Search

With the increasing use of advanced high strength steel for automotive components, hydro-formed hollow components have the advantage of both high strength and high stiffness. In order to manufacture a 780 MPa torsion beam satisfied with both improved safety and lightweight, hydro-forming process of 780 MPa torsion beam was studied by experimental research and numerical simulation. Pre-form design according to central composite method was carried out to avoid forming flash and bursting during hydro-forming. Response surface model of the effect of pre-form structure on thickness distribution was developed, and significance of structural parameters on the response value was discussed. According to the genetic algorithm, an optimum pre-form shape has been obtained. An experiment was carried out on the basis of the optimum pre-form shape, and the effect of loading paths was deeply discussed on hydro-forming process. It is shown that the axial feeding within acceptable range can significantly improve the thickness distribution and forming accuracy. Finally, a well hydro-formed torsion beam is manufactured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS) is a heterogeneous condition with a number of pathophysiological mechanisms that appear to contribute to symptom chronicity. One of these is altered pain sensitivity. Methods Women between ages 18-45 were recruited the community. Of those enrolled, 56 had IBS and 36 were healthy control ( HC) women. Participants completed questionnaires, kept a 4-week symptom diary and had a 12-h Holter placed to assess nighttime heart rate variability including high frequency power ( HF), low frequency power ( LF), and total power ( TP). At mid-follicular phase approximately 80% of women completed a thermal pain sensitivity test with conditioned pain modulation and visceral pain sensitivity using a water load symptom provocation ( WLSP) test. Key Results As expected, daily abdominal pain was significantly higher in the IBS compared to HC group. There were no differences between the bowel pattern subgroups ( IBS-diarrhea [ IBS-D], IBS-constipation plus mixed [ IBS- CM]). Thermal pain sensitivity did not differ between the IBS and the HC groups, but was significantly higher in the IBS- CM group than the IBS-D group. In the WLSP test, the IBS group experienced significantly more symptom distress than HCs and the IBS- CM group was higher than the IBS-D group. Heart rate variability indicators did not differ between the groups or IBS subgroups. Daily abdominal pain was positively correlated with LF and TP in the IBS group. Conclusions & Inferences Despite similar levels of abdominal pain in IBS, the IBS- CM group demonstrated greater sensitivity to both thermal and visceral testing procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of oral moxifloxacin for aerobic vaginitis (AV). We also identified factors that are associated with therapeutic efficacy. This prospective study enrolled general gynecological outpatients at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between September 2012 and May 2014. Women diagnosed with AV ( n = 102) were recruited. All enrolled women were treated with oral moxifloxacin, 400 mg once daily for 6 days (one course). Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated based on microscopic criteria, and cure rates were calculated. Women who were microscopically improved (but not cured) received a second course of therapy. Women classified with microscopic failure were treated using other strategies. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors that may be associated with a cure after one course of therapy. After one course of therapy, 65.7 % (67/102) of women were cured, 29.4 % (30/102) of women were improved (but not cured), 4.9 % (5/102) of women failed to respond to the therapy. After two courses of therapy, 85.3 % (87/102) of women were cured, 9.8 % (10/102) of women were improved, 4.9 % (5/102) of women failed to respond to the therapy, and clinical improvement was achieved in additional women. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, women with a baseline vaginal pH value of <5.0 had a 3.5-times higher chance of being cured, compared with those with a baseline vaginal pH value of ≥5.0 (OR, 3.503; 95 % CI, 1.278-9.601). Moxifloxacin is an effective therapeutic option for patients with AV. Most women with AV were cured with one course of moxifloxacin. For those with a higher vaginal pH value of ≥5.0 before treatment, two courses of therapy should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, the atomic and low energy electronic structure of the Sr-doped superconducting topological insulators (Srx Bi2Se3) was studied. Scanning tunneling microscopy shows that most of the Sr atoms are not in the van der Waals gap. After Sr doping, the Fermi level was found to move further upwards when compared with the parent compound Bi2Se3, which is consistent with the low carrier density in this system. The topological surface state was clearly observed, and the position of the Dirac point was determined in all doped samples. The surface state is well separated from the bulk conduction bands in the momentum space. The persistence of separated topological surface state combined with small Fermi energy makes this superconducting material a very promising candidate for the time reversal invariant topological superconductor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine multiple collective identities that coexist with consumers in Far Eastern Russia and the effects of these identities on their choice of Asian versus European brands. Our study investigated Asian, European, and Russian collective identities. Surveys were conducted with 311 individuals in Vladivostok and Khabarovsk to assess their brand choice for eight Asian and European brands of two consumer durables. The findings of this study show that collective identity can affect Russian consumers in their brand choice. More importantly, the findings suggest that the effect of collective identity can be extended to consumer choice between Asian and European brands. In addition, our findings support the coexistence of multiple identities for consumers in Far Eastern Russia and suggest a consumer tendency of choosing a brand that reflects a relatively stronger collective identity vis-à-vis others. This result is in agreement with Risse (2003) and Medrano and Gutiérez (2001), who contended for the coexistence of multiple identities and their influences in social behavior. Finally, marketing implications for international marketers are discussed as to their competitive strategy against other foreign brands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hydro-pressing method was proposed to solve the problems in tube hydroforming process, such as too high pressure, nonuniform thickness distribution, and difficult forming of section corners. The process of hydro-pressing a tube seems like pressing of a solid bar. Theoretical analysis was performed, and the calculation formulas of hydro-pressing process parameters were given. Experimental research was conducted on hydro-pressing process of rectangular cross section with curved sides and bowtie cross-sectional components. The effects of supporting pressure, displacement of the pressing on section shape, and thickness distribution were investigated. The difference was compared between the hydro-pressing forming and the conventional mechanical pressing. It is demonstrated that the supporting pressure and pressing displacement are the essential parameters that influence cross-sectional shape and thickness. The dent defect disappears gradually as the supporting pressure increases and the thickness varies unobvious during hydro-pressing process of a rectangular cross section with curved sides. When the supporting pressure is 15 MPa, the maximum thinning of the rectangular cross section with curved sides is only 1.92 %. For a bowtie cross section, the required pressure is far less than that of conventional hydroforming for the same corner radius. Thickness distribution of section corner zone is more uniform than that formed by conventional hydroforming. Compared with conventional hydroforming, the hydro-pressing is a valid method to form the closed section tubular parts with the same perimeter and different cross-sectional shapes, which remarkably improves thickness distribution and reduces the forming pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentacene organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) using Lax Nb(1-x)Oy as gate dielectric with different La contents (x = 0.347, 0.648) have been fabricated and compared with those using Nb oxide or La oxide. The OTFT with La0.648 Nb0.352Oy as gate dielectric can achieve a high carrier mobility of 1.14 cm²V-1s-1 (about 1000 times and 2 times those of the devices using Nb oxide and La oxide, respectively), and has negligible hysteresis of -0.130 V, small sub-threshold swing of 0.280 V/dec, and low threshold voltage of -1.35 V. AFM and XPS reveal that La can suppress the formation of oxygen vacancies in Nb oxide while Nb can alleviate the hygroscopicity of La oxide, which results in a more passivated and smoother dielectric surface, leading to larger pentacene grains grown and thus higher carrier mobility. The OTFT with Nb oxide has an anticlockwise hysteresis but the device with La oxide shows an opposite direction. This can be explained in terms of donor-like traps due to oxygen vacancies and acceptor-like traps originated from hydroxyl ions formed after La2O3 absorbing water moisture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentacene organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) using LaxNb(1-x)Oy as gate dielectric with different La contents (x=0.347, 0.648) have been fabricated and compared with those using Nb oxide or La oxide. The OTFT with La0.648Nb0.352Oy as gate dielectric can achieve a high carrier mobility of 1.14 cm²V-1s-1 (about 1000 times and 2 times those of the devices using Nb oxide and La oxide, respectively), and has negligible hysteresis of -0.130 V, small sub-threshold swing of 0.280 V/ dec, and low threshold voltage of 1.35 V. AFM and XPS reveal that La can suppress the formation of oxygen vacancies in Nb oxide while Nb can alleviate the hygroscopicity of La oxide, which results in a more passivated and smoother dielectric surface, leading to larger pentacene grains grown and thus higher carrier mobility. The OTFT with Nb oxide has an anticlockwise hysteresis but the device with La oxide shows an opposite direction. This can be explained in terms of donorlike traps due to oxygen vacancies and acceptor-like traps originated from hydroxyl ions formed after La2O3 absorbing water moisture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematite Fe 2 O 3 nanotubes were successfully synthesized by a multistep ac electro-deposition on anodic aluminum oxide templates remaining the barrier layers. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and magnetic measurements were used to characterize the morphology, structure, and magnetic properties of α-Fe 2 O 3 nanotubes. Based on the characterization results, a self-assemble mechanism for electro-deposition α-Fe 2 O 3 nanotubes was proposed. The magnetic property investigation showed that hematite Fe 2 O 3 nanotubes exhibit ferromagnetic behavior with the Morin transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the molecular mechanisms of diabetic nephropathy (DN) progression and provide the theoretical basis for treating DN, GSE1009 microarray data were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database. Microarray data were obtained from glomeruli isolated from normal kidneys (n = 3) and kidneys from patients with DN (n = 3). We first screened the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in kidneys by the Linear Models for Microarray Data package in R. Then the function of DEGs in DN was explored through Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Critical DEGs for DN progression were investigated by constructing PPI network and mining significant modules. Afterwards, enriched protein domains of modules were analyzed by Interpro and DAVID. At last, the regulatory miRNAs for DEGs were calculated by WebGestalt, and DEGs-miRNAs network was visualized with Cytoscape. A total of 666 DEGs including 384 up- and 282 down-regulated genes were screened out. The up-regulated DEGs were significantly enriched in plasma membrane and signal transmission, and mainly participated in pathways of cytokine-cytokine receptor and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. The down-regulated DEGs significantly enriched in extracellular region and cytoskeletal protein binding, and mainly participated in ECM-receptor interaction and dilated cardiomyopathy. 2 PPI networks were constructed with confidence score > 0.4. One significant module obtained from PPI network for up-regulated DEGs mainly enriched in protein domain of rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptors. The down-regulated DEGs were mainly regulated by 10 miRNAs clusters. Together, we constructed a comprehensive molecular network for DN progression and miR-1 and miR-25 might be theoretical targets for DN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No study has directly compared the efficacy and tolerability of aripiprazole augmentation (AA) and antidepressant switching (SW) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This is the first 6-week, randomized, rater-blinded, direct comparison study between AA and SW in outpatients. An inadequate response to antidepressants was defined as a total score ⩾14 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-item 17 (HDRS-17) despite adequate antidepressant dosage for at least 6 weeks in the current depressive episode. The primary endpoint was change in the total score of the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) from baseline to the end of treatment. Secondary efficacy measures included the response and remission rates as priori defined at the end of treatment: changes in total scores of the HDRS-17, Iowa Fatigue Scale (IFS), and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) from baseline to the end of treatment and the proportion of patients who scored 1 or 2 on the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement Score (CGI-I) at the end of treatment. Tolerability was assessed with the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) and Arizona Sexual dysfunction scale (ASEX), and the numbers of adverse events were compared between the two groups. A total of 101 patients were randomized to either AA (n = 52) or SW (n = 49). The mean change in the MADRS score from baseline was significantly higher in the AA, with a difference in magnitude of -8.7 (p < 0.0001). The intergroup difference was first evident in week 2. The numbers of responders (p = 0.0086) and remitters (p = 0.0005) were also significantly higher in the AA (60% and 54%, respectively) compared with the SW (32.6% and 19.6%, respectively). On most secondary endpoints, AA showed better clinical outcomes compared to SW. The tolerability profiles were comparable between the two groups. Overall, AA yielded potentially beneficial clinical outcomes compared to SW. Given the methodological shortcomings of the present study, adequately powered, more rigorously controlled clinical trials are strongly warranted to confirm the present findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filter-feeding shrimp with distinctive live colorations were collected from small streams draining to the east coast of Taiwan and from Panay Island, Philippines. Morphological examination revealed that these specimens belong to the genus Australatya, Chace, 1983. In this paper the species is proposed as new to science and described in detail as Australatya obscura, new species. Beside the striking banded live coloration, the new species could be differentiated from Australatya striolata (McCulloch & McNeill, 1923) by a smaller body size, the length of the rostrum, the shape of the pterygostomial margin of the carapace, a row of plumose setae on the outer margin of pereiopods 3-5 and biunguiculated dactyli of the fifth pereiopod. The separation of the genus Australatya from Atyopsis Chace, 1983 and Atyoida Randall, 1840 is confirmed and a revised diagnosis for Australatya is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The serine/threonine protein kinase Akt promotes cell survival, growth, and proliferation through phosphorylation of different downstream substrates. A key effector of Akt is the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Akt is known to stimulate mTORC1 activity through phosphorylation of tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) and PRAS40, both negative regulators of mTOR activity. We previously reported that IκB kinase α (IKKα), a component of the kinase complex that leads to NF-κB activation, plays an important role in promoting mTORC1 activity downstream of activated Akt. Here, we demonstrate IKKα-dependent regulation of mTORC1 using multiple PTEN null cancer cell lines and an animal model with deletion of IKKα. Importantly, IKKα is shown to phosphorylate mTOR at serine 1415 in a manner dependent on Akt to promotemTORC1 activity. These results demonstrate that IKKα is an effector of Akt in promoting mTORC1 activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate the utility of diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a high b-value (b = 3000 s/mm 2 ) compared with standard b-value (b = 1000 s/mm 2 ) DW imaging in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Materials and methods High and standard b-value (b = 3000 and 1000 s/mm 2 , respectively) DW images were acquired in 15 patients with PCNSL. The number and location of the lesions were assessed. MRI signal intensities (SIs), signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs), contrast ratios (CRs), and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of the lesions and normal parenchyma were measured. Results Thirty-two lesions in 15 patients were revealed. Twenty-seven of the lesions were hyperintense at DW MRI with high and standard b-values; high b-value images revealed five additional lesions. Lesions were also more conspicuous at high b-value (b = 3000 s/mm 2 ) DW MRI compared to standard b-value images (b = 1000 s/mm 2 ). SNR, CNR, and ADC values in lesions and normal parenchyma were lower in the b = 3000 s/mm 2 images compared to the b = 1000 s/mm 2 images (SNR: 250.7 ± 124.7 versus 112.3 ± 68.7; CNR: 83.4 ± 74.7 versus 59.6 ± 60.4, b = 1000 and 3000 s/mm 2 , respectively). The CR was significantly greater in the b = 3000 s/mm 2 images compared to the b = 1000 s/mm 2 images (CR: 0.28 ± 0.13 versus 0.18 ± 0.10). Conclusions Although quantitative analyses revealed higher SI, SNR, and CNR values in standard b-value (b = 1000 s/mm 2 ) DW images, higher b-value imaging could be beneficial for detecting additional lesions and improving the contrast between lesions and normal tissue in patients with PCNSL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic structures of single crystalline black phosphorus were studied by state-of-the-art angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Through high resolution photon energy dependence measurements, the band dispersions along out-of-plane and in-plane directions are experimentally determined. The electrons were found to be more localized in the ab plane than is predicted in calculations. Beside the kz-dispersive bulk bands, a surface resonant state is also observed in the momentum space. Our results strongly suggest that more details need to be considered to fully understand the electronic properties of black phosphorus theoretically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Letter proposes a new two‐sample excess loop delay compensation in continuous‐time delta‐sigma modulators using time‐shifted differentiated digital‐to‐analogue converter (DAC). This is done by using the information inherently available but ignored in the conventional methods, and therefore no additional hardware is required. Simulation results and mathematical analysis are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A series of cases of symmetrical acral keratoderma have been described recently in China. However, no studies about its demographic information and epidermal barrier function have been documented. Objectives To describe the clinical manifestation, demographic information and clinicopathological features of 71 cases with symmetrical acral keratoderma. Patients and methods Seventy-one cases with symmetrical acral keratoderma were retrospectively reviewed. Their demographic information, clinical manifestations, histopathology and epidermal barrier function were analysed. Results Among these patients, there were 64 males and seven females, ranging in age from 4 to 53 years with an average age at onset of 27 ± 8·9 years. Clinical manifestation was characterized by brown hyperkeratotic patches over the dorsum of the hands, palms and feet, dorsal digits and wrists, elbows, knees and ankles. The lesions became dramatically whitish with mild swelling immediately after soaking in water and resolved spontaneously in winter. In patients, a moderate increase of transepidermal water loss ( TEWL) from 16·16 ± 6·15 to 9·9 ± 4·21 g m−2 h−1 ( P = 0·0054) and a moderate decrease of skin hydration from 65·9 ± 5·06 to 42·58 ± 10·73 ( P < 0·01) in comparison with the control group were observed. Histopathological examination revealed epidermal hyperkeratosis, acanthosis and papillomatous hyperplasia as well as dermal infiltration with a few lymphocytes. Conclusions Symmetrical acral keratoderma is characterized by symmetry, acra, keratinization and marked seasonal changes. The epidermal barrier function of the skin was negatively affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) is a key enzyme in prostaglandin (PG) metabolism. This study provides important evidence for inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth by 15-PGDH through the 15-keto-prostaglandin E2 (15-keto-PGE2)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ)/p21WAF1/Cip1 signaling pathway. Forced overexpression of 15-PGDH inhibited HCC cell growth in vitro, whereas knockdown of 15-PGDH enhanced tumor growth parameters. In a tumor xenograft model in severe combined immunodeficiency mice, inoculation of human HCC cells (Huh7) with overexpression of 15-PGDH led to significant inhibition of tumor growth, whereas knockdown of 15-PGDH enhanced tumor growth. In a separate tumor xenograft model in which mouse HCC cells (Hepa1-6) were inoculated into syngeneic C57BL/6 mice, intratumoral injection of adenovirus vector expressing 15-PGDH (pAd-15-PGDH) significantly inhibited xenograft tumor growth. The antitumor effect of 15-PGDH is mediated through its enzymatic product, 15-keto-PGE2, which serves as an endogenous PPARγ ligand. Activation of PPARγ by 15-PGDH-derived 15-keto-PGE2 enhanced the association of PPARγ with the p21WAF1/Cip1 promoter and increased p21 expression and association with cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), CDK4 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Depletion of p21 by short hairpin RNA reversed 15-PGDH-induced inhibition of HCC cell growth; overexpression of p21 prevented 15-PGDH knockdown-induced tumor cell growth. These results show a key 15-PGDH/15-keto-PGE2-mediated activation of PPARγ and p21WAF1/Cip1 signaling cascade that regulates hepatocarcinogenesis and tumor progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of total replacement of fish oil (FO) with pork lard (PL), soybean oil (SO), or tea seed oil (TO) on growth and fatty acid compositions of hybrid tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus × O. aureus). Four diets were formulated to contain 4.5 % of each of the different lipid sources. Each diet was assigned to triplicate groups of 15 hybrid tilapia with the same initial body weight (4.6 ± 0.5 g). After a 10-week feeding, the FO, SO, and TO groups had similar final body weight. The mean hepatosomatic index in the FO group was significantly lower than the other groups (2.5 vs 2.9-3.0; P < 0.05). Whole-body lipid levels were highest in the TO group (5.2 ± 0.4 %) and lowest in the FO group (4.3 ± 0.5 %). Total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentrations were greater in the SO and FO groups (5.5 ± 0.1 and 7.1 ± 0.2, respectively) than in the PL and TO groups (1.7 ± 0.1 and 1.4 ± 0.1, respectively). The FO group had a 2- to 4-fold reduction in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio relative to the other groups. The concentrations of both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in the FO group than in the other groups. Our data demonstrate that total replacement of dietary FO with SO or TO has little effects on growth of hybrid tilapia but reduces the contents of health-benefiting DHA and EPA in fish body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observations of accretion disks around young brown dwarfs (BDs) have led to the speculation that they may form planetary systems similar to normal stars. While there have been several detections of planetary-mass objects around BDs (2MASS 1207-3932 and 2MASS 0441-2301), these companions have relatively large mass ratios and projected separations, suggesting that they formed in a manner analogous to stellar binaries. We present the discovery of a planetary-mass object orbiting a field BD via gravitational microlensing, OGLE-2012-BLG-0358Lb. The system is a low secondary/primary mass ratio (0.080 ± 0.001), relatively tightly separated (∼0.87 AU) binary composed of a planetary-mass object with 1.9 ± 0.2 Jupiter masses orbiting a BD with a mass 0.022 M☼. The relatively small mass ratio and separation suggest that the companion may have formed in a protoplanetary disk around the BD host in a manner analogous to planets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correlated suites of behaviours, or behavioural syndromes, appear to be widespread, and yet few studies have explored how they arise and are maintained. One possibility holds that correlational selection can generate and maintain behavioural syndrome if certain behavioural combinations enjoy greater fitness than other combinations. Here we test this correlational selection hypothesis by comparing behavioural syndrome structure with a multivariate fitness surface based on reproductive success of male water striders. We measured the structure of a behavioural syndrome including dispersal ability, exploration behaviour, latency to remount and sex recognition sensitivity in males. We then measured the relationship between these behaviours and mating success in a range of sex ratio environments. Despite the presence of some significant correlational selection, behavioural syndrome structure was not associated with correlational selection on behaviours. Although we cannot conclusively reject the correlational selection hypothesis, our evidence suggests that correlational selection and resulting linkage disequilibrium might not be responsible for maintaining the strong correlations between behaviours. Instead, we suggest alternative ways in which this behavioural syndrome may have arisen and outline the need for physiological and quantitative genetic tests of these suggestions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pore structure is the key factor in determining the development potential of shale reservoirs with a need for more research into mechanisms of pore system development in terrestrial shales. In this study, the pore structure and control mechanisms of typical terrestrial shale reservoirs were described by investigating porosity and permeability under overburden pressure, mercury injection capillary pressure, N2 adsorption, rock pyrolysis analysis, geochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that: (1) the main pore types in the upper section are quartz and clay intergranular pores, whereas those in the lower section are ferroan dolomite, plagioclase and quartz intergranular pores; (2) clay minerals control the intra-layer pore structure, and quartz minerals control the interlayer pore structure in the upper section, whereas ferroan dolomite provides the largest micron-scale pore size in the lower section; and (3) the micropores of samples with low organic matter content peak at the low maturation stage, whereas the micropores of samples with high organic matter content show an increasing trend from immature to mature stages. The influence of mineral composition and thermal maturity on the development of pore systems in shale reservoirs is an important indicator for future exploration in terrestrial shales. Factors influencing pore type of a typical terrestrial shale reservoir in the Permian Lucaogou Formation of the Jimsar Depression are inorganic minerals (quartz, ferroan dolomite and clays) and organic matter. Thermal maturity, which controls the development of organic nanopores, peaks at the beginning of the oil window. The pore system in terrestrial shale reservoirs comprises inorganic minerals that control primarily porosity and mature organic matter that control secondary porosity formed during late diagenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/objective(s): Glioblastoma (GBM) (WHO grade IV) is the most aggressive form of glioma with a 5-year survival rate of 5%. The current therapeutic regimen involves maximal safe surgical resection followed by radiation therapy and concurrent and adjuvant TMZ (Stupp protocol). Due to dismal survival, there is an urgent need to identify druggable therapeutic targets in GBM for drug development. In this study we identified TRIB1, a Ser/Thr pseudokinase that acts as a scaffold protein to initiate Ubiquitin Proteasome System-mediated degradation of target proteins in the cell. It has also been shown to activate MAPK and Akt signaling in various cell types. Reports suggest that TRIB1 also contributes towards chemotherapy resistance in NSCLC and CRC.Materials/methods: We utilized a patient-centered reverse translational approach to identify novel therapeutic targets. TRIB1 was identified by statistical association (Cox regression analysis) and logic-based network analyses of the patient-derived methylation data generated using EPIC methylation array. TRIB1 was functionally validated in vitro by overexpression and knockdown approaches. Stable cell lines were generated by puromycin selection and cell sorting. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to create specific amino acid mutations. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to identify protein-protein interaction. Protein levels were detected by western blotting.Results: The global methylation analysis on an institutional GBM cohort revealed that TRIB1 promoter methylation was associated with better OS of GBM patients (HR = 0.81 (0.62-1.05); P = 0.11). We also observed that overexpression of TRIB1 caused a decrease in apoptosis of patient derived GBM cell lines after radiation and TMZ treatment. Overexpression of TRIB1 also increased the phosphorylation of ERK in patient derived cell lines. TRIB1 directly bound to MEK1 in these cell lines and the disruption of its biding by site-directed mutation led to reduced TRIB1-MEK1 interaction.Conclusion: Our data suggest that TRIB1 is a potential therapeutic target for GBM therapy as targeting TRIB1 could promote treatment sensitizing glioma cells to RT/TMZ. Targeting MEK1 binding site on TRIB1 could also reduce MAPK oncogenic signaling in these cells thereby providing an additional treatment strategy for GBM.Author Disclosure: K. Singh: None. C. Han: None. J.L. Fleming: None. J. McElroy: None. E.H. Bell: None. P. Robe: None. S.J. Haque: None. A. Chakravarti: None. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many models have been proposed, the physical mechanisms responsible for the formation of low-mass brown dwarfs (BDs) are poorly understood. Themultiplicity properties and minimummass of the BD mass function provide critical empirical diagnostics of these mechanisms.We present the discovery via gravitational microlensing of two very low mass, very tight binary systems. These binaries have directly and precisely measured total system masses of 0.025M☉ and 0.034M☉, and projected separations of 0.31 AU and 0.19 AU, making them the lowestmass and tightest field BD binaries known. The discovery of a population of such binaries indicates that BD binaries can robustly form at least down to masses of ~0.02M☉. Future microlensing surveys will measure a mass-selected sample of BD binary systems, which can then be directly compared to similar samples of stellar binaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two previously reported DNA polymorphisms of sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP-1) and liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) and two DNA polymorphisms of fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1) were evaluated for associations with fatty acids in brisket adipose tissue of Canadian crossbred beef steers. The polymorphism of 84bp insert/deletion in intron 5 of SREBP-1 was significantly associated with the concentration of 9c C17:1 (P=0.013). The G>A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the exon 4 of LXRα gene was associated with the concentration of 9c, 11t C18:2 (P=0.04), sum of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) (P=0.025) and 11c C20:1(P=0.042). Two DNA polymorphisms in the promoter region of FADS1, deletion/insertion of →GTG in rs133053720 and SNP A>G in rs42187276, were significantly associated with concentrations of C17:0 iso, C17:0 ai, total branched chain fatty acids (BFA), 12t C18:1, 13t/14t C18:1, 15t C18:1, and 13c C18:1 (P<0.05). Further studies are needed to validate the associations and to delineate the roles of the gene polymorphisms in determining the fatty acid composition in beef tissues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective To determine whether prenatal myelomeningocele repair is a cost-effective strategy compared to postnatal repair. Methods Decision-analysis modeling was used to calculate the cumulative costs, effects and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of prenatal myelomeningocele repair compared with postnatal repair in singleton gestations with a normal karyotype that were identified with myelomeningocele between T1 and S1. The model accounted for costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) in three populations: (1) myelomeningocele patients; (2) mothers carrying myelomeningocele patients; and (3) possible future siblings of these patients. Sensitivity analysis was performed using one-way, two-way and Monte Carlo simulations. Results Prenatal myelomeningocele repair saves $ 2 066 778 per 100 cases repaired. Additionally, prenatal surgery results in 98 QALYs gained per 100 repairs with 42 fewer neonates requiring shunts and 21 fewer neonates requiring long-term medical care per 100 repairs. However, these benefits are coupled to 26 additional cases of uterine rupture or dehiscence and one additional case of neurologic deficits in future offspring per 100 repairs. Results were robust in sensitivity analysis. Conclusion Prenatal myelomeningocele repair is cost effective and frequently cost saving compared with postnatal myelomeningocele repair despite the increased likelihood of maternal and future pregnancy complications associated with prenatal surgery. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) is a key enzyme that couples with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) for the production of PGE2. Although COX-2 is known to mediate the growth and progression of several human cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the role of mPGES-1 in hepatocarcinogenesis is not well established. This study provides novel evidence for a key role of mPGES-1 in HCC growth and progression. Forced overexpression of mPGES-1 in two HCC cell lines (Hep3B and Huh7) increased tumor cell growth, clonogenic formation, migration and invasion, whereas knockdown of mPGES-1 inhibited these parameters, in vitro. In a mouse tumor xenograft model, mPGES-1-overexpressed cells formed palpable tumors at earlier time points and developed larger tumors when compared with the control (P<0.01); in contrast, mPGES-1 knockdown delayed tumor development and reduced tumor size (P<0.01). Mechanistically, mPGES-1-induced HCC cell proliferation, invasion and migration involve PGE2 production and activation of early growth response 1 (EGR1) and β-catenin. Specifically, mPGES-1-derived PGE2 induces the formation of EGR1-β-catenin complex, which interacts with T-cell factor 4/lymphoid enhancer factor 1 transcription factors and activates the expression of β-catenin downstream genes. Our findings depict a novel crosstalk between mPGES-1/PGE2 and EGR1/β-catenin signaling that is critical for hepatocarcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile communication industries are increasingly contributing to the worldwide energy consumption and CO2 emission. This study addresses a number of key radio resource management (RRM) strategies across PHY and MAC layers for reducing base station energy consumption, as measured by a 'Joules per bit' metric. These strategies including power efficient link adaptation, exploitation of multi-user diversity and trading bandwidth for energy efficiency. By collectively taking advantage of those RRM strategies, a multi-user adaptive power and resource allocation algorithm is proposed to ease the power requirements of a base station, while maintaining the same levels of service to the user. The scheduling algorithm is applied to an LTE downlink simulator and its performance is evaluated for various traffic load conditions. The results show that the proposed algorithm achieves a significant energy saving (up to 86%) over a conventional non-energy aware resource allocation scheme. Furthermore, the energy efficiency performance of various multiple antenna techniques is evaluated along with the impact of control signalling overhead. These multiple antenna schemes are then incorporated into the proposed scheduling algorithm and the additional achievable energy savings are quantified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the discovery and mass measurement of the cold, low-mass planet MOA-2009-BLG-266Lb, performed with the gravitational microlensing method. This planet has a mass of mp = 10.4 ± 1.7 M⊙ and orbits a star of mass M✭ = 0.56 ± 0.09 M⊙ at a semimajor axis of a = Due to image rights restrictions, multiple line equation(s) cannot be graphically displayed. AU and an orbital period of P = Due to image rights restrictions, multiple line equation(s) cannot be graphically displayed. yrs. The planet and host star mass measurements are enabled by the measurement of the microlensing parallax effect, which is seen primarily in the light curve distortion due to the orbital motion of the Earth. But the analysis also demonstrates the capability to measure the microlensing parallax with the Deep Impact (or EPOXI) spacecraft in a heliocentric orbit. The planet mass and orbital distance are similar to predictions for the critical core mass needed to accrete a substantial gaseous envelope, and thus may indicate that this planet is a "failed" gas giant. This and future microlensing detections will test planet formation theory predictions regarding the prevalence and masses of such planets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary This study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary lipid levels on growth performance, lipid deposition and activities of lipid metabolic enzymes in hybrid tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus × O. aureus). Four isonitrogenous (300 g/kg crude protein) experimental diets containing graded levels of lipid (25, 55, 85 and 115 g/kg) were randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 180 juvenile fish. Fish were fed twice daily for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the growth performance and proximate composition of fish were determined. The activities and gene expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) were assessed as well. Fish fed the diets with 55 and 85 g/kg lipid had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weight gain than those fed the diets with 25 and 115 g/kg lipid. The whole-body and liver lipid contents were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated with increasing dietary lipid levels. Moreover, the activities and mRNA abundances of LPL and HSL in the liver, dorsal muscle and fat tissues were markedly altered by dietary lipid levels. Our data demonstrate a profound influence of dietary lipid levels on the growth and lipid deposition in hybrid tilapia, which is likely associated with the regulation of lipid metabolic enzymes including LPL and HSL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine whether routine measurement of second-trimester transvaginal cervical length by ultrasound in low-risk singleton pregnancies is a cost-effective strategy. Methods We developed a decision analysis model to compare the cost-effectiveness of two strategies for identifying pregnancies at risk for preterm birth: (1) no routine cervical length screening and (2) a single routine transvaginal cervical length measurement at 18-24 weeks' gestation. In our model, women identified as being at increased risk (cervical length < 1.5 cm) for preterm birth would be offered daily vaginal progesterone supplementation. We assumed that vaginal progesterone reduces preterm birth at < 34 weeks' gestation by 45%. We also assumed that a decreased cervical length could result in additional costs (ultrasound scans, inpatient admission) without significantly improved neonatal outcomes. The main outcome measure was incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Results Our model predicts that routine cervical-length screening is a dominant strategy when compared to routine care. For every 100 000 women screened, $ 12 119 947 can be potentially saved (in 2010 US dollars) and 423.9 quality-adjusted life-years could be gained. Additionally, we estimate that 22 cases of neonatal death or long-term neurologic deficits could be prevented per 100 000 women screened. Screening remained cost-effective but was no longer the dominant strategy when cervical-length ultrasound measurement costs exceeded $ 187 or when vaginal progesterone reduced delivery risk at < 34 weeks by less than 20%. Conclusion In low-risk pregnancies, universal transvaginal cervical length ultrasound screening appears to be a cost-effective strategy under a wide range of clinical circumstances (varied preterm birth rates, predictive values of a shortened cervix and costs). Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ustekinumab, a human anti-interleukin-12/23 monoclonal antibody, has been shown to effectively treat moderate-to-severe psoriasis which significantly affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL), including patients' sexual lives. The aim of this study was to determine if sexual difficulties associated with psoriasis are related to disease severity and whether sexual difficulties improve with skin disease during ustekinumab treatment. In phase III PHOENIX 1 and 2 trials, psoriasis patients were randomized to ustekinumab ( n = 1334) at weeks 0 and 4 and q12 weeks thereafter or placebo ( n = 662) at weeks 0 and 4 with crossover to ustekinumab at week 12. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were used to assess psoriasis severity and patient-reported HRQoL respectively. Based on DLQI Question #9, impaired sexual function was defined as 'very much' or 'a lot' of sexual difficulties. At baseline, mean DLQI was 12.0, indicating a very large negative effect on patients' lives. Impaired sexual function was reported by 22.6% (women = 27.1%; men = 20.8%) and was significantly associated with increased psoriasis severity. At week 12, ustekinumab-treated patients had a greater mean improvement in DLQI (−9.13 vs. −0.53 with placebo, P < 0.001) and the proportion of patients with impaired sexual function decreased from 22.4% to 2.7% compared with no change with placebo ( P < 0.001). Patients with greater PASI improvement experienced a greater reduction of sexual difficulties due to psoriasis. A similar pattern of improved sexual function was observed at weeks 24-28 in placebo crossover patients. Ustekinumab treatment is associated with significant improvement in HRQoL and sexual difficulties due to psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the result of the analysis of the light curve of a caustic-crossing binary-lens microlensing event OGLE-2009-BLG-023/MOA-2009-BLG-028. Even though the event was observed solely by survey experiments, we could uniquely determine the mass of the lens and distance to it by simultaneously measuring the Einstein radius and lens parallax. From this, we find that the lens system is composed of M-type dwarfs with masses and located in the Galactic disc with a distance of toward the Galactic bulge direction. The event demonstrates that physical lens parameters of binary-lens events can be routinely determined from future high-cadence lensing surveys and thus microlensing can provide a new way to study Galactic binaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extended probability hypothesis density filter for translational measurement registration and multi-target tracking (MTT) is proposed. The number and states of the targets and the biases of the sensors are jointly estimated by this method without the data association. The sequential Monte Carlo method is used to implement the proposed algorithm considering non-linear and non-Gaussian conditions. Monte Carlo simulation results show that the proposed method (i) outperforms, although computationally a little more expensive than, the standard PHD filter which does not involve the process of spatial registration; (ii) outperforms the multi-sensor joint probabilistic data association (MSJPDA) filter which is also extended in this study for joint spatial registration and MTT when the clutter is relatively dense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the role of liver X receptor (LXR) activation in hepatic assembly and in the secretion of very low density lipoproteintriglycerides in goose primary hepatocytes. Goose primary hepatocytes were isolated and treated with the LXR agonist T0901317. Total triglyceride accumulation, intracellular and extracellular triglyceride concentrations, extracellular very low density lipoprotein concentration, and gene expression levels of LXRa, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, acyl coenzyme A:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) 1, and DGAT2 were measured in primary hepatocytes. We found a dose-dependent upregulation of total and intracellular TG accumulation when using 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 p M T0901317, but the extracellular triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein concentrations were dose dependent only when the T0901317 concentration was below 1 riM; as compared with 1 M T0901317, 10 p tM T0901317 had an inhibiting effect (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of all the detected genes increased in the presence of T0901317. The change in LXRa and DGAT1 was dose dependent, and the mRNA levels of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein and DGAT2 increased with a T0901317 concentration up to 1 μM, but decreased when treated with 10 μM T0901317 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the secretion of very low density lipoprotein plays a role in pharmacologically activating the LXR-induced development of hepatocellular steatosis in geese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dexlansoprazole MR is a Dual Delayed Release formulation of dexlansoprazole, an enantiomer of lansoprazole, designed to extend the duration of acid suppression. Aim To assess the 12-month safety of dexlansoprazole MR in patients with symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods In this randomised open-label study, patients received dexlansoprazole MR 60 or 90 mg once-daily for 12 months. Safety was evaluated at months 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12/final visit through physical examinations, laboratory evaluations, endoscopies, gastric biopsies, fasting serum gastrin values and adverse events (AEs). Results Of 591 patients receiving dexlansoprazole MR 60 and 90 mg, 71% and 65%, respectively, experienced ≥1 treatment-emergent AE; the most frequent AE was upper respiratory infection (14% and 13% in the 60- and 90-mg groups). Thirty patients experienced ≥1 serious AE; a majority of serious AEs were unrelated to study drug. No clinically meaningful change in any clinical laboratory parameters was noted. As expected, serum gastrin values rose with dexlansoprazole therapy; increases were not dose related. No clinically concerning trends were identified in gastric pathology results; no endocrine cell hyperplasia, adenocarcinoma, or lymphoma were observed. Conclusions Twelve-month treatment with dexlansoprazole MR 60 and 90 mg was well tolerated by GERD patients in this study (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00255190). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) implementation to the Mahler's group probability hypothesis density filter (PHDF) for partly unresolvable group targets tracking problem. A potential limitation of the group PHDF is that it cannot be used to determine the number of groups. Therefore we have to jointly extract the group number and states from the proposed group SMC-PHDF at each time step. We propose to fit the resampled particles of the group SMC-PHDF by application of Gaussian mixture models with unknown component number. In the mixture, the number and parameters of the components correspond to the number and states of the groups over the observation region. The Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm is proposed to estimate the component parameters of the mixture. The estimate of component number of the mixture can be derived by a component management strategy. In simulation, the proposed group SMC-PHDF with the expectation maximum (EM) and MCMC extractions are, respectively, used to detect and track the groups. Hundred Monte Carlo simulation results show that the latter outperforms the former a lot in estimating the group number and states, although the computational requirement of the MCMC extraction is more expensive than the EM extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome is a neurological condition seen in various areas of acute medicine, including the administration of antineoplastic therapies used in haemato-oncology patients. It is a rare complication that has been increasingly recognized. It is characterized by altered mental status, visual disturbance, headache and seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging typically shows vasogenic oedema in the posterior regions of the brain. Although its name suggests reversibility, it may result in an irreversible brain injury without prompt treatment. Therefore, it is vital for treating clinicians to recognize this syndrome. We describe the case of a 55-year-old woman with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma, who developed clinical and radiological manifestations consistent with this syndrome as a complication of gemcitabine monotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Obesity is associated with monocyte-macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue. Previously, we showed that glucose-stimulated production by adipocytes of serum amyloid A (SAA), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and hyaluronan (HA) facilitated monocyte accumulation. The current objective was to determine how the other major nutrient, free fatty acids (FFAs), affects these molecules and monocyte recruitment by adipocytes.Research Design and Methods: Differentiated 3T3-L1, Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome adipocytes, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts were exposed to various FFAs (250 micromol/l) in either 5 or 25 mmol/l (high) glucose for evaluation of SAA, MCP-1, and HA regulation in vitro.Results: Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) such as laurate, myristate, and palmitate increased cellular triglyceride accumulation, SAA, and MCP-1 expression; generated reactive oxygen species (ROS); and increased nuclear factor (NF) kappaB translocation in both 5 and 25 mmol/l glucose. Conversely, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as arachidonate, eicosapentaenate, and docosahexaenate (DHA) decreased these events. Gene expression could be dissociated from triglyceride accumulation. Although excess glucose increased HA content, SFAs, oleate, and linoleate did not. Antioxidant treatment repressed glucose- and palmitate-stimulated ROS generation and NFkappaB translocation and decreased SAA and MCP-1 expression and monocyte chemotaxis. Silencing toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) markedly reduced SAA and MCP-1 expression in response to palmitate but not glucose. DHA suppressed NFkappaB translocation stimulated by both excess glucose and palmitate via a peroxisome prolifterator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma-dependent pathway.Conclusions: Excess glucose and SFAs regulate chemotactic factor expression by a mechanism that involves ROS generation, NFkappaB, and PPARgamma, and which is repressed by PUFAs. Certain SFAs, but not excess glucose, trigger chemotactic factor expression via a TLR4-dependent pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for quantisation error extraction in continuous‐time delta–sigma modulators (CTDSMs) is proposed. The proposed method avoids the use of additional active components such as transconductors and opamps and uses only passive components. Instead, the virtual ground of the second stage integrator is used as a summing node and is utilised to extract the quantisation error. Thus, multi‐stage CTDSM can be implemented in a power and area efficient way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. In silico models were developed for predicting high animal clearance using naïve Bayesian classification and extended connectivity fingerprints. Validation and test sets were created from a structurally diverse database of mouse, rat, dog, and monkey clearance (CL) representing approximately 20 000 unique compounds. Model performance was compared with experimental predictors used widely in drug discovery, namely in vitro intrinsic clearance (CLi) and CL from a lower preclinical species. 2. The Bayesian model for dog CL was a better predictor than experimental rat or mouse CL. The Bayesian model for rat CL performed at least as well as mouse CL. Bayesian models outperformed mouse, rat, and monkey CLi for predicting mouse, rat, and monkey CL, respectively. 3. These models can be used to optimize chemical libraries, direct new chemical synthesis and increase efficiency of screening cascades for lead optimization while reducing overall drug discovery cost, time and animal usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: G-CSF can induce functional immune tolerance in man. In this study, purified T cells from G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donors were analysed by gene expression profiling and immunophenotyping. Results suggested a predominantly immune tolerant profile with upregulation of genes related to Th2 and Treg cells, downregulation of genes associated with Th1 cells, cytotoxicity, antigen presentation and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and overexpression of negative regulators of Th17 differentiation. Immunophenotyping revealed that during G-CSF exposure donors had reduced levels of T cells with a Th17 phenotype (CD4+IL-17A+CCR6+IL-23R+), more than three times lower compared to normal controls. G-CSF also led to increased levels of CD4+CD25highCD45RO+ Treg cells. Furthermore, mRNA levels of RORγt, a Th17-specific transcription factor, decreased in T cells isolated from G-CSF-mobilized PBSC harvests. Th17 cells have been implicated in autoimmune diseases and GVHD pathophysiology. Our study is the first to report the effect of G-CSF on the Th17 subpopulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

AIM: This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe emergency department nurses' understanding and experiences of implementing discharge planning. BACKGROUND: Discharge planning in the emergency department is an important issue because of increased healthcare costs and greater emphasis on continuity of care. When executed as a collaborative process involving a multi-disciplinary team with the patient and family, discharge planning provides continuity of care for patients, less demand on hospitals, improvement in community services and in the services of other healthcare organizations. METHOD: The qualitative approach of phenomenography was used in this study. Thirty-two emergency department nurses were recruited between July and September 2005. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. FINDINGS: From interviewees' descriptions of implementing discharge planning, six categories were established: implementing discharge planning as 'getting rid of my patients', completing routines, being involved in patient education, professionally accountable practice, autonomous practice and demonstrating professional emergency department nursing care. The referential meaning of implementing discharge planning 'in the outcome space' was the professional commitment to emergency department provision of effective discharge services. CONCLUSION: The results of this research contribute to knowledge of emergency department nurses' experience in the implementation of the discharge planning process. Key requirements for the provision of manageable discharge services both in Taiwan and worldwide highlighted by this study include adequate workloads, sufficient time, clear policies and standards of discharge planning and enhancement of professional commitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An emerging theme in the study of the pathophysiology of persistent pain is the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that the exogenous supply of antioxidant drugs during peri-reperfusion would attenuate pain induced by ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. We investigated the analgesic effects of three antioxidants administered during peri-reperfusion using an animal model of complex regional pain syndrome-type I consisting of chronic post-ischemia pain (CPIP) of the hind paw. Methods: Application of a tight-fitting tourniquet for a period of 3 h produced CPIP in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Low-dose allopurinol (4 mg/kg), high-dose allopurinol (40 mg/kg), superoxide dismutase (SOD, 4000 U/kg), N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 10 mg/kg), or SOD (4000 U/kg)+l-NAME (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally just after tourniquet application and at 1 and 2 days after reperfusion for 3 days. The effects of antioxidants in rats were investigated using mechanical and cold stimuli. Each group consisted of seven rats. Results: Allopurinol caused significant alleviation in mechanical and cold allodynia for a period of 4 weeks in rats with CPIP. Both SOD andl-NAME, which were used to investigate the roles of superoxide (O2 ˙−) and nitric oxide (NO) in pain, also attenuated neuropathic-like pain symptoms in rats for 4 weeks. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that O2 ˙− and NO mediate IR injury-induced chronic pain, and that ROS scavengers administered during the peri-reperfusion period have long-term analgesic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is frequently comorbid with childhood trauma, information on the clinical implications of this comorbidity is limited. We investigated whether a history of abuse was associated with response to treatment in a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial of paroxetine controlled release (CR) in IBS. Methods: Seventy-two IBS subjects were randomized to receive paroxetine CR (dose 12·5–50 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Subject selection was independent of abuse history. Sixty-one subjects completed the Sexual and Physical Abuse Questionnaire about their childhood abuse history. IBS symptoms were recorded using the Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS). Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) were also measured. The primary outcome was treatment response defined as ≥25% reduction in composite pain scores (CPS) on the IVRS from randomization to end of treatment. Results: The rate of abuse history was 50·8% ( n = 31/61). Baseline demographic clinical characteristics (CPS, BDI, BAI, PSS, CGI scores) were not associated with abuse history. After 12 weeks of treatment, subjects with abuse history showed significantly higher CPS ( t = 2·422, P = 0·018) than subjects without a history and less mean change of CPS ( t = 3·506, P = 0·001). In a logistic regression analysis, history of abuse did not predict treatment response as measured by ≥25% reduction in CPS (OR = 0·481, CI = 0·164–1·406, P = 0·181), while the drug status (paroxetine CR) was significantly associated with treatment response as defined by a CGI improvement score of 1–2 (OR = 12·121, CI = 2·923–50·271, P = 0·001). Abuse history did not predict CGI-I (Fisher’s exact, P = 0·500) improvements during the trial. Conclusions: History of abuse did not appear to have any significant clinical correlates at baseline and did not predict treatment response. Further studies are needed to confirm whether SSRIs are effective in IBS patients irrespective of their abuse history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The in vivo clearance (CL) for 498 compounds representing more than 40 lead optimization programmes were compared in the rat and mouse. 2. A total of 278 of the compounds had similar CL values in rat and mouse and 41 compounds had a high CL in one rodent species and a low CL in the other (median seven-fold difference). For this latter subset, comparative in vitro plasma protein binding, liver microsomal or hepatocyte intrinsic CL provided plausible explanations for the observed in vivo differences in many cases. 3. A considerable proportion of compounds with substantially different CL in rodents, and those with a high CL in both rat and mouse, had a low-to-moderate CL in dog and/or monkey (43%). A larger proportion (71%) had promising pharmacokinetics in higher species when CL was low in both rat and mouse. 4. Drug-discovery scientists should consider the potential for there to be substantial differences in the disposition of leads in different rodent species and design screening cascades to explore this possibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While NF-κB is considered to play key roles in the development and progression of many cancers, the mechanisms whereby this transcription factor is activated in cancer are poorly understood. A key oncoprotein in a variety of cancers is the serine-threonine kinase Akt, which can be activated by mutations in PI3K, by loss of expression/activity of PTEN, or through signaling induced by growth factors and their receptors. A key effector of Akt-induced signaling is the regulatory protein mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). We show here that mTOR downstream from Akt controls NF-κB activity in PTEN-null/inactive prostate cancer cells via interaction with and stimulation of IKK. The mTOR-associated protein Raptor is required for the ability of Akt to induce NF-κB activity. Correspondingly, the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin is shown to suppress IKK activity in PTEN-deficient prostate cancer cells through a mechanism that may involve dissociation of Raptor from mTOR. The results provide insight into the effects of Akt/mTOR-dependent signaling on gene expression and into the therapeutic action of rapamycin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]