bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of the Nucleophilic Reactivities of Cyclic β‐Keto Ester Anions
Authors: Corral‐Bautista Francisco , Mayr Herbert 
Published: October 2015

AbstractKinetics of the reactions of enolate anions derived from acyclic and cyclic β‐keto esters with benzhydrylium ions and quinone methides have been determined photometrically in dimethyl sulfoxide solution at 20 °C. The reactions follow second‐order rate laws: first‐order with respect to the electrophile and first‐order with respect to the enolate. Reactions conducted in the presence of 18‐crown‐6 ether and in the presence of variable concentrations of K+ allowed the influence of ion‐pairing on the nucleophilic reactivities of the various enolate ions to be determined quantitatively. Enolate ions derived from oxocycloalkanecarboxylic esters show reactivities similar to those of their acyclic analogue. Enolate ions derived from δ‐lactones are less nucleophilic, which is explained by the enforced (E) conformation of the corresponding esters.
Acute pain Factors predictive of post‐operative pain and opioid requirement in multimodal analgesia following knee replacement
Authors: Thomazeau J. , Rouquette A. , Martinez V. , Rabuel C. , Prince N. , Laplanche J.L. , Nizard R. , Bergmann J.F. , Perrot S. , Lloret‐Linares C. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundDespite the development of multimodal analgesia for postoperative pain management, opioids are still required for effective pain relief after knee arthroplasty. We aimed to identify the determinants of post‐operative pain intensity and post‐operative opioid requirement in this context.MethodsIn this observational prospective study, we recorded patient characteristics, pre‐operative pain intensity, anxiety and depression levels, sensitivity and pain thresholds in response to an electrical stimulus, and mu‐opioid receptor (OPRM1) and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. Multivariate linear regression models were used to identify predictors of post‐operative pain at rest and opioid requirement.ResultsWe included 109 patients. Pre‐operative pain at rest (p = 0.047), anxiety level (p = 0.001) and neuropathic pain symptoms (p = 0.030) were independently and positively associated with mean post‐operative pain intensity adjusted for mean post‐operative morphine equivalent dose (MED). Mean post‐operative pain intensity at rest was lower (p = 0.006) in patients receiving celecoxib and pregabalin in the post‐operative period, with all other variables constant. Mean post‐operative MED over 5 days was low, but highly variable (78.2 ± 32.1 mg, from 9.9 to 170 mg). Following adjustment for mean post‐operative pain intensity, it was independently negatively correlated with age (p = 0.004), and positively correlated with associated paracetamol treatment (p = 0.031). No genetic effect was detected in our sample.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that clinicians could use the pre‐operative pain profile, in terms of anxiety levels, neuropathic pain symptoms, and chronic pre‐operative pain intensity, to improve the efficacy of pain management after knee surgery.
A follow‐up on Acute Pain Services in Germany compared to international survey data
Authors: Erlenwein J. , Koschwitz R. , Pauli‐Magnus D. , Quintel M. , Meißner W. , Petzke F. , Stamer U.M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundAfter the introduction of instruments for benchmarking, certification and a national guideline for acute pain management, the aim of this study was to describe the current structure, processes and quality of German acute pain services (APS).MethodsAll directors of German departments of anaesthesiology were invited to complete a postal questionnaire on structures und processes of acute pain management. The survey asked for staff, techniques and quality criteria, which enabled a comparison to previous data from 1999 and surveys from other countries.ResultsFour hundred and eight (46%) questionnaires were returned. APS have increased considerably and are now available in 81% of the hospitals, mainly anaesthesia based. However, only 45% fulfilled the minimum quality criteria, such as the assignment of personnel, the organization of patient care during nights and weekends, written protocols for postoperative pain management, regular assessments and documenting pain scores. Staff resources varied considerably, but increased compared to 1999. Two daily rounds were performed in 71%, either by physicians and nurses (42%), by physicians only (25%) or by supervised nurses (31%). Most personnel assigned to the APS shared this work along with other duties. Only 53% of the hospitals had an integrated rotation for training their specialty trainees.ConclusionsThe availability of APS in Germany and other countries has increased over the last decade; however, the quality of nearly half of the APS is questionable. Against the disillusioning background of recently reported unfavourable pain‐related patient outcomes, the structures, organization and quality of APS should be revisited.
Hydrogen and Carbon Monoxide Production by Chemical Looping over Iron‐Aluminium Oxides
Authors: Rihko‐Struckmann Liisa K. , Datta Pradyot , Wenzel Marcus , Sundmacher Kai , Dharanipragada N. V. R. A. , Poelman Hilde , Galvita Vladimir V. , Marin Guy B. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractH2 and CO production from H2O and CO2 is investigated experimentally using a two‐step chemical looping process based on the redox cycles of iron‐alumina mixed oxides. The reduction of Fe3O4 in the first endothermic step is followed by the splitting of CO2 or H2O in a second exothermic step. The iron‐aluminum oxides are more reactive with H2O than with CO2 in the range 650–750 °C. In situ XRD shows that deactivation results from different processes: iron oxide sintering and the formation of spinel (FeAl2O4) with a lower oxygen‐storage capacity. However, FeAl2O4 assumes the role of Al2O3 and mitigates the iron oxide sintering. Deactivation at 650 °C is governed predominantly by sintering, and the further loss of activity is caused by combined sintering and spinel formation. Spinel formation is more dominant at 750 °C. A mixed oxide of Fe2O3 and Al2O3 with a mass ratio of 70:30 was the most active and stable for H2O and CO2 splitting in chemical looping.
Enhancement in Photocurrent through Efficient Geometrical Light Trapping in Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Xu Jie , Hu Ziyang , Zhang Ke , Huang Like , Zhang Jing , Zhu Yuejin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractGeometrical light trapping is a simple and promising strategy to substantially improve the optical absorption and efficiency of solar cells. Nonetheless, implementation of geometrical light trapping in organic photovoltaics is challenging due to the fact that a uniform organic active layer can rarely be achieved on textured substrates. In this work, geometrical light trapping is achieved by introducing a randomly nanostructured front electrode, which enhances the performance in organic photovoltaics. A uniform and conformal active layer exhibiting the morphology of the nanostructured electrode is realized, which guarantees high open‐circuit voltage and fill factor. Efficient geometrical light trapping leads to enhanced light absorption in the active layer, which results in an enhanced short‐circuit current density. Compared with the reference device with a flat electrode, the device utilizing a geometrical light‐trapping electrode can yield an additional 1–2 mA cm−2 increase in photocurrent.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in cN0 squamous cell carcinoma of the lip: A retrospective study
Authors: Sollamo Erik Mikael Jan , Ilmonen Suvi Kristiina , Virolainen Maria Susanna , Suominen Sinikka Hilkka Helena 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess the use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in clinically lymph node–negative (cN0) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip deemed high risk for occult nodal metastasis.MethodsTwenty‐six patients with cT1 to T2 cN0 with SCC of the lip underwent SLNB at a tertiary referral center between January 2001 and March 2012. Initial staging methods were clinical examination only (65.4%), ultrasound (23.1%), or CT (11.5%). Operations were performed with the patients under local anesthesia with sedation (50%) or general anesthesia (50%).ResultsThe mean follow‐up time was 53 months. Three patients (11.5%) had a positive sentinel node and were upstaged. One SLNB‐related complication was observed. Regional recurrence occurred in 2 patients (7.7%). The relationship between regional status and both tumor diameter and tumor thickness was statistically significant (p < .05).ConclusionSLNB can be a viable staging technique in SCC of the lip. Tumor diameter of ≥ 20 mm and increasing tumor thickness seem to delineate higher risk for regional disease in our study. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1375–E1380, 2016
Comparison of outcomes for open versus endoscopic approaches for olfactory neuroblastoma: A systematic review and individual participant data meta‐analysis
Authors: Fu Terence S. , Monteiro Eric , Muhanna Nidal , Goldstein David P. , de Almeida John R. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundEndoscopic approaches have been adopted as an alternative to craniofacial resection in the surgical management of olfactory neuroblastoma.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and CINAHL (2000–2014) to compare outcomes for open versus endoscopic approaches.ResultsThirty‐six studies containing 609 patients were included. Meta‐analysis of (a) all patients, (b) Kadish C/D only, and (c) Hyams III/IV only, failed to show a difference in locoregional control and metastasis‐free survival between approaches. However, endoscopic approaches were associated with improved overall survival (OS) for all 3 groups (p = .001, .04, and .001, respectively), and higher disease‐specific survival (DSS) for all patients (p = .004) and Hyams III/IV only (p = .002).ConclusionThe current study suggests that endoscopic approaches have comparable control rates to open approaches for olfactory neuroblastoma. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2306–E2316, 2016
Tailoring sub‐micron PLGA particle release profiles via centrifugal fractioning
Authors: Dutta Dipankar , Salifu Mariama , Sirianni Rachael W. , Stabenfeldt Sarah E. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPoly(D,L‐lactic‐co ‐glycolic) acid (PLGA)‐based sub‐micron particles are uniquely posed to overcome limitations of conventional drug delivery systems. However, tailoring cargo/payload release profiles from PLGA micro/nanoparticles typically requires optimization of the multi‐parameter formulation, where small changes may cause drastic shifts in the resulting release profiles. In this study, we aimed to establish whether refining the average diameter of sub‐micron particle populations after formulation alters protein release profiles. PLGA particles were first produced via double emulsion‐solvent evaporation method to encapsulate bovine serum albumin. Particles were then subjected to centrifugal fractioning protocols varying in both spin time and force to determine encapsulation efficiency and release profile of differently sized populations that originated from a single batch. We found the average particle diameter was related to marked alterations in encapsulation efficiencies (range: 36.4–49.4%), burst release (range: 15.8–49.1%), and time for total cargo release (range: 38–78 days). Our data corroborate previous reports relating PLGA particle size with such release characteristics, however, this is the first study, to our knowledge, to directly compare particle population size while holding all formulation parameters constant. In summary, centrifugal fractioning to selectively control the population distribution of sub‐micron PLGA particles represents a feasible tool to tailor release characteristics. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 104A: 688–696, 2016.
Effects of Er,Cr:YSGG laser parameters on dentin bond strength and interface morphology
Authors: Ayar Muhammet Kerim , Yildirim Tahsin , Yesilyurt Cemal 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTPrevious studies have shown the effects of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation on the dentin bond strength; but there are few reports that show the significance of the irradiation with different laser parameters on dentin bond strength and interface morphology. This in‐vitro study attempted to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) and interface morphology of resin‐dentin interfaces, either followed by treatment with Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation with different parameters or not. The flattened dentin samples of 35 bovine teeth were embedded into acrylic blocks and randomly divided into seven groups according to surface treatments using Er,Cr:YSGG lasers with different parameters: 3 W/20 Hz, 3 W/35 Hz, 3 W/50 Hz, 1.5 W/20 Hz, 1.5 W/35 Hz, 1.5 W/50 Hz, or no laser treatment (n = 5). Composite buildups were done over bonded surfaces and stored in water (24 hours at 37°C). Specimens were sectioned into sticks that were subjected to μTBS testing and observed under FE‐SEM. Control groups (27.70 ± 7.0) showed statistically higher values than laser‐irradiated groups. There were no significant differences among laser groups. Despite that, increasing the pulse frequency yielded slightly higher bond strength. Depending on laser settings, Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation caused interfacial gaps and resin tags with wings morphology. With the parameters used in this study, Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation promoted morphological changes within resin‐dentin interfaces and negatively influenced the bond strength of adhesive systems. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1104–1111, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrastructure of bovine sperm chromatin
Authors: Filho Romualdo Morandi , Beletti Marcelo Emilio , de Oliveira Fabio 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTMammalian semen chromatin comprises DNA, protamine, and, at lower levels, other proteins. This constitution confers intense compaction to the chromatin, helping to protect the DNA and causing the head of the sperm to be very small, facilitating the safe transport of its genetic contents. It is known that changes in the sperm chromatin compaction lead to fertility problems in bulls, justifying studies of this structure. Although there are theoretical models of sperm chromatin because of its high compaction, there is no morphological evidence of such models. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the ultrastructure of bovine sperm chromatin in an attempt to corroborate the theoretical chromatin models existing today. The isolated bull sperm heads had their chromatin partially unpacked by chemical treatment using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and dithiothreitol (DTT) and were then embedded in Epon resin. Using an ultramicrotome, ultrathin sections were obtained, which were contrasted with uranyl acetate and lead citrate, and then viewed under transmission electron microscopy. The methodology used allowed the visualization of toroidal structures interconnected by a filamentous nuclear matrix, which is entirely consistent with the most current theoretical models. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1117–1120, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Super‐resolution optical microscopy based on scannable cantilever‐combined microsphere
Authors: Wang Shuying , Zhang Dongxian , Zhang Haijun , Han Xu , Xu Rui 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTWe report an ingenious method of super‐resolution optical microscopy utilizing scannable cantilever‐combined microsphere. By scanning the microsphere over the sample surface in a cantilever‐combined microsphere‐sample contact state, super‐resolution images can be acquired at arbitrary sample regions through near‐field information collection by the microsphere. In addition, such a state can effectively reduce the possibility of breaking the cantilever and damaging the microsphere or sample surface. This work has developed a new method and technique of sub‐diffraction‐limit optical microscopy, and can be practically applied in various fields of micro/nanoscopy. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1128–1132, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cryo‐scanning electron microscopy investigation of the Octopus Vulgaris arm structures for the design of an octopus‐like arm artefact
Authors: Minnocci Antonio , Cianchetti Matteo , Mazzolai Barbara , Sebastiani Luca , Laschi Cecilia 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTOctopus vulgaris is a cephalopod of the Octopodidae family. It has four pairs of arms and two rows of suckers which perform many functions, including bending and elongation. For this reason the octopus was chosen as model to develop a new generation of soft‐body robots. In order to explain some of the fine structures of the octopus arm in relation to its specific ability, we examined the external and internal structures of O. vulgaris arms in a frozen‐hydrated state using cryo‐scanning electron microscopy. The arms showed skin with a very complex design that is useful to elongation, and a pore pattern distribution on their surface which is functional to cutaneous oxygen uptake. The analysis of freeze‐fractured frozen‐hydrated arm samples allowed us to describe the developmental differences in the relative proportion of the areas of axial nerve cord, intrinsic and extrinsic musculature, in relation to the growth of the arms and of the increase in functional capability. In the suckers, we analyzed the shedding mechanisms in the outer part of the infundibulum and described the outer and inner characteristics of the denticles, showing in detail their pore system, which is fundamental for their ability to explore the environment. These results are discussed by considering their possible application in the design of new octopus‐like artefacts, which will be able to take advantage of some of these ultrastructure characteristics and achieve advanced bioinspired functionalities. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1133–1145, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beneficial effect of D‐allose for isolated islet culture prior to islet transplantation
Authors: Kashiwagi Hirotaka , Asano Eisuke , Noguchi Chisato , Sui Li , Hossain Akram , Akamoto Shintaro , Okano Keiichi , Tokuda Masaaki , Suzuki Yasuyuki 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundPretransplant restoration of islets damaged during isolation remains to be solved. In this study, we examined the effect of D‐allose on islets isolated from rat pancreata prior to islet transplantation.MethodsRat islets isolated from fresh pancreata were cultured overnight in Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 solution in the absence (group 1) or presence (group 2) of D‐allose. Then we assessed stimulation index of insulin, and cure rate after islet transplantation to diabetic nude mice. We also measured malondialdehyde level and caspase 3 activity of islets after the overnight culture for assessment of the oxidative stress and the apoptosis.ResultsD‐allose significantly improved insulin secretion of islets. The stimulation index in group 2 was significantly higher than in group 1. Cure rate after transplantation in group 2 was higher than in group 1 especially in the first week. The malondialdehyde level in group 2 was significantly lower than in group 1. But the caspase 3 activities in both groups did not differ.ConclusionsD‐allose treatment of isolated islet culture prior to transplantation restored islet function and increased successful transplant rate. The results of this study suggested that D‐allose improved function of damaged islets through its anti‐oxidative activity.
Diagnosis of nitrogen status in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa chinensis) using the ratio of amide II to amide I in leaves based on mid‐infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy
Authors: Li Chunyang , Du Changwen , Ma Fei , Zhou Jianmin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn order to quickly diagnose the nitrogen status of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa chinensis), Fourier transform mid‐infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy, a nondestructive and rapid approach was used. Two clear stable peaks, in the range 1680–1650 cm−1 associated with amide I and in the range of 1530–1520 cm−1 associated with amide II, were observed and responded positively to nitrogen treatments. The characteristic bands of amide I and amide II were also accurately separated by curve‐fitting via deconvolution using a Gauss expansion function. The ratio of the photoacoustic intensities of amide II to amide I was used for correlation analysis with nitrogen treatment, and the correlation coefficients (R2, n = 59) at seedling and growth stage were 0.9769 (P ≤ 5%) and 0.9884 (P ≤ 5%), respectively. The ratio of the amide II and amide I peaks was found to be an indicator of nitrogen input during the seedling stage such that a ratio of less than 0.9 indicated a low nitrogen input, a ratio between 0.9 and 1.0 indicated a moderate nitrogen input, and a ratio of more than 1.0 implied an excessive N input.
Adsorption efficiency of a continuous trapping system and its use for the collection of root exudates from cucumber
Authors: Li Xun , Dong Jinlong , Chu Wenying , Duan Zengqiang 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRoot exudates comprising soluble low‐molecular‐weight organic compounds (LMWOCs) play a crucial role in the rhizosphere processes. Therefore, accurate determination of the composition and quantity of these compounds is of importance. A continuous trapping system (CTS) with XAD‐4 macroporous resin is widely used for collecting root exudates in hydroponics, and ion exchange resins are used in the separation of root exudates into neutral, acid and basic fractions. Here, we studied the adsorption equilibrium isotherms and dynamic adsorption properties of 27 standard LMWOCs on XAD‐4 resin. The adsorption isotherms of most LMWOCs matched the Langmuir isotherm equations. Furthermore, we investigated the adsorption efficiency of the CTS for LMWOCs and the recovery ratios during fractionation by ion exchange resins. The adsorption capacities of the CTS for LMWOCs which are non‐polar or having large non‐polar moieties were higher. The recovery ratios of most LMWOCs were larger than 80% during fractionation. The overall recovery ratios of LMWOCs were ca. 10, 20, and 30% for sugars, organic acids, and amino acids, respectively. Using this collection method, we present the composition and quantity of root exudates of cucumber (Cumumis sativus L.) at four different growth stages. The major components of root exudates were similar to previous works, whereas the quantities were different. The various collection methods may be the main reason for these differences. Therefore, it is necessary to study the overall recovery ratios when the compositions of root exudates via different collection methods are compared.