bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single step transformation of sulphur to Li2S2/Li2S in Li-S batteries
Authors: Helen M. , Reddy M. Anji , Diemant Thomas , Golla-Schindler Ute , Behm R. Jürgen , Kaiser Ute , Fichtner Maximilian 
Published: July 2015

AbstractLithium-sulphur batteries have generated tremendous research interest due to their high theoretical energy density and potential cost-effectiveness. The commercial realization of Li-S batteries is still hampered by reduced cycle life associated with the formation of electrolyte soluble higher-order polysulphide (Li2Sx, x = 4–8) intermediates, leading to capacity fading, self-discharge and a multistep voltage profile. Herein, we have realized a practical approach towards a direct transformation of sulphur to Li2S2/Li2S in lithium-sulphur batteries by alteration of the reaction pathway. A coconut shell derived ultramicroporous carbon-sulphur composite cathode has been used as reaction directing template for the sulphur. The lithiation/delithiation and capacity fading mechanism of microporous carbon confined sulphur composite was revealed by analyzing the subsurface using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. No higher-order polysulphides were detected in the electrolyte, on the surface and in the subsurface of the cathode composite. The altered reaction pathway is reflected by a single-step profile in the discharge/charge of a lithium-sulphur cell.
Transforming berberine into its intestine-absorbable form by the gut microbiota
Authors: Feng Ru , Shou Jia-Wen , Zhao Zhen-Xiong , He Chi-Yu , Ma Chao , Huang Min , Fu Jie , Tan Xiang-Shan , Li Xiao-Yang , Wen Bao-Ying , Chen Xi , Yang Xin-Yi , Ren Gang , Lin Yuan , Chen Yangchao , You Xue-Fu , Wang Yan , Jiang Jian-Dong 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe gut microbiota is important in the pathogenesis of energy-metabolism related diseases. We focused on the interaction between intestinal bacteria and orally administered chemical drugs. Oral administration of berberine (BBR) effectively treats patients with metabolic disorders. However, because BBR exhibits poor solubility, its absorption mechanism remains unknown. Here, we show that the gut microbiota converts BBR into its absorbable form of dihydroberberine (dhBBR), which has an intestinal absorption rate 5-fold that of BBR in animals. The reduction of BBR to dhBBR was performed by nitroreductases of the gut microbiota. DhBBR was unstable in solution and reverted to BBR in intestine tissues via oxidization. Heat inactivation of intestinal homogenate did not inhibit dhBBR oxidization, suggesting the process a non-enzymatic reaction. The diminution of intestinal bacteria via orally treating KK-Ay mice with antibiotics decreased the BBR-to-dhBBR conversion and blood BBR; accordingly, the lipid- and glucose-lowering efficacy of BBR was reduced. Conclusively, the gut microbiota reduces BBR into its absorbable form of dhBBR, which then oxidizes back to BBR after absorption in intestine tissues and enters the blood. Thus, interaction(s) between the gut microbiota and orally administrated drugs may modify the structure and function of chemicals and be important in drug investigation.
Ultrasensitive measurement of huntingtin protein in cerebrospinal fluid demonstrates increase with Huntington disease stage and decrease following brain huntingtin suppression
Authors: Southwell Amber L. , Smith Stephen E.P. , Davis Tessa R. , Caron Nicholas S. , Villanueva Erika B. , Xie Yuanyun , Collins Jennifer A. , Li Ye Min , Sturrock Aaron , Leavitt Blair R. , Schrum Adam G. , Hayden Michael R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractQuantitation of huntingtin protein in the brain is needed, both as a marker of Huntington disease (HD) progression and for use in clinical gene silencing trials. Measurement of huntingtin in cerebrospinal fluid could be a biomarker of brain huntingtin, but traditional protein quantitation methods have failed to detect huntingtin in cerebrospinal fluid. Using micro-bead based immunoprecipitation and flow cytometry (IP-FCM), we have developed a highly sensitive mutant huntingtin detection assay. The sensitivity of huntingtin IP-FCM enables accurate detection of mutant huntingtin protein in the cerebrospinal fluid of HD patients and model mice, demonstrating that mutant huntingtin levels in cerebrospinal fluid reflect brain levels, increasing with disease stage and decreasing following brain huntingtin suppression. This technique has potential applications as a research tool and as a clinical biomarker.
Ultra‐compact liquid crystal dual core photonic crystal fibre multiplexer–demultiplexer
Authors: Azab Mohammad Y. , Hameed Mohamed Farhat O. , El‐Hefnawy Somia M. , Obayya Salah S.A. 
Published: July 2015

In this study, the authors propose a novel design of ultra‐compact multiplexer–demultiplexer (MUX–DEMUX) based on silica photonic crystal fibre coupler. The suggested design has two large holes infiltrated with nematic liquid crystal of type E7. The reported MUX–DEMUX has short device length of 436 µm with low crosstalk better than −20 dB with bandwidths of 35 and 10 nm around operating wavelength of 1.3 and 1.55 μm, respectively. The simulation results are obtained using full‐vectorial finite‐difference method together with full‐vectorial beam propagation method.
Familial risk for lifestyle‐related chronic diseases: can family health history be used as a motivational tool to promote health behaviour in young adults?
Authors: Prichard I. , Lee A. , Hutchinson A. D. , Wilson C. 
Published: July 2015

Issue addressedRisk for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, heart disease and diabetes has both a familial and a lifestyle component. This quasi‐experimental study aimed to determine whether a Family Health History (FHH) assessment and the subsequent provision of risk information would increase young adults' (17–29 years) intentions to modify health behaviours associated with the risk of these chronic diseases (i.e. alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity) and to talk to their family about their risk.MethodsAfter baseline measures of current and intended health‐related behaviours, participants (n = 116) were randomly allocated to either a FHH assessment or control information. Based on the FHH provided, participants in the FHH condition were then classified as ‘above‐average risk’ or ‘average risk’. One week later, participants were provided with tailored health information and completed follow‐up measures of intended health‐related behaviours and perceived vulnerability.ResultsParticipants classified as ‘above‐average risk’ had increased perceptions of vulnerability to a chronic disease. Despite this, no group differences were found in intentions to change physical activity or fruit and vegetable consumption. Participants with above‐average risk reported greater intentions to decrease the frequency of their alcohol consumption than average risk/control participants. In addition, completing a FHH assessment promoted intended communication with family members about chronic disease risk.ConclusionsFHH assessments may have the greatest value within the family context.
Repositioning of the Annular Ligament in the Management of Missed Monteggia Fracture
Authors: Lu Xuemin , Yan Guisen , Wang Yukun , Zhu Zhenhua , You Haifeng , Zhang Jianli , Guo Yuan 
Published: July 2015

Background:
Successful treatment of missed Monteggia fractures usually requires ulnar osteotomy and open reduction of the radial head with reconstruction of the annular ligament. We have observed cases in which the annular ligament was displaced into the joint but remained intact. Here we report our experience with repositioning of the annular ligament at the time of the open reduction rather than reconstruction in the management of missed Monteggia fractures.

Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed 23 patients with missed Monteggia fractures treated by repositioning of the annular. There were 16 males and 7 females with an average age of 6 years (range, 4 to 9 y). The average time from injury to definitive treatment was 7 months (range, 6 wk to 16 mo). The average follow-up was 18 months (range, 8 to 36 mo). We evaluated the patients by clinical examination, Kim score, and radiographs.

Results:
All patients had no pain and full elbow function at the latest follow-up. There were no significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative Kim scores. Radiographs at the latest follow-up demonstrated maintenance of radial head reduction in all cases.

Conclusions:
Repositioning of an intact annular ligament in cases of missed Monteggia fractures is a viable alternative to reconstruction of the ligament and provides long-term stability.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV—therapeutic.
Correlation Between Standard Upper Extremity Impairment Measures and Activity-based Function Testing in Upper Extremity Cerebral Palsy
Authors: James Michelle A. , Bagley Anita , Vogler James B. , Davids Jon R. , Van Heest Ann E. 
Published: July 2015

Background:
Although the treatment of cerebral palsy should be based on improving function as assessed by measures of impairment, activity, and participation, the standard indications for surgical treatment of upper extremity cerebral palsy (UECP) are impairment measures, primarily active and passive range of motion (ROM). Recently, validated activity measures have been developed for children with UECP. The purposes of this study were to determine the relationship between impairment and activity measures in this population, and whether measures of activity correlate with each other.

Methods:
A total of 37 children, ages 5 to 16 years, who met standard ROM surgical indications for UECP were evaluated with the impairment measures of active and passive ROM and stereognosis, as well as 3 activity measures [Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), Box and Blocks test, and the Shriners Hospitals Upper Extremity Evaluation Dynamic Positional Analyses (SHUEE DPA)]. Impairment measures were correlated with activity measures using Spearman rank correlation coefficients.

Results:
Impairment measures showed inconsistent correlation with activity measures. Of the 12 comparisons, only 4 correlated: active forearm supination (ρ=0.47, P=0.003), wrist extension (ρ=0.55, P=0.001), and stereognosis scores (ρ=0.54, P=0.001) were correlated with AHA; and wrist extension was correlated with the SHUEE DPA (ρ=0.41, P=0.01). When the results of activity tests were compared, the AHA was correlated with the Box and Blocks tests (ρ=0.63, P<0.001), and the SHUEE DPA and Box and Blocks tests were correlated with each other (ρ=0.35, P=0.04).

Conclusions:
The goal of surgery in UECP is to improve the child’s ability to perform activities, and ultimately to participate in life situations. Impairment measures, such as ROM, were inconsistently correlated with validated measures of activity. Some activity measures correlated with each other, although they did not correlate with the same impairment measures. We conclude that impairment measures, including ROM, do not consistently predict functional dynamic ROM used to perform activities for children with UECP. Activity limitation measures may provide more appropriate indicators than impairment measures for upper extremity surgery for this population.

Level of Evidence:
Level II—diagnostic.
Off-Pump Debranching and Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Aortic Arch Pathology
Authors: Ghazy Tamer , Mashhour Ahmed , Schmidt Torsten , Mahlmann Adrian , Ouda Ahmed , Florek Hans-Joachim , Matschke Klaus , Kappert Utz 
Published: July 2015

Objective This study aimed to simplify an until-now complex procedure for the treatment of proximal aortic arch pathology (zones 0 and 1), where a deep hypothermic circulatory arrest even with selective cerebral perfusion is still a high-risk procedure with accompanying splanchnic and spinal cord ischemia. Methods From June 2012 until March 2013, 106 patients underwent aortic surgery in our institution, of whom, 20 patients underwent aortic arch surgery. Of the 20 patients, 7 with multiple comorbidities and a high operative risk and no other indication for a cardiopulmonary bypass were selected to undergo an off-pump aortic arch debranching and thoracic endovascular aortic repair: 4 patients had chronic dissections, and 3 patients had arch aneurysms. The procedure was performed through median sternotomy. The supraaortic branches were rerouted to the ascending aorta, and this process was followed by thoracic endovascular aortic repair of the aortic arch and proximal descending aorta. Transaortic antegrade stenting was performed in 5 cases. Cerebral protection and perfusion monitoring were achieved by biradial pressure monitoring, electroencephalogram, and online transcranial duplex sonography. The preoperative, operative, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results All procedures were successful. There were no conversions to cardiopulmonary bypass support. The mean operative time was 184 ± 24 minutes. Postoperatively, there was 1 rethoracotomy for bleeding and 1 cerebrovascular insult. The 30-day mortality was 1 patient. Conclusions Off-pump aortic debranching with arch stenting is a reproducible procedure that could be favorable in certain situations, such as in patients with a higher operative risk profile, thereby reducing the risks associated with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and also yielding favorable outcomes, even in an older patient cohort with more comorbidities.
Identifying Drug Therapy Problems Through Patient Consultation at Community Pharmacies: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Patel Mira , Campbell Michael , Moslem Mobeen , Spriggel Preston , Warholak Terri 
Published: July 2015

Objective
This study aimed to identify drug therapy problems during patient counseling at prescription pickup in the community pharmacy setting.

Methods
This descriptive quality improvement project assessed the number of drug therapy problems identified during patient consultation. Data were collected for 2 months at 6 community pharmacies in Arizona. The criterion for inclusion was any patient new or transferred prescription consultation provided by a pharmacist or pharmacy intern. Three doctor of pharmacy candidates collected data on a standardized form. The percentage and type of drug therapy problems identified during patient consultation were calculated.

Results
Data collectors counseled patients on 1305 prescriptions, and of those, 29 drug therapy problems (2.2%) were identified after the pharmacists' final check. The most common problems involved patient drug allergy or sensitivity (20.7%).

Conclusions
This project suggests that drug therapy problems in a community pharmacy setting can be identified via patient counseling at the time of prescription pickup.
Seasonal and ontogenetic variation of skin microbial communities and relationships to natural disease dynamics in declining amphibians
Authors: Longo Ana V. , Savage Anna E. , Hewson Ian , Zamudio Kelly R. 
Published: July 2015

Recently, microbiologists have focused on characterizing the probiotic role of skin bacteria for amphibians threatened by the fungal disease chytridiomycosis. However, the specific characteristics of microbial diversity required to maintain health or trigger disease are still not well understood in natural populations. We hypothesized that seasonal and developmental transitions affecting susceptibility to chytridiomycosis could also alter the stability of microbial assemblages. To test our hypothesis, we examined patterns of skin bacterial diversity in two species of declining amphibians (
Lithobates yavapaiensis
and
Eleutherodactylus coqui
) affected by the pathogenic fungus
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
(
Bd
). We focused on two important transitions that affect
Bd
susceptibility: ontogenetic (from juvenile to adult) shifts in
E. coqui
and seasonal (from summer to winter) shifts in
L. yavapaiensis
. We used a combination of community-fingerprinting analyses and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to quantify changes in bacterial diversity and assemblage composition between seasons and developmental stages, and to investigate the relationship between bacterial diversity and pathogen load. We found that winter-sampled frogs and juveniles, two states associated with increased
Bd
susceptibility, exhibited higher diversity compared with summer-sampled frogs and adult individuals. Our findings also revealed that hosts harbouring higher bacterial diversity carried lower
Bd
infections, providing support for the protective role of bacterial communities. Ongoing work to understand skin microbiome resilience after pathogen disturbance has the potential to identify key taxa involved in disease resistance.
Numerical study on characteristics of unsteady flow in a centrifugal pump volute at partial load condition
Authors: Tan Lei , Zhu Baoshan , Wang Yuchuan , CAO Shuliang , Gui Shaobo 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the detailed flow field and cavitation effect in the centrifugal pump volute at partial load condition.

Design/methodology/approach
– Unsteady flows in a centrifugal pump volute at non-cavitation and cavitation conditions are investigated by using a computation fluid dynamics framework combining the re-normalization group k-e turbulence model and the mass transport cavitation model.

Findings
– The flow field in pump volute is very complicated at part load condition with large pressure gradient and intensive vortex movement. Under cavitation conditions, the dominant frequency for most of the monitoring points in volute transit from the blade passing frequency to a lower frequency. Generally, the maximum amplitudes of pressure fluctuations in volute at serious cavitation condition is twice than that at non-cavitation condition because of the violent disturbances caused by cavitation shedding and explosion.

Originality/value
– The detailed flow field and cavitation effect in the centrifugal pump volute at partial load condition are revealed and analysed.
A simple meshless method for challenging engineering problems
Authors: Shojaei Arman , Boroomand Bijan , Mossaiby Farshid 
Published: July 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to present a simple meshless solution method for challenging engineering problems such as those with high wave numbers or convection-diffusion ones with high Peclet number. The method uses a set of residual-free bases in a local form.Design/methodology/approach– The residual-free bases, called here as exponential basis functions, are found so that they satisfy the governing equations within each subdomain. The compatibility between the subdomains is weakly satisfied by enforcing the local approximation of the main state variables pass through the data at nodes surrounding the central node of the subdomain. The central state variable is first recovered from the approximation and then re-assigned to the central node to construct the associated equation. This leads to the least compatibility required in the solution, e.g. C0 continuity in Laplace problems.Findings– The authors shall show that one can solve a variety of problems with regular and irregular point distribution with high convergence rate. The authors demonstrate that this is impossible to achieve using finite element method. Problems with Laplace and Helmholtz operators as well as elasto-static problems are solved to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. A convection-diffusion problem with high Peclet number and problems with high wave numbers are among the examples. In all cases, results with high rate of convergence are obtained with moderate number of nodes per cloud.Originality/value– The paper presents a simple meshless method which not only is capable of solving a variety of challenging engineering problems but also yields results with high convergence rate.
GFEM for modal analysis of 2D wave equation
Authors: Torii André Jacomel , Machado Roberto Dalledone , Arndt Marcos 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present an application of the Generalized Finite Element Method (GFEM) for modal analysis of 2D wave equation.

Design/methodology/approach
– The GFEM can be viewed as an extension of the standard Finite Element Method (FEM) that allows non-polynomial enrichment of the approximation space. In this paper the authors enrich the approximation space with sine e cosine functions, since these functions frequently appear in the analytical solution of the problem under study. The results are compared with the ones obtained with the polynomial FEM using higher order elements.

Findings
– The results indicate that the proposed approach is able to obtain more accurate results for higher vibration modes than standard polynomial FEM.

Originality/value
– The examples studied in this paper indicate a strong potential of the GFEM for the approximation of higher vibration modes of structures, analysis of structures subject to high frequency excitations and other problems that concern high frequency oscillatory phenomena.
An efficient method for seismic analysis of structures
Authors: Kaveh A. , Rahami H. , Shojaei Iman 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present an efficient method for dynamic analysis of structures utilizing a modal analysis with the main purpose of decreasing the computational complexity of the problem. In traditional methods, the solution of initial-value problems (IVPs) using numerical methods like finite difference method leads to step by step and time-consuming recursive solutions.

Design/methodology/approach
– The present method is based on converting the IVP into boundary-value problems (BVPs) and utilizing the features of the latter problems in efficient solution of the former ones. Finite difference formulation of BVPs leads to matrices with repetitive tri-diagonal and block tri-diagonal patterns wherein the eigensolution and matrix inversion are obtained using graph products rules. To get advantage of these efficient solutions for IVPs like the dynamic analysis of single DOF systems, IVPs are converted to boundary-value ones using mathematical manipulations. The obtained formulation is then generalized to the multi DOF systems by utilizing modal analysis.

Findings
– Applying the method to the modal analysis leads to a simple and efficient formulation. The laborious matrix inversion and eigensolution operations, of computational complexities of O(n2.373) and O(n3), respectively, are converted to a closed-form formulation with summation operations.

Research limitations/implications
– No limitation.

Practical implications
– Swift analysis has become possible.

Originality/value
– Suitability of solving IVPs and modal analysis using conversion and graph product rules is presented and applied to efficient seismic optimal analysis and preliminary design.