bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of different routes of nicotine administration on gastric morphology and hormonal secretion in rats
Authors: Ali Soad Shaker , Hamed Enas Ahmed , Ayuob Nasra Naeim , Shaker Ali Ahmed , Suliman Mansour Ibrahem
Published: June 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does chronic administration of nicotine by different routes affect gastric hormonal secretions and morphology in rats?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Chronic nicotine administration increased levels of gastrin, ghrelin and histamine but decreased prostaglandin E2. Nicotine administered orally and by inhalation had a marked negative impact on the histological structure of the gastric mucosa compared with intraperitoneal administration. The negative impact of nicotine administration on gastric structure was associated with an increased concentration of gastrin and decreased prostaglandin E2, which might be the cause of gastric/peptic ulcers in heavy smokers. The increase in ghrelin concentration and its effect following chronic nicotine administration needs further investigation.

The aim was to assess the effects of different routes of chronic nicotine administration on gastric morphology and hormonal secretion; mainly gastrin, ghrelin, histamine and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Forty adult male albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups (10 rats per group), treated for 21 days as follows: control group (given standard rat pellets and water only); oral nicotine‐treated group [50 μg (ml drinking water)−1]; intraperitoneal nicotine‐treated group [0.5 mg (kg body weight)−1]; and inhaled nicotine‐treated group [0.5 mg (kg body weight)−1]. Concentrations of gastrin, ghrelin, PGE2 and histamine in serum and gastric tissue homogenates were assessed using ELISA kits. Stomach fundus was processed for histopathology and immunohistochemistry using light and electron microscopy. Different routes of chronic nicotine administration resulted in a significant increase in serum and gastric homogenate gastrin and ghrelin concentrations and a significant decrease in serum and homogenate PGE2 concentrations compared with the control group. Moreover, nicotine administration via oral and inhalation routes caused gastric erosion, transformation of peptic cells into the mucous variety, a significant increase in parietal cell numbers and an increase in expression of gastrin. In conclusion, the negative impact of nicotine administration on gastric structure that is associated with an increased concentration of gastrin and decreased concentration PGE2 might be the leading cause of gastric/peptic ulcers in heavy smokers. The increased ghrelin concentration and its effect following nicotine chronic administration needs further investigation. Based on these findings, we suggest that the alteration in gastric structure following chronic administration of nicotine can be prevented by reducing gastrin secretion and/or targeting its receptors.
Toll-like receptor 4 senses oxidative stress mediated by the oxidation of phospholipids in extracellular vesicles
Authors: Manček-Keber Mateja , Frank-Bertoncelj Mojca , Hafner-Bratkovič Iva , Smole Anže , Zorko Mateja , Pirher Nina , Hayer Silvia , Kralj-Iglič Veronika , Rozman Blaž , Ilc Nejc , Horvat Simon , Jerala Roman
Published: June 2015

Extracellular vesicles from patients with rheumatoid arthritis stimulate inflammation in a TLR4-dependent manner.
Analysis of single-cell cytokine secretion reveals a role for paracrine signaling in coordinating macrophage responses to TLR4 stimulation
Authors: Xue Qiong , Lu Yao , Eisele Markus R. , Sulistijo Endah S. , Khan Nafeesa , Fan Rong , Miller-Jensen Kathryn
Published: June 2015

Comparing isolated cells with cell populations uncovers the contributions of autocrine and paracrine signaling to the secretion of cytokines by macrophages.
Binding of the sphingolipid S1P to hTERT stabilizes telomerase at the nuclear periphery by allosterically mimicking protein phosphorylation
Authors: Panneer Selvam Shanmugam , De Palma Ryan M. , Oaks Joshua J. , Oleinik Natalia , Peterson Yuri K. , Stahelin Robert V. , Skordalakes Emmanuel , Ponnusamy Suriyan , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Smith Charles D. , Ogretmen Besim
Published: June 2015

Sphingosine 1-phosphate binds and stabilizes telomerase, a process that could be targeted to promote senescence and reduce cancer growth.
Lowering the bar for autoimmunity
Authors: Colmone Angela
Published: June 2015

Genetic variants associated with multiple sclerosis result in increased NF-κB signaling in CD4 T cells and a decreased threshold for activation.
Nano keeps MK2 inhibitor intact and on target
Authors: Frisk Megan L.
Published: June 2015

Encapsulating a kinase inhibitor in a pH-sensitive nanoparticle may be a strategy to prevent intimal hyperplasia in vascular grafts.
Hedgehog to the rescue
Authors: Nusinovich Yevgeniya
Published: June 2015

Activation of the Hedgehog pathway drives FLT3-mutated leukemia, and dual pathway inhibition effectively inhibits tumor growth.
Bacterial Photodynamic Inactivation Mediated by Methylene Blue and Red Light Is Enhanced by Synergistic Effect of Potassium Iodide
Authors: Vecchio Daniela , Gupta Asheesh , Huang Liyi , Landi Giacomo , Avci Pinar , Rodas Andrea , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: June 2015

The inexorable increase of antibiotic resistance occurring in different bacterial species is increasing the interest in developing new antimicrobial treatments that will be equally effective against multidrug-resistant strains and will not themselves induce resistance. One of these alternatives may be photodynamic inactivation (PDI), which uses a combination of nontoxic dyes, called photosensitizers (PS), excited by harmless visible light to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) by type 1 (radical) and type 2 (singlet oxygen) pathways. In this study, we asked whether it was possible to improve the efficacy of PDI
in vitro
and
in vivo
by addition of the inert salt potassium iodide (KI) to a commonly investigated PS, the phenothiazinium dye methylene blue (MB). By adding KI, we observed a consistent increase of red light-mediated bacterial killing of Gram-positive and Gram-negative species
in vitro
and
in vivo. In vivo
, we also observed less bacterial recurrence in wounds in the days posttreatment. The mechanism of action is probably due to formation of reactive iodine species that are produced quickly with a short lifetime. This finding may have a relevant clinical impact by reducing the risk of amputation and, in some cases, the risk of death, leading to improvement in the care of patients affected by localized infections.
Microplate-Based Assay for Identifying Small Molecules That Bind a Specific Intersubunit Interface within the Assembled HIV-1 Capsid
Authors: Halambage Upul D. , Wong Jason P. , Melancon Bruce J. , Lindsley Craig W. , Aiken Christopher
Published: June 2015

Despite the availability of >30 effective drugs for managing HIV-1 infection, no current therapy is curative, and long-term management is challenging owing to the emergence and spread of drug-resistant mutants. Identification of drugs against novel HIV-1 targets would expand the current treatment options and help to control resistance. The highly conserved HIV-1 capsid protein represents an attractive target because of its multiple roles in replication of the virus. However, the low antiviral potencies of the reported HIV-1 capsid–targeting inhibitors render them unattractive for therapeutic development. To facilitate the identification of more-potent HIV-1 capsid inhibitors, we developed a scintillation proximity assay to screen for small molecules that target a biologically active and specific intersubunit interface in the HIV-1 capsid. The assay, which is based on competitive displacement of a known capsid-binding small-molecule inhibitor, exhibited a signal-to-noise ratio of >9 and a Z factor of >0.8. In a pilot screen of a chemical library containing 2,400 druglike compounds, we obtained a hit rate of 1.8%. This assay has properties that are suitable for screening large compound libraries to identify novel HIV-1 capsid ligands with antiviral activity.
pKBuS13, a KPC-2-Encoding Plasmid from Klebsiella pneumoniae Sequence Type 833, Carrying Tn
4401b
Inserted into an Xer Site-Specific Recombination Locus
Authors: Garbari Luigi , Busetti Marina , Dolzani Lucilla , Petix Vincenzo , Knezevich Anna , Bressan Raffaela , Gionechetti Fabrizia , Tonin Enrico A. , Lagatolla Cristina
Published: June 2015

Here, we report the first detection of a
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase 2 (KPC-2)-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strain belonging to sequence type 833 (ST833), collected in an Italian hospital from a patient coming from South America. Its
bla
KPC
determinant was carried by a ColE1 plasmid, pKBuS13, that showed the Tn
4401b
::
bla
KPC-2
transposon inserted into the regulatory region of an Xer site-specific recombination locus. This interfered with the correct resolution of plasmid multimers into monomers, lowering plasmid stability and leading to overestimation of the number of plasmids harbored by a single host cell. Sequencing of the fragments adjacent to Tn
4401b
detected a region that did not have significant matches in databases other than the genome of a carbapenem-resistant
Escherichia coli
strain collected during the same year at a hospital in Boston. This is interesting in an epidemiologic context, as it suggests that despite the absence of
tra
genes and the instability under nonselective conditions, the circulation of pKBuS13 or of analogous plasmids might be wider than reported.
Capsular Polysaccharide Is Involved in NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by Klebsiella pneumoniae Serotype K1
Authors: Hua Kuo-Feng , Yang Feng-Ling , Chiu Hsiao-Wen , Chou Ju-Ching , Dong Wei-Chih , Lin Chien-Nan , Lin Chai-Yi , Wang Jin-Town , Li Lan-Hui , Chiu Huan-Wen , Chiu Yi-Chich , Wu Shih-Hsiung
Published: June 2015

Klebsiella pneumoniae
(strain 43816, K2 serotype) induces interleukin-1β (IL-1β) secretion, but neither the bacterial factor triggering the activation of these inflammasome-dependent responses nor whether they are mediated by NLRP3 or NLRC4 is known. In this study, we identified a capsular polysaccharide (K1-CPS) in
K. pneumoniae
(NTUH-K2044, K1 serotype), isolated from a primary pyogenic liver abscess (PLA
K. pneumoniae
), as the
Klebsiella
factor that induces IL-1β secretion in an NLRP3-, ASC-, and caspase-1-dependent manner in macrophages. K1-CPS induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, and NF-κB activation. Inhibition of both the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition and mitochondrial ROS generation inhibited K1-CPS-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, IL-1β secretion in macrophages infected with PLA
K. pneumoniae
was shown to depend on NLRP3 but also on NLRC4 and TLR4. In macrophages infected with a K1-CPS deficiency mutant, an lipopolysaccharide (LPS) deficiency mutant, or K1-CPS and LPS double mutants, IL-1β secretion levels were lower than those in cells infected with wild-type PLA
K. pneumoniae
. Our findings indicate that K1-CPS is one of the
Klebsiella
factors of PLA
K. pneumoniae
that induce IL-1β secretion through the NLRP3 inflammasome.
YjjQ Represses Transcription of
flhDC
and Additional Loci in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wiebe Helene , Gürlebeck Doreen , Groß Jana , Dreck Katrin , Pannen Derk , Ewers Christa , Wieler Lothar H. , Schnetz Karin
Published: June 2015

The presumptive transcriptional regulator YjjQ has been identified as being virulence associated in avian pathogenic
Escherichia coli
(APEC). In this work, we characterize YjjQ as transcriptional repressor of the
flhDC
operon, encoding the master regulator of flagellar synthesis, and of additional loci. The latter include
gfc
(capsule 4 synthesis),
ompC
(outer membrane porin C),
yfiRNB
(regulated c-di-GMP synthesis), and loci of poorly defined function (
ybhL
and
ymiA-yciX
). We identify the YjjQ DNA-binding sites at the
flhDC
and
gfc
promoters and characterize a DNA-binding sequence motif present at all promoters found to be repressed by YjjQ. At the
flhDC
promoter, the YjjQ DNA-binding site overlaps the RcsA-RcsB DNA-binding site. RcsA-RcsB likewise represses the
flhDC
promoter, but the repression by YjjQ and that by RcsA-RcsB are independent of each other. These data suggest that YjjQ is an additional regulator involved in the complex control of
flhDC
at the level of transcription initiation. Furthermore, we show that YjjQ represses motility of the
E. coli
K-12 laboratory strain and of uropathogenic
E. coli
(UPEC) strains CFT073 and 536. Regulation of
flhDC
,
yfiRNB
, and additional loci by YjjQ may be features relevant for pathogenicity.

IMPORTANCE
Escherichia coli
is a commensal and pathogenic bacterium causing intra- and extraintestinal infections in humans and farm animals. The pathogenicity of
E. coli
strains is determined by their particular genome content, which includes essential and associated virulence factors that control the cellular physiology in the host environment. However, the gene pools of commensal and pathogenic
E. coli
are not clearly differentiated, and the function of virulence-associated loci needs to be characterized. In this study, we characterize the function of
yjjQ
, encoding a transcription regulator that was identified as being virulence associated in avian pathogenic
E. coli
(APEC). We characterize YjjQ as transcriptional repressor of flagellar motility and of additional loci related to pathogenicity.
Neurological adverse effects of methylphenidate may be misdiagnosed as meningoencephalitis
Authors: Snell Luke Blagdon , Bakshi Dinkar
Published: June 2015

We present a case of adverse neurological effects of methylphenidate therapy for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A 7-year-old boy presented to the emergency department (ED) having developed ataxic gait, orofacial dyskinesias and choreoathetosis of the limbs. The results of all blood investigations, EEG and CT scan of the head were unremarkable. Subsequently, a detailed history revealed he was being treated for ADHD, being started on methylphenidate in the past 3 months. Discontinuation of methylphenidate led to significant and rapid amelioration of neurological adverse effects.
The impact of feedback of intraoperative technical performance in surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Trehan Abhishek , Barnett-Vanes Ashton , Carty Matthew J , McCulloch Peter , Maruthappu Mahiben
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Increasing patient demands, costs and emphasis on safety, coupled with reductions in the length of time surgical trainees spend in the operating theatre, necessitate means to improve the efficiency of surgical training. In this respect, feedback based on intraoperative surgical performance may be beneficial. Our aim was to systematically review the impact of intraoperative feedback based on surgical performance.

Setting

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, AMED and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched. Two reviewers independently reviewed citations using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. 32 data-points per study were extracted.

Participants

The search strategy yielded 1531 citations. Three studies were eligible, which comprised a total of 280 procedures by 62 surgeons.

Results

Overall, feedback based on intraoperative surgical performance was found to be a powerful method for improving performance. In cholecystectomy, feedback led to a reduction in procedure time (p=0.022) and an improvement in economy of movement (p<0.001). In simulated laparoscopic colectomy, feedback led to improvements in instrument path length (p=0.001) and instrument smoothness (p=0.045). Feedback also reduced error scores in cholecystectomy (p=0.003), simulated laparoscopic colectomy (p<0.001) and simulated renal artery angioplasty (p=0.004). In addition, feedback improved balloon placement accuracy (p=0.041), and resulted in a smoother learning curve and earlier plateau in performance in simulated renal artery angioplasty.

Conclusions

Intraoperative feedback appears to be associated with an improvement in performance, however, there is a paucity of research in this area. Further work is needed in order to establish the long-term benefits of feedback and the optimum means and circumstances of feedback delivery.
Association between body height and chronic low back pain: a follow-up in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study
Authors: Heuch Ingrid , Heuch Ivar , Hagen Knut , Zwart John-Anker
Published: June 2015

Objective

To study potential associations between body height and subsequent occurrence of chronic low back pain (LBP).

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

The North-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT). Data were obtained from a whole Norwegian county in the HUNT2 (1995–1997) and HUNT3 (2006–2008) surveys.

Participants

Altogether, 3883 women and 2662 men with LBP, and 10 059 women and 8725 men without LBP, aged 30–69 years, were included at baseline and reported after 11 years whether they suffered from LBP.

Main outcome measure

Chronic LBP, defined as pain persisting for 3 months during the previous year.

Results

Associations between body height and risk and recurrence of LBP were evaluated by generalised linear modelling. Potential confounders, such as BMI, age, education, employment, physical activity, smoking, blood pressure and lipid levels were adjusted for. In women with no LBP at baseline and body height ≥170 cm, a higher risk of LBP was demonstrated after adjustment for other risk factors (relative risk 1.19, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.37; compared with height <160 cm). No relationship was established among men or among women with LBP at baseline.

Conclusions

In women without LBP, a body height ≥170 cm may predispose to chronic LBP 11 years later. This may reflect mechanical issues or indicate a hormonal influence.
The relation between cigarette price and hand-rolling tobacco consumption in the UK: an ecological study
Authors: Rothwell Lucas , Britton John , Bogdanovica Ilze
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Cigarette price increases reduce smoking prevalence but as a tobacco control policy are undermined by the availability of lower cost alternatives such as hand-rolling tobacco. The aim of this descriptive study is to explore time trends in the price of manufactured cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco, and in the numbers of people who smoke these products, over recent years in the UK.

Settings and participants

UK.

Outcome measures

Trends in the most popular price category (MPPC) data for cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco from 1983 to 2012 adjusted for inflation using the Retail Price Index, and trends in smoking prevalence and the proportion of smokers using hand-rolling tobacco from 1974 to 2010.

Results

After adjustment for inflation, there was an increase in prices of manufactured cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco between 1983 and 2012. Between 1974 and 2010, the prevalence of smoking fell from 45% to 20%, and the estimated total number of smokers from 25.3 to 12.4 million. However the number of people smoking hand-rolling tobacco increased from 1.4 to 3.2 million, and MPPC cigarette price was strongly correlated with number of people smoking hand-rolling tobacco.

Conclusions

Although the ecological study design precludes conclusions on causality, the association between increases in manufactured cigarette price and the number of people smoking hand-rolling tobacco suggests that the lower cost of smoking hand-rolling tobacco encourages downtrading when cigarette prices rise. The magnitude of this association indicates that the lower cost of hand-rolling tobacco seriously undermines the use of price as a tobacco control measure.
Association between prehospital vitamin D status and incident acute respiratory failure in critically ill patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Thickett David R , Moromizato Takuhiro , Litonjua Augusto A , Amrein Karin , Quraishi Sadeq A , Lee-Sarwar Kathleen A , Mogensen Kris M , Purtle Steven W , Gibbons Fiona K , Camargo Carlos A , Giovannucci Edward , Christopher Kenneth B
Published: June 2015

Objective

We hypothesise that low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels before hospitalisation are associated with increased risk of acute respiratory failure.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Medical and Surgical Intensive care units of two Boston teaching hospitals.

Patients

1985 critically ill adults admitted between 1998 and 2011.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and main results

The exposure of interest was prehospital serum 25(OH)D categorised as ≤10 ng/mL, 11–19.9 ng/mL, 20–29.9 ng/mL and ≥30 ng/mL. The primary outcome was acute respiratory failure excluding congestive heart failure determined by International Classification of Diseases Ninth Edition (ICD-9) coding and validated against the Berlin Definition of acute respiratory sistress syndrome. Association between 25(OH)D and acute respiratory failure was assessed using logistic regression, while adjusting for age, race, sex, Deyo-Charlson Index and patient type (medical vs surgical).

In the cohort, the mean age was 63 years, 45% were male and 80% were white; 25(OH)D was ≤10 ng/mL in 8% of patients, 11–19.9 ng/mL in 24%, 20–29.9 ng/mL in 24% and ≥30 ng/mL in 44% of patients. Eighteen per cent (n=351) were diagnosed with acute respiratory failure. Compared to patients with 25(OH)D ≥30 ng/mL, patients with lower 25(OH)D levels had significantly higher adjusted odds of acute respiratory failure (≤10 ng/mL, OR=1.84 (95% CI 1.22 to 2.77); 11–19.9 ng/mL, OR=1.60 (95% CI 1.19 to 2.15); 20–29.9 ng/mL, OR=1.37 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.86)).

Conclusions

Prehospital 25(OH)D was associated with the risk of acute respiratory failure in our critically ill patient cohort.
Hospital autopsy: Endangered or extinct?
Authors: Turnbull Angus , Osborn Michael , Nicholas Nick
Published: June 2015

Aim

To determine the hospital autopsy rate for the UK in 2013.

Methods

A study of data from a ‘Freedom of Information’ request to all (n=186) acute NHS Trusts within England (n=160), NHS Boards in Scotland (n=14) and Wales (n=7) and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland (n=5). Hospital autopsy rates were calculated from the number of hospital autopsies performed in 2013 as a percentage of total inpatient deaths in the Trust that year.

Results

The UK response rate was 99% (n=184), yielding a mean autopsy rate of 0.69%. The mean rates were 0.51% (England), 2.13% (Scotland), 0.65% (Wales) and 0.46% (Northern Ireland). 23% (n=38) of all included respondents had a rate of 0% and 86% (n=143) a rate less than 1%.

Conclusions

The decline in hospital autopsy has continued relentlessly and, for better or for worse, the practice is on the verge of extinction in the UK. The study highlights to health professionals and policy makers the magnitude of this decline. Further research should investigate the impact of this on patient safety, clinical audit, public health and medical education.
‘Rhyme or reason?’ Saying no to mass vaccination: subjective re-interpretation in the context of the A(H1N1) influenza pandemic in Sweden 2009–2010
Authors: Lundgren Britta
Published: June 2015

During the swine flu pandemic of 2009–2010, all Swedish citizens were recommended to be vaccinated with the influenza vaccine Pandemrix. However, a very serious and unexpected side effect emerged during the summer of 2010: more than 200 children and young adults were diagnosed with narcolepsy after vaccination. Besides the tragic outcome for these children and their families, this adverse side effect suggests future difficulties in obtaining trust in vaccination in cases of emerging pandemics, and thus there is a growing need to find ways to understand the complexities of vaccination decision processes. This article explores written responses to a questionnaire from a Swedish folk life archive as an unconventional source for analysing vaccine decisions. The aim is to investigate how laypersons responded to and re-interpreted the message about the recommended vaccination in their answers. The answers show the confusion and complex circumstances and influences in everyday life that people reflect on when making such important decisions. The issue of confusion is traced back to the initial communications about the vaccination intervention in which both autonomy and solidarity were expected from the population. Common narratives and stories about the media or ‘big pharma capitalism’ are entangled with private memories, accidental coincidences and serendipitous associations. It is obvious that vaccination interventions that require compliance from large groups of people need to take into account the kind of personal experience narratives that are produced by the complex interplay of the factors described by the informants.
Feasibility of combined surgical and endovascular carotid access for interventional treatment of ischemic stroke
Authors: Wiesmann Martin , Kalder Johannes , Reich Arno , Brockmann Marc-Alexander , Othman Ahmed , Greiner Andreas , Nikoubashman Omid
Published: June 2015

Background

Rapid recanalization of occluded vessels is crucial for good clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke. Endovascular treatment is usually performed via a transfemoral approach, but catheterization of the carotid arteries can be problematic in cases of difficult anatomy or vascular pathologies in some cases.

Objective

To describe our experience with a technique involving surgical access to the carotid artery and consecutive transcarotid endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute stroke.

Methods

In a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained registry we identified 6 patients who underwent acute endovascular thrombectomy via a surgical access to the carotid artery.

Results

Admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ranged from 7 to 23. Intracranial recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction, TICI≥2b) was achieved in all patients (100%). Recanalization was achieved within 19±5 min after establishing carotid access. One patient developed a small neck hematoma, which was surgically removed without complications. No complications related to endovascular therapy were seen. At 3 months’ follow-up, five patients had survived. Three patients (50%) had regained excellent neurological function (modified Rankin Scale, mRS 0–1).

Conclusions

Surgical carotid access for endovascular stroke treatment is feasible, with considerable advantages, in patients with expected problematic access or for whom transfemoral endovascular carotid access has failed.
Geophysical models of the Montresor metasedimentary belt and its environs, central Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Tschirhart Victoria , Percival John A. , Jefferson Charlie W.
Published: June 2015

Recent identification of hydrothermally altered rocks and breccia in the underexplored Montresor belt of Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks suggests the possible presence of undiscovered mineralization. This study examines potential field data from the region with the goal of identifying subsurface features that could be associated with or serve as vectors to mineralization (subsurface alteration zones, faulting and (or) igneous intrusions). Gravity data were used to model regional and local geological features using known geology and physical properties from the study area and environs as constraints, and documents dense intrusive bodies underlying the Paleoproterozoic sequences. Maps of transformed apparent magnetic susceptibility values outline corridors of weak magnetization that correspond to observed zones of non-magnetic breccia and epidote–hematite–quartz alteration. Imputing the apparent susceptibility and rock property information into a magnetic forward model defines the geometry of this alteration zone, which is best explained as a northerly dipping non-magnetic or demagnetized, metasomatized intrusive sheet. The presence of previously undocumented igneous intrusions, their association with demagnetized hydrothermal breccia, and the continuity of the demagnetized zone suggests additional prospective areas within the region. This geological–geophysical framework for the nature and geometry of the Montresor belt and its surrounds highlights the importance of integrated modelling for areas with limited data.
Thermodynamics of noninteracting bosonic gases in cubic optical lattices versus ideal homogeneous Bose gases
Authors: Rakhimov Abdulla , Askerzade Iman N.
Published: June 2015

We have studied the thermodynamic properties of noninteracting gases in periodic lattice potential at arbitrary integer fillings and compared them with that of ideal homogeneous gases. By deriving explicit expressions for the thermodynamic quantities and performing exact numerical calculations, we have found that the dependence of e.g., entropy and energy on the temperature in the normal phase is rather weak especially at large filling factors. In the Bose condensed phase, their power dependence on the reduced temperature is nearly linear, which is in contrast to that of ideal homogeneous gases. We evaluated the discontinuity in the slope of the specific heat which turned out to be approximately the same as that of the ideal homogeneous Bose (IHB) gas for filling factor ν = 1. The discontinuity i.e. the jump in the heat capacity per particle linearly decreases with increasing ν. These results may serve as a checkpoint for various experiments on optical lattices as well as theoretical studies of weakly interacting Bose systems in periodic potentials being a starting point for perturbative calculations.
POLYPYRROLE COATED CELLULOSIC SUBSTRATE MODIFIED BY COPPER OXIDE AS ELECTRODE FOR NITRATE ELECTROREDUCTION
Authors: HAMAM A. , OUKIL D. , DIB A. , HAMMACHE H. , MAKHLOUFI L. , SAIDANI B.
Published: June 2015

The aim of this work is to synthesize polypyrrole (PPy) films on nonconducting cellulosic substrate and modified by copper oxide particles for use in the nitrate electroreduction process. Firstly, the chemical polymerization of polypyrrole onto cellulosic substrate is conducted by using FeCl3as an oxidant and pyrrole as monomer. The thickness and topography of the different PPy films obtained were estimated using a profilometer apparatus. The electrochemical reactivity of the obtained electrodes was tested by voltamperometry technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Secondly, the modification of the PPy film surface by incorporation of copper oxide particles is conducted by applying a galvanostatic procedure from a CuCl2solution. The SEM, EDX and XRD analysis showed the presence of CuO particles in the polymer films with dimensions less than 50 nm. From cyclic voltamperometry experiments, the composite activity for the nitrate electroreduction reaction was evaluated and the peak of nitrate reduction is found to vary linearly with initial nitrate concentration.
Corporate Governance and Private Equity Placements
Authors: Yeh Yin Hua , Shu Pei Gi , Kao Ming Sung
Published: June 2015

In a private placement, the identity of the block purchaser has attracted much attention, while the characteristics of the issuing firm are sparsely noted. We hypothesize that the market concerns about the coupling between the issuing firm and the new block investor. Our empirical findings from a sample of 213 private equity placements in Taiwan indicate that the announcement effect of good-governance firms is significantly higher than that of bad-governance firms. Moreover, the induction of outside block investor further punctuates the coupling effect: the coupling between good-governance (poor-governance) firms and outside block investors yields even higher (lower) returns. Finally, the coupling effect remains significant in explaining the long-run performance of private-equity-placement firms.
A density functional theory study of the mechanisms of addition of transition metal oxides ReO3L(L = Cl-, O-, OCH3, CH3) to substituted ketenes
Authors: Ahmed Issahaku , Tia Richard , Adei Evans
Published: June 2015

Ketenes are excellent precursors for catalytic asymmetric reactions, creating chiral centers mainly through addition across their C = C bonds. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the MO6/LACVP* and B3LYP/LACVP* levels of theory were employed in a systematic investigation of the peri-, chemo- and regio-selectivity of the addition of transition metal oxo complexes of the type ReO 3 L ( L = Cl -, O -, OCH 3, CH 3) to substituted ketenes O = C = C ( CH 3)(X) [ X = CH 3, H , CN , Ph ] with the aim of elucidating the effects of substituents on the mechanism of the reactions. The [2 + 2] addition pathway across the C = C or C = O (depending on the ligand) is the most preferred in the reactions of dimethyl ketene with all the metal complexes studied. The [2 + 2] pathway is also the most preferred in the reactions of ReO 3 Cl with all the substituted ketenes studied except when X = Cl . Thus of all the reactions studied, it is only the reaction of ReO 3 Cl with O = C = C ( CH 3)( Cl ) that prefers the [3 + 2] addition pathway. Reactions of dimethyl ketene with ReO 3 L favors addition across C = O bonds of the ketene when L = O - and CH 3 but favors addition across C = C bonds when L = OCH 3 and Cl . In the reactions of ReO 3 Cl with substituted ketenes, addition across C = O bonds is favored only when X = H while addition across C = C bonds is favored when X = CH 3, Cl , Ph , CN . The reactions of dimethyl ketene with ReO 3 L will most likely lead to the formation of an ester precursor in each case. A zwitterionic intermediate is formed in the reactions except in the reactions of [Formula: see text]. The order in the activation energies of the reactions of dimethyl ketenes with the metal complexes ReO 3 L with respect to changing ligand L is O - < CH 3 O - < Cl - < CH 3 while the order in reaction energies is CH 3 < CH 3 O - < O - < Cl -. For the reactions of substituted ketenes with ReO 3 Cl , the order in activation barriers is CH 3 < Ph < CN < Cl < H while the reaction energies follow the order Cl < CH 3 < H < Ph < CN . In the reactions of dimethyl ketenes with ReO 3 L , the trend in the selectivity of the reactions with respect to ligand L is Cl - < CH 3 O - < CH 3 < O - while the trend in selectivity is CH 3 < CN < Cl < Ph in the reactions of ReO 3 Cl with substituted ketenes. It is seen that reactions involving a change in oxidation state of metal from the reactant to product have high activation barriers while reactions that do not involve a change in oxidation state have low activation barriers. For both [3 + 2] and [2 + 2] additions, low activation barriers are obtained when the substituent on the ketene is electron-donating while high activation barriers are obtained when the substituent is electron-withdrawing.
Policy Learning with an Efficient Black-Box Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Hwangbo Jemin , Gehring Christian , Sommer Hannes , Siegwart Roland , Buchli Jonas
Published: June 2015

Robotic learning on real hardware requires an efficient algorithm which minimizes the number of trials needed to learn an optimal policy. Prolonged use of hardware causes wear and tear on the system and demands more attention from an operator. To this end, we present a novel black-box optimization algorithm, Reward Optimization with Compact Kernels and fast natural gradient regression (ROCK⋆). Our algorithm immediately updates knowledge after a single trial and is able to extrapolate in a controlled manner. These features make fast and safe learning on real hardware possible. The performance of our method is evaluated with standard benchmark functions that are commonly used to test optimization algorithms. We also present three different robotic optimization examples using ROCK⋆. The first robotic example is on a simulated robot arm, the second is on a real articulated legged system, and the third is on a simulated quadruped robot with 12 actuated joints. ROCK⋆ outperforms the current state-of-the-art algorithms in all tasks sometimes even by an order of magnitude.
Constructing and enhanced degradation rate of N-AZO/TiO2 core/shell nanocomposite by idiopathic molecular cladding process
Authors: Deng Ya-Juan , Wang Jian-Dong , Liu Jin-Ku , Tong Qin , Wang Jiang-Jie , Yang Xiao-Hong
Published: June 2015

The N - AZO / TiO 2 heterogeneous nanocomposite with core/shell structure revealed a better photocatalytic activity than the single N - AZO nanocrystals (NCs) even though it has a good photocatalytic effect. The recombination degree of photo-induced electrons and holes reduced significantly after molecular TiO 2 layer composited on the surface of N - AZO NCs. From the experiment of degrading rhodamine B solution (2 × 10-5 g/L) under solar light, the optimum photocatalytic efficiency was the N - AZO / TiO 2 composite prepared by idiopathic molecule-cladding (IMC) process and the best proportion of Zn / Ti was 2:1 in our research, which improved by 67% than pure N - AZO . Moreover, the N - AZO / TiO 2 composite prepared by IMC process achieved a molecular combination level between the two components, which not only can improve the immobility of composite structure, but also can make the photogenerated electrons and holes transport easier.
A robust method for producing electromagnetic shielding cellulose via iron oxide pillared clay coating under ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Gashti Mazeyar Parvinzadeh , Eslami Shima
Published: June 2015

We successfully immobilized Fe-pillared clay ( Fe -PILC) nanoparticles on a cotton surface via the pad-dry method and achieved cross-linking under ultraviolet irradiation. We investigated the influence of Fe -PILC concentration on the surface morphology, optical and electromagnetic (EM) shielding properties using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, reflectance spectrophotometry and EM field detector. We demonstrated a simple and versatile method for coating highly absorbent EM shielding nanocomposites on cotton.
Three simultaneous innovations interrelationships: An adopter dynamics model
Authors: Dhar Joydip , Tyagi Mani , Sinha Poonam
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we develop a conceptual framework of a innovation diffusion dynamics model in which multiple parallel innovations are effecting each other during the diffusion process. A mathematical model is proposed to explore the interaction and diffusion of three innovations simultaneously available in market. The stability analysis is carried out for various types of diffusions on such system both analytically and numerically. It is observed that the association between innovations in product market could be complementary, substitute, independent or competitive. The co-existence and extinction of innovation depends on the level of diffusion between the innovations and it may or may not be sensitive to initial distribution of innovations.
Petrophysical record of the Late Silurian shallow-water carbonate facies across the Lau Event (Prague Synform, Czech Republic) and dynamic time warping alignment of the magnetic susceptibility logs
Authors: Chadimova Leona , Vacek Frantisek , Sobien Katarzyna , Slavik Ladislav , Hladil Jindrich
Published: June 2015

High-resolution petrophysical logging magnetic susceptibility measurements (MS) and gamma-ray spectrometry (GRS), supplemented by rock magnetic measurements (anhysteretic and isothermal remanent magnetizations (ARM/IRM), frequency-dependent MS (FDMS)) and MS logs alignment using the dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm, were constrained by upgraded conodont biozonation across the Lau Event interval (LEI). Two sections (Pozary and Muslovka) representing shallow-water facies in the Prague Synform were studied. Conodont data and DTW alignment show that Muslovka represents a less complete succession when compared to the Pozary. DTW alignment of the MS logs shows perfect match of the logs and detected six prominent and several minor gaps. MS logs show elevated values and triple peaks at both sections across the LEI which start in the uppermost part of the
siluricus
Biozone. Magnetite was identified as the main carrier of the MS signal at both sections using ARM and IRM. FDMS revealed occurrence of superparamagnetic (SP) particles at both sections in all selected samples. Furthermore, a higher contribution of SP particles to the MS signal is recorded below the Lau Event interval in the Pozary section. GRS logs show depletion in U concentrations across the LEI at both sections.
Detection of Chromosomal Aberrations in Clinical Practice: From Karyotype to Genome Sequence
Authors: Martin Christa Lese , Warburton Dorothy
Published: June 2015

Since the inception of clinical cytogenetics in the late 1950s, the field has witnessed the evolution of multiple methodologies for the evaluation of chromosomal imbalances and rearrangements. From the replacement of solidly stained chromosomes by Giemsa banding (G-banding) to in situ hybridization and microarrays, each technique has sought to detect smaller and smaller chromosomal aberrations across the genome. Microarray analysis has revealed that copy-number variants—a class of mutation resulting from the loss (deletion) or gain (duplication) of genomic material that is >1 kb in size—are among the significant contributors to human disease and normal variation. Here, we evaluate the history and utility of various methodologies and their impact on the current practice of clinical cytogenetics.
High-Dose Polymerized Hemoglobin Fails to Alleviate Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury due to Induction of Oxidative Damage in Coronary Artery
Authors: Yang Qian , Wu Wei , Li Qian , Chen Chan , Zhou Ronghua , Qiu Yanhua , Luo Ming , Tan Zhaoxia , Li Shen , Chen Gang , Zhou Wentao , Liu Jiaxin , Yang Chengmin , Liu Jin , Li Tao
Published: June 2015

Objective. Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is an unavoidable event for patients in cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This study was designed to investigate whether glutaraldehyde-polymerized human placenta hemoglobin (PolyPHb), a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC), can protect heart against CPB-induced I/R injury or not and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.Methods and Results. A standard dog CPB model with 2-hour cardiac arrest and 2-hour reperfusion was established. The results demonstrated that a low-dose PolyPHb (0.1%, w/v) provided a significant protection on the I/R heart, whereas the high-dose PolyPHb (3%, w/v) did not exhibit cardioprotective effect, as evidenced by the impaired cardiac function, decreased myocardial oxygen utilization, and elevated enzymes release and pathological changes. Further study indicated that exposure of isolated coronary arteries or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to a high-dose PolyPHb caused impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation, which was companied with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and elevated malonaldehyde (MDA) formation. Consistent with the increased oxidative stress, the NAD(P)H oxidase activity and subunits expression, includinggp91phox,p47phox,p67phox, and Nox1, were greatly upregulated.Conclusion. The high-dose PolyPHb fails to protect heart from CPB-induced I/R injury, which was due to overproduction of NAD(P)H oxidase-induced ROS and resultant endothelial dysfunction.
ARMA Prediction of SBAS Ephemeris and Clock Corrections for Low Earth Orbiting Satellites
Authors: Kim Jeongrae , Kim Mingyu
Published: June 2015

For low earth orbit (LEO) satellite GPS receivers, space-based augmentation system (SBAS) ephemeris/clock corrections can be applied to improve positioning accuracy in real time. The SBAS correction is only available within its service area, and the prediction of the SBAS corrections during the outage period can extend the coverage area. Two time series forecasting models, autoregressive moving average (ARMA) and autoregressive (AR), are proposed to predict the corrections outside the service area. A simulated GPS satellite visibility condition is applied to the WAAS correction data, and the prediction accuracy degradation, along with the time, is investigated. Prediction results using the SBAS rate of change information are compared, and the ARMA method yields a better accuracy than the rate method. The error reductions of the ephemeris and clock by the ARMA method over the rate method are 37.8% and 38.5%, respectively. The AR method shows a slightly better orbit accuracy than the rate method, but its clock accuracy is even worse than the rate method. If the SBAS correction is sufficiently accurate comparing with the required ephemeris accuracy of a real-time navigation filter, then the predicted SBAS correction may improve orbit determination accuracy.
Bathing Effects of Various Seawaters on Allergic (Atopic) Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions Induced by 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene in Hairless Mice
Authors: Kim Choong Gon , Kang Meehye , Lee Youn-Ho , Min Won Gi , Kim Yong Hwan , Kang Su Jin , Song Chang Hyun , Park Soo Jin , Park Ji Ha , Han Chang Hyun , Lee Young Joon , Ku Sae Kwang
Published: June 2015

We evaluated the preventive effects of four types of seawater collected in Republic of Korea on hairless mice with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene- (DNCB-) induced allergic/atopic dermatitis (AD). The anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by measuring tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-)αand interleukins (ILs). Glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide anion, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were measured to evaluate the antioxidant effects. Caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were observed to measure the antiapoptotic effects; matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 9 levels were also evaluated. Mice with AD had markedly higher clinical skin severity scores and scratching behaviors; higher TNF-αand ILs (1β, 10, 4, 5, and 13) levels; higher MDA, superoxide anion, caspase-3, PARP, and MMP-9 levels; and greater iNOS activity. However, the severity of AD was significantly decreased by bathing in seawaters, but it did not influence the dermal collagen depositions and skin tissue antioxidant defense systems. These results suggest that bathing in all four seawaters has protective effects against DNCB-induced AD through their favorable systemic and local immunomodulatory effects, active cytoprotective antiapoptotic effects, inhibitory effects of MMP activity and anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects.
TREM‐2 Receptor Expression Increases with 25(OH)D Vitamin Serum Levels in Patients with Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
Authors: Bucova Maria , Suchankova Magda , Tibenska Elena , Tedlova Eva , Demian Juraj , Majer Ivan , Novosadova Helena , Tedla Miroslav
Published: June 2015

TREM‐1 and TREM‐2 molecules are members of the TREM transmembrane glycoproteins. In our previous study we identified increased expressions of TREM‐1 and TREM‐2 receptors in pulmonary sarcoidosis (PS). Only a few studies concerning the association between vitamin D and TREM receptor expression can be found. The aim of our current study was to determine the association between the levels of an inactive form of 25(OH)D vitamin and TREM‐1 and TREM‐2 receptor expressions. We have detected low levels of 25(OH)D vitamin in 79% of PS patients. Only 21% of patients had normal serum level of 25(OH)D vitamin with values clustered within the low‐normal range. The most striking findings were the increased TREM‐2 expressions on myeloid cells surfaces in BALF of PS patients with normal 25(OH)D vitamin serum levels compared with those with its decreased levels. The total number of TREM‐2 positive cells was 5.7 times higher and the percentage of TREM‐2 positive cells was also significantly increased in BALF of PS patients with normal compared to PS patients with low 25(OH)D vitamin serum levels. A significant correlation between total TREM‐2 expression and vitamin D levels has been detected too. However, we have not detected similar differences in TREM‐1expression and 25(OH)D vitamin serum levels.