bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the application of the stochastic approach in predicting fatigue reliability using Miner's damage rule
Authors: Paolino D. S. , Cavatorta M. P. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTThe present paper investigates the application of the stochastic approach when the commonly adopted Miner's linear damage rule is implemented, both in its traditional and modified forms to include the presence of a random stress threshold (random fatigue limit), below which the rate of damage accumulation is reduced.Main steps are provided to obtain the simulated distribution of the accumulated damage under variable amplitude loading. When the stochastic approach is applied in the presence of a random fatigue limit, an additional correlation structure, which takes into account the fatigue limit value, must be introduced in the analysis. If the number of cycles to failure under constant amplitude loading is Weibull (Log‐Normal) distributed, then the corresponding accumulated damage is Fréchet (Log‐Normal) distributed.The effects of the correlation structure on reliability prediction under variable amplitude loading are also investigated. To this aim, several experimental datasets are taken from the literature, covering various metallic materials and variable amplitude block sequences.The results show that the choice of the damage accumulation model is a key factor to value the improvement in the accuracy of reliability predictions introduced by the stochastic approach.Comparison of the predicted number of cycles to failure with experimental data shows that larger errors are non‐conservative, regardless of the adopted correlation structure. When the analysis is limited to reliability levels above 80%, for these large non‐conservative errors, it is the quantile approach to be closer to actual experimental data, thus limiting the overestimation of component's life. For the experimental datasets considered in the paper, adoption of a stochastic approach would improve the accuracy of Miner's predictions in 10% of cases.
Approach to prophylactic measures for central venous catheter‐related infections in hemodialysis: A critical review
Authors: Silva Tricya N. V. , de Marchi Daniel , Mendes Marcela L. , Barretti Pasqual , Ponce Daniela 
Published: August 2013

AbstractVascular access is the major risk factor for bacteremia, hospitalization, and mortality among hemodialysis (HD) patients. The type of vascular access most associated with bloodstream infection is central venous catheter (CVC). The incidence of catheter‐related bacteremia ranges between 0.6 and 6.5 episodes per 1000 catheter days and increases linearly with the duration of catheter use. Given the high prevalence of CVC use and its direct association with catheter‐related bacteremia, which adversely impacts morbidity and mortality rates and costs among HD patients, several prevention measures aimed at reducing the rates of CVC‐related infections have been proposed and implemented. As a result, a large number of clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta‐analyses have been conducted in order to assess the effectiveness, clinical applicability, and long‐term adverse effects of such measures. In the following article, prophylactic measures against CVC‐related infections in HD patients and their possible advantages and limitations will be discussed, and the more recent literature on clinical experience with prophylactic antimicrobial lock therapy in HD CVCs will be reviewed.
Hypophosphatemia in patients with hepatitis B virus infection undergoing long‐term adefovir dipivoxil therapy
Authors: Shimizu Yuko , Hiraoka Atsushi , Yamago Hiroka , Shiraishi Akiko , Imai Yusuke , Tatsukawa Haruka , Tanihira Tetsuya , Miyata Hideki , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Tokumoto Yoshio , Abe Masanori , Hiasa Yoichi , Michitaka Kojiro 
Published: August 2013

AimThe purpose of this study was to clarify the frequency of hypophosphatemia and other clinical features in patients with hepatitis B undergoing long‐term therapy with adefovir dipivoxil (ADF).MethodsSeventeen hepatitis B patients treated with a combination of lamivudine and ADF were analyzed. They were divided into two groups: patients who developed hypophosphatemia (P < 2.5 mg/dL) (group A) and those who did not (group B). The frequency of hypophosphatemia and other clinical features were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThere were six patients (35.3%) in group A. The treatment period was 57.3 ± 15.6 and 61.8 ± 25.7 months in groups A and B, respectively. No differences were found between the groups prior to treatment. Among the six patients in group A, osteomalacia was observed in two, while a pathological fracture of the scapula was found in one. Decreases in phosphate (96 weeks after starting ADF), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (48 weeks) and uric acid (24 weeks) levels, and increases in creatinine and alkaline phosphatase were noted in group A.ConclusionHypophosphatemia occurred in 35% of the patients under the long‐term treatment with ADF. Although it was not possible to predict the decrease in phosphate before ADF therapy, decreases in uric acid and eGFR may be the early events relating to low phosphatemia.
Efficiency and safety evaluation of photodegradation of Aflatoxin B1 on peanut surface
Authors: Chang Ming , Jin Qingzhe , Liu Yuanfa , Liu Ruijie , Wang Xingguo 
Published: August 2013

SummaryA photodegradation study of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on peanut surface was performed under UV irradiation at different UV irradiation intensities. With an initial quantity of 10 ng of AFB1, it can be degraded thoroughly within 80 min under the intensity of 800 μw cm−2. The photodegradation pathway of AFB1 on the peanut surface was proposed. Mutagenesis and cytotoxicity were assessed after exposure to different concentrations of AFB1 and the mixtures of photodegradation products on the peanut surface. The results of the Ames and in vitro cytotoxicity assay, providing clues to the assessment of safety issues of UV method applied in AFB1 decontamination, indicate that photodegradation products on the peanut surface has no toxicity, which can be explained by the differences in the chemical nature of the test compounds before and after UV irradiation.
Management of over-the-counter insomnia complaints in Australian community pharmacies: a standardized patient study
Authors: Kashyap Krishneeta C , Nissen Lisa M , Smith Simon S , Kyle Greg 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the current management of over-the-counter (OTC) insomnia complaints in Australian community pharmacies using standardized patient methodology.

Methods
Trained standardized patients visited a sample of 100 randomly selected South East Queensland community pharmacies in June 2011. The standardized patients enacted two OTC insomnia scenarios: a direct product request (DPR) (n = 50) and a symptom-based request (SBR) (n = 50). Results of the interactions were documented immediately after each visit and evaluated using the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's WHAT STOP GO protocol as a standard comparison.

Key findings
Of all DPRs, 30% were handled entirely by the pharmacist, 70% of staff enquired about specific symptoms and 28% investigated the cause of insomnia. No staff investigated the frequency of product use. The DPR scenario resulted in a 92% supply of the requested doxylamine product (Restavit). In the SBR scenario, 18% of requests were handled entirely by the pharmacist, 58% of staff enquired about specific symptoms and 44% investigated the cause of insomnia. Staff recommended medicated products (38%), or herbal (78%) or non-drug techniques (18%). Investigation into smoking and alcohol intake was not undertaken in DPR or SBR interactions, while questioning on caffeine intake was undertaken in 2 and 14% of cases respectively. There were no significant differences found in the handling of sleep requests by pharmacists compared to pharmacy assistants.

Conclusion
The standardized patient methodology was a successful way to assess the community pharmacy counselling provided with OTC sleep requests and suboptimal staff responses were found when compared with recommended practice standards.
Dual kidney transplantation from uncontrolled deceased donors after cardiac arrest: A possible option
Authors: Hanf William , Petruzzo Palmina , Meas‐Yedid Vannary , Berthiller Julien , Martin Xavier , Morelon Emmanuel , Badet Lionel , Codas Ricardo 
Published: August 2013

AbstractOrgan shortage is a major problem in organ transplantation. For this reason, transplantation teams have found it necessary to revisit their organ acceptance criteria. Uncontrolled deceased donors after cardiac arrest could increase the donor pool by 20%, but at the same time there is a greater risk of delayed graft function and primary non‐function. Dual kidney transplantation is an option when single kidney transplantation cannot be carried out because of lack of organ quality. We report for the first time our four first dual kidney transplantation from uncontrolled deceased donors after cardiac arrest with a follow up longer than 1 year. We described graft outcomes until 5 years, and histology at 3 and 12 months after transplantation. All organs were machine perfused in order to assess their quality leading to a single kidney transplantation or dual kidney transplantation decision. After 1 year of follow up, all grafts were functional with a mean estimated glomerular filtration rate of 44.5 ± 3.3 mL/min/1.73 m2, and a mean inulin clearance of 43.7 ± 13.6 mL/mn/1.73 m2. These findings suggest that dual kidney transplantation can represent a viable option for kidneys unsuitable for single kidney transplantation without increasing the rate of surgical complications. Successful transplantation is linked to histological, biological and donor clinical criteria, as well as perfusion parameters.
Bone dissemination of prostate cancer after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: A case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Koguchi Dai , Nishi Morihiro , Satoh Takefumi , Shitara Toshiya , Matsumoto Kazumasa , Fujita Tetsuo , Yoshida Kazunari , Iwamura Masatsugu 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe report a case of dissemination of prostate cancer after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in an 80‐year‐old patient. The patient presented at hospital because of nocturia. Transrectal ultrasound‐guided biopsy was carried out because of high serum prostate‐specific antigen (3.55 ng/mL), but it showed no malignancies. Benign prostate hyperplasia was diagnosed, and he was started on an α1‐blocker. Although the urinary symptom improved with silodosin, acute urinary retention occurred 3 years after therapy began. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for relief of bladder outlet obstruction enabled discharge of urine. Pathological examination of the resected tissue found adenocarcinoma with a high Gleason score, 4 + 5. Serum alkaline phosphatase increased rapidly after holmium laser enucleation, and bone scintigraphy confirmed multiple bone metastases. Prostate cancer, T1bN0M1b, was diagnosed.
The mTOR pathway and integrating immune regulation
Authors: Cobbold Stephen P. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThe mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is an important integrator of nutrient‐sensing signals in all mammalian cells, and acts to coordinate the cell proliferation with the availability of nutrients such as glucose, amino acids and energy (oxygen and ATP). A large part of the immune response depends on the proliferation and clonal expansion of antigen‐specific T cells, which depends on mTOR activation, and the pharmacological inhibition of this pathway by rapamycin is therefore potently immunosuppressive. It is only recently, however, that we have started to understand the more subtle details of how the mTOR pathway is involved in controlling the differentiation of effector versus memory CD8+ T cells and the decision to generate different CD4+ helper T‐cell subsets. In particular, this review will focus on how nutrient sensing via mTOR controls the expression of the master transcription factor for regulatory T cells in order to maintain the balance between tolerance and inflammation.
Comparison of the clinical effectiveness of zanamivir and laninamivir octanoate for children with influenza A(H3N2) and B in the 2011–2012 season
Authors: Koseki Naoko , Kaiho Miki , Kikuta Hideaki , Oba Koji , Togashi Takehiro , Ariga Tadashi , Ishiguro Nobuhisa 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the two inhaled neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs), zanamivir (ZN) and laninamivir octate (LO), for influenza A(H3N2) and B virus infections.DesignA prospective, multicenter observational study was conducted from January to April in 2012.SettingOutpatients aged 5–18 years who had a temperature of 37.5°C or higher and were diagnosed as having influenza based on an immunochromatographic assay were enrolled.SampleA total of 338 patients treated with ZN and 314 patients treated with LO were compared.Main outcome measuresThe duration of fever after administration of the first dose of each NAI was evaluated as a primary endpoint. The secondary endpoint was episodes of biphasic fever.ResultsNo statistically significant difference in the duration of fever was found between the ZN and LO groups (log‐rank test, P = 0.117). A logistic regression model showed that episodes of biphasic fever increased by 1.19 times for every decrease of 1 year of age (P = 0.016) and that the number of biphasic fever episodes in patients treated with LO was 5.80‐times greater than that in patients treated with ZN (P < 0.001).ConclusionsAlthough the duration of fever in the LO group was comparable to that in the ZN group, episodes of biphasic fever were more frequent in younger children and in the LO group than in the ZN group.
Endocrine phenotype, reproductive success and survival in the great tit, Parus major
Authors: Ouyang J. Q. , Sharp P. , Quetting M. , Hau M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA central goal in evolutionary ecology is to characterize and identify selection patterns on the optimal phenotype in different environments. Physiological traits, such as hormonal responses, provide important mechanisms by which individuals can adapt to fluctuating environmental conditions. It is therefore expected that selection shapes hormonal traits, but the strength and the direction of selection on plastic hormonal signals are still under investigation. Here, we determined whether, and in which way, selection is acting on the hormones corticosterone and prolactin by characterizing endocrine phenotypes and their relationship with fitness in free‐living great tits, Parus major. We quantified variation in circulating concentrations of baseline and stress‐induced corticosterone and in prolactin during the prebreeding (March) and the breeding season (May) for two consecutive years, and correlated these with reproductive success (yearly fledgling number) and overwinter survival in female and male individuals. In both years, individuals with high baseline corticosterone concentrations in March had the highest yearly fledgling numbers; while in May, individuals with low baseline corticosterone had the highest yearly reproductive success. Likewise, individuals that displayed strong seasonal plasticity in baseline corticosterone concentrations (high in March and low in May) had the highest reproductive success in each year. Prolactin concentrations were not related to reproductive success, but were positively correlated to the proximity to lay. Between‐year plasticity in stress‐induced corticosterone concentrations of males was related to yearly variation in food abundance, but not to overall reproductive success. These findings suggest that seasonally alternating directional selection is operating on baseline corticosterone concentrations in both sexes. The observed between‐year consistency in selection patterns indicates that a one‐time hormone sample in a given season can allow the prediction of individual fitness.
Interaction between temperature and male pheromone in sexual isolation in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Bontonou G. , Denis B. , Wicker‐Thomas C. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn Drosophila, female hydrocarbons are known to be involved in premating isolation between different species and pheromonal races. The role of male‐specific hydrocarbon polymorphism is not as well documented. The dominant cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) in male D. melanogaster is usually 7‐tricosene (7‐T), with the exception of African populations, in which 7‐pentacosene (7‐P) is dominant. Here, we took advantage of a population from the Comoro Islands (Com), in which males fell on a continuum of low to high levels of 7‐T, to perform temperature selection and selection on CHCs' profiles. We conducted several experiments on the selected Com males to study the plasticity of their CHCs in response to temperature shift, their role in resistance to desiccation and in sexual selection. We then compared the results obtained for selected lines to those from three common laboratory strains with different and homogenous hydrocarbon profiles: CS, Cot and Tai. Temperature selection modified the CHC profiles of the Com males in few generations of selection. We showed that the 7‐P/7‐T ratio depends on temperature with generally more 7‐P at higher temperatures and observed a relationship between chain length and resistance to desiccation in both temperature‐ and phenotypically selected Com lines. There was partial sexual isolation between the flies with clear‐cut phenotypes within the phenotypically selected lines and the laboratory strains. These results indicate that the dominant male pheromones are under environmental selection and may have played a role in reproductive isolation.
Periodontal disease awareness among pregnant women in the central and eastern regions of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Asa'ad Farah A. , Rahman Ghousia , Al Mahmoud Noura , Al Shamasi Ebtehaj , Al Khuwaileidi Abrar 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness regarding periodontal disease and its effects on pregnancy among pregnant women in the central and eastern regions of Saudi Arabia.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional survey, self‐administered, structured questionnaires were distributed to 300 pregnant women who were chosen randomly from attendees of maternity health care centers in the central and eastern regions of Saudi Arabia. The questions were developed from literature reviews of articles. The questionnaire addressed personal and sociodemographic variables, periodontal health awareness, and knowledge of pregnant women. The questionnaire was translated into Arabic and was pretested during the pilot study on a random sample of 50 pregnant women. Data were analyzed by χ2‐tests, with the level of significance set at P < 0.05.ResultsAn overall response rate of 81% was obtained. Approximately 53% had a higher level of education, but only 21% knew how to define dental plaque and 30% knew its harmful effects. Almost 73% stated that gum disease could be prevented through toothbrushing and flossing. Approximately 97% of the respondents knew the negative effect of smoking, while only 12% knew there was a possible relationship between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes.ConclusionThe results of this cross‐sectional study found that there is limited knowledge and awareness about periodontal disease and its possible effects on pregnancy among pregnant women attending maternal health care centers in the central and eastern regions of Saudi Arabia.
Quantifying Barrovian metamorphism in the Danba Structural Culmination of eastern Tibet
Authors: Weller O. M. , St‐Onge M. R. , Waters D. J. , Rayner N. , Searle M. P. , Chung S.‐L. , Palin R. M. , Lee Y.‐H. , Xu X. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe Danba Structural Culmination is a tectonic window into the late Triassic to early Jurassic Songpan‐Garzê Fold Belt of eastern Tibet, which exposes an oblique section through a complete Barrovian‐type metamorphic sequence. Systematic analysis of a suite of metapelites from this locality has enabled a general study of Barrovian metamorphism, and provided new insights into the early thermotectonic history of the Tibetan plateau. The suite was used to create a detailed petrographic framework, from which four samples ranging from staurolite to sillimanite grade were selected for thermobarometry and geochronology. Pseudosection analysis was applied to calculate P–T path segments and determine peak conditions between staurolite grade at ∼5.2 kbar and 580 °C and sillimanite grade at ∼6.0 kbar and 670 °C. In situ U–Pb monazite geochronology reveals that staurolite‐grade conditions were reached at 191.5 ± 2.4 Ma, kyanite‐grade conditions were attained at 184.2 ± 1.5 Ma, and sillimanite‐grade conditions continued until 179.4 ± 1.6 Ma. Integration of the results has provided constraints on the evolution of metamorphism in the region, including a partial reconstruction of the regional metamorphic field gradient. Several key features of Barrovian metamorphism are documented, including nested P–T paths and a polychronic field gradient. In addition, several atypical features are noted, such as P–T path segments having similar slopes to the metamorphic field gradient, and Tmax and Pmax being reached simultaneously in some samples. These features are attributed to the effects of slow tectonic burial, which allows for thermal relaxation during compression. While nested, clockwise P–T–t loops provide a useful framework for Barrovian metamorphism, this study shows that the effects of slow burial can telescope this model in P–T space. Finally, the study demonstrates that eastern Tibet experienced a significant phase of crustal thickening during the Mesozoic, reinforcing the notion that the plateau may have a long history of uplift and growth.
Individualized management of umbilical endometriosis: A report of seven cases
Authors: Saito Ako , Koga Kaori , Osuga Yutaka , Harada Miyuki , Takemura Yuri , Yoshimura Kotaro , Yano Tetsu , Kozuma Shiro 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to review diagnostic/therapeutic strategies of umbilical endometriosis managed in our department and evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies.MethodsMedical records for patients with diagnosis of endometriosis managed from 1999 through 2011 in the University of Tokyo Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Cases with diagnosis of umbilical endometriosis were identified. Clinical information of age, gravida, parity, histories of surgery and oral contraceptive (OC), management for the disease prior to the first visit, symptoms, patients' desire for pregnancy, diagnostic/therapeutic methods and prognosis were reviewed and summarized.ResultsDuring the period, 2530 patients with diagnosis of endometriosis were identified. Seven patients had diagnosis of umbilical endometriosis, giving an incidence of 0.29% of all endometriosis cases and 5.6% of extragenital endometriosis cases. A definitive diagnosis was made by histological examination following a biopsy (two cases) or a resection (three cases). A clinical diagnosis was made by empirical treatment with OC (one case) or dienogest (one case). With regard to therapy, three patients chose expectant management and did not require therapeutic intervention. Three patients began OC and symptoms were well controlled in all patients. One patient who wished to conceive chose a wide resection followed by umbilical reconstruction. She became pregnant afterwards and recurrence was not reported.ConclusionThere are various options of diagnostic/therapeutic strategies, such as empirical treatments and OC that can provide individualized management of umbilical endometriosis, congruent with the severity of patient symptoms, age and desire for pregnancy.