bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomised efficacy and discontinuation study of etanercept versus adalimumab (RED SEA) for rheumatoid arthritis: a pragmatic, unblinded, non-inferiority study of first TNF inhibitor use: outcomes over 2 years
Authors: Jobanputra Paresh , Maggs Fiona , Deeming Alison , Carruthers David , Rankin Elizabeth , Jordan Alison C , Faizal Abdul , Goddard Carolyn , Pugh Mark , Bowman Simon J , Brailsford Sue , Nightingale Peter
Published: November 2012

Objective

To compare adalimumab versus etanercept in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to test the hypothesis that adalimumab was not inferior to etanercept in terms of drug continuation by a margin of 15% after 52 weeks of treatment.

Design

Pragmatic, randomised, parallel group, multicentre, unblinded and non-inferiority trial. Randomisation stratified by baseline use of methotrexate.

Participants

125 adults with active RA despite treatment with two disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs), including methotrexate randomised (1 : 1) to adalimumab 40 mg alternate weeks or etanercept 50 mg weekly, added to existing medication.

Measurements

The primary outcome was proportion of patients continuing treatment after 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes included: disease activity score using 28 joints (DAS28), treatment satisfaction (TSQM V.2), health status (Euroqol-5D), drug toxicity and persistence with therapy after 2 years.

Results

Persistence with therapy was 65% for adalimumab versus 56.7% for etanercept (one-sided 95% CI for proportion still taking adalimumab minus proportion on etanercept ≥−7.9%); demonstrating non-inferiority at the 15% margin. After 2 years these figures were: adalimumab 58.3% and etanecept 43.3% (CI ≥−1.7%). The proportion of good, moderate and non-responders based on DAS28-C reactive protein, after 52 weeks, were 26.3%, 33.3% and 40.4%, respectively, for adalimumab versus 16.7%, 31.7% and 51.7%, respectively, for etanercept (p=0.158). Baseline median EQ-5D scores improved from 0.52 to 0.69 for adalimumab and from 0.52 to 0.64 for etanercept (p=0.046) after 52 weeks. Global satisfaction, effectiveness, side effects and convenience scores based on the TSQM were similar for both drugs. Fourteen serious adverse events occurred including two deaths from myocardial infarction, one patient with ovarian cancer and one with acute myeloid leukaemia.

Conclusions

Clinicians choosing a first tumour necrosis factor inhibitor for active RA, despite trying two DMARDs including methotrexate, may choose either adalimumab or etanercept in the knowledge that these drugs are similarly effective.

Clinical trial registration number

EU Clinical Trials Register 2006-006275-21/GB.
Diagnostic value of patterns of symptoms and signs of heart failure: application of latent class analysis with concomitant variables in a cross-sectional study
Authors: Severo Milton , Gaio Ana Rita , Lourenço Patrícia , Alvelos Margarida , Gonçalves Alexandra , Lunet Nuno , Bettencourt Paulo , Azevedo Ana
Published: November 2012

Objective

The diagnosis of heart failure (HF) requires a compatible clinical syndrome and demonstration of cardiac dysfunction by imaging or functional tests. Since individual symptoms and signs are generally unreliable and have limited value for diagnosing HF, the authors aimed to identify patterns of symptoms and signs, based on findings routinely collected in current clinical practice, and to evaluate their diagnostic value, taking into account the a priori likelihood of HF.

Design

Cross-sectional evaluation.

Participants

1115 community participants aged ≥45 years from Porto, Portugal, in 2006–2008.

Main outcomes measures

Patterns were identified by latent class analysis, using concomitant variables to predict class membership. Patterns used 11 symptoms/signs, covering dimensions of congestion and hypoperfusion. Sex, age, education, obesity, diabetes and history of myocardial infarction or HF were included as concomitants.

Results

Bayesian information criteria supported a solution with three patterns: 10.1% of participants followed a pattern with symptoms of troubled breathing and signs of congestion (pattern 1), 27.8% a pattern characterised mainly by signs of congestion (pattern 2) and 62.1% were essentially asymptomatic (pattern 3); model fit was best when including concomitant variables. The likelihood ratio of patterns 1, 2 and 3 for left ventricular systolic dysfunction was 3.4, 1.1 and 0.6, and for left ventricular diastolic dysfunction 3.5, 1.4 and 0.5, respectively.

Conclusions

The use of concomitant variables can improve the diagnostic value of the symptoms and signs patterns and, consequently, improve the usefulness of the symptoms and signs for diagnosis and as an outcome measure. The potential for application in other settings of complex diagnoses is very high. These models were shown to be useful to standardise and quantify the probabilistic reasoning in clinical diagnosis, upon which decisions of further investigation and even treatment need to be made.
Effect of bile acid sequestrants on glycaemic control: protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Hansen Morten , Sonne David Peick , Mikkelsen Kristian Hallundbæk , Gluud Lise Lotte , Vilsbøll Tina , Knop Filip Krag
Published: November 2012

Introduction

In addition to the lipid-lowering effect of bile acid sequestrants (BASs), they also lower blood glucose and, therefore, could be beneficial in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Three oral BASs are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia: colestipol, cholestyramine and colesevelam. The BAS colestimide/colestilan is used in Japan. Colesevelam was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of T2DM. We plan to provide a systematic review with meta-analysis of the glucose-lowering effect of BASs with the aim to evaluate their potential as glucose-lowering agents in patients with T2DM.

Methods and analysis

In accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement, a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials of BASs (vs placebo, oral antidiabetes drugs or insulin), reporting measures of glycaemic control in adult patients with T2DM, will be performed. Change in glycated haemoglobin constitutes the primary endpoint, and secondary endpoints include changes in fasting plasma glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, body weight and body mass index and adverse events. Electronic searches will be performed in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE, along with manual searches in the reference lists of relevant papers. The analyses will be performed based on individual patient data and summarised data. The primary meta-analysis will be performed using random effects models owing to expected intertrial heterogeneity. Dichotomous data will be analysed using risk difference and continuous data using weighted mean differences, both with 95% CIs.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will evaluate the potential of BASs as glucose-lowering agents and possibly contribute to the clinical management of patients with T2DM.

Results

The study will be disseminated by peer-review publication and conference presentation.

Protocol registration

PROSPERO CRD42012002552.
Geographical concentration of falciparum malaria treated in the UK and delay to treatment with artesunate in severe cases: an observational study
Authors: Broderick Claire , Friend Philip , Smith Valerie , Blaze Marie , Gothard Philip , Chiodini Peter L , Whitty Christopher JM
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To quantify geographical concentration of falciparum malaria cases in the UK at a hospital level. To assess potential delay-to-treatment associated with hub-and-spoke distribution of artesunate in severe cases.

Design

Observational study using national and hospital data.

Setting and participants

3520 patients notified to the Malaria Reference Laboratory 2008–2010, 34 patients treated with intravenous artesunate from a tropical diseases centre 2002–2010.

Main outcome measures

Geographical location of falciparum cases notified in the UK. Diagnosis-to-treatment times for intravenous artesunate.

Results

Eight centres accounted for 43.9% of the UK's total cases; notifications from 107 centres accounted for 10.2% of cases; 51.5% of hospitals seeing malaria notified 5 or fewer cases in 3 years. Centres that saw <10 cases/year treat 26.3% of malaria cases; 6.1% of cases are treated in hospitals seeing <2 cases/year. Concentration of falciparum malaria was highest in Greater London (1925, 54.7%), South East (515, 14.6%), East of England (402, 11.4%) and North West (192, 5.4%). The North East and Northern Ireland each notified 5 or fewer cases per year. Median diagnosis-to-treatment time was 1 h (range 0.5–5) for patients receiving artesunate in the specialist centre; 7.5 h (range 4–26) for patients receiving it in referring hospitals via the hub-and-spoke system (p=0.02); 25 h (range 9–45) for patients receiving it on transfer to the regional centre from a referring hospital (p=0.002).

Conclusions

Most UK hospitals see few cases of falciparum malaria and geographical distances are significant. Over 25% of cases are seen in hospitals where malaria is rare, although 60% are seen in hospitals seeing over 50 cases over 3 years. A hub-and-spoke system minimises drug wastage and ensures availability in centres seeing most cases but is associated with treatment delays elsewhere. As with all observational studies, there are limitations, which are discussed.
Sixty-year effects of deciduous removal on white spruce height growth and site index in the Western Boreal
Authors: Osika Diana E. , Stadt Kenneth J. , Comeau Philip G. , MacIsaac Daniel A.
Published: November 2012

In the boreal plains of western Canada, white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) height−age and site index (SI) curves have been developed and applied to assess site productivity for white spruce without fully considering the competition that usually occurs between the spruce and taller deciduous trees. In this study, we evaluated the effects of deciduous removal on white spruce height growth potential using stem analysis on typical control spruce grown with deciduous neighbours and spruce that were released from deciduous competition ∼60 years prior. Due to the late application of the release treatments (at stand ages of 20–60 years), the observed site index of spruce was not affected by treatment. However, height growth in the 50 years following treatment was increased by 2.1 m. We present a height−age model to specifically estimate the change in SI required to achieve the observed height response following late release. The model indicated that the post-release SI estimate of white spruce would need to be on average 4.2 m higher than control SI to track the height response. This model is useful for estimating the true, competition-free SI for white spruce from the observed SI in natural mixed stands.
Mapping fuels in Yosemite National Park
Authors: Peterson Seth H. , Franklin Janet , Roberts Dar A. , van Wagtendonk Jan W.
Published: November 2012

Decades of fire suppression have led to unnaturally large accumulations of fuel in some forest communities in the western United States, including those found in lower and midelevation forests in Yosemite National Park in California. We employed the Random Forests decision tree algorithm to predict fuel models as well as 1-h live and 1-, 10-, and 100-h dead fuel loads using a suite of climatic, topographic, remotely sensed, and burn history predictor variables. Climate variables and elevation consistently were most useful for predicting all types of fuels, but remotely sensed variables increased the kappa accuracy metric by 5%–12% age points in each case, demonstrating the utility of using disparate data sources in a topographically diverse region dominated by closed-canopy vegetation. Fire history information (time-since-fire) generally only increased kappa by 1% age point, and only for the largest fuel classes. The Random Forests models were applied to the spatial predictor layers to produce maps of fuel models and fuel loads, and these showed that fuel loads are highest in the low-elevation forests that have been most affected by fire suppression impacting the natural fire regime.
Foliar nitrogen in relation to plant traits and reflectance properties of New Hampshire forests
Authors: Sullivan Franklin B. , Ollinger Scott V. , Martin Mary E. , Ducey Mark J. , Lepine Lucie C. , Wicklein Haley F.
Published: November 2012

Several recent studies have shown that the mass-based concentration of nitrogen in foliage (%N) is positively correlated with canopy near-infrared reflectance (NIRr) and midsummer shortwave albedo across North American forests. Understanding the mechanisms behind this relationship would aid in interpretation of remote sensing imagery and improve our ability to predict changes in reflectance under future environmental conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which foliar nitrogen at leaf and canopy scales covary with leaf- and canopy-scale structural traits that are known to influence NIR scattering and reflectance. To accomplish this, we compared leaf and canopy traits with reflectance spectra at 17 mixed temperate forest stands. We found significant positive associations among %N and NIRr at both the leaf and canopy scale. At the canopy scale, both %N and NIRr were correlated with a number of structural traits as well as with the proportional abundance of deciduous and evergreen foliage. Identifying specific causal factors for observed reflectance patterns was complicated by interrelations among multiple traits across scales. Among simple metrics of canopy structure, we saw no relationship between NIRr and leaf area index, but we observed a strong, inverse relationship with the number of leaves per unit canopy volume.
Dipole showers and automated NLO matching in Herwig++
Authors: Plätzer Simon , Gieseke Stefan
Published: November 2012

We report on the implementation of a coherent dipole shower algorithm along with an automated implementation for dipole subtraction and for performing powheg- and mc@nlo-type matching to next-to-leading order (NLO) calculations. Both programs are implemented as add-on modules to the event generator Herwig++. A preliminary tune of parameters to data acquired at LEP, HERA and Drell-Yan pair production at the Tevatron has been performed, and we find an overall very good description which is slightly improved by the NLO matching.
Approximating the partition function of the ferromagnetic Potts model
Authors: Goldberg Leslie Ann , Jerrum Mark
Published: November 2012

We provide evidence that it is computationally difficult to approximate the partition function of the ferromagnetic
q
-state Potts model when
q
> 2. Specifically, we show that the partition function is hard for the complexity class #RHPi under approximation-preserving reducibility. Thus, it is as hard to approximate the partition function as it is to find approximate solutions to a wide range of counting problems, including that of determining the number of independent sets in a bipartite graph. Our proof exploits the first-order phase transition of the “random cluster” model, which is a probability distribution on graphs that is closely related to the
q
-state Potts model.
Adding reinforced corners
Authors: Alper Meryl , Hourcade Juan Pablo , Gilutz Shuli
Published: November 2012

In this forum we celebrate research that helps to successfully bring the benefits of computing technologies to children, older adults, people with disabilities, and other populations that are often ignored in the design of mass-marketed products.

Juan Pablo Hourcade, Editor
Breaking down barriers
Authors: Dove Laura , Sethumadhavan Arathi
Published: November 2012

Evaluation and usability as a practice area has diversified its approaches, broadened the spectrum of UX issues it addresses, and extended its contribution into deeper levels of product-development decision making. This forum addresses conceptual, methodological, and professional issues that arise in the field's continuing effort to contribute robust information about users to product planning and design.

David Siegel and Susan Dray, Editors
Ubiquity symposium: Evolutionary computation and the processes of life
Authors: Garzon Max H.
Published: November 2012

In this article in the ACM Ubiquity symposium on evolutionary computation Max H. Garzon presents reflections on the connections between evolutionary computation, natural computation, and current definitions of computer science. The primary aim and result is a more coherent, comprehensive and modern definition of computer science.
Mutations Arising During Repair of Chromosome Breaks
Authors: Malkova Anna , Haber James E.
Published: November 2012

Mutations stimulate evolutionary change and lead to birth defects and cancer in humans as well as to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. According to the classic view, most mutations arise in dividing cells and result from uncorrected errors of S-phase DNA replication, which is highly accurate because of the involvement of selective DNA polymerases and efficient error-correcting mechanisms. In contrast, studies in bacteria and yeast reveal that DNA synthesis associated with repair of double-strand chromosomal breaks (DSBs) by homologous recombination is highly inaccurate, thus making DSBs and their repair an important source of mutations. Different error-prone mechanisms appear to operate in different repair scenarios. In the filling in of single-stranded DNA regions, error-prone translesion DNA polymerases appear to produce most errors. In contrast, in gene conversion gap repair and in break-induced replication, errors are independent of translesion polymerases, and many mutations have the signatures of template switching during DNA repair synthesis. DNA repair also appears to create complex copy-number variants. Overall, homologous recombination, which is traditionally considered a safe pathway of DSB repair, is an important source of mutagenesis that may contribute to human disease and evolution.
Recessively Inherited Forms of Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Byers Peter H. , Pyott Shawna M.
Published: November 2012

More than 90% of people who have osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) have heterozygous mutations in one of the two type I collagen genes, COL1A1 and COL1A2. The effects of these changes range from death in the perinatal period to barely increased fracture frequency and reflect different types of mutations. Introduction of bisphosphonates during the past 20 years has targeted bone fragility by decreased resorption. The recent recognition of biallelic mutations in genes that affect either collagen assembly and processing or the regulation of osteoblast development has raised hopes for therapies that would be specific for single-gene disorders and identify cellular targets in individuals with the dominant forms of OI. These hopes are yet to be met, but the study of the recessively inherited forms of OI has illuminated the details of the collagen processing pathways.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity Is a Possible Mechanism by Which the Polyherbal Formulation Comprised ofNigella sativa(Seeds),Hemidesmus indicus(Root), andSmilax glabra(Rhizome) Mediates Its Antihepatocarcinogenic Effects
Authors: Galhena Prasanna B. , Samarakoon Sameera R. , Thabrew M. Ira , Weerasinghe G. A. K. , Thammitiyagodage Mayuri G. , Ratnasooriya W. D. , Tennekoon Kamani H.
Published: November 2012

The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a polyherbal decoction comprised ofNigella sativa, Hemidesmus indicus, andSmilax glabrain order to justify its claimed antihepatocarcinogenic activity. Activation of hepatic nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), IκB kinase (IKKα/β) proteins, and TNFαand IL-6 expression was investigated in diethylnitrosamine- (DEN-) induced C3H mice-bearing early hepatocarcinogenic changes. Acute phase inflammatory response was evaluated by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema formation. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms were also assessed by determining effect on (a) membrane stabilization, (b) nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity, and (c) inhibition of leukocyte migration. A significant inhibition of the paw edema formation was observed in healthy rats as well as in rats bearing early hepatocarcinogenic changes with oral administration of the decoction. As with the positive control, indomethacin (10 mg/kg b.w.) the inhibitory effect was pronounced at 3rd and 4th h after carrageenan injection. A notable IKKα/βmediated hepatic NF-κB inactivation was associated with a significant hepatic TNFαdownregulation among mice-bearing hepatocarcinogenic changes subjected to decoction treatment. Inhibition of NO production, leukocyte migration, and membrane stabilization are possible mechanisms by which anti-inflammatory effect is mediated by the decoction. Overall findings imply that anti-inflammatory activity could be one of the mechanisms by which the decoction mediates its antihepatocarcinogenic effects.
Bioassay-Guided Isolation and HPLC Determination of Bioactive Compound That Relate to the Antiplatelet Activity (Adhesion, Secretion, and Aggregation) fromSolanum lycopersicum
Authors: Fuentes Eduardo , Castro Ricardo , Astudillo Luis , Carrasco Gilda , Alarcón Marcelo , Gutiérrez Margarita , Palomo Iván
Published: November 2012

In seeking the functionality of foodstuff applicable to medicine, ripe tomato fruits were found to show an antiplatelet activity. Therefore, the bioactive compound was isolated, structurally identified, and studied for an inhibitory effects on platelet adhesion, secretion, and aggregation. The concentration of adenosine in ripe tomato fruits (pulp and skin extracts) and its processing by-products (paste and pomace) was determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). According to platelet aggregation inhibition induced by ADP, the total extract residual was fractionated by liquid-liquid separation, obtaining aqueous, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extracts. The aqueous extract was subjected to repeated permeation over sephadex LH-20 and semipreparative TLC. The isolate finally obtained was identified as adenosine on the basis of ESI-MS,1H NMR, HPLC, and UV spectra. Adenosine concentration dependently (2.3–457 μM) platelet aggregation inhibited induced by ADP. Also, adenosine present inhibition of platelet secretion and thrombus formation under flow conditions. The quantitative HPLC analysis revealed significant amounts of adenosine in ripe tomato fruits and its processing by-products. From these results, extracts/fractions of ripe tomato fruits and their processing by-products may be referred to as functional food and functional ingredients containing a compound that inhibits platelet function with a potent preventive effect on thrombus formation, as those that occur in stroke.
Psoriatic Arthritis: An Update
Authors: Lloyd Peter , Ryan Caitriona , Menter Alan
Published: November 2012

Psoriatic arthritis is a debilitating condition, which affects approximately one-quarter of psoriasis patients. Recent findings have furthered our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of PsA. There have been major advances in the identification of genes associated with joint involvement but not with cutaneous disease alone. The elucidation of key immunologic pathways has allowed the development of novel targeted therapies that are in the research pipeline. Currently, good screening tests and biomarkers to diagnose early PsA and to guide therapy are limited. In this paper, we present recent findings with regard to the immunopathogenesis and genetics of PsA, biomarkers, and screening tools and review the targeted therapies currently in clinical trials.
Facile Synthesis of Benzaldehyde-Functionalized Ionic Liquids and Their Flexible Functional Group Transformations
Authors: Huang Qiang , Zheng Baozhong
Published: November 2012

Three benzaldehyde-functionalized ionic liquids were readily synthesized by quaternization ofN-alkylimidazole with benzaldehyde-functionalized alkyl bromides under microwave irradiation in good yield. These aldehyde-functionalized ionic liquids could easily be oxidized in the presence of H2O2/KOH or be reduced by NaBH4leading to the formation of the corresponding carboxyl-functionalized ionic liquids or benzylic alcohol-functionalized ionic liquids. In addition, the condensations of these functionalized ones with hydrazine hydrate and with aniline under reductive amination conditions were demonstrated.
Moderation of Breastfeeding Effects on Adult Depression by Estrogen Receptor Gene Polymorphism
Authors: Merjonen Päivi , Jokela Markus , Salo Johanna , Lehtimäki Terho , Viikari Jorma , Raitakari Olli T. , Hintsanen Mirka , Keltikangas-Järvinen Liisa
Published: November 2012

Breastfeeding is known to benefit both the mother’s and the child’s health. Our aim was to test the interactive effects between estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) rs2234693 and breastfeeding when predicting the child’s later depression in adulthood. A sample of 1209 boys and girls from the Young Finns Study were followed from childhood over 27 years up to age 30–45 years. Adulthood depressive symptoms were self-reported by the participants using the Beck Depression Inventory. Breastfeeding as well as several possibly confounding factors was reported by the parents in childhood or adolescence. Breastfeeding tended to predict lower adult depression, while ESR1 rs2234693 was not associated with depression. A significant interaction between breastfeeding and ESR1 was found to predict participants’ depression (P=.004) so that C/C genotype carriers who had not been breastfed had higher risk of depression than T-allele carriers (40.5% versus 13.0%) while there were no genotypic differences among those who had been breastfed. In sex-specific analysis, this interaction was evident only among women. We conclude that child’s genes and maternal behavior may interact in the development of child’s adult depression so that breastfeeding may buffer the inherited depression risk possibly associated with the C/C genotype of the ESR1 gene.
Design of PDC Controllers by Matrix Reversibility for Synchronization of Yin and Yang Chaotic Takagi‐Sugeno Fuzzy Henon Maps
Authors: Ho Chun-Yen , Chen Hsien-Keng , Ge Zheng-Ming
Published: November 2012

This paper investigates the synchronization of Yin and Yang chaotic T‐S fuzzy Henon maps via PDC controllers. Based on the Chinese philosophy, Yin is the decreasing, negative, historical, or feminine principle in nature, while Yang is the increasing, positive, contemporary, or masculine principle in nature. Yin and Yang are two fundamental opposites in Chinese philosophy. The Henon map is an invertible map; so the Henon maps with increasing and decreasing argument can be called the Yang and Yin Henon maps, respectively. Chaos synchronization of Yin and Yang T‐S fuzzy Henon maps is achieved by PDC controllers. The design of PDC controllers is based on the linear invertible matrix theory. The T‐S fuzzy model of Yin and Yang Henon maps and the design of PDC controllers are novel, and the simulation results show that the approach is effective.
Xiaoyaosan Decoction Regulates Changes in Neuropeptide Y and Leptin Receptor in the Rat Arcuate Nucleus after Chronic Immobilization Stress
Authors: Wang Shao-Xian , Chen Jia-Xu , Yue Guang-Xin , Bai Ming-Hua , Kou Mei-Jing , Jin Zhong-Ye
Published: November 2012

The arcuate nucleus (ARC) in the basal of hypothalamus plays an important role in appetite regulation and energy balance. We sought to investigate the central neuroendocrine mechanism of appetite decrease and weight loss under chronic stress by observing the regulatory effects of Xiaoyaosan decoction in the expression of leptin receptor (ob-R) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the ARC. Our results showed that bodyweight and food intake of rats in the 21-day stress group increased slower than those of the normal group. Higher contents of Leptin andob-Rwere noted in the 21-day stress group compared with control rats, while NPY expression was not statistically different. Xiaoyaosan powder can significantly downregulate the contents of leptin andob-Rin the hypothalamus of stressed rats. These findings suggest that increase ofob-Rexpression in the ARC is possibly one key central neuroendocrine change for the somatic discomfort. Weight loss and decreased food intake in rats caused by the binding of leptin toob-Rin hypothalamus do not appear to utilize the NPY pathway. This study also suggests thatob-Rin the ARC may act as the target of Xiaoyaosan in regulating the symptoms such as appetite decrease and bodyweight loss under chronic stress.
Effects of Forced Alcohol Intake Associated with Chronic Stress on the Severity of Periodontitis: An Animal Model Study
Authors: Porto Alessandra Nogueira , Semenoff Segundo Alex , Vedove Semenoff Tereza Aparecida Delle , Pedro Fabio Miranda , Borges Álvaro Henrique , Cortelli José Roberto , Costa Fernando de Oliveira , Cortelli Sheila Cavalca
Published: November 2012

This study histometrically evaluated the effect of forced alcohol intake by stressed animals on the severity of ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. Thirty-two rats were randomly divided in four groups: group GAL—alcohol and ligature; group GASL—alcohol, chronic physical stress, and ligature; GNC—negative control; GPC—positive control. GAL and GASL received 20% ethanolad libitum, and GNC received waterad libitumfor 60 days. After 24 hours of exposition to alcohol intake—by GAL and GASL—immobilization was applied as a chronic stressor in the GASL group for a two-month period, six times a week, in random hours. The means of the respective groups were statistically compared (Analysis of Variance and Tukey tests,P<0.05). The most severe periodontal breakdown was observed in nonstressed animals which drank alcohol (GAL), followed by stressed animals exposed to alcohol (GASL). GASL did not differ from the positive control group (GPC). The negative control group showed the lowest values of periodontal breakdown (P<0.05).Conclusions. Non-stressed alcohol consumer animals showed the most severe pattern of periodontal breakdown. Although stressed animals which were forced to drink alcohol showed poorer periodontal status than the negative controls, their results were similar to those of positive controls.
Determination of Susceptibility to Intergranular Corrosion of UNS 31803 Type Duplex Stainless Steel by Electrochemical Reactivation Method: A Comparative Study
Authors: Arıkan Mehmet Emin , Arıkan Rafet , Doruk Mustafa
Published: November 2012

In the present study as in our previous studies (Arikan and Doruk, 2008 and Arikan et al., 2012), similar specimens taken from a hot rolled cylindrical duplex stainless steel (DSS) bar with 22% Cr grade were solution annealed at 1050°C and then aged at 800∘C from 100 to 31622 min for sensitization treatment. Double loop electrochemical potentiodynamic reactivation and standard weight loss immersion acid tests were conducted. The solution annealed samples were found unsensitized. The samples aged for 100 min were less sensitized whereas samples aged for 316 min and more time were sensitized. The degree of sensitization (DOS) can be attributed to higher contribution of chromium and molybdenum depleted areas that result from intermetallic phases. However, especially the samples aged from 3162 to 31622 min have revealed chromium replenishment. Consequently, the degree of sensitization was lowered in comparison to the results obtained in previous studies.
Transverse Myelitis Associated with Anti-Ro (SSA) Autoantibodies: A Record of Two Cases
Authors: Melikyan G. , Abdelrahman M. H. , D’Suoza A. , Akhtar N. , Elzouki A. N. , Hammoudeh M.
Published: November 2012

Transverse myelitis (TM) is an inflammatory process involving a restricted area of the spinal cord. The usual dramatic presentation makes TM a medical emergency. Early detection and aggressive therapy are required in order to improve the prognosis. The association of this unique clinical phenotype and autoantibody provides circumstantial evidence that an autoimmune aetiology might be involved. We describe two cases of TM associated with anti-Ro (SSA) autoantibodies without connective tissue disease manifestations. The two patients were treated successfully with IV steroids and cyclophosphamide.
Comparison of Inorganic and Organic Matter Sedimentation in a Natural Laboratory: A One-Year Study at Lough Hyne Marine Reserve, Ireland
Authors: Broszeit Stefanie , Davenport John , Jessopp Mark , Harman Luke , McAllen Rob
Published: November 2012

Measuring sedimentation rates may provide useful information on the habitat preferences of marine organisms. To understand the effect of flow rates and meteorological conditions on sedimentation in the absence of other confounding factors, sedimentation of organic (OM) and inorganic (IOM) matters was measured at 6 sites in Lough Hyne Marine Reserve (a semienclosed marine lake) over the course of 13 months. During winter, both OM and IOM were imported to the Lough, peaking in December at Whirlpool, the site nearest to the Lough entrance, likely as a result of extreme weather conditions causing resuspension of matter outside the Lough. Highest inorganic matter (IOM) sedimentation occurred in December (47.36 gm−2d−1at Whirlpool Cliff) and was related to November wind speeds (, ). Decreasing current speed also caused a decline in IOM sedimentation. Highest OM sedimentation occurred in December at Whirlpool (5.59 gm−2d−1), but was not related to meteorological conditions. No single environmental factor strongly influenced organic matter (OM) sedimentation. One-way ANOVAs on OM and log-transformed IOM data showed that sedimentation differed significantly amongst the six sites within the Lough. Increased plankton production in the Lough during summer led to increased OM sedimentation in areas of low current speed away from the entrance of the Lough.
An Optimization to Schedule Train Operations with Phase‐Regular Framework for Intercity Rail Lines
Authors: Niu Huimin , Zhang Minghui
Published: November 2012

The most important operating problem for intercity rail lines, which are characterized with the train operations at rapid speed and high frequency, is to design a service‐oriented schedule with the minimum cost. This paper proposes a phase‐regular scheduling method which divides a day equally into several time blocks and applies a regular train‐departing interval and the same train length for each period under the period‐dependent demand conditions. A nonlinear mixed zero‐one programming model, which could accurately calculate the passenger waiting time and the in‐train crowded cost, is developed in this study. A hybrid genetic algorithm associated with the layered crossover and mutation operation is carefully designed to solve the proposed model. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm is illustrated through the application to Hefei‐Wuhan intercity rail line in China.
Absorption and Fluorescence Spectroscopy of 1,2 : 3,4-Dibenzanthracene
Authors: Bayrakceken Fuat , Yegin Korkut , Korkmaz Erdal , Bakis Yakup , Unal Bayram
Published: November 2012

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compound, 1,2 : 3,4-dibenzanthracene, is spectroscopically analyzed in ethanol. Ultraviolet absorption spectra were taken and fluorescence measurements were performed. From absorption and emission spectra, Stokes' lines were clearly discernible and these shifts were recorded. Being a carcinogenic compound, the detection of 1,2 : 3,4-dibenzanthracene presence in the environment as a pollutant with adverse genotoxic effects is vital.
Blockade of Renin Angiotensin System Increased Resistance to STZ-Induced Diabetes in Rats with Long-Term High-Fat Diet
Authors: Li Xin , Yuan Li , Li Jin , Li Hailing , Cheng Suosuo
Published: November 2012

This study aimed to investigate whether rennin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade through telmisartan would increase the resistance to streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetes in insulin resistance rats. There were sixty Wistar rats that were divided into four groups: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HF), high-fat diet plus STZ injection (HF+S), and high-fat diet plus STZ injection and telmisartan intervention (HF+S+T). Five rats were chosen randomly and respectively from groups NC and HF to undergo a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Another five rats were selected randomly from the four groups, respectively, for intravenous injection insulin releasing test (IVIRT), and the other five rats for pancreas specimens used in islet cell immunohistochemistry staining (stained for insulin, NF-κB, and caspase-3), islet cell apoptosis staining, and reverse transcription PCR (AT1R and IL-1 beta). There was a significant difference of overt diabetes incidence between groups HF+S+T and HF+S (P<0.05). Furthermore, inflammatory markers and islet cell apoptosis were found to be significantly reduced in group HF+S+T compared with group HF+S (allP<0.01orP<0.05). Overall, telmisartan-treated rats were found to have reduced RAS activity, increased resistance to STZ-induced diabetes, reduced inflammatory markers, and improvement of islet cell function and morphology.
Optimization on Production‐Inventory Problem with Multistage and Varying Demand
Authors: Gang Duan , Li Chen , Yin-Zhen Li , Jie-Yan Song , Tanweer Akhtar
Published: November 2012

This paper addresses production‐inventory problem for the manufacturer by explicitly taking into account multistage and varying demand. A nonlinear hybrid integer constrained optimization is modeled to minimize the total cost including setup cost and holding cost in the planning horizon. A genetic algorithm is developed for the problem. A series of computational experiments with different sizes is used to demonstrate the efficiency and universality of the genetic algorithm in terms of the running time and solution quality. At last the combination of crossover probability and mutation probability is tested for all problems and a law is found for large size.
An Approximation of Semigroups Method for Stochastic Parabolic Equations
Authors: Ashyralyev Allaberen , San Mehmet Emin
Published: November 2012

A single‐step difference scheme for the numerical solution of the nonlocal‐boundary
value problem for stochastic parabolic equations is presented. The convergence estimate for the solution
of the difference scheme is established. In application, the convergence estimates for the solution of the
difference scheme are obtained for two nonlocal‐boundary value problems. The theoretical statements
for the solution of this difference scheme are supported by numerical examples.
Chinese Massage Combined with Herbal Ointment for Athletes with Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kong Ling Jun , Fang Min , Zhan Hong Sheng , Yuan Wei An , Tao Ji Ming , Qi Gao Wei , Cheng Ying Wu
Published: November 2012

Non-specific low back pain (NLBP) is an increasing health problem for athletes. This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the effects of Chinese massage combined with herbal ointment for NLBP. 110 athletes with NLBP were randomly assigned to experimental group with Chinese massage combined with herbal ointment or control group with simple massage therapy. The primary outcome was pain by Chinese Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (C-SFMPQ). The secondary outcome was local muscle stiffness by Myotonometer. After 4 weeks, the experimental group experienced significant improvements in C-SFMPQ and in local muscle stiffness compared with control group (between-group difference in mean change from baseline, −1.24 points,P=0.005in sensory scores; −3.14 points,P<0.001in affective scores; −4.39 points,P<0.001in total scores; −0.64 points,P=0.002in VAS; −1.04 points,P=0.005in local muscle stiffness during relaxation state). The difference remained at one month followup, but it was only significant in affective scores (−2.83 points,P<0.001) at three months followup. No adverse events were observed. These findings suggest that Chinese massage combined with herbal ointment may be a beneficial complementary and alternative therapy for athletes with NLBP.
RNA-Based Assessment of Diversity and Composition of Active Archaeal Communities in the German Bight
Authors: Wemheuer Bernd , Wemheuer Franziska , Daniel Rolf
Published: November 2012

Archaeaplay an important role in various biogeochemical cycles. They are known extremophiles inhabiting environments such as thermal springs or hydrothermal vents. Recent studies have revealed a significant abundance ofArchaeain moderate environments, for example, temperate sea water. Nevertheless, the composition and ecosystem function of these marine archaeal communities is largely unknown. To assess diversity and composition of active archaeal communities in the German Bight, seven marine water samples were taken and studied by RNA-based analysis of ribosomal 16S rRNA. For this purpose, total RNA was extracted from the samples and converted to cDNA. Archaeal community structures were investigated by pyrosequencing-based analysis of 16S rRNA amplicons generated from cDNA. To our knowledge, this is the first study combining next-generation sequencing and metatranscriptomics to study archaeal communities in marine habitats. The pyrosequencing-derived dataset comprised 62,045 archaeal 16S rRNA sequences. We identifiedHalobacteriaas the predominant archaeal group across all samples with increased abundance in algal blooms.Thermoplasmatales(Euryarchaeota) and the Marine Group I (Thaumarchaeota) were identified in minor abundances. It is indicated that archaeal community patterns were influenced by environmental conditions.
An Empirical Test of Alternative Theories of Educational Inequality
Authors: Sakamoto Arthur , Kim ChangHwan , Woo Hyeyoung
Published: November 2012

A classic issue in education centers on the nature of the relationship between schooling and labor market outcomes. Three general theories of this relationship are the human capital view, the market signal view, and the credentialist view. All three approaches predict a positive association between education and wages, but they differ in regard to its underlying causes. We argue that these theories may be fundamentally differentiated in terms of their implications for productivity, and we provide some relevant findings using productivity data for US manufacturing industries from 1976 to 1996. The results most strongly support the market signal view which emphasizes the association between productivity and relative educational attainment due to the role of the latter in certifying more reliable and trainable workers.
Delirious Mania: Can We Get Away with This Concept? A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bipeta Rajshekhar , Khan Majeed A.
Published: November 2012

Background. Delirious mania (DM) as a clinical entity is well described, yet is often unrecognized in clinical practice. While most often misdiagnosed as acute psychotic episodes of organic delirium, these patients meet the criteria for mania with attendant delirium and pose therapeutic challenges. In addition to the case presentation, this paper also discusses the available literature on DM.Case Presentation. A 29-year-old man with DM was treated with a combination of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), divalproex 2000 mg/day, loxapine 100 mg/day, and lorazepam 4 mg/day. He demonstrated clinically significant improvement by day 10, which persisted through the twelve-month follow-up period.Conclusions. DM is a severe psychiatric syndrome which should be accurately diagnosed. Patients with DM should be treated aggressively, especially with ECT. Lack of recognition of DM can lead to serious morbidity or fatal outcomes. Though the concept of DM is well established, recent psychiatric literature does not make a mention of this life threatening yet treatable condition. We propose that there is a dire need to keep this concept alive.
Performance Analysis of Alignment Process of MEMS IMU
Authors: Bistrov Vadim
Published: November 2012

The procedure of determining the initial values of the attitude angles (pitch, roll, and heading) is known as the alignment. Also, it is essential to align an inertial system before the start of navigation. Unless the inertial system is not aligned with the vehicle, the information provided by MEMS (microelectromechanical system) sensors is not useful for navigating the vehicle. At the moment MEMS gyroscopes have poor characteristics and it’s necessary to develop specific algorithms in order to obtain the attitude information of the object. Most of the standard algorithms for the attitude estimation are not suitable when using MEMS inertial sensors. The wavelet technique, the Kalman filter, and the quaternion are not new in navigation data processing. But the joint use of those techniques for MEMS sensor data processing can give some new results. In this paper the performance of a developed algorithm for the attitude estimation using MEMS IMU (inertial measurement unit) is tested. The obtained results are compared with the attitude output of another commercial GPS/IMU device by Xsens. The impact of MEMS sensor measurement noises on an alignment process is analysed. Some recommendations for the Kalman filter algorithm tuning to decrease standard deviation of the attitude estimation are given.
Diagonally Implicit Block Backward Differentiation Formulas for Solving Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Zawawi I. S. M. , Ibrahim Z. B. , Ismail F. , Majid Z. A.
Published: November 2012

This paper focuses on the derivation of diagonally implicit two-point block backward differentiation formulas (DI2BBDF) for solving first-order initial value problem (IVP) with two fixed points. The method approximates the solution at two points simultaneously. The implementation and the stability of the proposed method are also discussed. A performance of the DI2BBDF is compared with the existing methods.
Discrete Gamma (Factorial) Function and Its Series in Terms of a Generalized Difference Operator
Authors: Xavier G. Britto Antony , Chandrasekar V. , Vasanthakumar S. U. , Govindan B.
Published: November 2012

The recent theory and applications of difference operator ΔL introduced in (M. Maria Susai Manuel et al., 2012) are enriched and extended with a useful tool Δℓ-m[kℓ(n)e-k]||(m-1)ℓ+jk for finding the values of various series of discrete gamma functions in number theory. Illustrative examples show the effectiveness of the obtained results in finding the values of various gamma series.
Development of Pillared Clays for Wet Hydrogen Peroxide Oxidation of Phenol and Its Application in the Posttreatment of Coffee Wastewater
Authors: Sanabria Nancy R. , Molina Rafael , Moreno Sonia
Published: November 2012

This paper focuses on the use of pillared clays as catalysts for the Fenton-like advanced oxidation, specifically wet hydrogen peroxide catalytic oxidation (WHPCO). This paper discusses the limitations on the application of a homogeneous Fenton system, development of solid catalysts for the oxidation of phenol, advances in the synthesis of pillared clays, and their potential application as catalysts for phenol oxidation. Finally, it analyzes the use of pillared clays as heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts for a real wastewater treatment, emphasizing the oxidation of phenolic compounds present in coffee wastewater. Typically, the wet hydrogen peroxide catalytic oxidation in a real effluent system is used as pretreatment, prior to biological treatment. In the specific case of coffee wet processing wastewater, catalytic oxidation with pillared bentonite with Al-Fe is performed to supplement the biological treatment, that is, as a posttreatment system. According to the results of catalytic activity of pillared bentonite with Al-Fe for oxidation of coffee processing wastewater (56% phenolic compounds conversion, 40% selectivity towards CO2, and high stability of active phase), catalytic wet hydrogen peroxide oxidation emerges as a viable alternative for management of this type of effluent.