bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Herbal Therapy is Equivalent to Rifaximin for the Treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Authors: Chedid Victor , Dhalla Sameer , Clarke John O. , Roland Bani Chander , Dunbar Kerry B. , Koh Joyce , Justino Edmundo , Rn Eric Tomakin, , Mullin Gerard E. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: Patients with small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) have chronic intestinal and extraintestinal symptomatology which adversely affects their quality of life. Present treatment of SIBO is limited to oral antibiotics with variable success. A growing number of patients are interested in using complementary and alternative therapies for their gastrointestinal health. The objective was to determine the remission rate of SIBO using either the antibiotic rifaximin or herbals in a tertiary care referral gastroenterology practice. Design: One hundred and four patients who tested positive for newly diagnosed SIBO by lactulose breath testing (LBT) were offered either rifaximin 1200 mg daily vs herbal therapy for 4 weeks with repeat LBT post-treatment. Results: Three hundred ninety-six patients underwent LBT for suspected SIBO, of which 251 (63.4%) were positive 165 underwent treatment and 104 had a follow-up LBT. Of the 37 patients who received herbal therapy, 17 (46%) had a negative follow-up LBT compared to 23/67 (34%) of rifaximin users (P=.24). The odds ratio of having a negative LBT after taking herbal therapy as compared to rifaximin was 1.85 (CI=0.77-4.41, P=.17) once adjusted for age, gender, SIBO risk factors and IBS status. Fourteen of the 44 (31.8%) rifaximin non-responders were offered herbal rescue therapy, with 8 of the 14 (57.1%) having a negative LBT after completing the rescue herbal therapy, while 10 non-responders were offered triple antibiotics with 6 responding (60%, P=.89). Adverse effects were reported among the rifaximin treated arm including 1 case of anaphylaxis, 2 cases of hives, 2 cases of diarrhea and 1 case of Clostridium difficile. Only one case of diarrhea was reported in the herbal therapy arm, which did not reach statistical significance (P=.22). Conclusion: SIBO is widely prevalent in a tertiary referral gastroenterology practice. Herbal therapies are at least as effective as rifaximin for resolution of SIBO by LBT. Herbals also appear to be as effective as triple antibiotic therapy for SIBO rescue therapy for rifaximin non-responders. Further, prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and explore additional alternative therapies in patients with refractory SIBO.
Electron properties in inverted‐V structures and their vicinities based on Reimei observations
Authors: Fukuda Y. , Hirahara M. , Asamura K. , Sakanoi T. , Miyoshi Y. , Takada T. , Yamazaki A. , Seki K. , Ebihara Y. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis paper reports two event studies on characteristic pitch angle variations of inverted‐V electrons observed by the Reimei satellite. At edges of the inverted‐V structures, the electron pitch angles are collimated between 0° and 20° while the electric field of the potential distribution is commonly depicted perpendicular to the local magnetic field. As Reimei moved toward the center of the inverted‐V regions, the electron pitch angles broadened up to ∼120°, and their energies rapidly increased and continuously changed to those of the energetic inverted‐V component. At the higher latitudes of the inverted‐V structure, diffuse electrons with the isotropic distribution were also observed. Estimations of the electron density and temperature indicate that the source region of the beam electrons is the topside ionosphere by comparison with those of the diffuse electrons and the energetic inverted‐V electrons. For the auroral emissions, in the first event, some horizontal auroral motions were observed which may be accompanied by the horizontal drift motion of the whole structure of the parallel potential drop. This motion could supply electrons in the topside ionosphere into the potential structure, and then the beam electrons are continuously formed at the low altitudes. In the second event, on the other hand, at both edges of the auroral band, the auroral emissions did not expand while the beam electrons were observed. One of the probable reasons to produce the beam electrons is the inertial Alfvén waves although they are inconsistent with previous studies because the velocity dispersions were not observed.
Learning More About and With the Face–Name Mnemonic Strategy
Authors: Carney Russell N. , Levin Joel R. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryWith the face–name mnemonic strategy, choosing and using ‘prominent’ facial features in interactive images can be difficult. The temptation is to stray from less‐than‐distinctive facial features and instead to associate an individual's name clue with an additional concrete detail (e.g., a headband). To examine this issue, undergraduates viewed face photographs with or without additional details under one of three conditions: own best method, fully imposed mnemonic, and partially imposed mnemonic. Experiment 2 examined a somewhat parallel situation that occurs when applying the strategy to abstract artwork (paintings with less familiar, less concrete elements) versus applying it to representational artwork (paintings with more familiar concrete elements). Our findings suggest that some pictorial stimuli (e.g., facial photos with details; representational paintings) are easier to work with mnemonically than are others (e.g., facial photos by themselves; abstract art). Moreover, in both experiments, mnemonic students displayed performance advantages on both immediate and delayed tests. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Carbocyclic Nucleosides via Ring‐Closing Metathesis
Authors: Mulamoottil Varughese A. , Nayak Akshata , Jeong Lak Shin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe past decades witnessed the development and the strong potential of nucleoside analogues as therapeutic agents as well as biological tools. Among this, five‐membered carbocyclic nucleosides have shown immense promise in the treatment of cancer and viral infections. The systematic evolution of transition‐metal‐catalyzed CC bond‐forming reactions has widened the scope of olefin metathesis. The development of new catalysts, the selectivity, efficiency, functional‐group compatibility, along with a better know‐how of the catalyst–substrate interactions have encouraged researchers to use this powerful tool for the design of desired target compounds. The aim of this Focus Review is to highlight recently developed synthetic strategies for the synthesis of carbocyclic nucleosides involving ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) as a key step.
Copy number variation plays an important role in clinical epilepsy
Authors: Olson Heather , Shen Yiping , Avallone Jennifer , Sheidley Beth R. , Pinsky Rebecca , Bergin Ann M. , Berry Gerard T. , Duffy Frank H. , Eksioglu Yaman , Harris David J. , Hisama Fuki M. , Ho Eugenia , Irons Mira , Jacobsen Christina M. , James Philip , Kothare Sanjeev , Khwaja Omar , Lipton Jonathan , Loddenkemper Tobias , Markowitz Jennifer , Maski Kiran , Megerian J. Thomas , Neilan Edward , Raffalli Peter C. , Robbins Michael , Roberts Amy , Roe Eugene , Rollins Caitlin , Sahin Mustafa , Sarco Dean , Schonwald Alison , Smith Sharon E. , Soul Janet , Stoler Joan M. , Takeoka Masanori , Tan Wen‐Han , Torres Alcy R. , Tsai Peter , Urion David K. , Weissman Laura , Wolff Robert , Wu Bai‐Lin , Miller David T. , Poduri Annapurna 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of copy number abnormalities detectable using chromosomal microarray (CMA) testing in patients with epilepsy at a tertiary care center.MethodsWe identified patients with International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision (ICD‐9) codes for epilepsy or seizures and clinical CMA testing performed between October 2006 and February 2011 at Boston Children's Hospital. We reviewed medical records and included patients who met criteria for epilepsy. We phenotypically characterized patients with epilepsy‐associated abnormalities on CMA.ResultsOf 973 patients who had CMA and ICD‐9 codes for epilepsy or seizures, 805 patients satisfied criteria for epilepsy. We observed 437 copy number variants (CNVs) in 323 patients (1–4 per patient), including 185 (42%) deletions and 252 (58%) duplications. Forty (9%) were confirmed de novo, 186 (43%) were inherited, and parental data were unavailable for 211 (48%). Excluding full chromosome trisomies, CNV size ranged from 18kb to 142Mb, and 34% were >500kb. In at least 40 cases (5%), the epilepsy phenotype was explained by a CNV, including 29 patients with epilepsy‐associated syndromes and 11 with likely disease‐associated CNVs involving epilepsy genes or “hotspots.” We observed numerous recurrent CNVs including 10 involving loss or gain of Xp22.31, a region described in patients with and without epilepsy.InterpretationCopy number abnormalities play an important role in patients with epilepsy. Because the diagnostic yield of CMA for epilepsy patients is similar to the yield in autism spectrum disorders and in prenatal diagnosis, for which published guidelines recommend testing with CMA, we recommend the implementation of CMA in the evaluation of unexplained epilepsy. Ann Neurol 2014;75:943–958
Oxygen‐Promoted CH Bond Activation at Palladium
Authors: Scheuermann Margaret L. , Boyce David W. , Grice Kyle A. , Kaminsky Werner , Stoll Stefan , Tolman William B. , Swang Ole , Goldberg Karen I. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract[Pd(P(Ar)(tBu)2)2] (1, Ar=naphthyl) reacts with molecular oxygen to form PdII hydroxide dimers in which the naphthyl ring is cyclometalated and one equivalent of phosphine per palladium atom is released. This reaction involves the cleavage of both CH and OO bonds, two transformations central to catalytic aerobic oxidizations of hydrocarbons. Observations at low temperature suggest the initial formation of a superoxo complex, which then generates a peroxo complex prior to the CH activation step. A transition state for energetically viable CH activation across a Pdperoxo bond was located computationally.
Non‐Rule Based Fuzzy Approach for Adaptive Control Design of Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Wang Yinhe , Luo Liang , Novakovic Branko , Kasac Josip 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA novel adaptive control approach is presented using extended fuzzy logic systems without any rules. First, the extended fuzzy logic systems without any rules are used to approximate the uncertainties. Then the sliding mode controllers via the proposed extended fuzzy logic systems without any rules are proposed for uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB) nonlinear systems. The adaptive laws are used for estimating the approximation accuracies of fuzzy logic systems without any rules, Lipschitz constants of uncertain functions and scalar factor, respectively, which are not directly to estimate the coefficients of basis functions. Finally, a compared simulation example is utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach proposed in this paper.
Biosimilars 101: considerations for U.S. oncologists in clinical practice
Authors: Camacho Luis H. , Frost Craig P. , Abella Esteban , Morrow Phuong K. , Whittaker Sadie 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBiosimilars of biologics used for cancer treatment and supportive care are expected to enter the U.S. market soon. Biosimilars will be highly similar to their reference products, but unlike generic drugs, not identical. Differences between a biosimilar and its reference product may arise because of the complexity of biologics, and differences in the cell lines and processes used during manufacturing. Biosimilars will be approved in the United States through a regulatory pathway based on comparative analytical and clinical studies for their characterization and demonstration of no clinically meaningful differences from their reference products. Unlike generics, initial approval may not include interchangeability, as additional evidence may be required before a biosimilar could be approved as interchangeable with its reference product; interchangeable designation could allow pharmacy‐level substitution without prescriber intervention. In some cases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may extrapolate an indication that has not been formally investigated for the biosimilar but that is approved for the reference product. Robust safety monitoring of all biologics is important to track and accurately attribute adverse events, particularly because their inherent complexity and manufacturing differences make them susceptible to structural changes that can affect safety (e.g., immunogenicity). Accuracy of postapproval safety reports will partly depend on the biosimilar naming approach. Potential cost savings should be evaluated in the context of differences in manufacturers' patient‐assistance programs, copayments, and institutional costs. A manufacturer's ability to ensure reliable supply of high‐quality biosimilars should also be considered. Broad understanding of these issues is critical for oncologists preparing for their use in clinical practice.
Yeast Homologous Recombination Cloning Leading to the Novel Peptides Ambactin and Xenolindicin
Authors: Schimming Olivia , Fleischhacker Florian , Nollmann Friederike I. , Bode Helge B. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractHeterologous production of GameXPeptide A (1), as well as of the novel peptide natural products ambactin (2) and xenolindicins A–C (3 a–c), was achieved by using the “overlap extension PCR‐yeast homologous recombination” (ExRec) method. ExRec cloning is based on the ability of yeast to assemble overlapping DNA fragments into functional plasmids. Here we used this technique to clone a total of 15 biosynthesis gene clusters from Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus with sizes of up to 45 kb. The structures of the novel compounds 2 and 3 a, which were produced in Escherichia coli, were elucidated by detailed MS and bioinformatics analysis, and additionally confirmed by their chemical synthesis.
Design and Fabrication of a Biomimetic Nanochannel for Highly Sensitive Arginine Response in Serum Samples
Authors: Song Miaomiao , Sun Zhongyue , Han Cuiping , Tian Demei , Li Haibing , Jiang Lei 
Published: May 2014

AbstractInspired from their biological counterparts, chemical modification of the interior surface of nanochannels with functional molecules may provide a highly efficient means to control ionic or molecular transport through nanochannels. Herein, we have designed and prepared a aldehyde calix[4]arene (C4AH), which was attached to the interior surface of a single nanochannel by using a click reaction, and that showed a high response for arginine (Arg). Furthermore, the nanofluidic sensing system has been challenged with complex matrices containing a high concentration of interfering sequences and serum. Based on this finding, we believe that the artificial nanochannel can be used for practical Arg‐sensing devices, and be applied in a biological environment.
Doing Stakeholder Engagement Their own Way: Experience from the Malawian Mining Industry
Authors: Mzembe Andrew Ngawenja 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn recent years, stakeholder engagement has increasingly become a catchphrase in response to calls for corporate accountability to their stakeholders in the developing countries. However, the processes and practices companies pursue to engage stakeholders tend to conspicuously be variable depending on whether one draws on the instrumental and descriptive perspectives of the stakeholder theory. The purpose of this paper is therefore to test these perspectives, which we do through considering the case of a subsidiary of a multinational firm fictitiously known as Ashford (Africa) Limited, which operates in Malawi, as a member of the global mining industry. Using qualitative data obtained from interviews with Ashford (Malawi)'s managers and stakeholders, this study highlights the significance of paying more attention to firm specific factors, community dynamics and the civil society (NGO) related factors, as they are fundamental to the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement agenda pursued by mining companies in the developing countries. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Corporate Motivations of Product Recall Strategy: Exploring the Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Stakeholder Engagement
Authors: Chang Shao‐Chi , Chang Heng‐Yu 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPrior evidence shows voluntary recalls do not lead to better abnormal stock returns when compared with involuntary ones, although they intend to convey positive signals. This puzzling evidence can be attributed to the ignorance of information uncertainty associated with different product recall strategies. Because of the mixed managerial motives inherent in business strategy, voluntary recalls may involve greater information uncertainty than involuntary ones that prevent investors from receiving the intended positive messages. This paper argues that corporate social responsibility (CSR) establishes a firm's presence in stakeholder engagement and plays a crucial role in certifying information conveyed by voluntary product recalls. The findings suggest that firms with better CSR performance receive significantly greater firm value change than those with poor CSR performance upon the announcements of voluntary recalls. Besides, the CSR effect is mainly driven by the firm's engagement in technical CSR activities because of the direct dialogues with stakeholders caring about products. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Stakeholder Prioritization, Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility and Company Performance: Further Evidence
Authors: Boesso Giacomo , Favotto Francesco , Michelon Giovanna 
Published: May 2014

AbstractUsing KLD data on more than 900 company's performance over a nine‐year period in seven areas of corporate social responsibility (environment, community, corporate governance, diversity, employee relations, human rights, and product quality), this research note re‐tests Michelon et al. proxies for prioritization and strategic approaches to CSR. The results show that, when a company pursues CSR initiatives that are linked to stakeholder preferences and allocates resources to these initiatives in a strategic way, the positive effect of its CSR initiatives on financial corporate performance (CP) strengthen. The analysis of KLD's variance and top tiers is thus proposed as a parsimonious way to measure when companies link their CSR initiatives to salient stakeholder preferences and undertake the corporate social actions that are ultimately relevant to the company's strategy and financials. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Emission Indices for Hazardous Substances: An Alternative Measure of Corporate Environmental Performance
Authors: Muhammad Noor , Scrimgeour Frank , Reddy Krishna , Abdin Sazali 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAccurate measurement and interpretation of pollution emissions and reduction in these emissions is a crucial part of reporting to enhance environmental management and improve the sustainability of both business and the environment. This study uses industrial chemical release, as listed in Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs) as a proxy for environmental performance and presents toxicity weightings for over 90 chemicals in the Australian PRTR. It incorporates three different dimensions: human health, the environment, and exposure. The use of toxicity weighted emission indicators has far‐reaching advantages for corporate managers and policy‐makers, and external analysts. In contrast to mass‐based emission indicators, it provides robust guidance for risk amelioration. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Resource allocation in MIMO‐OFDM‐based cooperative cognitive radio networks: optimal and suboptimal low complexity approaches
Authors: Adian M. G. , Aghaeinia H. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe problem of resources allocation in multiple‐input multiple‐output‐orthogonal frequency division multiplexing based cooperative cognitive radio networks is considered, in this paper. The cooperation strategy between the secondary users is decode‐and‐forward (DF) strategy. In order to obtain an optimal subcarrier pairing, relay selection and power allocation in the system, the dual decomposition technique is recruited. The optimal resource allocation is realized under the individual power constraints in source and relays so that the sum rate is maximized while the interference induced to the primary system is kept below a pre‐specified interference temperature limit. Moreover, because of the high computational complexity of the optimal approach, a suboptimal algorithm is further proposed. The jointly allocation of the resources in suboptimal algorithm is carried out taking into account the channel qualities, the DF cooperation strategy, the interference induced to the primary system and the individual power budgets. The performance of the different approaches and the impact of the constraint values and deploying multiple antennas at users are discussed through the numerical simulation results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study on photodegradation of methadone, EDDP, and other drugs of abuse in hair exposed to controlled UVB radiation
Authors: Favretto Donata , Tucci Marianna , Monaldi Alice , Ferrara Santo Davide , Miolo Giorgia 
Published: May 2014

The drug content of hair may be affected by washing, chemical or thermal treatments, the use of cosmetics, or exposure to the environment. Knowledge concerning the effect of natural or artificial light on drug content in hair can be helpful to the forensic toxicologist, in particular when investigating drug concentrations above or below pre‐determined cut‐offs.The photodegradation of methadone and its metabolite, 2‐ethyl‐1,5‐dimethyl‐3,3‐diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) was studied in authentic positive hair samples by comparing drug concentrations determined by liquid chromatrography‐high resolution mass spectrometry before and after exposure to UVB light (in vivo study). The same approach was applied in order to investigate the light sensitivity of opiates (6‐monoacetylmorphine and morphine) and cocainics (cocaine and benzoylecgonine) in true positive hair. The yields of photodegradation were calculated for each drug class in eight different positive hair samples irradiated by UVB at 300 J/cm2 obtaining averages, ranges and standard deviations. In parallel, the photostability of all the compounds as 10‐5–10‐4 M standard solutions in methanol were examined by means of UVB light irradiation in the range 0–100 J/cm2 followed by UV/Vis spectroscopic analysis and direct infusion electrospray ionization‐high resolution mass spectrometry (in vitro study). In hair, methadone was shown to be significantly affected by light (photodegradation of 55% on average), while its metabolite EDDP proved to be more photostable (17%). 6‐monoacetylmorphine, morphine, benzoylecgonine, and cocaine were more photostable than methadone in vivo (on average, 21%, 17%, 20%, and 11% of degradation, respectively). When irradiated in standard solutions, the target molecules exhibited a larger photodegradation than in vivo with the exception of cocaine (photodegradation for methadone up to 70%, 6‐monoacetylmorphine and morphine up to 90%, benzoylecgonine up to 67%, cocaine up to 15%). Some factors possibly affecting the yields of photodegradation in hair and partially explaining the differences observed between the in vivo and the in vitro studies were also investigated, such as the colour of hair (the role of melanin) and the integrity of the keratin matrix. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.