bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and factors associated with in hospital mortality of convulsive status epilepticus in adult patients admitted to neurointensive care unit
Authors: Vooturi Sudhindra , Jayalakshmi Sita , Sahu Sambit , Mohandas Surath
Published: May 2014

Background Status epilepticus (SE) is a common neurological emergency; convulsive SE has a distribution with peaks in children and elderly than adult population.

Aim To determine the clinical characteristics and factors associated with in hospital mortality in adult patients admitted to the neurointensive care unit (NICU).

Methods A retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics and outcome of adult patients (aged 18 years and above, below 60 years) with CSE admitted into the NICU was performed. The outcome was classified as alive or death in NICU. The differences between the alive and dead patients for data collected were analyzed using t tests and chi-square test for continuous and categorical variables respectively. Spearman correlations were used to analyze association between the variables, where r > 0.3 and p < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results A total of 105 adult patients formed the inclusion criteria and were included for data analysis. Forty two out of the 105 patients were women. Sixty one (58%) of the 105 patients had acute symptomatic etiology while 17.1% patients were known epileptics; acute symptomatic etiology increased risk of mortality 5.28 times (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44–19.35) (p = <0.01). Thirty eight (36.1%) patients progressed to refractory SE. The mortality in the entire cohort was 19%. Complications of prolonged mechanical ventilation and refractory status epilepticus showed strong and significant association with mortality (r > 0.300; p < 0.0001). Mortality was significantly higher in patients with acute symptomatic etiology and than other etiologies (85.0% vs 54.1%; p = 0.011).

Conclusion Acute symptomatic etiology was the most common cause of SE in adults. While requirement for mechanical ventilation and refractory SE were the major factors associated with mortality, acute symptomatic etiology increased the risk of mortality in adult patients with SE.
Rehabilitation Outcomes Among Burn Injury Patients With a Second Admission to an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility
Authors: DiVita Margaret A. , Mix Jacqueline M. , Goldstein Richard , Gerrard Paul , Niewczyk Paulette , Ryan Colleen M. , Kowalske Karen , Zafonte Ross , Schneider Jeffrey C.
Published: May 2014

Background

Burn survivors tend to have complex medical issues requiring rehabilitation to improve overall function and quality of life. A subset of burn patients treated in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) may require more than 1 rehabilitation stay for the same injury.

Objective

To compare the rehabilitation outcomes among burn patients admitted to an IRF who were discharged to acute care and then readmitted to an IRF with burn patients admitted to an IRF only 1 time.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Inpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Participants

Burn injury patients aged 18 years or more who were admitted to IRFs between 2002 and 2011.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of data from Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation, a national data repository. Outcomes of the repeaters' second stay (n = 188) were compared to the nonrepeaters' first and only stay (n = 6,855), using linear regression and logistic regression to determine whether repeater status was associated with rehabilitation outcomes.

Main Outcome Measurements

Functional status (using the Functional Independence Measure [FIM] instrument) at admission, discharge and change, length of stay, FIM efficiency (total FIM points gained per day), and discharge disposition.

Results

Repeater status was inversely associated with discharge FIM total (coefficient = −3.42, 95% confidence interval = −5.76, −1.07) and FIM change (coefficient = −4.05, 95% CI = −6.34, −1.75) in linear regression models. No other significant differences were found, and those differences in discharge FIM total and FIM change were small.

Conclusions

Differences found in rehabilitation outcomes between the repeater and nonrepeater groups were small and may not reflect clinically meaningful differences. Burn injury patients who required a second IRF admission had rehabilitation outcomes similar to those of burn injury patients who did not require a second IRF admission, emphasizing the value of inpatient rehabilitation for burn injury IRF readmissions.
Quality of Life, Shoulder Range of Motion, and Spinal Accessory Nerve Status in 5‐Year Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Eickmeyer Sarah M. , Walczak Christine K. , Myers Katherine B. , Lindstrom D. Richard , Layde Peter , Campbell Bruce H.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To determine the association of neck dissection and radiation treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) with subsequent shoulder range of motion (ROM) and quality of life (QOL) in 5‐year survivors.

Design

A cross‐sectional convenience sample.

Setting

Otolaryngology clinics at tertiary care hospital and Veterans Affairs medical center.

Patients

Five‐year, disease‐free survivors of HNC.

Methods

Demographic and cancer treatment information was collected, including type of neck dissection (none, spinal accessory “nerve sparing,” and “nerve sacrificing”) and radiation. QOL questionnaires were administered, and shoulder ROM was measured.

Main Outcome Measurements

University of Washington Quality of Life (UWQOL), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) Head and Neck, and Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck. Shoulder ROM measurements included abduction, adduction, flexion, extension, internal and external rotation.

Results

One hundred and five survivors completed QOL surveys; 85 survivors underwent additional shoulder ROM evaluations. The nerve sacrifice group exhibited significantly poorer scores for UWQOL measures of disfigurement, level of activity, recreation and/or entertainment, speech and shoulder disability, and willingness to eat in public, FACT functional well‐being, and FACT Head and Neck (P < .05). Shoulder ROM for flexion and abduction was poorest in the nerve sacrifice group (P < .05). Radiation was associated with significantly worse UWQOL swallowing (P < .05), but no other differences were found for QOL or ROM measurements. Decreased QOL scores were associated with decreased shoulder flexion and abduction (P < .05). Survivors with decreased shoulder abduction had significantly (P < .05) worse scores in disfigurement, recreation and/or entertainment, employment, shoulder disability, and FACT emotional well‐being.

Conclusions

Sparing the spinal accessory nerve during neck dissection is associated with significantly less long‐term shoulder disability in 5‐year survivors of HNC. QOL measures demonstrated the highest level of function in the no dissection group, an intermediate level of functioning with nerve sparing, and poorest function when the nerve is sacrificed. Decreased shoulder flexion and abduction is associated with reduced QOL in long‐term survivors of HNC.
SPARSE APPROXIMATION AND RECOVERY BY GREEDY ALGORITHMS IN BANACH SPACES
Authors: TEMLYAKOV V. N.
Published: May 2014

We study sparse approximation by greedy algorithms. We prove the Lebesgue-type inequalities for the weak Chebyshev greedy algorithm (WCGA), a generalization of the weak orthogonal matching pursuit to the case of a Banach space. The main novelty of these results is a Banach space setting instead of a Hilbert space setting. The results are proved for redundant dictionaries satisfying certain conditions. Then we apply these general results to the case of bases. In particular, we prove that the WCGA provides almost optimal sparse approximation for the trigonometric system in $L_p$, $2\le p<\infty $.
Postprandial inflammation is not associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy lean men
Authors: Kračmerová Jana , Czudková Eva , Koc Michal , Mališová Lucia , Šiklová Michaela , Štich Vladimír , Rossmeislová Lenka
Published: May 2014

The consumption of lipids and simple sugars induces an inflammatory response whose exact molecular trigger remains elusive. The aims of the present study were to investigate (1) whether inflammation induced by a single high-energy, high-fat meal (HFM) is associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and (2) whether these inflammatory and ERS responses could be prevented by the chemical chaperone ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). A total of ten healthy lean men were recruited to a randomised, blind, cross-over trial. Subjects were given two doses of placebo (lactose) or UDCA before the consumption of a HFM (6151 kJ; 47·4 % lipids). Blood was collected at baseline and 4 h after the HFM challenge. Cell populations and their activation were analysed using flow cytometry, and plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines were assessed by ELISA and Luminex technology. Gene expression levels of inflammatory and ERS markers were analysed in CD14+ and CD14− PBMC using quantitative RT-PCR. The HFM induced an increase in the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, 2·1-fold; IL-8, 2·4-fold; TNF-α, 1·4-fold; monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, 2·1-fold) and a decrease in the expression levels of miR181 (0·8-fold) in CD14+ monocytes. The HFM challenge did not up-regulate the expression of ERS markers (XBP1, HSPA5, EDEM1, DNAJC3 and ATF4) in either CD14+ or CD14− cell populations, except for ATF3 (2·3-fold). The administration of UDCA before the consumption of the HFM did not alter the HFM-induced change in the expression levels of ERS or inflammatory markers. In conclusion, HFM-induced inflammation detectable on the level of gene expression in PBMC was not associated with the concomitant increase in the expression levels of ERS markers and could not be prevented by UDCA.
Oral administration of the milk casein-derived tripeptide Val-Pro-Pro attenuates high-fat diet-induced adipose tissue inflammation in mice
Authors: Aihara Kotaro , Osaka Mizuko , Yoshida Masayuki
Published: May 2014

Inflammation of adipose tissue triggers the metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis and CHD. In the present study, we investigated whether the milk casein-derived tripeptide valine-proline-proline (VPP) has an anti-inflammatory effect on the adipose tissue of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Male C57BL/6J mice (7 weeks of age) were fed ad libitum with either a HFD and plain tap water (HFD group) or a HFD and water containing 0·3 mg VPP/ml (HFD+VPP group) for 10 weeks. The results showed that the expression level of CD18 in the peripheral blood monocytes of the HFD+VPP group was significantly decreased compared with the level observed in those of the HFD group. Activated monocytes and pro-inflammatory macrophages were accumulated in the stromal vascular fractions of the adipose tissue from HFD-fed mice, which were significantly decreased in those supplemented with VPP. The formation of crown-like structures rich in pro-inflammatory macrophages was also significantly reduced in the adipose tissue of mice administered with VPP. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and that of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in adipose tissue tend to be lower in the HFD+VPP group than in the HFD group. These observations indicate that oral administration of VPP exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on the adipose tissue of HFD-fed mice, which may eventually lead to the primary prevention of chronic inflammation-related diseases.
Contrasting effects of geographical separation on the genetic population structure of sympatric species of mites in avocado orchards
Authors: Guzman-Valencia S. , Santillán-Galicia M.T. , Guzmán-Franco A.W. , González-Hernández H. , Carrillo-Benítez M.G. , Suárez-Espinoza J.
Published: May 2014

Oligonychus punicaeandOligonychus perseae(Acari: Tetranychidae) are the most important mite species affecting avocado orchards in Mexico. Here we used nucleotide sequence data from segments of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) genes to assess the phylogenetic relationships between both sympatric mite species and, using only ITS sequence data, examine genetic variation and population structure in both species, to test the hypothesis that, although both species co-occur, their genetic population structures are different in both Michoacan state (main producer) and Mexico state. Phylogenetic analysis showed a clear separation between both species using ITS and COI sequence information. Haplotype network analysis done on 24 samples ofO. punicaerevealed low genetic diversity with only three haplotypes found but a significant geographical population structure confirmed by analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and Kimura-2-parameter (K2P) analyses. In addition, a Mantel test revealed that geographical isolation was a factor responsible for the genetic differentiation. In contrast, analyses of 22 samples ofO. perseaerevealed high genetic diversity with 15 haplotypes found but no geographical structure confirmed by the AMOVA, K2P and Mantel test analyses. We have suggested that geographical separation is one of the most important factors driving genetic variation, but that it affected each species differently. The role of the ecology of these species on our results, and the importance of our findings in the development of monitoring and control strategies are discussed.
Nymphal antennae and antennal sensilla in Aleurodicus dispersus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Zheng L.X. , Wu W.J. , Liang G.W. , Fu Y.G.
Published: May 2014

Whiteflies have distinct nymphal stages: their first stage is mobile, whereas the later immature stages are sessile. The developmental and structural changes of antennae and antennal sensilla in whiteflies during these stages have rarely been investigated. This paper describes the morphology of antennae and antennal sensilla in four nymphal stages of Aleurodicus dispersus based on scanning electron microscopy. There were significant differences found in shape and length of the antennae, and differences in type, number, morphological structure and distributional pattern of antennal sensilla in the four nymphal stages of A. dispersus. We found two types of sensilla on the antennae of first-instar nymph, three types on the third-instar nymphal antennae, four types on the second-instar and seven types on the fourth-instar nymphal antennae. Sensilla trichoidea (ST) and elevated sensilla placodea were found on the antennae of each nymphal stage, sensilla chaetica only occurred on the antennae of fourth-instar nymph. Sensilla furcatea occurred on the antennae of second- and third-instar nymphs, and sensilla basiconica were found on the antennae of second- and fourth-instar nymphs. In addition, there were sensilla campaniform and sensilla coeloconica found only on the antennae of fourth-instar nymph, whereas the ST of fourth-instar nymphs included sensilla trichoidea 1 and sensilla trichoidea 2. The possible functions of antennal sensilla are discussed. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the development of the olfactory system of whitefly nymphal stages, and provide a basis for further exploration of chemical communication mechanisms between whiteflies and host plants.
ONSET OF SEXUAL ACTIVITY AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN HIV/AIDS-AFFECTED HOUSEHOLDS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: MAGADI MONICA A. , UCHUDI JOSEPH
Published: May 2014

This paper examines the effect of orphanhood and HIV status of adults in a household on onset of sexual activity among adolescent girls and boys aged 15–17 years in sub-Saharan Africa. Multilevel logistic regression models were applied to pooled Demographic and Health Surveys data from nineteen countries of sub-Saharan Africa where HIV test data were collected during 2003–2008 from nationally representative samples of men and women of reproductive age. The results highlight increased vulnerability among adolescent boys and girls living in households where an adult is infected with HIV, and adolescent boys who are paternal orphans. On average, adolescent boys and girls living in households where at least one adult is HIV-positive have about 25% higher odds of having initiated sexual activity compared with their counterparts of similar characteristics in households where no adult is HIV-positive. Furthermore, adolescent boys who are paternal orphans have about 25% higher odds of having initiated sexual activity than their non-orphan counterparts of similar individual characteristics. Further analysis reveals that household circumstances relating to living arrangements and poverty are important pathways through which household HIV/AIDS status is linked to adolescent sexual debut. The findings underscore the importance of international efforts in the sub-Saharan Africa region to address the plight of other children in HIV/AIDS-affected households, beyond orphans.
The effects of direct and indirect road transport consignment in combination with feed withdrawal in young dairy calves
Authors: Fisher Andrew D , Stevens Bronwyn H , Conley Melanie J , Jongman Ellen C , Lauber Mariko C , Hides Susan J , Anderson Garry A , Duganzich David M , Mansell Peter D
Published: May 2014

Male dairy calves may be transported from their farm of origin at a young age. This process may involve an extended period off feed and indirect consignment through an intermediate facility, prompting potential welfare concerns. To assess the impact of transport, 59 male Holstein-Friesian dairy calves (5–9 d old) were either (1) held in situ on farm (control); (2) transported for 6 h; (3) transported for 12 h; or (4) transported for 1 h to a holding facility where they were kept for 6 h and then transported for 5 h. All treatments included a 30-h period of feed (milk) withdrawal, and calf responses were measured over time from before their last feed until the completion of the study after the transport and feed withdrawal periods. Apart from increases in serum creatine kinase in calves transported for 12 h, transported calves generally did not differ in blood concentrations of glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate, lactate, total protein or in packed cell volume, compared with controls (P>0·05). Calf responses to the indirect consignment treatment did not differ from those of other transported calves. Withdrawal of feed for 30 h caused calves to lose 6% of body weight; blood glucose varied from 3·96 mmol/l immediately before daily feeding to 5·46 mmol/l at 3 h post feeding, and then declined to 3·43 mmol/l at 30 h. Calves lay down for 22–32% of the time during transport, and did not show a rebound effect in lying behaviour post arrival in comparison with controls. Best practice transport of 6–12 h duration, including indirect consignment via a holding facility, did not significantly affect calf blood biochemistry and metabolism in comparison with untransported animals. However, extending the time off feed beyond the daily feeding interval resulted in reduced blood glucose concentrations, suggesting that time off feed needs to be carefully managed in young transported dairy calves.
Mouse studies on inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum Hsp90: progress and challenges
Authors: BAYIH ABEBE GENETU , PILLAI DYLAN R.
Published: May 2014

This review highlights studies conducted in murine models to evaluate the efficacy of compounds targeting Heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 of malaria. Both advances achieved and limitations that exist are highlighted.
Genetic and environmental influences on cortical surface area and cortical thickness in bipolar disorder
Authors: Bootsman F. , Brouwer R. M. , Schnack H. G. , van Baal G. C. M. , van der Schot A. C. , Vonk R. , Hulshoff Pol H. E. , Nolen W. A. , Kahn R. S. , van Haren N. E. M.
Published: May 2014

Background

The risk of developing bipolar disorder (BD) has been linked to structural brain abnormalities. The degree to which genes and environment influence the association of BD with cortical surface area remains to be elucidated. In this twin study, genetic and environmental contributions to the association between liability to develop BD and surface area, thickness and volume of the cortex were examined.

Method

The study cohort included 44 affected monozygotic (nine concordant, 12 discordant) and dizygotic (four concordant, 19 discordant) twin pairs, and seven twins from incomplete discordant monozygotic and dizygotic discordant twin pairs. In addition, 37 monozygotic and 24 dizygotic healthy control twin pairs, and six twins from incomplete monozygotic and dizygotic control pairs were included.

Results

Genetic liability to develop BD was associated with a larger cortical surface in limbic and parietal regions, and a thicker cortex in central and parietal regions. Environmental factors related to BD were associated with larger medial frontal, parietal and limbic, and smaller orbitofrontal surfaces. Furthermore, thinner frontal, limbic and occipital cortex, and larger frontal and parietal, and smaller orbitofrontal volumes were also associated with environmental factors related to BD.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that unique environmental factors play a prominent role in driving the associations between liability to develop BD and cortical measures, particularly those involving cortical thickness. Further evaluation of their influence on the surface and thickness of the cortical mantle is recommended. In addition, cortical volume appeared to be primarily dependent on surface and not thickness.
Hundred picoseconds laser pulse amplification based on scalable two-cells Brillouin amplifier
Authors: Yuan H. , Lu Z.W. , Wang Y.L. , Zheng Z.X. , Chen Y.
Published: May 2014

Hundred picoseconds laser pulse with high energy and high peak power has broad application prospects such as inertial confinement fusion shock ignition. But it is hard to get effective amplification through MOPA or chirped pulse amplification method. Through simulated Brillouin scattering method, 100 picoseconds laser pulse can be amplified efficiently. To be able to meet the need of high energy and high-intensity laser pulse amplification, scalable two cell structure and four different FC series liquid were used to fulfill this experiment. The results indicate that the magnification of Stokes energy and efficiency of energy extraction are closely related to medium parameters and energy parameters. The minimum width of 340 ps Stokes pulse was amplified by 13.5 times in this experiment.
A research on the mounted configuration of end-effector for robotic drilling
Authors: Liang Jie
Published: May 2014

The flexible robotic drilling system has been widely used in the aircraft industry in recent years. There are three ways to attach an end-effector to a robot, which are the pointing configuration, the hanging configuration, and the side configuration. The simulation model of robot and workpiece is constructed by using MATLAB software. According to the three configurations, reachability, manipulability, joint useability, and joint passive torque of a robot are calculated by means of the MATLAB language. Based on the calculation results and various measures, the performance, including reachability, manipulability, joint useability, and deformation, of a robot are analyzed. The analysis results show that the pointing configuration has the best reachability, a long service life, and small energy consumption, and it substantially reduces the fifth axis joint passive torque produced by the clamp force, which will improve positional accuracy of holes; the hanging configuration and the side configuration improve robot's manipulability and are suitable for drilling in the curved surface.
The Compensation Effects of Gyros' Stochastic Errors in a Rotational Inertial Navigation System
Authors: Lv Pin , Lai Jizhou , Liu Jianye , Nie Mengxin
Published: May 2014

The errors of an inertial navigation system (INS) in response to gyros' errors can be effectively reduced by the rotation technique, which is a commonly used method to improve an INS's accuracy. A gyro's error consists of a deterministic contribution and a stochastic contribution. The compensation effects of gyros' deterministic errors are clear now, but the compensation effects of gyros' stochastic errors are as yet unknown. However, the compensation effects are always needed in a rotational inertial navigation system's (RINS) error analysis and optimization study. In this paper, the compensation effects of gyros' stochastic errors, which are modelled as a Gaussian white (GW) noise plus a first-order Markov process, are analysed and the specific formulae are derived. During the research, the responses of an INS's and a RINS's position error equations to gyros' stochastic errors are first analysed. Then the compensation effects of gyros' stochastic errors brought by the rotation technique are discussed by comparing the error propagation characteristics in an INS and a RINS. In order to verify the theory, a large number of simulations are carried out. The simulation results show a good consistency with the derived formulae, which can indicate the correctness of the theory.
First Preliminary Fast Static Ambiguity Resolution Results of Medium-Baseline with Triple-Frequency Beidou Wavebands
Authors: Ji Shengyue , Wang Xiaolong , Xu Ying , Wang Zhenjie , Chen Wu , Liu Hui
Published: May 2014

Fast high precision relative Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning is very important to various applications and ambiguity resolution is a key requirement. It has been a continuing challenge to determine and fix GNSS carrier-phase ambiguity, especially for medium- and long-distance baselines. In past research, with dual-frequency band Global Positioning System (GPS), it is almost impossible for fast ambiguity resolution of medium- and long-distance baselines mainly due to the ionospheric and tropospheric effects. With the launch of the BeiDou system, triple-frequency band GNSS observations are available for the first time. This research aims to test the ambiguity resolution performance with BeiDou triple-frequency band observations. In this research, two mathematical models are compared: zenith tropospheric delay as an unknown parameter versus corrected tropospheric delay. The ambiguity resolution performance is investigated in detail with BeiDou observations. Different distance baselines are tested: 45 km, 70 km and 100 km and the performances are investigated with different elevation cut-off angles. Also the performance with BeiDou alone and combined BeiDou and GPS are compared. Experimental results clearly show that with practical observations of triple-frequency bands, ambiguity of medium- or long-distance baselines can be fixed. The results also show that: the performance of ambiguity resolution with an elevation cutoff angle of 20° is much better than that of 15°; The performance with tropospheric effect corrected is slightly better than that with tropospheric effect as an estimated parameter; Dual-frequency band GPS observations will benefit ambiguity resolution of integrated BeiDou and GPS.
Warning! Fire in the ICU
Authors: Rispoli Fabio , Iannuzzi Michele , De Robertis Edoardo , Piazza Ornella , Servillo Giuseppe , Tufano Rosalba
Published: May 2014

At 5:30 pm on December 17, 2010, shortly after a power failure, smoke filled the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Federico II University Hospital in Naples, Italy, triggering the hospital emergency alarm system. Immediately, staff began emergency procedures and alerted rescue teams. All patients were transferred without harm. The smoke caused pharyngeal and conjunctival irritation in some staff members. After a brief investigation, firefighters discovered the cause of the fire was a failure of the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).

RispoliF, IannuzziM, De RobertisE, PiazzaO, ServilloG, TufanoR. Warning! Fire in the ICU. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2014;29(3):1-2.
Primary Repair or Fecal Diversion for Colorectal Injuries After Blast: A Medical Review
Authors: Bortolin Michelangelo , Baldari Ludovica , Sabbadini Maria Grazia , Roy Nobhojit
Published: May 2014

Blast injury is a frequent cause of injury during armed conflicts, and the force of a blast can cause closed colorectal injury and perforation.1 After identification of a blast-related colorectal injury, the surgical options are primary repair or fecal diversion with the option for secondary repair. This structured review was conducted to determine which patients could be treated with primary repair (PR) or with fecal diversion. The review method followed the Prisma Statement method for medical systematic review. All data from the relevant articles were collected in a single database. Articles took into account wars in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan from January 1993 through November 2012. The review was limited due to lack of reported data, hence qualitative analysis was the main review method. The review showed that for patients who do not have associated intra-abdominal injuries (diaphragm, stomach, pancreas, spleen, or kidney) or hemodynamic instability, PR did not result in an increase of complications or mortality.

BortolinM, BaldariL, SabbadiniMG, RoyN. Primary repair or fecal diversion for colorectal injuries after blast: a medical review. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2014;29(3):1-3.
The Isma‘ili – Isna ‘Ashari Divide Among the Khojas: Exploring Forgotten Judicial Data from Karachi
Authors: BOIVIN MICHEL
Published: May 2014

This paper explores the interaction between a religious leader, the Aga Khan, and a cluster of castes, the Khojas, in Colonial India. While scholars have usually investigated the Bombay judicial sources, claiming that the Aga Khan Case of 1866 put an end to dissent among the Khojas who rejected his authority, the Karachi judicial sources provide a new perspective on the issues. It will be argued that the so called dissenters were fighting for the autonomy of the Khojas as a caste that they were able to keep in turning to Isna ‘Ashari. Therefore, this paper deals with how the British colonials attempted to control the people of India through the courts, but also how Indian actors used the courts for reaching their goals. Furthermore, the religious discourse through which the claims were expressed was but a shell concealing economic pursuits as well as issues of social rank.
Whole Cell Cryo-Electron Tomography Suggests Mitochondria Divide by Budding
Authors: Hu Guo-Bin
Published: May 2014

Eukaryotes rely on mitochondrial division to guarantee that each new generation of cells acquires an adequate number of mitochondria. Mitochondrial division has long been thought to occur by binary fission and, more recently, evidence has supported the idea that binary fission is mediated by dynamin-related protein (Drp1) and the endoplasmic reticulum. However, studies to date have depended on fluorescence microscopy and conventional electron microscopy. Here, we utilize whole cell cryo-electron tomography to visualize mitochondrial division in frozen hydrated intact HeLa cells. We observe a large number of relatively small mitochondria protruding from and connected to large mitochondria or mitochondrial networks. Therefore, this study provides evidence that mitochondria divide by budding.
Comparison of CCC and ETAR dose calculation algorithms in pituitary adenoma radiation treatment planning; Monte Carlo evaluation
Authors: Tanha K. , Mahdavi S. R. , Geraily G.
Published: May 2014

Aims

To verify the accuracy of two common absorbed dose calculation algorithms in comparison to Monte Carlo (MC) simulation for the planning of the pituitary adenoma radiation treatment.

Materials and methods

After validation of Linac's head modelling by MC in water phantom, it was verified in Rando phantom as a heterogeneous medium for pituitary gland irradiation. Then, equivalent tissue-air ratio (ETAR) and collapsed cone convolution (CCC) algorithms were compared for a conventional three small non-coplanar field technique. This technique uses 30 degree physical wedge and 18 MV photon beams.

Results

Dose distribution findings showed significant difference between ETAR and CCC of delivered dose in pituitary irradiation. The differences between MC and dose calculation algorithms were 6.40 ± 3.44% for CCC and 10.36 ± 4.37% for ETAR. None of the algorithms could predict actual dose in air cavity areas in comparison to the MC method.

Conclusions

Difference between calculation and true dose value affects radiation treatment outcome and normal tissue complication probability. It is of prime concern to select appropriate treatment planning system according to our clinical situation. It is further emphasised that MC can be the method of choice for clinical dose calculation algorithms verification.
Caddis-flies (Insecta: Trichoptera) from the Insect Limestone (Bembridge Marls, Late Eocene) of the Isle of Wight, UK
Authors: Sukatsheva Irina D.
Published: May 2014

The trichopteran assemblage of the Late Eocene Bembridge Marls is revised. six species in five genera and four families are identified, with four species and two genera described as new: (Beraeidae:Beraeodes vectensisCockerell, 1921 andB. anglicusCockerell, 1921; Phryganeidae:Bembridgea insulariagen. sp. nov.; Polycentropodidae: ?Plectrocnemia incompletaSukatsheva, sp. nov.; Philopotamidae:Wormaldia longaevaSukatsheva, sp. nov.; incertae familiae:Paleodicella anomalaSukatsheva, gen. sp. nov.). The assemblage is unique in being absolutely dominated by the generally uncommon family Beraeidae, and particularly by the single speciesBeraeodes vectensis. Except for a representative of ubiquitous Phryganaeidae, all the caddis-flies recorded apparently had oxy- and psychrophilous larvae confined to springs and cold streams (or else mosses near water), thus indicating the absence of fresh lakes or slow running waters near the depositional water body.
The Flora of the Insect Limestone (latest Eocene) from the Isle of Wight, southern England
Authors: Hayes Peta Angela , Collinson Margaret Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

Latest Eocene fossil plant remains occur in concentrations within blue-grey micrite known as Insect Limestone near the base of the Bembridge Marls Member (Bouldnor Formation, Solent Group), Isle of Wight, southern England. Some of the previously reported taxa (collections in the Natural History Museum, London) are not preserved within the Insect Limestone. These (e.g., all Arecaceae (palms)) are excluded from the floral list. New non-destructive techniques have yielded additional taxonomic information. Leaves previously assigned to Ficus and Fagus are now incertae sedis. Wetland elements are abundant, particularly Typha, but also Acrostichum, Azolla, Potamogeton, Sparganium and others. Non-wetland elements are rare. Trees and shrubs included representatives of Betulaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Juglandaceae, Lauraceae, Rhamnaceae (the sclerophyllous Zizyphus), other flowering plants and several genera of conifers. There are rare specimens of possible herbaceous plants and propagules with plumes or awns, the latter possibly an early fossil record of Clematis. The common plant remains were probably derived from vegetation near a freshwater body, sometimes with slight brackish influence, whilst rarer elements were probably blown in from a greater distance. There is little evidence of plant–insect interaction; one leaf with small galls, a stem containing an insect larva and a possible association between stratiomyid flies and Typha.
Thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) from the Insect Limestone (Bembridge Marls, Late Eocene) of the Isle of Wight, UK
Authors: Shmakov Alexey
Published: May 2014

Thirty-two thrips fossils were studied from the Bembridge Marls, late Eocene of the Isle of Wight, S. England. Two extant families are recorded, Aeolothripidae with two species and Thripidae with three species. Described as new areSinaeolothripsShmakov gen. n. (Aeolothrips brodieiCockerell, 1917, type species),Aeolothrips jarzembowskiiShmakov sp. nov (Aeolothripidae) andCoccothrips hoffeinsorumShmakov, sp.nov.(Thripidae: Panchaetothripinae). The genusThripsis tentatively recorded as fossil for the first time. Taxonomic composition of thrips is close to the Recent ones.
Ablation of MMP9 Gene Ameliorates Paracellular Permeability and Fibrinogen–Amyloid Beta Complex Formation during Hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Muradashvili Nino , Tyagi Reeta , Metreveli Naira , Tyagi Suresh C , Lominadze David
Published: May 2014

Increased blood level of homocysteine (Hcy), called hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) accompanies many cognitive disorders including Alzheimer's disease. We hypothesized that HHcy-enhanced cerebrovascular permeability occurs via activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) and leads to an increased formation of fibrinogen- β-amyloid (Fg-A β) complex. Cerebrovascular permeability changes were assessed in C57BL/6J (wild type, WT), cystathionine- β-synthase heterozygote (Cbs+/−, a genetic model of HHcy), MMP9 gene knockout (Mmp9−/−), and Cbs and Mmp9 double knockout (Cbs+/−/Mmp9−/−) mice using a dual-tracer probing method. Expression of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) and Fg-A β complex formation was assessed in mouse brain cryosections by immunohistochemistry. Short-term memory of mice was assessed with a novel object recognition test. The cerebrovascular permeability in Cbs +/−- mice was increased via mainly the paracellular transport pathway. VE-cadherin expression was the lowest and Fg-A β complex formation was the highest along with the diminished short-term memory in Cbs +/− mice. These effects of HHcy were ameliorated in Cbs+/−/Mmp9−/− mice. Thus, HHcy causes activation of MMP9 increasing cerebrovascular permeability by downregulation of VE-cadherin resulting in an enhanced formation of Fg-A β complex that can be associated with loss of memory. These data may lead to the identification of new targets for therapeutic intervention that can modulate HHcy-induced cerebrovascular permeability and resultant pathologies.
Multi-responsive drug release from hydrogen-bonding multilayers containing PEGylated nanoparticles and azobenzenes
Authors: Li Jin , Zhang Xiaoyong , Chen Shengqiu , You Qingliang , He Rongxiang , Shi Jian , Cao Yiping , Chen Yong
Published: May 2014

We report the design of a platform that is assembled within hydrogen-bonding nanoparticle/azobenzene multilayer films for multi-responsive drug release.
On the optimization of operating conditions for Taylor dispersion analysis of mixtures
Authors: Cottet Hervé , Biron Jean-Philippe , Martin Michel
Published: May 2014

In this work, we investigate the possibility of optimizing the operating conditions, namely mobilizing pressure, capillary length and capillary radius, for performing Taylor dispersion analysis on solutes having hydrodynamic diameters between 1 and 100 nm.
Analysis of ultra-low level rare earth elements in magnetite samples from banded iron formations using HR-ICP-MS after chemical separation
Authors: Li Wenjun , Jin Xindi , Gao Bingyu , Wang Changle , Zhang Lianchang
Published: May 2014

Comparison between the REE data of this work and literature values by Z. S. Yu et al., Sampaio et al., Dulski et al., and Bau et al. in reference materials FER-2 (a) and FER-3 (b) using PAAS-normalized REE patterns.
A study of the step-flow growth of the PVT-grown AlN crystals by a multi-scale modeling method
Authors: Guo Wei , Kundin Julia , Bickermann Matthias , Emmerich Heike
Published: May 2014

A multi-scale model taking into account surface reactions and material transport in vapor was developed for PVT growth of AlN.
Experimental and theoretical studies of H2O oxidation by neutral Ti2O4,5 clusters under visible light irradiation
Authors: Yin Shi , Bernstein Elliot R.
Published: May 2014

The Ti2O5 cluster has a high activity for H2O oxidation under visible light irradiation in the gas phase.
A computational study on the complexation of Np(v) with N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-3-oxa-glutaramide (TMOGA) and its carboxylate analogs
Authors: Zeng Jinghui , Yang Xia , Liao Jiali , Liu Ning , Yang Yuanyou , Chai Zhifang , Wang Dongqi
Published: May 2014

Interaction between neptunyl and TMOGA, DMOGA and ODA.
Assessing the performance of MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA methods. 4. Accuracies of MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA methodologies evaluated by various simulation protocols using PDBbind data set
Authors: Sun Huiyong , Li Youyong , Tian Sheng , Xu Lei , Hou Tingjun
Published: May 2014

Using different evaluation strategies, we systemically evaluated the performance of MM/GBSA and MM/PBSA methodologies based on more than 1800 protein–ligand crystal structures in the PDBbind database.
Transition metal-mediated bioorthogonal protein chemistry in living cells
Authors: Yang Maiyun , Li Jie , Chen Peng R.
Published: May 2014

Transition metal-mediated chemical conversions have rapidly expanded our intracellular protein chemistry toolbox, which would broaden our view on bioorthogonal chemistry.
Comparative studies of redox behaviors of Pt–Co/SiO2 and Au–Co/SiO2 catalysts and their activities in CO oxidation
Authors: Xu Xuejun , Fu Qiang , Wei Mingming , Wu Xing , Bao Xinhe
Published: May 2014

An active CoOx-on-Pt structure was prepared differently in comparison with a CoOx-on-Au structure due to the different interaction of Co (CoOx) with Pt and Au.
Luminescent metal–organic frameworks as explosive sensors
Authors: Banerjee Debasis , Hu Zhichao , Li Jing
Published: May 2014

A perspective summarizing the recent advancement in explosive sensing by luminescent metal organic framework (LMOF) materials.
Understanding the role of water during ionic liquid pretreatment of lignocellulose: co-solvent or anti-solvent?
Authors: Shi Jian , Balamurugan Kanagasabai , Parthasarathi Ramakrishnan , Sathitsuksanoh Noppadon , Zhang Sonny , Stavila Vitalie , Subramanian Venkatesan , Simmons Blake A. , Singh Seema
Published: May 2014

This study provides new insights into the interplay of water as a co- and/or anti-solvent during ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment of lignocellulose.
Graphene oxide nanosheets as metal-free catalysts in the three-component reactions based on aryl glyoxals to generate novel pyranocoumarins
Authors: Khodabakhshi Saeed , Karami Bahador
Published: May 2014

Graphene oxide (GO) was employed as an efficient and powerful catalyst in one-pot, three-component synthesis of new pyranocoumarins.
Morphology-tunable synthesis of ZnO nanoforest and its photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Sun Xing , Li Qiang , Jiang Jiechao , Mao Yuanbing
Published: May 2014

The morphology-controlled synthesis of ZnO nanoforests is achieved via a facile hydrothermal route based on the respective and synergistic influence of polyethylenimine (PEI) and ammonia. More importantly, the unique architectural characteristics endow the willow-like ZnO nanoforest with prominent photoelectrochemical water splitting performance, which leads to the realm of homogeneous ZnO nanostructures.
From Fano-like interference to superscattering with a single metallic nanodisk
Authors: Wan Weiwei , Zheng Wenwei , Chen Yanfeng , Liu Zhaowei
Published: May 2014

We theoretically demonstrate that tuning loss and wavelength overlap of plasmon modes evolves Fano resonance to superscattering in a silver nanodisk.
Facile synthesis of polystyrene/gold composite particles as a highly active and reusable catalyst for aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol in water
Authors: Li Yunxing , Gao Yan , Yang Cheng , Sha Shengsheng , Hao Jiefu , Wu Yan
Published: May 2014

Herein is reported a facile synthesis of polystyrene/gold composite particles with high catalytic activity and good reusability for aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol under mild conditions.
Bio-imaging with neutral luminescent Pt(ii) complexes showing metal⋯metal interactions
Authors: Septiadi Dedy , Aliprandi Alessandro , Mauro Matteo , De Cola Luisa
Published: May 2014

Self-assembled platinum compounds resulting in stable, highly emissive and long-lived species are reported for cell imaging.
Temperature-controlled phase transfer hydrothermal synthesis of MWW zeolites
Authors: Xing Enhui , Gao Xiuzhi , Xie Wenhua , Zhang Fengmei , Mu Xuhong , Shu Xingtian
Published: May 2014

Temperature-controlled phase transfer hydrothermal synthesis of MWW zeolites was realized with hexamethyleneimine as a structure-directing agent and aniline as a structure-promoting agent.
Review on modified N–TiO2 for green energy applications under UV/visible light: selected results and reaction mechanisms
Authors: Gomathi Devi L. , Kavitha R.
Published: May 2014

Modifications of the activity, band structure, morphology, optical and electronic properties of N–TiO2 for energy and environmental applications.
The dynamics of the conformational changes in the hexopyranose ring: a transition path sampling approach
Authors: Plazinski Wojciech , Drach Mateusz
Published: May 2014

The transition paths corresponding to the conformational rearrangements in the ring of hexapyranose (α-d- and β-d-glucose) molecules were described by applying the transition path sampling method.
Electrochemical synthesis of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) in aqueous dispersion of high porosity reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Lindfors Tom , Boeva Zhanna A. , Latonen Rose-Marie
Published: May 2014

The electrosynthesis of PEDOT in an aqueous dispersion of rGO results in the formation of composite films having a fully open surface morphology.
Assignment of Raman-active vibrational modes of tetragonal mackinawite: Raman investigations and ab initio calculations
Authors: El Mendili Y. , Minisini B. , Abdelouas A. , Bardeau J.-F.
Published: May 2014

We report on the first assignment of the Raman-active vibrational modes of mackinawite using Density Functional Perturbation Theory and direct methods with BLYP + dispersion correction. Based on experimental data and calculation results, the Raman bands were assigned as 236 cm−1 (B1g), 256 cm−1 (Eg), 376 cm−1 (A1g) and 395 cm−1 (Eg).
Effect of adding wood chips on sewage sludge dewatering in a pilot-scale plate-and-frame filter press process
Authors: Ding An , Qu Fangshu , Liang Heng , Guo Shaodong , Ren Yuhui , Xu Guoren , Li Guibai
Published: May 2014

Schematic mechanism of the effect of adding wood chips on sludge dewatering: (a) sludge without conditioning; (b) sludge with chemical conditioning; (c) sludge with chemical and physical conditioning; and (d) a physical image of a dewatered sludge cake with wood chip conditioning.
Improving hemocompatibility of polypropylene via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization for covalently coupling BSA
Authors: Li Chunming , Jin Jing , Liu Jingchuan , Xu Xiaodong , Yin Jinghua
Published: May 2014

Bovine serum albumin modified polypropylene for hemocompatibility was fabricated via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization.
Novel fabrication of highly fluorescent Pt nanoclusters and their applications in hypochlorite assay
Authors: Xia Xiaodong , Zhang Yu , Wang Jianxiu
Published: May 2014

A simple and efficient method for the fabrication of highly fluorescent platinum nanoclusters (Pt NCs) has been reported in which bovine serum albumin (BSA) serves as a scaffold and NaBH4 as a reductant.
Determining what our students need most: exploring student perceptions and comparing difficulty ratings of students and faculty
Authors: Gulacar Ozcan , Bowman Charles R.
Published: May 2014

If the goal of teaching is to help students understand a subject, teaching cannot begin until student difficulties with a subject are understood. In order to create a guide for assessing student difficulties with chemistry material, students were asked to rate exam questions on three factors: problem difficulty, familiarity, and self-confidence. These surveys were then compared to difficulty ratings of the same questions as determined by chemistry professors. Students' ratings of problem difficulty, problem familiarity, and self-confidence correlated, as expected, with their success on exam problems. There was also some agreement between students and faculty on the difficulty of exam problems, though students were much more accurate of judging problem difficulty than were chemistry professors. Students were surveyed in two separate cohorts to test year-to-year reliability.
Stretching and folding of 2-nanometer hydrocarbon rods
Authors: Lüttschwager Nils O. B. , Suhm Martin A.
Published: May 2014

Materials science in the gas phase – a finite molecule Raman spectroscopy approach to fundamental properties of polyethylene.