bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Becton Dickinson Plain and Serum Separator Tubes in Measurement of 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) by HPLC and Immunoassay Methods
Authors: Borai Anwar , Bahijri Suhad , Livingstone Callum , Nawajha Mustafa , Bawazeer Ali , Baarmah Ziad , Shanaa Ahmed , Kadam Ibrahim , Abdelaal Mohamed
Published: October 2014

Background

The accuracy of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) measurement on specimens collected into serum separator tubes (SSTs) has been questioned because of possible interference by the gel. Possible interference was investigated in SSTs from Becton Dickinson (BD).

Design and methods

Blood specimens were collected simultaneously from 50 normal subjects into plain tubes and SSTs. 25OHD3 was assayed on serum using high performance liquid chromatography (Chromsystems), and Architect (Abbott) and Liaison (Diasorin) immunoassays.

Results

There were no significant differences between 25OHD3 results (means ± SE, nmol/l) obtained from specimens collected into plain tubes and SSTs assayed by HPLC (39.0 ± 2.7 vs. 39.3 ± 2.7), Liaison (32.9 ± 2.2 vs. 32.8 ± 2.3), or Architect (43.1 ± 2.8 vs. 43.2 ± 2.8). In specimens collected into plain tubes and SSTs, 25OHD3 measurements by HPLC correlated significantly (P < 0.0001) with those from the Architect (r = 0.895, r = 0.908) and Liaison (r = 0.907, r = 0.913), respectively.

Conclusions

The gel in SSTs (BD) does not interfere with the measurement of 25OHD3 by HPLC or common immunoassays. This important finding may enable clinical laboratories to make cost savings by using SSTs without concerns about inaccuracy.
From Old to New: Polymers from Mono‐α‐Alkylated N‐vinylcaprolactam
Authors: Schönenberg Lisa , Ritter Helmut
Published: October 2014

N‐vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) is modified via alkylation at the α‐position. The α‐substituents are ethyl (3‐ethyl‐1‐vinylcaprolactam), dodecyl (3‐dodecyl‐1‐vinylcaprolactam), octadecyl (3‐octadecyl‐1‐vinylcaprolactam), 1‐propanol (3‐(3‐hydro­xy‐propyl)‐1‐vinylcaprolactam), and PEG3 bromide (3‐PEG3‐bromide‐1‐vinylcaprolactam). These monomers are homo‐ and copolymerized with N‐(4‐methylphenyl)­maleimide by the free radical mechanism. The structures of the obtained polymers are characterized by means of 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and by use of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) (Tg).

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The Interaction Between Amphiphilic Polymer Materials and Guest Molecules: Selective Adsorption and Its Related Applications
Authors: Yu Bing , Jiang Xuesong , Yin Jie
Published: October 2014

The interaction between amphiphilic polymer materials and molecules such as drugs, proteins, and DNA plays one of the key roles for the applications in separation, delivery of drugs, biosensors, and tissue engineering. Thus, the fundamental investigation of this interaction is necessary before some polymer materials can be designed for practical applications. Here, various factors are discussed to determine the interactions between amphiphilic polymer materials and guest molecules. Based on this fundamental understanding, a series of amphiphilic polymer materials with selective adsorption to guest molecules has been developed and widely used for applications in smart separation, temporally controlled release, and patterning of guest molecules, such as dyes, drugs, and proteins.

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Development of a New De Novo Design Algorithm for Exploring Chemical Space
Authors: Mishima Kazuaki , Kaneko Hiromasa , Funatsu Kimito
Published: October 2014

In the first stage of development of new drugs, various lead compounds with high activity are required. To design such compounds, we focus on chemical space defined by structural descriptors. New compounds close to areas where highly active compounds exist will show the same degree of activity. We have developed a new de novo design system to search a target area in chemical space. First, highly active compounds are manually selected as initial seeds. Then, the seeds are entered into our system, and structures slightly different from the seeds are generated and pooled. Next, seeds are selected from the new structure pool based on the distance from target coordinates on the map. To test the algorithm, we used two datasets of ligand binding affinity and showed that the proposed generator could produce diverse virtual compounds that had high activity in docking simulations.
Spurengasen in der Luft folgen
Authors: Koppmann Ralf , Bremer Dirk , Rose Bernd
Published: October 2014

Die Messung von flüchtigen organischen Verbindungen in der Atmosphäre erfordert die Anreicherung der Analyten aus bis zu 100 Litern Luft.
Wasserstoff, chemisch gespeichert
Authors: Papp Christian , Wasserscheid Peter , Libuda Jörg , Steinrück Hans‐Peter
Published: October 2014

Ein Ansatz, Energie chemisch zu speichern, sind flüssige organische Wasserstoffträger. Die Oberflächenforschung leistet Beiträge zum mechanistischen Verständnis der katalytischen Wasserstofffreisetzung und zieht Schlussfolgerungen für die praktische Anwendung solcher Techniken.
Top 200 Pharmawirkstoffe
Authors: Weber Fabian , Sedelmeier Gottfried
Published: October 2014

Für das Jahr 2013 gibt es ein neues Poster mit den 200 umsatzstärksten Pharmawirkstoffen. Ihre Reihenfolge unterscheidet sich von der im Jahr 2011, Diabetes‐Medikamente nehmen zu.
Erträge der europäischen Chemie: das Beispiel Wacker
Authors: Schorsch Gilbert
Published: October 2014

Eine vergleichende Interpretation von Unternehmenskennzahlen ist wegen unterschiedlicher Situationen in verschiedenen Ländern schwierig. Der Blick auf ein einzelnes Unternehmen wie Wacker scheint dagegen aufschlussreich.
Circulating levels of maternal plasma cell‐free miR‐21 are associated with maternal body mass index and neonatal birth weight
Authors: Miura Kiyonori , Higashijima Ai , Hasegawa Yuri , Abe Shuhei , Miura Shoko , Kaneuchi Masanori , Yoshiura Koh‐ichiro , Masuzaki Hideaki
Published: October 2014

What's already known about this topic?

Circulating cell‐free microRNA levels in maternal plasma are measurable.

Circulating levels of some microRNAs are associated with pregnancy‐associated disorders.

What does this study add?

Cell‐free miR‐21 levels in maternal plasma are independent of fetal gender.

Neonatal birth weight affects plasma cell‐free miR‐21 levels.

Maternal body mass index affects plasma cell‐free miR‐21 levels.
Fetal diagnosis of testicular torsion: what shall we tell the parents?
Authors: Melcer Y. , Mendlovic S. , Klin B. , Keidar R. , Lysyy O. , Herman A. , Maymon R.
Published: October 2014

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to present our collective experience with the prenatal diagnosis of testicular torsion and to propose a possible prenatal management scheme.

Methods

We retrospectively collected and reviewed all medical records of cases that were diagnosed with perinatal testicular torsion in our medical center between the years 2002 and 2013. Prenatal torsion was categorized as torsion diagnosed in utero or on immediate newborn examination.

Results

A total of five unilateral prenatal torsions were diagnosed. Two fetuses were diagnosed in the third trimester of pregnancy. In both cases, cesarean section was performed immediately upon diagnosis. One newborn underwent immediate orchiectomy with contralateral orchiopexy. Torsion was confirmed by pathological examination. The other was managed conservatively, just as the three newborns who were diagnosed immediately after birth. On follow‐up scan, the affected testicle was found atrophied with lack of blood flow on color Doppler examination. The unaffected contralateral testicle remained within the normal size with good blood flow.

Conclusions

Prenatal diagnosis of unilateral testicular torsion is a coincidental rare finding. Because the twisted testicle cannot be salvaged, induced delivery and prompt surgery are not recommended. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and dynamics in unsymmetrically substituted five‐coordinate iridacyclopentadiene complexes
Authors: Baldridge Kim K. , Siegel Jay S. , O'Connor Joseph M.
Published: October 2014

The structure and dynamics of five‐coordinate iridacyclopentadiene–chlorido and –hydrido complexes of the form [(PH3)2Ir(CY = CYCY′ = CY′)X] (X = Cl or H and Y = F and/or H) are investigated by M06‐2X/Def2‐TZVPP density functional theory computation. For the symmetrically substituted ring systems (Y = Y′ = H and Y = Y′ = F) the minimum energy chlorido structures are Y‐shaped trigonal bipyramids; whereas the hydrido complexes favor a T‐structure. Both the symmetrically and unsymmetrically (Y = H, Y′ = F) substituted hydrido complexes exhibit double well potentials for the hydrido ligand wag motion within the metallacycle ring plane, the depths of the well depending on the degree of steric, and electronic interactions within the particular constitutional isomer. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rigour and rigidity: Systematics on particle physics D6‐brane models on ℤ2 × ℤ6
Authors: Ecker J. , Honecker G. , Staessens W.
Published: October 2014

We launch a systematic search for phenomenologically appealing string vacua with intersecting D‐branes on the promising T6/(ℤ2 × ℤ6 × Ω ℛ) orientifold with discrete torsion. The number of independent background lattices is reduced from six to two by new symmetries. The occurrence of USp(2N) and SO(2N) versus U(N) gauge groups is classified as well as D‐branes without matter in the adjoint and/or symmetric representation. Supersymmetric fractional D6‐branes allowing for RR tadpole cancellation are fully classified in terms of all possible values of the one complex structure modulus inherited from the underlying six‐torus. We then systematically investigate the conditions for three particle generations at pairwise intersections of two D6‐branes. Global SU(5) GUT models on T6/(ℤ2 × ℤ6 × Ω ℛ) are excluded by demanding three generations and no exotic matter in the 15 representation. Two prototypes of global Pati‐Salam models with a mild amount of vector‐like exotic matter are found.
A Review of the Receptor Binding and Pharmacological Effects of N‐methyltyramine
Authors: Stohs Sidney J. , Hartman Michael J.
Published: October 2014

N‐methyltyramine (NMT) is a protoalkaloid isolated from various plant species. It is assumed that NMT is an adrenergic agonist with pharmacological properties similar to other structurally related biogenic amines. Current research studies indicate that NMT is an α‐adrenoreceptor antagonist, and exhibits modest inhibitory (antagonistic) activity with respect to the breakdown of fats (lipolysis). Furthermore, NMT has been shown to enhance appetite and digestion of foods through its stimulatory effects on gastrin and pancreatic secretions. As a consequence, NMT is not an ingredient that should be used in dietary supplements designed to promote weight loss. It may result in an increase in perceived energy by promoting appetite and the digestion and absorption of nutrients while inhibiting the breakdown to fats to energy. Copyright © 2014 The Authors Phytotheraphy Research Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoscale investigation on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formed on porous silicon using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Kannan Ashwin , Karumanchi Subbalakshmi Latha , Krishna Vinatha , Thiruvengadam Kothai , Ramalingam Subramaniam , Gautam Pennathur
Published: October 2014

Colonization of surfaces by bacterial cells results in the formation of biofilms. There is a need to study the factors that are important for formation of biofilms since biofilms have been implicated in the failure of semiconductor devices and implants. In the present study, the adhesion force of biofilms (formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa) on porous silicon substrates of varying surface roughness was quantified using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The experiments were carried out to quantify the effect of surface roughness on the adhesion force of biofilm. The results show that the adhesion force increased from 1.5 ± 0.5 to 13.2 ± 0.9 nN with increase in the surface roughness of silicon substrate. The results suggest that the adhesion force of biofilm is affected by surface roughness of substrate. SCANNING 36:551–553, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Nature of Experiences Responsible for the Generation and Maintenance of Interest in STEM
Authors: MALTESE ADAM V. , MELKI CHRISTINA S. , WIEBKE HEIDI L.
Published: October 2014

Previous research has established the importance of early interest in STEM as a key factor in persistence. Our current research builds on this foundation and extends it to add more detail to understanding the types of experiences that trigger and maintain interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Using survey data from nearly 8,000 individuals, we are able to address the When?, What?, and Who? of those first experiences. Additionally, our data provide information on the types of experiences that maintained interest (or not) beyond the triggering event. Through purposeful sampling, our data include those who ended up in STEM fields and those who did not, which allows us to make important comparisons across these groups. Overall, our findings indicate that individuals who complete STEM degrees have quite varied histories and that the triggering of their interest happened across a wide age spectrum. Similarly, in terms of who was involved or what their triggering experience was, the general results support the notion that there are many pathways to STEM with no clear preferential pathway.
Flexible designs for phase II comparative clinical trials involving two response variables
Authors: Bersimis S. , Sachlas A. , Papaioannou T.
Published: October 2014

The aim of phase II clinical trials is to determine whether an experimental treatment is sufficiently promising and safe to justify further testing. The need for reduced sample size arises naturally in phase II clinical trials owing to both technical and ethical reasons, motivating a significant part of research in the field during recent years, while another significant part of the research effort is aimed at more complex therapeutic schemes that demand the consideration of multiple endpoints to make decisions. In this paper, our attention is restricted to phase II clinical trials in which two treatments are compared with respect to two dependent dichotomous responses proposing some flexible designs. These designs permit the researcher to terminate the clinical trial when high rates of favorable or unfavorable outcomes are observed early enough requiring in this way a small number of patients. From the mathematical point of view, the proposed designs are defined on bivariate sequences of multi‐state trials, and the corresponding stopping rules are based on various distributions related to the waiting time until a certain number of events appear in these sequences. The exact distributions of interest, under a unified framework, are studied using the Markov chain embedding technique, which appears to be very useful in clinical trials for the sample size determination. Tables of expected sample size and power are presented. The numerical illustration showed a very good performance for these new designs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust dimension reduction
Authors: Chenouri Shojaeddin , Liang Jiaxi , Small Christopher G.
Published: October 2014

Information in the data often has far fewer degrees of freedom than the number of variables encoding the data. Dimensionality reduction attempts to reduce the number of variables used to describe the data. In this article, we shall survey some dimension reduction techniques that are robust. We consider linear dimension reduction first and describe robust principal component analysis (PCA) using three approaches. The first approach uses a singular value decomposition of a robust covariance matrix. The second approach employs robust measures of dispersion to realize PCA as a robust projection pursuit. The third approach uses a low‐rank plus sparse decomposition of the data matrix.

We also survey robust approaches to nonlinear dimension reduction under a unifying framework of kernel PCA. By using a kernel trick, the robust methods available for PCA can be extended to nonlinear cases. WIREs Comput Stat 2015, 7:63–69. doi: 10.1002/wics.1331

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Manifold Learning

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Robust Methods
Screen Printed Asymmetric Supercapacitors based on LiCoO2 and Graphene Oxide*
Authors: Dighe Ashish B. , Dubal Deepak P. , Holze Rudolf
Published: October 2014

Aiming at both high energy and power density, asymmetric supercapacitors with screen printed lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and graphene oxide GO as electrode materials were assembled. LiCoO2 was synthesized by a facile and inexpensive hydrothermal method, whereas GO was synthesized according to a modified Hummer's method. Both powders were coated on flexible stainless steel substrates using screen printing technology. Finally, asymmetric supercapacitors were assembled using LiCoO2 as positive and GO as negative electrode with a porous polypropylene sheet as separator and an aqueous electrolyte solution of LiClO4. The electrochemical properties of this asymmetric cell were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge experiments. The asymmetric supercapacitor LiCoO2//GO could be cycled reversibly in the wide voltage region 0–1.5 V; it shows an impressive performance with an energy density of 19.2 Whkg–1 (based on the total mass of the active materials of the two electrodes). Importantly, this device exhibits an excellent long cycling life with 85 % specific capacitance retained after 1500 cycles. A demonstration cell could effectively light up an LED.
Pairing induced superconductivity in holography
Authors: Bagrov Andrey , Meszena Balazs , Schalm Koenraad
Published: October 2014

Abstract

We study pairing induced superconductivity in large N strongly coupled systems at finite density using holography. In the weakly coupled dual gravitational theory the mechanism is conventional BCS theory. An IR hard wall cut-off is included to ensure that we can controllably address the dynamics of a single confined Fermi surface. We address in detail the interplay between the scalar order parameter field and fermion pairing. Adding an explicitly dynamical scalar operator with the same quantum numbers as the fermion-pair, the theory experiences a BCS/BEC crossover controlled by the relative scaling dimensions. We find the novel result that this BCS/BEC crossover exposes resonances in the canonical expectation value of the scalar operator. This occurs not only when the scaling dimension is degenerate with the Cooper pair, but also with that of higher derivative paired operators. We speculate that a proper definition of the order parameter which takes mixing with these operators into account stays finite nevertheless.
Discrete family symmetry from F-theory GUTs
Authors: Karozas Athanasios , King Stephen F. , Leontaris George K. , Meadowcroft Andrew K.
Published: October 2014

Abstract

We consider realistic F-theory GUT models based on discrete family symmetries A
4 and S
3, combined with SU(5) GUT, comparing our results to existing field theory models based on these groups. We provide an explicit calculation to support the emergence of the family symmetry from the discrete monodromies arising in F-theory. We work within the spectral cover picture where in the present context the discrete symmetries are associated to monodromies among the roots of a five degree polynomial and hence constitute a subgroup of the S
5 permutation symmetry. We focus on the cases of A
4 and S
3 subgroups, motivated by successful phenomenological models interpreting the fermion mass hierarchy and in particular the neutrino data. More precisely, we study the implications on the effective field theories by analysing the relevant discriminants and the topological properties of the polynomial coefficients, while we propose a discrete version of the doublet-triplet splitting mechanism.
Systematic Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy or Mediastinal Lymph Node Sampling in Patients With Pathological Stage I NSCLC: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Dong Siyuan , Du Jiang , Li Wenya , Zhang Shuguang , Zhong Xinwen , Zhang Lin
Published: October 2014

Background

To evaluate the evidence comparing systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy (SML) and mediastinal lymph node sampling (MLS) in the treatment of pathological stage I NSCLC using meta‐analytical techniques.

Methods

A literature search was undertaken until January 2014 to identify the comparative studies evaluating 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates. The pooled odds ratios (OR) and the 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) were calculated with either the fixed or random effect models.

Results

One RCT study and four retrospective studies were included in our meta‐analysis. These studies included a total of 711 patients: 317 treated with SML, and 394 treated with MLS. The SML and the MLS did not demonstrate a significant difference in the 1‐year survival rate. There were significant statistical differences between the 3‐year (P = 0.03) and 5‐year survival rates (P = 0.004), which favored SML.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis suggests that in pathological stage I NSCLC, the MLS can get the similar outcome to the SML in terms of 1‐year survival rate. However, the SML is superior to MLS in terms of 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates.
Assessment of the Availability of Technology for Trauma Care in India
Authors: Shah Mihir Tejanshu , Joshipura Manjul , Singleton Jered , LaBarre Paul , Desai Hem , Sharma Eliza , Mock Charles
Published: October 2014

Background

We sought to assess the status of availability of technology for trauma care in a state in India and to identify factors contributing to both adequate levels of availability and to deficiencies. We also sought to identify potential solutions to deficiencies in terms of health system management and product development.

Methods

Thirty‐two technology‐related items were selected from the World Health Organization’s Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care. The status of these items was assessed at 43 small and large hospitals in Gujarat State. Site visits utilized direct inspection and interviews with administrative, clinical, and bioengineering staff.

Results

Many specific individual items could be better supplied, including many that were very low cost (e.g., chest tubes). Many deficiencies arose because of mismatch of resources, such as availability of equipment in the absence of personnel trained to use it. Several locally manufactured items were fairly well supplied: pulse oximetry, image intensification, and X‐ray machines. Ventilators were often deficient because of inadequate numbers of units and frequent breakdowns.

Conclusions

Availability of a range of lower‐cost items could be improved by better organization and planning, such as: better procurement and stock management; eliminating mismatch of resources, including optimizing training for use of existing resources; and by strengthening service contracts and in‐house repair capabilities. From a product development viewpoint, there is a need for lower cost, more durable, and easier to repair ventilators. Promoting increased capacity for local manufacturing should also be considered as a potential method to decrease cost and increase availability of a range of equipment.
Hysteroscopic diagnosis and excision of myometrial cystic adenomyosis
Authors: Gordts S. , Campo R. , Brosens I.
Published: October 2014

In 1908, Cullen described the first cases of cystic adenomyosis in his textbook on adenomyomata. Although not very common, with the introduction of noninvasive imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3-D transvaginal ultrasound, an increasing number of cases have been reported. Patients primarily complain of severe dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Currently, it is unclear whether adenomyosis and, more specifically, cystic adenomyosis can be an underlying reason for impaired fertility and reproductive outcome. With the postponement of childbearing, the number of patients with adenomyosis and cystic adenomyosis seeking fertility treatment is increasing. Therefore, in these patients, uterine exploration should include not only the evaluation of the endometrial cavity but also the exploration of the sub-endometrial zone. Indirect imaging techniques, combined with office mini-hysteroscopy, offer the possibility of complete uterine exploration. Two patients with cystic adenomyosis are described in this paper: one had the chief complaint of menorrhagia and the other was referred for evaluation of infertility and severe dysmenorrhea. The aim of these case reports is to present hysteroscopic dissection and ablation of adenomyotic cysts as an alternative procedure for the surgical management of this condition.
Reduced Uptake of Family Screening in Genotype‐Negative Versus Genotype‐Positive Long QT Syndrome
Authors: Hanninen Mikael , Klein George J. , Laksman Zachary , Conacher Susan S. , Skanes Allan C. , Yee Raymond , Gula Lorne J. , Leong‐Sit Peter , Manlucu Jaimie , Krahn Andrew D.
Published: October 2014

The acceptance and yield of family screening in genotype‐negative long QT syndrome (LQTS) remains incompletely characterized. In this study of family screening for phenotype‐definite Long QT Syndrome (LQTS, Schwartz score ≥3.5), probands at a regional Inherited Cardiac Arrhythmia clinic were reviewed. All LQTS patients were offered education by a qualified genetic counselor, along with materials for family screening including electronic and paper correspondence to provide to family members. Thirty‐eight qualifying probands were identified and 20 of these had family members who participated in cascade screening. The acceptance of screening was found to be lower among families without a known pathogenic mutation (33 vs. 77 %, p = 0.02). A total of 52 relatives were screened; fewer relatives were screened per index case when the proband was genotype‐negative (1.7 vs. 3.1, p = 0.02). The clinical yield of screening appeared to be similar irrespective of gene testing results (38 vs. 33 %, p = 0.69). Additional efforts to promote family screening among gene‐negative long QT families may be warranted.
Bipolar I and II versus unipolar depression: Clinical differences and impulsivity/aggression traits
Authors: Dervic K. , Garcia-Amador M. , Sudol K. , Freed P. , Brent D.A. , Mann J.J. , Harkavy-Friedman J.M. , Oquendo M.A.
Published: October 2014

Objective:

To investigate distinguishing features between bipolar I, II and unipolar depression, and impulsivity/aggression traits in particular.

Methods:

Six hundred and eighty-five (n = 685) patients in a major depressive episode with lifetime Unipolar (UP) depression (n = 455), Bipolar I (BP-I) disorder (n = 151), and Bipolar II (BP-II) (n = 79) disorder were compared in terms of their socio-demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results:

Compared to unipolar patients, BP-I and BP-II depressed patients were significantly younger at onset of their first depressive episode, and were more likely to experience their first depressive episode before/at age of 15. They also had more previous affective episodes, more first- and second-degree relatives with history of mania, more current psychotic and subsyndromal manic symptoms, and received psychopharmacological and psychotherapy treatment at an earlier age. Furthermore, BP-I and BP-II depressed patients had higher lifetime impulsivity, aggression, and hostility scores. With regard to bipolar subtypes, BP-I patients had more trait-impulsivity and lifetime aggression than BP-II patients whereas the latter had more hostility than BP-I patients. As for co-morbid disorders, Cluster A and B Personality Disorders, alcohol and substance abuse/dependence and anxiety disorders were more prevalent in BP-I and BP-II than in unipolar patients. Whereas the three groups did not differ on other socio-demographic variables, BP-I patients were significantly more often unemployed that UP patients.

Conclusion:

Our findings comport with major previous findings on differences between bipolar and unipolar depression. As for trait characteristics, bipolar I and II depressed patients had more life-time impulsivity and aggression/hostility than unipolar patients. In addition, bipolar I and II patients also differed on these trait characteristics.
Insight and Satisfaction with Life Among Adolescents with Mental Disorders: Assessing Associations with Self-Stigma and Parental Insight
Authors: Gaziel M. , Hasson-Ohayon I. , Morag-Yaffe M. , Schapir L. , Zalsman G. , Shoval G.
Published: October 2014

Objective:

The purpose of the current study was to assess the associations of illness perception-related variables with satisfaction with life (SwL) among adolescents with mental disorders.

Methods:

Insight into mental disorder (SAI-E), Internalized stigma of mental illness (ISMI) and Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS) were administrated to 30 adolescent patients. Adapted version for parents of the SAI-E was also administrated to 37 of their parents.

Results:

Significant positive correlations were found between insight into the illness, self-stigma and parental insight. Insight and self-stigma were significantly negatively related to the total score of SwL and few of its dimensions while parental insight was significantly associated only with the SwL dimensions of school and self. Regression models revealed main negative effects of insight and self-stigma on SwL and no interaction effect.

Conclusions:

The possible independent contribution of insight and self-stigma to SwL should be addressed in interventions designed for family and adolescents coping with mental illness. Special attention should be given to the possible negative implications that insight possesses. In lack of support of the moderation role of self-stigma, reported in studies among adults with mental illness, future studies should trace other variables in order to further understand the insight paradox among adolescents.
Switch from αvβ5 to αvβ6 integrin is required for CD9‐regulated keratinocyte migration and MMP‐9 activation
Authors: Jiang Xupin , Teng Miao , Guo Xiaowei , Zhang Dongxia , Zhang Qiong , Zhang Jiaping , Huang Yuesheng
Published: October 2014

Our previous research found that tetraspanin CD9 is downregulated in migrating epidermis during wound healing, and CD9 downregulation contributes to keratinocyte migration via matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) activation. However, little is known about the mechanisms involved in CD9‐regulated keratinocyte migration and MMP‐9 activation. In this study, we revealed that the expressions of integrin subunits β5 and β6 were regulated by CD9. Furthermore, CD9 silencing triggered the switch from αvβ5 to αvβ6 integrin in HaCaT keratinocytes and CD9 overexpression reversed the switch. Importantly, integrin αvβ6 functional blocking antibody 10D5 significantly inhibited CD9 silencing‐induced keratinocyte migration and MMP‐9 activation, suggesting that the switch from αvβ5 to αvβ6 integrin plays a key role in CD9‐regulated cell migration and MMP‐9 activation in keratinocytes.
A Lightning Multiple Casualty Incident in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Authors: Spano Susanne J. , Campagne Danielle , Stroh Geoff , Shalit Marc
Published: October 2014

Multiple casualty incidents (MCIs) are uncommon in remote wilderness settings. This is a case report of a lightning strike on a Boy Scout troop hiking through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI), in which the lightning storm hindered rescue efforts. The purpose of this study was to review the response to a lightning-caused MCI in a wilderness setting, address lightning injury as it relates to field management, and discuss evacuation options in inclement weather incidents occurring in remote locations. An analysis of SEKI search and rescue data and a review of current literature were performed. A lightning strike at 10,600 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada Mountains affected a party of 5 adults and 7 Boy Scouts (age range 12 to 17 years old). Resources mobilized for the rescue included 5 helicopters, 2 ambulances, 2 hospitals, and 15 field and 14 logistical support personnel. The incident was managed from strike to scene clearance in 4 hours and 20 minutes. There were 2 fatalities, 1 on scene and 1 in the hospital. Storm conditions complicated on-scene communication and evacuation efforts. Exposure to ongoing lightning and a remote wilderness location affected both victims and rescuers in a lightning MCI. Helicopters, the main vehicles of wilderness rescue in SEKI, can be limited by weather, daylight, and terrain. Redundancies in communication systems are vital for episodes of radio failure. Reverse triage should be implemented in lightning injury MCIs. Education of both wilderness travelers and rescuers regarding these issues should be pursued.
Effect of Head and Face Insulation on Cooling Rate During Snow Burial
Authors: McIntosh Scott E. , Crouch Andre K. , Dorais Andrew , McDevitt Marion , Wilson Courtney , Harmston Chris H. , Radwin Marty I. , Grissom Colin K.
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Avalanche victims are subjected to a number of physiological stressors during burial. We simulated avalanche burial to monitor physiological data and determine whether wearing head and face insulation slows cooling rate during snow burial. In addition, we sought to compare 3 different types of temperature measurement methods.

Methods

Nine subjects underwent 2 burials each, 1 with head and face insulation and 1 without. Burials consisted of a 60-minute burial phase followed by a 60-minute rewarming phase. Temperature was measured via 3 methods: esophageal probe, ingestible capsule, and rectal probe.

Results

Cooling and rewarming rates were not statistically different between the 2 testing conditions when measured by the 3 measurement methods. All temperature measurement methods correlated significantly.

Conclusions

Head and face insulation did not protect the simulated avalanche victim from faster cooling or rewarming. Because the 3 temperature measurement methods correlated, the ingestible capsule may provide an advantageous noninvasive method for snow burial and future hypothermia studies if interruptions in data transmission can be minimized.
Taxonomic overview and tusk growth analyses of Ziegler Reservoir proboscideans
Authors: Fisher Daniel C. , Cherney Michael D. , Newton Cody , Rountrey Adam N. , Calamari Zachary T. , Stucky Richard K. , Lucking Carol , Petrie Lesley
Published: October 2014

At an altitude of 2705 m in the Colorado Rockies (USA), the Ziegler Reservoir fossil site gives a rare look at a high-elevation ecosystem from the late Pleistocene (especially MIS 5) of North America. Remains of more than four mammoths and about 35 mastodons dominate the macrofossil assemblage. Mammoth remains are attributed to Mammuthus columbi, and mastodon remains are referred to the well-known, continent-wide Mammut americanum. Mastodon remains occur within and between several lake-margin slump deposits. Their deposition must therefore have occurred as events that were to some degree separate in time. We treat the mastodon assemblage in each stratigraphic unit as a source of information on environmental conditions during the lives of these individuals. Mastodon mandibular tusks are abundant at the site and represent both males and females, from calves to full-grown adults. This study presents the first attempt to use microCT, thin-section, and isotope records from mandibular tusks to reconstruct features of life-history. We recognize an up-section trend in δ18O profiles toward higher values, suggestive of warmer temperatures. Throughout this sequence, mastodon growth histories show low mean sensitivities suggestive of low levels of environmental stress. This work helps frame expectations for assessing environmental pressures on terminal Pleistocene populations.
Equilibrium measures for the Hénon map at the first bifurcation: uniqueness and geometric/statistical properties
Authors: SENTI SAMUEL , TAKAHASI HIROKI
Published: October 2014

For strongly dissipative Hénon maps at the first bifurcation parameter where the uniform hyperbolicity is destroyed by the formation of tangencies inside the limit set, we establish a thermodynamic formalism, i.e. we prove the existence and uniqueness of an invariant probability measure that minimizes the free energy associated with a non-continuous geometric potential$-t\log J^{u}$, where$t\in \mathbb{R}$is in a certain large interval and$J^{u}$denotes the Jacobian in the unstable direction. We obtain geometric and statistical properties of these measures.
Duke’s theorem for subcollections
Authors: AKA MENNY , EINSIEDLER MANFRED
Published: October 2014

We combine effective mixing and Duke’s theorem on closed geodesics on the modular surface to show that certain subcollections of the collection of geodesics with a given discriminant still equidistribute. These subcollections are only assumed to have sufficiently large total length without any further restrictions.
Neuroinflammation as a possible link between cannabinoids and addiction
Authors: Rodrigues Livia C.M. , Gobira Pedro H. , de Oliveira Antonio Carlos , Pelição Renan , Teixeira Antonio Lucio , Moreira Fabricio A. , Campos Alline Cristina
Published: October 2014

Objective

Substance dependence disorder is a chronically relapsing condition characterised by neurobiological changes leading to loss of control in restricting a substance intake, compulsion and withdrawal syndrome. In the past few years, (endo)cannabinoids have been raised as a possible target in the aetiology of drug addiction. On the other hand, although the exact mechanisms of the genesis of addiction remain poorly understood, it is possible that neuroinflammation might also play a role in the pathophysiology of this condition. Studies demonstrated that (endo)cannabinoids act as immunomodulators by inhibiting cytokines production and microglial cell activation. Thus, in the present review, we explore the possible role of neuroinflammation on the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids on drug addiction.

Methods

We conducted an evidence-based review of the literature in order to assess the role of cannabinoids on the neuroinflammatory hypothesis of addiction (terms: addiction, cannabinoids and inflammation). We searched PubMed and BioMedCentral databases up to April 2014 with no date restrictions.

Results

In all, 165 eligible articles were included in the present review. Existing evidence suggests that disruption in cannabinoid signalling during the drug addiction process leads to microglial activation and neuroinflammation.

Conclusion

The literature showed that inflammation and changes in endocannabinod signalling occur in drug abuse; however, it remains uncertain whether these changes are causally or coincidentally associated with addiction. Additional studies, therefore, are needed to elucidate the contribution of neuroinflammation on the behavioural and neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids on drug addiction.
Efficacy of spent blewit mushroom compost andBacillus aryabhattaicombination on control of Pythium damping-off in cucumber
Authors: CHEN J. T. , LIN M. J. , HUANG J. W.
Published: October 2014

Pythium damping-off caused byPythium aphanidermatumusually occurs in commercial nurseries of cucumber seedlings. The purpose of the present study was to develop a container medium for effectively suppressing Pythium damping-off of cucumber seedlings. Seven agricultural materials were tested for their suitability as substrates for the growth of cucumber seedlings. Bas Van Burren No. 4 peat moss (BVB) was able to promote the growth of cucumber seedlings, but it was ineffective against Pythium damping-off. Spent blewit mushroom compost (SBMC) was an available substrate that could inhibitP. aphanidermatum, but it also inhibited the growth of cucumber seedlings slightly. A cultural medium, spent blewit peat compost (SBPC), containing 50% (v/v) SBMC, 50% (v/v) BVB and 0·3% (w/v) lime was consequently formulated. The SBPC was able to promote the growth of cucumber seedlings and reduce the incidence of Pythium damping-off. A total of 20 micro-organisms were isolated from SBMC compost and screened in steamed SBPC medium for their ability to inhibit the growth ofP. aphanidermatum. Among these,Bacillus aryabhattaiisolate number CB13 was able to suppressP. aphanidermatumsignificantly in the steamed SBPC medium. Thus, bio-formulation of SBPC medium with the beneficial microbeB. aryabhattaiCB13 was carried out. The incidence of Pythium damping-off was reduced from 58% in steamed SBPC medium to 4% in the bio-formulated container medium. The novel bio-formulation has high potential for controlling Pythium damping-off in commercial nurseries.
Intake of selected minerals on commercial dairy herds in central and northern England in comparison with requirements
Authors: SINCLAIR L. A. , ATKINS N. E.
Published: October 2014

Overfeeding minerals to dairy herds will raise diet cost, increase their excretion into the environment and for minerals such as copper (Cu) can lead to poisoning and cow death. In contrast, underfeeding may compromise cow performance, health and fertility. Despite this, the level of mineral intake on commercial dairy units is poorly documented. To determine the mineral intake on commercial dairy herds in central and northern England over the winter of 2011/12 and compare these to recommended levels, samples of compound feed, forage mix, supplementary sources (including lick blocks, rumen boluses, free access minerals and drenches) and drinking water were collected from 50 herds over the winter feeding period and analysed for 10 macro and trace minerals. For cows in early lactation the mean dietary concentration of phosphorus (P) was 4·5 g/kg dry matter (DM) (s.d. 0·70), 0·1 g/kg DM below UK requirements, and for calcium (Ca) was 10·2 g/kg DM (s.d. 2·94), 5·9 g/kg DM above requirements. Trace mineral concentrations were also in excess of requirements in early lactation, with a mean dietary Cu concentration of 28 mg/kg DM (s.d. 9·85), approximately 18 mg/kg DM above UK requirements, with 32 of the 50 herds feeding above the UK industry recommended maximum of 20 mg/kg DM and 6 above the EU limit of 40 mg/kg DM. Dietary mineral concentrations were generally lower in late lactation but still higher than requirements. The forage mix (including supplementary feeds and minerals) contributed the greatest amount of minerals, with percentile ranges (10th–90th) of 2·1–4·4 g/kg diet DM for P, 1·4–3·2 g/kg diet DM for magnesium (Mg) and 5·3–25·0 mg/kg diet DM for Cu. Compounds fed in the milking parlour supplied (10th–90th percentile) 0·0–1·4 g P g/kg diet DM, 0·0–1·2 g Mg/kg diet DM and 0·0–11·6 mg Cu/kg diet DM. For the upper 90th percentile of dairy herds, water supplied proportionally 0·08 of Ca requirements recommended in early lactation in the UK, whilst supplementary mineral sources supplied up to 0·64 of Cu and 0·43 of zinc (Zn) requirements. High dietary concentrations of Cu were not justified by the presence of the dietary antagonist molybdenum (Mo), with no relationship between the two minerals in early or late lactation diets. In conclusion, most dairy herds were feeding excess amounts of minerals over the winter feeding period when compared to UK or other national recommended guidelines, with the implications of a higher diet cost and negative impact on the environment and animal health.
The eminent anatomists who discovered the upper oesophageal sphincter
Authors: Marchese-Ragona R , Ottaviano G , Masiero S , Staffieri C , Martini A , Staffieri A , Mion M , Zaninotto G , Restivo DA
Published: October 2014

Objective:

To discover the anatomist who first identified the upper oesophageal sphincter.

Method:

The authors searched dozens of antique anatomy textbooks kept in the old section of the ‘Vincenzo Pinali’ Medical Library of Padua University, looking for descriptions of the upper oesophageal sphincter.

Results:

The oesophageal sphincter was drawn correctly only in 1601, by Julius Casserius, in the book De vocis auditusque organis historia anatomica… (which translates as ‘An Anatomical History on the Organs of Voice and Hearing …’), and was properly described by Antonio Maria Valsalva in 1704 in the book De aure humana tractatus… (‘Treatise on the Human Ear …’).

Conclusion:

Anatomists Casserius and Valsalva can be considered the discoverers of the ‘oesophageal sphincter’.
Bleeding following coblation tonsillectomy: a 10-year, single-surgeon audit and modified grading system
Authors: Rogers M A , Frauenfelder C , Woods C , Wee C , Carney A S
Published: October 2014

Objective:

Coblation tonsillectomy can be controversial. This study assessed post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage outcomes for patients operated on by a single experienced coblation-trained ENT surgeon.

Study design:

A retrospective audit of coblation tonsillectomies was performed using the Flinders modification of Stammberger criteria for post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage.

Method:

Case note review, interview and database interrogation were utilised to obtain the dataset. Haemorrhage results were compared to reports in the current literature.

Results:

Of those who underwent coblation tonsillectomy, 3.4 per cent were readmitted to hospital with haemorrhage and 1.3 per cent returned to the operating theatre (0.4 per cent primary haemorrhage and 0.9 per cent secondary haemorrhage). Younger children had a lower risk of returning to the operating theatre than older children or adults (0.3 per cent under the age of 12 years vs 2.0 per cent aged 12 years or older).

Conclusion:

Coblation can be a safe method for tonsillectomy with low complication rates when performed by an experienced ENT surgeon. The Flinders modification of the Stammberger criteria for post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage provides a simple system for data comparison.
Sudden deafness as an initial presenting symptom of posterior inferior cerebellar artery infarction: two case reports
Authors: Lee E J , Yoon Y J
Published: October 2014

Objective:

This paper reports on two patients with posterior inferior cerebellar artery infarction whose only presenting complaint was acute unilateral hearing loss.

Case reports:

In the two cases reported, sudden hearing loss was an initial symptom, with no other neurological signs. Infarction in the territory of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery was diagnosed using brain magnetic resolution imaging. The patients had some degree of hearing improvement 3 or 4 days after initial treatment.

Conclusion:

In this article, new cases of posterior inferior cerebellar artery infarction presenting as sudden deafness, without prominent neurological signs, are described. Otologists should be aware that hearing loss can sometimes appear as a warning sign of impending posterior inferior cerebellar artery infarction.
Investigation on electromagnetic field refraction of inhomogeneous plasma cylinder
Authors: ZhongCai Yuan , JiaMing Shi , JiaChun Wang , DaPeng Zhao
Published: October 2014

The interaction between incident transverse magnetic (TM) waves and nonuniform plasma cylinder is investigated. The forward and backscattering fields of incident TM microwave are calculated and analyzed by using the scattering matrix model. The dependences of the scattering field on plasma electron density, collision frequency, and incident frequency are analyzed, respectively. The electric field distribution across the section of the plasma cylinder is deduced, visually shown, and discussed.