bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective effects of skin permeable epidermal and fibroblast growth factor against ultraviolet‐induced skin damage and human skin wrinkles
Authors: An Jae Jin , Eum Won Sik , Kwon Hyuck Se , Koh Jae Sook , Lee Soo Yun , Baek Ji Hwoon , Cho Yong‐Jun , Kim Dae Won , Han Kyu Huyng , Park Jinseu , Jang Sang Ho , Choi Soo Young
Published: December 2013

Background

Epidermal and fibroblast growth factor (EGF and FGF1) proteins play an important role in the regeneration and proliferation of skin cells. EGF and FGF1 have considerable potential as possible therapeutic or cosmetic agents for the treatment of skin damage including wrinkles.

Objectives

Using protein transduction domains (PTD), we investigated whether PTD‐EGF and FGF1 transduced into skin cells and tissue. Transduced proteins showed protective effects in a UV‐induced skin damage model as well as against skin wrinkles.

Methods

Transduced PTD‐EGF and FGF1 proteins were detected by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. The effects of PTD‐EGF and FGF1 were examined by WST assay, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and skin wrinkle parameters.

Results

The PTD‐EGF and FGF1 increased cell proliferation and collagen type 1 alpha 1 protein accumulation in skin tissue. Also, PTD‐EGF and FGF1 inhibited UV‐induced skin damage. Furthermore, topical application of PTD‐EGF and FGF1 contained ampoules which were considered to improve the wrinkle parameters of human skin.

Conclusion

These results show that PTD‐EGF and FGF1 can be a potential therapeutic or cosmetic agent for skin damaged and injury including wrinkles and aging.
ALTERNATIVE WEIGHTING APPROACHES TO COMPUTING INDEXES OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
Authors: Lim G.C. , Nguyen Viet Hoang
Published: December 2013

This paper compares the weighting schemes in the traditional, principal component and dynamic factor approaches to summarizing information from a number of component variables. To facilitate the comparison, we propose a framework to discuss the approaches with respect to their implied loadings in a latent variable model. We also propose a way to transform the dynamic factor index into an analogous index which is a weighted average of the components. The framework shows the strengths and weakness of the alternative weighting schemes and the sense in which the dynamic factor approach has the advantage of capturing both the significance and the variability of the components.
The Role of Endovascular Treatment for Ruptured Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: Comparison with Microsurgical Clipping
Authors: Park Keun Young , Kim Byung Moon , Lim Yong Cheol , Chung Joonho , Kim Dong Joon , Joo Jin Yang , Huh Seung Kon , Kim Dong Ik , Lee Kyu Chang , Lee Jae Whan
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and treatment‐related complications between coiling and clipping for ruptured distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms.

METHODS

Eighty‐four consecutive patients (M:F = 36:48; mean 53.8 years) with ruptured DACA aneurysms were treated by either clipping (n = 46, 54.8%) or coiling (n = 38, 45.2%). The clinical outcomes and procedure‐related complications were evaluated and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Procedure‐related complications tend to occur more frequently in the clipping (n = 6, 13.0%) than coiling group (n = 1, 2.6%) (P = .121). At discharge, 51 patients (60.7%) had favorable outcomes (Glasgow outcome scale [GOS], 4 or 5). There was no significant difference between the two groups in favorable outcome (63.2% vs. 58.7%; P = .677). Hunt and Hess (HH) grade (P < .001; 95% CI, 3.354‐29.609) and treatment modality (P = .044; 95% CI, 1.039‐16.325) were independent risk factors for poor outcome (GOS, 1‐3).

CONCLUSIONS

Coiling was more favorable to clipping in clinical outcomes and incidence of treatment‐related complications for ruptured DACA aneurysms.
Application of Empirical Research Findings in Public Health Advocacy: Focus on Maternal, Child, and Reproductive Health
Authors: Romero Diana , Kwan Amy , Chavkin Wendy
Published: December 2013

Efforts to improve population health have always been associated with social action. Within science, however, there exists a tension as to whether including an advocacy agenda in research distorts the objective, impartial process that scientific inquiry is expected to pursue. Action‐related research models such as, participatory action research (PAR) and community‐based participatory research (CBPR), have been strengthening the case for melding rigorous research with generation of knowledge that informs practice and policy and contributes to social change. In order to adequately carry out evidence‐based activities and assess their impact, three important factors must be present: (1) methodologic rigor; (2) resources for postresearch evaluation; and (3) acceptance by the scientific community that advocacy is an appropriate role for researchers. This article describes several studies that reflect advocacy concerns while utilizing research methods that followed scientific conventions, even leading to findings that were not what advocates might have anticipated.
Impact Validity: A Politics of Possibilities
Authors: Riggs Damien W.
Published: December 2013

This commentary reflects upon the possibilities opened up by the concept of “impact validity.” Particular attention is paid to three key issues that appear across the entire issue, namely: (1) the role of understandings of politics in research that aims to achieve impact validity, (2) the intersections of career and real world impact, and (3) how researchers who aim for impact validity manage the needs of the differing audiences of their work. Overall, the commentary suggests that the concept of impact validity holds great potential to contribute to how we think about the ways we do research, and the role that researchers can play in the public sphere in terms of creating the space for new ways of knowing about the world, in addition to encouraging those in positions of power to think about how they may usefully be influenced by academic knowledge.
A simplified method to screen for in-vivo performance of oral lipid formulations
Authors: Kilic Murat , Dressman Jennifer
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To develop a simplified in-vitro screening method for oral lipid-based formulations using intestinal biorelevant media including lipolysis, as an alternative to pH-stat lipolysis models.

Method

Fasting state simulated intestinal fluid version 2 (FaSSIF-V2) and early fed state simulated intestinal fluid (FeSSIF) were modified for use in a simplified lipolysis screening method. This screening method consists of the following steps: dispersion of the lipid formulation in biorelevant media; incubation of dispersions on an orbital shaker for 60 min at 37°C; ultracentrifugation of dispersions and drug assay of supernatants. This method was evaluated using four lipid-based formulations containing danazol, which had previously been assessed by in-vitro pH-stat lipolysis and compared in an in-vivo study in dogs.

Key findings

Biorelevant media were modified under consideration of both physiological and practical aspects, including adjustment of the pH to 6.5, the addition of calcium ions and the addition of 100 U/ml porcine pancreatin to enable lipolysis of a test formulation. Using a modified FaSSIF-V2, the same rank order in performance of four danazol formulations as previously observed in a pH-stat model was observed, and these results also reflected the in-vivo study results. The results in modified early FeSSIF suggested that there would be a change in the rank order of formulation performance in the fed state compared with the fasted state. By comparing the formulation behaviour in the presence and absence of pancreatin, it was concluded that dispersion is more important than lipolysis for precipitation from the formulation in the fasted state, but that lipolysis is predicted to increase in relevance in the fed state.

Conclusion

The new, simplified method for lipolysis enables a more efficient screening for the in-vivo performance of lipid formulations in the fasted state and enables a prediction of formulation behaviour in both the fed and fasted states. An additional advantage of the method is that the relative influence of lipolysis and dispersion on drug release can be directly compared.
Characteristics of Jordanian depressed pregnant women: a comparison study
Authors: Abuidhail J. , Abujilban S
Published: December 2013

Accessible summary

Jordanian women reported double the rates of antenatal depression in comparison with developed countries. Further, no studies have been conducted here in Jordan that compares sociodemographic characteristics of women who have antenatal depression symptoms and women who do not have such symptoms.

The results of this study revealed that Jordanian pregnant women who were smokers, less educated and those with high‐parity pregnancy had a high tendency towards antenatal depressive symptoms.

Nurses and midwives need to work together to prevent and predict antenatal depression. They need to identify the women who are suffering from it and effectively help them to protect the next generation from its negative effects.

The objective of this study is to investigate the differences between Jordanian depressed women and non‐depressed women in terms of their sociodemographic characteristics during their pregnancy. A convenience sample of 218 Jordanian pregnant women in their third trimester was selected for this study from three major Governorates in Jordan (Amman, Irbid and Zarqa), and the antenatal clinics of teaching hospitals (Jordan University Hospital and King Abdullah University Hospital) were accessed to collect the data. A demographical sheet and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were used to collect data. There was a significant difference in EPDS scores between smokers and non‐smokers, primiparous and multiparous women, and also between women with secondary or lower education and those with diploma or higher education. Higher EPDS scores were classified as a ≥13 and lower EPDS scores as <13. However, there were no significant differences in the age, income and sleeping hours for women with higher EPDS scores compared with those with lower EPDS scores. This study showed that there are differences between pregnant women who had depression symptoms and pregnant women who did not have depression symptoms in relation to some sociodemographic variables (smoking status, education level and parity).
Brewer's yeast and sugarcane yeast as protein sources for dogs
Authors: Martins M. S. , Sakomura N. K. , Souza D. F. , Filho F. O. R. , Gomes M. O. S. , Vasconcellos R. S. , Carciofi A. C.
Published: December 2013

Brewer's yeast (BY), autolysed sugarcane yeast (ASCY) and integral sugar cane yeast (ISCY) were studied in two experiments as ingredients for dog diets. In the first experiment, 28 dogs were randomly assigned to four diets; one reference diet and three test diets containing 15% of BY, ASCY or ISCY and 85% of the reference diet (as‐fed basis). The digestibilities of the yeasts were calculated by the substitution method. In the second experiment, 35 dogs were randomized to five diets with similar chemical composition but different levels of sugarcane yeast inclusion (0%, 7.5% ASCY, 15% ASCY, 7.5% ISCY and 15% ISCY). In both experiments, the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients was determined through total collection of faeces. During experiment, two additional analyses of food palatability, nitrogen balance and urea postprandial responses were performed. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, and the means were compared by orthogonal or polynomial contrasts or Tukey's test (p < 0.05). In experiment 1, CTTAD of protein was lower for both sugarcane yeasts than for BY (p = 0.012), as was metabolizable energy content (p = 0.025). In experiment 2, a linear reduction in energy digestibility with ASCY inclusion (p = 0.05) was verified. Furthermore, faecal score and DM content were reduced with ISCY inclusion (p < 0.003). No effect of yeast inclusion on nitrogen balance or postprandial urea response was found. Also, the inclusion of 7.5% of ASCY or ISCY increased diet palatability (p < 0.01). Yeasts present adequate digestibility by dogs, but its effect on faecal formation needs to be considered. No clear advantage for the use of ASCY over ISCY was found. In conclusion, we find that sugarcane yeast is suitable for inclusion in dog food and can enhance the overall palatability of the diet.
Does Religion Suppress, Socialize, Soothe, or Support? Exploring Religiosity's Influence on Crime
Authors: Brauer Jonathan R. , Tittle Charles R. , Antonaccio Olena
Published: December 2013

A negative association between religiosity and crime is commonly documented in the United States and other Western contexts. In this study, we examine associations between religiosity and criminal probability among randomly selected survey respondents in a non‐Western Christian context (Lviv, Ukraine) and a non‐Western Islamic context (Dhaka, Bangladesh). In addition, we explore whether religiosity is associated in these contexts with various theoretical mechanisms identified in prior research, including self‐control, social control, moral beliefs, negative emotions, and social support. Results confirm that religiosity is negatively correlated with projected criminal probability in non‐Western contexts as well as among both Christian and Muslim respondents. Furthermore, net of social and demographic characteristics, religiosity appears to indirectly influence crime through moral beliefs and, to a lesser extent, through self‐control and informal social control.
Bereavement and Religion Online: Stillbirth, Neonatal Loss, and Parental Religiosity
Authors: Bakker Janel Kragt , Paris Jenell
Published: December 2013

Stillbirth and neonatal death often trigger immense and long‐lasting grief in parents. These life‐altering losses both call upon and call into question parents’ religious beliefs and practices. This qualitative research examines the impact of stillbirth and neonatal death on parental religiosity, broadly conceived to include personal spirituality and any religious affiliation, including atheism. It examines religion online, a nontraditional but important social context for grief, especially regarding statistically rare tragedies such as stillbirth and neonatal death. Content analysis of postings on a hub website for “babyloss” parents yields four major themes: religious disorientation, religious reorientation, changed relationships with others, and a quest for meaning.
Intrinsic Religiosity and Volunteering During Emerging Adulthood: A Comparison of Mormons with Catholics and Non‐Catholic Christians
Authors: Johnson Kathryn A. , Cohen Adam B. , Okun Morris A.
Published: December 2013

Emerging adulthood is a period when religious beliefs are likely to be shaped. Studying the influence of religious culture on prosocial behavior among emerging adults aids our understanding of the process and effects of religious socialization. Mormon religious culture places a particularly strong emphasis on caring for family and fellow Mormons. Because intrinsically religious individuals internalize their religious community's values, we hypothesized that the relationship between intrinsic religiosity and volunteering would be stronger among Mormons than among Catholics or non‐Catholic Christians. We tested this hypothesis using a sample of Mormon (N = 118), Catholic (N = 304), and non‐Catholic Christian (N = 542) emerging adults (18–29 year olds) across three volunteering contexts (religious, family, and secular). Controlling for extrinsic religiosity and worship attendance, the relationship between intrinsic religiosity and frequency of volunteering was greater among Mormons than Catholics and non‐Catholic Christians in the context of religious and family volunteering. However, intrinsic religiosity was not a significant predictor of secular volunteering. Our findings suggest that Mormon culture influences the frequency and type of volunteering engaged in by young Mormon adults.
The Effect of New Religious Movement Affiliation and Disaffiliation on Reflexivity and Sense of Self
Authors: Coates Dominiek
Published: December 2013

Challenging the contemporary belief that emotional damage invariably results from new religious movement (NRM) participation, this study shows that membership in and exit from a world‐rejecting NRM may initiate the development of increased reflexivity and a personal sense of self for some former members. Out of a sample of 23 former members, 12 participants were identified who report prior histories of “other‐directedness” and for whom exit from an NRM instigated a shift toward increased independence and individuality. Employing symbolic interactionist theories of self, this article conceptualizes the process through which these participants may be understood to have gained in reflexivity and personal autonomy. Four case studies demonstrate how the identity loss and uncertainty suffered following exit can “shock” former members into self‐awareness and reflexivity, instigating a period of active learning about personal emotions, thoughts, and beliefs that leads to the active construction of a stronger personal self.
Decline and Conflict: Causes and Consequences of Leadership Transitions in Religious Congregations
Authors: Dollhopf Erica J. , Scheitle Christopher P.
Published: December 2013

Changes in leadership can be difficult for any organization. Leadership transitions in religious congregations might be especially challenging given the personal relationships involved and the spiritual dimension of a leader's position. This complexity often makes it difficult to separate the reasons for the transition from the impacts of the transition. For example, loss of membership and congregational conflict can be both a cause and a consequence of leadership change. Using the 2006–2007 National Congregations Study, this research explores how membership decline and congregational conflict are associated with leadership transitions in religious congregations. Although we find that leadership transitions are associated with conflict and membership decline, we also find that certain factors, such as whether the leader comes from within the congregation and context of the transition, moderate these associations.
Temperature is not responsible for left‐right reversal in pelagic unicellular zooplanktons
Authors: Ujiié Y. , Asami T.
Published: December 2013

Many holoplanktons disperse passively without active habitat choice. Their morphology may vary over wide distribution ranges by phenotypic plasticity or allelic variation. Planktic foraminifera, which are unicellular holoplanktons and occur in every ocean, could be an excellent system to study diversity and evolution in cellular responses to the environment. They uniquely exhibit single‐cell asymmetry in the coiled shell. Their handedness has long been said to change phenotypically by habitat temperature without statistical evidence. We tested temperature dependence of coil‐morph frequency within species of pelagic foraminifera in global scale for the first time. Our analyses of molecular phylogeny indicate that five monophyletic clades in Globorotalia truncatulinoides represent genetically isolated species from one another. Morph frequency varies across wide ranges of water temperature within three of the five species but shows no dependence on temperature. Contrarily, morph frequency exhibited apparent dependence when we pooled all specimens of the five species. This suggests that the correlations with temperature have classically been observed because of taxonomical confusions and interspecific differences in distribution. The present results against the classical hypothesis by thorough examinations rather argue for a possible presence of genetic basis for coiling direction in foraminifera. Our results provide a base to explore the evolution of left‐right asymmetry in unicellular eukaryotes.
Stability and phylogenetic correlation in gut microbiota: lessons from ants and apes
Authors: Sanders Jon G. , Powell Scott , Kronauer Daniel J. C. , Vasconcelos Heraldo L. , Frederickson Megan E. , Pierce Naomi E.
Published: December 2013

Correlation between gut microbiota and host phylogeny could reflect codiversification over shared evolutionary history or a selective environment that is more similar in related hosts. These alternatives imply substantial differences in the relationship between host and symbiont, but can they be distinguished based on patterns in the community data themselves? We explored patterns of phylogenetic correlation in the distribution of gut bacteria among species of turtle ants (genus Cephalotes), which host a dense gut microbial community. We used 16S rRNA pyrosequencing from 25 Cephalotes species to show that their gut community is remarkably stable, from the colony to the genus level. Despite this overall similarity, the existing differences among species' microbiota significantly correlated with host phylogeny. We introduced a novel analytical technique to test whether these phylogenetic correlations are derived from recent bacterial evolution, as would be expected in the case of codiversification, or from broader shifts more likely to reflect environmental filters imposed by factors such as diet or habitat. We also tested this technique on a published data set of ape microbiota, confirming earlier results while revealing previously undescribed patterns of phylogenetic correlation. Our results indicated a high degree of partner fidelity in the Cephalotes microbiota, suggesting that vertical transmission of the entire community could play an important role in the evolution and maintenance of the association. As additional comparative microbiota data become available, the techniques presented here can be used to explore trends in the evolution of host‐associated microbial communities.
An actin‐like protein is involved in regulation of mitochondrial and flagellar functions as well as in intramacrophage survival of Leishmania donovani
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Veluru Niranjan K. , Trivedi Vishal , Gupta Chhitar M. , Sahasrabuddhe Amogh A.
Published: December 2013

Actin‐related proteins are ubiquitous actin‐like proteins that show high similarity with actin in terms of their amino acid sequence and three‐dimensional structure. However, in lower eukaryotes, such as trypanosomatids, their functions have not yet been explored. Here, we show that a novel actin‐related protein (ORF LmjF.13.0950) is localized mainly in the Leishmania mitochondrion. We further reveal that depletion of the intracellular levels of this protein leads to an appreciable decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential as well as in the ATP production, which appears to be accompanied with impairment in the flagellum assembly and motility. Additionally, we report that the mutants so generated fail to survive inside the mouse peritoneal macrophages. These abnormalities are, however, reversed by the episomal gene complementation. Our results, for the first time indicate that apart from their classical roles in the cytoplasm and nucleus, actin‐related proteins may also regulate the mitochondrial function, and in case of Leishmania donovani they may also serve as the essential factor for their survival in the host cells.
An Alba‐domain protein contributes to the stage‐regulated stability of amastin transcripts in Leishmania
Authors: Dupé Aurélien , Dumas Carole , Papadopoulou Barbara
Published: December 2013

Leishmania infantum promastigotes differentiate into amastigote forms within the phagolysosome of mammalian macrophages causing visceral leishmaniasis. Delta‐amastins belong to a multigenic surface protein family of potential virulence factors that are specifically expressed in the amastigote life cycle stage through distinct regulatory elements in the 3′ UTR controlling either mRNA stability or translation. Here, we provide novel insights on trans‐acting factors regulating amastin developmental gene expression. Using RNA affinity chromatography with a 300 nt regulatory region within the amastin 3′ UTR as bait, we identified an Alba‐domain protein of 25 kDa (LiAlba20) as a specific amastin mRNA‐binding partner. Genomic depletion of LiAlba20 results in amastin mRNA destabilization specifically in amastigotes, supporting a role of LiAlba20 in amastin gene regulation. As shown by comparative DNA microarray analysis, several delta‐amastin transcripts but also other known developmentally regulated transcripts were downregulated in LiAlba20−/− knockout parasites. Inactivation of the second Alba‐domain gene, LiAlba13, does not seem to affect amastin mRNA stability in either life stage of the parasite. These data indicate an important role of Alba‐domain proteins in the regulation of Leishmania differentially expressed transcripts and open a new field of investigation for better understanding mechanisms contributing to post‐transcriptional control in these parasites.
The P2 of Wheat yellow mosaic virus rearranges the endoplasmic reticulum and recruits other viral proteins into replication‐associated inclusion bodies
Authors: Sun Liying , Andika Ida Bagus , Shen Jiangfeng , Yang Di , Chen Jianping
Published: December 2013

Viruses commonly modify host endomembranes to facilitate biological processes in the viral life cycle. Infection by viruses belonging to the genus Bymovirus (family Potyviridae) has long been known to induce the formation of large membranous inclusion bodies in host cells, but their assembly and biological roles are still unclear. Immunoelectron microscopy of cells infected with the bymovirus Wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV) showed that P1, P2 and P3 are the major viral protein constituents of the membranous inclusions, whereas NIa‐Pro (nuclear inclusion‐a protease) and VPg (viral protein genome‐linked) are probable minor components. P1, P2 and P3 associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but only P2 was able to rearrange ER and form large aggregate structures. Bioinformatic analyses and chemical experiments showed that P2 is an integral membrane protein and depends on the active secretory pathway to form aggregates of ER membranes. In planta and in vitro assays demonstrated that P2 interacts with P1, P3, NIa‐Pro or VPg and recruits these proteins into the aggregates. In vivo RNA labelling using WYMV‐infected wheat protoplasts showed that the synthesis of viral RNAs occurs in the P2‐associated inclusions. Our results suggest that P2 plays a major role in the formation of membranous compartments that house the genomic replication of WYMV.
“Do not Stifle the Spirit”: The Vision of Yves Congar for Charismatic Ecclesiology
Authors: Annan Stephen Ebo
Published: December 2013

The commemoration of the half-centenary of the Second Vatican Council has garnered enormous interest in the protagonists, circumstances and, interpretations that evolved in the period leading up to and following the council. Beyond the dialectics of hermeneutics of (dis)continuity of the council which has gained currency in recent post-conciliar discourse, however, attention has equally been drawn to the grand leitmotif that birthed the Council, namely, the clichéd aggiornamento and the pentecostal renewal envisioned by Blessed Pope John XXIII. Despite its determining importance, Cardinal Walter Kasper opines that the Church is still certainly a long way from being able to speak of a new Pentecost. One of the architects of such ecclesial reforms and pneumatological renewal in the Council was the erudite French ecclesiologist and ecumenist Yves Marie Congar (1904–1995). This article seeks to demonstrate that Congar was not only a celebrated pneumatologist but also a visionary of charismatic ecclesiology, deemed as a resourceful tool for re-evangelization.
Prevalence of Chronic Pain, Impact on Daily Life, and Treatment Practices in India
Authors: Dureja Gur Prasad , Jain Paramanand N. , Shetty Naresh , Mandal Shyama Prasad , Prabhoo Ram , Joshi Muralidhar , Goswami Subrata , Natarajan Karthic Babu , Iyer Rajagopalan , Tanna D. D. , Ghosh Pahari , Saxena Ashok , Kadhe Ganesh , Phansalkar Abhay A.
Published: December 2013

Objective

Chronic pain is of concern to health professionals, patients, society, and negatively impacts quality of life (QoL). The present epidemiologic study identified point prevalence of chronic pain in India, impact on individual's QoL, unveiling current pain treatment practices, and levels of satisfaction with treatment.

Methods

This epidemiological telephonic survey consisted of two questionnaires: screening questionnaire that assessed prevalence of pain, its frequency during the past week, intensity during last episode, sites of pain, and main causes, and in‐depth questionnaire that evaluated demography, frequency, duration, and intensity of pain; impact of pain on QoL; respondent's perception regarding the attitude of their family, friends, and doctors toward their pain.

Results

A total of 5004 respondents were included from eight cities across India. The overall point prevalence of chronic pain was 13%, and the mean intensity of pain on NRS scale was 6.93. Respondents with chronic moderate and chronic severe pain were 37% and 63%, respectively. Pain in knees (32%), legs (28%), and joints (22%) was most prevalent. Respondents with chronic pain were no longer able to exercise, sleep, maintain relationships with friends and family, and maintain an independent lifestyle. About 32% of patients lost ≥4 hours of work in the past 3 months. Majority (68%) of respondents were treated for pain with over the counter (OTC) drugs, and most were taking NSAIDs (95%).

Conclusion

A significant population of India suffers from chronic pain, and their QoL is affected leading to disability. A proportion of respondents receiving pain treatment were taking nonprescription medications with a majority of respondents on NSAIDs. A very few were consulting pain management specialists.
Digital soil mapping of available water content using proximal and remotely sensed data
Authors: Gooley L. , Huang J. , Pagé D. , Triantafilis J.
Published: December 2013

Two‐thirds of all irrigated agriculture in Australia is undertaken within the Murray–Darling Basin. However, climate change predictions for this region suggest rainfall will decrease. To maintain profitability, more will need to be done by irrigators with less water. In this regard, irrigators need to be aware of the spatial distribution of the available water content (AWC) in the root‐zone (i.e. 0.0–0.90 m). To reduce the cost, digital soil mapping (DSM) techniques are being used to map soil properties related to AWC (e.g. soil texture). The purpose of this study was to create a DSM of the AWC at the district scale. This is achieved by determining AWC by the difference between laboratory measured permanent wilting point (PWP) and field capacity (FC) and using pressure plate apparatus. The PWP and FC data are coupled to remote (i.e. gamma‐ray spectrometry) and proximal (i.e. EM38 and EM34) sensed data and two trend surface parameters. Using a hierarchical spatial regression (HSR), we predict PWP and FC across the areas of Warren and Trangie in the lower Macquarie valley, Australia. The reliability of the DSM of PWP and FC were compared using prediction precision (RMSE – root mean square error) and bias (ME – mean error). The best results were achieved using EM38‐v, EM34‐20,eUandeTh. The DSM map of AWC is consistent with known Pedoderms and provides a basis for agricultural water management.
Deferasirox improves hematologic and hepatic function with effective reduction of serum ferritin and liver iron concentration in transfusional iron overload patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or aplastic anemia
Authors: Cheong June‐Won , Kim Hyeoung‐Joon , Lee Kyoo‐Hyung , Yoon Sung‐Soo , Lee Jae Hoon , Park Hee‐Sook , Kim Ho Young , Shim Hyeok , Seong Chu‐Myung , Kim Chul Soo , Chung Jooseop , Hyun Myung Soo , Jo Deog‐Yeon , Jung Chul Won , Sohn Sang Kyun , Yoon Hwi‐Joong , Kim Byung Soo , Joo Young‐Don , Park Chi‐Young , Min Yoo Hong ,   Korean Society of Hematology Acute Myeloid Leukemia/Myelodysplastic Syndrome Working Party
Published: December 2013

Background

Transfusional iron overload and its consequences are challenges in chronically transfused patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) or aplastic anemia (AA).

Study Design and Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter, open‐label study to investigate the efficacy of deferasirox (DFX) by serial measurement of serum ferritin (S‐ferritin) level, liver iron concentration (LIC) level using relaxation rates magnetic resonance imaging, and other laboratory variables in patients with MDS or AA.

Results

A total of 96 patients showing S‐ferritin level of at least 1000 ng/mL received daily DFX for up to 1 year. At the end of the study, S‐ferritin level was significantly decreased in MDS (p = 0.02366) and AA (p = 0.0009). LIC level was also significantly reduced by more than 6.7 mg Fe/g dry weight from baseline. Hemoglobin level and platelet counts were significantly increased from baseline (p = 0.002 and p = 0.025, respectively) for patients showing significant anemia or thrombocytopenia. Elevated alanine aminotransferase was also significantly decreased from baseline.

Conclusions

This study shows that DFX is effective in reducing S‐ferritin and LIC level in transfusional iron overload patients with MDS or AA and is well tolerated. In addition, positive effects in hematologic and hepatic function can be expected with DFX. Iron chelation treatment should be considered in transfused patients with MDS and AA when transfusion‐related iron overload is documented.
Novel flow cytometric screening method for bacterial contamination of red blood cells: a proof‐of‐principle evaluation
Authors: Vollmer Tanja , Knabbe Cornelius , Dreier Jens
Published: December 2013

Background

Platelet concentrates (PCs) are the major source of transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infection but the significantly higher number of transfused red blood cells (RBCs) has resulted in a similar occurrence of possible transfusion‐associated bacterial infections as those of recipients transfused with platelets. The aim of this study was adaption of the BactiFlow (BF) flow cytometric rapid PC screening method for the detection of bacterial contamination in RBCs.

Study Design and Methods

The BF assay was used to detect and count bacteria based on esterase activity in viable cells in RBCs. The initial sample preparation for RBCs included the lysis of RBCs, followed by enrichment of bacteria by centrifugation and subsequent standard PC sample preparation. Two‐hundred RBC units were analyzed by BF and the BacT/Alert automated culture system. Furthermore, RBCs were spiked with eight different bacteria to monitor bacterial growth kinetics.

Results

The BF showed an excellent correlation to conventional plate count results after RBC sample processing. The diagnostic sensitivity of the assay was determined to fewer than 500 counts/mL. Analysis of RBC units showed concordant negative results by BF and culture. Growth kinetics of bacteria were successfully monitored using flow cytometry, showing that Yersinia enterocolitica or Serratia liquefaciens had the capability to grow in RBCs to high counts.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the successful modification and application of a rapid flow cytometric screening method for bacterial contamination in RBCs. The BF assay represents a powerful basic tool to study bacterial contamination, potential screening strategies of RBCs, and the clinical outcome of screened RBCs prepared for transfusion.
Successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation following cardiopulmonary arrest in a geriatric chinchilla
Authors: Fernandez Christina M. , Peyton Jamie L. , Miller Mona , Johnson Eric G. , Kovacic Jan P.
Published: December 2013

Objective

To describe the successful application of CPR in a geriatric chinchilla employing basic and advanced life support measures during cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA).

Case Summary

A 13‐year‐old female intact chinchilla presented to a general and multispecialty referral hospital for a dental procedure. During recovery from anesthesia the patient suffered CPA and CPR was initiated. Noninvasive positive pressure mask ventilation was initiated and external chest compressions were performed. An 18‐Ga needle was introduced into the medullary cavity of the right humerus as an intraosseous catheter and provided access for administration of drugs and fluids. After return of spontaneous circulation was noted mannitol was administered via the intraosseous catheter to alleviate suspected increased intracranial pressure. Clinical improvement was noted shortly after administration. Monitoring during the recovery period showed a normal sinus cardiac rhythm and a SpO2 of 100% while on supplemental oxygen. Neurologic function continued to improve over the following hours. Oxygen therapy was provided via an oxygen cage, and administration of antimicirobials, gastrointestinal protectants, and nutritional supplementation were part of the post resuscitation care. Oxygen therapy was discontinued after 24 hours, during which time normal behaviors were observed and neurologic status was considered appropriate. The patient was discharged 48 hours after CPA.

New or Unique Information Provided

Published reports from clinical practice on the outcomes of CPR for exotic small mammals are limited. This report details the successful outcome of the use of combined basic and advanced life support measures for the provision of CPR in a chinchilla. This report also highlights the utility of an intraosseous catheter for administration of drugs and fluids novel to this species during resuscitation and recovery. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first published report of successful CPR following CPA in a geriatric chinchilla.
Ecotoxicological assessment of pulsed ultraviolet light‐treated water containing microbial species and Cryptosporidium parvum using a microbiotest test battery
Authors: Garvey Mary , Hayes Jennifer , Clifford Eoghan , Rowan Neil
Published: December 2013

Development of a pulsed ultraviolet (PUV) light system as an alternative disinfection method for water treatment has been investigated, yet little is known about the impact of applying such emerging technologies on the natural aquatic environment. This study reports on the use of a battery of ecotoxicological tests representative of different ecological trophic levels to determine the safety and potability of PUV‐treated water containing known pathogens. Water samples containing Cryptosporidium oocysts and Escherichia coli were treated with PUV light, and the ecotoxicological safety was determined by assessing toxicity in a range of representative microbiotests and the Rainbow Trout Hepatocyte (RTH)‐149 fish cell line. Results show that PUV rapidly inactivated Cryptosporidium and the selected microbial species; greater rates of inactivation were observed at higher ultraviolet doses. PUV‐treated samples did not elicit ecotoxicological effects in the trophic levels studied. This study highlights that PUV is an effective means of disinfecting water containing pathogens such as Cryptosporidium.
In-Plane Microstructure of Gas Diffusion Layers With Different Properties for PEFC
Authors: Mortazavi Mehdi , Tajiri Kazuya
Published: December 2013

The gas diffusion layer (GDL) is undoubtedly one of the most complicated components used in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) in terms of liquid and gas transport phenomena. An appropriate fuel cell design seeks a fundamental study of this tortuous porous component. Currently, porosity and gas permeability have been known as some of the key parameters affecting liquid and gas transport through the GDL. Although these are dominant parameters defining mass transport through porous layers, there are still many other factors affecting the transport phenomena and overall cell performance. In this work, the microstructural properties of Toray carbon papers with different thicknesses and for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) treated and untreated cases have been studied based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image analysis. The water droplet contact angle, as a dominant macroscale property, along with the mean pore diameter, pore diameter distribution, and pore roundness distribution, as important microscale properties, have been studied. It was observed that the mean pore diameter of Toray carbon paper does not change with its thickness and PTFE content. Mean pore diameter for Toray carbon papers was calculated to be around 26μm, regardless of their thicknesses and PTFE content. It was also observed that the droplet contact angle on the GDL surface does not vary with the GDL thickness. The average contact angle for the 10 wt. % PTFE treated GDLs of different thicknesses was measured at about 150 deg. Finally, the heterogeneous in-plane PTFE distribution on the GDL surface was observed to have no effect on the mean pore diameter of GDLs.
Embedding Noise Prediction Into List-Viterbi Decoding Using Error Detection Codes for Magnetic Tape Systems
Authors: Arslan Suayb S. , Lee Jaewook , Goker Turguy
Published: December 2013

A List–Viterbi detector produces a rank ordered list of the N globally best candidates in a trellis search. A List–Viterbi detector structure is proposed that incorporates the noise prediction with periodic state-metric updates based on outer error detection codes (EDCs). More specifically, a periodic decision making process is utilized for a non-overlapping sliding windows of P bits based on the use of outer EDCs. In a number of magnetic recording applications, Error Correction Coding (ECC) is adversely effected by the presence of long and dominant error events. Unlike the conventional post processing methods that are usually tailored to a specific set of dominant error events or the joint modulation code trellis architectures that are operating on larger state spaces at the expense of increased implementation complexity, the proposed detector does not use any a priori information about the error event distributions and operates at reduced state trellis. We present pre-ECC bit error rate performance as well as the post-ECC codeword failure rates of the proposed detector using perfect detection scenario as well as practical detection codes as the EDCs are not essential to the overall design. Furthermore, it is observed that proposed algorithm does not introduce new error events. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm gives improved bit error and post-ECC codeword failure rates at the expense of some increase in complexity.
A Study on Behavior of Spindle System With Non-Operational Shock
Authors: Kim Seokhwan , Choi Yongho , Seo Junho , Park No-Cheol , Park Young-Pil , Rhim YoonChul , Park Kyoung-Su
Published: December 2013

The change of attitude of the spindle system can induce change in its resonance frequencies. The attitude of the spindle system is determined by each rotating event. The change in resonance frequency affects stiffness and damping ratio of the spindle system. Therefore, the dynamic behavior of a spindle system is affected by the change of dynamic coefficients of the spindle system under non-operational vibration.
Structural Stability of Nanometer-Thick Diamond-Like Carbon Films due to Heating for Thermally Assisted Magnetic Recording
Authors: Tagawa Norio , Tani Hiroshi
Published: December 2013

Thermally assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) has been studied to achieve high magnetic recording densities. Thus far, we have investigated the depletion of a thin lubricant film on a disk surface subjected to rapid laser heating in TAMR and elucidated the fundamental characteristics and the mechanisms related to lubricant depletion due to laser heating, theoretically and experimentally. A DLC thin film on a disk surface is damaged when it is heated to high temperatures of approximately 200∼400°C using laser beams in TAMR. These concerns may also be a critical technical issue in TAMR. Thus far, experimental research has been carried out to understand the DLC damage due to laser heating[1][2]. However, existing knowledge regarding the abovementioned issue is still limited. Therefore, in this study, experimental studies have been conducted to understand the structural stability of DLC thin films under heating using CVD and FCVA DLC films.
Experimental Set-Up for Simultaneously Measuring Changes in LD Temperature and Flying Height of HAMR-HGA
Authors: Naniwa Irizo , Nakamura Shigeo
Published: December 2013

Heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) is a promising technology for overcoming the superparamagnetic limit, and thereby enabling the achievement of a recording density beyond 8 Tb/in2 in a hard disk drive (HDD) [1]. The HAMR head gimbal assembly (HGA) consists of a HAMR head slider, a suspension, and a laser diode (LD) mounted on the slider. An optical near-field transducer (NFT) and a waveguide are near the write-pole in the head slider. During the writing process, light energy is delivered from the LD to the NFT through the waveguide, and the NFT forms a nano-size thermal spot on the recording medium, thereby reducing its coercivity. Development of an HAMR-HGA requires solving several thermal problems. There are two heat sources. One is the LD, which transforms electrical energy into light energy and heat energy. The heat energy increases the temperature of the LD itself, which reduces the laser power and deforms the slider. The other is the NFT, which absorbs light energy. The absorbed energy is transformed into heat energy. This increases the temperature of the NFT and causes the head to protrude. The thermal deformation and protrusion cause a change in the flying-height (FH). The head thermal protrusion problem has been solved using finite-element method (FEM) simulation [2]. We have developed a novel experimental set-up for measuring the temperature increase and FH change simultaneously.
Research on Temperature Compensation Technology of BOTDR Strain Monitoring
Authors: Zhang Guangyu , Xu Ning , He Jun , Dong Huijuan , Gu Haidong , Liu Yuliang
Published: December 2013

The temperature compensation method of BOTDR strain monitoring system is proposed, which is based on Raman Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (ROTDR), aiming at temperature strain coupling effects of Brillouin Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (BOTDR) strain monitoring technology. Then the effectiveness of this method is proved on theoretical and experimental studies, which provides an effective means of improving the accuracy of BOTDR strain monitoring.
Improved Air Gap Error Using Frequency Estimation and Peak Filter in Solid Immersion Lens-Based Plasmonic Lithography System
Authors: Choi Guk-Jong , Lim Geon , Kim Taeseob , Lee Won-sup , Park No-cheol , Park Young-Pil , Yang Hyunseok , Park Kyoung-Su
Published: December 2013

The performance of plasmonic lithography depends on how small the air gap is. In this paper, we focus on rejecting the dominant frequency of disturbance. In order to do this, frequency estimation and peak filter are used in this paper. We achieve about 12% and 10% reduction in the standard deviation and maximum peak to peak of Gap Error Signal (GES) respectively. This work will improve the quality of plasmonic lithography in the size and stability of patterns.