bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloning and Characterization of Rat Spermatid Protein SSP411: A Thioredoxin‐Like Protein
Authors: Shi Hui‐Juan , Wu Ai Zhen , Santos Michelle , Feng Zong‐Ming , Huang Li , Chen Yong‐Mei , Zhu Kai , Chen Ching‐Ling C.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: In an attempt to identify new sperm‐specific genes that are involved in sperm maturation, fertilization, and embryo development, such as the mammalian ortholog of the sperm‐supplied protein gene, spe‐11, in Caenorhabditis elegans, we cloned and characterized a new spermatid‐specific protein gene, ssp411, from adult rat testes. The ssp411 cDNA shared >85% sequence identity with an unnamed human protein, FLJ21347, and an uncharacterized mouse testicular protein called transcript increased in spermiogenesis 78 (TISP78). A 2.8‐kb ssp411 mRNA was expressed in a testis‐specific and age‐dependent manner; the mRNA was evident at 28 days and remained at high levels throughout adulthood. An SSP411 protein of molecular weight 88 000 was detected in testicular extracts by Western blot analysis. Ssp411 mRNA and SSP411 protein, as analyzed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, were both expressed in a stage‐dependent fashion during the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. The ssp411 mRNA was predominantly localized to round and elongated spermatids, with maximal expression at stages VII—XII. The SSP411 protein was mainly observed in elongated spermatids and reached its highest levels during stages V—VI. A conserved thioredoxin‐like domain was detected in the N‐terminal region of SSP411 and its orthologs. An analysis of the predicted 3‐dimensional structural modeling and folding pattern further suggested that SSP411 is identifiable as a member of thioredoxin family. In summary, we have identified a new rat spermatid protein gene, ssp411, and its orthologs in human and mouse and demonstrated that SSP411 might belong to a testis‐specific thioredoxin family. This suggests that SSP411 may play a role in sperm maturation, fertilization, and/or embryo development, as has been shown in thioredoxin family.
Flutamide Administration at 500 mg Daily Has Similar Effects on Serum Testosterone to 750 mg Daily
Authors: Murphy Jeremiah C. , Srinivas Sandy , Terris Martha K.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: A prior comparison of 750 mg flutamide daily to 500 mg daily with an LHRH analog or orchiectomy showed no difference in effect on prostate specific antigen (PSA). However, any difference was likely masked by hypogonadism from concomitant LHRH analog or orchiectomy. We sought to evaluate different flutamide dosing schedules without this confounding factor. We recruited 50 men with advanced prostate cancer who elected to receive hormonal therapy to be randomized to 1 of 3 flutamide treatment groups: 1) 250 mg once daily, 2) 250 mg twice daily, or 3) 250 mg 3 times daily for 3 months, after which the therapy of their choice was instituted. Serum samples at the initiation of therapy and at the 1‐ and 3‐month time point were assessed for PSA, testosterone, liver function tests, hematology, and renal function. Prostate volume, androgen deficiency symptoms, and a compliance diary were also recorded. Testosterone and PSA levels show a dose‐dependent response to flutamide monotherapy. Loss of libido and erectile dysfunction occurred in all 3 treatment groups, with a trend toward worsening sexual function with higher flutamide dosing, but this trend did not reach statistical significance. Prostate volumes decreased by an average of 34.3% in the patients receiving 250 mg flutamide 3 times daily, 27.8% in patients receiving 250 mg flutamide twice daily, and 19.2% in those receiving a once daily dose of 250 mg flutamide. There was a significant difference between the once daily group and the 3 times daily group (P = .047). Flutamide at 500 mg did not result in significant changes in testosterone, PSA, prostate volume, or androgen deficiency symptoms compared to 750 mg daily after 3 months.
Male Hormonal Contraception: Suppression of Spermatogenesis by Injectable Testosterone Undecanoate Alone or With Levonorgestrel Implants in Chinese Men
Authors: Gui You‐Lun , He Chang‐Hai , Amory John K. , Bremner William J. , Zheng E‐Xiang , Yang Jie , Yang Pei‐Juan , Gao Er‐Sheng
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT:Monthly injections of testosterone undecanoate (TU) act as a male contraceptive by reversibly suppressing spermatogenesis to azoospermia or severe oligoazoospermia in 95% of Chinese men. In 5% of Chinese men, however, monthly TU administered alone fails to suppress spermatogenesis into contraceptive ranges, or sperm “rebound,” leading to occurrences of pregnancy during treatment. Since combinations of progestins and androgens are associated with greater degrees of sperm suppression in white men, we hypothesized that the combination of TU and the progestin levonorgestrel (LNG) would result in improved spermatogenic suppression in Chinese men. Sixty‐two healthy Chinese men were randomly assigned to one of the following 3 regimens: group I (n = 21) received 4 LNG rods (75 mg each), which were followed 4 weeks later by 500 mg of TU by intra‐muscular (IM) injection every 8 weeks for 24 weeks; group II (n = 20) received 4 LNG implants, which were followed 4 weeks later by 1000 mg of TU by IM injection every 8 weeks for 24 weeks; and group III (n = 21) received TU 1000 mg by IM injection every 8 weeks for 24 weeks. Sperm counts, serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and LNG were measured every 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment. During treatment, group II demonstrated a trend toward a greater attainment of azoospermia than groups I and III (90% vs 62% [group I] vs 67% [group III]; P = .09). Attainments of either azoospermia or oligozoospermia (sperm density, <3 × 106/mL) were 95%, 100%, and 86% for groups I, II, and III, respectively (P > .05 for comparisons between groups). Spermatogenesis in all subjects returned to the normal range after the implants were removed. No serious adverse events and no significant changes in serum chemistry occurred during the study. These results demonstrate that the combination of IM injections of high‐dose TU every 2 months and LNG implants is associated with marked suppression of spermatogenesis in Chinese men. The combination of high‐dose TU every 2 months and LNG implants is a promising candidate for future large‐scale efficacy studies of hormonal male contraception in Chinese men.
Annexin V Binding and Merocyanine Staining Fail to Detect Human Sperm Capacitation
Authors: Muratori Monica , Porazzi Ilaria , Luconi Michaela , Marchiani Sara , Forti Gianni , Baldi Elisabetta
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The signaling pathways that characterize the process of capacitation of human spermatozoa are still largely unknown. Modifications in the lipid architecture of the sperm plasma membrane have been described in spermatozoa from different species, including translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS) from the inner to the outer leaflet and increased phospholipid disorder in the membrane. In human spermatozoa, however, results of PS exposure are controversial. In the present study, we used flow cytometry to investigate both membrane PS exposure by Annexin V (Ann V) binding and lipid disorder by merocyanine 540 (M540) staining, in swimup—selected live spermatozoa after incubation in conditions leading to capacitation. Our results indicate that neither probe is able to detect capacitation‐related membrane modifications. Investigation of the nature of PS exposure and M540‐positive live cells was then carried out. We found that M540 stains elements devoid of nuclei are present in seminal plasma. Live PS‐exposing cells were mainly represented by damaged spermatozoa as revealed by the occurrence of a negative correlation between PS exposure and normal morphology and motility in unselected samples. The same cells were also positive for M540. These results demonstrate that Ann V and M540 binding in human sperm samples mainly detects cells with early membrane degeneration as well as dead cells, which is in agreement with findings obtained for somatic cells in which the two probes recognize cells with a damaged membrane due to the apoptotic process.
Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Therapy: Their Impact in Diabetes‐Associated Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: de Young Ling , Yu Darryl , Bateman Ryon M. , Brock Gerald B.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Oxidative stress is believed to affect the development of diabetic‐associated vasculopathy, endothelial dysfunction, and neuropathy within erectile tissue. Our hypothesis is that, given adequate concentrations of the oxygen free radical scavenger vitamin E, enhanced levels of circulating nitric oxide (NO) should improve erectile function with the potential for a synergistic effect with a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. Twenty adult male Sprague‐Dawley streptozotocin‐induced (60 mg/kg intraperitoneally) diabetic rats were placed in 4 therapeutic groups (n = 5 per group) as follows: 1) peanut oil only (diabetic control), 2) 20 IU of vitamin E per day, 3) 5 mg/kg of sildenafil per day, and 4) vitamin E plus sildenafil using oral gavage for 3 weeks. In addition, 5 age‐matched rats served as normal nondiabetic controls (normal). Erectile function was assessed by measuring the rise in intracavernous pressure (ICP) following cavernous nerve electrostimulation. Penile tissue was evaluated for neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), smooth muscle α‐actin, nitrotyrosine, and endothelial cell integrity. Urine nitrite and nitrate (NOx) concentration was quantified, and electrolytes were tested by a serum biochemistry panel. A significant decrease in ICP was recorded in the diabetic animals, with improvement measured in the animals receiving PDE5 inhibitors either with or without vitamin E; the controls had a pressure of 54.8 ± 5.3 cm H2O, the vitamin E group had a pressure of 73.5 ± 6.6 cm H2O, the sildenafil group had a pressure of 78.4 ± 10.77 cm H2O, and the vitamin E plus sildenafil group had a pressure of 87.9 ± 5.5 cm H2O (P < .05), compared with the normal cohorts at 103.0 ± 4.8 cm H2O. Histoexaminations showed improved nNOS, endothelial cell, and smooth muscle cell staining in the vitamin E plus sildenafil group compared to the control animals. Urine NOx increased significantly in all the diabetic groups but was blunted in the vitamin E and vitamin E plus sildenafil groups. A significant increase in positive staining for nitrotyrosine was observed in the vitamin E plus sildenafil group. Vitamin E enhanced the therapeutic effect of the PDE5 inhibitor in this study, supporting the potential use of oxygen free radical scavengers in salvaging erectile function in diabetic patients.
A Game of Cat and Mouse: Xenografting of Testis Tissue From Domestic Kittens Results in Complete Cat Spermatogenesis in a Mouse Host
Authors: Snedaker Amy K. , Honaramooz Ali , Dobrinski Ina
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Loss of genetic diversity because of infertility or the premature death of valuable individuals is a significant problem in the conservation of rare and endangered felid species, as well as in the maintenance of lines of cats used to study inherited feline and human disease. Attempts to overcome loss of genetic diversity have focused on freezing sperm; however, sperm cannot be collected from immature males. Previously, we reported completion of spermatogenesis in testis tissue from newborn pigs and goats grafted ectopically into host mice. The objective of this study was to extend the technique of testis tissue xenografting to the domestic cat as a model for felid species. Testes from 1‐ to 5‐week‐old domestic shorthaired kittens (n = 9) were cut into small fragments (about 0.5–1 mm3 each), and up to 8 fragments were grafted under the back skin of each castrated immunodeficient host mouse (n = 16). Histologic examination of the testis xenografts was performed between 5 and 54 weeks posttransplantation. At the time of grafting, the seminiferous cords of the donor testis tissue contained only immature Sertoli cells and gonocytes. At 14 weeks after grafting, tubular expansion was evidently caused by the proliferation of Sertoli cells and tubular lumen formation. By 18 weeks after transplantation, the seminiferous epithelium contained spermatocytes, and by 20 weeks, round spermatids were the most advanced types of germ cells. By 36 weeks after transplantation, xenografts of cat testis tissue had completed spermatogenesis. These results demonstrate the potential of xenografting to achieve full spermatogenesis in testis tissue from kittens. Therefore, sperm production in a mouse host can provide an alternative for germ line preservation from immature felids where sperm cryopreservation is not an option.
Microsurgical Varicocelectomy for Infertile Couples With Advanced Female Age: Natural History in the Era of ART
Authors: O'brien Jeanne H. , Bowles Ben , Kamal Khaled M. , Jarvi Keith , Zini Armand
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Varicocele represents the most common cause of male infertility, and most reports indicate that varicocelectomy has a beneficial effect on male fertility and pregnancy outcome. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are an alternative to varicocelectomy for the management of couples with a varicocele. The age of the female partner is important in the decision‐making process; however, the true influence of female age on pregnancy outcome following varicocelectomy or ART in these couples is unknown. We evaluated the outcomes of 2 cohorts of infertile men with a varicocele and a female partner 35 years of age or older; one group selected varicocelectomy and the other a nonsurgical approach. We reviewed a group of consecutive infertile men who underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy and whose partners are 35 years of age or older (n = 110). We also reviewed a consecutive group of men with varicoceles who elected not to have surgery and whose partners are 35 years of age or older (n = 94). The outcome measures included changes in semen parameters, pregnancy rates (assisted and unassisted), and use of ART. The surgical and nonsurgical groups had comparable semen parameters and female ages. Mean sperm concentration and motility increased significantly after varicocelectomy (P < .05). At a mean of 30 months follow‐up, 35% of couples in the surgical group achieved a spontaneous pregnancy and an additional 6% achieved a pregnancy via ART (20% of this group attempted ART). In the nonsurgical group, 25% achieved a spontaneous pregnancy and an additional 16% achieved a pregnancy with ART (40% of this group attempted ART). This study on the natural history of infertile men with varicocele and advanced female age suggests that the surgical and nonsurgical approaches offer comparable pregnancy outcome (combined assisted and unassisted pregnancy rates are about 40%). Overall, these data suggest that varicocelectomy is an acceptable option for couples with advanced female age, but other female factors must be considered in the decision‐making process.
Nickel‐Induced Oxidative Stress in Testis of Mice: Evidence of DNA Damage and Genotoxic Effects
Authors: Doreswamy Kodipura , Shrilatha Balakrishna , Rajeshkumar Thimappa , Muralidhara
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Oxidative stress (OS) mechanisms are speculated to play a significant role in nickel‐induced toxic effects and their carcinogenic potency. Although nickel‐induced oxidative damage in somatic tissues is well demonstrated, evidence of the involvement of a similar mechanism(s) in nickel‐induced testicular dysfunction and associated genotoxic effects is scarce. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the nickel‐induced OS response in testis and the associated genotoxic implications in vivo. Initially, the toxicity profile of nickel chloride was determined in adult albino mice (CFT‐Swiss) following administration (intraperitoneal) of single doses. Subsequently, multiple sublethal doses (1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 μmol/100 g of body weight per day for 3 days) were used to characterize effects on testicular histoarchitecture, lipid peroxidation (LPO) in testis (homogenates, microsomal or mitochondrial fractions) and epididymal sperm, DNA damage, induction of apoptosis in testis, and incidence of sperm head abnormalities. Although short‐term doses of nickel induced only a minimal LPO response, multiple doses elicited a moderate (15% to 30%) increase in LPO in whole homogenates and higher dose‐related increases in both mitochondrial (20% to 50%) and microsomal fractions (25% to 60%). This was associated with a significant increase in DNA damage in the testis as evidenced by increased single‐strand breaks (fluorimetric analysis of DNA unwinding assay). Further, at higher doses, nickel‐induced apoptosis was demonstrable in the testis biochemically. Although caudal sperm counts determined at all sampling weeks showed no alterations, analysis for head abnormalities revealed a nearly 3‐ to 4‐fold increase in the percentage of abnormal sperms among the nickel‐treated males during the first 3 weeks. Furthermore, mating of nickel‐treated (2.5 μmol/100 g of body weight per day for 5 days) males sequentially for a period of 5 weeks with untreated females resulted in a significant increase in male‐mediated dominant lethal‐type mutations (the frequency of dead implantations) during the first 3 weeks, suggesting a stage‐specific effect on postmeiotic germ cells. These findings suggest that testicular toxicity of nickel compounds may be related to enhanced production of reactive oxygen species, probably mediated through oxidative damage to macromolecules, including damage to DNA.
An Ex Vivo Analysis of Sertoli Cell Actin Dynamics Following Gonadotropic Hormone Withdrawal
Authors: Show Matthew D. , Anway Matthew D. , Zirkin Barry R.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The receptors for the steroid hormone testosterone and the peptide hormone follicle‐stimulating hormone are localized to the somatic Sertoli cell in the seminiferous epithelium. In the rat, prolonged gonadotrophic hormone withdrawal has been shown to result in substantial germ cell apoptosis. Previous studies have shown that, coincident with the loss of germ cells following hypophysectomy, the actin cytoskeleton of the Sertoli cell becomes disorganized and diffuse throughout the cell's cytoplasm. The molecular mechanisms that govern Sertoli cell actin filament dynamics in response to the loss of gonadotrophic hormones remain undefined. It was therefore hypothesized that hypophysectomy brings about a decrease in the amount of polymerized actin (F‐actin) within the Sertoli cell and that this decrease is associated with changes in the expression of genes known to govern Sertoli actin dynamics. To this end, Sertoli cells were isolated from adult control and hypophysectomized rats. Sertoli cells from hypophysectomized rats were found to contain significantly less (72%) F‐actin relative to untreated controls, although overall, β‐actin protein and mRNA expression remained constant. The expression levels of genes known to directly influence the amount of F‐actin in cells were then examined by Northern blot analysis. Cofilin and profilin I gene expression was unaffected by hypophysectomy, whereas the expression of profilin II and espin both decreased significantly (47% and 42%, respectively). Taken together, these results suggest that, following hypophysectomy, the actin cytoskeleton of the Sertoli cell shifts to a predominantly depolymerized state, perhaps in part because of decreases in profilin II and espin gene products.
Poverty Mapping Based on First‐Order Dominance with an Example from Mozambique
Authors: Arndt Channing , Hussain Azhar M. , Salvucci Vincenzo , Tarp Finn , Østerdal Lars Peter
Published: December 2015

We explore a novel first‐order dominance (FOD) approach to poverty mapping and compare its properties to small‐area estimation. The FOD approach uses census data directly, is straightforward to implement, is multidimensional allowing for a broad conception of welfare and accounts rigorously for welfare distributions in both levels and trends. An application to Mozambique highlights the value of the approach, including its advantages in the monitoring and evaluation of public expenditures. We conclude that the FOD approach to poverty mapping constitutes a useful addition to the toolkit of policy analysts. © 2015 UNU‐WIDER. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of 18‐Fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography and subsequent panendoscopy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary
Authors: Mani Navin , George Manish M. , Nash Laura , Anwar Bilal , Homer Jarrod J.
Published: December 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas of unknown primary (HNSCCUP) accounts for up to 10% of presenting head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Identification of the primary site allows for directed therapy. Where initial investigations have failed to locate the primary site, 18‐fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET/CT) has emerged as a useful tool with improved sensitivity over positron emission tomography alone. Following PET/CT scan, the role of subsequent panendoscopy ± biopsy has not been fully assessed. We aim to evaluate and quantify the role of PET/CT and subsequent panendoscopy in HNSCCUP.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Patients with HNSCCUP presenting between January 2005 and December 2010 at a regional oncology referral center were studied. All patients who presented with a metastatic neck node and unknown primary who had undergone PET/CT prior to panendoscopy were included. The accuracy of PET/CT was calculated and compared with panendoscopy and histopathological findings.

Results

Fifty‐two patients were included. Twenty‐seven PET/CT scans suggested a primary site. Calculated diagnostic parameters were 83% sensitivity, 87% specificity, positive predictive value 89%, and negative predictive value 80%. Three false‐positive PET/CT scans were noted after panendoscopy and normal histology. Importantly, three confirmed tongue base tumors were found on panendoscopy, which were undetected on PET/CT.

Conclusions

PET/CT is a valuable resource for locating tumors in HNSCCUP. It helps direct biopsy and aids in the detection of local and distant metastases along with synchronous primary tumors. Importantly, due to both false‐positive and false‐negative PET/CT rates, panendoscopy and biopsy remains an essential adjunct investigation irrespective of PET/CT results.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 126:1354–1358, 2016
Folic‐Acid‐Modified Conducting Polymer: Electrochemical Detection of the Cell Attachment
Authors: Azak Hacer , Barlas Firat Baris , Yildiz Huseyin Bekir , Gulec Kadri , Demir Bilal , Demirkol Dilek Odaci , Timur Suna
Published: December 2015

Here, postfunctionalization and bioapplication of a π‐conjugated polymer named 4‐[4H‐dithieno(3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d)pyrrol‐4‐yl]aniline (DTP‐aryl‐NH2) are reported, which is successfully synthesized via electropolymerization onto the glassy carbon electrode. Folic acid (FA) is used to modify the amino functional polymer via N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N′‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride/N‐hydroxysuccinimide chemistry for the further steps. The selective adhesion of folate receptor positive cells on the surface is followed by the electrochemical methods. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy have been used to characterize stepwise modification of the electroactive surface. After optimization studies such as scan rate during the polymer deposition, FA amount for the efficient surface targeting, incubation time with the cells etc., analytical characterization is carried out. The surface morphologies at each step are imaged by using fluorescence microscopy.

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The comparison of low‐velocity impact resistance of aluminum/carbon and glass fiber metal laminates
Authors: Jaroslaw Bienias , Barbara Surowska , Patryk Jakubczak
Published: December 2015

This article presents the low‐velocity impact response of fiber metal laminates, based on aluminum with a polymer composite, reinforced with carbon and glass fibers. The influence of fiber orientations as well as analysis of load‐time history, damage area and damage depth in relation to different energy levels is presented and discussed. The obtained results made it possible to determine characteristic points, which may be responsible for particular stages of the laminate structure degradation process: local microcracks and delaminations, leading to a decrease in the stiffness of the laminate, as well as further damage represented by laminate cracks and its perforation. The damage mechanism of fiber metal laminates is rather complex. In case of carbon fiber laminates, a higher tendency to perforation was observed in comparison to laminates containing glass fibers. Delaminations in composite interlayers and at the metal/composite interface constitute a significant damage form of fiber metal laminates resulting from dynamic loads. Fiber metal laminates with glass fibers absorb energy mainly through plastic deformation as well as through delamination initiation and propagation, whereas laminates containing carbon fibers absorb energy for penetration and perforation of the laminate. POLYM. COMPOS. 37:1056–1063, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Optimum Quantum Yield of the Light Emission from 2 to 10 nm Hydrosilylated Silicon Quantum Dots
Authors: Liu Xiangkai , Zhang Yuheng , Yu Ting , Qiao Xvsheng , Gresback Ryan , Pi Xiaodong , Yang Deren
Published: December 2015

Optimizing the light‐emitting efficiency of silicon quantum dots (Si QDs) has been recently intensified by the demand of the practical use of Si QDs in a variety of fields such as optoelectronics, photovoltaics, and bioimaging. It is imperative that an understanding of the optimum light‐emitting efficiency of Si QDs should be obtained to guide the design of the synthesis and processing of Si QDs. Here an investigation is presented on the characteristics of the photoluminescence (PL) from hydrosilylated Si QDs in a rather broad size region (≈2–10 nm), which enables an effective mass approximation model to be developed, which can very well describe the dependence of the PL energy on the QD size for Si QDs in the whole quantum‐confinement regime, and demonstrates that an optimum PL quantum yield (QY) appears at a specific QD size for Si QDs. The optimum PL QY results from the interplay between quantum‐confinement effect and surface effect. The current work has important implications for the surface engineering of Si QDs. To optimize the light‐emission efficiency of Si QDs, the surface of Si QDs must be engineered to minimize the formation of defects such as dangling bonds at the QD surface and build an energy barrier that can effectively prevent carriers in Si QDs from tunneling out.
Die Dampfspannung von Lösungen, Gesättigt an Kaliumrhodanid und an Kaliumchlorid: (bzw. ‐Bromid und ‐Jodid)
Authors: Dingemans P.
Published: December 2015

Im Jahre 1937 wurden nach einer statischen Methode die Dampfspannungen von wässerigen Lösungen, gesättigt an zwei Dihydroxybenzenen

P. Dingemans, Rec. trav. chim. 56, 839 (1937).

, gemessen. Die drei erhaltenen Linien sind die ersten Fälle von vollständig gemessenen P‐T‐Linien von Lösungen, die an zwei festen Stoffen gesättigt sind.

Nach derselben Methode sind jetzt die vollständigen P‐T‐Linien von an Kaliumrhodanid, an Kaliumrhodanid + Kaliumchlorid, an Kaliumrhodanid + Kaliumbromid und an Kaliumrhodanid + Kaliumjodid gesättigten wässerigen Lösungen untersucht worden.

Diese Dampfspannungen wurden gemessen von 10° C an bis zum Schmelzpunkt von Kaliumrhodanid bzw. bis an die eutektischen Temperaturen des Systems KCNS + KCl (bzw. KBr und KJ).
Preparative metallation of norbornene and norbornadiene
Authors: Verkruijsse H. D. , Brandsma L.
Published: December 2015

Norbornene and norbornadiene have been successfully metallated with the complex BuLi ·t‐BuOK in tetrahydrofuran and a number of derivatives prepared by reaction of the metallic intermediates with electrophilic reagents.
A study directed towards the preparation of nucleopeptide fragments containing covalently linked L‐serine or L‐threonine
Authors: Kuyl‐Yeheskiely E. , van der Klein P. A. M. , Visser G. M. , van der Marel G. A. , van Boom J. H.
Published: December 2015

The synthesis of the nucleopeptides H‐Ala‐Ser(Thr)‐pTpT will be described. The results we obtained indicated that the protective groups so far developed for the preparation of nucleic acids are not satisfactory for a successful assemblage of nucleopeptides.
Studies on borate esters IV. Structural analysis of borate esters of polyhydroxycarboxylates in water using 13C and 1H NMR spectroscopys
Authors: van Duin M. , Peters J. A. , Kieboom A. P. G. , van Bekkum H.
Published: December 2015

A combined 13C and 1H NMR study on borate esters of a series of polyhydroxycarboxylates is presented. 13C substituent effects upon borate ester formation, as obtained from a set of model compounds, established that borate esters of the threo‐3,4‐diol functions of gluconate, glucarate, idarate and probably also of gulonate are preferred. The conformations of the free polyhydroxycarboxylates and the corresponding borate esters were determined using vicinal proton coupling constants. Both in 1H and 13C NMR spectra, peak doubling, due to diastereomerism in borate diesters, is observed.
The structure of some overcrowded potassium polymethylbenzenesulfonates
Authors: Koeberg‐Telder Ankie , Cerfontain Hans , Stam Casper H. , Kreuning Gertjan
Published: December 2015

The crystal structures of the dipotassium tetramethylbenzene‐1,2‐ (1b), ‐1,3‐ (2b) and ‐1,4‐disulfonate (4b) have been determined. The overcrowding of the six substituents in the three isomers is reflected in the puckering of the benzene rings (the degree of which increases in the order 2b < 4b < 1b) and, to some extent, in the somewhat greater lengths of the CCH3 and CS bonds (as compared to those in dipotassium 2,4,6‐trimethylbenzene‐1,3‐disulfonate (3b), a compound which allows a larger bond‐angle deformation of the benzene ring).

A comparison of the observed 1H and 13C NMR data of 1b–4b with those calculated on the basis of additivity of the substituent chemical shifts (SCS's) of the methyl and sulfonate groups failed to reveal any specific information concerning the (degree and type of local) overcrowding of the polymethylbenzenedisulfonates.
Calibration weighting in survey sampling
Authors: Kott Phillip S.
Published: December 2015

Calibration weighting was introduced as a tool for reducing the standard errors of many, if not most, finite‐population estimates produced from a survey sample by mildly adjusting the sample's inverse‐probability weights. Calibration weighting does this by forcing the weighted sums of certain ‘calibration’ variables to equal their known (or better‐estimated) population totals. In the absence of unit (element‐level) nonresponse, the weight‐adjustment function produces an adjustment factor for each inverse‐probability weight that tends to unity in large samples. When thereisunit nonresponse in a survey, however, the weight‐adjustment factor in calibration weighting need no longer be near unity. Instead, it can implicitly estimate the inverse of each unit's probability of response under an assumed response model. As a result, calibration weighting can remove, or at least greatly reduce, the potential for nonresponse bias in the resulting estimates. Moreover, if the survey variable of interest is assumed to be random variable with an expectation linear in the calibration variables and unaffected by whether or not the unit responds when selected, then calibration weighting produces an unbiased estimator for the survey‐variable's population total whether or not the selection model implied by the weight‐adjustment function holds. When the response model contains variables with values known only for respondents, the situation is a bit more complicated.WIREs Comput Stat2016, 8:39–53. doi: 10.1002/wics.1374

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Sampling
Beiträge zur Kenntnis des Bleikammerprozesses. I. Über das System Nitrosylschwefelsäure, Schwefelsäure und Wasser
Authors: Berl E. , Saenger H. H.
Published: December 2015

Auf statischem Wege werden die Dampfdrucke von Lösungen der Nitrosylschwefelsäure in wäßrigen Schwefelsäuren in dem für den Bleikammerprozeß wichtigen Konzentrationsbereich von 64–80% (51‐60° Bé) für Temperaturen von 30‐150° gemessen.
Effect of Transfusion Strategy in Acute Non‐variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Nationwide Study of 5861 Hospital Admissions in Denmark
Authors: Fabricius Rasmus , Svenningsen Peter , Hillingsø Jens , Svendsen Lars Bo , Sillesen Martin
Published: December 2015

Background

Acute non‐variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is a common cause of admissions as well as aggressive transfusion of blood products. Whether the transfusion strategy in NVUGIB impacts on hemostasis is unknown and constitutes the focus of this study.

Method

Retrospective analysis of all hospital admissions in Denmark between 2011 and 2013 where hemostatic endoscopic interventions in either the stomach or duodenum had been employed. Regression modeling was used to predict the effect of units transfused of packed red blood cells (PRBC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and platelets (PLT) on primary outcome 30‐day mortality as well as secondary hemostasis‐related outcomes and need for re‐endoscopy and conversion to surgery. The model was corrected for confounders, including transfusion of other blood products (PRBC, FFP, and PLT, respectively), patient age as well as pre‐existing medical conditions.

Results

5107 patients received 10783 therapeutic endoscopic interventions. Units of PRBC transfused were identified as a predictor of re‐endoscopy, surgery, and 30‐day mortality with odds ratio (OR) 1.08 (1.06–1.09, p < 0.01), 1.05 (1.03–1.07, p < 0.01), and 1.04 (1.01–1.06, p < 0.01), respectively. Units of FFP transfused were associated with a higher risk of surgery and 30‐day mortality with OR 1.05 (1.02–1.08, p < 0.01) and 1.04 (1.02–1.07, p < 0.01), respectively. Units of PLTs transfused were independently associated with a reduction in risk of re‐endoscopy 0.93 (0.87–0.98, p = 0.02). A high ratio of PRBC:FFP:PLT (1:1:1) was associated with reduced need for re‐endoscopy OR 0.23 (0.06–0.67, p = 0.01) but increased mortality with OR 3.60 (1.34–11.38, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

PRBC transfusion was associated with adverse events, including 30‐day mortality and failure of hemostasis. In contrast, transfusion of PLT was associated with a reduction in need for re‐endoscopy.
Cost Per DALY Averted in a Surgical Unit of a Private Hospital in India
Authors: Chatterjee Susmita , Laxminarayan Ramanan , Gosselin Richard A.
Published: December 2015

Backgrounds

Cost‐effectiveness analysis plays an important role to guide resource allocation decisions, however, information on cost per disability‐adjusted life year (DALY) averted by health facilities is not available in many developing economies, including India. We estimated cost per DALY averted for 2611 patients admitted for surgical interventions in a 106‐bed private for‐profit hospital in northern India.

Methods

Costs were calculated using standard costing methods for the financial year 2012–2013, and effectiveness was measured in DALYs averted using risk of death/disability, effectiveness of treatment and disability weights from 2010 global burden of disease study.

Results

During the study period, total operating cost of the hospital for treating surgical patients was USD 1,554,406 and the hospital averted 9401 DALYs resulting in a cost per DALY averted of USD 165.

Conclusions

Even though this study was based on one hospital in India, however, the hospital is a private hospital which is expected to have less surgical case load compared to government health facilities, cost per DALY averted for the surgical interventions is much lower than the cost‐effectiveness threshold for India (USD 1508 in 2012). This study therefore provides evidence to re‐think the common notion that surgical care is expensive and therefore of lower value than other health interventions.
EBSLN and Factors Influencing its Identification and its Safety in Patients Undergoing Total Thyroidectomy: A Study of 456 Cases
Authors: Ravikumar Krishnan , Sadacharan Dhalapathy , Muthukumar Sankaran , Mohanpriya Gajrajan , Hussain Zahir , Suresh R. V.
Published: December 2015

Background

The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) is at surgical risk during superior thyroid pole ligation during thyroidectomy. Majority of studies have addressed the identification of these nerves and its reported incidence. Very few studies have addressed the relationship of these nerves with the volume of the thyroid gland and presence of toxicity.

Materials and methods

A retrospective evaluation of 456 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy were analysed from the prospectively maintained database. The EBSLN was diligently identified and preserved before individual ligation of the superior thyroid pedicle. The nerve was graded as per the Cernea classification (type I, IIa and IIb). Goitres are classified into toxic & non‐toxic based on hyperthyroidism, further sub classified as large (>50 cc) and small (≤50 cc) based on volume of each lobe. The grading of EBSLN was correlated with hyperthyroidism and volume of each lobe.

Results

In 456 patients (912 nerves), EBSLN was identified in 849/912(93.09 %), type I in 156/912(17.1 %), type IIa in 522/912(57.23 %) and type IIb in 171/912(18.75 %). The prevalence of large goitres was 180/912(19.73 %).Type IIb nerve was predominantly seen in 161/180(89.4 %) of large goitres. Type IIb nerves was more common in toxic 141/372(37.9 %) than non‐toxic lobes 25/540(5.46 %).

Conclusion

Large goitres are not uncommon in toxic cases. The EBSLN is at highest risk of injury in this subgroup of patients and surgical expertise is essential to identify this entity of EBSLN to perform a safe thyroidectomy.
Electrophysiological validation of total atrial conduction time measurement by tissue doppler echocardiography according to age and sex in healthy adults
Authors: Erdem Fatma Hizal , Erdem Alim , Özlü Fatih , Ozturk Serkan , Ayhan Suzi Selim , Çağlar Sabri Onur , Yazici Mehmet
Published: December 2015

Background

We sought to validate total atrial conduction time (TACT) measurement via tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) by comparing the electrophysiological study (EPS) measurements of healthy subjects, according to age and sex.

Methods

Eighty patients with normal EPS results were included. TACT was measured by EPS and TDI. For validation, the results of TDI were compared with those of EPS. TACT was assessed by measuring the time interval between the beginning of the P‐wave on the surface ECG, and the peak A‐wave on TDI from the left atrial lateral wall, just over the mitral annulus. Electrophysiological TACT was defined as the time from the high right atrial electrogram to the distal coronary sinus atrial electrogram around the left lateral portion of the mitral ring.

Results

EPS and TDI measurements of the TACT were significantly and positively correlated among men and women in 20–30 years (p=0.008, r=0.412; p>0.001, r=0.706, respectively), and those in the 30–40 years group (p=0.001, r=0.649; p=0.001, r=0.696). In contrast, EPS and TDI measurements of TACT were not significantly different among men and women in the 20–30 years and those in the 30–40 years group (p>0.05, for both). On univariate regression analyses, TACT was independently associated with age (β=0.342, =0.001).

Conclusions

When assessed according to the age and sex of healthy participants, TDI and EPS measurements during TACT assessments were similar and correlated with each other. The measurement of TACT via TDI may be used accurately and confidently than the measurement via EPS in healthy individuals.
Abdominal Wall Vascular Injury by Drain Insertion after Anterior Lumbar Spinal Fusion
Authors: Kit Ng Wai , Hing Lui Tun , Kit Ngai Wai
Published: December 2015

A 64-year-old gentleman presented with haemoglobin drop and an increase in fresh blood output in abdominal drain after anterior lumbar spinal fusion. Urgent re-exploration was performed, and injury to abdominal wall vessel during drain insertion leading to active bleeding was noted. Here, we report this rare case and summarize the characteristics of vasculature of abdominal wall, which may help reduce the possibility of this rare complication.
Predictors of Receiving a Prosthesis for Adults With Above‐Knee Amputations in a Well‐Defined Population
Authors: Mundell Benjamin F. , Kremers Hilal Maradit , Visscher Sue , Hoppe Kurtis M. , Kaufman Kenton R.
Published: December 2015

Background

Prior studies have identified age as a factor in determining an individual's likelihood of receiving a prosthesis following a lower limb amputation. These studies are limited to specific subsets of the general population and are unable to account for preamputation characteristics within their study populations. Our study seeks to determine the effect of preamputation characteristics on the probability of receiving a prosthesis for the general population in the United States.

Objective

To identify preamputation characteristics that predict of the likelihood of receiving a prosthesis following an above‐knee amputation.

Design

A retrospective, population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Olmsted County, Minnesota (2010 population: 144,248).

Participants

Individuals (n = 93) over the age of 18 years who underwent an above‐knee amputation, that is, knee disarticulation or transfemoral amputation, while residing in Olmsted County, MN, between 1987 and 2013.

Methods

Characteristics affecting the receipt of a prosthesis were analyzed using a logistic regression and a random forest algorithm for classification trees. Preamputation characteristics included age, gender, amputation etiology, year of amputation, mobility, cognitive ability, comorbidities, and time between surgery and the prosthesis decision.

Main Outcome Measures

The association of preamputation characteristics with the receipt of a prosthesis following an above‐knee amputation.

Results

Twenty‐four of the participants received a prosthesis. The odds of receiving a prosthesis were almost 30 times higher in those able to walk independently prior to an amputation relative to those who could not walk independently. A 10‐year increase in age was associated with a 53.8% decrease in the likelihood of being fit for a prosthesis (odds ratio = 0.462, P =.030). Time elapsed between surgery and the prosthesis decision was associated with a rise in probability of receiving a prosthesis for the first 3 months in the random forest algorithm. No other observed characteristics were associated with receipt of a prosthesis.

Conclusions

The association of preamputation mobility and age with the likelihood of being fit for a prosthesis is well understood. The effect of age, after controlling for confounders, still persists and is associated with the likelihood of being fit for a prosthesis.
Review of supporting and refuting evidence for Innovation Engineering practices
Authors: Du Ping , Miller Chris , MacDonald Erin , Gormley Paul
Published: December 2015

Innovation Engineering (IE) is an educational training program that presents tools and advice on product innovation in three main categories: Create, idea generation; Communicate, communicating ideas; and Commercialize, selecting ideas to invest in further. The concepts taught in IE include common suggestions for early-stage product innovation. This paper addresses a challenge of implementing the IE program, specifically that it does not provide peer-reviewed sources or adequate data to substantiate its approach. This lack of substantiation limits effective implementation at companies. This paper also takes a step in examining IE’s claims that it is ‘a new science’ and a ‘new field of academic study’, a topic motivated by the Design Science Journal’s aim to serve as the archival venue of science-based design knowledge across multiple disciplines. This paper provides a compilation of academic literature that has tested the tools and advice espoused by IE. Almost all included papers contain test-versus-control experimental evidence. A mix of supporting and refuting evidence was found. Overall, the work provides a useful compilation of evidence-of-effectiveness related to common innovation and design practices that spans different design stages and is applicable for multiple disciplines and industries. This evidence comes from a variety of sources, including design, engineering education, psychology, marketing, and management. The work can also serve as an approach to evaluate overarching approaches to design in general, specifically, testing the foundations by vetting related test-versus-control experimental studies.
Nonlinear dynamics of large-scale coherent structures in turbulent free shear layers
Authors: Wu Xuesong , Zhuang Xiuling
Published: December 2015

Fully developed turbulent free shear layers exhibit a high degree of order, characterized by large-scale coherent structures in the form of spanwise vortex rollers. Extensive experimental investigations show that such organized motions bear remarkable resemblance to instability waves, and their main characteristics, including the length scales, propagation speeds and transverse structures, are reasonably well predicted by linear stability analysis of the mean flow. In this paper, we present a mathematical theory to describe the nonlinear dynamics of coherent structures. The formulation is based on the triple decomposition of the instantaneous flow into a mean field, coherent fluctuations and small-scale turbulence but with the mean-flow distortion induced by nonlinear interactions of coherent fluctuations being treated as part of the organized motion. The system is closed by employing a gradient type of model for the time- and phase-averaged Reynolds stresses of fine-scale turbulence. In the high-Reynolds-number limit, the nonlinear non-equilibrium critical-layer theory for laminar-flow instabilities is adapted to turbulent shear layers by accounting for (1) the enhanced non-parallelism associated with fast spreading of the mean flow, and (2) the influence of small-scale turbulence on coherent structures. The combination of these factors with nonlinearity leads to an interesting evolution system, consisting of coupled amplitude and vorticity equations, in which non-parallelism contributes the so-called translating critical-layer effect. Numerical solutions of the evolution system capture vortex roll-up, which is the hallmark of a turbulent mixing layer, and the predicted amplitude development mimics the qualitative feature of oscillatory saturation that has been observed in a number of experiments. A fair degree of quantitative agreement is obtained with one set of experimental data.