bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of RRT in Hyperammonemic Patients
Authors: Gupta Shruti , Fenves Andrew Z. , Hootkins Robert
Published: May 2016

Hyperammonemia is an important cause of cerebral edema in both adults with liver failure and children with inborn errors of metabolism. There are few studies that have analyzed the role of extracorporeal dialysis in reducing blood ammonia levels in the adult population. Furthermore, there are no firm guidelines about when to implement RRT, because many of the conditions that are characterized by hyperammonemia are extremely rare. In this review of existing literature on RRT, we present the body’s own mechanisms for clearing ammonia as well as the dialytic properties of ammonia. We review the available literature on the use of continuous venovenous hemofiltration, peritoneal dialysis, and hemodialysis in neonates and adults with conditions characterized by hyperammonemia and discuss some of the controversies that exist over selecting one modality over another.
Health Education and General Practitioner Training in Hypertension Management: Long-Term Effects on Kidney Function
Authors: Jafar Tazeen H. , Allen John C. , Jehan Imtiaz , Hameed Aamir , Saffari Seyed Ehsan , Ebrahim Shah , Poulter Neil , Chaturvedi Nish
Published: May 2016

Background and objectives

In the Control of Blood Pressure and Risk Attenuation trial, a 2×2 factorial design study (2004–2007), the combined home health education and trained general practitioner intervention delivered over 2 years was more effective than no intervention (usual care) in lowering systolic BP among adults with hypertension in urban Pakistan. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of the interventions on kidney function.

Design, participants, settings, & methods

In 2012–2013, we conducted extended follow-up of a total of 1271 individuals aged ≥40 years with hypertension (systolic BP ≥140 mmHg, diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg, or receipt of antihypertensive treatment) and serum creatinine measurements with 2 years in-trial and 5 years of post-trial period in 12 randomly selected low-income communities in Karachi, Pakistan. The change in eGFR from baseline to 7 years was assessed among randomized groups using a generalized estimating equation method with multiple imputation of missing values.

Results

At 7 years of follow-up, adjusted mean eGFR remained unchanged, with a change of −0.3 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], −3.5 to 2.9) ml/min per 1.73 m2 among adults randomly assigned to the combined home health education plus trained general practitioner intervention compared with a significant decline of −3.6 (95% CI, −5.7 to −2.0) ml/min per 1.73 m2 in those assigned to usual care (P=0.01, modified intention-to-treat analysis). The risk for the combined intervention of death from kidney failure or >20% decline in eGFR relative to usual care was significantly reduced (risk ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.89).

Conclusions

The combined home health education plus trained general practitioner intervention is beneficial in preserving kidney function among adults with hypertension in communities in Karachi. These findings highlight the importance of scaling up simple strategies for renal risk reduction in low- and middle-income countries.
The See Kidney Disease Targeted Screening Program for CKD
Authors: Galbraith Lauren E. , Ronksley Paul E. , Barnieh Lianne J. , Kappel Joanne , Manns Braden J. , Samuel Susan M. , Jun Min , Weaver Rob , Valk Nadine , Hemmelgarn Brenda R.
Published: May 2016

Background and objectives

The effectiveness of targeted screening for identification of CKD is largely unknown. The See Kidney Disease (SeeKD) targeted screening project aimed to determine the prevalence of unrecognized CKD in Canada.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The SeeKD project was conducted across Canada using a convenience sample approach and events to identify adults with risk factors for CKD (i.e., diabetes, hypertension, vascular disease, family history of kidney problems, etc.). Participants with at least one risk factor received a point-of-care creatinine measurement to identify unrecognized CKD (CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2). Baseline information included clinical characteristics, sociodemographics, and health knowledge. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with each Kidney Foundation of Canada branch (regionalized locations) after the screening events to characterize local screening strategies, which were subsequently categorized as individual-targeted (specifically targeting individuals at risk of CKD) and community-targeted (event in a community location in proximity to a high-risk population). We calculated the prevalence of unrecognized CKD overall, and by screening strategy.

Results

Between January 2011 and February 2014, 6329 Canadians participated in SeeKD screening events. Participants were predominantly female (65.3%), middle-aged (mean, 58.5 years), and the majority (88.9%) self-reported at least one risk factor for CKD. Of participants with at least one risk factor, 92.3% (n=5194) were screened, of whom 18.8% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 17.8 to 19.9) had unrecognized CKD; the majority (13.8%) had stage 3a CKD (eGFR=45–60 ml/min per 1.73 m2). The prevalence of unrecognized CKD was higher for branches with individual versus community-targeted events (21.9% [95% CI, 20.5 to 23.4] versus 14.7% [95% CI, 13.2 to 16.2]).

Conclusions

Targeted screening identified a high proportion of individuals with risk factors for CKD and a high prevalence of unrecognized CKD. Future research will evaluate the ability of targeted screening to promote self-management behaviors addressing priorities for people with CKD.
Assessment of genetic diversity in tomato landraces using ISSR markers
Authors: Henareh Mashhid , Dursun Atilla , Abdollahi-Mandoulakani Babak , Haliloğlu Kamil
Published: May 2016

Tomato is one of the most economically important vegetable crops in many
parts of the world. Turkey and Iran are the main producers of tomatoes in
the world. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic variation
of 93 tomato landraces from East Anatolian region of Turkey and North-West
of Iran, along with three commercial cultivars using 14 ISSR primers. The
percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) for all primers was 100%. The mean of
expected heterozygosity (He) for the primers varied from 0.153 (UBC808) to
0.30 (UBC848). The dendrogram placed the landraces and commercial cultivars
into nine groups. The genotypes originating from the same region, often
located in the same group or two adjacent groups. The highest likelihood of
the data was obtained when population were located into 2 sub-populations (K
= 2). These sub-populations had Fst value of 0.16 and 0.21.
Filamentous fungi isolated from grape marc as antagonists of Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Jovicic-Petrovic Jelena , Stankovic Ivana , Bulajic Aleksandra , Krstic Branka , Kikovic Dragan , Raicevic Vera
Published: May 2016

In this paper we report on the isolation and identification of three
filamentous fungi from grape marc, and antifungal effect of their cell-free
culture filtrates on the growth of Botrytis cinerea, causal agent of gray
mold. Grape marc is a waste material that has been used as soil amendment in
sustainable agriculture. Isolates originating from grape marc were identified
on the basis of morphological features and internal transcribed spacer rDNA
or ?-tubulin gene sequencing. The presence of three different species,
Penicillium paneum, Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus fumigatus has
been detected expressing different effect on the growth of B. cinerea. The
effect of crude culture filtrates of selected fungi on B. cinerea growth was
tested. Heat sensitivity of the established inhibition effect was examined by
autoclaving the crude culture filtrate prior to testing. Additional aim was
to determine whether antifungal effect was influenced by previous exposure to
B. cinerea in dual liquid cultures. Crude culture filtrate of A. fumigatus
K16/2 showed the lowest suppression of B. cinerea growth. A maximal
percentage inhibition achieved within the study was 38.2%, 39.8% and 23.8 for
crude filtrates of P. paneum K7/1, P. chrysogenum K11/1 and A. fumigatus
K16/2, respectively. Presence of B. cinerea in dual liquid culture induced
significant increase in antifungal capacity of the culture filtrates in
comparison to pure culture filtrates of the chosen isolates. The antifungal
activity of all of the isolates? culture filtrates retained after heat
treatment suggesting the presence of some thermostable antifungal
metabolites. The results indicate the complexity and specificity of the
interaction between filamentous fungi and B. cinerea. Grape marc is a good
source for isolation od B. cinerea fungal antagonists and their antifungal
metabolites. Specificity of fungal-fungal interactions suggests that further
research on the antagonistic mechanisms and factors affecting them should be
studied separately for each pair of antagonists.
Vegetative compatibility and RFLP analysis of Colletotrichum destructivum isolates from alfalfa and red clover
Authors: Vasic Tanja , Krnjaja Vesna , Jevremovic Darko , Stankovic Slavica , Terzic Dragan , Milenkovic Jasmina , Markovic Jordan
Published: May 2016

A total of 17 isolates of Colletotrichum from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) plants with anthracnose symptoms were
collected from 11 districts in Serbia during 2005-2010 and tested for
variability in vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) and restriction
fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP). Nitrate nonutilising (nit) mutants were
isolated from each of investigated C. destructivum isolates by selecting
chlorate-resistant sectors on medium with chlorate. The isolates were grouped
in five VCGs while one isolate was self-incompatible. No relationship was
found between VCGs and geographical origin of the isolates. Restriction
Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of a 900 bp intron of the
glutamine synthetase (GS) gene revealed a unique polymorphic profile of C.
destructivum isolates, distinct from the profiles of other Colletotrichum
species. An identical profile was produced for all C. destructivum isolates,
regardless of their host and geographical origin. PCR-RFLP failed to detect
some the Serbian C. destructivum isolates.
Genotypic effects on boron concentrations and response on boron fertilization in maize inbred lines
Authors: Andric Luka , Kovacevic Vlado , Kadar Imre , Jambrovic Antun , Plavsic Hrvoje , Simic Domagoj
Published: May 2016

Boron (B) deficiency in maize can result in barren cobs attributed to silks
being nonreceptive which is particularly important for the female parent in
seed production. The objectives of this study were 1) to investigate
genotypic differences among nine female inbred lines used in seed production
for B concentration in ear-leaf and grain, as well as for grain yield and
moisture in a three-year experiment (2006-2008) and 2) to determine response
and relations among the traits when four of the female inbred lines are
treated by foliar boron fertilization - three times in 10-days interval with
0.5% Solubor solution (17.5% B) during one growing season (2008). The
investigations were performed on Experimental field of Agricultural Institute
Osijek, (soil type: eutrical cambisol). Highly significant differences among
the nine female inbred lines were detected for B concentration in ear-leaf
(from 14.7 to 46.7 mg B kg-1) and grain (from 1.20 to 2.06 mg B kg-1) as well
as for grain yield (from 3.33 to 4.83 t ha-1) and grain moisture (from 14.7%
to 26.6%). However, there were also significant effects of growing season and
the genotype by environment interaction for all four traits. Positive and
moderate correlations were found between the boron status in plant and grain
yield. Although B concentrations were considerably increased by foliar boron
fertilization (averages 41.7 and 125.3 mg B kg-1 in leaves, 1.79 and 2.80 mg
B kg-1 in grain, for control and fertilization, respectively), in general
grain yield differences among treatments were non-significant. (averages 5.21
and 5.15 t ha-1, respectively).
Characterization of the vineyard byotyp collection of peach as step in prebreeding process
Authors: Bakic Ivana , Rakonjac Vera , Nikolic Dragan , Fotiric-Aksic Milica , Colic Slavica , Radovic Aleksandar
Published: May 2016

In this research, morphological characterization of vineyard peach collection
was conducted. In 78 accessions thirty qualitative traits of tree, flower,
leaf, fruit and stone were analysed by using UPOV and ECPGR descriptors. Most
of the studied traits showed a high degree of variability. The lowest
variability obtained for the leaf traits, and highest for skin and flesh
colour. Not only were the accessions sorted into a large number of categories
by the most of their properties, but also there was a significant level of
variability in the collection, reflecting in the fact that the traits were
recombinant in a different way. Principal component analysis (PCA) and a
dendrogram were performed to determine relationships among accessions and to
obtain information on the usefulness of those characters for the
discrimination. The PCA revealed that the first 4 principal components were
able to represent 43.1% of total variance. Traits with high discriminating
values comprised internal and external fruit colour, flower type and colour,
flower bud density and stone shape. The cluster analysis showed that the
accessions were placed in three main clusters. The greatest impact on the
separation in clusters had fruit over colour and extent of fruit over colour.
Moreover, the collection can also comprise some accessions with the preferred
recombination of properties that might be interesting for further studies in
breeding.
Transformation, evaluation of GTGene and multivariate genetic analysis for morpho-physiological and yield attributing traits in Zea mays
Authors: Aaliya Khadija , Qamar Zahida , Ahmad Nasir , Ali Qurban , Munim Farooq , Husnain Tayyab
Published: May 2016

Maize is the 3rd major crop grown all over the world that fulfills the needs
of millions of people. Various biotic and abiotic factors caused reduction in
grain yield of maize, among them weeds show most adverse effects. Objective
of this study was to develop glyphosate resistance maize for developing maize
hybrids and synthetic varieties with high grain and fodder yield potential.
Glyphosate is a broad spectrum herbicide and resistance of crop against the
herbicide, allows post emergence application, which otherwise is impossible.
Higher GTG crude protein (479.94?g/g) was recorded for CIL 194-975 plant. The
plant CIL 194-1786 showed higher expression level of GTG protein, indicated
that transformation efficiency was better for line CIL-194 than CIL-123.
GTGene stably integrated to the genome of the maize lines CIL-194 and
CIL-123, these transformed lines showed more ability to cope with herbicides
as compared with non-transformed lines in greenhouse and field trials. The
transgenic lines were sown in field and data was recorded for various
morpho-physiological, grain, fodder yield and quality traits. Data was
statistically analyzed to check significance of results at <0.05% probability
level. It was concluded from heritability, genetic advance, stepwise multiple
linear regression, principle component and factor analysis that the selection
on the basis of grain yield, green fodder yield, stem diameter, cob weight,
stomata conductance, chlorophyll contents, photosynthetic rate, cob length,
grain protein, grain oil, embryo percentage and grain starch may be fruitful
keeping in view as the major contributing traits to improve crop yield and
production. It was suggested that the transgenic lines for glyphosate
resistance may be used to develop transgenic hybrids and synthetic varieties
with higher grain yield with high quality.
Lessons Learned From the Great Recession
Authors: Goldhaber Dan , Strunk Katharine O. , Brown Nate , Knight David S.
Published: May 2016

One consequence of the Great Recession is that teacher layoffs occurred at a scale previously unseen. In this article, we assess the effects of receiving a layoff notice on teacher mobility using data from Los Angeles and Washington State. Our analyses are based on 6-year panels of data in each site, including 4 years of layoffs. We find that the layoff process leads far more teachers to leave their schools for other district schools than is necessary to reach budget savings targets. In other words, the layoff process induces teacher churn, impacting even teachers who are not actually laid off. Placebo tests confirm that this “structural churn” results from the layoff process rather than from differential mobility of targeted teachers.
Fundamental Results for Pseudo-Differential Operators of Type 1, 1
Authors: Johnsen Jon
Published: May 2016

This paper develops some deeper consequences of an extended definition, proposed previously by the author, of pseudo-differential operators that are of type 1 , 1 in Hörmander’s sense. Thus, it contributes to the long-standing problem of creating a systematic theory of such operators. It is shown that type 1 , 1 -operators are defined and continuous on the full space of temperate distributions, if they fulfil Hörmander’s twisted diagonal condition, or more generally if they belong to the self-adjoint subclass; and that they are always defined on the temperate smooth functions. As a main tool the paradifferential decomposition is derived for type 1 , 1 -operators, and to confirm a natural hypothesis the symmetric term is shown to cause the domain restrictions; whereas the other terms are shown to define nice type 1 , 1 -operators fulfilling the twisted diagonal condition. The decomposition is analysed in the type 1 , 1 -context by combining the Spectral Support Rule and the factorisation inequality, which gives pointwise estimates of pseudo-differential operators in terms of maximal functions.
MoNbTaV Medium-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Yao Hongwei , Qiao Jun-Wei , Gao Michael , Hawk Jeffrey , Ma Sheng-Guo , Zhou Hefeng
Published: May 2016

Guided by CALPHAD (Calculation of Phase Diagrams) modeling, the refractory medium-entropy alloy MoNbTaV was synthesized by vacuum arc melting under a high-purity argon atmosphere. A body-centered cubic solid solution phase was experimentally confirmed in the as-cast ingot using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The measured lattice parameter of the alloy (3.208 Å) obeys the rule of mixtures (ROM), but the Vickers microhardness (4.95 GPa) and the yield strength (1.5 GPa) are about 4.5 and 4.6 times those estimated from the ROM, respectively. Using a simple model on solid solution strengthening predicts a yield strength of approximately 1.5 GPa. Thermodynamic analysis shows that the total entropy of the alloy is more than three times the configurational entropy at room temperature, and the entropy of mixing exhibits a small negative departure from ideal mixing.
Common Probability Patterns Arise from Simple Invariances
Authors: Frank Steven
Published: May 2016

Shift and stretch invariance lead to the exponential-Boltzmann probability distribution. Rotational invariance generates the Gaussian distribution. Particular scaling relations transform the canonical exponential and Gaussian patterns into the variety of commonly observed patterns. The scaling relations themselves arise from the fundamental invariances of shift, stretch and rotation, plus a few additional invariances. Prior work described the three fundamental invariances as a consequence of the equilibrium canonical ensemble of statistical mechanics or the Jaynesian maximization of information entropy. By contrast, I emphasize the primacy and sufficiency of invariance alone to explain the commonly observed patterns. Primary invariance naturally creates the array of commonly observed scaling relations and associated probability patterns, whereas the classical approaches derived from statistical mechanics or information theory require special assumptions to derive commonly observed scales.
Detection of Left-Sided and Right-Sided Hearing Loss via Fractional Fourier Transform
Authors: Wang Shuihua , Yang Ming , Zhang Yin , Li Jianwu , Zou Ling , Lu Siyuan , Liu Bin , Yang Jiquan , Zhang Yudong
Published: May 2016

In order to detect hearing loss more efficiently and accurately, this study proposed a new method based on fractional Fourier transform (FRFT). Three-dimensional volumetric magnetic resonance images were obtained from 15 patients with left-sided hearing loss (LHL), 20 healthy controls (HC), and 14 patients with right-sided hearing loss (RHL). Twenty-five FRFT spectrums were reduced by principal component analysis with thresholds of 90%, 95%, and 98%, respectively. The classifier is the single-hidden-layer feed-forward neural network (SFN) trained by the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. The results showed that the accuracies of all three classes are higher than 95%. In all, our method is promising and may raise interest from other researchers.
Predicting China’s SME Credit Risk in Supply Chain Finance Based on Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Zhu You , Xie Chi , Wang Gang-Jin , Yan Xin-Guo
Published: May 2016

We propose a new integrated ensemble machine learning (ML) method, i.e., RS-RAB (Random Subspace-Real AdaBoost), for predicting the credit risk of China’s small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) in supply chain finance (SCF). The sample of empirical analysis is comprised of two data sets on a quarterly basis during the period of 2012–2013: one includes 48 listed SMEs obtained from the SME Board of Shenzhen Stock Exchange; the other one consists of three listed core enterprises (CEs) and six listed CEs that are respectively collected from the Main Board of Shenzhen Stock Exchange and Shanghai Stock Exchange. The experimental results show that RS-RAB possesses an outstanding prediction performance and is very suitable for forecasting the credit risk of China’s SME in SCF by comparison with the other three ML methods.
Comparative Study of the Subsurface Thermal Structure in Northern Honshu, Japan, Based on Normalized Temperature Data and Solute Geothermometers
Authors: Suzuki Yota , Ioka Seiichiro , Muraoka Hirofumi
Published: May 2016

To promote geothermal development in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, this study compiled a database of the geothermal resources of the prefecture, which included chemical data for 786 hot springs, temperature data for 26 natural springs, and subsurface temperature data for 35 wells. A map of the activity index distribution for the entire prefecture was also developed using the Aomori Prefecture Geothermal Resource database, and its efficiency was discussed by comparison with the distribution of Quaternary volcanoes and the temperature distribution map calculated using quartz and Na-K solute geothermometers. The activity index distribution map for the entire prefecture showed a good fit with both the distribution map of a region with a sharp eastern edge of low-velocity zones in the mantle wedge and the volcanic front, as well as the temperature distribution map calculated using the quartz and Na-K geothermometers. This reflected the effectiveness of the developed map, which indicated the Hakkoda-san and Hiuchi-dake areas as promising for geothermal development. Given that the activity index distribution map is easy to use, it could become a method of assessment, in conjunction with temperature distribution maps calculated using solute geothermometers, for detecting promising areas in the early stages of geothermal exploration.
Cobalt-Based Electrolytes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Recent Advances towards Stable Devices
Authors: Bella Federico , Galliano Simone , Gerbaldi Claudio , Viscardi Guido
Published: May 2016

Redox mediators based on cobalt complexes allowed dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) to achieve efficiencies exceeding 14%, thus challenging the emerging class of perovskite solar cells. Unfortunately, cobalt-based electrolytes demonstrate much lower long-term stability trends if compared to the traditional iodide/triiodide redox couple. In view of the large-scale commercialization of cobalt-based DSCs, the scientific community has recently proposed various approaches and materials to increase the stability of these devices, which comprise gelling agents, crosslinked polymeric matrices and mixtures of solvents (including water). This review summarizes the most significant advances recently focused towards this direction, also suggesting some intriguing way to fabricate third-generation cobalt-based photoelectrochemical devices stable over time.
A Study on Price-Based Charging Strategy for Electric Vehicles on Expressways
Authors: Chen Lixing , Chen Zhong , Huang Xueliang , Jin Long
Published: May 2016

With the large-scale adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) on expressways, the exploration of a guiding-based charging method to effectively adjust interactions between EVs and the fast charging stations (CSs) is urgently needed. This paper proposes a status-of-use (SOU) price-based charging strategy that can motivate users to charge in advance. A queuing model for a CS cluster was established to verify the effectiveness of the strategy, and then a simulation of traveling and charging conditions of 12,000 pure EVs on the road network from 0:00 to 24:00 was performed according to the related data and using the Monte Carlo method, the Floyd-Warshall algorithm, and the queuing algorithm proposed in this paper. Compared to unordered charging (UC), SOU price-based charging can not only reduce the charging cost and waiting time for users, but also increase the utilization ratio of charging facilities in a CS cluster and thus lower their influence on the power grid and expressway traffic. SOU price-based charging can effectively adjust interactions between EVs and CSs.
How Diet Intervention via Modulation of DNA Damage Response through MicroRNAs May Have an Effect on Cancer Prevention and Aging, an in Silico Study
Authors: Carotenuto Felicia , Albertini Maria , Coletti Dario , Vilmercati Alessandra , Campanella Luigi , Darzynkiewicz Zbigniew , Teodori Laura
Published: May 2016

The DNA damage response (DDR) is a molecular mechanism that cells have evolved to sense DNA damage (DD) to promote DNA repair, or to lead to apoptosis, or cellular senescence if the damage is too extensive. Recent evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRs) play a critical role in the regulation of DDR. Dietary bioactive compounds through miRs may affect activity of numerous genes. Among the most studied bioactive compounds modulating expression of miRs are epi-gallocatechin-3-gallate, curcumin, resveratrol and n3-polyunsaturated fatty acids. To compare the impact of these dietary compounds on DD/DDR network modulation, we performed a literature search and an in silico analysis by the DIANA-mirPathv3 software. The in silico analysis allowed us to identify pathways shared by different miRs involved in DD/DDR vis-à-vis the specific compounds. The results demonstrate that certain miRs (e.g., -146, -21) play a central role in the interplay among DD/DDR and the bioactive compounds. Furthermore, some specific pathways, such as “fatty acids biosynthesis/metabolism”, “extracellular matrix-receptor interaction” and “signaling regulating the pluripotency of stem cells”, appear to be targeted by most miRs affected by the studied compounds. Since DD/DDR and these pathways are strongly related to aging and carcinogenesis, the present in silico results of our study suggest that monitoring the induction of specific miRs may provide the means to assess the antiaging and chemopreventive properties of particular dietary compounds.
Comparison of Intravenous Anesthetic Agents for the Treatment of Refractory Status Epilepticus
Authors: Reznik Michael , Berger Karen , Claassen Jan
Published: May 2016

Status epilepticus that cannot be controlled with first- and second-line agents is called refractory status epilepticus (RSE), a condition that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Most experts agree that treatment of RSE necessitates the use of continuous infusion intravenous anesthetic drugs such as midazolam, propofol, pentobarbital, thiopental, and ketamine, each of which has its own unique characteristics. This review compares the various anesthetic agents while providing an approach to their use in adult patients, along with possible associated complications.
Developmental Mechanism of Limb Field Specification along the Anterior–Posterior Axis during Vertebrate Evolution
Authors: Tanaka Mikiko
Published: May 2016

In gnathostomes, limb buds arise from the lateral plate mesoderm at discrete positions along the body axis. Specification of these limb-forming fields can be subdivided into several steps. The lateral plate mesoderm is regionalized into the anterior lateral plate mesoderm (ALPM; cardiac mesoderm) and the posterior lateral plate mesoderm (PLPM). Subsequently, Hox genes appear in a nested fashion in the PLPM and provide positional information along the body axis. The lateral plate mesoderm then splits into the somatic and splanchnic layers. In the somatic layer of the PLPM, the expression of limb initiation genes appears in the limb-forming region, leading to limb bud initiation. Furthermore, past and current work in limbless amphioxus and lampreys suggests that evolutionary changes in developmental programs occurred during the acquisition of paired fins during vertebrate evolution. This review presents these recent advances and discusses the mechanisms of limb field specification during development and evolution, with a focus on the role of Hox genes in this process.
Determination of Specific Heat Capacity on Composite Shape-Stabilized Phase Change Materials and Asphalt Mixtures by Heat Exchange System
Authors: Ma Biao , Zhou Xue-yan , Liu Jiang , You Zhanping , Wei Kun , Huang Xiao-feng
Published: May 2016

Previous research has shown that composite shape-stabilized phase change material (CPCM) has a remarkable capacity for thermal storage and stabilization, and it can be directly applied to highway construction without leakage. However, recent studies on temperature changing behaviors of CPCM and asphalt mixture cannot intuitively reflect the thermoregulation mechanism and efficiency of CPCM on asphalt mixture. The objective of this paper is to determine the specific heat capacity of CPCM and asphalt mixtures mixed with CPCM using the heat exchange system and the data acquisition system. Studies have shown that the temperature-rise curve of 5 °C CPCM has an obvious temperature plateau, while an asphalt mixture mixed with 5 °C CPCM does not; with increasing temperature, the specific heat capacities of both 5 °C CPCM and asphalt mixture first increase and then decrease, while the variation rate of 5 °C CPCM is larger than that of the asphalt mixture, and the maximum specific heat capacity of 5 °C CPCM appears around the initial phase change temperature. It is concluded that the temperature intervals of 5 °C CPCM are −18 °C–7 °C, 7 °C–25 °C and 25 °C–44 °C, respectively, and that of the asphalt mixture are −18 °C~10 °C, −10 °C~5 °C and 5 °C~28 °C. A low dosage of 5 °C CPCM has little influence on the specific heat capacity of asphalt mixture. Finally, the functions of specific heat capacities and temperature for CPCM and asphalt mixture mixed with CPCM were recommended by the sectional regression method.
Flavin-Dependent Thymidylate Synthase as a New Antibiotic Target
Authors: Choi Michael , Karunaratne Kalani , Kohen Amnon
Published: May 2016

In humans de novo synthesis of 2′-deoxythymidine-5′-monophosphate (dTMP), an essential building block of DNA, utilizes an enzymatic pathway requiring thymidylate synthase (TSase) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). The enzyme flavin-dependent thymidylate synthase (FDTS) represents an alternative enzymatic pathway to synthesize dTMP, which is not present in human cells. A number of pathogenic bacteria, however, depend on this enzyme in lieu of or in conjunction with the analogous human pathway. Thus, inhibitors of this enzyme may serve as antibiotics. Here, we review the similarities and differences of FDTS vs. TSase including aspects of their structure and chemical mechanism. In addition, we review current progress in the search for inhibitors of flavin dependent thymidylate synthase as potential novel therapeutics.
BiOBr/BiOI Photocatalyst Based on Fly Ash Cenospheres with Improved Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Lin Li , Huang Manhong , Chen Donghui
Published: May 2016

A series of BiOBr/BiOI photocatalysts supported on fly-ash cenospheres (FACs) were successfully prepared via a facile one-pot alcoholysis method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results indicate that pH value plays a critical role in BiOBr/BiOI loading. Based on the photodegradation tests under visible light irradiation (blue LED irradiation), the photocatalytic property of BiOBr/BiOI/FACs photocatalysts obtained under alkaline conditions is superior to that prepared under neutral or acidic conditions, and higher than those of BiOB/FACs and BiOI//FACs. The improved photocatalytic performance of BiOBr/BiOI/FACs can be attributed to more BiOBr/BiOI loaded on the surface of FACs and the efficient photogenerated electron-hole separation.
Dietary Patterns in Pregnancy in New Zealand—Influence of Maternal Socio-Demographic, Health and Lifestyle Factors
Authors: Wall Clare , Gammon Cheryl , Bandara Dinusha , Grant Cameron , Atatoa Carr Polly , Morton Susan
Published: May 2016

Exploration of dietary pattern associations within a multi-ethnic society context has been limited. We aimed to describe dietary patterns of 5664 pregnant women from the Growing Up in New Zealand study, and investigate associations between these patterns and maternal socio-demographic, place of birth, health and lifestyle factors. Participants completed a food frequency questionnaire prior to the birth of their child. Principal components analysis was used to extract dietary patterns and multivariable analyses used to determine associations. Four dietary components were extracted. Higher scores on, ‘Junk’ and ‘Traditional/White bread’, were associated with decreasing age, lower educational levels, being of Pacific or Māori ethnicity and smoking. Higher scores on, ‘Health conscious’ and ‘Fusion/Protein’, were associated with increasing age, better self-rated health, lower pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and not smoking. Higher scores on ‘Junk’ and ‘Health conscious’ were associated with being born in New Zealand (NZ), whereas higher scores on ‘Fusion/Protein’ was associated with being born outside NZ and being of non-European ethnicity, particularly Asian. High scores on the ‘Health conscious’ dietary pattern showed the highest odds of adherence to the pregnancy dietary guidelines. In this cohort of pregnant women different dietary patterns were associated with migration, ethnicity, socio-demographic characteristics, health behaviors and adherence to dietary guidelines.
Repair Effect of Seaweed Polysaccharides with Different Contents of Sulfate Group and Molecular Weights on Damaged HK-2 Cells
Authors: Bhadja Poonam , Tan Cai-Yan , Ouyang Jian-Ming , Yu Kai
Published: May 2016

The structure–activity relationships and repair mechanism of six low-molecular-weight seaweed polysaccharides (SPSs) on oxalate-induced damaged human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were investigated. These SPSs included Laminaria japonica polysaccharide, degraded Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharide, degraded Gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharide, degraded Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharide, Eucheuma gelatinae polysaccharide, and degraded Undaria pinnatifida polysaccharide. These SPSs have a narrow difference of molecular weight (from 1968 to 4020 Da) after degradation by controlling H2O2 concentration. The sulfate group (–SO3H) content of the six SPSs was 21.7%, 17.9%, 13.3%, 8.2%, 7.0%, and 5.5%, respectively, and the –COOH contents varied between 1.0% to 1.7%. After degradation, no significant difference was observed in the contents of characteristic –SO3H and –COOH groups of polysaccharides. The repair effect of polysaccharides was determined using cell-viability test by CCK-8 assay and cell-morphology test by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The results revealed that these SPSs within 0.1–100 μg/mL did not express cytotoxicity in HK-2 cells, and each polysaccharide had a repair effect on oxalate-induced damaged HK-2 cells. Simultaneously, the content of polysaccharide –SO3H was positively correlated with repair ability. Furthermore, the low-molecular-weight degraded polysaccharides showed better repair activity on damaged HK-2 cells than their undegraded counterpart. Our results can provide reference for inhibiting the formation of kidney stones and for developing original anti-stone polysaccharide drugs.
Mechanical Characterization of the Tensile Properties of Glass Fiber and Its Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Composite under Varying Strain Rates and Temperatures
Authors: Ou Yunfu , Zhu Deju , Zhang Huaian , Huang Liang , Yao Yiming , Li Gaosheng , Mobasher Barzin
Published: May 2016

Unidirectional glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) is tested at four initial strain rates (25, 50, 100 and 200 s−1) and six temperatures (−25, 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 °C) on a servo-hydraulic high-rate testing system to investigate any possible effects on their mechanical properties and failure patterns. Meanwhile, for the sake of illuminating strain rate and temperature effect mechanisms, glass yarn samples were complementally tested at four different strain rates (40, 80, 120 and 160 s−1) and varying temperatures (25, 50, 75 and 100 °C) utilizing an Instron drop-weight impact system. In addition, quasi-static properties of GFRP and glass yarn are supplemented as references. The stress–strain responses at varying strain rates and elevated temperatures are discussed. A Weibull statistics model is used to quantify the degree of variability in tensile strength and to obtain Weibull parameters for engineering applications.
Thermogel-Coated Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Composite Scaffold for Enhanced Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Authors: Wang Shao-Jie , Zhang Zheng-Zheng , Jiang Dong , Qi Yan-Song , Wang Hai-Jun , Zhang Ji-Ying , Ding Jian-Xun , Yu Jia-Kuo
Published: May 2016

A three-dimensional (3D) composite scaffold was prepared for enhanced cartilage tissue engineering, which was composed of a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) backbone network and a poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA–PEG–PLGA) thermogel surface. The composite scaffold not only possessed adequate mechanical strength similar to native osteochondral tissue as a benefit of the PCL backbone, but also maintained cell-friendly microenvironment of the hydrogel. The PCL network with homogeneously-controlled pore size and total pore interconnectivity was fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM), and was impregnated into the PLGA–PEG–PLGA solution at low temperature (e.g., 4 °C). The PCL/Gel composite scaffold was obtained after gelation induced by incubation at body temperature (i.e., 37 °C). The composite scaffold showed a greater number of cell retention and proliferation in comparison to the PCL platform. In addition, the composite scaffold promoted the encapsulated mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to differentiate chondrogenically with a greater amount of cartilage-specific matrix production compared to the PCL scaffold or thermogel. Therefore, the 3D PCL/Gel composite scaffold may exhibit great potential for in vivo cartilage regeneration.
Congregations and Social Services: An Update from the Third Wave of the National Congregations Study
Authors: Chaves Mark , Eagle Alison
Published: May 2016

Congregations and other religious organizations are an important part of the social welfare system in the United States. This article uses data from the 2012 National Congregations Study to describe key features of congregational involvement in social service programs and projects. Most congregations (83%), containing 92% of religious service attendees, engage in some social or human service activities intended to help people outside of their congregation. These programs are primarily oriented to food, health, clothing, and housing provision, with less involvement in some of the more intense and long-term interventions such as drug abuse recovery, prison programs, or immigrant services. The median congregation involved in social services spent $1500 per year directly on these programs, and 17% had a staff member who worked on them at least a quarter of the time. Fewer than 2% of congregations received any government financial support of their social service programs and projects within the past year; only 5% had applied for such funding. The typical, and probably most important, way in which congregations pursue social service activity is by providing small groups of volunteers to engage in well-defined and bounded tasks on a periodic basis, most often in collaboration with other congregations and community organizations.
An ESTARFM Fusion Framework for the Generation of Large-Scale Time Series in Cloud-Prone and Heterogeneous Landscapes
Authors: Knauer Kim , Gessner Ursula , Fensholt Rasmus , Kuenzer Claudia
Published: May 2016

Monitoring the spatio-temporal development of vegetation is a challenging task in heterogeneous and cloud-prone landscapes. No single satellite sensor has thus far been able to provide consistent time series of high temporal and spatial resolution for such areas. In order to overcome this problem, data fusion algorithms such as the Enhanced Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model (ESTARFM) have been established and frequently used in recent years to generate high-resolution time series. In order to make it applicable to larger scales and to increase the input data availability especially in cloud-prone areas, an ESTARFM framework was developed in this study introducing several enhancements. An automatic filling of cloud gaps was included in the framework to make best use of available, even partly cloud-covered Landsat images. Furthermore, the ESTARFM algorithm was enhanced to automatically account for regional differences in the heterogeneity of the study area. The generation of time series was automated and the processing speed was accelerated significantly by parallelization. To test the performance of the developed ESTARFM framework, MODIS and Landsat-8 data were fused for generating an 8-day NDVI time series for a study area of approximately 98,000 km2 in West Africa. The results show that the ESTARFM framework can accurately produce high temporal resolution time series (average MAE (mean absolute error) of 0.02 for the dry season and 0.05 for the vegetative season) while keeping the spatial detail in such a heterogeneous, cloud-prone region. The developments introduced within the ESTARFM framework establish the basis for large-scale research on various geoscientific questions related to land degradation, changes in land surface phenology or agriculture.
Error Ellipsoid Analysis for the Diameter Measurement of Cylindroid Components Using a Laser Radar Measurement System
Authors: Du Zhengchun , Wu Zhaoyong , Yang Jianguo
Published: May 2016

The use of three-dimensional (3D) data in the industrial measurement field is becoming increasingly popular because of the rapid development of laser scanning techniques based on the time-of-flight principle. However, the accuracy and uncertainty of these types of measurement methods are seldom investigated. In this study, a mathematical uncertainty evaluation model for the diameter measurement of standard cylindroid components has been proposed and applied to a 3D laser radar measurement system (LRMS). First, a single-point error ellipsoid analysis for the LRMS was established. An error ellipsoid model and algorithm for diameter measurement of cylindroid components was then proposed based on the single-point error ellipsoid. Finally, four experiments were conducted using the LRMS to measure the diameter of a standard cylinder in the laboratory. The experimental results of the uncertainty evaluation consistently matched well with the predictions. The proposed uncertainty evaluation model for cylindrical diameters can provide a reliable method for actual measurements and support further accuracy improvement of the LRMS.
A Continuous Liquid-Level Sensor for Fuel Tanks Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Pozo Antonio , Pérez-Ocón Francisco , Rabaza Ovidio
Published: May 2016

A standard problem in large tanks at oil refineries and petrol stations is that water and fuel usually occupy the same tank. This is undesirable and causes problems such as corrosion in the tanks. Normally, the water level in tanks is unknown, with the problems that this entails. We propose herein a method based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to detect in real time the interfaces in a tank which can simultaneously contain water, gasoline (or diesel) and air. The plasmonic sensor is composed of a hemispherical glass prism, a magnesium fluoride layer, and a gold layer. We have optimized the structural parameters of the sensor from the theoretical modeling of the reflectance curve. The sensor detects water-fuel and fuel-air interfaces and measures the level of each liquid in real time. This sensor is recommended for inflammable liquids because inside the tank there are no electrical or electronic signals which could cause explosions. The sensor proposed has a sensitivity of between 1.2 and 3.5 RIU−1 and a resolution of between 5.7 × 10−4 and 16.5 × 10−4 RIU.
LTD4 and TGF-β1 Induce the Expression of Metalloproteinase-1 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis via a Cysteinyl Leukotriene Receptor 1-Related Mechanism
Authors: Pezato Rogerio , Claeys Cindy , Holtappels Gabriele , Bachert Claus , Pérez-Novo Claudina
Published: May 2016

Background: Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of airway remodeling. The use of CysLTs receptor antagonists has been included in the management of asthma and rhinitis. However, despite the action of these compounds on leukotriene production has been well documented, their role in airway remodeling remains unclear. Objective: We aimed to investigate the capability of the leukotriene receptor antagonist Montelukast to inhibit MMPs release after CysLTs stimulation in nasal tissue fibroblasts. Methods: Fibroblasts were isolated from sinunasal tissue collected from five patients suffering of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis. Cells were cultured and stimulated first with LTC4 and LTD4 (10−10, 10−8, 10−6 M) using as pre-stimulus 10 ng/mL of: IL-4, IL-13, or TGF-beta1 and in presence or absence of Montelukast (10−10, 10−8, 10−6 M). To evaluate the regulation of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 we used enzyme immunoassays and to evaluate CysLT1 receptor we used real time PCR. Results: LTD4 but not LTC4 induced production of mRNA for CysLT1 receptor in a dose dependent manner and with an additive effect when the cells where primed with TGF-β1. TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-13 did not influence the expression of the receptor. Levels of MMP-1 but not of TIMP-1 were statistically enhanced in cells primed with TGF-β1 and stimulated with LTD4. Montelukast significantly decreased Cys-LT1 receptor and MMP-1 concentrations in a dose-dependent way in cells stimulated with LTD4 and TGF-β1 separately and when they were applied together. Conclusion: The leukotriene pathway may play an important role in extra-cellular matrix formation in an inflamed environment, such as chronic sinusitis and, consequently, leukotriene receptor antagonists such as Montelukast may be of great benefit in management of this disease.