bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using rigidly fixed autogenous tooth graft to repair bone defect: an animal model
Authors: Qin Xu , Raj Regmi M. , Liao Xiao‐Fu , Shi Wei , Ma Bo , Gong Shi‐Qiang , Chen Wei‐Min , Zhou Bin
Published: March 2014

Objective

This study describes a new approach to regenerate bone defect using autogenous tooth.

Materials and methods

Freshly extrac‐ted teeth were used as autogenous grafts. Teeth were sectioned, cut into desired shape, and disinfected. The grafts were rigidly fixed to the mandibular defects in eighteen rabbits using titanium screws to achieve good stability. Every six rabbits were stochastically sacrificed at 1, 3, and 6 months after implantation, respectively. For all specimens, clinical, radiographical, and histological measurements were performed.

Results

The boundaries of the grafts were distinctly visible in the implanted area during the first and third month. However, the teeth grafts were fully covered by new bone by the sixth month. The radiograph demonstrated the progressive change in the bone and grafted tooth interface from radiolucency to radiopacity during different time periods. Histologically, vascularization led to a temporary fibrous integration in the graft‐bone interface. The bone contact rate of 1 and 3 months was significantly lower than that of the 6 months. During this period, grafts were gradually resorbed and replaced by new bone.

Conclusion

Rigid fixation of autogenous tooth could serve as a novel approach for the repair of bone defect.
The central cavity of ABCB1 undergoes alternating access during ATP hydrolysis
Authors: van Wonderen Jessica H. , McMahon Róisin M. , O'Mara Megan L. , McDevitt Christopher A. , Thomson Andrew J. , Kerr Ian D. , MacMillan Fraser , Callaghan Richard
Published: March 2014

Understanding the process that underlies multidrug recognition and efflux by P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1) remains a key biological challenge. Structural data have recently become available for the murine and Caenorhabditis elegans homologues of ABCB1; however all structures were obtained in the absence of nucleotide. A feature of these structures was the presence of a central cavity that is inaccessible from the extracellular face of the protein. To determine the conformational dynamics of this region several residues in transmembrane helices TM6 (331, 343 and 354) and TM12 (980) were mutated to cysteine. Based upon structural predictions, these residues are proposed to line, or reside proximal to, the central cavity. The mutant isoforms were labelled with a paramagnetic probe enabling the application of EPR spectroscopic methods. Power saturation EPR spectra were recorded in the presence of hydrophobic (O2) or hydrophilic (NiEDDA) quenching agents to study the local environment of each residue. ABCB1 was trapped in both its nucleotide‐bound and post‐hydrolytic conformations and EPR spectra were again recorded in the presence and absence of quenching agents. The EPR line shapes provide information on the movements of these residues within TM6 and TM12 during ATP hydrolysis. Rationalization of the data with molecular dynamic simulations indicates that the cavity is converted to a configuration open to the aqueous phase following nucleotide binding, thereby suggesting alternating access to the cavity on opposite sides of the membrane during translocation.
Effects of circuit exercise and Tai Chi on body composition in middle‐aged and older women
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Hsiu , Hsu Robert Wen‐Wei , Lin Zin‐Rong , Fan Chun‐ Hao
Published: March 2014

Aim

To investigate the impact of circuit exercise and Tai Chi exercise on body composition in middle‐aged and older women.

Methods

The present cohort study included 180 women (aged 45–75 years) who were divided into a circuit exercise group, Tai Chi group and control group. The exercise program consisted of 60 min of exercise three times per week for 12 weeks. The circuit exercises were carried out with intensity controlled by heart rate (60–80% of work). The Tai Chi group practiced Yang style with the same frequency, but with intensity of 50–60% of work. Blood pressure and body composition were assessed. The differences in all variables and the relative changes between baseline and 12 weeks' follow up were evaluated.

Results

The circuit exercise group showed a significant decrease in body mass index, systolic blood pressure and body fat mass, and an increase in total body muscle mass, lean body mass, bone mineral content and basal metabolic rate. The Tai Chi group showed a decrease in systolic blood pressure. Increases in the basal metabolic rate (1.3 ± 3.0%), total body muscle mass (1.8 ± 4.3%), lean body mass (1.9 ± 4.3%) and bone mineral content (1.8 ± 4.2%), and decreases in body mass index (–2.2 ± 7.8%), body fat (–6.5 ± 10.7%) and diastolic pressure (–1.2 ± 9.4%) were significantly greater in the circuit exercise group than in Tai Chi or control group.

Conclusion

Circuit exercise for 12 weeks increases lean body mass and basal metabolic rate more effectively than Tai Chi exercise. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 282–288.
Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection and Cerebral Infarction Risk: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Su Xing , Chen Hong-Lin
Published: March 2014

Background Chlamydia pneumoniae

infection and the risk of cerebral infarction have been previously studied in several publications; however, conflicting results have been reported. This meta-analysis assessed whether C. pneumoniae infection was associated with risk of cerebral infarction.

Methods

Systematic computerized searches of the PubMed and Web of Knowledge were performed. Adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval from original studies were extracted for combined meta-analysis.

Results

Twenty-three studies with 2924 cerebral infarction patients and 4692 control patients were included in the meta-analysis. When the positive C. pneumoniae infection was defined by microimmunofluorescence-detected immunoglobulin A, the pooled odds ratio between two groups was 2·04 (95% confidence interval 1·42–2·9). In the most frequently used immunoglobulin A ⩾1:16 sub-group, the pooled odds ratio was 2·07 (95% confidence interval 1·31–3·26). When the infection was defined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-detected immunoglobulin A, the pooled odds ratio was 2·89 (95% confidence interval 1·23–6·81). When the infection was defined by microimmunofluorescence-detected immunoglobulin G, the pooled odds ratio was 1·46 (95% confidence interval 1·18–1·81). In the most frequently used immunoglobulin G ⩾1:32 sub-group, the pooled odds ratio was 1·43 (95% confidence interval 1·06–1·92). When the infection was defined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-detected immunoglobulin G, the pooled odds ratio was 1·54 (95% confidence interval 0·86–2·74). No significant publication bias was found. Sensitivity analyses showed the results were robust. Conclusion ( 1 ) This meta-analysis indicated that C. pneumoniae infection was significantly associated with an increased risk of cerebral infarction. ( 2 ) Compared with anti- C. pneumoniae immunoglobulin G, anti- C. pneumoniae immunoglobulin A seemed more effective for predicting the risk of cerebral infarction. ( 3 ) No evidence existed that anti- C. pneumoniae-immunoglobulin G detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay could predict the risk of cerebral infarction.
Biological research on schizophrenia
Authors: TORU MICHIO
Published: March 2014

Based on the biochemical analysis of postmortem brains from chronic schizophrenic patients, we found abnormalities of glutamatergic neurons as well as dopaminergic neurons. Glutamate receptors, such as the kainate receptor labeled by 3H‐kainate, the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor by 3H MK801, and the strychnine‐insensitive glycine sites in the NMDA receptor by 3H‐glycine, increased significantly in various cortical areas of schizophrenic brains. According to the animal experiments and a significant negative correlation between kainate binding values and glutamate concentrations, it is suggested that glutamate receptors increased due to hypoglutamatergic function in the brain of chronic schizophrenia. Hyperdopamine hippothesis of schizophrenia is supported by the correlation between affinity to dopamine receptor and clinical potency of antipsychotic drugs. Measurement of tyrosine hydroxylase activity and dopamine D2 receptor in the schizophrenic brain provided evidence of hyperdopaminergia. Association study of a missense variant in the dopamine D2 receptor gene (Cys 311) revealed that the allele frequency of the variant was significantly higher in the schizophrenic patients than the controls. The patients carrying this variant had less severe negative symptoms and better response to antipsychotic drug treatment. Dopamine‐induced sequestration of dopamine D2S receptor with Cys variant expressed in CHO cells was shown to a lesser extent than wild‐type receptor. This experimental result may be consistent with better responsiveness of the patients with Cys311 to antipsychotic drugs.
Problems with team treatment in Japan
Authors: KAWAMURO YU
Published: March 2014

Although it has been a while since psychiatric team treatment was first advocated as being necessary in Japan, the application of team treatment in practice remains underused. In order to solve the five problems highlighted by the Nurse and Co‐medical Project of the Japanese Association of Psychiatric Hospitals and to put psychiatric team treatment into practice, it is important that professionals in the field of psychiatry have a common understanding of the end concepts and functions of psychiatric team treatment and that they take an involved interest in the compatibility and functional roles of the work done by each profession. It is then important that good psychiatric treatment be constructed around a full complement of competent staff.
Transcultural psychopharmacology: Present and future
Authors: Edmond H.PI
Published: March 2014

Transcultural psychopharmacology is a field that seeks to determine whether differences exist in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic handling of psychotherapeutic drugs among various ethnic groups and, where present, to determine the reasons for such variation. During the past two decades a number of studies have reported differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of psychotropic medications among various ethnic groups. These variations appear to be mainly determined by genetic predisposition but can be influenced by other factors such as environment, psychosocial supports, and physicians' prescribing habits. Due to study design limitations, many questions regarding the transcultural aspects of psychotropic medications still remain unanswered. This critical review discusses the transcultural psychopharmacology of Asian versus non‐Asian populations. It will also include data on tardive dyskinesia, discuss new developments, touch on the problems associated with present research in the area, and provide recommendations for designing future research studies.
Co‐administration of sertraline and haloperidol
Authors: LEE MIN‐SOO , HAN CHANG‐SU , YOUNG‐WOONYOU  , KIM SEUNG‐HYUN
Published: March 2014

Along with recent increased interest in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a number of studies has been undertaken to observe interactions with different drugs. When selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor was administered together with antipsychotics to schizophrenics showing depressive or obsessive symptoms and negative symptoms, meaningful results were observed. The objective of our research was to identify the changes in the concentration of plasma haloperidol when sertraline was administered to patients who already were being treated with haloperidol. Sixteen patients who did not respond to the traditional antipsychotics after 2 weeks of treatment with a certain dosage of haloperidol were administered with 50 mg of sertraline for a period of 2 weeks. The concentration changes between plasma haloperidol and the reduced haloperidol were observed using high‐powered liquid chromatography equipped with a UV detector. There was a significant increase (P< 0.01) in the concentration of haloperidol, the change being from 8.52 ± 4.22 to 10.91 ± 5.38 ng/mL. However, the change in the concentration of reduced haloperidol was from 7.41 ± 7.93 to 5.22 ± 6.10 ng/mL, showing a significant decrease. The concentrations of total plasma haloperidol showed no significant changes at all. In comparing the ratio of the reduced haloperidol and the haloperidol, the reduction ratio was down to 0.39 ± 0.27 from 0.94 ± 0.65 showing a significant decrease. There seems to be few studies done on interactions using serotonergic drugs together with antipsychotics in spite of their clinically applicable possibility. According to similar studies done in the past, co‐administering of such drugs not only increases the plasma concentration of antipsychotics, but it also results in clinical improvement of negative symptoms and aggravation of extrapyramidal symptoms. Changes in clinical symptoms and adverse effects were not observed in our study. However, we think these observations need to be included in upcoming larger scale studies.
The needs and popularization of psychotherapy in Taiwan
Authors: SOONG WEI‐TSUEN
Published: March 2014

A literature review, a population survey and analysis of hospital statistics were used to assess the needs and the popularity of psychotherapy in Taiwan. Three community epidemiological studies revealed very similar prevalence rates of minor mental disorders. The statistics of the Children's Mental Health Center revealed that intensive psychotherapy was not a popular treatment received by patients. The second cycle Taiwan Social Change Survey also showed a high rate of anxiety and depression in the community. It also revealed a low acceptance of psychotherapy for treatment of anxiety and depression provided by professionals. The discrepancy between the great potential needs for psychotherapy and the unpopularity of psychotherapy in practice was discussion. Methods to make psychotherapy more popular are also suggested.
Psychotherapy in the Pacific Rim countries
Authors: YAMAMOTO JOE
Published: March 2014

Ever since Freud created psychoanalysis over 100 years ago, it has been popular, especially in the USA. However, biological psychiatry is now at the forefront and the emphasis is on neurosciences and pharmacotherapy. Still, the question remains, what place is there for psychotherapy in psychiatric practice? We need to be aware of the need for psychotherapy for some patients. This has been scientifically demonstrated in the study of patients with moderate and severe major depression. It has been convincingly shown that there is a place for interpersonal therapy and for cognitive behavioral therapy. Moderately depressed patients may benefit from a regimen of psychotherapy. In contrast, those with severe depression also need antidepressant medication. Because people in the Pacific Rim countries are heterogeneous, their requirements may be diverse. Asian populations need emphasis on the family as a part of the treatment team. Biological and cultural issues also enter the picture. Using the example of the flushing response, 25% of Koreans versus 50% of the Han Chinese and Japanese have the flushing response. Confucius' teachings have influenced Chinese, Koreans and Japanese for over 2000 years. The need for therapy and education is great. One solution is in primary and secondary prevention with cognitive behavioral classes such as the depression prevention course.
Investigation of senile dementia in Qingdao
Authors: WANG JIANYI , YU JIANHUA , PAN SHUZHEN , NI BAOLAN
Published: March 2014

According to the popular spot check method we investigated 14 684 partial community persons. The screen instrument used was the MMSE. Positive cases were through ADL, HDS and detailed psychical examination by two doctors according to the CCMD‐2 to establish a definite diagnosis. Differential diagnosis between AD and MID was carried out according to HIS result. A total of 1448 persons were over 60 years, which amounted to 9.98% of the entire population. Of a total of 672 men and 776 females, 13 suffered senile dementia, which made up 0.995% of the aged. There were seven MID (5 males, 2 females) and six AD (2 males, 4 females). Family histories showed that one AD had the same symptoms as her twin sister. Two AD and four MD drank Chinese spirit 2–4 liang per day for 20 years, 80% of patients were nursed by the son or daughter‐in‐law, but they believed wrongly that ‘It is necessary to cure the old'. Six of 13 had a long period of drinking history, four of six for MID. This has shown that dementia partly relates to drink especially for MID. Early case can be detected through daily life activities such as buying food, playing cards etc. Activities of daily living may avoid the pseudo‐positive which is caused by educational level.
Culture, law and psychiatry in Hawaii
Authors: SCHULTZ‐ROSS R. ANDREW , JENKINS LAINE
Published: March 2014

Hawaii is a set of islands with a broad mix of cultures. The law is American, but it was predominantly derived from English Common Law. Thus, the law is derived from a very distant culture. Theoretically, this ‘transplanted’ law could cause difficulties for people from Pacific cultures. Indeed, it appears to create difficulties for individuals with mental illness. A substantial number of these people are arrested for disobedience of a law that is not sensible for their culture. This problem is an example of the need for cultural knowledge when a psychiatrist conducts an examination for the legal system. An individual may appear legally guilty or medically insane when acting within cultural norms.
Zinc is essential for the transcription function of Nrf2 in human renal tubule cells in vitro and mouse kidney in vivo under the diabetic condition
Authors: Li Bing , Cui Wenpeng , Tan Yi , Luo Ping , Chen Qiang , Zhang Chi , Qu Wei , Miao Lining , Cai Lu
Published: March 2014

Increasing evidence from human and laboratory studies showed the effect of zinc (Zn) on diabetic complications. Nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays important role in the prevention of oxidative damage. This study was to define whether Zn statues (deficiency or supplement) affect the Nrf2 expression and function, and also affect the damage severity of human renal tubular (HK11) cells exposed to high glucose (HG) with palmitate (Pal) and kidney of diabetic mice induced by multiple low‐dose streptozotocins. For Zn deficiency diabetic mice were treated with Zn chelator PTEN at 5 mg/kg bw daily for 4 months. Results showed that HG/Pal significantly increased the expression of pro‐fibrotic mediators, connective tissue growth factor and PAI‐1, in HK11 cells, which was exacerbated by TPEN that depleted intracellular free Zn and decreased Nrf2 expression and transcription. Zn supplement prevented the effects of TPEN and also increased Akt and GSK‐3β phosphorylation with a decrease in Nrf2 nuclear exporter, Fyn. All these effects of Zn were abolished by Akt inhibitor. Therefore, Zn up‐regulates Nrf2 function via activating Akt‐mediated inhibition of Fyn function. Treatment of diabetic mice with TPEN decreased renal Zn level and Nrf2 expression and transcription, with an exacerbation of renal oxidative damage, inflammation and fibrosis. These results suggest the essentiality of Zn for Nrf2 expression and transcription function.
When Do Children Dislike Ingroup Members? Resource Allocation from Individual and Group Perspectives
Authors: Mulvey Kelly Lynn , Hitti Aline , Rutland Adam , Abrams Dominic , Killen Melanie
Published: March 2014

Do children like ingroup members who challenge group norms about resource allocation? Further, do children evaluate from their own individual perspective? Participants (N= 381), aged 9.5 and 13.5 years, evaluated members of their own group who deviated from group norms about resource allocation by either: (1) advocating for equal allocation in contrast to the group norm of inequality; or (2) advocating for inequality when the group norm was to divide equally. With age, participants differentiated their own individual favorability from the group's favorability of deviant members of the ingroup. Further, when deciding between group loyalty and equal allocation, children and adolescents gave priority to equality, rejecting group decisions to dislike ingroup members who advocated for equality.
Can Fostering Children's Ability to Challenge Sexism Improve Critical Analysis, Internalization, and Enactment of Inclusive, Egalitarian Peer Relationships?
Authors: Pahlke Erin , Bigler Rebecca S. , Martin Carol Lynn
Published: March 2014

Elementary school‐age children (N = 137, 70 boys, ages 4–10) were randomly assigned to receive one of two types of lessons aimed at increasing the inclusiveness of peer relations and improving children's ability to identify bias in media. Children in the pro‐social condition were taught to identify and respond to undesirable/unfair social behaviors (e.g., teasing), whereas children in the pro‐egalitarian condition were taught to respond to these same behaviors, with additional attention to gender bias (e.g., teasing about gender role nonconformity). After five lessons, children completed immediate and 6‐month delayed measures of egalitarian attitudes, intergroup liking, responses to hypothetical peers’ sexist remarks, and ability to identify sexism in media. The lessons did not differentially affect children's gender egalitarian attitudes and intergroup liking. As expected, however, children in the pro‐egalitarian condition were better able to identify sexism in media and to respond to peers’ sexist comments than were children in the pro‐social condition.
What Makes a Young Assertive Bystander? The Effect of Intergroup Contact, Empathy, Cultural Openness, and In‐Group Bias on Assertive Bystander Intervention Intentions
Authors: Abbott Nicola , Cameron Lindsey
Published: March 2014

The present research tests the indirect effects of intergroup contact on adolescents’ bystander intervention intentions via four potential mediators: “empathy,” “cultural openness,” “in‐group bias,” and “intergroup anxiety.” British adolescents (N= 855), aged 11–13 years, completed measures of intergroup (interethnic) contact and the identified indirect variables. Intended bystander behavior was measured by presenting participants with an intergroup (immigrant) name‐calling scenario. Participants rated the extent to which they would behave assertively. The findings extend previous intergroup contact research by showing a significant indirect effect of intergroup contact on assertive bystander intentions via empathy, cultural openness and in‐group bias (but not via intergroup anxiety). Theoretical implications and practical suggestions for future prejudice‐reduction interventions are discussed.
SUMOylation of nonstructural 5A protein regulates hepatitis C virus replication
Authors: Lee H. S. , Lim Y. S. , Park E. M. , Baek S. H. , Hwang S. B.
Published: March 2014

Viruses exploit cellular SUMOylation machinery to favour their own propagation. We show that NS5A is a target protein of small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) and is SUMOylated at lysine residue 348. We demonstrated that SUMOylation increased protein stability of NS5A by inhibiting ubiquitylation, and SUMOylation was also required for protein interaction with NS5B. These data imply that SUMO modification may contribute to HCV replication. Indeed, silencing of UBC9 impaired HCV replication in Jc1‐infected cells, and HCV replication level was also significantly reduced in SUMO‐defective subgenomic replicon cells. Taken together, these data indicate that HCV replication is regulated by SUMO modification of NS5A protein. We provide evidence for the first time that HCV exploits host cellular SUMO modification system to favour its own replication.
An exploration of social justice intent in photovoice research studies from 2008 to 2013
Authors: Sanon Marie‐Anne , Evans‐Agnew Robin A. , Boutain Doris M.
Published: March 2014

In an age where digital images are omnipresent, the use of participant photography in qualitative research has become accessible and commonplace. Yet, scant attention is paid to the social justice impact of photovoice amongst studies that have used this innovative method as a way to promote social justice. There is a need to review this method to understand its contributions and possibilities. This literature review of photovoice research studies (i) explores whether authors implicitly or explicitly related the methodologies to their aims of promoting social justice (methodology–method fit) and (ii) outlines the social justice research impact of photovoice findings using the framework of social justice awareness, amelioration and transformation. PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases were searched from the years 2008–13 using the following keywords: photovoice; photonovella; photovoice and social justice; and photovoice and participatory action research. Of the 30 research studies reviewed, only thirteen identified an underlying methodology guiding the photovoice method. The social justice impacts emphasized were more related to social justice awareness (n = 30) than amelioration (n = 11) or transformation (n = 3). Future researchers using photovoice as a way to promote social justice are encouraged to assess and plan for the social justice impact desired.
CYP83A1 is required for metabolic compatibility of Arabidopsis with the adapted powdery mildew fungus Erysiphe cruciferarum
Authors: Weis Corina , Hildebrandt Ulrich , Hoffmann Thomas , Hemetsberger Christoph , Pfeilmeier Sebastian , König Constanze , Schwab Wilfried , Eichmann Ruth , Hückelhoven Ralph
Published: March 2014

Aliphatic glucosinolates function in the chemical defense of Capparales. The cytochrome P450 83A1 monooxygenase (CYP83A1) catalyzes the initial conversion of methionine‐derived aldoximes to thiohydroximates in the biosynthesis of glucosinolates, and thus cyp83a1 mutants have reduced levels of aliphatic glucosinolates.

Loss of CYP83A1 function leads to dramatically reduced parasitic growth of the biotrophic powdery mildew fungus Erysiphe cruciferarum on Arabidopsis thaliana. The cyp83a1 mutants support less well the germination and appressorium formation of E. cruciferarum on the leaf surface and post‐penetration conidiophore formation by the fungus. By contrast, a myb28‐1 myb29‐1 double mutant, which totally lacks aliphatic glucosinolates, shows a wild‐type level of susceptibility to E. cruciferarum.

The cyp83a1 mutants also lack very‐long‐chain aldehydes on their leaf surface. Such aldehydes support appressorium formation by E. cruciferarum in vitro. In addition, when chemically complemented with the C26 aldehyde n‐hexacosanal, cyp83a1 mutants can again support appressorium formation. The mutants further accumulate 5‐methylthiopentanaldoxime, the potentially toxic substrate of CYP83A1.

Loss of powdery mildew susceptibility by cyp83a1 may be explained by a reduced supply of the fungus with inductive signals from the host and an accumulation of potentially fungitoxic metabolites.
Relative importance of host environment, transmission potential and host phylogeny to the structure of parasite metacommunities
Authors: Dallas Tad , Presley Steven J.
Published: March 2014

Identification of mechanisms that shape parasite community and metacommunity structures have important implications to host health, disease transmission, and the understanding of community assembly in general. Using a long‐term dataset on parasites from desert rodents, we examined the relative contributions of host traits that represent important aspects of parasite environment, transmission probability between host species, and host phylogeny to the structure of a parasite metacommunity as well as for taxonomically restricted parasite metacommunities (coccidians, ectoparasites and helminths). This was done using a combination of metacommunity analysis and variance partitioning based on canonical correspondence analysis. Coccidian and ectoparasite metacommunities did not exhibit coherent structure. In contrast, helminths and the full parasite metacommunity had Clementsian and quasi‐Clementsian structure, respectively, indicating that parasite species distributions for these metacommunities were compartmentalized along a dominant gradient. Variance decomposition indicated that characteristics associated with the host environment consistently explained more variation than did host traits associated with transmission opportunities or host phylogeny, indicating that the host environment is primary in shaping parasite species distributions among host species. Moreover, the importance of different types of host traits in structuring parasite metacommunities was consistent among taxonomic groups (i.e. full metacommunity, coccidians, and helminths) despite manifest differences in emergent structures (i.e. Clementsian, quasi‐Clementsian, and random) that arose in response to variation in host environment.
Cutaneous Fungal Infection in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Kucinskiene Vesta , Sutkute Auguste , Valiukeviciene Skaidra
Published: March 2014

Fungal skin infections are not uncommon in healthy, premature or immunocompromised newborns. Healthy neonates usually develop fungal skin infections caused by dermatophytes, Candida and Malassezia species, whereas immunocompromised neonates are more susceptible to skin infections with opportunistic pathogens (Aspergilus, Zygomycetes). Therefore neonatal fungal skin infections can range from generally benign superficial lesions to potentially fatal, deep, necrotic forms with dissemination. We present the case of a premature neonate twin with cutaneous fungal infection in a neonatal intensive care unit. Because there were doubts concerning the correspondence of the clinical features with the cultured species in the newborn, a literature review was performed searching for similar clinical cases.
Farmers' knowledge and perceptions of the stunting disease of Napier grass in Western Kenya
Authors: Khan Z. R. , Midega C. A. O. , Nyang'au I. M. , Murage A. , Pittchar J. , Agutu L. O. , Amudavi D. M. , Pickett J. A.
Published: March 2014

Production of Napier grass, Pennisetum purpureum, the most important livestock fodder in Western Kenya, is severely constrained by Napier stunt (Ns) disease. Understanding farmers' knowledge, perceptions and practices is a prerequisite to establishing an effective disease management approach. Using a random sample of 150 farmers drawn from Bungoma, Busia and Teso districts of Western Kenya, this study sought to: (i) assess farmers' perceptions and knowledge of Ns disease, including its effects on the smallholder dairy industry; (ii) record farmers' current practices in managing Ns disease; and (iii) identify Ns disease management challenges and intervention opportunities in order to develop an efficient integrated disease management approach. The majority (86·7%) of the farmers were aware of Ns disease and observed that it was spreading rapidly in the region, which was perfectly predicted by farmers' access to agricultural information (marginal effect = 0·164), indicating a need for extension platforms for knowledge sharing among the industry stakeholders. The disease had affected Napier grass yields so most farmers could not feed their livestock on the amounts they produced, and they were buying Napier grass. Those who relied on income from selling Napier grass received less due to loss in productivity. Milk production had reduced by over 35%. The cause of the disease was unknown to the farmers, with no effective disease management strategy available to them. An integrated disease management approach needs to be developed to fit within the mixed farming systems, supported by simple decision aids.
OsMOGS is required for N‐glycan formation and auxin‐mediated root development in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Wang SuiKang , Xu YanXia , Li ZhiLan , Zhang SaiNa , Lim Jae‐Min , Lee Kyun Oh , Li ChuanYou , Qian Qian , Jiang De An , Qi YanHua
Published: March 2014

N‐glycosylation is a major modification of glycoproteins in eukaryotic cells. In Arabidopsis, great progress has been made in functional analysis of N‐glycan production, however there are few studies in monocotyledons. Here, we characterized a rice (Oryza sativa L.) osmogs mutant with shortened roots and isolated a gene that coded a putative mannosyl‐oligosaccharide glucosidase (OsMOGS), an ortholog of α‐glucosidase I in Arabidopsis, which trims the terminal glucosyl residue of the oligosaccharide chain of nascent peptides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). OsMOGS is strongly expressed in rapidly cell‐dividing tissues and OsMOGS protein is localized in the ER. Mutation of OsMOGS entirely blocked N‐glycan maturation and inhibited high‐mannose N‐glycan formation. The osmogs mutant exhibited severe defects in root cell division and elongation, resulting in a short‐root phenotype. In addition, osmogs plants had impaired root hair formation and elongation, and reduced root epidemic cell wall thickness due to decreased cellulose synthesis. Further analysis showed that auxin content and polar transport in osmogs roots were reduced due to incomplete N‐glycosylation of the B subfamily of ATP‐binding cassette transporter proteins (ABCBs). Our results demonstrate that involvement of OsMOGS in N‐glycan formation is required for auxin‐mediated root development in rice.
Free Vibration Analysis of a Beam With an Attached In-Span Beam With Tip Mass
Authors: Barry O. R. , Zu J. W. , Oguamanam D. C. D.
Published: March 2014

A double-beam system is used to model a single conductor transmission line with a stockbridge damper. The base beam represents the conductor and is subjected to an axial tensile load. The in-span beam with a tip mass at each end models the Stockbridge damper and it is arbitrarily attached to the base beam. Using Hamilton’s principle, the system equations of motion are derived and an expression is presented for the frequency equation. The formulation is validated with finite element results in the literature. Parametric studies are done to investigate the influence of the flexural rigidity and location of the in-span beam on the lowest five natural frequencies of the system. Investigation is also performed to examine the effect of the distance separating to two beams.
Vehicle Roll Stabilization Enhancement Using a Variable Stiffness Architecture: Kinematic Control
Authors: Anubi Olugbenga M. , Crane Carl D.
Published: March 2014

A variable stiffness architecture is used in the suspension system to counteract the body roll moment, thereby enhancing the roll stability of the vehicle. The variation of stiffness concept uses the “reciprocal actuation” to effectively transfer energy between a vertical traditional strut and a horizontal oscillating control mass, thereby improving the energy dissipation of the overall suspension. The lateral dynamics of the system is developed using a bicycle model. The accompanying roll dynamics are also developed and validated using experimental data. The positions of the left and right control masses are optimally allocated to reduce the effective body roll and roll rate. Simulation results show that the resulting variable stiffness suspension system has more than 50% improvement in roll response over the traditional constant stiffness counterparts. The simulation scenarios examined is the fishhook maneuver.
Modeling and System Identification of Arterial Hemodynamics in Humans
Authors: Rashedi Mohammad , Fazeli Nima , Chappell Alyssa , Wang Shaohua , MacArthur Roderick , McMurtry M. Sean , Finegan Barry , Hahn Jin-Oh
Published: March 2014

This paper seeks to determine the validity of two distinct tube-load models relating central aortic blood pressure to peripheral blood pressure in humans. Specifically a single-tube model (1-TL) and a serially connected two-tube (2-TL) model, both terminating in a Windkessel load, are considered as representations of the central aortic-peripheral arterial path. The validity and fidelity of the two models was assessed and compared quantitatively by fitting central aortic, radial and femoral blood pressures collected from 8 patients. Both models fitted the BP waveform pairs effectively, and were capable of estimating pulse travel time (PTT) accurately; also the model derived frequency responses were close to the empiric transfer function estimates derived from central and peripheral BP measurements. The 2-TL model was consistently better than 1-TL with statistical significance in terms of accuracy of the central aortic BP waveform, the average waveform RMSE were 2.52 mmHg versus 3.24 mmHg respectively (p<0.05).
A System-Dynamics-Based Hazard Analysis of Inverted-Pendulum Human Transporters
Authors: Adams Christopher , Singhose William , Kim Dooroo
Published: March 2014

Best practices in product design require engineers to perform preliminary hazard analyses on the most promising conceptual designs, as well as a more rigorous hazard analysis when the details of the product are being finalized. When the product is a complex dynamic system that interacts directly with a human, the engineers must consider the wide range of possible motions and forces that the device could create. Such an analysis goes beyond a simple thought exercise and requires detailed knowledge about the system dynamics and operating environment. This paper presents such an analysis of an inverted-pendulum human transporter. The list of hazards is constructed by using fundamental knowledge of the dynamics and the mechanical design obtained through simulation and experimentation. However, the dynamics are so complex that the list is augmented with hazards that are revealed by searching through accident videos posted on the Internet. The severity of each hazard is estimated using an energy-based measurement of the hazard onset conditions. While this case study is interesting, it also provides a systematic approach to hazard analysis that can be applied to other complex and dangerous dynamic systems.
Further Application of Stochastic Resonance for Energy Harvesting
Authors: Su Dongxu , Nakano Kimihiko , Hu Honggang , Cartmell Matthew P. , Ohori Masanori , Zheng Rencheng
Published: March 2014

In addition to the wide range of applications of stochastic resonance in the field of signal processing, the phenomenon has also been investigated as an effective tool for enhancing vibrational energy harvesting. This paper proposes a hypothetical method for achieving stochastic resonance and increasing the available energy from external ambient vibration. In order to illustrate this proposal, a bistable mechanical system is proposed to study the feasibility by theoretical analysis. The amount of available energy and the energy consumed to produce the small-scale additional force is analyzed through numerical simulations. It is shown that the proposed method can significantly enhance the harvested vibrational energy.
Adaptive Control With Convex and Saturation Constraints
Authors: Yan Jin , dos Santos Davi Antônio , Bernstein Dennis S.
Published: March 2014

This paper applies retrospective cost adaptive control (RCAC) to command following in the presence of multivariable convex input saturation constraints. To account for the saturation constraint, we use convex optimization to minimize the quadratic retrospective cost function. The use of convex optimization bounds the magnitude of the retrospectively optimized input and thereby influences the controller update to satisfy the control bounds. This technique is applied to a tiltrotor with constraints on the total thrust magnitude and inclination of the rotor plane.
Classification of Postural Response in Parkinson’s Patients Using Support Vector Machines
Authors: Shukla Amit , Mani Ashutosh , Bhattacharya Amit , Revilla Fredy
Published: March 2014

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition with neuronal cell death in the substantia nigra and striatal dopamine deficiency that produces slowness, stiffness, tremor, shuffling gait and postural instability. More than 1 million people in North America are affected by PD resulting in balance problems and falls. It is observed that postural instability and gait problems become resistant to pharmacologic therapy as the disease progresses. Furthermore, studies suggest that postural sway abnormalities are worsened by levodopa, the mainstay of therapy for PD. This paper presents a classification of postural balance test data using Support Vector Machines (SVM) to identify the effect of medicine (levodopa) as well as dyskinesia. It is demonstrated that SVM is a useful tool and can complement the widely accepted (but very resource intensive) Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS).
POD-Galerkin-Reduced Model Predictive Control for Radiative Drying of Coatings
Authors: Cao Xiaoqing , Ayalew Beshah
Published: March 2014

The process of drying coatings constitutes an important step in automotive plants. In this paper, a control scheme for infrared drying of waterborne coatings is outlined and demonstrated. The drying process model, which is described by a coupled system of a nonlinear partial differential equation for moisture content and a nonlinear ordinary differential equation for coating temperature, is first reduced to a system of nonlinear ODEs using the POD-Galerkin method. Then, a nonlinear model predictive control framework is devised to track a prescribed moisture removal profile during the drying process, while optimizing energy consumption and quality criteria. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated using system simulations.
Mechanics and Control of a Terrestrial Vehicle Exploiting a Nonholonomic Constraint for Fishlike Locomotion
Authors: Dear Tony , Kelly Scott David , Travers Matthew , Choset Howie
Published: March 2014

We present a novel mechanical system, the “landfish,” which takes advantage of a combination of articulation and a nonholonomic constraint to exhibit fishlike locomotion. We apply geometric mechanics techniques to establish the equations of motion in terms of the system’s nonholonomic momentum and analyze the system’s equilibrium properties. Finally, we demonstrate its locomotion capabilities under several controllers, including heading and joint velocity control.
Online Adaptive Residual Mass Estimation in a Multicylinder Recompression HCCI Engine
Authors: Larimore Jacob , Jade Shyam , Hellström Erik , Stefanopoulou Anna G. , Vanier Julien , Jiang Li
Published: March 2014

This work presents two advances to the estimation of homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) dynamics. Combustion phasing prediction in control-oriented models has been achieved by modeling the in-cylinder temperature and composition dynamics, which are dictated by the large mass of residuals trapped between cycles. As such, an accurate prediction of the residual gas fraction as a function of the variable valve timing is desired. Energy and mass conservation laws applied during the exhaust valve opening period are complemented with online in-cylinder pressure measurements to predict the trapped residual mass in real time. In addition, an adaptive parameter estimation scheme uses measured combustion phasing to adjust the residual mass prediction. Experimental results on a multicylinder gasoline HCCI engine demonstrate the closed loop residual estimation’s ability to compensate for modeling errors, cylinder to cylinder variations, and engine wear. Additionally it is shown that using the adaptive parameter estimation reduces the model parameterization effort for a multicylinder engine.
Real-Time Image Processing for Locating Veins in Mouse Tails
Authors: Chang Yen-Chi , Berry-Pusey Brittany N. , Tsao Tsu-Chin , Chatziioannou Arion F.
Published: March 2014

This paper develops an efficient vision-based real-time vein detection algorithm for preclinical vascular insertions. Mouse tail vein injections perform a routine but critical step in most preclinical applications. Compensating for poor manual injection stability and high skill requirements, Vascular Access System (VAS) has been developed so a trained technician can manually command the system to perform needle insertions and monitor the operation through a near-infrared camera. However, VAS’ vein detection algorithm requires much computation and is, therefore, difficult to reflect the real-time tail movement during an insertion. Furthermore, the detection performance is often disturbed by tail hair and skin pigmentation. In this work, an effective noise filtering algorithm is proposed based on convex optimization. Effectively eliminating false-positive detections and preserving cross-sectional continuity, this algorithm provides vein detection results approximately every 200 ms at the presence of tail hair and skin pigmentation. This developed real-time tail vein detection method is able to capture the tail movement during insertion, therefore allow for the development of an automated Vascular Access System (A-VAS) for preclinical injections.
Nonlinear State Estimation of Moving Boundary Heat Exchanger Models for Organic Rankine Cycle Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Luong David , Tsao Tsu-Chin
Published: March 2014

This paper presents results for nonlinear state estimation of a nonlinear, control-oriented Moving Boundary heat exchanger model derived from energy and mass conservation principles. The estimator design assumes pressure and temperature measurements typically available in waste heat recovery (WHR) applications. An Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and a Fixed-Gain state estimator are developed for an open Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). The ORC model assumes a nonlinear evaporator dynamic model connected to static expander and throttle valve models. Simulations show that the Fixed-Gain state estimator diverges when initial estimation error is present, and thus is not applicable for the nonlinear model. The EKF provides state estimates regardless of initial estimation error for both the Approximated and Full Jacobians used in the linearization update equations. The estimation error is slightly higher for the Approximated case only at the onset of mass flow rate changes, but shortly converge to zero in both cases. The results suggest the Approximated and Full Jacobians are valid for estimation of a nonlinear ORC in the presence of the examined transient inputs. Furthermore, the results are useful for state feedback control design and heat exchanger performance monitoring.
Ankle Mechanical Impedance Under Muscle Fatigue
Authors: Wang Shuo , Lee Hyunglae , Hogan Neville
Published: March 2014

This paper reports preliminary results on the effects of ankle muscle fatigue on ankle mechanical impedance. The experiment was designed to induce fatigue in the Tibialis Anterior and Triceps Surae muscle group by asking subjects to perform isometric contractions against a constant ankle torque generated by the Anklebot, a backdriveable robot that interacts with the ankle in two degrees of freedom. Median frequencies of surface electromyographic signals collected from Tibialis Anterior and Triceps Surae muscle group were evaluated to assess muscle fatigue. Using a standard multi-input and multi-output stochastic impedance identification method, multivariable ankle mechanical impedance was measured in two degrees of freedom under muscle fatigue. Preliminary results indicate that, for both Tibialis Anterior and Triceps Surae muscle group, ankle mechanical impedance decreases in both the dorsi-plantarflexion and inversion-eversion directions under muscle fatigue. This finding suggests that decreasing ankle impedance with muscle fatigue may help to develop joint support systems to prevent ankle injuries caused by muscle fatigue.