bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Skin Marker Movement at the Malleoli and Talar Heads
Authors: Birch Ivan , Deschamps Kevin 
Published: April 2014

Background:Quantifying subtalar joint kinematics during locomotion is a major challenge but is critical to understanding foot function. The difficulty of modeling the subtalar joint is demonstrated by the plethora of three-dimensional multisegment foot models lacking specific consideration of the subtalar joint. Scientific attempts to develop an adequate method of quantifying subtalar joint kinematics should include investigation of the movement of skin-mounted markers. This study reports on a single-subject investigation into this topic.Methods:Radiopaque markers were attached to the skin overlying the medial and lateral malleoli and the medial and lateral talar heads of a single subject. Frontal, sagittal, and transverse plane radiographs were taken with the foot in the fully pronated and fully supinated positions. Parallax corrected measurements were taken of the displacement of the markers from the bony landmarks. Measurements were also taken of the effect of these displacements on angular calculations.Results:Skin movement at the four anatomical locations was not uniform, with displacements varying from 0.61 to 22.18 mm. Movement of the malleolar markers was found to be less than that of the talar head markers. The distortion of angular measurements caused by movement of the skin markers relative to the bony landmarks was found to be only 1° in the sagittal and transverse planes and 5° in the frontal plane.Conclusions:For this subject, skin-mounted markers could be used to assess subtalar joint motion. Further studies are necessary to investigate the implications of these findings to the wider population. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 101(6): 497–504, 2011)
Partial or Total Calcanectomy as an Alternative to Below-the-Knee Amputation for Limb Salvage
Authors: Schade Valerie L. 
Published: April 2014

Background:
Below-the-knee amputations are regarded as definitive treatment for calcaneal osteomyelitis. They may be less than desirable in patients with a viable midfoot and forefoot. Partial and total calcanectomies have been reported as an alternative for limb salvage. However, the durability of the residual limb is questionable.

Methods:
A systematic review was undertaken to identify material relating to the potential for limb salvage with partial or total calcanectomy in ambulatory patients with calcaneal osteomyelitis. Studies eligible for inclusion consecutively enrolled ambulatory patients older than 18 years who underwent partial or total calcanectomy without adjunctive free tissue transfer for the treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis and had a mean follow-up of 12 months or longer.

Results:
Sixteen studies involving 100 patients (76 partial and 28 total calcanectomies) met all of the inclusion criteria. Weighted mean follow-up was 33 months. Minor complications with subsequent healing occurred in less than 24% of patients. Most major complications were related to residual soft-tissue infection and osteomyelitis. Approximately 10% of patients required a major lower-extremity amputation. Major complications and major lower-extremity amputations occurred more frequently after total calcanectomy and in patients with a diagnosis of diabetes. Eighty-five percent of patients maintained or improved their ambulatory status postoperatively. Only 3% of patients decreased their ambulatory status postoperatively, becoming unlimited household ambulators.

Conclusions:
This systematic review provides evidence that partial or total calcanectomy is a viable option for limb salvage in ambulatory patients with calcaneal osteomyelitis. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 102(5): 396–405, 2012)
Older People’s Perceptions of a Multifaceted Podiatric Medical Intervention to Prevent Falls
Authors: Menz Hylton B. , Spink Martin J. , Landorf Karl B. , Hill Keith D. , Lord Stephen R. 
Published: April 2014

Background:
Falls are common in older people and are associated with substantial health-care costs. A recent randomized controlled trial of a multifaceted podiatric medical intervention demonstrated a 36% reduction in the fall rate over 12 months. We evaluated the acceptability of and levels of satisfaction with this intervention in the older people who participated in the trial.

Methods:
Participants allocated to the intervention group (which included a home-based program of foot and ankle exercises, assistance with the purchase of safe footwear when necessary, and provision of prefabricated foot orthoses) completed a structured questionnaire 6 months after they had received the intervention. The questions addressed participants’ perceptions of their balance and foot and ankle strength, the perceived difficulty of the exercise program, and the degree of satisfaction with the footwear and orthoses provided.

Results:
Of 153 participants, 134 (87.6%) attended the 6-month follow-up assessment and completed the questionnaire. Most participants perceived improvements in balance (62.7%) and foot and ankle strength (74.6%) after 6 months of performing the exercises, and 86.6% considered the difficulty level of the exercises to be “about right.” Most participants reported that they were somewhat or very satisfied with the footwear (92.3%) and orthoses (81.6%) provided.

Conclusions:
The multifaceted podiatric medical intervention used in this trial was generally perceived to be beneficial and demonstrated high levels of satisfaction among participants. Further research is now required to evaluate the feasibility of implementing the intervention in a range of clinical practice settings. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 103(6): 457–464, 2013)
“Good for Older Ladies, Not Me”
Authors: Davis Annette , Murphy Anna , Haines Terry P. 
Published: April 2014

Background:Footwear selection is important among older adults. Little is known about factors that influence footwear selection among older women. If older women are to wear better footwear that reduces their risk of falls and foot abnormalities, then a better understanding of the factors underlying footwear choice is needed. This study aims to identify factors that drive footwear selection and use among older community-dwelling women with no history of falls.Methods:A cross-sectional survey using a structured, open-ended questionnaire was conducted by telephone interview. The participants were 24 women, 60 to 80 years old, with no history of falls or requirement for gait aids. The responses to open-ended questions were coded and quantified under a qualitative description paradigm.Results:The main themes identified about footwear selection were aesthetics and comfort. Aesthetics was by far the main factor influencing footwear choice. Wearing safe footwear was not identified as a consideration when purchasing footwear.Conclusions:This study indicates that older women are driven primarily by aesthetics and comfort in their footwear selection. These footwear drivers have implications for health-care providers when delivering fall and foot health education. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 103(6): 465–470, 2013)
Integrating Research Into the Clinic
Authors: Keenan Anne-Maree , Redmond Anthony C. 
Published: April 2014

This paper is the first in a series of three aimed at introducing clinicians to current concepts in research, and outlining how they may be able to apply these concepts to their own clinical practice. It has become evident in recent years that while many practitioners may not want to become actively involved in the research process, simply keeping abreast of the burgeoning publication base will create new demands on their time, and will often require the acquisition of new skills.
This series introduces the philosophies of integrating what sometimes may appear to be abstract research into the realities of the clinical environment. It will provide practitioners with an accessible summary of the tools required in order to understand the research process. For some, it is hoped this series may provide some impetus for the contemplative practitioner to become a more active participant in the research process. This first paper addresses how the evidence based practice (EBP) revolution can be used to empower the individual practitioner and how good quality evidence can improve the overall clinical decision making process. It also suggests key strategies by which the clinician may try to enhance their clinical decision making process and make research evidence more applicable to their day to day clinical practice. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 92(2): 115-122, 2002)
Modeling forest dynamics along climate gradients in Bolivia
Authors: Seiler C. , Hutjes R. W. A. , Kruijt B. , Quispe J. , Añez S. , Arora V. K. , Melton J. R. , Hickler T. , Kabat P. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractDynamic vegetation models have been used to assess the resilience of tropical forests to climate change, but the global application of these modeling experiments often misrepresents carbon dynamics at a regional level, limiting the validity of future projections. Here a dynamic vegetation model (Lund Potsdam Jena General Ecosystem Simulator) was adapted to simulate present‐day potential vegetation as a baseline for climate change impact assessments in the evergreen and deciduous forests of Bolivia. Results were compared to biomass measurements (819 plots) and remote sensing data. Using regional parameter values for allometric relations, specific leaf area, wood density, and disturbance interval, a realistic transition from the evergreen Amazon to the deciduous dry forest was simulated. This transition coincided with threshold values for precipitation (1400 mm yr−1) and water deficit (i.e., potential evapotranspiration minus precipitation) (−830 mm yr−1), beyond which leaf abscission became a competitive advantage. Significant correlations were found between modeled and observed values of seasonal leaf abscission (R2 = 0.6, p <0.001) and vegetation carbon (R2 = 0.31, p <0.01). Modeled Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and remotely sensed normalized difference vegetation index showed that dry forests were more sensitive to rainfall anomalies than wet forests. GPP was positively correlated to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation index in the Amazon and negatively correlated to consecutive dry days. Decreasing rainfall trends were simulated to reduce GPP in the Amazon. The current model setup provides a baseline for assessing the potential impacts of climate change in the transition zone from wet to dry tropical forests in Bolivia.
Expression of IL‐33 and its epigenetic regulation in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Fanglin , Tossberg John T. , Spurlock Charles F. , Yao Song‐Yi , Aune Thomas M. , Sriram Subramaniam 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveWe examined the expression of IL‐33 as an indicator of an innate immune response in relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) and controls. We proposed a link between the expression of IL‐33 and IL‐33 regulated genes to histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and in particular HDAC3, an enzyme that plays a role in the epigenetic regulation of a number genes including those which regulate inflammation.MethodsUsing TaqMan low density arrays, flow cytometry and ELIZA, expression of IL‐33, and family of innate immune response genes which regulate cytokine gene expression was examined in RRMS patients and controls.ResultsIntracellular expression of IL‐33 and IL‐33 regulated genes are increased in patients with RRMS. In addition, following in vitro culture with TLR agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS), there is increased induction of both IL‐33 and HDAC3 in RRMS patients over that seen in controls. Also, culture of PBMC with IL‐33 led to the expression of genes which overlapped with that seen in RRMS patients suggesting that the gene expression signature seen in RRMS is likely to be driven by IL‐33 mediated innate immune pathways. Expression of levels of IL‐33 but not IL‐1 (another gene regulated by TLR agonists) is completely inhibited by Trichostatin A (TSA) establishing a closer regulation of IL‐33 but not IL‐1 with HDAC.InterpretationThese results demonstrate the over expression of innate immune genes in RRMS and offer a causal link between the epigenetic regulation by HDAC and the induction of IL‐33.
Comparative kinetics of esterification of methanol–acetic acid in the presence of liquid and solid catalysts
Authors: Mekala Mallaiah , Goli Venkat Reddy 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTEsterification of acetic acid with methanol to produce methyl acetate in an isothermal stirred batch reactor has been studied. Sulfuric acid was used as a liquid catalyst, and Indion‐180, Indion‐190 and Amberlyst‐16wet ion exchange resins were used as solid catalysts. The feed mole ratio was varied from 1 : 1 to 1 : 4. The reaction temperatures were varied from 305.15 to 333.15 K for sulfuric acid as catalyst and 323.15 to 353.15 K for the solid catalysts. The catalyst concentrations were used in the range of 1% to 5%, for the sulfuric acid catalyst, and 0.01 to 0.05 g/cc, for the solid catalysts. The effect of temperature, catalyst concentration, agitation speed, size of catalyst particle and reactant concentration on the acetic acid conversion was investigated. A second‐order kinetic rate equation was proposed to fit the experimental data. For both forward and backward reactions, the activation energies were estimated from Arrhenius plots. The reaction rate increased with catalyst concentration and temperature for both the liquid and solid catalysts. The acetic acid conversion was found to increase with increases in acetic acid to methanol ratio in the feed. The developed kinetic rate equation was used for the simulation of reactive distillation process, in our laboratory column. © 2014 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dairy effluent treatment and lipids production by Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Euglena gracilis: study on open and closed systems
Authors: Yadavalli Rajasri , Rao C. S. , Rao Ramgopal S. , Potumarthi Ravichandra 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTOrganic content and nutrients from dairy effluent by immobilized Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Euglena gracilis were removed in both open and closed systems. Biochemical constituents viz, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins were analyzed to assess the changes in their proximate composition in both the systems for both species. Euglena gracilis has a high lipid content of 11% at the end of 7 days of cultivation period compared and to C. pyrenoidosa resulted in 7% at the end of 10 days, respectively. Whereas protein content of Chlorella sp. was found to be higher at 44% compared to 29% of Euglena sp. A significant increase was also observed in carbohydrates in C. pyrenoidosa at the end of 10 days. Whilst NH4+‐N was completely removed by immobilized Chlorella sp., it was reduced by 96% compared to Euglena sp. Further, 98% PO43−‐P removal was achieved with immobilized cultures of both species in two modes of operation. Biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand were observed in the range of significant decrease (~80%–96%) by this approach. © 2014 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallization and microporous membrane properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene with dibenzylidene sorbitol
Authors: Liu Sijun , Zhao Bin , He Dannong 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTDibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS) was chosen as an in situ forming nucleating agent to study ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) crystallization and microporous membrane. The experimental results indicated that DBS self‐assembled into fibrils first and the solution became a physical gel before UHMWPE crystallization during thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) of UHMWPE/liquid paraffin (LP)/DBS solution, and the temperature of DBS self‐assembly shows a strong dependence of DBS concentration. With decreasing temperature further, DBS fibrils as heterogeneous nucleating agent accelerated UHMWPE crystallization, which was showed more clearly in UHMWPE/LP/DBS phase diagram. UHMWPE microporous membranes were prepared through TIPS method with the control of DBS concentration. It was found that UHMWPE microporous membranes in the presence of DBS fibrils show small porous size and low water permeability, but relatively larger mechanical strength. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40706.
Curing behavior of epoxy resins in two‐stage curing process by non‐isothermal differential scanning calorimetry kinetics method
Authors: Sun He , Liu Yuyan , Wang Youshan , Tan Huifeng 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIn this research, a new thermal curing system, with two‐stage curing characteristics, has been designed. And the reaction behaviors of two different curing processes have been systematically studied. The non‐isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test is used to discuss the curing reaction of two stages curing, and the data obtained from the curves are used to calculate the kinetic parameters. Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose (KAS) method is applied to determine activation energy (Ea) and investigate it as the change of conversion (α). Málek method is used to unravel the curing reaction mechanism. The results indicate that the curing behaviors of two different curing stages can be implemented successfully, and curing behavior is accorded with Šesták‐Berggren mode. The non‐isothermal DSC and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy test results reveal that two different curing stages can be implemented successfully. Furthermore, the double x fitting method is used to determine the pre‐exponential factor (A), reaction order (m, n), and establish the kinetic equation. The fitting results between experiment curves and simulative curves prove that the kinetic equation can commendably describe the two different curing reaction processes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40711.
Synthesis and photocatalytic performance of PVA/TiO2/graphene‐MWCNT nanocomposites for dye removal
Authors: Jung Gowun , Kim Hyung‐Il 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTTiO2/graphene‐MWCNT nanocomposite was prepared using solvothermal reaction for the effective distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles on carbonaceous materials. TiO2/graphene‐MWCNT nanocomposite was immobilized in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix for a convenient recovery after wastewater purification. MWCNT was incorporated in a nanocomposite not only to prevent the restacking of graphene but also to increase the electron transfer from TiO2. The detailed characterization of the nanocomposite was performed using SEM, EDX, XRD, XPS, and FTIR. The photocatalytic performance of PVA/TiO2/graphene‐MWCNT nanocomposite was investigated by UV spectroscopy on the basis of degradation of organic pollutants. PVA/TiO2/graphene‐MWCNT nanocomposite showed improved photocatalytic decomposition of more than 70% of residual dye left in case of using PVA/TiO2/graphene nanocomposite due to the improved electron transfer and the higher adsorption of organic pollutants. PVA/TiO2/graphene‐MWCNT nanocomposite was suitable as a promising material for the recyclable photocatalytic wastewater purification system. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40715.
Ultraweak, spontaneous photon emission in seedlings: toxicological and chronobiological applications
Authors: de Mello Gallep Cristiano 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe detection of ultraweak light emission in seedlings has been explored in toxicological and chronobiological studies. The main studies in this area are reviewed briefly, including a report on applied tests held in the last 7 years at LaFA – UNICAMP (Brazil). In general, results indicate that a linear relation for total light emission versus germination performance is found if only strong stress situations are considered, when external factors depress a seedling's development, even when considering a sequential series of tests. Light emitted by a single seedling was detected in a compact apparatus, and data are presented here for the first time showing pronounced circadian cycles are evident, with similar time and frequency profiles as those of the local gravimetric tide. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of determination of four analytes of Zhi‐Shao‐San decoction using LC‐MS/MS and its application to comparative pharmacokinetics in normal and irritable bowel syndrome rat plasma
Authors: Chen Jiayi , Chen Zhi , Ma Li , Liang Qiaowen , Jia Wei , Pan Zhenzhen , Zeng Yuaner , Jiang Bin 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTZhi‐Shao‐San (ZSS), a traditional Chinese medicinal prescription, has been clinically used for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for centuries. A comparative study was designed and conducted to compare the pharmacokinetic differences between paeoniflorin naringin, hesperidin and neohesperidin after oral administration of ZSS decoction to normal rats and IBS rats induced by acetic acid and restraint stress. Further, an efficient, sensitive and selective liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of four analytes of ZSS decoction in rat plasma was developed and validated. The validated method was successfully applied to comparison of pharmacokinetic profiles of analytes in rat plasma. The results showed that the absorptions of naringin, hesperidin and neohesperidin in IBS group were all significantly higher than those in normal group and no obvious difference was seen for paeoniflorin between the two groups, which is helpful for improving clinical therapeutic efficacy and further pharmacological studies of ZSS. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of swertianolin in rat plasma by LC‐MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: He Jun , Tian Chengwang , Ouyang Huizi , Adelakun Tiwalade A. , Yu Bin , Chang Yanxu , Pan Guixiang , Jiang Linghuo , Gao Xiumei 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTA sensitive and rapid LC‐MS/MS method has been developed and validated for quantifying swertianolin in rat plasma using rutin as an internal standard (IS). Following liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate, chromatographic separation for swertianolin was achieved on a C18 column with a gradient elution using 0.1% formic acid as mobile phase A and acetonitrile as mobile phase B at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The detection was performed on a tandem mass spectrometer using multiple reaction monitoring via an electrospray ionization source and operating in the negative ionization mode. The optimized mass transition ion pairs (m/z) for quantitation were 435.1/272.0 for swertianolin and 609.2/300.1 for IS. The lower limit of quantitation was 0.5 ng/mL within a linear range of 0.5–500 ng/mL. Intra‐day and inter‐day precision was less than 6.8%. The accuracy was in the range of −13.9 to 12.0%. The mean recovery of swertianolin was >66.7%. The proposed method was successfully applied in evaluating the pharmacokinetics of swertianolin after an oral dose of 50 mg/kg Swertia mussotii extract in rats. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.