bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infrared-driven unimolecular reaction of CH
3
CHOO Criegee intermediates to OH radical products
Authors: Liu Fang , Beames Joseph M. , Petit Andrew S. , McCoy Anne B. , Lester Marsha I.
Published: September 2014

Breaking down a Criegee intermediate

Ozone's damaging role in the upper atmosphere is well known, but ozone is also quite active closer down to where we live. In particular, ozone's run-ins with airborne unsaturated hydrocarbons, from natural or anthropogenic sources, produce even more-reactive OH radicals. Liu
et al.
used vibrational spectroscopy to study how OH emerges from a so-called Criegee intermediate formed when ozone attacks 2-butene. The results suggest that OH production is easier than current theory predicts.

Science
, this issue p.
1596
A dynamic tool for nitrogen reduction
Authors: Högbom Martin
Published: September 2014

Carbon monoxide reveals new possibilities for substrate binding in nitrogenase

[Also see Report by

Spatzal
et al.

]
The drought you can't see
Authors: McNutt Marcia
Published: September 2014

The Western Hemisphere is experiencing a drought of crisis proportions. In Central America, crops are failing, millions are in danger of starvation, and if the drought doesn't break soon, even vessels transiting the Panama Canal will need to lighten their loads, which will increase prices for goods transported globally. In the western United States, the drought-stricken region spans a vast area responsible for much of the nation's fruits, vegetables, and beef. As the drought's grip has tightened, water users have turned to tapping groundwater aquifers to make up the deficit for people, crops, livestock, and industry. But even when the rain does return, regreening the landscape and filling again the streams, lakes, and reservoirs, those aquifers will remain severely depleted. It is this underground drought we can't see that is enduring, worrisome, and in need of attention.
Testing new Ebola tests
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: September 2014

Identifying infections more quickly and easily could help slow the epidemic.
Metabolic shift may train immune cells
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: September 2014

BLUEPRINT project studies epigenetics of various blood cells.
Phase I/II Randomized Trial of Safety and Immunogenicity of LIPO-5 Alone, ALVAC-HIV (vCP1452) Alone, and ALVAC-HIV (vCP1452) Prime/LIPO-5 Boost in Healthy, HIV-1-Uninfected Adult Participants
Authors: Frey Sharon E. , Peiperl Laurence , McElrath M. Juliana , Kalams Spyros , Goepfert Paul A. , Keefer Michael C. , Baden Lindsey R. , Lally Michelle A. , Mayer Kenneth , Blattner William A. , Harro Clayton D. , Hammer Scott M. , Gorse Geoffrey J. , Hural John , Tomaras Georgia D. , Levy Yves , Gilbert Peter , deCamp Allan , Russell Nina D. , Elizaga Marnie , Allen Mary , Corey Lawrence
Published: September 2014

Finding an effective human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccine remains a major global health priority. In a phase I/II, placebo-controlled trial, healthy, HIV-1-negative adults were randomized to receive one of 5 vaccine regimens: LIPO-5 (combination of 5 lipopeptides) alone (250 μg), ALVAC-HIV (vCP1452) alone, or 3 groups of ALVAC-HIV (vCP1452) followed by ALVAC-HIV (vCP1452) plus LIPO-5 (250, 750, and 2,500 μg). Only 73/174 participants (42%) received all four vaccinations due to a study halt related to myelitis. There were no significant differences in systemic reactions between groups or in local reactogenicity between groups receiving ALVAC-HIV (vCP1452). Significant differences in local reactogenicity occurred between groups receiving LIPO-5 (P≤ 0.05). Gag and Env antibodies were undetectable by ELISA 2 weeks after the fourth vaccination for all but one recipient. Antibodies to Gag and Env were present in 32% and 24% of recipients of ALVAC-HIV (vCP1452) alone and in 47% and 35% of ALVAC-HIV (vCP1452)+LIPO recipients, respectively. Coadministration of LIPO-5 did not significantly increase the response rate compared to ALVAC-HIV (vCP1452) alone, nor was there a significant relationship between dose and antibody responses among ALVAC-HIV (vCP1452)+LIPO groups. Over 90% of study participants had no positive gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay (ELISpot) responses to any peptide pool at any time point. The study was halted due to a case of myelitis possibly related to the LIPO-5 vaccine; this case of myelitis remains an isolated event. In general, there was no appreciable cell-mediated immunity detected in response to the vaccines used in this study, and antibody responses were limited. The clinical trial is registered onClinicalTrials.govwith registry number NCT00076063.
Genomic Load from Sputum Samples and Nasopharyngeal Swabs for Diagnosis of Pneumococcal Pneumonia in HIV-Infected Adults
Authors: Albrich Werner C. , Madhi Shabir A. , Adrian Peter V. , Telles Jean-Noel , Paranhos-Baccalà Glaucia , Klugman Keith P.
Published: September 2014

Quantitative
lytA
real-time PCR (rtPCR) results from nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs distinguish community-acquired pneumococcal pneumonia (CAP) from asymptomatic colonization. The use of an optimized cutoff value improved pneumococcal etiology determination compared to that of traditional diagnostic methods. Here, we compare the utility of
lytA
rtPCR from induced sputum and from NP swabs. Pneumococcus was considered the cause of CAP in HIV-infected South African adults if blood culture, induced-sputum culture or Gram stain, urine antigen test, or whole-blood
lytA
rtPCR revealed pneumococcus or if
lytA
rtPCR from NP swabs gave a result of >8,000 copies/ml.
lytA
rtPCR was also performed on induced sputum. Pneumococcus was detected by
lytA
rtPCR from sputum in 149 (67.1%) of 222 patients with available induced sputum, whereas the results of either Gram stain or culture of sputum were positive in 105 of 229 patients (45.9%;
P
< 0.001). The mean copy numbers from sputum were higher when the sputum cultures were positive than when the sputum cultures were negative (7.9 versus 5.6 log
10
copies/ml;
P
< 0.001). Against the composite diagnostic standard, a cutoff value of 10,000 copies/ml for good-quality sputum
lytA
rtPCR had a sensitivity of 78.1% and a specificity of 80.0%. This cutoff value performed similarly to the previously identified cutoff value of 8,000 copies/ml for NP swab
lytA
rtPCR (area under the curve receiver operating characteristic [AUC-ROC], 80.4% for sputum of any quality versus 79.6% for NP swabs). The AUC-ROC for good-quality sputum was 83.2%. Overall,
lytA
rtPCR performs similarly well on induced sputum as on NP swabs for most patients but performs slightly better if good-quality sputum can be obtained. Due to the ease of specimen collection, NP swabs may be preferable for the diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia.
Ruling out False-Positive Urinary Legionella pneumophila Serogroup 1 and Streptococcus pneumoniae Antigen Test Results by Heating Urine
Authors: Pontoizeau C. , Dangers L. , Jarlier V. , Luyt C. E. , Guiller E. , Fievet M. H. , Lecsö-Bornet M. , Aubry A. , Brossier F.
Published: September 2014

We report here false-positive urinary
Legionella pneumophila
serogroup 1 and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
antigen test results due to rabbit antilymphocyte serum treatment and provide a simple and fast solution to rule them out by heating urine.
Severity-Related Changes of Bronchial Microbiome in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Garcia-Nuñez Marian , Millares Laura , Pomares Xavier , Ferrari Rafaela , Pérez-Brocal Vicente , Gallego Miguel , Espasa Mateu , Moya Andrés , Monsó Eduard
Published: September 2014

Bronchial colonization by potentially pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs) is often demonstrated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but culture-based techniques identify only a portion of the bacteria in mucosal surfaces. The aim of the study was to determine changes in the bronchial microbiome of COPD associated with the severity of the disease. The bronchial microbiome of COPD patients was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplification and pyrosequencing in sputum samples obtained during stable disease. Seventeen COPD patients were studied (forced expiratory volume in the first second expressed as a percentage of the forced vital capacity [FEV
1
%] median, 35.0%; interquartile range [IQR], 31.5 to 52.0), providing a mean of 4,493 (standard deviation [SD], 2,598) sequences corresponding to 47 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (SD, 17) at a 97% identity level. Patients were dichotomized according to their lung function as moderate to severe when their FEV
1
% values were over the median and as advanced when FEV
1
% values were lower. The most prevalent phyla in sputum were
Proteobacteria
(44%) and
Firmicutes
(16%), followed by
Actinobacteria
(13%). A greater microbial diversity was found in patients with moderate-to-severe disease, and alpha diversity showed a statistically significant decrease in patients with advanced disease when assessed by Shannon (ρ = 0.528;
P
= 0.029, Spearman correlation coefficient) and Chao1 (ρ = 0.53;
P
= 0.028, Spearman correlation coefficient) alpha-diversity indexes. The higher severity that characterizes advanced COPD is paralleled by a decrease in the diversity of the bronchial microbiome, with a loss of part of the resident flora that is replaced by a more restricted microbiota that includes PPMs.
Isolation and Biological and Molecular Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from Canine Cutaneous Toxoplasmosis in Brazil
Authors: Pena Hilda F. J. , Moroz Ludmila R. , Sozigan Rita K. B. , Ajzenberg Daniel , Carvalho Fernando R. , Mota Caroline M. , Mineo Tiago W. P. , Marcili Arlei
Published: September 2014

Cutaneous toxoplasmosis is a rare manifestation. This study represents a case report of an immunosuppressed dog that developed nodular dermal lesions caused by
Toxoplasma gondii
. The isolate (TgDgBr20) was characterized as mouse virulent and was genotyped as type BrI (ToxoDB genotype 6) using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and as Africa 1 through microsatellite analysis.
Enzyme Immunoassay versus Latex Agglutination Cryptococcal Antigen Assays in Adults with Non-HIV-Related Cryptococcosis
Authors: Panackal Anil A. , Dekker John P. , Proschan Michael , Beri Andrea , Williamson Peter R.
Published: September 2014

We compared paired enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and latex agglutination (LA) assay results with 185 blood and 164 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 44 and 33 non-HIV cryptococcosis patients, respectively. The LA assay cutoff of 1:256 in the blood and 1:32 in the CSF was most highly predictive of a positive EIA result. The EIA missed 18.4% detected by the LA assay in the blood samples and 7.8% detected by the LA assay in the CSF samples. We note here the improved sensitivity of the LA assay over the EIA in non-HIV patients.
Genotypic Characterization of Canine Coronaviruses Associated with Fatal Canine Neonatal Enteritis in the United States
Authors: Licitra Beth N. , Whittaker Gary R. , Dubovi Edward J. , Duhamel Gerald E.
Published: September 2014

Emerging canine coronavirus (CCoV) variants that are associated with systemic infections have been reported in the European Union; however, CCoV-associated disease in the United States is incompletely characterized. The purpose of this study was to correlate the clinicopathological findings and viral antigen distribution with the genotypic characteristics of CCoV in 11 puppies from nine premises in five states that were submitted for diagnostic investigation at Cornell University between 2008 and 2013. CCoV antigen was found in epithelial cells of small intestinal villi in all puppies and the colon in 2 of the 10 puppies where colon specimens were available. No evidence of systemic CCoV infection was found. Comparative sequence analyses of viral RNA extracted from intestinal tissues revealed CCoV-II genotype in 9 out of 11 puppies. Of the nine CCoV-IIs, five were subtyped as group IIa and one as IIb, while three CCoVs could not be subtyped. One of the CCoV-IIa variants was isolated in cell culture. Infection with CCoV alone was found in five puppies, of which two also had small intestinal intussusception. Concurrent infections with either parvovirus (
n
= 1), attaching-effacing
Escherichia coli
(
n
= 4), or protozoan parasites (
n
= 3) were found in the other six puppies. CCoV is an important differential diagnosis in outbreaks of severe enterocolitis among puppies between 4 days and 21 weeks of age that are housed at high population density. These findings will assist with the rapid laboratory diagnosis of enteritis in puppies and highlight the need for continued surveillance for CCoV variants and intestinal viral diseases of global significance.
Modeling the Timing of Antilatency Drug Administration during HIV Treatment
Authors: Petravic Janka , Martyushev Alexey , Reece Jeanette C. , Kent Stephen J. , Davenport Miles P.
Published: September 2014

Latently infected cells are considered a major barrier to the cure of HIV infection, since they are long-lived under antiretroviral therapy (ART) and cause viral replication to restart soon after stopping ART. In the last decade, different types of antilatency drugs have been explored with the aim of reactivating and purging this latent reservoir and the hope of achieving a cure. Because of toxicity and safety considerations, antilatency drugs can only be given for a short time to patients on long-term ART, with little effect. We recently investigated the turnover of latently infected cells during active infection and have found that it was strongly correlated with viral load. This implies that although latently infected cells had long life spans in a setting of a low viral load (such as during ART), they turned over quickly under a high viral load. Possible reasons for this could be that an increased viral load causes increased activation or death of CD4+T cells, including those that are latently infected. Taking these results into account, we developed a mathematical model to study the most appropriate timing of antilatency drugs in relationship to the initiation of ART. We found that the best timing of a short-term antilatency drug would be the start of ART, when viral load, CD4+T cell activation, and latent cell turnover are all high. These results have important implications for the design of HIV cure-related clinical trials.

IMPORTANCEThe antiretroviral therapy (ART) of HIV-infected patients currently needs to be lifelong, because the cells latently infected with HIV start new rounds of infection as soon as the treatment is stopped. In the last decade, a number of different types of antilatency drugs have been explored with the aim of “reactivating” and “purging” this latent reservoir and thus achieving a cure. These drugs have thus far been tested on patients only after long-term ART and have demonstrated little or no effect. We use mathematical modeling to show that the most efficacious timing of a short-term antilatency treatment may be the start of ART because of possible interactions of antilatency drugs with natural activation pathways.
Vaccinia Virus Mutations in the L4R Gene Encoding a Virion Structural Protein Produce Abnormal Mature Particles Lacking a Nucleocapsid
Authors: Jesus Desyree Murta , Moussatche Nissin , Condit Richard C.
Published: September 2014

Electron micrographs from the 1960s revealed the presence of an S-shaped tubular structure in the center of the vaccinia virion core. Recently, we showed that packaging of virus transcription enzymes is necessary for the formation of the tubular structure, suggesting that the structure is equivalent to a nucleocapsid. Based on this study and on what is known about nucleocapsids of other viruses, we hypothesized that in addition to transcription enzymes, the tubular structure also contains the viral DNA and a structural protein as a scaffold. The vaccinia virion structural protein L4 stands out as the best candidate for the role of a nucleocapsid structural protein because it is abundant, it is localized in the center of the virion core, and it binds DNA. In order to gain more insight into the structure and relevance of the nucleocapsid, we analyzed thermosensitive and inducible mutants in the L4R gene. Using a cryo-fixation method for electron microscopy (high-pressure freezing followed by freeze-substitution) to preserve labile structures like the nucleocapsid, we were able to demonstrate that in the absence of functional L4, mature particles with defective internal structures are produced under nonpermissive conditions. These particles do not contain a nucleocapsid. In addition, the core wall of these virions is abnormal. This suggests that the nucleocapsid interacts with the core wall and that the nucleocapsid structure might be more complex than originally assumed.

IMPORTANCE
The vaccinia virus nucleocapsid has been neglected since the 1960s due to a lack of electron microscopy techniques to preserve this labile structure. With the advent of cryo-fixation techniques, like high-pressure freezing/freeze-substitution, we are now able to consistently preserve and visualize the nucleocapsid. Because vaccinia virus early transcription is coupled to the viral core structure, detailing the structure of the nucleocapsid is indispensable for determining the mechanisms of vaccinia virus core-directed transcription. The present study represents our second attempt to understand the structure and biological significance of the nucleocapsid. We demonstrate the importance of the protein L4 for the formation of the nucleocapsid and reveal in addition that the nucleocapsid and the core wall may be associated, suggesting a higher level of complexity of the nucleocapsid than predicted. In addition, we prove the utility of high-pressure freezing in preserving the vaccinia virus nucleocapsid.
Drosophila C Virus Systemic Infection Leads to Intestinal Obstruction
Authors: Chtarbanova Stanislava , Lamiable Olivier , Lee Kwang-Zin , Galiana Delphine , Troxler Laurent , Meignin Carine , Hetru Charles , Hoffmann Jules A. , Daeffler Laurent , Imler Jean-Luc
Published: September 2014

Drosophila
C virus (DCV) is a positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the
Dicistroviridae
family. This natural pathogen of the model organism
Drosophila melanogaster
is commonly used to investigate antiviral host defense in flies, which involves both RNA interference and inducible responses. Although lethality is used routinely as a readout for the efficiency of the antiviral immune response in these studies, virus-induced pathologies in flies still are poorly understood. Here, we characterize the pathogenesis associated with systemic DCV infection. Comparison of the transcriptome of flies infected with DCV or two other positive-sense RNA viruses, Flock House virus and Sindbis virus, reveals that DCV infection, unlike those of the other two viruses, represses the expression of a large number of genes. Several of these genes are expressed specifically in the midgut and also are repressed by starvation. We show that systemic DCV infection triggers a nutritional stress in
Drosophila
which results from intestinal obstruction with the accumulation of peritrophic matrix at the entry of the midgut and the accumulation of the food ingested in the crop, a blind muscular food storage organ. The related virus cricket paralysis virus (CrPV), which efficiently grows in
Drosophila
, does not trigger this pathology. We show that DCV, but not CrPV, infects the smooth muscles surrounding the crop, causing extensive cytopathology and strongly reducing the rate of contractions. We conclude that the pathogenesis associated with systemic DCV infection results from the tropism of the virus for an important organ within the foregut of dipteran insects, the crop.

IMPORTANCE
DCV is one of the few identified natural viral pathogens affecting the model organism
Drosophila melanogaster
. As such, it is an important virus for the deciphering of host-virus interactions in insects. We characterize here the pathogenesis associated with DCV infection in flies and show that it results from the tropism of the virus for an essential but poorly characterized organ in the digestive tract, the crop. Our results may have relevance for other members of the
Dicistroviridae
, some of which are pathogenic to beneficial or pest insect species.
Vaginal delivery after hemipelvectomy and pelvic radiotherapy for chondrosarcoma
Authors: Browne J L , Oudijk M A , Holtslag H R , Schreuder H W R
Published: September 2014

Chondosarcoma of the proximal femur is a rare malignant disorder in women of (pre-) childbearing age, for which a radical resection through a hemipelvectomy could be indicated. We describe a case of a 36-year-old primigravida with a hemipelvectomy (2004) who had a history of radiotherapy of the pelvic and uterine regions after an atypical cartilaginous tumour. After an uncomplicated pregnancy, she had a spontaneous rupture of the membranes at 41+2 weeks and an uncomplicated vaginal delivery with physiological development of the infant. On the basis of the literature review, vaginal delivery after hemipelvectomy should be advocated and discussed with the patient and involved care providers. Women with radiotherapy in the pelvic and uterine areas have an increased risk of stillbirth, placental attachment disorders, impaired fetal growth, fetal malposition and preterm labour, but no association with prolonged rupture of the membranes has been described.
Association of skirt size and postmenopausal breast cancer risk in older women: a cohort study within the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS)
Authors: Fourkala Evangelia-Ourania , Burnell Matthew , Cox Catherine , Ryan Andy , Salter Laura Currin , Gentry-Maharaj Aleksandra , Parmar Mahesh , Jacobs Ian , Menon Usha
Published: September 2014

Objectives

Several studies suggest that overall and central-obesity are associated with increased breast cancer (BC) risk in postmenopausal-women. However, there are no studies investigating changes of central obesity and BC. We report on the association of BC risk with self-reported skirt size (SS; waist-circumference proxy) changes between 20s and postmenopausal-age.

Design

Prospective cohort-study.

Setting

UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) involving the nine trial centres in England.

Participants

Postmenopausal-women aged >50 with no known history of BC prior to or on the day of completion of the study-entry questionnaire.

Interventions

At recruitment and at study entry, women were asked to complete a questionnaire. Women were followed-up via ‘flagging’ at the NHS Information Centre in England and the Hospital Episode Statistics.

Main outcome-measure

Time to initial BC diagnosis.

Results

Between 2 January 2005 and 1 July 2010, 92 834 UKCTOCS participants (median age 64.0) completed the study-entry questionnaire. During median follow-up of 3.19 years (25th–75th centile: 2.46–3.78), 1090 women developed BC. Model adjusted analysis for potential confounders showed body mass index (BMI) at recruitment to UKCTOCS (HR for a 5 unit change=1.076, 95% CI 1.012 to 1.136), current SS at study entry (HR=1.051; 95% CI 1.014 to 1.089) and change in SS per 10 years (CSS) (HR=1.330; 95% CI 1.121 to 1.579) were associated with increased BC risk but not SS at 25 (HR=1.006; 95% CI 0.958 to 1.056). CSS was the most predictive singe adiposity measure and further analysis including both CSS and BMI in the model revealed CSS remained significant (HR=1.266; 95% CI 1.041 to 1.538) but not BMI (HR=1.037; 95% CI 0.970 to 1.109).

Conclusions

CSS is associated with BC risk independent of BMI. A unit increase in UK SS (eg, 12–14) every 10-years between 25 and postmenopausal-age is associated with postmenopausal BC risk by 33%. Validation of these results could provide women with a simple and easy to understand message.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN22488978.
Haematologists’ perceptions of palliative care and specialist palliative care referral: a qualitative study
Authors: Wright Bethany , Forbes Karen
Published: September 2014

Objectives

This study explored the views and perceptions of haematologists towards palliative care, based on their own clinical experiences, focusing on those factors that helped or hindered referral to specialist palliative care (SPC) services.

Method

We conducted in-depth face-to-face interviews with a purposive sample of eight trainee and consultant haematologists working in tertiary referral centres in the West Midlands. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and subsequently analysed using the principles of the grounded theory approach.

Results

Data analysis revealed a core category around boundaries alongside four emerging categories: perceptions of palliative care; philosophy of approach; determining roles; and responsibility and control. Positive attitudes towards SPC involvement were expressed by most participants. The role of SPC services was sometimes difficult for participants to define, with timing of referral often determined by their level of confidence in providing end-of-life care. Almost all highlighted a lack of inpatient palliative care unit provision; this was viewed negatively and impacted on referral.

Conclusions

While positive attitudes towards palliative care were expressed, barriers to collaboration between haematology and SPC services were identified and provided opportunities for improved interdisciplinary working. Suggestions for improvement are focused around: improved training; enhanced mutual respect and understanding; clearer definition of the role of SPC services; and consistency and flexibility in service provision.
Making patient and public involvement in cancer and palliative research a reality: academic support is vital for success
Authors: Collins Karen , Boote Jonathan , Ardron David , Gath Jacqui , Green Tracy , Ahmedzai Sam H
Published: September 2014

Objective

Patient and public involvement (PPI) has become an established theme within the UK health research policy and is recognised as an essential force in the drive to improve the quality of services and research. These developments have been particularly rapid in the cancer field.

Methods

This paper outlines a model of PPI in research (known as the North Trent Cancer Research Network Consumer Research Panel, NTCRN CRP; comprising 38 cancer and palliative care patients/carers) and the key benefits and challenges to effective PPI in cancer research.

Results

The PPI model has become a sustainable, inclusive and effective way of implementing PPI within the cancer context. Challenges include (1) a lack of time and funding available to support the PPI model; (2) tensions between different stakeholder groups when developing and conducting health research; (3) panel members finding it difficult to effectively integrate into research meetings when their role and contribution is not made clear at the outset or when unfamiliar language and jargon are used and not explained; (4) some professionals remain unclear about the role and practical implications of PPI in research. However, notwithstanding its financial and organisational challenges, the way that the NTCRN CRP is supported has provided a solid base for it to flourish.

Conclusions

PPI provides considerable opportunities for patients and the public to work collaboratively with professionals to influence the cancer research agenda, with the contribution of PPI to the research process being integral to the entire process from the outset, rather than appended to it.
THE INHIBITORY EFFECT OF SOME BIPYRIDINE DERIVATIVES ON THE CORROSION BEHAVIOR OFN80 CARBON STEEL IN SULPHURIC ACID SOLUTIONS
Authors: LIU XIA , OKAFOR PETER C. , JIANG BIN , HU HONGXIANG , ZHENG YUGUI
Published: September 2014

The corrosion inhibition characteristics of 2,2′-bipyridine (BIPY) and 2,2′-bipyridine-3,3′-dicarboxylic acid (BIDA), on carbon steel in sulphuric acid solutions was studied using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques at 20°C, 30°C and 40°C. The results indicate that the organic compounds inhibit the corrosion of mild steel in H2SO4solutions and the extent of inhibition increases with inhibitor concentration and decreases with temperature. A mixed-inhibition mechanism is proposed for the inhibitive effects of the compounds. The order of inhibition efficiency obtained was BIDA>BIPY. There is a good correlation between the quantum chemical parameters and experimentally determined inhibition efficiency of the inhibitors. The adsorption characteristics of the inhibitor were approximated by Temkin isotherm. Morphological study of the carbon steel electrode surface was undertaken by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the interfacial species formed on the surface in the presence of inhibitors analyzed by Infrared spectroscopy.
A Graphical Screening Approach for Group Decisions Based on the Extended Case-Based Distance Method
Authors: Ma Li-Ching , Hsu Pei-Pei
Published: September 2014

For multiple criteria decision problems, screening is a helpful process for reducing a larger set of alternatives to a smaller one containing the best alternatives so that decision makers (DMs) can concentrate on evaluating alternatives within a smaller set. This study proposes a graphical approach based on the extended case-based distance method to assist individual as well as group DMs in screening and observing the case distances between alternatives and selected cases. Benchmark cases can thus be examined. The screening results of all DMs and the collective group decisions can be simultaneously observed on the same plane. An individual DM can also examine his/her own screening results and those of the group to identify the differences between individual judgments and the group's collective opinions. An interactive screening procedure for group decisions is represented to provide flexibility so that DMs can check and adjust their preferences iteratively.
How to Recommend by Online Lifestyle Tagging (OLT)
Authors: Pan Yu , Luo Lijuan , Liu Dan , Gao Li , Xu Xiaobo , Shen Wenjing , Gao Jiang
Published: September 2014

With the rapid development of the Internet, the online shopping market expands constantly. Inspired by fierce competition and complex and diverse consumer demand, personalized recommendation has become an effective marketing tool for e-commerce enterprises. However, the existing recommendation methods based on online consumer behavior or preferences are characterized by poor accuracy and low efficiency. The paper mainly conducts three studies, the study1 proves that seven online lifestyles, which are "Comfortable, Entertainment, Luxury, Tradition & Conservation, Rational, Fashion Sense, and Social Activities", affect Chinese consumers' purchase. However, the different online lifestyles have different effects on purchase, thus the response rates of recommending. The study2 proposes a new personalized recommendation method "online lifestyle tagging (OLT)" based on online lifestyle and user behavior tags to identify online lifestyles. In the study3, the efficiency of OLT is tested and verified using data collected from enterprises, it suggests that OLT has a significantly higher response rate than traditional behavior-based methods. This study demonstrates that OLT improves the accuracy and efficiency of personalized recommendation, and thus contributes to the theory of personalized recommendation and marketing methods based on lifestyle.
The physiology underlying Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a status report
Authors: Lutz Thomas A. , Bueter Marco
Published: September 2014

Obesity and its related comorbidities can be detrimental for the affected individual and challenge public health systems worldwide. Currently, the only available treatment options leading to clinically significant and maintained body weight loss and reduction in obesity-related morbidity and mortality are based on surgical interventions. This review will focus on two main clinical effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), namely body weight loss and change in eating behavior. Animal experiments designed to understand the underlying physiological mechanisms of these post-gastric bypass effects will be discussed. Where appropriate, reference will also be made to vertical sleeve gastrectomy. While caloric malabsorption and mechanical restriction seem not to be major factors in this respect, alterations in gut hormone levels are invariably found after RYGB. However, their causal role in RYGB effects on eating and body weight has recently been challenged. Other potential factors contributing to the RYGB effects include increased bile acid concentrations and an altered composition of gut microbiota. RYGB is further associated with remarkable changes in preference for different dietary components, such as a decrease in the preference for high fat or sugar. It needs to be noted, however, that in many cases, the question about the necessity of these alterations for the success of bariatric surgery procedures remains unanswered.
Treatment and Valorization of Palm Oil Mill Effluent through Production of Food Grade Yeast Biomass
Authors: Iwuagwu Joy O. , Ugwuanyi J. Obeta
Published: September 2014

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is high strength wastewater derived from processing of palm fruit. It is generated in large quantities in all oil palm producing nations where it is a strong pollutant amenable to microbial degradation being rich in organic carbon, nitrogen, and minerals. Valorization and treatment of POME with seven yeast isolates was studied under scalable conditions by using POME to produce value-added yeast biomass. POME was used as sole source of carbon and nitrogen and the fermentation was carried out at 150 rpm, 28 ± 2°C using an inoculum size of 1 mL of 106cells. Yeasts were isolated from POME, dump site, and palm wine. The POME had chemical oxygen demand (COD) 114.8 gL−1, total solid 76 gL−1, total suspended solid (TSS) 44 gL−1and total lipid 35.80 gL−1. Raw POME supported accumulation of 4.42 gL−1dry yeast with amino acid content comparable or superior to the FAO/WHO standard for feed use SCP. Peak COD reduction (83%) was achieved with highest biomass accumulation in 96 h usingSaccharomycesspL31. POME can be used as carbon source with little or no supplementation to achieve waste-to-value by producing feed grade yeast with reduction in pollution potential.
The Regulatory Strategy in Emissions Trading System under Costly Enforcement
Authors: Jin Shuai , Zhang Yanlin , Sheng Zhaohan
Published: September 2014

In a two‐stage dynamic game of regulator and polluting firms, the optimal regulatory strategy to achieve a fixed aggregate emissions target cost‐effectively in emissions trading system was studied under the context of costly monitoring and sanctioning, including the monitoring level, the aggregate supply of permits, and the penalty shape for noncompliance. Based on gaming analysis, a heterogeneous agent‐based experiment platform for regional emissions trading system was established using computational experiment. Then further analyses were done from perspectives of dynamic and bounded rationality. The results show that the optimal strategy to achieve target is to induce full compliance. This is not simply setting severe punishment, but seeking tradeoff between the level of monitoring and punishment. Finally, integrating the permit price directly into the penalty shape allows the policy objective to be achieved more cost‐effective.
A New Approach to Solve Intuitionistic Fuzzy Optimization Problem Using Possibility, Necessity, and Credibility Measures
Authors: Chakraborty Dipankar , Jana Dipak Kumar , Roy Tapan Kumar
Published: September 2014

Corresponding to chance constraints, real-life possibility, necessity, and credibility measures on intuitionistic fuzzy set are defined. For the first time the mathematical and graphical representations of different types of measures in trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy environment are defined in this paper. We have developed intuitionistic fuzzy chance constraints model (CCM) based on possibility and necessity measures. We have also proposed a new method for solving an intuitionistic fuzzy CCM
using chance operators. To validate the proposed method, we have discussed three different approaches to solve the intuitionistic fuzzy linear programming (IFLPP) using possibility, necessity and credibility measures. Numerical and graphical representations of optimal solutions of the given example at different possibility and necessity, levels have been discussed.
Hydrogen Production from the Water-Gas Shift Reaction on Iron Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Bouarab R. , Bennici S. , Mirodatos C. , Auroux A.
Published: September 2014

Unsupported and supported iron oxide catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation method and studied in the water-gas shift reaction (WGSR) in the temperature range 350–450°C. The techniques of characterization employed were BET, X-ray diffraction, acid-base measurements by microcalorimetry and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. MgO, TiO2, or SiO2 was added in order to (i) obtain a catalyst exempt of chromium oxide and (ii) study the effect of their acid-base properties on catalytic activity of Fe2O3. X-ray diffraction studies, and calorimetric and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform measurements reveal a complete change in the physicochemical properties of the iron oxide catalyst after MgO addition due to the formation of the spinel oxide phase. These results could indicate that the MgFe2O4 phase stabilizes the reduced iron phase, preventing its sintering under realistic WGSR conditions (high H2O partial pressures).
Evaluation of Seismic Behaviors of Partially Deteriorated Reinforced Concrete Circular Columns Retrofitted with CFRP
Authors: Hou Dongxu , Pan Jianyun , Fan Xinglang , Wu Zhimin , Marindiko Prosper
Published: September 2014

Deficiency of the concrete strength in some regions of reinforced concrete (RC) columns in practice may weaken the seismic behaviors of columns. Its effects on RC columns should be well understood. This paper aims to investigate the influences of deteriorated segment on the seismic behaviors of partially deteriorated RC columns and attempts to recover the seismic behaviors of partially deteriorated columns with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites. A finite element analysis was carried out to simulate the seismic behaviors of CFRP‐confined partially deteriorated RC columns. The numerical results were verified by the laboratory tests of six specimens. Based on the finite element results, the failure location of partially deteriorated columns in an earthquake was predicted, and the effectiveness of CFRP retrofitted on partially deteriorated columns was evaluated.
Early Critical Care Course in Children after Liver Transplant
Authors: Kukreti Vinay , Daoud Hani , Bola Sundeep S. , Singh Ram N. , Atkison Paul , Kornecki Alik
Published: September 2014

Objective.To review the critical care course of children receiving orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).Methods.A retrospective chart review of patients admitted to the pediatric critical care following OLT performed in our center between 1988 and 2011.Results.A total of 149 transplants in 145 patients with a median age of 2.7 (IQR 0.9–7) years were analyzed. Mortality in the first 28 days was 8%. The median length of stay (LOS) was 7 (4.0–12.0) days. The median length of mechanical ventilation (MV) was 3 (1.0–6.2) days. Open abdomen, age, and oxygenation index on the 2nd day predicted LOS. Open abdomen, age, amount of blood transfused during surgery, and PRISM III predicted length of MV. 28% of patients had infection and 24% developed acute rejection. In recent group (2000–2011) OLT was performed in younger patients; the risk of infection and acute rejection was reduced and patients required longer LOS and MV compared with old group (1988–1999).Conclusion.The postoperative course of children after OLT is associated with multiple complications. In recent years OLT was performed in younger children; living donors were more common; the rate of postoperative infection and suspected rejection was reduced significantly; however patients required longer MV and LOS in the PCCU.
Treatment of Acute Flares of Chronic Pancreatitis Pain with Ultrasound Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block: A Novel Application of a Pain Management Technique in the Acute Care Setting
Authors: Smith Daryl I. , Hoang Kim , Gelbard Wendy
Published: September 2014

The use of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to provide either analgesia or anesthesia to the anterior abdominal wall is well described. The technique yields high analgesic effectiveness and is opioid sparing and potentially of long duration with reported analgesia lasting up to 36 hours. When compared to neuraxial analgesia, TAP blocks are associated with a lower incidence of hypotension and motor blockade. TAP blocks are typically described as providing somatic analgesia only without any effect on visceral pain. There may be, however, certain conditions in which TAP blocks can provide effective analgesia in pain of visceral or mixed somatic and visceral origin. We describe two cases in which TAP blockade provided complete control of pain considered to be of visceral origin.
Concomitant Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of Gallbladder and Breast Cancer
Authors: Aiello Paolo , Aragona Francesco , Territo Valentina , Caruso Anna Maria , Patti Rosalia , Buscemi Salvatore , Di Vita Gaetano
Published: September 2014

The neuroendocrine carcinoma is defined as a high-grade malignant neuroendocrine neoplasm arising from enterochromaffin cells, usually disposed in the mucosa of gastric and respiratory tracts. The localization in the gallbladder is rare. Knowledge of these gallbladder tumors is limited and based on isolated case reports. We describe a case of an incidental finding of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder, observed after cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis, in a 55-year-old female, who already underwent quadrantectomy and sentinel lymph-node biopsy for breast cancer. The patient underwent radiotherapy for breast cancer and six cycles of chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide. Eighteen months after surgery, the patient was free from disease. Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder has poor prognosis. Because of the rarity of the reported cases, specific prognostic factors have not been identified. The coexistence of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder with another malignancy has been reported only once. The contemporary presence of the two neoplasms could reflect that bioactive agents secreted by carcinoid can promote phenotypic changes in susceptible cells and induce neoplastic transformation.
Some Properties of the Intersection Graph for Finite Commutative Principal Ideal Rings
Authors: Abu Osba Emad , Al-Addasi Salah , Abughneim Omar
Published: September 2014

Let R be a commutative finite principal ideal ring with unity, and let G(R) be the simple graph consisting of nontrivial proper ideals of R as vertices such that two vertices I and J are adjacent if they have nonzero intersection. In this paper we continue the work done by Abu Osba. We calculate the radius, eccentricity, domination number, independence number, geodetic number, and the hull number for this graph. We also determine when G(R) is chordal. Finally, we study some properties of the complement graph of G(R).
Antenatal Atazanavir: A Retrospective Analysis of Pregnancies Exposed to Atazanavir
Authors: Samuel Miriam , Bradshaw Daniel , Perry Melissa , Chan Sum Yee , Dhairyawan Rageshri , Byrne Laura , Smith Katherine , Zhou Judith , Short Charlotte Eve , Naftalin Claire , Offodile Ngozi , Mandalia Sundhiya , Roedling Sherie , Shah Rimi , Brook Gary , Poulton Mary , Rodgers Mette , Sarner Liat , Noble Heather , Hay Philip , Anderson Jane , Natha Macky , Hawkins David , Taylor Graham , de Ruiter Annemiek
Published: September 2014

Introduction.There are few data regarding the tolerability, safety, or efficacy of antenatal atazanavir. We report our clinical experience of atazanavir use in pregnancy.Methods.A retrospective medical records review of atazanavir-exposed pregnancies in 12 London centres between 2004 and 2010.Results.There were 145 pregnancies in 135 women: 89 conceived whilst taking atazanavir-based combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), “preconception” atazanavir exposure; 27 started atazanavir-based cART as “first-line” during the pregnancy; and 29 “switched” to an atazanavir-based regimen from another cART regimen during pregnancy. Gastrointestinal intolerance requiring atazanavir cessation occurred in five pregnancies. Self-limiting, new-onset transaminitis was most common in first-line use, occurring in 11.0%. Atazanavir was commenced in five switch pregnancies in the presence of transaminitis, two of which discontinued atazanavir with persistent transaminitis. HIV-VL < 50 copies/mL was achieved in 89.3% preconception, 56.5% first-line, and 72.0% switch exposures. Singleton preterm delivery (<37 weeks) occurred in 11.7% preconception, 9.1% first-line, and 7.7% switch exposures. Four infants required phototherapy. There was one mother-to-child transmission in a poorly adherent woman.Conclusions.These data suggest that atazanavir is well tolerated and can be safely prescribed as a component of combination antiretroviral therapy in pregnancy.
Pretargeted Dual-Modality Immuno-SPECT and Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging for Image-Guided Surgery of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lütje Susanne , Rijpkema Mark , Goldenberg David M. , van Rij Catharina M. , Sharkey Robert M. , McBride William J. , Franssen Gerben M. , Frielink Cathelijne , Helfrich Wijnand , Oyen Wim J.G. , Boerman Otto C.
Published: September 2014

Radical removal of malignant lesions may be improved using tumor-targeted dual-modality probes that contain both a radiotracer and a fluorescent label to allow for enhanced intraoperative delineation of tumor resection margins. Because pretargeting strategies yield high signal-to-background ratios, we evaluated the feasibility of a pretargeting strategy for intraoperative imaging in prostate cancer using an anti–TROP-2 x anti-HSG bispecific antibody (TF12) in conjunction with the dual-labeled diHSG peptide (RDC018) equipped with both a DOTA chelate for radiolabeling purposes and a fluorophore (IRdye800CW) to allow near-infrared optical imaging. Nude mice implanted s.c. with TROP-2–expressing PC3 human prostate tumor cells or with PC3 metastases in the scapular and suprarenal region were injected i.v. with 1 mg of TF12 and, after 16 hours of tumor accumulation and blood clearance, were subsequently injected with 10 MBq, 0.2 nmol/mouse of either 111In-RDC018 or 111In-IMP288 as a control. Two hours after injection, both microSPECT/CT and fluorescence images were acquired, both before and after resection of the tumor nodules. After image acquisition, the biodistribution of 111In-RDC018 and 111In-IMP288 was determined and tumors were analyzed immunohistochemically. The biodistribution of the dual-label RDC018 showed specific accumulation in the TROP-2–expressing PC3 tumors (12.4 ± 3.7% ID/g at 2 hours postinjection), comparable with 111In-IMP288 (9.1 ± 2.8% ID/g at 2 hours postinjection). MicroSPECT/CT and near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging confirmed this TROP-2–specific uptake of the dual-label 111In-RDC018 in both the s.c. and metastatic growing tumor model. In addition, PC3 metastases could be visualized preoperatively with SPECT/CT and could subsequently be resected by image-guided surgery using intraoperative NIRF imaging, showing the preclinical feasibility of pretargeted dual-modality imaging approach in prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 74(21); 6216–23. ©2014 AACR.