bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in treatment of newly treated schizophrenia‐spectrum disorder patients in Taiwan from 1999 to 2006
Authors: Wu Chi‐Shin , Lin Yu‐Ju , Feng Jung 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTPurposeThis study aimed to examine trends in the first‐year pharmacological treatment of newly treated schizophrenia patients in Taiwan between 1999 and 2006.MethodWe collected data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of all newly treated patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia‐spectrum disorder (ICD‐9 295.x). We analyzed all prescription records after diagnosis of schizophrenia and described the patterns of antipsychotics use, other concomitant psychotropic agents use, and mental health system utilization. We tested for trend using multivariate logistic regression and Spearman's partial correlation rank test.ResultsA total of 2895 newly treated patients with schizophrenia were enrolled. The percentage of prescriptions of second‐generation antipsychotics (SGAs) was found to have increased significantly, from 27.5% in 1999 to 76.9% in 2006. The ratio of good antipsychotics adherence (medication possession ratio >0.8) also increased, from 23.2% in 1998 to 38.9% in 2006. Corresponding to this, the percentage of usage of first‐generation antipsychotic drugs, anticholinergic agents, and long‐term combination therapy declined. However, the prescription of antidepressants and mood stabilizers and the hospitalization rate increased. No change was noted in the number of psychiatric visits.ConclusionIn the first‐year treatment of newly treated schizophrenic patients between 1999 and 2006, we found pharmacological treatment had changed in terms of types of antipsychotics, adherence, and the use of other concomitant psychotropic agents, with the introduction of SGAs. The benefits and costs of the changes with a trend toward an increasing prescription of SGAs warrant further investigation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Therapeutic targeting of angiotensin II receptor type 1 to regulate androgen receptor in prostate cancer
Authors: Takahashi Satoru , Uemura Hiroji , Seeni Azman , Tang Mingxi , Komiya Masami , Long Ne , Ishiguro Hitoshi , Kubota Yoshinobu , Shirai Tomoyuki 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDWith the limited strategies for curative treatment of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), public interest has focused on the potential prevention of prostate cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated that an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) has the potential to decrease serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level and improve performance status in CRPC patients. These facts prompted us to investigate the direct effects of ARBs on prostate cancer growth and progression.METHODSTransgenic rat for adenocarcinoma of prostate (TRAP) model established in our laboratory was used. TRAP rats of 3 weeks of age received ARB (telmisartan or candesartan) at the concentration of 2 or 10 mg/kg/day in drinking water for 12 weeks. In vitro analyses for cell growth, ubiquitylation or reporter gene assay were performed using LNCaP cells.RESULTSWe found that both telmisartan and candesartan attenuated prostate carcinogenesis in TRAP rats by augmentation of apoptosis resulting from activation of caspases, inactivation of p38 MAPK and down‐regulation of the androgen receptor (AR). Further, microarray analysis demonstrated up‐regulation of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) by ARB treatment. In both parental and androgen‐independent LNCaP cells, ARB inhibited both cell growth and AR‐mediated transcriptional activity. ARB also exerted a mild additional effect on AR‐mediated transcriptional activation by the ERβ up‐regulation. An intervention study revealed that PSA progression was prolonged in prostate cancer patients given an ARB compared with placebo control.CONCLUSIONThese data provide a new concept that ARBs are promising potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents for prostate cancer. Prostate 72:1559–1572, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Moxifloxacin: new fluoroquinolone for bacterial conjunctivitis
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Tey Adrian 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMoxifloxacin (Moxivig) is a fourth‐generation fluoroquinolone for use in bacterial conjunctivitis. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse events, and Dr Adrian Tey discusses its potential role in the treatment of conjunctivitis. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Interface Ltd
Structural and optical characterization of Dy‐doped heavy‐metal oxide and oxyhalide borate glasses
Authors: Pisarska Joanna , Żur Lidia , Pisarski Wojciech A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractDy‐doped borate glasses with PbO and PbX2 (X = F, Cl) were examined using Raman and luminescence spectroscopy. The Raman spectra show the structural changes of a glass network with B2O3/PbO ratios and presence of PbX2 (X = F or Cl). The photoluminescence spectra measured in the visible range present two bands located at 480 and 573 nm, which correspond to 4F9/2–6H15/2 (blue) and 4F9/2–6H13/2 (yellow) transitions of Dy3+. Luminescence decays from the 4F9/2 state and yellow/blue luminescence intensity ratios (Y/B) were analyzed as a function of glass composition (B2O3/PbO) and PbX2 (X = F, Cl) content. The branching ratios of yellow/blue luminescence increase, whereas the 4F9/2 lifetime of Dy3+ ions decreases with increasing PbO concentration. An introduction of PbX2 to the borate glass results in the increasing of 4F9/2 lifetime and decreasing of the yellow‐to‐blue luminescence intensity ratio. These phenomena are related to reduction of covalency between Dy3+ and O2−/X− ions.
Deep centers in a CuInGaSe2/CdS/ZnO:B solar cell
Authors: Choi In‐Hwan , Choi Chul‐Hwan , Lee Joo‐Won 
Published: March 2012

AbstractCuInGaSe2(CIGS)/CdS/ZnO:B heterojunction solar cells and CIGS/Al Schottky junction diodes were fabricated, and the defect centers were examined by capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements and deep‐level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). The homogeneity of the junction in the CIGS heterojunction solar cell was examined by electron‐beam induced current (EBIC) measurements. The distribution of the defect concentrations in the CIGS absorber layer of the CIGS/CdS/ZnO:B heterojunction changed remarkably with depth. On the other hand, the defect distribution in the CIGS layer of the CIGS Schottky junction was quasi‐homogeneous. One electron and one hole trap were observed from CIGS Schottky junction, whereas one electron trap and two hole traps were found in the CIGS/CdS/ZnO:B heterojunction.
Tunable gold nanostars for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Giorgetti Emilia , Trigari Silvana , Rindi Alessio , Margheri Giancarlo , Sottini Stefano , Dellepiane Giovanna , Brusatin Giovanna , Brigo Laura , Muniz‐Miranda Maurizio , Timtcheva Iljiana 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe fabricated stable gold nanostars (AuNSs) with tunable extinction properties from the visible spectral region up to 1800 nm, depending on the average values of core size and branch length. The results of their UV–Vis and transmission electron microscopy characterization are compared with computational data from finite elements method, which makes use of an approximated model of the branched structures. The theoretical computations put in evidence the existence of hot spots located on the tips of the nanostars even up to 1800 nm wavelength, which opens the way to the improvement of diagnostics in the IR region. Preliminary Fourier transform Raman experiments performed after functionalization with a fluorescent dye bearing end thiol groups seem to confirm the field enhancing capability of the nanostructures at 1064 nm.
Oleuropein, Chief Constituent of Olive Leaf Extract, Prevents the Development of Morphine Antinociceptive Tolerance through Inhibition of Morphine‐induced L‐type Calcium Channel Overexpression
Authors: Zare Leila , Esmaeili‐Mahani Saeed , Abbasnejad Mehdi , Rasoulian Bahram , Sheibani Vahid , Sahraei Hedayat , Kaeidi Ayat 
Published: March 2012

It has been shown that blockade of L‐type calcium channels could abolish the development of opioid‐induced antinociceptive tolerance. Here, the antitolerant effects of olive leaf extract (OLE) and its main component, oleuropein, which have a calcium channel blocker property were determined. Adult male Wistar rats were injected with morphine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) for 8 days to induce antinociceptive tolerance. Then OLE (50–200 mg/kg i.g.) and oleuropein (1–10 mg/kg i.p.) were injected concomitantly with morphine. The tail‐flick test was used to assess the nociceptive threshold. The dorsal half of the lumbar spinal cord was assayed for the expression of L‐type calcium channel using semiquantitative RT‐PCR.The results showed that OLE (200 mg/kg) completely prevented morphine tolerance development. In addition, oleuropein in dose of 10 mg/kg, but not in 5 mg/kg, prevented the development of morphine antinociceptive tolerance. In addition, a significant increase in the mRNA levels of calcium channel (43.9%) was observed in the lumbar spinal cord of tolerant animals, which was reversed by effective of dose OLE.In conclusion, the results indicate that olive leaf extract has a potential antitolerant property against the chronic usage of morphine and that its main component, oleuropein, is responsible for such effect. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational energies of H2+ using fully nonadiabatic wavefunctions
Authors: Alexander Steven A. , Coldwell Robert L. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractUsing variational Monte Carlo methods, we examine a number of fully nonadiabatic trial wavefunctions to determine which features best describe the lowest several vibrational states of H2+. Our final energies are in excellent agreement with previous calculations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A DFT study on reaction of eupatilin with hydroxyl radical in solution
Authors: Li Minjie , Liu Weixia , Peng Chunrong , Ren Qinghua , Lu Wencong , Deng Wei 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAntioxidants scavenge reactive oxygen species and, therefore, are vitally important in the living cells. The antioxidant properties of eupatilin have recently been reported. In this article, the reactions of eupatilin with the hydroxyl radical (OH•) in solution are studied using density functional theory calculations and the polarizable continuum model. Three mechanisms are considered including: sequential electron proton transfer (SEPT), sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET), and hydrogen abstraction (HA). Three solvents with different polarities, that is, benzene, methanol, and water, are used to investigate the effect of the environment on the mechanisms. The relative Gibbs free energies and enthalpies corresponding to different mechanisms are calculated. Our results show that SEPT is thermodynamically favored in aqueous solution. Once the eupatilin anion is produced, the second step in SPLET mechanism is thermodynamically favored in methanol and water. The HA mechanism is thermodynamically favored in gas, benzene, methanol, and water. This mechanism is more energetically favorable to occur in a more polar solvent. The natural bond orbital charges and spin densities as well as the singly occupied molecular orbital are then analyzed. It is concluded that the HA process is governed by proton coupled electron transfer mechanism. The attack of the radical takes place preferentially at position 7 of eupatilin. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study of Penetration Depth and Droplet Behavior in the Case of a Gas Jet Impinging on the Surface of Molten Metal using Liquid Ga–In–Sn
Authors: Ek Mattias , Sichen Du 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTo study the penetration depth in the case of a gas jet impinging on the surface of liquid steel, cold model experiments were carried out using a liquid alloy Ga–In–Sn, which had similar physical properties as liquid steel. A HCl solution was used to simulate the top slag. The top phase was found to have appreciable effect on the penetration depth. Comparison of the experimental data with the predictions of the existing models indicated that most the model predictions deviated from the experimental results at higher lance heights and gas flow rates. New model parameter was suggested based on the present experimental data. The observation of the formation and movement of metal droplets generated by the gas jet was also made. The velocity of the droplet was found to be at a level only about 1% of the terminal velocity. This low velocity suggested that the turbulent viscosity played important role and the droplets could have long resident time in the slag.
Effect of the Charging Temperature on the Hot Ductility of Nb‐Containing Steel in the Simulated Hot Charge Process
Authors: Lu Yongjian , Wang Qian , Li Jiang , Li Zushu , He Shengping 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the effect of hot charging temperature on the hot ductility of a Nb‐containing steel, direct hot charging process was simulated by using a Gleeble thermo stress/strain machine. Three kinds of thermal histories were introduced to assess the hot ductility of the steel during continuously cast, hot charging, and cold charging process by means of hot tensile test in relation to surface cracking of hot charging processed steel slabs. The ductility of the specimens charged at the temperature within the range of ferrite/austenite two‐phase region and charged at the temperature just below the Ar1 of the steel is largely reduced. These results can be ascribed to the retained ferrite films at the boundaries of austenite encouraging voiding at the boundaries and these voids gradually link up to give failure around 750°C, and the combination of inhogeneous austenite grain size and precipitations aggravating the ductility trough by encouraging grain boundary sliding at 950°C. The steel via the conventional cold charge process experienced a complete phase transformation from austenite to ferrite and pearlite structure during the cooling to the ambient temperature. This steel can be charged into a reheating furnace and rolled without experiencing hot embrittlement due to the recrystallization and the precipitates are trapped inside a newly formed grain of austenite. In comparison with the hot ductility results, the hot tensile strength is only slight influenced by the charging temperature.
Integrating inquiry‐guided learning across the curriculum: The Top 25 Project at Miami University
Authors: Taylor Beverley A. P. , Bakker Andrea I. , Nadler Marjorie Keeshan , Shore Cecilia , Dietz‐Uhler Beth 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis chapter describes the initiative designed to transform the largest enrollment classes at Miami University to focus on inquiry‐guided learning and student engagement and discusses the results thus far.
The power of inquiry as a way of learning in undergraduate education at a large research university
Authors: Fowler Debra A. , Matthews Pamela R. , Schielack Jane F. , Webb Robert C. , Wu X. Ben 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe desire of this large research university to initiate inquiry‐guided learning experiences more intentionally and earlier in the curriculum led to the engagement of faculty and students in the implementation of a systematic process for accomplishing this goal.
Lessons learned: The McMaster inquiry story from innovation to institutionalization
Authors: Cuneo Carl , Harnish Del , Roy Dale , Vajoczki Susan 
Published: March 2012

AbstractOver the past thirty years, inquiry‐guided learning has flourished at McMaster University. In this chapter, we discuss some of the enabling factors that helped to encourage early experimentation in inquiry‐guided learning and push it toward greater institutionalization as well as some of the challenges and obstacles that had to be overcome.
Materialism
Authors: Melnyk Andrew 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMaterialism is nearly universally assumed by cognitive scientists. Intuitively, materialism says that a person's mental states are nothing over and above his or her material states, while dualism denies this. Philosophers have introduced concepts (e.g., realization and supervenience) to assist in formulating the theses of materialism and dualism with more precision, and distinguished among importantly different versions of each view (e.g., eliminative materialism, substance dualism, and emergentism). They have also clarified the logic of arguments that use empirical findings to support materialism. Finally, they have devised various objections to materialism, objections that therefore serve also as arguments for dualism. These objections typically center around two features of mental states that materialism has had trouble in accommodating. The first feature is intentionality, the property of representing, or being about, objects, properties, and states of affairs external to the mental states. The second feature is phenomenal consciousness, the property possessed by many mental states of there being something it is like for the subject of the mental state to be in that mental state. WIREs Cogn Sci 2012, 3:281–292. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1174This article is categorized under:

Philosophy > Consciousness
Somatostatin Analogues for the Treatment of Enterocutaneous Fistulas: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Coughlin Shaun , Roth Lee , Lurati Giovanna , Faulhaber Markus 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundEnterocutaneous fistulas are abnormal connections between the skin and gastrointestinal tract that most commonly occur after surgery. Somatostatin analogues have been used in their treatment. The objective of the present study was to determine if somatostatin analogues shorten the time to closure of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas compared to placebo.MethodsWe searched Medline, EMBase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, as well as reference lists of textbooks and relevant articles for randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing somatostatin analogues to control in the treatment of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas. We systematically assessed trials for eligibility and validity, and extracted data in duplicate. We pooled data across studies using a random effects model.ResultsOur initial search yielded 720 studies, of which eight RCT ultimately met eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Somatostatin analogues significantly decreased the time to closure of fistulas compared to placebo {weighted mean difference (WMD)—6.37 days [95% confidence interval (CI) −8.33, −4.42]}. The duration of hospital stay was also significantly decreased with somatostatin analogue treatment [WMD—4.53 days (95% CI −8.29, −0.77)]. No difference in mortality was identified with somatostatin treatment [RR 0.87 (95% CI 0.49–1.55)].ConclusionsSomatostatin analogues appear to decrease the duration of enterocutaneous fistulas and duration of hospital stay, but no mortality benefit was identified. The quality of evidence for outcomes in this review ranged from low to moderate. Future large, blinded, RCT would be useful in improving the confidence in the treatment effects identified in this systematic review and meta‐analysis.
The aphid‐tending ant Lasius fuji exhibits reduced aggression toward aphids marked with ant cuticular hydrocarbons
Authors: Endo Shintaro , Itino Takao 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSome aphid species are attended by ants, which protect aphids against enemies, but ants sometimes prey on the aphids they are attending depending on the resource conditions. A previous study indicated that the ant Lasius niger preys less on the aphid individuals that experienced ant attendance than on those that did not. This observation leads to the hypothesis that ants transfer some substances to the aphids they attend and selectively prey on the aphids without the substances. In this study, we focus on cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), which are used by ants as nestmate recognition substances, and test whether ants discriminate the aphids on the basis of CHCs. We confirmed that the ant Lasius fuji preyed less on the aphids that were attended by their nestmates than those that were not attended. Glass dummies treated with CHCs from attended aphids were attacked less by ants than those treated with CHCs from non‐attended aphids. The CHC profiles of ant attended aphids resembled those of the ants, suggesting that ants’ CHCs are transferred to the aphids’ body surface through ant attendance. These results support the hypothesis that ants “mark” their attended aphids with their CHCs and the CHCs reduce ant predation intensity.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C): A Review of Molecular and Clinical Literature
Authors: Murray Brittney 
Published: March 2012

AbstractArrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is heritable cardiomyopathy that may result in arrhythmia, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Approximately 50–60% of ARVD/C patient will have an identifiable pathogenic mutation in one of seven genes associated with the cardiac desmosome and other cardiac pathways. Genetic counseling remains complicated, however, because of great variable expressivity and reduced penetrance, even within members of the same family. Diagnosis of ARVD/C is made by meeting a set of major and minor diagnostic criteria, revised in 2010. Despite this, misdiagnosis is a chronic problem. Management of ARVD/C is aimed at reducing risk of sudden death/arrhythmias and preventing progression of disease. Strenuous physical activity is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor in disease presentation and progression and is an important factor in preventative management. Anticipation of the psychosocial implications of this disease is also an important aspect of patient management. This review presents an overview of the clinical diagnosis, management, as well as disease mechanism and genetics of this rare cardiomyopathy.
Alternative technique for open reduction and fixation of displaced pediatric medial epicondyle fractures
Authors: Glotzbecker Michael P. , Shore Benjamin , Matheney Travis , Gold Meryl , Hedequist Daniel 
Published: March 2012

Purpose To describe an alternative positioning technique for the fixation of pediatric medial epicondyle fractures which offers some significant advantages over traditional supine positioning. Methods At our institution, 27 patients with a displaced medial epicondyle fracture requiring open reduction and fixation were positioned prone for the procedure. The internally rotated operative arm lies on the hand table with the elbow in a natural flexed, pronated position. The elbow can be brought into extension and flexion for appropriate intraoperative radiographs. The fracture is then reduced with the arm in flexion and pronation, without having to pull excessively on the fragment. After reduction, the fragment is held easily in place for surgical fixation. A similar group of patients from the same time period positioned supine was also examined and compared to the patients who had the surgery prone. Results The average age of the 27 patients was 11.2 years (range 5.1–16.9 years). Indications for operative treatment were displaced medial epicondyle fracture (14), medial epicondyle fracture with associated elbow dislocation (12), and medial epicondyle fracture with ulnar nerve symptoms (1). At a mean of 4.5 months of follow up (1–11 months), 7 patients required the removal of hardware for screw irritation. There were no infections in the 27 surgeries and there were no other intraoperative or postoperative complications. Mild loss of flexion and extension was common in the group. Patients who had surgery in the supine position were similar with regards to patient demographics and postoperative complications, including the need for screw removal. Conclusions While displaced medial epicondyle fractures can be treated successfully with traditional positioning, placing patients prone for the fixation of pediatric medial epicondyle fractures offers some significant advantages over supine positioning.