bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of a low‐salt diet on the efficacy of different antihypertensive drug regimens
Authors: Wang Jing , Qiu Bo , Du Jian‐Lin , Deng Song‐Bai , Liu Ya‐Jie , She Qiang
Published: June 2015

The objective of this study was to compare the antihypertensive effects of 3 types of antihypertensive drug regimens between different salt intake levels. The 180 patients with mild to moderate primary hypertension participating in this randomized, controlled clinical trial were randomly allocated to a low‐salt diet (LSD) group or a non‐low‐salt diet (NLSD) group. Each group included 3 subgroups: a losartan 100 mg subgroup, a losartan 50 mg/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 12.5 mg subgroup, and an irbesartan 150 mg/HCTZ 12.5 mg subgroup. The LSD group received a diet in which the sodium content was strictly controlled (2.3 g/day). After 2 months, the office blood pressure (BP), the 24‐hour mean BP, and the morning BP were significantly reduced (P ≤ .01) in each group. No significant differences were observed between the 3 LSD subgroups (P > .05). In the NLSD group, the losartan 50 mg/HCTZ 12.5 mg subgroup, and the irbesartan 150 mg/HCTZ 12.5 mg subgroup exhibited identical antihypertensive efficacy (P > .05), and these groups were significantly different from the losartan 100 mg subgroup(P ≤ .05). The BP of the patients who received the LSD was further decreased compared with those who received the NLSD (P ≤ .05). Therefore, we concluded that this LSD exerts synergistic BP‐reducing effects.
On the Roots of σ‐Polynomials
Authors: Brown Jason , Erey Aysel
Published: June 2015

Given a graphGof ordern, the σ‐polynomialofGis the generating functionwhereis the number of partitions of the vertex set ofGintoinonempty independent sets. Such polynomials arise in a natural way from chromatic polynomials. Brenti (Trans Am Math Soc 332 (1992), 729–756) proved that σ‐polynomials of graphs with chromatic number at leasthad all real roots, and conjectured the same held for chromatic number. We affirm this conjecture.
Improving and sustaining a reduction in iatrogenic pneumothorax through a multifaceted quality‐improvement approach
Authors: Shieh Lisa , Go Minjoung , Gessner Daniel , Chen Jonathan H. , Hopkins Joseph , Maggio Paul
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has adopted iatrogenic pneumothorax (IAP) as a Patient Safety Indicator. In 2006, in response to a low performance ranking for IAP rate from the University Healthsystem Consortium (UHC), the authors established a multidisciplinary team to reduce our institution's IAP rate. Root‐cause analysis found that subclavian insertion of central venous catheterization (CVC) was the most common procedure associated with IAP

OBJECTIVE

Our short‐term goal was a 50% reduction of both CVC‐associated and all‐cause IAP rates within 18 months, with long‐term goals of sustained reduction.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

Academic tertiary care hospital.

PATIENTS

Consecutive inpatients from 2006 to 2014.

INTERVENTION

Our multifaceted intervention included: (1) clinical and documentation standards based on evidence, (2) cognitive aids, (3) simulation training, (4) purchase and deployment of ultrasound equipment, and (5) feedback to clinical services.

MEASUREMENTS: CVC‐associated IAP, all‐cause IAP rate.

RESULTS

We achieved both a short‐term (years 2006 to 2008) and long‐term (years 2006 to 2008–2014) reduction in our CVC‐associated and all‐cause IAP rates. Our short‐term reduction in our CVC‐associated IAP was 53% (P = 0.088), and our long‐term reduction was 85% (P < 0.0001). Our short‐term reduction in the all‐cause IAP rate was 26% (P < 0.0001), and our long‐term reduction was 61% (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

A multidisciplinary team, focused on evidence, patient safety, and standardization, can use a set of multifaceted interventions to sustainably improve patient outcomes for several years after implementation. Our hospital was in the highest performance UHC quartile for all‐cause IAP in 2012 to 2014. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:599–607. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Versatility of tandem mass spectrometry for focused analysis of oxylipids
Authors: Petta Tania , Moraes Luiz A. B. , Faccioli Lúcia H.
Published: June 2015

Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scan mode has been the primary MS method applied for the target identification of specific and minor oxylipids in complex matrices, such as eicosanoids and docosanoids, which are potent lipid mediators derived from polyunsaturated fatty acid oxygenation. However, the high specificity of MRM can limit the detection of species with m/z MRM transitions not covered by the method. In addition to MRM, tandem‐quadrupole mass analyzers enable other experiments to be conducted, by fragmenting ions via collision‐induced dissociation process (CID). This paper presents the potential of tandem mass spectrometry for the focused analysis of oxylipids. We have successfully developed an LC‐MS/MS method for the identification of precursor ions of m/z 115, a diagnostic product ion of 5‐hydroxy‐ and 5‐epoxy‐fatty acids. As a proof of concept, the developed method was used to discover several oxylipids oxidized at C5 derived from arachidonic acid (C20 : 4) oxygenation in a hypothalamus rat extract that were not identified using the target MRM methodology. The proposed focused MS/MS‐based approach in a tandem mass analyzer has proven to be a powerful strategy to accelerate the identification of oxylipids with structural similarities and assist the field of lipidomic research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry of the star‐shaped propoxylated diethylenetriamine polyols
Authors: Shemirani Ghazaleh , Kuki Ákos , Nagy Lajos , Nagy Tibor , Zsuga Miklós , Kéki Sándor
Published: June 2015

The collision‐induced dissociation of the protonated five‐arm star propoxylated diethylenetriamine polyols was studied under electrospray conditions. Two product ion series were detected because of the cleavage of the CN bonds in the initiator moiety. No backbone fragmentation of the polyether chains was observed, which allowed to explore the initiation and side‐chain propagation process of the oligomers. On the basis of MS/MS spectra, it is probable that the rate of the initiation is larger than that of the chain propagation. The propylene oxide repeat units attach to the five arms with approximately the same probability. Furthermore, it was found that the collision energy necessary to obtain 50% fragmentation (CE50) was linearly dependent on the molecular weight of the polyols. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass spectrometric characterisation of a condensation product between porphobilinogen and indolyl‐3‐acryloylglycine in urine of patients with acute intermittent porphyria
Authors: Marcos Josep , Ibañez Maria , Ventura Rosa , Segura Jordi , To‐Figueras Jordi , Pozo Oscar J.
Published: June 2015

We document the presence of a previously unknown species in the urine of patients with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). The compound was fully characterised by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Interpretation of both full spectrum acquisition and product ion spectra acquired in positive and negative ionisation modes by quadrupole time of flight MS allowed for the identification of a condensation product arising from porphobilinogen (PBG, increased in the urine of AIP patients) and indolyl‐3‐acryloylglycine (IAG, derived from indolylacrylic acid and present in human urine). The structure was unequivocally confirmed through comparison between the selected reaction monitoring chromatograms obtained from the urinary species and the condensation product qualitatively synthesised in the laboratory. Owing to the large amounts of both PBG and IAG in urine of AIP patients, the possible ex vivo formation of PBG‐IAG in urine samples was evaluated. The product was spontaneously formed at room temperature, at 4 °C and even during storage at −20 °C when spiking a control sample with PBG. A positive correlation was found between PBG and PBG‐IAG in samples collected from AIP patients. However, no correlation was found between PBG‐IAG and IAG. Purified PBG‐IAG did not form the characteristic chromogen after application of p‐dimethylaminobenzaldehyde in HCl, thus suggesting that the current techniques used to measure PBG in urine of AIP patients based on Ehlrich's reaction do not detect this newly characterised PBG‐IAG fraction. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of light extraction efficiency for WOLEDS with light‐out‐coupling layer
Authors: Harada Motoko , Wakana Hironori , Nobuki Shunichiro , Sakuma Hirotaka , Kawasaki Masahiro , Aratani Sukekazu
Published: June 2015

We studied the light extraction efficiencies of white organic light‐emitting diodes with a light‐out‐coupling layer by simulations and experiments. The light extraction efficiencies estimated by the simulation were confirmed to agree well with those measured by the experiments. Moreover, we successfully obtained the high light extraction efficiency (ηOC) of 69%.
Biobased Aliphatic Polyesters with DOPO Substituents for Enhanced Flame Retardancy
Authors: Pospiech Doris , Korwitz Andreas , Komber Hartmut , Jehnichen Dieter , Häußler Liane , Scheibner Holger , Liebmann Michael , Jähnichen Klaus , Voit Brigitte
Published: June 2015

Linear aliphatic copolyesters consisting of the biobased diols ethylene glycol, 1,3‐propane diol, and 1,4‐butane diol, the biobased dicarboxylic acids succinic acid, adipic acid, and sebacic acid, and a 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phospha‐phenanthren‐10‐oxide (DOPO)‐containing diol or dicarboxylic acid are presented. Structural characteristics of the new copolyesters are studied by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The influence of chemical composition on the property profile is examined evaluating glass transition temperature Tg, melting behavior, thermal degradation and combustion, mechanical and burning behavior. Incorporation of DOPO monomers suppresses crystallization and yields materials with reduced toughness except in case of sebacates. Tg rises with the content of DOPO monomer. Correlations between the number of methylene groups in the repeating unit and the thermogravimetric analysis degradation maximum, as well as the heat release capacity from pyrolysis combustion flow calorimeter reflect the systematic influence of chemical structure. Copolycondensation with DOPO monomers enhances the limiting oxygen index providing materials with improved overall value.

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Serum Ferritin Levels in Parkinson's Disease Patients with and without Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Muntean Maria‐Lucia , Sixel‐Döring Friederike , Trenkwalder Claudia
Published: June 2015

Background

The frequency of RLS in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients has been reported to be between 10% and 26%. Several hypotheses have sought to link these two diseases; however, the pathophysiology of RLS in PD patients has yet to be completely defined. Many patients with idiopathic RLS have low serum ferritin levels, which negatively influence RLS symptomatology. Our objective was to investigate the role of iron deficiency in PD patients with and without RLS.

Methods

We consecutively included 42 PD inpatients undergoing pharmacological treatment. Patients with anemia, renal insufficiency, or polyneuropathy were excluded from the study. The control group consisted of 42 PD inpatients without RLS (PD‐nonRLS), matched for age and severity of PD. RLS was diagnosed clinically according to diagnostic criteria. Serum ferritin levels were measured at admission for all patients.

Results

Mean serum ferritin values were 142.20 ± 91.17 ng/dL for PD patients with RLS (PD+RLS) and 160.65 ± 142.57 ng/dL in PD‐nonRLS (P = 0.704). There was no difference concerning the total dopaminergic dose (levodopa equivalent dose) between PD+RLS and PD‐nonRLS patients (828.22 ± 389.02 vs. 775.32 ± 324.69 mg; P = 0.501). The frequency of dopamine agonist (DA) use did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.306).

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in serum ferritin levels between PD+RLS and PD‐nonRLS in our study. This suggests a different pathophysiology of RLS in PD patients, where iron deficiency is not necessarily observed. DA use was not found to be associated with the occurrence of RLS symptoms.
Viel mehr als nur Gummi
Authors: Katzenberg Frank , Tiller Joerg C.
Published: June 2015

Vernetzung von Naturkautschuk ergibt Gummi — das erkannte Charles Goodyear vor 170 Jahren. Aber zudem ist Naturkautschuk bei sehr geringen Vernetzungsgraden ein Formgedächtnispolymer, das einige verblüffende Eigenschaften hat.
Nur gute Ausbildung reicht nicht
Authors: Wolf Wieland , Bengs Holger
Published: June 2015

Traut man den Zahlen, dann laufen Biologika chemischen Wirkstoffen den Rang ab. Für unsere Gesundheit ist das gut. Doch läuft alles reibungslos?
Enantiomere auf Mars, Monden und Kometen
Authors: Schurig Volker
Published: June 2015

Chirasil‐Stationärphasen trennen Enantiomere gaschromatographisch. Die Weltraumforschung geht mit ihnen auf Spurensuche nach extraterrestrischem Leben und dem Ursprung der Homochiralität auf der Erde. Beispiele aus Rosetta‐ und Mars‐Weltraummissionen.
Schwermetallanalyse ohne falsch positive Ergebnisse
Authors: Hupach Sascha , Knoop Jan
Published: June 2015

Eines der meistverwendeten Verfahren zur Bestimmung von Metallen ist die Atomabsorptionsspektroskopie. Allerdings können Interferenzen zu fehlerhaften Ergebnissen führen. Verfahren zur Untergrundkompensation stellen hier korrekte Befunde sicher.
Lehrinhalte in technischer Chemie
Authors: Klemm Elias , Leitner Walter , Wagemann Kurt
Published: June 2015

Mit neuen Prozessen und veränderten Rohstoffen haben sich in den letzten Jahren auch die Aufgaben von Chemikern in der Industrie verändert. Daher hat die Dechema ihre Empfehlungen für die Lehre in technischer Chemie an Hochschulen überarbeitet und zusammengestellt, welches Prozesswissen heute alle Chemiker brauchen.
Development and analysis of a novel collagen composite encapsulating a natural pharmic amino acid, dencichine
Authors: Liu Xinhua , Dan Weihua , Ju Haiyan , Xiao Shiwei , Dan Nianhua
Published: June 2015

In this work, we have conducted a blend of type I collagen and dencichine under acid conditions, followed by investigating the intermolecular interactions between the two components. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), molecular modeling methods, the circular dichrorism (CD) measurement, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies inducate that the structure integrity of collagen is still maintained obviously after introducing dencichine. Furthermore, we also analyze the mechanism of the combination, which is just more than hydrogen bonding. Moreover, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) reveals that compared to pure collagen, dencichine could promote the thermalstability of collagen‐dencichine composite sponge (CDCS) with the increasing content of dencichine. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is utilized to determine the morphology changes of collagen by inducing dencichine. The fibril aggregation occurs due to the crosslinking with dencichine and the fibrous structure of collagen after inducing dencichine still remains compact and clear, which is the foundation of its biological activity. The present study, reveals that intermolecular interactions exist in the CDCS indeed, which is benefit for the development of new biological material and fabrication of novel functionalized hemostatic biomaterials. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2027–2036, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Convex solubility parameters for polymers
Authors: Howell Jason S. , Stephens Benjamin O. , Boucher David S.
Published: June 2015

Solubility parameters are certain measurable quantities that are observed to influence the ability of a solvent to fully dissolve a polymer. Current theory partitions the intermolecular forces between dispersion, polar, and hydrogen bonding interactions, thereby generating a three‐dimensional solubility parameter space. The Hansen solubility parameters of a polymer are taken to be the center of a sphere obtained from the best fit of the coordinates of good solvents in the parameter space. Investigations of several polymers (lignin, polyethersulfone, and bitumen) show that the convex hull of all known good solvents in the three‐dimensional parameter space also gives a meaningful interpretation of the solubility region. Several methods for computing the convex solubility parameters of a polymer from the convex solubility region are described. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 1089–1097
Assessing the need for psychooncological support: screening instruments in combination with patients' subjective evaluation may define psychooncological pathways
Authors: Schaeffeler N. , Pfeiffer K. , Ringwald J. , Brucker S. , Wallwiener M. , Zipfel S. , Teufel M.
Published: June 2015

Background

Cancer patients suffer from severe distress. About one third show mental comorbidities. Nevertheless, there is no common agreement on how to measure distress or identify patients in need for psychooncological services using screening questionnaires.

Patients and methods

A sample of N = 206 patients with confirmed breast cancer, being inpatient for surgical treatment, filled in distress assessment instruments: Distress Thermometer, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire 2, Hornheider Screening Instrument and parts of the EORTC‐QLQ‐C30. Additionally, they were asked for their subjective need for psychooncological counselling.

Results

The correlation between the assessment instruments is low to medium. The number of patients above the cut‐off criteria varies quite a lot according to the instrument (10% to 66%). Therefore, the congruence between the instruments' indications is quite low. Patients with and without subjective need do not differ in personal data but in distress scores.

Conclusions

Recommended instruments for distress assessment in psychooncology measure different areas of distress. They do not sufficiently agree in indicating a patient's need for psychooncological treatment. Hence, one should neither compare results of studies using different assessment instruments nor implement a screening without reflecting the used instrument's characteristics compared to the others. The subjective need seems to provide additional information to the assessment. At present, the combination of an assessment instrument and patients' subjective need is seen as a best practice for identifying patients in need of psychooncological treatment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New methods for public key cryptosystems based on XTR
Authors: Akleylek Sedat , Kırlar Barış Bülent
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we propose novel deterministic and probabilistic public key cryptographic schemes based on an effective and compact subgroup trace representation cryptosystem to handle with the problem of secure and efficient communication between the server and resource‐constrained device. The proposed schemes use the hardness of the Trace‐discrete logarithmic like problem. We also show that the deterministic version of the proposed scheme is a one‐way trapdoor, and the probabilistic version of the proposed scheme is semantically secure. Moreover, we discuss the efficiency of the proposed schemes by comparing with effective and compact subgroup schemes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining Bottom‐Up Self‐Assembly with Top‐Down Microfabrication to Create Hierarchical Inverse Opals with High Structural Order
Authors: Schaffner Manuel , England Grant , Kolle Mathias , Aizenberg Joanna , Vogel Nicolas
Published: June 2015

Colloidal particles can assemble into ordered crystals, creating periodically structured materials at the nanoscale without relying on expensive equipment. The combination of small size and high order leads to strong interaction with visible light, which induces macroscopic, iridescent structural coloration. To increase the complexity and functionality, it is important to control the organization of such materials in hierarchical structures with high degrees of order spanning multiple length scales. Here, a bottom‐up assembly of polystyrene particles in the presence of a silica sol–gel precursor material (tetraethylorthosilicate, TEOS), which creates crack‐free inverse opal films with high positional order and uniform crystal alignment along the (110) crystal plane, is combined with top‐down microfabrication techniques. Micrometer scale hierarchical superstructures having a highly regular internal nanostructure with precisely controlled crystal orientation and wall profiles are produced. The ability to combine structural order at the nano‐ and microscale enables the fabrication of materials with complex optical properties resulting from light–matter interactions at different length scales. As an example, a hierarchical diffraction grating, which combines Bragg reflection arising from the nanoscale periodicity of the inverse opal crystal with grating diffraction resulting from a micrometer scale periodicity, is demonstrated.
Compatibility of poly(acrylic acid)/starch blends
Authors: Bin‐Dahman Osamah A. , Jose Jobin , Al‐Harthi Mamdouh A.
Published: June 2015

Compatibility of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and corn starch blends was studied by various techniques. Blends were prepared by using solution mixing and casting method with the aid of glycerol as a plasticizer. The molecular level interactions between the blend components were analyzed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that the introduction of starch into PAA matrix contributed substantially to the increase of the storage modulus. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies revealed that the PAA/starch blends were partially miscible and had an amorphous structure. The thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed that the blends had higher thermal stability than the individual polymers. Water uptake experiments showed that the degree of swelling was mainly dependent on the PAA content in the blend. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that the incorporation of the PAA into starch destructed its crystalline structure. The morphology of the blends was changed by varying the composition. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis showed that at higher loads of starch, the PAA was formed as layers around starch granules. Blends containing higher amount of starch showed more homogenous and compatible behaviors relative to those with lower starch contents.
17β‐Trenbolone exposure programs metabolic dysfunction in larval medaka
Authors: Mizukami‐Murata Satomi , Kishi‐Kadota Katsuyuki , Nishida Takashi
Published: June 2015

Here, we used physiological and transcriptomic analyses to evaluate the effects of 17β‐trenbolone (TB) on metabolism during the early life stage of medaka (Oryzias latipes). In the physiological experiments, sex reversal rates increased continuously in proportion to TB concentrations (2–100 ng/L), and were 100% (all males) in the 200 ng/L treatment group. TB caused a significant increase in the gonadosomatic index of females at concentrations of 60 and 100 ng/L. These females exhibited swollen abdomens and decreased egg production and fertility. Significant increases were observed in the body mass index of these females. TB caused decreased fertility in males at concentrations >20 ng/L, but no other effects were observed. In the transcriptomic (microarray) experiments, larvae were exposed to TB for up to 7 d. Analyses using the KEGG Orthology Database revealed that predominant categories of significantly upregulated genes included “lipid metabolism” and “metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides.” Thirteen genes (including those for hydroxymethylglutaryl‐CoA synthase, cytoplasmic synthase, and lanosterol synthase) related to cholesterol biosynthesis via the mevalonate pathway were highlighted in these categories. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analyses were consistent with the microarray results, in terms of the direction and magnitude of change to gene expression. Among the downregulated genes, angiopoietin‐like 4 and mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1, which are inversely correlated with obesity, were detected in the TB treatments. In conclusion, the results suggest that the exposure of females to TB during the early life stage may cause metabolic dysfunctions, including obesity and disrupted cholesterol synthesis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1539–1551, 2016.
Mid‐gestation brain Doppler and head biometry in fetuses with congenital heart disease predict abnormal brain development at birth
Authors: Masoller N. , Sanz‐Cortés M. , Crispi F. , Gómez O. , Bennasar M. , Egaña‐Ugrinovic G. , Bargalló N. , Martínez J. M. , Gratacós E.
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD) show evidence of abnormal brain development before birth, which is thought to contribute to adverse neurodevelopment during childhood. Our aim was to evaluate whether brain development in late pregnancy can be predicted by fetal brain Doppler, head biometry and the clinical form of CHD at the time of diagnosis.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study including 58 fetuses with CHD, diagnosed at 20–24 weeks' gestation, and 58 normal control fetuses. At the time of diagnosis, we recorded fetal head circumference (HC), biparietal diameter, middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA‐PI), cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and brain perfusion by fractional moving blood volume. We classified cases into one of two clinical types defined by the expected levels (high or low) of placental (well‐oxygenated) blood perfusion, according to the anatomical defect. All fetuses underwent subsequent 3T‐magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 36–38 weeks' gestation.

Results

Abnormal prenatal brain development was defined by a composite score including any of the following findings on MRI: total brain volume <  10th centile, parietoccipital or cingulate fissure depth <  10th centile or abnormal metabolic profile in the frontal lobe. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that MCA‐PI (odds ratio (OR), 12.7; P = 0.01), CPR (OR, 8.7; P = 0.02) and HC (OR, 6.2; P = 0.02) were independent predictors of abnormal neurodevelopment; however, the clinical type of CHD was not.

Conclusions

Fetal brain Doppler and head biometry at the time of CHD diagnosis are independent predictors of abnormal brain development at birth, and could be used in future algorithms to improve counseling and targeted interventions. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Characterization of the non‐sexual flocculation of fission yeast cells that results from the deletion of ribosomal protein L32
Authors: Liu Zhonghua , Li Rongpeng , Dong Qing , Bian Lezhi , Li Xuesong , Yuan Sheng
Published: June 2015

We recently reported that deleting either of the two paralogous rpl32 genes resulted in non‐sexual flocculation in fission yeast. This study represents the first report that these non‐sexually flocculating fission yeast cells exhibit a thicker cell wall, an increased wall protein content with smeared glycosylated wall proteins, and increased cell wall polysaccharide content and adhesin‐binding sugar residues (i.e. glucose, mannose and galactose). These changes reflect the wall features of flocculating cells that mediate recognition and connections between cells. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that this non‐sexual flocculation is an adhesin‐mediated process: (a) the transcription levels of several members of the Mam3/Map4 family of adhesins (i.e. PFL3, PFL7 and PFL6) and a Flo11‐like adhesin protein are upregulated in rpl32‐1Δ and rpl32‐2Δ cells; (b) this non‐sexual flocculation of rpl32‐1Δ and rpl32‐2Δ cells was eliminated by heating or enzyme digestion; (c) this non‐sexual flocculation of rpl32‐1Δ and rpl32‐2Δ cells was enhanced by Ca2+ and some other divalent metal ions, which stabilize the active conformation of adhesins; and (d) this non‐sexual flocculation of rpl32‐1Δ and rpl32‐2Δ cells was competitively inhibited by glucose, galactose or mannose rather than only by galactose, as reported previously. Although different adhesin genes are selectively expressed under particular physiological or environmental conditions, the functions of these adhesins are the same and are interchangeable. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New insights into the toxicity mechanism of octanoic and decanoic acids on Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Borrull Anna , López‐Martínez Gema , Poblet Montse , Cordero‐Otero Ricardo , Rozès Nicolas
Published: June 2015

Octanoic (C8) and decanoic (C10) acids are produced in hypoxic conditions by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as by‐products of its metabolism and are considered fermentation inhibitors in the presence of ethanol at acidic pH. This study aims to broaden our understanding of the physiological limits between toxicity and ester production in yeast cells. To this end, the non‐inhibitory concentration (NIC) and maximum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were first established for C8 and C10 at physiological pH (5.8) without ethanol. The results showed that when these acids were added to culture medium at these values, they tended to accumulate in different cellular fractions of the yeast. While C8 was almost entirely located in the cell wall fraction, C10 was found in the endocellular fraction. Cell fatty acid detoxification was also different; while the esterification of fatty acids was more efficient in the case of C10, the peroxisome was activated regardless of which fatty acid was added. Furthermore, the study of the Pdr12 and Tpo1 transporters that evolved during the detoxification process revealed that C8 was mostly expelled by the Pdr12 carrier, which was related to higher β‐oxidative damage in the presence of endocellular C10. C10 is more toxic at lower concentrations than C8. Although they are produced by yeast, the resulting intracellular medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFAs) caused a level of toxicity which promoted cell death. However, MCFAs are involved in the production of beverage flavours. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two Self‐assembled Water Clusters Stabilized by Cu‐containing Compounds Based on MoO42–
Authors: Kuang Ye , Yang Bing , Pan Jiali , Meng Xianggao , Xiao Fengping
Published: June 2015

Two copper‐containing compounds based on MoO42–, [Cu4(phen)4(μ2‐OH)2(μ3‐OH)2(H2O)2][MoO4]2·10H2O (1) and [Cu(phen)2Mo2O7(phen)]·8H2O (2) (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline), were hydrothermally synthesized. In the crystal lattices of 1 and 2, discrete octameric water cycles and 2D layer water clusters were observed. The cyclic water octamer clusters exist stably in the channels constructed by [Cu4(phen)4(OH)4(H2O)2]2+ and MoO42– by hydrogen bonds in 1 at low temperature and 2D layer water clusters are formed by (H2O)16 units in 2.
Influence of Valence Electron Concentration on Laves Phases: Structures and Phase Stability of Pseudo‐Binary MgZn2–xPdx
Authors: Thimmaiah Srinivasa , Miller Gordon J.
Published: June 2015

A series of pseudo‐binary compounds MgZn2–xPdx (0.15 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) were synthesized and structurally characterized to understand the role of valence electron concentration (vec) on the prototype Laves phase MgZn2 with Pd‐substitution. Three distinctive phase regions were observed with respect to Pd content, all exhibiting fundamental Laves phase structures: 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.3 (MgNi2‐type, hP24; MgZn1.80Pd0.20(2)), 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.6 (MgCu2‐type, cF24; MgZn1.59Pd0.41(2)), and 0.62 ≤ x ≤ 0.8 (MgZn2‐type, hP12: MgZn1.37Pd0.63(2)). Refinements from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction indicated nearly statistical distributions of Pd and Zn atoms among the majority atom sites in these structures. Interestingly, the MgZn2‐type structure re‐emerges in MgZn2–xPdx at x ≈ 0.7 with the refined composition MgZn1.37(2)Pd0.63 and a c/a ratio of 1.59 compared to 1.64 for binary MgZn2. Electronic structure calculations on a model “MgZn1.25Pd0.75” yielded a density of states (DOS) curve showing enhancement of a pseudogap at the Fermi level as a result of electronic stabilization due to the Pd addition. Moreover, integrated crystal orbital Hamilton population (ICOHP) values show significant increases of orbital interactions for (Zn,Pd)–(Zn,Pd) atom pairs within the majority atom substructure, i.e., within the Kagomé nets as well as between a Kagomé net and an apical site, from binary MgZn2 to the ternary “MgZn1.25Pd0.75”. Multi‐centered bonding is evident from electron localization function (ELF) plots for “MgZn1.25Pd0.75”, an outcome which is in accordance with analysis of other Laves phases.
Safety and Hemostatic Effectiveness of the Fibrin Pad for Severe Soft‐Tissue Bleeding During Abdominal, Retroperitoneal, Pelvic, and Thoracic (Non‐cardiac) Surgery: A Randomized, Controlled, Superiority Trial
Authors: Koea Jonathan , Baldwin Peter , Shen Jessica , Patel B. , Batiller Jonathan , Arnaud Axel , Hart James , Hammond Jeffrey , Fischer Craig , James Garden O.
Published: June 2015

Background

In surgery, rapid hemostasis can be required in various settings and bleeding intensities to minimize complications related to blood loss. While effective hemostats are available for mild‐to‐moderate surgical bleeding, few are effective against challenging severe hemorrhage. We report the effectiveness and safety of the fibrin pad (FP), a novel combination hemostat (device/human biologic), in controlling severe soft‐tissue bleeding as compared to the standard of care (SoC).

Methods

This randomized, controlled, superiority study enrolled subjects ≥18 years, requiring elective abdominal, retroperitoneal, pelvic, or thoracic (non‐cardiac) surgery. A severe target bleeding site (TBS) was identified intra‐operatively following which, subjects were randomized to the FP or the SoC group. Hemostatic status was observed at 4 min (primary endpoint) and 10 min post‐randomization. Safety variables included TBS‐related bleeding and thrombotic events.

Results

At 4 min post‐randomization, 50/59 (84.7 %) subjects in the FP group and 16/32 (50 %) subjects in the SoC group achieved hemostasis without needing re‐treatment (P < 0.0001). Compared to the SoC group, the FP group showed better hemostasis at 10 min post‐randomization [58/59 (98.3 %) vs. 28/32 (87.5 %); P = 0.01], lower mean time to hemostasis (6.1 ± 13.5 vs. 17.8 ± 32.0 min), and a less frequent need for re‐treatment (5.1 vs. 53.1 %). The triangular test for binary response demonstrated the FP to be superior to SoC (95 % CI 1.474–3.290; P < 0.0001). Safety profiles in both groups were similar to those typically observed after long‐duration surgery.

Conclusion

The FP is safe and superior to SoC for controlling challenging severe soft‐tissue bleeding encountered during intra‐abdominal and thoracic surgical procedures.
A radiographic study of the distal femoral epiphysis
Authors: Nguyen Cynthia V. , Greene Janelle D. , Cooperman Daniel R. , Liu Raymond W.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Previous studies have described the complex undulation pattern in the distal femoral physis. We investigated whether standard radiographs can visualize these landmarks, in order to guide hardware placement in the distal immature femur.

Methods

We studied 36 cadaveric immature femora in specimens 3 to 18 years of age. Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs were obtained with and without flexible radiodense markers placed on the major undulations and were analyzed to determine the relative height or depth of each topographical landmark. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated between measurements taken with and without markers for each undulation on each view.

Results

Examination of the specimens confirmed a central peak and anteromedial and posterolateral valleys as the major physeal structures. AP radiographs without markers correlated well with marked AP radiographs for all three landmarks (ICC = 0.92, 0.92, 0.91), but the lateral radiographs had lower correlations for the posterolateral valley (ICC = 0.36). The correlation between AP and lateral radiographs without markers on the posterolateral valley was also decreased compared to the other two landmarks (ICC = 0.28 versus 0.57 for the central ridge and 0.62 for the anteromedial valley).

Conclusions

This is the first study to rigorously evaluate radiographic visibility of the distal femur physeal undulations. The position of the central ridge, anteromedial valley, and posterolateral valley are reliably seen on AP radiographs, while the lateral view is less consistent, especially for the posterolateral valley. We recommend that caution should be taken when placing screws near the posterolateral aspect of the epiphysis, as lateral views do not visualize those undulations well.
Microscale study of frictional properties of graphene in ultra high vacuum
Authors: Marchetto Diego , Feser Tim , Dienwiebel Martin
Published: June 2015

We report on the frictional properties of epitaxial graphene on SiC in ultra high vacuum. Measurements have been performed using a microtribometer in the load regime of 0.5 to 1 mN. We observed that a ruby sphere sliding against graphene results in very low friction coefficients ranging from 0.02 to 0.05. The friction and also the stability of the graphene layer is higher than that under similar conditions in ambient conditions. The friction shows a load dependence. Finally it was found that graphene masks the frictional anisotropy which was observed on the SiC surface.
Impact of adolescent peer aggression on later educational and employment outcomes in an Australian cohort
Authors: Moore Sophie E. , Scott James G. , Thomas Hannah J. , Sly Peter D. , Whitehouse Andrew J.O. , Zubrick Stephen R. , Norman Rosana E.
Published: June 2015

This study used prospective birth cohort data to analyse the relationship between peer aggression at 14 years of age and educational and employment outcomes at 17 years (N = 1091) and 20 years (N = 1003). Participants from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) study were divided into mutually exclusive categories of peer aggression. Involvement in peer aggression was reported by 40.2% (10.1% victims; 21.4% perpetrators; 8.7% victim–perpetrators) of participants. Participants involved in any form of peer aggression were less likely to complete secondary school. Perpetrators and victim–perpetrators of peer aggression were more likely to be in the ‘No Education, Employment or Training’ group at 20 years of age. This association was explained by non‐completion of secondary school. These findings demonstrate a robust association between involvement in peer aggression and non‐completion of secondary school, which in turn was associated with an increased risk of poor educational and employment outcomes in early adulthood.
HEINRICH BEHMANN’S 1921 LECTURE ON THE DECISION PROBLEM AND THE ALGEBRA OF LOGIC
Authors: MANCOSU PAOLO , ZACH RICHARD
Published: June 2015

Heinrich Behmann (1891–1970) obtained his Habilitation under David Hilbert in Göttingen in 1921 with a thesis on the decision problem. In his thesis, he solved—independently of Löwenheim and Skolem’s earlier work—the decision problem for monadic second-order logic in a framework that combined elements of the algebra of logic and the newer axiomatic approach to logic then being developed in Göttingen. In a talk given in 1921, he outlined this solution, but also presented important programmatic remarks on the significance of the decision problem and of decision procedures more generally. The text of this talk as well as a partial English translation are included.
Management of post-traumatic bilateral jumped facets: a systematic review
Authors: Ahmed AA , Cenic A , Kachur E
Published: June 2015

Background: Bilateral jumped facets (BJF) are serious cervical spine injuries that require reduction and surgical stabilization. Closed reduction often performed, however, the argument of having disc herniation suggested deferred treatment until MRI is done. The later has been criticised for delaying the treatment. Methodology: We conducted a systematic review focusing on BJF in order to assess the validity of performing an MRI prior to closed reduction. The immediate neurological state after reduction and long term outcome were the primary goals. Results: A total of 49 articles were found (1973-2014). Only 20 of them fit our criteria. A total of 203 BJF were evaluated with C6/7 and C5/6 being the most common level of injury. Closed reduction was performed in 194 patients with no MRI in 118 patients. Clinical changes had occurred in 7 patients (3 improved, 2 worsened, 2 transient worsening). The long term outcome showed no significant difference between the two groups who had closed reduction before or after the MRI (p>0.05) Conclusion: The risk of neurological worsening with closed reduction prior to MRI is low and insignificant. The MRI will be helpful post reduction to assess the status of the cord and adequacy of closed reduction, especially in comatose patients.
Endoscopic resection of colloid cyst: long-term followup with 65 patients
Authors: Hamilton MG , Isaacs A , Urbaneja G , Hader W , Yong H
Published: June 2015

Introduction: Colloid cysts of the third ventricle are rare, histologically benign lesions that can be associated with obstructive hydrocephalus. Endoscopic removal developed as an alternative to microsurgical craniotomy as a less invasive surgical treatment. This review examines the endoscopic surgical experience for a consecutive series of patients with colloid cyst of the third ventricle. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of “colloid cyst of the third ventricle” who were treated in Calgary between January 1994 and July 2014 were reviewed using a clinic database and registry. Results: 95 patients were identified. 30 patients without hydrocephalus underwent serial MRI and clinical observation with one patient developing hydrocephalus leading to surgical treatment. 65 patients underwent endoscopic treatment of their colloid cyst (male=34; female=31). The mean age at diagnosis was 45.5 years. 3 patients had been previously treated with other surgical approaches. All surgically treated patients had hydrocephalus and hydrocephalus resolved in all 65 patients. 1 patient sustained an injury to the internal capsule with transient hemiparesis. Mean followup was 8.2 years (range 0.1-19.3 years). 3 patients experienced colloid cyst recurrence treated with a second endoscopic removal. Conclusion: Endoscopic treatment of third ventricle colloid cysts can be performed with low risk as an alternative to microsurgical resection.
A multi-modality approach to identifying primary generalized epilepsy that can mimic focal epilepsy
Authors: Duaa BM , Ye A , Doesburg S , Otsubo H , Ochi A
Published: June 2015

Introduction: Evaluating the suitability for surgery in patients with epilepsy requires determining if the epilepsy is focal or generalized. Presurgical workups can indicate focal epilepsy in certain cases of generalized epilepsy (GE). The purpose of this study was to identify distinctive features which characterize patients with primary GE that mimics focal epilepsy. Method: We retrospectively identified 19 children with generalized interictal discharges during scalp video-EEG (SVEEG) and underwent invasive monitoring and/or epilepsy surgery. Two children did not undergo resective surgery due to final diagnosis of primary GE (Group A). Seventeen children underwent a resective surgery (Group B). Scalp video-EEG, MEG, MRI, and intracranial video EEG (IVEEG) were reviewed. Results: On (SVEEG), the frequency of generalized spike-and-waves (GSW) was 3Hz in Group A and 1.5-2.5Hz in Group B. Group A had only absence seizures , whereas 80% in Group B had multiple types of seizures. Both groups had lateralized MEG dipoles. One patient in Group A had a focal MRI abnormality. In Group A, IVEEG showed GSW of 3 Hz frequency with inconsistent leading. In Group B, IVEEG showed consistent localization of ictal and interictal high frequency oscillations. Conclusion: Children with generalized 3 Hz spike-and-waves and only absence seizures may be a contraindication of resective surgery even though some presurgical workup shows focality.
Cerebral proliferative angiopathy in a three-year-old
Authors: Paton GR , Mignone C , Singhal A , Demos MK
Published: June 2015

Background: Cerebral proliferative angiopathy (CPA) is a rare vascular malformation with intervening normal brain tissue interspersed among abnormal vascular channels. There are 77 reported cases, the youngest being 9 years old, with persistent symptoms and recurring symptoms being rare. Methods: A three-year-old girl with CPA is described and compared to the literature. Results: A previously healthy girl with early left-handedness and a left forehead nevus flammeus presented with sudden onset of right arm and leg weakness, along with abrupt speech arrest and right homonymous hemianopia. Head CT Angiogram and MRI revealed an abnormal vascular network with densely packed, moderately enlarged vessels arising within the white matter with no dominant feeding vessel and both old and acute infarcts in the left hemisphere. Eye exam was unremarkable. The clinical and radiologic features were most consistent with a diagnosis of CPA. Her visual deficits and motor symptoms persisted, and she had a recurrent event shortly after. Conclusions: This is the youngest reported case of CPA, with novel features including radiologic evidence of previous infarcts, clinical recurrence of symptoms, and permanent deficits. This case demonstrates the need for further research into the surveillance and management of this rare entity, possibly unique in young children
Child Neurology (Neurocritical Care/Neuro Trauma)
Authors: Mailo JA , Pugh J , Jacob FD
Published: June 2015

Background: Focal neurological deficits occur in approximately 15% of children with bacterial meningitis. However, cranial nerve involvement such as facial-nerve palsy is uncommon in non-tuberculous bacterial meningitis. Methods: Case Report. Review of the literature was conducted on Pubmed for the search terms: facial nerve palsy and meningitis. Results: We present the case of a 4-year old right-handed girl who presented with a new onset unilateral facial nerve palsy preceded by 5-day history of fever and headaches. The patient had meningeal signs and was identified to have Streptococcal Meningitis. MRI of the brain showed a large previously undiagnosed intranasal encephalocele. The facial palsy resolved within 7 days of antibiotic treatment. Conclusions: Our case represents an unusual combination of facial nerve palsy in context of Streptococcal Meningitis secondary to intranasal encephalocele.
Contactin-associated protein 2 (Caspr2) antibodies associated with refractory temporal seizures, rapid cognitive decline, and emotional lability
Authors: Farzad M , Savard R
Published: June 2015

Background: Caspr2 is a transmembrane protein facilitating intercellular communication. It is found primarily in the central nervous system, specifically cerebellum and hippocampus. Anti-Caspr2 antibodies, more commonly seen in men (M/F: 4), also bind voltage-gated potassium channels. The antibodies are associated with limbic encephalitis, seizures, Morvan’s syndrome, peripheral nerve hyperexcitability, and cerebellar ataxia. Malignancy exists in 20% of cases. Methods: Case report and review of literature. Results: A 71-year-old man presented with subacute onset refractory seizures failing several anti-convulsants, emotional lability, and rapid decline in memory and executive function. EEG showed an electrographic seizure over the left hemisphere. MRI brain demonstrated mild diffuse cerebral atrophy, chronic ischemic changes, and mild diffusion restriction in the medial frontal lobes. Cerebrospinal fluid was normal. Serum Antithyroid peroxidase and antithyroglobulin antibodies were negative. TSH was slightly elevated and eltroxin didn’t help. Anti-Caspr2 antibodies were highly positive. EMG ruled out neuromyotonia. Body CT and PET scans indicated no malignancy. Treatment with IVIG stopped the seizures and cognition dramatically improved. Conclusions: Recognizing anti-Caspr2 antibody-associated encephalitis in elderly males with new onset refractory epilepsy and rapid cognitive decline is important for timely initiation of immunomodulation to avoid permanent deficits. Rapid executive dysfunction was unique in this case.