bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Polymerizable Bioionic Liquid Based Nanogel: A New Nanocarrier for an Anticancer Drug
Authors: Mukesh Chandrakant , Bhatt Jitkumar , Prasad Kamlesh 
Published: July 2014

Nanogels (NGs) are considered as one of the most suitable nanocarrier matrices for drug, gene and protein delivery. There are many methods of synthesis of NGs but polymerizable bioionic liquids are not being applied so far for the synthesis of such nanocarriers. The synthesis of a stimuli‐responsive NG system having average hydrodynamic size of 41 ± 15 nm is reported here, obtained by the simultaneous polymerization and crosslinking of a polymerizable biobased ionic liquid. The NG thus obtained shows prolonged drug delivery for 5‐fluorouracil, an anticancer drug, at pH 1.2 (stomach pH) for 10 days at physiological human body temperature (37 °C). However, no substantial drug delivery is observed at pH 5 and 7.4. Such a prolonged drug release profilemakes the reported NG system a potential candidate in the formulation of a pH‐sensitive drug nanocarrier vehicle for in vivo delivery of stomach‐specific therapeutic agents.
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Contrasting soil microbial community functional structures in two major landscapes of the Tibetan alpine meadow
Authors: Chu Houjuan , Wang Shiping , Yue Haowei , Lin Qiaoyan , Hu Yigang , Li Xiangzhen , Zhou Jizhong , Yang Yunfeng 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe grassland and shrubland are two major landscapes of the Tibetan alpine meadow, a region very sensitive to the impact of global warming and anthropogenic perturbation. Herein, we report a study showing that a majority of differences in soil microbial community functional structures, measured by a functional gene array named GeoChip 4.0, in two adjacent shrubland and grassland areas, were explainable by environmental properties, suggesting that the harsh environments in the alpine grassland rendered niche adaptation important. Furthermore, genes involved in labile carbon degradation were more abundant in the shrubland than those of the grassland but genes involved in recalcitrant carbon degradation were less abundant, which was conducive to long‐term carbon storage and sequestration in the shrubland despite low soil organic carbon content. In addition, genes of anerobic nitrogen cycling processes such as denitrification and dissimilatory nitrogen reduction were more abundant, shifting soil nitrogen cycling toward ammonium biosynthesis and consequently leading to higher soil ammonium contents. We also noted higher abundances of stress genes responsive to nitrogen limitation and oxygen limitation, which might be attributed to low total nitrogen and higher water contents in the shrubland. Together, these results provide mechanistic knowledge about microbial linkages to soil carbon and nitrogen storage and potential consequences of vegetation shifts in the Tibetan alpine meadow.
A 31‐channel MR brain array coil compatible with positron emission tomography
Authors: Sander Christin Y. , Keil Boris , Chonde Daniel B. , Rosen Bruce R. , Catana Ciprian , Wald Lawrence L. 
Published: July 2014

PurposeSimultaneous acquisition of MR and positron emission tomography (PET) images requires the placement of the MR detection coil inside the PET detector ring where it absorbs and scatters photons. This constraint is the principal barrier to achieving optimum sensitivity on each modality. Here, we present a 31‐channel PET‐compatible brain array coil with reduced attenuation but improved MR sensitivity.MethodsA series of component tests were performed to identify tradeoffs between PET and MR performance. Aspects studied include the remote positioning of preamplifiers, coax size, coil trace size/material, and plastic housing. We then maximized PET performance at minimal cost to MR sensitivity. The coil was evaluated for MR performance (signal to noise ratio [SNR], g‐factor) and PET attenuation.ResultsThe coil design showed an improvement in attenuation by 190% (average) compared with conventional 32‐channel arrays, and no loss in MR SNR. Moreover, the 31‐channel coil displayed an SNR improvement of 230% (cortical region of interest) compared with a PET‐optimized 8‐channel array with similar attenuation properties. Implementing attenuation correction of the 31‐channel array successfully removed PET artifacts, which were comparable to those of the 8‐channel array.ConclusionThe design of the 31‐channel PET‐compatible coil enables higher sensitivity for PET/MR imaging, paving the way for novel applications in this hybrid‐imaging domain. Magn Reson Med 73:2363–2375, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new framework for implicit restarting of the Krylov–Schur algorithm
Authors: Bujanović Zvonimir , Drmač Zlatko 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThis paper introduces a new framework for implicit restarting of the Krylov–Schur algorithm. It is shown that restarting with arbitrary polynomial filter is possible by reassigning some of the eigenvalues of the Rayleigh quotient through a rank‐one correction, implemented using only the elementary transformations (translation and similarity) of the Krylov decomposition. This framework includes the implicitly restarted Arnoldi (IRA) algorithm and the Krylov–Schur algorithm with implicit harmonic restart as special cases. Further, it reveals that the IRA algorithm can be turned into an eigenvalue assignment method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
College chemistry students' understanding of potential energy in the context of atomic–molecular interactions
Authors: Becker Nicole M. , Cooper Melanie M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractUnderstanding the energy changes that occur as atoms and molecules interact forms the foundation for understanding the macroscopic energy changes that accompany chemical processes. In order to identify ways to scaffold students' understanding of the connections between atomic–molecular and macroscopic energy perspectives, we conducted a qualitative study of students' conceptualization of potential energy at the atomic–molecular level. We used semi‐structured interviews and open‐ended surveys to explore how students understand potential energy and use the idea of potential energy to explain atomic–molecular interactions in simple systems. Findings suggest that undergraduate chemistry students may rely on intuitive interpretations of potential energy, incorrect interpretations of curricular definitions (including the idea that potential energy represents stored energy) and heuristics rather than foundational understandings of the relationships between atomic–molecular structure, electrostatic forces and energy. Thus, we suggest that more explicit attention to the nature and role of potential energy in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum may be needed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 51: 789–808, 2014
Wind energy literature survey no. 33
Authors: Pavese Christian 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTAs a service to readers, Wind Energy regularly conducts literature surveys and publishes lists of relevant articles drawn from recent issues of Wind Energy itself and a large number of periodicals, including the following: Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, International Journal of Energy Research, Renewable Energy, Energy Sources, Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Journal, Electric Power Components and Systems along with a number of periodicals published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and so on. The list is limited exclusively to journals not specifically devoted to wind energy and its applications. To assist the reader, the list is separated into broad categories. Although many papers fit several categories, each paper is listed only once under the category thought most appropriate. Please note that the inclusion in the list is not an endorsement of a paper's quality. Compiled by Christian Pavese, Department of Wind Energy, Technical University of Denmark, PO 49, DK‐4000 Roskilde, Denmark. Please e‐mail any suggestions to cpav@dtu.dk. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Randomized Prospective Study Comparing Acquisition of Laparoscopic Skills in Three‐Dimensional (3D) vs. Two‐Dimensional (2D) Laparoscopy
Authors: Alaraimi B. , El Bakbak W. , Sarker S. , Makkiyah S. , Al‐Marzouq A. , Goriparthi R. , Bouhelal A. , Quan V. , Patel B. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to compare the performance of novices with three‐dimensional (3D) versus two‐dimensional (2D) laparoscopy using Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) tasks.MethodsFifty‐six novices with no uncorrected visual problems were randomly allocated to 2D and 3D groups. All candidates practiced FLS tasks on a box trainer until they achieved proficiency. Their performance was assessed by considering completion time, number of repetitions, and number of errors following the validated FLS proficiency criteria.ResultsTwenty‐five participants in each group completed the training curriculum. The median performance time (in minutes) for the 3D group was 216, which was less than that of the 2D group of 247 min (P = 0.266). The median numbers of repetitions and errors were lower for the 3D group versus the 2D group: 108 versus 121 (P = 0.008) and 27 versus 105 (P < 0.001), respectively.ConclusionStereoscopic vision improved accuracy in laparoscopic skills for novices, which was manifested in reduced numbers of repetitions and errors. However, it does not affect the global performance time across all tasks.
Despite Limited Specificity, Computed Tomography Predicts Lateralization and Clinical Outcome in Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Kline G. A. , Dias V. C. , So B. , Harvey A. , Pasieka J. L. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundComputed tomography (CT) of the adrenals is a common first step for investigation of primary aldosteronism (PA). However, prior studies report poor specificity, necessitating adrenal vein sampling (AVS) prior to surgical consideration.MethodsWe examined our AVS database to determine whether CT adrenal findings could help select patients with a high likelihood of lateralization by AVS or high‐value blood pressure (BP) outcomes. Subjects (N = 113) with validated outcomes were divided into groups of CT ‘positive’ or CT ‘negative’ according to the presence or absence of an adrenal mass and compared for the outcomes of lateralization by AVS or proportions achieving normotension off medications following surgery.ResultsFor patients with CT adrenal masses, there was a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) for both outcomes (6.3 and 9.7, p < 0.01). In subgroup analysis, age <40 years carried particularly high odds for lateralization and cure when a CT mass was present (ORs 45 and 26, p < 0.01). Young individuals with normal CT adrenals rarely lateralized (10 %) and, in such patients, even factors like hypokalemia, body mass index (BMI), and plasma aldosterone level did not change the result on regression analysis.ConclusionsCT‐imaged adrenal masses strongly predicted lateralization by AVS and normotension with surgical treatment of lateralized PA. In PA, CT‐positive patients should indeed be offered AVS and/or surgery given the high chance of good outcomes; younger CT‐negative patients should be advised of a low chance of finding surgical disease by AVS.
Robotic Splenectomy: What is the Real Benefit?
Authors: Giza Dana‐Elena , Tudor Stefan , Purnichescu‐Purtan Raluca Roxana , Vasilescu Catalin 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe laparoscopic approach to a difficult splenectomy requires a longer total operative time and is frequently associated with an increased risk of bleeding and a high conversion rate.MethodsA total of 418 elective splenectomies were registered in the Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation of Fundeni Clinical Institute between January 1995 and June 2012, of which 299 splenectomies (212 laparoscopic and 77 robotic) were performed by a single surgical team and retrospectively documented. The effect of the learning curve and the relative complexity of each type of procedure were analyzed using the Minimally Invasive Splenectomy Score, which further allowed categorizing the splenectomies as simple or difficult. Statistical analyses using the CUSUM algorithm of the intra‐ and postoperative parameters of the laparoscopic and robotic approaches, for both the simple and the difficult splenectomies, were performed.ResultsThe results of the statistical analyses clearly indicated that there was a learning curve effect for laparoscopic splenectomy but not for robotic splenectomy. When compared with the laparoscopic approach in difficult splenectomies, the robotic approach had a shorter total operative time (84.13 vs. 97.2 min), less blood loss (30.88 vs. 156.9 ml), and decreased risk of hemorrhagic complications during surgery.ConclusionsLaparoscopic splenectomy remains the approach of choice for simple splenectomies in the surgical treatment for common indications. The robotic system is particularly beneficial in difficult splenectomies (i.e., partial splenectomy, splenectomy in liver cirrhosis, splenic tumors, or malignant hemopathies).
Orthopedic management of the extremities in patients with Morquio A syndrome
Authors: White Klane K. , Jester Andrea , Bache C. Edward , Harmatz Paul R. , Shediac Renée , Thacker Mihir M. , Mackenzie William G. 
Published: July 2014

Background Musculoskeletal involvement in Morquio A syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis IVA; MPS IVA) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. While the spinal manifestations of the disorder have received considerable attention in the literature, there have been few reported studies to date to guide the management of the orthopedic problems associated with the lower and upper extremities. Purpose The objective was to develop recommendations for the management of the extremities in patients with Morquio A syndrome. Methods A group of specialists in orthopedics, pediatrics and genetics with experience in the management of Morquio A patients convened to review and discuss current clinical practices and to develop preliminary recommendations. Evidence from the literature was retrieved. Recommendations were further refined until consensus was reached. Results and conclusions This present article provides a detailed review and discussion of the lower and upper extremity deformities in Morquio A syndrome and presents recommendations for the assessment and treatment of these complications. Key issues, including the importance of early diagnosis and the implications of medical therapy, are also addressed. The recommendations herein represent an attempt to develop a uniform and practical approach to managing patients with Morquio A syndrome and improving their outcomes.
Gallbladder perforation in cholecystitis with liver abscess formation and septic thrombophlebitis of portal vein mimicking presentation of liver malignancy
Authors: Lin Hsin‐Chi , Chen Tseng‐Shing 
Published: July 2014

SummaryGallbladder perforation is a rare complication of cholecystitis. Similarly, septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein, also called pylephlebitis, is another rare complication of intra‐abdominal infections including cholecystitis. Both gallbladder perforation and pylephlebitis are associated with significantly higher morbidity and mortality. Herein, we report a patient with an atypical presentation of gallbladder perforation and liver abscess formation. A 68‐year‐old man suffered from malaise, poor appetite, and body weight loss for 1 month. Liver mass lesion and portal vein thrombosis were detected by ultrasound at a local clinic. He was referred to our institution under the tentative diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. He underwent abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography examinations at our hospital. Cholecystitis with gallbladder perforation was highly suspected. Broad‐spectrum antibiotics were administered immediately. Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage was performed in this case, and pigtail drainage for liver abscess was done later. The patient's condition—cholecystitis, liver abscess, and pylephlebitis (followed by ultrasound)—improved after treatment. Furthermore, the patient recovered his appetite and his body weight increased.
A nineteen gene‐based risk score classifier predicts prognosis of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Kim Seon-Kyu , Kim Seon-Young , Kim Jeong-Hwan , Roh Seon Ae , Cho Dong-Hyung , Kim Yong Sung , Kim Jin Cheon 
Published: July 2014

Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients frequently experience disease recurrence and distant metastasis. This study aimed to identify prognostic indicators, including individual responses to chemotherapy, in CRC patients. RNA‐seq data was generated using 54 samples (normal colon, primary CRC, and liver metastases) from 18 CRC patients and genes associated with CRC aggressiveness were identified. A risk score based on these genes was developed and validated in four independent CRC patient cohorts (n = 1063). Diverse statistical methods were applied to validate the risk scoring system, including a generalized linear model likelihood ratio test, Kaplan–Meier curves, a log‐rank test, and the Cox model. TREM1 and CTGF were identified as two activated regulators associated with CRC aggressiveness. A risk score based on 19 genes regulated by TREM1 or CTGF activation (TCA19) was a significant prognostic indicator. In multivariate and subset analyses based on pathological staging, TCA19 was an independent risk factor (HR = 1.894, 95% CI = 1.227–2.809, P = 0.002). Subset stratification in stage III patients revealed that TCA19 had prognostic potential and identified patients who would benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy, regardless of age. The TCA19 predictor represents a novel diagnostic tool for identifying high‐risk CRC patients and possibly predicting the response to adjuvant chemotherapy.
Two Sides of Court Mediation in Today’s Southwest Grassroots China: an Empirical Study in T Court, Yunnan Province
Authors: Hao XIONG 
Published: July 2014

AbstractCourt mediation is now playing a crucial role in the Chinese legal system. Based on two case studies in Yunnan Province, this paper examines how court mediation works in Southwest China. It finds that court mediation can expand the capacity of the court concerning case acceptance, and is capable of fixing multicentre disputes and complicated social problems. However, the paper also points out that when encountering some ill-suited cases, justice may be undermined and the judge’s role may be confused. Therefore, it is necessary to pass some law to exclude the ill-suited cases from the mediation track when promoting court mediation in Southwest China.
A Functional Needs Approach to Emergency Planning
Authors: Zod Rebecca , Fick-Osborne Robin , Peters Eleanor B. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveThis study was conducted to test the ability of the St Louis County Department of Health to efficiently dispense medication to individuals with functional needs during a public health emergency and develop new guidelines for future emergency planning. Historically, people with functional needs have been vulnerable in emergency situations, and emergency planners are responsible for creating equal access for mass prophylaxis events.MethodsMeasures to create access for individuals with functional needs were tested in a countywide exercise in which 40 volunteers with functional needs walked through an open point of dispensing location to collect medication as if it were a real emergency. Actions were informed by representatives from the functional needs community in the St Louis area.ResultsDuring the exercise, medications were successfully dispensed to all participants. Many participants offered feedback for future program design.ConclusionsOutcomes indicated the importance of working closely with the community organizations that serve people with functional needs in designing appropriate response measures, providing sensitivity training to staff members, employing useful technology, and using visual and verbal cues. The lessons learned from this exercise apply to emergency planning nationwide, as planning efforts for persons with functional needs still lag significantly.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1–9)
Absolute Magnitude Calibration for Dwarfs Based on the Colour–Magnitude Diagrams of Galactic Clusters
Authors: Karaali S. , Gökçe E. Yaz , Bilir S. , Güçtekin S. Tunçel 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe present two absolute magnitude calibrations for dwarfs based on colour–magnitude diagrams of Galactic clusters. The combination of the Mg absolute magnitudes of the dwarf fiducial sequences of the clusters M92, M13, M5, NGC 2420, M67, and NGC 6791 with the corresponding metallicities provides absolute magnitude calibration for a given (g − r)0 colour. The calibration is defined in the colour interval 0.25 ≤ (g − r)0 ≤ 1.25 mag and it covers the metallicity interval − 2.15 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤ +0.37 dex. The absolute magnitude residuals obtained by the application of the procedure to another set of Galactic clusters lie in the interval − 0.15 ≤ ΔMg ≤ +0.12 mag. The mean and standard deviation of the residuals are < ΔMg > = − 0.002 and σ = 0.065 mag, respectively. The calibration of the MJ absolute magnitude in terms of metallicity is carried out by using the fiducial sequences of the clusters M92, M13, 47 Tuc, NGC 2158, and NGC 6791. It is defined in the colour interval 0.90 ≤ (V − J)0 ≤ 1.75 mag and it covers the same metallicity interval of the Mg calibration. The absolute magnitude residuals obtained by the application of the procedure to the cluster M5 ([Fe/H] = −1.40 dex) and 46 solar metallicity, − 0.45 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤ +0.35 dex, field stars lie in the interval − 0.29 and + 0.35 mag. However, the range of 87% of them is rather shorter, − 0.20 ≤ ΔMJ ≤ +0.20 mag. The mean and standard deviation of all residuals are < ΔMJ > =0.05 and σ = 0.13 mag, respectively. The derived relations are applicable to stars older than 4 Gyr for the Mg calibration, and older than 2 Gyr for the MJ calibration. The cited limits are the ages of the youngest calibration clusters in the two systems.
Ciprofloxacin plus fluocinolone acetonide versus ciprofloxacin alone in the treatment of diffuse otitis externa
Authors: Lorente J , Sabater F , Rivas M P , Fuste J , Risco J , Gómez M 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjective:We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of ciprofloxacin plus fluocinolone acetonide (antibiotic plus corticosteroid) ear drops compared to ciprofloxacin (antibiotic) ear drops in diffuse otitis externa.Methods:This was a multicentre, randomised, parallel-group, double-blind study involving 590 patients of both sexes aged 7 years or older.Results:The rate of clinical cure was higher (p = 0.01) with ciprofloxacin plus fluocinolone acetonide than with ciprofloxacin alone. The mean total symptom score was lower with ciprofloxacin plus fluocinolone acetonide (p = 0.005). No differences were found in the percentage of patients reporting resolution of otalgia between patients receiving ciprofloxacin plus fluocinolone acetonide and patients receiving only ciprofloxacin. Resolution of oedema and otorrhoea (p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively) was higher with ciprofloxacin plus fluocinolone acetonide, as was eradication or presumed eradication (p = 0.003). There were eight mild adverse events, three with the ciprofloxacin plus fluocinolone acetonide combination (not related to the treatment) and five when ciprofloxacin was administered alone (directly related to the treatment).Conclusions:Ciprofloxacin plus fluocinolone acetonide is a more effective treatment for diffuse otitis externa than ciprofloxacin alone. The ciprofloxacin plus fluocinolone acetonide combination also has an excellent safety profile.