bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obstructed kidney and sepsis secondary to urethral catheter misplacement into the distal ureter
Authors: Crawford Ruairidh Lorn Hunter , Liston Thomas , Bong Ai Shiang , Cunnane Max Joshua
Published: May 2015

An 86-year-old woman underwent routine catheter replacement in the community. The new catheter failed to drain urine. Attempts to remove the catheter failed, both by the community nurse as well as by the urology team in the hospital. A CT scan confirmed that the catheter balloon was inflated in the distal right ureter. The patient was started on antibiotics and listed for cystoscopy under general anaesthetic. The catheter was visualised entering the right ureter and the balloon punctured using a wire under image intensifier guidance. Once removed, a new catheter was inserted. Very dilated ureteric orifices were noted. Post operatively the patient required HDU support for 48 h due to sepsis and on recovery was discharged home. The key learning point in this case is to always consider catheter misplacement in the ureter if it is not draining well and the patient presents with pain.
Sirenomelia type VI (sympus apus) in one of dizygotic twins at Chiang Mai University Hospital
Authors: Nokeaingtong Kwannapas , Kaewchai Sirirat , Visrutaratna Pannee , Khuwuthyakorn Varangthip
Published: May 2015

Those born with sirenomelia, a rare congenital anomaly, have features resembling a mermaid. Characteristics of sirenomelia are a single lower limb, sacral and pelvic bone defects, and anorectal and urogenital malformations. There is an increased incidence of sirenomelia in males and twins. This case was a preterm male, dizygotic twin and product of in vitro fertilisation. The baby was born by caesarean section due to breech presentation. He was found to have a fused lower extremity and absent external genitalia and anus. The baby passed away shortly after birth due to severe respiratory failure. Radiographic findings showed small lung volume and pneumothoraces. There were multiple segmental fusions of the vertebrae. Single femur and single tibia were presented in a fused lower limb. Autopsy demonstrated large intestinal atresia, intra-abdominal testes, absence of kidney, ureter and bladder, single umbilical artery, agenesis of blood vessels at lower extremity and agenesis of sacrum and coccyx.
Fulminant crural compartment syndrome preceded by psychogenic polydipsia
Authors: Ulstrup Anton , Ugleholdt Randi , Rasmussen Jeppe Vejlgaard
Published: May 2015

We report a case of bilateral anterolateral crural compartment syndrome elicited by hyponatraemia and psychogenic polydipsia. The unusual constellation of clinical findings and diminished pain expression made initial diagnostic procedures challenging. The possible pathogenesis and treatment options are discussed. Impairment of lower extremity function at follow-up was serious and permanent.
Pitfalls in the diagnostic evaluation of subacute combined degeneration
Authors: Ulrich A , Müller D , Linnebank M , Tarnutzer A A
Published: May 2015

We report a case of a 43-year-old man presenting with a 2-week history of painless ascending sensory disturbances, suspected to be suffering from acute inflammatory polyneuropathy. On clinical examination, deep tendon reflexes were preserved and muscle strength was 5/5 everywhere. Gait was ataxic with positive Romberg test. Lumbar puncture was normal and electroneurography demonstrated demyelination. With spinal cord involvement centred on the posterior tracts on MRI, differential diagnosis focused on cobalamin deficiency. Initial laboratory work up showed nearly normal holotranscobalamin (43 pmol/L, normal>50) suggesting no vitamin B12deficiency. Surprisingly, further testing including methylmalonic acid (3732 nmol/L, normal<271) and homocysteine (48.5 µmol/L, normal<10) showed an impairment of vitamin B12-dependent metabolism leading to the diagnosis of subacute combined degeneration. Only after repeated history taking did the patient remember having taken tablets containing cobalamin for 3 days before hospitalisation. In case of B12deficiency, holotranscobalamin can rapidly normalise during supplementation, whereas methylmalonic acid and homocysteine might help to detect B12deficiency in patients who recently started supplementation.
Broadening the scope of thoracic oncological intervention: a novel minimally invasive method for the diagnosis of primary cardiac lymphoma
Authors: Sayal Karen , Ali Tariq , Tasker Angela , Carroll Nicholas
Published: May 2015

Primary cardiac lymphoma is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It presents with non-specific symptoms which depend on the degree of cardiac infiltration. Appropriate management and early initiation of therapy depends on an understanding of the imaging characteristics and early histological diagnosis. Obtaining histology can be challenging. This is more widely performed using endomyocardial biopsy. However, this technique is associated with recognised morbidity and mortality. We present a novel diagnostic method for the investigation of myocardial and pericardial lesions. This is the first documented case of the diagnosis of primary cardiac lymphoma using endobronchial ultrasound. Endobronchial ultrasound has a well-documented and excellent safety profile.
Spontaneous rupture of a congenital diaphragmatic eventration in an infant
Authors: Saha Soumitra , Bal Harshjeet Singh , Sen Sudipta
Published: May 2015

Rupture of the diaphragm may be traumatic or spontaneous. A spontaneous rupture occurring in a congenital eventration of the diaphragm is extremely rare. Only one such case has been reported previously. We report a case of a 5-month-old male infant who presented with acute life-threatening respiratory distress secondary to spontaneous rupture of a congenital diaphragmatic eventration.
Tocilizumab for refractory organising pneumonia associated with Sjögren's disease
Authors: Justet Aurelien , Ottaviani Sebastien , Dieudé Philippe , Taillé Camille
Published: May 2015

Lung involvement in primary Sjögren syndrome occurs in approximately 10–20% of patients. Tocilizumab, an anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody, has demonstrated efficacy and safety in small series of systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, but its effect on interstitial lung manifestations of connective tissue diseases is not well known. We report the use of tocilizumab in a refractory organising pneumonia associated with Sjögren's disease. Our observation suggests that tocilizumab could be an alternative therapeutic in refractory organising pneumonia.
Statistical analysis and handling of missing data in cluster randomised trials: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Fiero Mallorie , Huang Shuang , Bell Melanie L
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Cluster randomised trials (CRTs) randomise participants in groups, rather than as individuals, and are key tools used to assess interventions in health research where treatment contamination is likely or if individual randomisation is not feasible. Missing outcome data can reduce power in trials, including in CRTs, and is a potential source of bias. The current review focuses on evaluating methods used in statistical analysis and handling of missing data with respect to the primary outcome in CRTs.

Methods and analysis

We will search for CRTs published between August 2013 and July 2014 using PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO. We will identify relevant studies by screening titles and abstracts, and examining full-text articles based on our predefined study inclusion criteria. 86 studies will be randomly chosen to be included in our review. Two independent reviewers will collect data from each study using a standardised, prepiloted data extraction template. Our findings will be summarised and presented using descriptive statistics.

Ethics and dissemination

This methodological systematic review does not need ethical approval because there are no data used in our study that are linked to individual patient data. After completion of this systematic review, data will be immediately analysed, and findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and conference presentation.
Patient and carer identified factors which contribute to safety incidents in primary care: a qualitative study
Authors: Hernan Andrea L , Giles Sally J , Fuller Jeffrey , Johnson Julie K , Walker Christine , Dunbar James A
Published: May 2015

Background

Patients can have an important role in reducing harm in primary-care settings. Learning from patient experience and feedback could improve patient safety. Evidence that captures patients’ views of the various contributory factors to creating safe primary care is largely absent. The aim of this study was to address this evidence gap.

Methods

Four focus groups and eight semistructured interviews were conducted with 34 patients and carers from south-east Australia. Participants were asked to describe their experiences of primary care. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and specific factors that contribute to safety incidents were identified in the analysis using the Yorkshire Contributory Factors Framework (YCFF). Other factors emerging from the data were also ascertained and added to the analytical framework.

Results

Thirteen factors that contribute to safety incidents in primary care were ascertained. Five unique factors for the primary-care setting were discovered in conjunction with eight factors present in the YCFF from hospital settings. The five unique primary care contributing factors to safety incidents represented a range of levels within the primary-care system from local working conditions to the upstream organisational level and the external policy context. The 13 factors included communication, access, patient factors, external policy context, dignity and respect, primary–secondary interface, continuity of care, task performance, task characteristics, time in the consultation, safety culture, team factors and the physical environment.

Discussion

Patient and carer feedback of this type could help primary-care professionals better understand and identify potential safety concerns and make appropriate service improvements. The comprehensive range of factors identified provides the groundwork for developing tools that systematically capture the multiple contributory factors to patient safety.
Quantification of opportunities for early-stage paramedicine students to practice clinical skills during clinical placements compared with an equal dose of simulation-based workshops
Authors: Mills Brennen W , Carter Owen B J , Rudd Cobie J , Mills Jodie K , Ross Nathan P , Ruck Joanne D
Published: May 2015

Introduction

A reported advantage of simulation-based learning environments (SLE) over clinical placements (CPs) is that the former can provide a greater number and breadth of opportunities to practice level-appropriate clinical skills compared with the random patient presentations provided during the latter. Although logical and widely accepted as fact, we find no published evidence to demonstrate the magnitude, nor indeed veracity, of this assumption. We therefore sought to quantify the clinical skills practiced by entry-level paramedicine students attending a well-selected CP compared with an equal dosage of SLE.

Methods

N=37 first-year paramedicine students completed activity diaries during 3 days of CP and 3 days of SLE. Opportunities to practice clinical skills were quantified and coded as either: level-appropriate, beyond-level or of non-discipline relevance.

Results

During SLE, the average student was exposed 226 times to 11 level-appropriate clinical procedures. During CP the average student was exposed 48 times to 24 clinical procedures, the majority relevant to paramedicine (63%), but a minority level-appropriate (38%). Students’ opportunities for supervised, ‘hands on’ practice represented only 10% of exposures in either SLE or CP but in terms of raw numbers of level-appropriate opportunities, SLE provided more than CP (n=23 vs 2).

Discussion

Our results confirm that SLE provides substantially more opportunities than CP for students to practice level-appropriate skills and is therefore more appropriate for repetitive practice. However, CP is likely to remain useful to students for practicing interpersonal skills and contextualisation of knowledge within the broader health system. Educators should therefore carefully articulate learning objectives before choosing between SLE and CP.
AIRWAY MANAGEMENT SIMULATION TRAINING FOR NOVICE NURSING STUDENTS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors: Kaur Baljit
Published: May 2015

Background/Purpose

Airway Management is one of the crucial skills to increase the survival chance of a critical patient. Nurses act as one of the team member during airway management. Nurses carry-out basic airway management and as an assistant in advanced airway management. Simulation had been commonly used to teach the skills of airway management in medical education. Hence, it can also‖be used in nursing education. This study aims to provide airway management simulation training to novice nursing students to improve their skills in performing the skill.

Methodology

This is an observational study. Year three undergraduate nursing students were voluntarily recruited in a bachelor of nursing programme. They are equipped with basic skills of taking patients and are ready to take care of critical patient. Students will be divided into twenty groups (n=20) with three students in each group. They are provided with theoretical knowledge of airway management, demonstration, and hands-on practice on simulation. The same training was implemented twelve weeks later to assess the retention of knowledge.

Results

Only 35% (n=7) were able to complete basic airway management in the first training and all of the students were able to complete it in the second training (n=20). None of the group were able to complete the airway management skills in the first trial and the completion rate in the second training increased to 65% (n=13). Students were having difficulty in manipulating and assemble the equipment. They were not able to identify their role and responsibilities as well.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Simulation training in airway management is effective in helping novice nursing students in gaining the experience, knowledge and performance of the skill. Simulation training gives a real life experience of learning and hands-on skill practice is an important aspect in promoting learning and teaching.
National early warning score at Emergency Department triage may allow earlier identification of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Keep JW , Messmer AS , Sladden R , Burrell N , Pinate R , Tunnicliff M , Glucksman E
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Severe sepsis and septic shock (SS) are time-critical medical emergencies that affect millions of people in the world. Earlier administration of antibiotics has been shown to reduce mortality from SS; however, the initiation of early resuscitation requires recognition that a patient may have sepsis. Early warning scores (EWS) are broadly used to detect patient deterioration, but to date have not been evaluated to detect patients at risk for SS. The purpose of our study was to look at the relationship between the initial national EWS (NEWS) in the emergency department (ED) and the diagnosis of SS.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, single-centre, observational study in the ED of an urban university hospital with an annual attendance of 140 000 patients. We aimed to include 500 consecutive non-trauma adult patients presenting to the ED with Manchester Triage System (MTS) category 1–3. The final diagnosis was taken from either the ED medical records or the hospital discharge summary. For all NEWS, the sensitivity and specificity to detect patients with SS was calculated.

Results

A total of 500 patients were included, 27 patients (5.4%) met the criteria for SS. The area under the curve (AUC) for NEWS to identify patient at risk for SS is 0.89 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.94). A NEWS of 3 or more at ED triage has a sensitivity of 92.6% (95% CI 74.2% to 98.7%) and a specificity of 77% (95% CI 72.8% to 80.6%) to detect patients at risk for SS at ED triage.

Conclusions

A NEWS of 3 or more at ED triage may be the trigger to systematically screen the patient for SS, which may ultimately lead to early recognition and treatment.
Use of MALDI Biotyper plus ClinProTools mass spectra analysis for correct identification ofStreptococcus pneumoniaeandStreptococcus mitis/oralis
Authors: Chen Jonathan H K , She Kevin K K , Wong Oi-Ying , Teng Jade L L , Yam Wing-Cheong , Lau Susanna K P , Woo Patrick C Y , Cheng Vincent C C , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: May 2015

Background

Differentiation ofStreptococcus pneumoniaefrom other viridans group streptococci is well known to be challenging in clinical laboratories. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) had been reported to be a good alternative forStreptococcusspecies level identification. However, differentiation ofS. pneumoniaefrom otherStreptococcus mitisgroup organisms was found to be problematic using the Bruker MALDI Biotyper system.

Methods

This study used the Bruker MALDI Biotyper system in addition to a mass spectra model analysis generated by 10 reference strains ofS. pneumoniae,8 strains ofS. mitis and2 strains ofS. oralisin the ClinProTools to identify 28 clinical isolates ofS. pneumoniaeand 47 isolates ofS. mitis/oralis. The results were compared with those generated by the MALDI Biotyper system alone.

Results

The percentages of correct species level identification using the MALDI Biotyper system alone and the direct transfer and extraction method were 66.7% (50/75) and 70.7% (53/75), respectively. With the additional ClinProTools mass spectra analysis, the percentages of correct identification by the direct transfer and extraction method increased to 85.3% (64/75) and 100% (75/75), respectively. This new workflow significantly improved the accuracy ofS. pneumoniaeandS. mitis/oralisidentification.

Conclusions

The additional ClinProTools mass spectra analysis with extraction method after MALDI Biotyper identification significantly improved the accuracy of identification amongS. pneumoniae,S. oralisandS. mitis. The extra 15 min processing time of spectra analysis should be affordable in most clinical laboratories. We suggest that the same approach could be further explored in handling other bacterial species with high similarities.
Genetic screening and mutation identification in a rare canine breed, the Drentsche patrijshond
Authors: Shaffer Lisa G , Ramirez Christina J , Sundin Kyle , Carl Casey , Ballif Blake C
Published: May 2015

The Drentsche patrijshond (Drent) is a relatively rare breed that is used as a versatile hunting dog. Although inherited diseases occur in this breed, no genetic mutations were previously known to contribute to these inherited disorders. Thirteen Drents were screened for 142 known disease‐associated mutations that occur in domestic dogs. Of these, two mutations were identified to segregate in three pedigrees: mutations for hyperuricosuria and von Willebrand disease type 1. This information can be used to screen Drents before breeding to improve the health of the breed and to avoid producing affected dogs and emphasises the importance of genetic screening for inherited diseases in rare breeds.
Sustainable childhood obesity prevention through community engagement (SCOPE) program: evaluation of the implementation phase
Authors: McIntosh Bonnie , Daly Amelia , Mâsse Louise C. , Collet Jean-Paul , Higgins Joan Wharf , Naylor Patti-Jean , Amed Shazhan
Published: May 2015

Childhood obesity rates are steadily rising. Sustainable Childhood Obesity Prevention Through Community Engagement (SCOPE) is a community-based participatory action research (PAR) program aimed at preventing childhood obesity. This study aimed to describe community perspectives on, and elicit feedback about, SCOPE’s first phase of implementation in two pilot cities in British Columbia, Canada. A case study was implemented using interviews and questionnaires to obtain feedback about SCOPE from two groups: SCOPE coordinators and stakeholders (i.e., individuals and organizations that were a member of the community and engaged with SCOPE coordinators). Participants were recruited via email and (or) by telephone. Coordinators completed a telephone interview. Stakeholders completed a questionnaire and (or) a telephone interview. Thematic analysis was conducted. Participants included 2 coordinators and 15 stakeholders. Participants similarly interpreted SCOPE as a program focused on raising awareness about childhood obesity prevention, while engaging multiple community sectors. Overall, participants valued the program’s role in facilitating networking and partnership development, providing evidence-based resources, technical expertise, and contributing funding. Participants felt that SCOPE is sustainable. However, participants felt that barriers to achieving healthy weights among children included those related to the built environment, and social, behavioral, and economic obstacles. Perspectives on factors that facilitated and acted as barriers to SCOPE’s first phase of implementation were obtained from the SCOPE communities and may be used to enhance the sustainability of SCOPE and its applicability to other BC communities.
Bearing capacity factors for a conical footing using lower- and upper-bound finite elements limit analysis
Authors: Chakraborty Manash , Kumar Jyant
Published: May 2015

Bearing capacity factors, Nc, Nq, and Nγ, for a conical footing are determined by using the lower and upper bound axisymmetric formulation of the limit analysis in combination with finite elements and optimization. These factors are obtained in a bound form for a wide range of the values of cone apex angle (β) and [Formula: see text] with δ = 0, 0.5[Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. The bearing capacity factors for a perfectly rough (δ = [Formula: see text]) conical footing generally increase with a decrease in β. On the contrary, for δ = 0°, the factors Nc and Nq reduce gradually with a decrease in β. For δ = 0°, the factor Nγ for [Formula: see text] ≥ 35° becomes a minimum for β ≈ 90°. For δ = 0°, Nγ for [Formula: see text] ≤ 30°, as in the case of δ = [Formula: see text], generally reduces with an increase in β. The failure and nodal velocity patterns are also examined. The results compare well with different numerical solutions and centrifuge tests’ data available from the literature.
Proton and antiproton impact excitation of H(2s) atom
Authors: Tantawi Reda S. , Nagah A.
Published: May 2015

Direct excitations for atomic hydrogen 2s → 3s, 3p, and 3d transitions by proton and antiproton collisions have been investigated by using an impact parameter treatment. The calculations are performed within the impact parameter versions of the first- and second-order Born approximations, as well as the solution of the coupled differential equations arising from the one-center atomic-orbital close-coupling approach. We have considered calculations that allow couplings to the n = 1–5 states (up to g sub-levels) of the target atom as well as others that neglect the effect of all states other than the initial and final states of the target atom. The sensitivity of the cross sections to the sign of the projectile charge as well as the influence of the mechanism of possible electronic transitions allowed by the techniques under consideration have been studied. The calculated cross sections are compared with those obtained by previous calculations.
Nonholonomic deformation of coupled and supersymmetric KdV equations and Euler–Poincaré–Suslov method
Authors: Guha Partha
Published: May 2015

Recently, Kupershmidt [38] presented a Lie algebraic derivation of a new sixth-order wave equation, which was proposed by Karasu-Kalkani et al. [31]. In this paper, we demonstrate that Kupershmidt's method can be interpreted as an infinite-dimensional analogue of the Euler–Poincaré–Suslov (EPS) formulation. In a finite-dimensional case, we modify Kupershmidt's deformation of the Euler top equation to obtain the standard EPS construction on SO(3). We extend Kupershmidt's infinite-dimensional construction to construct a nonholonomic deformation of a wide class of coupled KdV equations, where all these equations follow from the Euler–Poincaré–Suslov flows of the right invariant L2 metric on the semidirect product group [Formula: see text], where Diff (S1) is the group of orientation preserving diffeomorphisms on a circle. We generalize our construction to the two-component Camassa–Holm equation. We also give a derivation of a nonholonomic deformation of the N = 1 supersymmetric KdV equation, dubbed as sKdV6 equation and this method can be interpreted as an infinite-dimensional supersymmetric analogue of the Euler–Poincaré–Suslov (EPS) method.
Mechanical stabilities and nonlinear properties of monolayer Gallium selenide under tension
Authors: Liu Gang , Xia Suxia , Hou Bin , Gao Tao , Zhang Ru
Published: May 2015

The mechanical stabilities and nonlinear properties of monolayer Gallium selenide ( GaSe ) under tension are investigated by using density functional theory (DFT). The ultimate stresses and ultimate strains and the structure evolutions of monolayer GaSe under armchair (AC), zigzag (ZZ) and equiaxial (EQ) tensions are predicted. A thermodynamically rigorous continuum description of nonlinear elastic response is given by expanding the elastic strain energy density in a Taylor series in Lagrangian strain truncated after the fifth-order term. Fourteen nonzero independent elastic constants are determined by least-square fit to the DFT calculations. Pressure-dependent elastic constants (Cij(P)) and pressure derivatives of [Formula: see text] are also calculated. Calculated values of ultimate stresses and strains and the in-plane Young's modulus are all positive. It proves that monolayer GaSe is mechanically stable.
On Bell polynomials approach to the integrability of a (3+1)-dimensional generalized Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation
Authors: Zhang Tian-Tian , Ma Pan-Li , Xu Mei-Juan , Zhang Xing-Yong , Tian Shou-Fu
Published: May 2015

In this paper, a (3+1)-dimensional generalized variable-coefficients Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (gvcKP) equation is proposed, which describes many nonlinear phenomena in fluid dynamics and plasma physics. By a very natural way, the integrable constraint conditions on the variable coefficients are presented to investigate the integrabilities of the gvcKP equation. Based on the generalized Bell's polynomials, we succinctly obtain its bilinear representations, bilinear Bäcklund transformation and Lax pair, respectively. Furthermore, by virtue of the binary Bell polynomial form, the infinite conservation laws of the equation are found with explicit recursion formulas as well by using its Lax equations via algebraic and differential manipulation. In addition, by using the Hirota bilinear method, its N-soliton solutions are also obtained.
Research on the transmission coefficient of plasma photonic crystals based on the ICCG–SFDTD method
Authors: Gao Ying-Jie , Yang Hong-Wei , Weng Rui , Niu Qing-Xia , Liu Yu-Jie , Wang Guang-Bin
Published: May 2015

Compared with the traditional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, the symplectic finite-difference time-domain (SFDTD) method has the characteristics of high precision and low dispersion. However, because the higher-order difference is necessary for the calculation, a large sparse matrix is generated. It causes that the computational time is relatively long and the memory is more. To solve this problem, the incomplete Cholesky conjugate gradient (ICCG) method for solving the large sparse matrix needs to be taken into the SFDTD differential equations. The ICCG method can accelerate the iterations of the numerical calculation and reduce the memory with fast and stable convergence speed. The new ICCG–SFDTD method, which has both the advantages of the ICCG method and SFDTD method, is proposed. In this paper, the ICCG–SFDTD method is used for research on the characteristic parameters of the plasma photonic crystals (PPCs) under different conditions, such as the reflection electric field and the transmission coefficient, to verify the feasibility and accuracy of this method. The results prove that the ICCG–SFDTD method is accurate and has some advantages.
Toward cosmological-model-independent calibrations for the luminosity relations of Gamma-Ray Bursts
Authors: Ding Xuheng , Li Zhengxiang , Zhu Zong-Hong
Published: May 2015

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), have been widely used as distance indicators to measure the cosmic expansion and explore the nature of dark energy. A popular method adopted in previous works is to calibrate the luminosity relations which are responsible for distance estimation of GRBs with more primary (low redshift) cosmic distance ladder objects, type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). Since distances of SNe Ia in all SN Ia samples used to calibrate GRB luminosity relations were usually derived from the global fit in a specific cosmological model, the distance of GRB at a given redshift calibrated with matching SNe Ia was still cosmological-model-dependent. In this paper, we first directly determine the distances of SNe Ia with the Angular Diameter Distances (ADDs) of galaxy clusters without any assumption for the background of the universe, and then calibrate GRB luminosity relations with our cosmology-independent distances of SNe Ia. The results suggest that, compared to the previous original manner where distances of SNe Ia used as calibrators are determined from the global fit in a particular cosmological model, our treatments proposed here yield almost the same calibrations of GRB luminosity relations and the cosmological implications of them do not suffer any circularity.
An Ensemble Differential Evolution for Numerical Optimization
Authors: Yu Xiaobing , Wang Xuming , Cao Jie , Cai Mei
Published: May 2015

The success of differential evolution (DE) in solving a specific problem crucially depends on appropriately choosing generation strategies and control parameter values. The mutation strategies of DE are classified into two groups: DE/rand/k without best solution and DE/best/k with best solution. The proposed algorithm utilizes two mutation strategies. The first one is from DE/rand/k and the second one is from DE/best/k. The proposed algorithm uses two control parameter settings. It randomly combines them to generate trial vectors. The novel mechanism improves the convergence rate of DE and maintains diversity of the population. The performance of the proposed algorithm is extensively evaluated on all the CEC2005 test functions and compares favorably with the several DE variants.
Nanotoxicity of Rare Earth Metal Oxide Anchored Graphene Nanohybrid: A Facile Synthesis and In Vitro Cellular Response Studies
Authors: De Sriparna , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay Kumar , Verma Suresh K. , Suar Mrutyunjay
Published: May 2015

Graphene, a single sp2 bonded carbon, is now a burgeoning interest with various fascinating properties in a large number of biomedical applications. Consequently, the impact of graphene-based functional nanohybrid and its potential risk to human health have raised considerable public concerns. In this present study, we have synthesized cerium oxide ( CeO 2) anchored reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanohybrid and a detailed study on its nanotoxicity profile has also been scrutinized. To confirm the efficient synthesis of nano- CeO 2/RGO nanohybrid, the systematic characterization has been carried out using FTIR, Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis. The successful imprint of CeO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) on RGO nanosheet was also evident from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs. A dose-dependent in vitro nanotoxicity of the nanohybrid has been assessed by using monocyte macrophage cells-Raw264.7 and colon cancer cells-HCT116 as compared with RGO and CeO 2. The results conferred that as compared with single nanostructures (RGO or CeO 2), nanohybrid showed excellent biocompatibility and no such prominence morphological alteration of the cell structure. Moreover, after exposure of different nanomaterials to HCT116 cells, the possible cellular interaction was investigated through reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurements using flow cytometry analysis dicholoro-dihydro-fluorescen dia-acetate (DCF) assay. These results conveyed that nanohybrid adapts an oxidative stress mechanism upon cellular interaction where it utilizes the scavenging property of CeO 2, which induces the cell proliferation. Overall, the nano- CeO 2/RGO nanohybrid exhibits a prolonged biocompatibility and cell viability, which is highly desired for biomedical applications.
Ab initio study of the structural, vibrational and thermal properties of Ge2Sb2Te5
Authors: Odhiambo Henry , Othieno Herick
Published: May 2015

The structural, vibrational and thermal properties of hexagonal as well as cubic Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 (GST) have been calculated from first principles. The relative stability of the possible stacking sequences of hexagonal GST has been confirmed to depend on the choice for the exchange-correlation (XC) energy functional. It is apparent that without the inclusion of the Te 4d orbitals in the valence states, the lattice parameters can be underestimated by as much as 3.9% compared to experiment and all-electron calculations. From phonon dispersion curves, it has been confirmed that the hexagonal phase is, indeed, stable whereas the cubic phase is metastable. In particular, calculations based on the quasi-harmonic approximation (QHA) reveal an extra heat capacity beyond the Dulong–Petit limit at high temperatures for both hexagonal and cubic GST. Moreover, cubic GST exhibits a residual entropy at 0 K, in agreement with experimental studies which attribute this phenomenon to substitutional disorder on the Sb / Ge / v sublattice.
MicroRNA Detection: Current Technology and Research Strategies
Authors: Hunt Eric A. , Broyles David , Head Trajen , Deo Sapna K.
Published: May 2015

The relatively new field of microRNA (miR) has experienced rapid growth in methodology associated with its detection and bioanalysis as well as with its role in -omics research, clinical diagnostics, and new therapeutic strategies. The breadth of this area of research and the seemingly exponential increase in number of publications on the subject can present scientists new to the field with a daunting amount of information to evaluate. This review aims to provide a collective overview of miR detection methods by relating conventional, established techniques [such as quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), microarray, and Northern blotting (NB)] and relatively recent advancements [such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), highly sensitive biosensors, and computational prediction of microRNA/targets] to common miR research strategies. This should guide interested readers toward a more focused study of miR research and the surrounding technology.
Affirmative Action in Undergraduate Education
Authors: Arcidiacono Peter , Lovenheim Michael , Zhu Maria
Published: May 2015

The use of race in college admissions is one of the most contentious issues in US higher education. We survey the literature on the impact of racial preferences in college admissions on both minority and majority students. With regard to minority students, particular attention is paid to the scope of preferences as well as how preferences affect graduation, choice of major, and labor market earnings. We also examine how schools respond to bans on racial preferences and the effects these responses have on racial diversity at elite schools. With regard to majority students, we examine the evidence on the returns to attending a more racially diverse school, as well as how racial preferences affect friendship formation. Finally, we supplement studies of affirmative action in the United States with evidence from India, which provides a much more straightforward environment in which to study affirmative action owing to the use of quotas and admissions rules based solely on exam scores.
Is College a Worthwhile Investment?
Authors: Barrow Lisa , Malamud Ofer
Published: May 2015

This article surveys the existing evidence on the return to a college education and offers new calculations based on recent data. We focus on an individual’s decision and outline the standard conceptual framework used by economists to analyze investments in education. We then compare alternative estimates of the value of a college education in the literature and reconcile them with our own preferred estimates. We also conduct a selective review of the literature seeking to estimate the causal effects of college on pecuniary and nonpecuniary outcomes. Finally, we provide additional calculations showing the heterogeneity in returns to college across certain institutional and demographic characteristics, review the related academic literature, and discuss the risk associated with a college investment. We conclude that college is certainly a worthwhile investment on average and likely worthwhile for many subgroups, although not necessarily for everyone.
Regulation of the Epigenome by Vitamin C
Authors: Young Juan I. , Züchner Stephan , Wang Gaofeng
Published: May 2015

Emerging evidence suggests that ascorbate, the dominant form of vitamin C under physiological pH conditions, influences activity of the genome via regulating epigenomic processes. Ascorbate serves as a cofactor for Ten-eleven translocation (TET) dioxygenases that catalyze the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), and further to 5-formylcytosine (5fC) and to 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC), which are ultimately replaced by unmodified cytosine. The Jumonji C (JmjC)-domain-containing histone demethylases also require ascorbate as a cofactor for histone demethylation. Thus, by primarily participating in the demethylation of both DNA and histones, ascorbate appears to be a mediator of the interface between the genome and environment. Furthermore, redox status has a profound impact on the bioavailability of ascorbate in the nucleus. In order to bridge the gap between redox biology and genomics, we suggest an interdisciplinary research field that can be termed redox genomics to study dynamic redox processes in health and diseases. This review examines the evidence and potential molecular mechanism of ascorbate in the demethylation of the genome, and it highlights potential epigenetic roles of ascorbate in various diseases.
Direct and Functional Biomarkers of Vitamin B6 Status
Authors: Ueland Per Magne , Ulvik Arve , Rios-Avila Luisa , Midttun Øivind , Gregory Jesse F.
Published: May 2015

Measures of B6 status are categorized as direct biomarkers and as functional biomarkers. Direct biomarkers measure B6 vitamers in plasma/serum, urine and erythrocytes, and among these plasma pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) is most commonly used. Functional biomarkers include erythrocyte transaminase activities and, more recently, plasma levels of metabolites involved in PLP-dependent reactions, such as the kynurenine pathway, one-carbon metabolism, transsulfuration (cystathionine), and glycine decarboxylation (serine and glycine). Vitamin B6 status is best assessed by using a combination of biomarkers because of the influence of potential confounders, such as inflammation, alkaline phosphatase activity, low serum albumin, renal function, and inorganic phosphate. Ratios between substrate-products pairs have recently been investigated as a strategy to attenuate such influence. These efforts have provided promising new markers such as the PAr index, the 3-hydroxykynurenine:xanthurenic acid ratio, and the oxoglutarate:glutamate ratio. Targeted metabolic profiling or untargeted metabolomics based on mass spectrometry allow the simultaneous quantification of a large number of metabolites, which are currently evaluated as functional biomarkers, using data reduction statistics.
New Insights into the Regulation of Chylomicron Production
Authors: Dash Satya , Xiao Changting , Morgantini Cecilia , Lewis Gary F.
Published: May 2015

Dietary lipids are efficiently absorbed by the small intestine, incorporated into triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (chylomicrons), and transported in the circulation to various tissues. Intestinal lipid absorption and mobilization and chylomicron synthesis and secretion are highly regulated processes. Elevated chylomicron production rate contributes to the dyslipidemia seen in common metabolic disorders such as insulin-resistant states and type 2 diabetes and likely increases the risk for atherosclerosis seen in these conditions. An in-depth understanding of the regulation of chylomicron production may provide leads for the development of drugs that could be of therapeutic utility in the prevention of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Chylomicron secretion is subject to regulation by various factors, including diet, body weight, genetic variants, hormones, nutraceuticals, medications, and emerging interventions such as bariatric surgical procedures. In this review we discuss the regulation of chylomicron production, mechanisms that underlie chylomicron dysregulation, and potential avenues for future research.
Manganese Is Essential for Neuronal Health
Authors: Horning Kyle J. , Caito Samuel W. , Tipps K. Grace , Bowman Aaron B. , Aschner Michael
Published: May 2015

The understanding of manganese (Mn) biology, in particular its cellular regulation and role in neurological disease, is an area of expanding interest. Mn is an essential micronutrient that is required for the activity of a diverse set of enzymatic proteins (e.g., arginase and glutamine synthase). Although necessary for life, Mn is toxic in excess. Thus, maintaining appropriate levels of intracellular Mn is critical. Unlike other essential metals, cell-level homeostatic mechanisms of Mn have not been identified. In this review, we discuss common forms of Mn exposure, absorption, and transport via regulated uptake/exchange at the gut and blood-brain barrier and via biliary excretion. We present the current understanding of cellular uptake and efflux as well as subcellular storage and transport of Mn. In addition, we highlight the Mn-dependent and Mn-responsive pathways implicated in the growing evidence of its role in Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. We conclude with suggestions for future focuses of Mn health-related research.
Health Benefits of Long-Term Weight-Loss Maintenance
Authors: Rueda-Clausen Christian F. , Ogunleye Ayodele A. , Sharma Arya M.
Published: May 2015

Obesity is a chronic and complex medical condition associated with a large number of complications affecting most organs and systems through multiple pathways. Strategies for weight management include behavioral, pharmacological, and surgical interventions, all of which can result in a reduction in obesity-related comorbidities and improvements in quality of life. However, subsequent weight regain often reduces the durability of these improvements. The objective of this article is to review evidence supporting the long-term effects of intentional weight loss on morbidity, mortality, quality of life, and health-care cost. Overall, considerable evidence suggests that intentional weight loss is associated with clinically relevant benefits for the majority of obesity-related comorbidities. However, the degree of weight loss that must be achieved and sustained to reap these benefits varies widely between comorbidities.
Wide expression of type I Na+-phosphate cotransporter 3 (NPT3/SLC17A2), a membrane potential-driven organic anion transporter
Authors: Togawa Natsuko , Juge Narinobu , Miyaji Takaaki , Hiasa Miki , Omote Hiroshi , Moriyama Yoshinori
Published: May 2015

Membrane potential (Δψ)-driven and Cl−-dependent organic anion transport is a primary function of the solute carrier family 17 (SLC17) transporter family. Although the transport substrates and physiological relevance of the major members are well understood, SLC17A2 protein known to be Na+-phosphate cotransporter 3 (NPT3) is far less well characterized. In the present study, we investigated the transport properties and expression patterns of mouse SLC17A2 protein (mNPT3). Proteoliposomes containing the purified mNPT3 protein took up radiolabeled p-aminohippuric acid (PAH) in a Δψ- and Cl−-dependent manner. The mNPT3-mediated PAH uptake was inhibited by 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDs) and Evans blue, common inhibitors of SLC17 family members. The PAH uptake was also inhibited by various anionic compounds, such as hydrophilic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and urate. Consistent with these observations, the proteoliposome took up radiolabeled urate in a Δψ- and Cl−-dependent manner. Immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies against mNPT3 combined with RT-PCR revealed that mNPT3 is present in various tissues, including the hepatic bile duct, luminal membranes of the renal urinary tubules, maternal side of syncytiotrophoblast in the placenta, apical membrane of follicle cells in the thyroid, bronchiole epithelial cells in the lungs, and astrocytes around blood vessels in the cerebrum. These results suggested that mNPT3 is a polyspecific organic anion transporter that is involved in circulation of urate throughout the body.
Additive protection by LDR and FGF21 treatment against diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes model
Authors: Shao Minglong , Yu Lechu , Zhang Fangfang , Lu Xuemian , Li Xiaokun , Cheng Peng , Lin Xiufei , He Luqing , Jin Shunzi , Tan Yi , Yang Hong , Zhang Chi , Cai Lu
Published: May 2015

The onset of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is associated with both systemic and renal changes. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 prevents diabetic complications mainly by improving systemic metabolism. In addition, low-dose radiation (LDR) protects mice from DN directly by preventing renal oxidative stress and inflammation. In the present study, we tried to define whether the combination of FGF21 and LDR could further prevent DN by blocking its systemic and renal pathogeneses. To this end, type 2 diabetes was induced by feeding a high-fat diet for 12 wk followed by a single dose injection of streptozotocin. Diabetic mice were exposed to 50 mGy LDR every other day for 4 wk with and without 1.5 mg/kg FGF21 daily for 8 wk. The changes in systemic parameters, including blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and insulin resistance, as well as renal pathology, were examined. Diabetic mice exhibited renal dysfunction and pathological abnormalities, all of which were prevented significantly by LDR and/or FGF21; the best effects were observed in the group that received the combination treatment. Our studies revealed that the additive renal protection conferred by the combined treatment against diabetes-induced renal fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative damage was associated with the systemic improvement of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance. These results suggest that the combination treatment with LDR and FGF21 prevented DN more efficiently than did either treatment alone. The mechanism behind these protective effects could be attributed to the suppression of both systemic and renal pathways.
Effects of aging, exercise, and disease on force transfer in skeletal muscle
Authors: Hughes David C. , Wallace Marita A. , Baar Keith
Published: May 2015

The loss of muscle strength and increased injury rate in aging skeletal muscle has previously been attributed to loss of muscle protein (cross-sectional area) and/or decreased neural activation. However, it is becoming clear that force transfer within and between fibers plays a significant role in this process as well. Force transfer involves a secondary matrix of proteins that align and transmit the force produced by the thick and thin filaments along muscle fibers and out to the extracellular matrix. These specialized networks of cytoskeletal proteins aid in passing force through the muscle and also serve to protect individual fibers from injury. This review discusses the cytoskeleton proteins that have been identified as playing a role in muscle force transmission, both longitudinally and laterally, and where possible highlights how disease, aging, and exercise influence the expression and function of these proteins.