bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beneficial Physiological Effects With Blackcurrant Intake in Endurance Athletes
Authors: Willems Mark Elisabeth Theodorus , Myers Stephen David , Gault Mandy Lucinda , Cook Matthew David
Published: March 2015

Blackcurrant contains anthocyanins, known to influence vasorelaxation and peripheral blood flow. We examined the effects of 7 days intake of Sujon New Zealand blackcurrant powder (6g/day) on the lactate curve, maximum oxygen uptake, and cardiovascular responses at rest and during cycling. Thirteen trained triathletes with >3 yrs experience (8 men, age: 38 ± 8 yrs, body mass: 71 ± 9 kg, BF%: 19 ± 5%, mean ± SD) performed two incremental cycling protocols with recording of physiological and cardiovascular responses (Portapres Model 2). Cardiovascular function was also measured in rest. Experimental design was doubleblind, placebo-controlled, randomized and cross-over (wash-out 4 wks). Data were analyzed with two-tailed t tests and 2-way ANOVA and significance accepted at p < .05. Plasma lactate was lower at 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% of maximum power by 27%, 22%, 17% and 13%. Intensity at 4 mmol·L-1 OBLA was 6% higher with blackcurrant without effect on heart rate and oxygen uptake. Maximum values of oxygen uptake, heart rate and power were not affected by blackcurrant, but obtained with 14% lower lactate. In rest, blackcurrant increased stroke volume and cardiac output by 25% and 26%, and decreased total peripheral resistance by 16%, with no changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Cardiovascular responses during exercise at 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% and 80% intensity were not affected. Sujon New Zealand blackcurrant powder affects lactate production and/or clearance during exercise. Sujon New Zealand blackcurrant powder affects physiological and cardiovascular responses in rest and during exercise that may have implications for exercise performance.
New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract Improves High-Intensity Intermittent Running
Authors: Perkins Ian Craig , Vine Sarah Anne , Blacker Sam David , Willems Mark Elisabeth Theodorus
Published: March 2015

We examined the effect of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on high-intensity intermittent running and postrunning lactate responses. Thirteen active males (age: 25 ± 4 yrs, height: 1.82 ± 0.07 m, body mass: 81 ± 14 kg, V̇O2max: 56 ± 4 ml∙kg-1∙min-1, v V̇O2max: 17.6 ± 0.8 km∙h-1) performed a treadmill running protocol to exhaustion, which consisted of stages with 6 × 19 s of sprints with 15 s of low-intensity running between sprints. Interstage rest time was 1 min and stages were repeated with increasing sprint speeds. Subjects consumed capsuled NZBC extract (300 mg∙day-1 CurraNZ; containing 105 mg anthocyanin) or placebo for 7 days (double-blind, randomized, crossover design, wash-out at least 14 days). Blood lactate was collected for 30 min postexhaustion. NZBC increased total running distance by 10.6% (NZBC: 4282 ± 833 m, placebo: 3871 ± 622 m, p = .02), with the distance during sprints increased by 10.8% (p = .02). Heart rate, oxygen uptake, lactate and rating of perceived exertion were not different between conditions for the first 4 stages completed by all subjects. At exhaustion, blood lactate tended to be higher for NZBC (NZBC: 6.01 ± 1.07 mmol∙L-1, placebo: 5.22 ± 1.52 mmol∙L-1, p = .07). There was a trend for larger changes in lactate following 15 min (NZBC: -2.89 ± 0.51 mmol∙L-1, placebo: -2.46 ± 0.39 mmol∙L-1, p = .07) of passive recovery. New Zealand blackcurrant extract (CurraNZ) may enhance performance in sports characterized by high-intensity intermittent exercise as greater distances were covered with repeated sprints, there was higher lactate at exhaustion, and larger changes in lactate during early recovery after repeated sprints to exhaustion.
Trunk Muscle Coordination During Upward and Downward Reaching in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Gera Geetanjali , McGlade Kelsey E. , Reisman Darcy S. , Scholz John Peter
Published: March 2015

In this study, we investigated deficits in coordination of trunk muscle modes involved in the stabilization of the trunk’s trajectory for reaching upward and downward beyond functional arm length. Trunk muscle activity from 10 stroke survivors (8 men, 2 women; 64.1 ± 10.5 years old) and 9 healthy control subjects (7 men, 2 women; 59.3 ± 9.3 years old) was analyzed. Coordination of trunk muscle modes to stabilize the trunk trajectory was investigated using the uncontrolled manifold (UCM) analysis. The UCM analysis decomposes the variability of muscle modes into good and bad variability. The good variability does not affect the control of trunk motion, whereas the bad variability does. In stroke survivors, deficits in the ability to flexibly combine trunk muscle modes was associated with reduced ability to minimize those combinations of trunk muscle modes that led to an error in trunk trajectory (bad variability), and this had a greater effect on reaching upward. This reduced coordination of trunk muscle modes during reaching was correlated with a clinical measure of trunk impairment.
Does Dopamine Replacement Medication Affect Postural Sequence Learning in Parkinson’s Disease?
Authors: Hayes Heather Anne , Hunsaker Nikelle , Schaefer Sydney Y. , Shultz Barry , Schenkenberg Thomas , Boyd Lara A. , White Andrea T. , Foreman Kenneth B. , Dyer Philip , Maletsky Rebecca , Dibble Leland E.
Published: March 2015

Deficits in sequence-specific learning (SSL) may be a product of Parkinson’s disease (PD) but this deficit could also be related to dopamine replacement. The purpose of this study was to determine whether dopamine replacement affected acquisition and retention of a standing Continuous Tracking Task in individuals with PD. SSL (difference between random/repeated Root Mean Square Error across trials) was calculated over 2 days of practice and 1 day of retention for 4 groups; 10 healthy young (HY), 10 healthy elders, 10 individuals with PD on, 9 individuals with PD off their usual dosage of dopamine replacement. Improvements in acquisition were observed for all groups; however, only the HY demonstrated retention. Therefore, age appeared to have the largest effect on SSL with no significant effect of medication. Additional research is needed to understand the influence of factors such as practice amount, task difficulty, and dopamine replacement status on SSL deficits during postural tasks.
BDNF Val66Met Is Associated With Performance in a Computerized Visual-Motor Tracking Test in Healthy Adults
Authors: González-Giraldo Yeimy , Mueller Shane T. , Adan Ana , Rojas Johana , Piper Brian J. , Forero Diego A.
Published: March 2015

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) is known to play an important role in neuroplasticity and cognitive processes. We explored the association of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with performance in a visual-motor tracking test. One hundred and sixty-seven young, healthy Colombian adults completed a computerized version of the Pursuit Rotor Task, using the Psychology Experiment Building Language (PEBL) platform. DNA genotyping was performed by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. We found that BDNF Val/Met and Met/Met subjects performed better in the pursuit rotor task (p = .03). Our findings suggest that the BDNF gene is essential to understand differences in motor performance in healthy participants in different populations. This approach could be useful for future fine mapping of genetic modifiers for neuropsychiatric diseases.
Mars rover finds long-chain organic compounds
Authors: Hand Eric
Published: March 2015

Complex carbon molecules show that clues to past life—if any—could survive harsh martian conditions.
Himalayan ice can fool climate studies
Authors: Qiu Jane
Published: March 2015

“Surging” glaciers in the Karakoram may actually be losing mass.
Seeing the forest for the trees
The Art of Insight in Science and Engineering: Mastering Complexity
Sanjoy Mahajan
MIT Press, 2014. 408 pp.
Authors: Derrible Sybil
Published: March 2015

Using approximation as a tool for improving understanding
Spring-loaded unraveling of a single SNARE complex by NSF in one round of ATP turnover
Authors: Ryu Je-Kyung , Min Duyoung , Rah Sang-Hyun , Kim Soo Jin , Park Yongsoo , Kim Haesoo , Hyeon Changbong , Kim Ho Min , Jahn Reinhard , Yoon Tae-Young
Published: March 2015

An explosive way to fuse membranes

The molecular machine that promotes membrane fusion during intracellular transport involves a number of so-called SNARE proteins. Ryu
et al.
describe the molecular mechanism by which two proteins —NSF and α-SNAP—disassemble SNARE complexes. A combination of single-molecule techniques resolved intermediate steps of the reaction. Surprisingly, unlike previously assumed, NSF did not unwind SNARE complexes processively. Instead, built-up tension was released in a single burst to “tear” the SNARE complex apart in a one-step global unfolding reaction.

Science
, this issue p.
1485
Treating brain disorders with neuromodulation
Authors: Temel Yasin , Jahanshahi Ali
Published: March 2015

Nanoparticles, magnetic fields, and heat-sensitive ion channels are harnessed to manipulate brain activity

[Also see Research Article by

Chen
et al.

]
Integrity—not just a federal issue
Authors: McNutt Marcia
Published: March 2015

Few matters threaten the integrity of science more than scientists not being allowed to warn the public about legitimate hazards uncovered in the course of scientific research. Yet, this month, the issue was raised twice in the United States.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Sanguibacteroides justesenii
, gen. nov., sp. nov., Strains OUH 308042
T
(= ATCC BAA-2681
T
) and OUH 334697 (= ATCC BAA-2682), Isolated from Blood Cultures from Two Different Patients
Authors: Sydenham Thomas Vognbjerg , Hasman Henrik , Justesen Ulrik Stenz
Published: March 2015

We announce here the draft genome sequences of
Sanguibacteroides justesenii
, gen. nov., sp. nov., strains OUH 308042
T
(= DSM 28342
T
= ATCC BAA-2681
T
) and OUH 334697 (= DSM 28341 = ATCC BAA-2682), isolated from blood cultures from two different patients and composed of 51 and 39 contigs for totals of 3,385,516 and 3,410,672 bp, respectively.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Phenazine-Producing Pseudomonas fluorescens Strain 2-79
Authors: Nesemann Kai , Braus-Stromeyer Susanna A. , Thuermer Andrea , Daniel Rolf , Mavrodi Dmitri V. , Thomashow Linda S. , Weller David M. , Braus Gerhard H.
Published: March 2015

Pseudomonas fluorescens
strain 2-79, a natural isolate of the rhizosphere of wheat (
Triticum aestivum
L.), possesses antagonistic potential toward several fungal pathogens. We report the draft genome sequence of strain 2-79, which comprises 5,674 protein-coding sequences.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Beneficial Rhizobacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens DSM 8569, a Natural Isolate of Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus)
Authors: Nesemann Kai , Braus-Stromeyer Susanna A. , Thuermer Andrea , Daniel Rolf , Braus Gerhard H.
Published: March 2015

Pseudomonas fluorescens
DSM 8569 represents a natural isolate of the rhizosphere of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in Germany and possesses antagonistic potential toward the fungal pathogen Verticillium. We report here the draft genome sequence of strain DSM 8569, which comprises 5,914 protein-coding sequences.
Complete Genome Sequences of Escherichia coli Strains 1303 and ECC-1470 Isolated from Bovine Mastitis
Authors: Leimbach Andreas , Poehlein Anja , Witten Anika , Scheutz Flemming , Schukken Ynte , Daniel Rolf , Dobrindt Ulrich
Published: March 2015

Escherichia coli
is the leading causative agent of acute bovine mastitis. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
E. coli
O70:H32 strain 1303, isolated from an acute case of bovine mastitis, and
E. coli
Ont:Hnt strain ECC-1470, isolated from a persistent infection.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pedobacter sp. Strain NL19, a Producer of Potent Antibacterial Compounds
Authors: Santos Tiago , Cruz Andreia , Caetano Tânia , Covas Cláudia , Mendo Sónia
Published: March 2015

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Pedobacter sp. strain NL19. The genome has 5.99 Mbp and a G+C content of 39.0%. NL19 was isolated from sludge from an abandoned uranium mine in the north of Portugal, and it produces potent antibacterials against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Genome Sequence of Organophosphorus Pesticide-Degrading Bacterium Pseudomonas stutzeri Strain YC-YH1
Authors: Shi Yan-hua , Ren Lei , Jia Yang , Yan Yan-chun
Published: March 2015

Pseudomonas stutzeri
strain YC-YH1, isolated from pesticide-polluted soil, efficiently degrades organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) such as chlorpyrifos, parathion-methyl, triazophos, and parathion. Here, we report the genome sequence (4.83 Mb) of
P. stutzeri
YC-YH1 to facilitate further investigation of the OPP-degrading mechanism.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Deinococcus-Thermus Bacterium Meiothermus ruber Strain A
Authors: Thiel Vera , Tomsho Lynn P. , Burhans Richard , Gay Scott E. , Schuster Stephan C. , Ward David M. , Bryant Donald A.
Published: March 2015

The draft genome sequence of the Deinococcus-Thermus group bacterium
Meiothermus ruber
strain A, isolated from a cyanobacterial enrichment culture obtained from Octopus Spring (Yellowstone National Park, WY), comprises 2,968,099 bp in 170 contigs. It is predicted to contain 2,895 protein-coding genes, 44 tRNA-coding genes, and 2 rRNA operons.
Draft Genome Sequence of Kitasatospora griseola Strain MF730-N6, a Bafilomycin, Terpentecin, and Satosporin Producer
Authors: Arens Jennifer C. , Haltli Brad , Kerr Russell G.
Published: March 2015

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Kitasatospora griseola
strain MF730-N6, a known producer of bafilomycin, terpentecin, and satosporins. The current assembly comprises 8 contigs covering 7.97 Mb. Genome annotation revealed 7,225 protein coding sequences, 100 tRNAs, 40 rRNA genes, and 23 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters.
Cystic meningioma: diagnostic difficulties and utility of MRI in diagnosis and management
Authors: Sotiriadis Charalampos , Vo Quoc Duy , Ciarpaglini Riccardo , Hoogewoud Henri Marcel
Published: March 2015

We report the case of a patient presenting with convulsions in the emergency department. A CT examination revealed a mixed solid and cystic frontal peripheral mass. The intra-axial or extra-axial location and the differentiation between primary or secondary origin were not evident so MRI was performed. The most probable diagnosis was cystic meningioma with intratumoural cysts. Based on MRI findings, the neurosurgeon resected the mass together with its cystic components. The histological report verified the diagnosis and the patient had an excellent outcome.
Coronary artery aneurysm presenting as a large mass encroaching on the right atrium in an adult patient with untreated Kawasaki disease
Authors: Wassef Nancy
Published: March 2015

A 26-year-old man presented with atypical chest pain and dyspnoea for several days before admission that was not related to exertion. The patient had no medical history other than a long duration of fever and rash as a child, which resolved after a few weeks. The initial blood investigations showed thrombocytopenia and raised inflammatory markers with a negative troponin level. The patient had positive antiplatelet antibodies and was diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Echocardiography showed a large cystic mass at the right atrium. Coronary multislice CT showed a huge aneurysm at the origin of the right coronary artery (RCA), which was confirmed by coronary angiography. The patient received intravenous immunoglobulin and platelet transfusion before coronary artery bypass surgery and he had a successful resection of the aneurysm with a saphenous vein graft to distal RCA. The patient had a good recovery and was discharged home.
Oral verruciform xanthoma
Authors: Harris Lydia , Staines Konrad , Pring Miranda
Published: March 2015

Verruciform xanthoma (VX) of the oral cavity is a benign mucosal growth that often presents as a pink, yellow or grey raised plaque or papule with granular, papillary or verrucous surface morphology. Intraorally this often presents on the masticatory mucosa and extraorally often involves the skin and anogenital mucosa. There are several proposed aetiological factors and the clinical features of VX can be misleading; clinically it can resemble malignancy. Histopathological diagnosis is a key for the correct management of this lesion. Excision of this lesion is curative.
The crying sign: the winking umbilical cord
Authors: Smith Aisling M , Healy David B , Ryan C Anthony , Dempsey Eugene M
Published: March 2015

A preterm baby girl, born at 34 weeks gestation, with features of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome was noted to have a relatively large umbilical stump. No fetal abnormalities had been detected on anatomy scan at 28 weeks and only mild polyhydramnios and macrosomia were noted on a 32-week ultrasound scan. Although there was no obvious omphalocoele, clinical assessment of the umbilical cord revealed an abdominal wall defect through which bowel would protrude into the umbilicus when the infant was crying. In keeping with an abdominal wall defect α-fetoprotein was found to be elevated. Surgical consultation advised conservative management. Subsequently, detachment of the umbilical cord occurred 1 week postdischarge and a large umbilical hernia persists. Genetic analysis confirmed a diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.
The effect of macrobiotic Ma-Pi 2 diet on systemic inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes: a post hoc analysis of the MADIAB trial
Authors: Soare Andreea , Del Toro Rossella , Roncella Elena , Khazrai Yeganeh Manon , Angeletti Silvia , Dugo Laura , Fallucca Sara , Fontana Lucia , Altomare Maria , Formisano Valeria , Capata Francesca , Gesuita Rosaria , Manfrini Silvia , Fallucca Francesco , Pianesi Mario , Pozzilli Paolo
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Current guidelines for the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) emphasize diet as essential therapy. However, the effect of diet on systemic inflammation remains unclear. We investigated the effects of consuming a macrobiotic Ma-Pi 2 diet versus a standard recommended diet (control diet) on markers of inflammation in patients with T2D.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of the MADIAB trial, a 21-day randomized controlled trial conducted in 51 patients (25 males and 26 females) with T2D. Patients were randomized 1:1 to the Ma-Pi 2 macrobiotic diet or a control diet based on dietary guidelines for T2D. Biological antioxidant potential of plasma and circulating levels of high-sensitivity C reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and insulin-like growth factor-1 were assessed.

Results

After 21 days on the Ma-Pi 2 or control diet, markers of inflammation were reduced in both groups. The antioxidant potential of plasma improved significantly in the Ma-Pi group. A significant reduction in insulin growth factor-1 was observed in the Ma-Pi group versus control group (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Findings of this post hoc analysis demonstrated that the Ma-Pi 2 diet is a safe dietary strategy to reduce levels of the markers of insulin resistance and inflammation, compared with baseline values, in the short term. Furthermore, the Ma-Pi 2 diet was superior to the control diet in reducing insulin growth factor-1 and may be beneficial for patients with T2D.

Trial registration number

Current Controlled TrialsISRCTN10467793.
Is exposure to e-cigarette communication associated with perceived harms of e-cigarette secondhand vapour? Results from a national survey of US adults
Authors: Tan Andy S L , Bigman Cabral A , Mello Susan , Sanders-Jackson Ashley
Published: March 2015

Objectives

E-cigarettes are frequently advertised and portrayed in the media as less harmful compared with regular cigarettes. Earlier surveys reported public perceptions of harms to people using e-cigarettes; however, public perceptions of harms from exposure to secondhand vapour (SHV) have not been studied. We examined associations between self-reported exposure to e-cigarette advertising, media coverage, and interpersonal discussion and perceived harms of SHV.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

National online sample of US adults aged ≥18 years.

Participants

1449 US adults (mean age 49.5 years), 51.3% female, 76.6% non-Hispanic Caucasian, 7.5% African-American, 10.0% Hispanic and 5.9% other races.

Outcomes

Perceived harm measures included (1) harmfulness of SHV to one's health, (2) concern about health impact of breathing SHV and (3) comparative harm of SHV versus secondhand smoke (SHS). Predictors were (1) self-reported frequency of exposure to e-cigarette advertising, media coverage and interpersonal discussion (close friends or family) and (2) perceived valence of exposure from each source. Covariates were demographic characteristics, cigarette smoking status and e-cigarette use, and were weighted to the general US adult population.

Results

More frequent interpersonal discussion was associated with lower perceived harmfulness of SHV to one's health and lower perceived comparative harm of SHV versus SHS. Frequency of e-cigarette ad and other media exposure were not significant predictors. Perceived negative valence of ad exposure and interpersonal discussion (vs no exposure) was associated with higher perceived harm across all three outcomes, while negative valence of media coverage was associated with higher concern about health impact of breathing SHV. Perceived positive valence (vs no exposure) of interpersonal discussion was associated with lower perceived harm across all three outcomes about health impact of breathing SHV.

Conclusions

Exposure to information about e-cigarettes through advertising, media coverage and interpersonal discussion could play a role in shaping public perceptions of the harmfulness of SHV.
Accuracy of popular media reporting on tobacco cessation therapy in substance abuse and mental health populations
Authors: Krauth David , Apollonio Dorie
Published: March 2015

Background

Tobacco cessation therapy is not consistently provided for alcohol, drug abuse and mental health (ADM) populations, despite the enormous health consequences of tobacco addiction in these groups and research supporting the effectiveness of treatment. Policymakers, however, tend to rely on popular media reports rather than the scientific literature in regulating treatment. Our goal was to determine whether popular reporting accurately reflects findings from the scientific literature on tobacco cessation treatment for ADM populations in treatment.

Methods

We compared the results of systematic reviews on tobacco cessation therapy published before 2004 with articles published in traditional media and on the internet over the following 8 years. We searched LexisNexis and Google and assessed them using the Index of Scientific Quality (ISQ).

Results

We found that popular reporting on this topic was consistent with findings reported in contemporaneous scientific literature. Our results suggest that the failure to consistently provide tobacco cessation therapy to ADM populations in treatment is not due to poor research translation.

Conclusions

Our findings also suggest that in this topic area, scientific research findings have diffused relatively quickly. Further study of journalism in this area may suggest new strategies for effective translation of scientific findings into popular reporting on tobacco control.
The networks of care surrounding cancer palliative care patients
Authors: Jarrett N , Porter K , Davis C , Addington-Hall J , Duke S , Corner J , Lathlean J
Published: March 2015

Objectives

This paper explicates the nature and extent of the networks of care surrounding patients with cancer palliative care needs.

Method

Twenty-four patients with 15 different types/sites of cancer were recruited in one city in England, UK. During one in-depth interview patients identified who was ‘involved in their care’ and any known pathways of communication between them. One hundred of these people (35 doctors, 32 nurses, 17 professions allied to medicine, 8 family members and 8 others) were also interviewed. Maps of people/teams and the connections between them for each patient were then reconstructed using social networking software (PAJEK).

Results

The 24 patients identified a total of 619 people or teams (mean 26, median 22, range 9–45 per patient) contributing to their care. Selected care network maps are displayed, illustrating the extent and nature of the care networks supporting palliative care patients. Common members of care networks for patients with palliative care needs are revealed, but their individual and unique nature is also apparent.

Conclusions

The possible clinical utility and challenges of mapping care networks are discussed. Exploring the care networks surrounding individual patients can be useful for illuminating the extent and complexity of individual patient's care networks; clarifying who is involved and who they communicate with; providing opportunities to see interaction routes that may otherwise be hidden, revealing potentially missing or weak connections; and highlighting overlaps or gaps in provision.
‘Quality End of Life Care for All’ (QELCA): the national rollout of an end-of-life workforce development initiative
Authors: Gillett Karen , Bryan Liz
Published: March 2015

Background

Most people in the UK die in National Health Service (NHS) hospitals and it is essential that NHS employees are equipped to provide high-quality end-of-life care. Government policy encourages charities to work in partnership with the NHS and hospices have the necessary expertise to deliver education in end-of-life care.

Intervention

This article describes the national rollout and evaluation of the ‘Quality End of Life Care for All’ (QELCA) programme funded by the NHS National End of Life Care Programme. QELCA enables health professionals from acute NHS trusts to experience hospice care and empowers them to improve end-of-life care in their own practice settings. Seventeen acute NHS trusts took part with 21 hospices local to the trusts delivering the programme. Overall, 137 acute nurses participated in the programme, which involved 5 days at the hospice followed by 6 months of action-learning sets.

Outcome

Participants gave concrete examples of improvements they made to end-of-life care and the majority of those who returned postcourse questionnaires believed that QELCA had changed their practice. Additional positive outcomes included better working relationships between acute trusts and hospices, and more appropriate referrals.

Discussion

Participants in QELCA progressed from passively identifying problems to actively problem solving and facilitating changes in practice. This attitudinal change has the potential to stimulate and sustain real change in end-of-life care in acute hospitals. QELCA is now being delivered to other members of the multidisciplinary team, including general practitioners.
Regulation of immunological and inflammatory functions by biotin
Authors: Kuroishi Toshinobu
Published: March 2015

Biotin is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin and is well-known as a co-factor for 5 indispensable carboxylases. Holocarboxylase synthetase (HLCS) catalyzes the biotinylation of carboxylases and other proteins, whereas biotinidase catalyzes the release of biotin from biotinylated peptides. Previous studies have reported that nutritional biotin deficiency and genetic defects in either HLCS or biotinidase induces cutaneous inflammation and immunological disorders. Since biotin-dependent carboxylases involve various cellular metabolic pathways including gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids and odd-chain fatty acids, metabolic abnormalities may play important roles in immunological and inflammatory disorders caused by biotin deficiency. Transcriptional factors, including NF-κB and Sp1/3, are also affected by the status of biotin, indicating that biotin regulates immunological and inflammatory functions independently of biotin-dependent carboxylases. An in-vivo analysis with a murine model revealed the therapeutic effects of biotin supplementation on metal allergies. The novel roles of biotinylated proteins and their related enzymes have recently been reported. Non-carboxylase biotinylated proteins induce chemokine production. HLCS is a nuclear protein involved in epigenetic and chromatin regulation. In this review, comprehensive knowledge on the regulation of immunological and inflammatory functions by biotin and its potential as a therapeutic agent is discussed.
Some applications of the revisited approximate next-to-leading higher order corrections in QCD
Authors: Mebarki N. , Bekli M. R. , Aissaoui H.
Published: March 2015

Using the prescription and techniques of the soft and/or collinear gluon approach developed in Refs. 1–5 and revisited in Ref. 6, applications to some hadronic subprocesses are considered and approximate QCD higher order contributions are determined.
Bargmann–Wigner formulation and superradiance problem of bosons and fermions in Kerr space–time
Authors: Kenmoku Masakatsu , Cho Y. M.
Published: March 2015

The superradiance phenomena of massive bosons and fermions in the Kerr space–time are studied in the Bargmann–Wigner formulation. In case of bi-spinor, the four independent components spinors correspond to the four bosonic freedom: one scalar and three vectors uniquely. The consistent description of the Bargmann–Wigner equations between fermions and bosons shows that the superradiance of the type with positive energy (0 < ω) and negative momentum near horizon (p H < 0) is shown not to occur. On the other hand, the superradiance of the type with negative energy (ω < 0) and positive momentum near horizon (0 < p H ) is still possible for both scalar bosons and spinor fermions.
Free-fall energy density and flux in the Schwarzschild black hole
Authors: Kim Wontae , Majhi Bibhas Ranjan
Published: March 2015

In the four-dimensional background of Schwarzschild black hole, we investigate the energy densities and fluxes in the freely falling frames for the Boulware, Unruh, and Israel–Hartle–Hawking states. In particular, we study their behaviors near the horizon and asymptotic spatial infinity by using the trace anomaly of a conformally invariant scalar field. In the Boulware state, both the energy density and flux are negative divergent when the observer is dropped at the horizon, and asymptotically vanish. In the Unruh state, the energy density is also negative divergent at the horizon while it is positive finite asymptotically. The flux in the Unruh state is always positive and divergent at the horizon. In the Israel–Hartle–Hawking state, the energy density depends on the angular motion of free fall, and fluxes vanish at the horizon and the spatial infinity. Finally, we discuss the role of the negative energy density near the horizon in the evaporating black hole.
On the complexity of the relationship between microstructure and tensile properties in cast aluminum
Authors: Bjurenstedt Anton , Seifeddine Salem , Jarfors Anders E. W.
Published: March 2015

The relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties in cast aluminum alloys is complex and is strongly affected by the casting process conditions and melt handling practices. The aim of the current work is to understand the critical interactions between material microstructure, mechanical properties and process quality in the development of high performance aluminum alloys. The mechanical properties were investigated and correlated with microstructural features such as porosity, Fe -rich particles, secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) and Si -particle length. The correlation with process quality measures such as bifilm index, density index and sludge factor (SF) were also investigated. The Si -particle lengths were found to explain variation in material strength and ductility which factors such as the bifilm index and porosity could not.
Quantitative analysis of the effect of α-phase on mechanical property of Ti-6Al-4V alloy during hot working process
Authors: Han Yuanfei , Yang Xiaofang , Zeng Weidong , Lu Weijie
Published: March 2015

In this paper, the morphologic evolution of α-phases and their influence on mechanical properties during the hot working process of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy has been quantitatively investigated. Samples with a variety of different features of α-phase were obtained by hot working. A quantitative analysis of SEM/OM images is carried out to determine the features of α-phase before and after deformation, including the length, thickness, aspect ratio and volume fraction of α-phase. It was found that the α-phase platelet thickness increases with the increasing of forging height reduction on subsequent solution and aging treatment, larger height reduction would reduce the aspect ratio and length of α-phase and further makes the α-phase closest to equiaxed morphology. Moreover, the influence of the α-phase features on the mechanical properties was systematically investigated. The results indicate that the mechanical properties are strongly determined by the features of the α-phase, especially the thickness and volume fraction of the α-phase. This work will optimize the mechanical property by means of microstructural control and deepen the understanding of influence of α-phase features on the mechanical properties.
Microstructure analysis of Al–Si–Cu alloys prepared by gradient solidification technique
Authors: Borkar Hemant , Seifeddine Salem , Jarfors Anders E. W.
Published: March 2015

Al – Si – Cu alloys were cast with the unique gradient solidification technique to produce alloys with two cooling rates corresponding to secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) of ~9 and ~27 μm covering the microstructural fineness of common die cast components. The microstructure was studied with optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). The alloy with higher cooling rate, lower SDAS, has a more homogeneous microstructure with well distributed network of eutectic and intermetallic phases. The results indicate the presence of Al – Fe – Si phases, Al – Cu phases and eutectic Si particles but their type, distribution and amount varies in the two alloys with different SDAS. EBSD analysis was also performed to study the crystallographic orientation relationships in the microstructure. One of the major highlights of this study is the understanding of the eutectic formation mechanism achieved by studying the orientation relationships of the aluminum in the eutectic to the surrounding primary aluminum dendrites.
The effects of pre-oxidation heating rate on bio-based carbon fibers and its surface repair
Authors: Wu H. , Cheng L. F. , Fan S. W. , Yuan X. W. , Bhattacharyya D.
Published: March 2015

Low-cost carbon fibers (CFs) are fabricated from jute fibers after pre-oxidation, carbonization and surface repair. This paper investigates the effects of pre-oxidation heating rate on jute fibers, and explores a repair method for surface defects of CFs in C/C composite. The results show the reaction mechanism of jute fibers in air is not changed at higher pre-oxidation heating rates while a low heating rate is still required as the oxidation of jute fibers cannot be fully achieved under rapid heating. The tensile strength of CFs increases after repair with a 5% phenolic resin solution. Jute-based CFs play a positive role in C/C composite performance through crack bridging and deflection.
CONTROL OF FOREARM MODULE IN UPPER-LIMB REHABILITATION ROBOT FOR REDUCTION AND BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT OF PRONATOR HYPERTONIA OF STROKE PATIENTS
Authors: KUNG PIN-CHENG , LIN CHOU-CHING K. , CHEN SHU-MIN , JU MING-SHAUNG
Published: March 2015

Spastic hypertonia causes loss of range of motion (ROM) and contractures in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. The pronation/supination of the forearm is an essential functional movement in daily activities. We developed a special module for a shoulder-elbow rehabilitation robot for the reduction and biomechanical assessment of pronator/supinator hypertonia of the forearm. The module consisted of a rotational drum driven by an AC servo motor and equipped with an encoder and a custom-made torque sensor. By properly switching the control algorithm between position control and torque control, a hybrid controller able to mimic a therapist’s manual stretching movements was designed. Nine stroke patients were recruited to validate the functions of the module. The results showed that the affected forearms had significant increases in the ROM after five cycles of stretching. Both the passive ROM and the average stiffness were highly correlated to the spasticity of the forearm flexor muscles as measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). With the custom-made module and controller, this upper-limb rehabilitation robot may be able to aid physical therapists to reduce hypertonia and quantify biomechanical properties of the muscles for forearm rotation in stroke patients.
VOLUME OF CONVEX HULL: A TECHNIQUE FOR QUANTIFYING HUMAN POSTURAL STABILITY
Authors: KUTILEK PATRIK , CAKRT ONDREJ , SOCHA VLADIMIR , HANA KAREL
Published: March 2015

Many disorders, such as nervous system disorders, can affect orientation of the body segments in 3D space negatively. Patients with these disorders often show body segments instability during stance tasks. Nowadays, 3-axis gyroscopes are about to be used to measure postural stability. The main objective of the paper is to describe a method which would be suitable for quantifying postural stability and 3D movement as a whole using a cheap 3-axis gyroscope. New method based on the volume of a 3D convex hull (CH) obtained by plotting pitch, roll and yaw angles versus each other was proposed for quantitative evaluation of 3D trunk sway. The sway was measured while patients with degenerative cerebellar disorder (Pts) and eleven healthy subjects (HSs) performed quiet stance on a firm surface (FiS) and foam surface (FoS) with open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE). The CH was used to identify differences in balance control, and there were significant differences found between the two groups. The median (Mdn) of the volume of Pts with OE on FiS is four times larger than the Mdn of the volume of HS with OE on FiS. The Mdn of the volume of Pts with CE on FoS is 80 times larger than the Mdn of the volume of HS with CE on FoS. It was therefore found that the volume of CH is suitable for quantifying postural sway and identifying differences in balance control.
DIASPORA NETWORKS, NON-ECONOMIC REMITTANCES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT: EVIDENCE FROM SOME ECONOMIES IN LATIN AMERICA
Authors: KSHETRI NIR , ROJAS-TORRES DIANA , ACEVEDO MARLENY CARDONA
Published: March 2015

Diaspora networks' non-economic remittances in the forms of social, political, cultural and technical contributions to their homeland play important roles in entrepreneurship and economic development. In this paper, we examine the effects of such remittances on entrepreneurship development in economies in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). We analyze how factors such as migrants' skills and education and characteristics of the host country are likely to affect non-economic remittances and their contribution to entrepreneurship and economic development. We offer some examples of initiatives taken in the home country and the host country to maximize the potential non-economic remittances and their impacts on entrepreneurship development in the home country. A key lesson and take-away that we can gain from entrepreneurially successful efforts of some economies is that the primary focus of diaspora policies need to be centered on utilizing various forms of non-economic remittances in stimulating the quantity and quality of entrepreneurial activity.
CASE REPORT: LOW DOSE CYCLOSPORINE COMBINED KETOCONAZOLE CURES A DOG OF STERILE NODULAR PANNICULITIS
Authors: Wang Shang-Lin , Lee Jih-Jong , Liao Albert Taiching
Published: March 2015

An eight-year-old neutered male Cocker Spaniel with multiple subcutaneous masses on the right flank was presented to National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital. The masses were excised and submitted for histopathologic evaluation and bacterial culture. A diagnosis of severe panniculitis was made and no microorganism was identified with bacterial culture. The patient did not respond well and showed significant side effects from prednisolone therapy. Later, low-dose cyclosporine was used instead and the lesions resolved. Complete remission was observed when ketoconazole was added in order to increase the blood concentration of cyclosporine in the patient. There were no adverse side effects noted during this combination therapy. The patient has remained free of the disease at the time this report was written. In conclusion, low-dose cyclosporine combined with ketoconazole therapy is safe and effective for treating sterile nodular panniculitis, when glucocorticoid does not provide an adequate clinical result.
Site-specific modification of proteins by ExoT-mediated ADP-ribosylation
Authors: Tsai Chia-Lun Jack , Sassi Slim , Seed Brian
Published: March 2015

Proteins bearing short sequence tags (ExoTags) can be specifically modified in a reaction catalyzed by the ADP-ribosyltransferase of Pseudomonas ExoT. ExoT tolerates a wide range of substituents at the adenosine N6 position, allowing the convenient installation of chemical diversity at the site of the tag. The ExoTag can be placed at either the N - or the C -terminus of the protein of interest or internally. The minimum tag is Arg-Leu-Ser-Arg (RLSR). Tandem copies of the minimal ExoTag enhance the efficiency of modification and allow modification at multiple sites within the tag. ExoT can be used to conjugate NAD-RNA to ExoTag bearing proteins, providing a convenient method for introducing nucleic acid bar codes for highly sensitive detection of proteins by polymerase chain reaction.
Evaluating performance and efficiency of Asian banks
Authors: Lu Lung-Tan
Published: March 2015

The aim of this paper is to examine the performance and efficiency changes of commercial banks in Japan and Taiwan. Banks in both countries operate in similar environments: nationally oriented with protected domestic banking market. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is applied to a panel of 6 nationwide banks in Japan and 12 in Taiwan between 2006 and 2011 and utilizes a Malmquist index to measure the relative importance of productivity changes. In this mode, five input variables (i.e., number of branches, number of employee per branch, share in total assets, share in total loans, and share in total deposits) and five output variables (i.e., ROA, ROE, net interest income/total assets, net interest income/total operating income, and non-interest income/total assets) are utilized. The results indicated that 2008 financial crisis did profoundly impact performance for commercial banks in Taiwan in terms of TE, SE and TFP, but did not seem to have great impact on the TE and TFP for commercial banks in Japan. It is found that the relative importance of productivity changes decline after 2008 financial crisis for Taiwanese group. However, Japanese group shows slight affects in terms of technical change and total factor productivity (TFP) change. These findings suggest that there is still some catching-up for the inefficient banks in Japan and Taiwan to be more competitive with the intention of facing a more globalized competition after 2008 financial crisis.
Does Scientific Evidence for the Use of Natural Products in the Treatment of Oral Candidiasis Exist? A Systematic Review
Authors: Ferreira Gabriela Lacet Silva , Pérez Ana Luíza Alves de Lima , Rocha Ítalo Martins , Pinheiro Mayara Abreu , Castro Ricardo Dias de , Carlo Hugo Lemes , Lima Edeltrudes de Oliveira , Castellano Lúcio Roberto
Published: March 2015

In view of the limitations of antifungal agents used in the treatment of oral candidiasis and the wide variety of natural products that have been studied as treatment of this disease, this systematic literature review proposed to evaluate whether scientific evidence attesting to the efficacy of natural products in the treatment of this disease exists. A systematic search in PubMed, MEDLINE, SciELO, Lilacs, and Cochrane Library databases was accomplished using the associations among the keywords Candida albicans, phytotherapy, biological products, denture stomatitis, and oral candidiasis in both English and Portuguese. Four independent observers evaluated the methodological quality of the resulting articles. Three studies were included for detailed analysis and evaluated according to the analysis protocol based on the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) 2010 statement. The tested products were different in all studies. Two studies mentioned random samples, but no study described the sample allocation. No study mentioned sample calculations, a prior pilot study, or examiner calibration, and only one trial reported sample losses. Differences between the tested products and the methodological designs among these studies did not allow the existence of scientific evidence related to the effectiveness of these products for the proposed subjects to be confirmed.
Estimating Potential Evapotranspiration by Missing Temperature Data Reconstruction
Authors: Delgadillo-Ruiz Eladio , Ventura-Ramos Eusebio Jr. , González Trinidad Julián , Júnez-Ferreira Hugo Enrique , Bautista-Capetillo Carlos Francisco , Delgadillo-Ruiz Olivia
Published: March 2015

This work studies the statistical characteristics of potential evapotranspiration calculations and their relevance within the water balance used to determine water availability in hydrological basins. The purpose of this study was as follows: first, to apply a missing data reconstruction scheme in weather stations of the Rio Queretaro basin; second, to reduce the generated uncertainty of temperature data: mean, minimum, and maximum values in the evapotranspiration calculation which has a paramount importance in the manner of obtaining the water balance at any hydrological basin. The reconstruction of missing data was carried out in three steps: (1) application of a 4-parameter sinusoidal type regression to temperature data, (2) linear regression to residuals to obtain a regional behavior, and (3) estimation of missing temperature values for a certain year and during a certain season within the basin under study; estimated and observed temperature values were compared. Finally, using the obtained temperature values, the methods of Hamon, Papadakis, Blaney and Criddle, Thornthwaite, and Hargreaves were employed to calculate potential evapotranspiration that was compared to the real observed values in weather stations. With the results obtained from the application of this procedure, the surface water balance was corrected for the case study.