bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A constitutive modeling interpretation of the relationship among carotid artery stiffness, blood pressure, and age in hypertensive subjects
Authors: Spronck Bart , Heusinkveld Maarten H. G. , Donders Wouter P. , de Lepper Anouk G. W. , Op't Roodt Jos , Kroon Abraham A. , Delhaas Tammo , Reesink Koen D.
Published: December 2014

Aging has a profound influence on arterial wall structure and function. We have previously reported the relationship among pulse wave velocity, age, and blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. In the present study, we aimed for a quantitative interpretation of the observed changes in wall behavior with age using a constitutive modeling approach. We implemented a model of arterial wall biomechanics and fitted this to the group-averaged pressure-area ( P-A) relationship of the “young” subgroup of our study population. Using this model as our take-off point, we assessed which parameters had to be changed to let the model describe the “old” subgroup’s P-A relationship. We allowed elastin stiffness and collagen recruitment parameters to vary and adjusted residual stress parameters according to published age-related changes. We required wall stress to be homogeneously distributed over the arterial wall and assumed wall stress normalization with age by keeping average “old” wall stress at the “young” level. Additionally, we required axial force to remain constant over the cardiac cycle. Our simulations showed an age-related shift in pressure-load bearing from elastin to collagen, caused by a decrease in elastin stiffness and a considerable increase in collagen recruitment. Correspondingly, simulated diameter and wall thickness increased by about 20 and 17%, respectively. The latter compared well with a measured thickness increase of 21%. We conclude that the physiologically realistic changes in constitutive properties we found under physiological constraints with respect to wall stress could well explain the influence of aging in the stiffness-pressure-age pattern observed.
Antisense-mediated angiotensinogen inhibition slows polycystic kidney disease in mice with a targeted mutation in Pkd2
Authors: Ravichandran Kameswaran , Ozkok Abdullah , Wang Qian , Mullick Adam E. , Edelstein Charles L.
Published: December 2014

Renal cyst enlargement is associated with the activation of both the circulating and intrarenal renin-angiotensin systems. Angiotensinogen (AGT) is the substrate for renin. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of AGT inhibition on renal cyst enlargement. An AGT antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that selectively inhibits AGT mRNA was injected once weekly in PKD2WS25 mice [an orthologous model of human autosmal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD) involving mutation of the Pkd2 gene] from 4 to 16 wk of age. The AGT ASO resulted in a 40% decrease in AGT RNA in the kidney, a 60% decrease in AGT RNA in the liver, and a significant decrease in AGT protein in the kidney and serum. The AGT ASO resulted in a significant decrease in kidney size, cyst volume density, and blood urea nitrogen. The AGT ASO resulted in a significant decrease in transforming growth factor-β and interstitial fibrosis in the kidney. Mice treated with the AGT ASO had a significant decrease in proinflammatory cytokines [chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)1 and IL-12] in the kidney. Cluster of differentiation (CD)36 is a scavenger receptor found on tubular cells that can activate the renin-angiotensin system. Administration of a CD36 ASO had no effect on PKD and kidney function, suggesting that the effect of the AGT ASO is independent of CD36. In summary, AGT inhibition resulted in significant decreases in kidney size and cyst volume and an improvement in kidney function in PKD mice. The AGT ASO resulted in a decrease in transforming growth factor-β, interstitial fibrosis, and the proinflammatory cytokines CXCL1 and IL-12 in the kidney.
Effect of prenatal programming and postnatal rearing on glomerular filtration rate in adult rats
Authors: Lozano German , Elmaghrabi Ayah , Salley Jordan , Siddique Khurrum , Gattineni Jyothsna , Baum Michel
Published: December 2014

The present study examined whether a prenatal low-protein diet programs a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and an increase in systolic blood pressure (BP). In addition, we examined whether altering the postnatal nutritional environment of nursing neonatal rats affected GFR and BP when rats were studied as adults. Pregnant rats were fed a normal (20%) protein diet or a low-protein diet (6%) during the last half of pregnancy until birth, when rats were fed a 20% protein diet. Mature adult rats from the prenatal low-protein group had systolic hypertension and a GFR of 0.38 ± 0.03 versus 0.57 ± 0.05 ml·min−1·100 g body wt−1 in the 20% group ( P < 0.01). In cross-fostering experiments, mothers continued on the same prenatal diet until weaning. Prenatal 6% protein rats cross-fostered to a 20% mother on day 1 of life had a GFR of 0.53 ± 0.05 ml·min−1·100 g body wt−1, which was not different than the 20% group cross-fostered to a different 20% mother (0.45 ± 0.04 ml·min−1·100 g body wt−1). BP in the 6% to 20% group was comparable with the 20% to 20% group. Offspring of rats fed either 20% or 6% protein diets during pregnancy and cross-fostered to a 6% mother had elevated BP but a comparable GFR normalized to body weight as the 20% to 20% control group. Thus, a prenatal low-protein diet causes hypertension and a reduction in GFR in mature adult offspring, which can be modified by postnatal rearing.
The factors affecting adherence to a long-term interval walking training program in middle-aged and older people
Authors: Masuki Shizue , Mori Masayuki , Tabara Yasuharu , Sakurai Akihiro , Hashimoto Shigenari , Morikawa Mayuko , Miyagawa Ken , Sumiyoshi Eri , Miki Tetsuro , Higuchi Keiichi , Nose Hiroshi
Published: December 2014

No long-term exercise training regimen with high adherence and effectiveness in middle-aged and older people is broadly available in the field. We assessed the adherence to, and effects of, our long-term training program comprising an interval walking training (IWT) and an information technology network system and the factors affecting adherence. Middle-aged and older men and women [ n = 696, aged 65 ± 7(SD) yr] underwent IWT. The subjects were instructed to repeat five or more sets of fast and slow walking for 3 min each at ≥70 and 40% peak aerobic capacity for walking (V̇o2peak), respectively, per day ≥4 days/wk for 22 mo. Adherence was assessed as training days accomplished relative to the target of 4 days/wk over 22 mo. The effects on the V̇o2peak and lifestyle-related disease score were evaluated every 6 mo. The independent factors affecting adherence were assessed by multiple-regression analysis after adjustment for baseline physical characteristics and other possible covariates, including vasopressin V1a receptor polymorphisms. The adherence over 22 mo averaged 70% and was highly correlated with a 13% reduction in the lifestyle-related disease score ( R2 = 0.94, P = 0.006) and with a 12% increase in V̇o2peak ( R2 = 0.94, P = 0.006). The major determinant of higher adherence was lower baseline body mass index (BMI) ( P < 0.0001) and male sex ( P < 0.0001). For men, in addition to BMI, nonsmokers ( P = 0.031) and V1a receptor polymorphisms ( P = 0.033) were independent determinants of higher adherence. Thus the long-term IWT program is an effective regimen. Moreover, baseline BMI and sex for all subjects, and smoking and V1a receptor polymorphisms for men, were associated with adherence.
Physiology in Medicine: A physiologic approach to prevention and treatment of acute high-altitude illnesses
Authors: Luks Andrew M.
Published: December 2014

With the growing interest in adventure travel and the increasing ease and affordability of air, rail, and road-based transportation, increasing numbers of individuals are traveling to high altitude. The decline in barometric pressure and ambient oxygen tensions in this environment trigger a series of physiologic responses across organ systems and over a varying time frame that help the individual acclimatize to the low oxygen conditions but occasionally lead to maladaptive responses and one or several forms of acute altitude illness. The goal of this Physiology in Medicine article is to provide information that providers can use when counseling patients who present to primary care or travel medicine clinics seeking advice about how to prevent these problems. After discussing the primary physiologic responses to acute hypoxia from the organ to the molecular level in normal individuals, the review describes the main forms of acute altitude illness—acute mountain sickness, high-altitude cerebral edema, and high-altitude pulmonary edema—and the basic approaches to their prevention and treatment of these problems, with an emphasis throughout on the physiologic basis for the development of these illnesses and their management.
Decomposition of surface EMG signals from cyclic dynamic contractions
Authors: De Luca Carlo J. , Chang Shey-Sheen , Roy Serge H. , Kline Joshua C. , Nawab S. Hamid
Published: December 2014

Over the past 3 decades, various algorithms used to decompose the electromyographic (EMG) signal into its constituent motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) have been reported. All are limited to decomposing EMG signals from isometric contraction. In this report, we describe a successful approach to decomposing the surface EMG (sEMG) signal collected from cyclic (repeated concentric and eccentric) dynamic contractions during flexion/extension of the elbow and during gait. The increased signal complexity introduced by the changing shapes of the MUAPs due to relative movement of the electrodes and the lengthening/shortening of muscle fibers was managed by an incremental approach to enhancing our established algorithm for decomposing sEMG signals obtained from isometric contractions. We used machine-learning algorithms and time-varying MUAP shape discrimination to decompose the sEMG signal from an increasingly challenging sequence of pseudostatic and dynamic contractions. The accuracy of the decomposition results was assessed by two verification methods that have been independently evaluated. The firing instances of the motor units had an accuracy of ∼90% with a MUAP train yield as high as 25. Preliminary observations from the performance of motor units during cyclic contractions indicate that during repetitive dynamic contractions, the control of motor units is governed by the same rules as those evidenced during isometric contractions. Modifications in the control properties of motoneuron firings reported by previous studies were not confirmed. Instead, our data demonstrate that the common drive and hierarchical recruitment of motor units are preserved during concentric and eccentric contractions.
Estimating the time course of population excitatory postsynaptic potentials in motoneurons of spastic stroke survivors
Authors: Hu Xiaogang , Suresh Nina L. , Rymer William Z.
Published: December 2014

Hyperexcitable motoneurons are likely to contribute to muscle hypertonia after a stroke injury; however, the origins of this hyperexcitability are not clear. One possibility is that the effective duration of the Ia excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) is prolonged, increasing the potential for temporal summation of EPSPs, making action potential initiation easier. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to quantify the time course of EPSPs in motoneurons of stroke survivors. The experimental protocol, which was based on parameters derived from simulation, involved sequential subthreshold electrical stimuli delivered to the median nerve of hemispheric stroke survivors. The resulting H-reflex responses were recorded in the flexor carpi radialis muscle. H-reflex response probability was then used to quantify the time course of the underlying EPSPs in the motoneuron pool. A population EPSP was estimated based on the probability of evoking an H reflex from the second electrical stimulus in the absence of a reflex response to the first stimulus. The accuracy of this time-course estimate was quantified using a computer simulation that explored a range of feasible EPSP parameters. Our experimental results showed that in all five hemispheric stroke survivors the rate of decay of the population EPSP was consistently slower in spastic compared with the contralateral motoneuron pools. We propose that one potential mechanism for hyperexcitability of motoneurons in spastic stroke survivors may be linked to this prolongation of the Ia EPSP time course. Our subthreshold double-stimulation approach also provides a noninvasive tool for quantifying the time course of EPSPs in both healthy and pathological conditions.
Electronic Connection Between the Quinone and CytochromecRedox Pools and Its Role in Regulation of Mitochondrial Electron Transport and Redox Signaling
Authors: Sarewicz Marcin , Osyczka Artur
Published: December 2014

Mitochondrial respiration, an important bioenergetic process, relies on operation of four membranous enzymatic complexes linked functionally by mobile, freely diffusible elements: quinone molecules in the membrane and water-soluble cytochromes c in the intermembrane space. One of the mitochondrial complexes, complex III (cytochrome bc1or ubiquinol:cytochrome c oxidoreductase), provides an electronic connection between these two diffusible redox pools linking in a fully reversible manner two-electron quinone oxidation/reduction with one-electron cytochrome c reduction/oxidation. Several features of this homodimeric enzyme implicate that in addition to its well-defined function of contributing to generation of proton-motive force, cytochrome bc1may be a physiologically important point of regulation of electron flow acting as a sensor of the redox state of mitochondria that actively responds to changes in bioenergetic conditions. These features include the following: the opposing redox reactions at quinone catalytic sites located on the opposite sides of the membrane, the inter-monomer electronic connection that functionally links four quinone binding sites of a dimer into an H-shaped electron transfer system, as well as the potential to generate superoxide and release it to the intermembrane space where it can be engaged in redox signaling pathways. Here we highlight recent advances in understanding how cytochrome bc1may accomplish this regulatory physiological function, what is known and remains unknown about catalytic and side reactions within the quinone binding sites and electron transfers through the cofactor chains connecting those sites with the substrate redox pools. We also discuss the developed molecular mechanisms in the context of physiology of mitochondria.
Gene-Environment Interactions Controlling Energy and Glucose Homeostasis and the Developmental Origins of Obesity
Authors: Bouret Sebastien , Levin Barry E. , Ozanne Susan E.
Published: December 2014

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often occur together and affect a growing number of individuals in both the developed and developing worlds. Both are associated with a number of other serious illnesses that lead to increased rates of mortality. There is likely a polygenic mode of inheritance underlying both disorders, but it has become increasingly clear that the pre- and postnatal environments play critical roles in pushing predisposed individuals over the edge into a disease state. This review focuses on the many genetic and environmental variables that interact to cause predisposed individuals to become obese and diabetic. The brain and its interactions with the external and internal environment are a major focus given the prominent role these interactions play in the regulation of energy and glucose homeostasis in health and disease.
NOD-Like Receptors: Versatile Cytosolic Sentinels
Authors: Motta Vinicius , Soares Fraser , Sun Tian , Philpott Dana J.
Published: December 2014

Nucleotide binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors are cytoplasmic pattern-recognition receptors that together with RIG-I-like receptor (retinoic acid-inducible gene 1), Toll-like receptor (TLR), and C-type lectin families make up the innate pathogen pattern recognition system. There are 22 members of NLRs in humans, 34 in mice, and even a larger number in some invertebrates like sea urchins, which contain more than 200 receptors. Although initially described to respond to intracellular pathogens, NLRs have been shown to play important roles in distinct biological processes ranging from regulation of antigen presentation, sensing metabolic changes in the cell, modulation of inflammation, embryo development, cell death, and differentiation of the adaptive immune response. The diversity among NLR receptors is derived from ligand specificity conferred by the leucine-rich repeats and an NH2-terminal effector domain that triggers the activation of different biological pathways. Here, we describe NLR genes associated with different biological processes and the molecular mechanisms underlying their function. Furthermore, we discuss mutations in NLR genes that have been associated with human diseases.
Epithelial Sodium Transport and Its Control by Aldosterone: The Story of Our Internal Environment Revisited
Authors: Rossier Bernard C. , Baker Michael E. , Studer Romain A.
Published: December 2014

Transcription and translation require a high concentration of potassium across the entire tree of life. The conservation of a high intracellular potassium was an absolute requirement for the evolution of life on Earth. This was achieved by the interplay of P- and V-ATPases that can set up electrochemical gradients across the cell membrane, an energetically costly process requiring the synthesis of ATP by F-ATPases. In animals, the control of an extracellular compartment was achieved by the emergence of multicellular organisms able to produce tight epithelial barriers creating a stable extracellular milieu. Finally, the adaptation to a terrestrian environment was achieved by the evolution of distinct regulatory pathways allowing salt and water conservation. In this review we emphasize the critical and dual role of Na+-K+-ATPase in the control of the ionic composition of the extracellular fluid and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in salt and water conservation in vertebrates. The action of aldosterone on transepithelial sodium transport by activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) at the apical membrane and that of Na+-K+-ATPase at the basolateral membrane may have evolved in lungfish before the emergence of tetrapods. Finally, we discuss the implication of RAAS in the origin of the present pandemia of hypertension and its associated cardiovascular diseases.
Magnesium in Man: Implications for Health and Disease
Authors: de Baaij Jeroen H. F. , Hoenderop Joost G. J. , Bindels René J. M.
Published: December 2014

Magnesium (Mg2+) is an essential ion to the human body, playing an instrumental role in supporting and sustaining health and life. As the second most abundant intracellular cation after potassium, it is involved in over 600 enzymatic reactions including energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Although Mg2+availability has been proven to be disturbed during several clinical situations, serum Mg2+values are not generally determined in patients. This review aims to provide an overview of the function of Mg2+in human health and disease. In short, Mg2+plays an important physiological role particularly in the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles. Moreover, Mg2+supplementation has been shown to be beneficial in treatment of, among others, preeclampsia, migraine, depression, coronary artery disease, and asthma. Over the last decade, several hereditary forms of hypomagnesemia have been deciphered, including mutations in transient receptor potential melastatin type 6 (TRPM6), claudin 16, and cyclin M2 (CNNM2). Recently, mutations in Mg2+transporter 1 (MagT1) were linked to T-cell deficiency underlining the important role of Mg2+in cell viability. Moreover, hypomagnesemia can be the consequence of the use of certain types of drugs, such as diuretics, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, calcineurin inhibitors, and proton pump inhibitors. This review provides an extensive and comprehensive overview of Mg2+research over the last few decades, focusing on the regulation of Mg2+homeostasis in the intestine, kidney, and bone and disturbances which may result in hypomagnesemia.
The Organic Anion Transporter (OAT) Family: A Systems Biology Perspective
Authors: Nigam Sanjay K. , Bush Kevin T. , Martovetsky Gleb , Ahn Sun-Young , Liu Henry C. , Richard Erin , Bhatnagar Vibha , Wu Wei
Published: December 2014

The organic anion transporter (OAT) subfamily, which constitutes roughly half of the SLC22 (solute carrier 22) transporter family, has received a great deal of attention because of its role in handling of common drugs (antibiotics, antivirals, diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), toxins (mercury, aristolochic acid), and nutrients (vitamins, flavonoids). Oats are expressed in many tissues, including kidney, liver, choroid plexus, olfactory mucosa, brain, retina, and placenta. Recent metabolomics and microarray data from Oat1 [ Slc22a6, originally identified as NKT (novel kidney transporter)] and Oat3 ( Slc22a8) knockouts, as well as systems biology studies, indicate that this pathway plays a central role in the metabolism and handling of gut microbiome metabolites as well as putative uremic toxins of kidney disease. Nuclear receptors and other transcription factors, such as Hnf4α and Hnf1α, appear to regulate the expression of certain Oats in conjunction with phase I and phase II drug metabolizing enzymes. Some Oats have a strong selectivity for particular signaling molecules, including cyclic nucleotides, conjugated sex steroids, odorants, uric acid, and prostaglandins and/or their metabolites. According to the “Remote Sensing and Signaling Hypothesis,” which is elaborated in detail here, Oats may function in remote interorgan communication by regulating levels of signaling molecules and key metabolites in tissues and body fluids. Oats may also play a major role in interorganismal communication (via movement of small molecules across the intestine, placental barrier, into breast milk, and volatile odorants into the urine). The role of various Oat isoforms in systems physiology appears quite complex, and their ramifications are discussed in the context of remote sensing and signaling.
A Numerical Formula for General Prediction of Interface Bonding between Alumina and Aluminum-Containing Alloys
Authors: Yoshitake Michiko , Yagyu Shinjiro , Chikyow Toyohiro
Published: December 2014

Interface termination between alumina and aluminum-containing alloys is discussed from a viewpoint of thermodynamics by extending the authors’ previous discussion on the interface termination between alumina and pure metal. A numerical formula to predict interface bonding at alumina-aluminum-containing alloys is proposed. The effectiveness of the formula is examined by extracting information on interface termination from experimental results and first-principle calculations in references. It is revealed that the prediction by the formula agrees quite well with the results reported in the references. According to the formula, a terminating species can be switched from oxygen to aluminum, which had been actually demonstrated experimentally. The formula uses only basic quantities of pure elements and the formation enthalpy of oxides. Therefore it can be applied for most of aluminum-containing alloys in the periodic table and is useful for material screening in developing interfaces with particular functions.
Anthropometric Characteristics of Underprivileged Adolescents: A Study from Urban Slums of India
Authors: Khopkar Sushama A. , Virtanen Suvi M. , Kulathinal Sangita
Published: December 2014

Purpose. The anthropometric status and growth of adolescents living in challenging conditions such as slums are insufficiently studied. The purpose here was to describe anthropometric characteristics and nutritional status of adolescents from urban slums of India and to study the factors affecting it.Methods. Anthropometric, socioeconomic and dietary habit data were collected using structured questionnaires of six hundred adolescents aged 10–19 years by house-to-house survey conducted in two randomly selected slums of Nashik, Western India. The growth of adolescents was compared using WHO and Indian reference populations. Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to examine associations between anthropometric measures and income, mother’s education, household size, and dietary intake.Results. Prevalences of stunting and thinness were lower using the Indian reference population compared to that of WHO. Stunting was more prevalent than thinness in the study subjects, and boys suffered more than girls. The effect of age on stunting was different among boys than girls. A mother’s education was highly significantly associated with both stunting and thinness in both sexes. Household size and income were significantly associated with the nutritional status of girls.Conclusions. Educating mothers about the nutritional needs of adolescents may help to improve adolescents’ anthropometric profile and future health.
Drop‐on‐Demand Inkjet Printhead Performance Enhancement by Dynamic Lumped Element Modeling for Printable Electronics Fabrication
Authors: He Maowei , Sun Liling , Hu Kunyuan , Zhu Yunlong , Ma Lianbo , Chen Hanning
Published: December 2014

The major challenge in printable electronics fabrication is the print resolution and accuracy. In this paper, the dynamic lumped element model (DLEM) is proposed to directly simulate an inkjet‐printed nanosilver droplet formation process and used for predictively controlling jetting characteristics. The static lumped element model (LEM) previously developed by the authors is extended to dynamic model with time‐varying equivalent circuits to characterize nonlinear behaviors of piezoelectric printhead. The model is then used to investigate how performance of the piezoelectric ceramic actuator influences jetting characteristics of nanosilver ink. Finally, the proposed DLEM is applied to predict the printing quality using nanosilver ink. Experimental results show that, compared to other analytic models, the proposed DLEM has a simpler structure with the sufficient simulation and prediction accuracy.
Modeling and Optimization for Production of Rice Husk Activated Carbon and Adsorption of Phenol
Authors: Mohammad Y. S. , Shaibu-Imodagbe E. M. , Igboro S. B. , Giwa A. , Okuofu C. A.
Published: December 2014

Modeling of adsorption process establishes mathematical relationship between the interacting process variables and process optimization is important in determining the values of factors for which the response is at maximum. In this paper, response surface methodology was employed for the modeling and optimization of adsorption of phenol onto rice husk activated carbon. Among the action variables considered are activated carbon pretreatment temperature, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration of phenol, while the response variables are removal efficiency and adsorption capacity. Regression analysis was used to analyze the models developed. The outcome of this research showed that 99.79% and 99.81% of the variations in removal efficiency and adsorption capacity, respectively, are attributed to the three process variables considered, that is, pretreatment temperature, adsorbent dosage, and initial phenol concentration. Therefore, the models can be used to predict the interaction of the process variables. Optimization tests showed that the optimum operating conditions for the adsorption process occurred at initial solute concentration of 40.61 mg/L, pretreatment temperature of 441.46°C, adsorbent dosage 4 g, adsorption capacity of 0.9595 mg/g, and removal efficiency of 97.16%. These optimum operating conditions were experimentally validated.
A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction: Tailored Partially Covered Stents (Placed Fluoroscopically) versus Standard Uncovered Stents (Placed Endoscopically)
Authors: Shi Ding , Ji Feng , Bao Yin-su , Liu Yong-pan
Published: December 2014

The aim of our study is to compare the efficacy and safety of “outlet-shape” tailored stents with standard stents for the management of distal gastric cancer causing gastric outlet obstructions (GOOs) with varying gastric cavity shapes and sizes. To determine the shape and size of the GOOs, stomach opacifications were performed using contrast media before stenting. Two basic shapes of the residual cavity of the proximal GOO were observed: cup shaped or approximately cup shaped and funnel shaped or approximately funnel shaped. Other shapes were not found. In the GOO tailored group, the size and shape of the proximal ends of the tailored stent were suited for the residual cavity of the proximal GOO. The tailored stents included large cup-shaped stents and large funnel-shaped stents. GOO tailored covered stents led to less restenosis and reintervention rates compared to standard uncovered stents but with the same survival.
Driver Steering Control and Full Vehicle Dynamics Study Based on a Nonlinear Three‐Directional Coupled Heavy‐Duty Vehicle Model
Authors: Li S. H. , Ren J. Y.
Published: December 2014

Under complicated driving situations, such as cornering brake, lane change, or barrier avoidance, the vertical, lateral, and longitudinal dynamics of a vehicle are coupled and interacted obviously. This work aims to propose the suitable vehicle and driver models for researching full vehicle dynamics in complicated conditions. A nonlinear three‐directional coupled lumped parameters (TCLP) model of a heavy‐duty vehicle considering the nonlinearity of suspension damping and tire stiffness is built firstly. Then a modified preview driver model with nonlinear time delay is proposed and connected to the TCLP model to form a driver‐vehicle closed‐loop system. The presented driver‐vehicle closed‐loop system is evaluated during a double‐lane change and compared with test data, traditional handling stability vehicle model, linear full vehicle model, and other driver models. The results show that the new driver model has better lane keeping performances than the other two driver models. In addition, the effects of driver model parameters on lane keeping performances, handling stability, ride comfort, and roll stability are discussed. The models and results of this paper are useful to enhance understanding the effects of driver behaviour on full vehicle dynamics.
Identification of Novel Clinical Factors Associated with Hepatic Fat Accumulation in Extreme Obesity
Authors: Gerhard Glenn S. , Benotti Peter , Wood G. Craig , Chu Xin , Argyropoulos George , Petrick Anthony , Strodel William E. , Gabrielsen Jon D. , Ibele Anna , Still Christopher D. , Kingsley Christopher , DiStefano Johanna
Published: December 2014

Objectives. The accumulation of lipids stored as excess triglycerides in the liver (steatosis) is highly prevalent in obesity and has been associated with several clinical characteristics, but most studies have been based on relatively small sample sizes using a limited set of variables. We sought to identify clinical factors associated with liver fat accumulation in a large cohort of patients with extreme obesity.Methods. We analyzed 2929 patients undergoing intraoperative liver biopsy during a primary bariatric surgery. Univariate and multivariate regression modeling was used to identify associations with over 200 clinical variables with the presence of any fat in the liver and with moderate to severe versus mild fat accumulation.Results. A total of 19 data elements were associated with the presence of liver fat and 11 with severity of liver fat including ALT and AST, plasma lipid, glucose, and iron metabolism variables, several medications and laboratory measures, and sleep apnea. The accuracy of a multiple logistic regression model for presence of liver fat was 81% and for severity of liver fat accumulation was 77%.Conclusions. A limited set of clinical factors can be used to model hepatic fat accumulation with moderate accuracy and may provide potential mechanistic insights in the setting of extreme obesity.
Carcinosarcoma of the Ureter with a Small Cell Component: Report of a Rare Pathologic Entity and Potential for Diagnostic Error on Biopsy
Authors: Newsom Kent , Tojuola Bayo , Al-Quran Samer , Parekattil Sijo , Hamilton William , Vila Duckworth Lizette
Published: December 2014

Carcinosarcomas of the ureter are rare biphasic neoplasms, composed of both malignant epithelial (carcinomatous) and malignant mesenchymal (sarcomatous) components. Carcinosarcomas of the urinary tract are exceedingly rare. We report a unique case of a carcinosarcoma of the ureter with a chondrosarcoma and small cell tumor component arising in a 68-year-old male who presented with microscopic hematuria. CT intravenous pyelogram revealed right-sided hydroureter and hydronephrosis with thickening and narrowing of the right ureter. The patient underwent robot-assisted ureterectomy with bladder cuff excision and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient is disease-free at 32 months after treatment. We provide a brief synoptic review of carcinosarcoma of the ureter and bladder with utilization of immunohistochemical (IHC) stains and potential diagnostic pitfalls.
Oral and Dental Findings of Dyskeratosis Congenita
Authors: Koruyucu Mine , Barlak Pelin , Seymen Figen
Published: December 2014

Dyskeratosis congenital (DC) is a rare condition characterized by reticulate skin hyperpigmentation, mucosal leukoplakia, and nail dystrophy. More serious features are bone marrow involvement with pancytopenia and a predisposition to malignancy. The purpose of this case report is to describe the oral and dental findings in children with DC syndrome. A 10-year-old male diagnosed with DC was admitted because of extensive caries and toothache. Inadequate oral hygiene and extensive caries were observed in oral examination of the patient. Plaque accumulation was seen in gingival border of maxillary teeth. Papillary atrophy on the tongue was observed. Short and blunted roots of mandible incisors and upper and lower molars were determined on the radiographic examination. Dryness on the lips and commisuras, ectropion on his eyes, and epiphora were observed. Hematologic tests were performed and showed aplastic anemia at the age of 2. At the age of 4, the bone marrow transplantation was performed. Dermatological findings occurred after the bone marrow transplantation. The skin of the patient was thin, dry, and wrinkled in some areas. He had palmoplantar hyperkeratosis and syndactylia on his fingers. Endodontic treatment procedures were applied and other extensive caries are still being restored. The patient will be given full preventive care during regular follow-up. Oral hygiene was improved to the optimum level.
Constructing Matrix Exponential Distributions by Moments and Behavior around Zero
Authors: Angius Alessio , Horváth András , Halawani Sami M. , Barukab Omar , Ahmad Ab Rahman , Balbo Gianfranco
Published: December 2014

This paper deals with moment matching of matrix exponential (ME) distributions used to approximate general probability density functions (pdf). A simple and elegant approach to this problem is applying Padé approximation to the moment generating function of the ME distribution. This approach may, however, fail if the resulting ME function is not a proper probability density function; that is, it assumes negative values. As there is no known, numerically stable method to check the nonnegativity of general ME functions, the applicability of Padé approximation is limited to low‐order ME distributions or special cases. In this paper, we show that the Padé approximation can be extended to capture the behavior of the original pdf around zero and this can help to avoid representations with negative values and to have a better approximation of the shape of the original pdf. We show that there exist cases when this extension leads to ME function whose nonnegativity can be verified, while the classical approach results in improper pdf. We apply the ME distributions resulting from the proposed approach in stochastic models and show that they can yield more accurate results.
Two-Stage Revision TKA Is Associated with High Complication and Failure Rates
Authors: Pelt Christopher E. , Grijalva Ray , Anderson Lucas , Anderson Mike B. , Erickson Jill , Peters Christopher L.
Published: December 2014

Despite two-stage revision remaining the gold standard in treating periprosthetic infection of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), there remains uncertainty regarding the actual success rate and the risk factors for failure. We retrospectively reviewed 58 knees with mean follow-up of 38 months who underwent two-stage revision TKAs from 1998 to 2012 by a single surgeon. Failure was defined as persistent infection or reoperation after two-stage revision TKA surgery. Failure occurred in 36%. The overall mortality was 22%. The mean time to reinfection was 26 months. Polymicrobial infection was associated with a higher risk of failure (RR 3.31,P<0.001). Knees requiring soft tissue coverage were also at a greater risk of failure (RR 2.67,P=0.001), as were knees that underwent four or more additional surgeries after the primary TKA and prior to stage-one explantation (RR 2.25,P=0.020). Thus, opportunities exist for improvement in management of infected TKA.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antiarthritic Activity of Anthraquinone Derivatives in Rodents
Authors: Kshirsagar Ajay D. , Panchal Prashant V. , Harle Uday N. , Nanda Rabindra K. , Shaikh Haidarali M.
Published: December 2014

Aloe emodin is isolated compound of aloe vera which is used traditionally as an anti-inflammatory agent. In vitro pharmacokinetic data suggest that glucuronosyl or sulfated forms of aloe emodin may provide some limitations in its absorption capacity. Aloe emodin was reported to have in vitro anti-inflammatory activity due to inhibition of inducible nitric oxide (iNO) and prostaglandin E2, via its action on murine macrophages. However, present work evidenced that molecular docking of aloe emodin modulates the anti-inflammatory activity, as well as expression of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) in rodent. The AEC (4,5-dihydroxy-9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracene-2 carboxylic acid) was synthesized using aloe emodin as starting material. The study was planned for evaluation of possible anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activity in carrageenan rat induced paw oedema and complete Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. The AE (aloe emodin) and AEC significantlyP<0.001reduced carrageenan induced paw edema at 50 and 75 mg/kg. Complete Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritis model showed significantP<0.001decrease in injected and noninjected paw volume, arthritic score. AE and AEC showed significant effect on various biochemical, antioxidant, and hematological parameters. Diclofenac sodium 10 mg/kg showed significantP<0.001inhibition in inflammation and arthritis.
Finite Element Analysis of Residual Stress in Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Plate Induced by Deep Rolling Process under Complex Roller Path
Authors: Liou J. J. , El-Wardany T. I.
Published: December 2014

The kinematics of the deep rolling tool, contact stress, and induced residual stress in the near-surface material of a flat Ti-6Al-4V alloy plate are numerically investigated. The deep rolling tool is under multiaxis nonlinear motion in the process. Unlike available deep rolling simulations in the open literature, the roller motion investigated in this study includes penetrative and slightly translational motions. A three-dimensional finite element model with dynamic explicit technique is developed to simulate the instantaneous complex roller motions during the deep rolling process. The initial motion of the rollers followed by the penetration motion to apply the load and perform the deep rolling process, the load releasing, and material recovery steps is sequentially simulated. This model is able to capture the transient characteristics of the kinematics on the roller and contacts between the roller and the plate due to variations of roller motion. The predictions show that the magnitude of roller reaction force in the penetration direction starts to decrease with time when the roller motion changes to the deep rolling step and the residual stress distributions in the near-surface material after the material recovery step varies considerably along the roller path.
Characteristics of Primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in Iran: A 10-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Fatemi Naeini Farahnaz , Sadeghiyan Hamidreza , Pourazizi Mohsen , Najafian Jamshid , Abtahi-Naeini Bahareh
Published: December 2014

Background. Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a group of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas that may be present in the skin without any evidence of extracutaneous disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of primary CTCL in Isfahan, Iran. Method. A total of 95 patients who were diagnosed as having primary CTCL were recruited during a 10-year period (2003–2013) and were classified according to the new WHO-EORTC criteria. Results. The patient group consisted of 43 (44.8%) males and 53 (55.2%) females, which indicated a female predominance (M : F ratio 1 : 1.2). The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 41.78 ± 16.88 years (range: 7–84 years). Prior to diagnosis, the lesions had persisted for a mean of 8.34 ± 4.38 years (range: 0–55 years). The age at peak diagnosis was 20–40 years (43%). The most frequent subtypes were mycosis fungoides (MF) (88.5%). Four patients died from CTCL-related complications. Conclusions. The distinguishing epidemiologic characteristics of primary CTCL, particularly those MF, in Iran, are the absence of a male predominance and lower age at diagnosis. This is likely because of the characteristic ethnic group diversity and increased susceptibility among younger population.
Optical Biosensor Based on Microbendings Technique: An Optimized Mean to Measure the Bone Strength
Authors: Singh Preeti , Shrivastava Abhishek
Published: December 2014

Osteoporosis, a disease in humans, reduces bone mineral density. The microarchitecture of the bone gets deteriorated with change in variety of proteins in the bone. Therefore, a quantitative assessment of the strength of human bone, considering its structural properties and degradation due to aging, disease, and therapeutic treatment, becomes an integral part of the bioengineering studies. This paper presents a model of fiber optic biosensors (FOBs) which utilizes microbending technique to measure the strength of the bone. In parallel, an artificial neural network (ANN) based test bench has been developed for the optimization of FOBs strain measurement in orthoapplications using MATLAB. The performance accuracy of the given model appears to be considerable in ensuring the detection of the onset of osteoporosis.
Electroacupuncture for Bladder Function Recovery in Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Gao Yinqiu , Zhou Xinyao , Dong Xichen , Jia Qing , Xie Shen , Pang Ran
Published: December 2014

Purpose. To determine the efficacy of electroacupuncture on recovering postanesthetic bladder function. Materials and Methods. Sixty‐one patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia were recruited and allocated into electroacupuncture or control group randomly. Patients in electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture therapy whereas ones in control group were not given any intervention. Primary endpoint was incidence of bladder overdistension and postoperative urinary retention. Secondary endpoints included time to spontaneous micturition, voided volume, and adverse events. Results. All patients (31 in electroacupuncture group and 30 in control group) completed the evaluation. During postoperative follow‐up, patients in electroacupuncture group presented a significant lower proportion of bladder overdistension than counterparts in control group (16.1% versus 53.3%, P < 0.01). However, no significant difference was found in incidence of postoperative urinary retention between the two groups (0% versus 6.7%, P > 0.05). Furthermore, a shorter time to spontaneous micturition was found in electroacupuncture group compared to control group (228 min versus 313 min, P < 0.001), whereas urine volume and adverse events had no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions. Electroacupuncture reduced the proportion of bladder overdistension and shortened the time to spontaneous micturition in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia. Electroacupuncture may be a therapeutic strategy for postanesthetic bladder dysfunction.
Effect of Population Structures on Quantum-Inspired Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Mani Nija , Srivastava Gursaran , Sinha A. K. , Mani Ashish
Published: December 2014

Quantum-inspired evolutionary algorithm (QEA) has been designed by integrating some quantum mechanical principles in the framework of evolutionary algorithms. They have been successfully employed as a computational technique in solving difficult optimization problems. It is well known that QEAs provide better balance between exploration and exploitation as compared to the conventional evolutionary algorithms. The population in QEA is evolved by variation operators, which move the Q-bit towards an attractor. A modification for improving the performance of QEA was proposed by changing the selection of attractors, namely, versatile QEA. The improvement attained by versatile QEA over QEA indicates the impact of population structure on the performance of QEA and motivates further investigation into employing fine-grained model. The QEA with fine-grained population model (FQEA) is similar to QEA with the exception that every individual is located in a unique position on a two-dimensional toroidal grid and has four neighbors amongst which it selects its attractor. Further, FQEA does not use migrations, which is employed by QEAs. This paper empirically investigates the effect of the three different population structures on the performance of QEA by solving well-known discrete benchmark optimization problems.