bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Superhelices Self‐Assembled from Polypeptide‐Based Polymer Mixtures: Multistranded Features
Authors: Zhu Xingyu , Lin Jiaping , Cai Chunhua 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPoly(γ‐benzyl‐l‐glutamate)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PBLG‐b‐PEG) rod–coil block copolymers and poly(γ‐benzyl‐l‐glutamate) (PBLG) homopolymers can cooperatively self‐assemble into superhelical structures in aqueous solution. Herein, we discovered that the helices can have multiple strands with tunable characteristics. The strand number was dependent on the initial polymer concentration of the self‐assembly, the self‐assembly temperature, and the weight fraction of the block copolymers in the mixture. Higher initial polymer concentrations or lower weight fractions of the block copolymers induced the formation of helices with larger diameters and higher strand numbers, and helices prepared at higher temperatures had higher strand numbers. Based on an analysis of the correlation between the geometric parameters of the helices and the strand number, a possible mechanism for the formation of multistranded superhelices is suggested.
Randomized trial of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus sleeve gastrectomy in achieving excess weight loss
Authors: Ignat M , Vix M , Imad I , D'Urso A , Perretta S , Marescaux J , Mutter D 
Published: November 2016

Abstract

Background
Robust data on quality of life (QoL) after different techniques of bariatric surgery are sparse. This RCT compared excess weight loss (EWL) and QoL after sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Methods
Obese patients were assigned randomly to RYGB or sleeve gastrectomy. The primary outcome measure was EWL. Secondary outcomes included QoL, co-morbidity, adverse events, vitamin and glycolipid status. QoL was assessed before and annually after surgery, using the Moorehead–Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire II (M-A-QoLQII) and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI).

Results
One hundred patients were enrolled, 45 in the RYGB group and 55 in the sleeve gastrectomy group. Mean postoperative EWL at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years was 80·4, 79·8, 83·0 and 74·8 per cent respectively after RYGB, and 83·0, 77·8, 66·3 and 65·1 per cent after sleeve gastrectomy (P = 0·017). Mean M-A-QoLQII score before surgery and at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years after operation was 0·5, 1·6, 1·7, 2·1 and 1·4 respectively after RYGB, and 0·3, 1·7, 1·5, 1·5 and 1·2 after sleeve gastrectomy. Mean GIQLI score before and at 1, 2, 3, 5 years after RYGB was 96·4, 113·8, 113·3, 113·4, 111·7, compared with 90·7, 113·9, 114·5, 113·1 and 113·0 for sleeve gastrectomy. The improvement was significant compared with preoperative values (P &lt; 0·001 for M-A-QoLQII and GIQLI), with no difference between groups (P = 0·418 and P = 0·323 respectively). RYGB resulted in higher readmission rates (P = 0·002) and length of hospital stay (P = 0·006) than sleeve gastrectomy.

Conclusion
RYGB and sleeve gastrectomy resulted in equivalent, long-standing QoL improvement. RYGB resulted in more stable weight loss but was associated with higher readmission rates. Registration number: NCT02475590.
Meta-analysis of lower perioperative blood glucose target levels for reduction of surgical-site infection
Authors: de Vries F E E , Gans S L , Solomkin J S , Allegranzi B , Egger M , Dellinger E P , Boermeester M A 
Published: November 2016

Abstract

Background
There is a clear association between hyperglycaemia and surgical-site infection (SSI). Intensive glucose control may involve a risk of hypoglycaemia, which in turn results in potentially severe complications. A systematic review was undertaken of studies comparing intensive versus conventional glucose control protocols in relation to reduction of SSI and other outcomes, including hypoglycaemia, mortality and stroke.

Methods
PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL and WHO databases from 1 January 1990 to 1 August 2015 were searched. Inclusion criteria were RCTs comparing intensive with conventional glucose control protocols, and reporting on the incidence of SSI. Meta-analyses were performed with a random-effects model, and meta-regression was subsequently undertaken. Targeted blood glucose levels, achieved blood glucose levels, and important adverse events were summarized.

Results
Fifteen RCTs were included. The summary estimate showed a significant benefit for an intensive compared with a conventional glucose control protocol in reducing SSI (odds ratio (OR) 0·43, 95 per cent c.i. 0·29 to 0·64; P &lt; 0·001). A significantly higher risk of hypoglycaemic events was found for the intensive group compared with the conventional group (OR 5·55, 2·58 to 11·96), with no increased risk of death (OR 0·74, 0·45 to 1·23) or stroke (OR 1·37, 0·26 to 7·20). These results were consistent both in patients with and those without diabetes, and in studies with moderately strict and very strict glucose control.

Conclusion
Stricter and lower blood glucose target levels of less than 150 mg/dl (8·3 mmol/l), using an intensive protocol in the perioperative period, reduce SSI with an inherent risk of hypoglycaemic events but without a significant increase in serious adverse events.
Childhood maltreatment, psychopathology, and the development of hippocampal subregions during adolescence
Authors: Whittle Sarah , Simmons Julian G. , Hendriksma Sylke , Vijayakumar Nandita , Byrne Michelle L. , Dennison Meg , Allen Nicholas B. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIntroductionIt is well established that childhood maltreatment has a detrimental impact on the brain, particularly the hippocampus. However, the hippocampus is a functionally and structurally heterogeneous region, and little is known about how maltreatment might affect hippocampal subregion development throughout important periods of plasticity. This study investigated whether childhood maltreatment was associated with the development of hippocampal subregion volumes from early to late adolescence. It also investigated associations between onset of psychiatric disorder and hippocampal subregion volume development.MethodsOne hundred and sixty‐six (85 male) adolescents took part in three magnetic resonance imaging assessments during adolescence (mean age at each assessment: 12.79 [SD 0.43] years, 16.70 [SD 0.52] years, and 19.08 [SD 0.46] years), provided a self‐report of childhood maltreatment, and were assessed for Axis I psychopathology.ResultsChildhood maltreatment was associated with the development of right total and left cornu ammonis 4 (CA4‐DG) volumes from early to late adolescence. Early and late onset psychopathology was associated with the development of right presubiculum and right cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) volumes, respectively. Maltreatment findings appeared to be specific to males, whereas psychopathology findings appeared to be specific to females.ConclusionsThese findings provide evidence for possible deleterious effects of childhood maltreatment and early onset psychiatric disorder on the development of different subregions of the hippocampus. Altered development of the right CA1, on the other hand, might precede the development of late‐adolescent onset psychopathology. Our results highlight the importance of considering development in research examining associations between stress, mental illness, and hippocampal morphology.
Comment on “Out‐of‐Cell Oxygen Diffusivity Evaluation in Lithium–Air Batteries” by He et al.
Authors: Corti Horacio R. , Cortés Páez Henry Andrés 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn a recent paper, He et al. (ChemElectroChem 2014, 1, 2052–2057) described a methodology for measuring out‐of‐cell oxygen diffusivity in lithium–air battery (LAB) cathodes, combining an electrochemical device with a classical gas‐transport model. We will demonstrate here that the authors erroneously assumed that the Knudsen diffusivity of gaseous oxygen in the porous cathode is smaller than the diffusivity in the electrolyte and, consequently, that the oxygen mass transport would limit the current output of the battery. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the oxygen diffusivity in LAB cathodes by using the electrochemical device proposed by the authors, comprising an oxygen pump, the LAB cathode, and an oxygen sensor.
Highly Stable Mixed‐Lanthanide Metal–Organic Frameworks for Self‐Referencing and Colorimetric Luminescent pH Sensing
Authors: Xia Tifeng , Cui Yuanjing , Yang Yu , Qian Guodong 
Published: November 2016

AbstractA strategy utilizing mixed‐lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for self‐referencing and colorimetric luminescent pH sensing has been developed. The mixed‐lanthanide MOFs EuxTb1−xHdpda (x=0.097, 0.205, 0.303, H4dpda=4‐(3,5‐dicarboxyphenyl)pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid) exhibit excellent stability in phosphate buffer solution with pH values varying from 3.90 to 7.50. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the deprotonation of uncoordinated carboxyl groups in ligands results in the elevation of the triplet excited state (T1) energy level of H4dpda, thus increasing the energy transfer probability from the T1 to 5D4 level of Tb3+. As a result, the emission intensity of Tb3+ in EuxTb1−xHdpda increases gradually while that of Eu3+ is almost not changed with the pH varying from 3.90 to 7.50. The intensity ratios of Eu3+ to Tb3+ can be correlated to the pH value, suggesting they are promising self‐referencing luminescent pH sensors. Furthermore, the significant pH‐dependent emission color change enables them to act as a luminescent colorimetric pH sensor for in situ and real‐time pH imaging. Because the energy transfer between the ligand and lanthanide ion can be easily tuned by selecting an appropriate ligand to further optimize the pH response range and sensitivity, such a strategy opens a new perspective for the development of self‐referencing luminescent pH sensors.
Characterization of natural vanilla flavour in foodstuff by HS‐SPME and GC‐C‐IRMS
Authors: Schipilliti Luisa , Bonaccorsi Ivana Lidia , Mondello Luigi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractVanillin can be obtained by extraction from the pods of Vanilla (organic vanillin), by synthetic pathways using different precursors (mainly lignin and guaiacol), and by enzymatic bioconversion (biovanillin) from natural precursors, (mainly ferulic acid, eugenol and isoeugenol, and turmeric acid). Based on the origins its commercial value greatly changes. At the same time the European Regulation allows to label food discriminating between the sources of the ingredient indicating the term ‘natural’ even if the ingredient is obtained by biosynthetic pathways. However from literature it is apparent that the distinction between synthetic and biosynthetic vanillin is not always possible, while the natural one can be easily discriminated, although rarely used. The method here proposed is based on head‐space solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry to determine the carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) of vanillin extracted from vanilla pods, commercial flavoured foodstuff and in vanillin samples of different origins. Isotope fractionation during SPME extraction has been determined based on sample's isotopic composition. The results confirm the literature ones and allow to reveal which biovanillin can be easily characterized and distinguished from the synthetic ones. In most cases it has been possible to evaluate the origin of vanillin used in the different food preparations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
General Parity Result and Cycle‐Plus‐Triangles Graphs
Authors: Petrov Fedor 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe generalize a parity result of Fleishner and Stiebitz that being combined with Alon–Tarsi polynomial method allowed them to prove that a 4‐regular graph formed by a Hamiltonian cycle and several disjoint triangles is always 3‐choosable. Also we show how a version of polynomial method gives slightly more combinatorial information about colorings than direct application of Alon's Combinatorial Nullstellensatz.
A Self‐Report Measure of Productive Thinking in Solving Insight Problems
Authors: Cunningham J. Barton , MacGregor James N. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThere is broad agreement among executives on the importance of innovation and creativity in organizations. The paper aimed to provide information on the effectiveness of a new cognitive style inventory, the Productive‐Reproductive Thinking Inventory (P‐R), in identifying people with creative problem‐solving potential. Participants completed the P‐R Inventory, Kirton's Adaption‐Innovation Inventory (KAI), the Assimilator‐Explorer Inventory, self‐rating of insight problem‐solving, and a battery of insight problem‐solving tasks under controlled conditions. The P‐R scale was a significant predictor of problem‐solving performance and insight self‐ratings and correlated significantly with KAI and AE scores. In addition, the results supported distinguishing two types of reproductive thinking which are differentially associated with insight performance. The distinction was supported by confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation models. Using controlled conditions may limit the generality of the findings and further research should be carried out in applied settings. The P‐R inventory is short and easily administered and may provide HR professionals with a useful screening tool for assessing creative problem‐solving potential. The measure differs from the KAI in several ways that may offer advantages for creativity researchers in that it is non‐proprietary, based on well‐established psychological constructs, and is more particularly applicable to insight problem‐solving.
A Multi‐target Small Molecule for Targeted Transcriptional Activation of Therapeutically Significant Nervous System Genes
Authors: Wei Yulei , Pandian Ganesh N. , Zou Tingting , Taniguchi Junichi , Sato Shinsuke , Kashiwazaki Gengo , Vaijayanthi Thangavel , Hidaka Takuya , Bando Toshikazu , Sugiyama Hiroshi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAn integrated multi‐target small molecule capable of altering dynamic epigenetic and transcription programs associated with the brain and nervous system has versatile applications in the regulation of therapeutic and cell‐fate genes. Recently, we have been constructing targeted epigenetic ON switches by integrating sequence‐specific DNA binding pyrrole‐imidazole polyamides with a potent histone deacetylase inhibitor SAHA. Here, we identified a DNA‐based epigenetic ON switch termed SAHA‐L as the first‐ever multi‐target small molecule capable of inducing transcription programs associated with the human neural system and brain synapses networks in BJ human foreskin fibroblasts and 201B7‐iPS cells. Ingenuity pathway analysis showed that SAHA‐L activates the signaling of synaptic receptors like glutamate and γ‐aminobutyric acid, which are key components of autism spectrum disorders. The long‐term incubation of SAHA‐L in 201B7‐iPS cells induced morphology changes and promoted a neural progenitor state. Our finding suggests that the tunable SAHA‐L could be advanced as a cell‐type‐independent multi‐target small molecule for therapeutic and/or cell‐fate gene modulation.
Phase Behavior and Micro‐Structure of Fat–Oil Mixtures: Engineering the Shape of Fat Clusters
Authors: Ramamirtham Sashikumar , Shahin A. , Basavaraj Madivala G. , Deshpande Abhijit P. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe mechanical properties of fat–oil mixtures are dictated by the morphology of the fat crystal network, which in turn is strongly affected by the processing conditions. In this work the effect of uniform (linear) cooling rates on the size and shape of tribehenin (fat) clusters in isopropyl myristate (oil) was studied. The state of the fat–oil mixtures was comprehensively analyzed by establishing pseudo‐phase diagrams via visual observations, brightfield and polarization microscopy at various cooling rates and fat concentrations. The microstructure of the constituent fat clusters undergo a shape transition from bundles of needles at low cooling rates to spherical clusters at high cooling rates. The network structures formed with these different shaped fat clusters were examined using rheology. At a given cooling rate, the storage modulus (Gʹ) of fat–oil mixtures versus fat concentration followed a power law relationship. For a given fat concentration, the fat crystal networks comprising of bundles of needles showed higher Gʹ values as compared to fat networks made of spherical clusters. While the fractal dimension of networks cooled at different cooling rates varied over a small range of 2.78–2.86, considerable change in the pre‐exponential factor (γ) was observed. The results show the critical importance of processing conditions on the shape and size of fat clusters and its impact on the rheological properties of the fat crystal network.
Evaluating Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) to Measure Lipid Oxidation Lag Phase for Shelf‐Life Determination of Oils
Authors: Cui Leqi , Lahti Paul M. , Decker Eric A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractLipid oxidation is one of the major causes of oil deterioration causing off‐flavors and consumer rejection. Fast, easy, and dependable assays for predicting lipid oxidation rates in foods are important for shelf‐life prediction. In this study, an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin‐trapping technique with N‐tert‐butyl‐α‐phenylnitrone (PBN) was tested to determine the lag phase of lipid oxidation in stripped soybean oil (SSO), SSO with added α‐tocopherol, and commercial soybean, canola and corn oils. EPR intensity of spin‐trapped products from SSO correlated well with lipid hydroperoxides formation for samples stored at 37 and 55 °C respectively. When the antioxidant α‐tocopherol was added, the EPR signal intensity of oil samples increased—indicating sample deterioration—after 50–65% of α‐tocopherol was consumed. When using the EPR method with commercial soybean, canola or corn oil stored at 55 °C, there was a poor relationship between EPR intensity and lipid hydroperoxides lag phases. However, a linear correlation was found between EPR signal intensity and hexanal formation. For example, EPR signal intensity lag phases were 5, 13 and 27 days for soybean, canola and corn oils, respectively which was similar to the hexanal lag phases of 5, 13 and 25 days for the same oils. The EPR spin‐trapping assay method has several advantages over headspace hexanal measurements, especially with regard to easier sample handling and shorter analysis times.
The Significance of Test Failures in Noninvasive Prenatal Screening for Fetal Aneuploidy Using Cell-free DNA
Authors: Benn Peter 
Published: November 2016

AbstractNoninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) for fetal aneuploidy is less effective when there is a small fraction of fetal cell-free DNA in the maternal plasma. In this study, modeling was used to assess the impact of a low fetal fraction (FF) in NIPS when (a) FF is not measured; (b) low FF cases receive invasive testing; (c) low FF cases receive the combined test; (d) low FF cases receive the quadruple test. Modeling was based on expected performance of NIPS, invasive testing, and conventional screening. NIPS failure rates of 0–6% due to low FF were considered under the assumption that aneuploidy rates were the same in successful and unsuccessful cases. In a secondary analysis, the effect of higher rates of aneuploidy in failed cases was assessed. Failure to measure FF can result in lower detection rates. Providing invasive tests to all women with low FF restores a high level of detection but at the expense of many unnecessary invasive tests. Utilization of conventional screening results in only a modest loss in detection and limited deterioration in the false-positive rate. These trends are more apparent when higher rates of fetal aneuploidy are present in low FF women. Recognizing those cases where an NIPS result is invalid due to low FF is important from both the individual patient and overall population screening perspectives. When there is a NIPS test failure due to low FF, utilization of conventional maternal serum marker screening and ultrasound should be considered for women who have previously not received conventional screening.
Bedside Chest Radiographs and How Ambiguous Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Tips Happen: A Case Report
Authors: Gordon Stuart 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Verification of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip location with radiographic imaging is at times challenging. This case report details the experience of 1 patient and the difficulties encountered identifying the PICC tip using bedside chest radiographs. It examines, offers to explain the issues, and reviews the results of 209 chest radiographs post-PICC placement for consistency.
Diabetes, pre-diabetes and their risk factors in Malta: a study profile of national cross-sectional prevalence study
Authors: Cuschieri S. , Vassallo J. , Calleja N. , Pace N. , Mamo J. 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus constitutes a global epidemic and a major burden on health care systems across the world. Prevention of this disease is essential, and the development of effective prevention strategies requires validated information on the disease burden and the risk factors. Embarking on a nationally representative cross-sectional study is challenging and costly. Few countries undertake this process regularly, if at all.MethodThis paper sets out the evidence-based protocol of a recent cross-sectional study that was conducted in Malta. Data collection took place from November 2014 to January 2016.ResultsThis study presents up-to-date national data on diabetes and its risk factors (such as obesity, smoking, physical activity and alcohol intake) that will soon be publicly available.ConclusionThis protocol was compiled so that the study can be replicated in other countries. The protocol contains step-by-step descriptions of the study design, including details on the population sampling, the permissions required and the validated measurement tools used.
Nano-Sized Cuboid-Shaped Phase in Mg–Nd–Y Alloy and its Behavior During Isothermal Aging
Authors: Zheng Jingxu , Luo Zhongyuan , Tan Lida , Chen Bin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn the present study, nano-sized cuboid-shaped particles in Mg–Nd–Y are studied by means ofCs-corrected atomic-scale high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The structure of the cuboid-shaped phase is identified to be yttrium (major component) and neodymium atoms in face-centered cubic arrangement without the participation of Mg. The lattice parametera=5.15 Å. During isothermal aging at 225°C, Mg3(Nd,Y) precipitates adhere to surface (100) planes of the cuboid-shaped particles with the orientation relationship:$[100]_{{{\rm Mg}_{{\rm 3}} {\rm RE}}} \,/\,\,/\,[100]_{{{\rm Cuboid}}} $and$[310]_{{{\rm Mg}_{{\rm 3}} {\rm RE}}} \,/\,\,/\,[012]_{{{\rm Cuboid}}} $. The fully coherent interfaces between the precipitates and the cuboid-shaped phases are reconstructed and categorized into two types:$(400)_{{{\rm Mg}_{{\rm 3}} {\rm RE}}} $interface and$(200)_{{{\rm Mg}_{{\rm 3}} {\rm RE}}} $interface.