bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penetration of GSK1322322 into Epithelial Lining Fluid and Alveolar Macrophages as Determined by Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Authors: Naderer Odin J. , Rodvold Keith A. , Jones Lori S. , Zhu John Z. , Bowen Chester L. , Chen Liangfu , Dumont Etienne
Published: November 2013

GSK1322322 is a potent peptide deformylase inhibitor within vitroandin vivoactivity against multidrug-resistant skin and respiratory pathogens. This report provides plasma and intrapulmonary pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of GSK1322322 after repeat (twice daily intravenous dosing for 4 days) dosing at 1,500 mg. Plasma samples were collected over the last 12-hour dosing interval of repeat dosing following the day 4 morning dose (the last dose). Bronchoalveolar lavage samples were collected once in each subject, either before or at 2 or 6 h after the last intravenous dose. Plasma area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0–τ) was 66.7 μg · h/ml, and maximum concentration of drug in serum (Cmax) was 25.4 μg/ml following repeat doses of intravenous GSK1322322. The time course of epithelial lining fluid (ELF) and alveolar macrophages (AM) mirrored the plasma concentration-time profile. The AUC0–τfor ELF and AM were 78.9 μg · h/ml and 169 μg · h/ml, respectively. The AUC0–τratios of ELF and AM to total plasma were 1.2 and 2.5, respectively. These ratios increased to 3.5 and 7.4, respectively, when unbound plasma was considered. These results are supportive of GSK1322322 as a potential antimicrobial agent for the treatment of lower respiratory tract bacterial infections caused by susceptible pathogens. (This study has been registered atClinicalTrials.govunder registration number NCT01610388.)
Bactericidal Activity and Mechanism of Action of AZD5847, a Novel Oxazolidinone for Treatment of Tuberculosis
Authors: Balasubramanian V. , Solapure S. , Iyer H. , Ghosh A. , Sharma S. , Kaur P. , Deepthi R. , Subbulakshmi V. , Ramya V. , Ramachandran V. , Balganesh M. , Wright L. , Melnick D. , Butler S. L. , Sambandamurthy V. K.
Published: November 2013

Treatment of tuberculosis (TB) is impaired by the long duration and complexity of therapy and the rising incidence of drug resistance. There is an urgent need for new agents with improved efficacy, safety, and compatibility with combination chemotherapies. Oxazolidinones offer a potential new class of TB drugs, and linezolid—the only currently approved oxazolidinone—has proven highly effective against extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB in experimental trials. However, widespread use of linezolid is prohibited by its significant toxicities. AZD5847, a novel oxazolidinone, demonstrates improved
in vitro
bactericidal activity against both extracellular and intracellular
M. tuberculosis
compared to that of linezolid. Killing kinetics in broth media and in macrophages indicate that the rate and extent of kill obtained with AZD5847 are superior to those obtained with linezolid. Moreover, the efficacy of AZD5847 was additive when tested along with a variety of conventional TB agents, indicating that AZD5847 may function well in combination therapies. AZD5847 appears to function similarly to linezolid through impairment of the mycobacterial 50S ribosomal subunit. Future studies should be undertaken to further characterize the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of AZD5847 in both
in vitro
and animal models as well is in human clinical trials.
Insights into the Mode of Action of Novel Fluoroketolides, Potent Inhibitors of Bacterial Protein Synthesis
Authors: Krokidis Marios G. , Márquez Viter , Wilson Daniel N. , Kalpaxis Dimitrios L. , Dinos George P.
Published: November 2013

Ketolides, the third generation of expanded-spectrum macrolides, have in the last years become a successful weapon in the endless war against macrolide-resistant pathogens. Ketolides are semisynthetic derivatives of the naturally produced macrolide erythromycin, displaying not only improved activity against some erythromycin-resistant strains but also increased bactericidal activity as well as inhibitory effects at lower drug concentrations. In this study, we present a series of novel ketolides carrying alkyl-aryl side chains at the C-6 position of the lactone ring and, additionally, one or two fluorine atoms attached either directly to the lactone ring at the C-2 position or indirectly via the C-13 position. According to our genetic and biochemical studies, these novel ketolides occupy the known macrolide binding site at the entrance of the ribosomal tunnel and exhibit lower MIC values against wild-type or mutant strains than erythromycin. In most cases, the ketolides display activities comparable to or better than the clinically used ketolide telithromycin. Chemical protection experiments usingEscherichia coliribosomes bearing U2609C or U754A mutations in 23S rRNA suggest that the alkyl-aryl side chain establishes an interaction with the U2609-A752 base pair, analogous to that observed with telithromycin but unlike the interactions formed by cethromycin. These findings reemphasize the versatility of the alkyl-aryl side chains with respect to species specificity, which will be important for future design of improved antimicrobial agents.
Meta-Analysis of the Adverse Effects of Long-Term Azithromycin Use in Patients with Chronic Lung Diseases
Authors: Li Hui , Liu Ding-Hui , Chen Lu-Lu , Zhao Qi , Yu Yan-Zhe , Ding Jing-Jing , Miao Li-Yun , Xiao Yong-Long , Cai Hou-Rong , Zhang De-Ping , Guo Yu-Biao , Xie Can-Mao
Published: November 2013

The adverse effects of azithromycin on the treatment of patients with chronic lung diseases (CLD) were evaluated in the present study. MEDLINE and other databases were searched for relevant articles published until August 2013. Randomized controlled trials that enrolled patients with chronic lung diseases who received long-term azithromycin treatment were selected, and data on microbiological studies and azithromycin-related adverse events were abstracted from articles and analyzed. Six studies were included in the meta-analysis. The risk of bacterial resistance in patients receiving long-term azithromycin treatment was increased 2.7-fold (risk ratio [RR], 2.69 [95% confidence interval {95% CI}, 1.249, 5.211]) compared with the risk in patients receiving placebo treatment. On the other hand, the risk of bacterial colonization decreased in patients receiving azithromycin treatment (RR, 0.551 [95% CI, 0.460, 0.658]). Patients receiving long-term azithromycin therapy were at risk of increased impairment of hearing (RR, 1.168 [95% CI, 1.030, 1.325]). This analysis provides evidence supporting the idea that bacterial resistance can develop with long-term azithromycin treatment. Besides the increasingly recognized anti-inflammatory role of azithromycin used in treating chronic lung diseases, we should be aware of the potential for adverse events with its long-term use.
Mycobacterium avium Biofilm Attenuates Mononuclear Phagocyte Function by Triggering Hyperstimulation and Apoptosis during Early Infection
Authors: Rose Sasha J. , Bermudez Luiz E.
Published: November 2013

Mycobacterium aviumsubsp.hominissuisis an opportunistic human pathogen that has been shown to form biofilmin vitroandin vivo. Biofilm formationin vivoappears to be associated with infections in the respiratory tract of the host. The reasoning behind howM. aviumsubsp.hominissuisbiofilm is allowed to establish and persist without being cleared by the innate immune system is currently unknown. To identify the mechanism responsible for this, we developed anin vitromodel using THP-1 human mononuclear phagocytes cocultured with establishedM. aviumsubsp.hominissuisbiofilm and surveyed various aspects of the interaction, including phagocyte stimulation and response, bacterial killing, and apoptosis.M. aviumsubsp.hominissuisbiofilm triggered robust tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) release from THP-1 cells as well as superoxide and nitric oxide production. Surprisingly, the hyperstimulated phagocytes did not effectively eliminate the cells of the biofilm, even when prestimulated with gamma interferon (IFN-γ) or TNF-α or cocultured with natural killer cells (which have been shown to induce anti-M. aviumsubsp.hominissuisactivity when added to THP-1 cells infected with planktonicM. aviumsubsp.hominissuis). Time-lapse microscopy and the TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling) assay determined that contact with theM. aviumsubsp.hominissuisbiofilm led to early, widespread onset of apoptosis, which is not seen until much later in planktonicM. aviumsubsp.hominissuisinfection. Blocking TNF-α or TNF-R1 during interaction with the biofilm significantly reduced THP-1 apoptosis but did not lead to elimination ofM. aviumsubsp.hominissuis. Our data collectively indicate thatM. aviumsubsp.hominissuisbiofilm induces TNF-α-driven hyperstimulation and apoptosis of surveilling phagocytes, which prevents clearance of the biofilm by cells of the innate immune system and allows the biofilm-associated infection to persist.
Differentiation of mucinous cystic neoplasm and cystic changes associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ha Tae Hwan , Jeon Tae Joo , Park Ji Young
Published: November 2013

A 63-year-old woman presented to the hospital with persistent nausea, dyspepsia and weight loss for 6 months. Abdomen CT showed a low-attenuation mass, approximately 7.6 cm diameter, in the region of the body and tail of the pancreas. Cystic lesions, 5.5×4.9 cm and 4.6×3.7 cm in size, were observed in the body and tail of the pancreas, respectively, associated with the low-attenuation mass. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) revealed fetal carcinoembryonic antigen levels of >1000 ng/mL and necrotic cells with no malignant cells. On the basis of the imaging and EUS-FNA results, a putative diagnosis of mucinous cystadenoma accompanying pancreatic adenocarcinoma was made, and distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy were performed. Final biopsy using the surgical specimen confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma with moderate differentiation accompanied by degenerative cystic changes.
A systematic review of eculizumab for atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS)
Authors: Rathbone John , Kaltenthaler Eva , Richards Anna , Tappenden Paul , Bessey Alice , Cantrell Anna
Published: November 2013

Objective

To determine the efficacy and safety of eculizumab for patients with atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS), compared with current treatment options.

Design

A systematic review was performed according to the general principles of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. All study designs were included, except case histories.

Participants

All patients diagnosed with aHUS were included; no age restrictions were used.

Interventions

Eculizumab compared with current treatment options.

Identification of studies

12 databases were searched. Additional searches were performed through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Electronic Medicines Compendium websites, Google internet searches and contacting clinical experts. Reference lists of relevant articles were checked for additional studies.

Results

2 small, uncontrolled prospective multinational, multicentre studies and one small uncontrolled multinational, multicentre retrospective study were included. No meta-analyses were performed. Compared with baseline measures, thrombotic microangiopathy event-free status was achieved in 84% of patients in the prospective studies. Adverse events, as documented by enrolling investigators were frequent, with upper-respiratory tract infection affecting a third of patients. No deaths or episodes of meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia occurred in the prospective studies. Results of the study extension phases up to 114 weeks indicate that the benefits of the treatment are sustained.

Conclusions

Eculizumab is clinically effective for the treatment of aHUS. Further research is needed to evaluate eculizumab, ideally using patient-related clinical outcomes. If randomised studies are not feasible, study investigators should ensure that the threat of bias is minimised in future studies of eculizumab with respect to the reporting of patient recruitment and selection.
Wood density as a screening trait for drought sensitivity in Norway spruce
Authors: Rosner S. , Světlík J. , Andreassen K. , Børja I. , Dalsgaard L. , Evans R. , Karlsson B. , Tollefsrud M.M. , Solberg S.
Published: November 2013

We linked hydraulic vulnerability in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) trunkwood with different cambial age to wood density and applied the findings on annual density variations in healthy and declining trees from southern Norway during 1990 to 2010. We hypothesized that drought stress due to the 2003 or 2006 European heat waves were the triggers for tree decline and focused analyses on the structure of wood that was produced after, as well as before, signs of stress, i.e., when decreases in height or diameter growth were visible. In the data set comprising previously published and new measurements, P50, i.e., the pressure potential necessary to induce a 50% loss in hydraulic conductivity, was negatively related to wood density. Declining trees produced wider annual rings with lower density than vigorous trees before their radial and height increment started to decline in 2003 or 2006. Trees that produced low-density wood under favorable water availability were more stressed by a sudden drought event because of higher P50values in their sapwood. Due to the strong genotypic relationship between wood density and growth, we suggest that spruce trees selected for fast growth might experience limited hydraulic performance under the impact of extreme heat waves.
THE RENORMALIZED LOCALLY COVARIANT DIRAC FIELD
Authors: ZAHN JOCHEN
Published: November 2013

The definition of the locally covariant Dirac field is adapted such that it may be charged under a gauge group and in the presence of generic gauge and Yukawa background fields. We construct renormalized Wick powers and time-ordered products. It is shown that the Wick powers may be defined such that the current and the stress-energy tensor are conserved, and the remaining ambiguity is characterized. We sketch a variant of the background field method that can be used to determine the renormalization group flow at the one loop level from the nontrivial scaling of Wick powers.
INVESTIGATION OF THE HALL EFFECT IN RECTANGULAR QUANTUM WELLS WITH A PERPENDICULAR MAGNETIC FIELD IN THE PRESENCE OF A HIGH-FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE
Authors: BAU NGUYEN QUANG , HOI BUI DINH
Published: November 2013

The Hall effect is theoretically studied in a rectangular quantum well (RQW) with infinite barriers subjected to a crossed dc electric field and magnetic field (the magnetic field is oriented perpendicularly to the barriers) in the presence of a high-frequency electromagnetic wave (EMW). By using the quantum kinetic equation for electrons interacting with acoustic phonons at low temperatures, we obtain analytical expressions for the conductivity tensor as well as the Hall coefficient (HC). Numerical results for the AlGaN/GaN RQW show the Shubnikov–de Haas (SdH) oscillations in the magnetoresistance (MR) whose period does not depend on the temperature and amplitude decreases with increasing temperature. In the presence of the EMW, the MR shows maxima at Ω/ω c = 1, 2, 3, … and minima at Ω/ω c = 3/2, 5/2, 7/2, … (Ω and ω c are the EMW and the cyclotron frequencies, respectively), and with increasing of the EMW amplitude the MR approaches zero. Obtained results are in accordance with recent experimental data and in good agreement with other theories in two-dimensional (2D) electron systems. The results for the HC show a saturation of the HC as the magnetic field or the EMW frequency increases. Furthermore, in the region of large magnetic field the HC depends weakly on the well-width.
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE OF GRAPHENE AND GERMANENE BASED ON DOUBLE HEXAGONAL STRUCTURE
Authors: NAJI S. , BELHAJ A. , LABRIM H. , BENYOUSSEF A. , EL KENZ A.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we study the electronic structure of monolayer materials based on a double hexagonal geometry with (1×1) and [Formula: see text] superstructures. Inspired from the two-dimensional root system of an exceptional Lie algebra called G2, this hexagonal atomic configuration involves two hexagons of unequal side length at angle 30°. The principal unit hexagonal cell contains twelve atoms instead of the usual configuration involving only six ones relying only on the (1×1) superstructure. Using ab initio calculations based on FPLO9.00-34 code, we investigate numerically the graphene and the germanene with the double hexagonal geometry. In particular, we find that the usual electronic properties and the lattice parameters of such materials are modified. More precisely, the lattice parameters are increased. It has been shown that, in the single hexagonal geometry, the grapheme and the germanene behave as a gapless semiconductor and a semi-metallic, respectively. In double hexagonal geometry however, both materials becomes metallic.
TaN BOTTOM ELECTRODE THERMAL SENSING RESISTOR FOR MEMs-BASED BOLOMETER APPLICATION
Authors: KANG XIAOXU , LI JIAQING , YUAN CHAO , CHEN SHOUMIAN , ZHAO YUHANG
Published: November 2013

In this work, TaN bottom electrode thermal sensing resistor for MEMs-based bolometer was designed and fabricated by 200 mm Cu -BEOL compatible process. Thermal sensing material was B -doped alpha- Si deposited by PECVD in situ doping process. PVD TaN film was used as the bottom electrode. Dedicated process on modified tool was introduced to achieve a good contact between the TaN and the sensing material. There are both CVD and Etch chambers installed on this modified tool. Wafer with bottom electrode pattern was pre-cleaned firstly by low-power Ar /CF4 gas to remove oxide and possible surface residue on TaN in the etch chamber. Then, the wafer was transferred to CVD chamber through transfer chamber in vacuum condition. With vacuum transfer condition under tight Q-time control, Ohmic contact can be achieved for the TaN bottom electrode and B -doped alpha- Si . Through the IV curve and TCR data, it can be seen that the bottom electrode device can well meet the MEMs-based bolometer requirements.
A LDO REGULATOR WITH PRE-REGULATOR AND MULTI-ZERO AND MULTI-POLE FREQUENCY COMPENSATION
Authors: WANG YONGSHENG , FENG XIAOXIONG , CAO BEI
Published: November 2013

A low dropout (LDO) linear regulator with pre-regulator is presented in this paper. The LDO is suitable for wide power supply of 4.5–28 V for smart battery system applications to generate a stable 1.8 V output. The proposed LDO provides high stability by pre-regulator for a rough 3.3 V as internal power supply and multi-zero and multi-pole frequency compensation. The scheme of combining of using output capacitor to set a dominant pole, utilizing a buffer stage to avoid generation of low-frequency pole, introducing an additional zero, is presented to stabilize the regulator loop for various load conditions and wide supply range. Besides, parasitic poles in high frequency can be compensated by feed-forward compensation and mirror-pole compensation.
Sizing and Performance of Fixed-Rate Residential Mortgage Asset-Backed Securities Tranches
Authors: Lin Che-Chun , Chang Jow-Ran , Chu Ting-Heng , Prather Larry J.
Published: November 2013

The objective of this paper is to offer a methodology for sizing credit-sensitive Asset Backed Securities (ABS) used in the prime mortgage lending sector in the U.S. and then to evaluate their relative performance. Using a multi-factor Monte Carlo simulation framework, we perform a four-step analysis. First, we estimate scenario-specific credit losses from a given mortgage pool. We then structure the pool into a "6-pack" subordination structure based on statistically-determined stress economic scenarios. Next, we estimate performance indicators of the tranches to compare risk-adjusted returns. Finally, we report our results in terms of tranche-specific risk-adjusted returns. The results indicate that the middle tranches of ABS, e.g., BBB and BB, possess the lowest risk-adjusted returns. We also find and explain a "cliff" phenomenon in the tranche-level principal cash flows.
An r-Adaptive Technique for Unstructured Grids Based on the Segment Spring Analogy Method
Authors: Sun X. , Zhang J. Z.
Published: November 2013

A simple and effective r-adaptive technique for unstructured grids based on the segment spring analogy method is proposed. The finite element method and a corresponding error estimate method using second derivatives are used for computation. The traditional segment spring analogy method is modified, based on an idea of controlling the equilibrium length of the fictitious springs, and used for mesh adjustment. The principle of making numerical errors distributed uniformly over all elements is applied. Three numerical examples involving the one-dimensional (1D) convection-diffusion equation, the two-dimensional (2D) linear parabolic equation and the 2D Euler equations are presented and the effectiveness of the proposed r-type grid adaptive technique is examined.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GENOME PACKING IN THE BACTERIOPHAGE CAPSID AND THE KINETICS OF DNA EJECTION
Authors: DE FRUTOS M. , LEFORESTIER A. , LIVOLANT F.
Published: November 2013

We present a general survey of experimental and theoretical observations of DNA structure and in vitro ejection kinetics for different bacteriophage species. In some species, like T5, the ejection may present pauses and arrests that have not been detected in others species like Lambda. We propose hypotheses to explain such differences and we discuss how the experimental conditions may be important for their detection. Our work highlights the role of DNA organization inside the bacteriophage capsid on the stochastic and out of equilibrium nature of the ejection process.
Protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of neonatal pigs is enhanced by administration of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate
Authors: Wheatley Scott M. , El-Kadi Samer W. , Suryawan Agus , Boutry Claire , Orellana Renán A. , Nguyen Hanh V. , Davis Steven R. , Davis Teresa A.
Published: November 2013

Many low-birth-weight infants experience failure to thrive. The amino acid leucine stimulates protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of the neonate, but less is known about the effects of the leucine metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB). To determine the effects of HMB on protein synthesis and the regulation of translation initiation and degradation pathways, overnight-fasted neonatal pigs were infused with HMB at 0, 20, 100, or 400 μmol·kg body wt−1·h−1 for 1 h (HMB 0, HMB 20, HMB 100, or HMB 400). Plasma HMB concentrations increased with infusion and were 10, 98, 316, and 1,400 nmol/ml in the HMB 0, HMB 20, HMB 100, and HMB 400 pigs. Protein synthesis rates in the longissimus dorsi (LD), gastrocnemius, soleus, and diaphragm muscles, lung, and spleen were greater in HMB 20 than in HMB 0, and in the LD were greater in HMB 100 than in HMB 0. HMB 400 had no effect on protein synthesis. Eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)4E·eIF4G complex formation and ribosomal protein S6 kinase-1 and 4E-binding protein-1 phosphorylation increased in LD, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles with HMB 20 and HMB 100 and in diaphragm with HMB 20. Phosphorylation of eIF2α and elongation factor 2 and expression of system A transporter (SNAT2), system L transporter (LAT1), muscle RING finger 1 protein (MuRF1), muscle atrophy F-box (atrogin-1), and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-II) were unchanged. Results suggest that supplemental HMB enhances protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of neonates by stimulating translation initiation.
Modelling the Influence of Manufacturing Process Variables on Dimensional Changes of Porcelain Tiles
Authors: Santos-Barbosa Dolly , Hotza Dachamir , Boix Juan , Mallol Gustavo
Published: November 2013

A model to study the influence of main process variables (powder moisture, maximum compaction pressure, and maximum firing temperature) on the intermediate variables (mass, dry bulk density, size, and thickness) and the final dimensions of porcelain tiles is proposed. The properties of dried and fired bodies are basically determined by the process parameters when the physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics of the raw material are kept constant. For a given set of conditions, an equation could be sought for each property as a function of raw materials and processing. In order to find the relationship between moisture content and compaction pressure with dry bulk density, springback, and drying and firing shrinkage, a laboratory experimental design with three factors and four levels was applied. The methodology was validated in lab scale for a porcelain tile. The final size and thickness were estimated, and the influence of the main process variables was analysed.
Anthropometric Measurements of the Human Distal Femur: A Study of the Adult Malay Population
Authors: Hussain Fitdriyah , Abdul Kadir Mohammed Rafiq , Zulkifly Ahmad Hafiz , Sa’at Azlin , Aziz Azian Abd. , Hossain Md. Golam , Kamarul T. , Syahrom Ardiyansyah
Published: November 2013

The distal femurs of 100 subjects (50 men, 50 women) from the Malay population aged between 19 and 38 years were scanned to measure the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) width. The mean AP values were 64.02 ± 3.38 mm and 57.33 ± 3.26 mm for men and women, respectively, and the mean ML values were 74.91 ± 3.52 mm and 64.53 ± 3.07 mm. We compared our data to that published previously for the Chinese and Indian populations. It was found that the Malay population had smaller distal femur than that of the Chinese but was larger than that of the Indian population (P< 0.05). In conclusion, although it is well established that Asians have a smaller distal femur size than that of the Western population, the variations in different Asian ethnicities may need to be considered when designing the appropriate knee implant.
Phase Pattern Calibration for Interferometric Applications in Spaceborne SAR Systems
Authors: Bachmann Markus , Schwerdt Marco , Castellanos Alfonzo Gabriel , Schrank Dirk
Published: November 2013

SAR is a widely used technique to acquire images for geoscience and earth observation applications. Active phased array antennas are commonly used in spaceborne SAR systems. For certain modes and applications, it is necessary to know the phase behavior of these phased array antennas. For applications utilizing the different polarization channels for interferometry, the phase difference between the polarizations needs to be calibrated very accurately as it is the main evaluation parameter. Also for single-pass interferometric missions, the difference between the two antennas in terms of phase gradients is of major importance. This paper demonstrates for the first time the usage of phase patterns in an operational interferometric SAR mission. It describes why these phase patterns are required and how they are used to fulfill the different goals of the missions. Then, the mathematical model to derive the phase of the antenna patterns is shown. Finally, the paper explains how the antenna patterns are calibrated in order to minimize their residual errors and describes in detail the measurements performed for this calibration and verification.
Low Temperature Synthesis of α-Alumina with a Seeding Technique
Authors: Inoue Kazuhiro , Hama Masachika , Kobayashi Yoshio , Yasuda Yusuke , Morita Toshiaki
Published: November 2013

This paper reports a method for producing α-Al2O3 at low temperature, which uses a seeding technique. White precipitate of aluminum hydroxide, which was prepared with a homogeneous precipitation method using aluminum nitrate and urea in aqueous solution, was peptized by using acetic acid at room temperature and then transformed to a transparent alumina sol. To the alumina sol α-Al2O3 particles were added as a seed, and then the sol containing α-Al2O3 particles was transformed to an α-Al2O3-seeded alumina gel by drying the sol at room temperature. The nonseeded alumina gel was amorphous or fine crystallites even after being annealed at 600°C and was crystallized to γ-Al2O3 at 700°C. The α-Al2O3 seeding promoted crystallization of alumina gel to α-Al2O3. The promotion of crystallization was made remarkable with a decrease in α-Al2O3 particle size and an increase in α-Al2O3 particle content in weight for the final seeded alumina gel. With an α-Al2O3 particle size of 150 nm and an α-Al2O3 particle content of 5%, the seeded alumina gel was partially crystallized to α-Al2O3 by annealing at a temperature as low as 700°C and mostly at 900°C.
Processing of CNTs Reinforced Al‐Based Nanocomposites Using Different Consolidation Techniques
Authors: Al-Aqeeli N.
Published: November 2013

In this work, the development of two types of Al‐based alloys with different concentrations of Si reinforced with MWCNT’s at 0.5–2.0 wt% is presented. Sonication of the CNT’s in ethyl alcohol was carried out for dispersion, and the mixtures were ball milled for 1, 3, and 5 hrs. SEM/EDS were used to study the morphology and the effects of changing milling parameters in addition to changes caused due to increasing concentration of the CNT’s. Furthermore, three sintering techniques, namely, Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS), Microwave Sintering (μWS), and Hot Isostatic Press Sintering (HIP) were employed to consolidate the ball milled powders at varying temperatures of 400, 450, and 500°C. It was found that SPS consolidated samples showed the most promising results amongst the three with the highest hardness values; around 100% densification, as well as the finest microstructure. On the other hand, microwave sintered samples showed the least appealing results, this could be attributed to the poor temperature distribution and the pressureless nature of the technique. A sintering temperature of 500°C was found to be the most suitable for these types of alloys.
Effects of PARP‐1 Deficiency on Th1 and Th2 Cell Differentiation
Authors: Sambucci M. , Laudisi F. , Novelli F. , Bennici E. , Rosado M. M. , Pioli C.
Published: November 2013

T cell differentiation to effector Th cells such as Th1 and Th2 requires the integration of multiple synergic and antagonist signals. Poly(ADP‐ribosy)lation is a posttranslational modification of proteins catalyzed by Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerases (PARPs). Recently, many reports showed that PARP‐1, the prototypical member of the PARP family, plays a role in immune/inflammatory responses. Consistently, its enzymatic inhibition confers protection in several models of immune‐mediated diseases, mainly through an inhibitory effect on NF‐κB (and NFAT) activation. PARP‐1 regulates cell functions in many types of immune cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and T and B lymphocytes. Our results show that PARP‐1KO cells displayed a reduced ability to differentiate in Th2 cells. Under both nonskewing and Th2‐polarizing conditions, naïve CD4 cells from PARP‐1KO mice generated a reduced frequency of IL‐4+ cells, produced less IL‐5, and expressed GATA‐3 at lower levels compared with cells from wild type mice. Conversely, PARP‐1 deficiency did not substantially affect differentiation to Th1 cells. Indeed, the frequency of IFN‐γ+ cells as well as IFN‐γ production, in nonskewing and Th1‐polarizing conditions, was not affected by PARP‐1 gene ablation. These findings demonstrate that PARP‐1 plays a relevant role in Th2 cell differentiation and it might be a target to be exploited for the modulation of Th2‐dependent immune‐mediated diseases.
Sex-Specific Genomic Biomarkers for Individualized Treatment of Life-Threatening Diseases
Authors: Moon Hojin , Lopez Karen L. , Lin Grace I. , Chen James J.
Published: November 2013

Numerous studies have demonstrated sex differences in drug reactions to the same drug treatment, steering away from the traditional view of one-size-fits-all medicine. A premise of this study is that the sex of a patient influences difference in disease characteristics and risk factors. In this study, we intend to exploit and to obtain better sex-specific biomarkers from gene-expression data. We propose a procedure to isolate a set of important genes as sex-specific genomic biomarkers, which may enable more effective patient treatment. A set of sex-specific genes is obtained by a variable importance ranking using a combination of cross-validation methods. The proposed procedure is applied to three gene-expression datasets.
Retroperitoneal Angiomyolipoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Strahan Andrew , King Jonathan , McClintock Scott
Published: November 2013

Retroperitoneal angiomyolipoma is a rare tumour that is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. We present a case of retroperitoneal angiomyolipoma that highlights its diagnostic dilemma. We also performed a literature review and present a review of retroperitoneal angiomyolipoma.
The Historical Development ofDeqiConcept from Classics of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Modern Research: Exploitation of the Connotation ofDeqiin Chinese Medicine
Authors: Yuan Hong-Wen , Ma Liang-Xiao , Qi Dan-Dan , Zhang Peng , Li Chun-Hua , Zhu Jiang
Published: November 2013

Although it is difficult in fully clarifying its mechanisms and effects,Deqistill can be considered as an instant “sign” of acupuncture response of the patient and acupuncturist, which has a significant value in clinic and research. This paper aims to take a history trace to the development ofDeqitheory, understand the connotation ofDeqibased on Chinese medicine theory, and establish an evaluation methodology accordingly. We believe thatDeqiis not only the needling sensation, but also the perception of changes ofqi'flowing of the patient elicited by needling on acupoints. The signs ofDeqiinclude the patient’s subjective perception (needling sensation), the objective physiological changes (common referred to the skin redness around the acupoints and the response of brain), and the acupuncturists' perception. AlthoughDeqiis essential for attaining the effect, it may not be the necessary sign of the ideal efficacy. It is found that the characteristics ofDeqisensations,Deqi’s intensity, time duration, and the propagation will all affect the efficacy. Thus, acupuncturists should pay attention to elicit and controlDeqistate, which is also the key point in modern research on the therapeutic implications ofDeqi.
A New Existence Theory for Positive Periodic Solutions to a Class of Neutral Delay Model with Feedback Control and Impulse
Authors: Luo Zhenguo , Huang Jianhua , Dai Binxiang
Published: November 2013

We acquire some sufficient and realistic conditions for the existence of
positive periodic solution of a general neutral impulsive n-species competitive model with feedback
control by applying some analysis techniques and a new existence theorem, which is different from
Gaines and Mawhin's continuation theorem and abstract continuation theory for k-set contraction. As applications, we also examine some special cases, which have been studied extensively in the literature, some known results are improved and generalized.
Radar Measurement of Human Polarimetric Micro-Doppler
Authors: Tahmoush David , Silvious Jerry
Published: November 2013

We use polarimetric micro-Doppler for the detection of arm motion, especially for the classification of whether someone has their arms swinging and is thus unloaded. The arm is often bent at the elbow, providing a surface somewhat similar to a dihedral. This is distinct from the more planar surfaces of the body which allows us to isolate the signals of the arm (and knee). The dihedral produces a double bounce that can be seen in polarimetric radar data by measuring the phase difference between HH and VV. This measurement can then be used to determine whether the subject is unloaded.
Assessment of Factors Associated with Breast Self-Examination among Health Extension Workers in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Azage Muluken , Abeje Gedefaw , Mekonnen Alemtsehay
Published: November 2013

Background. Early detection of breast cancer using breast self-examination (BSE) plays an important role in decreasing its morbidity and mortality.Objective. To identify factors associated with BSE among health extension workers in Northwest Ethiopia.Methods. Cross-sectional study design was employed from October to November, 2012 in West Gojjam Zone of Amhara region. Simple random sampling technique was used to recruit a total of 390 health extension workers (HEWs). A structured Amharic questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS statistical package version 16.0.Result. This study found that 37% of HEWs had ever practiced BSE and 14.4% practiced it regularly. The three main reasons for not doing regular BSE were no breast problem (53.2%), not knowing the technique of BSE (30.6%), and not knowing the importance of BSE (21.4%). Discussion with families on BSE and history of breast examination by health professionals were found significantly associated with ever practice of BSE.Conclusion. BSE practice was found low in this study. Having information on the importance of BSE was predictor of BSE practice. Therefore, it is important to give training on BSE techniques and its role on breast cancer prevention for HEWs.
Application of Linear Prediction for Phase and Magnitude Correction in Partially Acquired MRI
Authors: Paul Joseph Suresh , Pillai Uma Krishna Swamy
Published: November 2013

Using the boxcar representation in the spatial domain and a signal-space representation of its frequency-weighted k-space, an iterative prediction method is developed to derive an improved low-resolution phase approximation for phase correction. Compared to the homodyne filter, the proposed predictor is found to be more efficient due to its capability of exhibiting an equivalent degree of performance using a lower number of fractional lines. The phase correction performance is illustrated using partially acquired susceptibility weighted images (SWI). An extension of the predictor into higher frequency regions of phase-encodes in conjunction with a signal-space projection in the frequency-weighted partial k-space is shown to provide restoration of fine structural details of sparse magnitude images. The application of subspace projection filtering is demonstrated using magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA).
Determination of Decabrominated Diphenyl Ether in Soils by Soxhlet Extraction and High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Yang Xing-Jian , Dang Zhi , Zhang Fang-Li , Lin Zhao-Ying , Zou Meng-Yao , Tao Xue-Qin , Lu Gui-Ning
Published: November 2013

This study described the development of a method based on soxhlet extraction combining high performance liquid chromatography (soxhlet‐HPLC) for the accurate detection of BDE‐209 in soils. The solvent effect of working standard solutions in HPLC was discussed. Results showed that 1 : 1 of methanol and acetone was the optimal condition which could totally dissolve the BDE‐209 in environmental samples and avoid the decrease of the peak area and the peak deformation difference of BDE‐209 in HPLC. The preliminary experiment was conducted on the configured grassland (1 μg/g) to validate the method feasibility. The method produced reliable reproducibility, simulated soils (n = 4) RSD 1.0%, and was further verified by the analysis e‐waste contaminated soils, RSD range 5.9–11.4%. The contamination level of BDE‐209 in burning site was consistent with the previous study of Longtang town but lower than Guiyu town, and higher concentration of BDE‐209 in paddy field mainly resulted from the long‐standing disassembling area nearby. This accurate and fast method was successfully developed to extract and analyze BDE‐209 in soil samples, showing its potential use for replacing GC to determinate BDE‐209 in soil samples.
Renal Dysfunction Is an Independent Risk Factor for Mortality after Liver Resection and the Main Determinant of Outcome in Posthepatectomy Liver Failure
Authors: Wiggans M. G. , Shahtahmassebi G. , Bowles M. J. , Aroori S. , Stell D. A.
Published: November 2013

Introduction. The aim of this study was to assess the interaction of liver and renal dysfunction as risk factors for mortality after liver resection. Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis of 501 patients undergoing liver resection in a single unit was undertaken. Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) was defined according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) definition (assessed on day 5) and renal dysfunction according to RIFLE criteria. 90-day mortality was recorded. Results. Twenty-three patients died within 90 days of surgery (4.6%). The lowest mortality occurred in patients without evidence of PHLF or renal dysfunction (2.7%). The mortality rate in patients with isolated PHLF or renal dysfunction was 20% compared to 45% in patients with both. Diabetes (), renal dysfunction (), and PHLF on day 5 () were independent predictors of 90-day mortality. Discussion. PHLF and postoperative renal dysfunction are independent predictors of 90-day mortality following liver resection but the predictive value for mortality is significantly higher when failure of both organ systems occurs simultaneously.
Influence of Sleep Disturbances on Quality of Life of Iranian Menopausal Women
Authors: Yazdi Zohreh , Sadeghniiat-Haghighi Khosro , Ziaee Amir , Elmizadeh Khadijeh , Ziaeeha Masomeh
Published: November 2013

Background. Subjective sleep disturbances increase during menopause. Some problems commonly encountered during menopause, such as hot flushes and sweating at night, can cause women to have difficulty in sleeping. These complaints can influence quality of life of menopausal women.Methods. This cross-sectional study was performed on menopausal women attending health centers in Qazvin for periodic assessments. We measured excessive daytime sleepiness by Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by the Berlin questionnaire, and insomnia by the insomnia severity index (ISI). We evaluate quality of life by the Menopause specific quality of life questionnaire (MENQOL).Results. A total of 380 menopausal women entered the study. Mean age of participated women was 57.6 ± 6.02. Mean duration of menopause was 6.3 ± 4.6. The frequency of severe and moderate insomnia was 8.4% (32) and 11.8% (45). Severe daytime sleepiness (ESS ≥ 10) was present in 27.9% (80) of the participants. Multivariate analytic results show that insomnia and daytime sleepiness have independent negative impact on each domain and total score of MENQOL questionnaire.Conclusion. According to our findings, EDS and insomnia are frequent in menopausal women. Both EDS and insomnia have significant quality of life impairment.
Attribution of Responsibility for Organizational Wrongdoing: A Partial Test of an Integrated Model
Authors: Gailey Jeannine A.
Published: November 2013

The present study is an exploratory examination of the influence of social and organizational features on respondents’ attributions of responsibility for wrongdoing within an organization. Respondents read a vignette of organizational wrongdoing that included the manipulation of social features, such as whether the organizational actor was following orders or acting on his volition (social role) and if the actor tried to cover up his actions or not (deed), and organizational features, such as standard operating procedures (SOP) and institutionalized mental schemas. Following the vignette, respondents made attributional judgments to both the individual actor and organization based on a multidimensional measure of responsibility. Results indicated that the actor’s role within the organization, his actions or deeds, and organizational SOP significantly impacted how respondents attributed responsibility (on multiple dimensions) to either the individual or organization. Moreover, results indicated that women and men tended to attribute responsibility differently. Recommendations are made to improve future tests of the integrated model.
Compliance with Mineral Metabolism Targets in Haemodialysis Patients: Moving Backwards?
Authors: Palomares I. , Ramos R. , Martin-Malo A. , Merello J.I. , Praga M. , Luño J. , de Francisco A.L.M. , NIL A.L.M. ,   on behalf of the ORD Group
Published: November 2013

Background: To standardize therapy and improve the clinical outcome for chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients, guidelines have been developed for mineral metabolism management. We evaluated compliance with different mineral metabolism guidelines. Methods: 2,951 chronic HD patients from 61 dialysis centres in Spain were studied. Mineral metabolism management data from a 1-year period were analysed according to KDOQI, KDIGO, and Spanish guidelines. Results: Only 1% (KDOQI), 6% (KDIGO) and 11% (Spanish guidelines) of patients continuously achieved total calcium (Ca), phosphate (P) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) target-range values during the year with higher percentages if we considered the 1-year average. The yearly Ca, P and iPTH average accomplished Spanish guidelines with different percentage among centres: CA 62-100%, P 59-91%, PTH 61-89%, and 28-77% considering all three targets together. The KDIGO guidelines recommend similar percentages except for P (33-77%). No differences were found related to eKt/V, online haemodiafiltration/HD, weight, body mass index, or dialysis vintage. They were only related to age, blood flow, effective treatment time, and dialysate calcium but without relevant clinical differences. Patients outside the target ranges generated significantly higher treatment costs. Conclusions: Compliance with mineral metabolism targets in HD patients was poor and showed a wide variation between treatment centres.
Guideline Bone Disease
Authors: Amerling Richard
Published: November 2013

In the current issue of Blood Purification, Palomares et al. [Blood Purif 2013;36:122-131] bemoan the poor level of compliance in dialysis units in achieving compliance with KDOQI and KDIGO bone and mineral guideline targets. These targets are based almost completely on observational data and rely on an obsolete assay for PTH. The so-called intact PTH assay measures both 1-84 PTH and 7-84 PTH; the latter has been demonstrated to possess biological activity that is antagonistic to that of 1-84 PTH. The assay cannot reliably distinguish high from low bone turnover in the target ranges suggested by the guideline panels. Targeting these ranges leads to an increased incidence of adynamic bone disease, higher calcium and phosphorus, and likely poor patient outcomes.