bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Novel Macrolide-Lincosamide-Streptogramin B Resistance Gene
erm
(44) Is Associated with a Prophage in Staphylococcus xylosus
Authors: Wipf Juliette R. K. , Schwendener Sybille , Perreten Vincent
Published: August 2014

A novel erythromycin ribosome methylase gene,
erm
(44), that confers resistance to macrolide, lincosamide, and streptogramin B (MLS
B
) antibiotics was identified by whole-genome sequencing of the chromosome of
Staphylococcus xylosus
isolated from bovine mastitis milk. The
erm
(44) gene is preceded by a regulatory sequence that encodes two leader peptides responsible for the inducible expression of the methylase gene, as demonstrated by cloning in
Staphylococcus aureus
. The
erm
(44) gene is located on a 53-kb putative prophage designated ΦJW4341-pro. The 56 predicted open reading frames of ΦJW4341-pro are structurally organized into the five functional modules found in members of the family
Siphoviridae
. ΦJW4341-pro is site-specifically integrated into the
S. xylosus
chromosome, where it is flanked by two perfect 19-bp direct repeats, and exhibits the ability to circularize. The presence of
erm
(44) in three additional
S. xylosus
strains suggests that this putative prophage has the potential to disseminate MLS
B
resistance.
Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous Nemonoxacin in Healthy Chinese Volunteers
Authors: Cao Guo-ying , Zhang Jing , Zhang Ying-yuan , Guo Bei-ning , Yu Ji-cheng , Wu Xiao-jie , Chen Yuan-cheng , Wu Ju-Fang , Shi Yao-guo
Published: August 2014

Nemonoxacin (TG-873870) is a novel nonfluorinated quinolone with potent broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and atypical pathogens, including vancomycin-nonsusceptible methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), quinolone-resistant MRSA, quinolone-resistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, penicillin-resistant
S. pneumoniae
, and erythromycin-resistant
S. pneumoniae
. This first-in-human study was aimed at assessing the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic properties of intravenous nemonoxacin in healthy Chinese volunteers. The study comprised a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose escalating safety and tolerability study in 92 subjects and a randomized, single-dose, open-label, 3-period Latin-square crossover pharmacokinetic study in 12 subjects. The study revealed that nemonoxacin infusion was well tolerated up to the maximum dose of 1,250 mg, and the acceptable infusion rates ranged from 0.42 to 5.56 mg/min. Drug-related adverse events (AEs) were mild, transient, and confined to local irritation at the injection site. The pharmacokinetic study revealed that after the administration of 250, 500, and 750 mg of intravenous nemonoxacin, the maximum plasma drug concentration (
C
max
) values were 4.826 μg/ml, 7.152 μg/ml, and 11.029 μg/ml, respectively. The corresponding values for the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 72 hours (AUC
0–72 h
) were 17.05 μg · h/ml, 39.30 μg · h/ml, and 61.98 μg · h/ml. The mean elimination half-life (
t
1/2
) was 11 h, and the mean cumulative drug excretion rate within 72 h ranged from 64.93% to 77.17%. Volunteers treated with 250 to 750 mg nemonoxacin exhibited a linear dose-response relationship between the AUC
0–72 h
and AUC
0–∞
. These findings provide further support for the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic properties of intravenous nemonoxacin. (This study has been registered at
ClinicalTrials.gov
under registration no. NCT01944774.)
Antibiotic Selection of Escherichia coli Sequence Type 131 in a Mouse Intestinal Colonization Model
Authors: Boetius Hertz Frederik , Løbner-Olesen Anders , Frimodt-Møller Niels
Published: August 2014

The ability of different antibiotics to select for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Escherichia coli
remains a topic of discussion. In a mouse intestinal colonization model, we evaluated the selective abilities of nine common antimicrobials (cefotaxime, cefuroxime, dicloxacillin, clindamycin, penicillin, ampicillin, meropenem, ciprofloxacin, and amdinocillin) against a CTX-M-15-producing
E. coli
sequence type 131 (ST131) isolate with a fluoroquinolone resistance phenotype. Mice (8 per group) were orogastrically administered 0.25 ml saline with 10
8
CFU/ml
E. coli
ST131. On that same day, antibiotic treatment was initiated and given subcutaneously once a day for three consecutive days. CFU of
E. coli
ST131,
Bacteroides
, and Gram-positive aerobic bacteria in fecal samples were studied, with intervals, until day 8.
Bacteroides
was used as an indicator organism for impact on the Gram-negative anaerobic population. For three antibiotics, prolonged colonization was investigated with additional fecal CFU counts determined on days 10 and 14 (cefotaxime, dicloxacillin, and clindamycin). Three antibiotics (cefotaxime, dicloxacillin, and clindamycin) promoted overgrowth of
E. coli
ST131 (
P
< 0.05). Of these, only clindamycin suppressed
Bacteroides
, while the remaining two antibiotics had no negative impact on
Bacteroides
or Gram-positive organisms. Only clindamycin treatment resulted in prolonged colonization. The remaining six antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, did not promote overgrowth of
E. coli
ST131 (
P
> 0.95), nor did they suppress
Bacteroides
or Gram-positive organisms. The results showed that antimicrobials both with and without an impact on Gram-negative anaerobes can select for ESBL-producing
E. coli
, indicating that not only Gram-negative anaerobes have a role in upholding colonization resistance. Other, so-far-unknown bacterial populations must be of importance for preventing colonization by incoming
E. coli
.
Contribution of teg49 Small RNA in the 5′ Upstream Transcriptional Region of
sarA
to Virulence in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kim Samin , Reyes Dindo , Beaume Marie , Francois Patrice , Cheung Ambrose
Published: August 2014

High-throughput RNA sequencing technology has found the 5′ untranslated region of
sarA
to contain two putative small RNAs (sRNAs), designated teg49 and teg48. Northern blot analysis disclosed that teg49 and teg48 were detectable within the P3-P1 and P1
sarA
promoter regions, respectively. Focusing on teg49, we found that this sRNA, consisting of 196 nucleotides, is transcribed in the same direction as the
sarA
P3 transcript. The expression of both P3 and teg49 transcripts is dependent on
sigB
and
cshA
, which encodes a DEAD box RNA helicase. Within the sRNA teg49, there are two putative hairpin-loop structures, HP1 and HP2. Transversion mutation of the HP1 loop produced a smaller amount of
sarA
P3 and P2 transcripts and SarA protein than the corresponding HP1 stem and the HP2 stem and loop mutations, leading to lower RNAII transcription and derepression of
aur
transcription. The HP1 loop mutant also exhibited less biofilm formation than the parental and complemented strains. Complementation with shuttle plasmid pEPSA5 carrying teg49 was able to reestablish
sarA
P3 and P2 transcription and augment RNAII expression in the HP1 loop mutant. We thus conclude that teg49, embedded within the extended promoter regions of
sarA
, is modulated by
sigB
and
cshA
and plays an important
trans
-acting role in modulating the transcription and ensuing expression of
sarA
.
Magnamosis: a novel technique for the management of rectal atresia
Authors: Russell Katie W , Rollins Michael D , Feola G Peter , Scaife Eric R
Published: August 2014

We report a case of rectal atresia treated using magnets to create a rectal anastomosis. This minimally invasive technique is straightforward and effective for the treatment of rectal atresia in children.
Community-acquired multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infective endocarditis
Authors: Naha Sowjanya , Naha Kushal , Acharya Vasudev , Hande H Manjunath , Vivek G
Published: August 2014

We describe two cases of bacterial endocarditis secondary to multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms. In both cases, the diagnosis was made in accordance with the modified Duke's criteria and confirmed by histopathological analysis. Furthermore, in both instances there were no identifiable sources of bacteraemia and no history of contact with hospital or other medical services prior to the onset of symptoms. The patients were managed in similar fashion with prolonged broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention and made complete recoveries. These cases highlight Gram-negative organisms as potential agents for endocarditis, as well as expose the dissemination of such multidrug-resistant bacteria into the community. The application of an integrated medical and surgical approach and therapeutic dilemmas encountered in managing these cases are described.
Is there sufficient evidence for tuning fork tests in diagnosing fractures? A systematic review
Authors: Mugunthan Kayalvili , Doust Jenny , Kurz Bodo , Glasziou Paul
Published: August 2014

Objective

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of tuning fork tests for detecting fractures.

Design

Systematic review of primary studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of tuning fork tests for the presence of fracture.

Data source

We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, EMBASE, Sports Discus, CAB Abstracts and Web of Science from commencement to November 2012. We manually searched the reference lists of any review papers and any identified relevant studies.

Study selection and data extraction

Two reviewers independently reviewed the list of potentially eligible studies and rated the studies for quality using the QUADAS-2 tool. Data were extracted to form 2×2 contingency tables. The primary outcome measure was the accuracy of the test as measured by its sensitivity and specificity with 95% CIs.

Data synthesis

We included six studies (329 patients), with two types of tuning fork tests (pain induction and loss of sound transmission). The studies included patients with an age range 7–60 years. The prevalence of fracture ranged from 10% to 80%. The sensitivity of the tuning fork tests was high, ranging from 75% to 100%. The specificity of the tests was highly heterogeneous, ranging from 18% to 95%.

Conclusions

Based on the studies in this review, tuning fork tests have some value in ruling out fractures, but are not sufficiently reliable or accurate for widespread clinical use. The small sample size of the studies and the observed heterogeneity make generalisable conclusion difficult.
Rescuer-limited cardiopulmonary resuscitation as an alternative to 2-min switched CPR in the setting of inhospital cardiac arrest: a randomised cross-over study
Authors: Jo Choong Hyun , Cho Gyu Chong , Ahn Jung Hwan , Park Yoo Seok , Lee Chang Hee
Published: August 2014

Background

The 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) recommend that chest compression be rotated every 2 min to prevent rescuer fatigue. However, the quality of chest compression using 2-min switched CPR tends to decrease rapidly due to rescuer fatigue. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of use of 2-min switched CPR and rescuer-limited CPR (the person performing compressions is allowed to switch with another rescuer prior to 2 min if feeling fatigued) in the setting of inhospital cardiac arrest.

Methods

Using a randomised cross-over trial design, 90 medical students were grouped into pairs to perform four cycles of 2-min switched CPR and rescuer-limited CPR (495 s per technique). During each trial, the total number of compressions performed, mean depth of compression and proportion of effective compressions performed (compression depth >5 mm) were recorded for identification of significant differences and changes in pulse rate and RR were measured to determine the extent of exhaustion.

Results

Compared with 2-min switched CPR, the mean compression was deeper (51 vs 47 mm, p<0.001), total number of compressions greater (476 vs 397, p=0.003) and proportion of effective compressions greater (56% vs 47%, p=0.004) during rescuer-limited CPR. Subgroup analysis by 30-s unit showed more consistent compression quality during rescuer-limited CPR. No significant differences in change in pulse rate and RR were found between the two techniques.

Conclusions

Rescuer-limited CPR yields a greater number of effective compressions and more consistent quality of CPR than 2-min switched CPR. Rescuer-limited CPR might be a suitable alternative for treating inhospital cardiac arrest.
The ‘Necksafe’ head articulation control system: a novel cervical immobilisation device
Authors: Sparke Alison , Torlei Karina , Voss Sarah , Page Mike , Benger Jonathan , Matthews Ed , Hillman Michael , Hart Darren , McLaughlin Ella , Carter Jane , Harris Nigel
Published: August 2014

Introduction

The early application of a semirigid disposable cervical collar following trauma is considered a routine practice. The aim of these devices is to immobilise the cervical spine and minimise the risk of additional neurological damage. However, these collars provide only partial immobilisation, are uncomfortable and are associated with a number of complications. Our team designed and tested a novel cervical immobilisation device that aims to improve immobilisation with reduced complications: the ‘Necksafe’.

Methods

Human volunteers were recruited and consented to test the novel Necksafe device in comparison with a conventional collar (the AMBU Perfit ACE) in a range of evaluations. These included assessments of the cervical range of movement (CROM) that occurred during scripted movements of the head and neck, and the effect of the new and conventional devices on jugular vein dimensions, assessed using ultrasound scanning.

Results

CROM analysis showed that, under standardised testing conditions, the Necksafe device offers cervical immobilisation that is at least equivalent to a conventional collar, and is superior in the planes of extension, lateral flexion and rotation. Ultrasound examination of the jugular veins was inconclusive and did not reveal any differences in jugular venous diameter or flow. Qualitative feedback from ambulance paramedics was highly supportive of the new design, suggesting that it is more comfortable, easier to fit, less confining and better tolerated than a conventional collar, with improved immobilisation effectiveness.

Conclusions

The results of quantitative and qualitative testing are highly supportive of the new Necksafe design, with improved cervical immobilisation, comfort and access to the airway.
α-Methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) serves as a prognostic biomarker for the early recurrence/metastasis of HCC
Authors: Xu Bo , Cai Zhixiong , Zeng Yongyi , Chen Lihong , Du Xiaobo , Huang Aimin , Liu Xiaolong , Liu Jingfeng
Published: August 2014

Aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and it is still lacking effective prognostic biomarkers so far. Previous results of the iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics study (iTRAQ-2DLC-MS/MS) have shown that α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) might be a promising prognostic biomarker for the early recurrence/metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here a large-scale cohort clinical study was performed to evaluate its prognostic potential.

Methods

HCC samples from patients (n=158) were used for the construction of tissue microarray. The expression level of AMACR was determined by immunohistochemical staining. A large-scale cohort clinical study between the expression of AMACR and some major clinical parameter has been performed to assess the prognostic potential of AMACR for the early recurrence/metastasis of HCC.

Results

Some important clinical parameters such as α-fetoprotein, tumour numbers, dissemination to regional lymph nodes, tumour capsule and portal vein tumour thrombosis are significantly associated with the low expression of AMACR. The expression of AMACR was an independent factor for the survival of patients with HCC. The median survival time was 17 months in the low-expression group compared with 45 months in the high-expression group.

Conclusions

This study reveals that the AMACR might be a potential prognostic marker for predicting early recurrence/metastasis of HCC after hepatectomy.
Mechanism of the addition of alkynes to silenes and germenes: A density functional study
Authors: Pavelka Laura C. , Hanson Margaret A. , Staroverov Viktor N. , Baines Kim M.
Published: August 2014

Density functional theory (DFT) and the coupled cluster method have been used to study the mechanism of the cycloaddition of acetylene to silene, H2Si=CH2, and germene, H2Ge=CH2, at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) and CCSD/6-311++G(d,p) levels of theory. Diradical, zwitterionic, and concerted pathways were located for both metallenes. The computational results were compared to experimental data to propose the most likely reaction pathway for each metallene.
Characteristics and distribution of natural flow regimes in Canada: a habitat template approach
Authors: Jones Nicholas E. , Schmidt Bastian J. , Melles Stephanie J.
Published: August 2014

Extremes of flow and patterns of flow variability limit the distribution and abundance of riverine species via a natural disturbance regime. Using a habitat template approach, we describe the distribution and characteristics of natural flow regimes in Canada based on the severity of flows, flow predictability, and flow variability. Bayesian clustering was used to group 888 gauged watersheds across Canada into 10 classes. Some flow classes were found in all provinces, whereas others showed greater regional grouping related to land physiography (e.g., Canadian Shield and ecozones). Ontario and British Columbia had the greatest diversity of flow classes. Larger river systems tended towards less harsh flow regimes and greater flow regularity than small systems. A stream–lake network pattern, particularly the presence of lakes, decreased the severity of flow. The flow metric flood-free interval was found to be a potentially misleading indicator of reduced disturbance for high-latitude streams in Canada where ice formation and persistence are important stress factors for biota. Most flow stations had an 80% or higher chance of belonging to their primary membership class. Quantifying uncertainty in class assignment can help fellow scientists and resource managers appropriately apply our findings.
Species, elevation, and diameter affect whitebark pine and lodgepole pine stored resources in the sapwood and phloem: implications for bark beetle outbreaks
Authors: Lahr Eleanor C. , Sala Anna
Published: August 2014

Stored resources in trees reflect physiological and environmental variables and affect life history traits, including growth, reproduction, resistance to abiotic stress, and defense. However, less attention has been paid to the fact that stored resources also determine tissue nutritional quality and may have direct consequences for the success of herbivores and pathogens. Here, we investigated whether stored resources differed between two hosts of the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, 1902): lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas ex. Loudon), a common host, and whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelmann), a more naïve host that grows at higher altitudes. Phloem and sapwood were sampled in small- and large-diameter trees at two elevations, and nitrogen, phosphorus, nonstructural carbohydrates, and lipids were measured. We found that concentrations of stored resources increased with elevation and tree diameter for both species and that whitebark pine had thicker phloem than lodgepole pine. Overall, stored resources were higher in whitebark pine such that small-diameter whitebark pine trees often had resource concentrations higher than large-diameter lodgepole pines. These results suggest that whitebark pine is of higher nutritional quality than lodgepole pine, which could have implications for the current expansion of mountain pine beetles into higher altitude and latitude forests in response to climate warming.
Climate Regime Building in a Changing World and China's Role in Global Climate Governance
Authors: PAN Jiahua , WANG Mou
Published: August 2014

In 2012, the 18th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP18) of the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (hereinafter referred to as the Convention) in Doha concluded a package of results which included the second commitment period of the "Kyoto Protocol", ending the Bali Roadmap negotiating mandate (hereinafter referred to as the Bali mandate) after five years, and officially opening the intensive negotiations of Durban Platform. Compared to the "dual-track" negotiation under Bali mandate, Durban Platform mandate is on "one-track". But it does not mean that some parties' concerns and positions about "dual-track" have been adjusted. They are seeking a way to realize their needs in Durban Platform. Therefore, "one-track" negotiation on Durban Platform does not simplify problems, but presents problems intensively. At the beginning of Durban Platform mandate, whether to mandate the Durban Platform negotiations was controversial among developing countries, while after consultations, Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and the emerging developing economies divided on main concerns, such as mitigation targets, legal forms, sources of finance mechanism, etc. In fact, AOSIS's position gradually converged with the European Union (EU). And EU and AOSIS became the most aggressive powers to promote the Durban Platform negotiations. The traditional North–South divergence is facing adjustment, and new powers are restructuring negotiations. The huge disparity of interest among parties hinders progress in the Durban Platform negotiations. Parties will continue to debate and seek consensus on the interpretation of the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", emission reduction models and targets, sources of finance mechanism, the legal form of the future agreement, etc. With the social and economic development, China is receiving growing attention in the international climate governance processes. China's status as a developing country is being questioned by some developed and developing countries. Rapid increase of China's foreign investment and aid attracts worldwide attention, which stimulates the voices and expectations for China to shift its role as a developing country to shoulder more international obligations. However, China should be clearly aware of the fact that China's power of discourse is still very limited and far from being a leader in the world in various fields, including the international climate governance processes. China's participation in global climate governance, no matter its role being passively changed by others or a voluntary shift, still needs to keep a low profile, strengthen its economy, balance rights and obligations, and commit according to capabilities.
Seismic Behavior of Short Concrete Columns with Prestressing Steel Wires
Authors: Zong-Cai Deng , Daud Jumbe R. , Hui Li
Published: August 2014

The seismic behavior of short circular reinforced concrete columns was studied by testing seven columns retrofitted with prestressing steel wire (PSW), subjected to combined constant axial compression and lateral cyclic load. The main test parameters were configuration index of PSW, prestressing level of PSW, and axial compression ratio. An analysis and discussion of the test results including failure mode, hysteresis curves, skeleton curves, ductility, and degradation of stiffness was done. The results show that the seismic performance of the retrofitted specimens could be effectively enhanced even if the axial compression ratio of columns reached 0.81. The ductility index and the energy absorption capacity of the retrofitted specimens increase with the prestressing level of PSW. The formulas for calculating shear capacity of RC short columns strengthened with PSW were proposed which may be useful for future engineering designs and researches.
A Novel Approach for the Enumeration of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Suitable for Transplantation
Authors: Costa Pereira Winston , Alsuhaibani Omar , Elyamany Ghaleb , Al Abdulaaly Abdulaziz
Published: August 2014

Stem cells have the capability to proliferate and differentiate into various cells of the body. Few stem cell sources have been approved for transplantation, among them are the hematopoietic progenitor cells which are progenitors of the myeloid and erythroid lineage in the hematopoietic system, that continually provides mature blood cells during the lifespan of the individual. These well-characterized stem cells are clinically relevant in the treatment of diseases such as breast cancer, leukemias, and congenital immunodeficiencies. Peripheral blood stem transplantation is a standard procedure after its first successful transplantation more than 35 years ago. The minimum intended dose of stem cells given to the patient is2.5×106–5×106cells. In this study, we are establishing a correlation between the number of stem cells enumerated and the weight of the patient as a determinant for suitable transplantation. We have established a conversion factor to deliver the required dose of approximately3×106stem cells/kg body weight. This will ensure a uniform collection strategy that is sufficient for transplantation irrespective of the weight of the patient. This approach, if incorporated, will lead to a significantly lesser rate of bone marrow transplantation failures as sufficient number of stem cells will ensure engraftment of stem cells.
The Impact of Nonlocal Ammonia on Submicron Particulate Matter and Visibility Degradation in Urban Shanghai
Authors: Jansen Roeland Cornelis , Chen Jianmin , Hu Yunjie
Published: August 2014

To study the role of submicron particulate matter on visibility degradation in Shanghai, mass concentrations of PM1, secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA) in PM1, and SIA precursor gasses were on-line monitored during a 4-week intensive campaign in December 2012. During the campaign, 8 haze periods were identified when on average PM1mass increased to 62.1 ± 25.6 μg/m3compared to 30.7 ± 17.1 μg/m3during clear weather periods. The sum of SIA in PM1increased in mass concentration during the haze from 14.9 ± 7.4 μg/m3during clear periods to 29.7 ± 10.7 μg/m3during the haze periods. Correlation coefficients (R2) of the visibility as function of mass concentrations of SIA species in PM1show negative exponential relations implying the importance of the SIA species in visibility reduction. The important role of ammonia in SIA formation is recognized and demonstrated. Generally, ammonium neutralizes sulfate and nitrate and the molar equivalent ratio of ammonium versus the sum of sulfate and nitrate increases during the haze episodes. Air mass backward trajectories introducing the haze periods show the impact of nonlocal ammonia on visibility degradation in Shanghai.
Knitting Force Measurement on Flat Knitting Machines
Authors: Fouda A. , El-Hadidy A. , El-Deeb A.
Published: August 2014

Knittability can be defined as the ability of yarns to run on knitting machines without problems. Knittability can be achieved when less stress is applied on the knitting machine parts by the knitting yarns. This paper presents a novel measuring system for the knitting force needed to perform knitting yarns on flat knitting machine based on data acquisition system (DAS). The proposed system is used to measure the knitting force at different machine settings and different properties of the knitting yarns to determine the optimal production conditions. For this reason, three types of knitted fabric structures (single jersey, Rib 1 × 1, and full cardigan) with three different loop lengths and five different twists of ply yarn were produced. The obtained results showed the optimal yarn ply twist factor(αe)which gave minimum knitting force (less stress on needles or knitting yarns) at different loop lengths for each structure.
Coordinating Three-Level Supply Chain by Revenue-Sharing Contract with Sales Effort Dependent Demand
Authors: Pang Qinghua , Chen Yuer , Hu Yulu
Published: August 2014

Revenue-sharing contract is a kind of mechanism to improve performance or to achieve perfect coordination of supply chain. Considering a three-level supply chain consisting of a manufacturer, a distributor, and a retailer who faces a stochastic and sales effort dependent demand, the paper analyzes the impact of sales effort on supply chain coordination and expounds the reasons why traditional revenue-sharing contract cannot coordinate supply chain in this condition. Given three cases: only the retailer bears the sales effort cost, only the manufacturer bears the sales effort cost, and the retailer bears the sales effort cost with the manufacturer, the paper proposes an improved revenue-sharing contract based on quantity discount policy to coordinate the supply chain. It illustrates that improved revenue sharing contract can coordinate supply chain by implementing it in one transaction or two transactions of three-level supply chain. The model of improved revenue-sharing contract is optimized, respectively, by addition form and multiplication form with sales effort dependent demand. Formulas are given to determine the optimal contract parameters. Finally, numerical experiments are given to test the accuracy of the model of improved revenue-sharing contract.
Centella asiatica Attenuates Diabetes Induced Hippocampal Changes in Experimental Diabetic Rats
Authors: Giribabu Nelli , Srinivasarao Nelli , Swapna Rekha Somesula , Muniandy Sekaran , Salleh Naguib
Published: August 2014

Diabetes mellitus has been reported to affect functions of the hippocampus. We hypothesized that Centella asiatica, a herb traditionally being used to improve memory, prevents diabetes‐related hippocampal dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of C. asiatica on the hippocampus in diabetes. Methods. Streptozotocin‐ (STZ‐) induced adult male diabetic rats received 100 and 200 mg/kg/day body weight (b.w) C. asiatica leaf aqueous extract for four consecutive weeks. Following sacrifice, hippocampus was removed and hippocampal tissue homogenates were analyzed for Na+/K+‐, Ca2+‐ and Mg2+‐ATPases activity levels. Levels of the markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor, TNF‐α; interleukin, IL‐6; and interleukin, IL‐1β) and oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation product: LPO, superoxide dismutase: SOD, catalase: CAT, and glutathione peroxidase: GPx) were determined. The hippocampal sections were visualized for histopathological changes. Results. Administration of C. asiatica leaf aqueous extract to diabetic rats maintained near normal ATPases activity levels and prevents the increase in the levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the hippocampus. Lesser signs of histopathological changes were observed in the hippocampus of C. asiatica leaf aqueous extract treated diabetic rats. Conclusions. C. asiatica leaf protects the hippocampus against diabetes‐induced dysfunction which could help to preserve memory in this condition.
Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome: A Case with Annular Pancreas
Authors: Demirdöven Mehmet , Yazgan Hamza , Korkmaz Mevlit , Gebeşçe Arzu , Tonbul Alparslan
Published: August 2014

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease of cholesterol metabolism. It is a multiple malformation syndrome with typical dysmorphic features such as bitemporal narrowing, ptosis, epicanthus, microcephaly, micrognathia, and cardiovascular, skeletal, urogenital, and gastrointestinal anomalies. This report presents a typical case of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome with annular pancreas which is an unreported gastrointestinal abnormality.
Simulation of Microstructure during Laser Rapid Forming Solidification Based on Cellular Automaton
Authors: Wang Zhi-jian , Luo Shuai , Song Hong-wu , Deng Wei-dong , Li Wen-yi
Published: August 2014

The grain microstructure of molten pool during the solidification of TC4 titanium alloy in the single point laser cladding was investigated based on the CAFE model which is the cellular automaton (CA) coupled with the finite element (FE) method. The correct temperature field is the prerequisite for simulating the grain microstructure during the solidification of the molten pool. The model solves the energy equation by the FE method to simulate the temperature distribution in the molten pool of the single point laser cladding. Based on the temperature field, the solidification microstructure of the molten pool is also simulated with the CAFE method. The results show that the maximum temperature in the molten pool increases with the laser power and the scanning rate. The laser power has a larger influence on the temperature distribution of the molten pool than the scanning rate. During the solidification of the molten pool, the heat at the bottom of the molten pool transfers faster than that at the top of the molten pool. The grains rapidly grow into the molten pool, and then the columnar crystals are formed. This study has a very important significance for improving the quality of the structure parts manufactured through the laser cladding forming.
A Decentralized Fuzzy C-Means-Based Energy-Efficient Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Alia Osama Moh’d
Published: August 2014

Energy conservation in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is a vital consideration when designing wireless networking protocols. In this paper, we propose a Decentralized Fuzzy Clustering Protocol, named DCFP, which minimizes total network energy dissipation to promote maximum network lifetime. The process of constructing the infrastructure for a given WSN is performed only once at the beginning of the protocol at a base station, which remains unchanged throughout the network’s lifetime. In this initial construction step, a fuzzy C-means algorithm is adopted to allocate sensor nodes into their most appropriate clusters. Subsequently, the protocol runs its rounds where each round is divided into a CH-Election phase and a Data Transmission phase. In the CH-Election phase, the election of new cluster heads is done locally in each cluster where a new multicriteria objective function is proposed to enhance the quality of elected cluster heads. In the Data Transmission phase, the sensing and data transmission from each sensor node to their respective cluster head is performed and cluster heads in turn aggregate and send the sensed data to the base station. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed protocol improves network lifetime, data delivery, and energy consumption compared to other well-known energy-efficient protocols.
Triangle and GA Methods for UAVs Jamming
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yang Lisheng
Published: August 2014

We focus on how to jam UAVs network efficiently. The system model is described and the problem is formulated. Based on two properties and a theorem which helps to decide good location for a jammer, we present the Triangle method to find good locations for jammers. The Triangle method is easy to understand and has overall computational complexity of . We also present a genetic algorithm‐ (GA‐) based jamming method, which has computational complex of . New chromosome, mutation, and crossover operations are redefined for the GA method. The simulation shows that Triangle and GA methods perform better than Random method. If the ratio of jammers’ number to UAVs’ number is low (lower than 1/5 in this paper), GA method does better than Triangle method. Otherwise, Triangle method performs better.
Rare Earth Doped Lanthanum Calcium Borate Polycrystalline Red Phosphors
Authors: Xiong H. H. , Zhu C. , Zhao X. , Wang Z. Q. , Lin H.
Published: August 2014

Single-phased Sm3+doped lanthanum calcium borate (SmxLa2−xCaB10O19, SLCB,x=0.06) polycrystalline red phosphor was prepared by solid-state reaction method. The phosphor has two main excitation peaks located at 398.5 nm and 469.0 nm, which are nicely in accordance with the emitting wavelengths of commercial near-UV and blue light emitting diode chips. Under the excitation of 398.0 nm, the dominant red emission of Sm3+in SLCB phosphor is centered at 598.0 nm corresponding to the transition of4G5/2 → 6H7/2. The Eu3+fluorescence in the red spectral region is applied as a spectroscopic probe to reveal the local site symmetry in the host lattice and, hence, Judd-Ofelt parametersΩt  (t=2, 4)of Eu3+in the phosphor matrix are derived to be3.62×10-20and1.97×10-20 cm2, indicating a high asymmetrical and strong covalent environment around rare earth luminescence centers. Herein, the red phosphors are promising good candidates employed in white light emitting diodes (LEDs) illumination.
Therapeutic Effects of Biobran, Modified Arabinoxylan Rice Bran, in Improving Symptoms of Diarrhea Predominant or Mixed Type Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot, Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Kamiya Takeshi , Shikano Michiko , Tanaka Mamoru , Ozeki Keiji , Ebi Masahide , Katano Takahito , Hamano Shingo , Nishiwaki Hirotaka , Tsukamoto Hironobu , Mizoshita Tsutomu , Mori Yoshinori , Kubota Eiji , Tanida Satoshi , Kataoka Hiromi , Okuda Noriaki , Joh Takashi
Published: August 2014

Background. Recently, it was revealed that low grade mucosal inflammation and/or immune imbalance of the lower digestive tract is one of the mechanisms involved in symptom generation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Biobran, arabinoxylan compound derived from rice bran, has been reported to have several biological actions such as anti‐inflammatory and immune modulatory effects. So we investigated the therapeutic effects of Biobran in patients with IBS. Method. Forty patients with diarrhea predominant or mixed type IBS were randomly assigned to either a Biobran group for treatment with Biobran or a placebo group. Therapeutic efficacy and IBS symptoms were assessed subjectively by the patients after 4 weeks of administration. Results. The global assessment was effective in 63.2% of the Biobran group and in 30% of the placebo group (P < 0.05, Biobran group versus placebo group). Biobran group showed a significant decrease in the score of diarrhea and constipation and in CRP value. However, no significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Conclusion. The administration of Biobran improved IBS symptoms. It is likely that anti‐inflammatory and/or immune modulatory effects of Biobran might be useful in IBS patients.
Conceptual Model for Simulating the Adjustments of Bankfull Characteristics in the Lower Yellow River, China
Authors: Wang Yuanjian , Fu Xudong , Wang Guangqian
Published: August 2014

We present a conceptual model for simulating the temporal adjustments in the banks of the Lower Yellow River (LYR). Basic conservation equations for mass, friction, and sediment transport capacity and the Exner equation were adopted to simulate the hydrodynamics underlying fluvial processes. The relationship between changing rates in bankfull width and depth, derived from quasiuniversal hydraulic geometries, was used as a closure for the hydrodynamic equations. On inputting the daily flow discharge and sediment load, the conceptual model successfully simulated the 30-year adjustments in the bankfull geometries of typical reaches of the LYR. The square of the correlating coefficient reached 0.74 for Huayuankou Station in the multiple-thread reach and exceeded 0.90 for Lijin Station in the meandering reach. This proposed model allows multiple dependent variables and the input of daily hydrological data for long-term simulations. This links the hydrodynamic and geomorphic processes in a fluvial river and has potential applicability to fluvial rivers undergoing significant adjustments.
Work Criteria Function of Irreversible Heat Engines
Authors: Huleihil Mahmoud
Published: August 2014

The irreversible heat engine is reconsidered with a general heat transfer law. Three criteria known in the literature—power, power density, and efficient power—are redefined in terms of the work criteria function (WCF), a concept introduced in this study. The formulation enabled the suggestion and analysis of a unique criterion—the efficient power density (which accounts for the efficiency and power density). Practically speaking, the efficient power and the efficient power density could be defined on any order based on the WCF. The applicability of the WCF is illustrated for the Newtonian heat transfer law (n=1) and for the radiative law (n=4). The importance of WCF is twofold: it gives an explicit design and educational tool to analyze and to display graphically the different criteria side by side and thus helps in design process. Finally, the criteria were compared and some conclusions were drawn.
The Fabrication and Application of a PDMS Micro Through-Holes Mask in Electrochemical Micromanufacturing
Authors: Chen Xiaolei , Qu Ningsong , Li Hansong , Zhu Di
Published: August 2014

The electrochemical micromanufacturing process, as a key micromanufacturing technology, plays an important role in diverse industries. In this paper, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is employed as a mask in the electrochemical micromanufacture of microstructures because of its chemical resistance, low cost, flexibility, and high molding capability. A new method for fabricating a PDMS micro through-holes mask is proposed. In this method, a thin resist film is employed to enhance the adhesion between the substrate and the SU-8 pillar array which is used as a mold. A vacuum-aided process is used to inject the PDMS gel into the SU-8 mold and the PDMS micro through-holes mask can be peeled off from the SU-8 mold when the gel is cured. Experiments were conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed approach and PDMS microholes of various shapes were obtained. The PDMS mask can then be successfully applied in the electrochemical micromanufacturing process to generate microstructures and microdimple and embossment arrays have been successfully demonstrated. Furthermore, the PDMS mask can be reused, as it is not damaged during the manufacturing process.
Gastric Dilation due to a Neuroleptic Agent in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Parent V. , Popitean L. , Loctin A. , Camus A. , Manckoundia P.
Published: August 2014

Neuroleptics may cause side effects, some of which are little known. We describe here a case of gastric dilation related to treatment with a neuroleptic in an elderly man. To our knowledge, such a case has never been reported in the literature. A 76-year-old man, living in a nursing home, was hospitalized for general weakness and abdominal pain. He had dementia with behavioral disorders treated with cyamemazine, a sedative and anxiolytic neuroleptic. Given a clinical suspicion of intestinal occlusion, an abdominopelvic computerized tomography scan was performed before the patient was admitted to our hospital. This computerized tomography scan did not show intestinal occlusion and there was no mention of gastric dilation in the computerized tomography scan report. Thus, acute gastroenteritis was suspected. The usual medications were stopped and symptomatic treatment for gastroenteritis was started. Quickly, his clinical state and biological parameters returned to normal and his usual treatment, including cyamemazine, was started again. The next day, the digestive symptoms, except for obstipation, reappeared. The abdominal X-ray showed gastric dilation without intestinal occlusion. The neuroleptic was stopped again and symptoms vanished the next day. This report underlines all of the necessary precautions and surveillance around drug prescription, especially in elderly persons.
On the Fractional Nagumo Equation with Nonlinear Diffusion and Convection
Authors: Atangana Abdon , Oukouomi Noutchie Suares Clovis
Published: August 2014

We presented the Nagumo equation using the concept of fractional calculus. With the help of two analytical techniques including the homotopy decomposition method (HDM) and the new development of variational iteration method (NDVIM), we derived an approximate solution. Both methods use a basic idea of integral transform and are very simple to be used.
On Extremal Problems in Certain New Bergman Type Spaces in Some Bounded Domains inCn
Authors: Shamoyan Romi F. , Mihić Olivera
Published: August 2014

Based on recent results on boundedness of Bergman projection with positive Bergman kernel in analytic spaces in various types of domains inCn, we extend our previous sharp results on distances obtained for analytic Bergman type spaces in unit disk to some new Bergman type spaces in Lie ball, bounded symmetric domains of tube type, Siegel domains, and minimal bounded homogeneous domains.
Cryotherapy with Concurrent CpG Oligonucleotide Treatment Controls Local Tumor Recurrence and Modulates HER2/neu Immunity
Authors: Veenstra Jesse J. , Gibson Heather M. , Littrup Peter J. , Reyes Joyce D. , Cher Michael L. , Takashima Akira , Wei Wei-Zen
Published: August 2014

Percutaneous cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure for tumor destruction, which can potentially initiate or amplify antitumor immunity through the release of tumor-associated antigens. However, clinically efficacious immunity is lacking and regional recurrences are a limiting factor relative to surgical excision. To understand the mechanism of immune activation by cryoablation, comprehensive analyses of innate immunity and HER2/neu humoral and cellular immunity following cryoablation with or without peritumoral CpG injection were conducted using two HER2/neu+ tumor systems in wild-type (WT), neu-tolerant, and SCID mice. Cryoablation of neu+ TUBO tumor in BALB/c mice resulted in systemic immune priming, but not in neu-tolerant BALB NeuT mice. Cryoablation of human HER2+ D2F2/E2 tumor enabled the functionality of tumor-induced immunity, but secondary tumors were refractory to antitumor immunity if rechallenge occurred during the resolution phase of the cryoablated tumor. A step-wise increase in local recurrence was observed in WT, neu-tolerant, and SCID mice, indicating a role of adaptive immunity in controlling residual tumor foci. Importantly, local recurrences were eliminated or greatly reduced in WT, neu tolerant, and SCID mice when CpG was incorporated in the cryoablation regimen, showing significant local control by innate immunity. For long-term protection, however, adaptive immunity was required because most SCID mice eventually succumbed to local tumor recurrence even with combined cryoablation and CpG treatment. This improved understanding of the mechanisms by which cryoablation affects innate and adaptive immunity will help guide appropriate combination of therapeutic interventions to improve treatment outcomes. Cancer Res; 74(19); 5409–20. ©2014 AACR.
LOXL2 Status Correlates with Tumor Stage and Regulates Integrin Levels to Promote Tumor Progression in ccRCC
Authors: Hase Hiroaki , Jingushi Kentaro , Ueda Yuko , Kitae Kaori , Egawa Hiroshi , Ohshio Ikumi , Kawakami Ryoji , Kashiwagi Yuri , Tsukada Yohei , Kobayashi Takumi , Nakata Wataru , Fujita Kazutoshi , Uemura Motohide , Nonomura Norio , Tsujikawa Kazutake
Published: August 2014

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common histologically defined subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). To define the molecular mechanism in the progression of ccRCC, we focused on LOX-like protein 2 (LOXL2), which is critical for the first step in collagen and elastin cross-linking. Using exon array analysis and quantitative validation, LOXL2 was shown to be significantly upregulated in clinical specimens of human ccRCC tumor tissues, compared with adjacent noncancerous renal tissues, and this elevated expression correlated with the pathologic stages of ccRCC. RNAi-mediated knockdown of LOXL2 resulted in marked suppression of stress-fiber and focal adhesion formation in ccRCC cells. Moreover, LOXL2 siRNA knockdown significantly inhibited cell growth, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, LOXL2 regulated the degradation of both integrins α5 (ITGAV5) and β1 (ITGB1) via protease- and proteasome-dependent systems. In clinical ccRCC specimens, the expression levels of LOXL2 and integrin α5 correlated with the pathologic tumor grades. In conclusion, LOXL2 is a potent regulator of integrin α5 and integrin β1 protein levels and functions in a tumor-promoting capacity in ccRCC.

Implications: This is the first report demonstrating that LOXL2 is highly expressed and involved in ccRCC progression by regulating the levels of integrins α5 and β1. Mol Cancer Res; 12(12); 1807–17. ©2014 AACR.