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proximate composition, glycemic indices, and some factors affecting glycemic indices of underutilized tubers
Authors: Senavirathna R. M. I. S. K. , Ekanayake Sagarika , Jansz Eroll Radcliff , Welihinda Jayantha
Published: January 2015

The present study was conducted to determine the proximate composition, glycemic indices (GIs), and some physicochemical properties of starch of boiled tubers of Dioscorea alata (violet and white), Maranta arundinacea, and Canna indica with the intention of recommending these for consumption or utilization as an ingredient in food preparation. Proximate compositions of cooked tubers were determined according to standard methods. GIs were determined according to FAO/WHO guidelines with bread as the standard. The size and shape of the starch granules and the carbohydrate molecular size distribution were studied to correlate their effects to individual GIs. Digestible carbohydrate ranged from 59.0 to 69.1 g/100 g dry weight (DW) and was not significantly (p > 0.05) different among the tubers. Crude protein content ranged from 4.5 to 9.2 g/100 g DW with Dioscorea (violet) and Maranta having the highest amounts, 9.2 and 8.6%, respectively. Fat contents were low (1.2–2.3 g/100 g DW). The contribution by insoluble and soluble fiber ranged from 7.0 to 11.0 and 4.0 to 6.0 g/100 g DW, respectively. Dioscorea tubers (violet and white) were categorized as low GI, with corresponding GI's of (±SEM) 64 ± 9 and 69 ± 4, respectively. Maranta was categorized as a medium GI (82 ± 8) and Canna as a high GI (110 ± 8) food. Microscopic studies and carbohydrate distribution patterns indicated cell enclosed starch granules in the two Dioscorea varieties, which have not been reported earlier. It is concluded that, low GI yams (Dioscorea white and violet) have a high potential to be utilized as a functional ingredient in food formulations targeting individuals who require glycemic control.
Synergistic effect of adipic acid pentaerythritol ester with calcium and zinc stearates on poly(vinyl chloride) thermal stability
Authors: Zhang Jun , Li Degang , Fu Ming , Zhang Yali , Zhang Lipeng , Zhao Pingping
Published: January 2015

Adipic acid pentaerythritol ester (AAPE) was synthesized in this study and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The synergistic effect of AAPE with calcium and zinc stearates (CaSt2/ZnSt2) on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) thermal stability was evaluated by the conductivity test, thermal aging test, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the addition of CaSt2/ZnSt2 combined with AAPE could improve color stability and long‐term thermal stability of PVC. The results of UV‐visible spectroscopy showed that CaSt2/ZnSt2/AAPE could prevent the generation of conjugated double bonds. The possible mechanism is that AAPE can chelate ZnCl2 to prevent the thermal degradation via dehydrochlorination. The contrast tests showed that the synergistic effect of AAPE and CaSt2/ZnSt2 is more obvious than that of polyethylene (PE) and CaSt2/ZnSt2, which may be attributed to the lower melting point of AAPE and the better compatibility with PVC. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:293–299, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers