bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proton‐pump inhibitor use is associated with lower urinary magnesium excretion
Authors: William Jeffrey H. , Nelson Rachel , Hayman Najwah , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Danziger John
Published: August 2014

Aims

Although multiple recent studies have confirmed an association between chronic proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI) use and hypomagnesaemia, the physiologic explanation for this association remains uncertain. To address this, we investigated the association of PPI use with urinary magnesium excretion.

Methods

We measured 24‐hour urine magnesium excretion in collections performed for nephrolithiasis evaluation in 278 consecutive ambulatory patients and determined PPI use from contemporaneous medical records.

Results

There were 50 (18%) PPI users at the time of urine collection. The mean daily urinary magnesium was 84.6 ± 42.8 mg in PPI users, compared with 101.2 ± 41.1 mg in non‐PPI users (P = 0.01). In adjusted analyses, PPI use was associated with 10.54 ± 5.30 mg/day lower daily urinary magnesium excretion (P = 0.05). Diuretic use did not significantly modify the effect of PPI on urinary magnesium. As a control, PPI use was not associated with other urinary indicators of nutritional intake.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that PPI use is associated with lower 24‐hour urine magnesium excretion. Whether this reflects decreased intestinal uptake due to PPI exposure, or residual confounding due to decreased magnesium intake, requires further study.
Metabolomic analysis of extreme freezing tolerance in Siberian spruce (Picea obovata)
Authors: Angelcheva Liudmila , Mishra Yogesh , Antti Henrik , Kjellsen Trygve D. , Funk Christiane , Strimbeck Richard G. , Schröder Wolfgang P.
Published: August 2014

Siberian spruce (Picea obovata) is one of several boreal conifer species that can survive at extremely low temperatures (ELTs). When fully acclimated, its tissues can survive immersion in liquid nitrogen. Relatively little is known about the biochemical and biophysical strategies of ELT survival.

We profiled needle metabolites using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) to explore the metabolic changes that occur during cold acclimation caused by natural temperature fluctuations.

In total, 223 metabolites accumulated and 52 were depleted in fully acclimated needles compared with pre‐acclimation needles. The metabolite profiles were found to develop in four distinct phases, which are referred to as pre‐acclimation, early acclimation, late acclimation and fully acclimated. Metabolite changes associated with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were observed, including changes associated with increased raffinose family oligosaccharide synthesis and accumulation, accumulation of sugar acids and sugar alcohols, desaturation of fatty acids, and accumulation of digalactosylglycerol. We also observed the accumulation of protein and nonprotein amino acids and polyamines that may act as compatible solutes or cryoprotectants.

These results provide new insight into the mechanisms of freezing tolerance development at the metabolite level and highlight their importance in rapid acclimation to ELT in P. obovata.
Ranolazine as a Promising Treatment Option for Atrial Fibrillation: Electrophysiologic Mechanisms, Experimental Evidence, and Clinical Implications
Authors: FRAGAKIS NIKOLAOS , KOSKINAS KONSTANTINOS C. , VASSILIKOS VASSILIOS
Published: August 2014

Currently available agents for pharmacologic management of atrial fibrillation (AF) are limited by their suboptimal efficacy and nonnegligible proarrhythmic risk. Ranolazine (RN) is a novel antianginal agent with increasingly appreciated antiarrhythmic properties that can suppress ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias including AF. In this review, we describe the electrophysiological properties of RN, focusing on atrial‐selective inhibition of a number of ion channels implicated in the development of AF, particularly the sodium current. We further summarize evidence from experimental studies that demonstrate a potent AF‐suppressing effect of RN, alone or in combination with other antiarrhythmic drugs. Of clinical relevance, we present growing evidence from preliminary clinical investigations indicating the safety and efficacy of RN for prevention and treatment of AF in various clinical settings including prevention of AF in patients with acute coronary syndromes, prevention and conversion of postoperative AF after surgical coronary revascularization, sinus rhythm maintenance in drug‐resistant recurrent AF, and facilitating of electrical or pharmacological cardioversion in cardioversion‐resistant patients. While current experimental and clinical evidence points to RN as a potentially promising agent for suppression of AF, well‐designed, large‐scale trials will be required before RN can be considered for pharmacological treatment of AF in clinical practice.
Photoperiod constraints on tree phenology, performance and migration in a warming world
Authors: WAY DANIELLE A. , MONTGOMERY REBECCA A.
Published: August 2014

Increasing temperatures should facilitate the poleward movement of species distributions through a variety of processes, including increasing the growing season length. However, in temperate and boreal latitudes, temperature is not the only cue used by trees to determine seasonality, as changes in photoperiod provide a more consistent, reliable annual signal of seasonality than temperature. Here, we discuss how day length may limit the ability of tree species to respond to climate warming in situ, focusing on the implications of photoperiodic sensing for extending the growing season and affecting plant phenology and growth, as well as the potential role of photoperiod in controlling carbon uptake and water fluxes in forests. We also review whether there are patterns across plant functional types (based on successional strategy, xylem anatomy and leaf morphology) in their sensitivity to photoperiod that we can use to predict which species or groups might be more successful in migrating as the climate warms, or may be more successfully used for forestry and agriculture through assisted migration schemes.
Homophobic Name‐calling, Peer‐groups, and Masculinity: The Socialization of Homophobic Behavior in Adolescents
Authors: Birkett Michelle , Espelage Dorothy L.
Published: August 2014

Social network analysis and multilevel modeling were used to examine the formation of homophobic name‐calling behavior in adolescents. Specifically, peer group contextual and socialization effects on homophobic name‐calling as well as the influence of masculinity attitudes, general bullying perpetration, and victimization were tested. Participants included 493 fifth‐ through eighth‐grade students from two middle schools. Results indicated that peer groups play an important role in the formation of homophobic name‐calling. Additionally, students who were victims of homophobic name‐calling over time increased their own perpetration of homophobic name‐calling. Non‐homophobic bullying was also related to homophobic name‐calling, but only for male peer groups. And finally, the role of masculinity attitudes was shown to be complex, as peer group masculinity attitudes were significantly predictive of an individual's homophobic perpetration; however, this effect did not remain significant over time. Results suggest that homophobic name‐calling during early adolescence is strongly influenced by peers and rooted in gender and masculinity.
Effects of rapid intravenous 100%L‐isomer lactated Ringer's administration on plasma lactate concentrations in healthy dogs
Authors: Boysen Søren R. , Dorval Patricia
Published: August 2014

Objective

To determine if rapid intravenous administration of lactated Ringer's solution containing 28 mmol/L ofl‐lactate (L‐LRS) can result in an increase in plasma lactate concentration in healthy dogs.

Design

Prospective cross over study with a 4‐week washout period.

Setting

Veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Six healthy adult Beagles.

Interventions

Dogs received 180 mL/kg/h of L‐LRS over 60 minutes, followed by a 4‐week washout period, then 180 mL/kg/h of 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) over 60 minutes.

Measurements and Main Results

Blood samples were drawn at baseline (T0), every 10 minutes during fluid administration (T10 to T60), and 60 minutes after fluid administration (T120). Samples were measured in duplicate at all time points with a handheld meter and at T0, T60, and T120 with a blood gas analyzer. Data were analyzed with 1‐way or 2‐way ANOVA for repeated measures and post hoc tests with Dunnett's or Bonferroni's correction for within‐group and between group analyses, respectively.Pvalues < 0.05 were considered significant. Results are mean ± SD. There was no difference between groups at T0 (L‐LRS = 1.1 ± 0.6 mmol/L, NaCl = 1.2 ± 0.9 mmol/L). Within the L‐LRS group, T0 was significantly lower than all other time points except T120. At T50 and T60, the L‐LRS group was higher than the NaCl group. There was a statistical significance between the 2 groups over time.

Conclusions

The rapid administration of intravenous L‐LRS to healthy dogs significantly increases plasma lactate concentration within 10 minutes and returns to baseline values within 60 minutes after cessation of administration. This could have implications in how plasma lactate concentration is interpreted with respect to prognosis, particularly in patients receiving resuscitative rates of L‐LRS. Interpretation of plasma lactate concentrations should be considered in light of the rate, quantity and type of fluid administered, and timing of blood samples.
Teaching: Art, craft, science? Yes!
Authors: White Gary
Published: August 2014

One of my favorite teachers crafted his lectures like a potter molding clay—not likely into a vase, but rather something more solid and utilitarian, yet still elegant, say, a fruit bowl. Vincent Genusa (Dr. G, we called him) was the only person I have ever known to use the word “prodigious” routinely, referring admiringly to a scientist, or perhaps to the applicability of a particular theoretical method, and he would say it with such relish that sometimes a bit of spittle would be evident, to put it delicately. It was impossible not to be swept up in his enthusiasm as he waxed eloquently about this twisty path to discovery or that sinewy bit of logic, and the fact that I have such vivid memories of his lectures decades later speaks to his artistry.
The Expanding Universe: Dark Energy
Authors: Lincoln Don , Nord Brian
Published: August 2014

As is true of a far more famous story, it all began a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. It even involved a binary star system. A small star, called a white dwarf, had become a burned out husk of its former self and it turned to gorging on hydrogen and helium from its bloated red giant neighbor. The transferred gas reignited the fires of the white dwarf until the temperature from the fusion reaction proved too much for the gravity that struggled to contain it. In the blink of an eye, the star detonated in a supernova, a cosmic maelstrom seen perhaps only once per century in a typical galaxy.
Apparatus Named After Our Academic Ancestors, III
Authors: Greenslade Thomas B.
Published: August 2014

My academic ancestors in physics have called on me once more to tell you about the apparatus that they devised, and that many of you have used in your demonstrations and labs. This article is about apparatus named after François Arago, Heinrich Helmholtz, Leon Foucault, and James Watt.
Realism: The antidote to teacher burnout?
Authors: Riendeau Diane
Published: August 2014

At this point, many of you are about a month into the new school year. How are you holding up? Are you as satisfied as you thought you would be?
Toxic Proteins on the Move
Authors: Musiek Erik
Published: August 2014

The neurodegenerative protein huntingtin may spread throughout the brain from cell to cell, illuminating new therapeutic considerations.
Sigmoid volvulus in an adolescent girl: staged management with emergency colonoscopic reduction and decompression followed by elective sigmoid colectomy
Authors: Patel Ramnik V , Njere Ike , Campbell Alison , Daniel Rejoo , Azaz Amer , Fleet Mahmud
Published: August 2014

A case of acute sigmoid volvulus in a 14-year-old adolescent girl presenting with acute low large bowel obstruction with a background of chronic constipation has been presented. Abdominal radiograph and CT scan helped in diagnosis. She underwent emergency colonoscopic detorsion and decompression uneventfully. Lower gastrointestinal contrast study showed very redundant sigmoid colonic loop without any transition zone and she subsequently underwent elective sigmoid colectomy with good outcome. The sigmoid volvulus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of paediatric acute abdomen presenting with marked abdominal distention, absolute constipation and pain but without vomiting. Plain abdominal radiograph and the CT scan are helpful to confirm the diagnosis. Early colonoscopic detorsion and decompression allows direct visualisation of the vascular compromise, assessment of band width of the volvulus and can reduce complications and mortality. Associated Hirschsprung's disease should be suspected if clinical and radiological features are suggestive in which case a rectal biopsy before definitive surgery should be considered.
Retinopathy and clinical outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and anemia
Authors: Bello Natalie A , Pfeffer Marc A , Skali Hicham , McGill Janet B , Rossert Jerome , Olson Kurt A , Weinrauch Larry , Cooper Mark E , de Zeeuw Dick , Rossing Peter , McMurray John J V , Solomon Scott D ,   for the Trial to Reduce cardiovascular Events with Aranesp Therapy (TREAT) Investigators
Published: August 2014

Objective

Retinopathy is an established microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but its independent relationship with macrovascular and other microvascular complications is less well defined across the spectrum of kidney disease in T2DM. We examined the prognostic value of retinopathy in assessing the risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD), cardiovascular morbidity or death among patients in the Trial to Reduce cardiovascular Events with Aranesp Therapy (TREAT).

Design

TREAT enrolled 4038 patients with T2DM, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and moderate anemia. Patients were grouped by baseline history of retinopathy. Proportional hazards regression models were utilized to assess the association between retinopathy and subsequent ESRD, cardiovascular morbidity or death over an average of 2.4 years.

Results

Although younger, the 1895 (47%) patients with retinopathy had longer duration of diabetes, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, more proteinuria, and more microvascular complications. In univariate analysis, retinopathy was associated with a higher rate of ESRD, but not with cardiovascular events or mortality. After adjustment, retinopathy was no longer statistically significant for the prediction of ESRD or any clinical endpoint.

Conclusions

In a large cohort of patients with T2DM, CKD, and anemia, retinopathy was common but not independently associated with a higher risk of renal or cardiovascular morbidity or death.

Trial registration number

NCT00093015
Case–control study of anaemia among middle-aged and elderly women in three rural areas of China
Authors: Song Pengkun , Li Lixiang , Man Qingqing , Wang Chunrong , Meng Liping , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To propose a feasible suggestion to reduce the high prevalence of anaemia in middle-aged and elderly women by investigating risk factors, particularly nutritional factors, and analysing the effect on anaemia in three different rural areas of China.

Design

A case–control study.

Setting

Three counties of China.

Participants

Women aged 50–75 years in the three counties.

Main outcome measures

Adjusted OR (95% CI) of anaemia associated with diet, lifestyle and blood biochemical indices.

Results

Compared with controls, women with anaemia had lower body mass index (22.1 (3.2) kg/m2vs 23.2 (3.5) kg/m2; p<0.001), a higher experience of shortage of food (45.0% vs 36.5%; p<0.001), less soy food intake (0.5 (0.3, 26.7) g/day vs 5.6 (0.4, 27.8) g/day; p<0.048), lower serum iron (13.4 (5.4) μmol/L vs 16.4 (5.7) μmol/L; p<0.001), lower ferritin (109.6 (85.6) ng/mL vs 131.0 (92.0) ng/mL; p<0.001), lower transferrin saturation levels (22.5 (9.5)% vs 26.8 (9.6)%; p<0.001) and higher levels of free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (42.4 (21.2) μg/dL vs 39.6 (17.8) μg/dL; p<0.001). Anaemia was significantly associated with BMI(OR=0.90, 95% CI (0.87 to 0.92)), food shortage experience (OR=1.39, 95% CI (1.15 to 1.69)), total protein (OR=0.66, 95%CI (0.54 to 0.80)), Albumin (OR=0.72, 95%CI (0.59 to 0.87)) in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that body mass index, experience of food shortage, total protein and albumin were independently related to anaemia.

Conclusions

Among middle-aged and elderly women in rural China, the nutrition status of anaemic cases is far below that of controls. Lower body mass index and a greater experience of food shortage are closely related to anaemia. Improving the blood protein status by consuming protein-sufficient foods such as soy food is a feasible approach for elderly anaemic women. Further research is needed on the effect of chronic inflammation and infectious disease on anaemia in elderly women in rural China.
A pilot study of quantitative capillary refill time to identify high blood lactate levels in critically ill patients
Authors: Morimura Naoto , Takahashi Kohei , Doi Tomoki , Ohnuki Takahiro , Sakamoto Tetsuya , Uchida Yasuyuki , Takahashi Hiroki , Fujita Takashi , Ikeda Hiroto
Published: August 2014

Introduction

We developed a new device to quantify capillary refill time (CRT) by applying the pulse oximeter principle, and evaluated the correlation between quantitative CRT (Q-CRT) and hypoperfusion status, as represented by blood lactate levels, in critically ill patients.

Methods

A pilot study was undertaken in the intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary emergency medical centre. While the pulse oxygen saturation sensor was placed on the finger of the patients, transmitted light intensity (TLI) was measured with a pulse oximeter (OLV-3100; Nihon Kohden, Tokyo, Japan) before and during compression of the finger. Q-CRT was defined as the interval from the release of compression to the time when TLI reached 90% of baseline.

Results

Q-CRT was analysed in a total of 57 waveforms among 23 patients and statistically correlated with lactate levels (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, 0.681; p<0.001). The cut-off value of Q-CRT for predicting a lactate level of ≥2.0 mmol/L was 6.81 s (area under the curve (AUC) (95% CI 1.000 (1.000 to 1.000), p<0.001), and the value for predicting a lactate level of ≥4.0 mmol/L was 7.27 s (AUC=0.989 (95% CI 0.954 to 1.000), p<0.001).

Conclusions

Q-CRT correlated with blood lactate levels in this pilot study. The most useful threshold for Q-CRT was ∼6–8 s. Further study is needed to investigate the potential role of this modality as a non-invasive predictor of hypoperfusion in the emergency department, ICU and operating room settings.
NANOMECHANICAL AND CORROSION PROPERTIES OF ZK60 MAGNESIUM ALLOY IMPROVED BY GD ION IMPLANTATION
Authors: TAO XUE WEI , WANG ZHANG ZHONG , ZHANG XIAO BO , BA ZHI XIN , WANG YA MEI
Published: August 2014

Gadolinium ( Gd ) ion implantation with doses from 2.5 × 1016 to 1 × 1017 ions/cm2 into ZK60 magnesium alloy was carried out to improve its surface properties. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), nanoindenter, electrochemical workstation and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were applied to analyze the chemical composition, nanomechanical properties and corrosion characteristics of the implanted layer. The results indicate that Gd ion implantation produces a hybrid-structure protective layer composed of MgO , Gd 2 O 3 and metallic Gd in ZK60 magnesium alloy. The surface hardness and modulus of the Gd implanted magnesium alloy are improved by about 300% and 100%, respectively with the dose of 1 × 1017 ions/cm2, while the slowest corrosion rate of the magnesium alloy in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution is obtained with the dose of 5 × 1016 ions/cm2.
FJ CTS Group: Strategic Restructuring for Turnaround
Authors: Feng Wei , Ma Yong , Deng Shengliang
Published: August 2014

This case describes how Fujian CTS Group, a state-owned company in Fujian Province, China, transformed from a company suffering from three consecutive years of losses to a profitable conglomerate through strategic restructuring. This case focuses on the whole process of strategic restructuring, including the background of the restructuring, the formulation and implementation of the strategic restructuring plan, as well as the results of the restructuring.

FJ CTS group was founded in December 1949 as “Xiamen Overseas Chinese Service”, known as the first travel agency of PR China. After 60 years of development, Fujian CTS Group has developed into a conglomerate with core businesses of travel service, hotel, and tour bus. With the rapid development of China's tourism industry and quick change of business environment, Fujian CTS Group faced fierce competition from many domestic and foreign tourism enterprises, and the company had suffered from three consecutive years of losses since 2003. At the end of 2005, in order to get the company out of financial difficulties and achieve profitability, the board of directors of the group started to work on strategic restructuring program. At the end of 2006, the restructuring plan was completed. In early 2007, the group began the implementation of restructuring plan. Since then, with two years' great efforts, the restructuring of the group had been completed successfully. The company's overall revenue rose steadily, operating performance greatly improved. Until the end of 2009, the total assets of the group reached 13.52 billion Chinese yuan and the three core businesses (travel service segment, hotel segment, and tour bus segment) of the group all achieved good financial performance. The group has achieved turnaround through effective restructuring.
k-torsionfree modules with respect to generalized tilting modules
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Bing , Du Xian-Neng
Published: August 2014

In this paper, the extension closure of the subcategory of mod R consisting of k-torsionfree modules with respect to a generalized tilting bimodule is discussed. Some classical results related to the extension closure of k-torsionfree modules are generalized and strengthened. Let RωS be a cotilting bimodule, the notion of left ⊥ω-approximation dimension is introduced, and as an application, we give a condition such that a ω-k-syzygy module to be ω-k-torsionfree.
Maximal rigid objects without loops in connected 2-CY categories are cluster-tilting objects
Authors: Xu Jinde , Ouyang Baiyu
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we study Conjecture II.1.9 of [A. B. Buan, O. Iyama, I. Reiten and J. Scott, Cluster structures for 2-Calabi–Yau categories and unipotent groups, Compos. Math. 145(4) (2009) 1035–1079], which said that any maximal rigid object without loops or 2-cycles in its quiver is a cluster-tilting object in a connected Hom-finite triangulated 2-CY category [Formula: see text]. We obtain some conditions equivalent to the conjecture, and by using them we prove the conjecture.
2-symmetric lightlike hypersurfaces in semi-Riemannian space forms
Authors: Cengiz Süleyman , Görgülü Ali
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we will investigate 2-symmetry type curvature conditions of a lightlike hypersurface of a semi-Riemannian space form. Then we find some results related with locally symmetric and 2-symmetric lightlike hypersurfaces. Finally the relation between semisymmetric and 2-symmetric lightlike hypersurfaces will be given.
THE PRESENT VALUE MODEL WITH STOCHASTIC DISCOUNT RATE AND AN ANN PROCESS FOR BROAD DIVIDENDS
Authors: FU MAN , BIDARKOTA PRASAD V.
Published: August 2014

This paper uses an artificial neural network (ANN) model to forecast broad dividends, and computes fundamental stock prices with a stochastic discount factor (SDF). Broad dividends are used because they measure payouts to shareholders more accurately. Since nonlinearity is found in broad dividends, an ANN process is fit to these. Empirical results show that the consumption-based broad dividends model with ANN forecasting procedure predicts fundamental prices better, compared with models using linear dividends process, narrow dividends, or a constant discount factor. Nonetheless, actual stock prices remain largely detached from fundamental prices. Deviations between actual and fundamental prices, positive or negative, are found to coincide with business cycles, a result not consistent with alternative models considered in the paper.
Loss of vitamin D receptor signaling from the mammary epithelium or adipose tissue alters pubertal glandular development
Authors: Johnson Abby L. , Zinser Glendon M. , Waltz Susan E.
Published: August 2014

Vitamin D3receptor (VDR) signaling within the mammary gland regulates various postnatal stages of glandular development, including puberty, pregnancy, involution, and tumorigenesis. Previous studies have shown that vitamin D3treatment induces cell-autonomous growth inhibition and differentiation of mammary epithelial cells in culture. Furthermore, mammary adipose tissue serves as a depot for vitamin D3storage, and both epithelial cells and adipocytes are capable of bioactivating vitamin D3. Despite the pervasiveness of VDR in mammary tissue, individual contributions of epithelial cells and adipocytes, as well as the VDR-regulated cross-talk between these two cell types during pubertal mammary development, have yet to be investigated. To assess the cell-type specific effect of VDR signaling during pubertal mammary development, novel mouse models with mammary epithelial- or adipocyte-specific loss of VDR were generated. Interestingly, loss of VDR in either cellular compartment accelerated ductal morphogenesis with increased epithelial cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis within terminal end buds. Conversely, VDR signaling specifically in the mammary epithelium modulated hormone-induced alveolar growth, as ablation of VDR in this cell type resulted in precocious alveolar development. In examining cellular cross-talk ex vivo, we show that ligand-dependent VDR signaling in adipocytes significantly inhibits mammary epithelial cell growth in part through the vitamin D3-dependent production of the cytokine IL-6. Collectively, these studies delineate independent roles for vitamin D3-dependent VDR signaling in mammary adipocytes and epithelial cells in controlling pubertal mammary gland development.
A Comparative Analysis of Ethnomedicinal Practices for Treating Gastrointestinal Disorders Used by Communities Living in Three National Parks (Korea)
Authors: Kim Hyun , Song Mi-Jang , Brian Heldenbrand , Choi Kyoungho
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study is to comparatively analyze the ethnomedicinal practices on gastrointestinal disorders within communities in Jirisan National Park, Gayasan National Park, and Hallasan National Park of Korea. Data was collected through participant observations and indepth interviews with semistructured questionnaires. Methods for comparative analysis were accomplished using the informant consensus factor, fidelity level, and internetwork analysis. A total of 490 ethnomedicinal practices recorded from the communities were classified into 110 families, 176 genera, and 220 species that included plants, animals, fungi, and alga. The informant consensus factor values in the disorder categories were enteritis, and gastralgia (1.0), followed by indigestion (0.94), constipation (0.93), and abdominal pain and gastroenteric trouble (0.92). In terms of fidelity levels, 71 plant species showed fidelity levels of 100%. The internetwork analysis between disorders and all medicinal species are grouped in the center by the four categories of indigestion, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gastroenteric trouble, respectively. Regarding the research method of this study, the comparative analysis methods will contribute to the availability of orally transmitted ethnomedicinal knowledge. Among the methods of analysis, the use of internetwork analysis as a tool for analysis in this study provides imperative internetwork maps between gastrointestinal disorders and medicinal species.
Vibration and Instability of Rotating Composite Thin-Walled Shafts with Internal Damping
Authors: Yongsheng Ren , Xingqi Zhang , Yanghang Liu , Xiulong Chen
Published: August 2014

The dynamical analysis of a rotating thin-walled composite shaft with internal damping is carried out analytically. The equations of motion are derived using the thin-walled composite beam theory and the principle of virtual work. The internal damping of shafts is introduced by adopting the multiscale damping analysis method. Galerkin’s method is used to discretize and solve the governing equations. Numerical study shows the effect of design parameters on the natural frequencies, critical rotating speeds, and instability thresholds of shafts.
Enantioselectivity and Enzyme-Substrate Docking Studies of a Ketoreductase from Sporobolomyces salmonicolor (SSCR) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YOL151w)
Authors: Nguyen Phung-Hoang , West Maya , Feske Brent D. , Padgett Clifford W.
Published: August 2014

Models for two ketoreductases were created and used to predict the stereoselectivity of the enzymes. One was based on the crystal structure of Sporobolomyces salmonicolor. This model was used to predict the stereoselectivity for 46 ketone reductions using this enzyme; only 6 were incorrectly predicted. The stereochemistries of the products were compared to the experimental values found in the literature. The Prelog rules were also used to predict the stereoselectivity for this enzyme; however the Prelog rules seem to be highly substrate dependent. As a result, predicting stereoselectivity of KREDs is more complicated than is allowed for with just substrate size and geometry. This enzyme showed Prelog docking geometry for 13 substrates if the enzyme is assumed to prefer an anti-Prelog docking geometry. For SSCR the molecular modeling proved to be a better method for predicting stereoselectivity of the enzymes. The second model was a homology model for YOL151w based on the enzyme crystal structure of Sporobolomyces salmonicolor carbonyl reductase, SSCR. In this homology model, 14 compounds were docked and the predicted stereochemistry was compared to the literature values. Of these, 5 were incorrectly predicted.
Growing Teratoma Syndrome
Authors: Scavuzzo Anna , Santana Ríos Zael Arturo , Noverón Nancy Reynoso , Jimenez Ríos Miguel Angel
Published: August 2014

Growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) is a rare clinical entity, which presents with enlarging teratomas masses of the retroperitoneum or other locations, occurring during or after systemic chemotherapy for the treatment of nonseminomatous germ cell of the testis (NSGCT), with normalised tumour markers. Awareness of this syndrome is necessary in order to prevent unnecessary chemotherapy and allow optimal management. Prognosis is excellent after the excision of these tumors, but surgery has to be as complete as possible. Surgical resection of bulky GTS lesions is technically challenging; intraoperative complications may occur; that is, why the treatment must not be delayed. Our experience in the surgical management of these lesions is reviewed in the following work.
Trifluoperazine-Induced Angioedema
Authors: Osman Mugtaba , Edwards Daniel , Kilduff Mona
Published: August 2014

Angioedema is a serious adverse drug reaction that can rarely be associated with trifluoperazine treatment. We present the case of a 44-year-old male with an established diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, for which trifluoperazine therapy was considered. He presented to the emergency department with bilateral lower limb oedematous painful erythematous swelling that eased off completely when trifluoperazine was stopped. The possibility of allergic reaction, such as angioedema, should always be kept in mind by psychiatrists and mental health professionals when prescribing trifluoperazine antipsychotic.
Shear Wave Elastography: A New Noninvasive Tool to Assess the Intensity of Fibrosis of Irradiated Salivary Glands in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Kałużny Jarosław , Kopeć Tomasz , Szczepanek-Parulska Ewelina , Stangierski Adam , Gurgul Edyta , Ruchała Marek , Milecki Piotr , Wierzbicka Małgorzata
Published: August 2014

The aim of the study was to assess salivary gland parenchyma by means of sonoelastography in patients irradiated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The studied group consisted of 52 patients after radiotherapy (RT) and 54 healthy volunteers. All of the former were treated for advanced larynx (40), oropharynx (9), or maxilla (3) squamous cancers and suffered from chronic dryness. Ultrasonography (US) and elastography (ES) were performed, as well as an assessment of the amount of saliva and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) scale. There was a statistical difference between ES values in the RT group and in the controls for parotid glands (41.7 kPa versus 26.03 kPa,P=0.0018) and for submandibular glands (37.6 kPa versus 22.4 kPa;P=0.005). There was a significant correlation between the CTCAE scores and objective saliva amount (P=0.0005), and the median amount of saliva in the examined group was lower than in the reference group (1.86 g versus 2.75 g,P=0.0006). In conclusion sonoelastography adds a new parameter to ultrasonography in “one touch examination” and may be a useful tool for major salivary gland evaluation during the radiotherapy course and follow-up period.
PET Quantification of Cerebral Oxygen Metabolism in Small Animals
Authors: Temma Takashi , Koshino Kazuhiro , Moriguchi Tetsuaki , Enmi Jun-ichiro , Iida Hidehiro
Published: August 2014

Understanding cerebral oxygen metabolism is of great importance in both clinical diagnosis and animal experiments because oxygen is a fundamental source of brain energy and supports brain functional activities. Since small animals such as rats are widely used to study various diseases including cerebral ischemia, cerebrovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases, the development of a noninvasivein vivomeasurement method of cerebral oxygen metabolic parameters such as oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) as well as cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) has been a priority. Although positron emission tomography (PET) with15O labeled gas tracers has been recognized as a powerful way to evaluate cerebral oxygen metabolism in humans, this method could not be applied to rats due to technical problems and there were no reports of PET measurement of cerebral oxygen metabolism in rats until an15O-O2injection method was developed a decade ago. Herein, we introduce an intravenous administration method using two types of injectable15O-O2and an15O-O2gas inhalation method through an airway placed in the trachea, which enables oxygen metabolism measurements in rats.
Evidence for the Gut Microbiota Short-Chain Fatty Acids as Key Pathophysiological Molecules Improving Diabetes
Authors: Puddu Alessandra , Sanguineti Roberta , Montecucco Fabrizio , Viviani Giorgio Luciano
Published: August 2014

In type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, increased inflammation, and oxidative stress were shown to be associated with the progressive deterioration of beta-cell function and mass. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are organic fatty acids produced in the distal gut by bacterial fermentation of macrofibrous material that might improve type 2 diabetes features. Their main beneficial activities were identified in the decrease of serum levels of glucose, insulin resistance as well as inflammation, and increase in protective Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. In this review, we updated evidence on the effects of SCFAs potentially improving metabolic control in type 2 diabetes.
Facile Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Some New Heterocyclic Compounds Incorporating a Biologically Active Sulfamoyl Moiety
Authors: Darwish Elham S.
Published: August 2014

A facile and convenient synthesis of new heterocyclic compounds containing a sulfamoyl moiety suitable for use as antimicrobial agents was reported. The precursor 3-oxo-3-phenyl-N-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)propionamide was coupled smoothly with arenediazonium salt producing hydrazones which reacted with malononitrile or triethylorthoformate affording pyridazine and triazine derivatives, respectively. Also, the reactivity of the same precursor with DMF-DMA was followed by aminotriazole; aromatic aldehydes was followed by hydrazine hydrate, triethylorthoformate, or thiourea affording triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, pyrazole, acrylamide, and dihydropyrimidine derivatives, respectively. On the other hand, treatment of the precursor propionamide with phenyl isothiocyanate and KOH in DMF afforded the intermediate salt which was treated with dilute HCl followed by 2-bromo-1-phenylethanone affording carboxamide derivative. While the same intermediate salt reactedin situwith chloroacetone, ethyl 2-chloroacetate, 3-(2-bromoacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-one, methyl iodide, or 2-oxo-N-phenylpropane hydrazonoyl chloride afforded the thiophene, keteneN,S-acetal, and thiadiazole derivatives, respectively. The structure of the new products was established based on elemental and spectral analysis. Antimicrobial evaluation of some selected examples from the synthesized products was carried out whereby four compounds were found to have moderate activities and one compound showed the highest activity.
Real-Time Ship Motion Prediction Based on Time Delay Wavelet Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Liu Zhengjiang
Published: August 2014

A wavelet neural network with time delay is proposed based on nonlinear autoregressive model with exogenous inputs (NARMAX) model, and the sensitivity method is applied in the selection of network inputs. The inclusion of delayed system information improves the network’s capability of representing the dynamic changes of time-varying systems. The implement of sensitivity analysis reduces the dimension of input as well as the dimension of networks, thus improving its generalization ability. The time delay wavelet neural network was implemented to real-time ship motion prediction, simulations are conducted based on the measured data of vessel “YUKUN,” and the results demonstrate that the feasibility of the proposed method.
Investigation on Carbohydrate Counting Method in Type 1 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Son Osman , Efe Belgin , Son Nazan Erenoğlu , Akalin Aysen , Kebapçi Nur
Published: August 2014

Objective. The results from Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) have propounded the importance of the approach of treatment by medical nutrition when treating diabetes mellitus (DM). During this study, we tried to inquire carbohydrate (Kh) count method’s positive effects on the type 1 DM treatment’s success as well as on the life quality of the patients.Methods. 22 of 37 type 1 DM patients who applied to Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Medicine Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, had been treated by Kh count method and 15 of them are treated by multiple dosage intensive insulin treatment with applying standard diabetic diet as a control group and both of groups were under close follow-up for 6 months. Required approval was taken from the Ethical Committee of Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Medical Faculty, as well as informed consent from the patients. The body weight of patients who are treated by carbohydrate count method and multiple dosage intensive insulin treatment during the study beginning and after 6-month term, body mass index, and body compositions are analyzed. A short life quality and medical research survey applied. At statistical analysis,t-test, chi-squared test, and Mann-WhitneyUtest were used.Results. There had been no significant change determined at glycemic control indicators between the Kh counting group and the standard diabetic diet and multiple dosage insulin treatment group in our study.Conclusion. As a result, Kh counting method which offers a flexible nutrition plan to diabetic individuals is a functional method.
Life Cycle and Secondary Production of Four Species from Functional Feeding Groups in a Tropical Stream of South India
Authors: Anbalagan Sankarappan , Dinakaran Sundaram , Krishnan Muthukalingan
Published: August 2014

This study focused on life strategies of species from functional feeding groups (FFGs) found in a tropical stream of the Sirumalai hills, South India. We examined the life cycle and secondary production of species of shredders (Lepidostoma nuburagangai), scrapers (Baetissp.), collectors (Choroterpes alagarensis), and predators (Neoperla biseriata). In addition, we studied the assemblage structure of functional feeding groups. We found the collectors occupied the highest percentage, followed in turn by scrapers, predators, and shredders. The diversity of FFGs was higher at riffle areas and assemblage with stream substrates differing in each functional group. An asynchronous life cycle was observed forBaetis,C. alagarensis, andN. biseriata, whileL. nuburagangaiwas found in four to five generations per year. We acquired data on secondary production of scraper species ofBaetis, which reached the highest values among all investigated species. This observation stresses the importance of scrapers as playing a key role in converting coarse particulate organic matter to fine particulate organic matter with low or high abundances of shredder population and maintaining the food chain in tropical streams.
The Beta-Lindley Distribution: Properties and Applications
Authors: Merovci Faton , Sharma Vikas Kumar
Published: August 2014

We introduce the new continuous distribution, the so-called beta-Lindley distribution that extends the Lindley distribution. We provide a comprehensive mathematical treatment of this distribution. We derive the moment generating function and therth moment thus, generalizing some results in the literature. Expressions for the density, moment generating function, andrth moment of the order statistics also are obtained. Further, we also discuss estimation of the unknown model parameters in both classical and Bayesian setup. The usefulness of the new model is illustrated by means of two real data sets. We hope that the new distribution proposed here will serve as an alternative model to other models available in the literature for modelling positive real data in many areas.
Algorithms to Solve Stochastic H2/H∞ Control with State‐Dependent Noise
Authors: Gao Ming , Fu Changdi , Zhang Weihai
Published: August 2014

This paper is concerned with the algorithms which solve H2/H∞ control problems of stochastic systems with state‐dependent noise. Firstly, the algorithms for the finite and infinite horizon H2/H∞ control of discrete‐time stochastic systems are reviewed and studied. Secondly, two algorithms are proposed for the finite and infinite horizon H2/H∞ control of continuous‐time stochastic systems, respectively. Finally, several numerical examples are presented to show the effectiveness of the algorithms.
Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution of Zinc-Enriched Yeast in Rats
Authors: Zhang Shuangqing , Zhang Yan , Peng Ning , Zhang Haibo , Yao Juan , Li Zhihong , Liu Liegang
Published: August 2014

Zinc-enriched yeast (ZnY) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) are considered zinc (Zn) supplements currently available. The purpose of the investigation was to compare and evaluate pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of ZnY and ZnSO4in rats. ZnY or ZnSO4were orally administered to rats at a single dose of 4 mg Zn/kg and Zn levels in plasma and various tissues were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Maximum plasma concentration values were 3.87 and 2.81 μg/mL for ZnY and ZnSO4, respectively. Both ZnY and ZnSO4were slowly eliminated with a half-life of over 7 h and bone had the highest Zn level in all tissues. Compared to ZnSO4, the relative bioavailability of ZnY was 138.4%, indicating that ZnY had a significantly higher bioavailability than ZnSO4.
CC Chemokine Ligand 18 Correlates with Malignant Progression of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Chen Guo , Liang Yu-xiang , Zhu Jian-guo , Fu Xin , Chen Yan-fei , Mo Ru-jun , Zhou Liang , Fu Hao , Bi Xue-cheng , He Hui-chan , Yang Sheng-bang , Wu Yong-ding , Jiang Fu-neng , Zhong Wei-de
Published: August 2014

Background and Aim. CC chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) promotes malignant behaviors of various human cancer types. However, its involvement in human prostate cancer has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CCL18 in PCa.Methods. Expression of CCL18 at mRNA and protein levels was detected using real-time qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis. We analyzed the associations of CCL18 expression with clinical features of human PCa. The effects of PCa cell migration, invasion, and apoptosis were tested. The efficiency of CCL18 on prostate tumor growth was assessed in a subcutaneous xenograft model.Results. CCL18 expression was upregulated (bothP<0.01) in PCa tissues compared with those in noncancerous prostate tissues. CCL18 upregulation was correlated with high Gleason score (P=0.034) of patients with PCa. rCCL18 stimulation in PCa cells promoted cell migration and invasion but decreased DU145 cells apoptosis rate. Furthermore, subcutaneous homografts models showed the increased tumor growth and tumor vascularization with the CCL18 stimulation, and the expression of Ki67, PCNA, and CD31 in CCL18 stimulation mice was also significantly increased.Conclusions. Our data offer the convincing evidence that the upregulation of CCL18 may be involved in the malignant progression of PCa.
Spontaneous Ad Hoc Mobile Cloud Computing Network
Authors: Lacuesta Raquel , Lloret Jaime , Sendra Sandra , Peñalver Lourdes
Published: August 2014

Cloud computing helps users and companies to share computing resources instead of having local servers or personal devices to handle the applications. Smart devices are becoming one of the main information processing devices. Their computing features are reaching levels that let them create a mobile cloud computing network. But sometimes they are not able to create it and collaborate actively in the cloud because it is difficult for them to build easily a spontaneous network and configure its parameters. For this reason, in this paper, we are going to present the design and deployment of a spontaneous ad hoc mobile cloud computing network. In order to perform it, we have developed a trusted algorithm that is able to manage the activity of the nodes when they join and leave the network. The paper shows the network procedures and classes that have been designed. Our simulation results using Castalia show that our proposal presents a good efficiency and network performance even by using high number of nodes.