bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association between Maternal Perception of Obstetric and Pediatric Care Providers’ Attitudes and Exclusive Breastfeeding Outcomes
Authors: Ramakrishnan Rema , Oberg Charles N. , Kirby Russell S.
Published: November 2013

Background:

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for 6 months. Successful breastfeeding requires support from family members, peers, and health care professionals.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the association between maternal perception of the attitudes of obstetric and pediatric care providers about infant feeding during the neonatal period and exclusive breastfeeding at 1, 3, and 6 months.

Methods:

The study sample consisted of 1602 women from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II (2005-2007), a longitudinal study of women in the United States. Analyses included chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests and logistic regression models.

Results:

Mothers who perceived that the obstetric care provider favored exclusive breastfeeding were significantly more likely to exclusively breastfeed their infants at 1 and 3 months (odds ratio [OR] = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-2.24; and OR = 1.41, 95% CI, 1.09-1.80, respectively) as compared to mothers who perceived that the obstetric care provider was neutral about the type of infant feeding. Similarly, mothers who perceived that the pediatric care provider favored exclusive breastfeeding had higher odds of exclusively breastfeeding their infants at 1 and 3 months (OR = 1.53, 95% CI, 1.17-1.99; and OR = 1.51, 95% CI, 1.17-1.95, respectively) as compared to mothers who perceived that the pediatric care provider was neutral about the type of infant feeding. The association was no longer significant at 6 months.

Conclusion:

Maternal perception of obstetric and pediatric care providers’ preference for exclusive breastfeeding during the neonatal period is associated with exclusive breastfeeding until 3 months.
Equivalent rectangular stress distribution in thermoplastic beam design
Authors: Coskun Hilmi
Published: November 2013

Thermoplastics with and without fiber-reinforced plastic reinforcement are currently being used in waterfront applications, for example, in piers instead of timber and reinforced concrete pilings. Although the use of thermoplastics as the compression members exists, they have not been used as the flexural members in civil engineering structures such as bridges or building. To be able to safely use these materials as flexural elements in structures, the suitability of the design procedures needs to be investigated. In this study, ultimate strength design procedure similar to the one used in concrete structures was developed for thermoplastic beams. Experimental data were also provided for comparison. Although the needed coefficients used in the procedure need modifications by more experiments, the developed procedure shall be valuable for practicing engineer using familiar procedures of reinforced concrete design.
A novel model to predict the fatigue life of thermoplastic nanocomposites
Authors: Shokrieh MM , Esmkhani M , Taheri-Behrooz F
Published: November 2013

In this article, a new model was developed to predict the fatigue life and stiffness reduction in thermoplastics filled with two-dimensional nanoparticles. The established model is a combination of micromechanics model and the normalized stiffness degradation approach. It was assumed that under fatigue loading condition, only stiffness of thermoplastic resin was degraded due to the temperature rise and thermal softening phenomena, while the stiffness of the nanofillers remains unchanged. The developed model is capable of predicting the fatigue life of thermoplastic nanocomposites based on the experimental data of the neat thermoplastic resin without nanofillers. The results obtained by the new model are in very good agreement with the experimental data of polyamide-6 pellets and hectorite clay nanocomposites under constant stress amplitudes fatigue loading conditions.
Rotary ultrasonic machining of optical K9 glass using compressed air as coolant: A feasibility study
Authors: Zhang Chenglong , Cong Weilong , Feng Pingfa , Pei Zhijian
Published: November 2013

Optical K9 glass has been used in a variety of applications, including optics, electronics, thermodynamics, and fluidics. It has been regarded as a difficult-to-cut material because of its superior mechanical properties. Rotary ultrasonic machining using cutting fluid has been used successfully to machine many different types of brittle materials, such as ceramics, sapphire, and optical K9 glass. Dry machining has been successfully employed in the machining of some materials. However, there are no reported investigations on the rotary ultrasonic machining of optical K9 glass using compressed air as a coolant. This article, for the first time, investigates the rotary ultrasonic machining of optical K9 glass using compressed air as a coolant. The experimental investigations focus on the effects of the input variables (ultrasonic power, spindle speed, and feedrate) on the output variables (edge chipping size, cutting force, surface roughness, and ultrasonic power consumption).
A novel approach to process improvement in small and medium manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Tadić Danijela , Misita Mirjana , Milanovic Dragan D , Djukic Tijana , Senussi Galal
Published: November 2013

Continuous business process improvement is a well-known strategy referred to as the “Japanese approach” to industrial production. Nowadays, it presents one of the basic requirements set by the ISO 9004:2000 standard. A new fuzzy model based on the Ishikawa diagram is proposed, whereby the rank of business losses of the main process at the manufacturing company level is determined, respecting the values of identified causes that lead to the formation of business losses, as well as their relative importance. In this article, it is assumed that the relative importance and values of causes are determined by descriptive linguistic expressions. The linguistic expressions are obtained by the fuzzy rating of a management team. The proposed algorithm determines the business losses with the highest possibility of occurrence and calculates the degrees of beliefs that some business losses are more likely to happen than the others. Real-life industrial data on small and medium companies operating in central Serbia and numerical examples are given to illustrate the method.
Analysis and optimization of surface finish of wire electrical discharge machined miniature gears
Authors: Gupta Kapil , Jain Neelesh K
Published: November 2013

This article reports about analysis and optimization of surface roughness parameters (i.e. average roughness Ra and maximum roughness Rt) of wire electrical discharge machined fine-pitch miniature spur gears made of brass. Effects of four wire electrical discharge machining process parameters (i.e. voltage, pulse-on time, pulse-off time and wire feed rate) on the surface roughness parameters of the miniature gears were studied by conducting 29 experiments with two replicates each and designed based on Box–Behnken approach of response surface methodology. Analysis of variance study found all four input parameters to be significant. Experimentally, the surface roughness has been found to increase with higher voltage and longer pulse-on time and decrease with longer pulse-off time and higher wire feed rate. Desirability analysis was used to optimize the wire electrical discharge machining parameters, so as to minimize the Ra and Rt simultaneously. Optimum values of Ra and Rt obtained from the confirmation experiments conducted at the optimized wire electrical discharge machining parameters are superior than the values reported in the literature. Artificial neural network model has been developed for prediction of the surface roughness of the wire electrical discharge machined miniature gears. Very close agreement was found among the surface roughness values predicted by response surface methodology and artificial neural network with the corresponding experimental values.
A model to determine the optimal parameters for sustainable-energy machining in a multi-pass turning operation
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Stroud Ian A , Akten Olcay
Published: November 2013

This study presents a model for the optimization of machining parameters for the minimum energy consumption in a multi-pass turning operation. The model takes into account finishing and roughing passes separately for the energy optimization followed by the dual optimization of the energy functions for a combination of one finishing pass and multiple roughing passes to finish a desired diameter on a cylindrical workpiece. The parametric constraints, tool-life constraints and operational constraints are enforced in the model before optimizing the energy function using non-linear programming. The model is applied to an example case for the optimization. The effects of total-depth-to-be-removed, material removal rate and tool replacement time are evaluated on the optimal parameters for sustainable machining.
Offline flexible optimisation of feed and speed in computer numerical control machining of sculptured surfaces exploiting dedicated cutting force metamodels
Authors: Benardos Panorios , Vosniakos George-Christopher
Published: November 2013

An intelligent offline optimisation system for feed and spindle speed in three-axis machining of sculptured surfaces is presented. Optimisation is performed by a standard genetic algorithm seeking, in this instance, to minimise machining force variation along designated sections of the tool path. Machining force is modelled realistically, rather than mechanistically, by dedicated artificial neural networks trained with a low number of experimental data that are obtained from the very equipment on which machining is to be carried out. The artificial neural networks employ the material volume removed per tool revolution as calculated using a standard solid modelling engine. The artificial neural network model architecture is optimally determined in a rigorous way as opposed to often followed trial-and-error approaches, and it is made use of directly in the evaluation function of the optimiser. This framework is flexible enough to enable definition of constraints, additional evaluation criteria and desirable force patterns to guide optimisation. Effectiveness of the approach is successfully demonstrated for finish machining a hemispherical part.
Mechanical behaviour of the in vivo paediatric and adult trunk during respiratory physiotherapy
Authors: Zhu Yumin , Bruyère-Garnier Karine , Mitton David , Vajda Emmanuel , Bermond François
Published: November 2013

The load–deflection response of the human trunk has been studied using various methods. The different shapes observed may be due to the methodology and the population. The purpose of this study is to quantify and explain the in vivo mechanical response of paediatric and adult trunks during respiratory physiotherapy. Eight children aged 5–15 months and eight healthy adult volunteers aged 30–87 years participated in this study. The force applied by the physiotherapist and the displacement of the targets on his hands were recorded. Parameters were also measured and calculated to compare against other studies. Time lags between force time histories and displacement time histories were observed on both children and adults. Different time lags resulted in different shapes of the force–displacement curves. Factors including respiration, muscle contraction and loading pattern are part of the assumptions used to explain this phenomenon. The maximum displacements of the paediatric and adult trunks were 18 and 44 mm, respectively, with a maximum load of 208 and 250 N, respectively. This study provides a better explanation of the peculiar force–displacement characteristics of both living and active children and adults under a non-injurious, low-rate compression condition. Complementary data (e.g. muscle activity and breathing) should be collected in the future to go towards in vivo human trunk modelling.
Flow-induced wall mechanics of patient-specific aneurysmal cerebral arteries: Nonlinear isotropic versus anisotropic wall stress
Authors: Cornejo Sergio , Guzmán Amador , Valencia Alvaro , Rodríguez Jose , Finol Ender
Published: November 2013

Fluid–structure interaction simulations of three patient-specific models of cerebral aneurysms were carried out with the objective of quantifying the effects of non-Newtonian blood flow and the vessel mechanical behavior on the time-dependent fluid shear and normal stresses, and structural stress and stretch. The average wall shear stress at peak systole was found to be approximately one order of magnitude smaller than the shear stresses in the proximal communicating arteries, regardless of the shape or size of the aneurysms. Spatial distributions of oscillatory shear index were consistent with the reciprocal of wall shear stress distributions at peak systole for all aneurysm geometries, demonstrating that oscillatory shear index correlates inversely with wall shear at this time point in the cardiac cycle. An aneurysm wall modeled with an isotropic material resulted in an underestimation of both the maximum principal stress and stretch, compared to the anisotropic material model. For the three aneurysm geometries, anisotropic peak wall stresses were approximately 50% higher than for an isotropic material. Regardless of the constitutive material, the maximum stresses were consistently located at the aneurysm neck; stresses in the dome were 30% of those in the neck.
Enhancing Provider Knowledge and Patient Screening for Palliative Care Needs in Chronic Multimorbid Patients Receiving Home-Based Primary Care
Authors: Wharton Tracy , Manu Erika , Vitale Caroline A.
Published: November 2013

This article describes a pilot model to increase palliative care (PC) knowledge and collaboration among providers and to systematically identify chronic multimorbid home care patients who would benefit from focused discussion of potential PC needs. Thirty health care providers from a home-based primary care team attended interdisciplinary trainings. The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) tool was used to trigger discussions of potential palliative needs at team rounds for patients who scored below a cutoff point on the tool. Palliative Performance Scale implementation added little burden on nurses and triggered a discussion in 51 flagged patients. The tool successfully identified 75% of patients who died or were discharged. Screening was systematic and consistent and resulted in targeted discussions about PC needs without generating additional burden on our PC consult service. This model shows promise for enhancing collaborative patient care and access to PC.
States, subjects and sovereign power: Lessons from global gun cultures
Authors: Carlson Jennifer D
Published: November 2013

This article examines demand for guns for personal protection in the USA, South Africa, and India. To make sense of pro-gun sentiment across these different contexts, I argue that gun owners and carriers who arm themselves for personal protection represent a particular kind of ‘responsibilized’ subject. Drawing on Foucault’s analysis of sovereign power and governmentality, I develop a theory of the ‘sovereign subject’. This is a political rationality marked by private individuals’ capacity and desire to perform sovereign functions that the state has typically monopolized, specifically the exercise of legitimate, lethal violence. I conclude the article by suggesting four characteristics (historically precarious state monopoly on sovereign power; legality of civilian use of guns; preponderance of criminal guns; and US influence) that may encourage demand for guns in high-crime societies.
A Modern Behavioral Treatment to Address Fetishism and Associated Functional Impairment
Authors: Wong Sarver Nina , Gros Daniel F.
Published: November 2013

The clinical research and treatment options for sexual paraphilias are scant and have generally been limited to psychodynamic and early behavioral approaches. This article highlights the application of two existing evidence-based modern behavioral interventions, specifically behavioral activation and sensate focused therapy, to treat foot fetishism/sexual impulses and co-occurring mood/anxiety symptoms in a 57-year-old male Vietnam War veteran. This brief 6-week treatment addressed the patient’s complicating psychosocial factors and medical conditions, and focused on targeting behavioral avoidance symptoms associated with fetishism and depression (e.g., increasing socially and sexually appropriate and positive reinforcing behaviors in his environment). The patient no longer met diagnostic criteria for fetishism and endorsed significant reductions in depressed mood, anxiety, and stress at post-treatment and 1-month follow-up. This case illustrated how current behavioral treatments may be used to successfully treat patients with rare symptom presentations who may otherwise be neglected within a medical system.
Return to Sport and Performance After Microfracture in the Knees of National Basketball Association Players
Authors: Harris Joshua D. , Walton David M. , Erickson Brandon J. , Verma Nikhil N. , Abrams Geoffrey D. , Bush-Joseph Charles A. , Bach Bernard R. , Cole Brian J.
Published: November 2013

Background:

Use of microfracture in the knees of National Basketball Association (NBA) players is controversial.

Hypotheses:

(1) There would be a high rate of return to sport (RTS) in NBA players following microfracture, (2) players would RTS the season following surgery, (3) preoperative player performance would not be significantly different on RTS, and (4) there would be no significant difference in RTS rate or postoperative performance in players undergoing microfracture in comparison with an age-, position-, NBA experience–, and performance-matched control group.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

NBA players undergoing microfracture were evaluated. Age-, body mass index–, position-, NBA experience–, and performance-matched controls were selected from the NBA during the same years as those undergoing microfracture. An index year was selected (controls) to match the number of seasons of NBA experience in microfracture cases. RTS and performance were analyzed and compared between cases and controls. Student t tests were performed for analysis of within- and between-group variables.

Results:

A total of 41 NBA players underwent microfracture and were compared with 41 demographic- and performance-matched controls. Rate of RTS after microfracture was 73% in the NBA and 83% in professional basketball (NBA, D-league, and International Basketball Federation [FIBA]). Time to RTS in NBA was 9.20 ± 4.88 months. Seventy-one percent (29/41) of players RTS the season following microfracture. Length of NBA career following microfracture (4.10 ± 3.91 years) was not significantly different from controls. After microfracture, case athletes played fewer games per season and with fewer points and steals per game (relative to premicrofracture; P < .05). Performance was better in control (after index year) versus case players (after microfracture) with regard to points per game, games played per season, and field goal and free throw percentage ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Eighty-three percent of NBA players undergoing microfracture returned to professional basketball. Career length was not significantly different between players undergoing microfracture and controls. However, following microfracture, players competed in fewer games per season with fewer points and steals.
A SNP in the 5′ flanking region of the myostatin-1b gene is associated with harvest traits in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Peñaloza Carolina , Hamilton Alastair , Guy Derrick R , Bishop Stephen C , Houston Ross D
Published: November 2013

Background

Myostatin (MSTN) belongs to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily and is a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle development and growth in mammals. Most teleost fish possess two MSTN paralogues. However, as a consequence of a recent whole genome-duplication event, salmonids have four: MSTN-1 (−1a and -1b) and MSTN-2 (−2a and -2b). Evidence suggests that teleost MSTN plays a role in the regulation of muscle growth. In the current study, the MSTN-1b gene was re-sequenced and screened for SNP markers in a commercial population of Atlantic salmon. After genotyping 4,800 progeny for the discovered SNPs, we investigated their association with eight harvest traits - four body-weight traits, two ratios of weight traits, flesh colour and fat percentage - using a mixed model association analysis.

Results

Three novel SNPs were discovered in the MSTN-1b gene of Atlantic salmon. One of the SNPs, located within the 5′ flanking region (g.1086C > T), had a significant association with harvest traits (p < 0.05), specifically for: Harvest Weight (kg), Gutted Weight (kg), Deheaded Weight (kg) and Fillet Weight (kg). The haplotype-based association analysis was consistent with this result because the two haplotypes that showed a significant association with body-weight traits, hap4 and hap5 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively), differ by a single substitution at the g.1086C > T locus. The alleles at g.1086C > T act in an additive manner and explain a small percentage of the genetic variation of these phenotypes.

Conclusions

The association analysis revealed that g.1086C > T had a significant association with all body-weight traits under study. Although the SNP explains a small percentage of the variance, our results indicate that a variation in the 5′ flanking region of the myostatin gene is associated with the genetic regulation of growth in Atlantic salmon.
De novo transcriptome sequencing of radish (Raphanus sativusL.) and analysis of major genes involved in glucosinolate metabolism
Authors: Wang Yan , Pan Yan , Liu Zhe , Zhu Xianwen , Zhai Lulu , Xu Liang , Yu Rugang , Gong Yiqin , Liu Liwang
Published: November 2013

Background

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.), is an important root vegetable crop worldwide. Glucosinolates in the fleshy taproot significantly affect the flavor and nutritional quality of radish. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying glucosinolate metabolism in radish taproots. The limited availability of radish genomic information has greatly hindered functional genomic analysis and molecular breeding in radish.

Results

In this study, a high-throughput, large-scale RNA sequencing technology was employed to characterize the de novo transcriptome of radish roots at different stages of development. Approximately 66.11 million paired-end reads representing 73,084 unigenes with a N50 length of 1,095 bp, and a total length of 55.73 Mb were obtained. Comparison with the publicly available protein database indicates that a total of 67,305 (about 92.09% of the assembled unigenes) unigenes exhibit similarity (e –value ≤ 1.0e-5) to known proteins. The functional annotation and classification including Gene Ontology (GO), Clusters of Orthologous Group (COG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that the main activated genes in radish taproots are predominately involved in basic physiological and metabolic processes, biosynthesis of secondary metabolite pathways, signal transduction mechanisms and other cellular components and molecular function related terms. The majority of the genes encoding enzymes involved in glucosinolate (GS) metabolism and regulation pathways were identified in the unigene dataset by targeted searches of their annotations. A number of candidate radish genes in the glucosinolate metabolism related pathways were also discovered, from which, eight genes were validated by T-A cloning and sequencing while four were validated by quantitative RT-PCR expression profiling.

Conclusions

The ensuing transcriptome dataset provides a comprehensive sequence resource for molecular genetics research in radish. It will serve as an important public information platform to further understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in biosynthesis and metabolism of the related nutritional and flavor components during taproot formation in radish.
Genome sequence and analysis of methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha DL1
Authors: Ravin Nikolai V , Eldarov Michael A , Kadnikov Vitaly V , Beletsky Alexey V , Schneider Jessica , Mardanova Eugenia S , Smekalova Elena M , Zvereva Maria I , Dontsova Olga A , Mardanov Andrey V , Skryabin Konstantin G
Published: November 2013

Background

Hansenula polymorphaDL1 is a methylotrophic yeast, widely used in fundamental studies of methanol metabolism, peroxisome biogenesis and function, and also as a microbial cell factory for production of recombinant proteins and metabolic engineering towards the goal of high temperature ethanol production.

Results

We have sequenced the 9 MbpH. polymorphaDL1 genome and performed whole-genome analysis for theH. polymorphatranscriptome obtained from both methanol- and glucose-grown cells. RNA-seq analysis revealed the complex and dynamic character of theH. polymorphatranscriptome under the two studied conditions, identified abundant and highly unregulated expression of 40% of the genome in methanol grown cells, and revealed alternative splicing events. We have identified subtelomerically biased protein families inH. polymorpha, clusters of LTR elements at G + C-poor chromosomal loci in the middle of each of the sevenH. polymorphachromosomes, and established the evolutionary position ofH. polymorphaDL1 within a separate yeast clade together with the methylotrophic yeastPichia pastorisand the non-methylotrophic yeastDekkera bruxellensis. Intergenome comparisons uncovered extensive gene order reshuffling between the three yeast genomes. Phylogenetic analyses enabled us to reveal patterns of evolution of methylotrophy in yeasts and filamentous fungi.

Conclusions

Our results open new opportunities for in-depth understanding of many aspects ofH. polymorphalife cycle, physiology and metabolism as well as genome evolution in methylotrophic yeasts and may lead to novel improvements toward the application ofH. polymorphaDL-1 as a microbial cell factory.
Pyoderma gangrenosum in refractory celiac disease: a case report
Authors: Sedda Silvia , Caruso Roberta , Marafini Irene , Campione Elena , Orlandi Augusto , Pallone Francesco , Monteleone Giovanni
Published: November 2013

Background

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an inflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by painful cutaneous ulcerations and often associated with systemic inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. Here we report the first case of pyoderma gangrenosum in a patient with refractory celiac disease.

Case presentation

A 52-year-old woman with a previously diagnosed refractory celiac disease resistant to steroids and immunosuppressive drugs presented to our hospital for a rapidly growing, painful inflammatory skin lesion of the left leg. Physical examination revealed a painful lesion with focal ulceration, necrosis and pus discharge with active inflammatory borders at the external part of the left leg. Histological evaluation of a skin biopsy and analysis of inflammatory cytokines and matrix-degrading proteases in lesional skin samples confirmed the clinical suspicion of pyoderma gangrenosum. Treatment with oral prednisone was rapidly followed by a complete healing of the skin lesion but no improvement of symptoms/signs of malabsorption.

Conclusion

Treatment of the patient with systemic steroids healed the skin lesion without improving the underlying refractory celiac disease. This observation raises the possibility that refractory celiac disease and pyoderma gangrenosum may be immunologically different.
Chemopreventive effects of berberine on intestinal tumor development in Apc
min/+mice
Authors: Cao Hailong , Song Shuli , Zhang Hui , Zhang Yujie , Qu Rui , Yang Boli , Jing Yang , Hu Tianhui , Yan Fang , Wang Bangmao
Published: November 2013

Background

Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has shown inhibitory effects on growth of several tumor cell lines in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate chemopreventive effects of berberine on intestinal tumor development in Apc
min/+ mice.

Methods

Four-week old Apc
min/+ mice were treated with 0.05% or 0.1% berberine in drinking water for twelve weeks. The number and the size of tumors were measured to evaluate intestinal tumor development. Tissue sections were prepared for PCNA and Ki-67 immunostaining to detect cell proliferation, and TUNEL assay and cleaved caspase-3 immunostaining for apoptosis. Western blot analysis and immunostaining were performed to detect the activation of Wnt and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathways and COX-2 expression in the intestinal tumor cells. The prostaglandin E2 level in the small intestine was detected using ELISA.

Results

Compared with untreated Apc
min/+ mice, the total numbers of tumors in the small intestine and the colon were reduced by 39.6% and 62.5% in 0.05% and 0.1% berberine-treated mice, respectively. The numbers of tumors in proximal, middle, and distal segments of the small intestine in 0.1% berberine-treated mice were significantly reduced by 53.7%, 55.3%, and 76.5% respectively. Berberine treatment also decreased the numbers of all sizes of tumors (>2 mm, 1–2 mm, and <1 mm) in the small intestine. Berberine suppressed tumor cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. Furthermore, berberine decreased the activation levels of Wnt and EGFR signaling pathways, and down-regulated COX-2 expression in intestinal tumor cells and prostaglandin E2 production in the small intestine.

Conclusions

Berberine inhibits intestinal tumor development, which is correlated with its activity to suppress tumor cell proliferation and increase apoptosis in Apc
min/+ mice. Down-regulation of Wnt and EGFR signaling pathways and COX-2 expression by berberine may be involved in its anti-tumorigenic effects.
Risk factors of mild rectal bleeding in very low birth weight infants: a case control study
Authors: Oulmaati Abdallah , Hays Stephane , Ben Said Mohamed , Maucort-Boulch Delphine , Jordan Isabelle , Picaud Jean-Charles
Published: November 2013

Background

Mild rectal bleeding (MRB) is a particular clinical entity different from necrotizing enterocolitis, which significantly influences neonatal care in preterm infants. We aimed to determine the risk factors and to evaluate prospectively the clinical course of MRB.

Methods

We consecutively included in a case–control study all infants with birth weight ≤ 1500 g or gestational age ≤ 32 weeks admitted to our unit, and presenting MRB, defined as either isolated or associated with mild clinical or radiological signs. We matched each Case with two Controls. Clinical data before, after and at time of MRB were collected, together with stool cultures at time of MRB (or at similar postnatal age in Controls). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent risk factors for the development of MRB.

Results

During 4 years, among 823 very low birth weight (VLBW) infants admitted to our unit, 72 (8.8%) had MRB. The median duration of rectal bleeding was 1.1 [1–2] days and the fasting period lasted 2.9 [2–10] days. A relapse occurred in 24% of cases. In multivariate analysis, only hypertension during pregnancy (p = 0.019), growth restriction at onset of bleeding (p = 0.026), and exposure to ibuprofen (p = 0.003) were independent risk factors for MRB. In Cases there were more infants withClostridium Difficilein stools than in Controls (p = 0.017).

Conclusion

Hypertension during pregnancy, even without intrauterine growth restriction, appeared to carry the same risk for MRB as exposure to ibuprofen and extrauterine growth restriction.
A specific miRNA signature promotes radioresistance of human cervical cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Bin , Chen Jun , Ren Zhenghua , Chen Yongbin , Li Jinhui , Miao Xia , Song Yang , Zhao Tao , Li Yurong , Shi Yongquan , Ren Dongqing , Liu Junye
Published: November 2013

Background

The mechanisms responsible for cervical cancer radioresistance are still largely unexplored. The present study aimed to identify miRNAs associated with radioresistance of cervical cancer cells.

Methods

The radioresistant cervical cancer cell variants were established by repeated selection with irradiation. The miRNA profiles of radioresistant cells and their corresponding controls were analyzed and compared using microarray. Differentially expressed miRNAs were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Cervical cancer cells were transfected with miRNA-specific mimics or inhibitors. Radiosensitivity of cervical cancer cells were determined using colony-forming assay.

Results

Among the differentially expressed miRNAs, 20 miRNAs showed the similar pattern of alteration (14 miRNAs were overexpressed whilst 6 were suppressed) in all three radioresistant cervical cancer cell variants compared to their controls. A miRNA signature consisting of 4 miRNAs (miR-630, miR-1246, miR-1290 and miR-3138) exhibited more than 5 folds of increase in radioresistant cells. Subsequent analysis revealed that these four miRNAs could be up-regulated in cervical cancer cells by radiation treatment in both time-dependent and dose-dependent manners. Ectopic expression of each of these 4 miRNAs can dramatically increase the survival fraction of irradiated cervical cancer cells. Moreover, inhibition of miR-630, one miRNA of the specific signature, could reverse radioresistance of cervical cancer cells.

Conclusions

The present study indicated that miRNA is involved in radioresistance of human cervical cancer cells and that a specific miRNA signature consisting of miR-630, miR-1246, miR-1290 and miR-3138 could promote radioresistance of cervical cancer cells.
Targeting Cdc42 with the small molecule drug AZA197 suppresses primary colon cancer growth and prolongs survival in a preclinical mouse xenograft model by downregulation of PAK1 activity
Authors: Zins Karin , Gunawardhana Sandun , Lucas Trevor , Abraham Dietmar , Aharinejad Seyedhossein
Published: November 2013

Background

Rho GTPases play important roles in cytoskeleton organization, cell cycle progression and are key regulators of tumor progression. Strategies to modulate increased Rho GTPase activities during cancer progression could have therapeutic potential.

Methods

We report here the characterization of a Cdc42-selective small-molecule inhibitor AZA197 for the treatment of colon cancer that was developed based on structural information known from previously developed compounds affecting Rho GTPase activation. We investigated the effects of AZA197 treatment on RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42 activities and associated molecular mechanisms in colon cancer cells in vitro. Therapeutic effects of AZA197 were examined in vivo using a xenograft mouse model of SW620 human colon cancer cells. After treatment, tumors were excised and processed for Ki-67 staining, TUNEL assays and Western blotting to evaluate proliferative and apoptotic effects induced by AZA197.

Results

In SW620 and HT-29 human colon cancer cells, AZA197 demonstrated selectivity for Cdc42 without inhibition of Rac1 or RhoA GTPases from the same family. AZA197 suppressed colon cancer cell proliferation, cell migration and invasion and increased apoptosis associated with down-regulation of the PAK1 and ERK signaling pathways in vitro. Furthermore, systemic AZA197 treatment reduced tumor growth in vivo and significantly increased mouse survival in SW620 tumor xenografts. Ki-67 staining and tissue TUNEL assays showed that both inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis associated with reduced PAK/ERK activation contributed to the AZA197-induced therapeutic effects in vivo.

Conclusions

These data indicate the therapeutic potential of the small-molecule inhibitor AZA197 based on targeting Cdc42 GTPase activity to modulate colorectal cancer growth.
Best proximity and fixed point results for cyclic multivalued mappings under a generalized contractive condition
Authors: De la Sen Manuel , Singh Shyam Lal , Gordji Madjid Eshaghi , Ibeas Asier , Agarwal Ravi P
Published: November 2013

This paper is devoted to investigating the existence of fixed points and best proximity points of multivalued cyclic self-mappings in metric spaces under a generalized contractive condition involving Hausdorff distances. Some background results for cyclic self-mappings or for multivalued self-mappings in metric fixed point theory are extended to cyclic multivalued self-mappings. An example concerned with the global stability of a time-varying discrete-time system is also discussed by applying some of the results obtained in this paper. Such an example includes the analysis with numerical simulations of two particular cases which are focused on switched discrete-time control and integrate the associate theory in the context of multivalued mappings.

MSC:47H10, 55M20, 54H25.
Demonstration of a value of information metric to assess the use of geophysical data for a groundwater application
Authors: Nenna Vanessa , Knight Rosemary
Published: November 2013

Effective groundwater management requires that decision makers choose strategies for the allocation and conservation of water resources that satisfy the objectives of, and draw support from, multiple stakeholders with complex and often contradictory value judgments. We demonstrate a value of information (VOI) approach to assess the benefits of acquiring geophysical data as part of a groundwater management strategy in light of data uncertainty. VOI is a method for determining if the acquisition of information improves a decision maker’s ability to select an optimal action given value judgments, risk tolerance, and anticipated consequences of the action. As a practical example we examine the uncertainty associated with time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) data and evaluate the contribution of these data to management of desalination operations in a coastal aquifer where there is a risk of contaminating freshwater resources. The reliability of TDEM data is evaluated using a forward modeling approach to calculate data sensitivity to parameters of interest in the decision analysis. We evaluate the value added by acquiring uncertain data using a standard VOI approach. The analysis shows additional geophysical information could improve groundwater managers’ ability to make decisions about desalination operations and quantifies the contribution of geophysical data to the management decision. We note several measures that can be taken to improve estimates of the data reliability as well as the valuation of alternative actions.
Multidimensional scaling for the evaluation of a geostatistical seismic elastic inversion methodology
Authors: Azevedo Leonardo , Nunes Ruben , Correia Pedro , Soares Amílcar , Guerreiro Luis , Neto Guenther Schwedersky
Published: November 2013

Due to the nature of seismic inversion problems, there are multiple possible solutions that can equally fit the observed seismic data while diverging from the real subsurface model. Consequently, it is important to assess how inverse-impedance models are converging toward the real subsurface model. For this purpose, we evaluated a new methodology to combine the multidimensional scaling (MDS) technique with an iterative geostatistical elastic seismic inversion algorithm. The geostatistical inversion algorithm inverted partial angle stacks directly for acoustic and elastic impedance (AI and EI) models. It was based on a genetic algorithm in which the model perturbation at each iteration was performed recurring to stochastic sequential simulation. To assess the reliability and convergence of the inverted models at each step, the simulated models can be projected in a metric space computed by MDS. This projection allowed distinguishing similar from variable models and assessing the convergence of inverted models toward the real impedance ones. The geostatistical inversion results of a synthetic data set, in which the real AI and EI models are known, were plotted in this metric space along with the known impedance models. We applied the same principle to a real data set using a cross-validation technique. These examples revealed that the MDS is a valuable tool to evaluate the convergence of the inverse methodology and the impedance model variability among each iteration of the inversion process. Particularly for the geostatistical inversion algorithm we evaluated, it retrieves reliable impedance models while still producing a set of simulated models with considerable variability.
Does Multitasking Improve Performance? Evidence from the Emergency Department
Authors: KC Diwas Singh
Published: November 2013

This paper examines the effect of multitasking on overall worker performance, as measured by processing time, throughput rate, and output quality using microlevel operational data from the field. Specifically, we study the multitasking behavior of physicians in a busy hospital emergency department (ED). By drawing on recent findings in the experimental psychology literature and the nascent work in cognitive neuroscience, we develop several hypotheses for the effect of multitasking on worker performance. We first examine how multitasking affects a physician's processing time. We find that the total time taken to discharge a given number of patients has a U-shaped response to the level of physician multitasking; that is, multitasking initially helps to reduce the time taken, but only up to a certain threshold level, after which it increases in the level of multitasking. In addition, multitasking significantly impacts quality of care. Although lower levels of multitasking are associated with improved quality of care, at higher levels, additional multitasking leads to a smaller number of detected diagnoses and an increased likelihood of a 24-hour revisit rate to the ED. These findings have important implications for the design and organization of work in general and for the delivery of critical care in particular.
Earthcasting the future Critical Zone
Authors: Goddéris Yves , Brantley Susan L
Published: November 2013

As humans continue to impact the Critical Zone, we need to project how our environment will evolve into the future. To model such change requires the ability to simulate interactions among the lithosphere, pedosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere — including the activities of humans. Such projections, which some have called earthcasts, must be made with mechanistic models that capture the important phenomena, as well as scenarios of human behavior. As an example, we present earthcasts of future weathering in the mid-continent of the USA into the next century of projected warming. Rates of sequestration of CO2 from the atmosphere due to weathering will change in the future as carbonate and silicate minerals are dissolved or precipitated in soil. The downward or upward advance of the carbonate reaction front in the soil is an analogue of the oceanic lysocline. Like the movement of the oceanic lysocline in response to oceanic acidification, this terrestrial lysocline will likely move due to fluxes of CO2 driven by human activity. Understanding this and other responses to perturbations will best be achieved using multiple models for earthcasting.
Calcineurin Activity Assay Measurement by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry in the Multiple Reaction Monitoring Mode
Authors: Carr Lynn , Gagez Anne-Laure , Essig Marie , Sauvage François-Ludovic , Marquet Pierre , Gastinel Louis Noel
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

Blood concentrations of the calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) cyclosporine and tacrolimus are currently measured to monitor immunosuppression in transplant patients. The measurement of calcineurin (CN) phosphatase activity has been proposed as a complementary pharmacodynamic approach. However, determining CN activity with current methods is not practical. We developed a new method amenable to routine use.

METHODS

Using liquid chromatography–multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (LC-MRM-MS), we quantified CN activity by measuring the dephosphorylation of a synthetic phosphopeptide substrate. A stable isotope analog of the product peptide served as internal standard, and a novel inhibitor cocktail minimized dephosphorylation by other major serine/threonine phosphatases. The assay was used to determine CN activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from 20 CNI-treated kidney transplant patients and 9 healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

Linearity was observed from 0.16 to 2.5 μmol/L of product peptide, with accuracy in the 15% tolerance range. Intraassay and interassay recoveries were 100.6 (9.6) and 100 (7.5), respectively. Michaelis–Menten kinetics for purified CN were Km = 10.7 (1.6) μmol/L, Vmax = 2.8 (0.3) μmol/min · mg, and for Jurkat lysate, Km = 182.2 (118.0) μmol/L, Vmax = 0.013 (0.006) μmol/min · mg. PBMC CN activity was successfully measured in a single tube with an inhibitor cocktail.

CONCLUSIONS

Because LC-MRM-MS is commonly used in routine clinical dosage of drugs, this CN activity assay could be applied, with parallel blood drug concentration monitoring, to a large panel of patients to reevaluate the validity of PBMC CN activity monitoring.
“Take Two” Reviews Books
Authors: Warne Jude , Wisniewski Shane
Published: November 2013

Un-American Psycho: Brian De Palma and the Political Invisible, Chris Dumas (2012) Bristol: Intellect Books, 240pp., ISBN: 1841505541 (pbk), $40.00

Un-American Psycho: Brian De Palma and the Political Invisible, Chris Dumas (2012) Bristol: Intellect Books, 240pp., ISBN 1841505541 (pbk), $40.00
Review Film
Authors: Hills Kale
Published: November 2013

Thoughts on the 60th Anniversary of Singin’ in the Rain
Dynamic Growth and Coalescence of Drilled Voids in Pure Copper Sheets
Authors: Wu Shanxing , Chen Danian , Ma Dongfang , Wang Huanran , Hou Yanjun
Published: November 2013

A series of tensile tests for pure copper sheets containing drilled holes of multi-configurations are carried out on a tensile split Hopkinson bar (TSHB) at a range of tensile velocities. The dynamic growth and coalescence of drilled voids were recorded by a high-speed camera. The results of scanning electron microscopical (SEM) investigation of microvoid evolution at edges of ruptured zones between drilled voids in recovered sheets show void coalescence mechanisms, which are similar to evolution of visualized drilled voids. The experimentally recovered and high-speed camera recorded evolution of drilled voids in pure copper sheets are compared with the numerical simulations involving different models for void coalescence in order to overcome the difficulty of assessing the validity of available models for void coalescence. The possible application of Thomason model and Brown–Embury model for void coalescence to thermoviscoplastic material was explored under impact tension, and the rapid local straining of intervoid ligament was revealed.
Complex Population Dynamics in Heterogeneous Environments: Effects of Random and Directed Animal Movements
Authors: Rai Vikas , Upadhyay Ranjit Kumar , Thakur Nilesh Kumar
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we have investigated the complex dynamics of a one-dimensional spatial nonlinear coupled reaction-diffusion system with a Holling type IV functional response, akin to standard Michaelis-Menten inhibitory kinetics. Prey-taxis is included in a general reaction-diffusion equation to incorporate the active movement of predator species towards regions with high prey concentrations or if the predator is following some sort of cue (such as odor) to find the prey. We have carried out stability analysis of both the non-spatial model without diffusive spreading and of the spatial model. We performed extensive computer simulations to identify various parameter ranges for stable homogeneous solution. Our findings specifically elucidate the role of predator diffusion and prey-taxis in controlling emergent structures, and transitions towards spatio-temporal chaos. We observe that the increasing predator random movement and moderate value of prey-taxis stabilize the system.