bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychology as a Science within Comte's Hypothesized Hierarchy: Empirical Investigations and Conceptual Implications
Authors: Simonton Dean Keith
Published: September 2015

Auguste Comte suggested that the main sciences could be grouped into a hierarchical ordering that reflected their objective characteristics (viz., generality, dependence, and complexity). In particular, the empirical sciences could be placed in the following order: astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, and sociology. Although his idea was initially discredited in the sociology of science, subsequent research indicates that the conjecture has considerable empirical merit. Significantly, that research inserts psychology between biology and sociology, with significantly more proximity with biology. After replicating the earlier findings using new measures, the metatheoretical basis for the hierarchical arrangement is then examined. The article closes with suggestions for further empirical and theoretical research on psychology's placement in the hierarchical arrangement.
Transformation of Psychology: From Thinking/Thought to Metathinking/Metathought
Authors: Garber Ilya E. , Wallis Steven E.
Published: September 2015

The prefix meta is popular in psychology as well as in other sciences oriented on the investigation of psychology. In the first case the usage is quite simple: every term is “the sum” of meta and usual psychological concept. In the second case, the situation is much more complicated. Sometimes, it is related to transition on a higher level of abstraction, from first-order to second-order investigations. Why is such a transition necessary and is it useful for scientific progress? The comparative analysis of the meta-approach to different sciences shows both specific peculiarities (reasons for application of the prefix, methods of manipulation and investigation, main objects of analysis, goals raised, and status of metaresearcher) and common features and regularities that may be discovered only in an interdisciplinary context. In this special section, we suggest a new way of application of meta-approach to psychology—in terms of metathinking. Our main idea is as follows: The wide circulation of meta-approach to psychology with necessity leads to serious changes in thinking of both researchers in the field of psychology and in sciences oriented on investigation of psychology.
Evolutionary Psychology as a Metatheory for the Social Sciences: How to Gather Interdisciplinary Evidence for a Psychological Adaptation
Authors: Ploeger Annemie , van der Hoort Björn
Published: September 2015

Evolutionary psychology has been proposed as a new metatheory for the social sciences ( Buss, 1995 ). Evolutionary psychology is an approach that emphasizes the evolutionary background of psychological phenomena (e.g., cognition, motivation, perception), with the expectation that knowledge about this background enhances our understanding of the working of the present human mind. This proposal has met with both enthusiasm and criticism. An important criticism is that it is hard, if possible at all, to find empirical evidence for a hypothesized psychological adaptation. This criticism has been addressed with the proposal to build a nomological network of evidence around a hypothesized psychological adaptation ( Schmitt & Pilcher, 2004 ). In this article, we show that it is possible to use this nomological network of evidence to support the hypothesis that face recognition is an adaptation. We reviewed the literature on face recognition from different disciplines (psychology, medicine, neuroscience, genetics, primatology, and anthropology) and conclude that there is an extensive network of evidence for the proposed hypothesis. We argue that building a nomological network of evidence is a promising way to address several criticisms of evolutionary psychology, and that such a network can serve as a metatheoretical framework for the social sciences.
Gaussian private quantum channel with squeezed coherent states
Authors: Jeong Kabgyun , Kim Jaewan , Lee Su-Yong
Published: September 2015

While the objective of conventional quantum key distribution (QKD) is to secretly generate and share the classical bits concealed in the form of maximally mixed quantum states, that of private quantum channel (PQC) is to secretly transmit individual quantum states concealed in the form of maximally mixed states using shared one-time pad and it is called Gaussian private quantum channel (GPQC) when the scheme is in the regime of continuous variables. We propose a GPQC enhanced with squeezed coherent states (GPQCwSC), which is a generalization of GPQC with coherent states only (GPQCo) [Phys. Rev. A 72, 042313 (2005)]. We show that GPQCwSC beats the GPQCo for the upper bound on accessible information. As a subsidiary example, it is shown that the squeezed states take an advantage over the coherent states against a beam splitting attack in a continuous variable QKD. It is also shown that a squeezing operation can be approximated as a superposition of two different displacement operations in the small squeezing regime.
Synthetic polymeric variant of S-adenosyl methionine synthetase
Authors: Datta Lakshmi Priya , Maiti Binoy , De Priyadarsi
Published: September 2015

Side-chainl-methionine containing polymers show the ability to donate a methyl group in the absence of a methyltransferase enzyme, which confirms their enzyme-like activity.
Molecular interaction of inorganic mercury(ii) with catalase: a spectroscopic study in combination with molecular docking
Authors: Chen Linfeng , Zhang Jing , Zhu Yaxian , Zhang Yong
Published: September 2015

Interaction of inorganic mercury(ii) with catalase was investigated using spectroscopic methods. Moreover, molecular docking was used to distinguish the interactions between different species of inorganic mercury(ii) and catalase.
Fluorinated polyurethane macroporous membranes with waterproof, breathable and mechanical performance improved by lithium chloride
Authors: Zhang Longwei , Li Yang , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: September 2015

The waterproof, breathable, and mechanical properties of the FPU/PU fibrous membranes could be dramatically improved at the same time simply by regulating the polymers solutions conductivity.
An integrated metabonomics and microbiology analysis of host-microbiota metabolic interactions in rats with Coptis chinensis-induced diarrhea
Authors: Li Yemeng , Liao Qiongfeng , Lin Manna , Zhong Danmin , Wei Lin , Han Bo , Miao Hui , Yao Meicun , Xie Zhiyong
Published: September 2015

Coptis-induced diarrhea has been found to associate with the perturbed gut microbiota which in return impaired host-gut microbial co-metabolism in SD rats.
Nanostructured 2D MoS2 honeycomb and hierarchical 3D CdMoS4 marigold nanoflowers for hydrogen production under solar light
Authors: Kadam Sunil R. , Late Dattatray J. , Panmand Rajendra P. , Kulkarni Milind V. , Nikam Latesh K. , Gosavi Suresh W. , Park Chan J. , Kale Bharat B.
Published: September 2015

Unique honeycomb layered 2D MoS2 nanostructures and hierarchical 3D CdMoS4 marigold nanoflowers demonstrated by facile template free solvothermal method for solar H2 production.
Role of zinc oxide and carbonaceous nanomaterials in non-fullerene-based polymer bulk heterojunction solar cells for improved cost-to-performance ratio
Authors: Sharma Rajni , Alam Firoz , Sharma A. K. , Dutta V. , Dhawan S. K.
Published: September 2015

Hydrophobic ZnO, C-dots, Z@G and Z@Cdots applied as cost-effective acceptors in non-fullerene-based polymer bulk heterojunction solar cells resulted in significant device performance with a maximum efficiency of 3.9% in direct configuration.
Direct comparison of defect ensembles extracted from damage probability and raster scan measurements
Authors: Batavičiūtė G. , Ščiuka M. , Melninkaitis A.
Published: September 2015

The presented study addresses the characterization of nanometer sized defects acting as damage precursors in nanosecond laser pulse duration regime. Two approaches are used to extract distributions of localized damage precursors, namely, damage probability and damage density measurements. Testing is performed on uncoated and SiO2 monolayer film deposited fused silica substrate exposed with pulsed UV irradiation (355 nm, 4.8 ns). Then, a direct comparison of damage precursor ensembles obtained from both methods is carried out. Our analysis indicates apparent differences between both methods that are discussed in detail. Contamination by ablation products is identified as one of the key factors that influence damage density measurements.
Streamline topologies and their bifurcations for mixed convective peristaltic flow
Authors: Asghar Z. , Ali N.
Published: September 2015

In this work our focus is on streamlines patterns and their bifurcations for mixed convective peristaltic flow of Newtonian fluid with heat transfer. The flow is considered in a two dimensional symmetric channel and the governing equations are simplified under widely taken assumptions of large wavelength and low Reynolds number in a wave frame of reference. In order to study the streamlines patterns, a system of nonlinear autonomous differential equations are established and dynamical systems approach is used to discuss the local bifurcations and their topological changes. We have discussed all types of bifurcations and their topological changes are presented graphically. We found that the vortices contract along the vertical direction whereas they expand along horizontal direction. A global bifurcations diagram is used to summarize the bifurcations. The trapping and backward flow regions are mainly affected by increasing Grashof number and constant heat source parameter in such a way that trapping region increases whereas backward flow region shrinks.
Influence of surface structure of (0001) sapphire substrate on the elimination of small-angle grain boundary in AlN epilayer
Authors: Banal Ryan G. , Imura Masataka , Koide Yasuo
Published: September 2015

AlN epilayers were grown on (0001) sapphire substrates by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy, and the influence of the substrate’s surface structure on the formation of in-plane rotation domain is studied. The surface structure is found to change with increasing temperature under H2 ambient. The ML steps of sapphire substrate formed during high-temperature (HT) thermal cleaning is found to cause the formation of small-angle grain boundary (SAGB). To suppress the formation of such structure, the use of LT-AlN BL technique was demonstrated, thereby eliminating the SAGB. The BL growth temperature (Tg) is also found to affect the surface morphology and structural quality of AlN epilayer. The optical emission property by cathodoluminescence (CL) measurement showed higher emission intensity from AlN without SAGB. The LT-AlN BL is a promising technique for eliminating the SAGB.
Influence of microparticle size on cavitation noise during ultrasonic vibration
Authors: Ge H. , Li J. , Chen H. S.
Published: September 2015

The cavitation noise in the ultrasonic vibration system was found to be influenced by the size of microparticles added in water. The SiO2 microparticles with the diameter smaller than 100 μm reduced the cavitation noise, and the reason was attributed to the constrained oscillation of the cavitation bubbles, which were stabilized by the microparticles.
Chromium and nickel accumulation in the macrophytes of the Kawasi wetland on Obi Island, North Maluku Province, Indonesia
Authors: Amin R. , Edraki M. , Mulligan D. R. , Gultom T. H.
Published: September 2015

Five macrophytes, namely Crinum asiaticum L. (Amaryllidaceae), Lepironia articulata (Retz.) Domin (Cyperaceae), Machaerina rubiginosa (Spreng.) T. Koyama (Cyperaceae), Pandanus sp. (Pandanaceae) and Nepenthes mirabilis (Lour.) Druce (Nepenthaceae), were identified in the Kawasi wetland, a natural wetland on Obi Island, Indonesia, that overlies ultramafic rocks. The dominant species in this wetland was C. asiaticum, a native of the region. The surface runoff in the catchment of the Kawasi wetland was derived from serpentine soils, areas of which were being mined for nickel and, as a result, the water that flowed to the wetland typically contained dissolved chromium and nickel. In this study we investigated the accumulation of chromium and nickel in the macrophytes of the wetland. The five species of macrophytes under investigation accumulated greater quantities of chromium and nickel in their roots than in their shoots, with Pandanus sp. having the highest translocation factor (as evidenced by the highest shoot : root ratio) for both chromium and nickel. The species with the highest concentrations of the metals in both roots and shoots was C. asiaticum.
Elucidating the determination of the rosette galls induced by Pisphondylia brasiliensis Couri and Maia 1992 (Cecidomyiidae) on Guapira opposita (Nyctaginaceae)
Authors: Fleury Graziela , Ferreira Bruno G. , Soares Geraldo L. G. , Oliveira Denis C. , Isaias Rosy M. S.
Published: September 2015

The modulation of plant development has been the focus of research on insect galls because galling insects induce distinct shapes to acquire the same necessities, shelter and food. Due to the variety of gall morphotypes, it can be assumed that the key processes for their development rely on plant cells’ morphogenetical potentialities. In the present study we investigated the rosette bud galls induced by Pisphondylia brasiliensis on Guapira opposita to check whether two morphogenetical pathways – the shortening of the internodes and the over differentiation of axillary buds – are independent or whether they are concomitant events towards the morphogenesis of the galls. Biometrical measures were made to test whether the final size of the galls is correlated with the number of inducers per gall. We noted that two patterns of activity were observed in gall meristems: the first differentiated pairs of leaves with opposite phyllotaxy, and the other differentiated new buds at the base of each leafy projection, with the development of sequential leafy projections, in a disorganised phyllotaxy. This second pattern repeated until gall maturation, when a master cambium, typical of the Nyctaginaceae, differentiated in larger galls. The two morphogenetical pathways occurred concomitantly, leading to the overproduction of leafy projections. Cell responses at gall development site produce mechanical protection to P. brasiliensis individuals. The larger galls have the higher number of inducers, and the coalescence of galls allows an increase in gall size by precociously triggering the master cambium activity, a developmental peculiarity of G. opposita uncommon for Cecidomyiidae galls.
Too much, too soon? A review of the effects of increasing wildfire frequency on tree mortality and regeneration in temperate eucalypt forests
Authors: Fairman Thomas A. , Nitschke Craig R. , Bennett Lauren T.
Published: September 2015

In temperate Australia, wildfires are predicted to be more frequent and severe under climate change. This could lead to marked changes in tree mortality and regeneration in the region’s predominant eucalypt forests, which have been burned repeatedly by extensive wildfires in the period 2003–14. Recent studies have applied alternative stable state models to select ‘fire sensitive’ forest types, but comparable models have not been rigorously examined in relation to the more extensive ‘fire tolerant’ forests in the region. We review the effects of increasing wildfire frequency on tree mortality and regeneration in temperate forests of Victoria, south-eastern Australia, based on the functional traits of the dominant eucalypts: those that are typically killed by wildfire to regenerate from seed (‘obligate seeders’) and those that mostly survive to resprout (‘resprouters’). In Victoria, over 4.3 million ha of eucalypt forest has been burned by wildfire in the last decade (2003–14), roughly equivalent to the cumulative area burned in the previous 50 years (1952–2002; 4.4 million ha). This increased wildfire activity has occurred regardless of several advancements in fire management, and has resulted in over 350 000 ha of eucalypt forest being burned twice or more by wildfire at short (≤11 year) intervals. Historical and recent evidence indicates that recurrent wildfires threaten the persistence of the ‘fire sensitive’ obligate seeder eucalypt forests, which can facilitate a shift to non-forest states if successive fires occur within the trees’ primary juvenile period (1–20 years). Our review also highlights potential for structural and state changes in the ‘fire tolerant’ resprouter forests, particularly if recurrent severe wildfires kill seedlings and increase tree mortality. We present conceptual models of state changes in temperate eucalypt forests with increasing wildfire frequency, and highlight knowledge gaps relating to the development and persistence of alternative states driven by changes in fire regimes.
What counts as language in South African schooling?
Authors: McKinney Carolyn , Carrim Hannah , Marshall Alex , Layton Laura
Published: September 2015

This paper focuses on the lack of impact on language education of recent paradigm shifts in the study of language and society such as the recognition of the ideology of language[s] as stable, discrete or bounded entities and the reality of heteroglossic languaging and semiotic practices in everyday life. Using South Africa as a case, the paper explores the implications of heteroglossic conceptualising of language as social practice for language education through three ethnographically informed case studies of classroom discourse. I will argue that monoglossic orientations which ironically underpin both monolingual and “multilingual” approaches have wide-ranging constraining effects on how children are positioned in schooling, and on children’s participation in classrooms, resulting in a form of ‘epistemic injustice’ (Fricker, 2007).
Work ability, age and intention to leave aged care work
Authors: Austen Siobhan , Jefferson Therese , Lewin Gill , Ong Rachel , Sharp Rhonda
Published: September 2015

Aim

To describe the work ability of mature age women workers in Australia's aged care sector, and to explore the relationship between ageing, work ability and intention to leave.

Method

Logistic regression techniques were applied to a sample of 2721 responses to a survey of mature age women workers in the aged care sector.

Results

Mature age women working in the Australian aged care sector have relatively high levels of work ability by international standards. Furthermore, their work ability remains high in their 50s and 60s, in contrast to some prevailing stereotypes. However, work ability is a key determinant of intention to leave in key occupational groups.

Conclusion

Our findings challenge some prevailing stereotypes about the work ability of mature age workers. However, they lend support for the development of retention strategies, which incorporate programs that target low work ability.
The effect of exercise mode on the acute response of satellite cells in old men
Authors: Nederveen J. P. , Joanisse S. , Séguin C. M. L. , Bell K. E. , Baker S. K. , Phillips S. M. , Parise G.
Published: September 2015

Aim

A dysregulation of satellite cells may contribute to the progressive loss of muscle mass that occurs with age; however, older adults retain the ability to activate and expand their satellite cell pool in response to exercise. The modality of exercise capable of inducing the greatest acute response is unknown. We sought to characterize the acute satellite cell response following different modes of exercise in older adults.

Methods

Sedentary older men (n = 22; 67 ± 4 years; 27 ± 2.6 kg*m−2) were randomly assigned to complete an acute bout of either resistance exercise, high‐intensity interval exercise on a cycle ergometer or moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise. Muscle biopsies were obtained before, 24 and 48 h following each exercise bout. The satellite cell response was analysed using immunofluorescent microscopy of muscle cross sections.

Results

Satellite cell expansion associated with type I fibres was observed 24 and 48 h following resistance exercise only (P ˂ 0.05), while no expansion of typeII‐associated satellite cells was observed in any group. There was a greater number of activated satellite cells 24 h following resistance exercise (pre: 1.3 ± 0.1, 24 h: 4.8 ± 0.5 Pax7 + /MyoD+cells/100 fibres) and high‐intensity interval exercise (pre: 0.7 ± 0.3, 24 h: 3.1 ± 0.3 Pax7 + /MyoD+cells/100 fibres) (P ˂ 0.05). The percentage of type I‐associatedSCco‐expressingMSTNwas reduced only in theREgroup 24 h following exercise (pre: 87 ± 4, 24 h: 57 ± 5%MSTN+ type ISC) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Although resistance exercise is the most potent exercise type to induce satellite cell pool expansion, high‐intensity interval exercise was also more potent than moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise in inducing satellite cell activity.
Overview of antimicrobial options for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: focus on macrolide resistance
Authors: Cao Bin , Qu Jiu‐Xin , Yin Yu‐Dong , Eldere Johan Van
Published: September 2015

Background and Aims

Community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common infectious disease affecting children and adults of any age. Mycoplasma pneumoniae has emerged as leading causative agent of CAP in some region, and the abrupt increasing resistance to macrolide that widely used for management of M. pneumoniae has reached to the level that it often leads to treatment failures.

Objective

We aim to discuss the drivers for development of macrolide‐resistant M. pneumoniae, antimicrobial stewardship and also the potential treatment options for patients infected with macrolide‐resistant M. pneumonia.

Methods

The articles in English and Chinese published in Pubmed and in Asian medical journals were selected for the review.

Results

M. pneumoniae can develop macrolide resistance by point mutations in the 23S rRNA gene. Inappropriate and overuse of macrolides for respiratory tract infections may induce the resistance rapidly. A number of countries have introduced the stewardship program for restricting the use of macrolide. Tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones are highly effective for macrolide‐resistant strains, which may be the substitute in the region of high prevalence of macrolide‐resistant M. pneumoniae.

Conclusion

The problem of macrolide resistant M. pneumonia is emerging. Antibiotic stewardship is needed to inhibit the inappropriate use of macrolide and new antibiotics with a more acceptable safety profile for all ages need to be explored.
How Far do Network Effects Spill Over? Evidence from an Empirical Study of Performance Differentials in Interorganizational Networks
Authors: Pallotti Francesca , Tubaro Paola , Lomi Alessandro
Published: September 2015

Organizations join interorganizational networks in the hope of gaining exposure to learning opportunities, and accessing valuable extramural resources and knowledge. In this paper we argue that participation in interorganizational networks also reduces performance differentials among organizational nodes. We examine three alternative mechanisms capable of sustaining this prediction. The first (strength of ties) operates at a strictly local level defined in terms of dyadic relations linking organizations. The second mechanism (social proximity) operates at an intermediate – or meso level of interdependence defined in terms of membership in overlapping cliques into which interorganizational networks are typically organized. The third mechanism (structural equivalence) is global and pertains to jointly occupied network positions. The objective of this paper is to examine at which of these levels network effects operate to reduce performance differentials among members of interorganizational networks. Our empirical analysis of performance differentials between hospitals in a regional community supports the following conclusions: (i) performance spillover effects are highly differentiated and vary significantly across network levels; (ii) organizations occupying similar positions within the network are more similar in terms of performance; (iii) joint membership in multiple sub‐groups (or cliques) reduces performance differentials up to a limit; after this limit is reached, the performance of organizational partners begins to diverge; (iv) the strength of direct collaboration between organizational partners does not necessarily reduce interorganizational performance differentials. The results of the study are new because available research on interorganizational networks says little about the range of network effects, i.e., about how far the performance spillover effects that operate through networks propagate throughout organizational fields and communities. These results are also consequential because they suggest that network effects on performance differentials are sensitive to the specification of network boundaries.
The Journey to Establish CGRP as a Migraine Target: A Retrospective View
Authors: Edvinsson Lars
Published: September 2015

In this retrospective, Dr. Lars Edvinsson recounts early steps and milestones in our understanding of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in the trigeminovascular system and its role in migraine. The discovery of the presence and function of CGRP and other neuropeptides in the cerebral vasculature and its sensory innervation is described. He relates the seminal finding that CGRP is uniquely released during migraine and the journey to develop blockers of CGRP effects. Now, over 30 years since its discovery, CGRP has become the target for a number of promising novel treatments for migraine patients.
Designing optimal and practical volume discounting contracts for the dominant retailer with information asymmetry
Authors: Wang Yao‐Yu , Tao Feng , Wang Jian‐Cai
Published: September 2015

With the increasing prevalence of huge international retail chains and the subcontracting of manufacturing to developing countries by owners of major international brands, the dominant‐retailer‐oriented incentive contracts become increasingly more relevant. The literature suggests that most of the contract formats known as channel‐coordinating for the dominant supplier become quite or totally ineffective when the retailer is the dominant player in the supply chain. A menu of contracts is shown to be theoretically most effective for the dominant retailer; however, it is too complex to be implemented in the real world. This paper first proves that the menu of contracts is actually a nonlinear volume discounting contract. Based on this characteristic, we propose two contract formats, namely, volume discounting on markup and volume discounting on slotting fee. Our results show that these two new proposed schemes perform substantially better than the currently most‐used contract formats (e.g., markup contract formats), and they can also be perceived as performing nearly as well as the menu of contracts.
An integrated energy plan for activated neurons
Authors: Leloup Corinne
Published: September 2015

image

This Editorial highlights an ingenious study by Li and Freeman published in this issue of J. Neurochem. Accurately knowing the brain extracellular levels of the two main substrates, that is, glucose and lactate, while a well‐controlled and graded‐stimulus is applied, might be extremely useful to finely understand how these substrates are produced and used. To that end, the authors have designed a new approach that consists to record at the same time (100 ms resolution) extracellular glucose and lactate concentrations using electrochemical sensing microelectrodes equally distant from a microelectrode that registers the multicellular activity in response to light‐dependent stimuli (contrast levels from 10% to 80%). While this approach does, however, not evaluate the metabolic coupling between astrocytes and neurons, it proposes a new design which combined with molecular strategies specifically toward the glial or neuronal compartments will certainly help to demonstrate new distinctive features of this interesting question.
Early metabolic responses to lithium/pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus in rat brain
Authors: Imran Imran , Hillert Markus H. , Klein Jochen
Published: September 2015

The lithium–pilocarpine model of status epilepticus is a well‐known animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy. We combined this model with in vivo microdialysis to investigate energy metabolites and acute cellular membrane damage during seizure development. Rats were implanted with dialysis probes and pretreated with lithium chloride (127 mg/kg i.p.). Twenty‐four hours later, they received pilocarpine (30 mg/kg s.c.) which initiated seizures within 30 min. In the dialysate from rat hippocampus, we observed a transient increase in glucose and a prominent, five‐fold increase in lactate during seizures. Lactate release was because of neuronal activation as it was strongly reduced by infusion of tetrodotoxin, administration of atropine or when seizures were terminated by diazepam or ketamine. In ex vivo assays, mitochondrial function as measured by respirometry was not affected by 90 min of seizures. Extracellular levels of choline, however, increased two‐fold and glycerol levels 10‐fold, which indicate cellular phospholipid breakdown during seizures. Within 60 min of pilocarpine administration, hydroxylation of salicylate increased two‐fold and formation of isoprostanes 20‐fold, revealing significant oxidative stress in hippocampal tissue. Increases in lactate, glycerol and isoprostanes were abrogated, and increases in choline were completely prevented, when hippocampal probes were perfused with calcium‐free solution. Similarly, administration of pregabalin (100 mg/kg i.p.), a calcium channel ligand, 15 min prior to pilocarpine strongly attenuated parameters of membrane damage and oxidative stress. We conclude that seizure development in a rat model of status epilepticus is accompanied by increases in extracellular lactate, choline and glycerol, and by oxidative stress, while mitochondrial function remains intact for at least 90 min. Membrane damage depends on calcium influx and can be prevented by treatment with pregabalin.

image

Status epilepticus (SE) was induced in rats by lithium–pilocarpine (‘Pilo’) administration, and extracellular metabolites were measured by microdialysis. Seizures caused several‐fold increases in lactate levels which were attenuated by diazepam (‘Diaz’), ketamine, atropine and tetrodotoxin (TTX). Indicators of oxidative stress and membrane damage were also increased during seizures. Omission of calcium and pregabalin, a calcium channel blocker, reduced cellular damage induced by SE.
Phenotypes of comorbidity in OSAS patients: combining categorical principal component analysis with cluster analysis
Authors: Vavougios George D. , Natsios George , Pastaka Chaido , Zarogiannis Sotirios G. , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I.
Published: September 2015

Phenotyping obstructive sleep apnea syndrome's comorbidity has been attempted for the first time only recently. The aim of our study was to determine phenotypes of comorbidity in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients employing a data‐driven approach. Data from 1472 consecutive patient records were recovered from our hospital's database. Categorical principal component analysis and two‐step clustering were employed to detect distinct clusters in the data. Univariate comparisons between clusters included one‐way analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction and chi‐square tests. Predictors of pairwise cluster membership were determined via a binary logistic regression model. The analyses revealed six distinct clusters: A, ‘healthy, reporting sleeping related symptoms’; B, ‘mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome without significant comorbidities’; C1: ‘moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, obesity, without significant comorbidities’; C2: ‘moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with severe comorbidity, obesity and the exclusive inclusion of stroke’; D1: ‘severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and obesity without comorbidity and a 33.8% prevalence of hypertension’; and D2: ‘severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with severe comorbidities, along with the highest Epworth Sleepiness Scale score and highest body mass index’. Clusters differed significantly in apnea–hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index; arousal index; age, body mass index, minimum oxygen saturation and daytime oxygen saturation (one‐way analysis of variance P < 0.0001). Binary logistic regression indicated that older age, greater body mass index, lower daytime oxygen saturation and hypertension were associated independently with an increased risk of belonging in a comorbid cluster. Six distinct phenotypes of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and its comorbidities were identified. Mapping the heterogeneity of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome may help the early identification of at‐risk groups. Finally, determining predictors of comorbidity for the moderate and severe strata of these phenotypes implies a need to take these factors into account when considering obstructive sleep apnea syndrome treatment options.
Damage evaluation in upstream oil contracts using optimal control theory
Authors: Zangeneh Mohammad N. , Farimani Fazel M. , Fard Ali T.
Published: September 2015

The focus of international investment arbitration is mainly to protect the investor. A critically ignored situation in legal analysis is where under an international upstream petroleum contract, the international oil company (IOC) has breached its obligation to efficiently develop an oil field in the hosting country (HC). Although in the economic literature, a few studies have been conducted to do damage evaluation; their methods do not consider the dynamic nature of the oil field development. In this paper, it is assumed that a claim has been filed by the HC against the IOC in an arbitration tribunal to claim the damages caused to an oil field. In order to evaluate the damages, an innovative economic model based on a dynamic optimisation method is being initiated. It could be helpful for the tribunals to grasp an idea as to how the issue of evaluation of the damages will look like when they encounter the claims made by the HC in upstream oil contracts.
Surgical stabilisation in a 13-year-old boy with traumatic flail chest
Authors: Leenstra Bernard Simon , Stolwijk Antoinette , Poeze Martijn
Published: September 2015

Flail chest after blunt trauma to the chest has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Traumatic flail chest in children rarely occurs due to flexibility of the ribcage. We describe the case of a 13-year-old boy sustaining a flail chest after a high-energy trauma. Conservative treatment with proper mechanical ventilation and pain management was unsuccessful, and was followed by operative rib fixation. The patient was discharged home 17 days after surgery and, at 4 months follow-up, had fully recovered. This case report shows the possibility of operative rib fixation as treatment for flail chest in children.
Solitary jejunal metastasis from renal cell carcinoma presenting as small bowel obstruction 19 years after nephrectomy
Authors: Ismail Ibrahim , Neuen Brendon Lange , Mantha Murty
Published: September 2015

Metachronous metastatic disease may develop in up to 50% of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have undergone a presumably curative radical nephrectomy. We describe a case of small bowel obstruction secondary to a solitary jejunal RCC metastasis affecting a 66-year-old man with a history of RCC, which was treated 19 years earlier by right radical nephrectomy. The patient underwent successful laparotomy and wide margin resection of the affected small bowel with end-to-end anastomosis. A subsequent staging CT revealed no other metastases. To our knowledge, only eight cases of isolated small bowel metastasis from RCC have been reported. Of these, only one previous report referred to a longer time interval to small bowel metastasis than our case. The case highlights that isolated bowel metastasis should be considered as a possible aetiology of small bowel obstruction, even in patients with a distant history of presumably curative cancer treatment.
Inhaled treprostinil via the Tyvaso Inhalation System through a tracheostomy
Authors: Huckaby Jeryl , Lawrence Patricia , Center Andrea , Simon Dawn
Published: September 2015

A 20-year-old man with pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to systemic sclerosis was admitted to our hospital. Prior to admission, his PAH had been successfully managed with the use of tadalafil, ambrisentan and inhaled Tyvaso. Owing to respiratory failure from vocal cord paralysis, he underwent an emergent tracheotomy. The delivery of inhaled Tyvaso through a tracheostomy tube was explored. Post-tracheostomy, the patient continued his ability to self-administer the medication. His WHO functional classification, brain natriuretic peptide levels, and echocardiograms were not significantly different when Tyvaso was administered via tracheostomy compared with oral administration. This case report summarises the method used to deliver Tyvaso via a tracheostomy tube, which proved to be successful in this patient.
Bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss inStaphylococcus aureusendocarditis
Authors: Lau Joanne Wai Ling , Ceranic Borka , Harris Robert , Timehin Elwina
Published: September 2015

This case highlights the diagnostic challenges in patients presenting with bilateral sudden sensorinueral hearing loss (SNHL). The aetiology of bilateral sudden SNHL may span several medical disciplines. Therefore, clinicians should be mindful of such presentations, and consider aetiologies beyond otological and neurological causes. We present a case of a previously healthy 51-year-old woman who presented with coryzal symptoms and sudden audiovestibular failure. Examination revealed fever, tachycardia, bilateral profound hearing loss and nystagmus. Following investigations, an initial working diagnosis of vasculitis was made. Later, blood cultures revealed methicillin-sensitiveStaphylococcus aureus(MSSA) and a transoesophageal echocardiogram confirmed endocarditis. The patient made a good recovery, but the hearing loss was permanent and managed with a cochlear implant.
An atypical case of chronic diarrhoea: olmesartan-induced sprue-like enteropathy
Authors: Naik Dhaval K , Martelli Matthew G , Hernandez Gonzalo David , Sharma Anil K , Pannu Davinderbir
Published: September 2015

Olmesartan use has been associated with chronic diarrhoea and weight loss due to severe sprue-like enteropathy, yet this is still not well known among clinicians. We present the unique case of an 84-year-old Filipino woman diagnosed with olmesartan-induced sprue-like enteropathy after an extensive work up for chronic diarrhoea, and without improvement despite multiple empiric treatments for nearly 15 months. Withdrawal of olmesartan resulted in clinical and histological improvement. This case provides further evidence for olmesartan-induced sprue-like enteropathy, and emphasises the importance of its awareness and recognition among gastroenterologists and primary care physicians alike.
Elite male Flat jockeys display lower bone density and lower resting metabolic rate than their female counterparts: implications for athlete welfare
Authors: Wilson George , Hill Jerry , Sale Craig , Morton James P. , Close Graeme L.
Published: September 2015

To test the hypothesis that daily weight-making is more problematic to health in male compared with female jockeys, we compared the bone density and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in weight-matched male and female Flat jockeys. RMR (kcal·kg−1 lean mass) was lower in males compared with females as well as lower bone-density Z scores at the hip and lumbar spine. Data suggest the lifestyle of male jockeys compromise health more severely than females, possibly because of making weight more frequently.
Effect of high spin Mn2+ /Mn3+ ions on microstructural, optical, magnetic and electrical properties of hydrothermally prepared Ni–Mg nanoferrites
Authors: Thakur Atul , Sharma Parul , Thakur Preeti , Sharma Amit , Thakur Anil , Ravelo Blaise , Hsu Jen-Hwa
Published: September 2015

A nanoferrite series of composition [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and 0.4 has been prepared by a hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of cubic spinel structure. The average crystallite size is found to be in the range of 28–48 nm. The lattice parameter is found to increase linearly with an increase in [Formula: see text] content. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy micrographs indicate that the samples have almost uniform sized crystallites with uniform grain growth. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy studies showed two absorption bands close to 603 and [Formula: see text] for the tetrahedral and octahedral sites respectively. Saturation magnetization attained a maximum value of 34.15 emu/g at [Formula: see text] and then decreases for higher concentrations of [Formula: see text] ions. Activation energy for compositions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are found to be 0.371 eV and 0.471 eV, respectively. For composition [Formula: see text], maximum value of observed density, minimum porosity, maximum value of saturation magnetization, maximum initial permeability and minimum value of coercivity is obtained. DC resistivity is found to be of the order of [Formula: see text]. The obtained results have been explained based on possible mechanisms, models and theories.
Effect of La and Sr co-doping on electric and magnetic properties of multiferroic La0.1Bi0.9−xSrxFeO(3−x/2) ceramics
Authors: Guo Feng , Wang Shouyu , Liu Weifang , Wang Xu , Liu Li , Li Meng
Published: September 2015

[Formula: see text] ceramics were synthesized by solid-state reaction method, and their magnetic properties and conductive characteristics were investigated and discussed. It is found that La-doped [Formula: see text] ceramic without [Formula: see text] doping is a rhombohedrally distorted perovskite structure, and with the increase of the [Formula: see text] concentration, the phase transits gradually from rhombohedral to pseudo cubic symmetry. Electrical and magnetic properties show strong dependence on [Formula: see text] dopant level. The measurement demonstrates that [Formula: see text] with 30% [Formula: see text] dopant exhibits the lowest values of the leakage current, dielectric constant [Formula: see text] and dielectric loss [Formula: see text]. And the highest value of saturation magnetization of about 4.5 emu/g is observed in 60% Sr-doped [Formula: see text]. An abnormal enhancement of the conductivity was observed in [Formula: see text] ceramics with [Formula: see text] = 0.60 and 0.70, and their magnitude of conductivity is nearly six orders larger than that of pure [Formula: see text].
Plasma Protein Biomarker Candidates for Myelodysplastic Syndrome Subgroups
Authors: Majek Pavel , Pecankova Klara , Cermak Jaroslav , Dyr Jan E.
Published: September 2015

In recent years the plasma proteomes of several different myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) subgroups have been investigated and compared with those of healthy donors. However, the resulting data do not facilitate a direct and statistical comparison of the changes among the different MDS subgroups that would be useful for the selection and proposal of diagnostic biomarker candidates. The aim of this work was to identify plasma protein biomarker candidates for different MDS subgroups by reanalyzing the proteomic data of four MDS subgroups: refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD), refractory anemia or refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (RA-RARS), refractory anemia with excess blasts subtype 1 (RAEB-1), and refractory anemia with excess blasts subtype 2 (RAEB-2). Reanalysis of a total of 47 MDS patients revealed biomarker candidates, with alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein and leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein as the most promising candidates.
Operational Monitoring of Trace Gases over the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Grieco Giuseppe , Masiello Guido , Serio Carmine
Published: September 2015

This paper describes the operational implementation of the processorφ-IASI over the Mediterranean sea. Theφ-IASI model implements two physically based inversion algorithms for the sequential retrieval of (a) the thermodynamic state of the atmosphere and (b) the tropospheric content of CO, CO2, CH4, and N2O from hyperspectral radiance observations of the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI). The retrieval algorithm for trace gases exploits the concept ofpartially scanned interferogramtechnique, which is a tool mostly suited for Fourier transform spectrometers in the infrared. Minor and trace gases retrievals for July 2010 are presented and compared to in situ observations from five Mediterranean, permanent, stations of the Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) network. The comparison evidences a good general consistency between satellite and in situ observations. IASI retrievals show a marked southeastern gradient, which is shown to be consistent with the general tropospheric circulation over the Mediterranean basin. These patterns are barely seen from in situ observations, a fact which stresses the importance of satellite (trace gases) data assimilation to improve the performance and quality of trace gases transport models.
Basic Violet Decolourization Using Alginate Immobilized Nanozirconium Tungestovanadate Matrix as Cation Exchanger
Authors: Elkady M. F. , Shokry Hassan H. , El-Sayed Eman M.
Published: September 2015

As an innovative cation exchange material, nanozirconium tungestovanadate prepared using homogeneous precipitation technique was immobilized into alginate matrix and evaluated for cationic dye decolourization. Physicochemical properties of the prepared composite material were examined to determine its crystallinity, morphology, and ion exchange capacity. The SEM and TEM images of the prepared zirconium tungestovanadate identified that it was prepared in homogeneous structure with spherical shape in average diameter 22 nm. However, the optical microscope image of the composite matrix confirms the good distribution of nanozirconium tungestovanadate into the polymeric matrix. Batch technique was utilized to test the cation exchange efficiency of the prepared composite material toward C.I. basic violet 16 dye decolourization. The optimum immobilized dosage from nanozirconium tungestovanadate into the polymeric matrix to achieve 99% dye decolourization from 50 ppm initial dye concentration was recorded as 8 g/L. The dye sorption process onto the prepared material is described as an endothermic process. The dye sorption process at equilibrium was following both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The kinetic sorption behaviour of dye onto the composite matrix is correlated to pseudo-second-order equation model.
Effect of Bovine Plasma Protein on Autolysis and Gelation of Protein Extracted from Giant Squid (Dosidicus gigas) Mantle
Authors: Marquez-Alvarez Laura Raquel , Torres-Arreola Wilfrido , Ocano-Higuera Victor Manuel , Ramirez-Wong Benjamin , Marquez-Rios Enrique
Published: September 2015

The effect of bovine plasma protein (BPP) on the inhibition of autolytic activity and its effect on the gelling properties of a protein concentrate (PC) obtained from jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) mantle were investigated. Sols and gels were prepared from the PC by adding different amounts of BPP (0, 1, and 2%). Dynamic oscillatory measurements indicated that systems with 1% BPP had a higher elastic modulus (G′), in which hydrophobic interactions were favored. Concerning the technological and textural quality of the gels, BPP caused a greater water holding capacity (WHC), force, cohesiveness, and elasticity, probably due to improvement of the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions during gel formation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allowed visualization of the formation of more rigid and ordered gels with less porosity when BPP was added. Therefore, the addition of BPP improved the gelling capacity of proteins extracted from giant squid.