bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of obesity and associated cardiovascular risk: the DARIOS study
Authors: Félix-Redondo Francisco Javier , Grau María , Baena-Díez José Miguel , Dégano Irene R , de León Antonio Cabrera , Guembe Maria Jesús , Alzamora María Teresa , Vega-Alonso Tomás , Robles Nicolás R , Ortiz Honorato , Rigo Fernando , Mayoral-Sanchez Eduardo , Tormo Maria José , Segura-Fragoso Antonio , Fernández-Bergés Daniel
Published: June 2013

Background

To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Spanish population as measured with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) and to determine the associated cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

Pooled analysis with individual data from 11 studies conducted in the first decade of the 21st century. Participants aged 35–74 years were asked about the history of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Height, weight, WC, blood pressure, glycaemia, total cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and coronary risk were measured. The prevalence of overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2), general obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2), suboptimal WC (≥ 80 cm and < 88 in women, ≥ 94 and < 102 in men), abdominal obesity (WC ≥88 cm ≥102 cm in women and men, respectively) and WHtR ≥0.5 was estimated, standardized for the European population.

Results

We included 28,743 individuals. The prevalence of overweight and suboptimal WC was 51% and 30% in men and 36% and 22% in women, respectively; general obesity was 28% in both sexes and abdominal obesity 36% in men and 55% in women. The prevalence of WHtR ≥0.5 was 89% and 77% in men and women, respectively. All cardiovascular risk factors were significantly associated with abnormal increased values of BMI, WC and WHtR. Hypertension showed the strongest association with overweight [OR = 1.99 (95% confidence interval 1.81-2.21) and OR = 2.10 (1.91-2.31)]; suboptimal WC [OR = 1.78 (1.60-1.97) and OR = 1.45 (1.26-1.66)], with general obesity [OR = 4.50 (4.02-5.04), and OR = 5.20 (4.70-5.75)] and with WHtR ≥0.5 [OR = 2.94 (2.52-3.43), and OR = 3.02 (2.66-3.42)] in men and women respectively, besides abdominal obesity in men only [OR = 3.51 (3.18-3.88)]. Diabetes showed the strongest association with abdominal obesity in women [OR = 3,86 (3,09-4,89).

Conclusions

The prevalence of obesity in Spain was high. Overweight, suboptimal WC, general, abdominal obesity and WHtR ≥0.5 was significantly associated with diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and coronary risk. The use of lower cut-off points for both BMI and particularly WC and could help to better identify the population at risk and therefore achieve more effective preventive measures.
Lipopolysaccharide induces the expression of an autocrine prolactin loop enhancing inflammatory response in monocytes
Authors: López-Rincón Gonzalo , Pereira-Suárez Ana L , Del Toro-Arreola Susana , Sánchez-Hernández Pedro E , Ochoa-Zarzosa Alejandra , Muñoz-Valle José Francisco , Estrada-Chávez Ciro
Published: June 2013

Background

Prolactin from pituitary gland helps maintain homeostasis but it is also released in immune cells where its function is not completely understood. Pleiotropic functions of prolactin (PRL) might be mediated by different isoforms of its receptor (PRLr).

Methods

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the eventual synthesis of PRL and PRLr isoforms with the inflammatory response in monocytes. We used THP-1 and monocytes isolated from healthy subjects stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Western blot, real time PCR and immunocytochemistry were performed to identify both molecules. The bioactivity of the PRL was assessed using a bioassay and ELISA to detect pro inflammatory cytokines.

Results

PRLr mRNA and PRL mRNA were synthesized in THP-1 monocytes activated with LPS with peaks of 300-fold and 130-fold, respectively. The long (100 kDa) and the intermediate (50 kDa) isoforms of PRLr and big PRL (60 kDa) were time-dependent upregulated for monocytes stimulated with LPS. This expression was confirmed in monocytes from healthy subjects. The PRLr intermediate isoform and the big PRL were found soluble in the culture media and later in the nucleus in THP-1 monocytes stimulated with LPS. Big PRL released by monocytes showed bioactivity in Nb2 Cells, and both PRL and PRLr, synthesized by monocytes were related with levels of nitrites and proinflammatory citokines.

Conclusions

Our results suggest the expression of a full-autocrine loop of PRL enhances the inflammatory response in activated monocytes. This response mediated by big PRL may contribute to the eradication of potential pathogens during innate immune response in monocytes but may also contribute to inflammatory disorders.
Fixed point theorems in generalized metric spaces with applications to computer science
Authors: Alghamdi Maryam A , Shahzad Naseer , Valero Oscar
Published: June 2013

In 1994, Matthews introduced the notion of a partial metric space in order to obtain a suitable mathematical tool for program verification (Matthews in Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 728:183-197, 1994). He gave an application of this new structure to formulate a suitable test for lazy data flow deadlock in Kahn’s model of parallel computation by means of a partial metric version of the celebrated Banach fixed point theorem (Matthews in Theor. Comput. Sci. 151:195-205, 1995). In this paper, motivated by the utility of partial metrics in computer science, we discuss whether they are a suitable tool for asymptotic complexity analysis of algorithms. Concretely, we show that the Matthews fixed point theorem does not constitute, in principle, an appropriate implement for the aforementioned purpose. Inspired by the preceding fact, we prove two fixed point theorems which provide the mathematical basis for a new technique to carry out asymptotic complexity analysis of algorithms via partial metrics. Furthermore, in order to illustrate and to validate the developed theory, we apply our results to analyze the asymptotic complexity of two celebrated recursive algorithms.

MSC:47H10, 54E50, 54F05, 68Q25, 68W40.
Induction of immune tolerance and reduction of aggravated lung eosinophilia by co-exposure to Asian sand dust and ovalbumin for 14 weeks in mice
Authors: He Miao , Ichinose Takamichi , Yoshida Seiichi , Takano Hirohisa , Nishikawa Masataka , Sun Guifan , Shibamoto Takayuki
Published: June 2013

Background

Atmospheric contamination caused by Asian sand-dust (ASD) storms aggravates asthma in both human adults and children. This study aims to investigate a series of manifestations in allergic airway disease caused by co-exposure to allergens and ASD for 6 weeks and 14 weeks.

Methods

CD-1 Mice were instilled intratracheally with 0.1 mg of ASD/mouse four times (6 weeks) or eight times (14 weeks) at 2-week intervals (total dose of 0.4 mg or 0.8 mg/mouse) with or without ovalbumin (OVA). The pathologic changes in the airway, cytological alteration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and levels of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in BALF, and OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 antibodies in serum were measured in the treated CD-1 mice.

Results

Four-time co-exposure to OVA and ASD aggravates allergic airway inflammation along with Th2-cytokine IL-13 and eosinophil-relevant cytokine/chemokines IL-5, Eotaxin and MCP-3 in BALF, and fibrous thickening of the subepithelial layer in the airway. On the other hand, eight-time co-exposure attenuates these changes along with a significant increase of TGF-β1 in BALF. Adjuvant effects of ASD toward IgG1 and IgE production in sera were, however, still seen in the eight-time co-exposure.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the immune responses in airways are exacerbated by four-time co-exposure to ASD with OVA, but that there is a shift to suppressive responses in eight-time co-exposure, suggesting that the responses are caused by TGF-β1-related immune tolerance.
A seroepidemiological survey of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever among Cattle in North Kordufan State, Sudan
Authors: Adam Ibrahim A , Mahmoud Mubarak AM , Aradaib Imadeldin E
Published: June 2013

Background

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), caused by CCHF virus (CCFV), may cause a fatal hemorrhagic illness in humans with mortality rate of approximately 30%. However, in animals the disease is typically asymptomatic and no clinical hemorrhagic infections appears to be associated with CCHFV. Recently, CCHF activity has been detected in western and southern Kordufan region, Sudan. Currently, no information is available in regard to previous exposure of livestock to CCHFV infection in the region.

Aims

In the present study, a seroepidemiological survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of CCHF and to identify the potential risk factors associated with the disease among cattle in North Kordufan State, Sudan.

Methods

In this survey, 299 blood samples were collected randomly from six localities in North Kordufan State and were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of CCHFV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies.

Results

The result of the study indicated that the prevalence rate of CCHF was relatively high among cattle, where serological evidence of the infection was observed in 21 (7.0%) of 299 animals. Older cattle were eight times more likely to be infected with the virus (OR=8.0824, CI=1.174-66.317, p-value=0.034). Cross breeds were at 37 time higher at risk compared to endogenous breed (OR=37.06, CI=1.455-944, p-value=0.029). Highly tick-infested cattle are 6 times higher at risk for CCHF when compared to tick-free animals (OR=6.532, CI=1.042-10.852, p-value=0.030).

Conclusion

It is recommended that surveillance of CCHF should be extended to include other ruminant animals and to study the distribution of ticks in the region to better predict and respond to CCHF outbreak in the State of North Kordufan, Sudan.
Antidepressant drugs and sexual dysfunction
Authors: Baldwin David S. , Foong Thomas
Published: June 2013

Depressive symptoms and depressive illness are associated with impairments in sexual function and satisfaction but the findings of randomised placebo-controlled trials demonstrate that antidepressant drugs can be associated with the development or worsening of sexual dysfunction. Sexual difficulties during antidepressant treatment often resolve as depression lifts but may persist over long periods, and can reduce self-esteem and affect mood and relationships adversely. Sexual dysfunction during antidepressant treatment is typically associated with many possible causes, but the risk of dysfunction varies with differing antidepressants, and should be considered when selecting an antidepressant.
Thermometer-free Detection and Control of Temperature for Microwave-assisted Flow Reactions
Authors: Nishioka Masateru , Miyakawa Masato , Sato Koichi , Miyazawa Akira , Suzuki Toshishige M
Published: June 2013

Thermometer-free sensing of temperature in a microwave (MW)-assisted flow reactor was realized from the variation of resonance frequency associated with the dielectric property of the target material. This method enabled detection and control of water flow temperature with 1.5 °C precision without use of a thermometer probe.
Fire Resistance of RC Frame in Case of Post Earthquake Fire
Authors: Lazarov Ljupco , Cvetkovska Meri , Todorov Koce
Published: June 2013

Fire following an earthquake is an important factor causing damage to buildings and life-line structures. Therefore, besides satisfying structural design requirements for normal loads, such as dead and live loads including the seismic hazard, buildings should also be designed to withstand the fire following earthquakes for a certain minimum duration as required for a desired level of performance. The behavior of a particular reinforced concrete structure that was fire exposed after seismic action is presented in this paper. The seismic response of the structure is evaluated using a pushover analysis, while the displacement demand under the corresponding seismic event is determined using the recommendations implemented in Eurocode 8.
The technical infrastructure of dialysis centres as part of health services
Authors: Dryl-Rydzyńska Teresa , Książek Piotr
Published: June 2013

Introduction. An indispensable organisational precondition for the provision of health services is that the entity providing medical treatment possesses a specific technical infrastructure. Thus, the technical infrastructure constitutes an integral element of health services, including haemodialysis.
Aim. Creating a model of financing the costs of development and maintenance of the technical infrastructure of healthcare providers, especially dialysis centres.
Material and methods. The author has presented a definition of health services and the definitions and components of the technical infrastructure of a dialysis centre. Basing on the literature and her own data obtained from 73 dialysis centres of the Fresenius Nephrocare Polska Group, she has created a theoretical model of the haemodialysis centre.
Results. The model includes all elements of the technical infrastructure and forms the point of departure for a qualitative and quantitative definition of cost elements required in order to take into consideration a calculation of the price of the services.
Conclusions. The quality of the technical infrastructure of the entity providing medical treatment and participating in the international exchange of health services shall constitute an important element, determining its position on the market. Therefore, the commencement of work on a cohesive and efficient model of financing the costs of development and maintenance of the technical infrastructure of entities providing medical treatment in the Polish health care system is an absolute necessity.
Restructuring of District Hospital in Kraśnik. Part I – Neurology
Authors: Kos Marek , Książek Piotr , Drop Bartłomiej , Rej-Kos Iwona
Published: June 2013

Introduction. Analysis of functioning of the Independent Public Healthcare Centre in Kraśnik led to the decision on the deep restructuring of this institution. One of departments, in which the annual cost was bigger than the income was Neurological Department. Far-reaching changes in hospital activity were introduced by enlarging this medical ward, establishing the stroke sub-unit and the Department of the Neurological Rehabilitation.
Aim. The research aimed at demonstrating the relation between the restructuring of the Neurological Ward, and the size of the contract with the National Health Fund. Additionally establishing the relationship between the conducted restructuring, and changes of the value of such indicators as: the number of man-days, the cost of the man-day, the number of the hospitalizations, the cost of the hospitalization and the income and costs of the analysed unit were additional goals.
Material and methods. The research covered 2006-2012.Values of agreements with the National Health Fund were analysed in hospital treatment in neurology and in rehabilitation in the scope of neurological rehabilitation. Numbers of man-days and the hospitalization, as well as a value of the cost of both the income of the man-day and the hospitalization were examined.
Results. Scores of benefits entered in agreements in the type of the hospital treatment from 2006 constantly expands and in the course of six years it grew by about 78.82%.at that time also three-fold increase in the amount of funds from National Health Fund for stationary treatment of neurological patients was obtained.
Conclusions. The restructuring of the neurological ward produced the desired effect in the form of exercising considerably substantial amount of neurological benefits, both in the type hospital treatment, as well as in the type of rehabilitation. The action improved the accessibility to benefits of the health care of the neurological profile, as well as caused the complexity of these benefits.
Assesment and attitude to hospitalization among selected hospitals in Silesia region in public opinion
Authors: Bembnowska Marta , Tyrpień Mirosław , Jośko-Ochojska Jadwiga
Published: June 2013

Introduction. The purpose of majority of health care institutions is providing the patients with comfort and the quality of the medical services, which is especially important during prolonged hospitalization.
Aim. The study presents an analysis of the hospitalization assessment in Silesia Region in public opinion among 4 age groups.
Material and methods. The research was carried out by anonymous polling of 193 people including 109 women and 84 men.
Results. The results indicate that majority of the hospitalized are women in the age over 60 and men from the third age group (45-60). The best impressions associated with hospital treatment were given by the respondents aged 45-60, but men were more satisfied than women (84%, 57%). Surgical treatment was experienced by the biggest number of respondents over 60 years (86% – women, 75% – men) and it wasn’t related with stronger stress. Significant stress was correlated with hospital treatment among patients who had never been hospitalized before and it was generated by fear of surgery and pain. More than a half of all the questioned subjects consider the medical staff as nice and with a sense of duty.
Conclusion. To sum up, the people who had been hospitalized before gave a more-positive opinion about the hospital personnel and social conditions. The stress was mainly connected with the anxiety of surgical treatment, pain and social conditions. Less than a half of all respondents from each group estimated the order and hygienic conditions choosing the most bulleted answer.
Opinions of nursing students on the presentation of the learning content of the e-learning course “Health Care Law”
Authors: Gotlib Joanna
Published: June 2013

Introduction. For the first time in the history of the Faculty of Health Science, Warsaw Medical University, the e-learning course in “Education in Health Care Law” was started in the academic year 2011/2012.
Aim. The aim of the study was to analyse the opinions of students on the presentation of the learning course in the form of an e-learning course.
Material and methods. A group of 156 Master’s degree students (39%) participated in the study: 84 second year full-time students and 72 first year part-time students, including 152 women. An anonymous questionnaire on Moodle e-learning platform was used as a research method: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGpoU0puUk5Qak9xaUpnOEN2NTZNX3c6MQ.
Results. Ninety eight percent (98%) of the students participated in an e-learning course for the first time and would be interested in this form of learning in the future (78%). Seventy percent (70%) of the study participants reported that the course improved the quality of teaching. Ninety one percent (91%) of the students admitted that the learning content was interesting, and 70% of the study participants reported that this form of teaching made them interested in the course and motivated them to broaden their knowledge. Among the most interesting modules were those concerning: patients’ rights and nursing organizations. During the e-learning course, 61% of the study participants devoted more time to learning compared to traditional courses. As little as 20 persons experienced technical difficulties when using Moodle platform.
Conclusions. Positive opinions on the e-learning course and its positive influence on the quality of teaching of this subject prevailed among the study group of students. Studies on opinions of students will be continued among a larger group of students, because the remarks of the students allow organizational improvement of the courses in compliance with their expectations, which may further improve the quality and attractiveness of online learning as well as its effectiveness.
Obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Dobrowolska-Zarzycka Magdalena , Szymańska Jolanta
Published: June 2013

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disease characterized by the occurrence of at least five 10-second pauses in breathing (apnea) or abnormally low breathing events (hypopnea) accompanied with a decrease in blood oxygen saturation by 2-4% per hour of sleep, despite continued, or even intensified, movements of respiratory muscles.
OSA is diagnosed in 4% of men and 2% of women who develop the disease later, usually after the menopause. The severity of the disease is assessed with Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) indicating the average number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep. OBS is a multicausal disease. The reported risk factors include: obesity, anatomical and post-inflammatory abnormalities in the structure of upper respiratory tract, inappropriate sleep hygiene, maxillary and mandibular deficiencies. The disease may lead to numerous life-threatening complications.
Maintaining a correct body mass, good sleep hygiene, rational use of hypnotic drugs and appropriate surgical-orthodontic treatment of patients with malocclusions and anatomic craniofacial anomalies are the basic principles of preventing OBS in patients prone to this disease.
Patient consent to the use of genetic material in Poland and worldwide
Authors: Patryn Rafał , Goniewicz Mariusz , Włoszczak-Szubzda Anna , Goniewicz Krzysztof , Sak Jarosław
Published: June 2013

Currently developed and functioning models of so-called informed consent seem to be insufficient in case of the application, handling, or use of the genetic material, and may lead to over-interpretation or misinterpretation of the formal rules for using the stored genetic material. In medical practice, the aim is to obtain patient’s consent to any interventions not only therapeutic, but also other, having a diagnostic character. These interventions often lacking direct medicinal goal, are often associated with a high risk to the health of the patient, who should be informed about that. The most common form of consent is called informed consent, in which the emphasis is primarily put on the patient’s understanding of what needs to be signed on a specific form. The informed consent is a fundamental element of the subjective permission to submit to any intervention that interferes in bodily-mental realm of man. Currently valid provisions contained in a number of non-synchronized with each other regulatory acts selectively treat the concept of informed consent in the case of working with genetic material (the use, processing) and its terminal (temporary) use. The issue of storing genetic material in biobanks (both worldwide and in Poland) does not have a leading and promoting solution, and the present standards specifying the type and nature of consent are rather formal parts of different formal acts than a single standardized model. There is a need to have a new uniform interpretation of the law, which could be the basis for the concept of consent as a declaration of intent for the use of genetic material.
The report presents a formal-legal approach to the issue of the concept and scope of consent as a declaration of intent, in the case of genetic material use. The currently existing in Poland and in the world legal solutions of the interpretations of the concept and scope of consent, as a declaration of intent for the use of genetic material, have been analyzed. The actual and hypothetical disputable and interpretation issues have been discussed. The paper presents original solution clarifying the issues of informed consent, which can be used in practice.
Intraspecific variation in Gracilaria birdiae (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta): growth, and agar yield and quality of color strains under aquaculture
Authors: Ursi Suzana , Costa Viviane L. , Hayashi Leila , Pereira Ricardo T.L. , Paula Edison J. , Plastino Estela M.
Published: June 2013

Based on their distinct physiological characteristics, we postulated that different strains of Gracilaria birdiae (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) would have distinct performances when grown in the sea. Samples from a northeastern Brazil population, including red (RD-CE), greenish-brown (GB-CE), and green (GR-CE) strains, and one red strain (RD-ES) from a southeastern population were cultivated in Ubatuba Bay, southeastern Brazil. We analyzed the survival ability, growth rate, and the agar yield and quality of these strains. The growth rates (GRs) and seawater temperatures were measured for 16 months. The northeastern population strains were in good condition during all the cultivation periods, while the RD-ES strain had a lower GR and died during some time periods. Overall, the GR ranged from 0.4% to 4.4% day-1, depending on the strain and the period of cultivation. The GRs of the RD-CE, GR-CE, and GB-CE strains were similar during all the cultivation periods. The increased GR in all the strains of G. birdiae seemed to be related to a slight rise in the seawater temperature. However, the GRs decreased in all the strains when the temperatures remained high for the protracted periods. In addition to their similar GRs, the RD-CE and GR-CE strains had similar yields and qualities as the polysaccharides. We concluded that these three strains are suitable for testing as the candidates for future commercial cultivation.
Willmore surfaces in 3-sphere foliated by circles
Authors: Lü Ying , Wang Changping
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we can completely determine the conformal class of Willmore circle-foliated surfaces by a solution of elastic equation and a constant. Moreover, the circle-foliated minimal surfaces in three space forms are also classified.
Ring coproducts embedded in power-series rings
Authors: Ara Pere , Dicks Warren
Published: June 2013

Let R be a ring (associative, with 1),
and let R〈〈a,b〉〉 denote the power-series R-ring in two
non-commuting, R-centralizing variables, a and b. Let A be an R-subring of R〈〈a〉〉 and B be an
R-subring of R〈〈b〉〉. Let α denote the natural
map A ⨿
R

B → R〈〈a,b〉〉.
This article describes some situations where α is injective and some where it is not.

We prove that if A is a right Ore localization of R[a] and B
is a right Ore localization of R[b], then α is injective. For example, the group ring over R of the free group on
{1+a,1+b} is
R[(1+a)±] ⨿
R

R[(1+b)±],
which then embeds in R〈〈a,b〉〉. We thus recover a celebrated result of R. H. Fox,
via a proof simpler than those previously known.

We show that α is injective if R is
Π-semihereditary, that is, every finitely generated,
torsionless, right R-module is projective. (This concept was first
studied by M. F. Jones, who showed that it is left-right
symmetric. It follows from a result of
I. I. Sahaev that
if w.gl.dim R ≤ 1 and R embeds in a skew field,
then R is Π-semihereditary. Also, it follows from a result of
V. C. Cateforis
that if R is right semihereditary and right self-injective,
then R is Π-semihereditary.)

The arguments and results extend easily from two variables to any
set of variables.

The article concludes with some results contributed by
G. M. Bergman that describe situations
where α is not injective. He shows that if R is commutative and
w.gl.dim R ≥ 2,
then there exist examples where the map
α': A ⨿
R

B → R〈〈a〉〉 ⨿
R

R〈〈b〉〉
is not injective, and hence neither is α. It follows from a result of K. R. Goodearl that
when R is a commutative, countable, non-self-injective, von
Neumann regular ring, then the map
α'': R〈〈a〉〉 ⨿
R

R〈〈b〉〉
→ R〈〈a,b〉〉 is not injective. Bergman gives procedures for constructing
other examples where α'' is not injective.
Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Review, Potentials, Barriers and Myths
Authors: Heinstein Patrick , Ballif Christophe , Perret-Aebi Laure-Emmanuelle
Published: June 2013

To date, none of the predictions that have been made about the emerging BIPV industry have really hit the target. The anticipated boom has so far stalled and despite developing and promoting a number of excellent systems and products, many producers around the world have been forced to quit on purely economic grounds. The authors believe that after this painful cleansing of the market, a massive counter trend will follow, enlivened and carried forward by more advanced PV technologies and ever-stricter climate policies designed to achieve energy neutrality in a cost-effective way. As a result, the need for BIPV products for use in construction will undergo first a gradual and then a massive increase. The planning of buildings with multifunctional, integrated roof and façade elements capable of fulfilling the technical and legal demands will become an essential, accepted part of the architectonic mainstream and will also contribute to an aesthetic valorisation. Until then, various barriers need to be overcome in order to facilitate and accelerate BIPV. Besides issues related to mere cost-efficiency ratio, psychological and social factors also play an evident role. The goal of energy change linked to greater use of renewables can be successfully achieved only when all aspects are taken into account and when visual appeal and energy efficiency thus no longer appear to be an oxymoron.
Progress towards direct inhibitors of Stat5 protein
Authors: Cumaraswamy Abbarna A. , Gunning Patrick T.
Published: June 2013

Molecular approaches to inhibit STAT5 signaling have been hailed as a viable targeted anticancer therapy. In particular, many drugs and drug candidates have been developed to successfully inhibit upstream effectors of STAT5 by indirectly targeting cell surface receptors and protein kinases (FLT-3, JAK2, and BCR-ABL). Indirect strategies have yielded potent agents, such as imatinib, AC2207, and EXEL823 which effectively silence STAT5 activity but which suffer from off-target effects and toxicity. This article will focus on reviewing the current literature pertaining to direct inhibitors of STAT5 protein and assess the prospects for a future STAT5-targeting therapeutic.
Unusual cause of urethral bleeding in an adolescent: a case in dilemma
Authors: Singh Dig Vijay , Mandal Arup Kumar
Published: June 2013

Numerous cases of self-inflicted foreign bodies in the male urethra have been reported. A case of a self-inflicted urethral injury or hemangioma in an adolescent that presented a dilemma is described here. An adolescent male of 14 years presented with a complaint of intermittent urethral bleeding for a week. He attributed this to blunt trauma sustained while playing in school. On examination, there was no sign suggestive of any trauma or any abnormal lesion on the genitalia or surrounding area. On cystourethroscopy, there was a solitary hemorrhagic lesion of 0.5 cm with a bluish base on the ventral surface of the pendular urethra, 1 cm proximal to the fossa navicularis, which was ablated using Ho:YAG laser fiber (365 μm) through a working channel mounted in an OIU (optical internal urethrotomy) sheath. The absence of any sign of external trauma or presentation after 1 week of the incident suggests an element of falseness in the history. It may be due to embarrassment or fear, which contributes to self-insertion of foreign bodies into the urethra as the primary cause, especially in adolescent males. However, the trauma can be coincidental, with the bleeding of the urethra caused by a urethral lesion like a hemangioma and might present after a long gap of 1 week due to a lack of understanding or lack of severe symptoms. Most patients of self-inflicted injuries are too ashamed to admit that they inserted any object. A psychiatric evaluation is recommended for all these adolescents, with appropriate medical therapy when indicated.
Perception of transition readiness and preferences for use of technology in transition programs: teens’ ideas for the future
Authors: Applebaum Mark A. , Lawson Erica F. , von Scheven Emily
Published: June 2013

Background: Efforts to facilitate transition of care to adult providers for adolescents with chronic disease are not uniformly successful and many patients encounter challenges. The goal of this study was to assess transition readiness and preferences for tools to aid in the transition process with an emphasis on technology and social media.

Methods: We surveyed and performed focus groups on patients aged 13–21 years from a pediatric university-based rheumatology and general pediatric practice. Demographics and transition readiness were assessed using a questionnaire. Transition readiness was assessed by examining patient knowledge and independence with care. Focus groups were conducted to elicit perspectives about desirable features of a transition program and useful tools.

Results: Thirty-five patients completed surveys; and 20 patients and 13 of their parents participated in a focus group. The median patient age was 17 years and 74.3% were female. A Likert scale (0–10, 10=most) was used to evaluate concern over changing to an adult medical provider, (mean=6.4, SD=2.6), preparedness for disease self-management (mean=6.0, SD=2.8), and perceived importance of self-managing their condition (mean=7.1, SD=3.1). Themes that emerged from focus groups included a desire for support groups with other teens, a preference for using text messaging for communication and a desire for an online health management program.

Conclusions: Teens with chronic disease are able to identify health maintenance tasks and strategies that will aid in developing independence with healthcare management. These findings support the idea that developing engaging applications and support groups will assist teens in the transitioning.
Reflections of Chinese students on a university subject on leadership and intrapersonal development
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L.
Published: June 2013

Students were invited to write personal reflections about the subject, called “Tomorrow’s Leaders,” to examine its effectiveness in promoting holistic development in students. Based on the reflections of 104 students, data were separately rated by two independent raters using a standardized rating form. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability analyses revealed that the coding of reflections was reliable. Results showed that the informants generally had positive feedbacks about the subject and lecturers. Furthermore, they perceived that the subject promoted their overall development in different domains. Exemplar cases were highlighted in this paper.
Understanding Challenges to Food Security in Dry Arab Micro-States: Evidence from Qatari Micro-Data
Authors: Abul Basher Syed , Raboy David , Kaitibie Simeon , Hossain Ishrat
Published: June 2013

Using Qatar as a case study, we exploit a novel micro-data set for 102 raw agricultural imported commodities on a shipment-by-shipment basis over the period January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2010. The data comprise over half a million individual observations, with a very rich set of characteristic specifications. Several interesting initial results emerge from the analysis. First, we find evidence of import-price volatility far in excess of world price volatility across a wide spectrum of commodities. Second, supply origins for virtually all commodities are highly concentrated. In many cases, commodities are sole sourced. Third, although less so, concentration is evidenced among Qatari importing companies for certain commodities. Fourth, we notice anomalies that lead to inefficient shipping methodologies and associated increased costs. The paper concludes by providing an empirical illustration of hedonic price modeling for barley followed by guidance for future empirical research.
Inhibition of key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes and sodium nitroprusside-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas by water-extractable phytochemicals from unripe pawpaw fruit (Carica papaya)
Authors: Oboh Ganiyu , Olabiyi Ayodeji A. , Akinyemi Ayodele J. , Ademiluyi Adedayo O.
Published: June 2013

Background: Various parts of unripe pawpaw (Carica papaya Linn) fruit have been reportedly used for the management or treatment of diabetes mellitus in folklore medicine. Therefore, the present study sought to investigate the inhibitory effects of the aqueous extract of different parts of unripe pawpaw fruit on key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas in vitro.

Methods: The aqueous extracts of the unripe pawpaw (C. papaya) fruit parts were prepared (1:20 w/v) and the ability of the extracts to inhibit α-amylase, α-glucosidase and SNP-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas in vitro was investigated.

Results: The results revealed that all the extracts inhibited α-amylase (IC50=0.87–1.11 mg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC50=1.76–2.64 mg/mL) and SNP-induced lipid peroxidation (IC50=1.99–2.42 mg/mL) in a dose-dependent manner. However, combination of the flesh, seed and peel in equal amounts had the highest inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities.

Conclusions: Strong inhibitory activities of the unripe pawpaw fruit against key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes and SNP-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas could be part of the mechanism by which unripe pawpaw is used in the management/prevention of diabetes mellitus in folk medicine. However, combining the unripe pawpaw fruit parts in equal amounts exhibited synergistic properties on α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.
Two-parameter discrepancy principle for combined projection and Tikhonov regularization of ill-posed problems
Authors: Regińska Teresa
Published: June 2013

For solving a linear ill-posed problem, a combination of Tikhonov regularization and a finite dimensional projection method is considered. In the present paper we treat the dimension of the projection as the second parameter of regularization. The method using the discrepancy set of all regularization parameter pairs which satisfy a certain discrepancy principle is investigated. For the case of truncated SVD and LSQ projection methods, under the standard source conditions, an order of convergence is derived. This order of convergence is optimal under the same conditions as those for Tikhonov regularization with the discrepancy principle and without additional discretization.
An Intelligent Fused Approach for Face Recognition
Authors: Meethongjan Khitikun , Dzulkifli Mohamad , Rehman Amjad , Altameem Ayman , Saba Tanzila
Published: June 2013

Face detection plays important roles in many applications such as human–computer interaction, security and surveillance, face recognition, etc. This article presents an intelligent enhanced fused approach for face recognition based on the Voronoi diagram (VD) and wavelet moment invariants. Discrete wavelet transform and moment invariants are used for feature extraction of the facial face. Finally, VD and the dual tessellation (Delaunay triangulation, DT) are used to locate and detect original face images. Face recognition results based on this new fusion are promising in the state of the art.
First synthesis of asperopterin A, an isoxanthopterin glycoside from Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Hanaya Tadashi , Yamamoto Hiroshi
Published: June 2013

The key precursor, N
2-(N,N-dimethylaminomethylene)-6-hydroxymethyl-8-methyl-3-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl]-7-xanthopterin (16) was efficiently prepared from 2,5-diamino-6-methylamino-3H-pyrimidin-4-one (5) and ethyl 3-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-2-oxopropionate (12), followed by the protection of the pteridine ring. Glycosylation of 16 with 1-O-acetyl-2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-D-ribofuranose (18) in the presence of tin(IV) chloride yielded the corresponding β-D-ribofuranoside. Successive removal of the protecting groups of the resulting D-ribofuranoside provided asperopterin A (4b).
Modification and adsorption performance of ultrafine iron matrix composite powder
Authors: Zhang Li , Ding Yao , Liu Yu-Juan , Zheng Xi , Liu Sheng-Li
Published: June 2013

Ultrafine matrix composite powder was prepared from brown corundum slag, grinding balls, anhydrous ethanol, and modifier using a planetary ball mill. The adsorption material was used for dyeing wastewater treatment. A pH instrument, spectrophotometer, and digital water bath oscillator were used to study the amount of modifier, milling speed, milling time, ball-to-powder weight ratio, and slurry concentration to investigate the effects of preparation conditions on the adsorption performance of adsorbent material. The prepared adsorbents and activated carbon were used to adsorb methylene blue in solution under the same conditions to compare adsorbent dosage, adsorption time, temperature, pH of solution, and initial concentration of methylene blue and to study their effects on methylene blue decolorization rate. The experiment results show that dosage of R of 7.5%, ball-to-powder weight ratio of 14:1, rotational speed of 500 rpm, slurry concentration of 20%, and ball milling time of 2.5 h were the optimum parameters. The composite powder (4 g/l) was added to methylene blue wastewater (35 mg/l), pH was adjusted to 6, and adsorption was carried out for 0.5 h at 30°C. The removal rate reached 99.4%.
Persistence in real exchange rate convergence
Authors: Stengos Thanasis , Yazgan M. Ege
Published: June 2013

In this paper we use a long memory framework to examine the validity of the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) hypothesis using both monthly and quarterly data for a panel of 47 countries over a 50 year period (1957–2009). The analysis focuses on the long memory parameter d that allows us to obtain different convergence classifications depending on its value. Our analysis allows for the presence of smooth structural breaks and it does not rely on the use of a benchmark. Overall the evidence strongly points to the presence of a long memory process, where 0.5<d<1. The implication of our results is that we find long memory mean reverting convergence, something that is also consistent with Pesaran, M. H., R. P. Smith, T. Yamagata, and L. Hvozdyk. 2009. “Pairwise Tests of Purchasing Power Parity.” Econometric Reviews 28: 495–521. In explaining the speed of convergence as captured by the estimated long memory parameter d we find impediments to trade such as distance between neighboring countries and sticky prices to be mainly responsible for the slow adjustment of real exchange rates to PPP rather than nominal rates for all country groups but Asia, where the opposite is true.
Redetermination of the structure of N-(2-benzoyl-4-chlorophenyl)-2- chloroacetamide, C15H11Cl2NO2
Authors: Yamuna Thammarse S. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Ramakrishna Ramesha A. , Gerber Thomas , Hosten Eric , Betz Richard
Published: June 2013

C15H11Cl2NO2, triclinic, P1¯ (no. 2), a = 5.9681(3) Å, b = 9.9888(5) Å, c = 11.9936(6) Å, α = 81.800(2)°, β = 77.113(2)°, γ = 81.364(2)°, V = 684.6 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0314, wRref(F2) = 0.0818, T = 200 K.
Probing Small Protonated Water Clusters in Acetonitrile Solutions by 1H NMR
Authors: Sigalov Mark V. , Kalish Noah , Carmeli Benny , Pines Dina , Pines Ehud
Published: June 2013

In a previous publication by Kalish et al. (J. Phys. Chem. A 115 (2011) 4063) the existence of well defined small protonated water clusters in acetonitrile has been established by IR spectroscopy. Here we report on a 1H NMR study of triflic acid, CF3SO3H, in acetonitrile-water solutions. Using NMR we are able to corroborate the general solvation scheme we have proposed for the hydrated proton in acetonitrile as a function of the molar ratio between the strong mineral acid and water, n = [H2O]/[acid]. According to this scheme, backed now by both IR absorption spectroscopy and NMR measurements, the very strong triflic acid completely dissociates in acetonitrile/water solutions to yield the aqueous proton and the triflate anion when n > 1. Furthermore, increasing n results in the proton solvated in increasingly larger water clusters formed within the acetonitrile solution.

Clearly distinguishable by NMR are the smallest protonated water clusters, the protonated water monomer, H3
+O, and the protonated water dimer, H5
+O2, which dominate the solution for n = 1,2,3. For larger n the NMR study indicates the gradual increase of the average protonated water cluster size as a function of n while the proton inner solvation core more closely retaining the characteristics of a deformed protonated water dimer, (H2O-H+⋯OH2)
s
than that of the protonated water monomer (H3
+O)
s
.
The Genetic Architecture of Methotrexate Toxicity Is Similar in Drosophila melanogaster and Humans
Authors: Kislukhin Galina , King Elizabeth G , Walters Kelli N , Macdonald Stuart J , Long Anthony D
Published: June 2013

The severity of the toxic side effects of chemotherapy varies among patients, and much of this variation is likely genetically based. Here, we use the model system Drosophila melanogaster to genetically dissect the toxicity of methotrexate (MTX), a drug used primarily to treat childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and rheumatoid arthritis. We use the Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource, a panel of recombinant inbred lines derived from a multiparent advanced intercross, and quantify MTX toxicity as a reduction in female fecundity. We identify three quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting MTX toxicity; two colocalize with the fly orthologs of human genes believed to mediate MTX toxicity and one is a novel MTX toxicity gene with a human ortholog. A fourth suggestive QTL spans a centromere. Local single-marker association scans of candidate gene exons fail to implicate amino acid variants as the causative single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and we therefore hypothesize the causative variation is regulatory. In addition, the effects at our mapped QTL do not conform to a simple biallelic pattern, suggesting multiple causative factors underlie the QTL mapping results. Consistent with this observation, no single single-nucleotide polymorphism located in or near a candidate gene can explain the QTL mapping signal. Overall, our results validate D. melanogaster as a model for uncovering the genetic basis of chemotoxicity and suggest the genetic basis of MTX toxicity is due to a handful of genes each harboring multiple segregating regulatory factors.
Oxidation Dynamics of a Chain of Aluminum Nanoparticles
Authors: Shekhar Adarsh , Wang Weiqiang , Clark Richard , Kalia Rajiv K. , Nakano Aiichiro , Vashishta Priya
Published: June 2013

Multimillion-atom molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate burning behavior of a chain of three alumina-coated aluminum nanoparticles (ANPs), where particles one and three are heated above the melting temperature of pure aluminum. The mode and mechanism behind the heat and mass transfer from the hot ANPs (particles one and three) to the middle, cold ANP (particle two) are studied. The hot nanoparticles oxidize first, after which hot Al atoms penetrate into the cold nanoparticle. It is also found that due to the penetration of hot Al atoms, the cold nanoparticle oxidizes at a faster rate than in the initially heated nanoparticles. The calculated speed of penetration is found to be 54 m/s, which is within the range of experimentally measured flame propagation rates. As the atoms penetrate into the central ANP, they maintain their relative positions. The atoms from the shell of the central ANP form the first layer, which is followed by the atoms from the shell of the outer ANP making the second layer and lastly the atoms from the core of the outer ANPs form the third layer. In addition to heating the central ANP by convection, the ejected hot Al atoms from the outer ANPs initiate exothermic oxidation reactions inside the central ANP, leading to further heating within the central ANP. During 1 ns, all three ANPs fuse together, forming a single ellipsoidal aggregate.
The Influence of Modifiers on the Pigmentary Properties of Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Gleń Marta A. , Grzmil Barbara U.
Published: June 2013

In the present work modified titanium dioxide products are prepared. The influence of introduced modifiers (phosphorus, potassium, aluminium, and tin) on the photoactivity, optical properties, and phase composition of titanium dioxide is studied. The molar contents of P2O5, K2O, Al2O3, and SnO2 in relation to TiO2 are 0.10, 0.18, 0.24, and 0.08-1.32 mol%, respectively. The research is aimed at obtaining the pigmentary rutile TiO2 with the highest possible photostability and improved optical properties.