bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adding Laboratory Data to Hospital Claims Data to Improve Risk Adjustment of Inpatient/30-Day Postdischarge Outcomes
Authors: Pine Michael , Fry Donald E. , Hannan Edward L. , Naessens James M. , Whitman Kay , Reband Agnes , Qian Feng , Schindler Joseph , Sonneborn Mark , Roland Jaclyn , Hyde Linda , Dennison Barbara A.
Published: February 2016

Numerical laboratory data at admission have been proposed for enhancement of inpatient predictive modeling from administrative claims. In this study, predictive models for inpatient/30-day postdischarge mortality and for risk-adjusted prolonged length of stay, as a surrogate for severe inpatient complications of care, were designed with administrative data only and with administrative data plus numerical laboratory variables. A comparison of resulting inpatient models for acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, coronary artery bypass grafting, and percutaneous cardiac interventions demonstrated improved discrimination and calibration with administrative data plus laboratory values compared to administrative data only for both mortality and prolonged length of stay. Improved goodness of fit was most apparent in acute myocardial infarction and percutaneous cardiac intervention. The emergence of electronic medical records should make the addition of laboratory variables to administrative data an efficient and practical method to clinically enhance predictive modeling of inpatient outcomes of care.
Inspired by “Frustrated Expectations”
Authors: Barnes William R.
Published: February 2016

“Fragmented Regionalism” by Savitch and Adhikari includes a critical commentary on metropolitan regionalism and the literature about it, as well as a proposed set of ideas labeled “fragmented regionalism.” The presentation is valuable for its testimony about an intellectual journey and for its suggestion about avenues for further exploration.
The informalization of capital and interlocking in labour contracting networks
Authors: Mezzadri Alessandra
Published: February 2016

Analyses of labour contracting crucially inform studies of labour informalization and precarious work in industrial systems and production networks. Challenging conceptualizations emphasizing contractors’ intermediary role, and drawing from debates on petty commodity production and interlocking, this article analyzes labour contractors in the home-based embroidery sector in Bareilly, India. It shows that these are informal capitalists, rather than intermediaries. Workers’ precariousness is not due to intermediation, but to the way in which surplus extraction is secured interlocking labour and credit markets, and broader realms of social reproduction. Interventions targeting intermediation may not always ameliorate the lives of the working poor.
Second order electoral rules and national party systems: The Duvergerian effects of European Parliament elections
Authors: Prosser Christopher
Published: February 2016

The effects of electoral rules on party systems have been well known since Duverger first proposed his famous law. Often considered ‘second order’ in terms of issues and voting behaviour, many European Parliament elections are held under different electoral rules to national elections. This article examines the consequences of these differences and hypothesizes that where a more permissive electoral system is used for European Parliament elections, the size of the party system at European Parliament elections will grow towards what we would expect from the European Parliament electoral rules in isolation, and that this will lead to a subsequent growth in the size of the national party system. Using multi-level mixed-effect growth curve modelling support is found for both these hypotheses.
Influence of model parameters and the vane response method on a low-order prediction of fan broadband noise
Authors: Grace Sheryl M
Published: February 2016

The influence of modeling choices on a low-order method for predicting broadband interaction noise downstream of a fan stage in a turbofan engine is explored. The general method relies on experimentally or computationally obtained rotor-wake turbulence parameters as input. These parameters are used together with the Liepmann spectrum to define the inflow into the exit guide vane. Strip-theory allows the full 3D vane response to be constructed using a gust response model for a 2D vane. The sound power in the duct downstream of the exit guide vanes is calculated using the Green’s method for an annular duct. Comparison is made between the predictions obtained with a 2D flat-plate cascade gust response and a 2D flat-plate airfoil gust response. In addition, the effect of the inclusion of real vane geometry via an asymptotic gust response method is investigated. It is shown that for the current modeling method, a cascade response must be used and that the asymptotic method does not extend to high enough camber and angle of attack to be representative of modern vane geometries. It is concluded that the simpler flat-plate-based model is sufficient.
Progression of unilateral moyamoya disease resulted in spontaneous occlusion of ipsilateral cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula: Case report
Authors: Liu Peng , Xu Ya , Lv Xianli , Ge Huijian , Lv Ming , Li Youxiang
Published: February 2016

The pathogenic association between cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula (CDAVF) and moyamoya disease remains unclear. This unusual case is the first report of a progression of unilateral moyamoya disease resulting in the spontaneous occlusion of ipsilateral CDAVF. A 52-year-old woman presented with two-week spontaneous exophthalmos, chemosis and tinnitus, and cerebral angiography showed a right CDAVF coexisting with ipsilateral moyamoya disease. Transvenous approaches through the inferior petrosal sinus and facial vein were attempted but failed. However, a progression of the moyamoya disease and disappearance of the CDAVF were observed on one month follow-up angiogram in accordance with the resolution of clinical symptoms. This extremely rare coincidental presentation may have deeper pathogenic implications. This case report may give a clue to the underlying mechanism of the progression of moyamoya disease and occlusion of the CDAVF.
The role of support staff as people move from congregated settings to group homes and personalized arrangements in Ireland
Authors: García Iriarte Edurne , Stockdale Janine , McConkey Roy , Keogh Fiona
Published: February 2016

The movement of people with intellectual disabilities into the community is increasingly endorsed by public policy. Whilst staff are critical to a successful transition to the community, there is only scattered research on their role in supporting people to move. In this study, 32 staff and the 16 people with intellectual disabilities they supported to move from congregated settings to group homes or personalized living arrangements in the community were interviewed on two occasions, before (time 1) and after (time 2) the move. In congregated settings, staff steered the move to community living, they helped them to settle in community group homes and supported them to increase control over their lives in personalized community arrangements, where they support became increasingly more personalized and geared towards community participation and development of social relationships. Implications for staff training are drawn.
Perinatal determinants of D-dimer levels in a cross-sectional study of low risk pregnant women
Authors: Murphy NM , Khashan AS , Broadhurst DI , Gilligan O , O’Donoghue K , Kenny LC
Published: February 2016

Background

To examine perinatal determinants of the antenatal levels of D-dimers.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of 760 low risk pregnant women recruited into five gestational groups. Variables examined in antenatal groups included maternal age, body mass index, parity, smoking, family history venous thromboembolism (VTE) and previous use of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP). Onset of labour and mode of delivery were also examined in the post-natal group.

Results

D-dimer levels in group 4 (38–40 + 6) were significantly lower in the women with a history of taking the OCP when compared to those that had not taken it in the past ( P = 0.027). In the day 2 post-natal group, the median level of D-dimer was significantly higher in primparous when compared to multiparous women ( P = 0.015). The median D-dimer levels were significantly lower in the elective Caesarean section group in comparison to spontaneous onset ( P = 0.003) and induction of labour ( P = 0.016). When the mode of delivery was examined, the median D-dimer levels were significantly lower in those that had an elective Caesarean section when compared to normal vaginal delivery ( P = 0.008) and instrumental vaginal delivery ( P = 0.007). Women post elective Caesarean section had a significantly lower D-dimer than those after emergency Caesarean section ( P = 0.008).

Discussion

There are some significant differences in D-dimer levels when certain perinatal determinants are examined. This work is potentially beneficial to the future diagnosis of VTE in pregnancy as it supports previously published recommended D-dimer levels for the diagnosis of VTE in pregnancy.
Evidence of the efficacy and safety of the thulium laser in the treatment of men with benign prostatic obstruction
Authors: Barbalat Yana , Velez Marissa C. , Sayegh Christopher I. , Chung Doreen E.
Published: February 2016

In 2005, the high power thulium laser was introduced for the surgical treatment of benign prostatic obstruction. It has several properties that confer theoretical advantages over other lasers used for the same indication, such as technical versatility and a relatively small zone of thermal damage. Studies using the 70–150 W thulium laser systems demonstrate good efficacy of these procedures with low morbidity and few complications even in higher risk patients. Different techniques have been employed to treat the prostate with this technology, including enucleation, vapoenucleation, vaporization and resection. Comparative studies have been published comparing thulium laser prostatectomy to monopolar transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), bipolar TURP and holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP). In this review we discuss the current literature on the safety and efficacy of various thulium techniques for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and examine comparative studies.
Conservative management of the post-traumatic stiff elbow: a physiotherapist’s perspective
Authors: Jones Val
Published: February 2016

Elbow stiffness is a common consequence following trauma with the management of this condition posing a challenge to therapists and surgeons alike. This paper discusses the role of conservative treatment, such as exercise and splinting, in the prevention and management of the stiff elbow, along with a review of available evidence, to justify their usage.
Introduction and Welcome
Authors: Dator Jim
Published: February 2016

We intend World Future Review ( WFR) to be the source for information about futures studies as an academic and applied discipline. What distinguishes WFR from other futures journals is that (as a rule) it will not have articles about “the future” or “the futures of x,” but rather about futures studies as an academic and applied discipline—the roots of futures studies; the basic concepts, theories, and methods; how it has changed over time; its present state; alternative and preferred futures for futures studies itself. Modern futures studies began simultaneously at various places around the world after the Second World War. It has a rich history that needs to be known and utilized to advance the field both academically and professionally. To illustrate this, we have begun here a list of early and more recent sources, and commented on the content of some of them. We challenge you to improve our list of sources, and to use them to help deepen and strengthen the knowledge base of futures studies by contributing articles on this subject to WFR.
Thickening of the optic nerves in metachromatic leucodystrophy: A new MRI finding
Authors: Roi Dylan , Mankad Kshitij , Kaliakatsos Marios , Cleary Maureen , Manzur Adnan , D’Arco Felice
Published: February 2016

Krabbe’s disease (KD) and metachromatic leucodystrophy (MLD) are both lysosomal storage disorders that share some common MRI features. Amongst the imaging findings useful to distinguish one from the other, optic chiasm/nerves thickening have been described as specific key features for differential diagnosis favouring KD. We report the first case of enlargement of the optic nerves and chiasm described in a patient with genetically confirmed MLD.
Feasibility of Home-Use Animal-Assisted Activities in Patients With Implanted Cardiac Electronic Devices
Authors: Jirak Peter , Gerger Daniel , Glenk Lisa M. , Wegner Christian , Stöllberger Claudia
Published: February 2016

Animal-assisted activities (AAAs) are mainly carried out in institutions. The aim of this prospective pilot study was to assess the willingness of patients with cardiac implanted electronic devices (IEDs) to participate in AAA. The sample included 75 ambulatory patients (18 females, M age = 69 years), who attended an outpatient clinic for control of antibradycardic pacemakers ( n = 15) or implanted cardioverter defibrillators ( n = 60). Twenty-three percent were current and 48% were previous pet-owners. Current pet-owners were younger than non-pet-owners (63.5 vs. 72.0 years, p = .0003). Twelve patients (16%) showed interest in AAA visits. However, only two patients agreed to an AAA visit. Both patients were visited once, but declined further visits. Hence, AAA sessions at home were poorly accepted, mainly because the patients considered themselves too busy or healthy, or due to a general disinterest in AAA. Potential health benefits associated with AAA may not be feasible to investigate during home visits of AAA-teams in patients with IEDs who are healthy enough to leave their homes. For further studies concerning AAA in patients with cardiovascular diseases, we suggest focusing on institutions like rehabilitation centers or day care centers and on more severely sick, homebound patients.
Blood eosinophils as a marker of response to inhaled corticosteroids in COPD
Authors: Barnes Neil C. , Sharma Raj , Lettis Sally , Calverley Peter M.A.
Published: February 2016

Identification of a biomarker that predicts response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) would help evaluate the risk/benefit profile of ICS in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and guide treatment.

The ISOLDE study randomised 751 patients (mean post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 1.4 L: 50% predicted normal) to fluticasone propionate 500 μg twice daily or placebo for 3 years, finding no difference in FEV1rate of decline between treatments (p=0.16) and a significant reduction in median exacerbation rate with fluticasone propionateversusplacebo (p=0.026). We re-analysed ISOLDE results by baseline blood eosinophil count to investigate whether eosinophil level predicts ICS benefit.

Patients with eosinophils <2% (n=456) had a similar rate of post-bronchodilator FEV1decline with fluticasone propionate as placebo (–2.9 mL·year−1; p=0.688). With eosinophils ≥2% (n=214), the rate of decline decreased by 33.9 mL·year−1with fluticasone propionateversusplacebo (p=0.003). Exacerbation rate reduction on ICS for fluticasone propionateversusplacebo was higher in the eosinophil <2% group compared with the ≥2% group; time-to-first moderate/severe exacerbation was not different between treatments in either group.

A baseline blood eosinophil count of ≥2% identifies a group of COPD patients with slower rates of decline in FEV1when treated with ICS: prospective testing of this hypothesis is now warranted.
How effective is ‘greening’ of urban areas in reducing human exposure to ground-level ozone concentrations, UV exposure and the ‘urban heat island effect’? A protocol to update a systematic review
Authors: Knight Teri , Price Sian , Bowler Diana , King Sian
Published: February 2016

Background

The impact of climate change on public health may occur through a number of main pathways including increased temperature, ground-level ozone levels and ultra-violet radiation, which have a range of consequences for human health. One strategy for adaptation to the predicted effects of climate change on health that has been proposed, is to ‘green’ urban areas, essentially by increasing the abundance and cover of vegetation. This protocol is for an update of a systematic review which aimed to address the question: How effective is ‘greening’ of urban areas in reducing human exposure to ground-level ozone concentrations, UV exposure and the ‘urban heat island effect’?

Methods

A sensitive search of multiple databases and relevant journals for relevant published articles will be conducted. A search for relevant unpublished articles will be undertaken through an internet search and of websites of relevant organisations. Inclusion criteria will be applied at title, abstract and full-text. Repeatability checks of this screening process will be undertaken. Articles included at full-text will be critically appraised using a standardised checklist. A repeatability check will be made of this process. Pre-defined data items will be extracted from included articles. If appropriate, quantitative synthesis will be undertaken through meta-analysis and/or a narrative synthesis will be undertaken.
Automated analysis of evolving interfaces during in situ electron microscopy
Authors: Schneider Nicholas M. , Park Jeung Hun , Norton Michael M. , Ross Frances M. , Bau Haim H.
Published: February 2016

In situ electron microscopy allows one to monitor dynamical processes at high spatial and temporal resolution. This produces large quantities of data, and hence automated image processing algorithms are needed to extract useful quantitative measures of the observed phenomena. In this work, we outline an image processing workflow for the analysis of evolving interfaces imaged during liquid cell electron microscopy. As examples, we show metal electrodeposition at electrode surfaces; beam-induced nanocrystal formation and dissolution; and beam-induced bubble nucleation, growth, and migration. These experiments are used to demonstrate a fully automated workflow for the extraction of, among other things, interface position, roughness, lateral wavelength, local normal velocity, and the projected area of the evolving phase as functions of time. The relevant algorithms have been implemented in Mathematica and are available online.
Developing an outpatient nurse-led stroke clinic in hospital: part 1
Authors: de Sousa Ismália
Published: February 2016

Strokes are medical conditions that develop due to a blockage in the artery (ischaemic stroke) or bleeding within or around the brain (haemorrhagic stroke). Secondary stroke prevention is part of the role of the clinical nurse specialist. In one stroke care centre in London, stroke survivors reported long waiting times between hospital discharge and follow-up appointment along with a need for advice and support. A nurse-led stroke clinic in hospital focusing on hypertension and dyslipidaemia was set up in December 2014. This article is the first part of two and will explain the development of the nurse-led clinic. It will also give an overview of stroke and secondary prevention.
Changes in axial alignment of the ipsilateral hip and knee after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Akiyama K. , Nakata K. , Kitada M. , Yamamura M. , Ohori T. , Owaki H. , Fuji T.
Published: February 2016

Aims

We investigated changes in the axial alignment of the ipsilateral hip and knee after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Patients and Methods

We reviewed 152 patients undergoing primary THA (163 hips; 22 hips in men, 141 hips in women) without a pre-operative flexion contracture. The mean age was 64 years (30 to 88). The diagnosis was osteoarthritis (OA) in 151 hips (primary in 18 hips, and secondary to dysplasia in 133) and non-OA in 12 hips. A posterolateral approach with repair of the external rotators was used in 134 hips and an anterior approach in 29 hips. We measured changes in leg length and offset on radiographs, and femoral anteversion, internal rotation of the hip and lateral patellar tilt on CT scans, pre- and post-operatively.

Results

The mean internal rotation increased by 11° (-15° to 46°) and was associated with underlying disease (OA), pre-operative range of internal rotation, gender, surgical approach, leg lengthening, and change of femoral anteversion (adjusted R2 : 0.253, p < 0.001). The mean lateral patellar tilt increased by 4° (-5° to 14°) and was associated with age, leg lengthening, and increment of hip internal rotation (adjusted R2: 0.193, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Both internal rotation of the hip at rest and lateral patellar tilt are increased after THA. Changes in rotation after THA may affect gait, daily activities, the rate of dislocation of the hip, and ipsilateral knee pain. Take home message: Internal rotation of the hip at rest and lateral patellar tilt increase after THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:349–58.
The Exeter Contemporary flanged cemented acetabular component in primary total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Maggs J. L. , Smeatham A. , Whitehouse S. L. , Charity J. , Timperley A. J. , Gie G. A.
Published: February 2016

Aims

We report on the outcome of the Exeter Contemporary flanged cemented all-polyethylene acetabular component with a mean follow-up of 12 years (10 to 13.9). This study reviewed 203 hips in 194 patients. 129 hips in 122 patients are still in situ; 66 hips in 64 patients were in patients who died before ten years, and eight hips (eight patients) were revised. Clinical outcome scores were available for 108 hips (104 patients) and radiographs for 103 hips (100 patients).

Patients and Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken of a consecutive series of 203 routine primary cemented total hip arthroplasties (THA) in 194 patients.

Results

There were no acetabular component revisions for aseptic loosening. Acetabular revision was undertaken in eight hips. In four hips revision was necessitated by periprosthetic femoral fractures, in two hips by recurrent dislocation, in one hip for infection and in one hip for unexplained ongoing pain. Oxford and Harris hip scores demonstrated significant clinical improvement (all p < 0.001). Radiolucent lines were present in 37 (36%) of the 103 acetabular components available for radiological evaluation. In 27 of these, the line was confined to zone 1. No component had migrated.

Conclusion

Kaplan–Meier survivorship, with revision for aseptic loosening as the endpoint, was 100% at 12.5 years and for all causes was 97.8% (95% confidence interval 95.6 to 100) when 40 components remained at risk. The Exeter Contemporary flanged cemented acetabular component demonstrates excellent survivorship at 12.5 years. Take home message: The Exeter Contemporary flanged cemented acetabular component has excellent clinical outcomes and survivorship when used with the Exeter stem in total hip arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:307–12.
Do trainee surgeons have an adverse effect on the outcome after total hip arthroplasty?
Authors: Reidy M. J. , Faulkner A. , Shitole B. , Clift B.
Published: February 2016

Aims

The long-term functional outcome of total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed by trainees is not known. A multicentre retrospective study of 879 THAs was undertaken to investigate any differences in outcome between those performed by trainee surgeons and consultants.

Patients and Methods

A total of 879 patients with a mean age of 69.5 years (37 to 94) were included in the study; 584 THAs (66.4%) were undertaken by consultants, 138 (15.7%) by junior trainees and 148 (16.8%) by senior trainees. Patients were scored using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) pre-operatively and at one, three, five, seven and ten years post-operatively. Surgical outcome, complications and survival were compared between groups. The effect of supervision was determined by comparing supervised and unsupervised trainees. A primary univariate analysis was used to select variables for inclusion in multivariate analysis.

Results

There was no evidence that the grade of the surgeon had a significant effect on the survival of the patients or the rate of revision (p = 0.987 and 0.405, respectively) up to 12 years post-operatively. There was no significant difference in post-operative functional HHS or total HHS among consultants, junior and seniors up to ten years post-operatively (p = 0.401 and 0.331), respectively. There was no significant difference in hospital stay (p = 0.855) between different grades of surgeons. There was no evidence that the level of supervision had an effect on the survival of the patients or the rate of revision (p = 0.837 and 0.203, respectively) up to 12 years post-operatively. There was no significant difference between supervised and unsupervised trainee groups in post-operative functional HHS or total HHS up to ten years post-operatively (p = 0.213 and 0.322, respectively). There was no significant difference in the mean hospital stay between supervised and unsupervised trainees (p = 0.908). Take home message: This study suggests that when trainees are appropriately supervised, they can obtain results comparable with those of their consultant colleagues when performing THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:301–6.
Diffusion tensor imaging of radiculopathy in patients with lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Eguchi Y. , Oikawa Y. , Suzuki M. , Orita S. , Yamauchi K. , Suzuki M. , Aoki Y. , Watanabe A. , Takahashi K. , Ohtori S.
Published: February 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the time course of changes in parameters of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) such as fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in patients with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. We also investigated the correlation between the severity of neurological symptoms and these parameters.

Patients and Methods

A total of 13 patients with unilateral radiculopathy due to herniation of a lumbar disc were investigated with DTI on a 1.5T MR scanner and underwent micro discectomy. There were nine men and four women, with a median age of 55.5 years (19 to 79). The changes in the mean FA and ADC values and the correlation between these changes and the severity of the neurological symptoms were investigated before and at six months after surgery.

Results

The mean FA values were significantly lower (p = 0.0005) and mean ADC values were significantly higher (p = 0.0115) in compressed nerves than in intact nerves. Although the FA values increased significantly at six months after surgical treatment (p = 0.020), the ADC values decreased but not significantly (p = 0.498). There were strong correlations between the DTI parameters such as the FA value and the severity of the neurological symptoms as assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ).

Conclusion

This preliminary study suggests that it may be possible to use DTI to diagnose, quantitatively evaluate and follow-up patients with lumbar nerve entrapment. Take home message: DTI is a potential tool for functional diagnosis of lumbar nerve damage. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:387–94.
Das traumatisierte Subjekt
Authors: Wuttig Bettina
Published: February 2016

Wie wird aus einem Menschen ein (Geschlechts-)Subjekt? Die Frage nach der Materialisierung von Geschlecht führt Bettina Wuttig mit einem kulturwissenschaftlichen Traumadiskurs zusammen. Über eine machttheoretische Lesart neurowissenschaftlicher Gedächtnistheorien und mit Bezug auf Judith Butler, Friedrich Nietzsche und Gilles Deleuze eröffnen sich (körper-)widerständige Perspektiven, die (geschlechtliche) Subjektivierungen als somatische Verletzungs- und Gedächtnispraxis sichtbar machen. Die Studie liefert wichtige Impulse für die Soma Studies - ein Denksystem, das den materiellen Körper im Verhältnis zu sozialen Praxen am Knotenpunkt von geisteswissenschaftlicher und kritischer natur- bzw. lebenswissenschaftlicher Epistemologie analysiert.
The Effect of chlorine on giardia cyst destruction isolated from different water sources in Maysan province
Authors: Al-Saad Rasha
Published: February 2016

G. lamblia was a binucleate flagellated protozoan parasite that infected the upper intestinal tract of human and many animal species. Giardiasis was the most frequently diagnosed water borne disease and the major public health concern of water utilities in the developed and developing nations. Water is an important vehicle for the transmission of Giardia to human and mammals. For identified the effect of chlorine on Giardia cyst. To detect viability of cyst in different chlorine concentration. To determine the threshold level of chlorine concentration that caused cyst destruction. Measure the pH, chlorine concentration, filtration processes and examined by zinc sulfate centrifugal flotation technique using. 50% of samples contain Giardia cysts which are untreated water sources. Cyst viability differs in different chlorine concentration in different period of time extend from few hours to more than twenty days. The extreme chlorine concentration which caused cyst destruction in hours is 1.5 mg/L.
Artificial Neural Network and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Interface System Modeling of Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Glycyrrhizic Acid from Glycyrrhiza glabra L
Authors: Hedayati Ali , Ghoreishi S. M.
Published: February 2016

In this study, the extraction of Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) from Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root was investigated by Soxhlet extraction and modified supercritical CO2 with water as co-solvents and 30 min of static extraction time. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify and quantitatively determine the amount of extracted GA recovery of supercritical CO2 extraction of GA. The extraction recovery was modeled by adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and artificial neural network (ANN). Different ANFIS networks (by changing the type of membership functions) were compared with evaluation of networks accuracy in GA recovery prediction and subsequently the suitable network was determined. A three-layer artificial neural network was also developed for modeling of GA extraction from licorice plant root. In this regard, different networks (by changing the number of neurons in the hidden layer and algorithm of network training) were compared with evaluation of networks accuracy in extraction recovery prediction. One-step secant back propagation algorithm with six neurons in hidden layer was found to be the most suitable network and the coefficient of determination (R2) was 98.5 %. Gaussian combination membership function (gauss2mf) using 2 membership function to each input was obtained to be optimum ANFIS architecture with mean square error (MSE) of 0.05,0.17 and 0.07 for training, testing and checking data, respectively.
Comparison of Desert-Adapted Helianthus niveus (Benth.) Brandegee ssp. tephrodes (A. Gray) Heiser to Cultivated H. annuus L. for Putative Drought Avoidance Traits at Two Ontogenetic Stages
Authors: Bowsher Alan W. , Milton Ethan F. , Donovan Lisa A.
Published: February 2016

Water availability is a major factor limiting plant productivity in both natural and agronomic systems. Identifying putative drought resistance traits in crops and their wild relatives may be useful for improving crops grown under water-limiting conditions. Here, we tested the expectation that a desert-dwelling sunflower species,Helianthus niveusssp.tephrodes(TEPH) would exhibit root and leaf traits consistent with greater ability to avoid drought than cultivated sunflowerH. annuus(ANN) in a common garden environment. We compared TEPH and ANN at both the seedling and mature stages under well-watered greenhouse conditions. For traits assessed at the seedling stage, TEPH required a longer time to reach a rooting depth of 30 cm than ANN, and the two species did not differ in root:total biomass ratio at 30 cm rooting depth, contrary to expectations. For traits assessed at the mature stage, TEPH had a higher instantaneous water use efficiency and photosynthetic rate on a leaf area basis, but a lower photosynthetic rate on a mass basis than ANN, likely due to TEPH having thicker, denser leaves. Contrary to expectations, ANN and TEPH did not differ in leaf instantaneous stomatal conductance, integrated water-use efficiency estimated from carbon isotope ratio, or nitrogen concentration. However, at both the seedling and mature stages, TEPH exhibited a lower normalized difference vegetative index than ANN, likely due to the presence of dense leaf pubescence that could reduce heat load and transpirational water loss under drought conditions. Thus, although TEPH root growth and biomass allocation traits under well-watered conditions do not appear to be promising for improvement of cultivated sunflower, TEPH leaf pubescence may be promising for breeding for drought-prone, high radiation environments.
Adsorptive Removal of Nitrogen and Sulfur Containing Compounds by SBA15 Supported Nickel (II) and Tungsten Phosphides and the Adsorption Mechanisms
Authors: Shahriar Syed , Han Xue , Lin Hongfei , Zheng Ying
Published: February 2016

SBA15 supported transition metal phosphides Ni2P/SBA15 and WP/SBA15 have been identified as promising adsorbents especially for removing neutral nitrogen-containing compounds. Adsorption of model nitrogen- and sulfur-containing compounds as well as light cycled oil (LCO) was performed and applied for the evaluation of kinetics and isotherms. The pseudo second-order kinetic model was well fitted to both nitrogen and sulfur adsorption data. Molecular size of the adsorbates plays an important role in the adsorption. Despite of higher initial adsorption rates, the adsorption capacities for carbazole and DBT were lower than those for indole and quinoline due to their larger molecular size. Monolayer adsorption was observed for quinoline due to the acid-base interaction between the basic nitrogen adsorbate and the weak acidic support. The Freundlich model was suitable in describing the adsorption of nitrogen- and sulfur-containing compounds from LCO. Cooperative adsorption took place when replacing the model compound DBT by the sulfur-containing compounds in LCO.
Truman Capote’s other Voices, other Rooms and Censorship in Communist Romania
Authors: Volceanov George
Published: February 2016

The paper presents the censored fragments of Mircea Ivănescu’s Romanian translation of Truman Capote’s Other Voices, Other Rooms, published by Univers Publishing House in 1978, as well as the translator’s (or the censor’s?) contribution to the “edulcoration” of certain details that did not comply with the Communist ethics of the late 1970s; it also discusses the reason why the Romanian version underwent a purging process at the time. Another issue tackled in the paper is the appraisal of Ivănescu’s merits and demerits as a renowned translator, in general, and as the translator of Capote’s novel, in particular.
Crystal structure of catena[diaqua-bis(μ
2-1,3-bis((1H-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene-κ2
N:N′)copper(II)] dinitrate, C20H24CuN18O8
Authors: Yang Zhi-Jun , Ni Tian-Jun , He Guang-Jie
Published: February 2016

C20H24CuN18O8, triclinic, P1̅, a = 8.033(4) Å, b = 9.641(5) Å, c = 10.724(5) Å, α = 77.318(5)°, β = 68.181(5)°, γ = 69.813(5)°, V = 719.7(6) Å3, Z = 1, R
gt
(F) = 0.0292, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.0726, T = 296(2) K.
The crystal structure of 1-(4-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-chlorophenyl)ethanone, C14H10Cl2O2
Authors: Lizhen Chen , Jianlong Wang
Published: February 2016

C14H10Cl2O2, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 5.8499(3) Å, b = 8.6822(4) Å, c = 24.6389(13) Å, V = 1251.41(11) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0355, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.0743, T = 113.9 K.
Crystal structure of 1-(5-benzoyl-4-methyl-2-(phenylamino)thiophen-3-yl)ethan-1-one, a structure with Z′ = 6, C20H17NO2S
Authors: Mabkhot Yahia N. , Barakat Assem , Al-Showiman Salim S. , Frey Wolfgang , Hamdi Ahmad Hadi , Ghabbour Hazem A.
Published: February 2016

C20H17NO2S, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 8.2737(5) Å, b = 16.6403(9) Å, c = 17.733(1) Å, α = 86.372(3)°, β = 86.317(4)°, γ = 78.607(3)°, V = 2385.2(2) Å3, Z = 6, R
gt
(F) = 0.0429, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.1086, T = 100 K.
Crystal structure of 6-(2-fluorophenyl)-3-phenyl-[1,2,4]-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole, C15H9FN4S
Authors: Al-Alshaikh Monirah A. , Ghabbour Hazem A. , Abdelbaky Mohammed S. M. , García-Granda Santiago , El-Emam Ali A.
Published: February 2016

C15H9FN4S, orthorhombic, Pna21 (no. 33), a = 18.9361(2) Å, b = 11.5248(1) Å, c = 6.0142(1) Å, V = 1312.52(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0263, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.0706, T = 100 K.
Drucksensoren aus Zirkonoxid-Keramik mit hochempfindlichen Sensorschichten
Authors: Schultes Günter , Cerino Mario , Langosch Matthäus , Kuberczyk Thomas , Vollberg Dennis , Göttel Dirk , Freitag-Weber Olivia , Probst Anne-Catherine
Published: February 2016

In diesem Beitrag stellen wir ein neues Konzept zum Aufbau von
resistiv arbeitenden Drucksensoren vor. Durch die Entwicklung von
hochempfindlichen Funktionsschichten im Verbund mit Sensorkörpern
aus der Hochleistungskeramik ZrO2 (stabilisiert mit
Y2O3) entsteht ein leistungsfähiges, ausfallsicheres und
kostengünstiges Sensorkonzept. Bedingt durch die
naturgemäßen guten Isolationseigenschaften des keramischen
Werkstoffs, in Verbindung mit einer fortschrittlichen
Dünnfilmtechnologie ist ein stark vereinfachter Aufbau
möglich. Die Membran benötigt keine Isolationsschicht, sie
trägt lediglich eine hochempfindliche Sensorschicht, welche mit
wenigen Laserschnitten zu einer Wheatstone'schen Brücke
strukturiert wird. Eine sichere elektrische Verbindung wird durch
Ultraschall-Bonden direkt auf der Dünnschicht realisiert, sodass
keine weiteren Kontaktschichten benötigt werden. Es wird eine
Aufbautechnik demonstriert, die eine Stahl-Keramik Klemmverbindung
sowie die Kapselung des Drucksensors einschließt. Erste Ergebnisse
von Labormustern der Drucksensoren mit einem Nenndruck von
100 bar werden präsentiert und diskutiert.
Mit Inkjet und Aerosol Jet® gedruckte Sensoren auf 2D- und
3D-Substraten
Authors: Keck Jürgen , Polzinger Bernhard , Matic Vladimir , Eberhardt Wolfgang , Zimmermann André
Published: February 2016

Digitale kontaktlose
Drucktechnologien wie Inkjet oder Aerosol
Jet® werden aufgrund ihrer Vorteile wie
einfacher Layoutanpassung, kurzer maskenloser
Prozessketten, einer großen Auswahl an nutzbaren
Substraten und Tinten – häufig auf der Basis von
Nanomaterialien – und einer gewissen
3D-Fähigkeit immer interessanter für die
Herstellung elektronischer Bauteile. In diesem Beitrag
werden gedruckte Sensoren beispielsweise zur Detektion von
Temperatur, Stress,
Intrusion, Feuchtigkeit oder Magnetfeldern
vorgestellt, die mittels Inkjet oder Aerosol
Jet®-Technologie
hergestellt wurden.
A First-Principles Study of Metal-Decorated Graphene Nanoribbons for Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Tranca Diana C. , Seifert Gotthard
Published: February 2016

On the basis of the first principle density functional theory (DFT) the stability, the
electronic structure and the hydrogen adsorption of a metal functionalized monolayer of
AGNR-O (armchair graphene nanoribbons) have been studied. The AGNR-O and
AGNR-OH structures were decorated with different metal atoms,
M = Ca, Mg, Ti. Ca and Mg as decorating metals
were found to be superior to the transition metals due to small cohesive energies (no
clustering) and the capability of binding multiple hydrogen molecules. The binding of up to
four hydrogen molecules to the alkaline earth and transition metal atoms has been
investigated. For the alkaline earth metal atoms the binding energy per H2
molecule is almost independent from the number of adsorbed H2 molecules. An
increase in the adsorption energy by a factor of six or even more, from
0.07 eV/H2 for “naked” nanoribbons to
0.35 eV/H2 or to 0.69 eV/H2 for
AGNR-O structures has been observed. This different hydrogen binding energy is due to
different construction of the AGNR-O edges. The AGNR edge terminations influence the
binding energies of the M/AGNR and consequently the H2 binding energies
on M/AGNR. If the binding energy between the metal atoms and AGNR is not very
strong, then H2 could bind much stronger to the M/AGNR. This could be
a possible route to 10 wt % hydrogen storage capacity.
Parental Choice of Recall Method for HPV Vaccination: A Pragmatic Trial
Authors: Kempe Allison , O'Leary Sean T. , Shoup Jo Ann , Stokley Shannon , Lockhart Steven , Furniss Anna , Dickinson L. Miriam , Barnard Juliana , Daley Matthew F.
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVES:

Completion rates for the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) series among adolescents remain low. Effectiveness of recall with parents choosing the method (preference-based recall) for increasing HPV series completion is unstudied. Within a cluster-randomized trial, we examined effectiveness of preference-based recall compared with usual care for increasing series completion and the association of recall choices with completion.

METHODS:

All Kaiser Permanente Colorado pediatric practices (n = 7) were randomized to intervention (n = 4) or control (n = 3) by using covariate-constrained randomization. From January to June 2013, parents at intervention practices whose adolescents received HPV 1 were asked the recall method they preferred for subsequent doses and if they also wanted their child reminded. Completion rates were assessed 1 year after HPV 1.

RESULTS:

At intervention practices, 374 (43%) of 867 patients were enrolled; 39% preferred text, 18% e-mail, 9% auto-dialer, and 34% 2-methods; 19% chose to have adolescent also recalled. Intervention adolescents were more likely to complete (63% vs 38%) than were controls (adjusted risk ratio 1.47 [1.38–1.57]) and less likely to be late in completing the series (45% vs 57%, P = .02). Rates of completion were similar between different recall methods, but significantly higher for those preferring e-mail and phone compared withother methods (90% vs 60%. P = .008). Completion rates were similar for adolescents who also received recalls (62%) versus those who did not (63%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Preference-based recall was effective in increasing HPV series completion rates, with point estimates substantially higher than for most published studies of reminder/recall.
Mental Health of Transgender Children Who Are Supported in Their Identities
Authors: Olson Kristina R. , Durwood Lily , DeMeules Madeleine , McLaughlin Katie A.
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE:

Transgender children who have socially transitioned, that is, who identify as the gender “opposite” their natal sex and are supported to live openly as that gender, are increasingly visible in society, yet we know nothing about their mental health. Previous work with children with gender identity disorder (GID; now termed gender dysphoria) has found remarkably high rates of anxiety and depression in these children. Here we examine, for the first time, mental health in a sample of socially transitioned transgender children.

METHODS:

A community-based national sample of transgender, prepubescent children (n = 73, aged 3–12 years), along with control groups of nontransgender children in the same age range (n = 73 age- and gender-matched community controls; n = 49 sibling of transgender participants), were recruited as part of the TransYouth Project. Parents completed anxiety and depression measures.

RESULTS:

Transgender children showed no elevations in depression and slightly elevated anxiety relative to population averages. They did not differ from the control groups on depression symptoms and had only marginally higher anxiety symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS:

Socially transitioned transgender children who are supported in their gender identity have developmentally normative levels of depression and only minimal elevations in anxiety, suggesting that psychopathology is not inevitable within this group. Especially striking is the comparison with reports of children with GID; socially transitioned transgender children have notably lower rates of internalizing psychopathology than previously reported among children with GID living as their natal sex.
Spatial planning in poland in years 1928–2003. Review and research of acts records
Authors: Litwin Urszula , Pluta Magda
Published: February 2016

Spatial planning in Poland has got long history. The first significant Act regulating rules of spatial economy in Poland was the Decree of the Polish President from 16th February 1928 about
constructional law and settlements buildings. The successive acts from the range of spatial planning such as the Decree from 2nd April 1946 about planned state spatial economy, the Act from
31st January 1961 about spatial planning, the Act from 12th July 1984 about spatial planning and
also the Act from 7th July 1994 about spatial planning were introducing numerous changes forming ipso facto spatial planning system in Poland.
The paper is a revision of recording of the most important acts influencing directly spatial politics on the national, regional ansd also local levels.
Evaluation of possibility to use typological procedure and Wrocław taxonomy to analyse agriculture development conditions on the example of the former Kraków voivodeship communes
Authors: Prus Barbara , Szylar Marta
Published: February 2016

The paper presents comparative analysis of two methods: typological procedure and Wrocław
taxonomy method. Possibilities of their usage to evaluate agriculture development conditions
were also presented. Particular attention was paid to comparison of proceedings course, particular methods stages and also gained results. Chosen analysis methods allow to delimitate
problem-areas for which the tested phenomenon has got complex character. Agriculture development conditions are influenced by numerous factors starting from variables of natural
character, through demographic determinants economic factors in other words called socioeconomic factors. Presented procedures allow to distinguish areas similar with regard to some
features found as diagnostic ones, whereas these methods can be used to describe multipurpose
phenomena because variables number accepted to the analysis is not restricted and the research
area can be freely selected. The received result is helpful to estimate affiliation to extracted commune types. Analyses were performed in the area of the former Kraków Voivodeship excluding
the municipal commune of Kraków. A commune was the field of the basic evaluation of performed research. Comparison of typological procedure and Wrocław taxonomy method allows
to conclude about advantages and disadvantages of particular methods. The range of described
methods applicability is also possible to define.
Extraordinary structure and properties of mussel byssus protein fibers
Authors: Nagananda G. S. , Suryan Sandeep , Reddy Narendra
Published: February 2016

A naturally available single protein fiber that is stiff and strong at one end but at the same time highly flexible with moderate strength at the other end is quite exceptional. Such exceptional protein fibers called byssus threads are produced by mussels. A unique arrangement of collagen proteins along the length of the fibers and a specific amount and distribution of the β-sheet and α-helix regions provide extraordinary properties to byssus threads. Due to the unique configuration of the threads and a distinct adhesive plaque, mussels are able to adhere to substrates and withstand large amounts of external forces. However, significant variations in composition and tensile properties exist between the mussels threads obtained from different species and even along the length of a single byssal thread. Similarly, environmental conditions such as the presence of salt water and chemicals affect the properties of the fibers. Extensive studies have been done to understand the composition, the structure and the properties of the byssal threads. This review provides an insight into the unique structure and properties of the byssal threads and discusses the potential of developing biomimetic materials based on the mussel byssal threads.