bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence, Outcomes, and Comparisons across Definitions of AKI in Hospitalized Individuals
Authors: Zeng Xiaoxi , McMahon Gearoid M. , Brunelli Steven M. , Bates David W. , Waikar Sushrut S.
Published: November 2013

Background and objectives

At least four definitions of AKI have recently been proposed. This study sought to characterize the epidemiology of AKI according to the most recent consensus definition proposed by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Work Group, and to compare it with three other definitions.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This was a retrospective cohort study of 31,970 hospitalizations at an academic medical center in 2010. AKI was defined and staged according to KDIGO criteria, the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative’s RIFLE criteria, the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria, and a definition based on a model of creatinine kinetics (CK). Outcomes of interest were incidence, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, costs, readmission rates, and posthospitalization disposition.

Results

AKI incidence was highest according to the KDIGO definition (18.3%) followed by the AKIN (16.6%), RIFLE (16.1%), and CK (7.0%) definitions. AKI incidence appeared markedly higher in those with low baseline serum creatinine according to the KDIGO, AKIN, and RIFLE definitions, in which AKI may be defined by a 50% increase over baseline. AKI according to all definitions was associated with a significantly higher risk of death and higher resource utilization. The adjusted odds ratios for in-hospital mortality in those with AKI were highest with the CK definition (5.2; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 4.1 to 6.6), followed by the RIFLE (2.9; 95% CI, 2.2 to 3.6), KDIGO (2.8; 95% CI, 2.2 to 3.6), and AKIN (2.6; 95% CI, 2.0 to 3.3) definitions. Concordance in diagnosis and staging was high among the KDIGO, AKIN, and RIFLE definitions.

Conclusions

The incidence of AKI in hospitalized individuals varies depending on the definition used. AKI according to all definitions is associated with higher in-hospital mortality and resource utilization. AKI may be inappropriately diagnosed in those with low baseline serum creatinine using definitions that incorporate percentage increases over baseline.
C3 Glomerulopathy
Authors: Medjeral-Thomas Nicholas R. , O’Shaughnessy Michelle M. , O’Regan John A. , Traynor Carol , Flanagan Michael , Wong Limy , Teoh Chia Wei , Awan Atif , Waldron Mary , Cairns Tom , O’Kelly Patrick , Dorman Anthony M. , Pickering Matthew C. , Conlon Peter J. , Cook H. Terence
Published: November 2013

Background and objectives

The term C3 glomerulopathy describes renal disorders characterized by the presence of glomerular deposits composed of C3 in the absence of significant amounts of Ig. On the basis of electron microscopy appearance, subsets of C3 glomerulopathy include dense deposit disease (DDD) and C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN). The full spectrum of histologic change observed in C3 glomerulopathy has yet to be defined and pathologic predictors of renal outcome within this patient population remain largely unknown. This study thus characterized a large C3 glomerulopathy cohort and identified clinicopathologic predictors of renal outcome.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

All patients with kidney biopsies fulfilling criteria for C3 glomerulopathy from two quaternary renal centers within the United Kingdom and Ireland between 1992 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. We recorded histologic, demographic, and clinical data and determined predictors of ESRD using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Eighty patients with C3 glomerulopathy were identified: 21 with DDD and 59 with C3GN. Patients with DDD were younger, more likely to have low serum C3 levels, and more likely to have crescentic GN than patients with C3GN. Patients with C3GN were older and had more severe arteriolar sclerosis, glomerular sclerosis, and interstitial scarring than patients with DDD. Of 70 patients with available follow-up data, 20 (29%) progressed to ESRD after a median of 28 months. Age >16 years, DDD subtype, and crescentic GN were independent predictors of ESRD within the entire cohort. Renal impairment at presentation predicted ESRD only among patients with DDD.

Conclusions

Although detailed serologic and genetic data are lacking, this study nevertheless identifies important clinicopathologic distinctions between patients with DDD and C3GN. These include independent predictors of renal outcome. If replicated in other cohorts, these predictors could be used to stratify patients, enabling application of emerging mechanism-based therapies to patients at high risk for poor renal outcome.
Comparative effectiveness research in localized prostate cancer treatment
Authors: Hoffman Richard M , Penson David F , Zietman Anthony L , Barry Michael J
Published: November 2013

Prostate-specific antigen testing has dramatically increased the incidence of localized prostate cancer. Most men with localized cancer attempt curative therapy, usually with surgery or radiation. However, there is uncertainty about whether and how to best treat these cancers. No published controlled trials have directly compared surgery against radiation or either treatment against active surveillance. Given the indolent nature of prostate cancer and the substantial risks of treatment-related harms, the effects of cancer and treatment on quality of life are important patient-centered outcomes. Comparative effectiveness research, using observational cohorts, claims data and simulation models, enables comparisons of treatments that have not been studied in controlled trials and captures real-world outcomes data to better support informed decision-making.
The SPECTRUM of findings in treatment options for recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer
Authors: Misiukiewicz Krzysztof , Posner Marshall
Published: November 2013

Evaluation of: Vermorken JB, Stohlmacher-Williams J, Davidenko I
et al.
Cisplatin and fluorouracil with or without panitumumab in patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SPECTRUM): an open-label Phase 3 randomised trial.
Lancet Oncol.
14(8), 697–710 (2013).

In recent decades, significant progress has been achieved in the biological understanding of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) has become more evident. The EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway represents the main target of the new therapeutic agents currently in development and has proven to be efficacious in locally advanced SCCHN. The role of HPV in recurrent and metastatic disease for predicting response to EGFR monoclonal antibodies is still unknown. Today, cetuximab, an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, is the only targeted therapy approved for the treatment of SCCHN in patients with recurrent or metastatic disease, in association with platinum-based chemotherapy. The identification of novel tumor targets has stimulated the search for other anti-EGFR agents with a more favorable side-effect profile, such as aspanitumumab, but the SPECTRUM study failed to meet its primary end point, stipulating the need to test these agents in clinical trials with a more appropriate choice of study end point. Overall survival, considered a gold standard, may be difficult to interpret if treatment only takes place in a small subinterval of overall survival, therefore, progression-free survival should be used as a surrogate end point for regulatory approval.
R-CHOP every 21 days for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: still the standard of care?
Authors: Westin Jason , Hagemeister Fredrick
Published: November 2013

Evaluation of: Cunningham D, Hawkes EA, Jack A
et al.
Rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone in patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a Phase 3 comparison of dose intensification with 14-day versus 21-day cycles.
Lancet
381(9880), 1817–1826 (2013).

Therapy of newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is largely unchanged for the past 30 years. Investigators have evaluated if modification of the schedule of drug administration may have a positive effect on outcomes. This article focuses on a recent Phase III clinical trial, which compared every 2- versus 3-week administration of chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The trial found that there was no significant difference between the two dosing schedules. We evaluate the data from this and other trials, and give our recommendations for future studies.
Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of [Cu2(LH)2]•(ClO4)2. Influence of the weak Cu•••O(perchlorate) interaction on the structure of Cu2N2O2 metallocycle
Authors: Mirkovic Marija , Nikolic Nadezda , Mijin Dusan , Avramov-Ivic Milka , Kapor Agnes , Tomic Zoran
Published: November 2013

The diimine-dioxime ligand, 4,9-diaza-3,10-diethyl-3,9-dodecadiene-2,11-dione
bisoxime (LH2), containing a N4 donor set was prepared by Schiff base
condensation of 2-hydroxyimino-3-pentanone and 1,4-diaminobutane in two
ways: in protic and in aprotic solvent. Higher yield of (LH2) imine was
obtained when the synthesis was carried out using protic solvent (C2H5OH)
instead of aprotic benzene (78% and 30%, respectively). Cu(II) metal complex
of diimine-dioxime was synthesized in CH3OH from metal salt and LH2 in mole
ratio 1:1. The isolated complex was characterized by the elemental analysis,
IR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The structure of [Cu2(LH)2]?(ClO4)2
was determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Comparison
with the structurally related diimine-dioxime Cu(II) complexes revealed the
influence of the weak Cu???O(perchlorate) interaction on the geometry of the
metallocycle.
Network Ties Among Low-Tax Firms
Authors: Brown Jennifer L. , Drake Katharine D.
Published: November 2013

This study examines (1) whether network ties help explain variation in tax avoidance, and (2) how the relation between network ties and tax avoidance varies depending on the nature and context of those ties. We posit that information on a range of tax-avoidance strategies is shared among firms through their social network connections. Using board interlocks to proxy for these connections, we find that firms with greater board ties to low-tax firms have lower cash ETRs themselves. Ties to low-tax firms are more influential when the focal firm and its network partner are operationally and strategically similar, as are ties created by executive directors. Board ties to low-tax firms are also more influential when the focal firm and its network partner engage the same local auditor. Overall, our results suggest that the influence of firms' network ties on their tax-avoidance behavior depends on the character of those ties.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance. Theoretical and Empirical Aspects
Authors: Lech Aleksandra
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules on the financial performance of companies. In a theoretical part the author analyses selected economic theories that might justify a positive relationship between CSR and profitability, as well as explains the mechanism by which CSR might positively enhance economic performance from the stakeholders’ perspective. In an empirical part the author discusses selected econometric studies on the link between CSR and economic performance of companies, both from developed and developing countries. The article also contains the results of the author’s own research on the relationship between CSR and economic performance of the largest Polish companies on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The scope of the author’s own research is the period 1Q 2010 –IIIQ 2012. The research shows that participation in the Respect Inde X(indicator of CSR in the author’s model) is not statistically significant in determining the financial performance of Polish firms.
Comparison of R&D Expenditures in Selected Countries
Authors: Piekut Marlena
Published: November 2013

This paper analyzes the level of innovation expenditures and R&D fund sources in selected countries of the world in the period of 2000 – 2010. The issues presented indicate significant differences between the discussed countries with respect to the factors analyzed. The European countries at the top were apparently Finland, Denmark and Sweden. High R&D expenditures, with a significant share in business enterprise sector, and a large number of patent applications reflected on the strong economic growth in these countries. The level of R&D investments in these countries was sometimes greater than in the USA or Japan. Dynamic growth in both R&D and patent activity has also been observed in South Korea. Special attention has been paid in this paper to the new European Union members – Central Eastern European Countries. Among this group of countries Slovenia definitely had the highest position, where R&D expenditures were the largest and the structure of R&D funds by source reflected a businessdominance type. Estonia, Czech Republic and Hungary were the countries ‘catching up’ – where growth in R&D expenditures has been observed as well as better dynamics of growth and higher patent activity. Romania, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Latvia had relatively disadvantageous situations in respect of R&D development and the innovative activity of business enterprises.
A Method for Extracting Suspected Parotid Lesions in CT Images using Feature-based Segmentation and Active Contours based on Stationary Wavelet Transform
Authors: Wu T. Y. , Lin S. F.
Published: November 2013

Automatic suspected lesion extraction is an important application in computer-aided diagnosis (CAD). In this paper, we propose a method to automatically extract the suspected parotid regions for clinical evaluation in head and neck CT images. The suspected lesion tissues in low contrast tissue regions can be localized with feature-based segmentation (FBS) based on local texture features, and can be delineated with accuracy by modified active contour models (ACM). At first, stationary wavelet transform (SWT) is introduced. The derived wavelet coefficients are applied to derive the local features for FBS, and to generate enhanced energy maps for ACM computation. Geometric shape features (GSFs) are proposed to analyze each soft tissue region segmented by FBS; the regions with higher similarity GSFs with the lesions are extracted and the information is also applied as the initial conditions for fine delineation computation. Consequently, the suspected lesions can be automatically localized and accurately delineated for aiding clinical diagnosis. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by comparing with the results outlined by clinical experts. The experiments on 20 pathological CT data sets show that the true-positive (TP) rate on recognizing parotid lesions is about 94%, and the dimension accuracy of delineation results can also approach over 93%.
Design and Analysis of a Novel Six-Component F/T Sensor based on CPM for Passive Compliant Assembly
Authors: Liang Qiaokang , Zhang Dan , Wang Yaonan , Ge Yunjian
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the design and analysis of a six-component Force/Torque (F/T) sensor whose design is based on the mechanism of the Compliant Parallel Mechanism (CPM). The force sensor is used to measure forces along the x-, y-, and z-axis (Fx, Fy and Fz) and moments about the x-, y-, and z-axis (Mx, My and Mz) simultaneously and to provide passive compliance during parts handling and assembly. Particularly, the structural design, the details of the measuring principle and the kinematics are presented. Afterwards, based on the Design of Experiments (DOE) approach provided by the software ANSYS®, a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is performed. This analysis is performed with the objective of achieving both high sensitivity and isotropy of the sensor. The results of FEA show that the proposed sensor possesses high performance and robustness.
Predicting the Surface Quality of Face Milled Aluminium Alloy Using a Multiple Regression Model and Numerical Optimization
Authors: Simunovic K. , Simunovic G. , Saric T.
Published: November 2013

The surface roughness is a very significant indicator of surface quality. It represents an essential exploitation requirement and influences technological time and costs, i.e. productivity. For that reason, the main objective of this paper is to analyse the influence of face milling cutting parameters (number of revolution, feed rate and depth of cut) on the surface roughness of aluminium alloy. Hence, a statistical (regression) model has been developed to predict the surface roughness by using the methodology of experimental design. Central composite design is chosen for fitting response surface. Also, numerical optimization considering two goals simultaneously (minimum propagation of error and minimum roughness) was performed throughout the experimental region. In this way, the settings of cutting parameters causing the minimum variability in response were determined for the estimated variations of the significant regression factors.
Identification of three anatomical patterns of the spinal accessory nerve in the neck by neurophysiological mapping
Authors: Lanisnik Bostjan , Zargi Miha , Rodi Zoran
Published: November 2013

Background. In spite of preservation of the accessory nerve there is still considerable proportion of patients with partial nerve damage during modified radical neck dissection (MRND).

Methods. The nerve was identified during the surgery and its branches for the trapezius muscle mapped with nerve monitor.

Results. The accessory nerve was mapped during 74 hemineck dissections and three patterns were identified. In type 1 nerve exits at the posterior end of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCm) and then it enters the level V (66%). In type 2 the nerve for trapezius muscle branches off before entering the SCm (22%). In type 3 the nerve exits at the posterior part of the SCm and it joins to the cervical plexus (12%). The nerve than exits this junction more medially as a single trapezius branch.

Conclusions. The description of three anatomical patterns in level II and V could help preserving the trapezius branch during MRND.
Eroticism and Justice: Harold Pinter’s Screenplay of Ian McEwan’s The Comfort of Strangers
Authors: Mirowska Paulina
Published: November 2013

A careful analysis of Harold Pinter’s screenplays, notably those written in the 1980s and early 1990s, renders an illustration of how the artist’s cinematic projects supplemented, and often heightened, the focus of his dramatic output, his resolute exploration of the workings of power, love and destruction at various levels of social interaction and bold revision of received values. It seems, however, that few of the scripts did so in such a subtle yet effective manner as Pinter’s intriguing fusion of the erotic, violence and ethical concerns in the film The Comfort of Strangers (1990), directed by Paul Schrader and based on Ian McEwan’s 1981 novel of the same name.
The article centres upon Pinter’s creative adaptation of McEwan’s deeply allusive and disquieting text probing, amongst others, the intricacies and tensions of gender relations and sexual intimacy. It examines the screenplay—regarded by many critics as not merely an adaptation of the novel but another, very powerful work of art—addressing Pinter’s method as an adapter and highlighting the artist’s imaginative attempts at fostering a better appreciation of the connections between authoritarian impulses, love and justice. Similarly to a number of other Pinter filmscripts and plays of the 1980s and 1990s, the erotic and the lethal alarmingly intersect in this screenplay where the ostensibly innocent—an unmarried English couple on a holiday in Venice, who are manipulated, victimized and, ultimately, destroyed—are subtly depicted as partly complicit in their own fates.
Selective dorsal rhizotomy for spasticity not associated with cerebral palsy: reconsideration of surgical inclusion criteria
Authors: Gump William C. , Mutchnick Ian S. , Moriarty Thomas M.
Published: November 2013

Children with spastic diplegia from cerebral palsy (CP) experience measurable improvement in their spasticity and motor function following selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). The role of this operation in the treatment of other spasticity causes is less well defined. A literature review was undertaken to survey outcomes from SDRs performed outside the CP population. Multiple sclerosis was the most common diagnosis found, accounting for 74 of 145 patients described. Selective dorsal rhizotomies have also been reported in patients with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, neurodegenerative disease, hypoxic encephalopathy, and other causes of spasticity. Outcomes from surgery are generally described as favorable, although postoperative assessments and follow-up times are not standardized across reports. Long-term outcomes are sparsely reported. Larger numbers of patients and more detailed outcomes data have the potential to form a basis for expanding the inclusion criteria for SDR.
A Self-Adapting Approach for Forecast-Less Scheduling of Electrical Energy Storage Systems in a Liberalized Energy Market
Authors: Sanseverino Eleonora , Di Silvestre Maria , Zizzo Gaetano , Gallea Roberto , Quang Ninh
Published: November 2013

In this paper, an original scheduling approach for optimal dispatch of electrical Energy Storage Systems (ESS) in modern distribution networks is proposed. The control system is based on fuzzy rules and does not use forecasts since it repairs the past history according to the real time data on the electrical energy cost, renewable energy production and load. When the system detects a worsening of performances, the fuzzy logic rule-based control system self-adapts its membership functions using an economic indicator. The common use, in the relevant literature, of forecasted values in such systems can lead to large errors and economic losses. Moreover the speed of calculation guaranteed by the fuzzy control system allows the execution of new calculations even with high frequency. After the Introduction section, where the state of the art on the topic is outlined, the problem formulation is presented and an interesting application of the considered approach to the control on a medium size battery with real world data is proposed.
Assessing the Mobility of Lead, Copper and Cadmium in a Calcareous Soil of Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Authors: Fifi Urbain , Winiarski Thierry , Emmanuel Evens
Published: November 2013

The presence of heavy metals in the environment constitutes a potential source of both soil and groundwater pollution. This study has focused on the reactivity of lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and Cadmium (Cd) during their transfer in a calcareous soil of Port-au-Prince (Haiti). Kinetic, monometal and competitive batch tests were carried out at pH 6.0. Two simplified models including pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order were used to fit the experimental data from kinetics adsorption batch tests. A good fit of these data was found with pseudo-second-order kinetic model which indicates the applicability of this model to describe the adsorption rates of these metals on the soil. Monometal batch tests indicated that both Langmuir and Freundlich models allowed a good fit for experimental data. On the basis of the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax), the order affinity of Pb, Cu and Cd for the studied soil was Pb2+ > Cu2+ > Cd2+. Competitive sorption has proved that the competition between two or several cations on soils for the same active sites can decrease their qmax. These results show that, at high metal concentrations, Cd may pose more threat in soils and groundwater of Port-au-Prince than Pb and Cu.
Cladieunicellins K and L, New Eunicellin-Based Diterpenoids from an Octocoral Cladiella sp.
Authors: Shih Fu-Yuan , Chen Tsung-Hung , Lu Mei-Chin , Chen Wu-Fu , Wen Zhi-Hong , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: November 2013

Two new eunicellin-based diterpenoids, cladieunicellins K (1) and L (2), were isolated from an octocoral Cladiella sp. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and 2 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity towards the MOLT-4 human leukemia.
Rodent Models of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Imajo Kento , Yoneda Masato , Kessoku Takaomi , Ogawa Yuji , Maeda Shin , Sumida Yoshio , Hyogo Hideyuki , Eguchi Yuichiro , Wada Koichiro , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: November 2013

Research in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), has been limited by the availability of suitable models for this disease. A number of rodent models have been described in which the relevant liver pathology develops in an appropriate metabolic context. These models are promising tools for researchers investigating one of the key issues of NASH: not so much why steatosis occurs, but what causes the transition from simple steatosis to the inflammatory, progressive fibrosing condition of steatohepatitis. The different rodent models can be classified into two large groups. The first includes models in which the disease is acquired after dietary or pharmacological manipulation, and the second, genetically modified models in which liver disease develops spontaneously. To date, no single rodent model has encompassed the full spectrum of human disease progression, but individual models can imitate particular characteristics of human disease. Therefore, it is important that researchers choose the appropriate rodent models. The purpose of the present review is to discuss the metabolic abnormalities present in the currently available rodent models of NAFLD, summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of the established models and the key findings that have furthered our understanding of the disease’s pathogenesis.
Geobiological Cycling of Gold: From Fundamental Process Understanding to Exploration Solutions
Authors: Reith Frank , Brugger Joël , Zammit Carla , Nies Dietrich , Southam Gordon
Published: November 2013

Microbial communities mediating gold cycling occur on gold grains from (sub)-tropical, (semi)-arid, temperate and subarctic environments. The majority of identified species comprising these biofilms are β-Proteobacteria. Some bacteria, e.g., Cupriavidus metallidurans, Delftia acidovorans and Salmonella typhimurium, have developed biochemical responses to deal with highly toxic gold complexes. These include gold specific sensing and efflux, co-utilization of resistance mechanisms for other metals, and excretion of gold-complex-reducing siderophores that ultimately catalyze the biomineralization of nano-particulate, spheroidal and/or bacteriomorphic gold. In turn, the toxicity of gold complexes fosters the development of specialized biofilms on gold grains, and hence the cycling of gold in surface environments. This was not reported on isoferroplatinum grains under most near-surface environments, due to the lower toxicity of mobile platinum complexes. The discovery of gold-specific microbial responses can now drive the development of geobiological exploration tools, e.g., gold bioindicators and biosensors. Bioindicators employ genetic markers from soils and groundwaters to provide information about gold mineralization processes, while biosensors will allow in-field analyses of gold concentrations in complex sampling media.
Selective G-Quadruplex DNA Recognition by a New Class of Designed Cyanines
Authors: Nanjunda Rupesh , Owens Eric , Mickelson Leah , Dost Tyler , Stroeva Ekaterina , Huynh Hang , Germann Markus , Henary Maged , Wilson W.
Published: November 2013

A variety of cyanines provide versatile and sensitive agents acting as DNA stains and sensors and have been structurally modified to bind in the DNA minor groove in a sequence dependent manner. Similarly, we are developing a new set of cyanines that have been designed to achieve highly selective binding to DNA G-quadruplexes with much weaker binding to DNA duplexes. A systematic set of structurally analogous trimethine cyanines has been synthesized and evaluated for quadruplex targeting. The results reveal that elevated quadruplex binding and specificity are highly sensitive to the polymethine chain length, heterocyclic structure and intrinsic charge of the compound. Biophysical experiments show that the compounds display significant selectivity for quadruplex binding with a higher preference for parallel stranded quadruplexes, such as cMYC. NMR studies revealed the primary binding through an end-stacking mode and SPR studies showed the strongest compounds have primary KD values below 100 nM that are nearly 100-fold weaker for duplexes. The high selectivity of these newly designed trimethine cyanines for quadruplexes as well as their ability to discriminate between different quadruplexes are extremely promising features to develop them as novel probes for targeting quadruplexes in vivo.
A New Tetrahydrofuran Lignan Diglycoside from Viola tianshanica Maxim
Authors: Qin Yan , Yin Chengle , Cheng Zhihong
Published: November 2013

A new lignan glycoside, tianshanoside A (1), together with a known phenylpropanoid glycoside, syringin (2) and two known lignan glycosides, picraquassioside C (3), and aketrilignoside B (4), were isolated from the whole plant of Viola tianshanica Maxim. The structure of the new compound was elucidated by extensive NMR (1H, 13C, COSY, HSQC, HMBC and ROESY) and high resolution mass spectrometry analysis. The three lignans 1, 3, and 4 did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity against human gastric cancer Ags cells or HepG2 liver cancer cells. This is the first report of the isolation of a lignan skeleton from the genus Viola L.
Food Labels Use Is Associated with Higher Adherence to Mediterranean Diet: Results from the Moli-Sani Study
Authors: Bonanni Americo , Bonaccio Marialaura , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , De Lucia Francesca , Costanzo Simona , Persichillo Mariarosaria , Zito Francesco , Donati Maria , De Gaetano Giovanni , Iacoviello Licia
Published: November 2013

Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with lower risk of ischemic cerebro- and cardio-vascular disease, neurological degenerative disease, and breast and colonrectal cancers. Nevertheless, adherence to this pattern has decreased. Food labels are a potentially valid means to encourage towards healthier dietary behavior. This study, conducted on a subsample of 883 subjects enrolled in the Moli-sani Project, evaluated whether food labels reading (LR) is associated with MD adherence. Participants completed a questionnaire on nutrition knowledge, information, and attitudes, with a specific question on food labels reading. Biometric measurements, socio-economic status, education, physical activity, and smoking habits were collected. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) food frequency questionnaire was used to collect dietary habits, and subsequently evaluated by both the Mediterranean diet score (MDS) and Italian Mediterranean index (IMI), a priori dietary patterns. Food consumption patterns were generated by Principal Components Analysis (PCA), an a posteriori approach. Multivariable odds ratios were calculated to quantify the association of LR categories with dietary habits. LR was significantly associated with greater adherence to both MDS (p = 0.0004) and IMI (p = 0.0019) in a multivariable model. LR participants had 74% (MDS) or 68% (IMI) higher probability to be in the highest level of adherence to Mediterranean diet-like patterns. Moreover, they showed greater adherence to Mediterranean-like food consumption patterns (0.1 vs. −0.2, p < 0.0001) and lower adherence to two Western-like patterns (0.01 vs. 0.2, p = 0.009 and 0.1 vs. 0.2, p = 0.02). These findings support an association between food label use and consuming a Mediterranean-type diet.
Metabolic Interactions of Purine Derivatives with Human ABC Transporter ABCG2: Genetic Testing to Assess Gout Risk
Authors: Ishikawa Toshihisa , Aw Wanping , Kaneko Kiyoko
Published: November 2013

In mammals, excess purine nucleosides are removed from the body by breakdown in the liver and excretion from the kidneys. Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism in humans. Two-thirds of uric acid in the human body is normally excreted through the kidney, whereas one-third undergoes uricolysis (decomposition of uric acid) in the gut. Elevated serum uric acid levels result in gout and could be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Recent studies have shown that human ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCG2 plays a role of renal excretion of uric acid. Two non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), i.e., 421C>A (major) and 376C>T (minor), in the ABCG2 gene result in impaired transport activity, owing to ubiquitination-mediated proteosomal degradation and truncation of ABCG2, respectively. These genetic polymorphisms are associated with hyperuricemia and gout. Allele frequencies of those SNPs are significantly higher in Asian populations than they are in African and Caucasian populations. A rapid and isothermal genotyping method has been developed to detect the SNP 421C>A, where one drop of peripheral blood is sufficient for the detection. Development of simple genotyping methods would serve to improve prevention and early therapeutic intervention for high-risk individuals in personalized healthcare.
New Labour and the Re-making of British Islam: The Case of the Radical Middle Way and the “Reclamation” of the Classical Islamic Tradition
Authors: Jones Stephen
Published: November 2013

This article examines the emergence of new forms of Islam in Britain between the 1990s and the present, and in particular the role played by the New Labour government (1997–2010) in encouraging new expressions of Islam. It charts the development of the Islamic tradition in Britain between the migration of mainly South Asian Muslims in the 1950s and 1960s and the Rushdie affair in the late 1980s, before outlining some of the challenges Muslims in Britain have faced transmitting Islamic traditions in a stable state to younger generations. Against the backdrop of increasing public concern about an inter-generational divide among Muslims and its supposed role in allowing radicalism to flourish, the article explores recent attempts to develop and promote forms of Islam that are “authentically British” and that challenge radical perspectives. Using the case study of the Radical Middle Way initiative, it looks into the uneasy relationship between these newer forms of Islam and the supportive New Labour administration, highlighting weaknesses in literature that focuses on the ‘disciplining’ of Muslims. Finally, it explains how the concept of classical Islamic tradition is utilised in creative ways not anticipated or engaged with by advocates of the “clash of civilisations” thesis.
Optimizing Satellite-Based Precipitation Estimation for Nowcasting of Rainfall and Flash Flood Events over the South African Domain
Authors: De Coning Estelle
Published: November 2013

The South African Weather Service is mandated to issue warnings of hazardous weather events, including those related to heavy precipitation, in order to safeguard life and property. Flooding and flash flood events are common in South Africa. Frequent updates and real-time availability of precipitation data are crucial to support hydrometeorological warning services. Satellite rainfall estimation provides a very important data source for flash flood guidance systems as well as nowcasting of precipitation events for the data sparse regions of the African continent. Although low earth orbiting satellites with microwave instruments provide good quality rainfall estimates, their temporal and spatial resolution are not adequate for time-critical services. Precipitation estimation using geostationary satellites is less accurate, but provides excellent spatial coverage, is updated frequently and is available in real-time. This study compares different ways to use and combine satellite precipitation estimates and numerical weather prediction model fields over the South African domain in order to determine the optimal estimate of precipitation, which can also be applied in real-time to support flash flood guidance.
A Reliability-Based Particle Filter for Humanoid Robot Self-Localization in RoboCup Standard Platform League
Authors: Munera Sánchez Eduardo , Muñoz Alcobendas Manuel , Blanes Noguera Juan , Benet Gilabert Ginés , Simó Ten José
Published: November 2013

This paper deals with the problem of humanoid robot localization and proposes a new method for position estimation that has been developed for the RoboCup Standard Platform League environment. Firstly, a complete vision system has been implemented in the Nao robot platform that enables the detection of relevant field markers. The detection of field markers provides some estimation of distances for the current robot position. To reduce errors in these distance measurements, extrinsic and intrinsic camera calibration procedures have been developed and described. To validate the localization algorithm, experiments covering many of the typical situations that arise during RoboCup games have been developed: ranging from degradation in position estimation to total loss of position (due to falls, ‘kidnapped robot’, or penalization). The self-localization method developed is based on the classical particle filter algorithm. The main contribution of this work is a new particle selection strategy. Our approach reduces the CPU computing time required for each iteration and so eases the limited resource availability problem that is common in robot platforms such as Nao. The experimental results show the quality of the new algorithm in terms of localization and CPU time consumption.
Optimal Sensor Placement for Leak Location in Water Distribution Networks Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Casillas Myrna , Puig Vicenҫ , Garza-Castañón Luis , Rosich Albert
Published: November 2013

This paper proposes a new sensor placement approach for leak location in water distribution networks (WDNs). The sensor placement problem is formulated as an integer optimization problem. The optimization criterion consists in minimizing the number of non-isolable leaks according to the isolability criteria introduced. Because of the large size and non-linear integer nature of the resulting optimization problem, genetic algorithms (GAs) are used as the solution approach. The obtained results are compared with a semi-exhaustive search method with higher computational effort, proving that GA allows one to find near-optimal solutions with less computational load. Moreover, three ways of increasing the robustness of the GA-based sensor placement method have been proposed using a time horizon analysis, a distance-based scoring and considering different leaks sizes. A great advantage of the proposed methodology is that it does not depend on the isolation method chosen by the user, as long as it is based on leak sensitivity analysis. Experiments in two networks allow us to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach.
A Hybrid Path-Oriented Code Assignment CDMA-Based MAC Protocol for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks
Authors: Chen Huifang , Fan Guangyu , Xie Lei , Cui Jun-Hong
Published: November 2013

Due to the characteristics of underwater acoustic channel, media access control (MAC) protocols designed for underwater acoustic sensor networks (UWASNs) are quite different from those for terrestrial wireless sensor networks. Moreover, in a sink-oriented network with event information generation in a sensor field and message forwarding to the sink hop-by-hop, the sensors near the sink have to transmit more packets than those far from the sink, and then a funneling effect occurs, which leads to packet congestion, collisions and losses, especially in UWASNs with long propagation delays. An improved CDMA-based MAC protocol, named path-oriented code assignment (POCA) CDMA MAC (POCA-CDMA-MAC), is proposed for UWASNs in this paper. In the proposed MAC protocol, both the round-robin method and CDMA technology are adopted to make the sink receive packets from multiple paths simultaneously. Since the number of paths for information gathering is much less than that of nodes, the length of the spreading code used in the POCA-CDMA-MAC protocol is shorter greatly than that used in the CDMA-based protocols with transmitter-oriented code assignment (TOCA) or receiver-oriented code assignment (ROCA). Simulation results show that the proposed POCA-CDMA-MAC protocol achieves a higher network throughput and a lower end-to-end delay compared to other CDMA-based MAC protocols.
Population history of the two carnivorous plants Drosera peltata var. nipponica and Drosera rotundifolia (Droseraceae) in Korea
Authors: Chung Mi Yoon , López‐Pujol Jordi , Chung Myong Gi
Published: November 2013

• Premise of the study: Drosera peltata var. nipponica, an element of the East Asia warm‐temperate vegetation, and D. rotundifolia, a widely distributed boreal species, reach one of their northernmost and southernmost limits, respectively, on the Korean Peninsula. Because the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM)‐Holocene dynamics of warm‐temperate and boreal paleovegetation differed considerably on the Peninsula, the population history of these two sundews is expected to be different, leaving differential imprints in their genetic structure.

• Methods: We investigated population genetic structure of D. peltata var. nipponica and D. rotundifolia in South Korea (10 populations of each for 20 allozyme loci) to infer their population history in this region. In addition, we compared the genetic variation harbored in the two sundews to those reported for other carnivorous and wetland plants.

• Key results: Drosera peltata var. nipponica showed no genetic diversity, whereas D. rotundifolia exhibited extremely low within‐population variation (He = 0.005) and considerable among‐population divergence (FST = 0.817).

• Conclusions: Our results suggest that extant populations of D. peltata var. nipponica likely originated from a single ancestral population from southern Japan or southern China through postglacial dispersal. On the contrary, D. rotundifolia probably survived the LGM in situ, with extant populations derived from either one or several small source populations. We argue that separate conservation strategies should be employed, given that the two taxa have different ecological and demographic traits and harbor different levels of genetic diversity.
Understanding mechanisms of rarity in pteridophytes: Competition and climate change threaten the rare fern Asplenium scolopendrium var. americanum (Aspleniaceae)
Authors: Testo Weston L. , Watkins James E.
Published: November 2013

• Premise of the study: Understanding the ecology of rare species can inform aspects of conservation strategies; however, the mechanisms of rarity remain elusive for most pteridophytes, which possess independent and ecologically distinct gametophyte and sporophyte generations. To elucidate factors contributing to recent declines of the rare fern Asplenium scolopendrium var. americanum, we studied the ecology and ecophysiology of its gametophyte generation, focusing on responses to competition, temperature, and water stress.

• Methods: Gametophytes of A. scolopendrium var. americanum, its widespread European relative A. scolopendrium var. scolopendrium, and five co‐occurring fern species were grown from spores. Gametophytes were grown at 20°C and 25°C, and germination rates, intra‐ and interspecific competition, desiccation tolerance, and sporophyte production were determined for all species.

• Key results: Gametophytes of A. scolopendrium var. americanum had the lowest rates of germination and sporophyte production among all species studied and exhibited the greatest sensitivity to interspecific competition, temperature increases, and desiccation. Mature gametophytes of A. scolopendrium var. americanum grown at 25°C were 84.6% smaller than those grown at 20°C, and only 1.5% produced sporophytes after 200 d in culture. Similar responses were not observed in other species studied.

• Conclusions: The recent declines and current status of populations of A. scolopendrium var. americanum are linked to its gametophyte's limited capacity to tolerate competition and physiological stress linked to climate change. This is the first study to develop a mechanistic understanding of rarity and decline in a fern and demonstrates the importance of considering the ecology of the gametophyte in plants with independent sporophyte and gametophyte generations.
Peritoneal Ultrafiltration in Refractory Heart Failure: A Cohort Study
Authors: Bertoli Silvio V. , Musetti Claudio , Ciurlino Daniele , Basile Carlo , Galli Emilio , Gambaro Giovanni , Iadarola Gianmaria , Guastoni Carlo , Carlini Antonio , Fasciolo Federica , Borzumati Maurizio , Gallieni Maurizio , Stefania Farina
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Acutely decompensated heart failure (HF) in patients with diuretic resistance is often treated with extracorporeal ultrafiltration. Peritoneal ultrafiltration (PUF) has been proposed for the long-term management of severe HF after resolution of the acute episode. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of PUF in the treatment of chronic refractory HF in patients without end-stage renal disease.

Methods

This multicenter (10 nephrology departments throughout Italy) retrospective observational study included patients with severe HF refractory to maximized drug treatment. The patients were proposed for PUF because they had experienced at least 3 hospital admissions in the preceding year for acutely decompensated HF requiring extracorporeal ultrafiltration.

Results

Of the 48 study patients (39 men, 9 women; mean age 74 ± 9 years), 30 received 1 nocturnal icodextrin exchange, 5 required 2 daily exchanges, and 13 received 2 – 4 sessions per week of automated peritoneal dialysis. During the first year, renal function remained stable (initial: 20.8 ± 10.0 mL/min/1.73 m2; end: 22.0 ± 13.6 mL/min/1.73 m2), while pulmonary artery systolic pressure declined to 40 ± 6.09 mmHg from 45.5 ± 9.18 mmHg ( p = 0.03), with a significant concomitant improvement in New York Heart Association functional status. Hospitalizations decreased to 11 ± 17 days/patient–year from 43 ± 33 days/ patient–year before the start of PUF ( p < 0.001). The incidence of peritonitis was 1 episode in 45 patient–months. Patient survival was 85% at 1 year and 56% at 2 years.

Conclusions

This study confirms the satisfactory results of using PUF for chronic HF in elderly patients.
Hand Hygiene in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Comparison of Two Techniques
Authors: Figueiredo Ana Elizabeth , de Siqueira Soraia Lemos , Poli-de-Figueiredo Carlos Eduardo , d'Avila Domingos O.
Published: November 2013

Introduction and Objectives

Hand hygiene is essential for preventing peritoneal dialysis (PD)–related infections. The present study compared the effectiveness of two hygiene techniques in reducing the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) on the hands of patients undergoing PD.

Methods

In this controlled clinical trial, 22 participants enrolled in the same PD program underwent a two-hand evaluation for microbiologic flora. Participants participated in two treatments: a) simple hand hygiene plus antiseptic hand hygiene, in which the patients washed their hands with water and glycerin soap for 1 minute and then rubbed and dried their hands with 70% ethyl alcohol gel; and b) antiseptic hand hygiene, in which the patients rubbed their hands with 70% ethyl alcohol gel until fully dry. To sample distal finger surfaces, we asked the participants to touch sheep blood agar plates directly.

Results

The CFU count for both hands was significantly higher in the regular hygiene group than in the gel-only group [69.0 (16.0 – 101.0) CFU vs 9.0 (2.2 – 55.5) CFU, p < 0.010]. Growth of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus colonies was significantly higher in right-hand cultures from the regular hygiene group than in those from the gel-only group [69.5 (26.25 – 101.0) CFU vs 9.5 (1.0 – 41.7) CFU; p < 0.050].

Conclusions

Among patients undergoing PD, using 70% ethyl alcohol gel to cleanse the hands may be more effective than following the regular hygiene recommendations in reducing bacterial populations.