bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Colorimetric and Fluorimetric Three‐Input Inverted Enabled OR Logic Array by Self‐Assembly of a Rhodamine Probe in Micelles
Authors: Caruana Maria Victoria , Camilleri Fava Matthew , Magri David C.
Published: December 2014

A rhodamine B derivative appended with a hexyl chain has been synthesized as a colorimetric and fluorimetric probe and studied in three different micelles, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton X‐100, and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) in 1:4 (v/v) methanol/water solutions. UV/vis and fluorescence spectroscopic studies suggest that the hydrophobic hexyl chain anchors the probe in the vicinity of the water/membrane interface rather than in the bulk solution. A significant pKa shift of 4.5 units is observed in CTAC and Triton X‐100 relative to aqueous methanol solution, whereas no significant difference is observed in SDS. In CTAC and basic solution a nine‐fold decrease in the fluorescence intensity and absorbance are observed. These observations are rationalized by a spiro‐ring‐closing mechanism via lactam formation, which disrupts the conjugated xanthene chromophore. A three‐input inverted enabled OR (iEnOR) logic circuit is demonstrated in absorbance and fluorescence mode with CTAC, Triton X‐100 and alkali as the inputs via supramolecular assembly.
Microwave‐Assisted Construction of C‐Hydroxydiketopiperazines using Lanthanum(III) Triflate
Authors: Wang Qing‐Peng , Zhang Hong‐Bo , Ning Xin , Hang Hang , Huang Zhong‐Lv , Song Hao‐Ran , Wang Xin , Wang Peng George
Published: December 2014

A highly efficient and convenient method for the construction of C‐hydroxydiketopiperazines has been developed using Lanthanum(III) triflate as a recyclable reagent. Microwave heating dramatically enhances the reaction rate without the epimerization of the existing chiral center in the substrate.
A New p‐Metal‐n Structure AgBr‐Ag‐BiOBr with Superior Visible‐Light‐Responsive Catalytic Performance
Authors: Dong Yuming , Feng Cuiyun , Zhang Jingjing , Jiang Pingping , Wang Guangli , Wu Xiuming , Miao Hongyan
Published: December 2014

A novel visible‐light‐driven AgBr‐Ag‐BiOBr photocatalyst was synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. Taking advantage of both p‐n heterojunctions and localized surface plasmon resonance, the p‐metal‐n structure exhibited a superior performance concerning degradation of methyl orange under visible‐light irradiation (λ>420 nm). A possible photodegradation mechanism in the presence of AgBr‐Ag‐BiOBr composites was proposed, and the radical species involved in the degradation reaction were investigated. HO2⋅/⋅O2− played the same important role as ⋅OH in the AgBr‐Ag‐BiOBr photocatalytic system, and both the electron and hole were fully used for degradation of organic pollutants. A dual role of metallic Ag in the photocatalysis was proposed, one being surface plasmon resonance and the other being an electron‐hole bridge. Due to the distinctive p‐metal‐n structure, the visible‐light absorption, the separation of photogenerated carriers and the photocatalysis efficiency were greatly enhanced.
Selection by phage display of nanobodies directed against hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α)
Authors: Li Min , Fan Xiaodan , Liu Jing , Hu Yaozhong , Huang He
Published: December 2014

Hypoxia, which promotes tumor invasion and metastasis, is a common phenomenon in solid tumors. Hypoxia generally leads to a higher expression level of hypoxia inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) in tumors (cells) relative to normal tissues (cells). Given the unique expression of HIF‐1α in human cancers and its vital importance in mediating hypoxic adaptation, we have identified 20 different HIF‐1α‐specific nanobodies by using a llama‐derived nonimmune phage display library. PAS‐B domain of HIF‐1α (HIF‐1α‐PAS‐B) has been used as an antigen. Nanobody (VHH16) was selected from these 20 nanobodies by phage enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The preliminary analysis of biological activity demonstrates that VHH16 can specifically bind to HIF‐1α with high affinity. VHH16 is the first nanobody that specifically binds to HIF‐1α‐PAS‐B as well. We suggest here that VHH16 is useful in disease diagnosis and also has potential in medical applications.
Feasibility assessment of shear wave elastography to rotator cuff muscle
Authors: Itoigawa Yoshiaki , Sperling John W. , Steinmann Scott P. , Chen Qingshan , Song Pengfei , Chen Shigao , Itoi Eiji , Hatta Taku , An Kai‐Nan
Published: December 2014

Pre‐surgical measurement of supraspinatus muscle extensibility is important for rotator cuff repair. The purpose of the present study was to explore the potential feasibility of a shear wave ultrasound elastography (SWE)‐based method, combined with B‐mode ultrasound, to measure the in vivo stiffness of the supraspinatus muscle non‐invasively and thus obtain key information about supraspinatus muscle extensibility. Our investigation comprised two steps. First, we determined the orientation of the supraspinatus muscle fibers in cadaveric shoulders without rotator cuff tear in order to optimize the ultrasound probe positions for SWE imaging. Second, we investigated the feasibility of quantifying the stiffness of the normal supraspinatus muscle by SWE in vivo. The supraspinatus muscle was divided into four anatomical regions: anterior superficial (AS), posterior superficial (PS), anterior deep (AD), and posterior deep (PD). Each region was examined by SWE. The SWE stiffnesses of AD, AS, PD, and PS were 40.0 ± 12.4, 34.0 ± 9.9, 32.7 ± 12.7, 39.1 ± 15.7 kPa, respectively. SWE combined with B‐Mode ultrasound imaging could be a feasible method for quantifying the local stiffness of the rotator cuff muscles. Clin. Anat. 28:213–218, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Concentration‐Collapse Decomposition for L2 Flow Singularities
Authors: Streets Jeffrey
Published: December 2014

We exhibit a concentration‐collapse decomposition of singularities of fourth‐order curvature flows, including the L2 curvature flow and Calabi flow, in dimensions n ≤ 4. The proof requires the development of several new a priori estimates. First, we develop a smoothing result for initial metrics with small energy and a volume growth lower bound, in the vein of Perelman's pseudo locality result. Next, we generalize our technique from prior work to exhibit local smoothing estimates for the L2 flow in the presence of a curvature‐related bound. A final key ingredient is a new local ϵ‐regularity result for L2 critical metrics with possibly nonconstant scalar curvature. Applications of these results include new compactness and diffeomorphism‐finiteness theorems for smooth compact 4‐manifolds satisfying the necessary and effectively minimal hypotheses of L2 curvature pinching and a volume‐noncollapsing condition. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A genomic region encompassing a newly identified exon provides enhancing activity sufficient for normal myo7aa expression in zebrafish sensory hair cells
Authors: Ernest Sylvain , Rosa Frédéric M.
Published: December 2014

MYO7A is an unconventional myosin involved in the structural organization of hair bundles at the apex of sensory hair cells (SHCs) where it serves mechanotransduction in the process of hearing and balance. Mutations of MYO7A are responsible for abnormal shaping of hair bundles, resulting in human deafness and murine deafness/circling behavior. Myo7aa, expressed in SHCs of the inner ear and lateral line of zebrafish, causes circling behavior and abnormal hair cell function when deficient in mariner mutant. This work identifies a new hair cell‐specific enhancer, highly conserved between species, located within Intron 2–3 of zebrafish myosin 7a (myo7aa) gene. This enhancer is contained within a 761‐bp DNA fragment that encompasses a newly identified Exon of myo7aa and whose activity does not depend on orientation. Compensation of mariner mutation by expression of mCherry‐Myo7aa fusion protein under the control of this 761‐bp DNA fragment results in recovery of balance, normal hair bundle shape and restored hair cell function. Two smaller adjacent fragments (344‐bp and 431‐bp), extracted from the 761‐bp fragment, both show hair cell‐specific enhancing activity, with apparently reduced intensity and coverage. These data should help understand the role of Myo7aa in sensory hair cell differentiation and function. They provide tools to decipher how myo7aa gene is expressed and regulated in SHCs by allowing the identification of potential transcription factors involved in this process. The discovered enhancer could represent a new target for the identification of deafness‐causing mutations affecting human MYO7A. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 961–983, 2015
Impact of worsening renal function related to medication in heart failure
Authors: Brunner‐La Rocca Hans‐Peter , Knackstedt Christian , Eurlings Luc , Rolny Vinzent , Krause Friedemann , Pfisterer Matthias E. , Tobler Daniel , Rickenbacher Peter , Maeder Micha T. ,   for the TIME‐CHF investigators
Published: December 2014

Aims

Renal failure is a major challenge in treating heart failure (HF) patients. HF medication may deteriorate renal function, but the impact thereof on outcome is unknown. We investigated the effects of HF medication on worsening renal function (WRF) and the relationship to outcome.

Methods and results

This post‐hoc analysis of TIME‐CHF (NT‐proBNP‐guided vs. symptom‐guided management in chronic HF) included patients with LVEF ≤45% and ≥1 follow‐up visit (n = 462). WRF III was defined as a rise in serum creatinine ≥0.5 mg/dL (i.e. 44.2 µmol/L) at any time during the first 6 months. Four classes of medication were considered: loop diuretics, beta‐blockers, renin–angiotensin system (RAS)‐blockers, and spironolactone. Functional principal component analysis of daily doses was used to comprehend medication over time. All‐cause mortality after 18 months was the primary outcome. Interactions between WRF, medication, and outcome were tested. Patients with WRF III received on average higher loop diuretic doses (P = 0.0002) and more spironolactone (P = 0.02), whereas beta‐blockers (P = 0.69) did not differ and lower doses of RAS‐blockers were given (P = 0.09). There were significant interactions between WRF III, medicationn and outcome. Thus, WRF III was associated with poor prognosis if high loop diuretic doses were given (P = 0.001), but not with low doses (P = 0.29). The opposite was found for spironolactone (poor prognosis in the case of WRF III with no spironolactone, P <0.0001; but not with spironolactone, P = 0.31). Beta‐blockers were protective in all patients (P <0.001), but most in those with WRF III (P <0.05 for interaction). RAS‐blockade was associated with improved outcome (P = 0.006), irrespective of WRF III.

Conclusion

Based on this analysis, it may be hypothesized that high doses of loop diuretics might have detrimental effects, particularly in combination with significant WRF, whereas spironolactone and beta‐blockers might be protective in patients with WRF.
Efficiently screening heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Boonman‐de Winter Leandra J.M. , Rutten Frans H. , Cramer Maarten J. , Landman Marcel J. , Zuithoff Nicolaas P.A. , Liem Anho H. , Hoes Arno W.
Published: December 2014

Aims

Our aim was to develop a screening tool for heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods and results

A total of 581 consecutive patients from 21 primary care practices in The Netherlands with type 2 diabetes, in whom the diagnosis of heart failure (HF) was not known, underwent an extensive diagnostic assessment, including medical history taking, physical examination, ECG, and echocardiography. The presence or absence of HF was established by a panel of two cardiologists and one general practitioner following the guidelines on HF of the European Society of Cardiology. In 161 patients, HF was considered present. A model based on the medical history and symptoms had a good discriminative value for detecting or excluding HF [C‐statistic after bootstrapping 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76–0.83]. Adding signs improved the C‐statistic to 0.82 (95% CI 0.79–0.86). A diagnostic screening score based on the clinical model had good discriminative properties applying a cut‐off of 3 points (24.7% risk of HF) with sensitivity 70.8%, specificity 79.0%, negative predictive value 87.6%, and positive predictive value 56.4%. ECG and natriuretic peptides both had independent added value beyond the clinical model and increased the C‐statistic to 0.86 (95% CI 0.83– 0.89). With a 20% threshold, the net reclassification of adding ECG and NT‐proBNP to the clinical model was only 0.06.

Conclusions

A decision aid based on items from the clinical assessment is useful for screening HF in older patients with type 2 diabetes and to pre‐select for echocardiography.

Trial registration

NL2271704108.
False Discovery Rates for Rare Variants From Sequenced Data
Authors: Capanu  Marinela , Seshan Venkatraman E.
Published: December 2014

The detection of rare deleterious variants is the preeminent current technical challenge in statistical genetics. Sorting the deleterious from neutral variants at a disease locus is challenging because of the sparseness of the evidence for each individual variant. Hierarchical modeling and Bayesian model uncertainty are two techniques that have been shown to be promising in pinpointing individual rare variants that may be driving the association. Interpreting the results from these techniques from the perspective of multiple testing is a challenge and the goal of this article is to better understand their false discovery properties. Using simulations, we conclude that accurate false discovery control cannot be achieved in this framework unless the magnitude of the variants' risk is large and the hierarchical characteristics have high accuracy in distinguishing deleterious from neutral variants.
Bioactive, nanostructured Si‐substituted hydroxyapatite coatings on titanium prepared by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Rau Julietta V. , Cacciotti Ilaria , Laureti Sara , Fosca Marco , Varvaro Gaspare , Latini Alessandro
Published: December 2014

Aims: The aim of this work was to deposit silicon‐substituted hydroxyapatite (Si‐HAp) coatings on titanium for biomedical applications, since it is known that Si‐HAp is able to promote osteoblastic cells activity, resulting in the enhanced bone ingrowth. Materials and Methods: Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method was used for coatings preparation. For depositions, Si‐HAp targets (1.4 wt % of Si), made up from nanopowders synthesized by wet method, were used. Results: Microstructural and mechanical properties of the produced coatings, as a function of substrate temperature, were investigated by scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Vickers microhardness. In the temperature range of 400–600°C, 1.4–1.5 µm thick Si‐HAp films, presenting composition similar to that of the used target, were deposited. The prepared coatings were dense, crystalline, and nanostructured, characterized by nanotopography of surface and enhanced hardness. Whereas the substrate temperature of 750°C was too high and led to the HAp decomposition. Moreover, the bioactivity of coatings was evaluated by in vitro tests in an osteoblastic/osteoclastic culture medium (α‐Modified Eagle's Medium). Conclusions: The prepared bioactive Si‐HAp coatings could be considered for applications in orthopedics and dentistry to improve the osteointegration of bone implants. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1621–1631, 2015.
Maintenance plasma exchange treatment for muscle specific kinase antibody positive myasthenia gravis patients
Authors: Yamada Chisa , Teener James W. , Davenport Robertson D. , Cooling Laura
Published: December 2014

Background:Anti‐muscle specific kinase antibody positive myasthenia gravis (MuSK MG) is often characterized by a relatively severe and progressive course, refractoriness to standard myasthenia gravis (MG) medications, and an increased risk of myasthenic crisis. We report here successful management of three MuSK MG patients using maintenance therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) treatment for up to 4.5 years. Materials: The study was a 5‐year retrospective review of all MG patients treated with TPE between 2008 and 2013 at University of Michigan. Inclusion criteria of MuSK MG were positive for anti‐MuSK antibodies and a diagnosis of MuSK MG by staff neurologists. Patient data included age, gender, diagnostic testing results, medications, and the dates and response to TPE treatments. Results: A total of 153 MG patients underwent at least one course of TPE between 2008 and 2013. A total of 12 patients (7.8%) were positive for anti‐MuSK antibodies. Patients were predominantly female (83.3%) and a median age of onset was 46‐years old. Three MuSK MG patients were successfully managed with maintenance TPE. Conclusion: Maintenance TPE may be an effective option for MuSK MG patients. The key of successful maintenance treatment at our institution has been to tailor the TPE frequency for each individual, and to modify the treatment interval in conjunction with medical management. J. Clin. Apheresis 30:314–319, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcomes associated with a mandatory gastroenterology consultation to improve the quality of care of patients hospitalized with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Ghaoui Rony , Friderici Jennifer , Desilets David J. , Lagu Tara , Visintainer Paul , Belo Angelica , Sotelo Jorge , Lindenauer Peter K.
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis (DC) have significant morbidity and resource utilization. In a cohort of patients with DC undergoing usual care (UC) in 2009, we demonstrated that quality indicators (QI) were met <50% of the time. We established a gastroenterology mandatory consultation (MC) to improve the care of patients with DC. We sought to evaluate the impact of the MC intervention on adherence to QI, and compared outcomes to UC.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study with historic control examining all admissions in a year for DC at an academic medical center. All admissions were seen by a gastroenterologist encouraged to implement QIs (MC). Scores were calculated for each group per admission as the proportion of QIs met versus QIs for which the patient was eligible. QI scores were examined as a function of group assignment multivariable fractional logit regression. We evaluated the impact of the intervention on compliance with QIs, length of stay (LOS), 30‐day readmission, and inpatient death.

RESULTS

Three hundred three patients were observed in 695 hospitalizations (149 patients in 379 admissions [UC]; 154 patients in 316 admissions [MC]). The QI score was significantly higher in the MC group than the UC group (77.0% vs 46.0%, P < 0.001), reflecting better management of ascites and documentation of transplant evaluation. The management of variceal bleeding improved also but did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

The MC intervention was associated with greater adherence to recommended care but was not powered to detect difference in LOS, readmission, or mortality rates. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:236–241. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Diffusion weighted images of metastatic as compared with nonmetastatic axillary lymph nodes in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer
Authors: Yamaguchi Ken , Schacht David , Nakazono Takahiko , Irie Hiroyuki , Abe Hiroyuki
Published: December 2014

Background

To investigate the ability of diffusion weighted images (DWI) to differentiate between metastatic and nonmetastatic axillary lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer.

Methods

From January 2010 to February 2012, DWI was performed at b values of 0 and 800 for 16 metastatic LNs from 16 patients with breast cancer, and 20 nonmetastatic LNs from 20 women without breast cancer. The metastatic LNs were proven by ultrasound (US) guided core biopsy and the same LNs were identified on MRI by comparing the US images with MR images. Nonmetastatic LNs were verified by the stability in size and shape for at least 2 years on MRI. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of the metastatic and nonmetastatic axillary LNs was compared. Receiver‐operating‐characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the ADC value in differentiating between metastatic and nonmetastatic axillary LNs.

Results

The mean ADC value was 0.746 × 10−3 for metastatic LNs and 1.033 × 10−3 for nonmetastatic LNs (P < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.884. The sensitivity and specificity for differentiating metastatic from nonmetastatic axillary LNs using a cutoff ADC value of 0.852 were 85% and 81%, respectively.

Conclusion

There is a statistically significant difference between the ADC values of pathologically proven metastatic LNs and nonmetastatic LNs. DWI and ADC values are a useful tool for differentiating metastatic from nonmetastatic axillary LNs. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:771–778.
Quantification of myocardial blood flow with dynamic perfusion 3.0 Tesla MRI: Validation with 15o‐water PET
Authors: Tomiyama Yuuki , Manabe Osamu , Oyama‐Manabe Noriko , Naya Masanao , Sugimori Hiroyuki , Hirata Kenji , Mori Yuki , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Kudo Kohsuke , Tamaki Nagara , Katoh Chietsugu
Published: December 2014

Background

To develop and validate a method for quantifying myocardial blood flow (MBF) using dynamic perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MBFMRI) at 3.0 Tesla (T) and compare the findings with those of 15O‐water positron emission tomography (MBFPET).

Methods

Twenty healthy male volunteers underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 15O‐water positron emission tomography (PET) at rest and during adenosine triphosphate infusion. The single‐tissue compartment model was used to estimate the inflow rate constant (K1). We estimated the extraction fraction of Gd‐DTPA using K1 and MBF values obtained from 15O‐water PET for the first 10 subjects. For validation, we calculated MBFMRI values for the remaining 10 subjects and compared them with the MBFPET values. In addition, we compared MBFMRI values of 10 patients with coronary artery disease with those of healthy subjects.

Results

The mean resting and stress MBFMRI values were 0.76 ± 0.10 and 3.04 ± 0.82 mL/min/g, respectively, and showed excellent correlation with the mean MBFPET values (r = 0.96, P < 0.01). The mean stress MBFMRI value was significantly lower for the patients (1.92 ± 0.37) than for the healthy subjects (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The use of dynamic perfusion MRI at 3T is useful for estimating MBF and can be applied for patients with coronary artery disease. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:754–762.
The Effect of Abdominal Massage in Reducing Malignant Ascites Symptoms
Authors: Wang Tsae‐Jyy , Wang Hung‐Ming , Yang Tsai‐Sheng , Jane Sui‐Whi , Huang Tse‐Hung , Wang Chao‐Hui , Lin Yi‐Hsin
Published: December 2014

As many as 50% of end‐stage cancer patients will develop ascites and associated symptoms, including pain, tiredness, nausea, depression, anxiety, drowsiness, loss of appetite, dyspnea, perceived abdominal bloating, and immobility. Abdominal massage may stimulate lymph return to the venous system and reduce ascites‐related symptoms. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of abdominal massage in reducing these symptoms and reducing ascites itself as reflected in body weight. For a randomized controlled design using repeated measures, a sample of 80 patients with malignant ascites was recruited from gastroenterology and oncology units of a medical center in northern Taiwan and randomly assigned to the intervention or the control group. A 15‐minute gentle abdominal massage, using straight rubbing, point rubbing, and kneading, was administered twice daily for 3 days. The control group received a twice‐daily 15‐minute social interaction contact with the same nurse. Symptoms and body weight were measured in the morning for 4 consecutive days from pre‐ to post‐test. In generalized estimation equation modeling, a significant group‐by‐time interaction on depression, anxiety, poor wellbeing, and perceived abdominal bloating, indicated that abdominal massage improved these four symptoms, with the greatest effect on perceived bloating. The intervention had no effect on pain, tiredness, nausea, drowsiness, poor appetite, shortness of breath, mobility limitation, or body weight. Abdominal massage appears useful for managing selected symptoms of malignant ascites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inhibition of telomerase activity by NME2: impact on metastasis suppression?
Authors: Kar Anirban , Chowdhury Shantanu
Published: December 2014

Though anti-metastatic function of non-metastatic 2 (NME2) has been implicated in multiple cancers, mechanisms of metastases control by NME2 are not clearly understood. Recent observations indicating the involvement of telomerase, the ribonucleoprotein required for telomere synthesis, in metastatic outcome are interesting. Notably, though the role of telomerase dysfunction in tumorigenesis is relatively well studied, involvement in metastasis progression is poorly understood. Recent findings demonstrate NME2 presence at telomere ends, association with telomerase, and NME2’s role in inhibition of telomerase activity in cancer cells. These present a novel opportunity to investigate mechanisms underlying NME2-mediated metastasis suppression.
Effect of Dietary Replacement of Soybean Oil with Different Sources of Gamma‐Linolenic Acid on Fatty Acid Composition of Nile Tilapia
Authors: Schneider Vanessa Vivian Almeida , Carbonera Fabiana , Lopes Ana Paula , Santos Oscar Oliveira , Oliveira Cláudio Celestino , Souza Nilson Evelázio , Visentainer Jesuí Vergílio
Published: December 2014

Gamma‐linolenic acid (GLA) plays an important role in the prevention and/or treatment of certain diseases. In this work, we investigate the incorporation of GLA from supplemented feed diets with borage oil (BO) and evening primrose oil (EPO) as substitutes for soybean oil (SO) into the composition of tilapia fillet lipids. High contents of PUFA and n‐6 fatty acids were quantified in fish fillet after 30 days of treatment with SO, BO, and EPO. Feed diets containing BO and EPO were efficient in the incorporation of GLA into fish. Compared to the initial day of the experiment, the increase of GLA was significant (from 6.43 to 13.99 and 15.12 mg g−1, in lipids of fish treated for 30 days with BO and EPO, respectively). The increase of GLA was also observed in fish which were fed with SO diet (6.43–11.43 mg g−1). Principal component analysis (PCA) allowed the separation of the treatments and discriminated BO and EPO in a group of fish that received the GLA supplemented diet. In addition to GLA, n‐3 fatty acids were important in the characterization of SO diet and affected the separation of BO and EPO from SO in the PCA score plot.
The Non-uniqueness Property of the Intrinsic Estimator in APC Models
Authors: Pelzer Ben , te Grotenhuis Manfred , Eisinga Rob , Schmidt-Catran Alexander W.
Published: December 2014

This article explores an important property of the intrinsic estimator that has received no attention in literature: the age, period, and cohort estimates of the intrinsic estimator are not unique but vary with the parameterization and reference categories chosen for these variables. We give a formal proof of the non-uniqueness property for effect coding and dummy variable coding. Using data on female mortality in the United States over the years 1960–1999, we show that the variation in the results obtained for different parameterizations and reference categories is substantial and leads to contradictory conclusions. We conclude that the non-uniqueness property is a new argument for not routinely applying the intrinsic estimator.
GENERALITY AND EXISTENCE: QUANTIFICATIONAL LOGIC IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: PLATO JAN VON
Published: December 2014

Frege explained the notion of generality by stating that each its instance is a fact, and added only later the crucial observation that a generality can be inferred from an arbitrary instance. The reception of Frege’s quantifiers was a fifty-year struggle over a conceptual priority: truth or provability. With the former as the basic notion, generality had to be faced as an infinite collection of facts, whereas with the latter, generality was based on a uniformity with a finitary sense: the provability of an arbitrary instance.
Comparison of a Silver-Coated Needleless Connector and a Standard Needleless Connector for the Prevention of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Jacob Jesse T. , Chernetsky Tejedor Sheri , Dent Reyes Mary , Lu Xin , Easley Kirk A. , Aurand William L. , Garrett Gina , Graham Kimberly , Holder Carolyn , Robichaux Chad , Steinberg James P.
Published: December 2014

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of a novel, silver-coated needleless connectors (NCs) on central-line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates compared with a mechanically identical NCs without a silver coating.

DESIGN

Prospective longitudinal observation study

SETTING

Two 500-bed university hospitals

PATIENTS

All hospitalized adults from November 2009 to June 2011 with non-hemodialysis central lines

INTERVENTIONS

Hospital A started with silver-coated NCs and switched to standard NCs in September 2010; hospital B started with standard NCs and switched to silver-coated NCs. The primary outcome was the difference revealed by Poisson multivariate regression in CLABSI rate using standard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance definitions. The secondary outcome was a comparison of organism-specific CLABSI rates by NC type.

RESULTS

Among 15,845 hospital admissions, 140,186 central-line days and 221 CLABSIs were recorded during the study period. In a multivariate model, the CLABSI rate per 1,000 central-line days was lower with silver-coated NCs than with standard NCs (1.21 vs 1.79; incidence rate ratio=0.68 [95% CI: 0.52–0.89],P=.005). A lower CLABSI rate per 1,000 central-line days for the silver-coated NCs versus the standard NCs was observed withS. aureus(0.11 vs 0.30,P=.02), enterococci (0.10 vs 0.27,P=.03), and Gram-negative organisms (0.28 vs 0.63,P=.003) but not with coagulase-negative staphylococci (0.31 vs 0.36) orCandidaspp. (0.42 vs 0.40).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of silver-coated NCs decreased the CLABSI rate by 32%. CLABSI reduction efforts should include efforts to minimize contamination of NCs.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–8
Influence of Home Care on Life Satisfaction, Loneliness, and Perceived Life Stress
Authors: Kadowaki Laura , Wister Andrew V. , Chappell Neena L.
Published: December 2014

Des preuves solides ont établi les avantages de l'utilisation par des services médicaux et de santé des soins à domicile pour les personnes âgées. Cependant, seulement recherche clairsemée a été menée sur les avantages psycho-sociaux potentiels. Les adultes plus âgés (65 ans et plus) recevant des soins à domicile sont compares avec des personnes qui ont des besoins non-satisfaits (si ils ont reçu des soins à domicile ou non) sur trois indicateurs clés de la qualité de vie—la satisfaction de vie, la solitude et le stress de vie perçue. Les données sont tirées des répondants à l'Enquête sur la santé dans les collectivités canadiennes 2008–2009 qui répondaient aux critères de l'étude (n = 3,244). Les analyses de régression ont montré que les personnes âgées dont leurs besoins en matière de soins à domicile sont satisfaits ont rapporté des niveaux plus élevés de satisfaction de la vie, et les niveaux inférieurs de la solitude et le stress de la vie perçue, que ceux qui ont des besoins non satisfaits, déduction faite des co-variables aléatoires. Les résultats suggèrent que de combler cette lacune de soins à domicile élèverait de manière significative la qualité de vie en augmentant la résilience sociale et environnementale du vieillissement chez soi.
Measuring Acculturation and Enculturation among Chinese Canadian Older Adults
Authors: Tieu Yvonne , Konnert Candace
Published: December 2014

Il est important de déterminer l'adaptation culturelle; cependant, la plupart des mesures d'acculturation sont uni-dimensionnelles, avec peu de données psychométriques pour les immigrants plus âgés. Cette étude a évalué une mesure bi-dimensionnelle, l'indice d'acculturation Vancouver (IAV; Ryder, Alden, et Paulhus, 2000), parmi 149 patients (âge moyen = 73,92 années) Canadiens d'origine chinoise. Les cohérences internes étaient 0,84 et 0,83 pour les sous-échelles du grand public et du patrimoine, respectivement, et ils étaient orthogonal. La validité convergente et discriminante ont été démontrées par des corrélations entre les sous-échelles prévues IAV et l'âge à l'immigration, les années au Canada, la maîtrise de l'anglais, la croyance dans la culture chinoise et l'échelle de valeurs (CCCV; Lai et Chau, 2007). Le VIA a représenté beaucoup plus de la variance dans la capacité de la langue de la BCCV, au-dessus et au-delà des procurations d'acculturation. L'analyse factorielle exploratoire reproduit la structure à deux facteurs signalés par Ryder et al. (2000). Une analyse factorielle confirmatoire a indiqué un ajustement médiocre. Cette étude prend en charge un modèle bi-dimensionnel d'adaptation culturelle entre Canadiens chinois plus âgés.
Computer-mediated input, output and feedback in the development of L2 word recognition from speech
Authors: Matthews Joshua , Cheng Junyu , O’Toole John Mitchell
Published: December 2014

This paper reports on the impact of computer-mediated input, output and feedback on the development of second language (L2) word recognition from speech (WRS). A quasi-experimental pre-test/treatment/post-test research design was used involving three intact tertiary level English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Classes were either assigned to a control group (n=31) or to one of two alternative treatment levels which used a web-based computer application enabling self-determined opportunities to repeatedly listen to and reconstruct spoken target text into its written form. Treatment group one (n=30) received text feedback after each of their efforts at target text reconstruction, whereas treatment group two (n=35) did not. Results indicated that word recognition gain scores of those who used the application, regardless of treatment level, were significantly higher than those of the control group. The relationship between the quantity of self-determined exposure to input and word recognition improvements was moderate but not linear, with those choosing moderate levels of speech input deriving the greatest measurable improvement. Neither increased levels of modified output nor the provision of text feedback were associated with significant improvements in word recognition gain scores. Implications for computer-mediated approaches for the development of L2 WRS are described and areas for future empirical research are suggested.
Factors influencing the distribution and abundance of endemic pigeons on São Tomé Island (Gulf of Guinea)
Authors: CARVALHO MARIANA , FA JULIA E. , REGO FRANCISCO C. , LIMA RICARDO F. DE , SANTOS GABRIEL , PALMEIRIM JORGE M.
Published: December 2014

Understanding the factors that determine habitat use and abundance of exploited species is essential to develop effective conservation strategies. We studied the four forest pigeons on São Tomé Island to assess the species’ distribution and abundance patterns. We determined ecological factors likely to be associated with each species’ use of habitats and numbers, as well as the influence of hunting pressure. In total, 35 km of line transects were surveyed in the rainy season and at the start of the dry season. Pigeons differed in their use of habitats; there were also strong seasonality effects. The most abundant species was the Lemon Dove Columba simplex, the only non-hunted species. The São Tomé Green Pigeon Treron sanctithomae and Maroon Pigeon Columba thomensis were less abundant and had more restricted ranges. Both species were strongly associated with old-growth forests. In contrast, the Bronze-naped Pigeon Columba malherbii was relatively abundant and widespread; this species favours human-altered habitats such as shade forests and non-forested areas. Fruit availability measured within the different habitats was linked with the distribution and abundance of the three hunted species. Potential human predation pressure on all species was determined from hunting signs found along the surveyed transects. There was a significant negative correlation between the abundance of two of the hunted species and hunting pressure. Our results indicate the importance of adequately protecting old-growth and secondary forests as core habitats for the survival of viable populations of all pigeon species in the island. However, control of hunting is also crucial.
Association of MTHFR A1298C polymorphism with conotruncal heart disease
Authors: Sayin Kocakap Beyza D. , Sanli Cihat , Cabuk Feryal , Koc Murat , Kutsal Ali
Published: December 2014

Congenital heart diseases are common congenital anomalies with 1% prevalence worldwide and are associated with significant childhood morbidity and mortality. Among a wide range of aetiologically heterogeneous conditions, conotruncal anomalies account for approximately one-third of all congenital heart defects. The aetiology of conotruncal heart diseases is complex, with both environmental and genetic causes. Hyperhomocysteinaemia, which is often accompanied by the defects of folic acid metabolism, is known to cause conotruncal heart anomalies. In this study, we have evaluated three polymorphisms in the following two hyperhomocysteinaemia-related genes: methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T and A1298C) and nicotinamide N-methyl transferase (NNMT rs694539) in 79 children with conotruncal heart disease and 99 children without conotruncal heart disease. Genotype distribution of the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups. In the case group, AC and CC genotypes were higher than the control group (p<0.05). We have found that MTHFR A1298C polymorphism is associated with conotruncal heart disease; C allele (p=0.028), AC (OR[95% CI]=2.48[1.24–4.95], p=0.010), CC (OR[95% CI]=3.01[1.16–7.83], p=0.023), and AC+CC (OR[95% CI]=2.60[1.36–4.99], p=0.004) genotypes are more frequent in the patient group. Genotype distributions of the MTHFR C677T and NNMT rs694539 polymorphisms were similar in the two groups when evaluated separately and also according to the dominant genetic model (p>0.05). Our results suggest that MTHFR 1298C allele is a risk factor for conotruncal heart disease.
From Worlds to Cases: Case Selection and ‘Other Worlds’ in the Welfare Modelling Business
Authors: Kim Ki-tae
Published: December 2014

The case selection issue has long been neglected in cross-national welfare regime studies, despite its importance in securing validity and reliability. This article reviews thirty-three studies that produced their own welfare regime typology, and analyses their case selection practices. They can be divided into five groups in terms of their case sizes: from Esping-Andersen's (1990) original eighteen nations to ‘all’ nations. Three peculiar patterns can be observed in the approaches. First, more than two-thirds of studies still focus on the old set of eighteen nations, arguably ignoring emerging welfare states. Second, theoretical tension exists between ‘isolationists’ and ‘expansionists’ on the exportability of the welfare regime concept to wider cases. Lastly only a few studies have clarified and justified their case selections. It is concluded that the welfare modelling business needs to rectify the common practice of ignoring case selection issues.
Mo-doped SnO2 mesoporous hollow structured spheres as anode materials for high-performance lithium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Xuekun , Li Zhaoqiang , Zhang Zhiwei , Li Qun , Guo Enyan , Wang Chengxiang , Yin Longwei
Published: December 2014

We designed a facile infiltration route to synthesize mesoporous hollow structured Mo doped SnO2 using silica spheres as templates.
Asymmetric synthesis of poly-substituted spirocyclohexane oxindole via a squaramide catalyzed cascade Michael–Michael–aldol sequence
Authors: Sun Qiang-Sheng , Chen Xiao-Yang , Zhu Hua , Lin Hua , Sun Xing-Wen , Lin Guo-Qiang
Published: December 2014

Asymmetric synthesis of spirocyclohexane oxindoles bearing six contiguous stereocenters has been achieved in good yields (up to 85%) with excellent stereoselectivities (>20 : 1 dr, >99% ee).
Highly stretchable and super tough nanocomposite physical hydrogels facilitated by the coupling of intermolecular hydrogen bonds and analogous chemical crosslinking of nanoparticles
Authors: Shi Fu-Kuan , Wang Xi-Ping , Guo Ruo-Hai , Zhong Ming , Xie Xu-Ming
Published: December 2014

Nanocomposite physical hydrogels fabricated by a one-step polymerization show ultra-extensibility and toughness due to an effective strengthening mechanism.
A cross-linking graphene oxide–polyethyleneimine hybrid film containing ciprofloxacin: one-step preparation, controlled drug release and antibacterial performance
Authors: Huang Tiefan , Zhang Lin , Chen Huanlin , Gao Congjie
Published: December 2014

A graphene oxide film was cross-linked by polyethyleneimine as a novel drug delivery system which showed excellent antibacterial performance.
Thiophene–tetrafluorophenyl–thiophene: a promising building block for ambipolar organic field effect transistors
Authors: Sonar Prashant , Chang Jingjing , Shi Zugui , Wu Jishan , Li Jun
Published: December 2014

A thiophene–tetrafluorophenyl–thiophene building block was used in combination with a furan-substituted diketopyrrolopyrrole for synthesizing the polymer semiconductor,PDPPF-TFPT.PDPPF-TFPTexhibits ambipolar behaviour with hole and electron mobilities as high as 0.40 cm2V−1s−1and 0.12 cm2V−1s−1.
Photoluminescence and energy transfer rates and efficiencies in Eu3+activated Tb2Mo3O12
Authors: Baur F. , Glocker F. , Jüstel T.
Published: December 2014

Highly efficient Tb3+/Eu3+energy transfer was observed in red emitting Tb2Mo3O12powders and ceramics. It possesses an increased absorption in the UV-A/blue spectral region with an excellent QE of 94%. It is superior in efficacy to red emitters like Sr2Si5N8:Eu and CaAlSiN3:Eu. Transfer rates were calculated from rise times employing a newly developed method.
Highly luminescent nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots as effective fluorescent probes for mercuric and iodide ions
Authors: Li Zi , Yu Huijun , Bian Tong , Zhao Yufei , Zhou Chao , Shang Lu , Liu Yanhui , Wu Li-Zhu , Tung Chen-Ho , Zhang Tierui
Published: December 2014

Nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) prepared via a one-step hydrothermal reaction exhibited highly selective and sensitive detection of Hg2+ and I− through fluorescence quenching and recovery processes, respectively.
Cultural and Linguistic Considerations: The Case of Persian
Authors: Namazi Mahchid
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the reader to the Persian language of Iran while embedding it in the larger context of Persian culture and Iranian-Americans. It will provide the practicing speech-language pathologist's (SLPs) basic information about the linguistic structure of Persian, as spoken by Iranian-Americans to facilitate the provision of a culturally and linguistically appropriate evaluation of Persian heritage language speakers living in the United States. According to the language use data collected by the United States Census Bureau of the 67 Indo-European languages spoken in U.S. homes, Persian ranked 9th above Greek, Urdu, and Gujarathi (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.). This is a surprising fact given the dearth of published research on Heritage speakers of Persian learning English and living in the United States. This phenomenon may partly be a consequence of the fact that the majority of Iranians value education and literacy and report high proficiency in English. Nevertheless, the potential risk that Iranian-Americans may be over- or under- identified may be greater than for other minority groups in the US due to the lack of information readily available to clinicians.
Porous, rigid metal(III)-carboxylate metal-organic frameworks for the delivery of nitric oxide
Authors: Eubank Jarrod F. , Wheatley Paul S. , Lebars Gaëlle , McKinlay Alistair C. , Leclerc Hervé , Horcajada Patricia , Daturi Marco , Vimont Alexandre , Morris Russell E. , Serre Christian
Published: December 2014

The room temperature sorption properties of the biological gas nitric oxide (NO) have been investigated on the highly porous and rigid iron or chromium carboxylate based metal-organic frameworks Material Institut Lavoisier (MIL)-100(Fe or Cr) and MIL-127(Fe). In all cases, a significant amount of NO is chemisorbed at 298 K with a loading capacity that depends both on the nature of the metal cation, the structure and the presence of additional iron(II) Lewis acid sites. In a second step, the release of NO triggered by wet nitrogen gas has been studied by chemiluminescence and indicates that only a partial release of NO occurs as well as a prolonged delivery at the biological level. Finally, an in situ infrared spectroscopy study confirms not only the coordination of NO over the Lewis acid sites and the stronger binding of NO on the additional iron(II) sites, providing further insights over the partial release of NO only in the presence of water at room temperature.
Preferred orientations of laterally grown silicon films over amorphous substrates using the vapor–liquid–solid technique
Authors: LeBoeuf J. L. , Brodusch N. , Gauvin R. , Quitoriano N. J.
Published: December 2014

A novel method has been optimized so that adhesion layers are no longer needed to reliably deposit patterned gold structures on amorphous substrates. Using this technique allows for the fabrication of amorphous oxide templates known as micro-crucibles, which confine a vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) catalyst of nominally pure gold to a specific geometry. Within these confined templates of amorphous materials, faceted silicon crystals have been grown laterally. The novel deposition technique, which enables the nominally pure gold catalyst, involves the undercutting of an initial chromium adhesion layer. Using electron backscatter diffraction it was found that silicon nucleated in these micro-crucibles were 30% single crystals, 45% potentially twinned crystals and 25% polycrystals for the experimental conditions used. Single, potentially twinned, and polycrystals all had an aversion to growth with the {1 0 0} surface parallel to the amorphous substrate. Closer analysis of grain boundaries of potentially twinned and polycrystalline samples revealed that the overwhelming majority of them were of the 60° Σ3 coherent twin boundary type. The large amount of coherent twin boundaries present in the grown, two-dimensional silicon crystals suggest that lateral VLS growth occurs very close to thermodynamic equilibrium. It is suggested that free energy fluctuations during growth or cooling, and impurities were the causes for this twinning.
Electrohydrodynamic deformation of thin liquid films near surfaces with topography
Authors: Ramkrishnan Aruna , Kumar Satish
Published: December 2014

Motivated by the use of electrostatic assist to improve liquid transfer in gravure printing, we use theory and experiment to understand how electric fields deform thin liquid films near surfaces with cavity-like topographical features. Lubrication theory is used to describe the film dynamics, and both perfect and leaky dielectric materials are considered. For sinusoidal cavities, we apply asymptotic methods to obtain analytical results that relate the film deformation to the other problem parameters. For trapezoidal-like cavities, we numerically solve evolution equations to study the influence of steep topographical features and the spacing between cavities. Results from flow visualization experiments are in qualitative agreement with the theoretical predictions. In addition to being relevant to printing processes, the model problems we consider are also of fundamental interest in and represent novel contributions to the areas of electrohydrodynamics and thin-liquid-film flows.