bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonnociceptive afferent activity depresses nocifensive behavior and nociceptive synapses via an endocannabinoid-dependent mechanism
Authors: Yuan Sharleen , Burrell Brian D.
Published: September 2013

Previously, low-frequency stimulation (LFS) of a nonnociceptive touch-sensitive neuron has been found to elicit endocannabinoid-dependent long-term depression (eCB-LTD) in nociceptive synapses in the leech central nervous system (CNS) that requires activation of a presynaptic transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV)-like receptor by postsynaptically synthesized 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG). This capacity of nonnociceptive afferent activity to reduce nociceptive signaling resembles gate control of pain, albeit longer lasting in these synaptic experiments. Since eCB-LTD has been observed at a single sensory-motor synapse, this study examines the functional relevance of this mechanism, specifically whether this form of synaptic plasticity has similar effects at the behavioral level in which additional, intersegmental neural circuits are engaged. Experiments were carried out using a semi-intact preparation that permitted both synaptic recordings and monitoring of the leech whole body shortening, a defensive withdrawal reflex that was elicited via intracellular stimulation of a single nociceptive neuron (the N cell). The same LFS of a nonnociceptive afferent that induced eCB-LTD in single synapses also produced an attenuation of the shortening reflex. Similar attenuation of behavior was also observed when 2-AG was applied. LFS-induced behavioral and synaptic depression was blocked by tetrahydrolipstatin (THL), a diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor, and by SB366791, a TRPV1 antagonist. The effects of both THL and SB366791 were observed following either bath application of the drug or intracellular injection into the presynaptic (SB366791) or postsynaptic (THL) neuron. These findings demonstrate a novel, endocannabinoid-based mechanism by which nonnociceptive afferent activity may modulate nocifensive behaviors via action on primary afferent synapses.
Recall of spatial patterns stored in a hippocampal slice by long-term potentiation
Authors: Jackson Meyer B.
Published: September 2013

Nervous systems are thought to encode information as patterns of electrical activity distributed sparsely through networks of neurons. These networks then process information by transforming one pattern of electrical activity into another. To store information as a pattern, a neural network must strengthen synapses between designated neurons so that activation of some of these neurons corresponding to some features of an object can spread to activate the larger group representing the complete object. This operation of pattern completion endows a neural network with autoassociative memory. Pattern completion by neural networks has been modeled extensively with computers and invoked in behavioral studies, but experiments have yet to demonstrate pattern completion in an intact neural circuit. In the present study, imaging with voltage-sensitive dye in the CA3 region of a hippocampal slice revealed different spatial patterns of activity elicited by electrical stimulation of different sites. Stimulation of two separate sites individually, or both sites simultaneously, evoked “partial” or “complete” patterns, respectively. A complete pattern was then stored by applying theta burst stimulation to both sites simultaneously to induce long-term potentiation (LTP) of synapses between CA3 pyramidal cells. Subsequent stimulation of only one site then activated an extended pattern. Quantitative comparisons between response maps showed that the post-LTP single-site patterns more closely resembled the complete dual-site pattern. Thus, LTP induction enabled the CA3 region to complete a dual-site pattern upon stimulation of only one site. This experiment demonstrated that LTP induction can store information in the CA3 region of the hippocampus for subsequent retrieval.
Renin Angiotensin System in Cognitive Function and Dementia
Authors: Bodiga Vijaya Lakshmi , Bodiga Sreedhar
Published: September 2013

Angiotensin II represents a key molecule in hypertension and cerebrovascular pathology. By promoting inflammation and oxidative stress, enhanced Ang II levels accelerate the onset and progression of cell senescence. Sustained activation of RAS promotes end-stage organ injury associated with aging and results in cognitive impairment and dementia. The discovery of the angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE2-angiotensin (1–7)-Mas receptor axis that exerts vasodilator, antiproliferative, and antifibrotic actions opposed to those of the ACE-Ang II-AT1receptor axis has led to the hypothesis that a decrease in the expression or activity of angiotensin (1–7) renders the systems more susceptible to the pathological actions of Ang II. Given the successful demonstration of beneficial effects of increased expression of ACE2/formation of Ang1–7/Mas receptor binding and modulation of Mas expression in animal models in containing cerebrovascular pathology in hypertensive conditions and aging, one could reasonably hope for analogous effects regarding the prevention of cognitive decline by protecting against hypertension and cerebral microvascular damage. Upregulation of ACE2 and increased balance of Ang 1–7/Ang II, along with positive modulation of Ang II signaling through AT2receptors and Ang 1–7 signaling through Mas receptors, may be an appropriate strategy for improving cognitive function and treating dementia.
Arsenic Removal from Water Using Industrial By‐Products
Authors: Lekić Branislava M. , Marković Dana D. , Rajaković-Ognjanović Vladana N. , Đukić Aleksandar R. , Rajaković Ljubinka V.
Published: September 2013

In this study, removal of arsenic ions using two industrial by‐products as adsorbents is represented. Removal of As(III) and As(V) from water was carried out with industrial by‐products: residual from the groundwater treatment process, iron‐manganese oxide coated sand (IMOCS), and blast furnace slag from steel production (BFS), both inexpensive and locally available. In addition, the BFS was modified in order to minimise its deteriorating impact on the initial water quality. Kinetic and equilibrium studies were carried out using batch and fixed‐bed column adsorption techniques under the conditions that are likely to occur in real water treatment systems. To evaluate the application for real groundwater treatment, the capacities of the selected materials were further compared to those exhibited by commercial sorbents, which were examined under the same experimental conditions. IMOCS was found to be a good and inexpensive sorbent for arsenic, while BFS and modified slag showed the highest affinity towards arsenic. All examined waste materials exhibited better sorption performances for As(V). The maximum sorption capacity in the batch reactor was obtained for blast furnace slag, 4040 μgAs(V)/g.
Exercise Trajectories of Women from Entry to a 6-Month Cardiac Rehabilitation Program to One Year after Discharge
Authors: Arthur Heather M. , Blanchard Chris , Gunn Elizabeth , Kodis Jennifer , Walker Steven , Toner Brenda
Published: September 2013

Background. Physical activity is associated with reduced mortality and morbidity. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an effective intervention for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Unfortunately, women are less likely to engage in, or sustain, regular physical activity. Objectives were to (1) describe women’s guidelines-based levels of physical activity during and after CR and (2) determine the physical activity trajectories of women from entry to CR to one year after CR.Methods and Results. A prospective, longitudinal study of 203 women with CVD enrolled in a 6-month CR program. Physical activity was measured using the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LSI), focusing on moderate-strenuous activity. Data were analyzed using latent class growth analysis (LCGA) and logistic regression. Mean scores on the LSI showed women to be “active” at all follow-up points. LCGA revealed a two-class model, respectively, called “inactive relapsers” and “moderately active relapsers.” Predictors of the “moderately active relapsers” class were employment status and diagnosis of myocardial infarction.Conclusions. Women achieved the recommended physical activity levels by the end of CR and sustained them until one year after CR. LCGA allowed us to determine the class trajectories associated with moderate-strenuous activity and, from these, to identify implications for targeted intervention.
Absence of Hepatitis B Resistance Mutants before Introduction of Oral Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Moehlen Martin , De Medina Maria , Hill Mary , Jeffers Lennox , Schiff Eugene R. , Martin Paul
Published: September 2013

Introduction. The aim of this study was to assess whether hepatitis B virus drug resistant mutations antedated the widespread use of nucleos(t)ide analogues in treatment naïve patients. A number of reports have suggested that drug resistant mutants can be detected in apparently treatment naïve patients.Study. Fifty deidentified serum samples collected from 1986 to 1992 from patients with replicative chronic HBV infection at the University of Miami were genotyped and tested for resistance mutations using a line probe assay InnoLiPA HBV DR v2/v3. Serum HBV DNA was measured. All patients had documented chronic HBV infection with a detectable viral load, HBeAg seropositivity, and absence of HIV infection.Results. Of the 50 individuals included, 86% were male, mean age was 40 ± 12 years, and mostly genotype A. The mean HBV DNA was 126 pg/mL (range 6.4 to 557.0). No mutations were identified.Conclusions.The absence of drug induced mutations in these sera collected several years prior to the introduction of oral antiviral therapy suggests that these mutations do not occur in treatment naïve populations. Detection of drug resistance in an apparently treatment naïve subject suggests either unrecognized prior antiviral therapy or infection by an inoculum from a treatment experienced patient.
Optimization of Multiple Hydraulically Fractured Horizontal Wells in Unconventional Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Yu Wei , Sepehrnoori Kamy
Published: September 2013

Accurate placement of multiple horizontal wells drilled from the same well pad plays a critical role in the successful economical production from unconventional gas reservoirs. However, there are high cost and uncertainty due to many inestimable and uncertain parameters such as reservoir permeability, porosity, fracture spacing, fracture half-length, fracture conductivity, gas desorption, and well spacing. In this paper, we employ response surface methodology to optimize multiple horizontal well placement to maximize Net Present Value (NPV) with numerically modeling multistage hydraulic fractures in combination with economic analysis. This paper demonstrates the accuracy of numerical modeling of multistage hydraulic fractures for actual Barnett Shale production data by considering the gas desorption effect. Six uncertain parameters, such as permeability, porosity, fracture spacing, fracture half-length, fracture conductivity, and distance between two neighboring wells with a reasonable range based on Barnett Shale information, are used to fit a response surface of NPV as the objective function and to finally identify the optimum design under conditions of different gas prices based on NPV maximization. This integrated approach can contribute to obtaining the optimal drainage area around the wells by optimizing well placement and hydraulic fracturing treatment design and provide insight into hydraulic fracture interference between single well and neighboring wells.
Body Composition, Muscle Strength, and Physical Function of Patients with Bethlem Myopathy and Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Miscione Maria Teresa , Bruno Francesca , Ripamonti Claudio , Nervuti Giuliana , Orsini Riccardo , Faldini Cesare , Pellegrini Massimo , Cocchi Daniela , Merlini Luciano
Published: September 2013

Objective. To determine the contributions of body mass, adiposity, and muscularity to physical function and muscle strength in adult patients with Bethlem myopathy (BM) and Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD). Materials and Methods. Evaluation involved one UCMD and 7 BM patients. Body composition was determined by body mass index (BMI) and dual‐energy‐X‐ray‐absorptiometry (DXA), muscle strength by dynamometry, physical function by the distance walked in 6 minutes (6MWD), forced vital capacity (FVC) by a spirometer. Results. Six participants were of normal weight and 2 overweight based on BMI; all were sarcopenic based on appendicular fat free mass index (AFFMI); and 7 were sarcopenic obese based on AFFMI and % fat mass. Average muscle strength was reduced below 50% of normal. The 6MWD was in BM patients 30% less than normal. FVC was reduced in 4 of the BM patients. Muscle strength had a good correlation with the physical function variables. Correlation between muscle strength and BMI was poor; it was very high with AFFMI. AFFMI was the best single explicator of muscle strength and physical function. Conclusion. Muscle mass determined by DXA explains most of the variability of the measures of muscle strength and physical function in patients with BM and UCMD.
RNA Splicing: A New Player in the DNA Damage Response
Authors: Lenzken Silvia C. , Loffreda Alessia , Barabino Silvia M. L.
Published: September 2013

It is widely accepted that tumorigenesis is a multistep process characterized by the sequential accumulation of genetic alterations. However, the molecular basis of genomic instability in cancer is still partially understood. The observation that hereditary cancers are often characterized by mutations in DNA repair and checkpoint genes suggests that accumulation of DNA damage is a major contributor to the oncogenic transformation. It is therefore of great interest to identify all the cellular pathways that contribute to the response to DNA damage. Recently, RNA processing has emerged as a novel pathway that may contribute to the maintenance of genome stability. In this review, we illustrate several different mechanisms through which pre-mRNA splicing and genomic stability can influence each other. We specifically focus on the role of splicing factors in the DNA damage response and describe how, in turn, activation of the DDR can influence the activity of splicing factors.
Inclusion Phenomena between the β‐Cyclodextrin Chiral Selector and Trp‐D,L, and Its Use on the Assembly of Solid Membranes
Authors: Meng Hong , Li Sumin , Xiao Ling , Li Chunxi
Published: September 2013

The application of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and the chiral ionic liquids formed from β‐cyclodextrin mono‐6‐deoxy‐6‐(3‐methylimidazolium)‐β‐cyclodextrin tosylate (β‐CD‐IL) as chiral selectors is described. The inclusion phenomena between the β‐cyclodextrin chiral selectors and D,L‐tryptophan (D,L‐Trp) was studied. The inclusion compounds were prepared by grinding, and their properties analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The separation factor between β‐CD and β‐CD‐IL with D,L‐Trp was studied by the saturated solution method. This indicated a different binding capacity of β‐CD and β‐CD‐IL to the two enantiomers. This result shows that the chiral ionic liquids have a higher separation factor because of their high solubility. The β‐cyclodextrin chiral ionic liquids and CS were cross‐linked and immobilized on an N6 membrane to form composite membranes. Adsorption experiments and permeation experiments were carried out. 105.43 mg D,L‐Trp/g membrane was obtained.
Trismus Pseudocamptodactyly Syndrome: A Sporadic Cause of Trismus
Authors: Sreenivasan Prathima , Peedikayil Faizal C. , Raj Sumal V. , Meundi Manasa Anand
Published: September 2013

Trismus pseudocamptodactyly syndrome is a very rare autosomal dominant inherited disorder characterized by the inability to completely open the mouth (trismus) and the presence of abnormally short tendon units causing the fingers to curve (camptodactyly). Early diagnosis and management of this condition is important to prevent facial deformities in the patient. Reporting such a case is important as case reports are one of the sources of data for calculating the prevalence of rare diseases. Here, we report a case of trismus pseudocamptodactyly syndrome in an eight-year-old boy with a brief review of the literature.
Postkeratoplasty Anterior and Posterior Corneal Surface Wavefront Analysis: Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty versus Penetrating Keratoplasty
Authors: Salvetat Maria L. , Zeppieri Marco , Miani Flavia , Brusini Paolo
Published: September 2013

Purpose. To compare the higher-order aberrations (HOAs) due to the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces in patients that underwent either Descemet-stripping-automated-endothelial-keratoplasty (DSAEK) or penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for endothelial dysfunction and age-matched controls.Methods. This retrospective, observational, case series included 28 patients after PK, 30 patients after DSAEK, and 30 healthy controls. A Scheimpflug imaging system was used to assess the HOAs due to the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces at 4 mm and 6 mm optical zones. Total, 3rd and 4th order HOAs were considered. Intra- and intergroup differences were assessed using the Friedman and the Kruskal-Wallis tests, respectively; paired comparisons were performed using Duncan's multiple range test.Results. Total, 3rd and 4th order HOAs due to both corneal surfaces at 4 mm and 6 mm optical zones were significantly higher in the PK group, intermediate in the DSAEK group, and lower in controls (). The most important HOAs components in both PK and DSAEK groups were trefoil and coma from the anterior corneal surface () and trefoil from the posterior corneal surface ().Conclusions. The optical quality of both corneal surfaces appeared significantly higher after DSAEK than after PK, which can increase the postoperative patient's quality of vision and satisfaction.
Direct Synthesis of ESBO Derivatives‐18O Labelled with Dioxirane
Authors: La Tegola Stefano , Annese Cosimo , Suman Michele , Tommasi Immacolata , Fusco Caterina , D′Accolti Lucia
Published: September 2013

This work addresses a new approach developed in our laboratory, consisting in the application of isolated dimethyldioxirane (DDO, 1a) labelled with 18O for synthesis of epoxidized glyceryl linoleate (Gly‐LLL, 2). We expect that this work could contribute in improving analytical methods for the determination of epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) in complex food matrices by adopting an 18O‐labelled‐epoxidized triacylglycerol as an internal standard.
Synthesis, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Evaluation of Novel 1‐(5,7‐Dichloro‐1,3‐benzoxazol‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]quinoline Derivatives
Authors: Jayanna N. D. , Vagdevi H. M. , Dharshan J. C. , Kekuda T. R. Prashith
Published: September 2013

Some novel 1‐(5,7‐dichloro‐1,3‐benzoxazol‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]quinoline derivatives 8(a–f) were synthesized by reacting 5,7‐dichloro‐2‐hydrazino‐1,3‐benzoxazole 4 and substituted‐2‐chloro‐3‐quinoline carbaldehydes using p‐toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) as a catalyst for the cyclisation. The target molecules have been characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectral studies. The synthesized compounds were screened for biological activities, and some of the compounds have exhibited encouraging antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The compounds 8a and 8e showed potent antibacterial activity, whereas the compounds 8e and 8f act as antioxidants.
Effects of Estrogen Fluctuation during the Menstrual Cycle on the Response to Stretch-Shortening Exercise in Females
Authors: Sipavičienė Saulė , Daniusevičiutė Laura , Klizienė Irina , Kamandulis Sigitas , Skurvydas Albertas
Published: September 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate whether variation in estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle influences susceptibility to exercise-induced muscle damage after stretch-shortening cycle exercise. Physically active women (n=18; age = 20.2 ± 1.7 yr) participated in this research. The subjects performed one session of 100 maximal drop jumps on day 1 or 2 of the follicular phase and another identical session on day 1 or 2 of the ovulatory phase; the order of the sessions was randomized. Quadriceps femoris muscle peak torque evoked by electrical stimulation and maximal voluntary contraction, muscle pain, and CK activity were measured before and at various times up to 72 h after exercise. It was found that the high estrogen level during the ovulatory phase might be related to an earlier return to baseline muscle strength after strenuous stretch-shortening cycle exercise in that phase compared with the follicular phase. The estrogen effect appears to be highly specific to the damaged site because the differences in most EIMD markers (CK, soreness, and low-frequency fatigue) between the two menstrual cycle phases were small.
Spectroscopic and Microscopic Characterization of Volcanic Ash from Puyehue-(Chile) Eruption: Preliminary Approach for the Application in the Arsenic Removal
Authors: Botto Irma Lia , Canafoglia María Elena , Gazzoli Delia , González María José
Published: September 2013

Volcanic ash from Puyehue Cordon Caulle Volcanic Complex (Chile), emitted on June 4, 2011, and deposited in Villa La Angostura at ~40 km of the source, was collected and analyzed by Raman spectroscopy, optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area (BET), and chemical analysis (ICP-AES-MS technique). The mineralogical and physicochemical study revealed that the pyroclastic mixture contains iron oxides in the form of magnetite and hematite as well as pyroxene and plagioclase mineral species and amorphous pumiceous shards. Carbonaceous material was also identified. Physicochemical techniques allow us to select two representative samples (average composition and Fe-rich materials) which were used to analyze their performances in the adsorption process to remove arsenic from water. Additional iron activation by means of ferric salts was performed under original sample. Results showed that the low-cost feedstock exhibited a good adsorption capacity to remove the contaminant, depending on the iron content and the water pH.
Survival and Failure Outcomes in Primary Thyroid Lymphomas: A Single Centre Experience of Combined Modality Approach
Authors: Kumar Ritesh , Khosla Divya , Kumar Narendra , Ghoshal Sushmita , Bera Anjan , Das Ashim , Sharma Suresh Chander
Published: September 2013

Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is a rare malignancy and represents 2%–5% of all thyroid malignancies and 1%–2.5% of all malignant lymphomas. We present our institute’s experience in combined modality management of 16 successive patients of PTL treated from 2005 to 2010. The median age of the patients was 56.0 years. Five patients were males, and 11 patients were females. An enlarging thyroid mass was the most common presenting symptom. 14 patients had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and 2 patients had follicular lymphoma. The most common stage of presentation was stage II comprising 6 (37.5%) patients. All patients received CCT, and only 12 patients received involved field RT with a median dose of 36.0 Gy. 10 patients (62.5%) had CR, and 6 patients (27.5%) had PR. Eight patients had disease progression in subsequent followup and this included the initial 6 patients with PR. The 5-year DFS was 40.0%, and median DFS was 47 months. The 5-year OS was 41.0%, and median OS was 51 months. Most common presentation in our series was locally advanced tumors. Most of these patients require combined modality management. Risk-adapted and multimodality approach is the need of the hour to achieve good control rates while minimizing treatment related toxicity.
Emergency Closed Reduction of a C4/5 Fracture Dislocation with Complete Paraplegia Resulting in Profound Neurologic Recovery
Authors: Müller Christian W. , Decker Sebastian , Thietje Roland , Krettek Christian
Published: September 2013

Introduction. Cervical spinal cord injuries due to traumatic fractures are associated with persistent neurological deficits. Although clinical evidence is weak, early decompression, defined as <24–72 h, has been frequently proposed. Animal studies show better outcomes after early decompression within one hour or less, which can hardly ever be achieved in clinical practice.Case Presentation. A 37-year-old patient was hospitalized after being hit by a shying horse. After diagnosis of C4/5 fracture dislocation and complete paraplegia, she was intubated and sedated with deep relaxation. Emergency reduction was performed at approximately 120 minutes after trauma. Subsequently, a standard anterior decompression, discectomy, and fusion were carried out. She was then transferred to a specialized rehabilitation hospital. Her neurologic function improved from AIS grade A on admission to grade B postoperatively and grade D after four months of rehabilitation. One year after the accident, she was ambulatory without walking aids and restarted horse riding.Discussion and Conclusion. Rarely in clinical practice, decompression of the spine canal can be performed as early as in this case. This case highlights the potential benefit of utmost early reduction in cervical fracture dislocations with compression of the spinal cord.
Simulation of Evacuation Characteristics Using a 2-Dimensional Cellular Automata Model for Pedestrian Dynamics
Authors: Ji Liqiang , Qian Yongsheng , Zeng Junwei , Wang Min , Xu Dejie , Yan Yan , Feng Shuo
Published: September 2013

In public places, the high pedestrian density is one of the direct causes leading to crowding and trample disaster, so it is very necessary to investigate the collective and evacuation characteristics for pedestrian movement. In the occupants’ evacuation process, the people-people interaction and the people-environment interaction are sufficiently considered in this paper, which have been divided into the exit attraction, the repulsion force between people, the friction between people, the repulsion force between human and barrier, and the attraction of surrounding people. Through analyzing the existing models, a new occupant evacuation cellular automata (CA) model based on the social force model is presented, which overcomes the shortage of the high density crowd simulation and combines the advantages that CA has sample rules and faster calculating speed. The simulating result shows a great applicability for evacuation under the high density crowd condition, and the segregation phenomena have also been found in the bidirectional pedestrian flow. Besides these, setting isolated belt near the exit or entrance of underpass not only remarkably decreases the density and the risk of tramper disaster but also increases the evacuation efficiency, so it provides a new idea for infrastructure design about the exits and entrances.
Two Cases of Lacaziosis in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Japan
Authors: Ueda Keiichi , Sano Ayako , Yamate Jyoji , Itano Nakagawa Eiko , Kuwamura Mitsuru , Izawa Takeshi , Tanaka Miyuu , Hasegawa Yuko , Chibana Hiroji , Izumisawa Yasuharu , Miyahara Hirokazu , Uchida Senzo
Published: September 2013

Lacaziosis, formerly called lobomycosis, caused byLacazia loboi, is a zoonotic mycosis found in humans and dolphins and is endemic in the countries on the Atlantic Ocean. Although the Japanese coast is not considered an endemic area, photographic records of lacaziosis-like skin lesions were found in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) that were migrating in the Goto Islands (Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan). We diagnosed 2 cases of lacaziosis in bottlenose dolphins captured simultaneously at the same coast within Japanese territory on the basis of clinical characteristics, cytology, histopathology, immunological tests, and detection of partial sequences of a 43 kDa glycoprotein coding gene (gp43) with a nested-PCR system. The granulomatous skin lesions from the present cases were similar to those found in animals from endemic areas, containing multiple budding and chains of round yeast cells and positive in the immune-staining with anti-Paracoccidioides brasiliensisserum which is a fungal species related toL. loboi; however, thegp43gene sequences derived from the present cases showed 94.1% homology toP. brasiliensisand 84.1% toL. loboi. We confirmed that the causative agent at the present cases was different genotype ofL. loboifrom Amazon area.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Early Delirium after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Norkienė Ieva , Ringaitienė Donata , Kuzminskaitė Vilma , Šipylaitė Jūratė
Published: September 2013

Introduction. The aim of our study was to identify the incidence and risk factors of delirium after cardiac surgery implementing Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC).Material and Methods. 87 patients, undergoing cardiac surgery at Vilnius University hospital, were prospectively monitored for postoperative delirium development, during intensive care unit stay.Results. The incidence of postoperative delirium was 13.30%. No statistically relevant preoperative predictors of delirium were found. The duration of surgery was significantly longer in delirium group ( versus hours, ). Patients in delirium group more often had blood product transfusions (1.50 (± 1.57) versus 0.49 (± 0.91) ) and had a higher incidence of low cardiac output syndrome (33.30% versus 3.00%, ); they were significantly longer mechanically ventilated ( versus 8.78 ± 4.77 ()) hours (OR = 1.15 ()) and had twice longer ICU stay ( versus 2.60 ± 1.10 ()) days (OR = 1.91 ()).Conclusions. The incidence of delirium after cardiac surgery was 13.3%. Independent predictors of delirium were duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit stay.
Comparative Gene Expression Profiling in Human Cumulus Cells according to Ovarian Gonadotropin Treatments
Authors: Assou Said , Haouzi Delphine , Dechaud Hervé , Gala Anna , Ferrières Alice , Hamamah Samir
Published: September 2013

Inin vitrofertilization cycles, both HP-hMG and rFSH gonadotropin treatments are widely used to control human follicle development. The objectives of this study are (i) to characterize and compare gene expression profiles in cumulus cells (CCs) of periovulatory follicles obtained from patients stimulated with HP-hMG or rFSH in a GnRH antagonist cycle and (ii) to examine their relationship within vitroembryo development, using Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 microarrays. Genes that were upregulated in HP-hMG-treated CCs are involved in lipid metabolism (GM2A) and cell-to-cell interactions (GJA5). Conversely, genes upregulated in rFSH-treated CCs are implicated in cell assembly and organization (COL1A1andCOL3A1). Interestingly, some genes specific to each gonadotropin treatment (NPY1RandGM2Afor HP-hMG;GREM1andOSBPL6for rFSH) were associated with day 3 embryo quality and blastocyst grade at day 5, while others (STC2andPTX3) were related toin vitroembryo quality in both gonadotropin treatments. These genes may prove valuable as biomarkers ofin vitroembryo quality.
Multiple Input Delays Estimation Using an Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Chang Wei-Der
Published: September 2013

This paper focuses on the time delay estimation of the system described in the form of discrete-time state equation with multiple input delays. To estimate the input delays, a new evolutionary computation called the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is utilized. This algorithm is originally motivated from the social behaviors of honeybee organization, and it has been proven to be a powerful means for solving the optimized problem. Based on the proposed algorithm, the unknown system input delays can be further solved by minimizing a quadratic cost function of the system. Two illustrative examples are provided to verify the potential of the presented method in the time delay estimation. Some simulations containing different initial condition examinations and appearance of noises are further given. Numerical results show that the proposed method can do well in the multiple inputs delay estimation of discrete-time state equations.
Impacts of Future Urban Expansion on Regional Climate in the Northeast Megalopolis, USA
Authors: Lin Yingzhi , Liu Anping , Ma Enjun , Li Xing , Shi Qingling
Published: September 2013

In this paper, evidences for influences of future urban expansion on regional climate in the Northeast megalopolis, USA, are presented. The model-based analysis shows that future urban expansion will significantly result in regional climate change. An average annual temperature increase ranging from 2°C to 5°C in new urban area and an average annual temperature decrease ranging from 0.40°C to 1.20°C in the south of the megalopolis will be caused by future urban expansion. The average annual precipitation of the simulation area will decrease due to future urban expansion by 5.75 mm, 7.10 mm, and 8.35 mm in the periods of 2010–2020, 2040–2050, and 2090–2100, respectively. The warming effect of future urban expansion in original and new urban area and drought effects in nonurban area will be more serious in summer than in winter. A cooling effect will turn up in original urban area in winter. This research further shows that a study at the scale of megalopolis helps to understand the integrated effect of combination and interaction of multiple cities and their surrounding areas which may crucially determine regional climate pattern and should be highly valued in the future.
Mixed Equilibrium Problems with Weakly Relaxedα-Monotone Bifunction in Banach Spaces
Authors: Sintunavarat Wutiphol
Published: September 2013

We introduce the class of mixed equilibrium problems with the weakly relaxedα-monotone bi-function in Banach spaces. Using the KKM technique, we obtain the existence of solutions for mixed equilibrium problem with weakly relaxedα-monotone bi-function in Banach spaces. The results presented in this paper extend and improve the corresponding results in the existing literature.
The Mechanism of Moxibustion: Ancient Theory and Modern Research
Authors: Deng Hongyong , Shen Xueyong
Published: September 2013

The moxibustion has a dual effect of tonification and purgation in TCM theories, which are based on two aspects: the actions of the meridian system and the roles of moxa and fire. Modern research works of the moxibustion mechanism mainly relate to the thermal effects, radiation effects, and pharmacological actions of moxa and its combustion products. Experimental results showed that moxibustion thermal stimulation affects both shallow and deep tissues of the skin, and the warm-heat effects of moxibustion have a close relation to the warm receptors or/and the polymodal receptor. The burning moxa radiation spectrum ranges from 0.8 to 5.6 μm; peak is nearby 1.5 μm, lying within the near infrared portion. There is an amazing consistency in the infrared spectrums of three types of indirect moxibustion and the unified spectrum of acupoints; all have their peaks of radiation near 10 μm. Lots of ingredients had been identified from mugwort leaves and moxa smoke, which have a variety of biological activities; they were considered to participate in the comprehensive effects of moxibustion. Although lots of research works have been carried out and made some progress, there is still a great distance from fully understanding the mechanism of moxibustion.
A Nonlinear Robust Controller Design of Lower-Triangular Systems Based on Dissipation Theory
Authors: Wang Bing , Yuan Yue
Published: September 2013

Based on dissipation theory, a novel robust control is proposed for the lower-triangular nonlinear systems, which include strict-feedback systems and high-order lower-triangular systems. Some important concepts in dissipation theory are integrated into the recursive design, which are used to dominate the uncertain disturbance and construct the robust controller. The gotten controller renders the closed-loop system finite-gainL2stable in the presence of disturbance and asymptotically stable in the absence of disturbance. Especially, the controller has its advantage in regulating large disturbance. Finally, one example and one application are given to show the effectiveness of the design method. Moreover, by comparing with another robust controller, the characteristic of the proposed controller is illustrated in the simulations.
CD133 Expression in Normal Skin and in Epithelial Cutaneous Tumors
Authors: Nam-Cha S. H. , Serrano-Vargas R. , Escario E. , Azaña J. M. , Calero-Oliver R. , Martín A. G. , Poblet E.
Published: September 2013

Background. Expression of human CD133 (human prominin-1) in cancer cells has been postulated to be a marker of stemness and is considered as a putative marker of cancer stem cells (CSCs). We designed a study to describe the expression pattern of CD133 in normal skin and in epithelial cutaneous neoplasms.Methods. The CD133 immunohistochemical expression of forty-three eccrine and apocrine tumors was compared to that observed in other epithelial tumors of the skin. In addition, flow cytometry was used to detect the CD133 expression of four epithelial skin neoplasms, including one porocarcinoma.Results. CD133 immunoreactivity at the apical or at the apicolateral surface of cells forming glandular structures was observed. Cells from solid areas of benign or malignant tumors were not stained. The porocarcinoma derived culture cells showed a 22% of CD133 positive cells using flow cytometry, while squamous cell carcinoma cultures contained less than 0.1%.Conclusions. These observations indicate that CD133 is a specific marker of glandular differentiation that could be included in the diagnostic panel of cutaneous tumors with possible eccrine or apocrine differentiation. However, the use of CD133 expression as a marker of CSCs should be interpreted with caution in experiments of skin.
Vibrational Spectroscopic Investigation and Conformational Analysis of Methacrylamidoantipyrine: A Comparative Density Functional Study
Authors: Alver Özgür , Kaya Mehmet Fatih , Bilge Metin , Parlak Cemal
Published: September 2013

FT-IR and Raman spectra of methacrylamidoantipyrine (MAAP) have been reported in the region of 4000–10 cm−1 and 4000–100 cm−1, respectively. The optimized geometric parameters, conformational analysis, normal mode frequencies, and corresponding vibrational assignments of MAAP (C15H17N3O2) have been examined by means of density functional theory (DFT) method using the Becke-3-Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) exchange-correlation functional and the 6-31G++(d,p) basis sets. Vibrational assignments have been made on the basis of potential energy distribution (PED) and the thermodynamics functions, and the highest occupied and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO) of MAAP have been predicted. Calculations are carried out with the possible seven (amide-1–5 and imide-1-2) conformational isomers of MAAP. Comparison between the experimental and theoretical results indicates that the B3LYP method provides satisfactory evidence for the prediction of vibrational wavenumbers, and the amide-1 conformational isomer is supposed to be the most stable form of MAAP.
A Virtual Channels Scheduling Algorithm with Broad Applicability Based on Movable Boundary
Authors: Tian Ye , Li Qingfan , Feng Yongxin , Gao Xiaoling
Published: September 2013

A virtual channels scheduling algorithm with broad applicability based on movable boundary is proposed. According to the types of date sources, transmission time slots are divided into synchronous ones and asynchronous ones with a movable boundary between them. During the synchronous time slots, the virtual channels are scheduled with a polling algorithm; during the asynchronous time slots, the virtual channels are scheduled with an algorithm based on virtual channel urgency and frame urgency. If there are no valid frames in the corresponding VC at a certain synchronous time slot, a frame of the other synchronous VCs or asynchronous VCs will be transmitted through the physical channel. Only when there are no valid frames in all VCs would an idle frame be generated and transmitted. Experiments show that the proposed algorithm yields much lower scheduling delay and higher channel utilization ratio than those based on unmovable boundary or virtual channel urgency in many kinds of sources. Therefore, broad applicability can be achieved by the proposed algorithm.
Effectiveness of Green Tea in a Randomized Human Cohort: Relevance to Diabetes and Its Complications
Authors: Toolsee Naushad Ali , Aruoma Okezie I. , Gunness Teeluck K. , Kowlessur Sudhir , Dambala Venkatesh , Murad Fatima , Googoolye Kreshna , Daus Diana , Indelicato Joseph , Rondeau Philippe , Bourdon Emmanuel , Bahorun Theeshan
Published: September 2013

Epidemiological studies have argued that green tea could mitigate diabetes and its complications. This study investigated the phytophenolic profile of Mauritian green tea and its antioxidant propensity. The effect of green tea on the risk factors: waist-hip ratio, glucose level, arterial pressure, antioxidant status, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in prediabetics was assessed. The experimental group consumed 3 cups of green tea daily for 14 weeks followed by a 2-week washout period. The control group followed a water regimen. Green tea contained high level of phenolics related to its antioxidant power. Green tea suppressed waist-hip ratio of women from a significant increase and suppressed mean arterial pressure of men and women from a significant decrease after week 14. It reduced ALT level in women by 13.0% (P<0.1) while increasing the antioxidant potential of men and women sera by 2.7% (P<0.1) and 5.1% (P<0.1). The study timescale may have been too short to enable demonstration of effects on fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c outcomes. Green tea regimen could form part of a healthy lifestyle that might ameliorate features of metabolic syndrome and subsequent risks for diabetes and its complications. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.govNCT01248143.
Performance of Gel Treatments in Reservoirs with Multiscale Heterogeneity
Authors: Lee Ji Ho , Lee Kun Sang
Published: September 2013

Spatially correlated permeability fields are usually generated by single‐scale correlation. To overcome the limitations of single‐scale permeability fields in describing real situation, permeability fields should be generated by multiscale correlation. Multiscale heterogeneity results in the existence of various permeability magnitudes and spatial distributions of permeability. Gel treatment is applied on the heterogeneous permeability fields realized by multiscale correlation. Performance of gel treatment has been shown to depend on permeability distribution and permeability values, which are determined by correlation length, variance, and number of scales. Generally, spatially‐correlated permeability fields generated with longer correlation length, higher variance, and multiscale lead to higher improvement in the performance of gel treatment. In addition, longer application of preflush as waterflooding results in larger reduction of water‐oil ratio when the gel treatment is applied to heterogeneous permeability fields after preflush.
Nighttime Fire/Smoke Detection System Based on a Support Vector Machine
Authors: Ho Chao-Ching
Published: September 2013

Currently, video surveillance-based early fire smoke detection is crucial to the prevention of large fires and the protection of life and goods. To overcome the nighttime limitations of video smoke detection methods, a laser light can be projected into the monitored field of view, and the returning projected light section image can be analyzed to detect fire and/or smoke. If smoke appears within the monitoring zone created from the diffusion or scattering of light in the projected path, the camera sensor receives a corresponding signal. The successive processing steps of the proposed real-time algorithm use the spectral, diffusing, and scattering characteristics of the smoke-filled regions in the image sequences to register the position of possible smoke in a video. Characterization of smoke is carried out by a nonlinear classification method using a support vector machine, and this is applied to identify the potential fire/smoke location. Experimental results in a variety of nighttime conditions demonstrate that the proposed fire/smoke detection method can successfully and reliably detect fires by identifying the location of smoke.
Early and Rapid Diagnosis with Multislice CT Reduces Lethality in Trauma Patients Requiring Intensive Care: Findings of a Prospective Study
Authors: Hilbert Peter , zur Nieden Karsten , Kaden Ingmar , Hofmann Gunther O. , Stuttmann Ralph
Published: September 2013

Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate if short diagnostic times by MSCT have an influence on lethal outcomes. Methods. In three different patient populations, hospital mortality was examined. Group 1: retrospective data derived from conventional diagnostic methods in the trauma room between 2002 and 2003; group 2: data from the same centre taken prospectively between 2004 and 2010 after modification of the trauma room algorithm; group 3: a reference population from the TraumaRegister DGU (TR-DGU) from 2004 to 2010. Injury severity was determined using the ISS and lethality was predicted on the basis of the RISC. Results. At the singular centre, data from 943 polytraumatised patients requiring intensive care between 2002 and 2010 were examined. With the new trauma room algorithm, lethality was likewise significantly lower (9.1% versus 15%; P<0.05) compared to the population from 2002 to 2003, with a comparable ISS (28.5 versus 30.2). The ISS (28.5) was comparable with the TR-DGU (24.9) population and lethality was significantly lower. Conclusion. Early diagnostic approaches using MSCT during the first minutes of trauma room treatment, as an integral part of a stringently timed, highly structured concept, have been found to reduce lethality as compared to the TR-DGU and our own retrospective historical data. This trial is registered with DRKS00005055; TR-DGU-Projekt-ID: 2009-005.
Renal Transplantation from Elderly Living Donors
Authors: Akoh Jacob A. , Mathuram Thiyagarajan Umasankar
Published: September 2013

Acceptance of elderly living kidney donors remains controversial due to the higher incidence of comorbidity and greater risk of postoperative complications. This is a review of publications in the English language between 2000 and 2013 about renal transplantation from elderly living donors to determine trends and effects of donation, and the outcomes of such transplantation. The last decade witnessed a 50% increase in living kidney donor transplants, with a disproportionate increase in donors >60 years. There is no accelerated loss of kidney function following donation, and the incidence of established renal failure (ERF) and hypertension among donors is similar to that of the general population. The overall incidence of ERF in living donors is about 0.134 per 1000 years. Elderly donors require rigorous assessment and should have a predicted glomerular filtration rate of at least 37.5 mL/min/1.73 m2at the age of 80. Though elderly donors had lower glomerular filtration rate before donation, proportionate decline after donation was similar in both young and elderly groups. The risks of delayed graft function, acute rejection, and graft failure in transplants from living donors >65 years are significantly higher than transplants from younger donors. A multicentred, long-term, and prospective database addressing the outcomes of kidneys from elderly living donors is recommended.