bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
myo-Inositol Supplementation and Onset of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnant Women With a Family History of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: D’Anna Rosario , Scilipoti Angela , Giordano Domenico , Caruso Carmela , Cannata Maria Letizia , Interdonato Maria Lieta , Corrado Francesco , Di Benedetto Antonino
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

To check the hypothesis that myo-inositol supplementation may reduce gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) onset in pregnant women with a family history of type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A 2-year, prospective, randomized, open-label, placebo-controlled study was carried out in pregnant outpatients with a parent with type 2 diabetes who were treated from the end of the first trimester with 2 g myo-inositol plus 200 µg folic acid twice a day (n = 110) and in the placebo group (n = 110), who were only treated with 200 µg folic acid twice a day. The main outcome measure was the incidence of GDM in both groups. Secondary outcome measures were as follows: the incidence of fetal macrosomia (>4,000 g), gestational hypertension, preterm delivery, caesarean section, shoulder dystocia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and neonatal distress respiratory syndrome. GDM diagnosis was performed according to the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) recommendations.

RESULTS

Incidence of GDM was significantly reduced in the myo-inositol group compared with the placebo group: 6 vs. 15.3%, respectively (P = 0.04). In the myo-inositol group, a reduction of GDM risk occurrence was highlighted (odds ratio 0.35). A statistically significant reduction of fetal macrosomia in the myo-inositol group was also highlighted together with a significant reduction in mean fetal weight at delivery. In the other secondary outcome measures, there were no differences between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

myo-Inositol supplementation in pregnant women with a family history of type 2 diabetes may reduce GDM incidence and the delivery of macrosomia fetuses.
Circulating Prolactin Associates With Diabetes and Impaired Glucose Regulation
Authors: Wang Tiange , Lu Jieli , Xu Yu , Li Mian , Sun Jichao , Zhang Jie , Xu Baihui , Xu Min , Chen Yuhong , Bi Yufang , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

Prolactin is a major stimulus for the β-cell adaptation during gestation and guards postpartum women against gestational diabetes. Most studies of the role of prolactin on glucose metabolism have been conducted in humans and animals during pregnancy. However, little is known concerning the association between circulating prolactin and glucose metabolism outside pregnancy in epidemiological studies. We aimed to determine whether the variation of circulating prolactin concentration associates with diabetes and impaired glucose regulation (IGR) in a cross-sectional study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We recruited 2,377 participants (1,034 men and 1,343 postmenopausal women) without hyperprolactinemia, aged 40 years and older, in Shanghai, China. Diabetes and IGR were determined by an oral glucose tolerance test. Multinomial logit analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship of prolactin with diabetes and IGR.

RESULTS

Prolactin levels decreased from normal glucose regulation to IGR to diabetes. Multinomial logit analyses, adjusted for potential confounding factors, showed that high circulating prolactin was associated with lower prevalence of diabetes and IGR. The adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for IGR and diabetes for the highest compared with the lowest quartile of prolactin were 0.54 (95% CI 0.33–0.89) and 0.38 (0.24–0.59) in men and 0.54 (0.36–0.81) and 0.47 (0.32–0.70) in women.

CONCLUSIONS

High circulating prolactin associates with lower prevalence of diabetes and IGR in the current study. Further studies are warranted to confirm this association.
Quorum Sensing Inhibition by Asparagopsis taxiformis, a Marine Macro Alga: Separation of the Compound that Interrupts Bacterial Communication
Authors: Jha Bhavanath , Kavita Kumari , Westphal Jenny , Hartmann Anton , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe
Published: January 2013

The majority of the marine algal species, though completing their life cycle in seawater, are rarely susceptible to fouling, making them an important source of quorum sensing (QS) inhibitory substances. The separation and characterization of QS inhibitors are crucial for any potential application. Thirty marine macroalgae were tested for QS inhibition activity by using Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 as the reporter strain, and among them, Asparagopsis taxiformis showed antibacterial, as well as antiquorum, sensing activities. Cinnamaldehyde (75 mM) and methanol were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The antiquorum sensing activity of A. taxiformis was further confirmed using the sensor strain, Serratia liquefaciens MG44, having green fluorescent protein (gfp). Methanolic extract of the alga was fractionated by solid phase extraction (SPE), and each fraction was tested for QS inhibition. Two types of activities were observed—zone of clearance (antibacterial activity) and zone of inhibition with or without finger-like projections (QS inhibition). Out of five SPE cartridges, Bond Elut PH showed clear separation of these two fractions. The Ion Cyclotron Resonance Fourier Transformation Mass Spectrometer (ICR-FT/MS) analysis of the fractions further supported the bioassay results. The presence of strong QS inhibitory compound in A. taxiformis indicates its potential use in antifouling preparations.
Abnormal Bleeding during Menopause Hormone Therapy: Insights for Clinical Management
Authors: De Medeiros Sebastião Freitas , Yamamoto Márcia Marly Winck , Barbosa Jacklyne Silva
Published: January 2013

Objective

Our objective was to review the involved mechanisms and propose actions for controlling/treating abnormal uterine bleeding during climacteric hormone therapy.

Methods

A systemic search of the databases SciELO, MEDLINE, and Pubmed was performed for identifying relevant publications on normal endometrial bleeding, abnormal uterine bleeding, and hormone therapy bleeding.

Results

Before starting hormone therapy, it is essential to exclude any abnormal organic condition, identify women at higher risk for bleeding, and adapt the regimen to suit eachwoman's characteristics. Abnormal bleeding with progesterone/progestogen only, combined sequential, or combined continuous regimens may be corrected by changing the progestogen, adjusting the progestogen or estrogen/progestogen doses, or even switching the initial regimen to other formulation.

Conclusion

To diminish the occurrence of abnormal bleeding during hormone therapy (HT), it is important to tailor the regimen to the needs of individual women and identify those with higher risk of bleeding. The use of new agents as adjuvant therapies for decreasing abnormal bleeding in women on HT awaits future studies.
MyoRing Treatment for Keratoconus: DIOPTEX PocketMaker vs Ziemer LDV for Corneal Pocket Creation
Authors: Daxer Barbara , Mahmood Haifa , Daxer Albert
Published: January 2013

Purpose

To compare the results of MyoRing implantation for keratoconus using two different techniques for corneal pocket creation.

Materials and methods

Seven eyes suffering from keratoconus were treated using Ziemer LDV for corneal pocket creation and seven eyes suffering from keratoconus were treated using DIOPTEX PocketMaker for corneal pocket creation.

Results

Both groups did not show any statistically significant difference, neither in the severity of the disease nor in the results.

Conclusion

Ziemer LDV and DIOPTEX PocketMaker give equal results for MyoRing implantation for keratoconus.

How to cite this article

Daxer B, Mahmood H, Daxer A. MyoRing Treatment for Keratoconus: DIOPTEX PocketMaker vs Ziemer LDV for Corneal Pocket Creation. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2012;1(3):151-152.
Pharmacotherapy of Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Eades Shannan
Published: January 2013

Congenital cardiovascular defects account for significant morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. Complications of congenital heart disease are lesion-dependent and may range from mild heart failure with no cyanosis to severe cyanosis and shock. Pharmacotherapy of congenital heart disease is also lesion-dependent and usage may range from palliative agents (e.g., prostaglandin E1 for relaxation of aortic stricture) to corrective agents (e.g., indomethacin for closure of the ductus arteriosus). This review will discuss the aberrant pathophysiology and complications associated with specific congenital heart defects, as well as the selection of pharmacological agents used in the management of these defects.
Implementation of Vancomycin Monitoring Criteria in a Pediatric Hospital
Authors: Lee Kelley R. , Phelps Stephanie J.
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this retrospective study was to determine if implementation of vancomycin monitoring criteria could reduce the number of serum vancomycin concentrations obtained without adversely affecting patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND Controversy regarding the correlation between serum vancomycin concentrations and its efficacy and/or toxicity persists. Little evidence has shown a correlation between vancomycin peak concentration (20–40 mg/L) and toxicity. Likewise, there is little information that supports an association between trough (5–15 mg/L) serum concentrations and clinical cure or in vitro killing rates. For these reasons, many question the clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of monitoring serum vancomycin concentrations.

METHODS We reviewed medical records of 193 patients (1 d-19 yrs) who received vancomycin during a 2-month period before (Group 1; n = 100) and after (Group 2; n = 93) implementation of vancomycin monitoring criteria.

RESULTS There was no difference (P > 0.05) in baseline age, weight, white blood cell count, temperature, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen between Groups 1 and 2. Although 49.5% of all patients had vancomycin serum concentrations performed, significantly (P < 0.005) fewer patients in Group 2 (32%) were monitored when compared to Group 1 (65%). Peak serum vancomycin concentrations were within the reference range (20–40 mg/L) in 48% of patients in Group 1 compared to 80% in Group 2 (P = 0.03). The mean duration of vancomycin therapy was greater (P = 0.004) for patients in Group 1 (7 ± 7.5 days) compared to Group 2 (4 ± 4.4 days) and the medians for the two groups were also different. Mean ending temperatures (P = 0.23), white blood cell counts (P = 0.71), serum creatinine (P = 0.3) and BUN (P = 0.24) were not different for the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS Implementation of criteria to decrease unnecessary serum vancomycin concentration monitoring does not adversely affect patient outcome and may decrease cost to the institution, healthcare system, and patient.
Development of a Gentamicin and Tobramycin Dosing Strategy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Niemic Katie M. , Corriveau Michele P. , Ahern John W.
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the ability of a neonatal aminoglycoside dosing nomogram to produce peak serum concentrations greater than 6 mg/L and trough serum concentrations less than 1.5 mg/L.

METHODS Neonates admitted to the Intensive Care Unit who received gentamicin or tobramycin were included if they met the following dosing criteria: Patients < 28 weeks postconceptional age (PCA) received 2.5 mg/kg every 24 hours, those 28–34 weeks PCA received 2.5 mg/kg every 16 hours, and neonates ≥ 35 weeks PCA received 2.5 mg/kg every 12 hours. Serum gentamicin or tobramycin concentrations were obtained and mean patient pharmacokinetic values from this group were used to predict concentrations that would have resulted if the following dosing strategy were used: 4 mg/kg every 36 hours in patients < 29 weeks PCA and 3.5 mg/kg every 24 hours in those ≥ 29 weeks. These doses were then prospectively evaluated in a separate group of neonates.

RESULTS Two-hundred sixty one peak serum concentrations were obtained in patients receiving the initial dosing strategy and 114 neonates received the revised dosing regimen. There were significantly more peak serum concentrations below 6 mg/L in the initial regimen (43%) compared to the new dosing strategy (7.8%). There was also a difference between the percentage of trough serum concentrations > 1.5 mg/L using the initial strategy (33%) compared to the new one (1.8%).

CONCLUSION The new dosing strategy significantly reduced the number of aminoglycoside serum concentrations outside our target reference range; hence, these doses have become the standard of care in our NICU.
Mario, Monkey Man, Fish, and Bam-Bam: Creative Terminology in Today's Classrooms
Authors: Bair Sherry L. , Mooney Edward S.
Published: January 2013

Mathematical precision means more than accuracy in computation or procedures; it also means precision in language. The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics states, “Mathematically proficient students try to communicate precisely to others. They try to use clear definitions in discussion with others and in their own reasoning” (CCSSI 2010, p. 7). In our recent experience in working with teachers and students, we have noticed a trend toward teachers using informal, and often creative, language and terminology in an effort to connect with students and make mathematical procedures easier to remember.
How Can We Focus Algae Treatment to Save Money and Avoid Side Effects?
Authors: Lauer William C.
Published: January 2013

Because excessive algae growth in water supply reservoirs can cause several problems, it's important to monitor algae concentrations and control elevated levels to reduce water quality problems. Many aquatic organisms, including algae, contribute to objectionable odors, block water treatment plant production filters, and may cause adverse health effects if present in elevated concentrations. This article offers information on algae control treatment such as recognizing treatment triggers, chemical treatment such as copper sulfate, pretreatment planning, and copper sulfate dosage adjustments.
Select the Right Antiscalant for Membrane Feedwater
Authors: Malki Rana
Published: January 2013

Water is variable and dynamic; feedwater differs in ionic composition depending on its source, location, and environmental changes. Because many kinds of scales may deposit on reverse osmosis (RO) membranes and within their feed channels, it's important to choose the correct antiscalant.
RAČUNOVODSTVO U FUNKCIJI RJEŠAVANJA ZAŠTITE OKOLIŠA I CDM PROJEKTI
Authors: Kurtanović Senada , Mušinbegović Sead
Published: January 2013

Zaštita okoliša je problem koji muči cijeli svijet i više nego ikad je očito da se mora promijeniti odnos prema okolišu. Plaćanje ekološke štete, je često prvi i najefikasniji razlog zbog kojeg kompanije i pojedinci počinju da razmišljaju o zaštiti okoliša. Princip plaćanja ekološke štete leži u tome da svaki zagađivač mora da plati za svaku ekološku štetu nanijetu ekosistemu. Iz tog proizilazi potreba i moralna obaveza svih privrednih subjekata a posebno subjekata koji su okarakterisani kao zagađivači okoliša da planiraju, prate, evidentiraju i izvještavaju o ulaganjima u zaštitu okoliša i efektima koji iz toga proizilaze. Računovodstvo zaštite okoliša predstavlja dio savremenog računovodstva čiji je zadatak da osigura upravljačke informacije za različite hijerahijske nivoe menadžmenta, sa ciljem procjene ekonomskih učinaka primjene relevatnih propisa, standarda, protokola, a čiji je zadatak unapređenje i zaštita okoliša. Cilj ovog rada je identifikacija i računovodstveno obuhvatanje troškova zaštite okoliša, kao i prikaz CDM projekta „Smanjenja emisije N2O gasa“ Preduzeća Global Ispat Koksne Industrije d.o.o Lukavac.
Emerging Applications of Superhydrophilic‐Superhydrophobic Micropatterns
Authors: Ueda Erica , Levkin Pavel A.
Published: January 2013

Water on superhydrophilic surfaces spreads or is absorbed very quickly, and exhibits water contact angles close to zero. We encounter superhydrophilic materials in our daily life (e.g., paper, sponges, textiles) and they are also ubiquitous in nature (e.g., plant and tree leaves, Nepenthes pitcher plant). On the other hand, water on completely non‐wettable, superhydrophobic surfaces forms spherical droplets and rolls off the surface easily. One of the most well‐known examples of a superhydrophobic surface is the lotus leaf. Creating novel superhydrophobic surfaces has led to exciting new properties such as complete water repellency, self‐cleaning, separation of oil and water, and antibiofouling. However, combining these two extreme states of superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity on the same surface in precise two‐dimensional micropatterns opens exciting new functionalities and possibilities in a wide variety of applications from cell, droplet, and hydrogel microarrays for screening to surface tension confined microchannels for separation and diagnostic devices. In this Progress Report, we briefly describe the methods for fabricating superhydrophilic‐superhydrophobic patterns and highlight some of the newer and emerging applications of these patterned substrates that are currently being explored. We also give an outlook on current and future applications that would benefit from using such superhydrophilic‐superhydrophobic micropatterns.
The prevalence and impact of restless legs syndrome on patients with iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Allen Richard P. , Auerbach Sarah , Bahrain Huzefa , Auerbach Michael , Earley Christopher J.
Published: January 2013

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) a common, under‐recognized disorder disrupts sleep and diminishes quality of life. Despite a clear relation between low peripheral iron and increased prevalence and severity of RLS, the prevalence and clinical significance of RLS in iron‐deficient anemic (IDA) populations is unknown. In this study all new patients referred for anemia to a community‐based hematology practice over a 1‐year period (March 2011–2012) were included if they had IDA and no RLS treatment. Patients completed a validated questionnaire identifying RLS, blood tests, and a sleep‐vitality questionnaire (SVQ). Patients with RLS were compared to patients with no RLS for differences on SVQ, blood tests, baseline characteristics, and sleep quality. Three hundred forty‐three patients were evaluated and 251 (89.2% female, average age of 45.6 years) included in the study. The prevalence of clinically significant RLS (RLS sufferers) was 23.9%, nine times higher than the general population. IDA‐RLS sufferers reported poorer quality of sleep, decreased sleep time, increased tiredness, and decreased energy during the day compared to patients with IDA without RLS. Blood tests did not relate to RLS diagnosis but RLS was less likely for African‐American than Caucasian patients. Clinically significant RLS occurs commonly with IDA producing much greater disruption of sleep and shorter sleep times than does IDA alone. This indicates the need for identification of RLS with IDA and consideration of appropriate therapeutic interventions for this sizeable subgroup: either aggressive iron treatment to reduce the RLS symptoms or medications for RLS or both. Am. J. Hematol. 88:261–264, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxaliplatin‐induced neurotoxicity involves TRPM8 in the mechanism of acute hypersensitivity to cold sensation
Authors: Kono Toru , Satomi Machiko , Suno Manabu , Kimura Norihisa , Yamazaki Hirotaka , Furukawa Hiroyuki , Matsubara Kazuo
Published: January 2013

Oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity (OPN) is commonly associated with peripheral hypersensitivity to cold sensations (CS) but the mechanism is unknown. We hypothesized that the transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), a putative cold and menthol receptor, contributes to oxaliplatin cold hypersensitivity. To determine whether the TRPM8 is involved in acute OPN, varying concentrations of menthol were topically applied to the tongues of healthy subjects (n= 40) and colorectal cancer patients (n= 36) before and after oxaliplatin administration. The minimum concentration of menthol to evoke CS at the menthol application site was determined as the CS detection threshold (CDT). In healthy subjects, the mean CDT was 0.068. Sex and age differences were not found in the CDT. In advanced colorectal cancer patients, the mean CDT significantly decreased from 0.067% to 0.028% (P= 0.0039) after the first course of oxaliplatin infusions, and this marked CS occurred in patients who had grade 1 or less neurotoxicity, and grade 2 neurotoxicity, but not in those with grade 3 neurotoxicity. Further, the mean baseline CDT in oxaliplatin‐treated patients was significantly higher than that of chemotherapy‐naïve patients and healthy subjects (0.151% vs. 0.066%, P= 0.0225), suggesting that acute sensory changes may be concealed by progressive abnormalities in sensory axons in severe neurotoxicity, and that TRPM8 is subject to desensitization on repeat stimulation. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of undertaking CDT test in a clinical setting to facilitate the identification of early neurotoxicity. Moreover, our results indicate potential TRPM8 involvement in acute OPN.
Photorealistic real‐time rendering of spherical raindrops with hierarchical reflective and refractive maps
Authors: Slomp Marcos , Johnson Matthew W. , Tamaki Toru , Kaneda Kazufumi
Published: January 2013

Synthesizing rainy images is a common challenge found in film, game engines, driving simulators, and architectural design. Simulating light transport through a raindrop's optical properties is a view‐dependent problem, and large quantities of raindrops are required to produce a plausible rainy scene. Accurate methods for rendering raindrops exist but are often off‐line techniques that are cost prohibitive for real‐time applications. Most real‐time solutions use textures to approximate the appearance of moving raindrops as streaks. These approaches produce plausible results but do not address the problem of temporal effects such as slow‐motion or paused simulations. In such conditions, streak‐based approximations are not suitable, and proper raindrop geometry should be considered. This paper describes a straight‐forward approach for rendering raindrops in such temporal conditions. The proposed technique consists of a preprocessing stage that generates a raindrop mask and a run‐time stage that renders raindrops as screen‐aligned billboards. The mask's contents are adjusted on the basis of the viewpoint, viewing direction, and raindrop position. The proposed method renders millions of raindrops at real‐time rates in current graphics hardware, making it suitable for applications that require high‐visual quality without compromising performance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective Arylation and Vinylation at the α Position of Vinylarenes
Authors: Zou Yinjun , Qin Liena , Ren Xinfeng , Lu Yunpeng , Li Yongxin , Zhou Jianrong (Steve)
Published: January 2013

In intermolecular Heck reactions of styrene and vinylarenes, the aryl and vinyl groups routinely insert at the β position. However, selective insertion at the α position has been very rare. Herein, we provide a missing piece in the palette of Heck reaction, which gave >20:1 α selectivity. The key to our success is a new ferrocene 1,1′‐bisphosphane (dnpf) that carries 1‐naphthyl groups. Our mechanistic studies revealed that the high α selectivity is partly attributable to the steric effect of dnpf. The rigid and bulky 1‐naphthyl groups of dnpf sterically disfavor β insertion.
Complexation of C60 Fullerene with Aromatic Drugs
Authors: Evstigneev Maxim P. , Buchelnikov Anatoly S. , Voronin Dmitry P. , Rubin Yuriy V. , Belous Leonid F. , Prylutskyy Yuriy I. , Ritter Uwe
Published: January 2013

The contributions of various physical factors to the energetics of complexation of aromatic drug molecules with C60 fullerene are investigated in terms of the calculated magnitudes of equilibrium complexation constants and the components of the net Gibbs free energy. Models of complexation are developed taking into account the polydisperse nature of fullerene solutions in terms of the continuous or discrete (fractal) aggregation of C60 molecules. Analysis of the energetics has shown that stabilization of the ligand–fullerene complexes in aqueous solution is mainly determined by intermolecular van der Waals interactions and, to lesser extent, by hydrophobic interactions. The results provide a physicochemical basis for a potentially new biotechnological application of fullerenes as modulators of biological activity of aromatic drugs.
Measurement of photoacoustic signals of depletion layer in planar metal–semiconductor–metal structure
Authors: Murakami Masahiko , Takabatake Nobuya , Sato Kazunori , Arai Toshihiko
Published: January 2013

The photoacoustic signal from the depletion layer formed within a planar metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) structure was detected using the photoacoustic method. To measure the distribution of the photoacoustic signal from the depletion layer, the surface of the sample was illuminated and scanned by an intensity‐modulated optical beam. The amplitude and phase shifts of the observed signal increased with an increase in the reverse bias in the Schottky barrier. The intensity distribution of the photoacoustic signal corresponded closely to the position of the photocurrent distribution, showing the presence of the depletion layer as measured by the photoelectric method. This demonstrates clearly that the photoacoustic signal reﬂects the presence of the depletion layer in semiconductor materials, and that the photoacoustic method can be used eﬀectively for the visualization of the depletion layer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 96(2): 65–70, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10402
Static and Dynamical Aspects of a Phonon‐Induced Spin‐Crossover Transition – Local Equilibrium Approach
Authors: Boukheddaden Kamel
Published: January 2013

We present a dynamical extension of the phonon‐induced spin‐crossover (SC) transition model, which allows obtaining the time evolution of the metastable high spin fraction at low temperature. The model is based on 1D lattices of two level atoms coupled by springs. This model is somehow isomorphic with an Ising‐like model in which the interactions between the spins take place through lattice distortions. The thermodynamic properties are studied in the frame of a self‐consistent phonon approach, which gives an elegant variational formalism in which the 1D character of the system is preserved. Obviously, this kind of mean‐field approach allows the existence of phase transitions. Thus, we found that first‐order and two‐step SC transitions can be obtained, depending on the choice of the elastic constants between the atoms. The dynamical version of this model is also investigated by using the master equation formalism. The equations of motion of the high‐spin (HS) fraction and equal‐time two‐spin correlation are derived analytically in the frame of a local equilibrium approach, in which we consider that the phonon bath equilibrates instantaneously, in contrast to the dynamics of the macrovariables such as the high‐spin fraction. Sigmoidal curves with long relaxation tails are obtained for the time dependence of the HS fraction in the ferroelastic case. The flow diagrams and the time dependence of the configuration entropy upon relaxation are analyzed, and the obtained results are discussed in relation to those of the dynamical mean‐field theory, which is the approach most used to describe the experimental results, although it neglects short‐range fluctuations.
Magnetic Behavior and Liquid‐Crystal Properties in Spin‐Crossover Cobalt(II) Compounds with Long Alkyl Chains
Authors: Hayami Shinya , Karim Mohammad Razaul , Lee Young Hoon
Published: January 2013

Long‐chain‐alkylated terpyridine cobalt(II) complexes provide an opportunity for the study not only of their unique physical properties but also of the synchronicity between spin‐state transitions and crystal–liquid‐crystal phase transitions because the thermal motion of the long alkyl chains leads to a synergetic effect exerted by external stimuli. This microreview presents recent results of terpyridine cobalt(II) complexes bearing a variety of long alkyl chains with a particular focus on the structural features as well as magnetic and liquid‐crystalline properties. In addition, various influences, such as the size of the counter anion, the polarity of the terminal substituent, and mixed metal‐ion systems, on the magnetic properties of these complexes are also discussed.
Tracheo‐innominate artery fistula: Diagnosis and surgical management
Authors: Wang Xiao‐lei , Xu Zhen‐gang , Tang Ping‐zhang , Yu Yue
Published: January 2013

Background

Tracheo‐innominate artery fistula (TIF) is a rare and fatal complication after tracheostomy. The diagnosis, treatment, and possible prevention of this disease are discussed in this study.

Methods

From 1976 to 2008, 14 patients with TIF were studied retrospectively.

Results

All patients underwent open surgical tracheostomy. Before TIF, herald events occurred in 10 patients (8 had slight hemoptysis and 2 had innominate artery exposure). When TIF occurred, bedside aid was administered, and 5 patients lived long enough to reach the operating room. Four patients accepted median sternotomy and ligation of innominate arteries. After surgery, mediastinal infection caused the rebleeding and death of 3 patients. In conducting follow‐up for 11 months, the last patient was still alive without neurological complications. The survival rate was only 7.1%.

Conclusion

Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention can save the life of a patient with TIF. Prevention is vital because of the high mortality of this disease. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: 1713–1718, 2013
Specific anti‐integrase abzymes from HIV‐infected patients: a comparison of the cleavage sites of intact globular HIV integrase and two 20‐mer oligopeptides corresponding to its antigenic determinants
Authors: Odintsova Elena S. , Dmitrenok Pavel S. , Buneva Valentina N. , Nevinsky Georgy A.
Published: January 2013

HIV‐infected patients possess anti‐integrase (IN) IgGs and IgMs that, after isolation by chromatography on IN‐Sepharose, unlike canonical proteases, specifically hydrolyze only IN but not many other tested proteins. Hydrolysis of intact globular IN first leads to formation of many long fragments of protein, while its long incubation with anti‐IN antibodies, especially in the case of abzymes (Abzs) with a high proteolytic activity, results in the formation of short and very short oligopeptides (OPs). To identify all sites of IgG‐mediated proteolysis corresponding to known AGDs of integrase, we have used a combination of reverse‐phase chromatography, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization spectrometry, and thin‐layer chromatography to analyze the cleavage products of two 20‐mer OPs corresponding to these AGDs. Both OPs contained 9–10 mainly clustered major, medium, and minor sites of cleavage. The main superficial cleavage sites of the AGDs in the intact IN and sites of partial or deep hydrolysis of the peptides analyzed do not coincide. The active sites of anti‐IN Abzs are localized on their light chains, whereas the heavy chains are responsible for the affinity of protein substrates. Interactions of intact globular proteins with both light and heavy chains of Abzs provide high specificity of IN hydrolysis. The affinity of anti‐IN Abzs for intact integrase was ~1000‐fold higher than for the OPs. The data suggest that both OPs interact mainly with the light chains of different monoclonal Abzs of the total pool of IgGs, which possesses lower affinity for substrates; and therefore, depending on the oligopeptide sequences, their hydrolysis may be less specific and remarkably different in comparison with the cleavage of intact globular IN. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recognition of specific and nonspecific DNA by human lactoferrin
Authors: Guschina Tat'yana A. , Soboleva Svetlana E. , Nevinsky Georgy A.
Published: January 2013

The general principles of recognition of nucleic acids by proteins are among the most exciting problems of molecular biology. Human lactoferrin (LF) is a remarkable protein possessing many independent biological functions, including interaction with DNA. In human milk, LF is a major DNase featuring two DNA‐binding sites with different affinities for DNA. The mechanism of DNA recognition by LF was studied here for the first time. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and fluorescence measurements were used to probe for interactions of the high‐affinity DNA‐binding site of LF with a series of model‐specific and nonspecific DNA ligands, and the structural determinants of DNA recognition by LF were characterized quantitatively. The minimal ligands for this binding site were orthophosphate (Ki = 5 mM), deoxyribose 5'‐phosphate (Ki = 3 mM), and different dNMPs (Ki = 0.56–1.6 mM). LF interacted additionally with 9–12 nucleotides or nucleotide pairs of single‐ and double‐stranded ribo‐ and deoxyribooligonucleotides of different lengths and sequences, mainly through weak additive contacts with internucleoside phosphate groups. Such nonspecific interactions of LF with noncognate single‐ and double‐stranded d(pN)10 provided ~6 to ~7.5 orders of magnitude of the enzyme affinity for any DNA. This corresponds to the Gibbs free energy of binding (ΔG0) of −8.5 to −10.0 kcal/mol. Formation of specific contacts between the LF and its cognate DNA results in an increase of the DNA affinity for the enzyme by approximately 1 order of magnitude (Kd = 10 nM; ΔG0 ≈ −11.1 kcal/mol). A general function for the LF affinity for nonspecific d(pN)n of different sequences and lengths was obtained, giving the Kd values comparable with the experimentally measured ones. A thermodynamic model was constructed to describe the interactions of LF with DNA. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of molecularly imprinted polymers to determine B1, B2, and B3 fumonisins in cereal products
Authors: Bryła Marcin , Jędrzejczak Renata , Roszko Marek , Szymczyk Krystyna , Obiedziński Mieczysław W. , Sękul Janusz , Rzepkowska Małgorzata
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to develop an analytical method for qualitative and quantitative determination of the B1, B2, and B3 fumonisins in cereal products. A LC coupled to an IT‐MS was used as the analytical instrument. The AFFINIMIP FumoZON Molecularly Imprinted Polymer SPE cartridges (Polyintell) were used to isolate fumonisins from the analyzed samples and the clean‐up step. Statistical parameters evaluated in some validation experiments were as follows: mean recovery 95–106%, precision <17% (expressed as recovery RSD). The developed method was used to determine fumonisins in 49 cereals (42 maize‐based and seven wheat‐based products). In most cases, concentrations of the studied compounds found in the analyzed samples were low. The highest total concentration of the B1, B2, and B3 fumonisins was found in maize flour samples (range, 26–1102 μg/kg, mean 498 μg/kg).
Crisis Mapping Intelligence Information During the Libyan Civil War: An Exploratory Case Study
Authors: Stottlemyre Steve , Stottlemyre Sonia
Published: January 2013

Throughout the Libyan Civil War, Twitter users took the initiative to collect and process data for use in the rebellion against the Qadhafi regime, including map overlays depicting the situation on the ground. These data, in some cases, were processed in a way to make it easily consumable by NATO and coalition forces in their eventual enforcement of a No Fly Zone over Libya in mid‐2011. This paper investigates whether the information collected and disseminated by Twitter users constituted tactical military intelligence. Some argue that to take advantage of open source information available through the Internet, organizations like NATO must first tackle the challenge of “determining how to deal with the huge amount of unstructured data in a useful and/or meaningful way.” On the contrary, this article shows how some crisis maps created during the Libyan Civil War met the minimum requirements to be considered tactical military intelligence.
A New Hybrid Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Control Chart for Monitoring Process Mean
Authors: Haq Abdul
Published: January 2013

Cumulative sum (CUSUM) and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts are commonly used for monitoring the process mean. In this paper, a new hybrid EWMA (HEWMA) control chart is proposed by mixing two EWMA control charts. An interesting feature of the proposed control chart is that the traditional Shewhart and EWMA control charts are its special cases. Average run lengths are used to evaluate the performances of each of the control charts. It is worth mentioning that the proposed HEWMA control chart detects smaller shifts substantially quicker than the classical CUSUM, classical EWMA and mixed EWMA–CUSUM control charts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NLO QCD matrix elements + parton showers in e+e− → hadrons
Authors: Gehrmann Thomas , Höche Stefan , Krauss Frank , Schönherr Marek , Siegert Frank
Published: January 2013

Abstract

We present a new approach to combine multiple NLO parton-level calculations matched to parton showers into a single inclusive event sample. The method provides a description of hard multi-jet configurations at next-to leading order in the perturbative expansion of QCD, and it is supplemented with the all-orders resummed modelling of jet fragmentation provided by the parton shower. The formal accuracy of this technique is discussed in detail, invoking the example of electron-positron annihilation into hadrons. We focus on the effect of renormalisation scale variations in particular. Comparison with experimental data from LEP underlines that this novel formalism describes data with a theoretical accuracy that has hitherto not been achieved in standard Monte Carlo event generators.
Clinicopathological Features of Recurrence in Patients After 10‐year Disease‐free Survival Following Curative Hepatic Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kaibori Masaki , Kubo Shoji , Nagano Hiroaki , Hayashi Michihiro , Haji Seiji , Nakai Takuya , Ishizaki Morihiko , Matsui Kosuke , Uenishi Takahiro , Takemura Shigekazu , Wada Hiroshi , Marubashi Shigeru , Komeda Koji , Hirokawa Fumitoshi , Nakata Yasuyuki , Uchiyama Kazuhisa , Kwon A‐Hon
Published: January 2013

Background

The present study aimed to clarify the clinicopathologic features of long‐term disease‐fee survival after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

This retrospective study identified 940 patients who underwent curative resection of HCC between 1991 and 2000 at five university hospitals. Seventy‐four patients with 10 years of recurrence‐free survival were identified and followed up. They were divided into two groups, 60 recurrence‐free and 14 with recurrence after a 10‐year recurrence‐free period.

Results

Overall survival rates of recurrence and non‐recurrence groups were 68 and 91 % at 16 years, and 34 and 91 % at 20 years (p = 0.02), respectively. There were five (36 %), and two deaths (3 %), respectively, after 10 recurrence‐free years. A second resection for recurrence was performed in four patients (29 %), and mean survival was 15.3 years after the first hepatectomy. Although three patients in the non‐recurrence group (5 %) developed esophageal and/or gastric varices, seven patients in the recurrence group (50 %) developed varices during 10 years (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, preoperative and 10‐year platelet count was identified as a favorable independent factor for maintained recurrence‐free survival after a 10‐year recurrence‐free period following curative hepatic resection of HCC.

Conclusions

Recurrence of HCC may occur even after a 10‐year recurrence‐free period. Long‐term follow‐up after resection of HCC is important, and should be life‐long. Patients with higher preoperative and 10‐year platelet counts are more likely to have long‐term survival after resection. A low platelet count, related to the degree of liver fibrosis, is a risk factor for recurrence and survival of HCC after curative resection.
Construction of lactose-consuming Saccharomyces cerevisiae for lactose fermentation into ethanol fuel
Authors: Zou Jing , Guo Xuewu , Shen Tong , Dong Jian , Zhang Cuiying , Xiao Dongguang
Published: January 2013

Two lactose-consuming diploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, AY-51024A and AY-51024M, were constructed by expressing the LAC4 and LAC12 genes of Kluyveromyces marxianus in the host strain AY-5. In AY-51024A, both genes were targeted to the ATH1 and NTH1 gene-encoding regions to abolish the activity of acid/neutral trehalase. In AY-51024M, both genes were respectively integrated into the MIG1 and NTH1 gene-encoding regions to relieve glucose repression. Physiologic studies of the two transformants under anaerobic cultivations in glucose and galactose media indicated that the expression of both LAC genes did not physiologically burden the cells, except for AY-51024A in glucose medium. Galactose consumption was initiated at higher glucose concentrations in the MIG1 deletion strain AY-51024M than in the corresponding wild-type strain and AY-51024A, wherein galactose was consumed until glucose was completely depleted in the mixture. In lactose medium, the Sp. growth rates of AY-51024A and AY-51024M under anaerobic shake-flasks were 0.025 and 0.067 h−1, respectively. The specific lactose uptake rate and ethanol production of AY-51024M were 2.50 g lactose g CDW−1 h−1 and 23.4 g l−1, respectively, whereas those of AY-51024A were 0.98 g lactose g CDW−1 h−1 and 24.3 g lactose g CDW−1 h−1, respectively. In concentrated cheese whey powder solutions, AY-51024M produced 63.3 g l−1 ethanol from approximately 150 g l−1 initial lactose in 120 h, conversely, AY-51024A consumed 63.7 % of the initial lactose and produced 35.9 g l−1 ethanol. Therefore, relieving glucose repression is an effective strategy for constructing lactose-consuming S. cerevisiae.
Pharmacologic Management of Osteoarthritis-Related Pain in Older Adults
Authors: Reid M. Carrington , Shengelia Rouzi , Parker Samantha J.
Published: January 2013

Overview

Because pain is a common and debilitating symptom of osteoarthritis in older adults, the authors reviewed data on the efficacy and safety of commonly used oral, topical, and intraarticular drug therapies in this population. A search of several databases found that most studies have focused on knee osteoarthritis and reported only short-term outcomes. Also, treatment efficacy was found to vary by drug class; the smallest effect was observed with acetaminophen and the largest with opioids and viscosupplements. Acetaminophen and topical agents had the best safety profiles, whereas oral nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and opioids had the worst. Little data were available on patients ages 75 years old and older and on patients from diverse racial and ethnic groups. Most drug therapies gave mild-to-moderate pain relief; their long-term safety and efficacy and their effects in diverse populations (particularly older adults) remain undetermined.
Ideal Femoral Head Size in Total Hip Arthroplasty Balances Stability and Volumetric Wear
Authors: Cross Michael B. , Nam Denis , Mayman David J.
Published: January 2013

Background

Over the last several years, a trend towards increasing femoral head size in total hip arthroplasty to improve stability and impingement free range of motion has been observed.

Purpose

The specific questions we sought to answer in our review were: (1) What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of metal-on-metal, ceramic-on-ceramic, and metal-on-polyethylene bearings? (2) What is effect that femoral head size has on joint kinematics? (3) What is the effect that large femoral heads have on bearing surface wear?

Methods

A PubMed search and a review of 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society abstracts was performed and articles were chosen that directly answered components of the specific aims and that reported outcomes with contemporary implant designs or materials.

Results

A review of the literature suggests that increasing femoral head size decreases the risk of postoperative dislocation and improves impingement free range of motion; however, volumetric wear increases with large femoral heads on polyethylene and increases corrosion of the stem in large metal-on-metal modular total hip arthroplasty (THA); however, the risk of potentially developing osteolysis or adverse reactions to metal debris respectively is still unknown. Further, the effect of large femoral heads with ceramic-on-ceramic THA is unclear, due to limited availability and published data.

Conclusions

Surgeons must balance the benefits of larger head size with the increased risk of volumetric wear when determining the appropriate head size for a given patient.
Ceramic-Ceramic Bearing: Too Unpredictable to Use it Regularly
Authors: Su Edwin P.
Published: January 2013

Background

Ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearings have excellent tribologic properties because of the smoothness, hardness, and wettability of the material. Therefore, their use has been proposed in younger, active patients who may wear out a traditional metal-on-polyethylene bearing. The same material properties that are beneficial to tribology may also create problems, however. For example, squeaking and fracture of the bearing materials have been reported to occur.

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the literature reporting the complications of ceramic bearings and attempt to provide insight into their implications.

Methods

The US National Library of Medicine Database (PubMed) was searched using the terms “ceramic-ceramic total hip replacement,” “complications,” “squeaking,” and “fracture.” Only clinical studies with a clear reporting of the incidence of these complications were included.

Results

The literature reports that squeaking of the CoC bearing occurs in a certain percentage of patients and is likely indicative of edge loading and excessive wear. Other factors, such as patient height, weight, range of motion, and implant design, may contribute to the propensity for squeaking. Fracture is a unique risk of the CoC articulation that requires revision surgery. Though improvements in manufacturing techniques have reduced the fracture risk to a very low percentage, the ceramic material remains susceptible to this complication by impingement and component malposition.

Conclusions

Because of these possible negative outcomes associated with the ceramic material, the CoC bearing is too unpredictable to use regularly, and its use should be limited to patients who would benefit the most from it.