bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interstitial fluid shifts to plasma compartment during blood donation
Authors: Saito Fumiko , Shimazu Tomoko , Miyamoto Junko , Maemura Taisei , Satake Masahiro
Published: February 2013

Background

A vasovagal reaction (VVR) occurs in 0.8% to 0.9% of voluntary blood donors inJapan. However, they generally tolerate the acute loss of 400 mLof whole blood rather well, perhaps because several circulatory defense mechanisms compensate for the loss. This study aimed to determine the extent to which an interstitial fluid shift contributes to the development of aVVR.

Study Design and Methods

Blood hemoglobin (Hb) was measured upon admission, at venipuncture, and immediately after collecting 400 mLof whole blood from 736 donors. Shifted fluid volume was calculated using a formula that included Hb levels and estimated total blood volume.

Results

By the end of blood collection, 188 ± 80 and 211 ± 82 mLof fluid, which is equivalent to almost half of the total amount of withdrawn blood, had entered the intravascular space in male and female donors, respectively. The difference between the sexes was significant despite the lower body weight and circulating blood volume of the female donors. Body weight increased, whereas age decreased the volume of shifted fluid in female donors.

Conclusion

Blood loss after donation is quickly compensated by an interstitial fluid shift into the intravascular space and may not be the only direct cause ofVVRin the setting of a whole blood donation of 400 mL.
Solvent detergent vs. fresh frozen plasma in cirrhotic patients undergoing liver transplant surgery: a prospective randomized control study
Authors: Bindi M. L. , Miccoli M. , Marietta M. , Meacci L. , Esposito M. , Bisà M. , Mozzo R. , Mazzoni A. , Baggiani A. , Scatena F. , Filipponi F. , Biancofiore G.
Published: March 2013

Background

Although orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is nowadays considered standard practice at experienced centres, it can still be affected by a significant risk of massive bleeding and its related complications. Solvent/detergent plasma (S/D Plasma) has been proposed as an alternative to fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to curtail such complications. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of S/D Plasma in OLT patients by comparing it to FFP.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐three OLT patients were randomized into two groups depending on whether they were transfused with FFP or S/D plasma. A thromboelastography‐based protocol aimed at achieving and maintaining predetermined coagulation goals was used to guide plasma transfusions. At the beginning and the end of surgery, standard laboratory coagulation tests were performed together with the assessment of the VII, VIII, V, XII factors and S protein blood levels.

Results

The two study groups equally achieved the thromboelastography goals but with a reduced amount of transfusions in the S/D plasma group (P < 0·0001). At the end of surgery, factors V and XII and S protein blood levels were lower in the S/D plasma patients who also showed lower INR, aPTT and antithrombin III levels.

Conclusion

In cirrhotic patients undergoing OLT, the use of S\D plasma associated with thromboelastography allows the same clinical results but with a significant reduction in the amount of plasma transfusions.
A low dose simulation tool for CT systems with energy integrating detectors
Authors: Žabić Stanislav , Wang Qiu , Morton Thomas , Brown Kevin M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose:

This paper introduces a new strategy for simulating low‐dose computed tomography (CT) scans using real scans of a higher dose as an input. The tool is verified against simulations and real scans and compared to other approaches found in the literature.

Methods:

The conditional variance identity is used to properly account for the variance of the input high‐dose data, and a formula is derived for generating a new Poisson noise realization which has the same mean and variance as the true low‐dose data. The authors also derive a formula for the inclusion of real samples of detector noise, properly scaled according to the level of the simulated x‐ray signals.

Results:

The proposed method is shown to match real scans in number of experiments. Noise standard deviation measurements in simulated low‐dose reconstructions of a 35 cm water phantom match real scans in a range from 500 to 10 mA with less than 5% error. Mean and variance of individual detector channels are shown to match closely across the detector array. Finally, the visual appearance of noise and streak artifacts is shown to match in real scans even under conditions of photon‐starvation (with tube currents as low as 10 and 80 mA). Additionally, the proposed method is shown to be more accurate than previous approaches (1) in achieving the correct mean and variance in reconstructed images from pure‐Poisson noise simulations (with no detector noise) under photon‐starvation conditions, and (2) in simulating the correct noise level and detector noise artifacts in real low‐dose scans.

Conclusions:

The proposed method can accurately simulate low‐dose CT data starting from high‐dose data, including effects from photon starvation and detector noise. This is potentially a very useful tool in helping to determine minimum dose requirements for a wide range of clinical protocols and advanced reconstruction algorithms.
Quantitative material characterization from multi‐energy photon counting CT
Authors: Alessio Adam M. , MacDonald Lawrence R.
Published: March 2013

Purpose:

To quantify the concentration of soft‐tissue components of water, fat, and calcium through the decomposition of the x‐ray spectral signatures in multi‐energy CT images.

Methods:

Decomposition of dual‐energy and multi‐energy x‐ray data into basis materials can be performed in the projection domain, image domain, or during image reconstruction. In this work, the authors present methodology for the decomposition of multi‐energy x‐ray data in the image domain for the application of soft‐tissue characterization. To demonstrate proof‐of‐principle, the authors apply several previously proposed methods and a novel content‐aware method to multi‐energy images acquired with a prototype photon counting CT system. Data from phantom andex vivo specimens are evaluated.

Results:

The number and type of materials in a region can be limited based ona priori knowledge or classification strategies. The proposed difference classifier successfully classified the image into air only, water+fat, water+fat+iodine, and water+calcium regions. Then, the content‐aware material decomposition based on weighted least‐square optimization generated quantitative maps of concentration. Bias in the estimation of the concentration of water and oil components in a phantom study was <0.10 ± 0.15 g/cc on average. Decomposition of ex vivo carotid endarterectomy specimens suggests the presence of water, lipid, and calcium deposits in the plaque walls.

Conclusions:

Initial application of the proposed methodology suggests that it can decompose multi‐energy CT images into quantitative maps of water, adipose, iodine, and calcium concentrations.
Proton‐minibeam radiation therapy: A proof of concept
Authors: Prezado Y. , Fois G. R.
Published: February 2013

Purpose:

This Monte Carlo simulation work aims at studying a new radiotherapy approach called proton‐minibeam radiation therapy (pMBRT). The main objective of this proof of concept was the evaluation of the possible gain in tissue sparing, thanks to the spatial fractionation of the dose, which could be used to deposit higher and potentially curative doses in clinical cases where tissue tolerances are a limit for conventional methods.

Methods:

Monte Carlo simulations (GATE v.6) have been used as a method to calculate the ratio of the peak‐to‐valley doses (PVDR) for arrays of proton minibeams of 0.7 mm width and several center‐to‐center distances, at different depths in a water phantom. The beam penumbras were also evaluated as an important parameter for tissue sparing, for example, in the treatment of non‐cancer diseases like epilepsy. Two proton energies were considered in this study: a clinically relevant energy (105 MeV) and a very high energy (1 GeV), to benefit from a reduced lateral scattering. For the latter case, an interlaced geometry was also evaluated.

Results:

Higher or similar PVDR than the ones obtained in x‐rays minibeam radiation therapy were achieved in several pMBRT configurations. In addition, for the two energies studied, the beam penumbras are smaller than in the case of Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

Conclusions:

The high PVDR obtained for some configurations and the small penumbras in comparison with existing radiosurgery techniques, suggest a potential gain in healthy tissue sparing in this new technique. Biological studies are warranted to assess the effects of pMBRT on both normal and tumoral tissues.
Evaluation of the microangiographic fluoroscope (MAF) using generalized system performance metrics
Authors: Jain Amit , Bednarek Daniel R. , Rudin Stephen
Published: March 2013

Purpose:

The performance of a newly developed, high resolution, microangiographic fluoroscope (MAF) (35μm pixel pitch and 300 μm thick CsI phosphor) was evaluated using a generalized linear system analysis and compared with that of a standard amorphous Si thin film transistor flat panel detector (FPD) (194 μm pixel pitch and 600 μm thick CsI phosphor). The linear system metrics such as modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum, and detection quantum efficiency (DQE) are commonly used to gauge the intrinsic detector performance in the detector plane. However, these linear system metrics do not provide information about the image receptor performance in a real system since they do not include the effects of other parameters such as focal spot distribution, scatter radiation, and geometric unsharpness, which may compromise detector performance characteristics. Use of generalized linear system metrics [generalized modulation transfer function (GMTF), generalized normalized noise power spectrum (GNNPS), and generalized detection quantum efficiency (GDQE)] that include these effects gives a more meaningful, complete, and appropriate evaluation of detector performance as part of the imaging system.

Methods:

A uniform head equivalent phantom was used to simulate realistic clinical parameters and x‐ray spectra. The detector MTFs were measured using the slanted edge method and the focal spot MTFs were measured using a pinhole assembly. The scatter MTF was simulated and the scatter fraction was measured for a head‐equivalent phantom. The generalized system metrics were calculated for different combinations of three choices of focal spots and three different magnifications with two different air‐gaps. The performance of the MAF was also illustrated using stent images obtained with different focal spots under similar conditions.

Results:

Results for the generalized metrics provide a quantitative description of the performance of the imaging system for both detectors. This generalized analysis demonstrated that both detectors have similar imaging capabilities at lower spatial frequencies, but that the MAF has superior performance over the FPD at higher frequencies even when considering focal spot blurring and scatter.

Conclusions:

This generalized performance analysis demonstrates the significance of focal spot size, magnification, and scatter on the system performance metrics (GMTF, GNNPS, and GDQE). Although the ideal detector performance characteristics of the MAF are not fully realized due to these other system factors, it still retains an advantage in DQE at high spatial frequencies over the FPD. Similar studies based on the generalized linear system metrics can serve as an efficient tool to evaluate total system capabilities under different realistic conditions to enable optimal design for specific imaging tasks.
Dust and Biological Aerosols from the Sahara and Asia Influence Precipitation in the Western U.S.
Authors: Creamean Jessie M. , Suski Kaitlyn J. , Rosenfeld Daniel , Cazorla Alberto , DeMott Paul J. , Sullivan Ryan C. , White Allen B. , Ralph F. Martin , Minnis Patrick , Comstock Jennifer M. , Tomlinson Jason M. , Prather Kimberly A.
Published: March 2013

Action at a Distance

Snowfall in the Sierra Nevada provides a large fraction of the water that California receives as precipitation. Knowing what factors influence the amount of snow that falls is thus critical for projecting how water availability may change in the future. Aerosols have an important effect on cloud processes and precipitation.

Creamean
et al.

(p.
1572
, published online 28 February) found that dust and biological aerosols originating from as far away as the Sahara facilitate ice nuclei formation and ice-induced precipitation in the Sierra Nevada and show how dust and biological articles from places as distant as Africa and Asia can influence precipitation over the western United States.
Type I Interferon Suppresses Type II Interferon–Triggered Human Anti-Mycobacterial Responses
Authors: Teles Rosane M. B. , Graeber Thomas G. , Krutzik Stephan R. , Montoya Dennis , Schenk Mirjam , Lee Delphine J. , Komisopoulou Evangelia , Kelly-Scumpia Kindra , Chun Rene , Iyer Shankar S. , Sarno Euzenir N. , Rea Thomas H. , Hewison Martin , Adams John S. , Popper Stephen J. , Relman David A. , Stenger Steffen , Bloom Barry R. , Cheng Genhong , Modlin Robert L.
Published: March 2013

Interfering with Interferons

Infections with Mycobacteria, including
Mycobacterium leprae
or
M. tuberculosis
, vary substantially in their clinical presentation. For instance, in some cases of
M. leprae
, the infection is self-healing with very few lesions. In contrast, some people experience the disseminated form, where skin lesions abound and bacteria are abundant. In patients infected with
M. leprae
,

Teles
et al.

(p.
1448
, published online 28 February) found that the disseminated disease associates with a type I interferon gene signature, whereas the self-healing form associates with a type II interferon gene signature. In cultured cells, type I interferon and its downstream signaling cascade inhibited the antimicrobial response induced by type II interferons, providing a potential explanation for why robust disease rather than protection is seen in some cases of infection.
Complete Genome Sequence of Anoxybacillus flavithermus TNO-09.006, a Thermophilic Sporeformer Associated with a Dairy-Processing Environment
Authors: Caspers Martien P. M. , Boekhorst Jos , Abee Tjakko , Siezen Roland J. , Kort Remco
Published: March 2013

Spores of thermophilic spore-forming bacteria are a common cause of contamination in dairy products. We isolated the thermophilic strain
Anoxybacillus flavithermus
TNO-09.006 from a milk-processing plant, and we report the complete genome of this isolate consisting of a single chromosome of 2.65 Mb.
Draft Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Strain Nissle 1917 (Serovar O6:K5:H1)
Authors: Cress Brady F. , Linhardt Robert J. , Koffas Mattheos A. G.
Published: March 2013

We announce the availability of the 5.023-Mbp high-quality draft assembly of the
Escherichia coli
strain Nissle 1917 (serovar O6:K5:H1) genome. Short genomic segments from this important probiotic strain have been available in public databases, but the full genome sequence has remained inaccessible. Thus, high-coverage, whole genome sequencing of
E. coli
Nissle 1917 is presented herein. Reannotation and metabolic reconstruction will enable comparative genomics analysis and model-guided predictions of genetic manipulations leading to increased production of the K5 capsular polysaccharide known as
N
-acetyl heparosan, a precursor to the anticoagulant pharmaceutical heparin.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea Strain B (ATCC 29581)
Authors: Cress Brady F. , Erkert Kelly A. , Barquera Blanca , Koffas Mattheos A. G.
Published: March 2013

We report the 4.049-Mbp high-quality draft assembly of the
Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea
strain B (ATCC 29581) genome. This marine species is known to biosynthesize several antimicrobial compounds, including the purple pigment violacein. Whole-genome sequencing and genome mining will complement experimental studies aimed at elucidating novel biosynthetic pathways capable of producing pharmaceutically relevant molecules. Based upon 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis, we propose that strain ATCC 29581 be classified as a distinct phylogenetic species of the genus
Pseudoalteromonas
.
Deep Sequencing Analysis of Defective Genomes of Parainfluenza Virus 5 and Their Role in Interferon Induction
Authors: Killip M. J. , Young D. F. , Gatherer D. , Ross C. S. , Short J. A. L. , Davison A. J. , Goodbourn S. , Randall R. E.
Published: March 2013

Preparations of parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) that are potent activators of the interferon (IFN) induction cascade were generated by high-multiplicity passage in order to accumulate defective interfering virus genomes (DIs). Nucleocapsid RNA from these virus preparations was extracted and subjected to deep sequencing. Sequencing data were analyzed using methods designed to detect internal deletion and “copyback” DIs in order to identify and characterize the different DIs present and to approximately quantify the ratio of defective to nondefective genomes. Trailer copybacks dominated the DI populations in IFN-inducing preparations of both the PIV5 wild type (wt) and PIV5-VΔC (a recombinant virus that does not encode a functional V protein). Although the PIV5 V protein is an efficient inhibitor of the IFN induction cascade, we show that nondefective PIV5 wt is unable to prevent activation of the IFN response by coinfecting copyback DIs due to the interfering effects of copyback DIs on nondefective virus protein expression. As a result, copyback DIs are able to very rapidly activate the IFN induction cascade prior to the expression of detectable levels of V protein by coinfecting nondefective virus.
A Fully Attenuated Recombinant Salmonid Alphavirus Becomes Pathogenic through a Single Amino Acid Change in the E2 Glycoprotein
Authors: Mérour Emilie , Lamoureux Annie , Bernard Julie , Biacchesi Stéphane , Brémont Michel
Published: March 2013

A recombinant sleeping disease virus (rSDV) was previously shown to be totally attenuated and provide long-term protection in trout (C. Moriette, M. Leberre, A. Lamoureux, T. L. Lai, M. Brémont, J. Virol. 80:4088–4098, 2006). Sequence comparison of the rSDV to wild-type genomes exhibited a number of nucleotide changes. In the current study, we demonstrate that the virulent phenotype of SDV was essentially associated with two amino acid changes, V8A and M136T, in the E2 glycoprotein, with the V8A change mostly being involved in the acquisition of the virulent phenotype.
Variation of HIV-1 Mutation Spectra among Cell Types
Authors: Holtz Colleen M. , Mansky Louis M.
Published: March 2013

The high rates of mutation, recombination, and replication drive HIV-1 diversity. In this study, we investigated how cell type affects viral mutation rate and mutation spectra. In studying four different cell types, no differences in mutation rate were observed, but intriguingly cell type differences impacted HIV-1 mutation spectra. This is the first description of significant differences in HIV-1 mutation spectra observed in different cell types in the absence of changes in the viral mutation rate.
OPTIMIZING FUZZY CLUSTER ENSEMBLE IN STRING REPRESENTATION
Authors: ALIZADEH HOSEIN , MINAEI-BIDGOLI BEHROUZ , PARVIN HAMID
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we present a novel optimization-based method for the combination of cluster ensembles. The information among the ensemble is formulated in 0-1 bit strings. The suggested model defines a constrained nonlinear objective function, called fuzzy string objective function (FSOF), which maximizes the agreement between the ensemble members and minimizes the disagreement simultaneously. Despite the crisp primary partitions, the suggested model employs fuzzy logic in the mentioned objective function. Each row in a candidate solution of the model includes membership degrees indicating how much data point belongs to each cluster. The defined nonlinear model can be solved by every nonlinear optimizer; however; we used genetic algorithm to solve it. Accordingly, three suitable crossover and mutation operators satisfying the constraints of the problem are devised. The proposed crossover operators exchange information between two clusters. They use a novel relabeling method to find corresponding clusters between two partitions. The algorithm is applied on multiple standard datasets. The obtained results show that the modified genetic algorithm operators are desirable in exploration and exploitation of the big search space.
CONNECTEDNESS INDEX OF UNCERTAIN GRAPH
Authors: GAO XIULIAN , GAO YUAN
Published: March 2013

In practical applications of graph theory, non-deterministic factors are frequently encountered. This paper employs uncertainty theory to deal with non-deterministic factors in problems of graph connectivity. The concepts of uncertain graph and connectedness index of uncertain graph are proposed in this paper. It presents two algorithms to calculate connectedness index of an uncertain graph.
THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF SINE WAVE FIN-AND-OVAL TUBE HEAT EXCHANGERS
Authors: KIM NAE-HYUN , LEE KANG-JONG , HAN JI-CHAO , CHOI BYUNG-NAM
Published: February 2013

Experiments were conducted on sine wave fin-and-tube heat exchangers having oval tubes of 0.6 aspect ratio. Twelve samples having different fin pitches and tube rows were tested. Eight herringbone wave fin-and-tube heat exchangers having round tubes were also tested. For round tube samples, the effect of tube row on j factor is not prominent. For oval tube samples, however, the highest j factor is observed for two row configuration, whereas the lowest one is observed for one row configuration. Possible reasoning is provided considering the flow and heat transfer characteristics of sine wave channel combined with connecting oval tubes. The friction factor decreases as number of tube row increases. Comparison with round tube samples reveals that airside performance of oval fin-and-tube heat exchangers is generally superior except for one-row configuration.
Modeling hepatic insulin sensitivity during a meal: validation against the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp
Authors: Dalla Man Chiara , Piccinini Francesca , Basu Rita , Basu Ananda , Rizza Robert A. , Cobelli Claudio
Published: February 2013

Recently, we proposed a model describing the suppression of endogenous glucose production (EGP) during a meal. It assumes that EGP suppression depends on glucose concentration and its rate of change and on delayed insulin action. Hepatic insulin sensitivity (SILmeal) can be derived from EGP model parameters. This model was shown to adequately describe EGP profiles measured with multiple tracer techniques; however, SILmealhas never been compared directly with its euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp counterpart (SILclamp). To do so, 62 subjects with different degrees of glucose tolerance underwent a triple-tracer mixed meal. Fifty-seven subjects also underwent a labeled ([3-3H]glucose) euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. From the triple-tracer meal data, virtually model-independent estimates of EGP were obtained using the tracer-to-tracee clamp technique, and the EGP model was identified in each subject. Model fit was satisfactory, and SILmealwas estimated with good precision. Correlation between SILclampand SILmealwas good ( r = 0.72, P < 0.001); however, SILmealwas lower than SILclamp(4.60 ± 0.64 vs. 8.73 ± 1.07 10−4dl·kg−1·min−1per μU/ml, P < 0.01). This difference may be due to different ranges of insulin explored during the two tests (ΔIclamp= 15.60 ± 1.61 vs. ΔImeal= 83.37 ± 10.71 μU/ml) as well as steady- vs. non-steady-state glucose and insulin profiles. In conclusion, the new EGP model provides an estimate of hepatic insulin sensitivity during a meal that is in good agreement with that derived in the same individuals with a hyperinsulinemic clamp. When used in conjunction with the minimal model, the approach potentially enables estimation of hepatic insulin sensitivity from a single-tracer labeled meal or oral glucose tolerance test.
Impaired exercise capacity and skeletal muscle function in a mouse model of pulmonary inflammation
Authors: Tang Kechun , Murano George , Wagner Harrieth , Nogueira Leonardo , Wagner Peter D. , Tang Alisa , Dalton Nancy D. , Gu Yusu , Peterson Kirk L. , Breen Ellen C.
Published: March 2013

Pulmonary TNFα has been linked to reduced exercise capacity in a subset of patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We hypothesized that prolonged, high expression of pulmonary TNFα impairs cardiac and skeletal muscle function, and both contribute to exercise limitation. Using a surfactant protein C promoter-TNFα construct, TNFα was overexpressed throughout life in mouse lungs (SP-C/TNFα+). TNFα levels in wild-type (WT) female serum and lung were two- and threefold higher than in WT male mice. In SP-C/TNFα+ mice, TNFα increased similarly in both sexes. Treadmill exercise was impaired only in male SP-C/TNFα+ mice. While increases in lung volume and airspace size induced by TNFα were comparable in both sexes, pulmonary hypertension along with lower body and muscle mass were evident only in male mice. Left ventricular (LV) function (cardiac output, stroke volume, LV maximal pressure, and LV maximal pressure dP/d t) was not altered by TNFα overexpression. Fatigue measured in isolated soleus and EDL was more rapid only in soleus of male SP-C/TNFα+ mice and accompanied by a loss of oxidative IIa fibers, citrate synthase activity, and PGC-1α mRNA and increase in atrogin-1 and MuRF1 expression also only in male mice. In situ gastrocnemius fatigue resistance, reflecting both oxygen availability and contractility, was decreased similarly in female and male SP-C/TNFα+ mice. These data indicate that male, but not female, mice overexpressing pulmonary TNFα are susceptible to exercise limitation, possibly due to muscle wasting and loss of the oxidative muscle phenotype, with protection in females possibly due to estrogen.
Hyaluronan initiates chondrogenesis mainly via CD44 in human adipose-derived stem cells
Authors: Wu Shun-Cheng , Chen Chung-Hwan , Chang Je-Ken , Fu Yin-Chih , Wang Chih-Kuang , Eswaramoorthy Rajalakshmanan , Lin Yi-Shan , Wang Yao-Hsien , Lin Sung-Yen , Wang Gwo-Jaw , Ho Mei-Ling
Published: March 2013

Cell-matrix adhesion is one of the important interactions that regulates stem cell survival, self-renewal, and differentiation. Our previous report (Wu SC, Chang JK, Wang CK, Wang GJ, Ho ML. Biomaterials 31: 631–640, 2010) indicated that a microenvironment enriched with hyaluronan (HA) initiated and enhanced chondrogenesis in human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs). We further hypothesize that HA-induced chondrogenesis in hADSCs is mainly due to the interaction of HA and CD44 (HA-CD44), a cell surface receptor of HA. The HA-CD44 interaction was tested by examining the mRNA expression of hyaluronidase-1 (Hyal-1) and chondrogenic marker genes (SOX-9, collagen type II, and aggrecan) in hADSCs cultured on HA-coated wells. Cartilaginous matrix formation, sulfated glycosaminoglycan, and collagen productions by hADSCs affected by HA-CD44 interaction were tested in a three-dimensional fibrin hydrogel. About 99.9% of hADSCs possess CD44. The mRNA expressions of Hyal-1 and chondrogenic marker genes were upregulated by HA in hADSCs on HA-coated wells. Blocking HA-CD44 interaction by anti-CD44 antibody completely inhibited Hyal-1 expression and reduced chondrogenic marker gene expression, which indicates that HA-induced chondrogenesis in hADSCs mainly acts through HA-CD44 interaction. A 2-h preincubation and coculture of cells with HA in hydrogel (HA/fibrin hydrogel) not only assisted in hADSC survival, but also enhanced expression of Hyal-1 and chondrogenic marker genes. Higher levels of sulfated glycosaminoglycan and total collagen were also found in HA/fibrin hydrogel group. Immunocytochemistry showed more collagen type II, but less collagen type X, in HA/fibrin than in fibrin hydrogels. Our results indicate that signaling triggered by HA-CD44 interaction significantly contributes to HA-induced chondrogenesis and may be applied to adipose-derived stem cell-based cartilage regeneration.
Modeling Obesity and Its Associated Disorders inDrosophila
Authors: Trinh Irene , Boulianne Gabrielle L.
Published: March 2013

In recent years, obesity has been recognized as a major public health problem due to its increased prevalence in both children and adults and its association with numerous life-threatening complications including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and cancer. Obesity is a complex disorder that is the result of the interaction between predisposing genetic and environmental factors. However, the precise nature of these gene-gene and gene-environment interactions remains unclear. Here, we will describe recent studies demonstrating how fruit flies can be used to identify and characterize the mechanisms underlying obesity and to establish models of obesity-associated disorders.
Endothelial Fatty Acid Transport: Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B
Authors: Hagberg Carolina , Mehlem Annika , Falkevall Annelie , Muhl Lars , Eriksson Ulf
Published: March 2013

Dietary lipids present in the circulation have to be transported through the vascular endothelium to be utilized by tissue cells, a vital mechanism that is still poorly understood. Vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) regulates this process by controlling the expression of endothelial fatty acid transporter proteins (FATPs). Here, we summarize research on the role of the vascular endothelium in nutrient transport, with emphasis on VEGF-B signaling.
Modern Concepts Concerning the Origin of the Heartbeat
Authors: Monfredi Oliver , Maltsev Victor A. , Lakatta Edward G.
Published: March 2013

Physiological processes governing the heart beat have been under investigation for several hundred years. Major advances have been made in the recent past. A review of the present paradigm is presented here, including a look back at important steps that led us to where we are today, alongside a glimpse into the exciting future of pacemaker research.
Applied Pressure on Altering the Nano‐Crystallization Behavior of Al86Ni6Y4.5Co2La1.5 Metallic Glass Powder during Spark Plasma Sintering and Its Effect on Powder Consolidation
Authors: Li X. P. , Yan M. , Ji G. , Qian M.
Published: March 2013

Metallic glass powder of the composition Al86Ni6Y4.5Co2La1.5 was consolidated into 10 mm diameter samples by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at different temperatures under an applied pressure of 200 MPa or 600 MPa. The heating rate and isothermal holding time were fixed at 40°C/min and 2 min, respectively. Fully dense bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) free of particle‐particle interface oxides and nano‐crystallization were fabricated under 600 MPa. In contrast, residual oxides were detected at particle‐particle interfaces (enriched in both Al and O) when fabricated under a pressure of 200 MPa, indicating the incomplete removal of the oxide surface layers during SPS at a low pressure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed noticeable nano‐crystallization of face‐centered cubic (fcc) Al close to such interfaces. Applying a high pressure played a key role in facilitating the removal of the oxide surface layers and therefore full densification of the Al86Ni6Y4.5Co2La1.5 metallic glass powder without nano‐crystallization. It is proposed that applied high pressure, as an external force, assisted in the breakdown of surface oxide layers that enveloped the powder particles in the early stage of sintering. This, together with the electrical discharge during SPS, may have benefitted the viscous flow of metallic glasses during sintering.
Colocolic Intussusception in an Older Child: A Rare Case Report and a Literature Review
Authors: Das Anupam , Ralte Lalmalsawma , Chawla A. S. , Arya S. V. , Kumar Anil , Saroha Ravi , Kalwaniya Dheer Singh
Published: March 2013

Intussusception is a common cause of intestinal obstruction and colicky abdominal pain in the children, particularly infants, the commonest being the ileocolic variety with colocolic variety being a very rare entity. We present a case of colocolic intussusception in a 13-year-old boy which is otherwise seen in adults, precipitated by colonic malignancies. The patient presented with acute abdominal pain and bleeding perrectum with obstipation for 7 days. Preoperative USG abdomen was normal, and abdominal X-rays showed multiple air fluid levels. Intraoperative findings included a polypoidal growth in the descending colon as the leading point with the formation of a colo-colic intussusception. Following reduction and segmental resection, histopathology reported mucinous adenocarcinoma of colon which is also a rarity in pediatric age group. This case has been compared with previous cases reported in the literature.
Stability and Stabilizing of Fractional Complex Lorenz Systems
Authors: Ibrahim Rabha W.
Published: February 2013

We study the stability and stabilization of complex fractional Lorenz system. The fractional calculus are taken in sense of the Caputo derivatives. The technique is based on stability theory of fractional-order systems. Numerical solutions are imposed.
Acid-Free Nitration of Benzene and Toluene in Zeolite NaZSM-5
Authors: Kirkby Scott J.
Published: March 2013

The syntheses of nitrobenzene and p-nitrotoluene directly from benzene, toluene, and NO2 within the pore network of the initially acid-free zeolite NaZSM-5 are reported for the first time. The active species , formed by the interaction of NO2 with the Na+ cations present on the internal surface, results in the acid-free electrophilic substitution of the aromatic ring. There are two distinct reservoirs for the reagents: one associated with close proximity to the cation sites and the other associated with the siliceous areas of the pore network. Up to 34% of the hydrocarbon and 70% of the available NO2 are reacted at 50°C. Only the cation associated sites are reactive at low temperature, and there appears to be little mobility between the sites under the reaction conditions. There is no evidence of a second nitration occurring. This represents a novel route to the single nitration of benzene and toluene and for toluene, the generation of the para isomer exclusively. The pore network of the NaZSM-5 restricts the available reaction volume and transition state geometry allowing only the para-substituted product.
Prosthetic Rehabilitation of a Patient with an Ocular Defect: A Simplified Approach
Authors: Puranik Shivakumar , Jain Anoop , Ronad Sunil , Ramesh Sachhi , MS Jagadeesh , Kattimani Puttaraj
Published: March 2013

Mutilation of a portion of a face can cause a heavy impact on the self-image and personality of an individual. Acceptable cosmetic results usually can be obtained with a facial prosthesis. This paper describes prosthetic rehabilitation of a 60-year-old male patient having a left ocular defect. A technique to fabricate heat polymerizing polymethyl methacrylate was illustrated. The resultant prosthesis was structurally durable and aesthetically acceptable with satisfactory retention. The importance of meticulous treatment planning to tackle the challenges faced in fabricating an ocular prosthesis is explained with the relevant literature.
Study of Antenna Superstrates Using Metamaterials for Directivity Enhancement Based on Fabry-Perot Resonant Cavity
Authors: Liu Haixia , Lei Shuo , Shi Xiaowei , Li Long
Published: March 2013

Metamaterial superstrate is a significant method to obtain high directivity of one or a few antennas. In this paper, the characteristics of directivity enhancement using different metamaterial structures as antenna superstrates, such as electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures, frequency selective surface (FSS), and left-handed material (LHM), are unifiedly studied by applying the theory of Fabry-Perot (F-P) resonant cavity. Focusing on the analysis of reflection phase and magnitude of superstrates in presently proposed designs, the essential reason for high-directivity antenna with different superstrates can be revealed in terms of the F-P resonant theory. Furthermore, a new design of the optimum reflection coefficient of superstrates for the maximum antenna directivity is proposed and validated. The optimum location of the LHM superstrate which is based on a refractive lens model can be determined by the F-P resonant distance.
Antibacterial Effect of Autologous Platelet-Rich Gel Derived from Subjects with Diabetic Dermal Ulcers In Vitro
Authors: Chen Lihong , Wang Chun , Liu Hengchuan , Liu Guanjian , Ran Xingwu
Published: March 2013

Background. Autologous platelet-rich gel (APG) is an effective method to improve ulcer healing. However, the mechanisms are not clear. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effect of APG in vitro.Methods. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and APG were prepared from whole blood of sixteen diabetic patients with dermal ulcers. Antibacterial effects againstStaphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli, andPseudomonas aeruginosawere evaluated by bacteriostasis assay of APG, PRP, and APG-APO (APG combined with apocynin), with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and PPP as the control group.Results. (1) Compared to the PBS and PPP, the APG and APG-APO groups showed strong antibacterial activity againstStaphylococcus aureus. There was no significant difference(P>0.05)between APG and APG-APO. (2) Compared to PBS, APG, APG-APO, and PRP showed obvious antibacterial effects againstEscherichia coliandPseudomonas aeruginosa. No significant difference(P>0.05)was revealed among the three groups. Compared to the PPP group, they did not show antibacterial effect againstEscherichia coliandPseudomonas aeruginosa(P>0.05).Conclusions. APG has antibacterial effect againstStaphylococcus aureusmediated by platelet activation in the diabetic patients with dermal ulcer, and does not present obvious antibacterial effect againstEscherichia coliorPseudomonas aeruginosa. Combination of APG and antibiotics may have synergistic antibacterial effect.
Total 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Determination by an Entry Level Triple Quadrupole Instrument: Comparison between Two Commercial Kits
Authors: Gervasoni Jacopo , Cocci Andrea , Zuppi Cecilia , Persichilli Silvia
Published: March 2013

Objective. 25-hydroxyvitamin D2/D3(25-OHD2/D3) determination is a reliable biomarker for vitamin D status. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was recently proposed as a reference method for vitamin D status evaluation. The aim of this work is to compare two commercial kits (Chromsystems and PerkinElmer) for 25-OHD2/D3determination by our entry level LC-MS/MS.Design and Methods. Chromsystems kit adds an online trap column to an HPLC column and provides atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, isotopically labeled internal standard, and 4 calibrator points. PerkinElmer kit uses a solvent extraction and protein precipitation method. This kit can be used with or without derivatization with, respectively, electrospray and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. For each analyte, there are isotopically labeled internal standards and 7 deuterated calibrator points.Results. Performance characteristics are acceptable for both methods. Mean bias between methods calculated on 70 samples was 1.9 ng/mL. Linear regression analysis gave anR2of 0.94. 25-OHD2is detectable only with PerkinElmer kit in derivatized assay option.Conclusion. Both methods are suitable for routine. Chromsystems kit minimizes manual sample preparation, requiring only protein precipitation, but, with our system, 25-OHD2is not detectable. PerkinElmer kit without derivatization does not guarantee acceptable performance with our LC-MS/MS system, as sample is not purified online. Derivatization provides sufficient sensitivity for 25-OHD2detection.
Pathways to Breast Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Ahmad Aamir
Published: March 2013

Breast cancer remains a deadly disease, even with all the recent technological advancements. Early intervention has made an impact, but an overwhelmingly large number of breast cancer patients still live under the fear of “recurrent” disease. Breast cancer recurrence is clinically a huge problem and one that is largely not well understood. Over the years, a number of factors have been studied with an overarching aim of being able to prognose recurrent disease. This paper attempts to provide an overview of our current knowledge of breast cancer recurrence and its associated challenges. Through a survey of the literature on cancer stem cells (CSCs), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), various signaling pathways such as Notch/Wnt/hedgehog, and microRNAs (miRNAs), we also examine the hypotheses that are currently under investigation for the prevention of breast cancer recurrence.
Retroperitoneal Cystic Lymphangioma: A Diagnostic and Surgical Challenge
Authors: Gümüştaş Oguzhan Güven , Sanal Murat , Güner Osman , Tümay Volkan
Published: March 2013

A lymphangioma is a benign proliferation of lymph vessels, producing fluid-filled cysts that result from a blockage of the lymphatic system. The incidence of abdominal lymphangiomas is unknown; however they account for from 3% to 9.2% of all pediatric lymphangiomas, with retroperitoneal lymphangioma representing less than 1% of abdominal lymphangiomas. Due to rarity, preoperative diagnosis is often difficult.
Inflammatory Regulation Effect and Action Mechanism of Anti-Inflammatory Effective Parts of Housefly (Musca domestica) Larvae on Atherosclerosis
Authors: Chu Fu Jiang , Jin Xiao Bao , Xu Yin Ye , Ma Yan , Li Xiao Bo , Lu Xue Mei , Liu Wen Bin , Zhu Jia Yong
Published: March 2013

The protein-enriched extracts of housefly larvae were segregated by gel-filtration chromatography (GFC) and then anti-inflammatory activity screening in RAW264.7 (induced by LPS) was carried out. After acquire the anti-inflammatory effective parts, its anti-atherosclerotic propertiesin vivowere then evaluated. Results showed that the anti-inflammatory effective parts of housefly larvae were low-molecular-weight parts. After treated with the effective parts oral gavaged for 4 weeks, the atherosclerotic lesions of the mouse were significantly decreased. The inflammatory and lipid parameters were also reduced (except HDL which was increased). Western blot analysis demonstrated that the effective parts exerted potent inhibitory effect on expression of p65 in nucleus and cytoplasm. The results of immunofluorescence microscopy analysis also showed that the expressions of p65 both in cytoplasm and nucleus were significantly reduced. The hypothesis that the anti-inflammatory effective parts of housefly larvae possessed anti-atherosclerosis activity in mouse and the possible mechanism could be associated with the inhibition of expression and nuclear transfer of NF-κB p65 could be derived.
Input-to-State Stability of Lur’e Hyperbolic Distributed Complex-Valued Parameter Control Systems: LOI Approach
Authors: Tai Zhixin , Wang Xingcheng , Shi Yan , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: February 2013

In this work, input-to-state stability of Lur’e hyperbolic distributedcomplex-valuedparameter control systems has been addressed. Using comparison principle, delay-dependent sufficient conditions for the input-to-state stability in complex Hilbert spaces are established in terms of linear operator inequalities. Finally, numerical computation illustrates our result.
The Growth of Bismuth Sulfide Nanorods from Spherical-Shaped Amorphous Precursor Particles under Hydrothermal Condition
Authors: Panigrahi Pravas Kumar , Pathak Amita
Published: March 2013

A surfactant/solid-template-free hydrothermal process has been developed for the synthesis of single-crystalline nanorods of bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) using triethanolamine as a complexing agent for the Bi3+ ions and elemental sulfur, solubilized in monoethanolamine, as the sulfur source. X-ray diffraction and morphological studies of a series of samples synthesized at different reaction conditions suggest that the growth of nanorods occurred at the expense of the low-crystalline spherical precursor particles of aminium compounds of bismuth sulfide or bismuth sulfate formed at room temperature. In the process, the reaction condition is optimized for obtaining crystalline nanorods of pure Bi2S3 with high aspect ratio. From the XRD, XPS, and HRTEM analysis of the samples, the growth of nanorods was assessed to be due to the cooperative effects of solid-solution-solid transformation and controlled oriented attachment. The hydrothermal process parameters and the presence of water in the reaction system have been found to play a crucial role in the formation of high aspect ratio nanorods. The optical band gap of the synthesized sample at optimized conditions is found to be 1.46 eV as calculated from its diffused reflectance spectrum at room temperature.
Fading Characteristics of Wireless Channel on High-Speed Railway in Hilly Terrain Scenario
Authors: Luan Fengyu , Zhang Yan , Xiao Limin , Zhou Chunhui , Zhou Shidong
Published: March 2013

This paper focuses on the fading characteristics of wireless channel on High-Speed Railway (HSR) in hilly terrain scenario. Due to the rapid speed, the fading characteristics of HSR channel are highly correlated with time or Transmit-Receive distance and have their own special property. To investigate the fading characteristics, the measurement is conducted on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen passenger-dedicated line in China with the speed of 295 km/h in the data-collection area at 2.4 GHz. From the measured data, the amplitude of each path is estimated by using the Subspace-Alternating Generalized Expectation-Maximization (SAGE) algorithm along with other parameters of channel impulse responses. Then the fading parameters, including path loss, shadow fading, andK-factor, are analysed. With the numerical results in the measurement and analysis, the fading characteristics have been revealed and modelled. It is supposed that this work has a promotion for HSR communication system design and improvement.
Small Cell Prostate Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Demirtaş Abdullah , Şahin Nurettin , Öztürk Figen , Akınsal Emre Can , Demirtaş Türev , Ekmekçioğlu Oguz , Tatlışen Atila
Published: March 2013

Small cell prostate cancer constitutes less than 1% of all prostate cancers and has a poor prognosis. A 60-year-old male patient presented with dysuria, pollakiuria, and nocturia of about 1-year duration.The total PSA level at admission was 47.50 ng/mL. The prostate needle biopsy result was reported as adenocarcinoma Gleason 5 + 3. The patient underwent transurethral prostate resection (TUR-P) and bilateral orchiectomy. The TUR-P pathology result was consistent with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. He was offered systemic chemotherapy but refused it. Examinations and tests at the third postoperative month showed diffuse liver metastasis and vertebral bone metastasis. He died at the 6 months after surgery.
Postcoital Internal Carotid Artery Dissection Presenting as Isolated Painful Horner Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Gozke Eren , Tastekin Toz Hilal , Kahraman Koytak Pınar , Alparslan Funda
Published: March 2013

Postcoital artery dissection is a rare condition. Here we report a 40-year-old male patient with painful Horner syndrome related to postcoital internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection. In neurologic examination of the patient, semiptosis, enophthalmus, and myosis were observed on the left side. There were no carotid bruits. On T1-weighted and fat-suppressed cranial MRI, hyperintensity consistent with intramural hematoma was observed within cervical and temporal petrous segments of left ICA. On cervical and cranial MRA, marked decrease in the calibration of C1 and C2 segments of the left ICA was remarkable. The patient was diagnosed as left ICA dissection and anticoagulant therapy was initiated. A prominent improvement was noted in clinical findings during two months of followup period.