bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactose Hydrolysis in Milk and Dairy Whey Using Microbial β-Galactosidases
Authors: Dutra Rosolen Michele , Gennari Adriano , Volpato Giandra , Volken de Souza Claucia Fernanda
Published: October 2015

This work aimed at evaluating the influence of enzyme concentration, temperature, and reaction time in the lactose hydrolysis process in milk, cheese whey, and whey permeate, using two commercial β-galactosidases of microbial origins. We used Aspergillus oryzae (at temperatures of 10 and 55°C) and Kluyveromyces lactis (at temperatures of 10 and 37°C) β-galactosidases, both in 3, 6, and 9 U/mL concentrations. In the temperature of 10°C, the K. lactis β-galactosidase enzyme is more efficient in the milk, cheese whey, and whey permeate lactose hydrolysis when compared to A. oryzae. However, in the enzyme reaction time and concentration conditions evaluated, 100% lactose hydrolysis was not reached using the K. lactis β-galactosidase. The total lactose hydrolysis in whey and permeate was obtained with the A. oryzae enzyme, when using its optimum temperature (55°C), at the end of a 12 h reaction, regardless of the enzyme concentration used. For the lactose present in milk, this result occurred in the concentrations of 6 and 9 U/mL, with the same time and temperature conditions. The studied parameters in the lactose enzymatic hydrolysis are critical for enabling the application of β-galactosidases in the food industry.
Primary Gallbladder Lymphoma in a Male Patient with No Risk Factors Detected Incidentally by CT Colonography
Authors: Karia Monil , Mitsopoulos Grigorios , Patel Ketan , Rafique Akkib , Sheth Hemant
Published: October 2015

Primary gallbladder lymphoma, although rare, usually presents in females with symptoms mimicking cholecystitis. We present a rare case of primary gallbladder in an 81-year-old male with no risk factors whose only symptom was weight loss. Routine blood tests including liver function tests were unremarkable. A CT colonography was carried out to exclude colonic malignancy. Unilateral gallbladder wall thickening and lymphadenopathy were incidentally detected and confirmed by ultrasound and a decision for the patient to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy and intraoperative cholangiogram was made. Histology confirmed extranodal marginal zone lymphoma with follow-up staging and biopsy of the bone marrow not demonstrating spread. Cholecystectomy was therefore deemed curative and no adjuvant therapy was necessary. Thickening of the gallbladder wall on any imaging with or without symptoms should not be ignored or assumed to be cholecystitis, even in males with no risk factors. In these patients urgent cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiogram is indicated with histology and haematology follow-up.
Strength Performance Based on Flexibility from Laterite Soil Using Tire Powder and Micro Silica
Authors: Gordan Behrouz , Adnan Azlan
Published: October 2015

In terms of environmental issues and human health, one of the advisable techniques to improve soil behavior is the use of scrap tires for soil structures. According to the literature, Tire-Derived Aggregates (TDA) are one of the valuable materials in different field of Geotechnical that can be used. TDA properties correspond to some important factors such as high level of flexible, lightweight, high permeability and economic material comparing with sand. Strength performance based on increasing flexibility from laterite soil is the main goal of this study. For this purpose, tropical laterite soil was mixed using TDA and micro silica (MS). As a research method, unconfined tests were carried for thirteen samples based on different percentage of the additives. As a result, the significant reduction for elasticity modulus and strength was observed when soil mixed just using TDA. In addition, the rate of strain at the peak of the curve was dramatically increased. The best performance was found using 6% additives when the ratio was 3% MS and 3% TDA. In fact, the effect of MS was more to increase strength. To recommend, the seepage controlling will investigate at next.
Diaphragmatic Amyloidosis Causing Respiratory Failure: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Novikov Aleksey , Holzer Horatio , DeSimone Robert A. , Abu-Zeinah Ghaith , Pisapia David J. , Mark Tomer M. , Pastore Raymond D.
Published: October 2015

Neuromuscular respiratory failure is a rare complication of systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis. We describe a case of a 70-year-old Caucasian man with multiple myeloma who presented with worsening dyspnea. The patient was diagnosed with and treated for congestive heart failure but continued to suffer from hypercapnic respiratory insufficiency. He had restrictive physiology on pulmonary function tests and abnormal phrenic nerve conduction studies, consistent with neuromuscular respiratory failure. The diagnosis of systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis was made based on the clinical context and a cardiac biopsy. Despite treatment attempts, the patient passed away in the intensive care unit from hypercapnic respiratory failure. Autopsy revealed dense diaphragmatic amyloid deposits without phrenic nerve infiltration or demyelination or lung parenchymal involvement. Only 5 cases of neuromuscular respiratory failure due to amyloid infiltration of the diaphragm have been described. All cases, including this, were characterized by rapid progression and high mortality. Therefore, diaphragmatic amyloidosis should be on the differential for progressive neuromuscular respiratory failure in patients with multiple myeloma or any other monoclonal gammopathy. Given its poor prognosis, early recognition of this condition is essential in order to address goals of care and encourage pursuit of palliative measures.
Intelligent Optimization Algorithms: A Stochastic Closed-Loop Supply Chain Network Problem Involving Oligopolistic Competition for Multiproducts and Their Product Flow Routings
Authors: Zhou Yan , Chan Chi Kin , Wong Kar Hung , Lee Y. C. E.
Published: October 2015

Recently, the first oligopolistic competition model of the closed-loop supply chain network involving uncertain demand and return has been established. This model belongs to the context of oligopolistic firms that compete noncooperatively in a Cournot-Nash framework. In this paper, we modify the above model in two different directions. (i) For each returned product from demand market to firm in the reverse logistics, we calculate the percentage of its optimal product flows in each individual path connecting the demand market to the firm. This modification provides the optimal product flow routings for each product in the supply chain and increases the optimal profit of each firm at the Cournot-Nash equilibrium. (ii) Our model extends the method of finding the Cournot-Nash equilibrium involving smooth objective functions to problems involving nondifferentiable objective functions. This modification caters for more real-life applications as a lot of supply chain problems involve nonsmooth functions. Existence of the Cournot-Nash equilibrium is established without the assumption of differentiability of the given functions. Intelligent algorithms, such as the particle swarm optimization algorithm and the genetic algorithm, are applied to find the Cournot-Nash equilibrium for such nonsmooth problems. Numerical examples are solved to illustrate the efficiency of these algorithms.
Evaluating Andrographolide as a Potent Inhibitor of NS3-4A Protease and Its Drug-Resistant Mutants UsingIn SilicoApproaches
Authors: Chandramohan Vivek , Kaphle Anubhav , Chekuri Mamatha , Gangarudraiah Sindhu , Bychapur Siddaiah Gowrishankar
Published: October 2015

Current combination therapy of PEG-INF and ribavirin against the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genotype-1 infections is ineffective in maintaining sustained viral response in 50% of the infection cases. New compounds in the form of protease inhibitors can complement the combination therapy. Asunaprevir is new to the drug regiment as the NS3-4A protease inhibitor, but it is susceptible to two mutations, namely, R155K and D168A in the protein. Thus, in our study, we sought to evaluate Andrographolide, a labdane-diterpenoid from theAndrographis paniculataplant as an effective compound for inhibiting the NS3-4A protease as well as its concomitant drug-resistant mutants by using molecular docking and dynamic simulations. Our study shows that Andrographolide has best docking scores of −15.0862, −15.2322, and −13.9072 compared to those of Asunaprevir −3.7159, −2.6431, and −5.4149 with wild-type R155K and D168A mutants, respectively. Also, as shown in the MD simulations, the compound was good in binding the target proteins and maintains strong bonds causing very less to negligible perturbation in the protein backbone structures. Our results validate the susceptibility of Asunaprevir to protein variants as seen from our docking studies and trajectory period analysis. Therefore, from our study, we hope to add one more option in the drug regiment to tackle drug resistance in HCV infections.
Reduced Cardiovascular Capacity and Resting Metabolic Rate in Men with Prostate Cancer Undergoing Androgen Deprivation: A Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Investigation
Authors: Wall Bradley A. , Galvão Daniel A. , Fatehee Naeem , Taaffe Dennis R. , Spry Nigel , Joseph David , Newton Robert U.
Published: October 2015

Objectives. To investigate if androgen deprivation therapy exposure is associated with additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic treatment-related toxicities.Methods. One hundred and seven men (42–89 years) with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy completed a maximal graded objective exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake, assessments for resting metabolic rate, body composition, blood pressure and arterial stiffness, and blood biomarker analysis. A cross-sectional analysis was undertaken to investigate the potential impact of therapy exposure with participants stratified into two groups according to duration of androgen deprivation therapy (<3 months and ≥3 months).Results. Maximal oxygen uptake (26.1 ± 6.0 mL/kg/min versus 23.2 ± 5.8 mL/kg/min,p=0.020) and resting metabolic rate (1795 ± 256 kcal/d versus 1647 ± 236 kcal/d,p=0.005) were significantly higher in those with shorter exposure to androgen deprivation. There were no differences between groups for peripheral and central blood pressure, arterial stiffness, or metabolic profile.Conclusion. Three months or longer exposure to androgen deprivation therapy was associated with reduced cardiorespiratory capacity and resting metabolic rate, but not in a range of blood biomarkers. These findings suggest that prolonged exposure to androgen deprivation therapy is associated with negative alterations in cardiovascular outcomes. Trial registry is:ACTRN12609000200280.
Applying Extensions of Evidence Theory to Detect Frauds in Financial Infrastructures
Authors: Coppolino Luigi , D’Antonio Salvatore , Formicola Valerio , Romano Luigi
Published: October 2015

The Dempster-Shafer (DS) theory of evidence has significant weaknesses when dealing with conflicting information sources, as demonstrated by preeminent mathematicians. This problem may invalidate its effectiveness when it is used to implement decision-making tools that monitor a great number of parameters and metrics. Indeed, in this case, very different estimations are likely to happen and can produce unfair and biased results. In order to solve these flaws, a number of amendments and extensions of the initial DS model have been proposed in literature. In this work, we present a Fraud Detection System that classifies transactions in a Mobile Money Transfer infrastructure by using the data fusion algorithms derived from these new models. We tested it in a simulated environment that closely mimics a real Mobile Money Transfer infrastructure and its actors. Results show substantial improvements of the performance in terms of true positive and false positive rates with respect to the classical DS theory.
Eastern Orthodox Church and the Christian Mission in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Petraru Gheorghe
Published: October 2015

The Orthodox Church is present today all over the world, due to its mission and to the migration of the members of this church from their motherlands to the Western world. This migration took place so that its people could live in freedom, during the period of totalitarianism, or to have better conditions of life, particularly after the fall of Communism. Its mission has to be seriously taken into account in the context of Christian world mission, in order to have a relation with the living tradition of the church, on the one hand, or to know and have a vision of the doctrine of Christianity in its unity and witness in Christian history, on the other hand. By migration, the Orthodox Church became a factor in universal witness to the world as, for example, the Orthodox Romanian diaspora in the eu or usa.
Wikipedia: Medium and Model of Collaborative Public Diplomacy
Authors: Byrne Caitlin , Johnston Jane
Published: October 2015

Public diplomacy is an inherently social endeavour, engaging public audiences at home and abroad to shape perceptions and influence foreign policy outcomes. Social media has a part to play in this, with sites such as Facebook and Twitter gaining visibility and traction as ‘must-have’ tools for public diplomacy 2.0. This article casts light on the less visible but pervasive social media platform of Wikipedia. Taking a case-study approach, the article posits that Wikipedia holds a dual relevance for public diplomacy 2.0: first as a medium; and second, as a model for public diplomacy’s evolving process. Exploring Wikipedia’s folksonomy, crowd-sourced through intense and organic collaboration, provides insights into the potential of collective agency and symbolic advocacy. The article’s findings highlight the limitations within current approaches towards public diplomacy 2.0, and offer new approaches for public diplomacy’s more progressive agenda.
Structural Analysis to Measure the Influence of Think Tanks’ Networks in the Digital Era
Authors: Manfredi-Sánchez Juan Luis , Sánchez-Giménez Juan Antonio , Pizarro-Miranda Juan
Published: October 2015

Ideas fuel power, giving means, understanding and arguments to the public sphere. Think tanks are the most influential actors in creating and disseminating such ideas in the field of international relations. This article analyses the networks of relations among think tanks in order better to understand their nature and the ways in which they operate in a global reality, organized by geographical areas. The research method is by structural analysis, using raw data collected on Twitter. Most of the think tanks selected are those categorized by the gotothinktank.com study. The main conclusions are that English is the predominant language, that geography still matters in influencing ideas and that us-based think tanks lead the social media conversation.
Extraterritorial Jurisdiction in International Law
Authors: Załucki Krzysztof
Published: October 2015

Application of internal law by a state beyond its own territory is an extraordinary action in international law. It requires not only a solid justification but is also subject to many restrictions. It often comes to conflicts against this background that is why extraterritorial jurisdiction is considered as a dangerous but yet an effective instrument of foreign politics. The article not only provides a concise definitions of extraterritoriality but also points to its acceptable bases (liaisons) and restrictions. Moreover, a review of interesting, representative doctrine stances has been done. Controversies and dangers related to the discussed institution are explicitly emphasized. In contrast, the selected examples of conflicts resulting from extraterritorial application of internal law will be discussed in the upcoming second part of the reflections. The entire article is not meant to be a comprehensive overview but rather a basis for a more detailed analysis and discussion.
Comparison of Radiative Energy Flows in Observational Datasets and Climate Modeling
Authors: Raschke Ehrhard , Kinne Stefan , Rossow William B. , Stackhouse Paul W. , Wild Martin
Published: October 2015

This study examines radiative flux distributions and local spread of values from three major observational datasets (CERES, ISCCP, and SRB) and compares them with results from climate modeling (CMIP3). Examinations of the spread and differences also differentiate among contributions from cloudy and clear-sky conditions. The spread among observational datasets is in large part caused by noncloud ancillary data. Average differences of at least 10 W m−2 each for clear-sky downward solar, upward solar, and upward infrared fluxes at the surface demonstrate via spatial difference patterns major differences in assumptions for atmospheric aerosol, solar surface albedo and surface temperature, and/or emittance in observational datasets. At the top of the atmosphere (TOA), observational datasets are less influenced by the ancillary data errors than at the surface. Comparisons of spatial radiative flux distributions at the TOA between observations and climate modeling indicate large deficiencies in the strength and distribution of model-simulated cloud radiative effects. Differences are largest for lower-altitude clouds over low-latitude oceans. Global modeling simulates stronger cloud radiative effects (CRE) by +30 W m−2 over trade wind cumulus regions, yet smaller CRE by about −30 W m−2 over (smaller in area) stratocumulus regions. At the surface, climate modeling simulates on average about 15 W m−2 smaller radiative net flux imbalances, as if climate modeling underestimates latent heat release (and precipitation). Relative to observational datasets, simulated surface net fluxes are particularly lower over oceanic trade wind regions (where global modeling tends to overestimate the radiative impact of clouds). Still, with the uncertainty in noncloud ancillary data, observational data do not establish a reliable reference.
Recent and Projected Annual Cycles of Temperature and Precipitation in the Northeast United States from CMIP5
Authors: Lynch C. , Seth A. , Thibeault J.
Published: October 2015

A case study is presented using the northeast United States to evaluate information contained in the monthly mean annual cycle that has yet to be exploited. This research documents the performance and projections for the northeast United States from a suite of 16 climate models in the archive of phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) from the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP). Analysis is performed for the late twentieth-century monthly mean annual cycle and changes in the late twenty-first century. A weak seasonality in temperature and a strong seasonality in precipitation changes are found. The seasonality of changes is distinct from the mean annual cycles, such that temperature increases are largest in midwinter (December–February) and late summer [July–September (JAS)]. Precipitation increases peak in late winter–early spring (February–April), associated with increased moisture convergence and a more active storm track, and exhibit greatest model disagreement in late summer (JAS) when the models suggest weak divergence and a westward extension of the Atlantic subtropical anticyclone. The late summer–early fall maximum in temperature and late winter–early spring maximum in precipitation changes have not been seen previously in annual or seasonal mean analyses. Yet there is model agreement in these results, indicating that there is important information in the annual cycle for understanding the changes in the physical climate system and for evaluating impacts and adaptation strategies. It is argued that improved understanding of seasonal transitions has potential to increase confidence in projections, and to provide additional information of use to the impacts and decision-maker communities.
Fetch- and Duration-Limited Nature of Surface Wave Growth inside Tropical Cyclones: With Applications to Air–Sea Exchange and Remote Sensing
Authors: Hwang Paul A.
Published: October 2015

The 2D wavenumber spectra collected by an airborne scanning radar altimeter in hurricane hunter missions are used to investigate the fetch- and duration-limited nature of wave growth inside hurricanes. Despite the much more complex wind-forcing conditions, the dimensionless growth curves obtained with the wind-wave triplets (reference wind velocity, significant wave height, and dominant wave period) inside hurricanes, except near the eye region, are comparable to the reference similarity counterparts constructed with the wind-wave triplets collected in field experiments conducted under ideal quasi-steady fetch-limited conditions. In dimensionless terms, the youngest waves are in the back quarter of the hurricane. In the Northern Hemisphere, the dimensionless frequency decreases systematically counterclockwise (CCW), and the most mature waves are in the left-hand sector. Except for those waves near the eye region, the dominant wave phase speeds are about 0.32 to 0.71 times of the local wind speed, and they are proper wind seas. Based on the computation of the wind input or energy dissipation in the wave field, a conservative estimate of the air–sea energy exchange over the coverage area of a category one hurricane is about 5 TW. Formulas for the effective fetches and durations in the three hurricane sectors are derived from the data. Using these formulas together with the wave growth functions, the full set of wind-wave triplets can be calculated knowing only one of the three. These results may enhance the capability and scope of monitoring hurricanes from space.
The Editor’s Note
Authors: Richardson Joan
Published: October 2015

Two politicians from different parties and perspectives looked at some of the highest performing countries and regions for answers to their dominance on international educational exams and came to similar conclusions. Uniformity and consistency were among the underlying themes. Shanghai, Finland, Singapore, and Ontario have strong education systems because they set out their strategies and goals and they hew to them over decades, rather than moving from reform to reform in the U.S. Also, their selection and preparation of teachers is more rigorous. While such a centralized approach clearly works in those countries and regions, it would be problematic in the U.S., which values local control of education to a much greater extent.
School leadership lessons from England
Authors: Supovitz Jonathan
Published: October 2015

The flat structure of American schools is ill-suited to meeting today’s demands for education improvement. Historically, American schools have addressed this instructional support deficit with a patchwork of poorly defined roles and responsibilities — underused department chairs, fitful coaching models, and informal teacher leaders who generally lack the training and authority to influence the practice of their peers. One place to look for fresh ideas about leadership development is England. Over the past 15 years, educational reformers in England have made several important revisions in the ways leadership is organized in schools, how leaders are developed, and how leadership is integrated into the larger educational infrastructure. There is much that American policy makers and reformers can learn from these experiences.
Colombia
Authors: Luschei Thomas F. , Vega Laura
Published: October 2015

The United States has long struggled with the challenge of educating children experiencing extreme disadvantage, including the poor, ethnic and racial minorities, English language learners, and foster children. In this article, we argue that solutions to this problem lie not to the east or west, but to the south. Specifically, we offer the Colombian Escuela Nueva model as a successful example of addressing the educational needs of marginalized children. We focus on an Escuela Nueva program known as Learning Circles, which was designed to educate and support children displaced by civil conflict as they transition to the formal education system. After describing Escuela Nueva and Learning Circles, we offer suggestions for incorporating and adapting these successes to schools in the United States.
Under the Law
Authors: Underwood Julie
Published: October 2015

The landmark Obergefell vs. Hodges decision to allow same-sex marriage has implications for schools, especially regarding schools as employers and providers of benefits and with how schools allow same-sex parents to apply their rights toward their children. The rule for how schools should treat LGBT students already has been decided and was not obviously affected by the decision.
Differential release and deposition of S100A8/A9 proteins in inflamed upper airway tissue
Authors: Van Crombruggen Koen , Vogl Thomas , Pérez-Novo Claudina , Holtappels Gabriele , Bachert Claus
Published: October 2015

Intracellular Ca2+-binding S100A8/A9 proteins gain novel functions when released during inflammation. The exact outcome of their extracellular function depends on the local tissue environment in which they are released; both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory responses are described, modulating the immune system by binding Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 or the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE). However, the contribution of the proteins in the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains unclear.

Homomeric S100A8 and S100A9, and heteromeric S100A8/A9 proteins were evaluated in CRS with/without nasal polyps (CRSw/sNP) and controls. Functional responses were assessed in polyp tissue stimulated with S100 proteins in the presence of TLR-4 and RAGE blocking antibodies.

S100A8, S100A9 and S100A8/A9 protein levels were significantly higher in CRSwNP patients, showing increased deposition on extracellular matrix (ECM) structures of CRSwNP tissue in contrast to CRSsNP and controls. In the presence ofStaphylococcus aureus, S100A8/A9 is released from neutrophils and from the ECM. Extracellular S100A8 and S100A9 proteins induced increased levels of diverse inflammatory mediatorsviaTLR-4 engagement.

The inflammatory/remodelling characteristics of CRSwNP specifically allow increased retention of S100A8, S100A9 and S100A8/A9 proteins in the ECM of CRSwNP tissue. Upon release, homodimeric proteins act as a local danger signal inducing inflammatory mediators, predominantlyviaTLR-4 activation.
Longitudinal assessment of airway responsiveness from 1 month to 18 years in the PIAF birth cohort
Authors: Cox Desmond W. , Mullane Dave , Zhang Guicheng C. , Turner Steve W. , Hayden Catherine M. , Goldblatt Jack , Landau Lou I. , Le Souëf Peter N.
Published: October 2015

The Perth Infant Asthma Follow-up (PIAF) study involves a birth cohort of unselected subjects who have undergone longitudinal assessments of airway responsiveness at 1, 6 and 12 months and 6, 11 and 18 years of age. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between increased airway responsiveness throughout childhood and asthma in early adult life.

Airway responsiveness to histamine, assessed as a dose–response slope (DRS), and a respiratory questionnaire were completed at 1, 6 and 12 months and 6, 11 and 18 years of age.

253 children were initially recruited and studied. Airway responsiveness was assessed in 203, 174, 147, 103, 176 and 137 children at the above-mentioned time points, respectively (39 participants being assessed on all test occasions). Asthma at 18 years was associated with increased airway responsiveness at 6, 12 and 18 years, but not during infancy (slope 0.24, 95% CI 0.06–0.42; p=0.01; slope 0.25, 95% CI 0.08–0.49; p=0.006; and slope 0.56, 95% CI 0.29–0.83; p<0.001, respectively).

Increased airway responsiveness and its association with asthma at age 18 years is established between infancy and 6 years. We propose that airway responsiveness in early life reflects the initial airway geometry and airway responsiveness later in childhood increasingly reflects immunological responses to environmental influences.
Risk stratification of normotensive pulmonary embolism: prognostic impact of copeptin
Authors: Hellenkamp Kristian , Schwung Johanna , Rossmann Heidi , Kaeberich Anja , Wachter Rolf , Hasenfuß Gerd , Konstantinides Stavros , Lankeit Mareike
Published: October 2015

The prognostic value of copeptin, the C-terminal fragment of the precursor protein of vasopressin which is released upon stress, and hypotension in pulmonary embolism is unknown, especially if combined with biomarkers reflecting different pathophysiological axes such as myocardial injury (high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT)) and stretch (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)).

We prospectively studied 268 normotensive pulmonary embolism patients included in a single-centre cohort study.

Patients with an adverse 30-day outcome (5.6%) had higher copeptin levels than patients with a favourable course (median (interquartile range) 51.8 (21.6–90.8)versus13.2 (5.9–39.3) pmol·L−1; p=0.020). Patients with copeptin levels above the calculated optimal cut-off value of 24 pmol·L−1had a 5.4-fold increased risk for an adverse outcome (95% CI 1.68–17.58; p=0.005). We developed a strategy for risk stratification based on biomarkers. None of 141 patients (52.6%) with hsTnT <14 pg·mL−1or NT-proBNP <600 pg·mL−1had an adverse outcome (low risk). Copeptin ≥24 pmol·L−1stratified patients with elevated hsTnT and NT-proBNP as intermediate–low and intermediate–high risk (5.6% and 20.0% adverse outcome, respectively). Compared to the algorithm proposed by the 2014 European Society of Cardiology guideline, more patients were classified as low risk (52.8%versus17.5%, p<0.001) and more patients in the intermediate–high risk group had an adverse outcome (20.0%versus11.6%).

Copeptin might be helpful for risk stratification of normotensive patients with pulmonary embolism, especially if integrated into a biomarker-based algorithm.
Lung inhomogeneities, inflation and [18F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake rate in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Cressoni Massimo , Chiumello Davide , Chiurazzi Chiara , Brioni Matteo , Algieri Ilaria , Gotti Miriam , Nikolla Klodiana , Massari Dario , Cammaroto Antonio , Colombo Andrea , Cadringher Paolo , Carlesso Eleonora , Benti Riccardo , Casati Rosangela , Zito Felicia , Gattinoni Luciano
Published: October 2015

The aim of the study was to determine the size and location of homogeneous inflamed/noninflamed and inhomogeneous inflamed/noninflamed lung compartments and their association with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) severity.

In total, 20 ARDS patients underwent 5 and 45 cmH2O computed tomography (CT) scans to measure lung recruitability. [18F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ([18F]FDG) uptake and lung inhomogeneities were quantified with a positron emission tomography-CT scan at 10 cmH2O. We defined four compartments with normal/abnormal [18F]FDG uptake and lung homogeneity.

The homogeneous compartment with normal [18F]FDG uptake was primarily composed of well-inflated tissue (80±16%), double-sized in nondependent lung (32±27%versus16±17%, p<0.0001) and decreased in size from mild, moderate to severe ARDS (33±14%, 26±20% and 5±9% of the total lung volume, respectively, p=0.05). The homogeneous compartment with high [18F]FDG uptake was similarly distributed between the dependent and nondependent lung. The inhomogeneous compartment with normal [18F]FDG uptake represented 4% of the lung volume. The inhomogeneous compartment with high [18F]FDG uptake was preferentially located in the dependent lung (21±10%versus12±10%, p<0.0001), mostly at the open/closed interfaces and related to recruitability (r2=0.53, p<0.001).

The homogeneous lung compartment with normal inflation and [18F]FDG uptake decreases with ARDS severity, while the inhomogeneous poorly/not inflated compartment increases. Most of the lung inhomogeneities are inflamed. A minor fraction of healthy tissue remains in severe ARDS.
Risk of death and readmission of hospital-admitted COPD exacerbations: European COPD Audit
Authors: Hartl Sylvia , Lopez-Campos Jose Luis , Pozo-Rodriguez Francisco , Castro-Acosta Ady , Studnicka Michael , Kaiser Bernhard , Roberts C. Michael
Published: October 2015

Studies report high in-hospital and post-discharge mortality of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations varying depending upon patient characteristics, hospital resources and treatment standards. This study aimed to investigate the patient, resource and organisational factors associated with in-hospital and 90-day post-discharge mortality and readmission of COPD exacerbations within the European COPD Audit. The audit collected data of COPD exacerbation admissions from 13 European countries.

On admission, only 49.7% of COPD patients had spirometry results available and only 81.6% had blood gases taken. Using logistic regression analysis, the risk associated with in-hospital and post-discharge mortality was higher age, presence of acidotic respiratory failure, subsequent need for ventilatory support and presence of comorbidity. In addition, the 90-day risk of COPD readmission was associated with previous admissions. Only the number of respiratory specialists per 1000 beds, a variable related to hospital resources, decreased the risk of post-discharge mortality.

The European COPD Audit identifies risk factors associated with in-hospital and post-discharge mortality and COPD readmission. Addressing the deficiencies in acute COPD care such as making spirometry available and measuring blood gases and providing noninvasive ventilation more regularly would provide opportunities to improve COPD outcomes.
Enhanced osteogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells from cortical bone: a comparative analysis
Authors: Fernandez-Moure Joseph S. , Corradetti Bruna , Chan Paige , Van Eps Jeffrey L. , Janecek Trevor , Rameshwar Pranela , Weiner Bradley K. , Tasciotti Ennio
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold great promise for regenerative therapies in the musculoskeletal system. Although MSCs from bone marrow (BM-MSCs) and adipose tissue (AD-MSCs) have been extensively characterized, there is still debate as to the ideal source of MSCs for tissue-engineering applications in bone repair.

Methods

MSCs were isolated from cortical bone fragments (CBF-MSCs) obtained from patients undergoing laminectomy, selected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, and tested for their potential to undergo mesodermic differentiation. CBF-MSCs were then compared with BM-MSCs and AD-MSCs for their colony-forming unit capability and osteogenic potential in both normoxia and hypoxia. After 2 and 4 weeks in inducing media, differentiation was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by the evaluation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression and mineral deposition (Von Kossa staining). Transcriptional activity of osteoblastogenesis-associated genes (Alp,RUNX2,Spp1, andBglap) was also analyzed.

Results

The cortical fraction of the bone contains a subset of cells positive for MSC-associated markers and capable of tri-lineage differentiation. The hypoxic conditions were generally more effective in inducing osteogenesis for the three cell lines. However, at 2 and 4 weeks, greater calcium deposition and ALP expression were observed in both hypoxic and normoxic conditions in CBF-MSCs compared with AD- and BM-MSCs. These functional observations were further corroborated by gene expression analysis, which showed a significant upregulation ofBglap,Alp, andSpp1, with a 22.50 (±4.55)-, 46.56 (±7.4)-, 71.46 (±4.16)-fold increase compared with their uninduced counterparts.

Conclusions

This novel population of MSCs retains a greater biosynthetic activityin vitro, which was found increased in hypoxic conditions. The present study demonstrates that quantitative differences between MSCs retrieved from bone marrow, adipose, and the cortical portion of the bone with respect to their osteogenic potential exist and suggests the cortical bone as suitable candidate to use for orthopedic tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
The fate of systemically administrated allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells in mouse femoral fracture healing
Authors: Huang Shuo , Xu Liangliang , Sun Yuxin , Zhang Yifeng , Li Gang
Published: October 2015

Introduction

The fate and whereabouts of the allogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) following their transplantation are not well understood. The present study investigated the fate of systemically administrated allogeneic MSCs in mouse fracture healing by using in vivo imaging and immunohistochemistry methods.

Methods

Open femoral fracture with internal fixation was established in 30 FVB mice, which were assigned to three groups receiving phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) injection, MSC systemic injection, or MSC local injection. Luc-MSCs (5 × 105) isolated from the luciferase transgenic mice with FVB background were injected at 4 days after fracture. All animals were terminated at 5 weeks after fracture; examinations included bioluminescence-based in vivo imaging, micro-computer tomography, mechanical testing, histology, immunohistochemistry, and double immunofluorescence staining.

Results

The bioluminescence signals of the Luc-MSCs at the fracture site could be detected for 12–14 days following their injection in the Luc-MSC local injection group, whereas in the Luc-MSC systemic injection group, Luc-MSCs were initially trapped in lungs for about 8–9 days and then gradually redistributed to the fracture site. Bone mineral density, bone volume/tissue volume, ultimate load, and E-modulus in the MSC injection groups were significantly higher than those in the PBS group. Double immunostaining demonstrated that the MSC local injection group had more Luc-positive cells, and there was a higher apoptotic rate at the fracture site than the MSC systemic injection group. Both Luciferase-positive MSCs and osteoblasts were present in the callus in the MSC injection groups at 5 weeks after fracture, suggesting that some of allogenic Luc-MSCs contributed to the new bone formation. Only less than 3 % of injected Luc-MSCs remained at the fracture site in the MSC injection groups at 5 weeks following the fracture, and the rest of the injected Luc-MSCs disappeared.

Conclusions

Our data showed that both systemic and local injection of allogeneic MSCs promoted fracture healing through enhancing biomechanical properties, bone content, and enlarged callus sizes. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that the injected MSCs are still present in the fracture site and can differentiate into osteoblasts to participate in fracture healing even at 5 weeks following the fracture. These findings provide useful information for the use of allogenic MSCs for cell therapy applications.
Role of a clinical pharmacist in managing diabetic nephropathy: an approach of pharmaceutical care plan
Authors: Khan Mohammed Amer , Medarametla Chaitanya , Rabbani Mohammed Mahboob E. , Prashanthi Kolamadhi
Published: October 2015

Aim

To evaluate the effect of low-protein diet on renal function in patient with diabetic nephropathy.

Materials and methods

This is a case of a 57-year-old obese patient who is a known case of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, benign prostate hypertrophy and chronic kidney disease 4th stage presented with the complaints of weakness, dyspnea, arthralgia, neuropathic pains and pedal edema which are prominent symptoms of Chronic kidney disease. Our healthcare team had visited patient’s home and analyzed the available reports on kidney profile, fasting sugar, post prandial sugar, HbA1c, lipid profile test and prescriptions which was found to be high. The glomerular filtration rate, serum creatinine and blood urea were 24 ml/min, 3.4 mg/dL and 90 mg/dL, fasting blood sugar, post prandial blood sugar and HbA1c were 226, 305 and 7.4 %, and total cholesterol and triglycerides were 145 & 95 respectively. Further discussion on diet, it came to know that the patient was on high carbohydrate diet. By considering the objective and subjective data, our team had done the assessment and come to a conclusion that high amount of carbohydrate diet with poor medication adherence had led to the hyperglycemia which developed diabetic nephropathy. We have recommended low protein, unsaturated fat, multivitamins, antioxidants and moderate carbohydrate diet. Two dietary assessment tools had been used in order to monitor patient’s adherence to the diet i.e. dietary record book and food frequency questionnaire.

Results

We have carefully monitored the serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate and blood urea for 12 months initially with an interval of 30 days for 3 months and later trimonthly up-to 12 months. Glomerular filtration rate was calculated by using the formula CKD-EPI creatinine equation. The values trend for first three months of serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate were 2.8 mg/dL, 2.6 mg/dL,1.5 mg/dL and 24 ml/min, 26 ml/min, 51 ml/min respectively. Further, results has shown a significant improvement in the 6th, 9th and 12th month. The values of serum creatinine in the 6th, 9th and 12th month were 1.3 mg/dL, 1.1 mg/dL and 0.9 mg/dL, whereas golmerular filtration rate in the 6th, 9th and 12th month were 61 ml/min, 74 ml/min and 94 ml/min.

Conclusion

The present study has demonstrated the protein diet restriction in-order to control the progression of renal failure. The dietary intervention on diabetic nephropathy plays a significant role in controlling the kidney failures. This is the first study, to our knowledge, to demonstrate the impact of pharmacist role in managing diabetic nephropathy by providing pharmaceutical care. Pharmaceutical care services should be encouraged in the community and hospital pharmacy which definitely plays a major impact in reaching the definite outcomes and providing higher quality of life.
Partial genome sequence of Thioalkalivibrio thiocyanodenitrificans ARhD 1T, a chemolithoautotrophic haloalkaliphilic sulfur-oxidizing bacterium capable of complete denitrification
Authors: Berben Tom , Sorokin Dimitry Y. , Ivanova Natalia , Pati Amrita , Kyrpides Nikos , Goodwin Lynne A. , Woyke Tanja , Muyzer Gerard
Published: October 2015

Thioalkalivibrio thiocyanodenitrificans strain ARhD 1T is a motile, Gram-negative bacterium isolated from soda lakes that belongs to the Gammaproteobacteria. It derives energy for growth and carbon fixation from the oxidation of sulfur compounds, most notably thiocyanate, and so is a chemolithoautotroph. It is capable of complete denitrification under anaerobic conditions. The draft genome sequence consists of 3,746,647 bp in 3 scaffolds, containing 3558 protein-coding and 121 RNA genes. T. thiocyanodenitrificans ARhD 1T was sequenced as part of the DOE Joint Genome Institute Community Science Program.
Generation, Characterization, and Reactions of Thionium Ions Based on the Indirect Cation Pool Method
Authors: Shimizu Akihiro , Takeda Keiji , Mishima Shota , Saito Kodai , Kim Songhee , Nokami Toshiki , Yoshida Jun-ichi
Published: October 2015

PhCH=S+Ar (Ar = p-FC6H4) was generated and accumulated for the first time in organic solvents that are commonly used for organic synthesis such as dichloromethane by the indirect cation pool method. The thionium ion is stable at temperatures lower than −20 °C, and reacts with carbon nucleophiles at the carbon adjacent to sulfur. The thionium ion was successfully characterized by UV, NMR, and IR measurements. Electronic structure of the thionium ion, in particular its bond character, is discussed based on the spectroscopic measurements and DFT calculations.
Case Report: "ADHD Trainer": the mobile application that enhances cognitive skills in ADHD patients
Authors: Ruiz-Manrique Gonzalo , Tajima-Pozo Kazuhiro , Montañes-Rada Francisco
Published: October 2015

We report the case of a 10 year old patient diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and comorbid video game addiction, who was treated with medication combined with a novel cognitive training method based on video games called TCT method. A great risk of developing video game or internet addiction has been reported in children, especially in children with ADHD. Despite this risk, we hypothesize that the good use of these new technologies might be useful to develop new methods of cognitive training. The cognitive areas in which a greater improvement was observed through the use of video games were visuospatial working memory and fine motor skills. TCT method is a cognitive training method that enhances cognitive skills such as attention, working memory, processing speed, calculation ability, reasoning, and visuomotor coordination. The purpose of reviewing this case is to highlight that regular cognitive computerized training in ADHD patients may improve some of their cognitive symptoms and might be helpful for treating video game addiction.
FORMAIZED STATEMENT MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR DETERMINING THE EFFICIENCY OF LESOTRANSPORTNYH PROCESSES
Authors: Сушков  , Sushkov Oleg
Published: October 2015

The paper proposes a variant of setting the mathematical model determining the efficiency of the system lesotranportnyh processes.
The results of experimental studies of adaptation to the tractor sheds serial devices
Authors: Посметьев  , Posmetev Viktor , Посметьев  , Posmetev Valeriy , Латышева  , Latysheva Margarita
Published: October 2015

The article presents the results of an experimental study of adaptation to the tractor sheds serial devices.
The main reasons for the lack of effectiveness of forest and tillage units and ways to improve
Authors: Посметьев  , Posmetev Valeriy , Зеликов  , Zelikov Vladimir , Латышева  , Latysheva Margarita
Published: October 2015

This article discusses the causes of lack of effectiveness of forest and tillage units and ways to improve.
Logical and probabilistic methods in the calculation of reliability indices
Authors: Шипилов  , Shipilov A
Published: October 2015

The article describes the logical and probabilistic methods in relation to the calculation of reliability indices.
On the Tail Probabilities of Aggregated Lognormal Random Fields with Small Noise
Authors: Li Xiaoou , Liu Jingchen , Xu Gongjun
Published: October 2015

We develop asymptotic approximations for the tail probabilities of integrals of lognormal random fields. We consider the asymptotic regime that the variance of the random field converges to zero. Under this setting, the integral converges to its limiting value. This analysis is of interest in considering short-term portfolio risk analysis (such as daily performance), for which the variances of log-returns could be as small as a few percent.
A Measure-Valued Differentiation Approach to Sensitivities of Quantiles
Authors: Heidergott Bernd , Volk-Makarewicz Warren
Published: October 2015

Quantiles play an important role in modelling quality of service in the service industry and in modelling risk in the financial industry. The recent discovery that efficient simulation-based estimators can be obtained for quantile sensitivities has led to an intensive search for sample-path differentiation-based estimators for quantile sensitivities. In this paper, we present a novel approach to quantile sensitivity estimation. Our approach elaborates on the concept of measure-valued differentiation. Thereby, we overcome the main obstacle of the sample-path approach, which is the requirement that the sample cost have to be Lipschitz continuous with respect to the parameter of interest. Specifically, we perform a sensitivity analysis of the value at risk in financial models. In addition, we discuss an application of our sensitivity estimator to queueing networks.