bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The accuracy of alternative triage rules for identification of significant traumatic brain injury: a diagnostic cohort study
Authors: Fuller Gordon , Lawrence Thomas , Woodford Maralyn , Lecky Fiona
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in young adults. Reorganisation of trauma services with direct triage of suspected head injury patients to trauma centres may improve outcomes following TBI. This study aimed to determine the sensitivity of principal English triage tools for identifying significant TBI.

Methods

We performed a diagnostic cohort study using data prospectively collated from the Trauma Audit and Research Network database between 2005 and 2011. Adult head injury patients were retrospectively classified according to London Ambulance Service (LAS) and Head Injury Transportation Straight to Neurosurgery study (HITS-NS) triage criteria. Sensitivity and specificity were then calculated against a reference standard of significant TBI, comprising head region abbreviated injury score (AIS) ≥3 or neurosurgical operation.

Results

6559 patients were included in complete case analyses. The LAS and HITS-NS triage tools demonstrated sensitivities of 44.5% (95% CI 43.2 to 45.9) and 32.6% (95% CI 31.4 to 33.9), respectively, for identifying significant TBI patients. False negative significant TBI cases were relatively older, more likely to be female, more frequently secondary to low-level falls, and were less likely to have very severe AIS five or six head injuries, p<0.01.

Conclusions

A considerable proportion of significant head injury patients may not be triaged directly to trauma centres. Investment is therefore necessary to improve the accuracy of existing triage rules and maintain expertise in TBI diagnosis and management in non-specialist emergency departments.
Young unlicensed drivers and fatal road traffic crashes in the USA in the past decade. A neglected public health issue
Authors: Hanna Christian L , Hasselberg Marie , Laflamme Lucie
Published: August 2013

It is unknown whether road traffic crashes (RTCs) involving young unlicensed drivers follow the downward trend of those involving licensed drivers. Our national register-based study from 2000 to 2011 indicates that the downward trend for young unlicensed drivers (<25 years) is significantly less pronounced. These drivers account for 10.7% to 11.5% of the fatal RTCs involving young drivers during that time period; this percentage is consistently higher in the Western and Southern states and has increased in recent years in the Midwest.
Postmortem serum tryptase levels in anaphylactic and non-anaphylactic deaths
Authors: McLean-Tooke Andrew , Goulding Mark , Bundell Christine , White Jodi , Hollingsworth Peter
Published: August 2013

Background

The postmortem diagnosis of anaphylaxis remains difficult due to the lack of specific biomarkers. Mast cell tryptase (MCT) levels are used as a marker of mast cell degranulation in living patients and elevated levels have also been described in postmortem serum samples in anaphylaxis-associated deaths, although elevated levels may also be seen in non-anaphylaxis-associated deaths.

Objective

To investigate the effects of cause of death, site of blood sampling, degree of sample haemolysis and the presence of opiates on postmortem MCT levels.

Method

We obtained sera from three collection sites from 189 non-suspicious coronial postmortems and aortic samples from 10 anaphylactic deaths to characterise postmortem MCT.

Results

MCT were elevated (>11.4 μg/L) in 57% of aortic samples, 58% of femoral samples and 30% of subclavian samples. In aortic samples, there were significantly higher levels of MCT in anaphylaxis-associated deaths compared with other causes of death. Aortic MCT levels >110 μg/L had a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 92.1% for anaphylaxis-associated deaths. There was a significant correlation between MCT and degree of sample haemolysis but no correlation with the presence of opiates.

Conclusions

Moderately elevated MCT levels are common in postmortem sera. Aortic values >110 μg/L may support a diagnosis of anaphylaxis-associated death, although the diagnosis should not be based on this test alone. There was significant variation between sample sites and reference ranges for individual sample sites should be established.
Modelling the effects of low indoor temperatures on the lung function of children with asthma
Authors: Pierse Nevil , Arnold Richard , Keall Michael , Howden-Chapman Philippa , Crane Julian , Cunningham Malcolm ,   the Heating Housing and Health Study Group
Published: August 2013

Introduction

While many epidemiological studies have shown that low outdoor temperatures are associated with increased rates of hospitalisation and mortality (especially for respiratory or cardiovascular disease), very few studies have looked at the association between indoor temperatures and health. Such studies are clearly warranted, as people have greater exposure to the indoor environment than the outdoor environment.

Objectives

To examine the relationship between various metrics of indoor temperature and lung function in children with asthma. Our specific research questions were: (1) In which room of the home is temperature most strongly associated with lung function? (2) Which exposure metric best describes the relationship between indoor temperature and lung function? (3) Over what lag/time period does indoor air temperature affect lung function most strongly?

Methods

The Heating Housing and Health Study was a randomised controlled trial that investigated the effect of installing heaters in the homes of children with asthma. This study collected measurements of lung function (daily) and indoor temperature (hourly). Lung function and indoor temperature were measured for 309 children over 12 049 child-days. Statistical models were fitted to identify the best measures and metrics.

Results

The strongest association with lung function was found for the severity of exposure to low bedroom temperatures averaged over the preceding periods of 0–7 to 0–12 days. A 1°C increase in temperature was associated with an average increase of 0.010, 0.008, 10.06, 12.06, in our four measures of lung function (peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) morning, PEFR evening, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) morning and FEV1evening).

Conclusions

Indoor temperatures have a small, but significant, association with short-term variations in the lung function of children with asthma.
Knockdown of prothymosin α leads to apoptosis and developmental defects in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Emmanouilidou Anastasia , Karetsou Zoe , Tzima Eleni , Kobayashi Takahiko , Papamarcaki Thomais
Published: August 2013

Prothymosin alpha (ProTα) is an abundant nuclear protein involved in cellular processes intricately linked to development, such as cell proliferation and apoptosis. Although it is known that ProTα inhibits the formation of apoptosome and blocks caspase-3 activity, its mechanism of function in the apoptotic machinery is still under investigation. We have studied the cellular role of ProTα by knocking down its expression in HeLa cells with small hairpin RNA (shRNA) in the absence of apoptotic stimuli. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the live cell population was significantly decreased with a concomitant increase of the apoptotic populations. To understand the physiological role of ProTα within the context of embryonic development, we knocked down the Ptmab zebrafish ortholog using 2 specific morpholino oligonucleotides. Ptmab morphants exhibited growth retardation, bended trunks, and curly tails. The frequency of occurrence of the phenotypic defects was increased in a morpholino dose-dependent manner. Co-injection of ptmaa mRNA with ptmab morpholino partially rescued the morphological defects. Immunostaining with the anti-phospho-histone H3 (pH3) antibody suggested that the abnormalities of Ptmab morphants could be due to defective cell proliferation that results in growth imbalances. TUNEL fluorescent labelling and Acridine Orange staining of the morphants showed high rates of cell death in the head and tail regions. Concomitantly, the active form of caspase-3 was detected in Ptmab morphants. Our data suggest a conserved anti-apoptotic role of ProTα between zebrafish and humans, and provide the first evidence that ProTα is important for early embryogenesis.
Genecology and seed zones for tapertip onion in the US Great Basin
Authors: Johnson R.C. , Hellier Barbara C. , Vance-Borland Ken W.
Published: August 2013

The choice of germplasm is critical for sustainable restoration, yet seed transfer guidelines are lacking for all but a few herbaceous species. Seed transfer zones based on genetic variability and climate were developed using tapertip onion (Allium acuminatum Hook.) collected in the Great Basin and surrounding areas in the United States. Bulbs from 53 locations were established at two common garden sites and morphological (such as leaf and scape dimensions), phenological (such as bolting date and flowering), and production traits (such as emergence and seeds per plant) were measured. Differences among source locations for plant traits within both common gardens were strong (P < 0.001), indicating genetic variation. Principal component 1 (PC 1) for phenological traits, with R2 = 0.59, and PC 1 for production traits, with R2 = 0.65, were consistently correlated with annual, maximum, minimum, and average temperature, annual precipitation, and frost-free days at source locations (P < 0.05). Regression of PC 1 phenology and PC 1 production scores with source location climates resulted in models with R2 values of 0.73 and 0.52, respectively. Using a geographic information system, maps of these models were overlaid to develop proposed seed zones to guide the choice of germplasm for conservation and restoration of tapertip onion across the collection region.
The effect of perfluorotetradecanoic acid on the structure of photopolymerized 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid films at the air–water interface
Authors: Araghi Hessamaddin Younesi , Paige Matthew F.
Published: August 2013

The influence of the perfluorinated fatty acid perfluorotetradecanoic acid (CF3(CF2)12COOH; PF) on the structure of films of the photopolymerizable surfactant 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA) has been explored at the air–water interface through a combination of surface pressure–area compression measurements and Brewster angle microscopy imaging during the time course of UV photopolymerization. The addition of the perfluorocarbon to PCDA results in a film structure that differs significantly from the pure PCDA alone, with the most pronounced difference being the formation of photopolymer strands oriented perpendicular to the direction of film compression in a Langmuir trough. Film compression data, supported by in situ fluorescence spectrophotometry and atomic force microscope images of deposited films, suggest that compression-induced stress and accompanying film buckling, enhanced by the strong cohesion between PF and PCDA, contributes to the observed structural differences between the mixed PF–PCDA and pure PCDA photopolymerized films. This approach to forming patterned polydiacetylene films is discussed in comparison with other demonstrated methods for structuring this technologically important polymer.
CLASSICAL BEHAVIOR OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL LIQUID 3He NEAR A QUANTUM CRITICAL POINT
Authors: CLARK J. W. , KHODEL V. A. , ZVEREV M. V.
Published: August 2013

Non-Fermi-liquid (NFL) behavior of the specific heat C(T) of two-dimensional (2D) liquid 3 He , first uncovered in measurements almost 20 years ago, is explained in terms of intrinsic properties of this system that emerge when its density rises and the liquid becomes strongly correlated. The occurrence of a T-independent β term in C(T) is attributed to satisfaction of the conditions for Dulong–Petit behavior by the boson part of the free energy. This unexpected classicality stems from softening of the transverse zero-sound mode (TZSM) in the density region where the anomaly in C(T), associated with a quantum critical point (QCP), is observed.
EVIDENCE OF ALPHA EMISSION FROM COMPRESSED STEEL BARS
Authors: ALBERTINI G. , CALBUCCI V. , CARDONE F. , FATTORINI G. , MIGNANI R. , PETRUCCI A. , RIDOLFI F. , ROTILI A.
Published: August 2013

Four cylindrical steel bars of 2 cm diameter and 20 cm height were subjected to compression cycles each of them consisting of a loading phase at fixed stress rate followed by a rapid stress release. Different compression rates were used for the same sample. The area surrounding the loaded samples was monitored in order to check whether ionizing particles were emitted. To this aim, three ZnS(Ag) detectors, a Geiger counter, and some polycarbonate CR39 detectors of alpha particles were used. An 3 He proportional detector of neutrons was also used. The whole set of results is discussed and proposed as an evidence of alpha particles emission from the bars during the compression cycles.
SURFACE ENERGY ENGINEERING OF Cu SURFACE BY STRAIN: FIRST-PRINCIPLES CALCULATIONS
Authors: HE L. , LIU Y. W. , TONG W. J. , LIN J. G. , WANG X. F.
Published: August 2013

Surface energies of strained Cu surfaces were studied systematically using first-principles methods. Results showed that the strain-stabilization of Cu surface was anisotropic and strongly related to the strain distribution. This strain-induced approach could be used as an effective way to engineer the surface energies of metals.
Enhanced ferroelectric properties of highly (100) orientedPb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3thick films prepared by chemical solution deposition
Authors: Zhu Wanlin , Ren Wei , Xin Hong , Shi Peng , Wu Xiaoqing
Published: August 2013

Ferroelectric Pb ( Zr0.52Ti0.48) O3(PZT) thick films with highly (100) preferential orientation have been prepared by chemical solution deposition process on Pt / Ti / SiO2/(100) Si substrates and pyrolyzed at 350°C–450°C, then annealed at 650°C. The typical thickness of the films is 3.9 μm. Effects of the pyrolysis temperature and excess PbO on the orientation, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of PZT thick films have been discussed. Domain switching and depoling process were studied by piezoelectric force microscopy. (100) oriented PZT films exhibit enhanced electrical properties. The dielectric constant and loss tangent of the films are 1444 and 0.022 at 1 kHz, respectively. The remnant polarization increases from 27.6 to 34.6 μC/cm2, and the coercive field decreases from 61.4 to 43.5 kV/cm, when the orientation of the films changes from the random orientation to the preferential (100) orientation. The leakage current density is 10-8A/cm2at dc field of 0.25 kV/cm, and then increases to 10-6A/cm2at 40 kV/cm. The piezoelectric response of the oriented films is investigated by Piezoelecric Force Microscopy (PFM).
FACILE SOL–GEL SYNTHESIS OF Li[Li0.2Mn0.56Ni0.16Co0.08]O2 AS IMPROVED CATHODE MATERIAL FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Authors: HAO WENJUAN , CHEN HAN , WANG YANHONG , ZHAN HANHUI , TAN QIANGQIANG , SU FABING
Published: August 2013

Li [ Li 0.2 Mn 0.56 Ni 0.16 Co 0.08] O 2 cathode materials for Li -ion batteries were synthesized by a facile sol–gel method followed by calcination at various temperatures (700°C, 800°C and 900°C). Lithium acetate dihydrate, manganese (II) acetate tetrahydrate, nickel (II) acetate tetrahydrate and cobalt (II) acetate tetrahydrate are employed as the metal precursors, and citric acid monohydrate as the chelating agent. For the obtained Li [ Li 0.2 Mn 0.56 Ni 0.16 Co 0.08] O 2 materials, the metal components existed in the form of Mn 4+, Ni 2+ and Co 3+, and their molar ratio was in good agreement with 0.56 : 0.16 : 0.08. The calcination temperature played an important role in the particle size, crystallinity and further electrochemical properties of the cathode materials. The Li [ Li 0.2 Mn 0.56 Ni 0.16 Co 0.08] O 2 material calcined at 800°C for 6 h showed the best electrochemical performances. Its discharge specific capacities cycled at 0.1 C, 0.5 C, 1 C and 2 C rates were 266.0 mAh g−1, 243.1 mAh g−1, 218.2 mAh g−1 and 192.9 mAh g−1, respectively. When recovered to 0.1 C rate, the discharge specific capacity was 260.2 mAh g−1 and the capacity loss is only 2.2%. This work demonstrates that the sol–gel method is a facile route to prepare high performance Li [ Li 0.2 Mn 0.56 Ni 0.16 Co 0.08] O 2 cathode materials for Li -ion batteries.
The Rock Stars of eLearning: An interview with Tracy Bissette
Authors: Raymer Rick
Published: August 2013

With an indie spirit and an artist's soul, Tracy Bissette is one of the most talented instructional designers in our industry, which is why she is an eLearning Rock Star.
Effects of recovery sleep after one work week of mild sleep restriction on interleukin-6 and cortisol secretion and daytime sleepiness and performance
Authors: Pejovic Slobodanka , Basta Maria , Vgontzas Alexandros N. , Kritikou Ilia , Shaffer Michele L. , Tsaoussoglou Marina , Stiffler David , Stefanakis Zacharias , Bixler Edward O. , Chrousos George P.
Published: August 2013

One workweek of mild sleep restriction adversely impacts sleepiness, performance, and proinflammatory cytokines. Many individuals try to overcome these adverse effects by extending their sleep on weekends. To assess whether extended recovery sleep reverses the effects of mild sleep restriction on sleepiness/alertness, inflammation, and stress hormones, 30 healthy young men and women (mean age ± SD, 24.7 ± 3.5 yr; mean body mass index ± SD, 23.6 ± 2.4 kg/m2) participated in a sleep laboratory experiment of 13 nights [4 baseline nights (8 h/night), followed by 6 sleep restriction nights (6 h/night) and 3 recovery nights (10 h/night)]. Twenty-four-hour profiles of circulating IL-6 and cortisol, objective and subjective daytime sleepiness (Multiple Sleep Latency Test and Stanford Sleepiness Scale), and performance (Psychomotor Vigilance Task) were assessed on days 4 (baseline), 10 (after 1 wk of sleep restriction), and 13 (after 2 nights of recovery sleep). Serial 24-h IL-6 plasma levels increased significantly during sleep restriction and returned to baseline after recovery sleep. Serial 24-h cortisol levels during restriction did not change compared with baseline, but after recovery they were significantly lower. Subjective and objective sleepiness increased significantly after restriction and returned to baseline after recovery. In contrast, performance deteriorated significantly after restriction and did not improve after recovery. Extended recovery sleep over the weekend reverses the impact of one work week of mild sleep restriction on daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and IL-6 levels, reduces cortisol levels, but does not correct performance deficits. The long-term effects of a repeated sleep restriction/sleep recovery weekly cycle in humans remain unknown.
Expanded Endoscopic Endonasal Treatment of Primary Intracranial Tumors within the Paranasal Sinuses
Authors: Ali Zarina S. , Lang Shih-Shan , Adappa Nithin D. , Barkley Ariana , Palmer James N. , Lee John Y. K.
Published: August 2013

Objective. Meningiomas and schwannomas represent a subset of primary intracranial tumors that are rarely identified exclusively in the paranasal sinuses. Here, we describe our experience with minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal approaches for the treatment of these tumors.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, surgical, and radiographic characteristics of adults with pathologically confirmed sinonasal meningiomas and schwannomas located within the paranasal sinuses that were resected via an expanded endoscopic endonasal approach.Results. Five patients (1 male, 4 females) underwent an endoscopic endonasal approach for resection of sinonasal tumor. Clinical symptomatology most commonly included nasal obstruction, in addition to headache, jaw pain, anosmia, and chronic rhinosinusitis. Tumors were located exclusively within the sinonasal cavity and were on average 2.2 cm (range 1.4–3.8 cm). Pathology revealed 2 cases of meningioma and 3 cases of schwannoma. No evidence of tumor recurrence occurred over average followup of 1.5 years (range 0.11–3.9 years).Conclusion. Our case series suggests that an expanded endoscopic endonasal approach with a combined neurosurgical-otorhinolaryngologic team for the resection of sinonasal meningiomas and schwannomas offers an effective treatment option. Further studies that include a larger number of patients over a longer follow-up period are required to compare outcomes between minimally invasive and open approaches.
Immunity to Polyomavirus BK Infection: Immune Monitoring to Regulate the Balance between Risk of BKV Nephropathy and Induction of Alloimmunity
Authors: Comoli Patrizia , Cioni Michela , Basso Sabrina , Gagliardone Chiara , Potenza Leonardo , Verrina Enrico , Luppi Mario , Zecca Marco , Ghiggeri Gian Marco , Ginevri Fabrizio
Published: August 2013

Polyomavirus BK-associated nephropathy (PyVAN) is the main infectious cause of allograft damage after kidney transplantation. A number of studies revealed an association between the presence of BKV-specific cellular immunity and BK viral clearance, with patients failing to recover specific T cells progressing to PyVAN. Evolution to allograft dysfunction can be prevented by restoration of BKV-specific immunity through a stepwise reduction of maintenance immunosuppressive drugs. Prospective monitoring of BK viral load and specific immunity, together with B-cell alloimmune surveillance, may allow a targeted modification/reduction of immunosuppression, with the aim of obtaining viral clearance while preventing graft injury due to deposition ofde novodonor-specific HLA antibodies and late/chronic antibody-mediated allograft injury. Innovative, immune-based therapies may further contribute to BKV infection prevention and control.
Hopf Bifurcation Analysis for the Modified Rayleigh Price Model with Time Delay
Authors: Zhai Yanhui , Bai Haiyun , Xiong Ying , Ma Xiaona
Published: August 2013

This paper mainly modifies and further develops the Reyleigh price model. By modifying the basic Reyleigh model, we can more accurately illustrate the economic phenomena with price varying. First, we research the dynamics of the modified Reyleigh model with time delay. By employing the normal form theory and center manifold theory, we obtain some testable results on these issues. The conclusion confirms that a Hopf bifurcation occurs due to the existence of stability switches when the delay varies. Finally, some numerical simulations are given to illustrate the effectiveness of our results.
Orthogonal Design Study on Factors Affecting the Determination of Common Odors in Water Samples by Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled to GC/MS
Authors: Peng Shifu , Ding Zhen , Xia Weiwen , Zheng Hao , Xia Yuting , Chen Xiaodong
Published: August 2013

Geosmin and 2-MIB are responsible for the majority of earthy and musty events related to the drinking water. These two odorants have extremely low odor threshold concentrations at ng L−1level in the water, so a simple and sensitive method for the analysis of such trace levels was developed by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In this study, the orthogonal experiment design L32(49) was applied to arrange and optimize experimental conditions. The optimum was the following: temperatures of extraction and desorption, 65°C and 260°C, respectively; times of extraction and desorption, 30 min and 5 min, respectively; ionic strength, 25% (w/v); rotate-speed, 600 rpm; solution pH, 5.0. Under the optimized conditions, limits of detection(S/N=3)were 0.04 and 0.13 ng L−1for geosmin and 2-MIB, respectively. Calculated calibration curves gave high levels of linearity with a correlation coefficient value of 0.9999 for them. Finally, the proposed method was applied to water samples, which were previously analyzed and confirmed to be free of target analytes. Besides, the proposal method was applied to test environmental water samples. The RSDs were 2.75%~3.80% and 4.35%~7.6% for geosmin and 2-MIB, respectively, and the recoveries were 91%~107% and 91%~104% for geosmin and 2-MIB, respectively.
Chronic Neck Pain Associated with an Old Odontoid Fracture: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Avila-Guerra Mauricio
Published: August 2013

Cervical spine injuries represent a minority of injury cases in motor vehicles accidents but are a real threat to a patient’s life. In the wide range of cervical spine injuries, odontoid (dens) fractures represent the most common findings. These fractures are more usually found in the elderly population due to the changes associated with age. Neurological deficit is not frequently found in these injuries. The following is a case presentation of a chronic odontoid fracture with neurological deficit in a young man that was discovered 23 years after he sustained a motor vehicle accident.
Multiband Software Defined Radar for Soil Discontinuities Detection
Authors: Costanzo S. , Spadafora F. , Moreno O. H. , Scarcella F. , Di Massa G.
Published: August 2013

A multiband Software Defined Radar based on orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing technique is proposed in this work for an accurate soil discontinuities detection, taking into account also the dispersive behavior of media. A multilayer soil structure is assumed as a validation test to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, by accurately retrieving the unknown thicknesses and permittivities of the soil layers.
Distribution of Industrial Farms in the United States and Socioeconomic, Health, and Environmental Characteristics of Counties
Authors: Harun S. M. Rafael , Ogneva-Himmelberger Yelena
Published: August 2013

The method of producing food animals has changed in the United States over the past century, moving from traditional burns to enclosed structures resembling industrial buildings, where animals are raised in high stocking density (commonly known as “Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations,” CAFOs). The objective to maximize profit has resulted in poor farm management; raised issues of environmental pollution, public health, animal rights, and environmental justice, and had socio-economic impacts. Studies concerning the issues are limited to specific regions and types of CAFOs. In addition, studies on the spatial distribution and temporal changes of CAFO at a country scale are lacking. This study bridges some of the gaps by analyzing the spatial distribution of industrial farms in the United States in 2002 and 2007 and their relationship with vulnerable population and exploring the relationships among the concentrations of farms, socio-economic, health, and environmental characteristics of the counties. A range of spatial statistics tools were applied in this study. The study revealed variations in spatial distribution depending on the type of the CAFOs. The issue of environmental justice was found prevalent depending on the types of industrial farms. Each type of industrial farm was found to interact uniquely with the selected demographic, health, and environmental parameters.
Optimal Control of an SIR Model with Delay in State and Control Variables
Authors: Elhia Mohamed , Rachik Mostafa , Benlahmar Elhabib
Published: August 2013

We will investigate the optimal control strategy of an SIR epidemic model with time delay in state and control variables. We use a vaccination program to minimize the number of susceptible and infected individuals and to maximize the number of recovered individuals. Existence for the optimal control is established; Pontryagin’s maximum principle is used to characterize this optimal control, and the optimality system is solved by a discretization method based on the forward and backward difference approximations. The numerical simulation is carried out using data regarding the course of influenza A (H1N1) in Morocco. The obtained results confirm the performance of the optimization strategy.
Rare Earth FreeZn3V2O8Phosphor with Controlled Microstructure and Its Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Luitel Hom Nath , Chand Rumi , Torikai Toshio , Yada Mitsunori , Watari Takanori
Published: August 2013

Microsphere of rare earth free phosphor,Zn3V2O8, with broadband yellowish white emission was synthesized by combustion route and compared with the hydrothermal, sol-gel, and solid state reaction methods. The phosphor samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. UV-visible absorption and photoluminescence (PL) emission and excitation spectra were investigated for these phosphors.Zn3V2O8phosphor containing 10 mol% of H3BO3flux exhibited enhanced PL emission showing broadband from 450 nm to 750 nm. Effect of stoichiometry of Zn and V on the host lattice and its effect on the PL emission spectra were studied. Series of Mg3V2O8,Ca3V2O8, and Sr3V2O8phosphors were also synthesized and compared to theZn3V2O8phosphor in terms of PL emission and internal quantum yield, and it was found thatZn3V2O8is the most efficient phosphor among the other phosphors studied with quantum yield of 60%. The visible light irradiated photocatalytic activity of these phosphors was investigated and it was found that the hydrothermalZn3V2O8exhibited enhanced activity.
Electrospinning of Nanofibers for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Liu Haifeng , Ding Xili , Zhou Gang , Li Ping , Wei Xing , Fan Yubo
Published: August 2013

Electrospinning is a method in which materials in solution are formed into nano‐ and micro‐sized continuous fibers. Recent interest in this technique stems from both the topical nature of nanoscale material fabrication and the considerable potential for use of these nanoscale fibres in a range of applications including, amongst others, a range of biomedical applications processes such as drug delivery and the use of scaffolds to provide a framework for tissue regeneration in both soft and hard tissue applications systems. The objectives of this review are to describe the theory behind the technique, examine the effect of changing the process parameters on fiber morphology, and discuss the application and impact of electrospinning on the fields of vascular, neural, bone, cartilage, and tendon/ligament tissue engineering.
Optimizing the Mixing Proportion with Neural Networks Based on Genetic Algorithms for Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Kim Sangyong , Choi Hee-Bok , Shin Yoonseok , Kim Gwang-Hee , Seo Deok-Seok
Published: August 2013

This research aims to optimize the mixing proportion of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) using neural networks (NNs) based on genetic algorithms (GAs) for increasing the use of recycled aggregate (RA). NN and GA were used to predict the compressive strength of the concrete at 28 days. And sensitivity analysis of the NN based on GA was used to find the mixing ratio of RAC. The mixing criteria for RAC were determined and the replacement ratio of RAs was identified. This research reveal that the proposed method, which is NN based on GA, is proper for optimizing appropriate mixing proportion of RAC. Also, this method would help the construction engineers to utilize the recycled aggregate and reduce the concrete waste in construction process.
Fertility Evaluation of Limed Brazilian Soil Polluted with Scrap Metal Residue
Authors: Gabos Flávia Almeida , Coscione Aline Reneé , Berton Ronaldo Severiano , Santos Gláucia Cecília Gabrielli dos
Published: August 2013

The aim of this work was to characterize the main inorganic contaminants and evaluate the effect of lime addition, combined with soil dilution with uncontaminated soil, as a strategy for mitigation of these contaminants present in a soil polluted with auto scrap. The experiment was performed in a greenhouse at Campinas (São Paulo State, Brazil) in plastic pots (3 dm−3). Five soil mixtures, obtained by mixing an uncontaminated soil sample with contaminated soil (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% contaminated soil), were evaluated for soil fertility, availability of inorganic contaminants, and corn development. In addition to the expected changes in soil chemistry due to the addition of lime, only the availability of Fe and Mn in the soil mixtures was affected, while the available contents of Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb increased to some extent in the soil mixtures with higher proportion of contaminated soil. Liming of 10 t ha−1followed by soil dilution at any proportion studied was not successful for mitigation of the inorganic contaminants to a desired level of soil fertility, as demonstrated by the available amounts extracted by the DTPA method (Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, Cd) and hot water (B) still present in the soil. This fact was also proved by the phytotoxicity observed and caused by high amounts of B and Zn accumulating in the plant tissue.
Regression Modeling and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy of SNP-Based Pathogenicity Detection Tools for UGT1A1 Gene Mutation
Authors: Rahim Fakher , Galehdari Hamid , Mohammadi-asl Javad , Saki Najmaldin
Published: August 2013

Aims. This review summarized all available evidence on the accuracy of SNP-based pathogenicity detection tools and introduced regression model based on functional scores, mutation score, and genomic variation degree. Materials and Methods. A comprehensive search was performed to find all mutations related to Crigler-Najjar syndrome. The pathogenicity prediction was done using SNP-based pathogenicity detection tools including SIFT, PHD-SNP, PolyPhen2, fathmm, Provean, and Mutpred. Overall, 59 different SNPs related to missense mutations in the UGT1A1 gene, were reviewed. Results. Comparing the diagnostic OR, our model showed high detection potential (diagnostic OR: 16.71, 95% CI: 3.38–82.69). The highest MCC and ACC belonged to our suggested model (46.8% and 73.3%), followed by SIFT (34.19% and 62.71%). The AUC analysis showed a significance overall performance of our suggested model compared to the selected SNP-based pathogenicity detection tool (P=0.046). Conclusion. Our suggested model is comparable to the well-established SNP-based pathogenicity detection tools that can appropriately reflect the role of a disease-associated SNP in both local and global structures. Although the accuracy of our suggested model is not relatively high, the functional impact of the pathogenic mutations is highlighted at the protein level, which improves the understanding of the molecular basis of mutation pathogenesis.
Landscape Pattern Impacts on the Population Density and Distribution of Black Shama (Copsychus cebuensis Steere) in Argao Watershed Reserve, Argao, Cebu, Philippines
Authors: Malaki Archiebald Baltazar B. , Cruz Rex Victor O. , Bantayan Nathaniel C. , Racelis Diomedes A. , Buot Inocencio E. , Florece Leonardo M.
Published: August 2013

This study determined the impacts of landscape pattern on population density of C. cebuensis within AWR, a conservation priority in Cebu, Philippines. Three land uses were identified, namely, (a) cultivated (3,399 ha/45%); (b) forestlands (3,002 ha/40%); and (c) build-up (1,050 ha/15%). Forest patches at class have irregular/complex shapes; thus the forest areas in AWR are more fragmented and heterogeneous. Estimated population density of C. cebuensis was 52 and 53 individuals per hectare in mixed and natural forests. There were only three predictors at the landscape and four at the sampling site level, respectively have able to explain the behavior of the population density of C. cebuensis. Relative humidity and canopy cover were having high positive significant correlations while tree basal area has high negative correlation (at landscape). Elevation and canopy cover have positive high significant and significant correlations, while slope and shrub cover have negative significant correlation with C. cebuensis population density. The adjusted R2 values were 0.345 and 0.212 (at landscape and sampling site). These suggest that about 34.5% of the variations of the population density of C. cebuensis have been accounted for by the former and only 21.2% by the latter. Preservation and protection of remaining forest fragments within AWR are paramount.
Chlorin e6 Prevents ADP-Induced Platelet Aggregation by Decreasing PI3K-Akt Phosphorylation and Promoting cAMP Production
Authors: Park Ji Young , Ji Hyun Dong , Jeon Bo Ra , Im Eun Ju , Son Young Min , Lee Joo Young , Lee Dong-Ha , Lee Young-Chul , Hyun Eujin , Jia Qi , Hong Mei , Park Hwa-Jin , Rhee Man Hee
Published: August 2013

A number of reagents that prevent thrombosis have been developed but were found to have serious side effects. Therefore, we sought to identify complementary and alternative medicinal materials that are safe and have long-term efficacy. In the present studies, we have assessed the ability of chlorine e6 (CE6) to inhibit ADP-induced aggregation of rat platelets and elucidated the underlying mechanism. CE6 inhibited platelet aggregation induced by 10 µM ADP in a concentration-dependent manner and decreased intracellular calcium mobilization and granule secretion (i.e., ATP and serotonin release). Western blotting revealed that CE6 strongly inhibited the phosphorylations of PI3K, Akt, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and different mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) as well as p38-MAPK. Our study also demonstrated that CE6 significantly elevated intracellular cAMP levels and decreased thromboxane A2formation in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, we determined that CE6 initiated the activation of PKA, an effector of cAMP. Taken together, our findings indicate that CE6 may inhibit ADP-induced platelet activation by elevating cAMP levels and suppressing PI3K/Akt activity. Finally, these results suggest that CE6 could be developed as therapeutic agent that helps prevent thrombosis and ischemia.
Fluorimetric Immunoassay for Multianalysis of Aflatoxins
Authors: Kanungo Lizy , Bhand Sunil
Published: August 2013

A sensitive fluorimetric ELISA was developed for the analysis of aflatoxins. The assay was performed in a 384 microwell plate, wherein high specificity monoclonal antibody against AFM1 (mAb-AFM1) was used as capture antibody and FITC conjugated secondary antibody was used for detection and quantification of the analyte. The linear range of the immunoassay was found to be 6.25–50 pg/mL. AFM1 as low as 1 pg/mL was detected by this method with assay volume 40 μL. The multi-analysis of different aflatoxins was also investigated in the microwell plate, based on the cross-reactivity (CR) approach. Real milk samples were tested along with certified reference material by standard addition method and recovery analysis was done. The mAb-AFM1 showed 23.2% CR with AFB1, 50% CR with respect to AFM2, and least CR towards AFG1 (<1%). Furthermore, mixture analysis of AFM2 and AFB1 was carried out at specific concentrations of AFM1. The advantages of this developed immunoassay are high sensitivity, high throughput, multianalyte detection, versatility, and ease of handling.
Effect of Telmisartan or Losartan for Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Fatty Liver Protection Trial by Telmisartan or Losartan Study (FANTASY)
Authors: Hirata Takumi , Tomita Kengo , Kawai Toshihide , Yokoyama Hirokazu , Shimada Akira , Kikuchi Masahiro , Hirose Hiroshi , Ebinuma Hirotoshi , Irie Junichiro , Ojiro Keisuke , Oikawa Yoichi , Saito Hidetsugu , Itoh Hiroshi , Hibi Toshifumi
Published: August 2013

Aim.This study compared the effects of telmisartan and losartan on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and biochemical markers of insulin resistance in hypertensive NAFLD patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods.This was a randomized, open-label, parallel-group comparison of therapy with telmisartan or losartan. Nineteen hypertensive NAFLD patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to receive telmisartan at a dose of 20 mg once a day (n=12) or losartan at a dose of 50 mg once a day (n=7) for 12 months. Body fat area as determined by CT scanning and hepatic fat content based on the liver-to-spleen (L/S) ratio, as well as several parameters of glycemic and lipid metabolism, were compared before and after 12 months.Results.The telmisartan group showed a significant decline in serum free fatty acid (FFA) level (from0.87±0.26to0.59±0.22 mEq/L (mean ± SD),P=0.005) and a significant increase in L/S ratio (P=0.049) evaluated by CT scan, while these parameters were not changed in the losartan group.Conclusion.Although there was no significant difference in improvement in liver enzymes with telmisartan and losartan treatment in hypertensive NAFLD patients with type 2 diabetes after 12 months, it is suggested that telmisartan may exert beneficial effects by improving fatty liver.

Erratum to “Effect of Telmisartan or Losartan for Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Fatty Liver Protection Trial by Telmisartan or Losartan Study (FANTASY)”
Inheritance and Linkage Map Positions of Genes Conferring Agromorphological Traits inLens culinarisMedik.
Authors: Saha Gopesh C. , Sarker Ashutosh , Chen Weidong , Vandemark George J. , Muehlbauer Fred J.
Published: August 2013

Agromorphological traits have immense importance in breeding lentils for higher yield and stability. We studied the genetics and identified map positions of some important agro-morphological traits including days to 50% flowering, plant height, seed diameter, 100 seed weight, cotyledon color, and growth habit inLens culinaris. Earlier developed RILs for stemphylium blight resistance (ILL-5888 × ILL-6002), contrasted for those agro-morphological traits, were used in our study. Three QTLs for days to 50% flowering were detected with additive and epistatic effects. One QTL for days to 50% flowering, QLG483(QTL at linkage group 4 at 83 cM position), accounted for an estimated 20.2% of the variation, while QLG124 × QLG1352and QLG484 × QLG138accounted for 15.6% and 24.2% of the variation, respectively. Epistatic effects accounted for most of the variation in plant height, but the main effect of one QTL, QLG84, accounted for 15.3%. For seed diameter, three QTLs were detected, and one QTL, QLG482, accounted for 32.6% of the variation. For 100 seed weight, five QTLs were identified with significant additive effects and four with significant interaction effects. The main effect of one QTL, QLG482, also accounted for 17.5% of the variation in seed diameter. QLG482-83which appears to affect days to 50% flowering, seed diameter, and 100 seed weight is flanked by RAPD markers, UBC 34 and UBC1. Growth habit and cotyledon color are controlled by single genes with prostrate dominant to erect and red cotyledon dominant to yellow. The QTL information presented here will assist in the selection of breeding lines for early maturity, upright growth habit, and improved seed quality.
Induction of Hyperalgesia in Pigs through Blocking Low Hydraulic Resistance Channels and Reduction of the Resistance through Acupuncture: A Mechanism of Action of Acupuncture
Authors: Zhang Wei-Bo , Xu Yi-Hui , Tian Yu-Ying , Li Hong , Wang Guang-Jun , Huang Tao , Jia Shu-Yong
Published: August 2013

According to the classic theory of Chinese medicine, pain is due to the blockage in meridian channels, and acupuncture was invented to treat pain by “dredging” the channels. To test the theory, a hyperalgesia model was made by injecting hydrogel into low hydraulic resistance channel (LHRC) in 12 anaesthetized minipigs. Tail-flick threshold and ear-flick threshold were measured using a thermal radiation dolorimeter, and relative flick threshold (RFT) was calculated. Hydraulic resistance (HR) was measured with a biological HR measuring instrument on low HR points on LHRC and on control points with higher HR located outside LHRC; readings were recorded before, during, and after acupuncture treatment. RFT decreased after blocking the LRHC and was still significantly decreased 2 days and 4 days afterwards. No significant changes occurred when injecting saline into the same points or injecting gel into points outside the channel. Subsequent acupuncture reduced HR on LRHC along meridians but had no significant effect on sites with higher HR located outside LHRC. One of the mechanisms of action of acupuncture treatment for chronic pain may be that acupuncture affects peripheral tissue by reducing the HR in LHRC along meridians, improving the flow of interstitial fluid and removing algogenic substances and thereby relieving pain.
A Novel Splicing Mutation ofKITResults in Piebaldism and Auburn Hair Color in a Chinese Family
Authors: Yang Yong-jia , Zhao Rui , He Xin-yu , Li Li-ping , Wang Ke-wei , Zhao Liu , Tu Ming , Tang Jin-song , Xie Zhi-guo , Zhu Yi-min
Published: August 2013

Piebaldism is a rare autosomal dominant disorder of melanocyte development, which is mostly caused byKITgene. The key characteristics of piebaldism include localized poliosis, congenital leukoderma, and other variable manifestations. The previous study has illustrated that the homogeneousMC1R(a gene which is associated with the hair color) variant (p.I120T) coordinating withKITmutation may lead to auburn hair color and piebaldism. In this study, we have investigated a Chinese family with piebaldism and auburn hair color; the mutation screening ofKITandMC1Rgenes identified that only a splicing mutation (c. 2484+1G>A) ofKITgene cosegregated with the auburn hair color and piebaldism. The data of this study and others suggests that the KIT mutation may causes of the auburn hair color in the piebaldism patients.
Early Pseudoprogression following Chemoradiotherapy in Glioblastoma Patients: The Value of RANO Evaluation
Authors: Linhares Paulo , Carvalho Bruno , Figueiredo Rita , Reis Rui M. , Vaz Rui
Published: August 2013

Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of pseudoprogression in a cohort of glioblastoma (GBM) patients following radiotherapy/temozolomide (RT/TMZ) by comparing Macdonald criterial to Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria. The impact on prognosis and survival analysis was also studied.Materials and Methods. All patients receiving RT/TMZ for newly diagnosed GBM from January 2005 to December 2009 were retrospectively evaluated, and demographic, clinical, radiographic, treatment, and survival data were reviewed. Updated RANO criteria were used for the evaluation of the pre-RT and post-RT MRI and compared to classic Macdonald criteria. Survival data was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analysis.Results and Discussion. 70 patients were available for full radiological response assessment. Early progression was confirmed in 42 patients (60%) according to Macdonald criteria and 15 patients (21%) according to RANO criteria. Pseudoprogression was identified in 10 (23.8%) or 2 (13.3%) patients in Macdonald and RANO groups, respectively. Cumulative survival of pseudoprogression group was higher than that of true progression group and not statistically different from the non-progressive disease group.Conclusion. In this cohort, the frequency of pseudoprogression varied between 13% and 24%, being overdiagnosed by older Macdonald criteria, which emphasizes the importance of RANO criteria and new radiological biomarkers for correct response evaluation.