bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Clinicians Understand Quality Metric Data? An Evaluation in a Twitter‐Derived Sample
Authors: Govindan Sushant , Chopra Vineet , Iwashyna Theodore J.
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE

Despite significant efforts and cost, quality metrics do not consistently influence practice. While research has focused on improving data through statistical risk‐adjustment, whether clinicians understand these data is unknown. Therefore, we assessed clinician comprehension of central line‐associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) quality metric data.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional survey with an 11‐item test of CLABSI data comprehension. Each question assessed 1 of 3 concepts concerning CLABSI understanding: basic numeracy, risk‐adjustment numeracy, and risk‐adjustment interpretation. Hypothetical data were used and presented in a validated format.

PARTICIPANTS

Clinicians were recruited from 6 nations via Twitter to take an online survey. Clinician eligibility was confirmed by assessing responses to a question regarding CLABSI.

MAIN MEASURES

The primary outcome was percent correct of attempted questions pertaining to the presented CLABSI data.

RESULTS

Ninety‐seven clinicians answered at least 1 item, providing 939 responses; 72 answered all 11 items. The mean percentage of correct answers was 61% (95% confidence interval [CI], 57%‐65%). Overall, doctor performance was better than performance by nurses and other respondents (68% [95% CI, 63%‐73%] vs. 57% [95% CI, 52%‐62%], P = 0.003). In basic numeracy, mean percent correct was 82% (95% CI, 77%‐87%). For risk‐adjustment numeracy, the mean percent correct was 70% (95% CI, 64%‐76%). Risk‐adjustment interpretation had the lowest average percent correct, 43% (95% CI, 37%‐49%). All pairwise differences between concepts were statistically significant at P <0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

CLABSI quality metric comprehension appears low and varies substantially among clinicians. These findings may contribute to the limited impact of quality metric reporting programs, and further research is needed.
Inconsistency of surface‐based (SYNOP) and satellite‐based (MODIS) cloud amount estimations due to the interpretation of cloud detection results
Authors: Kotarba Andrzej Z.
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

Surface‐based and satellite‐based observations remain the fundamental source of cloud amount data for climatologists. However, both data sets show inconsistency related to the interpretation of instantaneous cloud detection, whether measured using the okta scale for surface‐based (SYNOP) observations or cloud mask classes (for satellite‐based observations). This study compared mean monthly SYNOP cloud amount with those reported for the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) cloud imager onboard Aqua and Terra satellites. Data were collected simultaneously (±10 min) over Poland between 2003 and 2013 (a total of 3240 MODIS passes). Results showed that in daytime conditions the average range of inconsistency for SYNOP (10.8%) is similar to MODIS (10.1%). However, for MODIS it doubles (20.9%) at nighttime. This is attributed to the change in frequency of MODIS cloud mask intermediate classes. Furthermore, in particular months' range of inconsistency for MODIS exceeded 20% in daytime and 50% at nighttime, while maximum values for SYNOP were always lower than 20% (a consequence of the okta scale). The findings also confirmed that the standard procedure used to interpret SYNOP okta values (i.e. the assumption that 1 okta equals 12.5%) is a relatively accurate (±2%) estimate of monthly mean cloud amount, although this assumes that surface‐based observers always correctly assign the correct okta value to the cloud fraction. Finally, the error in the SYNOP cloud amount estimation was correlated with the average cloud amount for a given location. Those findings will improve the reliability of cloud amount validation efforts that use SYNOP data as a reference.
Detection of lunasin in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and the in vitro evaluation of its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities
Authors: Ren Guixing , Zhu Yingying , Shi Zhenxing , Li Jianhui
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Lunasin is a novel cancer‐preventive peptide that has been detected in various plants. However, the presence and bioactivity of lunasin in quinoa have not been demonstrated.

RESULTS

Lunasin was detected in quinoa using ultrahigh‐pressure liquid chromatography–electrosparay ionization–mass spectrometry. The content in 15 quinoa samples ranged from 1.01 × 10−3 g kg−1 dry seed to 4.89 × 10−3 g kg−1 dry seed. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in lunasin content among different cultivars (yy22, xsg86, xsg59, yy30 and yy19) from the same area and the same cultivar from different areas (Hainan, Hebei and Shanxi provinces) were observed. The lunasin isolated and purified from quinoa (QLP) exhibited a weak DPPH radical scavenging activity (no IC50 value), but a strong ABTS+ radical scavenging activity (IC50 value, 1.45 g L−1) and oxygen radical scavenging activity (40.06 µmol L−1 Trolox equivalents/g QLP when the concentration was 3.20 g L−1). In addition, QLP inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 on lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages by up to 44.77%, 39.81% and 33.50%, respectively, at a concentration of 0.40 g L−1.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these findings indicate that lunasin presents in quinoa and is bioactive, which strengthens the recommendations for the development of quinoa‐based functional foods. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel symbiovar (aegeanense) of the genus Ensifer nodulates Vigna unguiculata
Authors: Tampakaki Anastasia P , Fotiadis Christos T , Ntatsi Georgia , Savvas Dimitrios
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) forms nitrogen‐fixing root nodules with diverse symbiotic bacteria, mainly slow‐growing rhizobial species belonging to the genus Bradyrhizobium, although a few studies have reported the isolation of fast‐growing rhizobia under laboratory and field conditions. Although much research has been done on cowpea‐nodulating bacteria in various countries around the world, very limited information is available on cowpea rhizobia in European soils. The aim of this study was to study the genetic and phenotypic diversity of indigenous cowpea‐nodulating rhizobia in Greece.

RESULTS

The genetic diversity of indigenous rhizobia associated with cowpea was investigated through a polyphasic approach. ERIC‐PCR based fingerprinting analysis grouped the isolates into three groups. Based on the analysis of the 16S rRNA genes, IGS and on the concatenation of six housekeeping genes (recA, glnII, gyrB, truA, thrA and SMc00019), rhizobial isolates were classified within the species Ensifer fredii. However, symbiotic gene phylogenies, based on nodC, nifH and rhcRST genes, showed that the Ensifer isolates are markedly diverged from type and reference strains of E. fredii and formed one clearly separate cluster. The E. fredii strains were able to nodulate and fix nitrogen in cowpea but not in soybean and common bean.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that cowpea is nodulated under field conditions by fast‐growing rhizobia belonging to the species E. fredii. Based on the phylogenies, similarity levels of symbiotic genes and the host range, the Ensifer isolates may constitute a new symbiovar for which the name ‘aegeanense’ is proposed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Lagoon nurseries make a major contribution to adult populations of a highly prized coastal fish
Authors: Tournois Jennifer , Darnaude Audrey M. , Ferraton Franck , Aliaume Catherine , Mercier Lény , McKenzie David J.
Published: February 2017

This study investigated the contributions of five putative nursery areas, namely four coastal lagoons and the marine coastal zone, to the local offshore fishery of the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata, in the Gulf of Lion (NW Mediterranean). A detailed database of multi‐elemental lagoon and marine otolith signatures was developed, based upon analysis of multiple sequential spots across growth bands of the otoliths of juveniles (n = 142) sampled from the habitats over a 5‐yr interval. Adults of 10 annual cohorts (n = 114), fished throughout the Gulf, were then submitted to a similar microchemical analysis of the growth band of their otoliths that was formed after nursery settlement in their first year. Using the juvenile signature database and Random Forest classification algorithms, adults were re‐assigned to the lagoons or marine coastal zone as a nursery. More than 80% of adults derived from lagoons, being ≥ 85.0% for five consecutive cohorts. Therefore, the marine coastal zone apparently contributed few adults, especially as a function of surface area. The four lagoons differed, however, in their contribution to the S. aurata fishery. Two lagoons qualified as “Effective Juvenile Habitats” that contributed more than 20% of the adults fished. Two shallow brackish lagoons were “Nursery‐Role Habitats” that contributed almost twice as many adults, per unit surface area, as the overall average. Such information can support strategies for sustainable management of multiple coastal lagoon habitats, and of valuable fisheries that depend upon them.
Fractional microplasma radiofrequency technology for non‐hypertrophic post‐burn scars in Asians: A prospective study of 95 patients
Authors: Wang Shen , Mi Jing , Li Qingfeng , Jin Rui , Dong Jiying
Published: February 2017

Background

Laser and other energy devices are emerging, minimally invasive treatments for scars. Among the various techniques, fractional microplasma radiofrequency technology (FMRT) has proven to be an effective treatment option for various types of scars and skin conditions such as rhytids, striae distensae, and hyperpigmentation.

Objective

This prospective clinical trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FMRT for treating non‐hypertrophic post‐burn scars in the Asian population.

Method

All patients underwent three to five treatment sessions at various intervals of 8–16 weeks. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales (POSAS) [20] were used to evaluate changes in burn scars pre‐and post‐FMRT treatment.

Results

A total of 95 patients completed the study. The overall response rate was 86.3% (82/95). The total POSAS scores before and after 6 months of treatment were 53.41 ± 6.28 and 46.35 ± 5.30, respectively. There was statistically significant improvement in scar color, thickness, and pliability. There was no improvement in vascularization, pain, or itching. Complications included prolonged post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation, acne eruption, herpes simplex eruption, and abnormal hair growth. No severe adverse events, such as acute skin infection, hypertrophic scarring, or depigmentation, were observed.

Conclusion

FMRT is an efficacious, safe treatment for non‐hypertrophic burn scars in the Asian population. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:563–569, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solution‐Processable Hyperbranched Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles Based on C3h‐Symmetric Benzotrithiophene for Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Xiaofu , Zhang Zijian , Hang Hao , Chen Yonghong , Xu Yuxiang , Tong Hui , Wang Lixiang
Published: February 2017

The development of photovoltaic polymers based on C3h‐symmetric benzotrithiophene (C3h‐BTT), an analogue of the well‐known benzodithiophene (BDT) donor unit, has been severely limited due to difficult processability. Here the authors report the preparation of solution‐processable C3h‐BTT‐based hyperbranched conjugated polymer nanoparticles (BTT‐HCPNs) with tunable particle sizes via Stille miniemulsion polymerization. Compared with the corresponding star‐shaped small molecule (C3h‐BTT core with three diketopyrrolopyrrole arms, BTT‐3DPP) with a wide bandgap (1.83 eV), both BTT‐HCPNs show strong aggregation even in dilute solutions, leading to much‐extended absorption (up to ≈1000 nm) and lower bandgaps (1.38 eV). The larger BTT‐HCPN particle exhibits stronger aggregation and more extended absorption than the smaller one. As a result, solar cells fabricated from BTT‐HCPNs/PC71BM solutions show a power conversion efficiency up to 1.51% after DIO additive treatment, much higher than that of BTT‐3DPP (0.31%).

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Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate in Fabrication of Carbon Black‐Filled Epoxy Porous for Conductive Application
Authors: Leemsuthep Anusha , Mohd Nayan Nurul Ain , Zakaria Zunaida , Uy Lan Du Ngoc
Published: February 2017

Carbon black‐filled epoxy porous (CBEP) was fabricated by using single emulsion technique. Mixture of epoxy, polyamide hardener, sodium bicarbonate (as blowing agent) and carbon black (as conductive filler) was dropped into a heated corn oil at 160 °C (containing free of polyunsaturated fatty acids). The epoxy‐oil system was stirred at 1000 rpm for 1 hour. Because of the immiscibility of epoxy mixture and corn oil, droplets of epoxy mixture were formed. Initial epoxy droplets were broken into small droplets due to the applied shear (from stirring). Receiving heat from oil phase, the decomposition of sodium bicarbonate and the curing reaction of epoxy and polyamide occurred simultaneously so CBEP was formed. It was found that sodium bicarbonate exhibited a significant effect on the morphology, thermal and conductivity properties of CBEP. Increase of sodium bicarbonate's content from 4 phr to 12 phr could produce larger epoxy particle size in CBEP. However, CBEP using 20 phr of sodium bicarbonate's content had the lowest particle size. The content of 20 phr could induce an early and strong decomposition reaction in the initial epoxy droplets, which broke them into smaller size; hence the smaller particle size was obtained after curing. This fact was evident from the result of bulk density, where higher sodium bicarbonate content induced lower bulk density of CBEP. Furthermore, CBEP using higher sodium bicarbonate content also exhibited better electrical conductivity.
Grafting of Amylopectin With Various Alkyl Methacrylate by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization for Engineering Application
Authors: Handayani Aniek S. , Chalid Mochamad , Budianto Emil , Priadi Dedi
Published: February 2017

Amylopectin (Ap) was grafted with three different methacrylate by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to create controllable hydrophobic chain on amylopectin. The macro initiator Amylopectin‐Ethyl α‐bromoisobutyrate (Ap‐EBiB) was prepared by esterification of hydroxyl groups on amylopectin with Ethyl α‐Bromoisobutyrate (EBiB). In this research, amylopectin was grafted with methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl methacrylate (BMA) and hexyl methacrylate (HMA) and the grafting conditions were optimized. Influence of grafting conditions on % monomer conversion, and % grafting efficiency were studied. Grafted samples were analyzed for their thermal behavior using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and grafting was confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that increasing length of alkyl chains increased grafting efficiency but improved the thermal behavior with better properties. The result of this study indicated that the Amylopectin‐g‐PHMA have % grafting higher than others.
The in Vitro Degradation of PLGA/Nanoapatite/Lauric Acid Composite Membrane: A Comparative Study in Phosphate Buffer Saline and Simulated Body Fluid
Authors: Jamuna‐Thevi K. , Suleiman Muhammed J. , Sabri Siti N.
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of ionic content of immersion medium on the degradation of PLGA based composite membranes intended for guided bone regeneration applications. The in vitro degradation of pure poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) membranes and PLGA/nanoapatite (NAp)/lauric acid (LA) graded composite membranes was studied for 12 weeks in two types of immersion mediums, i.e., phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37°C with a controlled pH condition at 7.4. A comparative immersion study between PBS and SBF showed weight loss in PBS soaked composite membranes whereas a continuous weight gain was observed in SBF soaked membranes due to induction of calcium phosphate minerals as evidenced in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The apatite mineralisation on SBF soaked membrane surfaces reflects its excellent in vitro bone bioactivity. The new apatite mineralisation on composite membrane surfaces is referred to the possible positive impact in vivo for new bone regeneration. Hence, it can be concluded that SBF is a closely mimicking physiological environment that enables one to fine‐tune the genuine degradation behavior of membranes compared to PBS for potential clinical applications.
Studies on Non‐Isothermal Crystallisation and Viscoelastic Properties of Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) and Epoxidized Natural Rubber Blends
Authors: Akram Faridah M.M. , Chan Chin Han , Salim Yoga Sugama , Gan Seng Neon , Kumar K. Sudesh
Published: February 2017

Study on non‐isothermal crystallisation and viscoelastic properties were done on the blends of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate [P(3HB‐co‐3HHx)] with 21 mol% of poly(3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (3HHx) and epoxidized natural rubber with 25 mol% of epoxy content (ENR‐25). Non‐isothermal crystallisation, carried out with different cooling rates held constant, is discussed in terms of a quasi‐isothermal approach. The crystallisation temperature of P(3HB‐co‐3HHx) in the blends decreases with increasing cooling rate from 20 to 1 °C/min . Besides that, at one selected cooling rate, the crystallisation temperature of P(3HB‐co‐3HHx) decreases as ENR‐25 content increases in the blends. The addition of ENR‐25 at constant cooling rate increases the average rate constant. In DMA study, the storage modulus (É) decreases as ENR‐25 content increases due to ENR‐25 elastic nature.
Properties of Wood Polymer Nanocomposites Impregnated With ST‐co‐EDA/Nanoclay
Authors: Islam Maidal Saiful , Azmee N.S.B.M. , Ashaari Zaidon , Ahmad AdibAiman Sinin Hamdan , Rasyid Abdul , Islam Kh. Nurul
Published: February 2017

Study has been made on manufactured wood polymer nanocomposites (WPNC) from Sesendok wood through impregnation of Styrene (ST), Ethyldimethylamine (EDA) and Montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay. The impregnation process of the wood samples by vacuum‐pressure method with in‐situ polymerization of prepolymer mixture was used. The wood samples structural properties were investigated with Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) found to be extensively changed upon ST‐co‐EDA/MMT impregnated. The mechanical properties of the WPNC samples were significantly increased by ST‐co‐EDA/MMT treatment. Thermal properties of WPNC samples were also evaluated using themogravimetric analysis (TGA) and an improvement in thermal stability was found for WPNC. WPNC has shown excellent resistance against weathering effect while exposed to surrounding. WPNC can be used to replace plastic and synthetice materials for its excellent properties and high market demand of the modern society.
Synthesis and Characterisation Of Highly Fluorescent Polythiophene Based Composite Nanofibers
Authors: Mazdi Nur Zuria Mohd , Nordin Nurul Aida , Rahman Norizah Abdul
Published: February 2017

Fluorescent conducting polymer, polythiophene (PT) and PT derivative, poly (3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) were synthesised using chemical oxidative polymerisation technique. The polymerisation period for PT were varied to examine the effect of polymerisation time on the properties of PT. PT and P3HT showed interesting characteristics including high fluorescent, whereas the PT synthesised in 3 hours (PT(3h)) has shown antimicrobial properties. The antibacterial activity of PT and PT3HT obtained was evaluated againstBacillus subtilis(B145),Escherichia coli(E266), andCandida albicans(C244). This antibacterial study demonstrated that PT (3h) contains antimicrobial properties on both Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. From the solubility test, PT (3h) and P3HT were further used in the preparation of the composite nano/microfibers with polystyrene (PS) through electrospinning technique. These fibres have the potential to be used in a range of applications that includes antimicrobial materials and sensing.
Levodopa‐Responsive Parkinsonism Associated with Giant Virchow‐Robin Spaces: A Case Report
Authors: Shoeibi Ali , Litvan Irene
Published: February 2017

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Probability forecasts with observation error: what should be forecast?
Authors: Jolliffe I. T.
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

When probability forecasts are made of a binary event, a commonly used measure for assessing the forecasts is the Brier score. One of its properties is that it is proper, meaning that its expected value cannot be improved by the forecaster issuing a probability other than his/her true belief. This property assumes that the occurrence or otherwise of the forecast event is recorded without error. This note investigates what forecast should be made in order to minimize the expected value of the Brier score when errors are present in the observations. Should it still be the forecaster's true belief or should it be something else, implying that the forecaster should hedge his/her forecast? The answer is that it depends on whether the forecaster can model the error mechanism or whether the error mechanism is unknown. It is shown that in the former case the forecaster's true belief of the probability of the event should still be forecast. However, in the case of an unknown error mechanism, the forecaster should attempt to forecast the probability that the erroneous observation indicates that the event has occurred, rather than the true probability of the event.
On‐bead combinatorial synthesis and imaging of europium(III)‐based paraCEST agents aids in identification of chemical features that enhance CEST sensitivity
Authors: Singh Jaspal , Rustagi Vineeta , Zhang Shanrong , Sherry A. Dean , Udugamasooriya D. Gomika
Published: February 2017

The rate of water exchange between the inner sphere of a paramagnetic ion and bulk water is an important parameter in determining the magnitude of the chemical exchange saturation transfer signal from paramagnetic CEST agents (paraCEST). This is governed by various geometric, steric and ligand field factors created by macrocyclic ligands surrounding the paramagnetic metal ion. Our previous on‐bead combinatorial studies of di‐peptoid–europium(III)–1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetraacetic acid (DOTA)–tetraamide complexes revealed that negatively charged groups in the immediate vicinity of the metal center strongly enhances the CEST signal. Here, we report a solid phase synthesis and on‐bead imaging of 76 new DOTA derivatives that are developed by coupling with a single residue onto each of the three arms of a DOTA–tetraamide scaffold attached to resin beads. This single residue predominantly carries negatively charged groups blended with various physico‐chemical characteristics. We found that non‐bulky negatively charged groups are best suited at the immediate vicinity of the metal ion, while positive, bulky and halogen containing moieties suppress the CEST signal. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Results of surgical excision of urethral prolapse in symptomatic patients
Authors: Hall Mary E. , Oyesanya Tola , Cameron Anne P.
Published: February 2017

Aim

Here, we present the clinical presentation and surgical outcomes of women with symptomatic urethral prolapse presenting to our institution over 20 years, and seek to provide treatment recommendations for management of symptomatic urethral prolapse and caruncle.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records from female patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic urethral prolapse from June 1995 to August 2015 was performed. Surgical technique consisted of a four‐quadrant excisional approach for repair of urethral prolapse.

Results

A total of 26 patients were identified with a mean age of 38.8 years (range 3‐81). The most common presentations were vaginal bleeding, hematuria, pain, and dysuria. All patients underwent surgical excision of urethral prolapse via a standard approach. Follow‐up data was available in 24 patients. Six patients experienced temporary postoperative bleeding, and one patient required placement of a Foley catheter for tamponade. One patient experienced temporary postoperative urinary retention requiring Foley catheter placement. Three patients had visible recurrence of urethral prolapse, for which one later underwent re‐excision.

Conclusion

Surgical excision of urethral prolapse is a reasonable treatment option in patients who have tried conservative management without relief, as well as in those who present with severe symptoms. Possible complications following excision include postoperative bleeding and recurrence, and patients must be counseled accordingly. In this work, we propose a treatment algorithm for symptomatic urethral prolapse.
Activation of the mTOR dependent signaling pathway underlies ketamine‐induced uropathy
Authors: Lin Chih‐Chieh , Yang An‐Hang , Lin Alex Tong‐Long
Published: February 2017

AIMS

To investigate the pathogenic role of activation of the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) in the ketamine induced microvascular injury.

METHODS

Twenty‐three patients with ketamine‐induced cystitis (KC) and 16 control volunteers were recruited. Bladder tissues were obtained from both groups by cystoscopic biopsies. Phospho‐S6 ribosomal protein (p‐S6RP), an end product of the mTOR pathway, was stained in the urinary bladder from both groups. Endothelial cells of the urinary bladder (HBdMECs) were examined to investigate the in vitro activation of the mTOR pathway and the co‐expression of the endothelial marker (cluster of differentiation 31 [CD31]) and the mesenchymal marker (fibroblast‐specific protein 1 [FSP‐1]).

RESULTS

Expression of p‐S6RP increased significantly after ketamine exposure, especially in the vesical microvessels of KC patients. In HBdMECs treated with 100 µM Ketamine, time‐dependent activation of the mTOR pathway occurred, with significantly increased levels of the phosphorylated forms of mTOR at 30 min and of S6RP and p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) at 6 h. The increased level of p‐S6RP returned to baseline within 2 days after ketamine exposure. The co‐expression of CD31 and FSP‐1 implied that EndMT was present in HBdMECs at 7 days after ketamine treatment, while TGF‐β1 facilitated significant up‐regulation of FSP‐1 at 1 day after treatment. Furthermore, when the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin was administered with ketamine to the HBdMECs, the expression of FSP‐1 decreased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Ketamine induces activation of the mTOR pathway and subsequent mesenchymal phenotypic expression (FSP1) in HBdMECs.
Antibacterial membranes based on chitosan and quaternary ammonium salts modified nanocrystalline cellulose
Authors: Liu Ying , Li Mei , Qiao Mingyu , Ren Xuehong , Huang Tung‐Shi , Buschle‐Diller Gisela
Published: February 2017

Etherification of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) with three kinds of quaternary ammonium salts epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride, N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐dodecyl‐N‐(1,2‐epoxypropyl) ammonium chloride (DMDEPAC), and N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐octadecyl‐N‐(1,2‐epoxypropyl) ammonium chloride (DMOEPAC) was successfully performed via a nucleophilic addition reaction. The synthesized DMDEPAC and DMOEPAC were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance. The modified NCC particles, NCC epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride, NCC‐DMDEPAC, and NCC‐DMOEPAC, were characterized by energy dispersive spectrometer. Nanocomposite films based on chitosan (CS) containing quaternary ammonium salts modified NCC were prepared with nanoparticle loadings of 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0%, respectively. The effect of nanoparticle content on the tensile strength of composite films was studied. The results indicated that the films with 5.0% nanoparticle loading exhibited the biggest increase in tensile strength. Surface morphology, smoothness, and antibacterial properties of composite films containing 5% modified NCC were also studied. CS/NCC‐DMDEPAC‐5.0 and CS/NCC‐DMOEPAC‐5.0 displayed excellent biocidal abilities against both Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Gram‐negative Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC 43895). The bio‐based nanocomposite films with increased mechanical strength and excellent antibacterial properties show great potential as food packaging materials. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personality, coping, and social support as predictors of long‐term quality‐of‐life trajectories in older breast cancer survivors: CALGB protocol 369901 (Alliance)
Authors: Durá‐Ferrandis Estrella , Mandelblatt Jeanne S. , Clapp Jonathan , Luta George , Faul LeighAnne , Kimmick Gretchen , Cohen Harvey Jay , Yung Rachel L. , Hurria Arti
Published: February 2017

Background

To determine long‐term quality‐of‐life (QOL) trajectories among breast cancer survivors aged 65+ (older) evaluating the effects of personality and social support.

Methods

Older women (N = 1280) newly examined with invasive, nonmetastatic breast cancer completed baseline assessments. Follow‐up data were collected 6 and 12 months later and then annually for up to 7 years (median 4.5 years). Quality of life was assessed using EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 emotional, physical, and cognitive scales. Optimism (Life Orientation Test), Coping (Brief COPE), and social support (Medical Outcomes Study) were assessed at baseline. Group‐based trajectory modeling identified QOL trajectories; multinomial regression evaluated effects of predictors on trajectory groups. Age, education, systemic therapy, comorbidity, and reported precancer function (SF‐12) were considered as controlling variables.

Results

Three trajectories were identified for each QOL domain: “maintained high,” “phase shift” (lower but parallel scores to “maintained high” group), and “accelerated decline” (lowest baseline scores and steepest decline). Accelerated decline in emotional, physical, and cognitive function was seen in 6.9%, 31.8%, and 7.6% of older survivors, respectively. Maladaptive coping and lower social support increased adjusted odds of being in the accelerated decline group for all QOL domains; lower optimism was only related to decline in emotional function. Chemotherapy was related to physical and cognitive but not emotional function trajectories.

Conclusions

Personality and social resources affect the course of long‐term emotional well‐being of older breast cancer survivors; treatment is more important for physical and cognitive than emotional function. Early identification of those vulnerable to deterioration could facilitate clinical and psychological support.
Feasibility of multiple breath washout measurements in infants with bronchiolitis: A pilot study
Authors: Stafler Patrick , Weinreb Sigal , Mussaffi Huda , Mei‐Zahav Meir , Prais Dario , Steuer Guy , Bar‐On Ophir , Hoshen Moshe , Blau Hannah
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Lung clearance index (LCI) reflects ventilation inhomogeneity and is raised in obstructive airway disease. Feasibility of multiple breath washout (MBW) measurement during acute lung disease in infants is unknown. As a further measure of disease, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) may paradoxically decrease in acute bronchiolitis. We hypothesized that MBW measurements were attainable in infants with bronchiolitis and that LCI was raised and eNO reduced, compared to normal controls.

METHODS

Infants with acute bronchiolitis were tested with sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) MBW during hospitalization and compared to controls. Tidal breathing and eNO parameters were obtained. Measurements were performed during natural sleep.

RESULTS

Twenty‐nine infants with bronchiolitis aged 3.7 ± 2.3 months (mean ± SD) and 23 controls aged 4.2 ± 2.5 months (P = 0.07) were evaluated. Fifteen of 29 (52%) infants with bronchiolitis and 19/23 (83%) controls achieved ≥2 valid MBW measurements. Reasons for test failure included waking up during facemask application and an irregular respiratory pattern. LCI was 8.4 ± 0.8 in the study group and 7.3 ± 0.7 in controls (P < 0.001). ENO was 2.3 ± 2.7 ppb in the study group and 7.9 ± 6.9 ppb in controls (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

MBW measurements during natural sleep are feasible but technically challenging in infants with acute bronchiolitis. LCI is raised compared to healthy controls. Larger trials, possibly using sedation protocols and shortened washout periods, are required to corroborate these findings. LCI can potentially serve as an objective indicator of severity and could be considered as a biomarker for future interventional trials.
Synthesis and in vivo fungicidal activity of some new quinoline derivatives against rice blast
Authors: Liu Xing‐Hai , Fang Yue‐Ming , Xie Feng , Zhang Rui‐Rui , Shen Zhong‐Hua , Tan Chen‐Xia , Weng Jian‐Quan , Xu Tian‐Ming , Huang Hong‐Ying
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Quinoline derivatives possess excellent fungicidal activity against rice blast, but quinoline derivatives have not been thoroughly explored as fungicides. In the process of designing new fungicides, the 1,1,1,2,3,3,3‐heptafluoropropan‐2‐yl group was introduced in order to find new structure quinoline derivatives.

RESULTS

Seventeen new quinoline derivatives containing 1,1,1,2,3,3,3‐heptafluoropropan‐2‐yl moiety were designed and synthesised. In vivo fungicidal activities of these compounds were tested against rice blast. Some of the compounds provided effective control at 100 mg L−1, and a few compounds were effective at 10 mg L−1. Furthermore, a density functional theory study established the structure–activity relationships of the synthesised compounds.

CONCLUSION

Quinoline derivatives, especially benzyl (2,3,8‐trimethyl‐6‐(perfluoropropan‐2‐yl)quinolin‐4‐yl) carbonate, which possess good control effective against rice blast and cucumber powdery mildew, may become new lead compounds for the development of fungicides with further structure modification. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Aza‐amino acid scanning of chromobox homolog 7 (CBX7) ligands
Authors: Traoré Mariam , Gignac Michael , Doan Ngoc‐Duc , Hof Fraser , Lubell William D.
Published: February 2017

An aza‐amino acid scan of peptide inhibitors of the chromobox homolog 7 (CBX7) was performed to study the conformational requirements for affinity to the methyllysine reader protein. Twelve azapeptide analogues were prepared using three different approaches employing respectively N‐(Fmoc)aza‐amino acid chlorides and submonomer azapeptide synthesis to install systematically aza‐residues at the first four residues of the peptide, as well as to provide aza‐lysine residues possessing saturated and unsaturated side chains. The aza‐peptide ligands were evaluated in a chromobox homolog 7 binding assay, providing useful insight into structural requirements for affinity. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pauli spin blockade in CMOS double quantum dot devices
Authors: Kotekar‐Patil D. , Corna A. , Maurand R. , Crippa A. , Orlov A. , Barraud S. , Hutin L. , Vinet M. , Jehl X. , De Franceschi S. , Sanquer M.
Published: February 2017

Silicon quantum dots are attractive candidates for the development of scalable, spin‐based qubits. Pauli spin blockade in double quantum dots provides an efficient, temperature independent mechanism for qubit readout. Here, we report on transport experiments in double gate nanowire transistors issued from a complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) process on 300 mm silicon‐on‐insulator wafers. At low temperature the devices behave as two few‐electron quantum dots in series. We observe signatures of Pauli spin blockade with a singlet–triplet splitting ranging from 0.3 to 1.3 meV. Magneto‐transport measurements show that transitions which conserve spin are shown to be magnetic‐field independent up to T.
Flocking of multi‐agent nonholonomic systems with unknown leader dynamics and relative measurements
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐Wen , Guan Zhi‐Hong , Li Juan , Zhang Xian‐He , Chen Chao‐Yang
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we consider the distributed flocking control problem of multi‐agent nonholonomic systems with a virtual leader whose dynamics is unknown; state information is time varying and not available to all agents under both fixed and switching topologies. On the basis of the relative velocity and orientation information of neighboring agents, two distributed discontinuous control protocols are designed for fixed and switching topologies, respectively. By using tools from algebraic graph theory and nonsmooth analysis, the proposed distributed discontinuous control protocols guarantee that the velocities and orientations of the agents exponentially converge to the velocity and orientation of the virtual leader, respectively, while ensuring collision avoidance of the whole group, if the interaction graph among agents is undirected and the virtual leader with bounded time‐varying velocity has directed paths to other agents. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Was a university bound by its administrators’ assurances of continued employment?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: February 2017

University of Wisconsin‐Oshkosh baseball coach Thomas Lechnir proposed a new stadium and offered to lead the fundraising for the project.
Sustainable Development: The Effects of Social Normative Beliefs On Environmental Behaviour
Authors: Wang Edward Shih‐Tse , Lin Hung‐Chou
Published: February 2017

Sustainable development has become a global concern because of problems of environmental pollution, energy consumption and climate change. Sustainable development requires that individuals from all sectors contribute to protecting the environment. Although numerous studies have investigated the relationship between social normative beliefs and environmental behaviour, the results of these studies have varied. Scant attention has been devoted to clarifying the mechanism underlying the influence of social normative beliefs on environmental behaviour by testing mediators. The present study explored the mediating effect of environmental perceptions on the relationship between social normative beliefs and environmental behaviour. A convenience sampling method was employed to establish a sample consisting of 453 young adults aged 18–30 years. Structural equation modelling was employed for data analyses. Results revealed that environmental perceptions (perceived effectiveness and environmental responsibility) completely mediate the relationship between social normative beliefs (descriptive normative beliefs and injunctive normative beliefs) and environmental behaviour. This finding suggests that environmental practitioners might develop effective programs that motivate individuals to engage in environmental behaviour to achieve sustainable development from the social influence perspective. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
What Does the Media Mean by ‘Sustainability’ or ‘Sustainable Development’? an Empirical Analysis of Sustainability Terminology in German Newspapers Over Two Decades
Authors: Fischer Daniel , Haucke Franziska , Sundermann Anna
Published: February 2017

There is broad agreement that the regulative idea of sustainability needs to be specified in public deliberation so that it can contribute to sustainable development policies and practices. The media plays a critical role in this endeavor. However, journalists commonly criticize the terminology of ‘sustainability’ and ‘sustainable development’ as blurred, fuzzy and ambiguous. The vibrant controversy over how journalists should engage with the sustainability terminology is however facing an apparent lack of research on how sustainability terminology actually has been embraced and used in the media.

This study aims to close the aforementioned research gaps in providing a twofold account of the field in Germany. First, in a trend analysis, it sketches the usage of sustainability terminology in six major German newspapers from 1995 to 2015. Second, in an in‐depth analysis for the three years 2001, 2007 and 2013, more than 16 000 usages of sustainability terminology have been coded according to their underpinning meaning. The findings show that sustainability terminology in major German newspapers is used in about twice as many articles in 2015 compared with 1995. What changes is not only the frequency, but also the meanings, with which sustainability terminology is used. There is an apparent tendency towards a ‘semantic consolidation’ of sustainability terminology in the post‐2000 years. The meaning thereby moves away from a non‐specific and replaceable fashion word towards a more sophisticated and elaborated reflection of the concept of sustainable development. Data analysis finds that political alignment of the newspaper plays a critical role in this. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The interlaminar shear strength and tribological properties of PA 6 composites filled with graphene oxide‐treated carbon fiber
Authors: Ming Yang , Yao Li , Qiujun Liao , Di Yang
Published: February 2017

The objective of this work is to improve the interlaminar shear strength and tribological properties of the PA 6 composites by graphene oxide‐treated carbon fiber (CF) and ultraviolet irradiation of PA 6. The morphologies of untreated and treated CFs were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Surface analysis showed that after treatment, the surface of CFs chemisorbed oxygen‐containing groups; active carbon atom, the surface roughness, and wetting ability were increased. The results show that the treated CF composites can possess excellent interfacial properties and tribological properties accordingly after treatment. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multielement concentration analysis of Swiss mice brains on experimental model of Alzheimer's disease induced by β‐amyloid oligomers
Authors: Almeida D.S. , Santos R.S. , Anjos M.J. , Ferreira S.T. , Souza A.S. , Lopes R.T.
Published: February 2017

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an insidious, progressive, and irreversible brain disorder that leads to memory loss and severe cognitive decline. However, the discovery that soluble β‐amyloid oligomers are potent central nervous system neurotoxins has led to a new view of AD pathogenesis. Metals, such as zinc, iron, and copper, are all increased in the aged brain, and the contents of those metals in the brain of AD patients are higher than non‐AD people. So, altered homeostasis of metal may result in the development of AD. Total reflection X‐ray fluorescence analysis (TXRF) is a multielement analytical technique, which can be used for elemental trace analysis. In this work, TXRF was used to evaluate the elemental concentration and distribution on mice brain regions. Three groups were studied: control, AD10, and AD100, being the two latter were given a single intracerebroventricular injection of 10 pmol and 100 pmol (β‐amyloid oligomers), respectively, to induce experimental AD. All samples were submitted to acid digestion. The TXRF measurements were performed at the X‐Ray Fluorescence Beamline at Brazilian National Synchrotron Light Laboratory, using a monochromatic beam (11.5 keV) for the excitation. It was possible to determine the concentrations of the following elements: P, S, K, Fe, Cu, and Zn. Results showed differences in the elemental concentration in some brain regions between the AD groups and the control group. Furthermore, the difference in the hypothalamus in AD10 groups, both female and male, suggests an association between AD and changes in these elements. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generalized Fiducial Inference for Logistic Graded Response Models
Authors: Liu Yang , Hannig Jan
Published: February 2017

Samejima’s graded response model (GRM) has gained popularity in the analyses of ordinal response data in psychological, educational, and health-related assessment. Obtaining high-quality point and interval estimates for GRM parameters attracts a great deal of attention in the literature. In the current work, we derive generalized fiducial inference (GFI) for a family of multidimensional graded response model, implement a Gibbs sampler to perform fiducial estimation, and compare its finite-sample performance with several commonly used likelihood-based and Bayesian approaches via three simulation studies. It is found that the proposed method is able to yield reliable inference even in the presence of small sample size and extreme generating parameter values, outperforming the other candidate methods under investigation. The use of GFI as a convenient tool to quantify sampling variability in various inferential procedures is illustrated by an empirical data analysis using the patient-reported emotional distress data.
Daytime Locations in Spatial Mismatch: Job Accessibility and Employment at Reentry From Prison
Authors: Sugie Naomi F. , Lens Michael C.
Published: February 2017

Individuals recently released from prison confront many barriers to employment. One potential obstacle is spatial mismatch—the concentration of low-skilled, nonwhite job-seekers within central cities and the prevalence of relevant job opportunities in outlying areas. Prior research has found mixed results about the importance of residential place for reentry outcomes. In this article, we propose that residential location matters for finding work, but this largely static measure does not capture the range of geographic contexts that individuals inhabit throughout the day. We combine novel, real-time GPS information on daytime locations and self-reported employment collected from smartphones with sophisticated measures of job accessibility to test the relative importance of spatial mismatch based on residence and daytime locations. Our findings suggest that the ability of low-skilled, poor, and urban individuals to compensate for their residential deficits by traveling to job-rich areas is an overlooked and salient consideration in spatial mismatch perspectives.
Maternal dipyrone treatment during lactation in mice reduces maternal behavior and increases anxiety‐like behavior in offspring
Authors: Veronesi Vanessa Barbosa , Batista Tatiane Helena , Ribeiro Ana Cláudia Alves Freire , Giusti‐Paiva Alexandre , Vilela Fabiana Cardoso
Published: February 2017

Dipyrone (metamizole), a powerful drug, is widely used as an analgesic and antipyretic; however, the safety of its use during lactation and the potential impact on the offspring are not well established. This study aimed to determine the effect of maternal dipyrone treatment during lactation on offspring development and emotional behavior and on the dam's maternal behavior. Hence, on postnatal day (PND) 2, drinking water only or drinking water containing dipyrone at doses of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg/day, were offered to lactating mothers up to PND9. Thereafter, all mice were provided regular drinking water. On PND2, all litters were culled to 8 pups (4 males and 4 females). Maternal behavior was evaluated at PND3, 6, 9, and 12, and at PND7 we evaluated locomotor activity in the open field. Reflex parameters and physical development of offspring were evaluated during lactation. At PND7, analysis of ultrasonic vocalization (USV) was performed. When the animals reached adolescence, we evaluated their performance in the open field, elevated plus maze (EPM), and marble burying. Our data demonstrated that maternal dipyrone treatment during lactation not only altered maternal behavior and the onset of physical and neurodevelopmental landmarks but also had an impact on anxiety‐like behavior in offspring.