bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An electrochemiluminescent method for glutamate measurement in small microdialysate samples in asphyxiated young rats
Authors: Ortega‐Ibarra Jorge , López‐Pérez Silvia , Morales‐Villagrán Alberto 
Published: July 2017

AbstractGlutamate (Glu) quantification has been performed by a combination of intracerebral microdialysis through which the samples are obtained and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); its measurement requires a large expenditure of time (15–30 min per sample) and special training. Therefore, an alternative method is presented here, based on the electrochemiluminescence produced by the use of an enzymatic reactor, containing glutamate‐oxidase, mixed and incubated with microdialysate from dorsal striatum (DS) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of young rats asphyxiated during the neonatal period, under a global asphyxia model in order to test this method. Using this approach, we found high extracellular Glu concentration in the DS of asphyxiated animals, but only during K+ stimulation, while in the PFC, only a delay in the rise of Glu after K+ stimulation was observed, without any difference in extracellular Glu content when compared with controls. This new method permitted a fast measurement of Glu in brain dialysate samples, it significantly reduces the cost of the analysis per sample, since only a single device and pump are needed without using columns and high pressure inside the system or complex hardware and software to control pumps, detector, fraction collector or any other peripheral used in HPLC.
Maximizing the stability of metabolic engineering‐derived whole‐cell biocatalysts
Authors: Kadisch Marvin , Willrodt Christian , Hillen Michael , Bühler Bruno , Schmid Andreas 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA systematic and powerful knowledge‐based framework exists for improving the activity and stability of chemical catalysts and for empowering the commercialization of respective processes. In contrast, corresponding biotechnological processes are still scarce and characterized by case‐by‐case development strategies. A systematic understanding of parameters affecting biocatalyst efficiency, that is, biocatalyst activity and stability, is essential for a rational generation of improved biocatalysts. Today, systematic approaches only exist for increasing the activity of whole‐cell biocatalysts. They are still largely missing for whole‐cell biocatalyst stability. In this review, we structure factors affecting biocatalyst stability and summarize existing, yet not completely exploited strategies to overcome respective limitations. The factors and mechanisms related to biocatalyst destabilization are discussed and demonstrated inter alia based on two case studies. The factors are similar for processes with different objectives regarding target molecule or metabolic pathway complexity and process scale, but are in turn highly interdependent. This review provides a systematic for the stabilization of whole‐cell biocatalysts. In combination with our knowledge on strategies to improve biocatalyst activity, this paves the way for the rational design of superior recombinant whole‐cell biocatalysts, which can then be employed in economically and ecologically competitive and sustainable bioprocesses.
Operative learning curve trajectory in a cohort of surgical trainees
Authors: Brown C , Abdelrahman T , Patel N , Thomas C , Pollitt M J , Lewis W G 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Background
Certification of completion of training in general surgery in the UK requires demonstration of competence in index operations by means of three level 4 competence consultant-validated procedure-based assessments (PBAs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the trajectory of operative learning curves related to PBA performance levels for curriculum-defined indicative operations with respect to numbers performed and training time.

Methods
Logbook data from consecutive higher general surgical trainees were compared with PBA evaluations to determine the relationship between PBA performance level, operative experience, training time and indicative numbers. Learning curve gradients were calculated using the inverse trigonometric function of tan related to operative experience and training time.

Results
Eighty-four surgical trainees participated. Median caseload to achieve three level 4 competence assessments was 64 (range 18–110) for inguinal hernia, 83 (15–177) for emergency laparotomy, 87 (23–192) for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 95 (22–209) for appendicectomy, 45 (17–111) for segmental colectomy and 16 (6–28) for Hartmann's procedure. Median learning curve gradients to achieve level 4 competence for emergency laparotomy were 15·3° and 33·7° by caseload and training time respectively, compared with 73·3° and 59·9° for Hartmann's procedure. Significant variance was observed in the gradients of all learning curves related to both the caseload between the first level 3 and the first level 4 PBA (P = 0·001), and between the first and third level 4 PBAs (P &lt; 0·001).

Conclusion
Significant learning curve gradient variance was observed, with discrepancies between expected indicative operative numbers and the point at which competence was judged to have been achieved. Numbers of index operations to achieve certification of completion of training warrant further examination.
Changes in treatment and outcome of oesophageal cancer in Denmark between 2004 and 2013
Authors: Kjaer D W , Larsson H , Svendsen L B , Jensen L S 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Background
Since 2003, care for patients with oesophageal cancer has been centralized in a few dedicated centres in Denmark. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the treatment and outcome of patients registered in a nationwide database.

Methods
All patients diagnosed with oesophageal cancer or cancer of the gastro-oesophageal junction who underwent oesophagectomy in Denmark between 2004 and 2013, and who were registered in the Danish clinical database of carcinomas in the oesophagus, gastro-oesophageal junction and stomach (DECV database) were included. Quality-of-care indicators, including number of lymph nodes removed, anastomotic leak rate, 30- and 90-day mortality, and 2- and 5-year overall survival, were assessed. To compare quality-of-care indicators over time, the relative risk (RR) was calculated using a multivariable log binomial regression model.

Results
Some 6178 patients were included, of whom 1728 underwent oesophagectomy. The overall number of patients with 15 or more lymph nodes in the resection specimen increased from 38·1 per cent in 2004 to 88·7 per cent in 2013. The anastomotic leak rate decreased from 14·8 to 7·6 per cent (RR 0·66, 95 per cent c.i. 0·43 to 1·01). The 30-day mortality rate decreased from 4·5 to 1·7 per cent (RR 0·51, 0·22 to 1·15) and the 90-day mortality rate from 11·0 to 2·9 per cent (RR 0·46, 0·26 to 0·82). There were no statistically significant changes in 2- or 5-year survival rates over time.

Conclusion
Indicators of quality of care have improved since the centralization of oesophageal cancer treatment in Denmark.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Cu‐Nanocluster‐Decorated Brookite TiO2Quasi‐Nanocubes for Enhanced Activity and Selectivity of CO2 Photoreduction to CH4
Authors: Jin Jingpeng , Luo Jiang , Zan Ling , Peng Tianyou 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA new kind of metallic Cu‐loaded brookite TiO2 composite, in which Cu nanoclusters with a small size of 1–3 nm are decorated on brookite TiO2 quasi nanocube (BTN) surfaces (hereafter referred to as Cu‐BTN), is synthesized via a one‐pot hydrothermal process and then used as photocatalyst for CO2 reduction. It was found that the decoration of Cu nanoclusters on BTN surfaces can improve the activity and selectivity of CO2 photoreduction to CH4, and 1.5 % Cu‐BTN gives a maximum overall photocatalytic activity (150.9 μmol g−1 h−1) for CO/CH4 production, which is ≈11.4 and ≈3.3 times higher than those of pristine BTN (13.2 μmol g−1 h−1) and Ag‐BTN (45.2 μmol g−1 h−1). Moreover, the resultant Cu‐BTN products can promote the selective generation of CH4 as compared to CO due to the number of surface oxygen vacancies and the CO2/H2O adsorption behavior, which differs from that of the pristine BTN. The present results demonstrate that brookite TiO2 would be a potential effective photocatalyst for CO2 photoreduction, and that Cu nanoclusters can act as an inexpensive and efficient co‐catalyst alternative to the commonly used noble metals to improve the photoactivity and selectivity for CO2 reduction to CH4.
Wireless powered underlay cognitive radio network with multiple primary transceivers: Energy constraint, node arrangement, and performance analysis
Authors: Nguyen Tien‐Tung , Pham Nam Minh , Do Dinh‐Thuan 
Published: July 2017

SummaryThis paper considers a cognitive radio–assisted wireless information and power transfer system consisting of multipair of transceiver in primary network and 2‐hop relaying link in secondary network. In this investigation, a decoded‐and‐forward–assisted relay node and power splitting protocol are deployed to obtain ability of wireless energy transfer. The relay node harvests energy from the radio frequency signals of the secondary transmitter and primary transmitters in data transmission to the destination by reusing the licensed spectrum resource. We propose 2 policies for wireless power transfer at the relay, namely, (1) multisource power transfer and (2) single‐source power transfer. To evaluate performance under energy harvesting regime, we derive the closed‐form outage probability expressions and achievable throughput of the secondary network in delay‐limited transmission mode. In addition, we investigate the impact of various system parameters including number of primary transceivers, primary outage threshold, and position arrangement of nodes in primary transceivers on the outage performance of the proposed scheme. Furthermore, we evaluate the system energy efficiency to show trade‐off metric of energy consumption and throughput. Performance results are presented to validate our theoretical derivation and illustrate the impacts of various system parameters. An important result is that the secondary network is more beneficial than harmful from the primary interference under power constraint and reasonable node location arrangement.
Detrital shadows: estuarine food web connectivity depends on fluvial influence and consumer feeding mode
Authors: Howe Emily , Simenstad Charles A. , Ogston Andrea 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe measured the influence of landscape setting on estuarine food web connectivity in five macrotidal Pacific Northwest estuaries across a gradient of freshwater influence. We used stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) in combination with a Bayesian mixing model to trace primary producer contributions to suspension‐ and deposit‐feeding bivalve consumers (Mytilus trossulus and Macoma nasuta) transplanted into three estuarine vegetation zones: emergent marsh, mudflat, and eelgrass. Eelgrass includes both Japanese eelgrass (Zostera japonica) and native eelgrass (Zostera marina). Fluvial discharge and consumer feeding mode strongly influenced the strength and spatial scale of observed food web linkages, while season played a secondary role. Mussels displayed strong cross‐ecosystem connectivity in all estuaries, with decreasing marine influence in the more fluvial estuaries. Mussel diets indicated homogenization of detrital sources within the water column of each estuary. In contrast, the diets of benthic deposit‐feeding clams indicated stronger compartmentalization in food web connectivity, especially in the largest river delta where clam diets were trophically disconnected from marsh sources of detritus. This suggests detritus deposition is patchy across space, and less homogenous than the suspended detritus pool. In addition to fluvial setting, other estuary‐specific environmental drivers, such as marsh area or particle transport speed, influenced the degree of food web linkages across space and time, often accounting for unexpected patterns in food web connectivity. Transformations of the estuarine landscape that alter river hydrology or availability of detritus sources can thus potentially disrupt natural food web connectivity at the landscape scale, especially for sedentary organisms, which cannot track their food sources through space.
Riparian and microhabitat factors determine the structure of the EPT community in Andean headwater rivers of Ecuador
Authors: Vimos‐Lojano D.J. , Martínez‐Capel F. , Hampel H. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis research was conducted in the high‐Andean basin of the Zhurucay River in southern Ecuador. In 4 river reaches, 19 sampling campaigns were conducted per reach spread over a period of 35 months. The biotic samples were selected in the periods with greatest flow stability. Parallel to each sampling, 37 environmental variables grouped into 3 factors (riparian corridor, hydromorphology, and water quality) were recorded. The study aimed to analyse during periods of stable flow the influence of these environmental factors on the structure and density of the EPT community (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) in a quasi‐pristine aquatic ecosystem. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that the Froude number, gravel type, and width/depth ratio are the most relevant hydromorphological variables explaining variations in EPT density. Xiphocentronidae,Contulma, andHelicopsychewere observed to have a relationship with the order of the river, whileOchrotrichia,Nectopsyche, andPhylloicusvaried with the type of riparian vegetation.Phylloicus,Ochrotrichia, andNectopsychewere common in lentic sites, while the proportion of gravel and the width/depth ratio restricted the genusHelicopsyche. The only relevant water quality factor was the total phosphorus, which was related with 2 taxa. In conclusion, although macroinvertebrates are currently employed in water quality studies, riparian vegetation and hydromorphological factors are determinant for their communities in pristine Andean rivers. Such factors are therefore crucial in the study of environmental flows and the assessment of the ecological integrity.
Performance and business relatedness as drivers of exit decision: A study of MNCs from an emerging country
Authors: Tan Qun , Sousa Carlos M. P. 
Published: July 2017

Research SummaryThis study examines the exit behavior of emerging market MNCs in the context of the parent company (PC)‐foreign affiliate (FA) relationship. Specifically, we consider business relatedness as a moderating variable and examine its impact on the relationship between an FA’s international performance and its exit decision from a foreign market. Our results, based on data collected from multiple informants in 180 Chinese firms, indicate that product relatedness and intangible resource relatedness have different moderating impacts on the FA performance‐FA exit decision relationship. Implications of these findings, along with the limitations of the study, are discussed.Managerial SummaryAlthough the research on international entry and expansion is particularly important, an aspect that has been largely ignored in the literature is the exit behavior of firms. This study examines whether the extent to which a foreign subsidiary is similar to its parent's core business may influence the firm's exit decision. The findings indicate that managers are more likely to exit a poorly performing FA if there is a high (vs. low) level of product relatedness between the FA and its PC's core business. The results also suggest that intangible resource relatedness exerts a different contingent effect on the FA performance‐FA exit relationship than does product relatedness.
The Ability of a Single BMD and Fracture History Assessment to Predict Fracture Over 25 Years in Postmenopausal Women: The Study of Osteoporotic Fractures
Authors: Black Dennis M , Cauley Jane A , Wagman Rachel , Ensrud Kristine , Fink Howard A , Hillier Teresa A , Lui Li-Yung , Cummings Steven R , Schousboe John T , Napoli Nicola 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

The ability of bone mineral density (BMD) and other risk factors to predict fracture risk is well-established for as long as 5 to 10 years. However, their value to predict risk over a longer term has not been directly studied. We investigated whether a single assessment of femoral neck BMD and fracture history can predict fracture risk over 20 to 25 years. We used data from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) that assessed BMD and risk factors in 7959 women age ≥67 (mean = 73.4) in 1988–1990. Follow-up for fractures continued for 25 years for hip fracture, and for 20 years for any nonvertebral fracture. Using age-adjusted proportional hazards models, we analyzed the relationships between a single baseline assessment of femoral neck BMD, fracture history and age, and 20–25-year fracture incidence. The 25-year cumulative incidence of hip fracture was 17.9%; 20-year incidence of any nonvertebral fracture was 46.2%. The 25-year hip fracture incidence was highest in those ≥80 years old (22.6%) compared to 13.9% in women aged &lt;70 years. A single femoral neck BMD measurement strongly predicted long-term hip fracture risk to 25 years: 29.6% risk in the lowest BMD quartile versus 7.6% with the highest relative hazard (RH) = 4.9 (95% CI, 4.1 to 6.0). Femoral neck BMD predicted hip fracture with little degradation over time from RH/SD = 2.6 (2.2 to 3.0) for 0 to 5 years to RH/SD = 1.8 (1.4 to 2.4) for 20 to 25 years. Lifetime hip fracture risk was similar (∼30%) regardless of age from 67 to &gt;80 years. History of hip fracture predicted hip fractures only slightly better than history of nonvertebral fracture (RH = 1.6 [95% CI, 1.1 to 2.2] versus RH = 1.4 [95% CI, 1.2 to 1.5], respectively). Fracture history remained strongly predictive up to 25 years. We conclude that a single BMD and fracture history assessment can predict fracture risk over 20 to 25 years. Long-term risk of hip fracture remains extremely high in the oldest age groups, supporting risk assessment and consideration of treatment even in the oldest, highest-risk women.© 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
High efficiency microbial electrosynthesis of acetate from carbon dioxide using a novel graphene–nickel foam as cathode
Authors: Song Tian‐shun , Fei Kangqing , Zhang Hongkun , Yuan Hao , Yang Yang , Ouyang Pingkai , Xie Jingjing 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDMicrobial electrosynthesis (MES) is a biocathode‐driven process, producing high‐value chemicals, from CO2. However, the low efficiency of the biocathode hinders the MES process efficiency significantly.RESULTSA novel 3D graphene–nickel foam (G‐NF) cathode has been fabricated, by hydrothermal approach for the improvement of microbially‐catalyzed reduction at the MES cathode. An increase of 1.8 times in the volumetric acetate production rate was obtained, compared with the untreated nickel foam. In MES with G‐NF, a volumetric acetate production rate of 3.11 mmol L‐1 day‐1 has been achieved; 70% of the electrons consumed were recovered and the final acetate concentration reached 5.46 g L‐1 within 28 days.CONCLUSIONThe hierarchical porous G‐NF cathode improved bacterial colonization and the efficiency of mass, nutrients and protons transfer due to its 3D composition; the graphene coating considerably increased the effective surface area for microbial adhesion, as well as the electron transfer rate of biofilm in the MES. This study attempted to improve the efficiency of the biocathode, and provides a promising large electrode for large‐scale MES devices. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Understanding and managing the risk of “head impact” from in‐hospital falls: A cross‐sectional analysis of data from 166 public hospitals
Authors: Chari Satyan R. , Varghese Paul , Bell Rebecca A. R. , Smith Kate , Haines Terry P. 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundFalls are a leading cause of preventable harm in the hospitalized elderly, and head impacts (HIs) can be a precursor to serious injury. The aim of this study was to examine if the risk of fall‐related HI can be explained by incident characteristics.MethodsAll reported falls across public hospital facilities in the state of Queensland, Australia, over a 2‐year period were analyzed using univariate and multiple logistic regression.ResultsIn all, 650 instances of HI were reported across 24 218 falls. Falls due to fainting were associated with elevated HI odds (odds ratio [OR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30, 3.08). Similarly, falls while walking (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.20, 1.81) and falls during certain time periods, namely, from 11:00 pm to midnight (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.24, 2.59) and between 5:00 am and 6:00 am (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.01, 2.22) were linked to increased HI odds. Falls among males were associated with lowered odds of HI (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.64, 0.74).ConclusionsResults confirm links between characteristics of inpatient falls and the likelihood of HI, and these data can assist risk managers to better target fall prevention strategies. Assisted mobility in high‐risk patients and improved environmental lighting are advanced as foci for future research.
A spiral planar inductor: An experimentally verified physically based model for frequency and time domains
Authors: Ammouri Aymen , Ben Salah Tarek , Morel Herve 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe results of a comprehensive investigation of spiral inductors are presented. A physically based model includes the self and mutual inductances, the capacitances between adjacent turns, the substrate capacitance, and the ohmic loss effects proposed. Heterogeneous simulation scheme, including circuit and device models during time and frequency domains, is successfully implemented in VHDL‐AMS language and is simulated numerically in Simplorer platform. The model has been validated during frequency domain with measurement data of spirals having different geometries and various sizes. Moreover, the fabricated spiral inductors are evaluated in DC‐DC power converter to benchmark the model accuracy. Simulation and experimental results show excellent agreement. Validity domain is discussed.
Gelation kinetics and characterization of enzymatically enhanced fish scale gelatin–pectin coacervate
Authors: Huang Tao , Tu Zong‐Cai , Shangguan Xinchen , Wang Hui , Zhang Nanhai , Zhang Lu , Sha Xiaomei 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDProtein–polysaccharide complex coacervations have been considered extensively for the development of functional foods. The main problem of the complex coacervates is that they are highly unstable under different conditions and that cross‐linking is necessary to stabilize them. In this study, the effects of pectin at different concentrations on the gel and structural properties of fish scale gelatin (FSG)–high methoxyl citrus pectin (HMP) coacervate enhanced by microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) were studied.RESULTSThe gelation rates and gel strength of the MTGase‐enhanced FSG–HMP coacervate gels decreased with increasing HMP concentration. However, the enhanced coacervate gels exhibited better thermal behavior and mechanical properties compared with the original gels. Also, TG‐P8 exhibited the highest melting point (27.15 ± 0.12 °C), gelation point (15.65 ± 0.01 °C) and stress (15.36 ± 0.48 kPa) as HMP was 8 g kg−1. Particle size distribution, fluorescence emission and UV absorbance spectra indicated that MTGase and HMP could make FSG form large aggregates. Moreover, confocal laser scanning microscopy of treated coacervate gels showed a continuous protein phase at low HMP concentrations.CONCLUSIONFSG and HMP could form soluble coacervate, and MTGase could improve the thermal and mechanical properties of coacervate gels. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry