bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hydrothermal simulation approach to modelling spatial patterns of adaptive genetic variation in four stream insects
Authors: Nukazawa Kei , Kazama So , Watanabe Kozo
Published: August 2014

Aim

A central question in landscape genetics is how local adaptation among heterogeneous environments leads to genetic variation in natural populations. This article has two aims: (1) to examine associations between non‐neutral genetic diversity of stream insect populations and environmental heterogeneity simulated by a hydrothermal model; and (2) to establish a novel framework for simulating the spatial distribution of adaptive genetic variation at catchment scale.

Location

Natori River basin, north‐eastern Japan.

Methods

A distributed hydrothermal model was used to simulate current velocity, water depth and water temperature throughout the basin. We used empirical genetic data from 6–21 non‐neutral amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) loci in four target stream insect species found at 45 sampling sites. We constructed multiple regression models using allele frequencies at the non‐neutral loci as objective variables and the hydrothermal and geographical parameters as candidate explanatory variables.

Results

Of the four species, one caddisfly species provided strong evidence of local adaptation to the annual maximum water temperature. Assuming a priori that the regression models were applicable throughout the study area, we visualized the geographical distributions of genetically similar groups – UPGMA (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean) clusters based on genetic distance – and local genetic diversity along the simulated hydrothermal gradients. The UPGMA clusters of two caddisfly species (Hydropsyche orientalis and Stenopsyche marmorata) showed clear spatial turnover along an elevational gradient. Local genetic diversities of these species showed lower genetic diversity in lowland areas.

Main conclusions

The predicted spatial patterns along an elevational gradient could be explained by a hypothetical mechanism whereby lowland habitats only accommodate genotypes adapted to severe thermal conditions. Our approach of combining a hydrothermal simulation with genome‐wide scans of non‐neutral loci is promising for the identification of evolutionary associations of adaptive loci to the temporal regime of hydrothermal conditions, such as maxima and temporal variability.
Homotopic connectivity in drug‐naïve, first‐episode, early‐onset schizophrenia
Authors: Li Hui‐Jie , Xu Yong , Zhang Ke‐Rang , Hoptman Matthew J. , Zuo Xi‐Nian
Published: August 2014

Background

The disconnection hypothesis of schizophrenia has been extensively tested in adults. Recent studies have reported the presence of brain disconnection in younger patients, adding evidence to support the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia. Because of drug confounds in chronic and medicated patients, it has been extremely challenging for researchers to directly investigate abnormalities in the development of connectivity and their role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The present study aimed to examine functional homotopy – a measure of interhemispheric connection – and its relevance to clinical symptoms in first‐episode drug‐naïve early‐onset schizophrenia (EOS) patients.

Methods

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 26 first‐episode drug‐naïve EOS patients (age: 14.5 ± 1.94, 13 males) and 25 matched typically developing controls (TDCs) (age: 14.4 ± 2.97, 13 males). We were mainly concerned with the functional connectivity between any pair of symmetric interhemispheric voxels (i.e., functional homotopy) measured by voxel‐mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC).

Results

Early‐onset schizophrenia patients exhibited both global and regional VMHC reductions in comparison with TDCs. Reduced VMHC values were observed within the superior temporal cortex and postcentral gyrus. These interhemispheric synchronization deficits were negatively correlated with negative symptom of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Moreover, regions of interest analyses based on left and right clusters of temporal cortex and postcentral gyrus revealed abnormal heterotopic connectivity in EOS patients.

Conclusions

Our findings provide novel neurodevelopmental evidence for the disconnection hypothesis of schizophrenia and suggest that these alterations occur early in the course of the disease and are independent of medication status.
Barriers to evidence‐based medicine: a systematic review
Authors: Sadeghi‐Bazargani Homayoun , Tabrizi Jafar Sadegh , Azami‐Aghdash Saber
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Evidence‐based medicine (EBM) has emerged as an effective strategy to improve health care quality. The aim of this study was to systematically review and carry out an analysis on the barriers to EBM.

Methods

Different database searching methods and also manual search were employed in this study using the search words (‘evidence‐based’ or ‘evidence‐based medicine’ or ‘evidence‐based practice’ or ‘evidence‐based guidelines’ or ‘research utilization’) and (barrier* or challenge or hinder) in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane library, Pro Quest, Magiran, SID.

Results

Out of 2592 articles, 106 articles were finally identified for study. Research barriers, lack of resources, lack of time, inadequate skills, and inadequate access, lack of knowledge and financial barriers were found to be the most common barriers to EBM. Examples of these barriers were found in primary care, hospital/specialist care, rehabilitation care, medical education, management and decision making. The most common barriers to research utilization were research barriers, cooperation barriers and changing barriers. Lack of resources was the most common barrier to implementation of guidelines.

Conclusion

The result of this study shows that there are many barriers to the implementation and use of EBM. Identifying barriers is just the first step to removing barriers to the use of EBM. Extra resources will be needed if these barriers are to be tackled.
Early Neoproterozoic granulite facies metamorphism of mafic dykes from the Vestfold Block, east Antarctica
Authors: Liu X. C. , Wang W.‐(R. Z.) , Zhao Y. , Liu J. , Song B.
Published: August 2014

Proterozoic mafic dykes from the southwestern Vestfold Block experienced heterogeneous granulite facies metamorphism, characterized by spotted or fractured garnet‐bearing aggregates in garnet‐absent groundmass. The garnet‐absent groundmass typically preserves an ophitic texture composed of lathy plagioclase, intergranular clinopyroxene and Fe–Ti oxides. Garnet‐bearing domains consist mainly of a metamorphic assemblage of garnet, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, hornblende, biotite, plagioclase, K‐feldspar, quartz and Fe–Ti oxides. Chemical compositions and textural relationships suggest that these metamorphic minerals reached local equilibrium in the centre of the garnet‐bearing domains. Pseudosection calculations in the model system NCFMASHTO (Na2O–CaO–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–Fe2O3) yield P–T estimates of 820–870 °C and 8.4–9.7 kbar. Ion microprobe U–Pb zircon dating reveals that the NW‐ and N‐trending mafic dykes were emplaced at 1764 ± 25 and 1232 ± 12 Ma, respectively, whereas their metamorphic ages cluster between 957 ± 7 and 938 ± 9 Ma. The identification of granulite facies mineral inclusions in metamorphic zircon domains is also consistent with early Neoproterozoic metamorphism. Therefore, the southwestern margin of the Vestfold Block is inferred to have been buried to depths of ~30–35 km beneath the Rayner orogen during the late stage of the late Mesoproterozoic/early Neoproterozoic collision between the Indian craton and east Antarctica (i.e. the Lambert Terrane or the Ruker craton including the Lambert Terrane). The lack of penetrative deformation and intensive fluid–rock interaction in the rigid Vestfold Block prevented the nucleation and growth of garnet and resulted in the heterogeneous granulite facies metamorphism of the mafic dykes.
Systematic Review: Internet‐Based Program for Youth Smoking Prevention and Cessation
Authors: Park Eunhee , Drake Emily
Published: August 2014

Purpose

To review the characteristics and effects Internet‐based youth smoking prevention and cessation programs.

Design

Systematic review of published articles in peer‐reviewed journals in the past 10 years, focused on Internet‐based youth smoking prevention and cessation programs.

Methods

Twelve articles were selected based on the following criteria: studies reporting the outcomes of Internet‐based smoking cessation or prevention intervention programs for adolescents who are younger than 24 years.

Findings

The components of youth Internet‐based smoking intervention programs are analyzed based on study features (i.e., sample, design, theoretical basis, analysis, outcome measures) and program characteristics (i.e., focus, setting, frequency, duration, intensity, and different components) that make the programs effective. The most common components of effective Internet‐based programs are identified as the following: the use of multimedia, tailored approaches, personalized feedback, and interactive features.

Conclusions

The characteristics and effects of the programs vary, but most programs show positive results in youth smoking prevention and cessation in spite of the studies’ limitations.

Clinical Relevance

The evidence from this review provides useful information of recent efforts related to Internet‐based youth smoking prevention and cessation programs, which can have significant clinical implications in developing future innovative youth smoking prevention and intervention programs.
A Randomized Trial Comparing Dual Axis Rotational Versus Conventional Coronary Angiography in a Population with a High Prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: GIUBERTI RAFAEL S. O. , CAIXETA ADRIANO , CARVALHO ANTÔNIO C. , SOARES MILTON M. , ABREU‐SILVA ERLON O. , PESTANA JOSÉ O. MEDINA , SILVA JÚNIOR HÉLIO T. , VAZ MARIA LÚCIA , GÉNÉREUX PHILIPPE , FERNANDES ROSLEY W. A.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To compare the safety, radiation dose, and contrast volume between dual axis rotational coronary angiography (DARCA) and conventional coronary angiography (CCA).

Background

CCA is performed in multiple, predefined stationary views, at different angulations around the patient, for both the left and right coronary arteries. DARCA (AlluraXperSwing™, Philips, the Netherlands) involves a pre‐set rotation of the C‐arm around the patient and allows for the visualization of each coronary artery in different views, using a single automatic pump contrast injection.

Methods

From November 2012 to February 2013, 201 patients were randomly assigned to either CCA (n = 100) or DARCA (n = 101). Exclusion criteria included acute coronary syndrome (ACS), prior PCI or CABG. CCAs were performed in 4 acquisition runs for the left coronary artery and 2 to 3 acquisition runs for the right coronary artery, whereas DARCAs were performed in a single run for each coronary artery.

Results

Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were similar for both groups. The overall prevalence of CAD was 77.6%. The DARCA group had a significant reduction in the amount of contrast, 60 ml (IQR: 52.5–71.5 ml) versus 76 ml (IQR: 68–87 ml), P < 0.0001; and radiation dose by Air Kerma, 269.5 mGy (IQR: 176–450.5) versus 542.1 mGy (IQR: 370.7–720.8), P < 0.0001. There were fewer patients requiring additional projections in the DARCA group: 54.0% versus 75.0%; P = 0.002.

Conclusions

In a population with a high prevalence of CAD, DARCA was safe and resulted in a significant decrease in contrast volume and radiation dose. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:456–464)
Adolescent Motivations to Engage in Pro‐Social Behaviors and Abstain From Health‐Risk Behaviors: A Self‐Determination Theory Approach
Authors: Hardy Sam A. , Dollahite David C. , Johnson Natalie , Christensen Justin B.
Published: August 2014

The present study used self‐determination theory to examine adolescents' motivations to engage in charitable donating and community volunteering and to abstain from sexual intercourse and marijuana use. The sample consisted of 419 late adolescents recruited from across the country through an online survey panel. Participants completed online measures of motivations to engage in donating and volunteering, motivations to abstain from sex and marijuana, and single‐item indexes of the four behaviors. Variable‐centered analyses (correlation and regression) found evidence for a general motivational factor, motivational specificity by behavioral domain (positive and negative behaviors), motivational specificity by particular behavior (charitable donating, volunteering, sexual risk‐taking, and marijuana use), and a stronger relative role for autonomous motivations than controlled motivations. Person‐centered analyses (cluster analysis) found four motivation profiles (low motivation, medium motivation, high motivation, and mixed motivation) for all four behaviors and suggested that level of autonomous motivation was a key factor differentiating the groups on levels of behavior. The findings suggest different levels of motivational specificity and highlight the importance of autonomous motivations in predicting behaviors as compared to controlled motivations. Further, similar patterns were found for motivations to engage and to abstain.
Variation in Orgasm Occurrence by Sexual Orientation in a Sample of U.S. Singles
Authors: Garcia Justin R. , Lloyd Elisabeth A. , Wallen Kim , Fisher Helen E.
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Despite recent advances in understanding orgasm variation, little is known about ways in which sexual orientation is associated with men's and women's orgasm occurrence.

Aim

To assess orgasm occurrence during sexual activity across sexual orientation categories.

Methods

Data were collected by Internet questionnaire from 6,151 men and women (ages 21–65+ years) as part of a nationally representative sample of single individuals in the United States. Analyses were restricted to a subsample of 2,850 singles (1,497 men, 1,353 women) who had experienced sexual activity in the past 12 months.

Main Outcome Measures

Participants reported their sex/gender, self-identified sexual orientation (heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual), and what percentage of the time they experience orgasm when having sex with a familiar partner.

Results

Mean occurrence rate for experiencing orgasm during sexual activity with a familiar partner was 62.9% among single women and 85.1% among single men, which was significantly different (F1,2848 =370.6, P <0.001, η2 =0.12). For men, mean occurrence rate of orgasm did not vary by sexual orientation: heterosexual men 85.5%, gay men 84.7%, bisexual men 77.6% (F2,1494 =2.67, P =0.07, η2 =0.004). For women, however, mean occurrence rate of orgasm varied significantly by sexual orientation: heterosexual women 61.6%, lesbian women 74.7%, bisexual women 58.0% (F2,1350 =10.95, P <0.001, η2 =0.02). Lesbian women had a significantly higher probability of orgasm than did either heterosexual or bisexual women (P <0.05).

Conclusions

Findings from this large dataset of U.S. singles suggest that women, regardless of sexual orientation, have less predictable, more varied orgasm experiences than do men and that for women, but not men, the likelihood of orgasm varies with sexual orientation. These findings demonstrate the need for further investigations into the comparative sexual experiences and sexual health outcomes of sexual minorities.
Setting the stage for development of a program for adolescent heart transplant recipients to transition to adult providers: An integrative review of the literature
Authors: Hallowell Sara C.
Published: August 2014

Purpose

This integrative review of the literature was undertaken to determine if there was a body of knowledge to support a transition program in an adolescent heart transplant population.

Conclusions

No studies were found involving a heart transplant transition program for adolescents. A literature review for transition in other chronic illness areas was undertaken. Youth with chronic illness are inadequately prepared to transfer to adult providers. Transition programs should be developed. These programs should be tailored to suit individual needs. They should teach disease knowledge and encourage participation in self‐management skills. Participation in a transition program improved patients' quality of life and improved their knowledge about their disease.

Practice Implications

Nurses are in a unique position with chronically ill adolescents to promote positive behaviors at every interaction. Encouraging self‐management behaviors will support these youth as they prepare to become adults.
Impact of hepatitis C virus infection on the risk of death of alcohol‐dependent patients
Authors: Fuster D. , Sanvisens A. , Bolao F. , Serra I. , Rivas I. , Tor J. , Muga R.
Published: August 2014

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is frequent among patients with alcohol use disorders. We aimed to analyse the impact of HCV infection on survival of patients seeking treatment for alcohol use. This was a longitudinal study in a cohort of patients who abused alcohol recruited in two detoxification units. Socio‐demographic and alcohol use characteristics, liver function tests for the assessment of alcohol‐related liver disease and HCV and HIV infection serologies were obtained at admission. Patients were followed until December 2008; causes of death were ascertained through clinical records and death registry. Cox models were used to analyse predictors of death. A total of 675 patients (79.7% men) were admitted; age at admission was 43.5 years (IQR: 37.9–50.2 years), duration of alcohol abuse was 18 years (IQR: 11–24 years), and median alcohol consumption was 200 g/day (IQR: 120–275 g/day). Distribution of patients according to viral infections was as follows: 75.7% without HCV or HIV infection, 14.7% HCV infection alone and 8.1% HCV/HIV coinfection. Median follow‐up was 3.1 years (IQR: 1.5–5.1 years) accounting for 2,345 person‐years. At the end of study, 78 patients (11.4%) had died. In the multivariate analysis, age at admission (HR = 1.71, 95%CI: 1.05–2.80), alcohol‐related liver disease (HR = 3.55, 95%CI: 1.93–6.53) and HCV/HIV co‐infection (HR = 3.86 95%CI: 2.10–7.11) were predictors of death. Younger patients (≤43 years) with HCV infection were more likely to die than those without viral infections (HR = 3.1, 95%CI: 1.3–7.3; P = 0.007). Among patients with alcohol‐related liver disease, mortality rate was high, irrespective of viral infections. These data show that HCV infection confers a worse prognosis in patients with alcohol use disorders.
Hepatitis C virus infection in China: an emerging public health issue
Authors: Qin Qianqian , Smith M. Kumi , Wang Lu , Su Yingying , Wang Liyan , Guo Wei , Wang Lan , Cui Yan , Wang Ning
Published: August 2014

Hepatitis C virus now represents a global viral pandemic and is the fourth most commonly reported infectious disease in China. Information on China's national HCV epidemic was limited to cross ‐sectional seroprevalence studies of special populations, and a national surveillance effort had been launched to inform prevention and control. We analysed novel data from two national databases: (i) China's national medical HCV case report system and (ii) the national disease sentinel surveillance system. Between 1997 and 2012, reporting incidence of medical cases for HCV infection rose from 0.7 to 15.0 cases per 100 000 with the largest burden of disease concentrated among individuals over 35 years of age, rural residents and those tested as part of routine screening. Between 2010 and 2012, disease sentinel surveillance identified the highest HCV seropositive rates among persons who use drugs and haemodialysis patients, with far lower but not negligible rates among sexually active population. The concentration of cases among older age groups is consistent with past studies of age‐specific prevalence rates in Asia. Differences across regions and testing modes suggest diverse biological and social forces driving the spread of HCV in China. Surveillance data show ongoing transmission, particularly among persons who use drugs and persons undergoing invasive medical treatments, particularly haemodialysis. Improvements in case detection and data reporting systems will be critical for understanding current drivers of transmission and identifying key areas for prevention.
Plant assemblages do not respond homogenously to local variation in environmental conditions: functional responses differ with species identity and abundance
Authors: Kumordzi Bright B. , Wardle David A. , Freschet Grégoire T.
Published: August 2014

Questions

We investigated some commonly held assumptions of community assembly theory needed to provide accurate predictions of changes in plant species assemblages across environmental gradients or following environmental change. Do (1) dominant and subordinate species respond in the same way to changes in environmental variables; (2) plant species assemblages show higher interspecific than intraspecific trait responses; and (3) co‐existing dominant species differ in their responses to the same environmental variables?

Location

Islands in Lakes Uddjaure and Hornavan, northern Sweden.

Methods

We explored the responses of forest understorey vegetation assemblages to variation in environmental resources across a chronosequence of 30 lake islands that differ in fire history, above‐ground and below‐ground resource availability and species diversity. For one plot on each island, we measured specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content and foliar N and P of all dominant and subordinate understorey plant species to assess species‐specific and weighted and non‐weighted community‐level trait responses to variation across islands in all major local environmental drivers.

Results

Consistent with our expectations, we found that species responses to environmental conditions were not homogenous within assemblages, and that responses of dominant and subordinate species differed. Further, intraspecific variation was often an important component of local‐scale plant community‐level responses. Responses were often relatively consistent across species, but dominant species sometimes showed contrasting responses of the same trait to the same environmental factor. Finally, environmental factors that influenced community average trait values also affected functional diversity.

Conclusions

This study has shown that several common assumptions that underpin community assembly theory do not necessarily hold, and this can cause inaccuracies in predicting plant functional composition responses to changes in environmental variables. Because these assumptions are central to current models that predict vegetation responses to environmental change, it is crucial to further test in which particular environmental context and to what extent these assumptions are critical for model accuracy.
The construction and legitimation of workplace bullying in the public sector: insight into power dynamics and organisational failures in health and social care
Authors: Hutchinson Marie , Jackson Debra
Published: August 2014

Health‐care and public sector institutions are high‐risk settings for workplace bullying. Despite growing acknowledgement of the scale and consequence of this pervasive problem, there has been little critical examination of the institutional power dynamics that enable bullying. In the aftermath of large‐scale failures in care standards in public sector healthcare institutions, which were characterised by managerial bullying, attention to the nexus between bullying, power and institutional failures is warranted. In this study, employing Foucault's framework of power, we illuminate bullying as a feature of structures of power and knowledge in public sector institutions. Our analysis draws upon the experiences of a large sample (n = 3345) of workers in Australian public sector agencies – the type with which most nurses in the public setting will be familiar. In foregrounding these power dynamics, we provide further insight into how cultures that are antithetical to institutional missions can arise and seek to broaden the debate on the dynamics of care failures within public sector institutions. Understanding the practices of power in public sector institutions, particularly in the context of ongoing reform, has important implications for nursing.
Panoramic radiography measurements, osteoporosis diagnoses and fractures in Japanese men and women
Authors: Yamada S , Uchida K , Iwamoto Y , Sugino N , Yoshinari N , Kagami H , Taguchi A
Published: August 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of the shape of the mandibular cortex on panoramic radiographs with the risk of an osteoporosis diagnosis without prevalent fractures and with the risk of osteoporotic fractures in Japanese men and women.

Subjects and Methods

One thousand and twenty‐one subjects aged 40–89 years, who visited our university hospital and underwent panoramic radiography between 2007 and 2013, participated in this study. Eighty‐eight patients received a diagnosis of osteoporosis without prevalent fractures, and 55 were diagnosed with osteoporotic fractures. Blinded to the groupings, we classified the shape of the mandibular cortex on panoramic radiographs as normal, moderately eroded or severely eroded.

Results

After adjustment for confounding factors, the odds ratios for an osteoporosis diagnosis associated with moderately eroded and severely eroded mandibular cortices were 1.4 (95% CI, 0.8–2.6) and 2.6 (95% CI, 1.4–5.0), respectively. The odds ratios for an osteoporotic fracture associated with moderately eroded and severely eroded cortices were 0.8 (95% CI, 0.4–1.7) and 1.1 (95% CI, 0.5–2.5), respectively.

Conclusions

Subjects in Japan with eroded mandibular cortices tended to be at increased risk of osteoporosis diagnoses but not of fractures.
An Approach‐Inhibition Model of Employee Silence: The Joint Effects of Personal Sense of Power and Target Openness
Authors: Morrison Elizabeth W. , See Kelly E. , Pan Caitlin
Published: August 2014

When employees consciously withhold potentially important suggestions or concerns from those who may be able to act on that information, it can have serious implications for organizational performance. Yet there is research suggesting that, when faced with the choice of whether or not to raise an issue, employees often choose to remain silent. Our objective in this paper is to expand current theoretical understanding of why employees often remain silent and of situational factors that can lessen this tendency. Drawing on the approach‐inhibition theory of power, we argue that an employee's personal sense that he or she is lacking in power in relation to others at work is a key factor contributing to the decision to remain silent but that this effect is moderated by perceived target openness. We took a multimethod approach, testing these relationships across 3 studies: a laboratory experiment, a survey study of healthcare workers, and a survey study of employees working across a wide range of industries. Our findings suggest that, although silence is indeed rooted in the psychological experience of powerlessness, perceived target openness mitigates this relationship, encouraging employee to speak up when they would not otherwise do so.
Recovery of the response to biological treatments using narrow band ultraviolet‐B in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis: a retrospective study of 17 patients
Authors: Belinchón Isabel , Arribas María Paloma , Soro Pilar , Betlloch Isabel
Published: August 2014

Background/Purpose

Biological therapy has demonstrated a very satisfactory anti‐psoriatic effect; however, the loss of response with time has been reported.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of the narrow band ultraviolet‐B phototherapy (NB‐UVB) as a rescue in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who have lost efficacy in their biological treatment.

Methods

A retrospective chart review study was conducted on patients with moderate to severe psoriasis receiving treatment with a biologic, with a good initial response that subsequently had lost efficacy. All the patients received combined treatment with NB‐UVB.

Results

Seventeen patients were included, with a mean age of 44 years. The biologics were: 8 etanercept, 4 adalimumab, 3 ustekinumab, 1 efalizumab, and 1 infliximab. The mean NB‐UVB sessions was 25 (7–48 sessions), with a mean accumulated dose of 31.12 J/cm2 (5.2–94.6 J/cm2). Sixteen patients had the following results: 44% PASI 90–100, 31.3% PASI 75–89, and 25% PASI 50–74 response.

Conclusion

According to this study on clinical practice, it could be considered that the use of NB‐UVB along with biological drugs that have lost efficacy in controlling moderate to severe psoriasis in adults could contribute to the recovery of the initial response.
Effects of four additive solutions on canine leukoreduced red cell concentrate quality during storage
Authors: Lacerda Luciana A. , Hlavac Nicole R.C. , Terra Silvia R. , Back Franciele P. , Jane Wardrop K. , González Félix H.D.
Published: August 2014

Background

Additive solutions (AS) and prestorage leukoreduction (LR) are important tools used to maintain erythrocyte viability during storage and avoid transfusion reactions in recipients, respectively.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to determine the efficacy of a WBC filter (Immugard IIIRC) and compare the effect of 4 AS (phosphate‐adenine‐glucose‐guanosine‐gluconate‐mannitol [PAGGGM], saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol [SAGM], Adsol, Optisol) on the in vitro quality of canine leukoreduced packed RBC units (pRBC) stored for 41 days.

Methods

Five hundred milliliters of blood were collected from 8 healthy dogs each into 70 mL of citrate‐phosphate‐dextrose (CPD) solution, and were leukoreduced by a polyurethane filter. pRBC of each dog were divided equally into 4 bags containing a different AS. Bags were stored for 41 days at 4°C and evaluated every 10 days. Variables analyzed included pH, PCV, and% hemolysis, and lactate, glucose, potassium, sodium, ATP, and 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate (2,3‐DPG) concentrations.

Results

The LR resulted in residual WBC counts comparable to human standards. During storage, pH, and glucose, 2,3‐DPG, and ATP concentrations decreased, and hemolysis, and lactate, sodium, and potassium concentrations increased (P < .05). Significant differences between AS were seen in the glucose and sodium concentrations, due to the composition of AS. Also, the pH maintained by PAGGGM at day 21 was significantly higher than that seen with SAGM or Adsol.

Conclusions

All AS used gave satisfactory results during the first 21 days of storage based on the degree of hemolysis, and on ATP and 2,3‐DPG concentrations. When compared with day 1 values, significant changes were seen in these variables by day 31 with all AS.
Experimental Investigation of the Flow Field and the Heat Transfer on a Scaled Cooled Combustor Liner With Realistic Swirling Flow Generated by a Lean-Burn Injection System
Authors: Andreini Antonio , Caciolli Gianluca , Facchini Bruno , Picchi Alessio , Turrini Fabio
Published: August 2014

Lean-burn swirl stabilized combustors represent the key technology to reduce NOx emissions in modern aircraft engines. The high amount of air admitted through a lean-burn injection system is characterized by very complex flow structures, such as recirculations, vortex breakdown, and processing vortex core, which may deeply interact in the near wall region of the combustor liner. This interaction and its effects on the local cooling performance make the design of the cooling systems very challenging, accounting for the design and commission of new test rigs for detailed analysis. The main purpose of the present work is the characterization of the flow field and the wall heat transfer due to the interaction of a swirling flow coming out from real geometry injectors and a slot cooling system which generates film cooling in the first part of the combustor liner. The experimental setup consists of a nonreactive three sector planar rig in an open loop wind tunnel; the rig, developed within the EU project Low Emissions Core-Engine Technologies (LEMCOTEC), includes three swirlers, whose scaled geometry reproduces the real geometry of an Avio Aero partially evaporated and rapid mixing (PERM) injector technology, and a simple cooling scheme made up of a slot injection, reproducing the exhaust dome cooling mass flow. Test were carried out imposing realistic combustor operating conditions, especially in terms of reduced mass flow rate and pressure drop across the swirlers. The flow field is investigated by means of particle image velocimetry (PIV), while the measurement of the heat transfer coefficient is performed through thermochromic liquid crystals (TLCs) steady state technique. PIV results show the behavior of flow field generated by the injectors, their mutual interaction, and the impact of the swirled main flow on the stability of the slot film cooling. TLC measurements, reported in terms of detailed 2D heat transfer coefficient maps, highlight the impact of the swirled flow and slot film cooling on wall heat transfer.
A commutativity property for rings
Authors: Bell H. E. , Zarrin M.
Published: August 2014

We provide a partial answer to the following question: Assume that R is a finite ring of order s such that for every two subsets M and N of cardinalities m and n respectively, there exist x ∈ M and y ∈ N such that xy = yx. What relations among s, m, n guarantee that R is commutative? Also, we give criteria for commutativity of such rings in terms of structure and relations between m and n.
On reduced rank of triangular matrix rings
Authors: Bailey Abigail C. , Beachy John A.
Published: August 2014

We determine conditions under which a generalized triangular matrix ring has finite reduced rank, in the general torsion-theoretic sense. These are applied to characterize certain orders in Artinian rings, and to show that if each homomorphic image of a ring S has finite reduced rank, then so does the ring of lower triangular matrices over S.
A United Method for Sensitivity Analysis of the Locational Marginal Price Based on the Optimal Power Flow
Authors: Yang Liu , Deng Chunlin
Published: August 2014

Locational marginal prices (LMPs) are influenced by various factors in the electricity market; knowing the sensitivity information of LMPs is very important for both the purchase and the consumer. This paper presents a united method to compute the sensitivities of LMPs based on the optimal power flow (OPF). The Karush‐Kuhn‐Tucher (KKT) system to solve LMPs can be transferred into an equation system by using an NCP function, and then by using the properties of the derivative of the semismooth NCP function, this paper provides a simultaneous obtention of the sensitivities of LMPs with respect to power demands, the cost of production, voltage boundary, and so forth. Numerical examples illustrate the concepts presented and the proposed methodology by a 6‐bus electric energy system. Some relevant conclusions are drawn in the end.
Radiolabeled Probes Targeting Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1-Active Tumor Microenvironments
Authors: Ueda Masashi , Saji Hideo
Published: August 2014

Because tumor cells grow rapidly and randomly, hypoxic regions arise from the lack of oxygen supply in solid tumors. Hypoxic regions in tumors are known to be resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) expressed in hypoxic regions regulates the expression of genes related to tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Thus, imaging of HIF-1-active regions in tumors is of great interest. HIF-1 activity is regulated by the expression and degradation of itsαsubunit (HIF-1α), which is degraded in the proteasome under normoxic conditions, but escapes degradation under hypoxic conditions, allowing it to activate transcription of HIF-1-target genes. Therefore, to image HIF-1-active regions, HIF-1-dependent reporter systems and injectable probes that are degraded in a manner similar to HIF-1αhave been recently developed and used in preclinical studies. However, no probe currently used in clinical practice directly assesses HIF-1 activity. Whether the accumulation of18F-FDG or18F-FMISO can be utilized as an index of HIF-1 activity has been investigated in clinical studies. In this review, the current status of HIF-1 imaging in preclinical and clinical studies is discussed.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Levels in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Gurbuzer Nurbanu , Gozke Eren , Ayhan Basturk Zeliha
Published: August 2014

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, cerebrovascular risk factors, and distribution of cerebral infarct areas in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Patients and Methods. Sixty patients with AIS and 44 controls who had not cerebrovascular disease were included in the study. The patients were divided into four groups according to the location of the infarct area and evaluated as for GGT levels and the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), and hyperlipidemia (HL). Results. The frequency of DM, HT, and HL and gender distributions were similar. The mean GGT levels were significantly higher in patients with AIS and those with relatively larger areas of infarction (P<0.05). Increased mean GGT levels were found in the subgroup with hypertension, higher LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels among cases with AIS (P<0.05). Conclusion. Higher GGT levels in AIS patients reinforce the relationship of GGT with inflammation and oxidative stress. The observation of higher GGT levels in patients with relatively larger areas of infarction is indicative of a positive correlation between increases in infarct areas and elevated GGT levels.
Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity and Antiproliferative Effect of the Jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) Seed Extracts in Oral Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Wang Wen-Hung , Tyan Yu-Chang , Chen Zong-Shiow , Lin Ching-Gong , Yang Ming-Hui , Yuan Shyng-Shiou , Tsai Wan-Chi
Published: August 2014

It is becoming increasingly evident that certain phytochemicals possess cancer chemopreventive properties. In this study, the antiproliferative activity of extracts from different parts of the jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) plant was evaluated for its effect on human oral carcinoma cell lines. The cytotoxicities of various plant extract concentrations were examined and the 50% maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined. Water extracts of jaboticaba seeds showed concentration-dependent antiproliferative effects. Annexin V/propidium iodide positivity with active caspase-3 induction indicated that the treated cells underwent apoptosis. Several important regulatory proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bid, and survivin) involved in apoptosis were also evaluated. The antioxidant activity of jaboticaba was investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays, and the drug concentration eliciting 50% maximum stimulation (SC50) was determined. The present findings suggest that water extracts of jaboticaba seeds exhibit an antiproliferative effect against oral cancer cells by inducing apoptosis through downregulating survivin expression and thereby activating caspase-mediated Bid cleavage.
Copolymer SJ-1 as a Fluid Loss Additive for Drilling Fluid with High Content of Salt and Calcium
Authors: Quan Hongping , Li Huan , Huang Zhiyu , Zhang Tailiang , Dai Shanshan
Published: August 2014

A ternary copolymer of 2-acrylamide-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylamide (AM), and allyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (APEG) with a side chain polyoxyethylene ether(C2H4O)nSJ-1 were designed and synthesized in this work. Good temperature resistance and salt tolerance of “–SO3-” of AMPS, strong absorption ability of “amino-group” of AM, and good hydrability of side chain polyoxyethylene ether(C2H4O)nof APEG provide SJ-1 excellent properties as a fluid loss additive. The chemical structure of ternary copolymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The molecular weight and its distribution were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The API fluid loss of drilling fluid decreased gradually with the increasing concentration of NaCl and CaCl2in the mud system. SJ-1 was applied well in the drilling fluid even at a high temperature of 220°C. Results of zeta potential of modified drilling fluid showed the dispersion stability of drilling fluid system. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the microstructure of the surface of the filter cake obtained from the drilling fluid modified by SJ-1.
Retrospective Comparative Study of the Effects of Dendritic Cell Vaccine and Cytokine-Induced Killer Cell Immunotherapy with that of Chemotherapy Alone and in Combination for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Niu Jingxiu , Ren Yanjie , Zhang Tianyu , Yang Xuejing , Zhu Wei , Zhu Hui , Li Jing , Li Jiali , Pang Yan
Published: August 2014

Purpose.This retrospective study determined the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test and safety of dendritic cell (DC) vaccine and cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell immunotherapy and the survival compared to chemotherapy in 239 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.Methods.DTH and safety of the immunotherapy were recorded. The overall survival (OS) and disease free survival curves were compared according to the immunotherapy and/or chemotherapy received with Kaplan-Meier estimates.Results.Of the 70 patients who received immunotherapy, 62.86% had a positive DTH skin test, 38.57% developed fever, 47.14% developed insomnia, 38.57% developed anorexia, 4.29% developed joint soreness, and 11.43% developed skin rash. For 204 resectable CRC patients, median survival time (MST) (198.00 days) was significantly longer in patients with immunotherapy plus chemotherapy than with chemotherapy alone (106.00 days)(P=0.02). For 35 patients with unresectable or postsurgery relapsed CRC and who were confirmed to be dead, no statistical difference was observed in the MST between the patients treated with immunotherapy and with chemotherapy(P=0.41). MST in the patients treated with chemotherapy plus immunotherapy was 154 days longer than that of patients treated with chemotherapy alone(P=0.41).Conclusions.DC vaccination and CIK immunotherapy did not cause severe adverse effects, induce immune response against CRC, and prolong OS.
Robust H∞ Fuzzy Control for Nonlinear Discrete‐Time Stochastic Systems with Markovian Jump and Parametric Uncertainties
Authors: Sun Huiying , Yan Long
Published: August 2014

The paper mainly investigates the H∞ fuzzy control problem for a class of nonlinear discrete‐time stochastic systems with Markovian jump and parametric uncertainties. The class of systems is modeled by a state space Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy model that has linear nominal parts and norm‐bounded parameter uncertainties in the state and output equations. An H∞ control design method is developed by using the Lyapunov function. The decoupling technique makes the Lyapunov matrices and the system matrices separated, which makes the control design feasible. Then, some strict linear matrix inequalities are derived on robust H∞ norm conditions in which both robust stability and H∞ performance are required to be achieved. Finally, a computer‐simulated truck‐trailer example is given to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the
proposed design method.
Ground-Based Polarimetric Remote Sensing of Dust Aerosol Properties in Chinese Deserts near Hexi Corridor
Authors: Xu Hua , Li Zhengqiang , Li Donghui , Li Li , Chen Xingfeng , Xie Yisong , Li Kaitao , Chen Cheng , Zhang Yuhuan
Published: August 2014

One-year observation of dust aerosol properties near Hexi Corridor was obtained from polarimetric measurements by ground-based sunphotometer in the county of Minqin in northwestern China from March 2012 to February 2013. We observed an annual mean AOD of0.22±0.22at 0.50 μm and Ångström exponents of 0.1–1.0 fitting a bimode normal distribution centered at 0.18 and 0.50, respectively. The effective radii of fine (0.13–0.17 μm) and coarse (2.49–3.49 μm) modes were found stable at all seasons together with the appearance of a third mode of particle radius at 0.4–1.0 μm when AOD was larger than 0.6. It is noticeable that the real (1.5–1.7) and imaginary (0.0005 to 0.09) parts of complex refractive indices were higher than other studies performed in other desert regions of China, while single scattering albedo was relatively lower (~0.84–0.89) at wavelengths of 0.44, 0.67, 0.87, and 1.02 μm. This is partially due to calcite or hematite in the soil in Minqin or the influence of anthropogenic aerosols containing carbon. Moreover, from our novel polarimetric measurement, the scattering phase function (F11) and degree of linear polarization for incident unpolarized light (-F12/F11) of dust aerosols were also obtained within this deserted area.
Solar Assisted Fast Pyrolysis: A Novel Approach of Renewable Energy Production
Authors: Joardder Mohammad U. H. , Halder P. K. , Rahim A. , Paul N.
Published: August 2014

Biofuel produced by fast pyrolysis from biomass is a promising candidate. The heart of the system is a reactor which is directly or indirectly heated to approximately 500°C by exhaust gases from a combustor that burns pyrolysis gas and some of the by-product char. In most of the cases, external biomass heater is used as heating source of the system while internal electrical heating is recently implemented as source of reactor heating. However, this heating system causes biomass or other conventional forms of fuel consumption to produce renewable energy and contributes to environmental pollution. In order to overcome these, the feasibility of incorporating solar energy with fast pyrolysis has been investigated. The main advantages of solar reactor heating include renewable source of energy, comparatively simpler devices, and no environmental pollution. A lab scale pyrolysis setup has been examined along with 1.2 m diameter parabolic reflector concentrator that provides hot exhaust gas up to 162°C. The study shows that about 32.4% carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and almost one-third portion of fuel cost are reduced by incorporating solar heating system. Successful implementation of this proposed solar assisted pyrolysis would open a prospective window of renewable energy.
Double Sequence Spaces by Means of Orlicz Functions
Authors: Alotaibi Abdullah , Mursaleen M. , Raj Kuldip
Published: August 2014

We define some classes of double entire and analytic sequences by means of Orlicz functions. We study some relevant algebraic and topological properties. Further some inclusion relations among the classes are also examined.
Why Are We Failing to Implement Imaging Studies with Radiolabelled New Molecular Entities in Early Oncology Drug Development?
Authors: Saleem Azeem , Murphy Philip , Plisson Christophe , Lahn Michael
Published: August 2014

In early drug development advanced imaging techniques can help with progressing new molecular entities (NME) to subsequent phases of drug development and thus reduce attrition. However, several organizational, operational, and regulatory hurdles pose a significant barrier, potentially limiting the impact these techniques can have on modern drug development. Positron emission tomography (PET) of radiolabelled NME is arguably the best example of a complex technique with a potential to deliver unique decision-making data in small cohorts of subjects. However, to realise this potential the impediments to timely inclusion of PET into the drug development process must be overcome. In the present paper, we discuss the value of PET imaging with radiolabelled NME during early anticancer drug development, as exemplified with one such NME. We outline the multiple hurdles and propose options on how to streamline the organizational steps for future studies.