bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Method for Analyzing the Duffy Blood Group Genotype by TaqMan Minor Groove Binding Probes
Authors: Zhou Shihang , Liu Ming , An Wanxin , Liang Xiaohua , Yu Weijian , Piao Fengyuan
Published: May 2014

Background

Duffy blood group genotyping is useful to ensure transfusion safety and determine the association of Duffy blood group polymorphism with diseases, and therefore has its clinical significance. In order to improve the existing methods for genotyping of Duffy blood group, which normally require post‐PCR manipulation, a new method was developed by using 5′‐nuclease assay (NA) with TaqMan minor groove binding (MGB) probes.

Methods

Primers and TaqMan‐MGB probes were designed and synthesized to genotype FY*A and FY*B alleles at Duffy blood group locus on a real‐time PCR platform. A total of 120 samples were genotyped by using the new 5′‐NA and conventional polymerase chain reaction with allele‐specific primers (PCR‐ASP). The results obtained by the two methods were compared.

Results

There was a complete concordance of results for all samples genotyped by 5′‐NA and PCR‐ASP. The retesting results of 5′‐NA were consistent with those of the initial testing. The detection limit of 5′‐NA was determined as 100 pg per reaction. The FY*A and FY*B allelic frequencies were 93.3% and 6.7% respectively in the Chinese Han population in Dalian.

Conclusions

The 5′‐NA for genotyping of Duffy blood group is simple, rapid, reliable, reproducible, sensitive, and high‐throughput and is superior to PCR‐ASP used in routine genotyping.
Evaluation of the Analytical Performance of the Olympus AU5421 Applied with Parameters Developed by the Toshiba 200FR for Measurement of Blood Ethanol Concentration
Authors: Kim Bo Hyun , Park Ae Ja , Youn Jae Saeng , Bae Jae Hoon
Published: May 2014

Background

An accurate determination of blood ethanol concentrations is important. To minimize ethanol degradation in blood samples, sodium fluoride (NaF) collection tubes have been recommended for use. In this study, we attempted to utilize the Olympus AU5421 chemistry analyzer for ethanol analysis based on the parameters established for the Toshiba 200FR. We also evaluated the effect of NaF collection tubes on ethanol concentrations.

Methods

The precision, linearity, accuracy, and carry‐over rate of the AU5421 analyzer were evaluated. The results of analysis using the AU5421 and Abbott AxSYM analyzers were also compared. The effects of NaF collection tubes on ethanol concentrations in stored samples were measured.

Results

The AU5421 showed a good precision, linearity, accuracy, and carry‐over rate. The ethanol concentrations were well correlated with the results obtained using the AxSYM. There was no statistically significant difference in blood ethanol concentrations between the samples collected in tubes with NaF and those collected in tubes without NaF.

Conclusions

Since the AU5421 showed excellent analytical performance, the AU5421 could be used as an alternative to AxSYM for the determination of blood ethanol concentrations. Our analysis also indicated that there is no need to use NaF collection tubes if blood ethanol concentrations are analyzed within 3 h after blood collection. We believe that the results obtained in this study will have important implications for the use of the AU5421 system to measure blood ethanol concentrations.
Big Data Bioinformatics
Authors: Greene Casey S. , Tan Jie , Ung Matthew , Moore Jason H. , Cheng Chao
Published: May 2014

Recent technological advances allow for high throughput profiling of biological systems in a cost‐efficient manner. The low cost of data generation is leading us to the “big data” era. The availability of big data provides unprecedented opportunities but also raises new challenges for data mining and analysis. In this review, we introduce key concepts in the analysis of big data, including both “machine learning” algorithms as well as “unsupervised” and “supervised” examples of each. We note packages for the R programming language that are available to perform machine learning analyses. In addition to programming based solutions, we review webservers that allow users with limited or no programming background to perform these analyses on large data compendia. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1896–1900, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acid Catalyzed Efficient Syntheses of Aryl‐5H‐dibenzo[b,i]xanthene‐5,7,12,14‐(13H)‐tetraones and 3,3‐(Arylmethylene)bis(2‐hydroxynaphthalene‐1,4‐diones) and In Vitro Evaluation of their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Khurana Jitender M. , Lumb Anshika , Chaudhary Ankita , Nand Bhaskara
Published: May 2014

A simple and efficient synthesis of aryl‐5H‐dibenzo[b,i]xanthene‐5,7,12,14‐(13H)‐tetraones and 3,3‐(arylmethylene)bis(2‐hydroxynaphthalene‐1,4‐diones) by the condensation of aromatic aldehydes and 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone under extremely mild conditions using catalytic amount of H2SO4 or in the presence of acidic ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hydrogen sulphate, which could be recycled, has been reported. The radical scavenging capacity of the synthesized compounds has been examined towards the stable free radical 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and the compounds 2 were found to scavenge DPPH free radical efficiently.
Improved and Efficient Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,3,4‐kl]acridin‐1‐one Derivatives under Ultrasound Irradiation
Authors: Li Li‐Li , Wang Hui‐Yuan , Lin Wei , Huang Zhi‐Bin , Shi Da‐Qing
Published: May 2014

A improved and efficient procedure for the synthesis of pyrrolo[2,3,4‐kl]acridin‐1‐one derivatives via the reaction of isatin and enaminone catalyzed by ceric ammonium nitrate under ultrasonic condition has been developed. Compared with the conventional methods, the remarkable advantages of this method are mild reaction conditions, operational simplicity, higher yield, and shorter reaction times.
A Facile Approach for the Synthesis of Novel 1,2,4‐Triazolo[4,3‐a]Pyridine Derivatives in Single Step
Authors: Santhosh Kumar G. , Kurumurthy C. , Sambasiva Rao P. , Veeraswamy B. , Shanthan Rao P. , Narsaiah B.
Published: May 2014

A series of novel substituted 4‐trifluoromethyl‐pyridin‐2‐yl hydrazide derivatives 5 and 7‐trifluoromethyl‐1,2,4‐triazolo[4,3‐a]pyridine derivatives 6 were synthesized through a facile method in single step from 2‐hydrazino‐pyridine derivatives 4 and their reaction with aliphatic/aromatic acids in the presence of POCl3 and PCl5. In each reaction, an intermediate 5 and product 6 were formed in definite proportion except in 5a, 5d, and 6e and were independent of reaction time and temperature.
Morphology of arolia in Auchenorrhyncha (Insecta, Hemiptera)
Authors: Friedemann Katrin , Beutel Rolf G.
Published: May 2014

The pretarsal arolium serves as an attachment device in many groups of insects, enabling them to walk efficiently on smooth surfaces, where claws alone do not provide sufficient foothold. The arolia of representatives of all major lineages of Auchenorrhyncha are described and illustrated, mainly using scanning electron microscopy and histology. Glands inside the lumen of the arolia are described for the first time in this group. It is shown that the morphology of arolia within Auchenorrhyncha differs considerably. Some of them are even distinctly bilobed. The cuticle of the contact zone is thickened and formed of branching chitinous rods. In some cases, two layers of rods oriented in different directions were found. An extended definition of “arolium” is proposed. J. Morphol. 275:1217–1225, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A compact 2D potential model for subthreshold characterization of nanoscale fully depleted short channel nanowire MOSFETs
Authors: Xi Liu , Xiao‐Shi Jin , Chuai Rongyan , Jong‐Ho Lee
Published: May 2014

In this work, a compact subthreshold model for fully depleted nanoscale short channel nanowire MOSFETs is proposed. It is based on an approximated solution of two‐dimensional Poisson's Equation in cylindrical coordinate system. It matches well with technology computer‐aided design simulation results in a wide range variation of design parameters without introducing any empirical fitting parameters. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Addition of a clay subsoil to a sandy topsoil changes the response of microbial activity to drying and rewetting after residue addition – a model experiment
Authors: Shi Andong , Marschner Petra
Published: May 2014

The effect of drying and rewetting (DRW) on C mineralization has been studied extensively but mostly in absence of freshly added residues. But in agricultural soils large amounts of residues can be present after harvest; therefore, the impact of DRW in soil after residue addition is of interest. Further, sandy soils may be ameliorated by adding clay‐rich subsoil which could change the response of microbes to DRW. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DRW on microbial activity and growth in soils that were modified by mixing clay subsoil into sandy top soil and wheat residues were added. We conducted an incubation experiment by mixing finely ground wheat residue (20 g kg–1) into top loamy sand soil with clay‐rich subsoil at 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40% (w/w). At each clay addition rate, two moisture treatments were imposed: constantly moist control (CM) at 75% WHC or dry and rewet. Soil respiration was measured continuously, and microbial biomass C (MBC) was determined on day 5 (before drying), when the soil was dried, after 5 d dry, and 5 d after rewetting. In the constantly moist treatment, increasing addition rate of clay subsoil decreased cumulative respiration per g soil, but had no effect on cumulative respiration per g total organic C (TOC), indicating that the lower respiration with clay subsoil was due to the low TOC content of the sand‐clay mixes. Clay subsoil addition did not affect the MBC concentration per g TOC but reduced the concentration of K2SO4 extractable C per g TOC. In the DRW treatment, cumulative respiration per g TOC during the dry phase increased with increasing clay subsoil addition rate. Rewetting of dry soil caused a flush of respiration in all soils but cumulative respiration at the end of the experiment remained lower than in the constantly moist soils. Respiration rates after rewetting were higher than at the corresponding days in constantly moist soils only at clay subsoil addition rates of 20 to 40%. We conclude that in presence of residues, addition of clay subsoil to a sandy top soil improves microbial activity during the dry phase and upon rewetting but has little effect on microbial biomass.
High Positive Affect Shortly After Missile Attacks and the Heightened Risk of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Israeli Adolescents
Authors: Israel‐Cohen Yael , Kashy‐Rosenbaum Gabriela , Kaplan Oren
Published: May 2014

Previous research has demonstrated that positive emotions help build psychological resources and facilitate adaptation to stress, yet few studies have considered the possible negative effects of positive emotions on stress. This study examined the relationship between high arousal, positive and negative affect, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among 503 Israeli adolescents following a period of escalated missile attacks on their city. Our findings revealed that not only negative affect, but also positive affect at very high levels exhibited 2 weeks following missile attacks were independently associated with PTSD symptoms 2½ months later (η2 = .09, η2 = .02, respectively). Although the literature recognizes the risk factor of negative affect on the development of PTSD, we suggest that also positive affect at high levels immediately after such experiences may be a case of emotion context insensitivity and thus a maladaptive response to trauma. Further research should examine the mechanisms associated with positive emotions and PTSD.
Accelerated 4D quantitative single point EPR imaging using model‐based reconstruction
Authors: Jang Hyungseok , Matsumoto Shingo , Devasahayam Nallathamby , Subramanian Sankaran , Zhuo Jiachen , Krishna Murali C. , McMillan Alan B.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

Electron paramagnetic resonance imaging has surfaced as a promising noninvasive imaging modality that is capable of imaging tissue oxygenation. Due to extremely short spin‐spin relaxation times, electron paramagnetic resonance imaging benefits from single‐point imaging and inherently suffers from limited spatial and temporal resolution, preventing localization of small hypoxic tissues and differentiation of hypoxia dynamics, making accelerated imaging a crucial issue.

Methods

In this study, methods for accelerated single‐point imaging were developed by combining a bilateral k‐space extrapolation technique with model‐based reconstruction that benefits from dense sampling in the parameter domain (measurement of the T2* decay of a free induction delay). In bilateral kspace extrapolation, more k‐space samples are obtained in a sparsely sampled region by bilaterally extrapolating data from temporally neighboring k‐spaces. To improve the accuracy of T2* estimation, a principal component analysis‐based method was implemented.

Results

In a computer simulation and a phantom experiment, the proposed methods showed its capability for reliable T2* estimation with high acceleration (8‐fold, 15‐fold, and 30‐fold accelerations for 61×61×61, 95×95×95, and 127×127×127 matrix, respectively).

Conclusion

By applying bilateral k‐space extrapolation and model‐based reconstruction, improved scan times with higher spatial resolution can be achieved in the current single‐point electron paramagnetic resonance imaging modality. Magn Reson Med 73:1692–1701, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
QF‐PCR rapid aneuploidy screen and aCGH analysis of cell free fetal (cff) DNA in supernatant of compromised amniotic fluids (AF)
Authors: Madjunkova Svetlana , Tong Li Christine , Vlasschaert Matthew , Adams Mark , Chitayat David , Maire Georges , Kolomietz Elena
Published: May 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether cell free fetal (cff) DNA in residual amniotic fluid (AF) supernatant obtained from bloody, low‐volume and late gestation samples can be used for prenatal diagnosis by quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF‐PCR) and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH).

Method

A total of 49 compromised AFs were analyzed in this case–control, double‐blinded study. The samples were processed through: a conventional cytogenetic approach utilizing Fluorescence in situ Hybridization and/or karyotype (Approach I); QF‐PCR analysis to establish the presence of maternal cell contamination (MCC) (Approach II) and a newly proposed approach using AF supernatant cff DNA (Approach III). Data on clinical impact and turn‐around‐time was collected.

Results

Evidence of MCC was not detected in any of the cff DNA samples, and informative results were provided for all cases, including nine aneuploidies. In contrast, the conventional approach (I) failed to provide results either due to MCC or culture failure in a significant proportion of cases. An adequate amount of quality cff DNA was obtained for successful aCGH testing.

Conclusion

We have shown that it is feasible to isolate pure cff DNA from routinely discarded AF supernatant to perform QF‐PCR and microarray analyses, providing timely and informative results even for problematic grossly bloody and otherwise compromised AF samples or culture failures. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A shortcut to general tree‐level scattering amplitudes in \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \mathcal{N} = 4$\end{document} SYM via integrability
Authors: Kanning N. , Łukowski T. , Staudacher M.
Published: May 2014

We combine recent applications of the two‐dimensional quantum inverse scattering method to the scattering amplitude problem in four‐dimensional \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \mathcal{N} = 4$\end{document} Super Yang‐Mills theory. Integrability allows us to obtain a general, explicit method for the derivation of the Yangian invariants relevant for tree‐level scattering amplitudes in the \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \mathcal{N} = 4$\end{document}model.
Hydroxyethyl starch as an effective methotrexate carrier in anticancer therapy
Authors: Goszczyński T. M. , Filip‐Psurska B. , Kempińska K. , Wietrzyk J. , Boratyński J.
Published: May 2014

At present, effective anticancer therapy remains one of the most challenging tasks facing the scientific community. A major limitation to most conventional low‐molecular weight anticancer chemotherapeutics is their unfavourable uptake by healthy tissue, fast metabolism and lack of tumour cell selectivity. One way to solve this problem is the application of hybrid nanoparticles containing widely known therapeutic substances. This study was performed with the aim of investigating the potential of use hydroxyethyl starch (HES) as a high‐molecular weight carrier for anticancer drug (methotrexate, MTX). HES‐MTX conjugates were characterized in terms of MTX content, hydrodynamic size, zeta potential, and drug release kinetics. In vitro biological characteristics were determined using different cancer cell lines. The antitumor effect in vivo was tested in NOD/SCID mice subcutaneously inoculated with MV‐4‐11 human leukaemia cells and CDF1 mice intraperitoneally inoculated with P388 murine leukaemia cells. The in vivo experiments revealed the considerably higher antitumor efficacy of HES‐MTX conjugates in comparison to unconjugated drug. The results presented in this article demonstrate that the application of HES as an anticancer drug carrier can improve the treatment efficacy and have significant implications for the future design and implementation of drug‐carrier conjugates. The study should help create new opportunities in the design of HES‐based innovative drug‐carrier conjugates.
Radio frequency magnetron sputtered epitaxial Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film on ZnS(100)
Authors: Song Ning , Li Wei , Hao Xiaojing , Huang Yidan , Green Martin A.
Published: May 2014

Heteroepitaxial growth of kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin film on cubic ZnS(100) single crystal substrate was achieved by radio frequency magnetron sputtering from a single CZTS target. An optimal substrate temperature in the range of 470–500 °C is found suitable for this epitaxial growth. The growth of CZTS was confirmed to be along a‐axis. The sputtered CZTS thin film is homogeneous throughout the whole film. The band gap of the film is found to be approximately 1.51 eV, i.e., promising for high efficiency thin film solar cells.

magnified image

Cross‐sectional high resolution TEM image recorded at the interface region of epitaxial CZTS and ZnS(100) substrate.

(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Adaptive backstepping output feedback control of DC motor actuator with friction and load uncertainty compensation
Authors: Ahmed Fayez Shakil , Laghrouche Salah , Harmouche Mohamed
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we present an output feedback backstepping controller for mechatronic actuators with dynamic adaptive parameters for friction and load compensation. The targeted application is angular position control of automotive mechatronic valves, which possess nonlinear dynamics due to friction. The proposed controller requires only position measurement. The velocity, current, and friction dynamics are obtained by estimation and observation. The adaptive control law compensates the variations in friction behavior and load torque variation, which are common in real life applications. Lyapunov analysis has been used to show the asymptotic convergence of the closed‐loop system to zero. Simulation and laboratory experimental results illustrate the effectiveness and robustness of the controller. Further experiments on an engine test bench demonstrate the applicability of this controller in commercial engines, as well as its effectiveness as compared with conventional PI controllers.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gaucher iPSC-Derived Macrophages Produce Elevated Levels of Inflammatory Mediators and Serve as a New Platform for Therapeutic Development
Authors: Panicker Leelamma M. , Miller Diana , Awad Ola , Bose Vivek , Lun Yu , Park Tea Soon , Zambidis Elias T. , Sgambato Judi A. , Feldman Ricardo A.
Published: May 2014

Gaucher disease (GD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the acid β-glucocerebrosidase (GCase; GBA) gene. The hallmark of GD is the presence of lipid-laden Gaucher macrophages, which infiltrate bone marrow and other organs. These pathological macrophages are believed to be the sources of elevated levels of inflammatory mediators present in the serum of GD patients. The alteration in the immune environment caused by GD is believed to play a role in the increased risk of developing multiple myeloma and other malignancies in GD patients. To determine directly whether Gaucher macrophages are abnormally activated and whether their functional defects can be reversed by pharmacological intervention, we generated GD macrophages by directed differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) derived from patients with types 1, 2, and 3 GD. GD hiPSC-derived macrophages expressed higher levels of tumor necrosis factor α, IL-6, and IL-1β than control cells, and this phenotype was exacerbated by treatment with lipopolysaccharide. In addition, GD hiPSC macrophages exhibited a striking delay in clearance of phagocytosed red blood cells, recapitulating the presence of red blood cell remnants in Gaucher macrophages from bone marrow aspirates. Incubation of GD hiPSC macrophages with recombinant GCase, or with the chaperones isofagomine and ambroxol, corrected the abnormal phenotypes of GD macrophages to an extent that reflected their known clinical efficacies. We conclude that Gaucher macrophages are the likely source of the elevated levels of inflammatory mediators in the serum of GD patients and that GD hiPSC are valuable new tools for studying disease mechanisms and drug discovery. Stem Cells  2014;32:2338–2349
The synergistic effect of affective factors on student learning outcomes
Authors: Jack Brady Michael , Lin Huann‐shyang , Yore Larry D.
Published: May 2014

This study investigates how affective and self‐related factors impact participation in science learning and environmental awareness and responsibility. Using PISA 2006 datasets from Taiwan and Canada having similar level of science competency, the model for this study verifies and expands an earlier model by examining the relationships among science‐related interest, enjoyment, self‐efficacy, self‐concept, leisure time engagement, and future intended interest in science and how these relationships synergistically interact with environmental awareness and responsibility. The most consistent finding revealed that students' science self‐concept in both groups was weakly associated with future intended interest and engagement in science learning and with their sense of environmental awareness and responsibility. Reasons for this phenomenon and possible causes underlying why students' science self‐concept was weakly connected to their future intended interest in science learning are also presented. Finally, how the results of this study are important to science education instruction and research are forwarded in which students' identity and beliefs about self in science need to part of the next generation of science education reforms. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 51: 1084–1101, 2014
Toxicological effects of nickel chloride on the cytokine mRNA expression and protein levels in intestinal mucosal immunity of broilers
Authors: Wu Bangyuan , Cui Hengmin , Peng Xi , Fang Jing , Zuo Zhicai , Deng Junliang , Wang Xun , Huang Jianying
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the toxicological effects of nickel chloride (NiCl2; 300, 600, and 900 mg kg−1 diet) on the cytokine mRNA expression and protein levels in the intestinal mucosa and cecal tonsil, and on the ileac and cecal tonsil T cells in broilers by the methods of qRT‐PCR, flow cytometry and ELISA for 42 days. Results showed that the IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α (LITAF) cytokine mRNA expression and protein levels were lower (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and the percentages of T‐cell subsets were also lower in the 300, 600, and 900 mg kg−1 groups than in the control group. It was concluded that dietary NiCl2 in excess of 300 mg kg−1 could reduce cytokine mRNA expression and protein levels in the intestinal mucosa and cecal tonsil, and the percentages of ileac and cecal tonsil T‐cell subsets. Decreasing in cytokine mRNA expression and protein levels of intestinal mucosa and cecal tonsil induced by NiCl2 was closely related to the reduction of T‐cell population. Thus, the abnormal expression of these cytokines impacts the intestinal mucosal immune function by the pathways of reducing of lymphocyte population and activation. Also, this study first proved that NiCl2 at higher levels has the toxicological effects on intestinal mucosal immunity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 1309–1321, 2015.
Assembly of Cadmium(II)‐Terpyridine Coordination Frameworks by Different Multicarboxylate Ancillary Ligands
Authors: An Dao‐Li , Chen Yong‐Qiang , Tian Yuan
Published: May 2014

Four cadmium coordination frameworks, namely, {[Cd(L1)(1,4‐ndc)]·1.5H2O}n (1), {[Cd(L1)(2,5‐tpdc)]·H2O}n (2), {[Cd2(L1)2(btc)(Ac)]·8H2O}n (3), and [Cd2(L1)(sdba)2]n (4) [L1 = 4′‐(4‐pyridyl)‐4,2′:6′,4′′‐terpyridine, 1,4‐H2ndc = 1,4‐naphthalene‐dicarboxylic acid, 2,5‐H2tpdc = 2,5‐thiophenedicarboxylic acid, H3btc = benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid, Ac– = acetate, and H2sdba = 4,4′‐sulfonyldicarboxylic acid], were synthesized under hydrothermal/solvothermal conditions. Structural analyses revealed that the four complexes have different three‐dimensional (3D) frameworks due to the different CdII‐multicarboxylate subnets and the coordination modes of the ligand L1. Moreover, the fluorescence properties of 1, 2, and 4 are reported herein.
Trends in Demographics and Management of Obstructing Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Moolla Zaheer , Madiba Thandinkosi E.
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Obstructing colorectal cancer (CRC) has an aggressive clinical course and poorer prognosis. With the increasing incidence and differing clinical and pathologic spectrum of CRC among Black patients, as well as a paucity of African studies, regional analysis is required. Our aim was to describe the demographics and management of obstructing CRC among the different racial groups in South Africa and to compare these parameters with international standards.

Patients and methods

Patients referred to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa, with CRC between 2000 and 2012 were followed prospectively. Demographic information, site of obstruction, and management of patients who underwent emergency surgery for malignant large bowel obstruction were analyzed separately.

Results

CRC was diagnosed in 1,425 patients. A total of 203 three patients (14.3 %) required emergent treatment for acute large bowel obstruction. The mean age at presentation with obstructing CRC was 59 years. Black patients presented significantly younger (50 years) than White (64), Indian (60), or Colored (61) patients (p < 0.001). The most common sites of obstruction were the sigmoid colon and rectum. A total of 58 patients (29 %) had concomitant metastatic disease. No difference was found between race, sex, and sex per race in patients with concurrent metastatic disease (p = 0.227, p = 0.415, p = 0.798, respectively). Of the 203 patients, 128 (63 %) were managed by resection, 37 (18 %) by colonic stenting, 35 (17 %) by colostomy, and 3 (2 %) by colonic bypass. Stenting was unsuccessful in six patients.

Conclusion

Tumor location of patients presenting with obstruction is comparable to that cited in international literature; however, the age of presentation among Black patients is more than a decade earlier than in other ethnic groups. Surgical management should be individualized. Stenting remains a reliable alternative in select cases.
Non-noxious skin stimulation activates the nucleus basalis of Meynert and promotes NGF secretion in the parietal cortex via nicotinic ACh receptors
Authors: Hotta Harumi , Watanabe Nobuhiro , Piché Mathieu , Hara Sanae , Yokawa Takashi , Uchida Sae
Published: May 2014

The effects of non-noxious skin stimulation on nerve growth factor (NGF) secretion in the parietal cortex were examined in anesthetized rats. Innocuous skin stimulation was delivered to the left hindlimb with a soft-hair brush. Extracellular NGF in the right parietal cortex was collected by microdialysis methods using a protein-permeable probe and was measured using an enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay. Brushing produced a significant increase in extracellular NGF levels. This NGF response was not observed in rats pretreated with a nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) antagonist mecamylamine. We further examined whether brushing could activate the basal forebrain nucleus (nucleus basalis of Meynert, NBM), which is the main source of cholinergic fibers in the cerebral cortex, by means of functional MRI. The blood oxygen level-dependent signal in the right NBM was significantly higher during brushing compared to baseline. The results suggest that non-noxious skin stimulation activates NBM and promotes NGF secretion in the parietal cortex via nAChRs.
How Resource Dynamics Explain Accumulating Developmental and Health Disparities for Teen Parents’ Children
Authors: Mollborn Stefanie , Lawrence Elizabeth , James-Hawkins Laurie , Fomby Paula
Published: May 2014

This study examines the puzzle of disparities experienced by U.S. teen parents’ young children, whose health and development increasingly lag behind those of peers while their parents are simultaneously experiencing socioeconomic improvements. Using the nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (2001–2007; N ≈ 8,600), we assess four dynamic patterns in socioeconomic resources that might account for these growing developmental and health disparities throughout early childhood and then test them in multilevel growth curve models. Persistently low socioeconomic resources constituted the strongest explanation, given that consistently low income, maternal education, and assets fully or partially account for growth in cognitive, behavioral, and health disparities experienced by teen parents’ children from infancy through kindergarten. That is, although teen parents gained socioeconomic resources over time, those resources remained relatively low, and the duration of exposure to limited resources explains observed growing disparities. Results suggest that policy interventions addressing the time dynamics of low socioeconomic resources in a household, in terms of both duration and developmental timing, are promising for reducing disparities experienced by teen parents’ children.
Labor Relations in Zimbabwe from 1900 to 2000: Sources, Interpretations, and Understandings
Authors: Pilossof Rory
Published: May 2014

This article looks at the shifts and continuities in labor relations in Zimbabwe from c. 1900–2000. It does so by looking at three cross sections (1904, 1951, and 2002) to examine the changes that have taken place. By exploring the continuities (subsistence agriculture) and shifts (limited industrialization and urbanization) of labor relations over this period, it is hoped that the article provides a comprehensive account of the rapid and radical changes Zimbabwe underwent during the twentieth century and the impacts these have had on the peoples and economies within the southern African nation.
Drops and bubbles in wedges
Authors: Reyssat Etienne
Published: May 2014

We investigate experimentally the spontaneous motion of drops and bubbles confined between two plates forming a narrow wedge. Such discoidal objects migrate under the gradient in interfacial energy induced by the non-homogeneous confinement. The resulting capillary driving force is balanced by viscous resistance. The viscous friction on a drop bridging parallel plates is estimated by measuring its sliding velocity under gravity. The viscous forces are the sum of two contributions, from the bulk of the liquid and from contact lines, the relative strength of which depends on the drop size and velocity and the physical properties of the liquid. The balance of capillarity and viscosity quantitatively explains the dynamics of spontaneous migration of a drop in a wedge. Close the tip of the wedge, bulk dissipation dominates and the migrating velocity of drops is constant and independent of drop volume. The distance between the drop and the tip of the wedge is thus linear with time $t$, $x(t) \sim t_0-t$, where $t_0$ is the time at which the drop reaches the tip of the wedge. Far away from the apex, contact lines dominate the friction, the motion is accelerated toward the tip of the wedge and velocities are higher for larger drops. In this regime, it is shown that $x(t) \sim (t_0-t)^{4/13}$. The position and time of the crossover between the two dissipation regimes are used to write a dimensionless equation of motion. Plotted in rescaled variables, all experimental trajectories collapse to the prediction of our model. In contrast to drops, gas bubbles in a liquid-filled wedge behave as non-wetting objects. They thus escape the confinement of the wedge to reduce their surface area. The physical mechanisms involved are similar for drops and bubbles, so that the forces acting have the same mathematical structures in both cases, except for the sign of the capillary driving force and a numerical factor. We thus predict and show experimentally that the trajectories of drops and bubbles obey the same equation of motion, except for a change in the sign of $t_0-t$.
On the nature of escapable relative islands
Authors: Christensen Ken Ramshøj , Nyvad Anne Mette
Published: May 2014

It is generally assumed that universal island constraints block extraction from relative clauses. However, it is well-known that such extractions can be acceptable in the Scandinavian languages. Kush & Lindahl (2011) argue that the acceptability in Swedish is illusory; relative clauses that allow extraction have a different structure (small clause structure) from those that block extraction (true relatives, CPs). We present data from an acceptability survey of relative clause extraction in Danish. In the survey, extraction significantly decreased acceptability but we found no statistically significant effect of the ability of the verb to take a small-clause complement. We also found no difference betweensom‘that/who/which’ andder‘that/who/which’, both of which can head a relative clause while onlysomcan head a small clause. We argue that our results do not warrant the stipulation of a structural contrast between acceptable and unacceptable extractions, and that variation in acceptability stems from processing.
Sound structure and input frequency impact on noun plural acquisition: Hypotheses tested on Danish children across different data types
Authors: Kjærbæk Laila , Christensen René dePont , Basbøll Hans
Published: May 2014

This study analyses the emergence of the noun plural category in typically developing Danish-speaking children from its first appearance up to the age of 10 years, focusing on the impact of sound structure and input frequency. We use a multi-method research approach comparing different data types (dictionary data, naturalistic spontaneous child language input and output, semi-naturalistic/semi-experimental data, experimental data and reported data). We define cross-linguistically three degrees of stem changes (no change, prosodic change, phonemic change), and we also define three degrees of productivity of plural markers (which combine stem change and suffix). Noun plurals emerge from an early age, typically around the second birthday, but the acquisition is still underway at the age of ten years. Plural acquisition is affected by frequency and morphophonological category. Danish children produce more correct plural stems of nouns with non-changing plural stems compared to plural nouns with stem change, and more correct plural stems of nouns with prosodic change than with phonemic change. Furthermore, they produce more correct plural suffixes of nouns with a-schwa suffix than with e-schwa and zero suffix. Danish children also produce more correct plural forms of nouns with a fully productive than a semi-productive plural marker, and more of the latter than of nouns with an unproductive plural marker. We also discuss the important role in Danish of the plural marker ø, where pl = sg.
Polymorphisms XbaI (rs693) and EcoRI (rs1042031) of the ApoB gene are associated with carotid plaques but not with carotid intima-media thickness in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2
Authors: Nikolajevic Starcevic Jovana , Santl Letonja Marija , Praznikar Zala J. , Makuc Jana , Vujkovac Andreja C. , Petrovic Daniel
Published: May 2014

Background: Apolipoprotein B is a key structural component of all the atherogenic lipoproteins (LDL, VLDL and IDL). Genetic variations of the ApoB gene may affect plasma ApoB and lipid levels, thus influencing atherogenesis. The present study was designed to investigate the association of polymorphisms XbaI (rs693) and EcoRI (rs1042031) of the ApoB gene with plasma ApoB level, lipid levels and the different ultrasound phenotypes of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. Patients and methods: 595 patients with diabetes (399 on statin therapy and 196 without) and 200 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and plaque characteristics (presence and structure) were assessed ultrasonographically. Biochemical analyses were performed using standard biochemical methods. Both XbaI (rs693) and EcoRI (rs1042031) genotypes were determined by real-time PCR. Results: Genotype distributions and allele frequencies of the XbaI and EcoRI polymorphisms were not statistically significantly different between diabetic patients and controls. No statistically significant difference in lipid parameters, ApoA1, ApoB, hs-CRP and fibrinogen as well as CIMT was observed in diabetic patients regarding XbaI and EcoRI polymorphisms, even after adjustment for statin treatment. The risk of having plaques on carotid arteries was higher in homozygous carriers of the mutant X + allele (OR = 1.74, p = 0.03) and lower in diabetics carrying mutant E- alleles (OR = 0.48, p = 0.02). Neither XbaI nor EcoRI polymorphism was associated with CIMT or presence of unstable plaques in diabetic patients. Plasma ApoB level was not independently associated with any of the ultrasonographic parameters of carotid atherosclerosis. Conclusions: Both XbaI and EcoRI polymorphisms were associated with presence of plaques on carotid arteries but not with CIMT or presence of unstable plaques. Plasma ApoB level was not independently associated with ultrasonographic phenotypes of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Can the scoring of the walking estimated limitation calculated by history (WELCH) questionnaire be simultaneously simplified and improved?
Authors: Bourdois Clement , Laporte Isabelle , Godet Raphael , Laneelle Damien , Vielle Bruno , Abraham Pierre
Published: May 2014

Background: The WELCH questionnaire includes 4 items (A, B, C and D) and estimates the maximal walking time (MWT) on treadmill in patients with claudication. Its scoring was empirically defined. We aimed to test various methods for scoring to estimate whether the scoring of the WELCH could be improved or simplified. Patients and methods: In 423 patients, we tested 8 methods (from H1 to H8) of weighing D or calculating α, β and γ in the equation MWT = (αA + βB + γC) * D. Results: While the WELCH Pearson r was 0.639 and area under ROC curve for the ability to walk 5 minutes on treadmill was 0.795 for the reference empirical method, tested hypotheses resulted in values ranging 0.566 to 0.661 for the Pearson r values and 0.750 to 0.809 for the areas under ROC curve respectively. Conclusions: None of the tested methods simultaneously improved the correlation to MWT, remained simple enough to be scored by mental calculation and ranged between intuitive minimal and maximal values. The original empirical scoring seems a good compromise between accuracy and simplicity.
Decreased BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression in multiple cortical areas of patients with schizophrenia and mood disorders
Authors: Ray M T , Shannon Weickert C , Webster M J
Published: May 2014

Abnormalities in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/trkB signaling have been implicated in the etiology of schizophrenia and mood disorders. Patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (BPD) and major depression (MDD) have reduced levels of neurotrophins in their brains when compared with normal unaffected individuals; however, only a few brain areas have been examined to date. Owing to the broad range of symptoms manifested in these disorders, we hypothesized that multiple associative areas of the neocortex may be implicated and that the degree of change in BDNF and trkB−TK+ mRNA expression and the cortical region or layers involved may vary according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnosis. We compared BDNF and trkB−TK+ mRNA levels across all layers of the prefrontal cortex (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, DLPFC), orbital frontal cortex (OFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), inferior temporal gyrus (ITG) and superior temporal gyrus (STG) in four groups: schizophrenia, BPD, MDD and unaffected controls (n=60). BDNF mRNA levels were significantly decreased in layers IV and V of DLPFC in schizophrenia patients, in layer VI of ACC in schizophrenia and MDD and in layer VI of ITG in schizophrenia, BPD and MDD. BDNF mRNA levels were also significantly decreased in layer V and/or VI of STG in schizophrenia, BPD and MDD. TrkB−TK+ mRNA levels were only significantly decreased in the cortical layer VI of OFC in BPD. The shared and distinct patterns of neurotrophin transcript reductions, with some specific to each group, may compromise the function and plasticity of distinct cortical areas to various degrees in the different groups and contribute to the range and overlap of symptoms manifested across the diagnoses.
Gas chromatography/Fourier transform infrared/mass spectrometry coupling: a tool for Li-ion battery safety field investigation
Authors: Gachot Grégory , Grugeon Sylvie , Jimenez-Gordon Isabel , Eshetu Gebrekidan Gebresilassie , Boyanov Simeon , Lecocq Amandine , Marlair Guy , Pilard Serge , Laruelle Stephane
Published: May 2014

Electrolyte is the critical compound responsible for capacity decay and thermal runaway. A coupling tool for volatile and soluble degradation compound analysis is proposed.
Insitu thermal degradation of isopropanol under typical thermal desorption conditions for GC-MS analysis of volatile organic compounds
Authors: Zhu Jiping , Yao Matthew , Li Yingjie , Chan Cecilia C.
Published: May 2014

Thermal desorption (TD) coupled with GC has been widely used for the determination of airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to its effectiveness in detecting a wide range of compounds.
Glucose determination based on a two component self-assembled monolayer functionalized surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) probe
Authors: Torul Hilal , Çiftçi Hakan , Dudak Fahriye Ceyda , Adıgüzel Yekbun , Kulah Haluk , Boyacı İsmail Hakkı , Tamer Uğur
Published: May 2014

In this report, we present a new detection method for blood glucose, using gold nanorod SERS; a surface enhanced Raman scattering probe embedded in two component self-assembled monolayers (SAMs).
Electrocatalytic activity of various types of h-BN for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Elumalai Ganesan , Noguchi Hidenori , Uosaki Kohei
Published: May 2014

Enhancement of oxygen reduction reaction activity of a Au electrode by modification with various types of BN nanostructure.
Influences of Semantic and Prosodic Cues on Word Repetition and Categorization in Autism
Authors: Singh Leher , Harrow MariLouise S.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

To investigate sensitivity to prosodic and semantic cues to emotion in individuals with high-functioning autism (HFA).

Method

Emotional prosody and semantics were independently manipulated to assess the relative influence of prosody versus semantics on speech processing. A sample of 10-year-old typically developing children (n= 10) and children with HFA (n= 10) were asked to repeat words that were either emotionally congruent or incongruent in form and content (Experiment 1A). In a second task (Experiment 1B), the same participants were asked to classify stimuli on the basis of emotional prosody. A final experiment (Experiment 2) focused on sensitivity to congruence in a non-emotional source of variation: talker gender.

Results

The results revealed a selective impairment in spontaneous integration of prosodic and semantic cues to emotion in HFA; however, the same participants were able to categorize emotions on the basis of prosody under reduced task demands. Individuals with HFA were highly sensitive to another surface characteristic in speech: talker gender.

Conclusions

The study reveals impairment in the spontaneous integration of prosodic and semantic cues to emotion in HFA; however, insensitivity to surface detail, such as prosody, in HFA appears to be highly task dependent and selective to the domain of emotion.
Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Swallowing Rehabilitation: How Can the Evidence Base Inform Practice?
Authors: Doeltgen Sebastian
Published: May 2014

Since the advent of noninvasive brain stimulation (NBS) techniques, rehabilitation sciences have produced a growing body of evidence demonstrating that experimentally induced neuroplastic reorganization may aid the recovery of motor function following brain damage. Emerging evidence suggests that NBS may, in the future, also be useful to aid the recovery of swallowing function, in particular following stroke. This commentary highlights the currently available research and discusses its implications within a framework of evidence-based practice (EBP). It aims to offer some thoughts for consideration relating to the pragmatic conundrum of being urged to implement novel interventions into clinical practice while scientific research is still in the process of building a body of external research evidence.
Non‐subsampled contourlet transform based image Denoising in ultrasound thyroid images using adaptive binary morphological operations
Authors: Jai Jaganath Babu Jayachandiran , Sudha Gnanou Florence
Published: May 2014

Speckle noise reduction is an important preprocessing stage for ultrasound medical image processing. In this paper, a despeckling algorithm is proposed based on non‐subsampled contourlet transform. This transform has the property of high directionality, anisotropy and translation invariance, which can be controlled by non‐subsampled filter banks. This study aims to denoise the speckle noise in ultrasound images using adaptive binary morphological operations, in order to preserve edges, contours and textures. In morphological operations, structural element plays an important role for image enhancement. In this work, different shapes of structural element have been analysed and filtering parameters have been changed adaptively depending on the nature of the image and the amount of noise in the image. Experimental results of proposed method for natural images, Field II simulated images and real ultrasound images, show that the proposed method is able to preserve edges and image structural details compared with existing methods.