bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RELIABILITY OF RETROSPECTIVE PERFORMANCE DATA IN ELITE 400-M SWIMMING AND 1500-M RUNNING
Authors: Mytton GJ , Archer DT , Thompson KG , Gibson A St Clair
Published: October 2013

It is beneficial for coaches and athletes to know the most effective pacing profiles that have occurred during elite races and to establish how reproducible these profiles are in order to assist tactical preparation for competition (Tuckeret al.IJSPP2006;1:233–245). This study aimed to establish the repeatability of lap data of international standard competitors in 400-m freestyle swimming and 1500-m track athletics, events of similar duration. Data were collected from five Olympic, World and European international competitions between 2005 and 2011 in 400-m swimming and 1500-m running events. Swimming lap times were freely available in the public domain from the Omega Timing results service (www.omegatiming.com). Running lap times were measured using a validated frame by frame playback method (Myttonet al.IJSPP2013, e-pub). Eleven swimmers and twelve runners with repeat final appearances were analysed with a mean time between finals of 20.5±13.3 months. Trial one to trial two data were compared using Hopkins’ reliability spreadsheet (Hopkins, Sport Sci 2011) and the typical error (TE) and coefficient of variation (CV) reported. The TE and CV values tended to increase in swimming but significantly decreased in running as laps progressed. CV values were greater in running than swimming in laps 1 (p=0.001), 2 (p=0.01) and 4 (p=0.01) but not different in lap 3 or for total time (p>0.05). The findings of this study suggest that in elite competitors, within-subjects reliability for 400-m swimming is greater than for 1500-m running times. The differences in reliability between exercise modalities might be due to a number of factors such as a greater degree of tactical racing in the early laps in track athletics when athletes compete for position, the manner of the start being different to swimming (i.e. dive start in swimming), and differences in mechanical efficiency, kinetic energy production and loss between the two sports (de Koninget al.PIoS One6:e15863).
Modelling factors in primary care quality improvement: a cross-sectional study of premature CHD mortality
Authors: Honeyford Kate , Baker Richard , Bankart M John G , Jones David
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To identify features of primary care quality improvement associated with improved health outcomes using premature coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality as an example, and to determine impacts of different modelling approaches.

Design

Cross-sectional study of mortality rates in 229 general practices.

Setting

General practices from three East Midlands primary care trusts.

Participants

Patients registered to the practices above between April 2006 and March 2009.

Main outcome measures

Numbers of CHD deaths in those aged under 75 (premature mortality) and at all ages in each practice.

Results

Population characteristics and markers of quality of primary care were associated with variations in premature CHD mortality. Increasing levels of deprivation, percentages of practice populations on practice diabetes registers, white, over 65 and male were all associated with increasing levels of premature CHD mortality. Control of serum cholesterol levels in those with CHD and the percentage of patients recalling access to their preferred general practitioner were both associated with decreased levels of premature CHD mortality. Similar results were found for all-age mortality. A combined measure of quality of primary care for CHD comprising 12 quality outcomes framework indicators was associated with decreases in both all-age and premature CHD mortality. The selected models suggest that practices in less deprived areas may have up to 20% lower premature CHD mortality than those with median deprivation and that improvement in the CHD care quality from 83% (lower quartile) to 86% (median) could reduce premature CHD mortality by 3.6%. Different modelling approaches yielded qualitatively similar results.

Conclusions

High-quality primary care, including aspects of access to and continuity of care, detection and management, appears to be associated with reducing CHD mortality. The impact on premature CHD mortality is greater than on all-age CHD mortality. Determining the most useful measures of quality of primary care needs further consideration.
Assessing the impact on chronic disease of incorporating the societal cost of greenhouse gases into the price of food: an econometric and comparative risk assessment modelling study
Authors: Briggs Adam D M , Kehlbacher Ariane , Tiffin Richard , Garnett Tara , Rayner Mike , Scarborough Peter
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To model the impact on chronic disease of a tax on UK food and drink that internalises the wider costs to society of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to estimate the potential revenue.

Design

An econometric and comparative risk assessment modelling study.

Setting

The UK.

Participants

The UK adult population.

Interventions

Two tax scenarios are modelled: (A) a tax of £2.72/tonne carbon dioxide equivalents (tCO2e)/100 g product applied to all food and drink groups with above average GHG emissions. (B) As with scenario (A) but food groups with emissions below average are subsidised to create a tax neutral scenario.

Outcome measures

Primary outcomes are change in UK population mortality from chronic diseases following the implementation of each taxation strategy, the change in the UK GHG emissions and the predicted revenue. Secondary outcomes are the changes to the micronutrient composition of the UK diet.

Results

Scenario (A) results in 7770 (95% credible intervals 7150 to 8390) deaths averted and a reduction in GHG emissions of 18 683 (14 665to 22 889) ktCO2e/year. Estimated annual revenue is £2.02 (£1.98 to £2.06) billion. Scenario (B) results in 2685 (1966 to 3402) extra deaths and a reduction in GHG emissions of 15 228 (11 245to 19 492) ktCO2e/year.

Conclusions

Incorporating the societal cost of GHG into the price of foods could save 7770 lives in the UK each year, reduce food-related GHG emissions and generate substantial tax revenue. The revenue neutral scenario (B) demonstrates that sustainability and health goals are not always aligned. Future work should focus on investigating the health impact by population subgroup and on designing fiscal strategies to promote both sustainable and healthy diets.
Economic evaluation of smoke alarm distribution methods in Baltimore, Maryland
Authors: Diamond-Smith Nadia , Bishai David , Perry Elise , Shields Wendy , Gielen Andrea
Published: October 2013

Objective

This paper analyses costs and potential lives saved from a door-to-door smoke alarm distribution programme using data from a programme run by the Baltimore City Fire Department in 2010–2011.

Design

We evaluate the impact of a standard home visit programme and an enhanced home visit programme that includes having community health workers provide advance notice, promote the programme, and accompany fire department personnel on the day of the home visit, compared with each other and with an option of not having a home visit programme (control).

Results

Study data show that the home visit programme increased by 10% the number of homes that went from having no working alarm to having any working alarm, and the enhanced programme added an additional 1% to the number of homes protected. We use published reports on the relative risk of death in homes with and without a working smoke alarm to show that the standard programme would save an additional 0.24 lives per 10 000 homes over 10 years, compared with control areas and the enhanced home visit programme saved an additional 0.07 lives compared with the standard programme. The incremental cost of each life saved for the standard programme compared with control was $28 252 per death averted and $284 501per additional death averted for the enhanced compared with the standard.

Conclusions

Following the US guidelines for the value of a life, both programmes are cost effective, however, the standard programme may offer a better value in terms of dollars per death averted. The study also highlights the need for better data on the benefits of current smoke alarm recommendations and their impact on injury, death and property damage.
Battlefield administration of tranexamic acid by combat troops: a feasibility analysis
Authors: Wright Chris
Published: October 2013

This paper suggests that 1 g tranexamic acid should be incorporated as an intramuscular auto-injector and issued to combat troops for self- or buddy-administration in the event of suffering severe injury. Early administration of tranexamic acid has shown to be beneficial in preventing death from bleeding in trauma patients in both the military and the civilian settings. Tranexamic acid is cheap, safe, easy to administer and saves lives. Future conflicts may be characterised by prolonged pre-hospital times and delayed access to advanced medical care. The use of this drug is the next logical step in reducing combat trauma deaths.
Percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy in a biplane angiosuite: technical assessment
Authors: Rose Katherine R , Stone Jonathan J , Ren Zeguang , Wang Henry , Jahromi Babak S
Published: October 2013

Background

Percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy (PTR) uses fluoroscopic guidance to cannulate the foramen ovale for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Objective

To describe the use of a high-resolution biplane neuroangiosuite for PTR and retrospectively to assess the performance of this technique.

Methods

From 1990 through 2010, 67 PTRs were performed in 51 patients at our institution; 47 used the c-arm in the operating room (OR) and 20 used the biplane angiosuite. Hospital charts were reviewed for demographics, symptomatology, operative time, number of cannulation attempts, fluoroscopy time and pain outcome. Two-tailed univariate analyses were performed to compare the OR and angiosuite groups.

Results

In 20 of 67 PTRs, biplane fluoroscopic guidance in the angiosuite was used. Variations in type of PTR, fluoroscopy technique and follow-up time barred meaningful comparison of these variables between OR and biplane groups. However, the biplane group had significantly fewer mean cannulation attempts (1 vs 2.2, p<0.001).

Conclusions

High-resolution biplane neuroangiosuites offer a readily available alternative to ORs for PTR in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Use of the biplane fluoroscopy machine was practical, safe and at least as effective as the use of the c-arm. It may also offer the advantages of a reduced number of cannulation attempts.
Is aneurysm repair justified for the patients aged 80 or older after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage?
Authors: Sadamasa Nobutake , Koyanagi Masaomi , Fukuda Hitoshi , Chin Masaki , Handa Akira , Yamagata Sen
Published: October 2013

Background

With the advancement of an aging society in the world, an increasing number of elderly patients have been hospitalized due to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). There is no study that compares the elderly cases of aSAH who receive the definitive treatment with those who treated conservatively. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of the definitive surgery for the acute subarachnoid cases aged 80 or older.

Methods

We reviewed 500 consecutive cases with acute aSAH with surgical indication for aneurysm repair. Inoperable cases such as dead-on-arrival and the cases with both pupils dilated were excluded. We compared the cases aged 80 or older that received clipping or coil embolization with the controls that the family selected conservative treatment.

Results

69 cases were included in this study (ranged 80–98, male:female=9:60). 56 cases (81.2%) had an aneurysm in the anterior circulation. 23 cases received clipping, 20 cases coil embolization and 26 cases treated conservatively. The cases with aneurysm repair showed significantly better clinical outcome than the controls, while World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grade on admission and premorbid modified Rankin Scale showed no difference between them.

Conclusions

Better prognosis was obtained when ruptured aneurysm was repaired in the elderly than it was treated conservatively. From the results of this study, we should not hesitate to offer the definitive surgery for the elderly with aSAH.
Multi-scale analysis of cone penetration test (CPT) in a virtual calibration chamber
Authors: Butlanska Joanna , Arroyo Marcos , Gens Antonio , O’Sullivan Catherine
Published: October 2013

A virtual calibration chamber was developed using a three-dimensional (3D) discrete element method (DEM) to perform cone penetration tests (CPTs) on a discrete analogue of Ticino sand. The macroscale response of the DEM model was previously shown to be in good quantitative agreement with that of analogous physical models. In the current study the performance of the model at meso and microscale levels of resolution is examined. The microscale response is examined using particle displacements and contact force distributions. The mesoscale behaviour is examined using stress and strain fields obtained through appropriate averaging and interpolating procedures. Four CPTs are examined at the steady-state penetration stage. The effects of radial boundary conditions, initial stress state, initial average density, and particle rotational inertia are examined. The ability of the micro and mesoscale data to identify and explain the relevant mechanisms underlying the significant differences in the macroscale response of the models is discussed. Comparisons with similar phenomena observed in physical tests are also highlighted.
POPULAR SPANNING TREES
Authors: DARMANN ANDREAS
Published: October 2013

Combinatorial Optimization is combined with Social Choice Theory when the goal is to decide on the quality of a spanning tree of an undirected graph. Given individual preferences over the edges of the graph, spanning trees are compared by means of a Condorcet criterion. The comparisons are based on scoring functions used in classic voting rules such as approval voting and Borda voting. In this work, we investigate the computational complexity involved in deciding on the quality of a spanning tree with respect to the different voting rules adapted. In particular, we draw the sharp separation line between polynomially solvable and computationally intractable instances.
NATURAL ORBITALS IN RELATION TO QUANTUM INFORMATION THEORY: FROM MODEL LIGHT ATOMS THROUGH TO EMERGENT METALLIC PROPERTIES
Authors: MARCH N. H. , ANGILELLA G. G. N. , PUCCI R.
Published: October 2013

The review begins with a consideration of three forms of quantum information entropy associated with Shannon and Jaynes. For model two-electron spin compensated systems, some analytic progress is first reported. The Jaynes entropy is clearly related to correlation kinetic energy. A way of testing the usefulness of a known uncertainty principle inequality is proposed for a whole class of model two-electron atoms with harmonic confinement but variable electron-electron interaction. Emerging properties are then studied by reference to bcc Na at ambient pressure and its modeling by "jellium". Jellium itself has collective behavior with changes of the density, especially noteworthy being the discontinuity of the momentum distribution at the Fermi surface. This has almost reduced to zero at rs = 100 a.u., the neighborhood in which the quantal Wigner electron solid transition is known to occur. However, various workers have studied crystalline Na under pressure and their results are compared and contrasted. Work by DFT on K, Rb and Cs is discussed, but now with reduced density from the ambient pressure value. The crystalline results for the cohesive energy of these metals as a function of lattice parameters and local coordination number are shown to be closely reproduced by means of ground and excited states for dimer potential energy curves. Then, pair potentials for liquid Na and Be are reviewed, and compared with the results of computer simulations from the experimental structure factor for Na . Finally, magnetic field effects are discussed. First a phenomenological model of the metal-to-insulator transition is presented with an order parameter which is the discontinuity in the Fermi momentum distribution. Lastly, experiments on a two-dimensional electron assembly in a GaAs / AlGaAs heterojunction in a perpendicular magnetic field are briefly reviewed and then interpreted.
AN LBM-BASED INVESTIGATION METHOD FOR THERMAL IMMISCIBLE MIXTURE FLUID FLOW IN RECTANGULAR MULTI-JET CAVITY
Authors: WANG AN-LIN , QIU RUO-FAN , CHEN QIANG
Published: October 2013

An investigation method for thermal immiscible mixture fluid flow in rectangular multi-jet cavity using lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is presented to study influence of controllable factors on quality of mixture generated from the cavity. For immiscible mixture flow, contact area of fluids has great effect on generated mixture. The basic idea is to investigate the relationship between controllable factors and contact area of key components. The contact area is obtained through numerical simulation by an improved LBM, in which temperature equation is extended to multicomponent system. A case study of thermal mixture flow in three-jet cavity using the present method is shown.
OPTICAL AND SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF Fe2O3-Bi2O3-B2O3:V2O5 GLASSES
Authors: SANJAY  , KISHORE N. , AGARWAL A. , DAHIYA S. , PAL INDER , KUMAR NAVIN
Published: October 2013

The glasses of compositions x Fe 2 O 3⋅ (40 - x) Bi 2 O 3⋅60 B 2 O 3⋅2 V 2 O 5 have been prepared by the standard melt-quenching technique. Amorphous nature of these samples is ascertained by XRD patterns. The presence of BO 3 and BO 4 units is identified by IR spectra of glass samples. The absorption edge (λ cut-off ) shifts toward longer wavelengths with an increase in Fe 2 O 3 content in the glass matrix. The values of optical band gap energy for indirect allowed and forbidden transitions have been determined and it is found to decrease with increase in transition metal ions. The Urbach's energy is used to characterize the degree of disorder in amorphous solids.
THE FATE OF LORENTZ FRAME IN THE VICINITY OF BLACK HOLE SINGULARITY
Authors: MOORE DOUGLAS G. , SATHEESHKUMAR V. H.
Published: October 2013

General Relativity (GR) is known to break down at singularities. However, it is expected that quantum corrections become important when the curvature is of the order of Planck scale avoiding the singularity. By calculating the effect of tidal forces on a freely falling inertial frame, and assuming the least possible size of the frame to be of the Planck length, we show that the Lorentz frames cease to exist at a finite distance from the singularity. Within that characteristic radius, one cannot apply GR nor Quantum Field Theory (QFT) as we know them today. Additionally, we consider other quantum length scales and impose limits on the distances from the singularity at which those theories can conceivably be applied within a Lorentz frame.
A DETAILED PROOF OF THE FUNDAMENTAL THEOREM OF STF MULTIPOLE EXPANSION IN LINEARIZED GRAVITY
Authors: ZSCHOCKE SVEN
Published: October 2013

The linearized field equations of general relativity in harmonic coordinates are given by an inhomogeneous wave equation. In the region exterior to the matter field, the retarded solution of this wave equation can be expanded in terms of 10 Cartesian symmetric and tracefree (STF) multipoles in post-Minkowskian approximation. For such a multipole decomposition only three and rather weak assumptions are required:

(1) No-incoming-radiation condition.

(2) The matter source is spatially compact.

(3) A spherical expansion for the metric outside the matter source is possible.

During the last decades, the STF multipole expansion has been established as a powerful tool in several fields of gravitational physics: celestial mechanics, theory of gravitational waves and in the theory of light propagation and astrometry. But despite its formidable importance, an explicit proof of the fundamental theorem of STF multipole expansion has not been presented so far, while only some parts of it are distributed into several publications. In a technical but more didactical form, an explicit and detailed mathematical proof of each individual step of this important theorem of STF multipole expansion is represented.
CONSTITUENT QUARK MODEL DESCRIPTION OF CHARMONIUM PHENOMENOLOGY
Authors: SEGOVIA J. , ENTEM D. R. , FERNANDEZ F. , HERNANDEZ E.
Published: October 2013

We review how quark models are able to describe the phenomenology of the charm meson sector. The spectroscopy and decays of charmonium and open charm mesons are described in a particular quark model and compared with the data and the results of other existing models in the literature. A quite reasonable global description of the heavy meson spectra is reached. A new assignment of the ψ(4415) resonance as a 3D state leaving aside the 4S state to the X(4360) is tested through the analysis of the resonance structure in e+e- exclusive reactions around the ψ(4415) energy region. We make tentative assignments of some of the XYZ mesons. To elucidate the structure of the 1+cs states, i.e., Ds1(2460) and Ds1(2536), we study the strong decay properties of the Ds1(2536) meson. We also perform a calculation of the branching fractions for the semileptonic decays of B and Bs mesons into final states containing orbitally excited charmed and charmed-strange mesons, which have become a very important source of information about the structure of heavy mesons. Analysis of the nonleptonic B-meson decays into D(*)DsJ are also included.
Detrital zircon U–Pb–Hf systematics of Israeli coastal sands: new perspectives on the provenance of Nile sediments
Authors: Be’eri-Shlevin Y. , Avigad D. , Gerdes A. , Zlatkin O.
Published: October 2013

The Nile drains a large basin covering various source-rock terrains of different age, mineralogical and isotopic characteristics. Its sediments are stored within the Nile delta but significant volumes are swept eastwards in the SE Mediterranean, onto the Sinai–Israeli coasts. Alongside wave transport, aeolian transport plays an important role in recycling the Nile-derived sands. We present new laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, 882 U–Pb and 586 Lu–Hf analyses of detrital zircons from Quaternary to Recent sands of the Israeli coast and shelf to decipher their provenance. The detrital populations are dominated by 0.56–1.15 Ga zircons with ϵHf(t) of +13 to −27, implying a mixture of juvenile and non-juvenile latest Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic sources. Small populations of Archaean–Palaeoproterozoic and Palaeozoic zircons are also distinguished. The detrital zircon U–Pb–Hf pattern indicates that rather than being sourced from the Arabian–Nubian Shield or older basement terranes in the Nile drainage basin, the sands are dominantly recycling products of older sediments. The detrital zircon U–Pb–Hf spectra resemble those of Cambro-Ordovician sandstones that blanket much of North Africa. These sediments were recycled into younger sand reservoirs that were in turn eroded into the Nile and transported to the coast of Israel.

Supplementary material:

Details of analytical methods and detrital zircon U–Pb–Hf data are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18677
.
Ethanol-mediated relaxation of guinea pig urinary bladder smooth muscle: involvement of BK and L-type Ca2+ channels
Authors: Malysz John , Afeli Serge A. Y. , Provence Aaron , Petkov Georgi V.
Published: October 2013

Mechanisms underlying ethanol (EtOH)-induced detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) relaxation and increased urinary bladder capacity remain unknown. We investigated whether the large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels or L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs), major regulators of DSM excitability and contractility, are targets for EtOH by patch-clamp electrophysiology (conventional and perforated whole cell and excised patch single channel) and isometric tension recordings using guinea pig DSM cells and isolated tissue strips, respectively. EtOH at 0.3% vol/vol (∼50 mM) enhanced whole cell BK currents at +30 mV and above, determined by the selective BK channel blocker paxilline. In excised patches recorded at +40 mV and ∼300 nM intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]), EtOH (0.1–0.3%) affected single BK channels (mean conductance ∼210 pS and blocked by paxilline) by increasing the open channel probability, number of open channel events, and open dwell-time constants. The amplitude of single BK channel currents and unitary conductance were not altered by EtOH. Conversely, at ∼10 μM but not ∼2 μM intracellular [Ca2+], EtOH (0.3%) decreased the single BK channel activity. EtOH (0.3%) affected transient BK currents (TBKCs) by either increasing frequency or decreasing amplitude, depending on the basal level of TBKC frequency. In isolated DSM strips, EtOH (0.1–1%) reduced the amplitude and muscle force of spontaneous phasic contractions. The EtOH-induced DSM relaxation, except at 1%, was attenuated by paxilline. EtOH (1%) inhibited L-type VDCC currents in DSM cells. In summary, we reveal the involvement of BK channels and L-type VDCCs in mediating EtOH-induced urinary bladder relaxation accommodating alcohol-induced diuresis.
Rab11a-positive compartments in proximal tubule cells sort fluid-phase and membrane cargo
Authors: Mattila Polly E. , Raghavan Venkatesan , Rbaibi Youssef , Baty Catherine J. , Weisz Ora A.
Published: October 2013

The proximal tubule (PT) reabsorbs the majority of sodium, bicarbonate, and chloride ions, phosphate, glucose, water, and plasma proteins from the glomerular filtrate. Despite the critical importance of endocytosis for PT cell (PTC) function, the organization of the endocytic pathway in these cells remains poorly understood. We have used immunofluorescence and live-cell imaging to dissect the itinerary of apically internalized fluid and membrane cargo in polarized primary cultures of PTCs isolated from mouse kidney cortex. Cells from the S1 segment could be distinguished from those from more distal PT segments by their robust uptake of albumin and comparatively low expression of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase. Rab11a in these cells is localized to variously sized spherical compartments that resemble the apical vacuoles observed by electron microscopy analysis of PTCs in vivo. These Rab11a-positive structures are highly dynamic and receive membrane and fluid-phase cargo. In contrast, fluid-phase cargoes are largely excluded from Rab11a-positive compartments in immortalized kidney cell lines. The unusual morphology and sorting capacity of Rab11a compartments in primary PTCs may reflect a unique specialization of these cells to accommodate the functional demands of handling a high endocytic load.
Effects of PGE2 EP3/EP4 receptors on bladder dysfunction in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Xue Rui , Jia Zhankui , Kong Xiaomu , Pi Guofu , Ma Shengli , Yang Jinjian
Published: October 2013

To investigate the expression of four subtypes of PGE2 E-prostanoid (EP) receptors (EP1–EP4) and the effects of EP3/EP4 on bladder dysfunction in a new neurogenic bladder model induced by experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the mouse model of EAE was induced using a previously established method, and bladder function in mice with different defined levels of neurological impairment was then examined, including micturition frequencies and voiding weight. Bladders were then harvested for analysis of EP receptor expression by Western blot. Activities of agonists/antagonists of EP3 and EP4 receptors as well as PGE2 were also evaluated at different stages of EAE. The results showed that EAE mice developed profound bladder dysfunction characterized by significantly increased micturition and significantly decreased urine output per micturition. EAE-induced upregulation of EP3 and EP4 receptors in the bladder was accompanied by bladder dysfunction. However, EAE had no significant effect on EP1 and EP2 receptors. Moreover, PGE2 and agonists/antagonists of EP3 and EP4 receptors significantly affected bladder dysfunction in EAE mice. Thus, we believe that EAE mice are useful for investigations of the neurogenic bladder. In addition, EP3 and EP4 receptors play a role in EAE-induced bladder dysfunction, providing us with a new target for the treatment of neurogenic bladders.
Role of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) in mediation of dopamine's effects in the kidney
Authors: Zhang Ming-Zhi , Wang Yinqiu , Yao Bing , Gewin Leslie , Wei Shouzuo , Capdevila Jorge H. , Harris Raymond C.
Published: October 2013

We have recently demonstrated that intrarenal dopamine plays an important role in preventing the development of systemic hypertension. Similarly, renal cytochrome P-450 (CYP)-epoxygenase-derived arachidonic acid metabolites, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), also are antihypertensive through inhibiting sodium reabsorption and vasodilation. The potential interaction between renal dopamine and epoxygenase systems was investigated. Catechol- O-methyl-transferase (COMT)−/−mice with increased intrarenal dopamine levels and proximal tubule deletion of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (ptAADC−/−) mice with renal dopamine deficiency were treated with a low-salt diet or high-salt diet for 2 wk. Wild-type or Cyp2c44−/−mice were treated with gludopa, which selectively increased renal dopamine levels. In low salt-treated mice, urinary EET levels were related to renal dopamine levels, being highest in COMT−/−mice and lowest in ptAADC−/−mice. In high salt-treated mice, total EET and individual EET levels in both the kidney and urine were also highest in COMT−/−mice and lowest in ptAADC−/−mice. Selective increases in renal dopamine in response to gludopa administration led to marked increases in both total and all individual EET levels in the kidney without any changes in blood levels. qRT-PCR and immunoblotting indicated that gludopa increased renal Cyp2c44 mRNA and protein levels. Gludopa induced marked increases in urine volume and urinary sodium excretion in wild-type mice. In contrast, gludopa did not induce significant increases in urine volume or urinary sodium excretion in Cyp2c44−/−mice. These studies demonstrate that renal EET levels are maintained by intrarenal dopamine, and Cyp2c44-derived EETs play an important role in intrarenal dopamine-induced natriuresis and diuresis.
Is GABA neurotransmission enhanced in auditory thalamus relative to inferior colliculus?
Authors: Cai Rui , Kalappa Bopanna I. , Brozoski Thomas J. , Ling Lynne L. , Caspary Donald M.
Published: October 2013

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central auditory system. Sensory thalamic structures show high levels of non-desensitizing extrasynaptic GABAAreceptors (GABAARs) and a reduction in the redundancy of coded information. The present study compared the inhibitory potency of GABA acting at GABAARs between the inferior colliculus (IC) and the medial geniculate body (MGB) using quantitative in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo experimental approaches. In vivo single unit studies compared the ability of half maximal inhibitory concentrations of GABA to inhibit sound-evoked temporal responses, and found that GABA was two to three times ( P < 0.01) more potent at suppressing MGB single unit responses than IC unit responses. In vitro whole cell patch-clamp slice recordings were used to demonstrate that gaboxadol, a δ-subunit selective GABAAR agonist, was significantly more potent at evoking tonic inhibitory currents from MGB neurons than IC neurons ( P < 0.01). These electrophysiological findings were supported by an in vitro receptor binding assay which used the picrotoxin analog [3H]TBOB to assess binding in the GABAAR chloride channel. MGB GABAARs had significantly greater total open chloride channel capacity relative to GABAARs in IC ( P < 0.05) as shown by increased total [3H]TBOB binding. Finally, a comparative ex vivo measurement compared endogenous GABA levels and suggested a trend towards higher GABA concentrations in MGB than in IC. Collectively, these studies suggest that, per unit GABA, high affinity extrasynaptic and synaptic GABAARs confer a significant inhibitory GABAAR advantage to MGB neurons relative to IC neurons. This increased GABA sensitivity likely underpins the vital filtering role of auditory thalamus.
Modification of cutaneous reflexes during visually guided walking
Authors: Ruff Casey R. , Miller Andreas B. , Delva Mona L. , Lajoie Kim , Marigold Daniel S.
Published: October 2013

Although it has become apparent that cutaneous reflexes can be adjusted based on the phase and context of the locomotor task, it is not clear to what extent these reflexes are regulated when locomotion is modified under visual guidance. To address this, we compared the amplitude of cutaneous reflexes while subjects performed walking tasks that required precise foot placement. In one experiment, subjects walked overground and across a horizontal ladder with narrow raised rungs. In another experiment, subjects walked and stepped onto a series of flat targets, which required different levels of precision (large vs. narrow targets). The superficial peroneal or tibial nerve was electrically stimulated in multiple phases of the gait cycle in each condition and experiment. Reflexes between 50 and 120 ms poststimulation were sorted into 10 equal phase bins, and the amplitudes were then averaged. In each experiment, differences in cutaneous reflexes between conditions occurred predominantly during swing phase when preparation for precise foot placement was necessary. For instance, large excitatory cutaneous reflexes in ipsilateral tibialis anterior were present in the ladder condition and when stepping on narrow targets compared with inhibitory responses in the other conditions, regardless of the nerve stimulated. In the ladder experiments, additional effects of walking condition were evident during stance phase when subjects had to balance on the narrow ladder rungs and may be related to threat and/or the unstable foot-surface interaction. Taken together, these results suggest that cutaneous reflexes are modified when visual feedback regarding the terrain is critical for successful walking.
Using of Hyperbranched Poly(amidoamine) as Pretanning Agent for Leather
Authors: Ibrahim Amal Amin , Youssef Moshera S. A. , Nashy El-Shahat H. A. , Eissa Mohamed M.
Published: October 2013

Although chrome is considered as the major tanning agent in the production of all types of hides and leather worldwide, it represents a serious source of environmental pollution. Therefore, polyamidoamine hyperbranched polymer (HPAM) was involved in pretanning of the depickled hides to enhance the chromium uptake during the tanning process. The key parameters which affect the exhaustion and fixation of chrome tan including shrinkage temperature of the tanned leather were studied. The results showed a significant improvement in the chrome exhaustion, the shrinkage temperature, and the texture and softness of the leather treated by HPAM.
Postthyroidectomy Throat Pain and Swallowing: Do Proton Pump Inhibitors Make a Difference?
Authors: Zawawi Faisal , Richardson Keith , Varshney Rickul , Young Jonathan , Mlynarek Alex M. , Hier Michael P. , Payne Richard J.
Published: October 2013

Objectives. Following thyroid surgery patients complain from swallowing disability and throat pain resembling symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). The purpose of this study is to assess whether proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) given to patients in the first postoperative week relieve the swallowing disability and throat pain complaints. Materials and Methods. A questionnaire was given to 523 patients who had thyroid surgery between October 2010 and August 2011. In the first postoperative clinic visit each patient was approached to fill out a questionnaire. 208 patients met criteria, 100 of which were on PPIs (study group) and 108 were not on PPIs (control group). Results. When comparing the study group to the control group, the average pain level was 2.57 compared to 3.9 during the first postoperative week, and 1.27 compared to 2.41 at day 7 ( value = 0.001). Swallowing disability was also lower in the study group when compared to the control group, 1.87 and 3.12, respectively, during the first postoperative week and 0.87 and 1.76, respectively, at day 7 ( value = 0.007). Conclusion. Patients treated with PPIs had less pain and swallowing disability in the first week following thyroid surgery, when compared to patients not treated with PPIs.
Application of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for the Oxidation and Peroxide Value Evaluation in Virgin Walnut Oil
Authors: Liang Pengjuan , Chen Chaoyin , Zhao Shenglan , Ge Feng , Liu Diqiu , Liu Binqiu , Fan Qimeng , Han Benyong , Xiong Xianfeng
Published: October 2013

Recent developments in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-partial least squares (FTIR-PLSs) extend the application of this strategy to the field of the edible oils and fats research. In this work, FT-IR spectroscopy was used as an effective analytical tool to determine the peroxide value of virgin walnut oil (VWO) samples undergone during heating. The spectra were recorded from a film of pure oil between two disks of KBr for each sample at frequency regions of 4000–650 cm−1. Changes in the values of the frequency of most of the bands of the spectra were observed and used to build the calibration model. PLS model correlates the actual and FT-IR estimated value of peroxide value with a correlation coefficient of 0.99, and the root mean square error of the calibration (RMSEC) value is 0.4838. The methodology has potential as a fast and accurate way for the quantification of peroxide value of the edible oils.
Double Differential Cross-Sections for Electron Impact Ionization of Atoms and Molecules
Authors: Dogan Mevlut , Ulu Melike , Ozer Zehra Nur , Yavuz Murat , Bozkurt Gulin
Published: October 2013

The single ionizing collision between an incident electron and an atom/molecule ends up two kinds of outgoing electrons called scattered and ejected electrons. As features of electron impact ionization, these two types of electrons are indistinguishable. Double differential cross-sections (DDCS) can be obtained by measuring the energy and angular distributions of one of the two outgoing electrons with an electron analyzer. We used He, Ar, H2, and CH4targets in order to understand the ionization mechanisms of atomic and molecular systems. We measured differential cross-sections (DCS) and double differential cross-sections at 250 eV electron impact energy. The elastic DCSs were measured for He, Ar, H2, and CH4, whereas the inelastic DCSs of He were obtained for 21P excitation level for 200 eV impact electron energy.
About Evaluation of Complex Dynamical Systems
Authors: Polishchuk Dmytro , Polishchuk Olexandr
Published: October 2013

Methods are proposed for evaluation of complex dynamical systems, choice of their optimal operating modes, determination of optimal operating system out of given class of equivalent systems, system’s timeline behaviour analysis on the basis of versatile multicriteria, and multilevel analysis of behaviour of system's elements.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Mutagenic Activities and DNA Interaction Studies of Ni(II) Schiff Base 4-Methoxy-3-benzyloxybenzaldehyde Thiosemicarbazide Complexes
Authors: Chetana P. R. , Somashekar M. N. , Srinatha B. S. , Policegoudra R. S. , Aradhya S. M. , Rao Ramakrishna
Published: October 2013

Three new Ni(II) square planar complexes of 4-methoxy-3-benzyloxybenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazide(4m3BTSC) having polypyridyl bases of general formulation [ML2] (1) and [MLB] (2, 3), where L = 4m3BTSC and B is N,N-donor heterocyclic bases, namely, 1,10-phenanthroline (phen, 2), 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy, 3), are synthesized and characterized. The free radical scavenging assay results showed that complex 1 possesses significant activity when compared to complexes 2 and 3. The biological studies showed that the ligand and its complexes exhibited significant and different biological activities and also the prepared compounds are nonmutagenic. They may be potential commercial antioxidants because of their nonmutagenic and nontoxic nature. The DNA interaction of the new complexes is evaluated by absorption, emission, and melting temperature methods, and the results suggested that the binding affinity of the complexes increases with the presence of planar ligand in the molecule. The nickel (II) complexes with planar phenanthroline bases show moderate DNA binding and cleavage ability.
Dodonaea viscosavar.angustifoliaInhibits Germ Tube and Biofilm Formation byC. albicans
Authors: Naicker Serisha Devi , Patel Mrudula
Published: October 2013

The virulence factors ofCandida albicansare germ tube and biofilm formation, adherence to host tissues, and production of hydrolytic enzymes. This study investigated the effect ofDodonaea viscosavar.angustifoliaextract on the germ tube and biofilm formation ofC. albicans. Serum containing the three subinhibitory concentrations of leaf extract was inoculated withC. albicans, incubated, and viewed under a light microscope. Number of cells with germ tube was recorded and the results were analysed using Scheffe test for pairwise comparison. Biofilms were grown on coverslips in the presence of plant extracts and processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Planktonic cells were grown in the presence of plant extract for 6 h and processed for electron microscopy (TEM). The crude plant extract significantly (P<0.01) reduced the germ tube formation ofC. albicansat 3.125 (85.36%), 1.56 (61.91%), and 0.78 mg/mL (26.27%) showing a concentration dependent effect. SEM results showed concentration dependent reduction in biofilm and hyphae formation. TEM results showed that the plant extract caused damage to the cell wall and cell membrane. DVA extract has ability to reduce virulence ofC. albicansby inhibiting germ tube and biofilm formation through damage to the cell wall. Therefore, it has therapeutic potential.
Modeling the Antioxidant Capacity of Red Wine from Different Production Years and Sources under Censoring
Authors: Jäntschi Lorentz , Sestraş Radu E. , Bolboacă Sorana D.
Published: October 2013

The health benefit of drinking wine, expressed as capacity to defend the human organism from the free radicals action and thus reducing the oxidative stress, has already been demonstrated, and the results had been published in scientific literature. The aim of our study was to develop and assess a model able to estimate the antioxidant capacity (AC) of several samples of Romanian wines and to evaluate the AC dependency on the vintage (defined as the year in which wine was produced) and grape variety under presence of censored data. A contingency of two grape varieties from two different vineyards in Romania and five production years, with some missing experimental data, was used to conduct the analysis. The analysis showed that the antioxidant capacity of the investigated wines is linearly dependent on the vintage. Furthermore, an iterative algorithm was developed and applied to obtain the coefficients of the model and to estimate the missing experimental value. The contribution of wine source to the antioxidant capacity proved equal to 11%.
Colon Targeted Guar Gum Compression Coated Tablets of Flurbiprofen: Formulation, Development, and Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Vemula Sateesh Kumar , Bontha Vijaya Kumar
Published: October 2013

The rationale of the present study is to formulate flurbiprofen colon targeted compression coated tablets using guar gum to improve the therapeutic efficacy by increasing drug levels in colon, and also to reduce the side effects in upper gastrointestinal tract. Direct compression method was used to prepare flurbiprofen core tablets, and they were compression coated with guar gum. Then the tablets were optimized with the support ofin vitrodissolution studies, and further it was proved by pharmacokinetic studies. The optimized formulation (F4) showed almost complete drug release in the colon (99.86%) within 24 h without drug loss in the initial lag period of 5 h (only 6.84% drug release was observed during this period). The pharmacokinetic estimations proved the capability of guar gum compression coated tablets to achieve colon targeting. TheCmaxof colon targeted tablets was 11956.15 ng/mL atTmaxof 10 h whereas it was 15677.52 ng/mL at 3 h in case of immediate release tablets. The area under the curve for the immediate release and compression coated tablets was 40385.78 and 78214.50 ng-h/mL and the mean resident time was 3.49 and 10.78 h, respectively. In conclusion, formulation of guar gum compression coated tablets was appropriate for colon targeting of flurbiprofen.
Zerumbone, a Natural Cyclic Sesquiterpene ofZingiber zerumbetSmith, Attenuates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Hamsters Fed on High-Fat Diet
Authors: Tzeng Thing-Fong , Liou Shorong-Shii , Chang Chia Ju , Liu I-Min
Published: October 2013

We investigated the effects of zerumbone, a natural cyclic sesquiterpene, on hepatic lipid metabolism in Syrian golden hamsters fed on high-fat diet (HFD). After being fed HFD for 2 weeks, hamsters were dosed orally with zerumbone (75, 150, and 300 mg kg−1) once daily for 8 weeks. After treatment with zerumbone, the plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TGs) and the contents of TC and TG in hepatic tissue as well as homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were lowered, especially in the zerumbone-treated group (300 mg kg−1). Moreover, the histological evaluation of liver specimens demonstrated that the steatosis and inflammation in liver of zerumbone-treated groups were improved. Zerumbone exhibited the ability to decrease hepatic mRNA levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c and its lipogenic target genes, such as fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1. The hepatic mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorα, together with its target genes including carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1, acyl-CoA oxidase, and acyl-CoA oxidase 1, was also upregulated by zerumbone. In conclusion, zerumbone improves insulin sensitivity, decreases lipogenesis, and increases lipid oxidation in the liver of HFD-fed hamsters, implying a potential application in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Dynamic Properties and Fatigue Life of Stone Mastic Asphalt Mixtures Reinforced with Waste Tyre Rubber
Authors: Mashaan Nuha Salim , Ali Asim H. , Koting Suhana , Karim Mohamed Rehan
Published: October 2013

Today, virgin polymer modified asphalt mixes are comparatively more expensive for road pavement. One way to reduce the expense of such construction and to make it more convenient is the application of inexpensive polymer, such as waste polymer. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adding waste tyre rubber (crumb rubber modifier (CRM)) on the stiffness and fatigue properties of stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixtures. Various percentages of waste CRM with size of 0.60 mm were added to SMA mixtures. Indirect tensile stiffness modulus test was conducted at temperatures of 5, 25, and 40°C. Indirect tensile fatigue test was conducted at three different stress levels (2000, 2500, and 3000 N). The results show that the stiffness modulus of reinforced SMA samples containing various contents of CRM is significantly high in comparison with that of nonreinforced samples, and the stiffness modulus of reinforced samples is in fact less severely affected by the increased temperature compared to the nonreinforced samples. Further, the results show that CRM reinforced SMA mixtures exhibit significantly higher fatigue lives compared to the nonreinforced mixtures help in and promotion of sustainable technology by recycling of waste materials in much economical and environmental-friendly manner.