bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relating Electrochemical Performance Measurements and Surface Analyses of Pr2-XLaxNiO4+
δ Electrode Materials
Authors: Druce John , Kilner John A. , Ishihara Tatsumi
Published: October 2013

The anode in a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) is often the rate-determining component, in terms of both device performance and degradation rates. In order to improve device characteristics, better electrode materials must be developed. Interstitial oxygen conducting electrodes, such as those in the A2BO4 Ruddlesden-Popper family, have been shown to perform well as anodes in SOECs. In this work, we characterize the electrode properties of Ruddlesden-Popper structured (Pr,La)2NiO4+δ electrode materials, and relate these electrochemical properties to the surface composition characterized by Low Energy Ion Scattering (LEIS) spectroscopy.
Why Hospital Pharmacists Have Failed to Manage Antimalarial Drugs Stock-Outs in Pakistan? A Qualitative Insight
Authors: Malik Madeeha , Hassali Mohamed Azmi Ahmad , Shafie Asrul Akmal , Hussain Azhar
Published: October 2013

Purpose. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of hospital pharmacists towards drug management and reasons underlying stock-outs of antimalarial drugs in Pakistan. Methods. A qualitative study was designed to explore the perceptions of hospital pharmacists regarding drug management and irrational use of antimalarial drugs in two major cities of Pakistan, namely, Islamabad (national capital) and Rawalpindi (twin city). Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 hospital pharmacists using indepth interview guides at a place and time convenient for the respondents. Interviews, which were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, were evaluated by thematic content analysis and by other authors’ analysis. Results. Most of the respondents were of the view that financial constraints, inappropriate drug management, and inadequate funding were the factors contributing toward the problem of antimalarial drug stock-outs in healthcare facilities of Pakistan. The pharmacists anticipated that prescribing by nonproprietary names, training of health professionals, accepted role of hospital pharmacist in drug management, implementation of essential drug list and standard treatment guidelines for malaria in the healthcare system can minimize the problem of drug stock outs in healthcare system of Pakistan. Conclusion. The current study showed that all the respondents in the two cities agreed that hospital pharmacist has failed to play an effective role in efficient management of anti-malarial drugs stock-outs.
Spin Polarization Curve of Fractional Quantum Hall States with Filling Factor Smaller than 2
Authors: Sasaki Shosuke
Published: October 2013

Kukushkin et al. have measured the electron spin polarization versus magnetic field in the fractional quantum Hall states. The polarization curves show wide plateaus and small shoulders. The 2D electron system is described by the total Hamiltonian (). Therein, is the sum of the Landau energies and classical Coulomb energies. is the residual interaction yielding Coulomb transitions. It is proven for any filling factor that the most uniform electron configuration in the Landau states is only one. The configuration has the minimum energy of . When the magnetic field is weak, some electrons have up-spins and the others down-spins. Then, there are many spin arrangements. These spin arrangements give the degenerate ground states of . We consider the partial Hamiltonian only between the ground states. The partial Hamiltonian yields the Peierls instability and is diagonalized exactly. The sum of the classical Coulomb and spin exchange energies has minimum for an interval modulation between Landau orbitals. Using the solution with the minimum energy, the spin polarization is calculated which reproduces the wide plateaus and small shoulders. The theoretical result is in good agreement with the experimental data.
Particle Formation by Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Expansion Process
Authors: Pan Sujuan , Zhou Junbo , Li Haiting , Quan Can
Published: October 2013

Supercritical fluid extraction and expansion (SFEE) patented technology combines the advantages of both supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and rapid expansion of supercritical solution (RESS) with on‐line coupling, which makes the nanoparticle formation feasible directly from matrix such as Chinese herbal medicine. Supercritical fluid extraction is a green separation technology, which has been developed for decades and widely applied in traditional Chinese medicines or natural active components. In this paper, a SFEE patented instrument was firstly built up and controlled by LABVIEW work stations. Stearic acid was used to verify the SFEE process at optimized condition; via adjusting the preexpansion pressure and temperature one can get different sizes of particles. Furthermore, stearic acid was purified during the SFEE process with HPLC‐ELSD detecting device; purity of stearic acid increased by 19%, and the device can purify stearic acid.
Multi-Innovation Stochastic Gradient Identification Algorithm for Hammerstein Controlled Autoregressive Autoregressive Systems Based on the Key Term Separation Principle and on the Model Decomposition
Authors: Hu Huiyi , Yongsong Xiao , Ding Rui
Published: October 2013

An input nonlinear system is decomposed into two subsystems, one including the parameters of the system model and the other including the parameters of the noise model, and a multi-innovation stochastic gradient algorithm is presented for Hammerstein controlled autoregressive autoregressive (H-CARAR) systems based on the key term separation principle and on the model decomposition, in order to improve the convergence speed of the stochastic gradient algorithm. The key term separation principle can simplify the identification model of the input nonlinear system, and the decomposition technique can enhance computational efficiencies of identification algorithms. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is effective for estimating the parameters of IN-CARAR systems.
Correcting Fast-Mode Pressure Errors in Storm-Scale Ensemble Kalman Filter Analyses
Authors: Potvin Corey K. , Wicker Louis J.
Published: October 2013

A typical storm-scale ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) analysis/forecast system is shown to introduce imbalances into the ensemble posteriors that generate acoustic waves in subsequent integrations. When the EnKF is used to research storm-scale dynamics, the resulting spurious pressure oscillations are large enough to impact investigation of processes driven by nonhydrostatic pressure gradient forces. Fortunately, thermodynamic retrieval techniques traditionally applied to dual-Doppler wind analyses can be adapted to diagnose the balanced portion of an EnKF pressure analysis, thereby eliminating the fast-mode pressure oscillations. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated using a high-resolution supercell thunderstorm simulation as well as EnKF analyses of a simulated and a real supercell.
Describing the Dynamics and Complexity of Matsumoto-Nonaka's Duopoly Model
Authors: Cánovas Jose S. , Muñoz Guillermo María
Published: October 2013

We study the duopoly model proposed by Matsumoto and Nonaka (2006), in which two firms produce two complementary goods, and there are externalities of different signs. We analyze the topological complexity of the model by computing its topological entropy with prescribed accuracy, and, in addition, we show when such topological complexity is physically observable by characterizing the attractors. Finally, we exploit the fact that reaction maps have negative Schwarzian derivative to show the existence of absolutely continuous (with respect to Lebesgue measure) ergodic measures, and, as an economic application, we compute the average profit for almost all initial conditions.
The Use of 7,7′,8,8′-Tetracyanoquinodimethane for the Spectrophotometric Determination of Some Primary Amines Application to Real Water Samples
Authors: Al-Sabha Theia'a N. , Al-Karemy Najwa M.
Published: October 2013

A sensitive, simple, and accurate spectrophotometric method was developed for the quantitative determination of some primary aliphatic and aromatic amines, that is, ethylamine, 1,2-diaminopropane, aniline, p-aminophenol, and benzidine. The method is based on the interaction of these amines in aqueous medium with 7,7′,8,8′-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) reagent in the presence of a buffer solution and surfactant (in the case of aromatic amines) to form charge-transfer complexes measurable at maximum wavelengths ranging between 323 and 511 nm. Beer’s law is obeyed over the concentration ranges of 0.025 and 3.0 μg/mL and the molar absorptivity is ranged between 8.977 × 103and 5.8034 × 104 L·mol−1·cm−1for these amines. The method was applied for the determination of benzidine in the river, sea, and tap waters. The TCNQ complexes with the previously mentioned amines were formed in the ratio of 1 : 1 amine : TCNQ, and their stability constants ranged between 8.78 × 104and 1.844 × 105 L·mol−1.
Measuring the Response of Extrahepatic Symptoms and Quality of Life to Antiviral Treatment in Patients with Hepatitis C
Authors: Isaacs David , Abdelaziz Nader , Keller Majella , Tibble Jeremy , Haq Inam
Published: October 2013

Background. HCV infection is associated with musculoskeletal manifestations such as chronic widespread pain, sicca syndrome, polyarthritis, and a reduced HRQOL. Little data is available on the effect of treatment on these manifestations. This study measured changes in extrahepatic symptoms and HRQOL before and after antiviral treatment in a large UK patient cohort. Methods. 118 patients completed HQLQ and rheumatological questionnaires before and after treatment with pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin, with specific regard to chronic widespread pain, sicca syndrome, and sustained virological response. Results. There was significant improvement in HQLQ domains of physical functioning, physical disability, social functioning, limitations and health distress due to hepatitis, and general health. There was significant deterioration in domains of positive well-being, health distress, and mental health. There was a significant decline prevalence of CWP (26.3% versus 15.3%, ). Sicca syndrome prevalence fell insignificantly (12.7% versus 11%). SVR was associated positively with all HRQOL changes and significantly with CWP remission. Conclusions. HCV antivirals significantly improve poor HRQOL scores and CWP. Before treatment, both were common, coassociated, and unaccounted for through mixed cryoglobulinemia alone. Although a role of the hepatitis C virus in CWP cannot be deduced by these results, symptomatic improvement via antiviral treatment exists for this subset of patients.
A Religious War? The Cold War and Religion
Authors: Wallace James C.
Published: October 2013

Until recently, scholars of the Cold War had devoted little attention to the role of religion in the East-West standoff—its impact on events, institutions, and strategies. In recent years, however, this lacuna has begun to be filled by a burgeoning literature on different aspects of religion and the Cold War. The outpouring of scholarship has given a much more nuanced picture of how religion influenced U.S. foreign policy after 1945 both domestically and internationally. This article evaluates four recent books about the topic, distilling from them some of the key questions to be answered about the religious dimension of the Cold War.
Rie’s Story, Ryan’s Journey
Authors: Nichols Jeananne
Published: October 2013

This article presents a narrative account of one gender-variant student and his experiences in public school and school music. In the sixth grade, Ryan began cross-dressing and announced that he was gay. While his family was supportive, the school community’s response was hostile. Ryan was eventually forced out of public education, ending his participation in the school’s accomplished band and choir program. As a homeschooled student, Ryan used composition as an emotional outlet and a means of introspection. Eventually songwriting became a medium through which he could share his feelings and experiences with others. Ryan’s story highlights the pivotal role that music can play in the lives of transgender students seeking community and self-expression.
Encouraging servant leadership: A qualitative study of how a cause-related sporting event inspires participants to serve
Authors: Parris Denise Linda , Peachey Jon Welty
Published: October 2013

A longitudinal, qualitative case study was conducted to explore if a cause-related sporting event could inspire participants to serve others and how the event achieved this. Servant leadership theory, social leverage theory, and social capital theory were used to inform the investigation. Findings revealed the event encouraged servant leadership. The structural mechanisms and social processes which helped to achieve this were: (a) creating event-related social events to build a community; (b) encouraging themes and hosting ceremonies to create a culture of storytelling and safe spaces; and (c) facilitating formal and informal gathering places to foster celebration. These structural mechanisms and social processes then generated individual-level impacts, which helped participants practice servant leadership by: (a) developing broader identities; (b) nurturing participants’ abilities to see they can make a difference; and (c) strengthening awareness of the healing power of service. A conceptual framework emerged from the data to describe how a cause-related sporting event can create a sustainable community of servant leaders.
Comprehensive analysis of RNA-seq data reveals the complexity of the transcriptome in Brassica rapa
Authors: Tong Chaobo , Wang Xiaowu , Yu Jingyin , Wu Jian , Li Wanshun , Huang Junyan , Dong Caihua , Hua Wei , Liu Shengyi
Published: October 2013

Background

The speciesBrassica rapa(2n=20, AA) is an important vegetable and oilseed crop, and serves as an excellent model for genomic and evolutionary research inBrassicaspecies. With the availability of whole genome sequence ofB. rapa, it is essential to further determine the activity of all functional elements of theB. rapagenome and explore the transcriptome on a genome-wide scale. Here, RNA-seq data was employed to provide a genome-wide transcriptional landscape and characterization of the annotated and novel transcripts and alternative splicing events across tissues.

Results

RNA-seq reads were generated using the Illumina platform from six different tissues (root, stem, leaf, flower, silique and callus) of theB. rapaaccession Chiifu-401-42, the same line used for whole genome sequencing. First, these data detected the widespread transcription of theB. rapagenome, leading to the identification of numerous novel transcripts and definition of 5'/3' UTRs of known genes. Second, 78.8% of the total annotated genes were detected as expressed and 45.8% were constitutively expressed across all tissues. We further defined several groups of genes: housekeeping genes, tissue-specific expressed genes and co-expressed genes across tissues, which will serve as a valuable repository for future crop functional genomics research. Third, alternative splicing (AS) is estimated to occur in more than 29.4% of intron-containingB. rapagenes, and 65% of them were commonly detected in more than two tissues. Interestingly, genes with high rate of AS were over-represented in GO categories relating to transcriptional regulation and signal transduction, suggesting potential importance of AS for playing regulatory role in these genes. Further, we observed that intron retention (IR) is predominant in the AS events and seems to preferentially occurred in genes with short introns.

Conclusions

The high-resolution RNA-seq analysis provides a global transcriptional landscape as a complement to theB. rapagenome sequence, which will advance our understanding of the dynamics and complexity of theB. rapatranscriptome. The atlas of gene expression in different tissues will be useful for accelerating research on functional genomics and genome evolution inBrassicaspecies.
Predominance of Klebsiella pneumoniaeST14 carrying CTX-M-15 causing neonatal sepsis in Tanzania
Authors: Mshana Stephen E , Hain Torsten , Domann Eugen , Lyamuya Eligius F , Chakraborty Trinad , Imirzalioglu Can
Published: October 2013

Background

Klebsiella pneumoniae strains expressing ESBLs are a predominant cause of hospital acquired infections. Here we describe the molecular epidemiology of these isolates in a tertiary hospital in Tanzania, as potential pathogens for neonatal infections.

Methods

Between April 2009 and March 2010 all Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with phenotypic expression Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) were collected and characterized. Identification was done using in house biochemical tests in case of ambiguous results confirmation was done using API 20E. Susceptibility testing was determined using the disc diffusion method followed by specific PCR and sequencing to determine ESBL genes. Phylogenetic analysis, Pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Multi-Locus sequence typing (MLST) to PFGE clusters representative isolates were performed to determine clones of the isolates. Conjugation and hybridization were performed to determine the location of blaCTX-M-15 gene.

Results

A total of 92 non- repetitive ESBL producing K. pneumoniae representing 50.3% of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were characterized. These isolates were from blood 61 (66%), wound swab 13 (14%), urine 12 (13%) and pus 6 (7%) were analyzed. Most blood culture strains originated from neonatal unit 39/61(64%) and 22 (36%) of the blood culture isolates were from neonatal ICU. All isolates were resistant to gentamicin and 54% were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Using a similarity index of 80%, the isolates were assigned to thirteen clusters based on PFGE patterns and contained sub-clusters with identical strains indicating clonal outbreaks. Cluster X5, X7 and X8, and X9 were grouped into ST48, ST14 and ST348 respectively. Based on gyrA PCR- RFLP phylogenetic analysis all isolates were grouped as KpI. The predominant ESBL allele detected was bla
CTX-M-15 which was found in 76% of isolates, followed by bla
TEM-104 (19%), bla
SHV-11 (3.2%) and bla
TEM-176 (2%). The bla
CTX-M-15 gene was located in multiple conjugative IncF plasmids ranging from 25 kb-485 kb in size.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of bla
CTX-M-15 observed among ESBL producing K. pneumoniae in Tanzania, is possibly due to the spread of a common IncFII 145 kb plasmid and of certain clones such as ST14 and ST48. Furthermore the 485 kb plasmid detected is the largest plasmid reported to carry bla
CTX-M-15 todate.
A quick and low-cost PCR-based assay for Candidaspp. identification in positive blood culture bottles
Authors: Xafranski Hemílio , Melo Analy SA , Machado Antonia M , Briones Marcelo RS , Colombo Arnaldo L
Published: October 2013

Background

Differences in the susceptibility of Candida species to antifungal drugs make identification to the species level important for clinical management of candidemia. Molecular tests are not yet standardized or available in most clinical laboratories, although such tests can reduce the time required for species identification, as compared to the conventional culture-based methods. To decrease laboratory costs and improve diagnostic accuracy, different molecular methods have been proposed, including DNA extraction protocols to produce pure DNA free of PCR inhibitors. The objective of this study was to validate a new format of molecular method, based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the rDNA gene amplification followed by sequencing, to identify common and cryptic Candida species causing candidemia by analyzing DNA in blood culture bottles positive for yeasts.

Methods

For DNA extraction, an “in-house” protocol based on organic solvent extraction was tested. Additional steps of liquid nitrogen incubation followed by mechanical disruption ensured complete cell lysis, and highly pure DNA. One hundred sixty blood culture bottles positive for yeasts were processed. PCR assays amplified the ITS region. The DNA fragments of 152 samples were sequenced and these sequences were identified using the GenBank database (NCBI). Molecular yeast identification was compared to results attained by conventional method.

Results

The organic solvent extraction protocol showed high reproducibility in regards to DNA quantity, as well as high PCR sensitivity (10 pg of C. albicans DNA and 95% amplification on PCR). The identification of species at the molecular level showed 97% concordance with the conventional culturing method. The molecular method tested in the present study also allowed identification of species not commonly implicated in human infections.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that our molecular method presents significant advantages over the conventional yeast culture identification method by providing accurate results within 24 hours, in contrast to at least 72 hours required by the automated conventional culture method. Additionally, our molecular method allowed the identification of mixed infections, as well as infections due to emergent fungal pathogens. This economical DNA extraction method developed in our laboratory provided high-quality DNA and 60% cost savings compared to commercial methods.
Effects of Qishe Pill, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on cervical radiculopathy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cui Xue-Jun , Sun Yue-Li , You Sheng-Fu , Mo Wen , Lu Sheng , Shi Qi , Wang Yong-Jun
Published: October 2013

Background

Neck pain is a common symptom in most patients suffering from cervical radiculopathy. However, some conservative treatments are limited by their modest effectiveness. On the other hand, surgical intervention for cervical disc disorders is indicated when symptoms are refractory to conservative treatments and neurological symptoms are progressive. Many patients use complementary and alternative medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine, to address their symptoms. The purpose of the present study is to examine the efficacy and safety of Qishe Pill, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, for neck pain in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Methods/design

A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Qishe Pill is proposed. The study will include 240 patients from five sites across China and diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy, according to the following inclusion criteria: age 18 to 65 with pain or stiffness in the neck for at least 2 weeks (neck disability index score 25 or more) and accompanying arm pain that radiates distally from the elbow. Qualified participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: Qishe Pill group and placebo group. The prescription of the trial medications (Qishe Pill/placebo) are 3.75 g each twice a day for 28 consecutive days. The primary outcome is pain severity. Secondary outcomes are functional status, patient satisfaction, and adverse events as reported in the trial.

Discussion

Qishe Pill is composed of processed Radix Astragali, Muscone, Szechuan Lovage Rhizome, Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae, Ovientvine, and Calculus Bovis Artifactus. According to modern research and preparation standards, Qishe Pill is developed to improve on the various symptoms of cervical radiculopathy, especially for neck pain. As it has a potential benefit in treating patients with neck pain, we designed a double-blind, prospective, randomized-controlled trial and would like to publish the results and conclusions later. If Qishe Pill can alleviate neck pain without adverse effects, it may be a unique strategy for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy.

Trial registration

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01274936
A fluorescent curcumin-based Zn(II)-complex reactivates mutant (R175H and R273H) p53 in cancer cells
Authors: Garufi Alessia , Trisciuoglio Daniela , Porru Manuela , Leonetti Carlo , Stoppacciaro Antonella , D’Orazi Valerio , Avantaggiati Maria Laura , Crispini Alessandra , Pucci Daniela , D’Orazi Gabriella
Published: October 2013

Background

Mutations of the p53 oncosuppressor gene are amongst the most frequent aberration seen in human cancer. Some mutant (mt) p53 proteins are prone to loss of Zn(II) ion that is bound to the wild-type (wt) core, promoting protein aggregation and therefore unfolding. Misfolded p53 protein conformation impairs wtp53-DNA binding and transactivation activities, favouring tumor growth and resistance to antitumor therapies. Screening studies, devoted to identify small molecules that reactivate mtp53, represent therefore an attractive anti-cancer therapeutic strategy. Here we tested a novel fluorescent curcumin-based Zn(II)-complex (Zn-curc) to evaluate its effect on mtp53 reactivation in cancer cells.

Methods

P53 protein conformation was examined after Zn-curc treatment by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays, using conformation-specific antibodies. The mtp53 reactivation was evaluated by chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and semi-quantitative RT-PCR analyses of wild-type p53 target genes. The intratumoral Zn-curc localization was evaluated by immunofluorescence analysis of glioblastoma tissues of an ortothopic mice model.

Results

The Zn-curc complex induced conformational change in p53-R175H and -R273H mutant proteins, two of the most common p53 mutations. Zn-curc treatment restored wtp53-DNA binding and transactivation functions and induced apoptotic cell death. In vivo studies showed that the Zn-curc complex reached glioblastoma tissues of an ortothopic mice model, highlighting its ability to crossed the blood-tumor barrier.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that Zn-curc complex may reactivate specific mtp53 proteins and that may cross the blood-tumor barrier, becoming a promising compound for the development of drugs to halt tumor growth.
An experimental investigation of the enhanced oil recovery and improved performance of drilling fluids using titanium dioxide and fumed silica nanoparticles
Authors: Cheraghian Goshtasp , Hemmati Mahmood , Masihi Mohsen , Bazgir Saeed
Published: October 2013

Nanotechnology has contributed to the technological advances in various industrial biomaterials and renewable energy production over the last decade. Recently, a renewed interest arises in the application of nanotechnology for the upstream petroleum industry such as exploration, drilling and production. In particular, the adding of nanoparticles to injection fluids may drastically benefit enhanced oil recovery, such as changing the properties of the fluid, wettability alternation of rocks, advanced drag reduction, strengthening sand consolidation, reducing the interfacial tension and increasing the mobility of the capillary-trapped oil. The feasibility of these methods depends on many factors such as flow mechanisms in porous media and porous medium properties at microscopic and macroscopic scales. Previous studies have indicated that the oil recovery from porous media may be substantially increased by the injection of miscible fluids. This all sounds great and waterflooding has been used successfully for decades; however, it is important to carefully design and appropriately operate the waterflood. Using nanoparticles in all samples has resulted in recovery increase. Among these applications of the study is nanoenhanced oil recovery which can be applied in many water-wet reservoirs dominated by inhibition mechanism to extract more fluid through really small caliber pores. In these experiments, two nanoparticles dissolved in water are injected into simulated environment, and also, the effect of these nanoparticles in water-base drilling typical fluid have been investigated. Using nanoparticles in all samples has resulted in recovery increase. Finally, considering the experiments, it is demonstrated that flows with nanoparticles and, in particular, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have the highest amount of recovery factors and thus using nanoparticles in waterflooding projects and even some in polymer flooding ones. Also, results of the other tests, regarding each typical drilling costs of each foot and importance of time in the operation, it is possible to replace technically and economically the ordinary addition (here, the widely used sodium hydroxide) with fumed silica nanoparticles in drilling fluid to prevent cement contamination of the drilling fluid. The advantages of nano-TiO2 are possessing suitable thermal transition qualities in the drilling fluid.
Neutrophils from critically ill septic patients mediate profound loss of endothelial barrier integrity
Authors: Fox Elizabeth D , Heffernan Daithi S , Cioffi William G , Reichner Jonathan S
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Sepsis is characterized by systemic immune activation and neutrophil-mediated endothelial barrier integrity compromise, contributing to end-organ dysfunction. Studies evaluating endothelial barrier dysfunction induced by neutrophils from septic patients are lacking, despite its clinical significance. We hypothesized that septic neutrophils would cause characteristic patterns of endothelial barrier dysfunction, distinct from experimental stimulation of normal neutrophils, and that treatment with the immunomodulatory drug β-glucan would attenuate this effect.

Methods

Blood was obtained from critically ill septic patients. Patients were either general surgery patients (Primary Sepsis (PS)) or those with sepsis following trauma (Secondary Sepsis (SS)). Those with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were identified. Healthy volunteers served as controls. Neutrophils were purified and aliquots were untreated, or treated with fMLP or β-glucan. Endothelial cells were grown to confluence and activated with tissue necrosis factor (TNF)-α . Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) was used to determine monolayer resistance after neutrophils were added. Groups were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

Neutrophils from all septic patients, as well as fMLP-normal neutrophils, reduced endothelial barrier integrity to a greater extent than untreated normal neutrophils (normalized resistance of cells from septic patients at 30 mins = 0.90 ± 0.04; at 60 mins = 0.73 ± 0.6 and at 180 mins = 0.56 ± 0.05; p < 0. 05 vs normal). Compared to untreated PS neutrophils, fMLP-treated PS neutrophils caused further loss of barrier function at all time points; no additive effect was noted in stimulation of SS neutrophils beyond 30 min. Neutrophils from ARDS patients caused greater loss of barrier integrity than those from non-ARDS patients, despite similarities in age, sex, septic source, and neutrophil count. Neutrophils obtained after resolution of sepsis caused less barrier dysfunction at all time points. β-glucan treatment of septic patients’ neutrophils attenuated barrier compromise, rendering the effect similar to that induced by neutrophils obtained once sepsis had resolved.

Conclusions

Neutrophils from septic patients exert dramatic compromise of endothelial barrier integrity. This pattern is mimicked by experimental activation of healthy neutrophils. The effect of septic neutrophils on the endothelium depends upon the initial inflammatory event, correlates with organ dysfunction and resolution of sepsis, and is ameliorated by β-glucan.
High-efficiency RNA cloning enables accurate quantification of miRNA expression by deep sequencing
Authors: Zhang Zhaojie , Lee Jerome E , Riemondy Kent , Anderson Emily M , Yi Rui
Published: October 2013

Small RNA cloning and sequencing is uniquely positioned as a genome-wide approach to quantify miRNAs with single-nucleotide resolution. However, significant biases introduced by RNA ligation in current protocols lead to inaccurate miRNA quantification by 1000-fold. Here we report an RNA cloning method that achieves over 95% efficiency for both 5′ and 3′ ligations. It achieves accurate quantification of synthetic miRNAs with less than two-fold deviation from the anticipated value and over a dynamic range of four orders of magnitude. Taken together, this high-efficiency RNA cloning method permits accurate genome-wide miRNA profiling from total RNAs.
Laboratory tests and compliance of dermatologic outpatients
Authors: Shin Won Ung , Baek Yoo Sang , Kim Tom Joonhwan , Oh Chil Hwan , Kim Jaehwan
Published: October 2013

Laboratory tests, including blood tests and urine analysis, are frequently performed in the dermatology outpatient clinic, but doctors often do not consider the cognitive or psychological effect of the examinations. Based on terror management theory, we hypothesized that performing laboratory tests increases the patient’s fear of mortality, and therefore has a positive effect on the patient’s attitude toward the doctor’s recommendations and willingness to accept them. The study employed a single factor between-subjects design, using a questionnaire completed by the patients. One group consisted of patients who had undergone laboratory tests 1 week before the survey, and the other group consisted of patients who had not undergone a laboratory test. Although the differences between two groups were not statistically significant, the patients who had laboratory tests had tendency to show even lower positive attitude toward the doctor’s recommendations and less intention to follow the recommendations. In contrast to our hypothesis, performing laboratory tests does not subliminally increase patients’ fears or anxieties about their disease or their compliance with doctors’ recommendations.
Das neue Hörsaal- und Medienzentrum der Technischen Universität Darmstadt auf dem Campus Lichtwiese
Authors: Svenshon Helge
Published: October 2013

Am 27. Mai 2013 wurde auf dem Campus Lichtwiese nach nur zweijähriger Bauzeit der zweite Bibliotheksneubau der Technischen Universität Darmstadt, das „Hörsaal- und Medienzentrum“ (HMZ), eröffnet. Fast genau ein halbes Jahr nach Inbetriebnahme des neuen Hauses in der Stadtmitte hat die umfassende bibliothekarische Neuordnung der TU Darmstadt hin zu einer „funktionalen“ Einschichtigkeit nun ihren vorläufigen Abschluss gefunden. Nach insgesamt 10- jähriger Planungs- und Bauzeit sind an beiden Universitätsstandorten zentrale Einrichtungen entstanden, deren fachübergreifende Funktion und stadträumliche Präsenz ihr jeweiliges Umfeld auf unterschiedliche Weise neu strukturieren.
Das neue Domizil der BFI Library in London
Authors: Gabel Gernot U.
Published: October 2013

Das 1933 gegründete British Film Institute (BFI) ist eine der ältesten staatlich subventionierten Fördereinrichtungen auf dem Kunstsektor in Großbritannien. Neben dem nationalen Filmarchiv unterhält das BFI am südlichen Themseufer das bedeutendste Programmkino des Landes und organisiert eine Reihe von Filmfestivals. 1983 erhielt die gemeinnützige Einrichtung eine königliche Satzung verliehen und 2011 wurde sie von der Regierung als führende nationale Fördereinrichtung für den Film anerkannt.

Die Bibliothek des BFI war jahrelang in einem Bürogebäude im Stadtteil Soho untergebracht, wo sie abseits des populären Kinokomplexes eher ein Schattendasein führte. Im Frühjahr 2012 bezog sie die ehemalige Galerie des Programmkinos als neues Bibliotheksquartier. Die Bibliothek verfügt über die größte Sammlung an Büchern und Broschüren, Zeitschriften, Fotos, Plakaten und Pressematerialen zum Film- und Fernsehschaffen weltweit.
Virtually Tsina/oy
Authors: Hao Richie Neil
Published: October 2013

Due to their diasporic hybridity, Tsina/oys, which literally means Chinese Filipina/os, continue to look for ways to (re)define their multicultural identities. Tsinoy.com, an online community for Tsina/oys around the world, provided a space where Tsina/oys examined their identities, cultures, and linguistic practices to (re)construct what it means to be “Tsina/oy.” Using cyberethnography, I show how Tsinoy.com functioned not only as a forum for Tsina/oys to celebrate their diasporic hybrid identities, but it also served as a space to discuss the multiple tensions they experienced.
Role of selenium in gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases
Authors: Nagy Dániel Tamás , Fülesdi Béla , Hallay Judit
Published: October 2013

The cell-membrane toxicity of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) plays an increasing role in the pathomechanism of gastrointestinal tract diseases. Trace elements are important parts of antioxidant protecting system, especially the selenium (Se), which, in the form of glutathione peroxidase contributes to the immunity of the gut (GALT). Due to the absorptional disorders and consequent malnutrition observed in the course of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) an important role is associated with nutritional therapy, including energy-, protein- and trace element-support. Human studies show, that IBD is mostly accompanied by lower serum Se concentrations, reduced antoxidant and increased proinflammatory activity. Adequate Se-replacement may reduce the severity of organ failure and infections, but not mortality. However, it is encouraging that in animal studies obvious preventive effect of Se has been found on IBD and chronic inflammation induced colon cancer (CICC). Orv. Hetil., 154 (41), 1636–1640.
Local junction voltages and radiative ideality factors of a-Si:H solar modules determined by electroluminescence imaging
Authors: Tran T. M. H. , Pieters B. E. , Schneemann M. , Müller T.C.M. , Gerber A. , Kirchartz T. , Rau U.
Published: October 2013

In this contribution, we show that the dominant electroluminescent emission of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film solar cells follows a diode law, whose radiative ideality factor nr is larger than one. This is in contrast to crystalline silicon and Cu(In, Ga)Se2 solar cells for which nr equals one. As a consequence, the existing quantitative analysis for the extraction of the local junction voltage Vj(r) from luminescence images fails for a-Si:H solar cells. We expand the existing analysis method, and include the radiative ideality factor nr into the model. With this modification, we are able to determine the local junction voltage Vj(r) for a-Si:H solar cells and modules. We investigated the local junction voltage Vj(r) and the radiative ideality factor nr for both initial and stabilized a-Si:H solar modules. Furthermore, we show that the apparent radiative ideality factor is affected by the spectral sensitivity of the used camera system.
Climate warming mediates negative impacts of rapid pond drying for three amphibian species
Authors: O'Regan Sacha M. , Palen Wendy J. , Anderson Sean C.
Published: October 2013

Anthropogenic climate change will present both opportunities and challenges for pool‐breeding amphibians. Increased water temperature and accelerated drying may directly affect larval growth, development, and survival, yet the combined effects of these processes on larvae with future climate change remain poorly understood. Increased surface temperatures are projected to warm water and decrease water inputs, leading to earlier and faster wetland drying. So it is often assumed that larvae will experience negative synergistic impacts with combined warming and drying. However, an alternative hypothesis is that warming‐induced increases in metabolic rate and aquatic resource availability might compensate for faster drying rates, generating antagonistic larval responses. We conducted a mesocosm experiment to test the individual and interactive effects of pool permanency (permanent vs. temporary) and water temperature (ambient vs. +∼3°C) on three anurans with fast‐to‐slow larval development rates (Great Basin spadefoot [Spea intermontana], Pacific chorus frog [Pseudacris regilla], and northern red‐legged frog [Rana aurora]). We found that although tadpoles in warmed pools reached metamorphosis 15–17 days earlier, they did so with little cost (<2 mm) to size, likely due to greater periphyton growth in warmed pools easing drying‐induced resource competition. Warming and drying combined to act antagonistically on early growth (P = 0.06) and survival (P = 0.06), meaning the combined impact was less than the sum of the individual impacts. Warming and drying acted additively on time to and size at metamorphosis. These nonsynergistic impacts may result from cotolerance of larvae to warming and drying, as well as warming helping to offset negative impacts of drying. Our results indicate that combined pool warming and drying may not always be harmful for larval amphibians. However, they also demonstrate that antagonistic responses are difficult to predict, which poses a challenge to proactive conservation and management. Our study highlights the importance of considering the nature of multiple stressor interactions as amphibians are exposed to an increasing number of anthropogenic threats.
Demographic responses to mercury exposure in two closely related Antarctic top predators
Authors: Goutte A. , Bustamante P. , Barbraud C. , Delord K. , Weimerskirch H. , Chastel O.
Published: October 2013

Although toxic chemicals constitute a major threat for wildlife, their effects have been mainly assessed at the individual level and under laboratory conditions. Predicting population‐level responses to pollutants in natural conditions is a major and ultimate task in ecological and ecotoxicological research. The present study aims to estimate the effect of mercury (Hg) levels on future apparent survival rates and breeding performances. We used a long‐term data set (∼10 years) and recently developed methodological tools on two closely related Antarctic top predators, the South Polar Skua Catharacta maccormicki from Adélie Land and the Brown Skua C. lonnbergi from the Kerguelen Archipelago. Adult survival rates and breeding probabilities were not affected by Hg levels, but breeding success in the following year decreased with increasing Hg levels. Although South Polar Skuas exhibited much lower Hg levels than Brown Skuas, they suffered from higher Hg‐induced breeding failure. This species difference could be attributed to an interaction between Hg and other environmental perturbations, including climate change and a complex cocktail of pollutants. By including Hg‐dependent demographic parameters in population models, we showed a weak population decline in response to increasing Hg levels. This demographic decline was more pronounced in South Polar Skuas than in Brown Skuas. Hence, Hg exposure differently affects closely related species. The wide range of environmental perturbations in Antarctic regions could exacerbate the demographic responses to Hg levels. In that respect, we urge future population modeling to take into account the coupled effects of climate change and anthropogenic pollution to estimate population projections.
Emotional Abuse in Intimate Relationships: The Role of Gender and Age
Authors: Karakurt Günnur , Silver Kristin E.
Published: October 2013

This study aimed to investigate the moderating roles of gender and age on emotional abuse within intimate relationships. This study included 250 participants with an average age of 27 years. Participants completed the Emotional Abuse Questionnaire (EAQ; Jacobson & Gottman, 1998), which 4 subscales are isolation, degradation, sexual abuse, and property damage. Multigroup analysis with 2 groups, female (n= 141) and male (n= 109), was used to test the moderation effect. Younger men reported experiencing higher levels of emotional abuse, which declined with age. Older females reported experiencing less emotional abuse than older males. Overall, emotional abuse was more common in younger participants. Younger women experienced higher rates of isolation, and women’s overall experience of property damage was higher than that of men and increased with age. Results are interpreted through the social exchange and conflict frameworks.
Drill Pipe Connection Technology Enables Saudi Aramco & Precision Drilling to Deliver the Longest Horizontal Well in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Iravani Alan , Hanafi Machmud , Al-Shehry Saeed , Plessis Guillaume , Mohamed Nowfal
Published: October 2013

Recently in Saudi Arabia, a national drilling record was reached for the longest horizontal well drilled. A key technology for drilling such wells, which typically show a Total Depth (TD) in excess of 30,000 ft, was the use of extended reach horizontal drilling.

Drilling these wells required, among other things, a proper selection of drill stem products. With drill pipe accounting for most of the string length, choosing the right specification plays a huge role in overall drilling performance. With a lot of friction as the string is ran downhole, the ability to transmit torque to the bit is challenging and connection technology becomes critically important. Double shoulder connections place connections at par with the pipe body in terms of torque capacity and actually come with additional benefits. Not only do these connections transmit higher torque but they do it using a thinner steel envelop, which allows a larger internal opening for improved hydraulics. Furthermore, these streamlined connections can also come with reduced Outside Diameter (OD) tool joints which help keep the Equivalent Circulation Density (ECD) as low as necessary to maintain formation integrity.

Towards the end of 2010, a national record 32,136 ft measured depth well was drilled in Saudi Arabia using such connection technology, proper material grade selection and optimized pipe size selection. The well was then used for horizontal water injection into the reservoir in order to maintain reservoir pressure and optimize production. This paper will describe the challenges of this project and how connection technology, engineered material grade and pipe size helped address each of these challenges. The record well case history will form the base of this paper and authors will include a comprehensive section on the successfully selected connection, its performances as well as a summary of more recent results.
China Shale Gas Exploration: Early Sichuan Basin Longmaxi Shale Gas Stimulation and Completion Case Study
Authors: Lv Zonggang , Wang Lin , Deng Sufen , Chong King Kwee , Wang Qiang , Dumesnil Joe
Published: October 2013

China has surpassed the US to become the largest energy consumer in the world, and it is projected that China's demand for energy will increase from 97 quadrillion Btus in 2010 to 142 quadrillion by 2040 (ExxonMobil 2013), a 46% increase. EIA estimated China has 1,115 Tcf of risked technically recoverable shale gas resources (EIA 2013), making it an important resource for China's future energy demand. Currently, the majority of China's shale gas exploration and development are focused on three marine shales in and around Sichuan basin: the Silurian Longmaxi, the Cambrian age Qiongzhusi, and Niutitang. Of these, it is estimated that the Longmaxi has the highest risked recoverable shale gas (EIA 2013). However, because of its complex paleo tectonic movement, the Longmaxi formation is a highly fractured and faulted system, which makes it challenging to drill and fracture.

This paper is a case study of operational challenges encountered when fracturing the Longmaxi formation. A brief geological review of Sichuan basin geology is discussed to present the origin of the geological complexity. The diagnostic fracture injection test (DFIT), hydraulic fracture job charts, log analysis, and microseismic data during fracture stimulation of a horizontal Longmaxi well is analyzed as an example to show the difficulty operators could experience when fracturing a shale formation developed in such a complex geological environment. Possible solutions are discussed as lesson learnt. The production is also detailed.