bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myasthenia gravis masquerading as dysphagia: unveiled by magnesium infusion
Authors: Klair Jagpal Singh , Rochlani Yogita M , Meena Nikhil K
Published: April 2014

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorder that typically affects the ocular, bulbar, neck, proximal limbs and respiratory muscles. Dysphagia can occasionally be the only presenting symptom leading to extensive but ultimately futile gastrointestinal workup. Delay in diagnosis and use of certain pharmacological agents in the interim can lead to a myasthenic crisis, which though diagnostic is life threatening. We document a case of dysphagia as the only symptom of myasthenia, diagnosed after a magnesium infusion precipitated myasthenic crisis. A 70-year-old Caucasian woman who had had progressive dysphagia for 2 years, for which multiple oesophageal dilations were performed. During a hosptalisation for further gastrointestinal workup, she went into myasthenic crisis (respiratory failure) after receiving magnesium replacement. She required ventilatory support and received five plasma exchange (PLEX) treatments after myasthenia was confirmed by the detection of high antiacetylcholine receptor antibody. Though her symptoms improved, she had a prolonged hospital stay (25 days) and required 18 days of mechanical ventilation. This underscores the morbidity associated with a delay in diagnosis of this condition. This case report suggests that neuromuscular causes should be considered early in elderly patients presenting with dysphagia. Timely diagnosis, initiation of management and avoidance of drugs that affect neuromuscular transmission may help reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with myasthenic crisis.
The barriers to and enablers of providing reasonably adjusted health services to people with intellectual disabilities in acute hospitals: evidence from a mixed-methods study
Authors: Tuffrey-Wijne Irene , Goulding Lucy , Giatras Nikoletta , Abraham Elisabeth , Gillard Steve , White Sarah , Edwards Christine , Hollins Sheila
Published: April 2014

Objective

To identify the factors that promote and compromise the implementation of reasonably adjusted healthcare services for patients with intellectual disabilities in acute National Health Service (NHS) hospitals.

Design

A mixed-methods study involving interviews, questionnaires and participant observation (July 2011–March 2013).

Setting

Six acute NHS hospital trusts in England.

Methods

Reasonable adjustments for people with intellectual disabilities were identified through the literature. Data were collected on implementation and staff understanding of these adjustments.

Results

Data collected included staff questionnaires (n=990), staff interviews (n=68), interviews with adults with intellectual disabilities (n=33), questionnaires (n=88) and interviews (n=37) with carers of patients with intellectual disabilities, and expert panel discussions (n=42). Hospital strategies that supported implementation of reasonable adjustments did not reliably translate into consistent provision of such adjustments. Good practice often depended on the knowledge, understanding and flexibility of individual staff and teams, leading to the delivery of reasonable adjustments being haphazard throughout the organisation. Major barriers included: lack of effective systems for identifying and flagging patients with intellectual disabilities, lack of staff understanding of the reasonable adjustments that may be needed, lack of clear lines of responsibility and accountability for implementing reasonable adjustments, and lack of allocation of additional funding and resources. Key enablers were the Intellectual Disability Liaison Nurse and the ward manager.

Conclusions

The evidence suggests that ward culture, staff attitudes and staff knowledge are crucial in ensuring that hospital services are accessible to vulnerable patients. The authors suggest that flagging the need for specific reasonable adjustments, rather than the vulnerable condition itself, may address some of the barriers. Further research is recommended that describes and quantifies the most frequently needed reasonable adjustments within the hospital pathways of vulnerable patient groups, and the most effective organisational infrastructure required to guarantee their use, together with resource implications.
Positivehealtheffects of thenaturaloutdoor environment intypicalpopulations in different regions inEurope (PHENOTYPE): a study programme protocol
Authors: Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J , Kruize Hanneke , Gidlow Christopher , Andrusaityte Sandra , Antó Josep Maria , Basagaña Xavier , Cirach Marta , Dadvand Payam , Danileviciute Asta , Donaire-Gonzalez David , Garcia Judith , Jerrett Michael , Jones Marc , Julvez Jordi , van Kempen Elise , van Kamp Irene , Maas Jolanda , Seto Edmund , Smith Graham , Triguero Margarita , Wendel-Vos Wanda , Wright John , Zufferey Joris , van den Hazel Peter Jan , Lawrence Roderick , Grazuleviciene Regina
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Growing evidence suggests that close contact with nature brings benefits to human health and well-being, but the proposed mechanisms are still not well understood and the associations with health remain uncertain. ThePositiveHealthEffects of theNaturalOutdoor environment inTypicalPopulations in different regions inEurope (PHENOTYPE) project investigates the interconnections between natural outdoor environments and better human health and well-being.

Aims and methods

The PHENOTYPE project explores the proposed underlying mechanisms at work (stress reduction/restorative function, physical activity, social interaction, exposure to environmental hazards) and examines the associations with health outcomes for different population groups. It implements conventional and new innovative high-tech methods to characterise the natural environment in terms of quality and quantity. Preventive as well as therapeutic effects of contact with the natural environment are being covered. PHENOTYPE further addresses implications for land-use planning and green space management. The main innovative part of the study is the evaluation of possible short-term and long-term associations of green space and health and the possible underlying mechanisms in four different countries (each with quite a different type of green space and a different use), using the same methodology, in one research programme. This type of holistic approach has not been undertaken before. Furthermore there are technological innovations such as the use of remote sensing and smartphones in the assessment of green space.

Conclusions

The project will produce a more robust evidence base on links between exposure to natural outdoor environment and human health and well-being, in addition to a better integration of human health needs into land-use planning and green space management in rural as well as urban areas.
How do clinicians with different training backgrounds manage walk-in patients in the ED setting?
Authors: Harris Tim , McDonald Keith
Published: April 2014

Objective

To compare the initial assessment and management of walk-in emergency department (ED) patients between different types of healthcare providers.

Setting

A large teaching hospital with an annual ED census of 140 000 adult patients.

Methods

A random sample of 384 patients who self-presented to the ED was obtained. A detailed analysis of each patient record was performed by two clinicians. Data were obtained on the presenting condition, and disposition of each patient, either into the ED for further assessment, or discharge.

Results

GPs were significantly more likely to discharge patients home as compared to emergency nurses. ED senior nurses were more likely than GPs to stream patients into the ED for further assessment. Of the patients referred into the ED for further assessment by senior ED nurses, the majority were discharged home. There were insufficient numbers of emergency physician assessments for meaningful statistical analysis.

Conclusions

The clinician groups studied here demonstrated different patterns of discharge and referral, reflecting their training and experience. When planning operational procedures, the training and background of the staff allocated to each area should be considered.
A One Health approach to the control of zoonotic vectorborne pathogens
Authors: Oura Chris
Published: April 2014

In the fourth article in Veterinary Record 's series of articles promoting One Health, Chris Oura discusses the threats posed to both animal and human populations by vectorborne diseases and how a multidisciplinary approach would be effective in reducing the risks and managing outbreaks.
The extreme points of SU(2)-irreducibly covariant channels
Authors: Al Nuwairan M.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we introduce EPOSIC channels, a class of SU(2)-covariant quantum channels. For each of them, we give a Kraus representation, its Choi matrix, a complementary channel, and its dual map. We show that they are the extreme points of all SU(2)-irreducibly covariant channels. As an application of these channels, we get an example of a positive map that is not completely positive.
Type II/F-theory superpotentials and Ooguri–Vafa invariants of compact Calabi–Yau threefolds with three deformations
Authors: Xu Feng-Jun , Yang Fu-Zhong
Published: April 2014

We calculate the D-brane superpotentials for two Calabi–Yau manifolds with three deformations by the generalized hypergeometric GKZ systems, which give rise to the flux superpotentials 𝒲 GVW of the dual F-theory compactification on the relevant Calabi–Yau fourfolds in the weak decoupling limit. We also compute the Ooguri–Vafa invariants from A-model expansion with mirror symmetry, which are related to the open Gromov–Witten invariants.
DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A NEW FIVE-WAY POWER DIVIDER
Authors: WANG HUAN-ZHU , LI JIA-LIN , SHAO WEI , WANG JIAN-PENG , YANG XUE-SONG , GAO SHAN-SHAN
Published: April 2014

To solve the problem that it is difficult to install isolation resistors across each output port, a new five-way microstrip Wilkinson power divider with double-layer topology is developed. The isolation resistors are placed on the second substrate by using half-wavelength microstrip transmission lines with the introduction of Archimedean spirals to reduce the circuit size. To demonstrate the design method, a five-way equal power divider is designed; its size is optimized at the center frequency of 2.45 GHz. The fabricated sample has been tested. Measured results are in good agreement with simulations.
A SYSTEMATIC MAPPING STUDY OF EMPIRICAL STUDIES ON THE USE OF PAIR PROGRAMMING IN INDUSTRY
Authors: VANHANEN JARI , MÄNTYLÄ MIKA V.
Published: April 2014

Previous systematic literature reviews on pair programming (PP) lack in their coverage of industrial PP data as well as certain factors of PP such as infrastructure. Therefore, we conducted a systematic mapping study on empirical, industrial PP research. Based on 154 research papers, we built a new PP framework containing 18 factors. We analyzed the previous research on each factor through several research properties. The most thoroughly studied factors in industry are communication, knowledge of work, productivity and quality. Many other factors largely lack comparative data, let alone data from reliable data collection methods such as measurement. Based on these gaps in research further studies would be most valuable for development process, targets of PP, developers’ characteristics, and feelings of work. We propose how they could be studied better. If the gaps had been commonly known, they could have been covered rather easily in the previous empirical studies. Our results help to focus further studies on the most relevant gaps in research and design them based on the previous studies. The results also help to identify the factors for which systematic reviews that synthesize the findings of the primary studies would already be feasible.
Construction of quasi-linear left cycle sets
Authors: Catino Francesco , Miccoli Maria Maddalena
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we produce a method to construct quasi-linear left cycle sets A with Rad (A) ⊆ Fix (A). Moreover, among these cycle sets, we give a complete description of those for which Fix (A) = Soc (A) and the underlying additive group is cyclic. Using such cycle sets, we obtain left non-degenerate involutive set-theoretic solutions of the Yang–Baxter equation which are different from those obtained in [P. Etingof, T. Schedler and A. Soloviev, Set-theoretical solutions to the quantum Yang–Baxter equation, Duke Math. J. 100 (1999) 169–209; P. Etingof, A. Soloviev and R. Guralnick, Indecomposable set-theoretical solutions to the quantum Yang–Baxter equation on a set with a prime number of elements, J. Algebra 242 (2001) 709–719].
Finite commutative rings with higher genus unit graphs
Authors: Su Huadong , Noguchi Kenta , Zhou Yiqiang
Published: April 2014

Let R be a ring with identity. The unit graph of R, denoted by G(R), is a simple graph with vertex set R, and where two distinct vertices x and y are adjacent if and only if x + y is a unit in R. The genus of a simple graph G is the smallest nonnegative integer g such that G can be embedded into an orientable surface Sg. In this paper, we determine all isomorphism classes of finite commutative rings whose unit graphs have genus at most three.
The Auslander–Reiten components of $\mathcal{K}^b({\rm proj}\, \Lambda)$ for a cluster-tilted algebra of type Ã
Authors: Arnesen Kristin Krogh , Grimeland Yvonne
Published: April 2014

We classify the Auslander–Reiten components of [Formula: see text], where Λ is a cluster-tilted algebra of type Ã. The main tool is the combinatoric description of the indecomposable complexes in [Formula: see text] via homotopy strings and homotopy bands.
On quasirecognition by prime graph of the simple groups $A^{+}_{n}(p)$ and $A^{-}_{n}(p)$
Authors: Mahmoudifar Ali , Khosravi Behrooz
Published: April 2014

Let p be prime and n be a natural number. In this paper, we present two conditions such that if p and n satisfy these conditions, then the simple groups [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are quasirecognizable by prime graph and also quasirecognizable by spectrum. One of these conditions has a relation with Artin's Conjecture. As an application, we see that for every p < 1000, there exists a natural number m, such that for all n ≥ m, the simple groups [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are quasirecognizable by prime graph.
Groups in which normality is a weakly transitive relation
Authors: Romano Emanuela , Vincenzi Giovanni
Published: April 2014

We study groups in which normality is a weakly transitive relation, giving an extension of in Theorem A [On finite T-groups, J. Aust. Math. Soc. 75 (2003) 181–191] due to Ballester-Bolinches and Esteban-Romero pointing out the relations between these groups and those in which all subgroups are almost pronormal. Moreover, we extend a well-known theorem of Peng [Finite groups with pro-normal subgroups, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 20 (1969) 232–234] proving that for a large class of generalized FC-groups the weak transitivity of normality is equivalent to having finitely many maximal pronormalizers of subgroups.
On commutative rings with uniserial dimension
Authors: Ghorbani A. , Nazemian Z.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we define and study a valuation dimension for commutative rings. The valuation dimension is a measure of how far a commutative ring deviates from being valuation. It is shown that a ring R with valuation dimension has finite uniform dimension. We prove that a ring R is Noetherian (respectively, Artinian) if and only if the ring R × R has (respectively, finite) valuation dimension if and only if R has (respectively, finite) valuation dimension and all cyclic uniserial modules are Noetherian (respectively, Artinian). We show that the class of all rings of finite valuation dimension strictly lies between the class of Artinian rings and the class of semi-perfect rings.
Studying the baryon properties through chiral soliton model at finite temperature and density
Authors: Shu Song , Li Jia-Rong
Published: April 2014

We have studied the chiral soliton model in a thermal vacuum. The soliton equations are solved at finite temperature and density. The temperature or density dependent soliton solutions are presented. The physical properties of baryons are derived from the soliton solutions at finite temperature and density. The temperature or density dependent variation of the baryon properties are discussed.
Elliptic flow parameter in Au+Au and p+Au collisions at top RHIC energy
Authors: Zhou Dai-Mei , Cai Xu , Cheng Yun , Yan Yu-Liang , Dong Bao-Guo , Sa Ben-Hao
Published: April 2014

The new issue of parton and hadron cascade model PACIAE 2.1 is utilized investigating the charged particle elliptic flow parameter v2 in Au + Au and p+ Au collisions at top RHIC energy. If the transverse momenta px and py of particles from string fragmentation are randomly sampled on the circumference of an ellipse instead of circle originally the PHENIX charged particle v2(η) and v2(pT) data in the 20-40% and 40-50% central Au + Au collisions at [Formula: see text] are fairly reproduced by the PACIAE 2.1 calculations, respectively. In addition, the charged particle v2(η) and v2(pT) in the p+ Au collisions at [Formula: see text] are predicted. It turned out that the charged particle elliptic flow parameter v2 may reach a measurable value of ~0.04 in the above p+ Au collisions.
Lowest-lying octet baryon masses up to $\mathcal{O}(p^4)$ in covariant baryon chiral perturbation theory
Authors: Ren Xiu-Lei , Geng Lisheng , Meng Jie , Toki Hiroshi
Published: April 2014

In this talk, we report on a systematic study of the lowest-lying octet baryon masses in covariant baryon chiral perturbation theory with the extended-on-mass-shell renormalization scheme up to [Formula: see text]. By adjusting the low-energy constants, a reasonable description of the nf = 2 + 1 lattice results is achieved with χ2/d.o.f. about 1. It confirms that the various lattice simulations are consistent with each other. We also find that the virtual decuplet effects on the baryon masses cannot be disentangled from those of the virtual octet baryons and the tree level diagrams.
$\bar{D}$ and B nuclei with one pion exchange potential
Authors: Yamaguchi Y. , Hosaka A. , Yasui S.
Published: April 2014

We discuss the possible existence of exotic dibaryons with a heavy antiquark, being realized three-body systems, [Formula: see text] and B(*)NN. These are genuinely exotic states with no quark-antiquark annihilation. We consider the heavy quark spin symmetry and chiral symmetry, and introduce the one pion exchange potential between a [Formula: see text] meson and a nucleon N. As for the NN interaction, we employ the Argonne [Formula: see text] potential. By solving the coupled-channel equations for PNN and [Formula: see text], we find bound and resonant states near the thresholds both in charm and bottom sectors.
Heavy quark spin in an S-wave meson-antimeson state
Authors: Liu Yan-Rui
Published: April 2014

The newly observed exotic mesons above [Formula: see text] threshold were widely discussed in the molecular picture. To understand deeper their structures, we here discuss the spin ([Formula: see text]) of a heavy quark-antiquark pair in an S-wave meson-antimeson system by constructing explicitly the spin wave function. One finds two selection rules for [Formula: see text] (a) the total angular momentum J is larger than the maximum angular momentum of the light degree of freedom or smaller than the minimum one; (b) JC = 1+, 2-, 3+, ⋯ if the two mesons are different but belong to the same doublet. This feature may be used to constrain possible strong decay channels.
Chiral particle/Photon emission from heavy-light mesons
Authors: Matsuki Takayuki , Seo Kohichi
Published: April 2014

Partial decay widths of the heavy-light mesons, D, Ds, B, and Bs, emitting one chiral particle (π or K) or photon γ are evaluated in the framework of a relativistic potential model. Decay amplitudes are calculated by keeping the Lorentz invariance as far as possible and use has been made of the Lorentz-boosted relativistic wave functions of the heavy-light mesons. One of predictions of our calculation is very narrow widths of a few keV for yet undiscovered Bs(0+, 1+) mesons corresponding to 2S+1LJ = 3P0 and "3P1" assuming their masses to be 5617 and 5682 MeV, respectively, as calculated in our former paper.

Sizable radiative decay widths of D* or [Formula: see text] are obtained by including the 1st order corrections in 1/mQ expansion, in the unit of keV; Γ(D*0 → D0 + γ) = 9.8, Γ (D*+ → D+ + γ) = 0.71, [Formula: see text] and large radiative decay widths of DsJ are obtained compared with non-relativistic results.
Mass of scalar glueball
Authors: Zhang Ailin
Published: April 2014

In this talk, the references on the mass determination of the 0++ scalar glueball is briefly reviewed. Some discussions on the exploration of glueball in theory and experiment are made.
Study of baryon octet charge form factors in perturbative chiral quark model
Authors: Liu X. Y. , Khosonthongkee K. , Limphirat A. , Yan Y.
Published: April 2014

The charge form factors of baryon octet are studied in the perturbative chiral quark model (PCQM). The relativistic quark wave function is extracted by fitting the theoretical results of the nucleon charge form factors to the experimental data and the predetermined quark wave function is applied to study the charge form factors of other octet baryons. The PCQM results are found, based on the predetermined quark wave function, in good agreement with the experimental data.
Nonperturbative study of the jet quenching parameter from AdS/CFT
Authors: Hou De-Fu , Zhang Zi-Qiang , Ren Hai-Cang
Published: April 2014

This talk presents our derivation of the jet quenching parameter of 𝒩 = 4 super symmetric Yang-Mills theory to the sub-leading term in the large 't Hooft coupling λ at a nonzero temperature by including the world-sheet fluctuations around the classical world sheet from AdS /CFT. The strong coupling expansion corresponds to the semi-classical expansion of the string-sigma model, the gravity dual of the Wilson loop operator, with the sub-leading term expressed in terms of functional determinants of fluctuations. The contribution of these determinants are evaluated numerically. We find the jet quenching parameter is reduced due to world sheet fluctuations by a factor (1 - 1.97λ-1/2). Some insights have been discussed by the comparison between experimental data and our result and other theoretical calculations.
Oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial fragmentation and movement in skeletal muscle myoblasts
Authors: Iqbal Sobia , Hood David A.
Published: April 2014

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles, capable of altering their morphology and function. However, the mechanisms governing these changes have not been fully elucidated, particularly in muscle cells. We demonstrated that oxidative stress with H2O2 resulted in a 41% increase in fragmentation of the mitochondrial reticulum in myoblasts within 3 h of exposure, an effect that was preceded by a reduction in membrane potential. Using live cell imaging, we monitored mitochondrial motility and found that oxidative stress resulted in a 30% reduction in the average velocity of mitochondria. This was accompanied by parallel reductions in both organelle fission and fusion. The attenuation in mitochondrial movement was abolished by the addition of N-acetylcysteine. To investigate whether H2O2-induced fragmentation was mediated by dynamin-related protein 1, we incubated cells with mDivi1, an inhibitor of dynamin-related protein 1 translocation to mitochondria. mDivi1 attenuated oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial fragmentation by 27%. Moreover, we demonstrated that exposure to H2O2 upregulated endoplasmic reticulum-unfolded protein response markers before the initiation of mitophagy signaling and the mitochondrial-unfolded protein response. These findings indicate that oxidative stress is a vital signaling mechanism in the regulation of mitochondrial morphology and motility.
Host endothelial S1PR1 regulation of vascular permeability modulates tumor growth
Authors: Sarkisyan Gor , Gay Laurie J. , Nguyen Nhan , Felding Brunhilde H. , Rosen Hugh
Published: April 2014

Understanding vascular growth and maturation in developing tumors has important implications for tumor progression, spread, and ultimately host survival. Modulating the signaling of endothelial G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in blood and lymphatic vessels can enhance or limit tumor progression. Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) is a GPCR for circulating lysophospholipid S1P that is highly expressed in blood and lymphatic vessels. Using the S1PR1- enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) mouse model in combination with intravital imaging and pharmacologic modulation of S1PR1 signaling, we show that boundary conditions of high and low S1PR1 signaling retard tumor progression by enhancing or destabilizing neovasculature integrity, respectively. In contrast, midrange S1PR1 signaling, achieved by receptor antagonist titration, promotes abundant growth of small, organized vessels and thereby enhances tumor progression. Furthermore, in vivo S1PR1 antagonism supports lung colonization by circulating tumor cells. Regulation of endothelial S1PR1 dynamically controls vascular integrity and maturation and thus modulates angiogenesis, tumor growth, and hematogenous metastasis.
Jnk2 deletion disrupts intestinal mucosal homeostasis and maturation by differentially modulating RNA-binding proteins HuR and CUGBP1
Authors: Chung Hee Kyoung , Rao Jaladanki N. , Zou Tongtong , Liu Lan , Xiao Lan , Gu Hui , Turner Douglas J. , Yang Peixin , Wang Jian-Ying
Published: April 2014

Homeostasis and maturation of the mammalian intestinal epithelium are preserved through strict regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation, but the exact mechanism underlying this process remains largely unknown. c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 2 (JNK2) is highly expressed in the intestinal mucosa, and its activation plays an important role in proliferation and also mediates apoptosis in cultured intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Here, we investigated the in vivo function of JNK2 in the regulation of intestinal epithelial homeostasis and maturation by using a targeted gene deletion approach. Targeted deletion of the jnk2 gene increased cell proliferation within the crypts in the small intestine and disrupted mucosal maturation as indicated by decreases in the height of villi and the villus-to-crypt ratio. JNK2 deletion also decreased susceptibility of the intestinal epithelium to apoptosis. JNK2-deficient intestinal epithelium was associated with an increase in the level of the RNA-binding protein HuR and with a decrease in the abundance of CUG-binding protein 1 (CUGBP1). In studies in vitro, JNK2 silencing protected intestinal epithelial cell-6 (IEC-6) cells against apoptosis and this protection was prevented by inhibiting HuR. Ectopic overexpression of CUGBP1 repressed IEC-6 cell proliferation, whereas CUGBP1 silencing enhanced cell growth. These results indicate that JNK2 is essential for maintenance of normal intestinal epithelial homeostasis and maturation under biological conditions by differentially modulating HuR and CUGBP1.
Cellular Mechanisms of Tissue Fibrosis. 7. New insights into the cellular mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Barkauskas Christina E. , Noble Paul W.
Published: April 2014

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating disease characterized by severe and progressive scar formation in the gas-exchange regions of the lung. Despite years of research, therapeutic treatments remain elusive and there is a pressing need for deeper mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. In this article, we review our current knowledge of the triggers and/or perpetuators of pulmonary fibrosis with special emphasis on the alveolar epithelium and the underlying mesenchyme. In doing so, we raise a number of questions highlighting critical voids and limitations in our current understanding and study of this disease.
Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibition ameliorates angiontensin II-induced podocyte dysmotility via the protein kinase G-mediated downregulation of TRPC6 activity
Authors: Hall Gentzon , Rowell Janelle , Farinelli Federica , Gbadegesin Rasheed A. , Lavin Peter , Wu Guanghong , Homstad Alison , Malone Andrew , Lindsey Thomas , Jiang Ruiji , Spurney Robert , Tomaselli Gordon F. , Kass David A. , Winn Michelle P.
Published: April 2014

The emerging role of the transient receptor potential cation channel isotype 6 (TRPC6) as a central contributor to various pathological processes affecting podocytes has generated interest in the development of therapeutics to modulate its function. Recent insights into the regulation of TRPC6 have revealed PKG as a potent negative modulator of TRPC6 conductance and associated signaling via its phosphorylation at two highly conserved amino acid residues: Thr69/Thr70 (Thr69 in mice and Thr70 in humans) and Ser321/Ser322 (Ser321 in mice and Ser322 in humans). Here, we tested the role of PKG in modulating TRPC6-dependent responses in primary and conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes. TRPC6 was phosphorylated at Thr69 in nonstimulated podocytes, but this declined upon ANG II stimulation or overexpression of constitutively active calcineurin phosphatase. ANG II induced podocyte motility in an in vitro wound assay, and this was reduced 30–60% in cells overexpressing a phosphomimetic mutant TRPC6 (TRPC6T70E/S322E) or activated PKG ( P < 0.05). Pretreatment of podocytes with the PKG agonists S-nitroso- N-acetyl-dl-penicillamine (nitric oxide donor), 8-bromo-cGMP, Bay 41–2772 (soluble guanylate cyclase activator), or phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor 4-{[3′,4′-(methylenedioxy)benzyl]amino}[7]-6-methoxyquinazoline attenuated ANG II-induced Thr69 dephosphorylation and also inhibited TRPC6-dependent podocyte motility by 30–60%. These data reveal that PKG activation strategies, including PDE5 inhibition, ameliorate ANG II-induced podocyte dysmotility by targeting TRPC6 in podocytes, highlighting the potential therapeutic utility of these approaches to treat hyperactive TRPC6-dependent glomerular disease.
Mechanisms of AT1areceptor-mediated uptake of angiotensin II by proximal tubule cells: a novel role of the multiligand endocytic receptor megalin
Authors: Li Xiao C. , Zhuo Jia L.
Published: April 2014

The present study tested the hypothesis that the multiligand endocytic receptor megalin is partially involved in the uptake of ANG II and downstream signaling responses in mouse proximal tubule cells (mPCT) by interacting with AT1areceptors. mPCT cells of wild-type (WT) and AT1areceptor-deficient (AT1a-KO) mice were treated with vehicle, the AT1receptor blocker losartan (10 μM), or a selective megalin small interfering (si) RNA for 48 h. The uptake of fluorescein (FITC)-labeled ANG II (10 nM, 37°C) and downstream signaling responses were analyzed by fluorescence imaging and Western blotting. AT1areceptors and megalin were abundantly expressed in mPCT cells, whereas AT1areceptors were absent in AT1a-KO mPCT cells ( P < 0.01). In WT mPCT cells, FITC-ANG II uptake was visualized at 30 min in the cytoplasm and in the nuclei 1 h after exposure. Losartan alone completely blocked the uptake of FITC-ANG II, whereas megalin siRNA inhibited only 30% of the response ( P < 0.01). The remaining FITC-ANG II uptake in the presence of megalin siRNA was completely abolished by losartan. ANG II induced threefold increases in phosphorylated MAP kinases ERK1/2 and a onefold increase in phosphorylated sodium and hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) proteins, which were also blocked by losartan and megalin-siRNA. By contrast, losartan and megalin siRNA had no effects on these signaling proteins in AT1a-KO mPCT cells. We conclude that the uptake of ANG II and downstream MAP kinases ERK1/2 and NHE3 signaling responses in mPCT cells are mediated primarily by AT1areceptors. However, megalin may also play a partial role in these responses to ANG II.
Burst firing of neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus during locomotion
Authors: Marlinski Vladimir , Beloozerova Irina N.
Published: April 2014

This study examined the burst firing of neurons in the motor sector of the thalamic reticular nucleus (RE) of the cat. These neurons are inhibitory cells that project to the motor thalamus. The firing activity of RE neurons was studied during four behaviors: sleep, standing, walking on a flat surface, and accurate stepping on crosspieces of a horizontal ladder. Extracellularly recorded firing activity was analyzed in 58 neurons that were identified according to their receptive fields on the contralateral forelimb. All neurons generated bursts of spikes during sleep, half generated bursts of spikes during standing, and one-third generated bursts of spikes during walking. The majority of bursts were sequences of spikes with an exponential buildup of the firing rate followed by exponential decay with time constants in the range of 10–30 ms. We termed them “full-scale” bursts. All neurons also generated “atypical” bursts, in which the buildup of the firing rate deviated from the characteristic order. Burst firing was most likely to occur in neurons with receptive fields on the distal forelimb and least likely in neurons related to the proximal limb. Full-scale bursts were more frequent than atypical bursts during unconstrained walking on the flat surface. Bursts of both types occurred with similar probability during accurate stepping on the horizontal ladder, a task that requires forebrain control of locomotion. We suggest that transformations of the temporal pattern of bursts in the inhibitory RE neurons facilitate the tuning of thalamo-cortical signals to the complexity of ongoing locomotor tasks.
Cellular mechanisms for response heterogeneity among L2/3 pyramidal cells in whisker somatosensory cortex
Authors: Elstrott Justin , Clancy Kelly B. , Jafri Haani , Akimenko Igor , Feldman Daniel E.
Published: April 2014

Whisker deflection evokes sparse, low-probability spiking among L2/3 pyramidal cells in rodent somatosensory cortex (S1), with spiking distributed nonuniformly between more and less responsive cells. The cellular and local circuit factors that determine whisker responsiveness across neurons are unclear. To identify these factors, we used two-photon calcium imaging and loose-seal recording to identify more and less responsive L2/3 neurons in S1 slices in vitro, during feedforward recruitment of the L2/3 network by L4 stimulation. We observed a broad gradient of spike recruitment thresholds within local L2/3 populations, with low- and high-threshold cells intermixed. This recruitment gradient was significantly correlated across different L4 stimulation sites, and between L4-evoked and whisker-evoked responses in vivo, indicating that a substantial component of responsiveness is independent of tuning to specific feedforward inputs. Low- and high-threshold L2/3 pyramidal cells differed in L4-evoked excitatory synaptic conductance and intrinsic excitability, including spike threshold and the likelihood of doublet spike bursts. A gradient of intrinsic excitability was observed across neurons. Cells that spiked most readily to L4 stimulation received the most synaptic excitation but had the lowest intrinsic excitability. Low- and high-threshold cells did not differ in dendritic morphology, passive membrane properties, or L4-evoked inhibitory conductance. Thus multiple gradients of physiological properties exist across L2/3 pyramidal cells, with excitatory synaptic input strength best predicting overall spiking responsiveness during network recruitment.
Study of Coating Geometries and Photoluminescence Properties of Metal Nanoparticles/Graphite Composites
Authors: Barone Pasquale , Barberio Marianna , Stranges Fabio , Xu Fang
Published: April 2014

In this work we present the results of a study of growth and characterization of metal nanoparticles (Ag, Au, and Co)/carbon surfaces. The nanoparticles grew by laser ablation technique and their dimensions were controlled by light scattering study and AFM microscopy before their insertion on graphite surface. Nanoparticles appear randomly disposed on carbon surfaces aggregating to form big particles only in the case of silver. The different behavior of metal nanoparticles on carbon surface was explained in terms of different metal wetting of surface, in agreement with previous theoretical results of He et al. Chemical information, obtained by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, indicated that the doping process is a simple physisorption while the interfacial interaction between particles and carbon layers causes local defects in graphite structure and the appearance of a strong photoluminescence signal for all composites. Moreover, the visible optical absorption decreases about 10% indicating the progressive metallization of carbon surface.
The Determinants, Inverses, Norm, and Spread of Skew Circulant Type Matrices Involving Any Continuous Lucas Numbers
Authors: Yao Jin-jiang , Jiang Zhao-lin
Published: April 2014

We consider the skew circulant and skew left circulant matrices with any continuous Lucas numbers. Firstly, we discuss the invertibility of the skew circulant matrices and present the determinant and the inverse matrices by constructing the transformation matrices. Furthermore, the invertibility of the skew left circulant matrices is also discussed. We obtain the determinants and the inverse matrices of the skew left circulant matrices by utilizing the relationship between skew left circulant matrices and skew circulant matrix, respectively. Finally, the four kinds of norms and bounds for the spread of these matrices are given, respectively.
Association between Risk Factors for Vascular Dementia and Adiponectin
Authors: Song Juhyun , Lee Won Taek , Park Kyung Ah , Lee Jong Eun
Published: April 2014

Vascular dementia is caused by various factors, including increased age, diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Adiponectin is an adipokine secreted by adipose tissue. Adiponectin is widely known as a regulating factor related to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Adiponectin plasma levels decrease with age. Decreased adiponectin increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Adiponectin improves hypertension and atherosclerosis by acting as a vasodilator and antiatherogenic factor. Moreover, adiponectin is involved in cognitive dysfunction via modulation of insulin signal transduction in the brain. Case-control studies demonstrate the association between low adiponectin and increased risk of stroke, hypertension, and diabetes. This review summarizes the recent findings on the association between risk factors for vascular dementia and adiponectin. To emphasize this relationship, we will discuss the importance of research regarding the role of adiponectin in vascular dementia.
Quad Band Handset Antenna for LTE MIMO and WLAN Application
Authors: Wong H. S. , Kibria S. , Islam M. T. , Mandeep J. S. , Misran N.
Published: April 2014

A compact quad band antenna for long-term evolution (LTE) MIMO and WLAN application in the handset is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna comprises two symmetrical quarter wavelength radiating strips and a slotted ground plane. On the ground plane, a T-shaped slot is cut from the bottom. Two symmetrical P-shaped slots are etched at both sides of the ground plane. The radiating strips and slots generate a lower resonant at 780 MHz and an upper resonant at 2.350 GHz to cover LTE 700 Band 14, LTE 2300, 2.4 GHz WLAN, and LTE 2500. A novel isolation technique by placing a rectangular patch between the radiating strips is presented. The rectangular patch creates a dedicated current path for each radiating strip. The proposed antenna has high isolation of less than −18 dBi at LTE 2300, 2.4 GHz WLAN, and LTE 2500 band.
An Optimization Method for Condition Based Maintenance of Aircraft Fleet Considering Prognostics Uncertainty
Authors: Feng Qiang , Chen Yiran , Sun Bo , Li Songjie
Published: April 2014

An optimization method for condition based maintenance (CBM) of aircraft fleet considering prognostics uncertainty is proposed. The CBM and dispatch process of aircraft fleet is analyzed first, and the alternative strategy sets for single aircraft are given. Then, the optimization problem of fleet CBM with lower maintenance cost and dispatch risk is translated to the combinatorial optimization problem of single aircraft strategy. Remain useful life (RUL) distribution of the key line replaceable Module (LRM) has been transformed into the failure probability of the aircraft and the fleet health status matrix is established. And the calculation method of the costs and risks for mission based on health status matrix and maintenance matrix is given. Further, an optimization method for fleet dispatch and CBM under acceptable risk is proposed based on an improved genetic algorithm. Finally, a fleet of 10 aircrafts is studied to verify the proposed method. The results shows that it could realize optimization and control of the aircraft fleet oriented to mission success.
Modelling Laser Milling of Microcavities for the Manufacturing of DES with Ensembles
Authors: Santos Pedro , Teixidor Daniel , Maudes Jesus , Ciurana Joaquim
Published: April 2014

A set of designed experiments, involving the use of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser system milling 316L Stainless Steel, serve to study the laser-milling process of microcavities in the manufacture of drug-eluting stents (DES). Diameter, depth, and volume error are considered to be optimized as functions of the process parameters, which include laser intensity, pulse frequency, and scanning speed. Two different DES shapes are studied that combine semispheres and cylinders. Process inputs and outputs are defined by considering the process parameters that can be changed under industrial conditions and the industrial requirements of this manufacturing process. In total, 162 different conditions are tested in a process that is modeled with the following state-of-the-art data-mining regression techniques: Support Vector Regression, Ensembles, Artificial Neural Networks, Linear Regression, and Nearest Neighbor Regression. Ensemble regression emerged as the most suitable technique for studying this industrial problem. Specifically, Iterated Bagging ensembles with unpruned model trees outperformed the other methods in the tests. This method can predict the geometrical dimensions of the machined microcavities with relative errors related to the main average value in the range of 3 to 23%, which are considered very accurate predictions, in view of the characteristics of this innovative industrial task.
Gender Specific Association of RAS Gene Polymorphism with Essential Hypertension: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Dhanachandra Singh Kh. , Jajodia Ajay , Kaur Harpreet , Kukreti Ritushree , Karthikeyan Muthusamy
Published: April 2014

Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) polymorphisms have been studied as candidate risk factors for hypertension with inconsistent results, possibly due to heterogeneity among various genetic and environmental factors. A case-control association study was conducted to investigate a possible involvement of polymorphisms of three RAS genes:AGTM235T (rs699),ACEI/D (rs4340) and G2350A (rs4343), andAGTR1A1166C (rs5186) in essential hypertensive patients. A total of 211 cases and 211 controls were recruited for this study. Genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP method. The genotype and allele distribution of the M235T variant differed significantly in hypertensives and normotensives (OR-CI = 2.62 (1.24–5.76),P=0.006; OR-CI = 0.699 (0.518–0.943),P=0.018), respectively. When the samples were segregated based on sex, the 235TT genotype and T allele were predominant in the female patients (OR-CI = 5.68 (1.60-25.10),P=0.002; OR-CI = 0.522 (0.330–0.826),P=0.005) as compare to the male patients (OR-CI = 1.54 (1.24–5.76),P=0.34; OR-CI = 0.874 (0.330–0.826),P=0.506), respectively. ForACEDD variant, we found overrepresentation of “I”-allele (homozygous II and heterozygous ID) in unaffected males which suggest its protective role in studied population (OR-CI = 0.401 (0.224–0.718);P=0.0009). The M235T variant of theAGTis significantly associated with female hypertensives andACEDD variant could be a risk allele for essential hypertension in south India.
A Modified Three-Level Average Linear-Implicit Finite Difference Method for the Rosenau-Burgers Equation
Authors: Janwised Jiraporn , Wongsaijai Ben , Mouktonglang Thanasak , Poochinapan Kanyuta
Published: April 2014

We introduce a new technique, a three-level average linear-implicit finite difference method, for solving the Rosenau-Burgers equation. A second-order accuracy on both space and time numerical solution of the Rosenau-Burgers equation is obtained using a five-point stencil. We prove the existence and uniqueness of the numerical solution. Moreover, the convergence and stability of the numerical solution are also shown. The numerical results show that our method improves the accuracy of the solution significantly.
Pathologic Outcomes following Urethral Diverticulectomy in Women
Authors: Laudano Melissa A. , Jamzadeh Asha E. , Dunphy Claire , Lee Richard K. , Robinson Brian D. , Tyagi Renuka , Kaplan Steven A. , Te Alexis E. , Chughtai Bilal
Published: April 2014

Purpose.Although most urethral diverticula in women are benign, there is a subset of patients who develop malignant changes. Limited studies report the pathologic findings associated with this relatively rare entity. We describe the clinicopathologic findings of women who underwent urethral diverticulectomy.Methods.A consecutive series of 29 women who underwent surgical resection of a urethral diverticulum were identified between 1992 and 2013. Clinical and radiographic data was collected by retrospective review of patient medical records. All pathological slides were rereviewed by a single urologic pathologist.Results.Of the 14 women with clinical data, 9 (64%) presented with urgency, 7 (50%) with urinary frequency, 3 (21%) with urinary incontinence, and 3 (21%) with dysuria. Mean diverticular size was 2.3(±1.4)cm. Although one patient (3%) had invasive adenocarcinoma on final pathology, the remaining 28 cases (97%) demonstrated benign features. The most common findings were inflammation (55%) and nephrogenic adenoma (21%).Conclusions.Although most urethral diverticula in women are benign, there is a subset of patients who develop malignancy in association with the diverticulum. In this series, 97% of cases had a benign histology. These findings are important when counseling patients regarding treatment options.
Genetics of Type 2 Diabetes: Insights into the Pathogenesis and Its Clinical Application
Authors: Sun Xue , Yu Weihui , Hu Cheng
Published: April 2014

With rapidly increasing prevalence, diabetes has become one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. According to the latest studies, genetic information makes substantial contributions towards the prediction of diabetes risk and individualized antidiabetic treatment. To date, approximately 70 susceptibility genes have been identified as being associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at a genome-wide significant level (P<5×10-8). However, all the genetic loci identified so far account for only about 10% of the overall heritability of T2D. In addition, how these novel susceptibility loci correlate with the pathophysiology of the disease remains largely unknown. This review covers the major genetic studies on the risk of T2D based on ethnicity and briefly discusses the potential mechanisms and clinical utility of the genetic information underlying T2D.