bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of the Effectiveness of a Consultant Physiotherapy‐Led Musculoskeletal Interface Team: A Welsh Experience
Authors: Candy Elizabeth , Haworth‐Booth Sam , Knight‐Davis Mark 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe present service evaluation aimed to assess patients’ experience of the musculoskeletal interface (MSKI) team, evaluate the outcomes of referrals to secondary care and determine if patients returned to secondary musculoskeletal (MSK) care following discharge from the MSKI team.MethodsExcel spreadsheets were designed for data capture. The survey was undertaken in June 2012. Patients were invited to complete and return the questionnaire. Data were collated and reported. Clinicians were given a list of patient identification numbers for those they had referred to secondary care. Using the patient electronic record system, they checked the outcome as recorded and entered data onto the spreadsheet. Patients who had been discharged between December 2011 and November 2012 were identified, their cases were reviewed and data were entered onto the spreadsheet. The information was then collated and reported.ResultsIn June 2012, 415 patients attended clinics, of whom 231 (56%) responded to the patient experience survey. On average, 206 (89%) patients agreed that they were satisfied or highly satisfied with their clinic experience. A total of 2,362 (89%) discharges were reviewed; 1,565 patients (61%) were discharged to their general practitioner (GP) and not referred back to a secondary care surgical or medical service, of these 21% were referred to secondary care by the MSKI team. By 2014, a total of 286 patients had been referred to secondary care by their GP following discharge but only 54 (2%) of whom returned for secondary care assessment for the same condition. Between December 2011 and November 2012, 620 (26%) patients seen in clinic were referred to secondary care; 462 (75%) were referred to orthopaedic surgeons, 66 (11%) to the orthopaedic physician, 44 (8%) to the pain clinic and 48 (1%) to ‘other‘, including neurology, rheumatology, etc.ConclusionPhysiotherapy‐led multi‐professional teams provide effective management of MSK conditions, and the majority of patients are satisfied with their care. A year to 18 months year following discharge, only 2% of patients returned for secondary care assessment for the same condition. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetically modified pig models for neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Holm Ida E , Alstrup Aage Kristian Olsen , Luo Yonglun 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIncreasing incidence of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease has become one of the most challenging health issues in ageing humans. One approach to combat this is to generate genetically modified animal models of neurodegenerative disorders for studying pathogenesis, prognosis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Owing to the genetic, anatomic, physiologic, pathologic, and neurologic similarities between pigs and humans, genetically modified pig models of neurodegenerative disorders have been attractive large animal models to bridge the gap of preclinical investigations between rodents and humans. In this review, we provide a neuroanatomical overview in pigs and summarize and discuss the generation of genetically modified pig models of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's diseases, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and ataxia–telangiectasia. We also highlight how non‐invasive bioimaging technologies such as positron emission tomography (PET), computer tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and behavioural testing have been applied to characterize neurodegenerative pig models. We further propose a multiplex genome editing and preterm recloning (MAP) approach by using the rapid growth of the ground‐breaking precision genome editing technology CRISPR/Cas9 and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). With this approach, we hope to shorten the temporal requirement in generating multiple transgenic pigs, increase the survival rate of founder pigs, and generate genetically modified pigs that will more closely resemble the disease‐causing mutations and recapitulate pathological features of human conditions. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postpartum depression, a direct and mediating risk factor for preschool wheeze in girls
Authors: Alton Megan E. , Zeng Yiye , Tough Suzanne C. , Mandhane Piushkumar J. , Kozyrskyj Anita L. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundPostpartum depression affects over 1 in 10 child‐bearing women. A growing body of evidence links maternal distress during the key developmental stages of infants with poor health outcomes, including wheeze and asthma.ObjectiveWe sought to investigate whether postpartum depression had an independent association with the development of wheeze in preschool‐aged children. A second a priori objective was to ascertain whether postpartum depression functioned as a mediating factor for associations between wheeze, and prenatal distress and nutrition.MethodsData from the Community Perinatal Care Trial on maternal postpartum depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), the dependent variable, wheeze at age 3, and possible confounding factors were obtained for 791 women and their children in Calgary, Canada. Adjusted gender‐specific logistic regression analyses were performed to test the association between postpartum depression and child wheeze, which was independent of maternal distress and vitamin use during pregnancy, pre/postnatal smoking, preterm birth, exclusive breastfeeding duration, daycare attendance, and maternal education. The potential mediating effects of postpartum depression were investigated in a path analysis.ResultsWheeze at age 3 was almost 5 times more likely in girls of mothers who experienced postpartum depression. Results from a path analysis suggested that postpartum depression has a direct effect on wheeze (beta‐coefficient=0.135, P < 0.05), and also mediates the effects of prenatal distress and vitamin use on wheeze in preschool girls. In boys, only prenatal smoking was a statistically significant predictor of wheeze, mainly through the effects of postnatal smoking.Conclusions & Clinical RelevancePostpartum depression may be a risk factor for preschool wheeze among girls in a low risk population, directly and indirectly through prenatal distress and vitamin use. Interventions which target postpartum depression and promote a healthy pregnancy may also reduce the risk of wheeze in children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:349–357. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of Nitramine‐Based Amorphous Energetics
Authors: Stepanov Victor , Patel Rajen B. , Mudryy Ruslan , Qiu Hongwei 
Published: October 2015

AbstractTo date, the use of high explosives (HEs) has been largely limited to their crystalline forms. The glassy forms of these materials have not received much attention. While the highest density and stability of HEs is only attainable in the crystalline state, the unique properties exhibited by glasses may offer significant practical advantages. In this work, the production and properties of glassy molecular dispersions based on CL‐20 with HMX and polyvinyl acetate additives were investigated. The glassy form was achieved by rapid precipitation of the composite ingredients using spray drying. The role of the additives on glass formation was examined. Characterization revealed multiple novel properties in comparison to the traditional crystalline HE‐based compositions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that in the glassy state the materials have a higher configurational enthalpy, by as much as 42 J g−1. Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) results indicate that the glassy materials undergo a glass transition at around 50 °C, during which a transformation from a rigid to a liquid‐like state occurs. The glasses showed a tendency to crystallize, as was observed with TMA and DSC analysis. It was observed that the stability of the amorphous phase with respect to crystallization improved with increasing pellet density. These findings serve to highlight the unique opportunity presented by glassy energetics to achieve improvements beyond those attainable with traditional crystalline materials.
Pioneer 10 and 11 Spacecraft Anomalous Acceleration in the light of the Nonsymmetric Kaluza–Klein (Jordan–Thiry) Theory
Authors: Kalinowski M. W. 
Published: October 2015

The Nonsymmetric Kaluza–Klein (Jordan–Thiry) Theory leads to a model of a modified acceleration that can fit an anomalous acceleration experienced by the Pioneer 10 and 11 spacecraft. The future positions of those spacecrafts are predicted using distorted hyperbolic orbit. A connection between an anomalous acceleration and a Hubble constant is solved in the theory together with a relation to a cosmological constant in CDMΛ model. In the paper we consider an exact solution of a point mass motion in the Solar System under an influence of an anomalous acceleration. We find two types of orbits: periodic and chaotic. Both orbits are bounded. This means there is no possibility to escape from the Solar System. Some possibilities to avoid this conclusion are considered. We resolve also a coincidence between an anomalous acceleration and the cosmological constant using a paradigm of modern cosmology. Relativistic effects and a cosmological drifting of a gravitational constant are considered. The model of an anomalous acceleration does not cause any contradiction with Solar System observations. We give a full statistical analysis of the model. We consider also a full formalism of the Nonsymmetric Jordan–Thiry Theory for the problem and present a relativistic model of an anomalous acceleration. We consider the model for General Relativity approximation, i.e.(). In this model there are no contradictions with General Relativity tests in the Solar System. Pioneer 10/11 spacecrafts will come back in 106years (a time scale of our periodic solutions is 106years). Moreover, almost relativistic or relativistic spacecrafts can escape from the Solar System. We consider also a model of a relativistic acceleration which is more complicated, withtaken into account.
Quantitative measurements of internal electric fields with differential phase contrast microscopy on InGaN/GaN quantum well structures
Authors: Lohr Matthias , Schregle Ralph , Jetter Michael , Wächter Clemens , Müller‐Caspary Knut , Mehrtens Thorsten , Rosenauer Andreas , Pietzonka Ines , Strassburg Martin , Zweck Josef 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPiezoelectric and spontaneous polarization play an essential role in GaN‐based devices. InGaN quantum wells (QWs) in GaN host material, especially grown along the polar c‐direction, exhibit strong internal fields in the QW region due to the indium‐induced strain. An exact knowledge of the electric fields is essential, since they are one of the factors limiting the performance of green LDs and LEDs. Differential phase contrast in a scanning transmission electron microscope enables direct, local, and quantitative measurements of these electric fields. For a multi‐QW sample, it was possible to determine the piezoelectric field in the range of 43–67 MV m−1 with a resolution of 10 MV m−1 ( 10 mV nm−1).
Prediction of large‐for‐gestational‐age neonates: screening by maternal factors and biomarkers in the three trimesters of pregnancy
Authors: Frick A. P. , Syngelaki A. , Zheng M. , Poon L. C. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo develop a model based on maternal characteristics and medical history (maternal factors) for the prediction of delivery of large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) neonates, and to examine the potential value of first‐, second‐ and third‐trimester fetal biometry and biomarkers in improving such a model.MethodsThis was a screening study in 76 300, 54 999, 25 727 and 6181 singleton pregnancies at 11–13, 19–24, 30–34 and 35–37 weeks' gestation, respectively. The a‐priori risk for LGA with birth weight > 95th percentile (LGA > 95th) was calculated using multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine which of the maternal factors had a significant contribution. Regression analysis was then used to determine whether screening by a combination of maternal factors, fetal biometry and various biophysical and biochemical markers had significant contribution in predicting delivery of LGA neonates.ResultsThe likelihood of LGA > 95th increased with increasing maternal weight and height and was lower in women of Afro‐Caribbean and South Asian racial origins, in cigarette smokers and in nulliparous women. The risk was higher in women with pre‐existing diabetes mellitus Type I and lower in those with chronic hypertension. In parous women, the risk increased with birth‐weight Z‐score in previous pregnancy and prior history of gestational diabetes and decreased with interpregnancy interval. Screening by maternal factors at 11–13 weeks predicted 32%, 44% and 60% of LGA > 95th at false‐positive rates (FPRs) of 5%, 10% and 20%, respectively. With the addition of fetal biometry, the detection rates improved to 37%, 51% and 68% at 19–24 weeks, 50%, 65% and 81% at 30–34 weeks and 60%, 73% and 85% at 35–37 weeks at FPRs of 5%, 10% and 20%, respectively. The addition of biomarkers did not improve the detection rates achieved when screening by a combination of maternal factors and fetal biometry.ConclusionCombined screening by maternal factors and fetal biometry can predict a high proportion of pregnancies that will deliver LGA neonates. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Genome engineering: Drosophila melanogaster and beyond
Authors: Venken Koen J. T. , Sarrion‐Perdigones Alejandro , Vandeventer Paul J. , Abel Nicholas S. , Christiansen Audrey E. , Hoffman Kristi L. 
Published: October 2015

A central challenge in investigating biological phenomena is the development of techniques to modify genomic DNA with nucleotide precision that can be transmitted through the germ line. Recent years have brought a boon in these technologies, now collectively known as genome engineering. Defined genomic manipulations at the nucleotide level enable a variety of reverse engineering paradigms, providing new opportunities to interrogate diverse biological functions. These genetic modifications include controlled removal, insertion, and substitution of genetic fragments, both small and large. Small fragments up to a few kilobases (e.g., single nucleotide mutations, small deletions, or gene tagging at single or multiple gene loci) to large fragments up to megabase resolution can be manipulated at single loci to create deletions, duplications, inversions, or translocations of substantial sections of whole chromosome arms. A specialized substitution of chromosomal portions that presumably are functionally orthologous between different organisms through syntenic replacement, can provide proof of evolutionary conservation between regulatory sequences. Large transgenes containing endogenous or synthetic DNA can be integrated at defined genomic locations, permitting an alternative proof of evolutionary conservation, and sophisticated transgenes can be used to interrogate biological phenomena. Precision engineering can additionally be used to manipulate the genomes of organelles (e.g., mitochondria). Novel genome engineering paradigms are often accelerated in existing, easily genetically tractable model organisms, primarily because these paradigms can be integrated in a rigorous, existing technology foundation. The Drosophila melanogaster fly model is ideal for these types of studies. Due to its small genome size, having just four chromosomes, the vast amount of cutting‐edge genetic technologies, and its short life‐cycle and inexpensive maintenance requirements, the fly is exceptionally amenable to complex genetic analysis using advanced genome engineering. Thus, highly sophisticated methods developed in the fly model can be used in nearly any sequenced organism. Here, we summarize different ways to perform precise inheritable genome engineering using integrases, recombinases, and DNA nucleases in the D. melanogaster. WIREs Dev Biol 2016, 5:233–267. doi: 10.1002/wdev.214This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Perturbing Genes and Generating Modified Animals
Assessment of Osteonecrosis in the Presence of Instrumentation for Femoral Neck Fracture Using Contrast-Enhanced MAVRIC Sequence
Authors: Farshad-Amacker Nadja A. , Koff Matthew F. , Dyke Jonathan P. , Lazaro Lionel E. , Shah Parina , Lorich Dean G. , Potter Hollis G. 
Published: October 2015

Background Evaluating postoperative femoral neck facture (FNF) with metal fixation hardware is commonly performed using radiographs. MRI has greater sensitivity and specificity to evaluate osteonecrosis (ON) but is often challenging due to the image distortion caused by metallic hardware. Questions/Purposes The aim of this study is to compare fast spin-echo (FSE) and multi-acquisition variable-resonance image combination (MAVRIC) sequences in assessing ON following metallic fixation of FNF and determining feasibility of semi-quantitative perfusion using MAVRIC. Methods Radiography and MRI were performed at 3 and 12 months postoperatively, using FSE and pre- and post-gadolinium contrast MAVRIC sequences in 21 FNF patients. The presence and volume of ON were recorded. Signal intensity (SI) enhancement was measured on the MAVRIC sequences within the center and rim of ON; with the ilium and femoral diaphysis as controls. The detection rate of ON between MAVRIC and FSE images was evaluated as the difference of percent enhancement across the defined regions of interest. Results ON was detected in 0% of radiographs, in 67% of FSE, and in 76% of MAVRIC images at 3 months follow-up, with similar results at 12 months. MAVRIC images had larger ON volume than FSE images at both time points. A significant percentage SI enhancement was only detected in the ON rim. Conclusion Radiographs could not detect ON following metallic fixation of FNF. MAVRIC is more sensitive than FSE for determining the volume of ON. SI measurements using MAVRIC may provide an indirect assessment of perfusion.
Immobilization of Lipid Substrates: Application on Phospholipase A2 Determination
Authors: Karkabounas Athanassios , Georgiadou Dimitra G. , Argitis Panagiotis , Psycharis Vassilios , Nakos George , Kosmas Agni M. , Lekka Marilena E. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to assess a fluorimetric assay for the determination of total phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in biological samples introducing the innovation of immobilized substrates on crosslinked polymeric membranes. The immobilized C12‐NBD‐PtdCho, a fluorescent analogue of phosphatidylcholine, exhibited excellent stability for 3 months at 4 °C and was not desorbed in the aqueous reaction mixture during analysis. The limit of detection was 0.5 pmol FA (0.2 pg) and the linear part of the response curve extended from 1 up to 190 nmol FA/h/mL sample. The intra‐ and inter‐day relative standard deviations (%RSD), were ≤6 and ≤9 %, respectively. Statistical comparison with other fluorescent methods showed excellent correlation and agreement. Semiempirical calculations showed a fair amount of electrostatic interaction between the NBD‐labeled substrate and the crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol with the styryl pyridinium residues (PVA‐SbQ) material, from the plane of which, the sn‐2 acyl chain of the phospholipid stands out and is accessible by PLA2. Atomic Force Microscopy revealed morphological alterations of the immobilized substrate after the reaction with PLA2. Mass spectrometry showed that only C12‐NBD‐FA, the PLA2 hydrolysis product, was detected in the reaction mixture, indicating that PLA2 recognizes PVA‐SbQ/C12‐NBD‐PtdCho as a surface to perform catalysis.
Evaluation of the effects of riluzole on adult spinal cord‐derived neural stem/progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Hachem Laureen D. , Mothe Andrea J. , Tator Charles H. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRiluzole, a sodium/glutamate antagonist, has shown significant neuroprotective effects in experimental models of spinal cord injury (SCI) and is currently under clinical trial for patients with SCI. However, the effect of riluzole on adult spinal cord‐derived NSPCs remains unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of riluzole on NSPC survival both in vitro and in vivo. NSPCs harvested from the adult rat spinal cord were exposed to riluzole (1–30 μM) either alone or in combination with hydrogen peroxide or glutamate in vitro. Measures of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell viability and proliferation were assessed. To examine the effects of riluzole on transplanted NSPCs in vivo, a rodent clip compression model of SCI was used. One week after injury, NSPCs were transplanted into the spinal cord and rats received either riluzole or vehicle treatment for two weeks (similar to the clinically accepted dosing regimen) at which time cords were processed for analysis. Exposure to riluzole (≥10 μM) for more than 48 h in vitro reduced NSPC viability. Riluzole treatment (1–10 μM) did not significantly affect intracellular ROS levels or cell viability in the setting of in vitro oxidative stress. While glutamate (500 μM) exposure for 96 h significantly increased adult NSPC proliferation and survival, this response was not blocked by concurrent treatment with riluzole (1–10 μM) thus supporting the notion that the known anti‐glutamatergic properties of riluzole are not mediated through direct inhibition of glutamate receptors. Furthermore, riluzole treatment did not impair the survival of transplanted NSPCs in a rodent model of SCI. These results suggest that although NSPCs may have a narrow tolerance to riluzole treatment in vitro, riluzole does not impair NSPC survival at doses that would be used clinically.
Energy-consistent entrainment relations for jets and plumes
Authors: van Reeuwijk Maarten , Craske John 
Published: October 2015

We discuss energetic restrictions on the entrainment coefficient${\it\alpha}$for axisymmetric jets and plumes. The resulting entrainment relation includes contributions from the mean flow, turbulence and pressure, fundamentally linking${\it\alpha}$to the production of turbulence kinetic energy, the plume Richardson number$\mathit{Ri}$and the profile coefficients associated with the shape of the buoyancy and velocity profiles. This entrainment relation generalises the work by Kaminskiet al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 526, 2005, pp. 361–376) and Fox (J. Geophys. Res., vol. 75, 1970, pp. 6818–6835). The energetic viewpoint provides a unified framework with which to analyse the classical entrainment models implied by the plume theories of Mortonet al.(Proc. R. Soc. Lond.A, vol. 234, 1955, pp. 1–23) and Priestley & Ball (Q. J. R. Meteorol. Soc., vol. 81, 1954, pp. 144–157). Data for pure jets and plumes in unstratified environments indicate that to first order the physics is captured by the Priestley and Ball entrainment model, implying that (1) the profile coefficient associated with the production of turbulence kinetic energy has approximately the same value for pure plumes and jets, (2) the value of${\it\alpha}$for a pure plume is roughly a factor of$5/3$larger than for a jet and (3) the enhanced entrainment coefficient in plumes is primarily associated with the behaviour of the mean flow and not with buoyancy-enhanced turbulence. Theoretical suggestions are made on how entrainment can be systematically studied by creating constant-$\mathit{Ri}$flows in a numerical simulation or laboratory experiment.