bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Composition and Larvicidal Activity of Essential Oils Extracted from Brazilian Legal Amazon Plants againstAedes aegyptiL. (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Dias Clarice Noleto , Alves Luciana Patrícia Lima , Rodrigues Klinger Antonio da Franca , Brito Maria Cristiane Aranha , Rosa Carliane dos Santos , Amaral Flavia Maria Mendonça do , Monteiro Odair dos Santos , Andrade Eloisa Helena de Aguiar , Maia José Guilherme Soares , Moraes Denise Fernandes Coutinho
Published: April 2015

The mosquitoAedes aegyptiL. (Diptera: Culicidae) is the major vector of dengue and chikungunya fever. The lack of effective therapies and vaccines for these diseases highlights the need for alternative strategies to control the spread of virus. Therefore, this study investigated the larvicidal potential of essential oils from common plant species obtained from the Chapada das Mesas National Park, Brazil, against third instarA. aegyptilarvae. The chemical composition of these oils was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The essential oils ofEugenia piauhiensisVellaff.,Myrcia erythroxylonO. Berg,Psidium myrsinitesDC., andSiparuna camporum(Tul.) A. DC. were observed to be mainly composed of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The essential oil ofLippia gracilisSchauer was composed of oxygenated monoterpenes. Four of the five tested oils were effective against theA. aegyptilarvae, with the lethal concentration (LC50) ranging from 230 to 292 mg/L after 24 h of exposure. Overall, this work demonstrated the possibility of developing larvicidal products againstA. aegyptiby using essential oils from the flora of the Brazilian Legal Amazon. This in turn demonstrates the potential of using natural resources for the control of disease vectors.
First Report of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Sika Deer in China
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Xuan , Qin Si-Yuan , Zhang Yuan , Meng Qing-Feng , Jiang Jing , Yang Gui-Lian , Zhao Quan , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: April 2015

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a single stranded RNA, nonenveloped virus, belongs to the genusHepevirus, in the family ofHepeviridae. In this study, 46 (5.43%) out of the 847 serum samples from sika deer (Cervus nippon) were detected as seropositive with hepatitis E virus (HEV) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These samples were collected from Inner Mongolia and Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces in China, between October 2012 and October 2013. Seroprevalence of HEV infection in male and female deer was 4.82% and 6.52%, respectively. HEV seroprevalence in sika deer from different geographical locations varied from 3.13% to 6.73%. There was no significant difference in HEV seroprevalence between sika deer collected in autumn (5.65%) and winter (4.85%). This is the first report of HEV seroprevalence in sika deer in China, which will provide foundation information for estimating the effectiveness of future measures to control HEV infection in sika deer in China and assessing the potential risk of humans infected with HEV after consumption of undercooked or raw meat from infected sika deer.
Rho/MRTF-A-Induced Integrin Expression Regulates Angiogenesis in Differentiated Multipotent Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Nan , Zhang Man , Zhang Li-Nan , Guo Zhi-Xia , Luo Xue-Gang , Zhou Hao , He Hong-Peng , Zhang Tong-Cun
Published: April 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to undergo endothelial differentiation in response to treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), but their angiogenic ability is poorly characterized. In the present study, we aimed to further investigate the role of Rho/MRTF-A in angiogenesis by MSCs and the effect of the Rho/MRTF-A pathway on the expression of integrinsα1β1 andα5β1, which are known to mediate physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Our results showed that increased expression ofα1,α5, andβ1 was observed during angiogenesis of differentiated MSCs, and the Rho/MRTF-A signaling pathway was demonstrated to be involved in regulating the expression of integrinsα1,α5, andβ1. Luciferase reporter assay and ChIP assay determined that MRTF-A could bind to and transactivate the integrinα1 andα5 promoters. Treatment with the Rho inhibitor C3 transferase, the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y27632 or with shMRTF-A inhibited both the upregulation ofα1,α5, andβ1 as well as angiogenesis. Furthermore, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), MRTF-A deletion led to marked reductions in cell migration and vessel network formation compared with the control. These data demonstrate that Rho/MRTF-A signaling is an important mediator that controls integrin gene expression during MSC-mediated angiogenic processes.
New Statistical Randomness Tests Based on Length of Runs
Authors: Doğanaksoy Ali , Sulak Fatih , Uğuz Muhiddin , Şeker Okan , Akcengiz Ziya
Published: April 2015

Random sequences and random numbers constitute a necessary part of cryptography. Many cryptographic protocols depend on random values. Randomness is measured by statistical tests and hence security evaluation of a cryptographic algorithm deeply depends on statistical randomness tests. In this work we focus on statistical distributions of runs of lengths one, two, and three. Using these distributions we state three new statistical randomness tests. New tests useχ2distribution and, therefore, exact values of probabilities are needed. Probabilities associated runs of lengths one, two, and three are stated. Corresponding probabilities are divided into five subintervals of equal probabilities. Accordingly, three new statistical tests are defined and pseudocodes for these new statistical tests are given. New statistical tests are designed to detect the deviations in the number of runs of various lengths from a random sequence. Together with some other statistical tests, we analyse our tests’ results on outputs of well-known encryption algorithms and on binary expansions ofe,π, and2. Experimental results show the performance and sensitivity of our tests.
Performance Enhancing Diets and the PRISE Protocol to Optimize Athletic Performance
Authors: Arciero Paul J. , Miller Vincent J. , Ward Emery
Published: April 2015

The training regimens of modern-day athletes have evolved from the sole emphasis on a single fitness component (e.g., endurance athlete or resistance/strength athlete) to an integrative, multimode approach encompassing all four of the major fitness components: resistance (R), interval sprints (I), stretching (S), and endurance (E) training. Athletes rarely, if ever, focus their training on only one mode of exercise but instead routinely engage in a multimode training program. In addition, timed-daily protein (P) intake has become a hallmark for all athletes. Recent studies, including from our laboratory, have validated the effectiveness of this multimode paradigm (RISE) and protein-feeding regimen, which we have collectively termed PRISE. Unfortunately, sports nutrition recommendations and guidelines have lagged behind the PRISE integrative nutrition and training model and therefore limit an athletes’ ability to succeed. Thus, it is the purpose of this review to provide a clearly defined roadmap linking specific performance enhancing diets (PEDs) with each PRISE component to facilitate optimal nourishment and ultimately optimal athletic performance.
Chaos Synchronization of Financial Chaotic System with External Perturbation
Authors: Xie Chengrong , Xu Yuhua , Tong Dongbing
Published: April 2015

This paper investigates the problem of two kinds of function projective synchronization of financial chaotic system with definite integration scaling function, which are not fully considered in the existing research. Different from the previous methods, in this paper, the following two questions are investigated: (1) two kinds of the definite integration scaling function projective synchronization are given; (2) the upper and lower limit of the definite integral scaling function are the bound dynamical systems. Finally, illustrative example is provided to show the effectiveness of this method.
Value of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Pretreatment in Experimental Sepsis Model in Rats
Authors: Alici Ozlem , Kavakli Havva Sahin , Koca Cemile , Altintas Neriman Defne , Aydin Murat , Alici Suleyman
Published: April 2015

Background and Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the actions of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on the changes of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) level, tumor necrosis factor‐ (TNF‐) alpha, and oxidative stress parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in experimental sepsis model in rats. Materials and Methods. Twenty‐four rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups: sham (group 1), sepsis (group 2), and sepsis + CAPE (group 3), n = 8 each. CAPE was administered (10 µmol/kg) intraperitoneally to group 3 before sepsis induction. Serum ET‐1, serum TNF‐alpha, tissue SOD activity, and tissue MDA levels were measured in all groups. Results. Pretreatment with CAPE decreased ET‐1, TNF‐alpha, and MDA levels in sepsis induced rats. Additionally SOD activities were higher in rats pretreated with CAPE after sepsis induction. Conclusion. Our results demonstrate that CAPE may have a beneficial effect on ET and TNF‐alpha levels and oxidative stress parameters induced by sepsis in experimental rat models. Therefore treatment with CAPE can be used to avoid devastating effects of sepsis.
NSGA-II Algorithm with a Local Search Strategy for Multiobjective Optimal Design of Dry-Type Air-Core Reactor
Authors: Zhang Chengfen , Ma Xikui
Published: April 2015

Dry-type air-core reactor is now widely applied in electrical power distribution systems, for which the optimization design is a crucial issue. In the optimization design problem of dry-type air-core reactor, the objectives of minimizing the production cost and minimizing the operation cost are both important. In this paper, a multiobjective optimal model is established considering simultaneously the two objectives of minimizing the production cost and minimizing the operation cost. To solve the multi-objective optimization problem, a memetic evolutionary algorithm is proposed, which combines elitist nondominated sorting genetic algorithm version II (NSGA-II) with a local search strategy based on the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (CMA-ES). NSGA-II can provide decision maker with flexible choices among the different trade-off solutions, while the local-search strategy, which is applied to nondominated individuals randomly selected from the current population in a given generation and quantity, can accelerate the convergence speed. Furthermore, another modification is that an external archive is set in the proposed algorithm for increasing the evolutionary efficiency. The proposed algorithm is tested on a dry-type air-core reactor made of rectangular cross-section litz-wire. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has high efficiency and it converges to a better Pareto front.
Chemical Reduction of Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO4−δPowders in Supercritical Sodium Ammonia Solutions
Authors: Dias Yasmin , Wang Hui , Zhou Haiqing , Lin Feng , Lan Yucheng
Published: April 2015

Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO4−δpowders are chemically reduced in supercritical sodium ammonia solutions from room temperature to 350°C. The crystallographic structure of the reduced powders is investigated from Rietveld refinement of X-ray powder diffraction. The atomic positions are maintained constant within experimental errors while temperature factors of all atoms increase significantly after the chemical treatments, especially of Nd/Ce atoms. The ammonothermally reduced Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO4−δpowders show diamagnetic below 24 K which is contributed to the lower oxygen content and higher temperature factors of atoms in the treated compound. The ammonothermal method paves a new way to reduce oxides in supercritical solutions near room temperature.
Increased DNA Dicarbonyl Glycation and Oxidation Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Link to Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Waris Sahar , Winklhofer-Roob Brigitte M. , Roob Johannes M. , Fuchs Sebastian , Sourij Harald , Rabbani Naila , Thornalley Paul J.
Published: April 2015

Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the changes of markers of DNA damage by glycation and oxidation in patients with type 2 diabetes and the association with diabetic nephropathy.Methodology. DNA oxidation and glycation adducts were analysed in plasma and urine by stable isotopic dilution analysis liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. DNA markers analysed were as follows: the oxidation adduct 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OxodG) and glycation adducts of glyoxal and methylglyoxal—imidazopurinones GdG, MGdG, and N2-(1,R/S-carboxyethyl)deoxyguanosine (CEdG).Results. Plasma 8-OxodG and GdG were increased 2-fold and 6-fold, respectively, in patients with type 2 diabetes, with respect to healthy volunteers. Median urinary excretion rates of 8-OxodG, GdG, MGdG, and CEdG were increased 28-fold, 10-fold, 2-fold, and 2-fold, respectively, in patients with type 2 diabetes with respect to healthy controls. In patients with type 2 diabetes, nephropathy was associated with increased plasma 8-OxodG and increased urinary GdG and CEdG. In a multiple logistic regression model for diabetic nephropathy, diabetic nephropathy was linked to systolic blood pressure and urinary CEdG.Conclusion. DNA oxidative and glycation damage-derived nucleoside adducts are increased in plasma and urine of patients with type 2 diabetes and further increased in patients with diabetic nephropathy.
Hepatoprotective and Antiviral Efficacy ofAcacia melliferaLeaves Fractions against Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Arbab Ahmed H. , Parvez Mohammad K. , Al-Dosari Mohammed S. , Al-Rehaily Adnan J. , Al-Sohaibani Mohammed , Zaroug Elwaleed E. , AlSaid Mansour S. , Rafatullah Syed
Published: April 2015

The present study investigated the hepatoprotective and anti-HBV efficacy ofAcacia mellifera(AM) leaves extracts. The crude ethanolic-extract, including organic and aqueous fractions, were tested for cytotoxicity on HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells (IC50= 684 μg/mL). Of these, the ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions showed the most promising, dose-dependent hepatoprotection in DCFH-toxicated cells at 48 h. In CCl4-injured rats, oral administration ofAMethanol extract (250 and 500 mg/kg·bw) for three weeks significantly normalized the sera aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein levels and elevated tissue nonprotein sulphydryl and total protein. The histopathology of dissected livers also revealed thatAMcured the tissue lesions. The phytochemical screening of the fractions showed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, and saponins. Further, anti-HBV potential of the fractions was evaluated on HepG2.2.15 cells. Of these, the n-butanol and aqueous fractions exhibited the best inhibitory effects on HBsAg and HBeAg expressions in dose- and time-dependent manner. Taken together, while the ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions exhibited the most promising antioxidant/hepatoprotective and anti-HBV activity, respectively, the n-butanol partition showed both activities. Therefore, the therapeutic potential ofAMextracts warrants further isolation of the active principle(s) and its phytochemical as well as biological studies.
Effects of Storage Temperature and Time on Stability of Serum Tacrolimus and Cyclosporine A Levels in Whole Blood by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Kaplan İbrahim , Yüksel Hatice , Evliyaoğlu Osman , Basarali M. Kemal , Toprak Gülten , Çolpan Leyla , Şen Velat
Published: April 2015

Tacrolimus and cyclosporine A are immunosuppressant drugs with narrow therapeutic windows. The aim of this study was to investigate the stability of tacrolimus and cyclosporin A levels in whole blood samples under different storage conditions. Whole blood samples were obtained from 15 patients receiving tacrolimus and 15 patients receiving cyclosporine A. Samples were immediately analyzed and then stored at different conditions (room temperature (24°C−26°C) for 24 hours, +4°C for 24 and 48 hours, and −20°C for one month) and then analyzed again. For tacrolimus, there was a significant difference between samples analyzed immediately and those kept 24 hours at room temperature (P=0.005) (percent change 32.89%). However, there were no significant differences between the other groups. For cyclosporine A, there was a significant difference between samples analyzed immediately and those kept 24 hours (P=0.003) (percent change 19.47%) and 48 hours (P=0.002) (percent change 15.38%) at +4°C and those kept 24 hours at room temperature (P=0.011) (percent change 9.71%). Samples of tacrolimus should be analyzed immediately or stored at either +4°C or −20°C, while samples of cyclosporine A should be analyzed immediately or stored at −20°C.
Determinants of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Bariatric Patients after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Alexandrou Andreas , Tsoka Evangelia , Armeni Eleni , Rizos Demetrios , Diamantis Theodoros , Augoulea Areti , Panoulis Constantinos , Liakakos Theodoros , Lambrinoudaki Irene
Published: April 2015

Objective. Nutritional deficiencies are common after bariatric surgery. We aimed to assess the prevalence and possible predictors of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in bariatric patients.Methods. A total of 95 patients who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) were assessed after a median of 3 years after surgery. Anthropometric/demographic and weight-loss parameters were compared according to the presence of SHPT, independently for men/premenopausal women and postmenopausal women.Results. SHPT was highly prevalent (men/premenopausal women, 52.1%; postmenopausal women, 31.9%). Among men/premenopausal women, multivariate analysis indicated that SHPT was predicted by (a) 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (Exp(B) = 0.869,P-value = 0.037), independently of age, sex, smoking; (b) calcium (Exp(B) = 0.159,P-value = 0.033) and smoking, independently of age and sex; (c) magnesium (Exp(B) = 0.026,P-value = 0.046) and smoking, independently of age and sex. Among postmenopausal women, SHPT was predicted by menopausal age independently of age, smoking, and levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D or calcium. The development of SHPT was not associated with the type of surgery.Conclusions. RYGB and SG exhibited similar effects regarding the regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-parathyroid axis after surgery. Vitamin D status and menopausal age appear to determine SHPT on the long term. SHPT should be sought and vigorously treated with calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
Development of Lung Adenocarcinomas with Exclusive Dependence on Oncogene Fusions
Authors: Saito Motonobu , Shimada Yoko , Shiraishi Kouya , Sakamoto Hiromi , Tsuta Koji , Totsuka Hirohiko , Chiku Suenori , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Kato Mamoru , Watanabe Shun-ichi , Yoshida Teruhiko , Yokota Jun , Kohno Takashi
Published: April 2015

This report delivers a comprehensive genetic alteration profile of lung adenocarcinomas (LADC) driven by ALK, RET, and ROS1 oncogene fusions. These tumors are difficult to study because of their rarity. Each drives only a low percentage of LADCs. Whole-exome sequencing and copy-number variation analyses were performed on a Japanese LADC cohort (n = 200) enriched in patients with fusions (n = 31, 15.5%), followed by deep resequencing for validation. The driver fusion cases showed a distinct profile with smaller numbers of nonsynonymous mutations in cancer-related genes or truncating mutations in SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex genes than in other LADCs (P < 0.0001). This lower mutation rate was independent of age, gender, smoking status, pathologic stage, and tumor differentiation (P < 0.0001) and was validated in nine fusion-positive cases from a U.S. LADCs cohort (n = 230). In conclusion, our findings indicate that LADCs with ALK, RET, and ROS1 fusions develop exclusively via their dependence on these oncogene fusions. The presence of such few alterations beyond the fusions supports the use of monotherapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the fusion products in fusion-positive LADCs. Cancer Res; 75(11); 2264–71. ©2015 AACR.
Cell–Cell Adhesion and Cytoskeleton Tension Oppose Each Other in Regulating Tumor Cell Aggregation
Authors: Saias Laure , Gomes Aurélie , Cazales Martine , Ducommun Bernard , Lobjois Valérie
Published: April 2015

Cell aggregation is frequently impaired during the growth of primary tumors and the formation of metastatic lesions. Cell aggregation depends on cell–cell adhesion; however, no rigorous approach exists to monitor and quantify it accurately in the absence of the confounding factors of cell–substrate adhesion and the resulting cell motility on the substrate. We report here a highly reproducible, automated, microscopy-based quantification of tumor-cell spheroid formation in the absence of cell–substrate adhesion and use it to characterize cell aggregation dynamics in the early steps of this process. This method is based on fluorescence and bright-field microscopy and on a custom MATLAB program to quantify automatically the cells' aggregation kinetics. We demonstrate that the cell–cell adhesion protein E-cadherin and the desmosome proteins DSG2 and DSC2 are important for aggregation. Furthermore, we show that inhibition or silencing of myosin IIa enhances aggregation, suggesting that cytoskeleton tension inhibits tumor cell aggregation. This work opens new avenues to study the principles that govern multicellular aggregation, to characterize the aggregation properties of various tumor cell types, as well as to screen for drugs that inhibit or promote aggregation. Cancer Res; 75(12); 2426–33. ©2015 AACR.
CC-223, a Potent and Selective Inhibitor of mTOR Kinase: In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization
Authors: Mortensen Deborah S. , Fultz Kimberly E. , Xu Shuichan , Xu Weiming , Packard Garrick , Khambatta Godrej , Gamez James C. , Leisten Jim , Zhao Jingjing , Apuy Julius , Ghoreishi Kamran , Hickman Matt , Narla Rama Krishna , Bissonette Rene , Richardson Samantha , Peng Sophie X. , Perrin-Ninkovic Sophie , Tran Tam , Shi Tao , Yang Wen Qing , Tong Zeen , Cathers Brian E. , Moghaddam Mehran F. , Canan Stacie S. , Worland Peter , Sankar Sabita , Raymon Heather K.
Published: April 2015

mTOR is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates cell growth, metabolism, proliferation, and survival. mTOR complex-1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex-2 (mTORC2) are critical mediators of the PI3K–AKT pathway, which is frequently mutated in many cancers, leading to hyperactivation of mTOR signaling. Although rapamycin analogues, allosteric inhibitors that target only the mTORC1 complex, have shown some clinical activity, it is hypothesized that mTOR kinase inhibitors, blocking both mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling, will have expanded therapeutic potential. Here, we describe the preclinical characterization of CC-223. CC-223 is a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of mTOR kinase, demonstrating inhibition of mTORC1 (pS6RP and p4EBP1) and mTORC2 [pAKT(S473)] in cellular systems. Growth inhibitory activity was demonstrated in hematologic and solid tumor cell lines. mTOR kinase inhibition in cells, by CC-223, resulted in more complete inhibition of the mTOR pathway biomarkers and improved antiproliferative activity as compared with rapamycin. Growth inhibitory activity and apoptosis was demonstrated in a panel of hematologic cancer cell lines. Correlative analysis revealed that IRF4 expression level associates with resistance, whereas mTOR pathway activation seems to associate with sensitivity. Treatment with CC-223 afforded in vivo tumor biomarker inhibition in tumor-bearing mice, after a single oral dose. CC-223 exhibited dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition in multiple solid tumor xenografts. Significant inhibition of mTOR pathway markers pS6RP and pAKT in CC-223–treated tumors suggests that the observed antitumor activity of CC-223 was mediated through inhibition of both mTORC1 and mTORC2. CC-223 is currently in phase I clinical trials. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(6); 1295–305. ©2015 AACR.
Morphologic Basis for Developing Diverticular Disease, Diverticulitis, and Diverticular Bleeding
Authors: Wedel Thilo , Barrenschee Martina , Lange Christina , Cossais François , Böttner Martina
Published: April 2015

Diverticula of the colon are pseudodiverticula defined by multiple outpouchings of the mucosal and submucosal layers penetrating through weak spots of the muscle coat along intramural blood vessels. A complete prolapse consists of a diverticular opening, a narrowed neck, and a thinned diverticular dome underneath the serosal covering. The susceptibility of diverticula to inflammation is explained by local ischemia, translocation of pathogens due to retained stool, stercoral trauma by fecaliths, and microperforations. Local inflammation may lead to phlegmonous diverticulitis, paracolic/mesocolic abscess, bowel perforation, peritonitis, fistula formation, and stenotic strictures. Diverticular bleeding is due to an asymmetric rupture of distended vasa recta at the diverticular dome and not primarily linked to inflammation. Structural and functional changes of the bowel wall in diverticular disease comprise: i) Altered amount, composition, and metabolism of connective tissue; ii) Enteric myopathy with muscular thickening, deranged architecture, and altered myofilament composition; iii) Enteric neuropathy with hypoganglionosis, neurotransmitter imbalance, deficiency of neurotrophic factors and nerve fiber remodeling; and iv) Disturbed intestinal motility both in vivo (increased intraluminal pressure, motility index, high-amplitude propagated contractions) and in vitro (altered spontaneous and pharmacologically triggered contractility). Besides established etiologic factors, recent studies suggest that novel pathophysiologic concepts should be considered in the pathogenesis of diverticular disease.
Elective Surgery for Sigmoid Diverticulitis - Indications, Techniques, and Results
Authors: Jurowich Christian F. , Germer Christoph T.
Published: April 2015

Diverticulitis is one of the leading indications for elective colonic resections although there is an ongoing controversial discussion about classification, stage-dependent therapeutic options, and therapy settings. As there is a rising trend towards conservative therapy for diverticular disease even in patients with a complicated form of diverticulitis, we provide a compact overview of current surgical therapy principles and the remaining questions to be answered.
Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Therapy of Cardiac Disease
Authors: Karantalis Vasileios , Hare Joshua M.
Published: April 2015

Despite substantial clinical advances over the past 65 years, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in America. The past 15 years has witnessed major basic and translational interest in the use of stem and precursor cells as a therapeutic agent for chronically injured organs. Among the cell types under investigation, adult mesenchymal stem cells are widely studied, and in early stage, clinical studies show promise for repair and regeneration of cardiac tissues. The ability of mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into mesoderm- and nonmesoderm-derived tissues, their immunomodulatory effects, their availability, and their key role in maintaining and replenishing endogenous stem cell niches have rendered them one of the most heavily investigated and clinically tested type of stem cell. Accumulating data from preclinical and early phase clinical trials document their safety when delivered as either autologous or allogeneic forms in a range of cardiovascular diseases, but also importantly define parameters of clinical efficacy that justify further investigation in larger clinical trials. Here, we review the biology of mesenchymal stem cells, their interaction with endogenous molecular and cellular pathways, and their modulation of immune responses. Additionally, we discuss factors that enhance their proliferative and regenerative ability and factors that may hinder their effectiveness in the clinical setting.
Molecular Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Autophagy/Mitophagy in the Heart
Authors: Saito Toshiro , Sadoshima Junichi
Published: April 2015

Mitochondrial quality is a crucial determinant of cell viability, and mitochondrial autophagy plays a central role in this control mechanism. Based on studies in yeast, numerous investigations of this process have been conducted, and the framework of mammalian mitochondrial autophagy is progressively appearing. However, many enigmas about the molecular mechanisms involved remain unsolved. Furthermore, the pathological significance of mitochondrial autophagy in the heart remains largely unclear. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of mitochondrial autophagy in mammals with reference to that in yeast. Regarding the process in yeast, some points of uncertainty have arisen. We also summarize recent advances in the research of autophagy and mitochondrial autophagy in the heart. This article is a part of a review series on
Autophagy in Health and Disease
.
Discovery of a new genus and new species of Indo-West Pacific pilumnoidid crab from a semisubmersible oil platform (Crustacea: Brachyura: Pseudozioidea)
Authors: NG PETER K. L. , AHYONG SHANE T.
Published: April 2015

A new genus and new species of pseudozioid crab of the family Pilumnoididae is described from a fouling community on a semisubmersible oil platform in Singapore that had been operating in the Timor Sea and South China Sea. Setozius in-certus gen. et sp. nov. superficially resembles species of Pilumnus (Pilumnidae, Pilumnoidea) but has male first and sec-ond gonopod structures characteristic of the Pseudozioidea. The form of the carapace, male anterior thoracic sternum and male abdomen indicates that it should be classified in the Pilumnoididae. Setozius is the first member of the family to be recorded from the Indo-West Pacific; all other known pilumnoidids occur in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific.
Revisionary study on European species of the Empria candidata complex (Hymenoptera, Symphyta, Tenthredinidae)
Authors: MACEK JAN , KULA EMANUEL
Published: April 2015

Two species of the Empria candidata species complex, E. candidata (Fallén, 1808) and E. magnicornis (Eversmann, 1864) spec. rev., comb. nov., are revised and redescribed. The males and larvae of both species are identified, described and the males are associated with the corresponding females. The species are redefined based on the revision of the available types. Lectotypes are designated for Tenthredo (Allantus) repanda Klug, 1816 and Tenthredo (Macrophya) magnicornis Eversmann, 1864.
A new species, new immature stages, and new synonymy in Australian Dasybasis flies (Diptera: Tabanidae: Diachlorini)
Authors: FERGUSON DAVID J. , YEATES DAVID K.
Published: April 2015

Australian beach sand is a productive habitat for lower brachyceran fly larvae but often overlooked by collectors. We collected two species of tabanid larvae from coastal beach sand in southern New South Wales in August 2013. Both species belong to the Dasybasis macrophthalma species-group of Mackerras (1959), one a new species, and the other D. exulans (Erichson, 1842). We describe both new immature stages and the new species adult as Dasybasis rieki sp. nov. (Diptera: Tabanidae: Diachlorini). Trojan (1994b) elevated the D. macrophthalma species group to the genus Sznablius. We review the evidence for the generic status of Sznablius, and synonymize it with Dasybasis.
Superensemble Regional Climate Modeling for the Western United States
Authors: Mote Philip W. , Allen Myles R. , Jones Richard G. , Li Sihan , Mera Roberto , Rupp David E. , Salahuddin Ahmed , Vickers Dean
Published: April 2015

Computing resources donated by volunteers have generated the first superensemble of regional climate model results, in which the Hadley Centre Regional Model, version 3P (HadRM3P), and Hadley Centre Atmosphere Model, version 3P (HadAM3P), were implemented for the western United States at 25-km resolution. Over 136,000 valid and complete 1-yr runs have been generated to date: about 126,000 for 1960–2009 using observed sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and 10,000 for 2030–49 using projected SSTs from a global model simulation. Ensemble members differ in initial conditions, model physics, and (potentially, for future runs) SSTs. This unprecedented confluence of high spatial resolution and large ensemble size allows high signal-to-noise ratio and more robust estimates of uncertainty. This paper describes the experiment, compares model output with observations, shows select results for climate change simulations, and gives examples of the strength of the large ensemble size.
Interface Design and Display-Control Compatibility
Authors: Tsang Steve NH , Ho John KL , Chan Alan HS
Published: April 2015

The increasing complexity of control room environments requires operators to interact with a wide variety of display signals and control devices. Therefore, the design of displays and controls plays an important part in determining the overall performance of operators. Compatible display-control design facilitates performance and reduces human errors that may occur as a result of a mismatch between the expectations of the operators and the relationships between the displays and controls. Three specific design compatibilities, namely, spatial compatibility, movement compatibility, and conceptual compatibility are introduced and discussed in detail in this paper. It is anticipated that this paper will provide pragmatic recommendations to assist interface designers to improve operational system effectiveness and safety by considering the many aspects of display-control compatibility necessary for effective human–machine interface design.
Human Factors in Control Room Modernisation
Authors: Lin Chiuhsiang Joe , Hsieh Tsung-Ling , Yang Chih-Wei
Published: April 2015

In view of the benefits of human factors engineering for nuclear power plants, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission published a series of Nuclear Regulatory documents to describe the systematic methodologies and processes of human factors engineering on functional requirements analysis and function allocation, task analysis, human–system interface design, training program development, and so forth of the main control room of the nuclear power plant. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the application of human factors engineering to evaluate the usability and safety of the hybrid human–system interfaces developed for the conventional main control room during the process of modernisation. A comprehensive checklist with human factors guidelines was adopted to evaluate the usability of the hybrid human–system interfaces. Expert interview was adopted to collect data on task performance, workload, situation awareness, communication, and coordination based on operators’ experiences. The results provide guidance and a technical basis that should help plant staff with planning changes to the human–system interfaces of main control rooms that address issues that arise during control room modernisation.
Surface grafting of flax fibres with hydrous zirconia nanoparticles and the effects on the tensile and bonding properties
Authors: Ajith Anu , Xian Guijun , Li Hui , Sherief Zajna , Thomas Sabu
Published: April 2015

In the present study, a flax fibre yarn was modified through grafting of hydrous zirconia nanoparticles by hydrolysis of zirconium oxychloride solution, and the effects on the fibre and fiber-bonding properties were investigated. The grafting of the nanoparticles was confirmed by microscopy and spectroscopy analysis. The tensile and bonding strength to an epoxy resin (diglycidyl ether of bisphenol – F) of the modified flax fibres were tested with a single fibre tensile test and microbond pull-out test, respectively. Grafting of the nanoparticles onto the flax fibres brings in an obvious increase in the tensile strength and the interfacial shear strength of the flax fibre to the epoxy resin. An unidirectional flax fibre reinforced epoxy model composite was prepared by hand and characterized in terms of the thermo-mechanical and antimicrobial properties. Surface grafting of the flax fibre leads to an increase in the glass transition temperature and storage modulus, which is attributed to the enhanced bonding strength between the grafted fibre and the epoxy resin. In addition, the treated flax fibre-based composites expressed an antimicrobial performance. The study demonstrates that the fibre surface treatment with grafting of hydrous zirconia nanoparticles is a potential method to enhance the tensile and bonding properties of flax fibres.
Can Structural Conditions Explain the Onset of Nonviolent Uprisings?
Authors: Chenoweth Erica , Ulfelder Jay
Published: April 2015

Despite the prevalence of nonviolent uprisings in recent history, no existing scholarship has produced a generalized explanation of when and where such uprisings are most likely to occur. Our primary aim in this article is to evaluate whether different available models—namely, grievance approaches, modernization theory, resource mobilization theory, and political opportunity approaches—are useful in explaining the onset of major nonviolent uprisings. We assemble a reduced list of correlates based on each model and use each model’s out-of-sample area under the curve and logarithmic score to test each theory’s explanatory power. We find that the political opportunity model performs best for both in- and out-of-sample cases, though grievance and resource mobilization approaches also provide some explanatory power. We use a culled model of the predicted probabilities of the strongest-performing variables from all models to forecast major nonviolent uprisings in 2011 and 2012. In this out-of-sample test, all models produce mixed results, suggesting greater emphasis on agency over structure in explaining these episodes.
Pasientinformasjon i forkant av undersøkelser ved en medisinsk poliklinikk: Ulike betingelser for at polikliniske og inneliggende pasienter skal være godt nok forberedt
Authors: Pedersen Karen Louise , Sørheim Anne Margrethe , Giske Tove
Published: April 2015

Aim

To describe and discuss factors contributing to information preparation of hospitalized and outpatient patients coming for investigations at a medical outpatient ward.

Background

Information and practical preparation before medical investigations aids patients to prepare accurately for the investigation. Hospitalized and outpatient patients have different conditions for information access prior to investigations. Clinical experience raised questions to how well these two groups of patients were prepared for medical investigations.

Method

Both groups of patients; 127 hospitalized patients and 163 outpatients, were surveyed at the outpatient ward just before the investigation was performed. Descriptive and correlation analyses were carried out.

Findings

The outpatients report being prepared to a much greater extent for medical investigations than hospitalized patients. In total, 94% of the outpatients report having received information, however, just 54% of the hospitalized patients indicate that they have received any information at all about the investigation.

Conclusion

The results indicate that information to hospitalized patients ahead of medical investigations must be improved. Increased focus on providing information to patients from health care professionals is required. Brochures providing information about the individual investigation is one helpful way forward.
The epistemology of the truth in modern Islam
Authors: Abou El Fadl Khaled
Published: April 2015

There is a serious problem with arguing that God intended to lock the epistemology of the 7th century into the immutable text of the Qur’an, and then intended to hold Muslims hostage to this epistemological framework for all ages to come. Among other things, this would limit the dynamism and effectiveness of Divine text because the Qur’an would be for ever locked within a knowledge paradigm that is very difficult to retrieve or re-create. The author argues for the recognition of three critical categories in Islamic theology: haqq, hikma and ma‘arifa. While haqq connotes the objective and constant truth, it is not reachable without hikma. Hikma is the balance [ mizan] of truths in every historical moment with all of its contingencies. Ma‘arifa is the epistemology or the way to searching the objective and constant truth as well as the search for the hikma appropriate for each stage in human consciousness. The author contends that it is contrary to the very nature of a merciful and compassionate God to leave Muslims with a Revelation that is not fully equipped to deal with the altered states of consciousness and perceptions that are inevitable in every stage of human development.
The Hidden Violence of Totalitarianism: Policing Soviet Society in Lithuania
Authors: Baločkaitė Rasa
Published: April 2015

This article deals with the historical development of the militia in the Soviet Union. The discussion concentrates on the post-Stalinist era, when terror as a method of rule was largely rejected and the regime shifted towards the use of propaganda and education as a mode of governance. On the basis of archival materials, the article describes how militia activities in the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR) were organized during the period 1969–1975. Particular attention is given to the attempts of the state authorities to make the militia more legitimate and acceptable to the general population, reduce the antagonism between the militia and society, decrease the amount of direct physical violence and find new, less violent and more consensual ways to police Soviet society.
Containing Conflict and Enforcing Consent in Titoist Yugoslavia: The 1970 Dockworkers' Strike in Koper (Slovenia)
Authors: Rutar Sabine
Published: April 2015

The port of Koper (It. Capodistria) in the Slovenian part of the Istrian peninsula was built in the second half of the 1950s as a socialist modernization project. In 1970, it witnessed the only violently escalating dockers’ unrest in its socialist history. Using the personal archive of Danilo Petrinja, the port's second director, which has been preserved in the Regional Archive of Koper, the author takes a micro-historical approach to this incident, and views it at the historical moment in Yugoslavia between the student protests of 1968 and the ‘Croatian spring’ of 1971. She adds a perspective on the interconnectedness of the early 1970s and the late 1980s, when social unrest was an integral part of Yugoslavia's demise. The episode of public violence in the Yugoslav border city of Koper offers proof of the multi-layered nature of explanatory tropes: the border perspective from Koper is interwoven with the perspective of Yugoslavia as a whole, and a comparison with workers’ violence in neighbouring Trieste during the same years adds yet another twist to a reassessment of the applicability of the Cold War framework to an examination of labour relations and violence.
The comparative impact of conservative treatment versus superficial venous surgery, for the treatment of venous leg ulcers: A systematic review of the impact on patients’ quality of life
Authors: Tollow Philippa , Ogden Jane , Whiteley Mark S
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Leg ulcers are known to have a profound effect on patients’ quality of life; however, the influence of different treatment approaches is unclear. This review aims to evaluate the comparative impact of conservative treatments and superficial venous surgery, for venous leg ulcers, on patients’ Quality of Life.

Data sources

Three electronic databases (PsycInfo, Medline and CINAHL), and reference lists of relevant articles, were searched. A total of 209 articles were initially identified, and 16 articles were included in the review.

Results

The results lend cautious support to the suggestion that all treatments have a positive effect on quality of life, regardless of type, whilst wound status also appears to be an important factor.

Conclusions

Some evidence suggests that surgical treatment methods may lead to greater improvements in patients’ quality of life than compression bandaging alone; however, future research may focus on the psychological mechanisms underlying such changes.
Alternative Assessments for Sensory Integration Dysfunction
Authors: High Joy , Gough Anna , Pennington Donald , Wright Chris
Published: April 2015

This article describes research designed to compare the results that were obtained from assessing 14 boys aged 5–11 years using two batteries of tests for the identification of sensory integration dysfunction. The results of tests commonly used in the United Kingdom were statistically and graphically compared with the results from the Southern California Sensory Integration Tests (SCSIT), which were used as a standard measure. The research indicated that both assessment protocols provide similar diagnostic information, except for the motor domain. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children provides information on the child's level of motor function, but does not provide information on motor planning and bilateral and sequencing ability that is equivalent to that provided by the SCSIT. Further areas of research are suggested.
Computers in Neurorehabilitation: What Role do they Play? Part 2
Authors: Stern Hilary , Jeaco Stephen , Millar Tracy
Published: April 2015

Part 1 of the article introduced the concept of a structured approach in using computers when working with patients in a neurorehabilitation setting. Part 2 continues to build on the concept by means of a case study. The case study demonstrates the assessment and intervention techniques commonly used by the staff on a Regional Rehabilitation Unit. It identifies the complexity of the patient's condition and highlights the systematic methods used to help to restore damaged function or to compensate for the difficulties experienced. Part 2 offers a breakdown of the assessment process explored in part 1 and gives examples of everyday issues experienced by the rehabilitation team.
The Importance of Pretend Play in Child Development: An Occupational Therapy Perspective
Authors: Stagnitti Karen , Unsworth Carolyn
Published: April 2015

Play is a complex behaviour and is defined as being more internally than externally motivated, transcending reality as well as reflecting reality, controlled by the player, involving more attention to process than product, safe, usually fun, unpredictable, pleasurable and spontaneous and involving non-obligatory active engagement (Bundy 1997, Stewart et al 1991). Pretend play, which occurs between the ages of 18 months and 6 years, reflects these qualities of play.

Using the World Health Organisation's classification of body functions and structures, activities and participation (ICIDH-2, WHO 1999), this paper outlines the skills that are essential for pretend play ability and asserts that if there are any impairments in these skills the child experiences a reduced ability to pretend play. This leads to possible participation restrictions in the child's life, such as difficulties in fulfilling usual social roles. Cognitive, social and emotional skills are presented as having the biggest impact on pretend play development, while the motor and sensorimotor skills that enable the child to manipulate objects in the environment are presented as being of secondary importance.

Two models are offered which illustrate the importance of pretend play to child development and the sequence of play development. The paper concludes by recommending that occupational therapists address and reduce the participation restrictions that some children experience in learning and social situations by enabling a child to increase activity in pretend play.