bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Combining Worked Examples and Deliberate Practice for High School Geometry
Authors: Pachman Mariya , Sweller John , Kalyuga Slava
Published: July 2014

Sixty‐nine high school students practised on geometry subtopics using worked example–problem pairs. The free‐choice group had a choice of their practice pairs, whereas the deliberate practice group was presented with practice tasks that covered all and only their weak areas as determined by a pretest. The results demonstrated a significant instructional group by level of expertise interaction with superior performance by the deliberate practice group over the free‐choice group for more knowledgeable learners playing the major role in the significant interaction. On the basis of these findings, optimal strategies for organizing student practice in secondary classrooms are discussed in terms of cognitive load factors and expert–novice differences. It was concluded that a deliberate practice strategy over a free‐choice strategy was desirable for more knowledgeable but not for less knowledgeable learners. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monosomal karyotype is an independent predictor of survival in patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Xing Ruixian , Li Chengwen , Gale Robert Peter , Zhang Yue , Xu Zefeng , Qin Tiejun , Li Bing , Fang Liwei , Zhang Hongli , Pan Lijuan , Hu Naibo , Qu Shiqiang , Xiao Zhijian
Published: July 2014

A monosomal karyotype (MK) correlates with poor survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia, although whether this is also the case in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) remains controversial. Some studies report a correlation between a MK and a worse survival, whereas others claim that this correlation arises because of a confounding effect between a MK and a complex karyotype (CK). To address this question, we analyzed the clinical data and karyotypes of 610 adults with MDS. A MK was identified in 60 patients, of whom 55 (92%) also fulfilled the criteria for a CK. Conversely, a CK was found in 85 patients, of whom 55 (65%) also had a MK. To determine the impact of a MK on survival, 464 patients who received nonintensive therapies for MDS were analyzed separately. Patients with a MK demonstrated worse survival than those without a MK in univariate analyses (median, 8 months [95% CI, 3–12 months] versus 83 months [63–103 months]; P < 0.001). This effect was observed predominately in the cohorts of higher‐risk patients according to the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System and the World Health Organization Prognostic Scoring System (HR [hazard ratio] 3.94 [1.97–7.89]; P < 0.001 and 4.937 [2.45–9.94]; P < 0.001, respectively) and surpassed the impact of a CK in the final survival models. Our data suggest that the addition of MK as a binary variable could improve the predictive accuracy of current models to estimate the survival of patients with MDS. Am. J. Hematol. 89:E163–E168, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Skeletal manifestations of stress in child victims of theGreatIrishFamine (1845–1852): Prevalence of enamel hypoplasia, Harris lines, and growth retardation
Authors: Geber Jonny
Published: July 2014

The Great Irish Famine of 1845–1852 is among the worst food crises in human history. While numerous aspects of this period have been studied by generations of scholars, relatively little attention has so far been given to the physiological impact it is likely to have had on the people who suffered and succumbed to it. This study examines the prevalence of enamel hypoplasia, Harris lines, and growth retardation in the nonadult proportion of a skeletal population comprising victims of the Famine who died in the workhouse in the city of Kilkenny between 1847 and 1851. The frequency of enamel hypoplasia in these children does not appear to have increased as a consequence of famine, although this fact is likely to be a reflection of the osteological paradox. Harris lines and growth retardation; however, were very prevalent, and the manifestation and age‐specific distribution of these may be indicators of the Famine experience. While there was no clear correlation in the occurrence of the assessed markers, the presence of cribra orbitalia displayed a significant relationship to enamel hypoplasia in 1‐ to 5‐year‐old children. While starvation, metabolic disorders and infectious diseases are likely to have greatly contributed to the manifestation of the markers, the psychosocial stress relating to institutionalization in the workhouse should not be underestimated as a substantial causative factor for skeletal stress in this population. Am J Phys Anthropol 155:149–161, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A biocultural study of the effects of maternal stress on mother and newborn health in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Rodney Nicole C. , Mulligan Connie J.
Published: July 2014

The impact of stress on human health is a topic of wide‐spread relevance and one that is particularly amenable to multidisciplinary investigation. Stress impacts both our psychological and physical health and, thus, may leave evidence on our psyche, our physical body and our genome. We are interested in the effect of extreme stressors, such as war, on health from the perspective of long‐term and multigenerational effects. We integrate sociocultural, biological, and epigenetic data from the war‐torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Between May and August, 2010, we measured sociocultural stress exposure among 25 mother‐newborn dyads and we measured health outcomes in newborns. We also collected maternal venous blood, placental tissue, and umbilical cord blood to assay for methylation changes to test for a possible epigenetic mechanism that mediates the effects of stress on health. We provide a qualitative description of the wide range of stress exposures experienced by mothers in our study. As we have shown previously, maternal war stress is strongly associated with newborn birthweight and changes in newborn methylation at the glucocorticoid receptor NR3C1. New results presented here demonstrate that maternal war stress and birthweight are also associated with genome‐wide changes in maternal methylation levels. In sum, these results suggest that stress may influence gene expression across a broad spectrum in the individual who directly experiences the stress, i.e., the mother, whereas potential heritable effects in the newborn may be focused on specific genes that are uniquely sensitive to environmental cues. Am J Phys Anthropol 155:200–209, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emergence of third‐generation cephalosporin‐resistant Enterobacteriacae in a Japanese critical care setting
Authors: Hagiya Hideharu , Murase Tomoko , Suzuki Masato , Otsuka Fumio , Shibayama Keigo
Published: July 2014

Aim

Extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases and AmpC beta‐lactamases give resistance to Enterobacteriaceae against cephalosporins, which are important drugs in various clinical settings. Within 5 days, a total of eight strains of Citrobacter freundii and two strains of Escherichia coli, all of which were resistant to third‐generation cephalosporins, were isolated from six different patients in a critical care center. We carried out epidemiological and genetic studies to confirm the situation to be an outbreak by a single strain or a beta‐lactamase‐producing gene.

Methods

A review of patients' clinical data, pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis epidemiological study against the strains, and polymerase chain reaction analysis for the detection of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase genes (TEM, SHV, CTX‐M‐1, CTX‐M‐2, and CTX‐M‐9) and multiplex polymerase chain reaction analysis for plasmid‐mediated AmpC‐beta‐lactamase genes were carried out.

Results

Pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis showed none of the subjects were genetically identical organisms. However, all strains possessed either extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases (TEM, CTX‐M‐2, and CTX‐M‐9) or AmpC‐beta‐lactamases. One patient carried both extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐ and AmpC‐ beta‐lactamase‐producing organisms.

Conclusion

This study revealed that various types of easily transmittable drug resistance genes exist in the critical care setting concurrently. This case was not an outbreak of such strains, but the present situation might indicate a more serious condition than a mere outbreak of a single resistant strain. Enterobacteriaceae that possess extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases or AmpC‐beta‐lactamases are increasingly common in many medical institutions in Japan, and constitutive monitoring of drug‐resistant organisms and proper contact precautions are essential to prevent possible outbreaks.
Das biokatalytische Repertoire natürlicher Biarylbildung
Authors: Aldemir Hülya , Richarz René , Gulder Tobias A. M.
Published: July 2014

Die katalytische und selektive Bildung von C‐C‐Bindungen für den Aufbau komplexer Moleküle ist eine der wichtigsten Aufgaben in der organischen Chemie. Dies wurde 2010 durch den Nobelpreis in Chemie für die Entwicklung Pd‐katalysierter Kupplungsreaktionen deutlich hervorgehoben. Das Prinzip der Kreuzkupplung von Bausteinen zum Aufbau komplexer Moleküle kann auch in der Naturstoffbiosynthese häufig gefunden werden. Beeindruckende Beispiele für solche natürliche Kupplungsreaktionen stellen biosynthetische Prozesse für den Aufbau von Biaryleinheiten in Naturstoffen dar – hoch effiziente enzymatische Reaktionen, die oft bis dato in Synthesen noch nicht erreichte Selektivitäten erzielen. Dieser Kurzaufsatz stellt ausgewählte Beispiele vor, die diese faszinierenden Biotransformationen illustrieren.
Cataluminescence‐based sensors: principle, instrument and application
Authors: Tang Fei , Guo Cheng'an , Chen Jin , Zhang Xinrong , Zhang Sichun , Wang Xiaohao
Published: July 2014

The cataluminescence (CTL)‐based sensor is a new promising type of chemical transducer, and has attracted much attention of researchers for its potential versatile applications in public safety, emission control and environmental protection. In this review, we briefly introduce the development history of CTL‐based sensors and summarize existing explanations of the CTL reaction mechanism as well as three research strategies for mechanism the CTL mechanism. In the following, all the function units of a typical CTL‐based sensor system are described and the investigation of the sensor materials. CTL‐based sensor arrays, are discussed in detail. We classify the recent novel hyphenated techniques based on CTL coupled to other analysis techniques into the preconcentration‐CTL hyphenated technique, nebulization‐CTL hyphenated technique, plasma‐assisted CTL technique and tandem CTL technique according to the type of analysis combined with CTL and provide a detailed account of novel hyphenated techniques. Owing to the appearance of these novel techniques, the application range of CTL has been expanded as well as the sensitivity and selectivity of CTL system has been greatly improved. Finally, the applications of CTL‐based sensor and sensor arrays in the last several years are classified and summarized. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Derivative emission spectrofluorimetry for the simultaneous determination of guaifenesin and phenylephrine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical tablets
Authors: Maher Hadir M. , Alshehri Mona M. , Al‐taweel Shorog M.
Published: July 2014

Rapid, simple and sensitive derivative emission spectrofluorimetric methods have been developed for the simultaneous analysis of binary mixtures of guaifenesin (GUA) and phenylephrine hydrochloride (PHE). The methods are based upon measurement of the native fluorescence intensity of the two drugs at λex = 275 nm in methanolic solutions, followed by differentiation using first (D1) and second (D2) derivative techniques. The derivative fluorescence intensity–concentration plots were rectilinear over a range of 0.1–2 µg/mL for both GUA and PHE. The limits of detection were 0.027 (D1, GUA), 0.025 (D2, GUA), 0.031 (D1, PHE) and 0.033 (D2, PHE) µg/mL and limits of quantitation were 0.089 (D1, GUA), 0.083 (D2, GUA), 0.095 (D1, PHE) and 0.097 (D2, PHE) µg/mL. The proposed derivative emission spectrofluorimetric methods (D1 and D2) were successfully applied for the determination of the two compounds in binary mixtures and tablets with high precision and accuracy. The proposed methods were fully validated as per ICH guidelines. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple and sensitive turn‐on fluorescence probe for detection of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in aqueous samples
Authors: Tai Deyan , Liu Jinshui
Published: July 2014

The interaction of acid (PTCA) with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) has been studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescence of PTCA can be greatly enhanced by the addition of CTAB, due to the formation a fluorescent supramolecular compound. Under optimum conditions, the enhancement intensity of fluorescence was proportional to the concentration of CTAB over a range of 0–4.5 µmol L−1. Its detection limit was 0.057 µmol L−1, which was lower than reported previously. Compared with other methods that have been reported to determine CTAB, this method has high sensitivity, stability and wide linear range and it can be used satisfactorily for the determination of CTAB in aqueous samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mental Health Diversion Courts: A Two Year Recidivism Study of a South Australian Mental Health Court Program
Authors: Lim Loraine , Day Andrew
Published: July 2014

The need to develop specialized judicial processes to deal with offenders with mental illnesses is now widely recognized and has led to the introduction of mental health court diversion programs around the world. At present, however, there is only limited evidence from which to assess the impact of these initiatives. This paper describes the South Australian model of diversion, with specific reference to the relationship between identified participant characteristics, program compliance rates, and re‐offending outcomes. The results of a two‐year recidivism study suggest that involvement with the program has a positive impact on recidivism, but that this is independent from the individual's level of success in the program. Lower risk offenders were more likely to achieve successful outcomes than those in the higher risk categories. The implications of these results, as well the factors that might inform the ongoing development of mental health court programs, are discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A historical perspective: Bernhard von Langenbeck German surgeon (1810–1887)
Authors: Cesmebasi Alper , Oelhafen Kim , Shayota Brian J. , Klaassen Zachary , Tubbs R. Shane , Loukas Marios
Published: July 2014

Bernhard von Langenbeck is undeniably one of the world's greatest surgeons and inventors. The influence which he exerted upon the practice of surgery, as apparent by the numerous surgical tools and 21 operations credited to his name, represents the notable contributions of this amazing man. Despite the tools and techniques which bear his name, the establishment of a surgical journal, and his role in co‐founding the German Surgical Society, many attest that Bernhard von Langenbeck's greatest contribution to the professional field was the vast knowledge he imparted on his pupils. Commonly credited with training nearly every celebrated surgical operator of his time, von Langenbeck merits posthumous acknowledgement for his vast contributions to the field of medicine and surgery. Clin. Anat. 27:972–975, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scaling of Calcium Carbonate on the Exterior of Heated Surfaces in a Flow‐Through Setup
Authors: Nergaard Margrethe , Beck Ralf , Seiersten Marion , Andreassen Jens‐Petter
Published: July 2014

Calcium carbonate scale formation on the external surface of a heated tube was studied in a flow‐through setup. This setup was effective in isolating the effect of supersaturation from that of temperature and allowed nondestructive examination of the scale morphology. The initial scale layer consisted of a polymorphic mixture, and the scale thickness increased with time and supersaturation. Varying the heating medium temperature changed the polymorphic distribution from a calcite/aragonite mixture to pure aragonite. Linear scale growth rates were determined for two inlet supersaturations. For the highest level of supersaturation, the growth rate decreased with time as a result of slower growth front kinetics due to the lower skin temperature resulting from increased scale thickness.
Corrosion of Ceramic Materials for Allothermal Circulating Fluidized Bed Gasification
Authors: Schaafhausen Sarah , Müller Michael
Published: July 2014

Die aggressive, wasserdampf‐ und alkalireiche Prozessumgebung einer allothermen Wirbelschicht‐Vergasung bedingt die Korrosion diverser keramischer Anlagenkomponenten. Deswegen ist es von enormer Wichtigkeit, für den zuverlässigen Einsatz in einem Vergaser geeignete Materialien, insbesondere für keramische Auskleidungssteine und Filterkerzen, zu finden. Hier wurde deshalb die Korrosionsbeständigkeit verschiedener Auskleidungssteine charakterisiert sowie die Realisierbarkeit und Zuverlässigkeit eines keramischen Heißgasfiltersystems untersucht.
Model Study of the Photochemical Rearrangement Pathways of 1,2,4‐Oxadiazole
Authors: Su Ming‐Der
Published: July 2014

The mechanisms of photochemical isomerization reactions are investigated theoretically by using a model system of 1,2,4‐ oxadiazole with the CAS(14,9)/6‐311G(d) and MP2‐CAS‐(14,9)/ 6‐311++G(3df,3pd)//CAS(14,9)/6‐311G(d) methods. Three reaction pathways are examined, including 1) the direct mechanism, 2) the ring contraction–ring expansion mechanism, and 3) the internal cyclization–isomerization mechanism, which lead to two types of photoisomers. The theoretical findings suggest that conical intersections play a crucial role in the photorearrangement of 1,2,4‐oxadiazoles. These model investigations also indicate that the preferred reaction route for 1,2,4‐oxadiazole, which leads to phototransposition products, is as follows: reactant → Franck‐Condon region → conical intersection → photoproduct. In other words, the direct mechanism is a one‐step process that has no barrier. These theoretical results agree with the available experimental observations.
Distance Measurement Method Effective from 0 m Using Phase Interference of Audible Sound
Authors: Nakasako Noboru , Shinohara Toshihiro , Kawanishi Keiji , Uebo Tetsuji
Published: July 2014

In many engineering fields, distance to target is very important information. Typical distance measurement methods use the time delay between transmitted and reflected waves, but it is difficult to estimate short distances. A method for measuring short distances using a standing wave generated by phase interference of transmitted and reflected waves is known in the field of microwave radar. This method is given in a very simple form in which the distance between the microphone and target is estimated as the peak value of the range spectrum, which can be obtained from the Fourier transform of the power spectrum of the observed wave. However, since the minimum measurable distance depends on the bandwidth of the transmitted wave, measurement of shorter distances requires greater bandwidth of the transmitted wave. This paper describes a new distance estimation method that is effective from 0 m based on the phase interference of transmitted and reflected audible sound. Specifically, we introduce an analytic signal instead of the power spectrum and examine the validity and effectiveness of our method by applying it to an actual sound field.
(Trifluoromethyl)thiolation of 2‐Alkynylbenzoates: An Efficient Route to 4‐[(Trifluoromethyl)thio]‐1H‐isochromen‐1‐ones
Authors: Li Yuewen , Li Guangming , Ding Qiuping
Published: July 2014

The incorporation of the (trifluoromethyl)thio group into the isocoumarin scaffold through a Lewis‐acid‐mediated electrophilic cyclization reaction of 2‐(2‐alkynyl)benzoates with trifluoromethanesulfanylamide is reported. The transformation proceeds well in the presence of BiCl3 and BF3·Et2O under mild conditions to give 4‐[(trifluoromethyl)thio]‐1H‐isochromen‐1‐ones regioselectively and in good yields.
Wildfire risk estimation in the Mediterranean area
Authors: Ager A. A. , Preisler H. K. , Arca B. , Spano D. , Salis M.
Published: July 2014

We analyzed wildland fire occurrence and size data from Sardinia, Italy, and Corsica, France, to examine spatiotemporal patterns of fire occurrence in relation to weather, land use, anthropogenic features, and time of year. Fires on these islands are largely human caused and can be attributed to negligence, agro‐pastoral land use, and arson. Of particular interest was the predictive value of a fire weather index (FWI) that is widely used by fire managers to alert suppression crews. We found that an increase in the FWI from 30 to 60 produced on average an approximate eightfold increase in the odds of a large fire, regardless of the time of year during the fire season or land use type. Total area burned per fire season was positively correlated with the number of days with FWI > 40 over the period studied. Strong interactions between time of year and land type were also observed for both the probability of ignition and large fire. For example, the estimated odds of a large fire on agricultural lands in southern Sardinia was approximately 10 times larger than the forest and shrubland land type for areas close to roads, early (May) in the fire season. Conversely, toward the end of the fire season (September), we estimated the odds of a large fire in these same areas at about half the value estimated for the forest land classes. Of the explanatory variables analyzed, only FWI had an effect on the probability of a large fire (P < 0.1). The results of the study can be used in several ways including the following: (1) allocating fire detection and suppression resources to specific locations during the fire season; (2) prioritizing fuel breaks along specific road segments that have high predicted ignition rates; (3) refining the current fire danger indices; and (4) parameterizing wildfire simulation models to test how changing land use and climate change may affect spatial patterns in burn probability and intensity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nutritional and antioxidant dispositions of sorghum/millet‐based beverages indigenous to Nigeria
Authors: Ajiboye Taofeek O. , Iliasu Ganiyat A. , Adeleye Abdulwasiu O. , Abdussalam Folakemi A. , Akinpelu Shakirat A. , Ogunbode Simiat M. , Jimoh Simiat O. , Oloyede Oyelola B.
Published: July 2014

Sorghum/millet‐based beverages, Obiolor and Pito, were evaluated for their nutritional and antioxidant dispositions. Analyzed Obiolor and Pito contained 96% and 97% moisture; 7.8% and 3.7% crude protein; 8.9% and 5.6% available carbohydrate; 0.39% and 0.31% crude fat; 0.3% and 0.2% crude fiber; 2.4% and 1.5% ash; and 459.3 and 164 kJ/g energy value, respectively. Obiolor and Pito (1.0 mL) scavenged 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl by 87% and 81%; superoxide ion by 65% and 59%; hydrogen peroxide by 79% and 76%; and hydroxyl radical by 82% and 85%, respectively. The beverages significantly reduced ferric ion. Aflatoxin B1‐mediated increase in lipid peroxidation products (conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, and malondialdehydes) and protein carbonyl in the microsomes were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by the beverages. The data obtained from this study show that the sorghum‐based beverages (Obiolor and Pito) can serve as functional foods, as evident from their antioxidant capabilities in addition to their gross energy content.
Recent Advances in Solid‐State White Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Su Hai‐Ching , Cheng Chia‐Yu
Published: July 2014

Compared to organic light‐emitting diodes, solid‐state light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) exhibit advantages of simple device structures, low operation voltages, and compatibility with air‐stable metal electrodes. Since the first demonstration of white LECs in 1997, the cells have been studied extensively, due to their potential applications in solid‐state lighting. This article reviews the development of white LECs based on conjugated polymers and cationic transition metal complexes. Important achievements of each work on white LECs are highlighted. Finally, the outlook for future development of white LECs is discussed.
Charge Transport in Amorphous Organic Semiconductors: Effects of Disorder, Carrier Density, Traps, and Scatters
Authors: Li Haoyuan , Li Chen , Duan Lian , Qiu Yong
Published: July 2014

In real devices, organic semiconductors are largely amorphous. Because accurate molecular packing in them cannot be obtained, the relationship between the molecular structure and the material properties can be difficult to understand. Nevertheless, knowing the charge transport processes is essential to material and device engineering. In amorphous organic semiconductors, charge transport is often apprehended as a hopping process that can be described using the Marcus or MillerAbrahams equations. The intrinsic disorder and frequently present traps have a great influence on the charge mobility. Carrier density, which would affect the effective density of states and create spacecharge perturbations, is also one important factor in the charge transport process. Herein, recent advances in the charge transport mechanism in amorphous organic semiconductors are summarized. The influences of disorder, carrier density, traps, and scatters are discussed in detail.
Physical Performance and Radiographic and Clinical Vertebral Fractures in Older Men
Authors: Cawthon Peggy M , Blackwell Terri L , Marshall Lynn M , Fink Howard A , Kado Deborah M , Ensrud Kristine E , Cauley Jane A , Black Dennis , Orwoll Eric S , Cummings Steven R , Schousboe John T ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Research Group
Published: July 2014

In men, the association between poor physical performance and likelihood of incident vertebral fractures is unknown. Using data from the MrOS study (N = 5958), we describe the association between baseline physical performance (walking speed, grip strength, leg power, repeat chair stands, narrow walk [dynamic balance]) and incidence of radiographic and clinical vertebral fractures. At baseline and follow-up an average of 4.6 years later, radiographic vertebral fractures were assessed using semiquantitative (SQ) scoring on lateral thoracic and lumbar radiographs. Logistic regression modeled the association between physical performance and incident radiographic vertebral fractures (change in SQ grade ≥1 from baseline to follow-up). Every 4 months after baseline, participants self-reported fractures; clinical vertebral fractures were confirmed by centralized radiologist review of the baseline study radiograph and community-acquired spine images. Proportional hazards regression modeled the association between physical performance with incident clinical vertebral fractures. Multivariate models were adjusted for age, bone mineral density (BMD, by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [DXA]), clinical center, race, smoking, height, weight, history of falls, activity level, and comorbid medical conditions; physical performance was analyzed as quartiles. Of 4332 men with baseline and repeat radiographs, 192 (4.4%) had an incident radiographic vertebral fracture. With the exception of walking speed, poorer performance on repeat chair stands, leg power, narrow walk, and grip strength were each associated in a graded manner with an increased risk of incident radiographic vertebral fracture (p for trend across quartiles <0.001). In addition, men with performance in the worst quartile on three or more exams had an increased risk of radiographic fracture (odds ratio [OR] = 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33–2.45) compared with men with better performance on all exams. Clinical vertebral fracture (n =149 of 5813, 2.6%) was not consistently associated with physical performance. We conclude that poorer physical performance is associated with an increased risk of incident radiographic (but not clinical) vertebral fracture in older men. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Particle formation by infrared laser ablation of MALDI matrix compounds
Authors: Musapelo Thabiso , Murray Kermit K.
Published: July 2014

The concentration and size distribution of particles ablated from the infrared matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization matrix compounds succinic acid (butanedioic acid), α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid, and glycerol were measured using an aerodynamic particle sizer combined with a scanning mobility particle sizer. The two sizing instruments together had a sizing range to from 10 nm to 20 µm. Thin layers of the matrix compounds were irradiated with fluences between 6.0 and 9.5 kJ/m2 and wavelengths between 2.8 and 3.0 µm. The distribution of particles was characterized by a large concentration of clusters in the 20‐nm‐diameter range and large component of mass in the range of coarse particle with diameters greater than 1 µm. The wavelength dependence revealed a blue shift for the maximum particle production that is attributed to heating and disruption of the hydrogen bonds in the matrix that shifts the absorption to shorter wavelengths. This blue shift has been observed previously in infrared matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strong ionic interactions in noncovalent complexes between poly(ethylene imine), a cationic electrolyte, and Cibacron Blue, a nucleotide mimic – implications for oligonucleotide vectors
Authors: Çelikbıçak Ömür , Salih Bekir , Wesdemiotis Chrys
Published: July 2014

Cationic polymers can bind DNA to form polyplexes, which are noncovalent complexes used for gene delivery into the targeted cells. For more insight on such biologically relevant systems, the noncovalent complexes between the cationic polymer poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) and the nucleotide mimicking dye Cibacron Blue F3G‐A (CB) were investigated using mass spectrometry methods. Two PEIs of low molecular weight were utilized (Mn ≈ 423 and 600 Da). The different types of CB anions produced by Na+/H+ exchanges on the three sulfonic acid groups of CB and their dehydrated counterparts were responsible for complex formation with PEI. The CB anions underwent noncovalent complex formation with protonated, but not with sodiated PEI. A higher proportion of cyclic oligomers were detected in PEI423 than PEI600, but both architectures formed association products with CB. Tandem mass spectrometry studies revealed a significantly stronger noncovalent interaction between PEI and dehydrated CB than between PEI and intact CB. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring time‐dependent degradation of phospholipids in sectioned tissues by MALDI imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Patterson Nathan Heath , Thomas Aurélien , Chaurand Pierre
Published: July 2014

Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) is useful for visualizing the localization of phospholipids on biological tissue surfaces creating great opportunities for IMS in lipidomic investigations. With advancements in IMS of lipids, there is a demand for large‐scale tissue studies necessitating stable, efficient and well‐defined sample handling procedures. Our work within this article shows the effects of different storage conditions on the phospholipid composition of sectioned tissues from mouse organs. We have taken serial sections from mouse brain, kidney and liver thaw mounted unto ITO‐coated glass slides and stored them under various conditions later analyzing them at fixed time points. A global decrease in phospholipid signal intensity is shown to occur and to be a function of time and temperature. Contrary to the global decrease, oxidized phospholipid and lysophospholipid species are found to increase within 2 h and 24 h, respectively, when mounted sections are kept at ambient room conditions. Imaging experiments reveal that degradation products increase globally across the tissue. Degradation is shown to be inhibited by cold temperatures, with sample integrity maintained up to a week after storage in −80 °C freezer under N2 atmosphere. Overall, the results demonstrate a timeline of the effects of lipid degradation specific to sectioned tissues and provide several lipid species which can serve as markers of degradation. Importantly, the timeline demonstrates oxidative sample degradation begins appearing within the normal timescale of IMS sample preparation of lipids (i.e. 1–2 h) and that long‐term degradation is global. Taken together, these results strengthen the notion that standardized procedures are required for phospholipid IMS of large sample sets, or in studies where many serial sections are prepared together but analyzed over time such as in 3‐D IMS reconstruction experiments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and analysis of the salt tolerant property of AHL lactonase (AiiATSAWB) of Bacillus species
Authors: Easwaran Nalini , Karthikeyan Sivashanmugam , Sridharan Balasundaram , Gothandam Kodiveri Muthukaliannan
Published: July 2014

Bacterial biofilms communicate by a process called Quorum Sensing. Gram negative bacterial pathogens specifically talk through the production, detection, and response to the signal or autoinducer called Acyl Homoserine Lactones. Bacterial lactonases are important AHL hydrolysing or quorum quenching enzymes. The present study deals with ten endospore forming gram positive isolates of the saltern soil. Preliminary screening for Quorum Quenching activity with the QS Inhibition indicator strain Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472, showed positive activity in four isolates namely TS2, TS16, TSAWB, and TS53B. AHL lactonase (AiiA) specific primers amplified Acyl Homoserine Lactone lactonase gene in the TSAWB genome alone. Phylogenetic relationship of the identified AiiATSAWB confirmed its evolutionary relationship with bacterial AiiA like AHL lactonase of the metallo‐beta‐lactamase super family. Our in vitro AHL hydrolysis assay under wide percentage (0–5) of salt solutions with TSAWB isolate and also its intracellular soluble protein fraction showed halotolerant AHL hydrolysis ability of the AiiATSAWB enzyme. In silico determination of putative tertiary structure, the ESBRI derived conserved salt bridges, aminoacid residue characterization with high mole percent of acidic and hydrophobic residues reaffirmed the halotolerant ability of the enzyme. So we propound the future use of purified AiiATSAWB, as hypertonic suspension for inhalation to substitute the action of inactivated host's paraoxonase in treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in cystic fibrosis patients.
Microdebrider complications in laryngologic and airway surgery
Authors: Howell Rebecca J. , Solowski Nancy L. , Belafsky Peter C. , Courey Mark C. , Merati Albert L. , Rosen Clark A. , Weinberger Paul M. , Postma Gregory N.
Published: July 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

There is a paucity of experience in the published literature documenting complications of powered surgical instruments in laryngologic surgery. Our objective was to ascertain the nature of these complications from expert opinion and review of the literature, and to recommend strategies to decrease major complications.

Study Design

Review of the literature and an e‐mail survey.

Methods

A literature review of microdebrider complications in laryngologic surgery was conducted using PubMed and Ovid (1985 to 2013), along with an analysis of a confidential e‐mail survey of various surgeons in selected high‐volume laryngologic centers.

Results

Powered instrumentation is frequently used in the operating room for larynx and airway surgery. The microdebrider can improve efficiency, lower costs, and shorten operative times. However, use of the microdebrider has the potential for serious complications in the larynx and airway. Great care must be taken when utilizing the microdebrider in laryngologic surgery. Significant complications including major vocal fold scar, airway compromise, severe hemorrhage, and unintentional tissue loss have occurred.

Conclusions

The microdebrider is a popular and valuable tool for the otolaryngologist. A thorough knowledge of the instrument and its potential complications will improve surgical outcomes and may prevent complications. Awareness of the risks and surgeon experience with use of the microdebrider will allow the surgeon to successfully utilize this device in a safe and effective manner.

Level of Evidence

5 Laryngoscope, 124:2579–2582, 2014
Comparing living donor and deceased donor liver transplantation: A matched national analysis from 2007 to 2012
Authors: Hoehn Richard S. , Wilson Gregory C. , Wima Koffi , Hohmann Samuel F. , Midura Emily F. , Woodle Steve E. , Abbott Daniel E. , Singhal Ashish , Shah Shimul A.
Published: July 2014

A complete evaluation of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in the United States has been difficult because of the persistent low volume and the lack of adequate comparisons with deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). Recent reports have suggested outcomes equivalent to those for DDLT, but these studies did not adjust for differences in recipient selection. From a linkage between the University HealthSystem Consortium and Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients databases, we identified 14,282 patients at 62 centers who underwent DDLT from 2007 to 2012 and 715 patients at 35 centers who underwent LDLT during the same period. Then, we performed 1:1 propensity score matching for 708 LDLT recipients based on age, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and pretransplant patient status. The median follow-up was 2 years. Compared with DDLT recipients, LDLT recipients were more likely to be white (84.5% versus 72.2%) and female (41.1% versus 31.7%), to have lower MELD scores (15 versus 19), and to be classified preoperatively as independent (65.3% versus 46.7%) and not hospitalized (91.3% versus 78.4%). The posttransplant length of stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality, costs, and survival were similar between the groups, but LDLT recipients were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days (44.9% versus 37.1%, P = 0.001). After matching, the difference in 30-day readmission rates persisted (45.1% versus 33.8%, P = 0.001), but there were no differences in the LOS, costs, patient survival, or graft survival. This national report shows that LDLT is associated with higher readmission rates in comparison with DDLT, but the results are comparable for other key patient metrics. Liver Transpl 20:1347-1355, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Reframing the impact of combined heart-liver allocation on liver transplant wait-list candidates
Authors: Goldberg David S. , Reese Peter P. , Amaral Sandra , Abt Peter L.
Published: July 2014

Simultaneous heart-liver (H-L) transplantation, although rare, has become more common in the United States. When the primary organ is a heart or liver, patients receiving an offer for the primary organ automatically receive the second, nonprimary organ from that donor. This policy raises issues of equity, such as whether liver transplantation alone candidates bypassed by H-L recipients are disadvantaged. No prior published analyses have addressed this issue, and few methods have been developed as means of measuring the impact of such allocation policies. We analyzed Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network match run data from 2007 to 2013 to determine whether this combined organ allocation policy disadvantages bypassed liver transplant wait-list candidates in a clinically meaningful way. Among 65 H-L recipients since May 2007, 42 had substantially higher priority for the heart versus the liver, and these 42 bypassed 268 liver-alone candidates ranked 1 to 10 on these match runs. Bypassed patients had a lower risk of wait-list removal for death or clinical deterioration in comparison with controls selected by the match Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.40-0.79] and a risk similar to that of controls selected by the laboratory MELD score (HR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.63-1.33) or on match runs of similar graft quality (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.73-1.37). The waiting time from bypass to subsequent transplantation was significantly longer among bypassed candidates versus controls on match runs of similar graft quality [median: 87 days (interquartile range = 27-192 days) versus 24 days (interquartile range = 5-79 days), P < 0.001]. Although transplantation was delayed, liver transplant wait-list candidates bypassed by H-L recipients did not have excess mortality in comparison with 3 sets of matched controls. These analytic methods serve as a starting point for considering other potential approaches to evaluating the impact of multiorgan transplant allocation policies Liver Transpl 20:1356-1364, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Hybrid Polyglycerols with Long Blood Circulation: Synthesis, Biocompatibility, and Biodistribution
Authors: Imran ul‐haq Muhammad , Lai Benjamin F. L. , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N.
Published: July 2014

Multifunctional polymers with defined structure and biocompatibility are critical to the development of drug delivery systems and bioconjugates. In this article, the synthesis, in vitro blood compatibility, cell viability, in vivo circulation, biodistribution, and clearance of hybrid copolymers based on linear and branched polyglycerol are reported. Hybrid polyglycerols ( ≈ 100 kDa) are synthesized with different compositions (15–80 mol% linear polyglycerol). Relatively small hydrodynamic size and radius of gyration of the hybrid polyglycerols suggest that they are highly compact functional nanostructures. The hybrid polyglycerols show excellent blood compatibility as determined by measuring their effects on blood coagulation, red blood cell aggregation, hemolysis, platelet, and complement activation. The cell viability in presence of hybrid polyglycerols is excellent up to 10 mg mL−1 concentration and is similar to both dextran and polyvinyl alcohol. Furthermore, tritium labeled hybrid polyglycerol shows long blood circulation (t1/2β = 34 h) with minimal organ accumulation in mice. Multifunctionality, compact nature, biocompatibility, and the long blood circulation make these polymers attractive for the development of bioconjugates and drug delivery systems.
A Deviant Art: Tattoo‐Related Stigma in an Era of Commodification
Authors: Larsen Gretchen , Patterson Maurice , Markham Lucy
Published: July 2014

In Western society, tattoos have historically signified deviance and those who were tattooed were often stigmatized as a result. Extant research examines the nature of stigma and identifies a number of stigma management strategies adopted by people with tattoos. However, this research was conducted at a time when tattoo art was largely confined to particular groups and members of society. In recent years tattooing has transformed dramatically, such that the practice has become commodified and embedded in everyday production and consumption practices. Consequently, our study examines the changing nature of tattoo‐related stigma, and the subsequent impact this has had on the strategies employed by consumers to manage this stigma. Emerging stigma management strategies are identified and discussed within the context of an emergent stigma, the “stigma of the commodity.”
Orientational ordering studies of fluorinated thermotropic liquid crystals by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Calucci Lucia , Geppi Marco , Urban Stanislaw
Published: July 2014

Fluorinated calamitic thermotropic liquid crystals represent an important class of materials for high‐tech applications, especially in the field of liquid crystal displays. The investigation of orientational ordering in these systems is fundamental owing to the dependence of their applications on the anisotropic nature of macroscopic optical, dielectric, and visco‐elastic properties. NMR spectroscopy is the most powerful technique for studying orientational order in liquid crystalline systems at a molecular level thanks to the possibility of exploiting different anisotropic observables (chemical shift, dipolar couplings, and quadrupolar coupling) and nuclei (2H, 13C, and 19F). In this paper, the basic theory and NMR experiments useful for the investigation of orientational order on fluorinated calamitic liquid crystals are reported, and a review of the literature published on this subject is given. Finally, orientational order parameters determined by NMR data are discussed in comparison to those obtained by optical and dielectric anisotropy measurements. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Virtual Issue: Structure Characterization of Biomolecules
Authors: Breuker Kathrin
Published: July 2014

No Abstract
New Green's function approach describing the ferromagnetic state in the Hubbard model with correlated hopping
Authors: Górski Grzegorz , Mizia Jerzy , Kucab Krzysztof
Published: July 2014

We consider a Hubbard model (HM) with occupation dependent hopping integrals. Using the Hartree–Fock (H–F) approximation and the new Green's function approach with inter‐site kinetic averages included, we analyze the influence of the correlated hopping on ferromagnetic ordering. The influence of correlated hopping on the nonlocal quasiparticle energies and corresponding k‐dependent spectral weights is included. In addition, we obtain the shift of the spin bands, which is a major factor in creating spontaneous ferromagnetism. At some parameters of the model, the correlated hopping effect is strong enough to achieve saturated ferromagnetism. This state may be obtained at the asymmetric density of states (DOS) and the Fermi energy located in the region of large spectral weight near the band edge. The results are compared with DMFT‐Quantum Monte Carlo calculations and with the Hubbard III approximation, which includes the correlated hopping effect.
Shewhart Control Charts for Monitoring Reliability with Weibull Lifetimes
Authors: Faraz Alireza , Saniga Erwin M. , Heuchenne Cedric
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we present Shewhart‐type
and S2 control charts for monitoring individual or joint shifts in the scale and shape parameters of a Weibull distributed process. The advantage of this method is its ease of use and flexibility for the case where the process distribution is Weibull, although the method can be applied to any distribution. We illustrate the performance of our method through simulation and the application through the use of an actual data set. Our results indicate that
and S2 control charts perform well in detecting shifts in the scale and shape parameters. We also provide a guide that would enable a user to interpret out‐of‐control signals. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance of a new low‐cost laser disdrometer with rainfall intensity correction in heavy rainfall
Authors: Minda Haruya , Makino Tomoya , Tsuda Norio
Published: July 2014

Recently, a new low‐cost disposable laser disdrometer with the capacity for hydrometeor imaging was proposed by the authors. The laser disdrometer has the drawback of detecting false raindrops, which are splashed droplets and pooled water drops on the housing. Actual raindrops can be sorted from false raindrops by their different fall speeds, but the large size and slow falling speed of false raindrops induce significant observational dead time, affecting the raindrop capture rate and the number density of the raindrops. The ratio between the actual number of raindrops and the total number of drops including the false raindrops provides a reasonable rain intensity correction. This report describes the performance of a laser disdrometer with rain intensity correction in heavy rainfall. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.