bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of a novel molecularly imprinted polymer for the separation of glycyrrhizic acid
Authors: Long Jiapeng , Liang Bing , Li Sanxi , Chen zhenbin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMolecularly imprinted polymers of glycyrrhizic acid were prepared by solution polymerization using glycyrrhizic acid as the template molecule, N‐vinypyrrolidone as functional monomer, N,N‐methylene bisacrylamide as cross‐linker and ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide as initiators. Focused on the adsorption capacity and separation degree of the polymer to glycyrrhizic acid, the effects of the monomers, crosslinker and initiators were investigated and optimized. Finally, the structure of the polymer was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. To obtain objective results, non‐imprinted molecular polymers prepared under the same conditions were also characterized. The adsorption quantity of the polymer was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Under the optimum conditions, the maximum adsorption capacity of glycyrrhizic acid approached 15 mg/g, and the separation degree was as high as 2.5. The adsorption kinetics could be well described by a pseudo‐first‐order model, while the thermodynamics of the adsorption process could be described by the Langmuir model.
Purchase of local food products during trips by international visitors
Authors: Madaleno Ana , Eusébio Celeste , Varum Celeste 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe contribution made by local products to local economic development has been recognized. While consuming local food products, visitors not only satisfy their vital needs but also interact with local culture and support local development by stimulating demand. Despite this, the determinants of local food product consumption by international visitors have been relatively neglected. The results reveal that the determinants related to interaction with the destination and local products are stronger, but there are differences between visitors' characteristics. The findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding about the interaction of inbound tourism and local food product consumption.
High methylmercury formation in ponds fueled by fresh humic and algal derived organic matter
Authors: Herrero Ortega Sonia , Catalán Núria , Björn Erik , Gröntoft Hannes , Hilmarsson Torfi Geir , Bertilsson Stefan , Wu Pianpian , Bishop Kevin , Levanoni Oded , Bravo Andrea G. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractNeurotoxic methylmercury causes adverse effects to ecosystem viability and human health. Previous studies have revealed that ponding alters natural organic matter (NOM) composition and increase methylmercury concentrations in rivers, especially in the first years after flooding. Here, we investigate the influence of NOM composition (i.e., sources and degradation status) on mercury methylation rate constants in nine boreal beaver ponds of different ages across Sweden. We show that increased methylmercury concentrations in surface waters is a consequence of enhanced mercury methylation in the pond sediments. Moreover, our results reveal that during the first years after the initial flooding, mercury methylation rates are fueled by the amount of fresh humic substances released from the flooded soils and by an increased production of algal‐derived NOM triggered by enhanced nutrient availability. Our findings indicate that impoundment‐induced changes in NOM composition control mercury methylation processes, causing the raise in MeHg levels in ponds.
Influence of the Hydrophobic–Hydrophilic Nature of Biomedical Polymers and Nanocomposites on In Vitro Biological Development
Authors: Torres Elena , Vallés‐Lluch Anna , Fombuena Vicent , Napiwocki Brett , Lih‐Sheng Turng 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this work, cell viability, proliferation, and morphology are studied on two pairs of polymers used in the biomedical field that have similar chemical natures but differ in hydrophobicity. On the one hand, hydrophobic polyester poly(ε‐caprolactone), is modified by blending with poly(lactic acid). On the other hand, the hydrophilic acrylate poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), is copolymerized with ethyl methacrylate (EMA) at a ratio of 50/50 wt.% P(HEMA‐co‐EMA). These two polymers are used as neat resins or combined with hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) to enhance cell attachment and mechanical properties. Cell proliferation is greater on moderately hydrophobic materials at the initial stage, with cells showing a round shape and aggregating in clusters. However, over longer culture periods, cell proliferation is more advanced on more hydrophilic surfaces, where cells spread out with a flatter shape. Improvement of cell viability is observed with the addition of HA and HNTs.
Mechanical and Rheological Behavior of Hybrid Cross‐Linked Polyacrylamide/Cationic Micelle Hydrogels
Authors: Gu Song , Cheng Guiru , Yang Tianyu , Ren Xiuyan , Gao Guanghui 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this work, a hybrid cross‐linked polyacrylamide (PAM)/cationic micelle hydrogel is fabricated by introducing the cationic micelles into the chemically cross‐linked PAM network. The cationic micelles act as the physical cross‐linking points through the strong electrostatic interaction with anionic initiator potassium persulfate. Thereafter, in situ free radical polymerization is initiated thermally from the cationic micelle surface to form the hybrid cross‐linked network. The synergistic effect between chemical and physical cross‐link endows the hydrogel with excellent mechanical and recoverable properties. The resulting hydrogel exhibits tensile stress of 481 kPa and fracture toughness of 1.65 MJ m−3. It is found that the chemical cross‐linking can inhibit the hysteresis of the hybrid hydrogel, exhibiting good elasticity in the tensile loading–unloading test. Moreover, dynamic rheological measurements show that the hybrid hydrogels possess fewer defects of network and exhibit excellent self‐recovery behavior. Thus, this investigation provides a different view for the design of new high elastic and tough hydrogels containing hybrid physical and chemical cross‐linking networks.
Vascularized humeral periosteal flap to treat lateral humeral condyle nonunion: An anatomical study and report of two successfully‐treated pediatric cases
Authors: Barrera‐Ochoa S. Sergi , Soldado Francisco , Rodriguez‐Baeza Alfonso , Diaz‐Gallardo Paula , Hodgson Felipe , Corona Pablo S. , Knörr Jorge 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeNonunion is a common complication of lateral condyle humeral (LCH) fractures in children. In situ fixation with a screw and bone grafting is the classically‐recommended method of treatment. The purpose of this study is to analyze the feasibility of obtaining a vascularized periosteal flap obtained from the lateral humerus and based on the posterior collateral radial vessels (PCRV). Second, to report the results after the application in two pediatric cases.MethodsPeriosteal branches of PCRV were studied in ten upper limbs from fresh human cadavers. Then, two children with LCH nonunion were treated with this flap.ResultsThe PCRV provided mean of 5.3 anterior periosteal branches (range 4–7) with a mean distance between them of 19.1 mm (range 5–29 mm) and 5.7 posterior periosteal branches (range 3–7) with a mean distance between them of 15.9 mm (range 6–33 mm. PCRV distally anastomosed to the interosseous recurrent artery and the radial recurrent artery, creating a vascular net over the lateral condyle and allowing for the design of a reverse vascularized humeral periosteal flap (VHPF). Abundant periosteal callus and rapid consolidation were achieved in both children. No bone fixation or grafting was necessary.ConclusionsVHPF might be considered a viable biological surgical option to promote bone healing in LCH nonunions in children, while avoiding the need for bone fixation and the donor morbidity associated with bone grafting.
Eyelid reanimation using crossface nerve graft: Relationship between surgical outcome and preoperative paralysis duration
Authors: Okochi Masayuki , Okochi Hiromi , Asai Emiko , Sakaba Takao , Ueda Kazuki 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundTo reanimate the mimetic muscles, crossface nerve graft (CFNG) is an effective surgical option. However, muscle atrophy after facial paralysis may influence the surgical result. We analyzed the relationship between surgical result and preoperative paralysis duration.MethodsWe performed CFNG on 15 patients. The sural nerve was transferred between the affected and nonaffected sides of the zygomatic branch. Eyelid function and eyelid lid were evaluated using the modified House–Brackmann scale. The effects of age, sex, cause of facial paralysis, graft nerve length, and preoperative paralysis duration were evaluated.ResultsThe mean follow up period was 9.3 ± 3.3 (range 4–14) years. Eyelid closure was excellent in four patients, good in six, fair in one, and poor in four. Statistically, no significant difference was observed between those patients with excellent or good outcomes and fair or poor outcomes regarding age (40.9 ± 11.0 years vs. 22.6 ± 20.8; P = .067), sex (male/female = 2/8 vs. 3/2; P = .250), cause (tumor/trauma = 10/0 vs. 3/2; P = .095), and length of nerve graft (14.4 ± 0.8 cm vs. 13.8 ± 1.6 cm; P = .375). The average preoperative paralysis duration in the excellent/good patients was significantly shorter than that in the fair/poor patients (P = .005). All eight cases with preoperative paralysis of less than 6 months showed a marked excellent/good result. Two of the seven patients with preoperative paralysis was 6 months or longer marked fair/poor result. (P = .007).ConclusionsTo achieve successful results with CFNG, surgery should be performed within 6 months of the onset of paralysis.
The Cannabis Abuse Screening Test and the DSM‐5 in the general population: Optimal thresholds and underlying common structure using multiple factor analysis
Authors: Legleye Stéphane 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) aims at screening the problematic use of cannabis. It has never been validated against the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)‐5 and its relationships with this latter have never been studied. We used a probabilistic telephone survey collected in 2014 (1351 past‐year cannabis users aged 15–64) implementing the CAST and a DSM‐5 adaptation of the Munich Composite International Diagnostic Interview assessing cannabis use disorders. Data were weighted, and CAST items were considered categorical. Factorial structures were assessed with confirmatory factor analyses; the relationships between the instruments were studied with multiple factor analysis (MFA). One factor for the DSM‐5 and two correlated factors for the CAST were the best confirmatory factor analyses solutions. The CAST thresholds for screening moderate/severe and severe cannabis use disorders were 5 (sensitivity = 78.2% and specificity = 79.6%) and 8 (sensitivity = 86.0% and specificity = 86.7%), respectively. The MFA identified two orthogonal dimensions: The first was equally shared by both instruments; the second was the second CAST dimension (extreme frequencies of use before midday and alone, memory problems, and reproaches from friends/family). The CAST structure and screening properties were confirmed. The MFA explains its screening performances by its first dimension and identified the problematic patterns (the second dimension) that are not captured by the DSM‐5.
The prevalence of back pain in patients in one Australian tertiary hospital population
Authors: Dennis Diane , Tampin Brigitte , Jacques Angela , Hebden‐Todd Tracy , Carter Vicki , McLintock Michelle , Hurn Elizabeth , Cooper Ian 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe aims of the present study were to provide back pain (BP) point prevalence data from inpatients at an Australian tertiary hospital on one day, and compare this with Australian non‐hospitalized population prevalence data; to collect data around the development of BP throughout hospital admission; and to analyse the association between BP and past history of BP, gender, age, admission specialty and hospital length of stay (LOS).MethodsThis was a single‐site, prospective, observational study of hospitalized inpatients on one day during 2016, with a subsequent survey over the following 11 days (unless discharge or death occurred sooner).ResultsData were collected from 343 patients (75% of the hospitalized cohort). A third of patients (n = 108) reported BP on admission, and almost a fifth (n = 63) developed new BP during their hospitalization. Patients who described BP at any time during their hospital stay had a higher chance of having had a history of BP, with odds increasing after adjustment for age and gender (odds ratio 5.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.0 to 11.6; p < 0.001). After adjusting for age and gender, those experiencing BP had a significantly longer LOS (median 13 days; CI 10.8 to 15.3) than those who did not (median 10 days; CI 8.4 to 11.6; p = 0.034).ConclusionsHospital LOS for patients who complained of BP at any time during their admission was 3 days longer than those who had no BP, and a history of BP predicted a higher likelihood of BP during admission. Screening of patients on admission to identify any history of BP, and application of a package of care including early mobilization and analgesia may prevent the onset of BP and reduce LOS.
Review of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Periodic Paralysis
Authors: Statland Jeffrey M. , Fontaine Bertrand , Hanna Michael G. , Johnson Nicholas E. , Kissel John T. , Sansone Valeria A. , Shieh Perry B. , Tawil Rabi N. , Trivedi Jaya , Cannon Stephen C. , Griggs Robert C. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTPeriodic paralyses (PPs) are rare neuromuscular disorders caused by mutations in skeletal muscle sodium, calcium, and potassium channel genes. PPs include hypokalemic paralysis, hyperkalemic paralysis, and Andersen‐Tawil syndrome. Common features of PP include autosomal dominant inheritance, onset typically in the first or second decades, episodic attacks of flaccid weakness, which are often triggered by diet or rest after exercise. Diagnosis is based on the characteristic clinic presentation then confirmed by genetic testing. In the absence of an identified genetic mutation, documented low or high potassium levels during attacks or a decrement on long exercise testing support diagnosis. The treatment approach should include both management of acute attacks and prevention of attacks. Treatments include behavioral interventions directed at avoidance of triggers, modification of potassium levels, diuretics, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Muscle Nerve 57: 522–530, 2018
Robust Kalman estimators for systems with mixed uncertainties
Authors: Liu Wenqiang , Wang Xuemei , Deng Zili 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThis paper addresses the problem of designing robust Kalman estimators for uncertain systems with mixed uncertainties including the same uncertain‐variance multiplicative noise in state and measurement matrices, missing measurements, and uncertain‐variance linearly correlated measurement and process white noise. By introducing fictitious noise to compensate for multiplicative noise, the system under consideration is converted into one with only uncertain noise variances. According to the minimax robust estimation principle, on the basis of the worst‐case system with known conservative upper bounds of uncertain variances, the minimax robust time‐varying Kalman estimators (predictor, filter, and smoother) are presented in a unified framework. Their robustness is proved by using a Lyapunov equation approach, such that their actual estimation error variances are guaranteed to have the corresponding minimal upper bounds for all admissible uncertainties. The corresponding robust steady‐state Kalman estimators are also presented, and 3 modes of convergence in a realization among the time‐varying and steady‐state robust Kalman estimators for the time‐varying and time‐invariant systems are presented and proved by the dynamic error system analysis method. A simulation example with application to autoregressive signal processing is also given to show the effectiveness and correctness of the proposed results.
Blocky poly(ɛ‐caprolactone‐co‐butylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) copolyesters via enzymatic ring opening polymerization
Authors: Morales‐Huerta Juan Carlos , Martínez de Ilarduya Antxon , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTCyclic oligo(butylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) and ɛ‐caprolactone were copolymerized in bulk at 130–150 °C by enzymatic ring opening polymerization using CALB as catalyst. Copolyesters within a wide range of compositions were thus synthesized with weight‐average molecular weights between 20,000 and 50,000, the highest values being obtained for equimolar or nearly equimolar contents in the two components. The copolyesters consisted of a blocky distribution of the ɛ‐oxycaproate (CL) and butylene furanoate (BF) units that could be further randomized by heating treatment. The thermal stability of these copolyesters was comparable to those of the parent homopolyesters (PBF and PCL), and they all showed crystallinity in more or less degree depending on composition. Their melting and glass‐transition temperatures were ranging between those of PBF and PCL with values increasing almost linearly with the content in BF units. The ability of these copolyesters for crystallizing from the melt was evaluated by comparative isothermal crystallization and found to be favored by the presence of flexible ɛ‐oxycaproate blocks. These copolyesters are essentially insensitive to hydrolysis in neutral aqueous medium but they became noticeably degraded by lipases in an extend that increased with the content in CL units. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 290–299
On preventive maintenance under different assumptions on the failure/repair processes
Authors: Cha Ji Hwan , Finkelstein Maxim 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe discuss models of preventive maintenance (PM) under different assumptions on the failure/repair processes. The main emphasis is on the PM modeling under the Brown‐Proschan model for minimal/perfect repairs. We also present the generalization of this model for the failure/repair process governed by the generalized Polya process. Some comparisons with conventional PM models are discussed (Nonhomogeneous Poisson process, renewal process, and geometric process of failure/repairs). Several practical examples are considered.
Serovars and antimicrobial resistance of non‐typhoidal Salmonella isolated from non‐diarrhoeic dogs in Grenada, West Indies
Authors: Amadi Victor A. , Hariharan Harry , Arya Gitanjali , Matthew‐Belmar Vanessa , Nicholas‐Thomas Roxanne , Pinckney Rhonda , Sharma Ravindra , Johnson Roger 
Published: November 2017

AbstractNon‐typhoidal salmonellosis remains an important public health problem worldwide. Dogs may harbour Salmonella in their intestines and can easily shed Salmonella in the environment with the possibility of transmission to humans. Thus, monitoring is essential to understand the role of dogs in zoonotic transmission. The objectives of this study were to determine the shedding of Salmonella by owned, apparently healthy dogs in Grenada, West Indies, to identify the serovars, and to examine their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Faecal samples collected during August to October, 2016 from 144 non‐diarrhoeic owned dogs were examined by enrichment and selective culture for the presence of Salmonella spp. Eight (5.6%) of the tested animals were culture positive, yielding 35 Salmonella isolates that belonged to six serovars of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica. These were serovars Arechavaleta from two dogs, Arechavaleta and Montevideo from one dog, and Javiana, Rubislaw, Braenderup and Kiambu from one dog each. All these serovars have been reported as causes of human salmonellosis globally. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests on 35 isolates showed absence of resistance to the currently used drugs for cases of human salmonellosis, including ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime. One isolate (2.9%) was resistant to neomycin, two isolates (5.7%) showed intermediate susceptibility to neomycin, and another (2.9%) had intermediate susceptibility to tetracycline. This is the first report of isolation and antimicrobial susceptibilities of non‐typhoidal Salmonella serovars from dogs in Grenada. This study shows that dogs in Grenada may be involved in the epidemiology of salmonellosis.
Investigation of high‐speed shaft bearing loads in wind turbine gearboxes through dynamometer testing
Authors: Guo Y. , Keller J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMany wind turbine gearboxes require repair or replacement well before reaching the end of their design life. The most common failure is bearing axial cracks, commonly called white etching cracks (WECs), which typically occur in the inner raceways of the high‐speed parallel‐stage rolling element bearings. Although the root causes of WECs are debated, one theory is that they are related to routine dynamic operating conditions and occasional transient events prevalent in wind turbines that can result in high bearing stress and sliding of the rolling elements. This paper examined wind turbine gearbox high‐speed shaft bearing loads and stresses through modeling and full‐scale dynamometer testing. Bearing outer race loads were directly measured and predicted using a variety of modeling tools in normal operations, misaligned conditions, and transient events particularly prone to bearing sliding. Test data and models of bearing loads were well correlated. Neither operational misalignment due to rotor moments nor static generator misalignment affected the bearing loads when compared with pure‐torque conditions. Thus, it is not likely that generator misalignment is a causal factor of WECs. In contrast, during transient events, the bearings experienced alternating periods of high stress, torque reversals, and loads under the minimum requisite at high rotating speeds while showing indications of sliding, all of which could be related to the formation of WECs.
Clinical outcomes of modified minimally invasive approach and de-rotation of symptomatic chronic gastric volvulus – A tertiary centre experience
Authors: Toh Bin Chet , Teo Timothy Zhe Hao , Rao Jaideepraj 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Gastric volvulus is a surgical condition that should be recognised promptly to prevent life-threatening gastric ischaemia and perforation in acute setting. There are two peak age group of incidence with children less than one year old and at fifth decade.1 The mortality rates for acute gastric volvulus remain high with reported range from 30% to 50% signifying the need of early diagnosis and treatment.2 These case series reported modified minimal invasive approach for symptomatic chronic gastric volvulus in a tertiary upper gastrointestinal unit in Singapore.

Methods:
Retrospective case series reviewed in single centre from 1st May 2016 to 1st May 2017 of clinical outcomes of modified minimally invasive approach and de-rotation of symptomatic chronic gastric volvulus.

Results:
Three symptomatic patients with evidence of gastric volvulus on CT-scan underwent minimally invasive repair with the aids of GastriSail™ Gastric positioning system. GastriSail™ was used for gastric volvulus de-rotation prior to repair definitely. Two patients had fundoplication done and one patient had gastropexy performed successfully. All patients started on blended diet post-operative day 1 and discharged well. Patient remained asymptomatic and nil recurrence at 3 months follow-up post-operation.

Conclusion:
Based on our experience, we advocate modified minimally invasive repair of chronic gastric volvulus as an alternative to traditional open surgical technique with acceptable good clinical outcomes.

Highlights: