bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Columella pressure necrosis: a method of surgical reconstruction and its long-term outcome
Authors: Jayaratne Yasas Shri Nalaka , Zwahlen Roger Arthur , Htun Su Yin , Bütow Kurt-Wilhelm
Published: August 2014

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in premature babies may rarely lead to necrosis of the columella. Subsequent functional and cosmetic impairments require surgical corrections to restore nasal anatomy and architecture. The objective of this report is to document the technique of reconstruction in a baby with columella necrosis due to nCPAP treatment. A 21-month-old baby was referred to the oral and maxillofacial unit with a necrotic columella following nCPAP ventilation in a neonatal intensive care unit. Nearly 75% of the vertical columella length was affected. A neocolumella was created using tissues mobilised from the nasal sill region. This report provides a detailed description of a columella reconstruction technique which is valuable to restore aesthetics and function.
Lichen fecundity on the Precambrian Shield: an alternative life history strategy approach
Authors: Deduke C. , Booth T. , Piercey-Normore M.D.
Published: August 2014

Symbiotic interactions are widespread in nature, but the relationship between life history, fecundity, and habitat specificity has been underexplored. This study investigated the life history strategies of foliose saxicolous lichens relative to their surrounding communities. Macrolichens were collected from 39 transects in Manitoba and Ontario. Frequency and percentage of ground cover of macrolichens, environmental variables, and numbers of apothecia and ascospores were recorded. Lichen assemblages were characterized using species similarity in a cluster analysis and ordination methods and were defined into communities using analysis of variance of the biotic variables among assemblages. Lichen life history strategies were inferred from community features, lichen fecundity, and morphological features. The general linear model determined which environmental variables may have influenced fecundity. The 81 species of macrolichens present in three lichen communities differed in species richness, with low species richness in the open mossy rock community, moderate in the grassy rock community, and high in the treed rock community. Three foliose saxicolous lichens dominated particular communities, and the life history strategy was characterized as competitive for Arctoparmelia centrifuga (L.) Hale, stress tolerant for Xanthoparmelia viriduloumbrina (Gyel.) Lendemer, and ruderal generalist for Xanthoparmelia cumberlandia (Gyel.) Hale. The proportion of sexual and asexual reproductive propagules for macrolichens showed uniformity between communities despite a significant difference in species richness. The study provides insights into the ecology of saxicolous lichens growing in the boreal forest and a characterization of lichen communities, and it shows how morphologically similar lichens can exhibit different life history strategies.
TRANSFER FUNCTION MODELING IN WEB SOFTWARE FAULT PREDICTION IMPLEMENTING PRE-WHITENING TECHNIQUE
Authors: CHATTERJEE SUBHASHIS , ROY ARUNAVA
Published: August 2014

The issue of Web reliability is gaining importance, as different Web-based applications are getting popularity with time. In order to enhance the reliability of a Web system, the Web administrator have to determine if there exists any relationship or correlation among different Web workload characteristics and the errors having an impact on the reliability of the Web system, so that he will be able to predict them accurately. It may not be possible to establish a generalized relationship among different Web workload characteristics. Hence, in this paper, we have performed principal component analysis (PCA) to check whether different Web workload characteristics, for particular Web software are correlated or not. Then, we have proposed a transfer function based model for Web software fault prediction. Also, we have used the pre-whitening technique to eliminate the noise present in the data for developing an efficient transfer function based model to predict the cumulative occurrences of different Web failures having an impact on the reliability of the Web software.
High rates of Fibonacci polynomials coding theory
Authors: Prasad Bandhu
Published: August 2014

In this paper, a new class of square matrix [Formula: see text] of order pm is introduced, where (p = 3, 4, 5, …), (m = 1, 2, 3, …) and for integers n, x ≥ 1. Fibonacci polynomial coding and decoding methods are followed from [Formula: see text] matrix and high code rates are obtained.
Development and Challenges of Nanovectors in Gene Therapy
Authors: Liu Yarong , Rohrs Jennifer , Wang Pin
Published: August 2014

In recent years, hundreds of genes have been linked to a variety of human diseases, and the field of gene therapy has emerged as a way to treat this wide range of diseases. The main goal of gene therapy is to find a gene delivery vehicle that can successfully target diseased cells and deliver therapeutic genes directly to their cellular compartment. The two main types of gene delivery vectors currently being investigated in clinical trials are recombinant viral vectors and synthetic nonviral vectors. Recombinant viral vectors take advantage of the evolutionarily optimized viral mechanisms to deliver genes, but they can be hard to specifically target in vivo and are also associated with serious side effects. Synthetic nonviral vectors are made out of highly biocompatible lipids or polymers, but they are much less efficient at delivering their genetic payload due to the lack of any active delivery mechanism. This mini review will introduce the current state of gene delivery in clinical trials, and discuss the specific challenges associated with each of these vectors. It will also highlight some specific gaps in knowledge that are limiting the advancement of this field and touch on the current areas of research being explored to overcome them.
From Sudden Stops to Fisherian Deflation: Quantitative Theory and Policy
Authors: Korinek Anton , Mendoza Enrique G.
Published: August 2014

In the 1990s, Sudden Stops in emerging markets were a harbinger of the 2008 global financial crisis. During these Sudden Stops, countries lost access to credit, which caused abrupt current account reversals, and suffered severe recessions. This article reviews a class of models that yield quantitative predictions consistent with these observations, based on an occasionally binding credit constraint that limits debt to a fraction of the market value of incomes or assets used as collateral. Sudden Stops are infrequent events nested within regular business cycles and occur in response to standard shocks after periods of expansion increase leverage ratios sufficiently. When this happens, the Fisherian debt-deflation mechanism is set in motion, as lower asset or goods prices tighten the constraint further, causing further deflation. This framework also embodies a pecuniary externality with important implications for macroprudential policy because agents do not internalize how current borrowing decisions affect collateral values during future financial crises.
Exchange Rate Stabilization and Welfare
Authors: Engel Charles
Published: August 2014

This article considers recent literature on optimal monetary policy in simple open-economy models. The presence of pricing to market, incomplete financial markets, and differences in preferences among households (in different countries) introduces some fundamental differences between closed- and open-economy New Keynesian models. In addition to the goals of stabilizing inflation and the output gap, policy makers may target currency misalignments and global imbalances. Optimal policies may involve targeting the exchange rate both directly, because of currency misalignments, and indirectly, because of the effects of exchange rates on imbalances, inflation, and output gaps.
Correlational Studies in Typological and Historical Linguistics
Authors: Ladd D. Robert , Roberts Seán G. , Dediu Dan
Published: August 2014

We review a number of recent studies that have identified either correlations between different linguistic features (e.g., implicational universals) or correlations between linguistic features and nonlinguistic properties of speakers or their environment (e.g., effects of geography on vocabulary). We compare large-scale quantitative studies with more traditional theoretical and historical linguistic research and identify divergent assumptions and methods that have led linguists to be skeptical of correlational work. We also attempt to demystify statistical techniques and point out the importance of informed critiques of the validity of statistical approaches. Finally, we describe various methods used in recent correlational studies to deal with the fact that, because of contact and historical relatedness, individual languages in a sample rarely represent independent data points, and we show how these methods may allow us to explore linguistic prehistory to a greater time depth than is possible with orthodox comparative reconstruction.
A Simplified Milstein Scheme for SPDEs with Multiplicative Noise
Authors: Ghayebi B. , Hosseini S. M.
Published: August 2014

This paper deals with a research question raised by Jentzen and Röckner (A Milstein scheme for SPDEs, arXiv:1001.2751v4 (2012)), whether the exponential term in their introduced scheme can be replaced by a simpler mollifier. This replacement can lead to more simplification and computational reduction in simulation. So, in this paper, we essentially replace the exponential term with a Padé approximation of order 1 and denote the resulting scheme by simplified Milstein scheme. The convergence analysis for this scheme is carried out and it is shown that even with this replacement the order of convergence is maintained, while the resulting scheme is easier to implement and slightly more efficient computationally. Some numerical tests are given that confirm the order of accuracy and also computational cost reduction.
Structure-Function Relationships behind the Phenomenon of Cognitive Resilience in Neurology: Insights for Neuroscience and Medicine
Authors: Rudrauf David
Published: August 2014

The phenomenon of cognitive resilience, that is, the dynamical preservation of normal functions despite neurological disorders, demonstrates that cognition can be highly robust to devastating brain injury. Here, cognitive resilience is considered across a range of neurological conditions. Simple computational models of structure-function relationships are used to discuss hypotheses about the neural mechanisms of resilience. Resilience expresses functional redundancies in brain networks and suggests a process of dynamic rerouting of brain signals. This process is underlined by a global renormalization of effective connectivity, capable of restoring information transfer between spared brain structures via alternate pathways. Local mechanisms of synaptic plasticity mediate the renormalization at the lowest level of implementation, but it is also driven by top-down cognition, with a key role of self-awareness in fostering resilience. The presence of abstraction layers in brain computation and networking is hypothesized to account for the renormalization process. Future research directions and challenges are discussed regarding the understanding and control of resilience based on multimodal neuroimaging and computational neuroscience. The study of resilience will illuminate ways by which the brain can overcome adversity and help inform prevention and treatment strategies. It is relevant to combating the negative neuropsychological impact of aging and fostering cognitive enhancement.
Tracheobronchial Foreign Body Aspiration: Dental Prosthesis
Authors: Köse Ataman , Kostak Dilek , Aramagan Erol , Durak Aslıhan , Seçkin Nur Sezin , Dönmez Serdar Süha , Melek Hüseyin
Published: August 2014

It is important to extract foreign bodies for avoiding life-threatening complications. They can lead to death if they are not treated. Different signs and symptoms could occur according to the complete or partial airway obstruction. Foreign body aspiration is a rare incident in adults. The organic foreign materials such as foods are found to be aspirated more commonly and are usually settled in the right bronchial system. However, dental prosthesis and teeth aspirations are rare in literature. In our study, a 52-year-old male patient who had aspirated the front part of his lower dental prosthesis accidentally is presented and the foreign body is extracted by using rigid bronchoscopy. There are many causes of aspiration but dental prosthetic aspirations should be kept in mind during sleep. For this reason, dental apparatus must be taken out while asleep.
Study on a Novel High-Efficiency Bridgeless PFC Converter
Authors: Taiqiang Cao , Zhangyong Chen , Jun Wang , Zhang Sun , Qian Luo , Fei Zhang
Published: August 2014

In order to implement a high-efficiency bridgeless power factor correction converter, a new topology and operation principles of continuous conduction mode (CCM) and DC steady-state character of the converter are analyzed, which show that the converter not only has bipolar-gain characteristic but also has the same characteristic as the traditional Boost converter, while the voltage transfer ratio is not related with the resonant branch parameters and switching frequency. Based on the above topology, a novel bridgeless Bipolar-Gain Pseudo-Boost PFC converter is proposed. With this converter, the diode rectifier bridge of traditional AC-DC converter is eliminated, and zero-current switching of fast recovery diode is achieved. Thus, the efficiency is improved. Next, we also propose the one-cycle control policy of this converter. Finally, experiments are provided to verify the accuracy and feasibility of the proposed converter.
Transformation of Follicular Lymphoma to Double Hit B-Cell Lymphoma Causing Hypercalcemia in a 69-Year-Old Female: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kapur Sakshi , Levin Miles B.
Published: August 2014

Double hit B-cell lymphomas are rare tumors that are defined by a chromosomal breakpoint affecting the MYC/8q24 locus in combination with another recurrent breakpoint, mainly a t(14;18)(q32;q21) involving BCL2. These tumors mostly occur in adults and carry a very poor prognosis. Double hit lymphomas can occur de novo, or arise from transformation of follicular lymphoma. We report a case of a 69-year-old female with abdominal distention and progressively worsening weakness over six months. Patient presented with severe hypercalcemia and multiple intra-abdominal/pelvic masses. Histopathology results of the abdominal mass were compatible with a double hit B-cell lymphoma. However, bone marrow biopsy results showed a low grade follicular lymphoma, thus suggesting peripheral transformation of follicular lymphoma to double hit B-cell lymphoma. Patient was transferred to a tertiary care center and was started on combination chemotherapy (EPOCH: doxorubicin, etoposide, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone). Our paper highlights not only transformation of follicular lymphoma to double hit B-cell lymphoma and the challenges encountered in diagnosing and treating these aggressive tumors, but also the association of new onset/worsening hypercalcemia in such patients.
Performance Analysis of Autonomous Microgrid Subsequent to Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Fault Triggered Condition
Authors: Natesan Chitra , Ajithan Senthil Kumar , Mani Shobana , Palani Priyadharshini , Kandhasamy Prabaakaran
Published: August 2014

Hi-tech scenario and the ecological compression are the key point to drive the intervention of the renewable in the distribution system. In the perspective of complex power system planners, the transient performance of the microgrid is the main concern. For that purpose, various fault cases are explored in order to examine the microgrid transient performance when subjected to accidental events. In this work, the microgrid is modelled with two distributed generations (DGs) tied with a converter separately. With this intention, droop control strategy is adopted for the microsources to examine the microgrid performance during the symmetrical and unsymmetrical fault events. The ability of the control strategy adopted in this work and its effectiveness are evaluated through Matlab/Simulink platform.
Fabrication of Hybrid Organic Photovoltaic Devices Using Electrostatic Spray Method
Authors: Chiu Zhe-Wei , Hsiao Yu-Jen , Fang Te-Hua , Ji Liang-Wen
Published: August 2014

Hybrid organic photovoltaic devices (OPVDs) are fabricated using the electrostatic spray (e-spray) method and their optical and electrical properties are investigated. E-spray is used to deposit a hybrid film (P3HT: PCBM/nanodiamond) with morphology and optical characteristics onto OPVDs. The root-mean-square roughness and optical absorption increase with increasing nanodiamond content. The performance of e-spray is comparable to that of the spin-coating method under uniform conditions. The device takes advantage of the high current density, power conversion efficiency, and low cost. Nanodiamond improves the short-circuit current density and power conversion efficiency. The best performance was obtained with 1.5 wt% nanodiamond content, with a current density of 7.28 mA/cm2and a power conversion efficiency of 2.25%.
Possibilistic Fuzzy Net Present Value Model and Application
Authors: Appadoo S. S.
Published: August 2014

The cash flow values and the interest rate in the net present value (NPV) model are usually specified by either crisp numbers or random variables. In this paper, we first discuss some of the recent developments in possibility theory and find closed form expressions for fuzzy possibilistic net present value (FNPV). Then, following Carlsson and Fullér (2001), we discuss some of the possibilistic moments related to FNPV model along with an illustrative numerical example. We also give a unified approach to find higher order moments of FNPV by using the moment generating function introduced by Paseka et al. (2011).
Proteomics and Metabolomics forIn SituMonitoring of Wound Healing
Authors: Kalkhof Stefan , Förster Yvonne , Schmidt Johannes , Schulz Matthias C. , Baumann Sven , Weißflog Anne , Gao Wenling , Hempel Ute , Eckelt Uwe , Rammelt Stefan , von Bergen Martin
Published: August 2014

Wound healing of soft tissue and bone defects is a complex process in which cellular differentiation and adaption are regulated by internal and external factors, among them are many different proteins. In contrast to insights into the significance of various single proteins based on model systems, the knowledge about the processes at the actual site of wound healing is still limited. This is caused by a general lack of methods that allow sampling of extracellular factors, metabolites, and proteinsin situ. Sampling of wound fluids in combination with proteomics and metabolomics is one of the promising approaches to gain comprehensive and time resolved data on effector molecules. Here, we describe an approach to sample metabolites by microdialysis and to extract proteins simultaneously by adsorption. With this approach it is possible (i) to collect, enrich, and purify proteins for a comprehensive proteome analysis; (ii) to detect more than 600 proteins in different defects including more than 100 secreted proteins, of which many proteins have previously been demonstrated to have diagnostic or predictive power for the wound healing state; and (iii) to combine continuous sampling of cytokines and metabolites and discontinuous sampling of larger proteins to gain complementary information of the same defect.
Comparison of Two Methods Forecasting Binding Rate of Plasma Protein
Authors: Hongjiu Liu , Yanrong Hu
Published: August 2014

By introducing the descriptors calculated from the molecular structure, the binding rates of plasma protein (BRPP) with seventy diverse drugs are modeled by a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) technique. Two algorithms, heuristic algorithm (HA) and support vector machine (SVM), are used to establish linear and nonlinear models to forecast BRPP. Empirical analysis shows that there are good performances for HA and SVM with cross-validation correlation coefficientsRcv2of 0.80 and 0.83. Comparing HA with SVM, it was found that SVM has more stability and more robustness to forecast BRPP.
The Democratization of the Oncogene
Authors: Le Anh T. , Doebele Robert C.
Published: August 2014

Summary: The identification of novel, oncogenic gene rearrangements in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor demonstrates the potential of next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms for the detection of therapeutically relevant oncogenes across multiple tumor types, but raises significant questions relating to the investigation of targeted therapies in this new era of widespread NGS testing. Cancer Discov; 4(8); 870–2. ©2014 AACR.

See related article by Lovly et al., p. 889
A new diminutive frog species of Adelophryne (Amphibia: Anura: Eleutherodactylidae) from the Atlantic Forest, southeastern Brazil
Authors: LOURENÇO-DE-MORAES RICARDO , FERREIRA RODRIGO BARBOSA , FOUQUET ANTOINE , BASTOS ROGÉRIO PEREIRA
Published: August 2014

The genus Adelophryne is composed of diminutive frogs occurring in northern Amazonia and the Atlantic Forest. Herein we describe a new species of Adelophryne found in the leaf litter of primary and secondary forests in the mountainous region of Espírito Santo state, southeastern Brazil. The new species is characterized by its small body size, two phalanges in the finger IV, and a glandular ridge line that runs from the posterior part of eye to the insertion of the forelimb. This species is sensitive to edge effect and conversion of native forest into coffee and Eucalyptus plantations and may be listed as Endangered (EN) under B1ab(iii) criteria of the IUCN Red List.
New species of Pseudonannolene Silvestri, 1895 from Brazilian limestone caves with comments on the potential distribution of the genus in South America (Spirostreptida: Pseudonannolenidae)
Authors: INIESTA LUIZ FELIPE MORETTI , FERREIRA RODRIGO LOPES
Published: August 2014

Ten new species of Pseudonannolene Silvestri, 1895 are described from Brazilian limestone caves. The species are separated by the morphology of their gonopods and the processes of the first pair of legs of males. A pictorial identification key for the cave-dwelling species from Brazil is provided, besides comments on the distribution of the genus with a potential distribution map of Pseudonannolene and Epinannolene in South and Central America.
Sea Surface Temperature Variability at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Pier*
Authors: Checkley David M. , Lindegren Martin
Published: August 2014

Sea surface temperature (SST) has been measured from near the end of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) pier daily since 1916. It is one of the world’s longest instrumental time series of SST. It is widely used in studies of climate and marine ecosystems and in fisheries management. The authors hypothesized that a discontinuity exists in 1988, when the old pier was replaced with the present pier. A regression of annual-mean SST at SIO (SSTSIO) on the Pacific decadal oscillation index for 1916–87 was used to predict annual-mean SST (SSTSIO, PDO) for 1916–present. The residual (ResSSTSIO = SSTSIO − SSTSIO,PDO) time series shows a positive discontinuity in 1988, when the present SIO pier was first used to measure SSTSIO. No discontinuity in 1988 was observed for ResSST at 12 other shore stations or in nearby waters. Use of the first principal component of other shore station time series of annual-mean SST as the predictor yields similar results. SSTSIO measured over 3 days shows a diel cycle and short-term variability consistent with rip current transport of warm surf-zone water to the end of the SIO pier. This study hypothesizes that rip current transport increased with the change from the old to the present pier and contributed to the observed discontinuity in SIO pier SST. The authors estimate an artifact of about +0.45°C due to both rapid (1988 pier change) and gradual processes. Adjusting the SIO pier SST time series for this artifact reduces the long-term trend from +1.1° to +0.6°C century−1, consistent with the global rate of change of SST over the past century.
Carrying the Load of Civilisation: The Status of Women and Challenged Hierarchies
Authors: Towns Ann E.
Published: August 2014

This article explores some ways in which the condition of women has been articulated as a standard of civilisation, focusing on articulations by a range of European and non-European political thinkers and political actors in the 19th century and the present, two important periods marked by intense discussions of the status of women and civilisation. In short, the status of women is used by a broad range of actors to draw up civilisational boundaries and to mobilise for action. The standard also functions as an arena of contestation in which alternative visions of a good society are debated. However, whereas the alleged link between sexual equality and “the West” was highly disputed in the 19th century, this claim is much less contested today. The article ends with a discussion of the problematic implications of using the status of women as a standard of civilisation for feminisms around the world.
Memory Constraints on Hypothesis Generation and Decision Making
Authors: Thomas Rick , Dougherty Michael R. , Buttaccio Daniel R.
Published: August 2014

Hypothesis generation is the process people use to generate explanations for patterns of data, which is an act vital to everyday problem solving. It is the basis for decision making in many professions, such as medicine, intelligence and reconnaissance analysis, auditing, and fault detection in nuclear power plants. Even laypeople’s impressions of acquaintances’ personalities based on behavioral patterns can be considered a case of hypothesis generation. This article provides an overview of research elucidating the cognitive processes that underlie hypothesis generation and decision making.
Airfoil control surface discontinuous nonlinearity experimental assessment and numerical model validation
Authors: Vasconcellos Rui MG , Abdelkefi Abdessattar , Hajj Muhammad R , Almeida Daniel P , Marques Flávio D
Published: August 2014

A variety of dynamic behaviors that may be encountered in aeroelastic systems with discontinuous nonlinearities has motivated investigations that may support future applications in flight controls design, flutter prediction, instability characterization and energy harvesting. In this paper, the case of an airfoil with control surface freeplay is assessed experimentally and modeled numerically using an alternative continuous approximation for the discontinuous nonlinearity based on hyperbolic tangent function representation. The unsteady aerodynamic loads are computed using the modified unsteady Theodorsen approximation for arbitrary motions. The validity of the proposed freeplay representation is performed through comparison with experimental data. Adjustments to the pitching restoring moments have been carried out to account for a smooth polynomial concentrated nonlinearity. Data analysis is performed to characterize and investigate the experimental signals. Sub-critical bifurcation behavior is observed from both experimental data and the numerical model prediction. The results confirm the validity of hyperbolic tangent function combinations for freeplay nonlinearity representation for the experimental setup conditions.
Using balloon-overtube-assisted enteroscopy for postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Skinner Matthew , Velázquez-Aviña Jacobo , Mönkemüller Klaus
Published: August 2014

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is technically more challenging in patients with postsurgical anatomy such as Roux-en-Y anastomosis, frequently mandating an operative intervention. Although limited, there is growing evidence that ERCP can be performed using the balloon-overtube-assisted enteroscopy (BOAE) in patients with complex postoperative anatomy. We present the technical aspects of performing ERCP with the BOAE in patients presenting with complex postsurgical anatomy having biliary problems. ERCP using the BOAE is feasible in patients with complex postsurgical anatomy, permitting diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in 80% of patients.
Stochastic modified Boussinesq approximate equation driven by fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Shen Tianlong , Huang Jianhua , Li Jin
Published: August 2014

The current paper is devoted to the dynamics of a stochastic modified Boussinesq approximate equation driven by fractional Brownian motion with

H
∈
(

1
2

,
1
)

. Based on the different diffusion operators

△
2

and −△ in the stochastic system, we combine two types of operators

Φ
1

=
I

and a Hilbert-Schmidt operator

Φ
2

to guarantee the convergence of the corresponding Wiener-type stochastic integrals. Then the existence and regularity of the stochastic convolution for the corresponding additive linear stochastic equation can be shown. By the Banach modified fixed point theorem in the selected intersection space, the existence and uniqueness of the global mild solution are obtained. Finally, the existence of a random attractor for the random dynamical system generated by the mild solution for the modified Boussinesq approximation equation is also established.

MSC:35B40, 35Q35, 76D05.
Resuscitation after cardiac arrest in a septic porcine model: adding vasopressin vs epinephrine alone administration
Authors: Loukas Thomas , Vasileiadis Ioannis , Anastasiou Helen , Karatzanos Eleftherios , Gerovasili Vasiliki , Nana Emmeleia , Tzanis Giorgos , Nanas Serafim
Published: August 2014

Background

Vasopressin administration has been tested in cardiac arrest. However it has not been tested when cardiac arrest occurs in certain circumstances, as in sepsis, where it may have a major role. The aim of the study was to investigate survival after cardiac arrest in a septic porcine model compared with healthy animals and to explore the effectiveness of adding vasopressin vs epinephrine alone administration.

Methods

Thirty five healthy piglets of both genders were studied. The piglets were randomly assigned into three groups: group A (n = 8), group B (n = 14), group C (n = 13). Animals of groups B and C were given endotoxin to mimic a septic state before arrest. We applied the same resuscitation protocol to all pigs but we replaced the first dose of epinephrine with vasopressin in pigs of group C. Following surgical preparation and 30 min resting period, baseline measurements were recorded. In order to assess tissue oxygenation, we implemented Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) with the vascular occlusion technique (VOT) in thirteen lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated animals, occluding abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava. Afterwards, LPS (100 μg/kg) was infused in a 30 min period to animals of groups B and C and normal saline to group A. New NIRS measurements were obtained again. Subsequently, we provoked ventricular fibrillation (VF). After 3 min of untreated VF, open chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed manually. Primary end point was the restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

Results

The chance of ROSC for the groups A, B and C was 75%, 35.7%, and 30.7% respectively. A significant difference in ROSC was established between septic (group B + C) and non septic piglets (group A) (P = 0.046). Vasopressin administration had no effect in outcome. LPS administration decreased oxygen consumption rate, as assessed by NIRS, in peripheral tissues (22.6 ± 7.2. vs 18.5 ± 7.2, P = 0.07).

Conclusion

Septic piglets have fewer chances to survive after cardiac arrest. No difference in outcome was observed when the first dose of epinephrine was replaced with vasopressin to treat cardiac arrest in the LPS-treated animals.
An All-solid-state Sodium–Sulfur Battery Operating at Room Temperature Using a High-sulfur-content Positive Composite Electrode
Authors: Nagata Hiroshi , Chikusa Yasuo
Published: August 2014

The performance of an all-solid-state sodium–sulfur (Na–S) battery at 25 °C, in which the sulfur content in the positive composite electrode was 50 wt % to enhance energy density, was investigated. All-solid-state Na–S cells prepared using a positive composite electrode with a high-phosphorus-to-sulfur-ratio solid electrolyte exhibited a high capacity of approximately 1500 mA h g−1 at 0.13 mA cm−2 at 25 °C. This value is similar to the theoretical value.
All-solid-state Lithium–Sulfur Batteries Using a Conductive Composite Containing Activated Carbon and Electroconductive Polymers
Authors: Nagata Hiroshi , Chikusa Yasuo
Published: August 2014

The performance of all-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries using a composite electrode containing activated carbon with enhanced electroconductivity was investigated at 25 °C. The incorporation of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) into activated carbon enhanced conductivity, improving battery performance. The cell reversible capacity exceeded 1300 mA h g−1 at 0.64 mA cm−2 and 25 °C despite a high sulfur content (60 wt %). Especially, the increase of electric conductivity because of the conductive polymer material was larger during the charge reaction than that during the discharge reaction.
Crystal Structures of Stacked Ionic Assemblies of Tetracationic and Tetraanionic Porphyrins
Authors: Yamada Yasuyuki , Matsumoto Satoru , Yamada Kazushi , Nishino Toshio , Mihara Nozomi , Sugimoto Kunihisa , Tanaka Kentaro
Published: August 2014

Single-crystal X-ray structures of stacked ionic assemblies of meso-tetrakis(N-alkylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin and meso-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS4−) were revealed. The tetracationic porphyrin and the tetraanionic porphyrin stacked alternately in a J-aggregation manner to form an oblique columnar array. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the detailed structure of 1:1 stacked assemblies of tetracationic and tetraanionic porphyrins.
Polymer Brush Growth from Surface-textured Thin Urushiol Films
Authors: Watanabe Hirohmi , Fujimoto Aya , Yamamoto Rika , Nishida Jin , Higaki Yuji , Takahara Atsushi
Published: August 2014

We have demonstrated the growth of polymer brushes from a surface-textured thin urushiol film. Thermal imprinting was done on an initiator-immobilized thin urushiol film, and surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (MTAC) was conducted from it. The obtained surface showed superhydrophilicity because of the nature of polyelectrolyte polymer brushes on the textured surface. Since thin urushiol film can form on a variety of substrates, the concept shown here could be a universal approach for surface modifications of substrates.
Natural alternatives to tackling high cholesterol: guidance for community nurses
Authors: Bond Helen
Published: August 2014

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence issued its final guidance in July on lipid modification, making millions more adults eligible for statin treatment. However, community nurses may encounter many patients for whom statin use is not appropriate for a variety of reasons. This article provides advice for community nurses on methods for improving patients’ cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease if statins are not to be used. The article explains the current situation in the UK in relation to cholesterol, then gives dietary and lifestyle modifications that may help to lower cholesterol levels and help maintain good heart and circulatory health.
Cognitive screening in patients with diabetes in primary care
Authors: Brooke Joanne , Ojo Omorogieva
Published: August 2014

Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing; therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of mild cognitive impairment within this population is important as it may improve these patients' diabetes self-care. Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment commences with cognitive screening in the primary care setting. Although there is robust evidence of the link between diabetes and dementia, cognitive screening within this population is not routinely completed. This article reviews the most commonly used cognitive screening tools and evaluates the applicability of these within the primary care setting for patients with diabetes.
A discussion on the proposed assisted dying law
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: August 2014

Having failed in their attempt to persuade the United Kingdom Supreme Court to allow health professionals to participate in assisting patients to end their lives, the hopes of campaigners now lie with Parliament passing Lord Falconer's private members' Assisted Dying Bill. This article reviews the Supreme Court's decision in R (on the application of Nicklinson) v Ministry of Justice [2014] and considers how likely it is that Parliament will enact an assisted dying law.
Men's health series 3: two male-specific cancers
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: August 2014

Men are as likely as women to develop a whole range of cancers. This article will define what is meant by the term ‘cancer’, present a number of basic statistics relating to cancer and will then highlight two specific male cancers: cancer of the prostate gland and testicular cancer. The causes, effects and treatments of these two specific cancers will be presented.
Communication and the support worker
Authors: Stonehouse David
Published: August 2014

This article examines the important role that good communication plays in enabling the support worker to deliver quality care. Communication will be defined, as well as examining the different forms and components that make up communication. Potential barriers will be highlighted, together with advice on how these may be overcome.

Support workers are closest to patient care, spending more face-to-face time with patients and their families/carers. It is vital therefore that support workers communicate in a patient-centred way, taking into account the patient's preferences and needs, while maintaining respect and dignity.
Play, gender and talk
Authors: Jones Michael
Published: August 2014

In the penultimate article in our series on language development in young children, Michael Jones explores the possible influences that gender might have on children's behaviour and communication.
Believe in your values
Authors: Steel Sarah
Published: August 2014

As a company, a mission statement is important because it tells the ‘outside’ world what ‘you are about’, but this should stem from what you and your staff hold true as the beliefs that shape your provision.
Engaging with parents
Authors: Day Louise
Published: August 2014

Your relationship with the significant adults in a child's life can prove pivotal to their development and ongoing learning, which is why we need to get it right from the very first time we meet them.
Children's own stories
Authors: Brown Paula
Published: August 2014

We are hardwired to think in story terms. Allowing children an opportunity to tell their own stories gives them a unique opportunity to make meaning and gives educators an insight into their current thinking.
Support sensory integration through messy play
Authors: Midgley Laura
Published: August 2014

Messy play helps to develop a child's sensory integration, however, some children avoid this type of provision. This article is based on research that aimed to find out how this aversion can be overcome.
Step on the right path
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: August 2014

Labyrinths date back to ancient times and feature in myths and legends, but there are many famous examples from recent history and many modern versions, each of which offers a lasting experience.
Resonating with contextually inappropriate interpretations in production: The case of irony
Authors: Giora Rachel , Raphaely Moshe , Fein Ofer , Livnat Elad
Published: August 2014

According to the graded salience hypothesis, salient meanings and salience-based interpretations are not only involved in language comprehension but also in language production (Giora 2003, 2011a; Giora and Gur 2003). This should be true of irony production as well. If, as predicted by the graded salience hypothesis, the ironist herself indeed activates utterance interpretations on account of their salience-based accessibility rather than solely on account of their contextual fit, this might be reflected in the ironies' environment. Given the crucial role of the salience-based interpretation of “what is said” in deriving and supporting the ironic interpretation, this interpretation should not be suppressed (Giora 1995). Such a view of irony production predicts that its environment will demonstrate dialogic resonance (à la Du Bois, this volume) with ironies' salience-based, but incompatible interpretations. To test this prediction, we studied a written Hebrew corpus including over 1600 ironies. Our findings show that 46% of the ironies, 10% of which are extended ironies, are addressed via reference to their salience-based contextually incompatible interpretations; resonance with the context-based , ironic interpretation occurred in only 8% of the cases; the environment of the rest either did not resonate with any of their interpretations (43%), or resonated with both their compatible and incompatible interpretations (3%). These results support the view that, like comprehenders (Giora et al. 2007), irony producers too activate and retain salience-based albeit inappropriate interpretations.
Dialogic syntax and complement constructions in toddlers' peer interactions
Authors: Köymen Bahar , Kyratzis Amy
Published: August 2014

Children start producing grammatically complex sentences during toddlerhood (Bloom et al. 1984; Diessel 2004). This study examines how toddlers use complement constructions as a communicative resource in peer interactions. The data come from an archival database, which consists of 500 hours of videorecordings of children's naturalistic interactions in a daycare center. All complement constructions produced by seven target children were identified. The data illustrate children using “format tying” (Goodwin 1990, 2006) and “dialogic syntax”. They construct utterances “based on the immediately co-present utterance[s]” (Du Bois, this issue) of their own and others (caregivers) in the discourse, as means of demonstrating positive or negative alignment with their interlocutors, thereby negotiating the participation framework (Goffman 1981; Goodwin and Goodwin 2004). As children tie to prior utterances, and transform and embed them into matrix clauses with stance-indexing verbs like I said, I want, and Let me, complex complement constructions are built up dialogically over sequences of interaction.
Multiple Dedekind zeta functions
Authors: Horozov Ivan Emilov
Published: August 2014

In this paper we define multiple Dedekind zeta values (MDZV),
using a new type of iterated integrals, called iterated integrals
on a membrane. One should consider MDZV as a number theoretic generalization of Euler’s multiple zeta values. Over imaginary quadratic fields MDZV capture, in particular, multiple Eisenstein series [6]. We give an analogue of multiple Eisenstein series over real quadratic field and an alternative definition of values of multiple Eisenstein–Kronecker series [9]. Each of them is a special case of multiple Dedekind zeta values.
MDZV are interpolated into functions that we call multiple Dedekind zeta functions (MDZF). We show that MDZF have integral representation, can be written as infinite sum, and have analytic continuation. We compute explicitly the value of a multiple residue of certain MDZF over a quadratic number field at the point

(
1
,
1
;
1
,
1
)

${(1,1;1,1)}$

. Based on such computations, we state two conjectures about MDZV.
A class of differential equations of fractional order with multi-point
boundary conditions
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Nieto Juan J.
Published: August 2014

We discuss the existence of solutions
for a differential equation of fractional order with
multi-point nonlocal boundary conditions via standard tools of
fixed point theory. The paper concludes with some illustrative examples.
Variations on the theorems of F. and M. Riesz and of Hardy and Littlewood
Authors: Liflyand Elijah
Published: August 2014

A function f with bounded variation and integrable
Hilbert transform of d
f is locally absolutely continuous. We give a direct
real-valued proof of this result and connect it with integrability problems for the
Fourier transform of a function with bounded variation, in particular, with a
Hardy–Littlewood theorem.
Synthesis, biological evaluation, and docking studies of PAR2-AP-derived pseudopeptides as inhibitors of kallikrein 5 and 6
Authors: Severino Beatrice , Fiorino Ferdinando , Corvino Angela , Caliendo Giuseppe , Santagada Vincenzo , Assis Diego Magno , Oliveira Juliana R. , Juliano Luiz , Manganelli Serena , Benfenati Emilio , Frecentese Francesco , Perissutti Elisa , Juliano Maria Aparecida
Published: August 2014

A series of protease activated receptor 2 activating peptide (PAR2-AP) derivatives (1–15) were designed and synthesized. The obtained compounds were tested on a panel of human kallikreins (hKLK1, hKLK2, hKLK5, hKLK6, and hKLK7) and were found completely inactive toward hKLK1, hKLK2, and hKLK7. Aiming to investigate the mode of interaction between the most interesting compounds and the selected hKLKs, docking studies were performed. The described compounds distinguish the different human tissue kallikreins with compounds 1 and 5 as the best hKLK5 and hKLK6 inhibitors, respectively.
Complement activation by salivary agglutinin is secretor status dependent
Authors: Gunput Sabrina T.G. , Ligtenberg Antoon J.M. , Terlouw Bas , Brouwer Mieke , Veerman Enno C.I. , Wouters Diana
Published: August 2014

After mucosal damage or gingival inflammation, complement proteins leak into the oral cavity and mix with salivary proteins such as salivary agglutinin (SAG/gp-340/DMBT1). This protein is encoded by the gene Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumors 1 (DMBT1), and it aggregates bacteria, viruses and fungi, and activates the lectin pathway of the complement system. In the lectin pathway, carbohydrate structures on pathogens or altered self cells are recognized. SAG is highly glycosylated, partly on the basis of the donor’s blood group status. Whereas secretors express Lewis b, Lewis y, and antigens from the ABO-blood group system on SAG, non-secretors do not. Through mannose-binding lectin (MBL) binding and C4 deposition assays, we aimed to identify the chemical structures on SAG that are responsible for complement activation. The complement-activating properties of SAG were completely abolished by oxidation of its carbohydrate moiety. SAG-mediated activation of complement was also inhibited in the presence of saccharides such as fucose and Lewis b carbohydrates, and also after pretreatment with the fucose-binding lectin, Anguilla anguilla agglutinin. Complement activation was significantly (p<0.01) higher in secretors than in non-secretors. Our results suggest that fucose-rich oligosaccharide sidechains, such as Lewis b antigens, are involved in the activation of complement by SAG.
The effects of humor cartoons in a series of bestselling academic books
Authors: Chua Yan Piaw
Published: August 2014

Two preliminary studies were conducted to identify (1) the contents of an ideal research and statistics reference book, and (2) the suitability of using humor cartoons in writing a research book. The results indicate that a majority of the respondents strongly agreed that humor should be used, and not suppressed, in academic writing. Hence, a book entitled