bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aluminum Incorporation in the C–S–H Phase of White Portland Cement–Metakaolin Blends Studied by 27Al and 29Si MAS NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Dai Zhuo , Tran Thuan T. , Skibsted Jørgen
Published: May 2014

The composition and structure of the calcium‐silicate‐hydrate (C–S–H) phases formed by hydration of white portland cement–metakaolin (MK) blends have been investigated using 27Al and 29Si MAS NMR. This includes blends with 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 wt% MK, following their hydration from 1 d to 1 yr. 29Si MAS NMR reveals that the average Al/Si ratio for the C–S–H phases, formed by hydration of the portland cement–MK blends, increases almost linearly with the MK content but is invariant with the hydration time for a given MK content. Correspondingly, the average aluminosilicate chain lengths of the C–S–H increase with increasing MK content, reflecting the formation of a C–S–H with a lower Ca/Si ratio. The increase in Al/Si ratio with increasing MK content is supported by 27Al MAS NMR which also allows detection of strätlingite and fivefold coordinated aluminum, assigned to AlO5 sites in the interlayer of the C–S–H structure. Strätlingite is observed after prolonged hydration for MK substitution levels above 10 wt% MK. This is at a somewhat lower replacement level than expected from thermodynamic considerations which predict the formation of strätlingite for MK contents above 15 wt% after prolonged hydration for the actual portland cement–MK blends. The increase in fivefold coordinated Al with increasing MK content suggests that these sites may contribute to the charge balance of the charge deficit associated with the incorporation of Al3+ ions in the silicate chains of the C–S–H structure.
Combining genetic analyses of archived specimens with distribution modelling to explain the anomalous distribution of the rare lichen Staurolemma omphalarioides: long‐distance dispersal or vicariance?
Authors: Bendiksby Mika , Mazzoni Sabrina , Jørgensen Marte H. , Halvorsen Rune , Holien Håkon
Published: May 2014

Aim

The rare lichen species Staurolemma omphalarioides is known mainly from the lowlands and coastal areas of the Mediterranean region but has also been found in coastal parts of central Norway. Despite extensive search efforts by experts for more than half a century, the species has been found nowhere in the gap. Our aim is to identify the most plausible explanation for this anomalous distribution by combining genetic analysis of archived specimens with distribution modelling.

Location

Europe, western Middle East and North Africa (but mainly the Mediterranean and Atlantic floristic regions).

Methods

We used multi‐locus DNA sequencing of archived specimens and phylogenetic and network analyses to reveal potential genetic lineages within S. omphalarioides. We used georeferenced specimens and bioclimatic variables to model the distributions of the species and two genetic lineages, and to find the main environmental correlates of the distributions.

Results

Our phylogeographical results show that S. omphalarioides contains genetic variation that correlates with geographical distance, although with a few shared haplotypes across disjunct ranges. Distributions of the species as well as the two genetic lineages are non‐random. Distribution models predict occurrences of the species as well as one of its genetic lineages outside the current range of the species.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that neither the species nor its component genetic lineages have reached their potential distributions. Shared haplotypes across disjunct distributions, and absence from regions with suitable refugial habitats along the Atlantic coast of Western Europe, support long‐distance dispersal, rather than vicariance, as the primary cause for the current distribution of the species.
Outcomes of Lead Revision for Myocardial Perforation After Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Placement
Authors: HUANG XIN‐MIAO , FU HAI‐XIA , ZHONG LI , OSBORN MICHAEL J. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. , SINAK LAWRENCE J. , CAO JIANG , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , CHA YONG‐MEI
Published: May 2014

Percutaneous Lead Revision for Cardiac Perforation

Introduction

Cardiac perforation is an infrequent but potentially life‐threatening complication associated with placement of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED). The objective of this study was to determine the outcomes of percutaneous lead revision in patients who had lead perforation of the myocardium after CIED placement.

Methods and Results

We reviewed records of 1,458 patients who underwent CIED lead extraction or repositioning. Of these, 31 (2.1%) had the procedure performed for lead perforation as a complication of CIED placement. Demographic, clinical, and follow‐up characteristics of the patients were analyzed. Mean (SD) patient age was 65 (23) years. Cardiac perforation was detected within 24 hours after implantation in 9 patients, within 1 month in 17, and greater than 1 month in 5. Pericardiocentesis was performed with a pigtail drainage catheter in place before the lead revision in 17 patients (55%) who had pericardial effusion, with or without hemodynamic compromise. All culprit leads were successfully managed with percutaneous lead removal (n = 3 [10%]), new lead placement (n = 12 [38%]), or lead repositioning (n = 16 [52%]). Of the 17 patients with pericardiocentesis before the reoperation, none had tamponade develop; in contrast, 3 of the remaining 14 patients had tamponade develop and required urgent pericardiocentesis. All patients survived without requiring open chest surgery.

Conclusion

Percutaneous removal or repositioning of the perforating lead is feasible and appears effective. Placement of a prophylactic pericardial drain catheter may reduce the incidence of urgent pericardiocentesis during or after a procedure.
Risk of thromboembolism and fatal stroke in patients with psoriasis and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: a Danish nationwide cohort study
Authors: Ahlehoff O. , Gislason G. , Lamberts M. , Folke F. , Lindhardsen J. , Larsen C. T. , Torp‐Pedersen C. , Hansen P. R.
Published: May 2014

Objectives

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with a prothrombotic state and cardiovascular disease, including atrial fibrillation and thromboembolism. We therefore evaluated the impact of psoriasis in patients with atrial fibrillation and the performance of the CHA2DS2VASc score in these patients.

Design, setting and participants

The study comprised all Danish patients hospitalized with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in the period 1997–2011 (n = 99 357). Follow‐up started 7 days from discharge and excluded subjects treated with anticoagulation. Poisson regression adjusted for CHA2DS2VASc score was used to estimate the incidence rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Main outcome measure

Hospitalization or death from thromboembolism.

Results

Mean follow‐up was 3.5, 3.1, and 2.8 years for patients with no psoriasis, mild psoriasis and severe psoriasis, respectively. Patients with psoriasis were younger compared to patients without psoriasis, but CHA2DS2VASc score did not differ between the three groups. Thromboembolism rates per 100 patient‐years (95% confidence intervals) were 4.8 (4.7–4.9), 4.8 (4.2–5.4) and 6.1 (5.0–7.5) for patients with no psoriasis, mild psoriasis and severe psoriasis, respectively. Importantly, the observed thromboembolism rates in patients with severe psoriasis were markedly higher (2.6‐ to3.4‐fold) than predicted by the CHA2DS2VASc score. Relative to no psoriasis, incidence rate ratios were 0.99 (0.87–1.11) and 1.27 (1.02–1.57) for mild and severe psoriasis, respectively. Correspondingly, incidence rate ratios for fatal stroke were 0.97 (0.80–1.12) and 1.51 (1.12–2.05).

Conclusions

In patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation not treated with oral anticoagulation, severe psoriasis was associated with increased risk of thromboembolism. In these patients, CHA2DS2VASc underestimated the risk of thromboembolism.
The Roles of Values, Behavior, and Value‐Behavior Fit in the Relation of Agency and Communion to Well‐Being
Authors: Buchanan Kathryn , Bardi Anat
Published: May 2014

Four studies examined whether agency and communion values, behaviors, or an interaction between values and behaviors (value‐behavior fit) would predict well‐being. In addition, Study 2 examined whether agency and communion goals, behaviors, or goal‐behavior fit would predict well‐being. In all four studies, participants completed online questionnaires containing measures of agency and communion values, behaviors, and well‐being. In Studies 1 and 4, participants were recruited from the general population (respectively, N = 371, Mage = 37.49, and N = 133, Mage = 36.59). In Studies 2 and 3, participants were undergraduate students (respectively, N = 239, Mage = 20.8, and N = 242, Mage = 21.6). All four studies consistently found that agency and communion behaviors were significantly positively correlated with both subjective and psychological well‐being. There was no strong indication that either values were directly associated with well‐being. Neither was there any indication that well‐being was predicted by value‐behavior fit. The implications of these findings for theory and improving well‐being are discussed.
Prescription of opioid and nonopioid analgesics for dental care in emergency departments: Findings from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey
Authors: Okunseri Christopher , Okunseri Elaye , Xiang Qun , Thorpe Joshua M. , Szabo Aniko
Published: May 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine trends and associated factors in the prescription of opioid analgesics, nonopioid analgesics, opioid and nonopioid analgesic combinations, and no analgesics by emergency physicians for nontraumatic dental condition (NTDC)‐related visits. Our secondary aim was to investigate whether race/ethnicity is a possible predictor of receiving a prescription for either type of medication for NTDC visits in emergency departments (EDs) after adjustment for potential covariates.

Methods

We analyzed data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for 1997‐2000 and 2003‐2007, and used multinomial multivariate logistic regression to estimate the probability of receiving a prescription for opioid analgesics, nonopioid analgesics, or a combination of both, compared with receiving no analgesics for NTDC‐related visits.

Results

During 1997‐2000 and 2003‐2007, prescription of opioid analgesics and combinations of opioid and nonopioid analgesics increased, and that of no analgesics decreased over time. The prescription rates for opioid analgesics, nonopioid analgesics, opioid and nonopioid analgesic combinations, and no analgesics for NTDC‐related visits in EDs were 43 percent, 20 percent, 12 percent, and 25 percent, respectively. Majority of patients categorized as having severe pain received prescriptions for opioids for NTDC‐related visits in EDs. After adjusting for covariates, patients with self‐reported dental reasons for visit and severe pain had a significantly higher probability of receiving prescriptions for opioid analgesics and opioid and nonopioid analgesic combinations.

Conclusions

Prescription of opioid analgesics increased over time. ED physicians were more likely to prescribe opioid analgesics and opioid and nonopioid analgesic combinations for NTDC‐related visits with reported severe pain.
Comparison of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Stimulation Test Results Started 2 versus 4 Hours after Trilostane Administration in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Bonadio C.M. , Feldman E.C. , Cohen T.A. , Kass P.H.
Published: May 2014

Background

Trilostane medical treatment of naturally occurring hyperadrenocorticism (NOH) in dogs is common, as is use of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test (ACTHst) in monitoring response to treatment. There is uncertainty regarding when theACTHst should be started relative to time of trilostane administration.

Objective

To compareACTHst results in dogs being treated forNOHwith trilostane when the test is begun 2 versus 4 hours after trilostane administration.

Animals

Twenty‐one privately owned dogs withNOH, each treated with trilostane for at least 30 days.

Methods

Each dog had 2ACTHst completed, 1 started 2 hours and the other 4 hours after trilostane administration. The second test was started no sooner than 46 hours and no later than 74 hours after the first.

Results

For all 21 dogs, the mean post‐ACTHserum cortisol concentration from tests started 2 hours after trilostane administration (5.4 ± 3.7 μg/dL) was significantly lower (P = .03) as compared with results from the tests started 4 hours after administration (6.5 ± 4.5 μg/dL).

Conclusions

Results ofACTHst started at different times yield significantly different results. Dogs withNOH, treated with trilostane, and monitored withACTHst results should have all of their subsequentACTHst tests begun at or about the same time after trilostane administration.
Our 2014 approach to candidaemia
Authors: Koehler Philipp , Tacke Daniela , Cornely Oliver A.
Published: May 2014

Candidaemia remains a relevant challenge in everyday patient care on intensive care units and general wards. Delays to adequate treatment increase mortality rates and institutional standard operating procedures facilitate optimal treatment. A positive blood culture requires immediate treatment. Echinocandins are the first‐line drugs of choice. Indwelling catheters have to be removed if feasible. Daily blood cultures until persistently negative exclude ongoing fungaemia. In case of Candida parapsilosis antifungal therapy should be switched to intravenous fluconazole. After 10 days of intravenous either echinocandin or fluconazole treatment, step‐down to oral application of fluconazole simplifies antifungal therapy. Depending on organ involvement and clinical presentation of the patient antifungal treatment should be continued for at least 14 days after the last positive blood culture. We present our institutional management algorithm for candidaemia which is based on current guidelines and recommendations to improve patient outcome.
Hippocampus and cerebral cortex present a different autophagic response after oxygen and glucose deprivation in an ex vivo rat brain slice model
Authors: Pérez‐Rodríguez Diego , Anuncibay‐Soto Berta , Llorente Irene L. , Pérez‐García Carlos C. , Fernández‐López Arsenio
Published: May 2014

Aims

To evaluate the neuroprotective role of autophagy in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus using an ex vivo animal model of stroke in brain slices.

Methods

Brain slices were maintained for 30 min in oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) followed by 3 h in normoxic conditions to simulate the reperfusion that follows ischaemia in vivo (RL, reperfusion‐like). Phagophore formation (Beclin 1 and LC3B) as well as autophagy flux (p62/SQSTM1, Atg5, Atg7 and polyubiquitin) markers were quantified by Western blot and/or qPCR. The release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutamate in the medium was used as a measure of the mortality in the absence and in the presence of the autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine.

Results

Striking differences in the autophagy markers were observed between the hippocampus and cerebral cortex in normoxic conditions. OGD/RL induced increases both in the phagophore formation and in the autophagy flux in the first three hours in the cerebral cortex that were not observed in the hippocampus. The blocking of autophagy increased the OGD/RL‐induced mortality, increased the glutamate release in both the cerebral cortex and hippocampus and abolished the OGD‐induced decrease in the polyubiquitinated proteins in the cerebral cortex.

Conclusions

We conclude that OGD induces a rapid autophagic response in the cerebral cortex that plays a neuroprotective role. Polyubiquitination levels and control of the glutamate release appear to be involved in the neuroprotective role of autophagy.
Esophageal distension during bolus transport: can it be detected by intraluminal impedance recordings?
Authors: Kim J. H. , Mittal R. K. , Patel N. , Ledgerwood M. , Bhargava V.
Published: May 2014

Background

Esophageal multiple intraluminal impedance (MII) measurement has been used to detect gastro‐esophageal reflux and bolus transport. It is not clear if MII can detect changes in luminal cross sectional area (CSA) during bolus transport. Intraluminal ultrasound (US) images, MII, and high resolution manometry (HRM) were recorded simultaneously to determine temporal relationship between CSA and impedance during esophageal bolus transport and to define the relationship between peak distension and nadir impedance.

Methods

Studies were conducted in five healthy subjects. MII, HRM, and US images were recorded 6 cm above LES. Esophageal distensions were studied during swallows and injections of 0.5 N saline bolus into the esophagus.

Key Results

Temporal change in esophageal CSA correlates with changes in impedance (r‐value: mean ± SD = −0.80 ± 0.08, range: −0.94 to −0.66). Drop in impedance during distension occurs as a two‐step process; initial large drop associated with onset of CSA increase, followed by a small drop during which majority of the CSA increase occurs. Peak CSA and nadir impedance occur within 1 s of each other. Increase in swallow and injection volumes increased the CSA, had no effect on large drop but increased the small drop amplitude. We observed a significant correlation between peak CSA and nadir impedance (r = −0.90, p < 0.001) and a better correlation between peak CSA and inverse impedance (r = 0.94, p < 0.001).

Conclusions & Inferences

Further studies are needed to confirm that intraluminal impedance recordings may be used to measure luminal CSA during esophageal bolus transport.
Distinct subcellular localization of the neuronal marker HuC/D reveals hypoxia‐induced damage in enteric neurons
Authors: Desmet A.‐S. , Cirillo C. , Vanden Berghe P.
Published: May 2014

Background

Correct neuronal identification is essential to study neurons in health and disease. Although commonly used as pan‐neuronal marker, HuC/D's expression pattern varies substantially between healthy and (patho)physiological conditions. This heterogenic labeling has received very little attention. We sought to investigate the subcellular HuC/D localization in enteric neurons in different conditions.

Methods

The localization of neuronal RNA‐binding proteins HuC/D was investigated by immunohistochemistry in the mouse myenteric plexus using different toxins and caustic agents. Preparations were also stained with Sox10 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibodies to assess enteric glial cell appearance.

Key Results

Mechanically induced tissue damage, interference with the respiratory chain and oxygen (O2) deprivation increased nuclear HuC/D immunoreactivity. This effect was paralleled by a distortion of the GFAP‐labeled glial network along with a loss of Sox10 expression and coincided with the activation of a non‐apoptotic genetic program. Chemically induced damage and specific noxious stimuli did not induce a change in HuC/D immunoreactivity, supporting the specific nature of the nuclear HuC/D localization.

Conclusions & Inferences

HuC/D is not merely a pan‐neuronal marker but its subcellular localization also reflects the condition of a neuron at the time of fixation. The functional meaning of this change in HuC/D localization is not entirely clear, but disturbance in O2 supply in combination with the support of enteric glial cells seems to play a crucial role. The molecular consequence of changes in HuC/D expression needs to be further investigated.
AGENCY TERMINATION IN IRELAND: CULLS AND BONFIRES, OR LIFE AFTER DEATH?
Authors: MACCARTHAIGH MUIRIS
Published: May 2014

The termination of state agencies has been a prominent aspect of administrative ‘rationalization’ programmes arising from the Global Financial Crisis. In this article, the frequency and type of agency terminations that have occurred in Ireland post‐2008 are examined in longitudinal perspective. Following a consideration of agency types, the logic of agency rationalization is explored with a focus on the different ways in which agencies are terminated. Drawing on a unique dataset of Irish state agencies over a 90‐year period, the article presents evidence concerning the degree to which terminations over the 2008–11 period differ, if at all, from those that have occurred previously. In concluding, the article proposes that rather than witnessing agency ‘culls’ and ‘bonfires’, there is ‘life after death’ for agencies and their work.
Robust Virtue Epistemology As Anti‐Luck Epistemology: A New Solution
Authors: Carter J. Adam
Published: May 2014

Robust Virtue Epistemology (RVE) maintains that knowledge is achieved just when an agent gets to the truth through, or because of, the manifestation of intellectual virtue or ability. A notorious objection to the view is that the satisfaction of the virtue condition will be insufficient to ensure the safety of the target belief; that is, RVE is no anti‐luck epistemology. Some of the most promising recent attempts to get around this problem are considered and shown to ultimately fail. Finally, a new proposal for defending RVE as a kind of anti‐luck epistemology is defended. The view developed here turns importantly on the idea that knowledge depends on ability and luck in a way that is gradient, not rigid, and that we know just when our cognitive success depends on ability not rather, but more so, than luck.
Comparative Antibacterial Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy and Ultrasonic Irrigation Against Enterococcus faecalis In Vitro
Authors: Wang Yanhuang , Huang Xiaojing
Published: May 2014

Enterococcus faecalis poses a challenge to the efficacy of traditional root canal disinfection methods. This study was aimed to establish a synergistic root canal disinfection strategy combining ultrasonic irrigation with photodynamic therapy (PDT) together and to test its antibacterial efficacy against E. faecalis. Twenty‐seven bovine root canals infected with E. faecalis were randomly divided into three groups and treated with different disinfection methods as follows: ultrasonic irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl, methylene blue (MB)‐mediated PDT, or combined ultrasonic irrigation and PDT as described above. Quantification of E. faecalis was performed on the root canals before and immediately after the disinfection treatment. Residual bacteria were determined by counting colony‐forming units. Samples were randomly selected from the three groups, and the morphology of residual bacteria inside the dentinal tubules was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The number of surviving E. faecalis in the group treated with the combination method was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those in the ultrasonic irrigation‐treated or PDT‐treated groups. Similar results were found in the morphological studies of the three groups. The results of our study highlighted the importance of combination of ultrasonic irrigation and PDT to produce significant antibacterial efficacy against E. faecalis during root canal disinfection.
Microwave ablation of a large renal aspergilloma
Authors: Waller S. , Raglow Z. , Lemons S. , Johnson P. , Eid A. , Schmitt T. , Smothers J. , O'Neil M. , Gilroy R.
Published: May 2014

Increasing numbers of immunocompromised patients have led to a corresponding rise in the incidence of invasiveAspergillusinfections. Despite advances in antifungal therapy coupled with reduction in immunosuppression, invasive aspergillosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although surgical debulking has proven effective in difficult‐to‐treat cases, patient comorbidities may prevent such intervention. Non‐invasive alternatives to surgery are needed. Microwave ablation has many advantages over other ablative techniques, including convection profile, faster heating time, and higher intra‐lesion temperatures, which may be associated with greater therapeutic efficacy. We report a case of microwave ablation as an adjunct to medical therapy in angioinvasive renal aspergilloma.
Epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in central Amazonia: a comparison of sex‐biased incidence among rural settlers and field biologists
Authors: Soares Letícia , Abad‐Franch Fernando , Ferraz Gonçalo
Published: May 2014

Objective

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is more frequently reported in men than in women; this may be due to male‐biased exposure to CL vectors, female‐biased resistance against the disease or both. We sought to determine whether gender‐specific exposure to vector habitats explains male‐biased CL incidence in two human populations of central Amazonia.

Methods

We compared the CL incidence in one population of field researchers (N = 166), with similar exposure for males and females, and one population of rural settlers (N = 646), where exposure is overall male‐biased. We used a combination of questionnaires and clinical data to quantify CL cases, and modelled disease incidence in a Bayesian framework.

Results

There was a moderately higher incidence of CL among men than among women in both populations, but male bias decreased as exposure time increased. Disease incidence was overall higher among field researchers, suggesting that they are an important but understudied CL risk group.

Conclusion

Our comparison of two contrasting populations provided epidemiological evidence that CL incidence can be male‐biased even when exposure is comparable in both sexes.
Profiling of extensively diversified plant LINEs reveals distinct plant‐specific subclades
Authors: Heitkam Tony , Holtgräwe Daniela , Dohm Juliane C. , Minoche André E. , Himmelbauer Heinz , Weisshaar Bernd , Schmidt Thomas
Published: May 2014

A large fraction of eukaryotic genomes is made up of long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs). Due to their capability to create novel copies via error‐prone reverse transcription, they generate multiple families and reach high copy numbers. Although mammalian LINEs have been well described, plant LINEs have been only poorly investigated. Here, we present a systematic cross‐species survey of LINEs in higher plant genomes shedding light on plant LINE evolution as well as diversity, and facilitating their annotation in genome projects. Applying a Hidden Markov Model (HMM)‐based analysis, 59 390 intact LINE reverse transcriptases (RTs) were extracted from 23 plant genomes. These fall in only two out of 28 LINE clades (L1 and RTE) known in eukaryotes. While plant RTE LINEs are highly homogenous and mostly constitute only a single family per genome, plant L1 LINEs are extremely diverse and form numerous families. Despite their heterogeneity, all members across the 23 species fall into only seven L1 subclades, some of them defined here. Exemplarily focusing on the L1 LINEs of a basal reference plant genome (Beta vulgaris), we show that the subclade classification level does not only reflect RT sequence similarity, but also mirrors structural aspects of complete LINE retrotransposons, like element size, position and type of encoded enzymatic domains. Our comprehensive catalogue of plant LINE RTs serves the classification of highly diverse plant LINEs, while the provided subclade‐specific HMMs facilitate their annotation.
Gardner's syndrome, a rare combination in surgical practice
Authors: Sahoo Manash Ranjan , Nayak Anil Kumar , Pattanaik Akshapada , Gowda Manoj S
Published: May 2014

A 45-year-old man presented to the emergency ward with features of intestinal obstruction of 2 days duration. On admission, there was abdominal distension and multiple sessile polyps found on digital rectal examination. In addition, a soft tissue swelling near the elbow and a bony swelling over scalp were noted. Abdominal radiography revealed gaseous distension of the small and large bowel, and ultrasound revealed diffuse, gas-filled bowel with sluggish peristalsis. The obstruction failed to resolve with conservative measures and at emergency laparotomy an irregular hard recto-sigmoid junction mass was identified. A defunctioning transverse loop colostomy was undertaken and the abdomen closed. During recovery, a colonoscopy was performed and a malignant appearing lesion was identified 15 cm proximal to the anal verge. Further per-stomal colonoscopy revealed multiple sessile polyps from the ileo-caecal valve to the descending colon. The cutaneous and abdominal findings were consistent with a rare acute presentation of Gardner's syndrome.
Vertebral artery thrombosis: a rare presentation of primary polycythaemia
Authors: Gul H L , Lau S Y M , Chan-Lam D , Ng J-P
Published: May 2014

Primary polycythaemia, also known as polycythaemia vera (PV), is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) which is associated with arterial and venous thrombosis and which can contribute to significant morbidity and mortality if untreated. Arterial thrombosis accounts for a large proportion of PV-related thrombotic events which may manifest as stroke and myocardial infarction. There is an abundance of literature documenting thrombosis arising in the cerebral vasculature secondary to PV. However, vertebral artery thrombosis associated with PV has not been previously described. We present a case of vertebral artery thrombosis as the presenting manifestation of PV. This case demonstrates the importance of recognising MPNs as a cause of an unusual presentation of thrombosis.
Unusual radial nerve injury by a locking compression plate for humerus fracture
Authors: Kinaci Ahmet , Kloen Peter , Videler Annemieke , Kreulen Mick
Published: May 2014

The management of primary and secondary radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fractures is still controversial. Radial nerve function is likely to return spontaneously after primary as well as secondary radial nerve palsy in the absence of any level of neurotmesis. Identification and protection of the radial nerve during surgery may prevent secondary nerve palsy, but is not always performed and depends on the location of the fracture, and the experience and preference of the surgeon. We report a case of a healthy 40-year-old woman, referred to our hospital with a complete radial nerve palsy and a failed plate fixation of a right humeral shaft fracture. During exploration of the radial nerve and surgical revision of the fracture, we found the nerve entrapped by the plate and partially transected by a screw. Full recovery of radial nerve function occurred after neurolysis and microscopic neurorrhaphy.
Cholecystocutaneous fistula: an unusual complication of a para-umbilical hernia repair
Authors: Dixon Steven , Sharma Mitesh , Holtham Stephen
Published: May 2014

This case describes a 94-year-old woman who presented 2 years postsutured para-umbilical hernia repair with a painful black lump protruding through her scar with blood stained discharge. This was initially thought to be either ischaemic bowel secondary to strangulated incisional hernia or a large organised haematoma. An urgent CT scan was performed following which the patient passed two large calculi and bile-stained fluid spontaneously through the wound, making the diagnosis somewhat clearer. The scan revealed an incisional hernia containing the gallbladder and two large calculi at the skin surface and an incidental large caecal cancer with surrounding lymphadenopathy. Frail health and the incidental finding of a colon cancer rendered invasive surgical management inappropriate. Therefore, she was managed conservatively with antibiotics. A catheter was inserted into the fistula tract to allow free drainage and alleviate pressure-related symptoms. The patient was discharged following a multidisciplinary team discussion.
Uncontrolled asthma and recurring pulmonary opacities: just asthma?
Authors: Davidsen Jesper Rømhild , Madsen Poul Henning , Laursen Christian B
Published: May 2014

In asthma, when comorbidities and common causes of poor control have been considered and treated, the clinician may speculate, ‘Is it all asthma?’. In patients with uncontrolled atopic asthma with recurring episodes of symptoms mimicking pneumonia, the suspicion of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) should remain high. ABPA is caused by a complex immunological hypersensitivity reaction to colonisation withAspergillus fumigatusin the bronchial tree, and is characterised by the presence of atopic asthma, blood eosinophilia, migrating pulmonary opacities and potential bronchiectasis. This case report describes a delay in diagnosing ABPA which was imitating pneumonia. The clinician should pay increased attention to ABPA and test for this in patients with uncontrolled asthma with an ongoing requirement for oral corticosteroids and/or antibiotics and with pulmonary opacities on chest imaging.
Symmetrical peripheral gangrene due toPlasmodium falciparummalaria
Authors: Abdali Nasar , Malik Azharuddin Mohammed , Kamal Athar , Ahmad Mehtab
Published: May 2014

A 45-year-old man presented with a 4-day history of high-grade fever with rigours and a 2-day history of painful bluish black discolouration of extremities (acrocyanosis). He was haemodynamically stable and all peripheral pulses palpable, but the extremities were cold with gangrene involving bilateral fingers and toes. Mild splenomegaly was present on abdominal examination but rest of the physical examinations were normal. On investigating he was found to have anaemia, thrombocytopaenia with gametocytes ofPlasmodium falciparumon peripheral blood smear. His blood was uncoagulable during performance of prothrombin time with a raised D-dimer. Oxygen saturation was normal and the arterial Doppler test showed reduced blood flow to the extremities. A diagnosis of complicatedP. falciparummalaria with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) leading to symmetrical peripheral gangrene was performed. Artemisinin combination therapy was started and heparin was given for DIC. A final line of demarcation of gangrene started forming by 12th day.
Clavariadelphus pakistanicus sp. nov., a new club fungus (Basidiomycota: Gomphales) from Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan
Authors: Hanif Muhammad , Khalid Abdul Nasir , Exeter Ronald L.
Published: May 2014

A new club fungus, Clavariadelphus pakistanicus sp. nov. included within genus Clavariadelphus Donk and section Clavariadelphus, is described from the Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan. Clavariadelphus pakistanicus is characterized by its solitary growth habit, clavate to subcylindrical gray–orange to orange–white longitudinally rugose to rugulose basidiocarps with broadly ellipsoid smooth basidiospores measuring 7.5–9.2 μm × 4.0–5.6 μm, and a dense white rhizomorphic mat. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA cluster C. pakistanicus, Clavariadelphus sachalinensis (S. Imai) Corner, and Clavariadelphus truncatus (Quél.) Donk as sister clades.
Choking conditions inside plunging flow dropshafts
Authors: Camino G. Adriana , Rajaratnam Nallamuthu , Zhu David Z.
Published: May 2014

Severe rain events can subject our existing drainage systems to capacity. While the conveyance capacity of sewers can be increased by temporarily tolerating a full pipe flow condition, the complex dynamics of water–air mixture occurring in vertical dropshafts can largely restrict the overall conveyance capacity of drainage systems. In this study, the hydraulic performance of plunging flow dropshafts is investigated experimentally with respect to their conveyance capacity. The model dropshaft consisted of an upstream horizontal inflow pipe, a vertical circular shaft, and an outflow pipe discharging to the atmosphere. Five setups were built with Ds/Difrom 1.0 to 3.0 for the range of drop heights H/Ds= 3.0 to 21.0, where Diis the inlet pipe diameter, Dsthe shaft diameter, and H the drop height. A wide range of discharges up to Q* = 25 was tested, where Q* = Q/(gDi5)(1/2). Flow patterns recognized within the shaft (free flow, surface roller, plug flow, slug flow, and full pipe flow) help to assess the two stages of choking: the incipient and fully choked state. Criteria to predict choking occurrences were developed experimentally. The flow is considered to reach its conveyance capacity when an incipient choking state is visible. For a typical dropshaft with Ds/Di= 2, Q* was found to be approximately 5.
Protective role of thymoquinone against liver damage induced by tamoxifen in female rats
Authors: Suddek Ghada M.
Published: May 2014

One of the major reasons for terminating a clinical trial is the liver toxicity induced by chemotherapy. Tamoxifen (TAM) is an anti-estrogen used in the treatment and prevention of hormone-dependent breast cancer. Tamoxifen therapy may cause hepatic injury. The seeds of Nigella sativa, which contain the active ingredient thymoquinone (TQ), have been used in folk medicine for diverse ailments. TQ is reported to possess anticancer and hepatoprotective effects. In this study, the protective effects of TQ against TAM-induced hepatotoxicity in female rats were evaluated. Four groups of rats were used: control; TAM; TQ; TAM+TQ. TAM (45 mg·(kg body mass)–1·day–1, by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.), for 10 consecutive days) resulted in elevated serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, and gamma glutamyl transferase, as well as depletion of reduced glutathione in the liver and accumulation of lipid peroxides. Also, TAM treatment inhibited the hepatic activity of superoxide dismutase. Further, it raised the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha in the liver and induced histopathological changes. Pretreatment with TQ (50 mg·(kg body mass)–1·day–1; orally, for 20 consecutive days, starting 10 days before TAM injection) significantly prevented the elevation in serum activity of the assessed enzymes. TQ significantly inhibited TAM-induced hepatic GSH depletion and LPO accumulation. Consistently, TQ normalized the activity of SOD, inhibited the rise in TNF-α and ameliorated the histopathological changes. In conclusion, TQ protects against TAM-induced hepatotoxicity.
Vertex-algebraic structure of principal subspaces of standard $A^{(2)}_2$-modules, I
Authors: Calinescu C. , Lepowsky J. , Milas A.
Published: May 2014

Extending earlier work of the authors, this is the first in a series of papers devoted to the vertex-algebraic structure of principal subspaces of standard modules for twisted affine Kac–Moody algebras. In this part, we develop the necessary theory of principal subspaces for the affine Lie algebra [Formula: see text], which we expect can be extended to higher rank algebras. As a "test case", we consider the principal subspace of the basic [Formula: see text]-module and explore its structure in depth.
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP IN THE DAOIST FRAMEWORK
Authors: DIMOVSKI VLADO , PENGER SANDRA , PETERLIN JUDITA , UHAN MIHA
Published: May 2014

By embracing creativity and innovation, an entrepreneur's products or services can bring about business growth, productivity improvement, job and wealth creation, an enhanced image for the economy, and ultimately a better quality of life for all. As such, entrepreneurs are an extremely important part of the global economy and of society as a whole. However, as small founder-driven companies tend to grow into larger organisations, the issue of leadership soon becomes of vital importance. In this paper, we discuss a two-phase entrepreneurial leadership model, presenting the challenges entrepreneurs have to meet for a successful transition from phase one of formative growth into phase two of institutional growth. Quoting chapters from the Daodejing, we provide a Daoist framework of entrepreneurial leadership as a response to these challenges and as an alternative to the traditional Confucian and Legalist frameworks. We especially emphasise the concepts of wei wu wei, zi ran, and wateristic leadership personality within the article.
MANAGERS CAN ALSO RESIST CHANGES — CAN WE DEAL WITH THIS? AN EXPLORATORY STUDY FROM JAPAN
Authors: VASZKUN BALÁZS
Published: May 2014

Japan is going through a transformation, yet it is difficult to judge which model should be chosen as a direction to go in with corporate reforms. Badly needed initiatives seeking to replace outdated managerial habits by new best practices in Japanese firms are being jeopardized by organizational members whose goal is to maintain the status quo — in terms of both political power and everyday work routines. Yet managerial habits and behaviours need to change if Japanese firms are to be entrepreneurial and innovative. According to institutionalism, blocking new initiatives is normal, and societal support is needed for major reform attempts. The focus of this paper is to shed light on how society in Japan is divided when it comes to large firms altering practices with which they have been traditionally managed. Our proposition is that complex, multi-element reform packages — having a potentially opposing dominant coalition, which is the case of Japan — ought to be implemented following a well-defined, prioritized listing of elements. After examining an attitude survey carried out in Japan, our findings revealed two clusters with a particularly high level of support for traditional management. Moreover, out of the two, one appeared to be extremely passive and resistant to any sort of change. In order to fight general resistance and reform outdated practices, our survey shows that Japan could move further towards a system compensating performance rather than seniority and giving more chance to women, discarding mass-recruitment, slow promotion whilst also maintaining the most deeply-rooted traditional values such as job security, paternalism or harmony in corporate life.
A sum formula of multiple L-values
Authors: Yamamoto Shuji
Published: May 2014

We prove an alternating sum formula of certain multiple L-values conjectured by Essouabri, Matsumoto and Tsumura, which generalizes the sum formula of multiple zeta values. The proof relies on the method of partial fraction decomposition.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Agaricus sylvaticus Schaeffer on Glycemia and Cholesterol after Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetes in Rats
Authors: Mascaro Marcelo Betti , França Cristiane Miranda , Esquerdo Kamilla F. , Lara Marx A. N. , Wadt Nilsa S. Y. , Bach Erna E.
Published: May 2014

This study evaluated the effect of the Agaricus sylvaticus (sun mushroom) on biochemical tests of the plasma and on the morphology of the pancreas in an experimental model of type I diabetes mellitus (DM1) induced by streptozotocin. One gram of dry A. sylvaticus was homogenized and mixed with the chow. Male Wistar rats were allocated as follows: normoglycemic control that received commercial chow; normoglycemic control group that received chow with A. sylvaticus; diabetic group that received commercial chow; and diabetic group that received chow with A. sylvaticus. Weight, food, and water consumption were measured every two days. Blood glucose levels were measured twice a week. After 30 days, the animals were euthanized and blood was collected for the analysis of cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, blood sugar, glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase, iron, transferrin, and urea. The pancreas was processed for microscopic analysis. A. sylvaticus modulated the levels of cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, blood sugar, GPT, alkaline phosphatase, iron, transferrin, and urea to levels similar to those found in the controls and led to compensatory hyperplasia of the islets of Langerhans. A. sylvaticus is potentially beneficial in the control of type 1 diabetes, and it may also prevent pancreas damage.
A White-Light-Emitting Small Molecule: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Optical Properties
Authors: Fang Sin-Kai , Tsai Hsing-Yang , Hu Jiun-Wei , Chen Kew-Yu
Published: May 2014

A white-light-emitting small molecule (1) was synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound1undergoes an excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction, resulting in a tautomer that is in equilibrium with the normal species and exhibiting a dual emission that covers almost all of the visible spectrum, and consequently generates white light. Furthermore, the geometric structures, the frontier molecular orbitals (MOs), and the potential energy curves for1in the ground and the first singlet excited state were fully rationalized by density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations. The results show that the forward ESIPT and backward ESIPT may happen on the same timescale, enabling the excited-state equilibrium to be established.
Triple Hierarchical Variational Inequalities with Constraints of Mixed Equilibria, Variational Inequalities, Convex Minimization, and Hierarchical Fixed Point Problems
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Liao Cheng-Wen , Pang Chin-Tzong , Wen Ching-Feng
Published: May 2014

We introduce and analyze a hybrid iterative algorithm by virtue of Korpelevich's extragradient method, viscosity approximation method, hybrid steepest-descent method, and averaged mapping approach to the gradient-projection algorithm. It is proven that under appropriate assumptions, the proposed algorithm converges strongly to a common element of the fixed point set of infinitely many nonexpansive mappings, the solution set of finitely many generalized mixed equilibrium problems (GMEPs), the solution set of finitely many variational inequality problems (VIPs), the solution set of general system of variational inequalities (GSVI), and the set of minimizers of convex minimization problem (CMP), which is just a unique solution of a triple hierarchical variational inequality (THVI) in a real Hilbert space. In addition, we also consider the application of the proposed algorithm to solve a hierarchical fixed point problem with constraints of finitely many GMEPs, finitely many VIPs, GSVI, and CMP. The results obtained in this paper improve and extend the corresponding results announced by many others.
A Multicentre Randomized Clinical Trial on Efficacy and Safety of Huxin Formula in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Wu Huan-Lin , Wang Yun-Fei , Li Jun-Zhe , Zhang Min-Zhou , Sheng Xiao-Gang , Wang Xia , Li Song , Chen Qiu-Xiong , Li Xiao-Qing , Ou Ai-hua , Ruan Xin-Min
Published: May 2014

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is widely used in clinical treatment of coronary artery disease. However, the effects of PCI on preventing restenosis after revascularization and improving the quality of life were not satisfying. Huxin Formula is formulated by modifying an experienced Chinese medicine formula and has been widely used in clinical practice due to its marked effects on coronary heart disease. A multicentre double‐blind randomized controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effects and safety of Huxin Formula in patients undergoing PCI. Our results showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in main outcomes. For patients with ejection fraction (EF) >50%, score of the quality of life scale was higher in treatment group compared with control group. For patients with unstable angina, score of the quality of life scale in 360 days was significantly higher in treatment group compared with control group (P < 0.05). No obvious adverse reaction was found in the use of Huxin Formula. In conclusion, Huxin Formula, believed to be a safe treatment for patients after PCI, has benefits in improving the quality of life in patients with unstable angina though it failed to show superiority in primary and secondary outcomes.
Robust Adaptive Filter for Small Satellite Attitude Estimation Based on Magnetometer and Gyro
Authors: Zeng Zhankui , Zhang Shijie , Xing Yanjun , Cao Xibin
Published: May 2014

Based on magnetometer and gyro measurement, a sequential scheme is proposed to determine the orbit and attitude of small satellite simultaneously. In order to reduce the impact of orbital errors on attitude estimation, a robust adaptive Kalman filter is developed. It uses a scale factor and an adaptive factor, which are constructed by Huber function and innovation sequence, respectively, to adjust the covariance matrix of system state and observational noise, change the weights of predicted and measured parameters, get suitable Kalman filter gain and approximate optimal filtering results. Numerical simulations are carried out and the proposed filter is approved to be robust for the noise disturbance and parameter uncertainty and can provide higher accuracy attitude estimation.