bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of the Collaborative Nature of Science with Undergraduate Science Majors and Non-Science Majors through the Identification of Microorganisms Enriched in Winogradsky Columns
Authors: Ramirez Jasmine , Pinedo Catalina Arango , Forster Brian M.
Published: December 2015

Today’s science classrooms are addressing the need for non-scientists to become scientifically literate. A key aspect includes the recognition of science as a process for discovery. This process relies upon interdisciplinary collaboration. We designed a semester-long collaborative exercise that allows science majors taking a general microbiology course and non-science majors taking an introductory environmental science course to experience collaboration in science by combining their differing skill sets to identify microorganisms enriched in Winogradsky columns. These columns are self-sufficient ecosystems that allow researchers to study bacterial populations under specified environmental conditions. Non-science majors identified phototrophic bacteria enriched in the column by analyzing the signature chlorophyll absorption spectra whereas science majors used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify the general bacterial diversity. Students then compiled their results and worked together to generate lab reports with their final conclusions identifying the microorganisms present in their column. Surveys and lab reports were utilized to evaluate the learning objectives of this activity. In pre-surveys, nonmajors’ and majors’ answers diverged considerably, with majors providing responses that were more accurate and more in line with the working definition of collaboration. In post-surveys, the answers between majors and nonmajors converged, with both groups providing accurate responses. Lab reports showed that students were able to successfully identify bacteria present in the columns. These results demonstrate that laboratory exercises designed to group students across disciplinary lines can be an important tool in promoting science education across disciplines.
Targeting Critical Thinking Skills in a First-Year Undergraduate Research Course
Authors: Carson Susan
Published: December 2015

TH!NK is a new initiative at NC State University focused on enhancing students’ higher-order cognitive skills. As part of this initiative, I explicitly emphasized critical and creative thinking in an existing bacteriophage discovery first-year research course. In addition to the typical activities associated with undergraduate research such as review of primary literature and writing research papers, another strategy employed to enhance students’ critical thinking skills was the use of discipline-specific, real-world scenarios. This paper outlines a general “formula” for writing scenarios, as well as several specific scenarios created for the described course. I also present how embedding aspects of the scenarios in reviews of the primary literature enriched the activity. I assessed student gains in critical thinking skills using a pre-/posttest model of the Critical Thinking Assessment Test (CAT), developed by Tennessee Technological University. I observed a positive gain trend in most of the individual skills assessed in the CAT, with a statistically significant large effect on critical thinking skills overall in students in the test group. I also show that a higher level of critical thinking skills was demonstrated in research papers written by students who participated in the scenarios compared with similar students who did not participate in the scenario activities. The scenario strategy described here can be modified for use in biology and other STEM disciplines, as well as in diverse disciplines in the social sciences and humanities.
Agar Plates Made from Common Supermarket Substances and Bacillus subtilis Natto as an Inexpensive Approach to Microbiology Education
Authors: Scharfenberg Franz-Josef , Marquardt Ann-Katrin
Published: December 2015

To address the possible limitations that financial restrictions may have on students’ independent experimentation at school, we developed and implemented an inexpensive approach for basic microbiology education. We describe four nutrient agars consisting only of everyday substances available from the supermarket or online that we developed to replace standard agars and specific agars. Additionally, we selected Bacillus subtilis natto as an example of a pure-culture species. Our tip first reports the four supermarket-substance agar variants; second, it suggests utilizing them to introduce basic microbiological techniques; and third, it introduces B. subtilis natto in the context of the antibacterial effects of antibiotics as well as of supermarket products which students can bring to class from home. We implemented our approach in microbiology education at school as well as in pre-service teacher education and in in-service teacher professional development courses at our university. Finally, our paper provides worksheets for all the experiments.

Editor's Note:

The ASM advocates that students must successfully demonstrate the ability to explain and practice safe laboratory techniques. For more information, read the laboratory safety section of the ASM Curriculum Recommendations: Introductory Course in Microbiology and the Guidelines for Biosafety in Teaching Laboratories, available at www.asm.org. The Editors of JMBE recommend that adopters of the protocols included in this article follow a minimum of Biosafety Level 1 practices. If the soil plates described in the activity are opened, a minimum of Biosafety Level 2 is required.
FIVE YEARS ON: A COHORT STUDY OF YOUNG PEOPLE TREATED WITH ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS WHO WERE TRANSITIONING FROM CHILD TO ADULT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE LOMBARDY REGION, ITALY
Authors: Reale Laura , Clavenna Antonio , Campi Rita , Cartabia Massimo , Bonati Maurizio
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to monitor the pattern of service attendance and antipsychotic use in youth with psychiatric disorders crossing age boundaries for paediatric mental health services. Regional administrative health databases were used to identify subjects born in the 1989–1992 period, who were hospitalised for psychiatric disorders and had both outpatient visits and antipsychotic prescriptions between the age of 16 and 17 years. Information about service use, antipsychotic medication, and hospitalizations during the transition period covering the age of 18–20 years was collected. A total of 144 patients were identified. Risperidone was the most commonly prescribed drug (28% of youths), followed by haloperidol (22%) and olanzapine (19%). In early adulthood, 117 of 144 (81%) subjects were still attending a mental health service: 43% of whom were receiving parallel care, and 47 (40%) of whom were being seen by adult, and 20 (17%) by child, psychiatrists. In all, 99 of 144 (69%) continued antipsychotic treatment into adulthood, 65 of whom (66%) switched to another drug, with an increase in aripiprazole, and a reduction of haloperidol and chlorpromazine, prescriptions. Less than half (45%) were re-admitted for psychiatric disorders, mainly for schizophrenia. In conclusion, only 4 out of 10 adolescents completed the transition to adult services by the age of 20 years, while 30% discontinued drug therapy and only a third maintained the treatment received during adolescence. Monitoring therapeutic pathways in this challenging life period is essential, and further analyses on the impact of service transition on pharmacological treatment are ongoing.
MEDICATION USE IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS ACROSS EUROPE
Authors: Mesek Inge , Nellis Georgi , Lass Jana , Lutsar Irja
Published: December 2015

Objectives

This is the first Europe-wide study aiming to describe the medication use in Neonatal Intensive Care Units and to analyse the factors that might influence the prescription pattern.

Methods

A pan-European one day point-prevalence study was conducted in 2012 where all of the prescriptions for hospitalised neonates were recorded. A trade name, manufacturer, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), strength, galenic form and route of administration were registered.

Results

Altogether 2173 prescriptions were administered to 726 neonates from 21 countries, of whom 66% (477/726) were preterm, 12% (84/726) extremely preterm. There was inverse correlation between gestational age (GA) and median number of prescriptions per neonate (group median 2/IQR 1–4, extremely preterm 4/3–6, very preterm 3/2–5, late preterm 2/1–3, full-term 2/1–3). Median number of prescriptions per neonate was highest in the eastern region, among extremely preterm neonates (median=6.5/IQR 6–8.5). Highest prescription rate was for alimentary medicines (93/per 100 admissions), systemic antiinfectives (79/100) and medicines for blood (71/100). Antiinfectives were most frequently prescribed in the southern region (103/100). Multivitamins were most frequently used medications in most regions (western 74, southern 31, northern 31/100), except in eastern region (5/100). Most commonly prescribed API-s were multivitamins (32/100), caffeine (19/100), gentamicin (18/100), amino acids (18/100) and colecalciferol (15/100). Most frequently prescribed medications among extremely preterm neonates were caffeine (60/100), among very preterms multivitamins and caffeine (45 and 43/100), among late preterms multivitamins (44/100) and among full-terms phytomenadione (26/100) and gentamicin (24/100).

Conclusions

Our study revealed the most commonly used medications in neonates. Higher prescription rate among preterm neonates calls for further analysis of the suitability and safety of medications for infants with lower GA.
PHARMACOKINETIC STUDIES IN NEONATES: IS AN OPPORTUNISTIC SAMPLING STRATEGY SUFFICIENT FOR POPULATION PHARMACOKINETIC MODELLING AND DOSE PREDICTION?
Authors: Leroux Stéphanie , Turner Mark A. , Guellec Chantal Barin-Le , Hill Helen , Anker Johannes N. van den , Kearns Gregory L. , Jacqz-Aigrain Evelyne , Zhao Wei
Published: December 2015

Background and objective

The use of an opportunistic (also called scavenged) sampling strategy in a prospective pharmacokinetic study combined with population pharmacokinetic modelling has been proposed as an alternative strategy to conventional methods for accomplishing pharmacokinetic studies in neonates. However, the reliability of this approach in this particular paediatric population has not been evaluated. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance of an opportunistic sampling strategy for a population pharmacokinetic estimation as well as dose prediction, and compare this strategy to a pre-determined pharmacokinetic sampling approach.

Methods

Three population pharmacokinetic models were derived for ciprofloxacin from opportunistic blood samples (SC model), pre-determined (i.e., scheduled) samples (TR model) and all samples (full model used to previously characterize ciprofloxacin pharmacokinetics), respectively, using NONMEM software. The predictive performance of developed models was evaluated in an independent group of patients.

Results

Pharmacokinetic data from 60 newborns were obtained with a total of 430 samples available for analysis; 265 collected at pre-determined times and 165 that were scavenged from those obtained as part of clinical care. All data sets were fit using a two-compartment model with first order elimination. The SC model could identify the most significant covariates and provided reasonable estimates of population pharmacokinetic parameters (clearance and steady state volume of distribution) as compared to the TR and full models. Their predictive performances were further confirmed in an external validation by Bayesian estimation and showed similar results. Monte Carlo simulation based on AUC0–24/MIC using either the SC or the TR model gave similar dose prediction for ciprofloxacin.

Conclusion

Blood samples scavenged in the course of caring for neonates can be used to estimate ciprofloxacin pharmacokinetic parameters and therapeutic dose requirements.
JOINT COMMISSION INTERNATIONAL (JCI) IN THE PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (PICU): PREVENTING MEDICATION INCIDENTS THROUGH REMOTE CONTROL
Authors: Lazaryan Moran , Berkovitch Sofia , Toledano Michal , Yehoshua Noa Rosenfeld- , Abu-Kishk Ibraim , Berkovitch Matitiahu
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Many medical centers worldwide try to get JCI accreditation in order to improve safety and quality of patient care. Review of medication orders for appropriateness is one of the JCI standards. This process is usually performed by clinical pharmacists joining physician rounds. However, in many medical centers there is a shortage of pharmacists.

Objectives

To prospectively investigate the process of remote reviewing of medication orders in the PICU, with a pharmacist located at the pharmacy, without joining physician rounds. To characterize pharmacist recommendations (PR) and decisions taken by the physician.

Methods

The study was carried out from 6.3.14–6.10.14 in the PICU (7 beds). Patient demographics, diagnosis and medications prescribed were recorded.

Results

186 review forms were filled in by the pharmacist, regarding 117 admissions(109 children). In 57 (30.6%) forms there was at least one PR. Most common PRs concerned significant interactions (34.5%), dose (26.2%), technical inappropriateness (22.6%) and contraindications (8.3%). Out of all PRs, 51.2% were accepted by the physician, 11.9% rejected and in 36.9% there was no comment. The estimated review time for one medical record was 8.9 min (95% CI, 6.9–10.9), as every additional medication prescribed increased the total review time by 0.8 min (95% CI, 0.49–1.11). Using Monte-Carlo simulation, 108.42 min per day were needed to review all medical records in 95% of the cases.

Conclusions

Hospitals facing budget shortages can perform a daily remote review of several departments by an experienced pharmacist instead of participation in physician rounds, and still have a considerable effect on patient safety.
LEVOSIMENDAN IN TREATMENT OF CONGENITAL AND ACQUIRED HEART DISEASES
Authors: Dinarević Senka , Jonuzi Fedzat , Halimic Mirza , Begic Zijo , Kadić Almira , Gojak Refet
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Levosimendan as a new generation vasoactive coronary and peripheral dilatation drug, has been recently developed for cardiac decompensation treatment.

Aim

To evaluate the effects on cardiac function during treatment with Levosimendan in cardiac decompensated severely ill infants and children.

Methods

Retrospective-prospective study was performed in Paediatric Clinic CC University of Sarajevo, from 01.01.2013. till 30.12.2014. Study included 7 pts; with congenital/post surgery Tetralogia Fallot/ and acquired heart diseases/dilated cardiomyopathy-myocarditis/pts. Patients were divided into two groups: I Group pre treatment and II Group, post Levosimendan treatment. Parameters evaluated were: age, sex, diagnosis, left ventricle EF /LV EF/pre and post-treatment (EF1 and EF2/and use of inotropic drugs.

Results

The evaluated variables were: age in I Group of pts /4/ with congenital heart disease: mean 7.5 months/ratio: 6.5–8.5 months of age/and in second with acquired heart diseases /3/, mean: 8.5 years of age/3–14 years/, 3 boys; inotropic drugs used in both Groups of pts: Noradrenalin, Dobutamin, Dopamine and Corotrop which were decreased and stopped in the First Group 2nd day post Levosimendan start and in second Group, 3rd day stopped post Levosimendan start. LV EF evaluated in both Groups; difference of mean EF1 in relation to mean EF2 values, showed statistically significant improvement of LV function /p=0,002/ and decrease in inotropic support.

Conclusion

Levosimendan has positive effects on myocardial function restoration regardless on congenital or acquired heart diseases in paediatric population as well as in decrease in inotropic support and rapid myocardial cell recovery.
PROSPECTIVE VALIDATION OF A MODEL-BASED DOSING REGIMEN FOR AMIKACIN IN NEONATES: FEASIBLE AND RELEVANT
Authors: Smits Anne , Cock Roosmarijn De , Allegaert Karel , Vanhaesebrouck Sophie , Danhof Meindert , Knibbe Catherijne
Published: December 2015

Introduction

A neonatal amikacin dosing regimen was previously developed based on a population pharmacokinetic model. The aim of the current study was to prospectively validate this model-derived dosing regimen.

Methods

First, early (before and after second dose) therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) observations were evaluated for achieving target trough (<3 mg/L) and peak (>24 mg/L) levels. Secondly, observed concentrations were compared with model-predicted concentrations, whereby the results of an NPDE (normalized prediction distribution error) were considered as well. Subsequently, Monte Carlo simulations were performed. Finally, remaining causes limiting amikacin predictability (prescription errors and disease characteristics of outliers) were explored.

Results

In 579 neonates [median (range) birth bodyweight 2285 (420–4850) g, postnatal age 2 (1–30) days, gestational age 34 (24–41) weeks], 90.5% of early peak levels reached 24 mg/L and 60.2% of trough levels was <3 mg/L (93.4% ≤5 mg/L). Observations were accurately predicted by the model without bias, which was confirmed by the NPDE. Monte Carlo simulations showed that peak concentrations >24 mg/L were reached in almost all patients. Trough values <3 mg/L were documented in 78–100% and 45–96% of simulated cases, respectively, when ibuprofen was co-administered or not. Suboptimal trough levels were found in patient subgroups with postnatal age <14 days and current weight >2000g.

Conclusions

Prospective validation of a model-based neonatal amikacin dosing regimen resulted in optimized peak and trough concentrations in almost all patients. Adapted dosing for patients with suboptimal trough levels was proposed. Besides improving dosing individualization, feasibility and relevance of neonatal prospective validation studies was demonstrated.
SLOW INFUSIONS OF GENTAMICIN ARE ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH VARIABILITY IN PEAK GENTAMICIN CONCENTRATIONS IN LOW GESTATION AGE (GA) NEONATES
Authors: Medlicott Natalie , Thomas Louise , Broadbent Roland , Reith David
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Delayed gentamicin delivery through intravenous lines has been reported.Delay is expected to be greater in smaller neonates when the flow rate of carrier intravenous fluid and dose volumes are low.

Aim

To investigate the effects of neonate GA and weight on gentamicin peak concentrations after 30 minute infusion or bolus administrations.

Methods

Neonates admitted to Dunedin Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in 2008 and 2010 who received gentamicin (2008: 30 minute infusion; 2010: slow bolus) in the first three days of life were included. Peak concentrations were compared and correlations between concentration and weight were investigated over GA bands.

Results

There were 151 neonates in 2010 and 118 neonates in 2008. Median (range) GA was 38 weeks (24–42) in 2010 and 34.7 weeks (23.4–42.1) in 2008. Median (range) weight was 3.25kg (0.51–5.65) in 2010 and 2.67kg (0.49–5.11) in 2008. Peak gentamicin concentrations (mg/L) were 8.15±0.098 (at 1.2±0.32h) in 2010 and 9.92±0.17 (at 1.34±0.4h) in 2008. A test for equal variances showed peak concentrations were more variable in 2008 (p0.05).

Conclusions

Peak concentrations were more variable following 30 minute infusions and were positively correlated with GA or weight for neonates with GA.
GENTAMICIN PHARMACOKINETIC VARIABILITY IS INFLUENCED BY CHOICE OF ADMINISTRATION ROUTE
Authors: Lala Anita , Medlicot Natalie , Broadbent Roland , McCaffrey Frances , Reith David
Published: December 2015

Introduction

A critically ill neonate may have several routes of venous access available, operating at different flow rates and with different dead-volumes, and therefore with different delivery kinetics.

Aims

To determine which lumen of a double lumen umbilical venous catheter (UVC) would be used for administration of intravenous gentamicin to a premature baby and what flush volume would be used.

Methods

An individual self-administered questionnaire was completed by Dunedin Hospital NICU nurses in April-May 2014. The questionnaire consisted of two scenarios describing babies of 24 and 32 weeks gestation, and asked that the site of administration be chosen on a diagram. Secondary information regarding flush volume was also collected and free-text responses encouraged.

Results

There were 42 nurses employed in Dunedin NICU during this period, of whom 37 (88%) responded. For a 24-week gestation baby, 34 nurses (92%) would administer into the primary lumen (20ga), containing 10% dextrose (0.5 mL/hr), compared to 3 (8%) who would use the secondary lumen (23ga), containing parenteral nutrition fluid (2.1 mL/hr). For a 32-week gestation baby 35 nurses (95%) would administer through the slow-flowing primary lumen. If a peripheral intravenous line (PIV) was present this would be used preferentially by 35 nurses (95%) to reduce the risk of infection. Smaller flush volumes were documented following administration through the UVC compared with PIV (1.17–1.35 mL vs 2.4 mL at 24 weeks and 1.42–1.74 mL vs 3.2 mL at 32 weeks).

Discussion

The variability in intravenous delivery route may be a significant contributor to variability in neonatal gentamicin pharmacokinetics.
Influence of religious organisations’ statements on compliance with a smoke-free law in Bogor, Indonesia: a qualitative study
Authors: Byron M Justin , Cohen Joanna E , Gittelsohn Joel , Frattaroli Shannon , Nuryunawati Ramadhani , Jernigan David H
Published: December 2015

Objective

To explore the Bogor public's perspective on Muslim organisations’ pronouncements against smoking and the effect of these pronouncements on compliance with a new smoke-free law in the context of a prosmoking social norm.

Design

Semistructured focus group discussions were conducted, transcribed, coded using ATLAS.ti software, and analysed using thematic content analysis. Photo elicitation was also used during the focus groups.

Setting

Bogor, Indonesia.

Participants

11 focus groups (n=89), stratified by age, gender and smoking status, with members of the public (46 male, 43 female, ages 18–50).

Results

There was limited knowledge of and compliance with both the smoke-free law and the religious pronouncements. In most of the focus groups, smoking was described as a discouraged, but not forbidden, behaviour for Muslims. Participants described the decision of whether to follow the religious pronouncements in the context of individual choice. Some participants felt religious organisations lacked credibility to speak against smoking because many religious leaders themselves smoke. However, some non-smokers said their religion reinforced their non-smoking behaviour and some participants stated it would be useful for religious leaders to speak more about the smoke-free law.

Conclusions

Religious organisations’ pronouncements appear to have had a small effect, primarily in supporting the position of non-smokers not to smoke. Participants, including smokers, said their religious leaders should be involved in supporting the smoke-free law. These findings suggest there is potential for the tobacco control community to partner with sympathetic local Muslim leaders to promote common goals of reducing smoking and public smoke exposure. Muslim leaders’ views on smoking would be perceived as more credible if they themselves followed the smoke-free law. Additionally, public health messaging that includes religious themes could be piloted and tested for effectiveness. These findings may also inform similar efforts in other Muslim cities implementing smoke-free laws.
Prevalence and risk factors of retinopathy in patients with or without metabolic syndrome: a population-based study in Shenyang
Authors: Liu Lei , Yue Song , Wu Jingyang , Zhang Jiahua , Lian Jie , Teng Weiping , Huang Desheng , Chen Lei
Published: December 2015

Objective

To investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and the prevalence of retinopathy.

Design

A cross-sectional study was carried out from August 2013 to September 2014 in Fengyutan Sub-District.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

A total of 1163 eligible participants attended. All the participants were subjected to stereo fundus photography to detect retinopathy. The discrepancy of prevalence of retinopathy in different participants was described.

Results

The prevalence of retinopathy was 9.64% in patients with MS and 3.91% in patients without MS. A higher prevalence of retinopathy with proliferative diabetic retinopathy was found in patients with MS. In multiple logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors for any retinopathy in patients with MS were longer diabetes duration (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.10, per year increase), higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.29, per 10 mm Hg increase), higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.35, per 10 mm Hg increase), higher fasting plasma glucose (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.11, per 10 mg/dL increase), higher 2 h postprandial plasma glucose (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.21, per 10 mg/dL increase), and higher haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.34, per % increase). Similar independent risk factors, except for DBP, were found for any retinopathy in patients without MS.

Conclusions

The presence of MS components, hyperglycaemia (fasting glucose and HbA1c) and hypertension (SBP and DBP), are significantly associated with the prevalence of retinopathy.
Driving performance in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, interstitial lung disease and healthy controls: a crossover intervention study
Authors: Skovhus Prior Thomas , Troelsen Thomas , Hilberg Ole
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Cognitive deficits in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been described and hypoxaemia has been addressed as a possible cause. Cognitive functions in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) are not well studied. These patients are taking part in everyday traffic, but little is known regarding their driving performance. This study was conducted to determine the driving performance in patients with COPD and ILD, respectively compared to healthy controls using a driving simulator. Additionally, the effect of oxygen supply was addressed.

Methods

16 patients with COPD (8 receivers and 8 non-receivers of long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT)), 8 patients with ILD (consisting of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias) and 8 healthy controls were tested in a driving simulator. Each test lasted 45 min. In the oxygen intervention part of the study the patients were randomised to receive oxygen therapy in the first or second test and acted as their own controls.

Results

Patients with COPD had significantly impaired driving performance when comparing SD from the centre of the road and number of off-road events to controls. Patients with COPD receiving LTOT performed significantly worse than those not receiving LTOT when comparing SD and worse than the patients with ILD when comparing SD and off-road events. Patients with ILD performed similarly to controls (SD: LTOT 2.39*; no LTOT 0.69*; ILD 0.37; controls 0.36; *p<0.05. Off-road: LTOT 226.67*; no LTOT 78.92*; ILD 40.00; controls 25.78; *p<0.05). Oxygen therapy had no effect on driving performance.

Conclusions

Patients with ILD performed similarly to controls in the driving simulator, whereas patients with COPD showed decreased driving performance, especially those receiving LTOT. Doctors should be aware of this when renewing the driving license of patients with COPD. Oxygen therapy showed no effect on driving performance.

Trial registration number

NCT02125916
Studies of energy levels, hyperfine structure, and transition probabilities for neutral silicon
Authors: Wu Miao , Bian Guojie , Li Xiangfu , Xu Min , Fan Quanping , Jiang Gang
Published: December 2015

The multi-configuration Dirac–Hartree–Fock method and active space approach are used to investigate the energy levels, hyperfine structure constants, and transition probabilities of a neutral silicon atom. The contributions of Breit interactions and quantum electrodynamics correction are considered. Compared with other theoretical and experimental values of energy levels, our values are in good agreement; the discrepancies of the majority of energy levels calculated are within 1% of experimental values, and the energy levels calculated are very close to other theoretical values. The number of energy levels we considered is larger than that of any other theoretical calculations. The values of the hyperfine structure constant A of the radioactive 29Si atom that we calculated are in good agreement with experimental values. From these results we can predict the hyperfine structure constant A of other states of 29Si where no other theoretical results are available. The transition probabilities of neutral silicon have also been calculated and discussed.
Percolation phase transition of static and growing networks under a weighted function
Authors: Jia Xiao , Hong Jin-Song , Gao Ya-Chun , Yang Hong-Chun , Yang Chun , Fu Chuan-Ji , Hu Jian-Quan
Published: December 2015

We investigate the percolation phase transitions in both the static and growing networks where the nodes are sampled according to a weighted function with a tunable parameter [Formula: see text]. For the static network, i.e. the number of nodes is constant during the percolation process, the percolation phase transition can evolve from continuous to discontinuous as the value of [Formula: see text] is tuned. Based on the properties of the weighted function, three typical values of [Formula: see text] are analyzed. The model becomes the classical Erdös–Rényi (ER) network model at [Formula: see text]. When [Formula: see text], it is shown that the percolation process generates a weakly discontinuous phase transition where the order parameter exhibits an extremely abrupt transition with a significant jump in large but finite system. For [Formula: see text], the cluster size distribution at the lower pseudo-transition point does not obey the power-law behavior, indicating a strongly discontinuous phase transition. In the case of growing network, in which the collection of nodes is increasing, a smoother continuous phase transition emerges at [Formula: see text], in contrast to the weakly discontinuous phase transition of the static network. At [Formula: see text], on the other hand, probability modulation effect shows that the nature of strongly discontinuous phase transition remains the same with the static network despite the node arrival even in the thermodynamic limit. These percolation properties of the growing networks could provide useful reference for network intervention and control in practical applications in consideration of the increasing size of most actual networks.
Role of deficit solid angle and quintessence-like matter in strong field gravitational lensing
Authors: Geng Jin-Ling , Zhang Yu , Li En-Kun , Duan Peng-Fei
Published: December 2015

Using the strong field limit approach, the strong field gravitational lensing in a black hole with deficit solid angle (DSA) and surrounded by quintessence-like matter (QM) has been investigated. The results show that the DSA [Formula: see text], the energy density of QM [Formula: see text] and the equation of state (EOS) parameter [Formula: see text] have some distinct effects on the strong field gravitational lensing. As [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] increases, the deflection angle and the strong field limit coefficients all increase faster and faster. Moreover, the evolution of the main observables also has been studied, which shows that the curves at [Formula: see text] are more steepy than those of [Formula: see text]. Compared with the Schwarzschild black hole, the black hole surrounded by QM has smaller relative magnitudes, and at [Formula: see text] both the angular position and angular separation are slightly bigger than those of Schwarzschild black hole, but when [Formula: see text], the angular position and the relative magnitudes all diminish significantly. Therefore, by studying the strong gravitational lensing, we can distinguish the black hole with a DSA and surrounded by QM from the Schwarzschild black hole and the effects of the DSA and QM on the strong gravitational lensing by black holes can be known better.
Review on the degradation and device physics of quantum dot solar cells
Authors: Afshar Elham N. , Rouhi Rasoul , Gorji Nima E.
Published: December 2015

Briefly, we reviewed the latest progress in energy conversion efficiency and degradation rate of the quantum dot (QD) solar cells. QDs are zero dimension nanoparticles with tunable size and accordingly tunable band gap. The maximum performance of the most advanced QD solar cells was reported to be around 10%. Nevertheless, majority of research groups do not investigate the stability of such devices. QDs are cheaper replacements for silicon or other thin film materials with a great potential to significantly increase the photon conversion efficiency via two ways: (i) creating multiple excitons by absorbing a single hot photon, and (ii) formation of intermediate bands (IBs) in the band gap of the background semiconductor that enables the absorption of low energy photons (two-step absorption of sub-band gap photons). Apart from low conversion efficiency, QD solar cells also suffer from instability under real operation and stress conditions. Strain, dislocations and variation in size of the dots (under pressure of the other layers) are the main degradation resources. While some new materials (i.e. perovskites) showed an acceptable high performance, the QD devices are still inefficient with an almost medium rate of 4% (2010) to 10% (2015).
Free Poisson fields and their automorphisms
Authors: Makar-Limanov Leonid , Umirbaev Ualbai
Published: December 2015

Let [Formula: see text] be an arbitrary field of characteristic [Formula: see text]. We prove that the group of automorphisms of a free Poisson field [Formula: see text] in two variables [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to the Cremona group [Formula: see text]. We also prove that the universal enveloping algebra [Formula: see text] of a free Poisson field [Formula: see text] is a free ideal ring and give a characterization of the Poisson dependence of two elements of [Formula: see text] via universal derivatives.
Structural, Optical and Room Temperature Magnetic Study of Mn-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Sharrouf Majed , Awad Ramadan , Marhaba Salem , El-Said Bakeer Douaa
Published: December 2015

Undoped and Mn-doped ZnO nanoparticles (Zn[Formula: see text]MnxO), with nominal weight percentages [Formula: see text], have been synthesized by co-precipitation technique. The synthesized nanoparticles are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). From XRD analysis, the compound ZnMnO3is formed for [Formula: see text] with cubic structure ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Å) and its concentration increases with x. Moreover, XRD analysis reveals the wurtzite hexagonal crystal structure for ZnO. The lattice parameters (a and c) of Zn[Formula: see text]MnxO are calculated and they increase with the doping concentration of Mn as a consequence of the larger ionic size of Mn[Formula: see text] ions compared to Zn[Formula: see text] ions. The crystallite size is calculated for all the samples using Debye–Scherrer’s method (SSM), Williamson–Hall methods (UDM, USDM and UDEDM) and Size-Strain Plot method (SSP), and the results are in good agreement with TEM. The presence of functional groups and the chemical bonding is confirmed by FTIR spectra that shows a peak shift between undoped and doped ZnO. The energy bandgap [Formula: see text] is calculated for different concentrations of Mn [Formula: see text] by using the UV-visible optical spectroscopy, between 300[Formula: see text]nm and 800[Formula: see text]nm, showing a noticeable drop in [Formula: see text] with x. At room temperature, the magnetization of the samples reveals the intrinsic ferromagnetic (FM) behavior of undoped ZnO, ferromagnetic behavior of ZnxMn[Formula: see text]O [Formula: see text] and the co-existence of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic behavior for ZnxMn[Formula: see text]O [Formula: see text]. This ferromagnetism is decreased for the doped samples as a consequence of antiferromagnetic coupling between Mn ions. The two samples correspond to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], tend to be superparamagnetic because of the formation of single domain particles as a consequence of small particle size. [Formula: see text] shows an optimum value of Mn concentration for maximum saturation magnetization and the best ferromagnetic nature.
Field-based structural studies as analogues to sub-surface reservoirs
Authors: Sanderson David J.
Published: December 2015

This paper examines a number of field analogues to structures in the sub-surface, based mainly on examples from SW Britain. Whereas sedimentological analogues are largely interpreted in terms of a clearly defined sequence of depositional events related to stratigraphy, structures can develop throughout the history of the reservoir and their timing is poorly constrained stratigraphically. This leads to fundamental differences in how the two types of analogues are used. The simplest and most direct use of structural analogues comes from comparison of field structures with those sampled in the sub-surface, where they can guide conceptual development of reservoir models. Many examples of this approach exist from the development of stratabound fracture systems to the formation of linked fault systems and fracture networks. Field analogues also play an important role in the study of sub-seismic structures, providing a link to evidence from core. One new area is the application of topology to the study of fault and fracture networks. Not only does this provide insight into fundamental relationships between structures, such as their relative age and connectivity, but it also provides new methods of analysis of great relevance to the spatial variation and scaling of structures.
Acupuncture plus low-frequency electrical stimulation (Acu-LFES) attenuates denervation-induced muscle atrophy
Authors: Su (苏震) Zhen , Hu (虎力) Li , Cheng (程继忠) Jinzhong , Klein Janet D. , Hassounah Faten , Cai Hui , Li (李敏) Min , Wang (王海东) Haidong , Wang Xiaonan H.
Published: December 2015

Muscle wasting occurs in a variety of clinical situations, including denervation. There is no effective pharmacological treatment for muscle wasting. In this study, we used a tibial nerve denervation model to test acupuncture plus low-frequency electric stimulation (Acu-LFES) as a therapeutic strategy for muscle atrophy. Acupuncture needles were connected to an SDZ-II electronic acupuncture device delivering pulses at 20 Hz and 1 mA; the treatment was 15 min daily for 2 wk. Acu-LFES prevented soleus and plantaris muscle weight loss and increased muscle cross-sectional area in denervated mice. The abundances of Pax7, MyoD, myogenin, and embryonic myosin heavy chain were significantly increased by Acu-LFES in both normal and denervated muscle. The number of central nuclei was increased in Acu-LFES-treated muscle fibers. Phosphorylation of Akt was downregulated by denervation leading to a decline in muscle mass; however, Acu-LFES prevented the denervation-induced decline largely by upregulation of the IGF-1 signaling pathway. Acu-LFES reduced the abundance of muscle catabolic proteins forkhead O transcription factor and myostatin, contributing to the attenuated muscle atrophy. Acu-LFES stimulated the expression of macrophage markers (F4/80, IL-1b, and arginase-1) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFNγ, and TNFα) in normal and denervated muscle. Acu-LFES also stimulated production of the muscle-specific microRNAs miR-1 and miR-206. We conclude that Acu-LFES is effective in counteracting denervation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy and increasing muscle regeneration. Upregulation of IGF-1, downregulation of myostatin, and alteration of microRNAs contribute to the attenuation of muscle atrophy in denervated mice.
Endothelin-1 mediates intermittent hypoxia-induced inflammatory vascular remodeling through HIF-1 activation
Authors: Gras Emmanuelle , Belaidi Elise , Briançon-Marjollet Anne , Pépin Jean-Louis , Arnaud Claire , Godin-Ribuot Diane
Published: December 2015

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular mortality, and apnea-induced intermittent hypoxia (IH) is known to promote various cardiovascular alterations such as vascular remodeling. However, the mechanisms that underlie IH remain incompletely investigated. We previously demonstrated that the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) are involved in arterial hypertension and myocardial susceptibility to infarction induced by IH. Thus the objective of the present study was to investigate whether both ET-1 and HIF-1 were also involved in the vascular inflammatory remodeling induced by IH. Mice partially deficient for the Hif1α gene (HIF-1α+/−) and their wild-type equivalents, as well as C57BL/6J mice, treated or not with bosentan, a dual endothelin receptor antagonist, were exposed to IH or normoxia for 2 wk, 8 h/day. Splenocyte proliferative and secretory capacities, aortic nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and HIF-1 activities, and expression of cytokines and intima-media thickness (IMT) were measured. IH induced a systemic and aortic inflammation characterized by an increase in splenocyte proliferative and secretory capacities, aortic NF-κB activity, and cytokine expression in the aortic wall. This was accompanied by an increase in IMT. These modifications were prevented in HIF-1α+/− and bosentan-treated mice. The results of this study suggest that ET-1 is a major contributor to the vascular inflammatory remodeling induced by OSA-related IH, probably through HIF-1-dependent activation of NF-κB.
The effect of 8 days of strict bed rest on the incretin effect in healthy volunteers
Authors: Nielsen Signe Tellerup , Harder-Lauridsen Nina Majlund , Benatti Fabiana Braga , Wedell-Neergaard Anne-Sophie , Lyngbæk Mark Preben , Møller Kirsten , Pedersen Bente Klarlund , Krogh-Madsen Rikke
Published: December 2015

Bed rest and physical inactivity are the consequences of hospital admission for many patients. Physical inactivity induces changes in glucose metabolism, but its effect on the incretin effect, which is reduced in, e.g., Type 2 diabetes, is unknown. To investigate how 8 days of strict bed rest affects the incretin effect, 10 healthy nonobese male volunteers underwent 8 days of strict bed rest. Before and after the intervention, all volunteers underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) followed by an intravenous glucose infusion (IVGI) on the following day to mimic the blood glucose profile from the OGTT. Blood glucose, serum insulin, serum C-peptide, plasma incretin hormones [glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP)], and serum glucagon were measured serially during both the OGTT and the IVGI. The incretin effect is calculated as the relative difference between the area under the curve for the insulin response during the OGTT and that of the corresponding IVGI, respectively. Concentrations of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and GIP measured during the OGTT were higher after the bed rest intervention (all P < 0.05), whereas there was no difference in the levels of GLP-1 and Glucagon. Bed rest led to a mean loss of 2.4 kg of fat-free mass, and induced insulin resistance evaluated by the Matsuda index, but did not affect the incretin effect ( P = 0.6). In conclusion, 8 days of bed rest induces insulin resistance, but we did not see evidence of an associated change in the incretin effect.
Estimation of Inhibitory Effect against Tyrosinase Activity through Homology Modeling and Molecular Docking
Authors: Nokinsee Daungkamon , Shank Lalida , Lee Vannajan Sanghiran , Nimmanpipug Piyarat
Published: December 2015

Tyrosinase is a key enzyme in melanogenesis. Generally, mushroom tyrosinase from A. bisporus had been used as a model in skin-whitening agent tests employed in the cosmetic industry. The recently obtained crystal structure of bacterial tyrosinase from B. megaterium has high similarity (33.5%) to the human enzyme and thus it was used as a template for constructing of the human model. Binding of tyrosinase to a series of its inhibitors was simulated by automated docking calculations. Docking and MD simulation results suggested that N81, N260, H263, and M280 are involved in the binding of inhibitors to mushroom tyrosinase. E195 and H208 are important residues in bacterial tyrosinase, while E230, S245, N249, H252, V262, and S265 bind to inhibitors and are important in forming pi interaction in human tyrosinase.
Markers of Perioperative Bowel Complications in Colorectal Surgery Patients
Authors: Hyšpler Radomír , Tichá Alena , Kaška Milan , Žaloudková Lenka , Plíšková Lenka , Havel Eduard , Zadák Zdeněk
Published: December 2015

Colorectal cancer is a clinical condition whose treatment often involves intestinal resection. Such treatment frequently results in two major gastrointestinal complications after surgery: anastomotic leakage and prolonged ileus. Anastomotic leakage is a serious complication which, more often than not, is diagnosed late; to date, C-reactive protein is the only available diagnostic marker. A monocentric, prospective, open case-control study was performed in patients(n=117)undergoing colorectal surgery. Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (i-FABP), citrulline, D-lactate, exhaled hydrogen,Escherichia coligenomic DNA, and ischemia modified albumin (IMA) were determined preoperatively, postoperatively, and on the following four consecutive days. Bacterial DNA was not detected in any sample, and i-FABP and D-lactate lacked any distinct potential to detect postoperative bowel complications. Exhaled breath hydrogen content showed unacceptably low sensitivity. However, citrulline turned out to be a specific marker for prolonged ileus on postoperative days 3-4. Using a cut-off value of 20 μmol/L, a sensitivity and specificity of ~75% was achieved on postoperative day 4. IMA was found to be an efficient predictor of anastomosis leak by calculating the difference between preoperative and postoperative values. This test had 100% sensitivity and 80% specificity and 100% negative and 20% positive predictive value.
In VivoConfocal Microscopy and Anterior Segment Optic Coherence Tomography Findings in Ocular Ochronosis
Authors: Demirkilinc Biler Elif , Guven Yilmaz Suzan , Palamar Melis , Hamrah Pedram , Sahin Afsun
Published: December 2015

Purpose. To report clinical andin vivoconfocal microscopy (IVCM) findings of two patients with ocular ochronosis secondary due to alkaptonuria.Materials and Methods. Complete ophthalmologic examinations, including IVCM (HRT II/Rostock Cornea Module, Heidelberg, Germany), anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) (Topcon 3D spectral-domain OCT 2000, Topcon Medical Systems, Paramus, NJ, USA), corneal topography (Pentacam, OCULUS Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany), and anterior segment photography, were performed.Results. Biomicroscopic examination showed bilateral darkly pigmented lesions of the nasal and temporal conjunctiva and episclera in both patients.In vivoconfocal microscopy of the lesions revealed prominent degenerative changes, including vacuoles and fragmentation of collagen fibers in the affected conjunctival lamina propria and episclera. Hyperreflective pigment granules in different shapes were demonstrated in the substantia propria beneath the basement membrane. AS-OCT of Case 1 demonstrated hyporeflective areas. Fundus examination was within normal limits in both patients, except tilted optic discs with peripapillary atrophy in one of the patients. Corneal topography, thickness, and macular OCT were normal bilaterally in both cases.Conclusion. The degenerative and anatomic changes due to ochronotic pigment deposition in alkaptonuria can be demonstrated in detail with IVCM and AS-OCT. Confocal microscopic analysis in ocular ochronosis may serve as a useful adjunct in diagnosis and monitoring of the disease progression.