bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with career satisfaction and burnout among US neurosurgeons: results of a nationwide survey
Authors: McAbee Joseph H. , Ragel Brian T. , McCartney Shirley , Jones G. Morgan , Michael L. Madison , DeCuypere Michael , Cheng Joseph S. , Boop Frederick A. , Klimo Paul
Published: February 2015

OBJECT

The object of this study was to identify and quantify predictors of burnout and career satisfaction among US neurosurgeons.

METHODS

All US members (3247) of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) were invited to participate in a survey between September and December 2012. Responses were evaluated through univariate analysis. Factors independently associated with burnout and career satisfaction were determined using multivariable logistic regression. Subgroup analysis of academic and nonacademic neurosurgeons was performed as well.

RESULTS

The survey response rate was 24% (783 members). The majority of respondents were male, 40–60 years old, in a stable relationship, with children, working in a group or university practice, and trained in a subspecialty. More than 80% of respondents reported being at least somewhat satisfied with their career, and 70% would choose a career in neurosurgery again; however, only 26% of neurosurgeons believed their professional lives would improve in the future, and 52% believed it would worsen. The overall burnout rate was 56.7%. Factors independently associated with both burnout and career satisfaction included achieving a balance between work and life outside the hospital (burnout OR 0.45, satisfaction OR 10.0) and anxiety over future earnings and/or health care reform (burnout OR 1.96, satisfaction OR 0.32). While the burnout rate for nonacademic neurosurgeons (62.9%) was higher than that for academic neurosurgeons (47.7%), academicians who had practiced for over 20 years were less likely to be satisfied with their careers.

CONCLUSIONS

The rates of burnout and career satisfaction were both high in this survey study of US neurosurgeons. The negative effects of burnout on the lives of surgeons, patients, and their families require further study and probably necessitate the development of interventional programs at local, regional, and even national levels.
Torcular dural arteriovenous fistula treated via stent placement and angioplasty in the affected straight and transverse sinuses: case report
Authors: Takada Shigeki , Isaka Fumiaki , Nakakuki Takuya , Mitsuno Yuto , Kaneko Takaaki
Published: February 2015

The successful obliteration of torcular dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) with a diffuse shunt in the affected sinus may require complex treatment strategies. Therapeutic goals include the preservation of normal venous drainage and complete obliteration of shunt flow. The authors report the case of a torcular DAVF. The treatment of this type of AVF may require a combined approach with transarterial and transvenous embolization, open surgery, or radiosurgery and is associated with many problems. Stent placement and angioplasty in the affected sinus result in compression of the fistulous dural wall of the sinus and decrease shunt flow. In cases in which there is a diffuse shunt in the affected sinus and no evident shunt point, such as in AVFs involving venous pouches and parasinuses, sealing the fistula orifice with self-expandable stents and angioplasty (balloon inflation) is considered the best treatment option to preserve normal cerebral venous sinus drainage and obliterate shunt flow. In such cases, the authors recommend using one or more self-expandable and closed-cell stents and using angioplasty to avoid endoleakage into the gap between the stent graft and the vessel wall.
The association between expansive arterial remodeling detected by high-resolution MRI in carotid artery stenosis and clinical presentation
Authors: Yoshida Kazumichi , Fukumitsu Ryu , Kurosaki Yoshitaka , Funaki Takeshi , Kikuchi Takayuki , Takahashi Jun C. , Takagi Yasushi , Yamagata Sen , Miyamoto Susumu
Published: February 2015

OBJECT

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between carotid artery (CA) expansive remodeling (ER) and symptoms of cerebral ischemia.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-two consecutive CAs scheduled for CA endarterectomy (CEA) or CA stent placement (CAS) were retrospectively studied. After excluding 22 CAs (2 were contraindicated for MRI, 8 had near-occlusion, 6 had poor image quality, and 6 had restenosis after CEA or CAS), there were 100 CAs (100 patients) included in the final analysis. The study included 50 symptomatic patients (mean age 73.6 ± 8.9 years, 6 women, mean stenosis 68.5% ± 21.3%) and 50 asymptomatic patients (mean age 72.0 ± 5.9 years, 5 women, mean stenosis 79.4% ± 8.85%). Expansive remodeling was defined as enlargement of the internal carotid artery (ICA) with outward plaque growth. The ER ratio was calculated by dividing the maximum distance between the lumen and the outer borders of the plaque perpendicular to the axis of the ICA by the maximal luminal diameter of the distal ICA at a region unaffected by atherosclerosis using long-axis, high-resolution MRI.

RESULTS

The ER ratio of the atherosclerotic CA was significantly greater than that of normal physiological expansion (carotid bulb; p < 0.01). The ER ratio of symptomatic CA stenosis (median 1.94, interquartile range [IQR] 1.58–2.23) was significantly greater than that of asymptomatic CA stenosis (median 1.52, IQR 1.34–1.81; p = 0.0001). When the cutoff value of the ER ratio was set to 1.88, the sensitivity and specificity to detect symptoms were 0.6 and 0.78, respectively. The ER ratio of symptomatic patients was consistently high regardless of the degree of stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant correlation between ER ratio and ischemic symptoms. The ER ratio might be a potential indicator of vulnerable plaque, which requires further validation by prospective observational study of asymptomatic patients.
Alternative method for the reconstruction of meningomyelocele defects: V-Y rotation and advancement flap
Authors: Kankaya Yüksel , Sungur Nezih , Aslan Özlem Çolak , Ozer Kadri , Ulusoy Mustafa Gürhan , Karatay Mete , Oruç Melike , Gürsoy Koray , Karaaslan Önder , Koçer Uğur
Published: February 2015

OBJECT

Skin grafts, skin flaps, fasciocutaneous flaps, muscle flaps, and musculocutaneous flaps have been used for closure of large meningomyelocele (MMC) defects that cannot be closed primarily. The V-Y rotation advancement flap technique has been used successfully for the reconstruction of defects in different areas of the body. In the present study, the authors report on their novel use of this technique in both a binary and a quadruple (butterfly) flap manner for closure of large MMC defects. They also present an algorithm that they developed for the evaluation of MMC defects.

METHODS

Between January 2011 and November 2013, 17 patients (13 girls and 4 boys) with extremely large MMC defects that could not be repaired by direct primary closure underwent reconstruction of the defects with binary and quadruple V-Y rotation and advancement flaps. With the patient prone, the axillary apices, the most craniad point of the intergluteal sulcus, and the posterior axillary lines were marked, and a rectangular area on the back was designed. Edges of the rectangular area and the transverse and longitudinal diameters of the defect were measured and the presence of kyphosis was noted. These measurements and their proportions were used to develop an algorithm for patient assessment. While binary flaps were planned over the transverse diameter of the defects, quadruple flaps were planned over the bisectors of the defects, which were closed by elevating fasciocutaneous flaps.

RESULTS

For patients whose defect diameter to back width ratio was between 0.30 and 0.50 and whose mean ratio of defect area to donor area was between 0.09 and 0.15, binary V-Y rotation and advancement flaps were used. When these values were in the range of 0.50–0.66 and 0.16–0.35, respectively, quadruple V-Y rotation and advancement flaps were preferred. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 10.4 months. With the exception of minor complications, such as partial necrosis of 0.5 × 0.5 cm in a quadruple flap, all the flaps healed uneventfully.

CONCLUSIONS

With this study, closure of MMC defects with V-Y rotation and advancement flaps has been defined for the first time in the literature. The use of this technique with multiple flaps is an effective alternative to other flap options for the closure of large MMC defects. The algorithm developed in the course of this study should facilitate evaluation and reconstruction planning for patients with MMC defects.
Practical clinical interventions for diet, physical activity, and weight control in cancer survivors
Authors: Demark‐Wahnefried Wendy , Rogers Laura Q. , Alfano Catherine M. , Thomson Cynthia A. , Courneya Kerry S. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Stout Nicole L. , Kvale Elizabeth , Ganzer Heidi , Ligibel Jennifer A.
Published: February 2015

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

The importance of expanding cancer treatment to include the promotion of overall long‐term health is emphasized in the Institute of Medicine report on delivering quality oncology care. Weight management, physical activity, and a healthy diet are key components of tertiary prevention but may be areas in which the oncologist and/or the oncology care team may be less familiar. This article reviews current diet and physical activity guidelines, the evidence supporting those recommendations, and provides an overview of practical interventions that have resulted in favorable improvements in lifestyle behavior change in cancer survivors. It also describes current lifestyle practices among cancer survivors and the role of the oncologist in helping cancer patients and survivors embark upon changes in lifestyle behaviors, and it calls for the development of partnerships between oncology providers, primary care providers, and experts in nutrition, exercise science, and behavior change to help positively orient cancer patients toward longer and healthier lives. CA Cancer J Clin 2015;65: 167–189. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Recognition of Unipolar and Generalised Split Graphs
Authors: McDiarmid Colin , Yolov Nikola
Published: February 2015

A graph is unipolar if it can be partitioned into a clique and a disjoint union of cliques, and a graph is a generalised split graph if it or its complement is unipolar. A unipolar partition of a graph can be used to find efficiently the clique number, the stability number, the chromatic number, and to solve other problems that are hard for general graphs. We present an O(n2)-time algorithm for recognition of n-vertex generalised split graphs, improving on previous O(n3)-time algorithms.
Vibrational Microspectroscopy for Cancer Screening
Authors: Lyng Fiona , Ramos Inês , Ibrahim Ola , Byrne Hugh
Published: February 2015

Vibrational spectroscopy analyses vibrations within a molecule and can be used to characterise a molecular structure. Raman spectroscopy is one of the vibrational spectroscopic techniques, in which incident radiation is used to induce vibrations in the molecules of a sample, and the scattered radiation may be used to characterise the sample in a rapid and non-destructive manner. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a complementary vibrational spectroscopic technique based on the absorption of IR radiation by the sample. Molecules absorb specific frequencies of the incident light which are characteristic of their structure. IR and Raman spectroscopy are sensitive to subtle biochemical changes occurring at the molecular level allowing spectral variations corresponding to disease onset to be detected. Over the past 15 years, there have been numerous reports demonstrating the potential of IR and Raman spectroscopy together with multivariate statistical analysis techniques for the detection of a variety of cancers including, breast, lung, brain, colon, oral, oesophageal, prostate and cervical cancer. This paper discusses the recent advances and the future perspectives in relation to cancer screening applications, focussing on cervical and oral cancer.
Relational Probabilistic Conditionals and Their Instantiations under Maximum Entropy Semantics for First-Order Knowledge Bases
Authors: Beierle Christoph , Finthammer Marc , Kern-Isberner Gabriele
Published: February 2015

For conditional probabilistic knowledge bases with conditionals based on propositional logic, the principle of maximum entropy (ME) is well-established, determining a unique model inductively completing the explicitly given knowledge. On the other hand, there is no general agreement on how to extend the ME principle to relational conditionals containing free variables. In this paper, we focus on two approaches to ME semantics that have been developed for first-order knowledge bases: aggregating semantics and a grounding semantics. Since they use different variants of conditionals, we define the logic PCI, which covers both approaches as special cases and provides a framework where the effects of both approaches can be studied in detail. While the ME models under PCI-grounding and PCI-aggregating semantics are different in general, we point out that parametric uniformity of a knowledge base ensures that both semantics coincide. Using some concrete knowledge bases, we illustrate the differences and common features of both approaches, looking in particular at the ground instances of the given conditionals.
Optimal Design of Magnetohydrodynamic Mixed Convection Flow in a Vertical Channel with Slip Boundary Conditions and Thermal Radiation Effects by Using an Entropy Generation Minimization Method
Authors: Abdollahzadeh Jamalabadi Mohamad , Park Jae , Lee Chang
Published: February 2015

Investigation of the effect of thermal radiation on a fully developed magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) convective flow of a Newtonian, incompressible and electrically conducting fluid in a vertical microchannel bounded by two infinite vertical parallel plates with constant temperature walls through a lateral magnetic field of uniform strength is presented. The Rosseland model for the conduction radiation heat transfer in an absorbing medium and two plates with slip-flow and no-slip conditions are assumed. In addition, the induced magnetic field is neglected due to the assumption of a small magnetic Reynolds number. The non-dimensional governing equations are solved numerically using Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method with a shooting technique. The channel is optimized based on the Second Law of Thermodynamics by changing various parameters such as the thermal radiation parameter, the temperature parameter, Hartmann number, Grashof to Reynolds ratio, velocity slip length, and temperature jump.
Optimally Fortifying Logic Reliability through Criticality Ranking
Authors: Bai Yu , Alawad Mohammed , DeMara Ronald , Lin Mingjie
Published: February 2015

With CMOS technology aggressively scaling towards the 22-nm node, modern FPGA devices face tremendous aging-induced reliability challenges due to bias temperature instability (BTI) and hot carrier injection (HCI). This paper presents a novel anti-aging technique at the logic level that is both scalable and applicable for VLSI digital circuits implemented with FPGA devices. The key idea is to prolong the lifetime of FPGA-mapped designs by strategically elevating the VDD values of some LUTs based on their modular criticality values. Although the idea of scaling VDD in order to improve either energy efficiency or circuit reliability has been explored extensively, our study distinguishes itself by approaching this challenge through an analytical procedure, therefore being able to maximize the overall reliability of the target FPGA design by rigorously modeling the BTI-induced device reliability and optimally solving the VDD assignment problem. Specifically, we first develop a systematic framework to analytically model the reliability of an FPGA LUT (look-up table), which consists of both RAM memory bits and associated switching circuit. We also, for the first time, establish the relationship between signal transition density and a LUT’s reliability in an analytical way. This key observation further motivates us to define the modular criticality as the product of signal transition density and the logic observability of each LUT. Finally, we analytically prove, for the first time, that the optimal way to improve the overall reliability of a whole FPGA device is to fortify individual LUTs according to their modular criticality. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first to draw such a conclusion.
Impact of the Taxes on Used Nuclear Fuel on the Fuel Cycle Economics in Spain
Authors: Soria B. , Ruiz-Sánchez Rosario , Estadieu Mathilde , Belda-Sánchez Borja , Cordón-Peralta Cristina , Martín-Cañas Paula , Rodriguez-Penalonga Laura , Cledera-Castro M. , Sáenz-Nuño M. , Morales-Polo Carlos
Published: February 2015

In 2013, the Spanish government created two new taxes on used nuclear fuel. This article aims to present the results of an economic study carried out to compare the costs of long-term storage of used nuclear fuel –open cycle strategy–, with the cost of the strategy of reprocessing and recycling used fuel– closed cycle strategy– taking into account the impact of the new taxes on the global cost of the fuel cycle. The results show that the costs of open-cycle and closed-cycle spent fuel management, evaluated in Spain after the introduction of the taxes, are sufficiently similar (within the bounds of uncertainty), that the choice between both is predicated on other than purely economic criteria.
Monetization of External Costs Using Lifecycle Analysis—A Comparative Case Study of Coal-Fired and Biomass Power Plants in Northeast China
Authors: Wang Lingling , Watanabe Tsunemi , Xu Zhiwei
Published: February 2015

In this study, the structures of external costs are built in line with coal-fired and biomass power plant life cycle activities in Northeast China. The external cost of coal-fired and biomass power plants was compared, using the lifecycle approach. In addition, the external costs of a biomass power plant are calculated for each stage for comparison with those of a coal-fired power plant. The results highlight that the external costs of a coal-fired plant are 0.072 US $/kWh, which are much higher than that of a biomass power plant, 0.00012 US$/kWh. The external cost of coal-fired power generation is as much as 90% of the current price of electricity generated by coal, while the external cost of a biomass power plant is 1/1000 of the current price of electricity generated by biomass. In addition, for a biomass power plant, the external cost associated with SO2, NOX, and PM2.5 are particularly lower than those of a coal-fired power plant. The prospect of establishing precise estimations for external cost mechanisms and sustainable energy policies is discussed to show a possible direction for future energy schemes in China. The paper has significant value for supporting the biomass power industry and taxing or regulating coal-fired power industry to optimize the energy structure in China.
Probing the Hidden Geology of Isidis Planitia (Mars) with Impact Craters
Authors: Caprarelli Graziella , Orosei Roberto
Published: February 2015

In this study we investigated Isidis Planitia, a 1325 km diameter multi-ring impact basin intersecting the Martian hemispheric dichotomy, located in the eastern hemisphere, between Syrtis Major and Utopia Planitia. From Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter gridded data we observed that in the center of Isidis the −3700 m and −3800 m isolines strike NW-SE, being quasi-parallel to the diameter of the basin. We interpreted this as evidence that the basement of Isidis Planitia was faulted prior to being completely covered by layers of sediments and volcanic rocks. Plotting the morphometric data of impact craters located on the floor of the basin in a measured depths vs. predicted depths diagram (MPD), we concluded that the fault planes should dip SW, which is consistent with the location of the most topographically depressed sector of Isidis Planitia. We also estimated a minimum vertical displacement of ~1–2 km. Considering that the crust under Isidis Planitia is only a few km thick, our estimate implies brittle behavior of the lithosphere under the basin, suggesting that a low geothermal gradient and rheologically strong material characterize this Martian location.
Perceived Environmental and Personal Factors Associated with Walking and Cycling for Transportation in Taiwanese Adults
Authors: Liao Yung , Wang I-Ting , Hsu Hsiu-Hua , Chang Shao-Hsi
Published: February 2015

This study examined perceived environmental and personal factors associated with walking and cycling as means of transportation for Taiwanese adults. A random-digit-dialing telephone-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with Taiwanese adults aged 20 to 64 years. Data on time spent walking and cycling for transportation and perceptions of neighborhood environment and personal characteristics were obtained from 1065 adults by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long version and its environmental module. Adjusted binary logistic regression was performed. The results showed that, after adjusting potential confounders, common and different personal and perceived environmental factors were associated with walking and cycling for transportation. For common personal factors, adults who had employment were less likely to engage in 150 min of walking per week (odds ratio [OR] = 0.41; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.27–0.62) and to use cycling as a means of transportation (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.32–0.79). For common perceived environmental factors, adults who perceived good connectivity of streets were more likely to walk (OR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.20–3.16) and cycle (OR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.16–3.54) for transportation. Targeting employed adults and improving the connectivity of streets should be a priority for developing transport policies and intervention strategies to promote active transportation.
Functional Properties of the Catalytic Domain of Mouse Acidic Mammalian Chitinase Expressed in Escherichia coli
Authors: Kashimura Akinori , Kimura Masahiro , Okawa Kazuaki , Suzuki Hirotaka , Ukita Atsushi , Wakita Satoshi , Okazaki Kana , Ohno Misa , Bauer Peter , Sakaguchi Masayoshi , Sugahara Yasusato , Oyama Fumitaka
Published: February 2015

Mouse acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) plays important physiological roles in defense and nutrition. AMCase is composed of an N-terminal catalytic domain (CatD) and a C-terminal chitin-binding domain (CBD). We expressed CatD of mouse AMCase as a recombinant fusion protein with Protein A and V5-His in Escherichia coli (Protein A-CatD-V5-His), evaluated its functional properties and compared them to the full-length AMCase (Protein A-AMCase-V5-His). Under our experimental conditions, the chitinolytic activity of both proteins against 4-nitrophenyl N,N'-diacetyl-β-d-chitobioside was equivalent with regard to their specific enzymatic activities, optimal pH and temperature as well as to the pH and temperature stability. CatD bound to chitin beads and cleaved the N-acetylglucosamine hexamer, colloidal and crystalline chitin as well as the shrimp shell, and released primarily N,N'-diacetylchitobiose fragments at pH 2.0. These results indicate that the primary structure of CatD is sufficient to form a proper tertiary structure required for chitinolytic activity, recognize chitin substrates and degrade them in the absence of a CBD. Our recombinant proteins can be used for further studies evaluating pathophysiological roles of AMCase in different diseases.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Their Use in Cardiac and Neural Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Skalova Stepanka , Svadlakova Tereza , Qureshi Wasay , Dev Kapil , Mokry Jaroslav
Published: February 2015

Stem cells are unique pools of cells that are crucial for embryonic development and maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. The landmark Nobel Prize winning research by Yamanaka and colleagues to induce pluripotency in somatic cells has reshaped the field of stem cell research. The complications related to the usage of pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in human medicine, particularly ESC isolation and histoincompatibility were bypassed with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. The human iPSCs can be used for studying embryogenesis, disease modeling, drug testing and regenerative medicine. iPSCs can be diverted to different cell lineages using small molecules and growth factors. In this review we have focused on iPSC differentiation towards cardiac and neuronal lineages. Moreover, we deal with the use of iPSCs in regenerative medicine and modeling diseases like myocardial infarction, Timothy syndrome, dilated cardiomyopathy, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease. Despite the promising potential of iPSCs, genome contamination and low efficacy of cell reprogramming remain significant challenges.
Autophagy as a Regulatory Component of Erythropoiesis
Authors: Zhang Jieying , Wu Kunlu , Xiao Xiaojuan , Liao Jiling , Hu Qikang , Chen Huiyong , Liu Jing , An Xiuli
Published: February 2015

Autophagy is a process that leads to the degradation of unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components and long-lived protein aggregates. Erythropoiesis is a branch of hematopoietic differentiation by which mature red blood cells (RBCs) are generated from multi-potential hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Autophagy plays a critical role in the elimination of mitochondria, ribosomes and other organelles during erythroid terminal differentiation. Here, the modulators of autophagy that regulate erythroid differentiation were summarized, including autophagy-related (Atg) genes, the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family member Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3-like (Nix/Binp3L), transcription factors globin transcription factor 1 (GATA1) and forkhead box O3 (FoxO3), intermediary factor KRAB-associated protein1 (KAP1), and other modulators, such as focal adhesion kinase family-interacting protein of 200-kDa (FIP200), Ca2+ and 15-lipoxygenase. Understanding the modulators of autophagy in erythropoiesis will benefit the autophagy research field and facilitate the prevention and treatment of autophagy-related red blood cell disorders.
Quantification of VaR: A Note on VaR Valuation in the South African Equity Market
Authors: Mabitsela Lesedi , Maré Eben , Kufakunesu Rodwell
Published: February 2015

The statistical distribution of financial returns plays a key role in evaluating Value-at-Risk using parametric methods. Traditionally, when evaluating parametric Value-at-Risk, the statistical distribution of the financial returns is assumed to be normally distributed. However, though simple to implement, the Normal distribution underestimates the kurtosis and skewness of the observed financial returns. This article focuses on the evaluation of the South African equity markets in a Value-at-Risk framework. Value-at-Risk is estimated on four equity stocks listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, including the FTSE/JSE TOP40 index and the S & P 500 index. The statistical distribution of the financial returns is modelled using the Normal Inverse Gaussian and is compared to the financial returns modelled using the Normal, Skew t-distribution and Student t-distribution. We then estimate Value-at-Risk under the assumption that financial returns follow the Normal Inverse Gaussian, Normal, Skew t-distribution and Student t-distribution and backtesting was performed under each distribution assumption. The results of these distributions are compared and discussed.
10,10'-Dimethoxy-9,9'-biazuleno[2,1-c]phenanthrene
Authors: Yamamoto Kosuke , Nakamae Ryota , Suemune Hiroshi , Usui Kazuteru
Published: February 2015

The title compound was prepared by the regioselective homocoupling of 10-methoxyazuleno[2,1-c]phenanthrene in the presence of ammonium persulfate. The structure of the synthesized compound was assigned on the basis of its 1H-NMR, FT-IR, and mass spectral data. Its crystal structure and electrochemical properties are also reported.
Effects of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (ω-3) Supplementation on Some Cardiovascular Risk Factors with a Ketogenic Mediterranean Diet
Authors: Paoli Antonio , Moro Tatiana , Bosco Gerardo , Bianco Antonino , Grimaldi Keith , Camporesi Enrico , Mangar Devanand
Published: February 2015

Background: the ketogenic diet (KD) has become a widely used nutritional approach for weight loss. Some of the KD’s positive effects on metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors are similar to those seen after n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3) supplementation. We hypothesized that a ketogenic Mediterranean diet with phytoextracts combined with ω-3 supplementation may have increased positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation. Methods: We analyzed 34 male overweight subjects; aged between 25 and 65 years who were overall healthy apart from overweight. The subjects followed a ketogenic diet protocol for four weeks; with (KDO3) or without (KD) ω-3 supplementation. Results: All subjects experienced a significant loss of body weight and body fat and there was no significant differences between treatment (body weight: KD—4.7 kg, KDO3—4.03 kg, body fat KD—5.41 kg, KDO3—5.86 kg). There were also significant decreases in total cholesterol, LDL-c, and glucose levels. Triglycerides and insulin levels decreased more in KDO3 vs. KD subjects, with a significant difference. All the investigated inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) decreased significantly in KDO3 subjects whilst only TNF-α showed a significant decrease in KD subjects over the 12 month study period. No significant changes were observed in anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-1Ra), creatinine, urea and uric acid. Adiponectin increased significantly only in the KDO3 group. Conclusions: ω-3 supplementation improved the positive effects of a ketogenic Mediterranean diet with phytoextracts on some cardiovascular/metabolic risk factors and inflammatory state.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intervention Suppresses Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Weight Loss in Mice
Authors: Liu Ying-Hua , Li Xiang-Yong , Chen Chih-Yu , Zhang Hong-Man , Kang Jing
Published: February 2015

Bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis is a critical medical condition, characterized by a severe systemic inflammation and rapid loss of muscle mass. Preventive and therapeutic strategies for this complex disease are still lacking. Here, we evaluated the effect of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intervention on LPS-challenged mice with respect to inflammation, body weight and the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway components. LPS administration induced a dramatic loss of body weight within two days. Treatment with n-3 PUFA not only stopped loss of body weight but also gradually reversed it back to baseline levels within one week. Accordingly, the animals treated with n-3 PUFA exhibited markedly lower levels of inflammatory cytokines or markers in plasma and tissues, as well as down-regulation of TLR4 pathway components compared to animals without n-3 PUFA treatment or those treated with omega-6 PUFA. Our data demonstrate that n-3 PUFA intervention can suppress LPS-induced inflammation and weight loss via, at least in part, down-regulation of pro-inflammatory targets of the TLR4 signaling pathway, and highlight the therapeutic potential of n-3 PUFA in the management of sepsis.
Briarenolides K and L, New Anti-Inflammatory Briarane Diterpenoids from an Octocoral Briareum sp. (Briareidae)
Authors: Su Yin-Di , Su Tzu-Rong , Wen Zhi-Hong , Hwang Tsong-Long , Fang Lee-Shing , Chen Jih-Jung , Wu Yang-Chang , Sheu Jyh-Horng , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: February 2015

Two new briarane-type diterpenoids, briarenolides K (1) and L (2), were isolated from an octocoral identified as Briareum sp. The structures of new briaranes 1 and 2 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. In the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects test, briaranes 1 and 2 were found to significantly inhibit the accumulation of the pro-inflammatory iNOS protein of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells.
Potential Quality Evaluation Method for Radix Astragali Based on Sweetness Indicators
Authors: Li Ke , Gao Fanrong , Li Zhenyu , Qin Xuemei , Sun Haifeng , Xing Jie , Zhang Lizeng , Du Guanhua
Published: February 2015

Sweetness is a traditional sensory indicator used to evaluate the quality of the popular Chinese herb Radix Astragali (RA). RA roots with strong sweetness are considered to be of good quality. However, neither a thorough analysis of the component(s) contributing to RA sweetness, nor a scientific investigation of the reliability of this indicator has been conducted to date. In this study, seven kinds of sweetness components were identified in RA and a quality evaluation method based on these components was established and used to characterize the quality of 48 RA samples. The sweetness evaluation method of RA was first built based on the sweetness components, and a comprehensive evaluation index commonly used in quality control of RA was also derived, which was based on the contents of four indicators (astragaloside IV, calycosin glucoside, polysaccharides and extracts). After evaluating the correlation of these indexes the results showed that the level of sweetness exhibited a strong positive correlation with the proposed comprehensive index. Our results indicate that sweetness is one of the most important quality attributes of RA and thus provide a scientific basis for the utility of the sweetness indicator in quality assessment of this Chinese herb.
Effects of Two Dietary Fibers as Part of Ready-to-Eat Cereal (RTEC) Breakfasts on Perceived Appetite and Gut Hormones in Overweight Women
Authors: Lafond David , Greaves Kathryn , Maki Kevin , Leidy Heather , Romsos Dale
Published: February 2015

The effects of an enzyme-hydrolyzed arabinoxylan from wheat (AXOS) versus an intact arabinoxylan from flax (FLAX) added to a ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) on the postprandial appetitive, hormonal, and metabolic responses in overweight women (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) were evaluated. Subsequent meal energy intake was also assessed. Two randomized, double-blind, crossover design studies were completed. For trial 1, the participants consumed the following RTEC breakfast, matched for total weight and varied in energy content: low-fiber (LF, 4 g); high-fiber (HF, 15 g) as either AXOS or FLAX. For trial 2, the participants consumed LF, HF-AXOS, and HF-FLAX RTECs but also consumed another LF breakfast that was isocaloric (LF-iso) to that of the HF breakfasts. Perceived appetite and blood samples (trial 2 only) were assessed before and after breakfast. An ad libitum lunch was offered 4 h post-breakfast. No differences in postprandial appetite responses were observed among any breakfasts in either trial. The HF-AXOS and HF-FLAX led to increased postprandial GLP-1 and peptide YY (PYY) concentrations vs. LF-iso. No differences were observed in lunch meal energy intake among breakfast meals in either trial. Collectively, these data suggest that 15 g of low molecular weight fiber added to RTECs did not affect perceived appetite or subsequent energy intake despite differences in satiety hormone signaling in overweight females.
Apprenticeship in Scholarly Publishing: A Student Perspective on Doctoral Supervisors’ Roles
Authors: Lei Jun , Hu Guangwei
Published: February 2015

Although a large body of literature has suggested that doctoral supervisors play an important role in their students’ attempts at scholarly publishing, few studies have focused specifically on what roles they play. This study sought to address this gap by zooming in on the various roles a group of Chinese doctoral students found their supervisors playing in their scholarly publishing endeavors. Our analysis revealed four important roles played by the supervisors: ‘prey’ searchers, managers, manuscript correctors and masters. The results showed that the supervisors not only facilitated the doctoral students’ publishing output, but also fostered their apprenticeship in scholarly publishing and the academic community. However, the results also unveiled a general unavailability of sorely-needed detailed and specific guidance on students’ early publishing attempts and some supervisors’ limited ability to correct students’ English manuscripts. These findings underscore the important contributions doctoral supervisors can make to their students’ academic socialization. They also suggest a need for external editorial assistance with doctoral students’ English manuscripts and ample opportunities for their scaffolded initiation into the tacit conventions and practices of scholarly publishing.
A Soft-Hard Combination-Based Cooperative Spectrum Sensing Scheme for Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Do Nhu , An Beongku
Published: February 2015

In this paper we propose a soft-hard combination scheme, called SHC scheme, for cooperative spectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks. The SHC scheme deploys a cluster based network in which Likelihood Ratio Test (LRT)-based soft combination is applied at each cluster, and weighted decision fusion rule-based hard combination is utilized at the fusion center. The novelties of the SHC scheme are as follows: the structure of the SHC scheme reduces the complexity of cooperative detection which is an inherent limitation of soft combination schemes. By using the LRT, we can detect primary signals in a low signal-to-noise ratio regime (around an average of −15 dB). In addition, the computational complexity of the LRT is reduced since we derive the closed-form expression of the probability density function of LRT value. The SHC scheme also takes into account the different effects of large scale fading on different users in the wide area network. The simulation results show that the SHC scheme not only provides the better sensing performance compared to the conventional hard combination schemes, but also reduces sensing overhead in terms of reporting time compared to the conventional soft combination scheme using the LRT.
Architecture of a Service-Enabled Sensing Platform for the Environment
Authors: Kotsev Alexander , Pantisano Francesco , Schade Sven , Jirka Simon
Published: February 2015

Recent technological advancements have led to the production of arrays of miniaturized sensors, often embedded in existing multitasking devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) and using a wide range of radio standards (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G cellular networks). Altogether, these technological evolutions coupled with the diffusion of ubiquitous Internet connectivity provide the base-line technology for the Internet of Things (IoT). The rapid increase of IoT devices is enabling the definition of new paradigms of data collection and introduces the concept of mobile crowd-sensing. In this respect, new sensing methodologies promise to extend the current understanding of the environment and social behaviors by leveraging citizen-contributed data for a wide range of applications. Environmental sensing can however only be successful if all the heterogeneous technologies and infrastructures work smoothly together. As a result, the interconnection and orchestration of devices is one of the central issues of the IoT paradigm. With this in mind, we propose an approach for improving the accessibility of observation data, based on interoperable standards and on-device web services.
Cross-Scale and Cross-Level Dynamics: Governance and Capacity for Resilience in a Social-Ecological System in Taiwan
Authors: Tai Hsing-Sheng
Published: February 2015

Resilience thinking has strongly influenced how people understand and pursue sustainability of linked social-ecological systems. Resilience thinking highlights the need to build capacity and manage general system properties in a complex, constantly changing world. I modified an analytical framework to address associations among cross-scale and cross-level dynamics, attributes of governance, and capacity to enhance resilience. The Danungdafu Forestation Area represents one of Taiwan’s most controvisal cases concerning land use, indigenous rights, and environmental issues. Analysis of this Taiwanese experience from a social-ecological perspective can show how current capacities for managing resilience are related to critical governance attributes. Analysis helped identify fundamental flaws in current governance and key issues needing to be addressed. The Danungdafu Forestation Area should transition towards a governance regime that is more participatory, deliberative, multi-layered, accountable, just, and networked. This can be done by developing an intermediate level institution that coordinates the cross-scale and cross-level interactions that better fit this social-ecological system.
Cosmological Linear Perturbations in the Models of Dark Energy and Modified Gravity
Authors: Matsumoto Jiro
Published: February 2015

The quasi-static solutions of the matter density perturbation in various dark energy models and modified gravity models have been investigated in numerous papers. However, the oscillating solutions in those models have not been investigated enough so far. In this paper, we review the behavior of the oscillating solutions, which have a possibility to unveil the difference between the models of the late-time accelerated expansion of the Universe, by using appropriate approximations.
In 2124, Half of All Men Can Count on Developing Prostate Cancer
Authors: Pollock P.A. , Ludgate A. , Wassersug R.J.
Published: February 2015

Worldwide, more than 1 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and more than 300,000 die of the disease [...]
Publishing Clinical Research: Ten Pearls for Oncology Trainees and Junior Oncologists
Authors: Mazzarello S. , Clemons M. , Jacobs C. , Arnaout A. , Fralick M.
Published: February 2015

The old adage of “publish or perish” bears some truth. As the lines between “academic” and “community” practice blur, more physicians are expected to participate in “scholarly activities.”[...]
Tumour Inflammatory Response: Adding Fuel to the Fire?
Authors: Valdes M. , Chasen M.R.
Published: February 2015

The immune system appears to play a key role in the carcinogenic process, but whether that role is a protective or harmful one is not clear [...]
Clinical Challenges in Patients with Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: Canadian Expert Consensus Recommendations
Authors: Carrier M. , Lazo-Langner A. , Shivakumar S. , Tagalakis V. , Gross P.L. , Blais N. , Butts C.A. , Crowther M.
Published: February 2015

Venous thromboembolism is a common complication in cancer patients, and thromboembolism is the second most common cause of death after cancer progression. A number of clinical practice guidelines provide recommendations for the management of cancer-associated thrombosis. However, the guidelines lack recommendations covering commonly encountered clinical challenges (for example, thrombocytopenia, recurrent venous thromboembolism, etc.) for which little or no evidence exists. Accordingly, recommendations were developed to provide expert guidance to medical oncologists and other health care professionals caring for patients with cancer-associated thrombosis. The current expert consensus was developed by a team of 21 clinical experts. For each identified clinical challenge, the literature in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Evidence Based Medicine Reviews was systematically reviewed. The quality of the evidence was assessed, summarized, and graded. Consensus statements were generated, and the experts voted anonymously using a modified Delphi process on their level of agreement with the various statements. Statements were progressively revised through separate voting iterations and were then finalized. Clinicians using these recommendations and suggestions should tailor patient management according to the risks and benefits of the treatment options, patient values and preferences, and local cost and resource allocations.
A scanning probe microscope for magnetoresistive cantilevers utilizing a nested scanner design for large-area scans
Authors: Meier Tobias , Förste Alexander , Tavassolizadeh Ali , Rott Karsten , Meyners Dirk , Gröger Roland , Reiss Günter , Quandt Eckhard , Schimmel Thomas , Hölscher Hendrik
Published: February 2015

We describe an atomic force microscope (AFM) for the characterization of self-sensing tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) cantilevers. Furthermore, we achieve a large scan-range with a nested scanner design of two independent piezo scanners: a small high resolution scanner with a scan range of 5 × 5 × 5 μm3 is mounted on a large-area scanner with a scan range of 800 × 800 × 35 μm3. In order to characterize TMR sensors on AFM cantilevers as deflection sensors, the AFM is equipped with a laser beam deflection setup to measure the deflection of the cantilevers independently. The instrument is based on a commercial AFM controller and capable to perform large-area scanning directly without stitching of images. Images obtained on different samples such as calibration standard, optical grating, EPROM chip, self-assembled monolayers and atomic step-edges of gold demonstrate the high stability of the nested scanner design and the performance of self-sensing TMR cantilevers.
Switching the reaction pathways of electrochemically generated β-haloalkoxysulfonium ions – synthesis of halohydrins and epoxides
Authors: Shimizu Akihiro , Hayashi Ryutaro , Ashikari Yosuke , Nokami Toshiki , Yoshida Jun-ichi
Published: February 2015

β-Haloalkoxysulfonium ions generated by the reaction of electrogenerated Br+ and I+ ions stabilized by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) reacted with sodium hydroxide and sodium methoxide to give the corresponding halohydrins and epoxides, respectively, whereas the treatment with triethylamine gave α-halocarbonyl compounds.
The Effects of Hearing Impairment in Older Adults on Communication Partners: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kamil Rebecca J. , Lin Frank R.
Published: February 2015

Background:Hearing impairment is highly prevalent in older adults and can affect the daily activities of a person who is hard of hearing (HOH). The impact of hearing impairment may also have collateral effects on the primary communication partner (CP; e.g., spouse, close family
member, or caregiver) of the person who is HOH.Purpose:We aimed to characterize the impact of hearing loss in a person who is HOH on his or her CP.Research Design:We conducted a systematic review of manuscripts examining the consequences of hearing loss in a person who is HOH
on the CP. We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PyscINFO, CINAHL Plus with full text, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed articles using a predefined search string and hand-searched reference lists of relevant articles.Data Collection and Analysis:We initially screened abstracts blinded
for author and journal to eliminate irrelevant and duplicate articles. Descriptive information on study populations, hearing assessments, outcome metrics, and study findings were extracted from full-length manuscripts.Results:Of the 1,047 abstracts retrieved from database searching
and 5 hand-searched articles, 24 articles met inclusion criteria. These articles included observational clinical studies, randomized clinical trials, and epidemiologic studies. Overall, CPs experienced a restricted social life, increased burden of communication, and poorer quality of life
(QOL) and relationship satisfaction. Effects of hearing impairment on a CP’s mental health were unclear. Treatment of hearing loss in the person who is HOH tended to improve QOL, communication, feelings toward the person who is HOH, and activity participation of the CP.Conclusions:This
review highlights the broad effects of hearing impairment and the importance of involving CPs in hearing loss treatment decisions.