bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life and Attractiveness of Small Towns: A Comparison of France and Poland
Authors: Kwiatek-Sołtys Agnieszka , Mainet Helene
Published: June 2014

Nowadays the issue of the quality of life tends to be more and more important for the attractiveness of spaces in the context of increasing commuting and social demand for a good living environment. Small towns are often seen as places where “the living is easy” and social ties are dense. They are therefore a good basis for analysing the quality of life. This is a transversal and complex notion which is not always easy to define. This paper is based on surveys conducted in small Polish and French towns in order to analyse perceptions of the quality of life by both their inhabitants and local leaders, and their potential place in the attractiveness of small towns.
Hyperglycaemia Among Nigerian Infants Weighing Less Than 1,500 Grammes at Birth: A Retrospective Assessment of the Clinical Data
Authors: Onyiriuka Alphonsus N. , Enyi Francisca N.
Published: June 2014

Background and Aims: In very low birthweight (VLBW) infants, birthweight < 1,500g, hyperglycaemia is associated with increased rates of mortality and morbidity. Our study aimed at determining the prevalence of hyperglycaemia among VLBW infants and describing their clinical characteristics. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all inborn VLBW infants was performed. Information obtained included birthweight, gestational age (best obstetric record), gender, and history of chorioamnionitis/maternal medical disorders, type and rates of intravenous fluid administration. Blood glucose level ≥ 7 mmol/L on at least two occasions defined hyperglycaemia. Results: Of the 279 blood glucose values, obtained from 93 infants, 91 (32.6%; 95% CI = 27.1% -38.1%) were in the hyperglycaemic range, with the majority (61.5%) occurring in the first 48 hours of life. The frequency of hyperglycaemia was significantly associated with a rate of infusion greater than 0.4g/kg/hour (Odds Ratio, OR = 3.76; 95% CI=1.58-8.94) and a positive history of maternal chorioamnionitis (OR = 3.04; 95%CI= 1.15-8.01). Conclusion: In the first 48 hours of life, hyperglycaemia co-existing with or complicating primary illnesses was common in VLBW infants who had dextrose infusion and a positive history of maternal chorioamnionitis
Arterial Stiffness and Impaired Renal Function in Patients With and Without Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Georgescu Olivia , Nica Cătălin , Crăciun Silvia , Toader Cristina , Ioacără Sorin , Fica Simona
Published: June 2014

Background and aims: Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI) was developed as an index of arterial stiffness independently of blood pressure and other markers of early atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to assess the correlations between CAVI and renal disease in type 2 diabetic patients compared with those without diabetes. Material

and methods: We evaluated anthropometric, biochemical and vascular parameters (through CAVI) in 133 patients with and 80 without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mean aged 59.34 ± 11.94 years. Results: We found that 52.04 % of subjects with T2DM and 22.22 % of patients without T2DM had pathological arterial stiffness. Mean CAVI value was significantly higher in T2DM (p = 0.04), positively correlated with age and negatively with glomerular filtration rate. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease in patients with pathological vascular stiffness was 5.28 times higher in T2DM compared with the control group. Conclusion: The prevalence of pathological vascular stiffness, mean CAVI and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) were also higher in patients with T2DM than in the control group. Arterial stiffness plays an important role in renal impairment both in normoglycemic subjects and patients with T2DM, so preventive measures to optimize lifestyle and treatment must target the decrease of CAVI
The Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Lipids Concentration in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy
Authors: Serhiyenko Victoria , Alexandr Serhiyenko Alexandr , Segin Volodymyr
Published: June 2014

Background and Aims: Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of long-chain w-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (w-3 PUFA) on the levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and on some lipid profile parameters in patients with T2DM and CAN. Material and Methods: 36 patients with T2DM and verified CAN were divided into 2 groups. The first group received traditional hypoglycemic therapy (n = 15, control) for three months; patients in group 2 (n = 21) received in addition 1 g/day of the long-chain w-3 PUFA for three months. Results: Prescription of the w-3 PUFA to the patients with T2DM and СAN was accompanied by a statistically significant decrease of NT-proBNP level and led to significantly positive changes in the high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood. Conclusions: Obtained results suggest that the efficacy of w-3 PUFA is the result of a direct effect of the pharmacological agent on the investigated indexes
Mixed Hyperlipidemia Associated with Triple X Syndrome (A Case Report)
Authors: Anton-Pǎduraru Dana-Teodora , Oltean Carmen , Trandafir Laura Mihaela , Rusu Cristina
Published: June 2014

Lipid metabolism abnormalities in children may be hereditary or secondary to certain diseases (obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus). Often elevated triglycerides values are associated with high cholesterol values, playing a major role on atherosclerosis. The triple X syndrome also called “the superfemale syndrome” is not a rare condition, but it is usually undiagnosed or occasionally diagnosed when other investigations are done. The authors present the case of a child admitted in the 3rd Clinic of Pediatrics -“Sf. Maria” Children’s Emergency Hospital, Iaşi -Romania for the continuation of her lipid metabolism investigations, being diagnosed on this occasion with the triple X syndrome. We conclude that the investigation of lipid metabolism, early identification of lipid abnormalities and proper treatment significantly reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in adults. We cannot specify the impact of the presence of the chromosomal anomaly, as it is an accidental association
Connection Between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Oprea-Călin Gabriela , Babeș Petru Aurel , Andronescu Dan Valentin , Andronescu Crăița-Isabela
Published: June 2014

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest liver condition in the world, accounting for 20-30% of the adult population, and encompasses a spectrum of liver disorders characterized by fat accumulation within the liver, associated or not with varying degrees of hepatic inflammation and liver fibrosis through to cirrhosis. The prevalence of NAFLD increases significantly in the presence of obesity (60-80%) and type 2 diabetes (60%). NAFLD is associated with metabolic disorders (type 2 diabetes, obesity and hyperlipidemia) grouped together as the metabolic syndrome (MetS). It is now regarded as the hepatic manifestation of this syndrome and is closely linked to insulin resistance (IR).The presence of NAFLD predicts the development of type 2 diabetes independent of established risk factors. NAFLD patients should therefore be screened for diabetes, including by the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) if there any abnormalities of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and given appropriate lifestyle advice. Early diagnosis with the institution of lifestyle measures could help prevent or retard the onset of these metabolic disorders. Type 2 diabetes causes more severe non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and patients with diabetes have an increased risk for cirrhosis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Glycated Albumin – More Than the Missing Link in the Evaluation of Diabetes Control
Authors: Dinu Ilie-Robert , Moţa Eugen
Published: June 2014

Diabetes mellitus represents a major public health problem in the world and glycemic control is very important in subjects with diabetes. Glycation of many proteins is increased in subjects with diabetes compared with persons without diabetes. Glycated albumin (GA) has emerged as a possible glycation index for intermediate-term diabetes control. There is evidence that GA can be considered a better parameter than glycated haemoglobin in many conditions including pregnancy, chronic kidney disease, liver diseases and anemia. Several reports indicate that GA plays a role in the pathogeny of diabetes complications, mainly in diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy. There are several limitations for using GA including the lack of standardization in the laboratories. Several studies are needed in order to understand the place of GA in the pathogeny of diabetes complications and the role in assessing the metabolic control
A reverse engineering approach to the Weil representation
Authors: Aubert Anne-Marie , Przebinda Tomasz
Published: June 2014

We describe a new approach to the Weil representation attached to a symplectic group over a finite or a local field. We dissect the representation into small pieces, study how they work, and put them back together. This way, we obtain a reversed construction of that of T. Thomas, skipping most of the literature on which the latter is based.
The behavior of domain decomposition methods when the overlapping length is large
Authors: Tran Minh-Binh
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we introduce a new approach for the convergence problem of optimized Schwarz methods by studying a generalization of these methods for a semilinear elliptic equation. We study the behavior of the algorithm when the overlapping length is large.
Analytical approximate solutions to the Thomas-Fermi equation
Authors: Marinca Vasile , Ene Remus-Daniel
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this paper is to show how to use the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method (OHAM) to solve the nonlinear differential Thomas-Fermi equation. Our procedure does not depend upon small parameters and provides us with a convenient way to optimally control the convergence of the approximate solutions. An excellent agreement was found between our approximate results and numerical solutions, which prove that OHAM is very efficient in practice, ensuring a very rapid convergence after only one iteration.
Two dimensional fractional projectile motion in a resisting medium
Authors: Rosales Juan , Guía Manuel , Gómez Francisco , Aguilar Flor , Martínez Juan
Published: June 2014

In this paper we propose a fractional differential equation describing the behavior of a two dimensional projectile in a resisting medium. In order to maintain the dimensionality of the physical quantities in the system, an auxiliary parameter k was introduced in the derivative operator. This parameter has a dimension of inverse of seconds (sec)−1 and characterizes the existence of fractional time components in the given system. It will be shown that the trajectories of the projectile at different values of γ and different fixed values of velocity v 0 and angle θ, in the fractional approach, are always less than the classical one, unlike the results obtained in other studies. All the results obtained in the ordinary case may be obtained from the fractional case when γ = 1.
Novel dendrimer-based nickel catalyst: synthesis, characterization and performance in ethylene oligomerization
Authors: Wang Jun , Yang Guang , Li Cui-Qin , Shi Wei-Guang , Wang Si-Han
Published: June 2014

A novel nickel metallodendrimer was synthesized with poly(amidoamine), 3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde and nickel chloride via the Schiff’s base and the complexation reactions. Structures of the dendritic ligand and its nickel complex were characterized by IR, NMR, UV, ESI-MS and elemental analyses. This new nickel metallodendrimer as a catalyst precursor, together with methylaluminoxane as an activator, was evaluated in the ethylene oligomerization. Under the conditions of 0.5 h, 0.5 MPa, 25°C and Al/Ni mole ratio 500: 1 employed for the nickel complex, the catalytic activity showed a maximum value of 4.93 × 105 grams per mole of Ni catalyst per hour. Substituents on the benzene ring seem to have a negative influence on the catalytic activity of the complex.
Cobalt ion-doped polyaniline, poly(N-methylaniline), and poly(N-ethylaniline): electrosynthesis and characterisation using electrochemical methods in acidic solutions
Authors: Hur Evrim , Arslan Andac
Published: June 2014

Cobalt ion (Co2+)-doped polyaniline (PANI-Co), poly(N-methylaniline) (PNMA-Co), and poly(N-ethylaniline) (PNEA-Co) films were synthesised electrochemically on a pencil graphite electrode (PGE) and their electrochemical properties were investigated for supercapacitor applications. The polymer film-coated electrodes (PGE/PANI-Co, PGE/PNMA-Co, and PGE/PNEA-Co) thus obtained were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and different electrochemical methods. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were employed in 0.1 M H2SO4 solution to calculate the specific capacitance (C S) values of the electrodes. The maximum C S of 192.94 F g−1, 139.83 F g−1, and 47.12 F g−1 were achieved for PGE/PANI-Co, PGE/PNMA-Co, and PGE/PNEA-Co at 1 mV s−1, respectively. On the other hand, the charge/discharge stability of the electrodes was analysed using the repeating chronopotentiometry (RCP) method. The RCP measurements indicate that the electrodes could be used as an electrode active material for low voltage supercapacitor applications.
Detection of peroxyacetyl nitrate in air using chemiluminescence aerosol detector
Authors: Mikuška Pavel , Bružeňák Lukáš , Večeřa Zbyněk
Published: June 2014

A method for the rapid and sensitive determination of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) in air based on a chemiluminescence reaction with an alkaline solution of luminol in the chemiluminescence aerosol detector is described. The PAN is chromatographically separated from nitrogen dioxide and ozone in a packed column filled with 5 % OV-1 on Chromosorb 30/60 and the eluted PAN is detected via the direct reaction with the luminol solution consisting of 0.002 mol L−1 luminol, 1 vol. % Brij-35 and 0.1 mol L−1 KOH. The limit of detection is 14.9 ng m−3 (3 ppt) of PAN. Alternatively, the PAN after separation is thermally converted to NO2 which is detected by the chemiluminescence reaction with a solution consisting of 0.002 mol L−1 luminol, 0.5 mol L−1 KOH, 0.2 mol L−1 Na2SO3, 0.1 mol L−1 KI, 0.05 mol L−1 EDTA and 0.5 vol. % triton X-100. The alternative approach affords the simultaneous determination of PAN and NO2. The limit of detection is 50 ppt of PAN and 50 ppt of NO2. The time resolution is 3 min. The method was applied to the measurement of ambient peroxyacetyl nitrate in air.
On the Effectiveness of Supplemental Instruction
Authors: Dawson Phillip , van der Meer Jacques , Skalicky Jane , Cowley Kym
Published: June 2014

Supplemental instruction (SI)—variously known as peer-assisted learning, peer-assisted study sessions, and other names—is a type of academic support intervention popular in higher education. In SI sessions, a senior student facilitates peer learning between undergraduates studying a high-risk course. This article presents a systematic review of the literature between 2001 and 2010 regarding the effectiveness of SI. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Due to methodological heterogeneity and lack of consistency defining the SI treatment, qualitative synthesis methods were applied. For seven included studies, however, an effect size of SI participation on final grades was calculated, ranging from d = 0.29 to d = 0.60. The findings of the review are consistent with claims validated by the U.S. Department of Education in the 1990s that participation in SI is correlated with higher mean grades, lower failure and withdrawal rates, and higher retention and graduation rates.
Development and Pilot of Case Manager: A Virtual-Patient Experience for Veterinary Students
Authors: Byron Julie K. , Johnson Susan E. , Allen L. Clare V. , Brilmyer Cheryl , Griffiths Robert P.
Published: June 2014

There is an increasing demand in veterinary education to engage students, teach and reinforce clinical reasoning, and provide access anytime/anywhere to quality learning opportunities. In addition, accrediting bodies are asking for more concrete documentation of essential clinical-skills outcomes. Unfortunately, during the clinical year in a referral hospital setting, students are at the mercy of chance regarding the types of cases they will encounter and the opportunities they will have to participate. Patient- and case-simulation technology is becoming more popular as a way to achieve these objectives in human and veterinary medical education. Many of the current options available to the veterinary medical education community to develop virtual-patient cases are too time-consuming, cost prohibitive, or difficult for the instructor or learner to use. In response, we developed a learning tool, Case Manager, which is low-cost and user-friendly. Case Manager was designed to meet the demands of veterinary education by providing students with an opportunity to cultivate clinical reasoning skills and allowing for real-time student feedback. We launched a pilot test with 37 senior veterinary medical students as part of their Small Animal Internal Medicine clinical rotation. Students reported that Case Manager increased their engagement with the material, improved diagnostic and problem-solving skills, and broadened their exposure to a variety of cases. In addition, students felt that Case Manager was superior to a more traditional, less interactive case presentation format.
Analysis of subarachnoid hemorrhage using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample: the NIS-SAH Severity Score and Outcome Measure
Authors: Washington Chad W. , Derdeyn Colin P. , Dacey Ralph G. , Dhar Rajat , Zipfel Gregory J.
Published: June 2014

Object

Studies using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), a large ICD-9–based (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision) administrative database, to analyze aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have been limited by an inability to control for SAH severity and the use of unverified outcome measures. To address these limitations, the authors developed and validated a surrogate marker for SAH severity, the NIS-SAH Severity Score (NIS-SSS; akin to Hunt and Hess [HH] grade), and a dichotomous measure of SAH outcome, the NIS-SAH Outcome Measure (NIS-SOM; akin to modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score).

Methods

Three separate and distinct patient cohorts were used to define and then validate the NIS-SSS and NIS-SOM. A cohort (n = 148,958, the “model population”) derived from the 1998–2009 NIS was used for developing the NIS-SSS and NIS-SOM models. Diagnoses most likely reflective of SAH severity were entered into a regression model predicting poor outcome; model coefficients of significant factors were used to generate the NIS-SSS. Nationwide Inpatient Sample codes most likely to reflect a poor outcome (for example, discharge disposition, tracheostomy) were used to create the NIS-SOM.

Data from 716 patients with SAH (the “validation population”) treated at the authors' institution were used to validate the NIS-SSS and NIS-SOM against HH grade and mRS score, respectively.

Lastly, 147,395 patients (the “assessment population”) from the 1998–2009 NIS, independent of the model population, were used to assess performance of the NIS-SSS in predicting outcome. The ability of the NIS-SSS to predict outcome was compared with other common measures of disease severity (All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Group [APR-DRG], All Payer Severity-adjusted DRG [APS-DRG], and DRG).

Results

The NIS-SSS significantly correlated with HH grade, and there was no statistical difference between the abilities of the NIS-SSS and HH grade to predict mRS-based outcomes. As compared with the APR-DRG, APSDRG, and DRG, the NIS-SSS was more accurate in predicting SAH outcome (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.69, 0.71, 0.71, and 0.79, respectively).

A strong correlation between NIS-SOM and mRS was found, with an agreement and kappa statistic of 85% and 0.63, respectively, when poor outcome was defined by an mRS score > 2 and 95% and 0.84 when poor outcome was defined by an mRS score > 3.

Conclusions

Data in this study indicate that in the analysis of NIS data sets, the NIS-SSS is a valid measure of SAH severity that outperforms previous measures of disease severity and that the NIS-SOM is a valid measure of SAH outcome. It is critically important that outcomes research in SAH using administrative data sets incorporate the NIS-SSS and NIS-SOM to adjust for neurology-specific disease severity.
Major Harvey Cushing's difficulties with the British and American armies during World War I
Authors: Carey Michael E.
Published: June 2014

This historical review explores Harvey Cushing's difficulties with both the British and American armies during his World War I service to definitively examine the rumor of his possible court martial. It also provides a further understanding of Cushing the man.

While in France during World War I, Cushing was initially assigned to British hospital units. This service began in May 1917 and ended abruptly in May 1918 when the British cashiered him for repeated censorship violations. Returning to American command, he feared court martial. The army file on this matter (retrieved from the United States National Archives) indicates that US Army authorities recommended that Cushing be reprimanded and returned to the US for his violations. The army carried out neither recommendation, and no evidence exists that a court martial was considered. Cushing's army career and possible future academic life were protected by the actions of his surgical peers and Merritte Ireland, Chief Surgeon of the US Army in France. After this censorship episode, Cushing was made a neurosurgical consultant but was also sternly warned that further rule violations would not be tolerated by the US Army. Thereafter, despite the onset of a severe peripheral neuropathy, probably Guillian Barré's syndrome, Cushing was indefatigable in ministering to neurosurgical needs in the US sector in France.

Cushing's repeated defying of censorship regulations reveals poor judgment plus an initial inability to be a “team player.” The explanations he offered for his censorship violations showed an ability to bend the truth. Cushing's war journal is unclear as to exactly what transpired between him and the British and US armies. It also shows no recognition of the help he received from others who were instrumental in preventing his ignominious removal from service in France. Had that happened, his academic future and ability to train future neurosurgical leaders may have been seriously threatened.

Cushing's foibles notwithstanding, all realized that he contributed greatly to both British and US war neurosurgery. United States Army surgeons who operated upon brain wounds in France recognized Cushing as their leader.
Superior performance of cone-beam CT angiography in characterization of intracranial atherosclerosis
Authors: Safain Mina G. , Rahal Jason P. , Patel Samir , Lauric Alexandra , Feldmann Edward , Malek Adel M.
Published: June 2014

Object

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) carries a high risk of stroke. Evaluation of ICAD has focused on assessing the absolute degree of stenosis, although plaque morphology has recently demonstrated increasing relevance. The authors provide the first report of the use of ultra-high-resolution C-arm cone-beam CT angiography (CBCT-A) in the evaluation of vessel stenosis as well as plaque morphology.

Methods

Between August 2009 and July 2012, CBCT-A was used in all patients with ICAD who underwent catheter-based angiography at the authors' institution (n = 18). Lesions were evaluated for maximum degree of stenosis as well as plaque morphological characteristics (ulcerated, calcified, dissected, or spiculated) via digital subtraction angiography (DSA), 3D-rotational angiography (3DRA), and CBCT-A. The different imaging modalities were compared in their assessment of absolute stenosis as well as their ability to resolve different plaque morphologies.

Results

Lesions were found to have similar degrees of stenosis when utilizing CBCT-A compared with 3DRA, but both 3DRA and CBCT-A differed from DSA in their assessment of the absolute degree of stenosis. CBCT-A provided the most detailed resolution of plaque morphology, identifying a new plaque characteristic in 61% of patients (n = 11) when compared with DSA and 50% (n = 9) when compared with 3DRA. CBCT-A identified all lesion characteristics visualized on DSA and 3DRA.

Conclusions

CBCT-A provides detailed spatial resolution of plaque morphology and may add to DSA and 3DRA in the evaluation of ICAD. Further prospective study is warranted to determine any benefit CBCTA-A may provide in clinical decision making and risk stratification over existing conventional imaging modalities.
Cognitive disorders in pediatric medulloblastoma: what neuroimaging has to offer
Authors: Hoang Duc Ha , Pagnier Anne , Guichardet Karine , Dubois-Teklali Fanny , Schiff Isabelle , Lyard Geneviève , Cousin Emilie , Krainik Alexandre
Published: June 2014

Medulloblastomas are the most common malignant childhood brain tumors arising in the posterior fossa. Treatment improvements for these tumors have meant that there are a greater number of survivors, but this long-term patient survival has increased the awareness of resulting neurocognitive deficits. Impairments in attention, memory, executive functions, and intelligence quotient demonstrate that the cerebellum likely plays a significant role in numerous higher cognitive functions such as language, cognitive, and emotional functions. In addition, children with medulloblastoma not only have cerebellar lesions but also brain white matter damages due to radiation and chemotherapy. Functional neuroimaging, a noninvasive method with many advantages, has become the standard tool in clinical and cognitive neuroscience research. By reviewing functional neuroimaging studies, this review aims to clarify the role of the cerebellum in cognitive function and explain more clearly cognitive sequelae due to polytherapy in children with medulloblastoma. This review suggests that the posterior cerebellar lobes are crucial to maintaining cognitive performance. Clinical investigations could help to better assess the involvement of these lobes in cognitive functions.
Adaptive remodeling at the pedicle due to pars fracture: a finite element analysis study
Authors: İnceoğlu Serkan , Mageswaran Prasath , Modic Michael T. , Benzel Edward C.
Published: June 2014

Object

Spondylolysis is a common condition among the general population and a major cause of back pain in young athletes. This condition can be difficult to detect with plain radiography and has been reported to lead to contralateral pars fracture or pedicle fracture in the terminal stages. Interestingly, some patients with late-stage spondylolysis are observed to have radiographic or CT evidence of a sclerotic pedicle on the side contralateral to the spondylolysis. Although computational studies have shown stress elevation in the contralateral pedicle after a pars fracture, it is not known if these changes would cause sclerotic changes in the contralateral pedicle. The objective of this study was to investigate the adaptive remodeling process at the pedicle due to a contralateral spondylolysis using finite element analysis.

Methods

A multiscale finite element model of a vertebra was obtained by combining a continuum model of the posterior elements with a voxel-based pedicle section. Extension loading conditions were applied with or without a fracture at the contralateral pars to analyze the stresses in the contralateral pedicle. A remodeling algorithm was used to simulate and assess density changes in the contralateral pedicle.

Results

The remodeling algorithm demonstrated an increase in bone formation around the perimeter of the contralateral pedicle with some localized loss of mass in the region of cancellous bone.

Conclusions

The authors' results indicated that a pars fracture results in sclerotic changes in the contralateral pedicle. Such a remodeling process could increase overall bone mass. However, focal bone loss in the region of the cancellous bone of the pedicle might predispose the pedicle to microfractures. This phenomenon explains, at least in part, the origin of pedicle stress fractures in the sclerotic contralateral pedicles of patients with unilateral spondylolysis.
Understanding Antibiotic Use in Minya District, Egypt: Physician and Pharmacist Prescribing and the Factors Influencing Their Practices
Authors: Dooling Kathleen , Kandeel Amr , Hicks Lauri , El-Shoubary Waleed , Fawzi Khaled , Kandeel Yasser , Etman Ahmad , Lohiniva Anna , Talaat Maha
Published: June 2014

Overuse of antibiotics has contributed to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria globally. In Egypt, patients can purchase antibiotics without a prescription, and we hypothesized frequent inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and dispensing. We interviewed physicians (n = 236) and pharmacists (n = 483) and conducted focus groups in Minya, Egypt, to assess attitudes and practices regarding antibiotic prescribing for outpatient acute respiratory infections (ARI). Antibiotics were reportedly prescribed most of the time or sometimes for colds by 150 (64%) physicians and 326 (81%) pharmacists. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were β-lactams. Macrolides were the second most commonly prescribed for colds and sinusitis. The prescription of more than one antibiotic to treat pneumonia was reported by 85% of physicians. Most respondents thought antibiotic overuse contributes to resistance and reported “patient self-medication” as the biggest driver of overuse. Fifty physicians (21%) reported that they had prescribed antibiotics unnecessarily, citing patient over-the-counter access as the reason. Physicians <40 years of age and those who treat adults were more likely to prescribe antibiotics for colds. Overall, we found a high rate of unwarranted outpatient antibiotic prescribing and dispensing for ARIs. Patient access to OTC antibiotics contributes to over-prescribing. National guidelines for ARI treatment, provider education and national policy requiring a physician’s prescription for antibiotics may improve appropriate antibiotic use in Egypt.
Identifying the Coupling Structure in Complex Systems through the Optimal Causation Entropy Principle
Authors: Sun Jie , Cafaro Carlo , Bollt Erik
Published: June 2014

Inferring the coupling structure of complex systems from time series data in general by means of statistical and information-theoretic techniques is a challenging problem in applied science. The reliability of statistical inferences requires the construction of suitable information-theoretic measures that take into account both direct and indirect influences, manifest in the form of information flows, between the components within the system. In this work, we present an application of the optimal causation entropy (oCSE) principle to identify the coupling structure of a synthetic biological system, the repressilator. Specifically, when the system reaches an equilibrium state, we use a stochastic perturbation approach to extract time series data that approximate a linear stochastic process. Then, we present and jointly apply the aggregative discovery and progressive removal algorithms based on the oCSE principle to infer the coupling structure of the system from the measured data. Finally, we show that the success rate of our coupling inferences not only improves with the amount of available data, but it also increases with a higher frequency of sampling and is especially immune to false positives.
Production of Ethanol and Biomass from Thin Stillage Using Food-Grade Zygomycetes and Ascomycetes Filamentous Fungi
Authors: Ferreira Jorge , Lennartsson Patrik , Taherzadeh Mohammad
Published: June 2014

A starch-based ethanol facility producing 200,000 m3 ethanol/year also produces ca. 2 million m3 thin stillage, which can be used to improve the entire process. In this work, five food-grade filamentous fungi, including a Zygomycete and four Ascomycetes were successfully grown in thin stillage containing 9% solids. Cultivation with Neurospora intermedia led to the production of ca. 16 g·L−1 biomass containing 56% (w/w) crude protein, a reduction of 34% of the total solids, and 5 g·L−1 additional ethanol. In an industrial ethanol production process (200,000 m3 ethanol/year), this can potentially lead to the production of 11,000 m3 extra ethanol per year. Cultivation with Aspergillus oryzae resulted in 19 g·L−1 biomass containing 48% (w/w) crude protein and the highest reduction of the thin stillage glycerol (54%) among the Ascomycetes. Cultivation with Rhizopus sp. produced up to 15 g·L−1 biomass containing 55% (w/w) crude protein. The spent thin stillage had been reduced up to 85%, 68% and 21% regarding lactic acid, glycerol and total solids, respectively. Therefore, N. intermedia, in particular, has a high potential to improve the ethanol process via production of additional ethanol and high-quality biomass, which can be considered for animal feed applications such as for fish feed.
Gas Hydrate Occurrence Inferred from Dissolved Cl− Concentrations and δ18O Values of Pore Water and Dissolved Sulfate in the Shallow Sediments of the Pockmark Field in Southwestern Xisha Uplift, Northern South China Sea
Authors: Luo Min , Chen Linying , Tong Hongpeng , Yan Wen , Chen Duofu
Published: June 2014

Deep-water pockmarks are frequently accompanied by the occurrence of massive gas hydrates in shallow sediments. A decline in pore-water Cl− concentration and rise in δ18O value provide compelling evidence for the gas hydrate dissociation. Mega-pockmarks are widely scattered in the southwestern Xisha Uplift, northern South China Sea (SCS). Pore water collected from a gravity-core inside of a mega-pockmark exhibits a downward Cl− concentration decrease concomitant with an increase in δ18O value at the interval of 5.7–6.7 mbsf. Concentrations of Cl−, Na+, and K+ mainly cluster along the seawater freshening line without distinct Na+ enrichment and K+ depletion. Thus, we infer that the pore water anomalies of Cl− concentrations and δ18O values are attributed to gas hydrate dissociation instead of clay mineral dehydration. Moreover, the lower δ18O values of sulfate in the target core (C14) than those in the reference core (C9) may be associated with the equilibrium oxygen fractionation during sulfate reduction between sulfate and the relatively 18O-depleted ambient water resulting from gas hydrate formation. The gas hydrate contents are estimated to be 6%–10% and 7%–15%, respectively, according to the offset of Cl− concentrations and δ18O values from the baselines. This pockmark field in southwestern Xisha Uplift is likely to be a good prospective area for the occurrence of gas hydrate in shallow sediments.
Interest of a Full-Waveform Flown UV Lidar to Derive Forest Vertical Structures and Aboveground Carbon
Authors: Shang Xiaoxia , Chazette Patrick
Published: June 2014

Amongst all the methodologies readily available to estimate forest canopy and aboveground carbon (AGC), in-situ plot surveys and airborne laser scanning systems appear to be powerful assets. However, they are limited to relatively local scales. In this work, we have developed a full-waveform UV lidar, named ULICE (Ultraviolet LIdar for Canopy Experiment), as an airborne demonstrator for future space missions, with an eventual aim to retrieve forest properties at the global scale. The advantage of using the UV wavelength for a demonstrator is its low multiple scattering in the canopy. Based on realistic airborne lidar data from the well-documented Fontainebleau forest site (south-east of Paris, France), which is representative of managed deciduous forests in temperate climate zones, we estimate the uncertainties in the retrieval of forest vertical structures and AGC. A complete uncertainty study using Monte Carlo approaches is performed for both the lidar-derived tree top height (TTH) and AGC. Our results show a maximum error of 1.2 m (16 tC ha‑1) for the TTH (AGC) assessment. Furthermore, the study of leaf effect on AGC estimate for mid-latitude deciduous forests highlights the possibility for using calibration obtained during only one season to retrieve the AGC during the other, by applying winter and summer airborne measurements.
“Without an Analytical Divorce from the Total Environment”: Advancing a Philosophy of the Humanities by Reading Snow and Whitehead Diffractively
Authors: Van der Tuin Iris
Published: June 2014

This article develops a philosophy of the humanities by reading C.P. Snow’s famous thesis of “the two cultures” through the early work of Alfred North Whitehead. I argue that, whereas Snow refers to Whitehead’s Science and the Modern World, he ultimately paves the way for a reductive interpretation of humanities scholarship, which is a move that can be repaired by delving into Snow’s own reference to Whitehead following a diffractive reading methodology. This way of reading was first formulated in the context of feminist epistemology (but can be found elsewhere and under different names) in an attempt to generate constructively conceptual rather than closed hermeneutical readings of theoretical texts by making the reading dynamic and open-ended (in Karen Barad’s terms: reading their insights “through” one another). As such, reading diffractively shies away from relying on classification and is playful with the past, present, and future of the humanities. The article argues that the diffraction of Snow and Whitehead hinges on theories of “beauty” and will demonstrate (with Whitehead) that humanities scholarship originates in a total environment in which works of art—as the subject matter of humanities research—stand out and preserve themselves as “enduring objects”.
The Case in Favor of E-Cigarettes for Tobacco Harm Reduction
Authors: Nitzkin Joel
Published: June 2014

A carefully structured Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) initiative, with e-cigarettes as a prominent THR modality, added to current tobacco control programming, is the most feasible policy option likely to substantially reduce tobacco-attributable illness and death in the United States over the next 20 years. E-cigarettes and related vapor products are the most promising harm reduction modalities because of their acceptability to smokers. There are about 46 million smokers in the United States, and an estimated 480,000 deaths per year attributed to cigarette smoking. These numbers have been essentially stable since 2004. Currently recommended pharmaceutical smoking cessation protocols fail in about 90% of smokers who use them as directed, even under the best of study conditions, when results are measured at six to twelve months. E-cigarettes have not been attractive to non-smoking teens or adults. Limited numbers non-smokers have experimented with them, but hardly any have continued their use. The vast majority of e-cigarette use is by current smokers using them to cut down or quit cigarettes. E-cigarettes, even when used in no-smoking areas, pose no discernable risk to bystanders. Finally, addition of a THR component to current tobacco control programming will likely reduce costs by reducing the need for counseling and drugs.
Differences in Birthweight Outcomes: A Longitudinal Study Based on Siblings
Authors: Bacci Silvia , Bartolucci Francesco , Chiavarini Manuela , Minelli Liliana , Pieroni Luca
Published: June 2014

Objectives: We investigate the differences in birthweight between first- and second-borns, evaluating the impact of changes in pregnancy (e.g., gestational age), demographic (e.g., age), and social (e.g., education level, marital status) maternal characteristics. Data and Methods: All analyses are performed on data collected in Umbria (Italy) taking into account a set of 792 women who delivered twice from 2005 to 2008. Firstly, we use a univariate paired t-test for the comparison between weights of first- and second-borns; Secondly, we use linear and nonlinear regression approaches in order to: (i) evaluate the effect of demographic and social maternal characteristics and (ii) predict the odds-ratio of low and high birthweight infants, respectively. Results: We find that the birthweight of second-borns is significantly higher than that of first-borns. Statistically significant effects are related with a longer gestational age, an increased number of visits during the pregnancy, and the gender of infants. On the other hand, we do not observe any significant effect related with mother’s age and with other characteristics of interest.
Interaction of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM1) Polymorphisms and Environmental Tobacco Smoke on Childhood Asthma
Authors: Li Yu-Fen , Lin Che-Chen , Tai Chien-Kuo
Published: June 2014

Asthma is a chronic disease that is particularly common in children. The association between polymorphisms of the gene encoding intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) and gene-environment interactions with childhood asthma has not been fully investigated. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to investigate these associations among children in Taiwan. The effects of two functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ICAM1, rs5491 (K56M) and rs5498 (K469E), and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) were studied. Two hundred and eighteen asthmatic and 877 nonasthmatic children were recruited from elementary schools. It was found that the genetic effect of each SNP was modified by the other SNP and by exposure to ETS. The risk of asthma was higher for children carrying the rs5491 AT or TT genotypes and the rs5498 GG genotype (odds ratio = 1.68, 95% confidence interval 1.09–2.59) than for those with the rs5491 AA and rs5498 AA or AG genotypes (the reference group). The risk for the other two combinations of genotypes did not differ significantly from that of the reference group (p of interaction = 0.0063). The two studied ICAM1 SNPs were associated with childhood asthma among children exposed to ETS, but not among those without ETS exposure (p of interaction = 0.05 and 0.01 for rs5491 and rs5498, respectively). Both ICAM1 and ETS, and interactions between these two factors are likely to be involved in the development of asthma in childhood.
Field Survey of Health Perception and Complaints of Pennsylvania Residents in the Marcellus Shale Region
Authors: Saberi Pouné , Propert Kathleen , Powers Martha , Emmett Edward , Green-McKenzie Judith
Published: June 2014

Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale region residents have reported medical symptoms they believe are related to nearby Unconventional Natural Gas Development (UNGD). Associations between medical symptoms and UNGD have been minimally explored. The objective of this descriptive study is to explore whether shale region Pennsylvania residents perceive UNGD as a health concern and whether they attribute health symptoms to UNGD exposures. A questionnaire was administered to adult volunteers with medical complaints in a primary-care medical office in a county where UNGD was present. Participants were asked whether they were concerned about health effects from UNGD, and whether they attributed current symptoms to UNGD or to some other environmental exposure. There were 72 respondents; 22% perceived UNGD as a health concern and 13% attributed medical symptoms to UNGD exposures. Overall, 42% attributed one or more of their medical symptoms to environmental causes, of which UNGD was the most frequent. A medical record review conducted on six participants who attributed their medical symptoms to UNGD revealed that only one of these records documented both the symptoms in question and the attribution to UNGD. The results of this pilot study suggest that there is substantial concern about adverse health effects of UNGD among Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale residents, and that these concerns may not be adequately represented in medical records. Further efforts to determine the relationship between UNGD and health are recommended in order to address community concerns.
New Dihydro-β-agarofuran Sesquiterpenes from Parnassia wightiana Wall: Isolation, Identification and Cytotoxicity against Cancer Cells
Authors: Lv Chao , Zheng Zuo-Lue , Miao Fang , Geng Hui-Ling , Zhou Le , Liu La-Ping
Published: June 2014

Five new (4–8) and three known (1–3) dihydro-β-agarofuran sesquiterpene polyesters were isolated from the whole plants of Parnassia wightiana. The structures of all compounds were elucidated through spectroscopic analysis including 2D-NMR and HR-MS. The absolute configuration of these compounds was established by X-ray diffraction analysis, comparison of NOESY spectra and biogenetic means. The cytotoxities of compounds 2–8 were evaluated in vitro against HL-60, SMMC-7721, A549, MCF-7 and SW480 cell lines. Compounds 5–7 exhibited the highest activities with IC50 values of 11.8–30.1 μM in most cases. The SAR revealed that the introduction of hydroxyl group was able to significantly improve the activities of the compounds for most of the cell lines.
TRAF6 Inhibition Rescues Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Sun Hualin , Gong Yanpei , Qiu Jiaying , Chen Yanfei , Ding Fei , Zhao Qing
Published: June 2014

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), a unique E3 ubiquitin ligase and adaptor protein, is involved in activation of various signaling cascades. Recent studies identify TRAF6 as one of the novel regulators of skeletal muscle atrophy. The role of TRAF6 in glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy, however, remains to be elucidated. In this study, we show that TRAF6 and its downstream signaling molecules, muscle atrophy F-box (MAFBx) and muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF1), were all upregulated in dexamethasone-induced atrophy of mouse C2C12 myotubes or mouse tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. To further investigate the role of TRAF6 in dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy, TRAF6-siRNA was used to transfect cultured C2C12 myotubes or was injected into the TA muscle of mice respectively, and we note that TRAF6 knockdown attenuated dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in vitro and in vivo, and concomitantly decreased the expression of MuRF1 and MAFBx. Our findings suggest that a decreased expression of TRAF6 could rescue dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle atrophy through, at least in part, regulation of the expression of MAFBx and MuRF1.
Microarray Technology for the Diagnosis of Fetal Chromosomal Aberrations: Which Platform Should We Use?
Authors: Karampetsou Evangelia , Morrogh Deborah , Chitty Lyn
Published: June 2014

The advantage of microarray (array) over conventional karyotype for the diagnosis of fetal pathogenic chromosomal anomalies has prompted the use of microarrays in prenatal diagnostics. In this review we compare the performance of different array platforms (BAC, oligonucleotide CGH, SNP) and designs (targeted, whole genome, whole genome, and targeted, custom) and discuss their advantages and disadvantages in relation to prenatal testing. We also discuss the factors to consider when implementing a microarray testing service for the diagnosis of fetal chromosomal aberrations.