bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mechanistic study on multifunctional Fei-Phos ligand-controlled asymmetric palladium-catalyzed allylic substitutions
Authors: Xu Jian-Xing , Ye Fei , Bai Xing-Feng , Cui Yu-Ming , Xu Zheng , Zheng Zhan-Jiang , Xu Li-Wen
Published: July 2016

Mechanistic studies were performed for the clarification of the role of multifunctional Fei-Phos in allylic substitution reactions, in which it is proved to be a diphosphine-controlled catalytic asymmetric allylic alkylation.
Polysiloxane-functionalized graphene oxide paper: pyrolysis and performance as a Li-ion battery and supercapacitor electrode
Authors: Kolathodi M. S. , David L. , Abass M. A. , Singh G.
Published: July 2016

Exfoliated graphene oxide (GO) and polysiloxane were blended and pyrolyzed to synthesize free-standing SiOC–graphene composite papers.
Feedback posicast control for micromachined electrostatic actuators
Authors: Li Chong , Dean Robert N. , Hung John Y. , Flowers George T.
Published: July 2016

Micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS) typically have low damping ratios. Although it benefits many applications because they require low energy loss, this characteristic generates large overshoots and long settling times to reach steady state. A feedback posicast controller that can improve the performance of MEMS electrostatic actuators is proposed. This method inserts a posicast controller inside the feedback loop and combines it with a proportional–integral controller. The advantages of this technique include easily implemented control laws, additional velocity sensors or estimators are not required and the parametric adjustment of the controller is less sensitive to the model's nonlinearity. A numerical study verifies that the proposed method is valid.
Dehydrogenative Allylic Aminations of But-3-enoic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Diamante Daria , Gabrieli Sara , Benincori Tiziana , Broggini Gianluigi , Oble Julie , Poli Giovanni
Published: July 2016

Two complementary Pd-catalyzed protocols enabling the γ-selective intermolecular allylic amination of but-3-enoic acid derivatives are reported. These transformations can be successfully achieved via either­ a direct Pd(II)-catalyzed protocol or by way of a one-pot Pd(II)/Pd(0)-catalyzed sequence, depending on the nature of the nitrogen nucleophile used.
Comment on “Surface electromagnetic wave equations in a warm magnetized quantum plasma” [Phys. Plasmas 21, 072114 (2014)]
Authors: Moradi Afshin
Published: July 2016

In a recent article [C. Li et al., Phys. Plasmas 21, 072114 (2014)], Li et al. studied the propagation of surface waves on a magnetized quantum plasma half-space in the Voigt configuration (in this case, the magnetic field is parallel to the surface but is perpendicular to the direction of propagation). Here, we present a fresh look at the problem and obtain a new form of dispersion relation of surface waves of the system. We find that our new dispersion relation does not agree with the result obtained by Li et al.
A numerical model for the evolution of internal structure of cavitation cloud
Authors: Du Tezhuan , Wang Yiwei , Liao Lijuan , Huang Chenguang
Published: July 2016

Bubble size distributions in cloud cavitation are important in cavitating flows. In this study, a numerical model was developed to study the evolution of the internal structure of cloud cavitation. The model includes (1) an evolution equation of bubble number density, which considers the bubble breakup effect and (2) the multiphase Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with a modified cavitation model for background cavitating flows. The proposed model was validated with a flow over a projectile. Results show that the numerical model can predict the evolution of the internal structure of cloud cavitation. Comparisons of the proposed model and Singhal model were discussed. The effects of re-entrant jet and bubble number density on cavitating flows were also investigated.
Universal behavior of dense clusters of magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Usov N. A. , Serebryakova O. N.
Published: July 2016

A detailed numerical simulation of quasistatic hysteresis loops of dense clusters of interacting magnetic nanoparticles is carried out. Both clusters of magnetically soft and magnetically hard nanoparticles are considered. The clusters are characterized by an average particle diameter D, the cluster radius Rc, the particle saturation magnetization Ms, and the uniaxial anisotropy constant K. The number of particles in the cluster varies between Np = 30 - 120. The particle centers are randomly distributed within the cluster, their easy anisotropy axes being randomly oriented. It is shown that a dilute assembly of identical random clusters of magnetic nanoparticles can be characterized by two dimensionless parameters: 1) the relative strength of magneto-dipole interaction, K/Ms2, and the average particle concentration within the cluster, η = V Np/Vc. Here V is the nanoparticle volume, and Vc is the volume of the cluster, respectively. In the strong interaction limit, Msη/Ha  > >  1, where Ha = 2K/Ms is the anisotropy field, the ultimate hysteresis loops of dilute assemblies of clusters have been constructed. In the variables (M/Ms, H/Ms) these hysteresis loops depend only on the particle volume fraction η. In the weak interaction limit, Msη/Ha  < <  1, the assembly hysteresis loops in the variables (M/Ms, H/Ha) are close to the standard Stoner-Wohlfarth hysteresis loop.
Simultaneous band-gap narrowing and carrier-lifetime prolongation of organic–inorganic trihalide perovskites
Authors: Kong Lingping , Liu Gang , Gong Jue , Hu Qingyang , Schaller Richard D. , Dera Przemyslaw , Zhang Dongzhou , Liu Zhenxian , Yang Wenge , Zhu Kai , Tang Yuzhao , Wang Chuanyi , Wei Su-Huai , Xu Tao , Mao Ho-kwang
Published: July 2016

Significance

The emergence of organic–inorganic hybrid lead triiodide perovskite materials promises a low-cost and high-efficiency photovoltaic technology. Although the high-power conversion efficiency of this technology has been successfully demonstrated, further improvement appears to be limited without further narrowing the band gap while also retaining or even synergistically prolonging the carrier lifetime. We report a synergistic enhancement in both band gap narrowing and carrier-lifetime prolongation (up to 70% to ∼100% increase) of organic–inorganic hybrid lead triiodide perovskite materials under mild pressures below ∼0.3 GPa. This work could open new territory in materials science, and new materials could be invented using the experimental and theoretical guidelines we have established herein.
Sexless babies, sexed grandparents
Authors: Sarvasy Hannah
Published: July 2016

Languages that lack grammatical gender often still index the sex of humans and higher animates through lexical means (Braun 2001). In the Papuan language Nungon, natural sex is indicated lexically, with gendered person and kin terms. Certain person terms may also function as nominal modifiers. Indexation of sex in these person and kin terms is partially dependent on age. The older the speaker or focal person for the kin relationship, the more likely that his/her sex will determine the term chosen to refer to the addressee or secondary person in the kin relationship. Most kin and person terms for small children disregard the sex of the child; such terms instead employ the sex of the focal person to describe the relationship with the child. Unlike with children, there are no completely gender-neutral terms for adults, although the dedicated male person terms amna, “man” and ketket, “boy” function in certain contexts with generic reference, meaning “human” and “youth.” Generic application of amna, “man” relates to syntax: amna as object argument of deverbal participle expressions has generic reference, as does amna under negation. Thus, indexation of sex is seen to be partially dependent (per Aikhenvald & Dixon 1998) on negation.
Language vitality and language identity — which one is more important?
Authors: Yao Chunlin , Zuckermann Ghil'ad
Published: July 2016

How to protect language diversity in the world is a hotly discussed topic in linguistic research. This study investigates the relationship between Tibetan language vitality and language users’ identity in Maketang and Huazangsi Tibetan Autonomy County. On the basis of empirical data, the study suggests that there are no strong, positive correlations between Tibetan language vitality and the speakers’ language identity (or with their language activities and inclinations). However, pragmatic matters constitute an important factor that influences speakers’ activities and inclinations. These findings can be explained by conflicting functions performed by language: language as a communication tool on the one hand, and language as a receptacle of culture on the other. Bilingual (or multilingual) education can fulfill a useful role in balancing these two language functions. As a result of the evidence in this study, we argue that language protection cannot preserve both language vitality and language identity, and that, therefore, language protection should pay more attention to issues of language identity rather than to issues of language vitality.
Processing punctuation and word changes in different editions of prose fiction
Authors: Carrol Gareth , Conklin Kathy , Guy Josephine , Scott Rebekah
Published: July 2016

The digital era has brought with it a shift in the field of literary editing in terms of the amount and kind of textual variation that can reasonably be annotated by editors. However, questions remain about how far readers engage with textual variants, especially minor ones such as small-scale changes to punctuation. In this study we present an eye-tracking experiment investigating reader sensitivity to variations in surface textual features of prose fiction. We monitored eye movements while participants read textual variants from Dickens and James, hypothesising that readers may pay more attention to lexical rather than punctuation changes. We found longer reading times for both types, but only lexical changes also increased reading times for the rest of the sentence. In addition, eye-movement behaviour and conscious ability to report changes were highly correlated. We discuss the implications for how such methods might be applied to questions of “literary” significance and textual processing.
From literal to technical
Authors: Lakhtikova Anastasia
Published: July 2016

Our understanding of Vladimir Nabokov’s method of translatingEugene Oneginas literal is largely based on his own claims and as such it populates anthologies of translation theory (i.e., Venuti’sThe Translation Studies Reader)and classrooms. However, upon closer examination, Nabokov’s method is extremely removed both from the broad and specialized understanding of what a literal translation is. It is neither instrumental, as any literal translation would be, nor hermeneutic, as any literary translation accompanied by a voluminous commentary should be. Nabokov’sCommentary, an adjunct to his translation ofEugene Onegin, is the key to his translation method and to the translation’s strangeness. Analyzing the nature, scope, and function of the commentary from within the field of translation studies rather than that of literary criticism, this essay accounts for a number of idiosyncrasies observed by many critics ofCommentarybut previously unexplored and unexplained. These include its seemingly irrational feature of discussing texts unrelated to Pushkin’s own reading list; its excessive attention to Gallicisms and Romantic texts; its role in stabilizing translation; in a word, its function in Nabokov’s innovative translation methodology. This essay argues that instead of reviewing Nabokov’sCommentarywithin the paradigms of literary or historiographic genres, we should consider it first as a translation tool. The translation methodology then can be reevaluated in more technical terms than conventionally practiced in literary translation criticism. This revision unveils Nabokov’s translation not as literary but technical and not as literal but corpus-based, with mechanics and parallel texts minutely detailed in the commentary.
Baroreceptor Stimulation for Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Yoruk Ayhan , Bisognano John D. , Gassler John P.
Published: July 2016

Hypertension (HTN) is a worldwide epidemic. When untreated, HTN places patients at an elevated risk for several health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and end-organ damage. This effect is particularly pronounced in a subset of patients who experience treatment-resistant HTN despite the utilization of conventional medication and lifestyle interventions. For these challenging patients, ongoing research efforts continue to explore and develop novel nonpharmacologic therapies for resistant HTN. One such avenue is the regulation of the sympathetic nervous system, a large component of circulatory physiology. Innovative therapies have evolved to harness the ability to deliver electrical stimulation to baroreceptors in an effort to modulate the sympathetic system involvement in HTN. This review discusses baroreflex activation therapy and its role in the management of resistant HTN.
Crystal structure and computational study of 2,4-dichloro-N-[(E)-(5-nitrothiophen-2-yl)methylidene]aniline
Authors: Köysal Yavuz , Bülbül Hakan , Gümüş Sümeyye , Ağar Erbil , Soylu Mustafa Serkan
Published: July 2016

The title compound, C11H6Cl2N2O2S, is a Schiff base that incorporates an N-bound 2,4-dichlorophenyl and a C-bound 5-nitrothiophene ring. The molecule is approximately planar, the maximum deviation from the mean plane being 0.233 (4) Å for the C=N N atom. The dihedral angle between the benzene and thiophene rings is 9.7 (2)°. The C=N double bond has anEconfiguration. The crystal structure features C—H...O hydrogen bonds,forming sheets parallel to (10-1), and π–π stacking interactions between symmetry-related thiophene and benzene rings, in which the distance between adjacent ring centroids is 3.707 (4) Å, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular structure. Geometric parameters from quantum-chemical calculations are in good agreement with experimental X-ray diffraction results.
HbA1c levels are associated with severity of hypoxemia and not with apnea hypopnea index in patients with type 2 diabetes: Results from a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rusu Adriana , Bala Cornelia Gabriela , Craciun Anca‐Elena , Roman Gabriela
Published: July 2016

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of untreated sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) on glycemic control, evaluated by HbA1c, in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

The study sample consisted of 100 consecutive adult (≥18 years) patients with T2D without a prior diagnosis of sleep apnea recruited from an outpatient diabetes clinic. All patients underwent an in‐hospital cardiorespiratory study using a three‐channel portable sleep diagnostic tool; 64 were found to have sleep apnea, 36 were not. Information on medical history, body weight, height, sleep apnea symptoms, Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores, and HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose levels were recorded.

Results

After adjusting for factors known to affect HbA1c (gender, age, diabetes duration, diabetes treatment, body mass index [BMI], and waist circumference), HbA1c was higher in patients with than without SAS (8.4 % vs 7.6 %, respectively; P = 0.04). A positive correlation was found between the presence of sleep apnea and HbA1c (r = 0.24; P = 0.02). After adjusting for confounding factors (including BMI), only mean and lowest O2 saturation during sleep were significantly associated with HbA1c (β = −0.23 [P = 0.03] and β = −0.24 [P = 0.007], respectively). After further adjusting for waist circumference, only lowest O2 saturation during recording remained independently associated with HbA1c (β = −0.21; P = 0.05).

Conclusions

The presence of sleep apnea is associated with poorer glycemic control in patients with T2D. In patients with sleep apnea and T2D, greater levels of oxygen desaturation are associated with poorer glycemic control.
Resource suitability modulating spatial co‐occurrence of soil‐forager termites (Blattodea: Termitoidea)
Authors: Araújo Ana P Albano , Cristaldo Paulo F , Florencio Daniela F , Araújo Fernanda S , DeSouza Og
Published: July 2016

Resource can regulate animal foraging range, which in turn determines the chances of species co‐occurrence. Here, we addressed the question of whether resource determines the co‐occurrence of soil‐forager termite species (i.e. those foraging in subterranean tunnels). Eight quadrats (4 × 4 m) were marked in seven sites of Brazilian Atlantic rainforests, giving a total area sampled of 896 m2. Inside each quadrat, we measured the co‐occurrence of soil forager species and the resource suitability (N:C ratio of the soil and litter biomass). The number of records of more than one soil‐forager termite species at a single foraging spot, relative to the total number of foraging spots detected in each forest, was taken as a surrogate for spatial co‐occurrence. We tested whether termite co‐occurrence was mediated by random or nonrandom processes. Data were subjected to linear regression to test how the termite species co‐occurrence responds to resources. We compared this method with a null model analysis. Soil‐forager termites comprised 885 records, 20 species and 14 genera. From those records, 29% indicated species co‐occurrence. Co‐occurrence was not random: occurred more frequently when resource suitability was very high or very low. This result suggests an optimised use of space by termite communities.
High risk of post‐infectious irritable bowel syndrome in patients with Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Wadhwa A. , Al Nahhas M. F. , Dierkhising R. A. , Patel R. , Kashyap P. , Pardi D. S. , Khanna S. , Grover M.
Published: July 2016

Background

Infectious enteritis is a commonly identified risk factor for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is on the rise. However, there is limited information on post‐infectious IBS (PI‐IBS) development following CDI and the host‐ and infection‐related risk factors are not known.

Aim

To determine the incidence and risk factors for PI‐IBS following CDI.

Methods

A total of 684 cases of CDI identified from September 2012 to November 2013 were surveyed. Participants completed the Rome III IBS questionnaire and details on the CDI episode. Predictive modelling was done using logistic regression to evaluate risk factors for PI‐IBS development.

Results

A total of 315 CDI cases responded (46% response rate) and 205 were at‐risk (no pre‐CDI IBS) for PI‐IBS development. A total of 52/205 (25%) met the Rome III criteria for IBS ≥6 months following CDI. IBS‐mixed was most common followed by IBS‐diarrhoea. In comparison to those without subsequent PI‐IBS, greater percentage of PI‐IBS patients had CDI symptoms >7 days, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain during CDI, anxiety and a higher BMI. Using logistic regression, CDI symptoms >7 days [Odds ratio (OR): 2.96, P = 0.01], current anxiety (OR: 1.33, P < 0.0001) and a higher BMI (OR: 1.08, P = 0.004) were independently associated with PI‐IBS development; blood in the stool during CDI was protective (OR: 0.44, P = 0.06).

Conclusions

In this cohort study, new‐onset IBS is common after CDI. Longer CDI duration, current anxiety and higher BMI are associated with the diagnosis of C. difficile PI‐IBS. This chronic sequela should be considered during active management and follow‐up of patients with CDI.
Systematic review: periprocedural hydration in the prevention of post‐ERCP pancreatitis
Authors: Smeets X. J. N. M. , da Costa D. W. , Besselink M. G. , Bruno M. J. , Fockens P. , Mulder C. J. J. , van der Hulst R. W. , Vleggaar F. P. , Timmer R. , Drenth J. P. H. , van Geenen E. J. M.
Published: July 2016

Background

With an overall incidence of 3.5%, pancreatitis is the most frequent complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Periprocedural hydration may prevent post‐ERCP pancreatitis by maintaining pancreatic microperfusion, thereby inhibiting the pancreatic inflammatory response. However, the evidence for periprocedural hydration as a preventive measure is unclear.

Aim

To conduct a systematic review to assess the evidence regarding periprocedural hydration as a preventive measure for post‐ERCP pancreatitis.

Methods

We searched PubMed and EMBASE databases and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. We included studies addressing periprocedural hydration as a preventive measure to reduce frequency and severity of post‐ERCP pancreatitis. Study quality was assessed by using the MINORS and Cochrane Collaboration's tool.

Results

Six studies with a total of 1102 patients were included. Two randomised controlled trials reported a decreased incidence of post‐ERCP pancreatitis after hydration: 0% vs. 17% (P = 0.016) and 5.3% vs. 22.7% (P = 0.002). A third trial and two case–controls studies did not report significant differences. Two retrospective studies found that patients with mild post‐ERCP pancreatitis had received significantly more fluids during (mean 940 mL vs. 810 mL; P = 0.031) or after ERCP (median 2834 mL vs. 2044 mL; P < 0.02) compared to patients with moderate/severe disease. Adverse events of periprocedural hydration were not reported in any of the included studies. The different methodologies of the included studies precluded a formal data synthesis.

Conclusions

There is some evidence to suggest that hydration affords protection against post‐ERCP pancreatitis, but study heterogeneity precludes firm conclusions. Adequately powered randomised trials are needed to evaluate the preventive effect of periprocedural hydration.
Population pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin and doxorubicinol in patients diagnosed with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Pérez‐Blanco Jonás Samuel , Santos‐Buelga Dolores , Fernández de Gatta María del Mar , Hernández‐Rivas Jesús María , Martín Alejandro , García María José
Published: July 2016

Aims

The aims of the study were: (i) to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of doxorubicin (DOX) and doxorubicinol (DOXol) in patients diagnosed with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) using a population approach; (ii) to evaluate the influence of various covariates on the PK of DOX; and (iii) to evaluate the role of DOX and DOXol exposure in haematological toxicity.

Methods

Population PK modelling (using NONMEM) was performed using DOX and DOXol plasma concentration–time data from 45 NHL patients treated with R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone). The influence of drug exposure on haematological toxicity was analysed using the Mann–Whitney‐Wilcoxon test.

Results

A five‐compartment model, three for DOX and two for DOXol, with first‐order distribution and elimination for both entities best described the data. Population estimates for parent drug (CL) and metabolite (CLm) clearance were 62 l h−1 and 27 l h−1, respectively. The fraction metabolized to DOXol (Fm) was estimated at 0.22. While bilirubin and aspartate aminotransferase showed an influence on the CL and CLm, the objective function value decrease was not statistically significant. A trend towards an association between the total area under the concentration–time curve (AUCtotal), the area under the concentration–time curve for DOX (AUC) plus the area under the concentration–time curve for DOXol (AUCm), and the neutropenia grade (P = 0.068) and the neutrophil counts (P = 0.089) was observed, according to an exponential relationship.

Conclusions

The PK of DOX and DOXol were well characterized by the model developed, which could be used as a helpful tool to optimize the dosage of this drug. The results suggest that the main active metabolite of DOX, DOXol, is involved in the haematological toxicity of the parent drug.
Patient‐Level Adverse Event Patterns in a Single‐Institution Study of the Multi‐Kinase Inhibitor Sorafenib
Authors: Karovic S , Shiuan EF , Zhang SQ , Cao H , Maitland ML
Published: July 2016

Novel characterization of patterns of adverse events (AEs) of kinase inhibitors (KIs) could reveal new insights on human molecular physiology and methods to improve the therapeutic index of KIs. Incidence and severity of AEs for each of 157 patients enrolled in sorafenib clinical trials were determined for three clinically relevant treatment intervals: weeks 0–3, weeks 3–7, and after 7 weeks. The most common within patient co‐occurrences were mucositis with dermatologic events: hand‐foot syndrome (HFS; odds ratio [OR] = 4.36; p = 0.0017) and rash (OR = 5.32; p < 0.001). Prevalence of severe: alopecia (p = 0.02), diarrhea (p < 0.001), and fatigue (p = 0.005) increased over the course of therapy. Incidence of HFS (60%) and diarrhea (25%) increased up to a minimum steady‐state concentration (approximately 5 mcg mL‐1) and plateaued thereafter. Common AEs of sorafenib occur in distinct temporal and tissue distribution patterns and this analysis identified unrecognized relationships among mechanism‐dependent and independent effects of a KI.
Effect of stress hyperglycemia and intensive rehabilitation therapy in non‐diabetic hemorrhagic stroke: Korean Stroke Cohort for Functioning and Rehabilitation
Authors: Yoon J. A. , Kim D. Y. , Sohn M. K. , Lee J. , Lee S.‐G. , Lee Y.‐S. , Han E. Y. , Joo M. C. , Oh G.‐J. , Han J. , Lee S. W. , Park M. , Chang W. H. , Shin Y.‐I. , Kim Y.‐H.
Published: July 2016

Background and purpose

We investigated the effect of stress hyperglycemia on the functional outcomes of non‐diabetic hemorrhagic stroke. In addition, we investigated the usefulness of intensive rehabilitation for improving functional outcomes in patients with stress hyperglycemia.

Methods

Non‐diabetic hemorrhagic stroke patients were recruited and divided into two groups: intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (n = 165) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (n = 156). Each group was divided into non‐diabetics with or without stress hyperglycemia. Functional assessments were performed at 7 days and 3, 6 and 12 months after stroke onset. The non‐diabetic with stress hyperglycemia groups were again divided into two groups who either received or did not receive intensive rehabilitation treatment. Serial functional outcome was compared between groups.

Results

For the ICH group, patients with stress hyperglycemia had worse modified Rankin Scale, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Functional Ambulatory Category and Korean Mini‐Mental State Examination scores than patients without stress hyperglycemia. For the SAH group, patients with stress hyperglycemia had worse scores on all functional assessments than patients without stress hyperglycemia at all time‐points. After intensive rehabilitation treatment of patients with stress hyperglycemia, the ICH group had better scores on Functional Ambulatory Category and the SAH group had better scores on all functional assessments than patients without intensive rehabilitation treatment.

Conclusions

Stress hyperglycemia affects the long‐term prognosis of non‐diabetic hemorrhagic stroke patients. Among stress hyperglycemia patients, intensive rehabilitation can enhance functional improvement after stroke.
A placebo‐controlled trial of ‘one‐minute qigong exercise' on the reduction of blood pressure among patients with essential hypertension
Authors: Chen Xinwee , Arifin Wan N , Draman Nani , Wan‐Arfah Nadiah , Ajalal Muhammad I , Chen Han H , Naing Nyi N
Published: July 2016

Background

Hypertension, defined as the persistent elevation of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and can lead to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renal morbidity and mortality if untreated. In Malaysia, primary hypertension among adults is relatively high and a large proportion of cases remains undiagnosed. Qigong is a traditional Chinese exercise that has been shown to have positive health effects.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 5‐day ‘one‐minute qigong exercise’ programme on the reduction of blood pressure among patients with primary hypertension.

Methods

An open‐label, parallel‐group, controlled trial was conducted among participants with essential hypertension who were staff of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The participants were assigned to either the ‘one‐minute qigong exercise’ programme or control, and underwent respective sessions for 5 consecutive days. The outcomes – SBP and DBP – were measured by standardised assessors using manual mercury sphygmomanometers. Repeated measures ANCOVA was performed to compare groups over time.

Results

At the end of the study, 21 (56.8%) and 25 (92.6%) participants remained in the qigong and control groups, respectively. Overall, there was no significant within‐ or between‐group effect for mean SBP, while there was a marginally significant difference in mean DBP at the DBP×Group interaction level (P=0.049). Mean DBP on day 2 was statistically significantly different between groups (P=0.041).

Conclusion

Our study showed that the ‘one‐minute qigong exercise’ programme, carried out over a period of 5 consecutive days, offers no additional benefit to control in reducing blood pressure in persons with primary hypertension.
Persistent cutaneous ulcers after Yttrium‐90 synovectomy, an unusual complication: two case reports and a review of the literature
Authors: García‐Colmenero Lidia , Martin‐Ezquerra Gemma , Monfort Jordi , Pujol Ramon M
Published: July 2016

Development of persistent deep cutaneous ulceration is a rare and serious complication of radiosynovectomy, an extended procedure used in the treatment of chronic synovitis.

Cutaneous radiation necrosis is a rare complication of synovectomy, probably as a result of radiocolloid para‐articular injection. This rare phenomenon should be suspected when an ulcer adjacent to an articulation appears several days or even months after a radiation synovectomy. It can turn into a challenging diagnosis for rheumatologists, orthopaedists and dermatologists, especially in those cases with a late development of the skin lesions. Recognition of this potential side effect is important in order to establish a proper therapeutic strategy and avoid unnecessary treatments. Surgical excision appears to be the treatment of choice. We report two patients with knee osteoarthritis treated with intra‐articular injection of Yttrium‐90 who developed persistent cutaneous ulcers secondary to radiation necrosis.
Evaluating the Efficiency of the FOMC's New Economic Projections
Authors: ARAI NATSUKI
Published: July 2016

Since 2007, Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policymakers have been publishing detailed numerical projections of macroeconomic series over the next 3 years. By testing whether the revisions to these projections are unpredictable, I find that FOMC's efficiency is generally accepted for inflation but often rejected for real economic variables, notably for the unemployment rate. The rejection is due to the strong autocorrelation of revisions, which may reflect information rigidity of FOMC's unemployment projections. The joint efficiency of the entire projection is accepted in most cases.
Two Monetary Models with Alternating Markets
Authors: CAMERA GABRIELE , CHIEN YILI
Published: July 2016

We present a thought‐provoking study of two monetary models: the cash‐in‐advance and the Lagos and Wright () models. The different approaches to modeling money—reduced form versus explicit role—induce neither fundamental theoretical nor quantitative differences in results. Given conformity of preferences, technologies, and shocks, both models reduce to equilibrium difference equations that coincide unless price distortions are differentially imposed on cash prices, across models. Equal distortions support equally large welfare costs of inflation. Performance differences stem from unequal assumptions about the pricing mechanism that governs cash transactions, not the differential modeling of the monetary exchange process.
Intra‐ and interday repeatability of peripheral arterial function: suitability and potential limitations
Authors: Del Bo’ Cristian , Deon Valeria , Porrini Marisa , Campolo Jonica , Parolini Marina , Riso Patrizia
Published: July 2016

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the inter‐and intraday repeatability of RHI measured by Endo‐PAT in healthy volunteers.

Methods

Interday RHI repeatability was tested in two consecutive days in a group of 31 male subjects. Intraday repeatability was investigated at baseline and after 2 and 4 hour in a group of 16 volunteers. Data were evaluated by analysis of variance. Bland‐Altman plot, CV, CR, and ICC were measured.

Results

While interday RHI repeatability was found to be reliable (CV: 6.0%; CR: 0.51; ICC: 0.77), multiple evaluations within the same day significantly (P<.001) affected RHI (repeatability of the measurement ‐CV: 18.8%; CR: 1.26; ICC: 0.48). In particular, a significant increase in RHI occurred at 4 hour compared to 2 hour (+16.8%; P<.05) and to baseline (+30.1%; P<.05).

Conclusions

RHI showed good interday but poor intraday repeatability. Multiple evaluations increased RHI especially in subjects with endothelial dysfunction who improved or reversed their impairment. These results show the potential limitations of multiple Endo‐PAT measurements within the same day and the importance of standardizing the protocols before RHI evaluations.
The small membrane protein MgrB regulates PhoQ bifunctionality to control PhoP target gene expression dynamics
Authors: Salazar Michael E. , Podgornaia Anna I. , Laub Michael T.
Published: July 2016

In Escherichia coli and other γ‐proteobacteria, the PhoQ‐PhoP two‐component signaling system responds to low extracellular Mg++ and cationic antimicrobial peptides. On transition to inducing conditions, the expression of PhoP‐dependent genes increases rapidly, but then decays to a new, intermediate steady‐state level, a phenomenon often referred to as partial adaptation. The molecular basis for this partial adaptation has been unclear. Here, using time‐lapse fluorescence microscopy to examine PhoP‐dependent gene expression in individual E. coli cells we show that partial adaptation arises through a negative feedback loop involving the small protein MgrB. When E. coli cells are shifted to low Mg++, PhoQ engages in multiple rounds of autophosphorylation and phosphotransfer to PhoP, which, in turn, drives the expression of mgrB. MgrB then feeds back to inhibit the kinase activity of PhoQ. PhoQ is bifunctional such that, when not active as a kinase, it can stimulate the dephosphorylation of PhoP. Thus, MgrB drives the inactivation of PhoP and the observed adaptation in PhoP‐dependent gene expression. Our results clarify the source of feedback inhibition in the E. coli PhoQ‐PhoP system and reveal how exogenous factors, such as MgrB, can combine with a canonical two‐component signaling pathway to produce complex temporal dynamics in target gene expression.
Making it through the first year: Ontogeny of movement and diving behavior in harbor seals from Svalbard, Norway
Authors: Blanchet Marie‐Anne , Lydersen Christian , Ims Rolf A. , Kovacs Kit M.
Published: July 2016

Phocid seal pups must learn successful survival strategies, largely independently, following their abrupt weaning at a relatively young age. To explore the ontogeny of aquatic skills, space use and first‐year habitat choices made by harbor seals, pups (n = 30) were instrumented with satellite relay data loggers (SRDLs) in Svalbard, Norway in 2009 and 2010. Initially, the pups had small home ranges and showed rapid changes in their activity budgets and diving capabilities, displaying steep linear increases in diving depth and duration and in the amount of time spent diving. Most pups underwent an abrupt shift in movement patterns at ca. 50 d of age, which likely marked the end of the postweaning fast. Around this same time, the steep progression in diving performance slowed, though longer, deeper dives gradually became the norm. However, bottom time, ascent and descent rates, and postdive recovery times remained stable after the postweaning fast, suggesting that most aquatic skill acquisition was completed during the first months of life. Few clear effects of environmental variables such as upwelling phenomenon, which are known to influence the diving behavior of adults from the same population, were detected in the diving patterns of pups.
Familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with an I104F mutation in the SOD1 gene: Multisystem degeneration with neurofilamentous aggregates and SOD1 inclusions
Authors: Jiang Haishan , Shimizu Hiroshi , Shiga Atsushi , Tanaka Masami , Onodera Osamu , Kakita Akiyoshi , Takahashi Hitoshi
Published: July 2016

We previously reported familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) of 11 years duration in a 57‐year‐old woman, who received artificial ventilation for 5 years prior to death and exhibited widespread multisystem degeneration and neurofilamentous aggregates, so‐called conglomerate inclusions (CIs). In the present study, we re‐evaluated this autopsied patient (proband) with further immunohistochemical observation as well as mutational analysis of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. A review of the clinical features of the proband's family revealed five affected members (including the proband) over two successive generations who showed marked variability in clinical presentation, such as the age at onset. The proband was found to harbor a heterozygous missense mutation in exon 4 (I104F) of the SOD1 gene. In the brain and spinal cord, SOD1‐positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs) were found to be more widely distributed than CIs, the latter being weakly positive for SOD1. No Lewy body‐like hyaline inclusions were found. This is considered to be the first description of an autopsy case of FALS with an I104F SOD1 gene mutation, suggesting that combination of marked intra‐familial clinical variability and multisystem degeneration with occurrence of CIs and SOD1‐positive NCIs is a characteristic feature of FALS with this SOD1 gene mutation.
Phytoplankton, physical and chemical microscale variations in three brackish rock pools
Authors: Häggqvist Kerstin , Lindholm Tore
Published: July 2016

Variations at the microscale in phytoplankton distribution with respect to physical and chemical variables in three brackish rock pools of different depth, size and exposure were studied during the growth season. Three hypotheses were made about the microspatial characteristics of the rock pool habitat: (i) there are distinct microscale variations in physical and chemical variables, (ii) the microscale distribution of phytoplankton is related to characteristic physical and/or chemical variables, and (iii) microscale variations are more pronounced in deep rock pools. Variations were studied at a 10 cm scale by close interval siphon sampling. Physical and chemical variations were small irrespective of rock pool. Prevailing weather, as well as the similar round basin shape of the pools contributed to the similarities. Variations in phytoplankton microscale distributions were clear and consistent throughout the study period, and less variable in the deepest pool compared to the shallower ones. The distribution of dominant phytoplankton species correlated with microscale variations in temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH, often during seasonal minima or maxima. The microscale correlations implied that short reaction times of phytoplankton enabled them to exploit, or be influenced by, brief, local variations. The results demonstrated the importance of studies at fine scales to disentangle processes even in shallow weather‐influenced ecosystems.
In Search of Relevance in the Twenty‐First Century
Authors: Youtie Jan L.
Published: July 2016

Related Content: Balfour and Newbold (PAR September/October 2016)
Who's Managing Whom? Attempting to Tame the Beast of Globalization through the Management of International Organizations
Authors: Alaimo Salvatore P.
Published: July 2016

Related Content: Balfour and Newbold (PAR September/October 2016)
Religion and the Radical Right in American Public Life
Authors: Weinberg Leonard B. , Assoudeh Eliot
Published: July 2016

Religious movements and religious ideas have played important roles in the United States almost since the formation of the American republic. From those who sought to abolish slavery in the 19th century to the civil rights and anti‐war movements of the 20th, Christian clergy and laymen claimed religious inspiration for their involvements. There is another side to this story, however. In addition to championing these progressive causes, Christian, largely Protestant, religious ideas have also been central to the various radical right‐wing movements that have surfaced over the course of American history. Or, as the journalist H. L. Mencken once put it in connection with the 1928 presidential election campaign: ‘the Ku Klux Klan is really the secular wing of the Methodist church in the South!’ Xenophobic, Anti‐Catholic, anti‐Semitic, and especially anti‐communist, far‐right organisations in the USA have employed religious sentiments to justify their campaigns against important social changes in public life. We propose to tell their story.
Enhanced visual performance in obsessive compulsive personality disorder
Authors: Ansari Zohreh , Fadardi Javad Salehi
Published: July 2016

Visual performance is considered as commanding modality in human perception. We tested whether Obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) people do differently in visual performance tasks than people without OCPD. One hundred ten students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and non‐student participants were tested by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis II Personality Disorders (SCID‐II), among whom 18 (mean age = 29.55; SD = 5.26; 84% female) met the criteria for OCPD classification; controls were 20 persons (mean age = 27.85; SD = 5.26; female = 84%), who did not met the OCPD criteria. Both groups were tested on a modified Flicker task for two dimensions of visual performance (i.e., visual acuity: detecting the location of change, complexity, and size; and visual contrast sensitivity). The OCPD group had responded more accurately on pairs related to size, complexity, and contrast, but spent more time to detect a change on pairs related to complexity and contrast. The OCPD individuals seem to have more accurate visual performance than non‐OCPD controls. The findings support the relationship between personality characteristics and visual performance within the framework of top‐down processing model.
Hans Frei: teología y método
Authors: Martínez Morales Dario
Published: July 2016

A continuación se abordan temas centrales de la teología elaborada por Hans Frei, autor poco conocido en el contexto regional latinoamericano. La presentación se encuentra delimitada a su pensamiento tardío, y muestra su concepción tanto de teología como de método teológico. También busca destacar la transformación de la reflexión de Frei, que vincula progresivamente un creciente interés por aspectos vitales y contextuales de las comunidades creyentes.
Quando imagens passam a ser consideradas ídolos
Authors: Dietrich Luiz José , Triana Rodríguez Jorge Yecid
Published: July 2016

Os autores refletem sobre o uso de imagens na história da religião do antigo Israel. De um contexto em que as imagens eram abundantes y seu uso aceito e normal, chegase à proibição total de imagens. Buscando as raízes da luta contra as imagens, apresentam um conceito de idolatria não tanto relacionado às imagens em si, mais como um grito no combate às injustiças, violências e desigualdades sociais.
The Influence of Load and Angular Displacement Amplitude on the Torsional Fretting Wear of a Ball-on-Socket Cervical Disk Model
Authors: Wang Song , Li Yong , Liao Zhenhua , Wang Qingliang , Feng Pingfa , Liu Weiqiang
Published: July 2016

The torsional fretting wear behaviors of artificial cervical disk were studied under different loads (50, 100, and 150 N) and angular displacement amplitudes (±2 deg, ±5 deg, and ±7 deg). The cervical prosthesis was simplified and designed as a ball-on-socket contact with the material configuration of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and thermally oxidized titanium alloy. The fretting running regime changed from mixed regime (MR) to slip regime (SR) when the angular displacement increased from 2 deg to 7 deg. The frictional torque became larger with an increasing load at all of the angular displacement amplitudes. Larger load and angular displacement amplitude also led to more severe wear for UHMWPE ball. The damage patterns for titanium socket were only slight scratches and polished tracks on the raised oxide scales. However, the dominant wear mechanism was abrasive and adhesive wear as well as deformation for UHMWPE ball. Hence, titanium socket revealed less severe damage than UHMWPE ball due to the protection of oxide film. Arc-shaped wear scars and scratches appeared in both the central and edge zones of the ball and socket component, which were rather different with that of ball-on-flat. In addition, a new damage pattern, annular stress concentration damage, occurred on the edge of UHMWPE ball characterized by severe abrasive and adhesive wear.
Quantifying the Effects of Formalin Fixation on the Mechanical Properties of Cortical Bone Using Beam Theory and Optimization Methodology With Specimen-Specific Finite Element Models
Authors: Zhang Guan-Jun , Yang Jie , Guan Feng-Jiao , Chen Dan , Li Na , Cao Libo , Mao Haojie
Published: July 2016

The effects of formalin fixation on bone material properties remain debatable. In this study, we collected 36 fresh-frozen cuboid-shaped cortical specimens from five male bovine femurs and immersed half of the specimens into 4% formalin fixation liquid for 30 days. We then conducted three-point bending tests and used both beam theory method and an optimization method combined with specimen-specific finite element (FE) models to identify material parameters. Through the optimization FE method, the formalin-fixed bones showed a significantly lower Young's modulus (−12%) compared to the fresh-frozen specimens, while no difference was observed using the beam theory method. Meanwhile, both the optimization FE and beam theory methods revealed higher effective failure strains for formalin-fixed bones compared to fresh-frozen ones (52% higher through the optimization FE method and 84% higher through the beam theory method). Hence, we conclude that the formalin fixation has a significant effect on bovine cortical bones at small, elastic, as well as large, plastic deformations.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Nocardia jinanensis
, an Opportunistic Bacterial Pathogen That Causes Cellulitis
Authors: Chakrabortti Alolika , Li Jinming , Liang Zhao-Xun
Published: July 2016

The draft genome sequence of 
Nocardia jinanensis
, an opportunistic pathogen that can cause skin infections, reveals genes that may contribute to the lifestyle and pathogenicity of
N. jinanensis
. The genome also reveals the biosynthetic capacity of
N. jinanensis
in producing mycolic acids, siderophores, and other polyketide and nonribosomal peptide-derived secondary metabolites.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Exiguobacterium
sp. KKBO11, Isolated Downstream of a Wastewater Treatment Plant in Houston, Texas
Authors: Iyer Rupa , Damania Ashish
Published: July 2016

Exiguobacterium
sp. KKBO11, isolated near a wastewater treatment plant in Houston, Texas, USA, possesses a large number of genes involved in stress response and transport critical to survival in adverse environmental conditions. An unusually high copy number of RNA genes also possibly contributes to this microorganism's versatility by promoting nutrient uptake.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
Serovars Typhimurium and Nottingham Isolated from Food Products
Authors: Wang Hua , Zheng Jie , Ayers Sherry , Melka David C. , Curry Phillip E. , Payne Justin S. , Laasri Anna , Wang Charles , Hammack Thomas S. , Brown Eric W.
Published: July 2016

A quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) designed to detect
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Enteritidis, targeting the
sdf
gene, generated positive results for
S. enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Typhimurium (CFSAN033950) and
S. enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Nottingham (CFSAN006803) isolated from food samples. Both strains show pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns distinct from those of
S
. Enteritidis. Here, we report the genome sequences of these two strains.