bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Biology of Innate Immunity
Authors: Yin Qian , Fu Tian-Min , Li Jixi , Wu Hao
Published: January 2015

Innate immune responses depend on timely recognition of pathogenic or danger signals by multiple cell surface or cytoplasmic receptors and transmission of signals for proper counteractions through adaptor and effector molecules. At the forefront of innate immunity are four major signaling pathways, including those elicited by Toll-like receptors, RIG-I-like receptors, inflammasomes, or cGAS, each with its own cellular localization, ligand specificity, and signal relay mechanism. They collectively engage a number of overlapping signaling outcomes, such as NF-κB activation, interferon response, cytokine maturation, and cell death. Several proteins often assemble into a supramolecular complex to enable signal transduction and amplification. In this article, we review the recent progress in mechanistic delineation of proteins in these pathways, their structural features, modes of ligand recognition, conformational changes, and homo- and hetero-oligomeric interactions within the supramolecular complexes. Regardless of seemingly distinct interactions and mechanisms, the recurring themes appear to consist of autoinhibited resting-state receptors, ligand-induced conformational changes, and higher-order assemblies of activated receptors, adaptors, and signaling enzymes through conserved protein-protein interactions.
Workplace Stress Management Interventions and Health Promotion
Authors: Tetrick Lois E. , Winslow Carolyn J.
Published: January 2015

Employee health and wellness are important for employees, their families, and their organizations. We review the literature on both stress management interventions in organizations and workplace health promotion and wellness programs, from the lens of primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions as well as the framework provided by the job demands–resources model ( Bakker & Demerouti 2007 ). Stress management interventions tend to be ameliorative, often focusing on restoring resources that have been depleted by the work environment, whereas workplace health promotion and wellness programs tend to be more preventive, enhancing job and personal resources for all employees. There appears to be a trend toward incorporating stress management as a component of workplace wellness programs, with these programs taking more of a primary or secondary intervention approach than a tertiary approach. In addition, although organization-level interventions are still relatively rare, there is growing evidence that organizational interventions, especially when combined with individual-level interventions, can be quite effective in promoting a positive, healthy work environment. We conclude the review by offering suggestions for future research and some considerations for the design and evaluation of future interventions.
Dynamics of Well-Being
Authors: Sonnentag Sabine
Published: January 2015

Well-being refers to a person’s hedonic experience of feeling good and to the eudaimonic experience of fulfillment and purpose. Employee well-being is influenced by experiences at work and, in turn, has an effect on behavior at work such as task performance and other on-the-job behaviors. In this article, I describe well-being as a dynamic construct that changes over time and fluctuates within a person. I review and integrate longitudinal, experience-sampling, and related research on well-being change and variability. I address the role of job stressors, job resources, the interpersonal environment, personal resources, the work–home interface, and performance. I discuss questions of affect symmetry, homology of the between-person and within-person level, and reciprocity between well-being and other variables. The article concludes with suggestions for future research.
Time-Domain Ab Initio Modeling of Photoinduced Dynamics at Nanoscale Interfaces
Authors: Wang Linjun , Long Run , Prezhdo Oleg V.
Published: January 2015

Nonequilibrium processes involving electronic and vibrational degrees of freedom in nanoscale materials are under active experimental investigation. Corresponding theoretical studies are much scarcer. The review starts with the basics of time-dependent density functional theory, recent developments in nonadiabatic molecular dynamics, and the fusion of the two techniques. Ab initio simulations of this kind allow us to directly mimic a great variety of time-resolved experiments performed with pump-probe laser spectroscopies. The focus is on the ultrafast photoinduced charge and exciton dynamics at interfaces formed by two complementary materials. We consider purely inorganic materials, inorganic-organic hybrids, and all organic interfaces, involving bulk semiconductors, metallic and semiconducting nanoclusters, graphene, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, polymers, molecular crystals, molecules, and solvent. The detailed atomistic insights available from time-domain ab initio studies provide a unique description and a comprehensive understanding of the competition between electron transfer, thermal relaxation, energy transfer, and charge recombination processes. These advances now make it possible to directly guide the development of organic and hybrid solar cells, as well as photocatalytic, electronic, spintronic, and other devices relying on complex interfacial dynamics.
Physical Chemistry of Nanomedicine: Understanding the Complex Behaviors of Nanoparticles in Vivo
Authors: Lane Lucas A. , Qian Ximei , Smith Andrew M. , Nie Shuming
Published: January 2015

Nanomedicine is an interdisciplinary field of research at the interface of science, engineering, and medicine, with broad clinical applications ranging from molecular imaging to medical diagnostics, targeted therapy, and image-guided surgery. Despite major advances during the past 20 years, there are still major fundamental and technical barriers that need to be understood and overcome. In particular, the complex behaviors of nanoparticles under physiological conditions are poorly understood, and detailed kinetic and thermodynamic principles are still not available to guide the rational design and development of nanoparticle agents. Here we discuss the interactions of nanoparticles with proteins, cells, tissues, and organs from a quantitative physical chemistry point of view. We also discuss insights and strategies on how to minimize nonspecific protein binding, how to design multistage and activatable nanostructures for improved drug delivery, and how to use the enhanced permeability and retention effect to deliver imaging agents for image-guided cancer surgery.
Nonlocal Boundary Value Problems forq-Difference Equations and Inclusions
Authors: Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Tariboon Jessada
Published: January 2015

We study boundary value problems forq-difference equations and inclusions with nonlocal and integral boundary conditions which have different quantum numbers. Some new existence and uniqueness results are obtained by using fixed point theorems. Examples are given to illustrate the results.
The Phase-Formation Behavior of Composite Ceramic Powders Synthesized by Utilizing Rice Husk Ash from the Biomass Cogeneration Plant
Authors: Yuan Wenjie , Fan Mingyu , Deng Chengji , Li Jun , Zhu Hongxi
Published: January 2015

The development and utilization of biomass as a vital source of renewable energy were stimulated in order to reduce the global dependency on fossil fuels. A lot of rice husk ashes (RHA) were generated as the waste after the rice husk as the main fuel was burnt in the biomass cogeneration plant. The phase-formation behavior of composite ceramic powders synthesized by using rice husk ash from the biomass cogeneration plant at the different carbon ratios and temperatures was investigated. The sequence of phase formation with the calcining temperatures ranging from 1773 K to 1853 K was followed by O′-Sialon→SiC + Si3N4→SiC in samples with C/SiO2  =  1 : 1–4 : 1. Ca-α-Sialon formed in samples with C/SiO2  =  5 : 1 and 6 : 1. The results highlighted that series of reactions happening sensitively depended on C/SiO2and the temperature and demonstrated that the carbothermal nitridation provided an alternative for converting RHA waste into composite ceramic powders.
Nonlinear Bayesian Estimation of BOLD Signal under Non-Gaussian Noise
Authors: Khan Ali Fahim , Younis Muhammad Shahzad , Bajwa Khalid Bashir
Published: January 2015

Modeling the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal has been a subject of study for over a decade in the neuroimaging community. Inspired from fluid dynamics, the hemodynamic model provides a plausible yet convincing interpretation of the BOLD signal by amalgamating effects of dynamic physiological changes in blood oxygenation, cerebral blood flow and volume. The nonautonomous, nonlinear set of differential equations of the hemodynamic model constitutes the process model while the weighted nonlinear sum of the physiological variables forms the measurement model. Plagued by various noise sources, the time series fMRI measurement data is mostly assumed to be affected by additive Gaussian noise. Though more feasible, the assumption may cause the designed filter to perform poorly if made to work under non-Gaussian environment. In this paper, we present a data assimilation scheme that assumes additive non-Gaussian noise, namely, thee-mixture noise, affecting the measurements. The proposed filter MAGSF and the celebrated EKF are put to test by performing joint optimal Bayesian filtering to estimate both the states and parameters governing the hemodynamic model under non-Gaussian environment. Analyses using both the synthetic and real data reveal superior performance of the MAGSF as compared to EKF.
Recombinant Cyclodextrinase fromThermococcus kodakarensisKOD1: Expression, Purification, and Enzymatic Characterization
Authors: Sun Ying , Lv Xiaomin , Li Zhengqun , Wang Jiaqiang , Jia Baolei , Liu Jinliang
Published: January 2015

A gene encoding a cyclodextrinase fromThermococcus kodakarensisKOD1 (CDase-Tk) was identified and characterized. The gene encodes a protein of 656 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 76.4 kDa harboring four conserved regions found in all members of theα-amylase family. A recombinant form of the enzyme was purified by ion-exchange chromatography, and its catalytic properties were examined. The enzyme was active in a broad range of pH conditions (pHs 4.0–10.0), with an optimal pH of 7.5 and a temperature optimum of 65°C. The purified enzyme preferred to hydrolyzeβ-cyclodextrin (CD) but notα- orγ-CD, soluble starch, or pullulan. The final product fromβ-CD was glucose. TheVmaxandKmvalues were 3.13 ± 0.47 U mg−1and 2.94 ± 0.16 mg mL−1forβ-CD. The unique characteristics of CDase-Tk with a low catalytic temperature and substrate specificity are discussed, and the starch utilization pathway in a broad range of temperatures is also proposed.
Magnetic Properties and Core Loss Behavior of Fe-6.5wt.%Si Ribbons Prepared by Melt Spinning
Authors: Wang S. , Jiang Y. M. , Liang Y. F. , Ye F. , Lin J. P.
Published: January 2015

Fe-6.5wt.%Si alloy is prepared in the form of continuous ribbons with 25 mm in width and 0.03 mm in thickness by using melt spinning technique. The ribbons are flexible and could be wounded into tapes. DC magnetic properties and core loss behaviors of the ribbons after heat treatment are investigated in this paper. The magnetic properties are compared with ribbons by cold rolling and CVD methods. The melt spinning ribbons exhibit much less core loss in the frequencies more than 10 kHz. The melt spinning ribbons are promising to be used for electric devices used in medium or higher frequencies.
Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation with Polyethylene Mesh and Allograft Bone for Traumatic Thoracolumbar Fractures
Authors: Schulz C. , Kunz U. , Mauer U. M. , Mathieu R.
Published: January 2015

Purpose. In cases of traumatic thoracolumbar fractures, percutaneous vertebral augmentation can be used in addition to posterior stabilisation. The use of an augmentation technique with a bone-filled polyethylene mesh as a stand-alone treatment for traumatic vertebral fractures has not yet been investigated.Methods. In this retrospective study, 17 patients with acute type A3.1 fractures of the thoracic or lumbar spine underwent stand-alone augmentation with mesh and allograft bone and were followed up for one year using pain scales and sagittal endplate angles.Results. From before surgery to 12 months after surgery, pain and physical function improved significantly, as indicated by an improvement in the median VAS score and in the median pain and work scale scores. From before to immediately after surgery, all patients showed a significant improvement in mean mono- and bisegmental kyphoses. During the one-year period, there was a significant loss of correction.Conclusions. Based on this data a stand-alone approach with vertebral augmentation with polyethylene mesh and allograft bone is not a suitable therapy option for incomplete burst fractures for a young patient collective.
Family Centered Approach in Primary Health Care: Experience from an Urban Area of Mangalore, India
Authors: Shivalli Siddharudha , Majra J. P. , Akshaya K. M. , Qadiri Ghulam Jeelani
Published: January 2015

Introduction. “Health for All” still eludes public health experts despite many approaches to prevent disease and promote health among urban poor. Several key illness factors lie beyond the conventional healthcare boundaries. Objective. To examine the effectiveness of family centered approach (FCA) in addressing health and related issues in an urban area of Mangalore, India. Method. A longitudinal study was conducted in Bengre, an outreach centre of Mangalore from June 2011 to November 2013. Family folders were created with pertinent details. Demand generation and health education activities were conducted through two female community health link workers. An FCA package was implemented by medical and nursing interns, under supervision, to address the priority issues. Effect was assessed by comparing their practices and service utilization before and after the study. Results. About 809 families participated in this study. Social, cultural, and religious factors were responsible for viciousness of malaria and maternal and child health issues. FCA improved their perceptions and practices towards health and related issues. Significant (P < 0.05) and sustained hike in service utilization was evident. Conclusion. FCA exposes key illness factors beyond the conventional care, eases need based healthcare implementation, and provides feasible and enduring solutions. Community involvement makes it more practicable.
Deficits in Endogenous Adenosine Formation by Ecto‐5′‐Nucleotidase/CD73 Impair Neuromuscular Transmission and Immune Competence in Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Oliveira Laura , Correia Alexandra , Cristina Costa Ana , Guerra-Gomes Sónia , Ferreirinha Fátima , Magalhães-Cardoso Maria Teresa , Vilanova Manuel , Correia-de-Sá Paulo
Published: January 2015

AMP dephosphorylation via ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase/CD73 is the rate limiting step to generate extracellular adenosine (ADO) from released adenine nucleotides. ADO, via A2A receptors (A2ARs), is a potent modulator of neuromuscular and immunological responses. The pivotal role of ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase/CD73, in controlling extracellular ADO formation, prompted us to investigate its role in a rat model of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). Results show that CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells express lower amounts of ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase/CD73 as compared to controls. Reduction of endogenous ADO formation might explain why proliferation of CD4+ T cells failed upon blocking A2A receptors activation with ZM241385 or adenosine deaminase in EAMG animals. Deficits in ADO also contribute to neuromuscular transmission failure in EAMG rats. Rehabilitation of A2AR‐mediated immune suppression and facilitation of transmitter release were observed by incubating the cells with the nucleoside precursor, AMP. These findings, together with the characteristic increase in serum adenosine deaminase activity of MG patients, strengthen our hypothesis that the adenosinergic pathway may be dysfunctional in EAMG. Given that endogenous ADO formation is balanced by ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase/CD73 activity and that A2ARs exert a dual role to restore use‐dependent neurocompetence and immune suppression in myasthenics, we hypothesize that stimulation of the two mechanisms may have therapeutic potential in MG.
A Stochastic Flows Approach for Asset Allocation with Hidden Economic Environment
Authors: Siu Tak Kuen
Published: January 2015

An optimal asset allocation problem for a quite general class of utility functions is discussed in a simple two-state Markovian regime-switching model, where the appreciation rate of a risky share changes over time according to the state of a hidden economy. As usual, standard filtering theory is used to transform a financial model with hidden information into one with complete information, where a martingale approach is applied to discuss the optimal asset allocation problem. Using a martingale representation coupled with stochastic flows of diffeomorphisms for the filtering equation, the integrand in the martingale representation is identified which gives rise to an optimal portfolio strategy under some differentiability conditions.
Intraosseous Lipomatous Meningioma
Authors: Kim Lauren , Huang Christopher , Morey Adrienne L. , Winder Mark J.
Published: January 2015

A 49-year-old man with intermittent headaches and right sided parietal lump was found to have an intraosseous right parietal lesion on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A stereotactic craniectomy and excision of the lesion were performed with histopathology confirming features consistent with primary lipomatous meningioma with intraosseous extension. Lipomatous meningiomas are very uncommon subtype of meningiomas, with ongoing discussions as to their true pathogenesis. To our knowledge this case represents the first reported case of a lipomatous meningioma with predominant intraosseous extension.
Motor Vehicle Collision Patient with Simultaneous Duodenal Transection and Thoracic Aorta Injury: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chen Charlie , Schuster Kevin , Bhattacharya Bishwajit
Published: January 2015

Blunt polytrauma can present complex management decisions. Here we report the case of a 31-year-old male involved in a high speed motor vehicle collision resulting in both duodenal and thoracic aorta injury that was managed collaboratively between the trauma, vascular, and cardiothoracic surgical teams. The patient went on to a full recovery. We also review the management of such injuries which has evolved over the past two decades resulting in less morbidity and mortality.
PCNN-Based Image Fusion in Compressed Domain
Authors: Chen Yang , Qin Zheng
Published: January 2015

This paper addresses a novel method of image fusion problem for different application scenarios, employing compressive sensing (CS) as the image sparse representation method and pulse-coupled neural network (PCNN) as the fusion rule. Firstly, source images are compressed through scrambled block Hadamard ensemble (SBHE) for its compression capability and computational simplicity on the sensor side. Local standard variance is input to motivate PCNN and coefficients with large firing times are selected as the fusion coefficients in compressed domain. Fusion coefficients are smoothed by sliding window in order to avoid blocking effect. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed fusion method outperforms other fusion methods in compressed domain and is effective and adaptive in different image fusion applications.
Recrystallization from a Three-Grain Crystalline Iron
Authors: Zhao Bo , Chen Shanshan , Huang Jinfan , Bartell Lawrence S.
Published: January 2015

The solid state recrystallization and grain boundary migrations in an iron nanoparticle Fe2616 with three grains were studied by a molecular dynamics simulation. It was found that nucleation rates could be determined as the smaller grains were consumed by the larger ones. Moreover, the grain disorder was more important than the misorientation angle in governing the rates. Suggestions about the critical nuclei for the recrystallization are proposed. No obvious interaction between the grain boundaries was observed in the example studied in this report.
Analysis of Heat and Mass Transfer on MHD Peristaltic Flow through a Tapered Asymmetric Channel
Authors: Kothandapani M. , Prakash J. , Pushparaj V.
Published: January 2015

This paper describes the peristaltic flow of an incompressible viscous fluid in a tapered asymmetric channel with heat and mass transfer. The fluid is electrically conducting fluid in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. The propagation of waves on the nonuniform channel walls to have different amplitudes and phase but with the same speed is generated the tapered asymmetric channel. The assumptions of low Reynolds number and long wavelength approximations have been used to simplify the complicated problem into a relatively simple problem. Analytical expressions for velocity, temperature, and concentration have been obtained. Graphically results of the flow characteristics are also sketched for various embedded parameters of interest entering the problem and interpreted.
Pasteurella multocidaSepticemia in a Patient with Cirrhosis: An Autopsy Report
Authors: Yamamoto Takuma , Umehara Takahiro , Murase Takehiko , Ikematsu Kazuya
Published: January 2015

More people are keeping pets in their homes but may not be sufficiently aware of the potential danger from infections. We report an autopsy case of a 57-year-old man affected by cirrhosis. Septic shock withPasteurella multocidapneumonia was the cause of his death.P. multocidawas the source of infection via the respiratory tract and caused pneumonia. Cirrhosis is one of the risk factors forP. multocidainfection. A detailed patient history about animal exposure should be obtained and a differential diagnosis ofP. multocidainfection must be kept in mind.
Evaluation of 24-Hour Arterial Stiffness Indices and Central Hemodynamics in Healthy Normotensive Subjects versus Treated or Untreated Hypertensive Patients: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Omboni Stefano , Posokhov Igor N. , Rogoza Anatoly N.
Published: January 2015

Objective. Central blood pressure (BP) and vascular indices estimated noninvasively over the 24 hours were compared between normotensive volunteers and hypertensive patients by a pulse wave analysis of ambulatory blood pressure recordings.Methods. Digitalized waveforms obtained during each brachial oscillometric BP measurement were stored in the device memory and analyzed by the validated Vasotens technology. Averages for the 24 hours and for the awake and asleep subperiods were computed.Results. 142 normotensives and 661 hypertensives were evaluated. 24-hour central BP, pulse wave velocity (PWV), and augmentation index (AI) were significantly higher in the hypertensive group than in the normotensive group (119.3 versus 105.6 mmHg for systolic BP, 75.6 versus 72.3 mmHg for diastolic BP, 10.3 versus 10.0 m/sec for aortic PWV, −9.7 versus −40.7% for peripheral AI, and 24.7 versus 11.0% for aortic AI), whereas reflected wave transit time (RWTT) was significantly lower in hypertensive patients (126.6 versus 139.0 ms). After adjusting for confounding factors a statistically significant between-group difference was still observed for central BP, RWTT, and peripheral AI. All estimates displayed a typical circadian rhythm.Conclusions. Noninvasive assessment of 24-hour arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics in daily life dynamic conditions may help in assessing the arterial function impairment in hypertensive patients.
The Rare Cuboid-Navicular Coalition Presenting as Chronic Foot Pain
Authors: Awan Omer , Graham James Allen
Published: January 2015

Tarsal coalitions are relatively rare diagnoses affecting adolescent patients that typically present with progressive foot pain. Cuboid-navicular coalition, a type of tarsal coalition, is extremely rare with less than 10 reported cases to date. Most prevailing theories reported have described this specific type of coalition as asymptomatic except at specific moments of stress and exercise. The purpose in presenting this case is to demonstrate that cuboid-navicular coalition can be associated with chronic unremitting pain, as in our patient. We present a case of cuboid-navicular fibrocartilaginous coalition in an adolescent patient presenting with chronic foot pain. Furthermore, from an imaging standpoint, radiographic findings are often subtle and radiologists cannot rely on indirect signs such as talar beak in clinching the diagnosis of cuboid-navicular coalition. Instead, abnormal articulation between the cuboid and navicular must be sought.
In Vitro Evaluation of Proximal Carious Lesions Using Digital Radiographic Systems
Authors: Soares Vieira Mayana , Parente Ribeiro Nogueira Caroline , dos Santos Silva Marcos André , de Oliveira Bauer José Roberto , Matos Maia Filho Etevaldo
Published: January 2015

The study aimed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of digital radiographic systems for the diagnosis of proximal carious lesions. Extracted human teeth (3 canines, 3 premolars, and 3 molars) were submitted to one of three types of proximal lesions (demineralized area, cavity affecting the enamel alone, and cavity affecting enamel and dentin). Bitewing radiographs were obtained from each system (Sirona, Kodak, and Schick) and evaluated by 12 raters (4 dental students, 4 radiology specialists, and 4 dentists). The chi‐squared test was used to determine the frequency of correct diagnoses among the different systems, raters, teeth, and types of lesion. Sensitivity and specificity regarding demineralized areas were calculated for each system. The frequencies of correct diagnoses were found: Schick (70.8%), Kodak (63.9%), Sirona (59.0%), specialists (69.4%), students (62.5%), dentists (61.8%), premolars (70.1%), canines (65.3%), and molars (58.3%). No significant differences were found among the different systems, raters, or teeth (P > 0.05). Sensitivity and specificity were 0.64 and 0.47 (Schick), 0.56 and 0.50 (Sirona), and 0.48 and 0.58 (Kodak). The most correct diagnoses were achieved using the Schick digital system on premolars and evaluated by specialists in radiology. The systems demonstrated low sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of demineralized areas.
Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome Caused by Tampon Use
Authors: McDermott Cian , Sheridan Michael
Published: January 2015

The authors report a case of near-fatal sepsis with multiorgan failure resulting from aStaphylococcaltampon-associated toxic shock syndrome, requiring a lengthy critical care admission. Successful treatment of this condition focuses on early identification, source control, and administration of antimicrobial agents. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy used early may prevent widespread tissue necrosis.
Primary Angiosarcoma of Urinary Bladder: 13th Reported Patient
Authors: Bahouth Zaher , Masarwa Ismael , Halachmi Sarel , Nativ Ofer
Published: January 2015

Angiosarcoma of the urinary bladder is an extremely rare and poorly characterized tumor. We are presenting the 13th reported patient who was an 89-year-old man initially presented with massive hematuria. His past medical history included external-beam radiation for prostate cancer 12 years ago. His PSA was 0.26 ng/dL. His CT-Urography demonstrated a highly vascular mass originating from the bladder base. The mass was partially resected, transurethrally. The pathology was consistent with primary angiosarcoma of the urinary bladder. Bone scan and CT-U showed metastasis to spine. The patient was treated with palliative radiotherapy for back pain due to metastasis, and he refused chemotherapy. The patient died 3 months after his initial diagnosis.
Cardiac Emergencies in Neurosurgical Patients
Authors: Chowdhury Tumul , Petropolis Andrea , Cappellani Ronald B.
Published: January 2015

Perioperative safety concerns are a major area of interest in recent years. Severe cardiac perturbation such as cardiac arrest is one of the most dreaded complications in the intraoperative period; however, little is known about the management of these events in the patients undergoing elective neurosurgery. This special group needs further attention, as it is often neither feasible nor appropriate to apply conventional advanced cardiac life support algorithms in patients undergoing neurosurgery. Factors such as neurosurgical procedure and positioning can also have a significant effect on the occurrence of cardiac arrest. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to describe the various causes and management of cardiac emergencies with special reference to cardiac arrest during elective neurosurgical procedures, including discussion of position-related factors and resuscitative considerations in these situations. This will help to formulate possible guidelines for management of such events.
Functional Activation and Effective Connectivity Differences in Adolescent Marijuana Users Performing a Simulated Gambling Task
Authors: Acheson Ashley , Ray Kimberly L. , Hines Christina S. , Li Karl , Dawes Michael A. , Mathias Charles W. , Dougherty Donald M. , Laird Angela R.
Published: January 2015

Background. Adolescent marijuana use is associated with structural and functional differences in forebrain regions while performing memory and attention tasks. In the present study, we investigated neural processing in adolescent marijuana users experiencing rewards and losses. Fourteen adolescents with frequent marijuana use (>5 uses per week) and 14 nonuser controls performed a computer task where they were required to guess the outcome of a simulated coin flip while undergoing magnetic resonance imaging.Results. Across all participants, “Wins” and “Losses” were associated with activations including cingulate, middle frontal, superior frontal, and inferior frontal gyri and declive activations. Relative to controls, users had greater activity in the middle and inferior frontal gyri, caudate, and claustrum during “Wins” and greater activity in the anterior and posterior cingulate, middle frontal gyrus, insula, claustrum, and declive during “Losses.” Effective connectivity analyses revealed similar overall network interactions among these regions for users and controls during both “Wins” and “Losses.” However, users and controls had significantly different causal interactions for 10 out of 28 individual paths during the “Losses” condition.Conclusions. Collectively, these results indicate adolescent marijuana users have enhanced neural responses to simulated monetary rewards and losses and relatively subtle differences in effective connectivity.
Synthesis and Catalytic Performance of Ni/SiO2 for Hydrogenation of 2‐Methylfuran to 2‐Methyltetrahydrofuran
Authors: Ding Fu , Zhang Yajing , Yuan Guijin , Wang Kangjun , Dragutan Ileana , Dragutan Valerian , Cui Yunfeng , Wu Jing
Published: January 2015

A series of Ni/SiO2 catalysts with different Ni content were prepared by sol‐gel method for application in the synthesis of 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran (2‐MTHF) by hydrogenation of 2‐methylfuran (2‐MF). The catalyst structure was investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and temperature programmed reduction (TPR). It is found that structures and catalytic performance of the catalysts were highly affected by the Ni content. The catalyst with a 25% Ni content had an appropriate size of the Ni species and larger BET surface area and produced a higher 2‐MF conversion with enhanced selectivity in 2‐MTHF.
Successful Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation of a Patient Suffering from Type II Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia A Rare Case Report from Western India
Authors: Modi Gaurang , Shah Sandip , Madabhavi Irappa , Panchal Harsha , Patel Apurva , Uparkar Urmila , Anand Asha , Parikh Sonia , Patel Kinnari , Shah Kamlesh , Revannasiddaiah Swaroop
Published: January 2015

The most frequent form of congenital dyserythropoiesis (CDA) is congenital dyserythropoietic anemia II (CDA II). CDA II is a rare genetic anemia in humans, inherited in an autosomally recessive mode, characterized by hepatosplenomegaly normocytic anemia and hemolytic jaundice. Patients are usually transfusion-independent except in severe type. We are here reporting a case of severe transfusion-dependent type II congenital dyserythropoietic anemia in a 5-year-old patient who has undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at our bone marrow transplantation centre. Patient has had up until now more than 14 mL/kg/month of packed cell volume (PCV), which he required every 15 to 20 days to maintain his hemoglobin of 10 gm/dL and hematocrit of 30%. His pre-HSCT serum ferritin was 1500 ng/mL and he was on iron chelating therapy. Donor was HLA identical sibling (younger brother). The preparative regimen used was busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and antithymocyte globulin (Thymoglobulin). Cyclosporine and short-term methotrexate were used for graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. Engraftment of donor cells was quick and the posttransplant course was uneventful. The patient is presently alive and doing well and he has been transfusion-independent for the past 33 months after HSCT.
Theoretical Design and Characteristics Analysis of a Quasi-Zero Stiffness Isolator Using a Disk Spring as Negative Stiffness Element
Authors: Meng Lingshuai , Sun Jinggong , Wu Wenjuan
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a novel quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) isolator designed by combining a disk spring with a vertical linear spring. The static characteristics of the disk spring and the QZS isolator are investigated. The optimal combination of the configurative parameters is derived to achieve a wide displacement range around the equilibrium position in which the stiffness has a low value and changes slightly. By considering the overloaded or underloaded conditions, the dynamic equations are established for both force and displacement excitations. The frequency response curves (FRCs) are obtained by using the harmonic balance method (HBM) and confirmed by the numerical simulation. The stability of the steady-state solution is analyzed by applying Floquet theory. The force, absolute displacement, and acceleration transmissibility are defined to evaluate the isolation performance. Effects of the offset displacement, excitation amplitude, and damping ratio on the QZS isolator and the equivalent system (ELS) are studied. The results demonstrate that the QZS isolator for overloaded or underloaded can exhibit different stiffness characteristics with changing excitation amplitude. If loaded with an appropriate mass, excited by not too large amplitude, and owned a larger damper, the QZS isolator can possess better isolation performance than its ELS in low frequency range.
A Case of Chondrosarcoma Arising in the Temporomandibular Joint
Authors: Nomura Tsutomu , Kobayashi Tadaharu , Shingaki Susumu , Saito Chikara
Published: January 2015

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor originating in cartilaginous cells. And there are only few reports of the case of chondrosarcoma in temporomandibular joint. We discuss a case of chondrosarcoma in temporomandibular joint in a 28-year-old man. Tumor was in contact with the dura, but en bloc resection was performed. After surgical resection of the tumor, face defect was reconstructed by rectus abdominis-free flap. And there is no recurrence after ten years from the resection.
Combining Ability and Gene Action Estimates of Eight Parent Diallel Crosses of Chickpea for Ascochyta Blight
Authors: Labdi Mohamed , Ghomari Samia , Hamdi Samia
Published: January 2015

Ascochyta blight resistance was studied in half-diallel cross involving eight genotypes of chickpea at seedling and adult stages. The disease was rated in the greenhouse with a modified scale from 0 to 100%. The diallel analysis was performed on 28 F1 and their F2. The results were analyzed with the Hayman and Griffing methods. The general combining ability is most important for two generations, is highly significant for the two stages, and is more important than specific combining ability. This result reflects a strong preponderance of additive effects and epistasis additive × additive with respect to dominance effects in this material for the two generations, which shows the predominance of additive versus dominance. Estimates of heritability are very high. The additive effects have the highest value indicating the importance of this component for resistance toAscochyta. For seedling stage, the negative sign of F for both generations indicates that there are much more recessive alleles that affect resistance to the disease. In adult stage, F is positive in both generations and shows more dominant alleles that control plant reaction to pathogen. H2is positive in both generations which show that dominant genes are acting mostly towards the susceptibility.
Neuroprotective Effect of Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) on Ma Huang- (Herb Ephedra-) Induced Toxicity in Rats Treated with a Ma Huang-Gui Zhi Herb Pair
Authors: Zheng Fang-hao , Wei Ping , Huo Hui-ling , Xing Xue-feng , Chen Fei-long , Tan Xiao-mei , Luo Jia-bo
Published: January 2015

Herb Ephedra(Ma Huang in Chinese) andRamulus Cinnamomi(Gui Zhi in Chinese) are traditional Chinese herbs, often used together to treat asthma, nose and lung congestion, and fever with anhidrosis. Due to the adverse effects of ephedrine, clinical use of Ma Huang is restricted. However, Gui Zhi extract has been reported to decrease spontaneous activity in rats and exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. The present study explored the possible inhibitory effect of Gui Zhi on Ma Huang-induced neurotoxicity in rats when the two herbs were used in combination. All Ma Huang and Ma Huang-Gui Zhi herb pair extracts were prepared using methods of traditional Chinese medicine and were normalized based on the ephedrine content. Two-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=6rats/group) were administered Ma Huang or the Ma Huang-Gui Zhi herb pair extracts for 7 days (ephedrine = 48 mg/kg), and locomotor activity was measured. After 7 days, oxidative damage in the prefrontal cortex was measured. Gui Zhi decreased hyperactivity and sensitization produced by repeated Ma Huang administration and attenuated oxidative stress induced by Ma Huang. The results of this study demonstrate the neuroprotective potential of Gui Zhi in Ma Huang-induced hyperactivity and oxidative damage in the prefrontal cortex of rats when used in combination.
Modeling Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Richness Using Landscape Attributes
Authors: Meixler Marcia S. , Bain Mark B.
Published: January 2015

We used a rapid, repeatable, and inexpensive geographic information system (GIS) approach to predict aquatic macroinvertebrate family richness using the landscape attributes stream gradient, riparian forest cover, and water quality. Stream segments in the Allegheny River basin were classified into eight habitat classes using these three landscape attributes. Biological databases linking macroinvertebrate families with habitat classes were developed using life habits, feeding guilds, and water quality preferences and tolerances for each family. The biological databases provided a link between fauna and habitat enabling estimation of family composition in each habitat class and hence richness predictions for each stream segment. No difference was detected between field collected and modeled predictions of macroinvertebrate families in a pairedt-test. Further, predicted stream gradient, riparian forest cover, and total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and suspended sediment classifications matched observed classifications much more often than by chance alone. High gradient streams with forested riparian zones and good water quality were predicted to have the greatest macroinvertebrate family richness and changes in water quality were predicted to have the greatest impact on richness. Our findings indicate that our model can provide meaningful landscape scale macroinvertebrate family richness predictions from widely available data for use in focusing conservation planning efforts.
Early Aging in Chernobyl Clean-Up Workers: Long-Term Study
Authors: Krasnov V. , Kryukov V. , Samedova E. , Emelianova I. , Ryzhova I.
Published: January 2015

This paper represents data of long-term open prospective study. 312 male clean-up workers, who participated in elimination of the Chernobyl disaster consequences in 1986-87, were observed and examined in Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry. The average age of patients was 57,0 ± 6,8 years. All patients were diagnosed with psychoorganic syndrome, caused by combination of different factors, which led to early cerebrovascular pathology, which was confirmed by clinical, neuropsychological, and instrumental examination. Anamnesis and the level of social adaptation were also assayed. Clinical estimation was done with the use of specially developed Clinical Psychopathological Chart. All the symptoms were divided into 4 groups (asthenic, psychovegetative, dysthymic, and cognitive symptom-complexes). No pronounced signs of dementia were observed. The control group included 44 clean-up workers without mental disorders. Predomination of various exogenous factors before and after accident was noted. Therapy included different vasotropic remedies, as well as family therapy, art therapy, and cognitive training. The possibilities of the reverse development of symptoms were statistically proved. The results allow making a conclusion that these disorders could not be explained either by radiation effects or by PTSD but connected with cerebrovascular pathology.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Is Associated with Delayed Structural Brain Maturation in Preterm Infants
Authors: Neubauer Vera , Junker Daniel , Griesmaier Elke , Schocke Michael , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula
Published: January 2015

Background: In recent years, cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been increasingly used to depict the wide spectrum of preterm brain injury. Furthermore, it has already been demonstrated by MRI at term-equivalent age (TEA) that preterm infants show delayed brain maturation as compared to term infants, and this delay has been related to neurobehavioral outcome. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of prevalent neonatal risk factors for adverse outcome on structural brain maturation in very preterm infants at TEA. Methods: One hundred and thirty very preterm infants born at a mean gestational age of 29.7 weeks were included. MRI was performed at TEA and given a validated ‘total maturation score'. Brain maturation scores were compared with neonatal data. Results: In univariate analysis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), late-onset sepsis and retinopathy of prematurity were significantly associated with delayed brain maturation. Furthermore, infants with delayed maturation had been ventilated significantly longer and more often suffered from severe arterial hypotension. In multivariate analysis, BPD remained significant as predictor of delayed brain maturation. Conclusions: This study is the first to show that delayed structural brain maturation as evaluated by MRI at TEA is preceded by BPD, which is known to be a predictor of adverse outcome in preterm infants. This finding adds further evidence to show that adverse outcome in preterm infants may have additional neural correlates that exceed common brain injury.
KLF15 Is an Essential Negative Regulatory Factor for the Cardiac Remodeling Response to Pressure Overload
Authors: Yu Yang , Ma Jie , Xiao Yingbin , Yang Qingjun , Kang Huali , Zhen Jie , Yu Lang , Chen Lin
Published: January 2015

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) in cardiac remodeling and interstitial fibrosis. Methods: A rat model was established by in vivo aortic coarctation followed by a period of pressure unloading and used to measure heart function, myocardial pathological changes, and KLF15, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) expression levels. In addition, cardiac fibroblasts were cultured in vitro and treated with KLF15-shRNA or KLF15 recombinant adenovirus to establish a TGF-β-mediated cardiac fibroblast hypertrophy model and analyze cell morphology, collagen secretion, and changes in the expression levels of 4 cytokines. Results: In vivo pressure overload impaired cardiac function and resulted in myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. These changes were accompanied by the downregulation of KLF15 mRNA levels and increased expression of the other factors. The response to unloading was the opposite. In in vitro cell experiments, by specifically targeting the KLF15 gene, changes in the expression levels of the 4 cytokines and the amounts of collagen I and III were observed. Conclusions: In myocardial remodeling processes induced by mechanical or metabolic factors, KLF15 regulates TGF-β, CTGF, and MRTF-A expression and can ameliorate or even reverse myocardial fibrosis and improve cardiac function.
Clinical Hepatocyte Transplantation: Practical Limits and Possible Solutions
Authors: Gramignoli Roberto , Vosough Massoud , Kannisto Kristina , Srinivasan Raghuraman C. , Strom Stephen C.
Published: January 2015

Since the first human hepatocyte transplants (HTx) in 1992, clinical studies have clearly established proof of principle for this therapy as a treatment for patients with acquired or inherited liver disease. Although major accomplishments have been made, there are still some specific limitations to this technology, which, if overcome, could greatly enhance the efficacy and implementation of this therapy. Here, we describe what in our view are the most significant obstacles to the clinical application of HTx and review the solutions currently proposed. The obstacles of significance include the limited number and quality of liver tissues as a cell source, the lack of clinical grade reagents, quality control evaluation of hepatocytes prior to transplantation, hypothermic storage of cells prior to transplantation, preconditioning treatments to enhance engraftment and proliferation of donor cells, tracking or monitoring cells after transplantation, and the optimal immunosuppression protocols for transplant recipients.
Transoral Videolaryngoscopic Surgery with a Navigation System for Excision of a Metastatic Retropharyngeal Lymph Node
Authors: Tanaka Yuya , Tomifuji Masayuki , Suzuki Hiroshi , Yamashita Taku , Araki Koji , Shiotani Akihiro
Published: January 2015

Objectives: To report the utilization of a new transoral surgery system, i.e. transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) with a navigation system, for the removal of a metastatic retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN). Case Report: An 86-year-old woman with tongue cancer (cT2N0M0) underwent partial glossectomy and left selective neck dissection. Three months postoperatively, a left metastatic RPLN was identified on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. The metastatic RPLN was successfully excised by TOVS with a navigation system. After postoperative irradiation, she had no recurrence more than 1 year after the surgery. Discussion: The retropharyngeal space (RPS) is a difficult area to access surgically. A transcervical approach is conventionally used to access the RPS; however, in the present case, scar tissue after neck dissection may have been problematic. Visualization of the RPS by high-definition endoscopy and a navigation system were effective in facilitating the safe performance of the surgery. Conclusions: A transoral approach may be a viable choice for surgery of a metastatic RPLN. Surgical indications for a transoral approach to the RPS include that (1) the location of the RPLN is below the level of the hard palate and the pterygoid hamulus and (2) there is only a single lesion, without adhesion to the surrounding tissue.