bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convulsive Liability of Cefepime and Meropenem in Normal and Corneal Kindled Mice
Authors: Tanaka Akihiro , Takechi Kenshi , Watanabe Shinichi , Tanaka Mamoru , Suemaru Katsuya , Araki Hiroaki
Published: May 2014

We have reported significantly higher convulsion prevalence in patients treated with cefepime than in those treated with meropenem. Additionally, cefepime-associated convulsions were found only in patients with brain disorders, not renal failure. Here, we compared the convulsive liability of cefepime and meropenem administered intravenously in normal and corneal kindled mice with low seizure thresholds. We used the proconvulsive test in normal mice following pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) injection and electroconvulsive shock at low-stimulus currents and in corneal kindled mice. We also measured electroencephalogram (EEG) activity 1 min after antibiotic injections. Intravenous injection of cefepime and meropenem at 250 or 500 mg/kg of body weight had no effect on PTZ-induced convulsions in normal mice. However, in convulsions induced by electroconvulsive shock at low-stimulus currents, mean seizure stage following cefepime administration at 500 mg/kg was significantly higher than that following saline injection. Additionally, EEG spikes were recorded for mice that were given cefepime (500 mg/kg). In corneal kindled mice following cefepime injection, mean seizure stage was significantly higher than that following meropenem injection. The convulsive liability of cefepime is significantly higher than that of meropenem in normal and corneal kindled mice. In patients with low seizure thresholds, convulsive liability of cefepime may be assumed.
Screening of an FDA-Approved Compound Library Identifies Four Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Replication in Cell Culture
Authors: de Wilde Adriaan H. , Jochmans Dirk , Posthuma Clara C. , Zevenhoven-Dobbe Jessika C. , van Nieuwkoop Stefan , Bestebroer Theo M. , van den Hoogen Bernadette G. , Neyts Johan , Snijder Eric J.
Published: May 2014

Coronaviruses can cause respiratory and enteric disease in a wide variety of human and animal hosts. The 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) first demonstrated the potentially lethal consequences of zoonotic coronavirus infections in humans. In 2012, a similar previously unknown coronavirus emerged, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), thus far causing over 650 laboratory-confirmed infections, with an unexplained steep rise in the number of cases being recorded over recent months. The human MERS fatality rate of ∼30% is alarmingly high, even though many deaths were associated with underlying medical conditions. Registered therapeutics for the treatment of coronavirus infections are not available. Moreover, the pace of drug development and registration for human use is generally incompatible with strategies to combat emerging infectious diseases. Therefore, we have screened a library of 348 FDA-approved drugs for anti-MERS-CoV activity in cell culture. If such compounds proved sufficiently potent, their efficacy might be directly assessed in MERS patients. We identified four compounds (chloroquine, chlorpromazine, loperamide, and lopinavir) inhibiting MERS-CoV replication in the low-micromolar range (50% effective concentrations [EC50s], 3 to 8 μM). Moreover, these compounds also inhibit the replication of SARS coronavirus and human coronavirus 229E. Although their protective activity (alone or in combination) remains to be assessed in animal models, our findings may offer a starting point for treatment of patients infected with zoonotic coronaviruses like MERS-CoV. Although they may not necessarily reduce viral replication to very low levels, a moderate viral load reduction may create a window during which to mount a protective immune response.
Repurposing of Clinically Developed Drugs for Treatment of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Dyall Julie , Coleman Christopher M. , Hart Brit J. , Venkataraman Thiagarajan , Holbrook Michael R. , Kindrachuk Jason , Johnson Reed F. , Olinger Gene G. , Jahrling Peter B. , Laidlaw Monique , Johansen Lisa M. , Lear-Rooney Calli M. , Glass Pamela J. , Hensley Lisa E. , Frieman Matthew B.
Published: May 2014

Outbreaks of emerging infections present health professionals with the unique challenge of trying to select appropriate pharmacologic treatments in the clinic with little time available for drug testing and development. Typically, clinicians are left with general supportive care and often untested convalescent-phase plasma as available treatment options. Repurposing of approved pharmaceutical drugs for new indications presents an attractive alternative to clinicians, researchers, public health agencies, drug developers, and funding agencies. Given the development times and manufacturing requirements for new products, repurposing of existing drugs is likely the only solution for outbreaks due to emerging viruses. In the studies described here, a library of 290 compounds was screened for antiviral activity against Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Selection of compounds for inclusion in the library was dependent on current or previous FDA approval or advanced clinical development. Some drugs that had a well-defined cellular pathway as target were included. In total, 27 compounds with activity against both MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV were identified. The compounds belong to 13 different classes of pharmaceuticals, including inhibitors of estrogen receptors used for cancer treatment and inhibitors of dopamine receptor used as antipsychotics. The drugs identified in these screens provide new targets for
in vivo
studies as well as incorporation into ongoing clinical studies.
Unconventional Maturation of Dendritic Cells Induced by Particles from the Laminated Layer of Larval Echinococcus granulosus
Authors: Casaravilla Cecilia , Pittini Álvaro , Rückerl Dominik , Seoane Paula I. , Jenkins Stephen J. , MacDonald Andrew S. , Ferreira Ana M. , Allen Judith E. , Díaz Álvaro
Published: May 2014

The larval stage of the cestode parasite
Echinococcus granulosus
causes hydatid disease in humans and livestock. This infection is characterized by the growth in internal organ parenchymae of fluid-filled structures (hydatids) that elicit surprisingly little inflammation in spite of their massive size and persistence. Hydatids are protected by a millimeter-thick layer of mucin-based extracellular matrix, termed the laminated layer (LL), which is thought to be a major factor determining the host response to the infection. Host cells can interact both with the LL surface and with materials that are shed from it to allow parasite growth. In this work, we analyzed the response of dendritic cells (DCs) to microscopic pieces of the native mucin-based gel of the LL (pLL).
In vitro
, this material induced an unusual activation state characterized by upregulation of CD86 without concomitant upregulation of CD40 or secretion of cytokines (interleukin 12 [IL-12], IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], and IL-6). When added to Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, pLL-potentiated CD86 upregulation and IL-10 secretion while inhibiting CD40 upregulation and IL-12 secretion.
In vivo
, pLL also caused upregulation of CD86 and inhibited CD40 upregulation in DCs. Contrary to expectations, oxidation of the mucin glycans in pLL with periodate did not abrogate the effects on cells. Reduction of disulfide bonds, which are known to be important for LL structure, strongly diminished the impact of pLL on DCs without altering the particulate nature of the material. In summary, DCs respond to the LL mucin meshwork with a “semimature” activation phenotype, both
in vitro
and
in vivo
.
Integrons: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Gillings Michael R.
Published: May 2014

Integrons are versatile gene acquisition systems commonly found in bacterial genomes. They are ancient elements that are a hot spot for genomic complexity, generating phenotypic diversity and shaping adaptive responses. In recent times, they have had a major role in the acquisition, expression, and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. Assessing the ongoing threats posed by integrons requires an understanding of their origins and evolutionary history. This review examines the functions and activities of integrons before the antibiotic era. It shows how antibiotic use selected particular integrons from among the environmental pool of these elements, such that integrons carrying resistance genes are now present in the majority of Gram-negative pathogens. Finally, it examines the potential consequences of widespread pollution with the novel integrons that have been assembled via the agency of human antibiotic use and speculates on the potential uses of integrons as platforms for biotechnology.
Utility of a Paediatric Trigger Tool in a Norwegian department of paediatric and adolescent medicine
Authors: Solevåg Anne Lee , Nakstad Britt
Published: May 2014

Objectives

The British National Health Service (NHS) Paediatric Trigger Tool (PTT) was made based on various trigger tools developed for use in adults. The PTT has not previously been developed or used in Nordic units. We aimed to compare harm identified through PTT screening with voluntary incidence reports in our department. A secondary aim was to assess utility of the different triggers, including predictive value for identifying harm. We hypothesised that the NHS PTT would need adjustments for the setting in which it is used.

Setting

A Norwegian level II department of paediatric and adolescent medicine.

Participants

A convenience sample of 761 acute medical and surgical patient contacts March–May 2011. Median age (IQR) for the trigger positive patients was 2.5 (1.0–8.0) years; range 0–18 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Incidence, type and severity of harm identified with the PTT compared with the department's voluntary incidence reports. The type and rate of identified triggers and positive predictive value for harm.

Results

The PTT revealed a harm rate of 5% for medical patients, as compared to 0.5% in the incidence reports the same months. PTT screening revealed other types of harm than those reported by healthcare personnel themselves. We identified only 20 of the 39 NHS PTT triggers. The most frequent trigger was readmission within 30 days. Hypoxia, which was the second most frequent trigger, did not predict any patient harm.

Conclusions

This study showed that the NHS PTT identifies more and other types of harm than voluntary incidence reports. The presence of adult-oriented triggers, triggers that were not identified at all, as well as triggers with a low predictive value for harm may indicate the need for modification of the PTT to different settings. More studies are needed before a final decision is made to exclude triggers from the screening.
An individual-based growth and competition model for coastal redwood forest restoration
Authors: van Mantgem Phillip , Das Adrian
Published: May 2014

Thinning treatments to accelerate coastal redwood forest stand development are in wide application, but managers have yet to identify prescriptions that might best promote Sequoia sempervirens (Lamb. ex D. Don) Endl. (redwood) growth. The creation of successful thinning prescriptions would be aided by identifying the underlying mechanisms governing how individual tree growth responds to competitive environments in coastal redwood forests. We created a spatially explicit individual-based model of tree competition and growth parameterized using surveys of upland redwood forests at Redwood National Park, California. We modeled competition for overstory trees (stems ≥ 20 cm stem diameter at breast height, 1.37 m (dbh)) as growth reductions arising from sizes, distances, and species identity of competitor trees. Our model explained up to half of the variation in individual tree growth, suggesting that neighborhood crowding is an important determinant of growth in this forest type. We used our model to simulate the effects of novel thinning prescriptions (e.g., 40% stand basal area removal) for redwood forest restoration, concluding that these treatments could lead to substantial growth releases, particularly for S. sempervirens. The results of this study, along with continued improvements to our model, will help to determine spacing and species composition that best encourage growth.
Black hole interior mass formula
Authors: Pradhan Parthapratim
Published: May 2014

We argue by explicit computations that, although the area product, horizon radii product, entropy product, and irreducible mass product of the event horizon and Cauchy horizon are universal, the surface gravity product, the surface temperature product and the Komar energy product of the said horizons do not seem to be universal for Kerr–Newman black hole spacetimes. We show the black hole mass formula on the Cauchy horizon following the seminal work by Smarr [Phys Rev Lett 30:71 (1973), Phys Rev D 7:289 (1973)] for the outer horizon. We also prescribe the four laws of black hole mechanics for the inner horizon. A new definition of the extremal limit of a black hole is discussed.
Improvement of the energy stability of the Tohoku Dynamitron accelerator for microbeam and nanobeam applications
Authors: Matsuyama S. , Fujisawa M. , Nagaya T. , Ishii K. , Terakawa A. , Kikuchi Y. , Fujiwara M. , Watanabe K. , Karahashi M. , Nozawa Y. , Yamauchi S. , Ishiya M.
Published: May 2014

The microbeam system at Tohoku University has various applications. Recently higher spatial resolution down to several hundred nm and higher beam current with the resolution of several μm were required. To meet these requirements, a triplet lens system was installed. While the triplet system has higher demagnification, the chromatic aberration is much larger than in the doublet system. To achieve better performance in the triplet system, improvements in the energy resolution of the accelerator are required. Various sources of accelerator voltage ripples were investigated. The high voltage generating circuit was symmetrized and the noise components were reduced to minimize the voltage ripple. The voltage ripple of the accelerator for low-frequency components was reduced to around 70 V. The voltage ripple of the 120-kHz component was 140 Vp-p.
Holographic superconductors in Born–Infeld electrodynamics and external magnetic field
Authors: Gangopadhyay Sunandan
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we analytically investigate the effect of adding an external magnetic field in the presence of Born–Infeld (BI) corrections to a holographic superconductor in the probe limit. The technique employed is based on the matching of the solutions to the field equations near the horizon and the asymptotic AdS region. We obtain expressions for the critical temperature and the condensation values explicitly to all orders in the BI parameter. The value of the critical magnetic field is finally obtained and is found to get affected by the BI parameter.
DIGITAL BACKGROUND CALIBRATION FOR TIMING SKEW IN TIME-INTERLEAVED ADC
Authors: LI JING , LIU YANG , WU SHUANGYI , NING NING , YU QI
Published: May 2014

This paper proposes a digital background calibration scheme for timing skew in time-interleaved analog-to-digital converters (TIADCs). The timing error is detected by using the first derivative of the channel ADCs and a least-mean-square (LMS) loop is exploited to compensate the timing skew. The proposed scheme is effective within the entire frequency range of 0–fs/2. Compared with traditional calibration schemes, the proposed approach is more feasible and consumes lesser power and smaller area.
Analysis of fragment distribution and associated effects in 12,13C induced reactions
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Sharma Mahesh K. , Sharma Manoj K.
Published: May 2014

The decay of 220 Ra * nucleus formed in two different entrance channels 12 C +208 Pb and 13 C +207 Pb is investigated over a wide range of incident energies using the dynamical cluster decay model (DCM). The DCM is a non-statistical model used to account for the decay of hot and rotating nuclei formed in low energy heavy ion reactions. The excitation functions are calculated by considering quadrupole (β2) deformations with optimum orientations [Formula: see text] of decaying fragments. The DCM-based cross-sections for evaporation residue (ER), fusion–fission, αxn and neutron decay processes find nice agreement with the reported experimental data over wide range of incident energies. The cross-sections corresponding to different decay mechanism are worked out within DCM by fitting neck length parameter (ΔR). The entrance channel and angular momentum effects are investigated in reference to the above-mentioned reaction channels. In addition to this, the fragment mass distribution is worked out by colliding 13 C weakly bound stable projectile with a variety of target nuclei resulting in 13 C +159 Tb , 13 C +181 Ta and 13 C +207 Pb reactions. At comparable projectile energies, the increase in target mass is shown to favor asymmetric fragmentation in the fissioning region. Besides this, the incomplete fusion (ICF) contribution is worked out for 12 C and 13 C channels by applying necessary energy corrections in the framework of DCM.
Interactions between continent-like ‘drift’, rifting and mantle flow on Venus: gravity interpretations and Earth analogues
Authors: Harris Lyal B. , Bédard Jean H.
Published: May 2014

Regional shear zones are interpreted from Bouguer gravity data over northern polar to low southern latitudes of Venus. Offset and deflection of horizontal gravity gradient edges (‘worms’) and lineaments interpreted from displacement of Bouguer anomalies portray crustal structures, the geometry of which resembles both regional transcurrent shear zones bounding or cross-cutting cratons and fracture zones in oceanic crust on Earth. High Bouguer anomalies and thinned crust comparable to the Mid-Continent Rift in North America suggest underplating of denser, mantle-derived mafic material beneath extended crust in Sedna and Guinevere planitia on Venus. These rifts are partitioned by transfer faults and flank a zone of mantle upwelling (Eistla Regio) between colinear hot, upwelling mantle plumes. Data support the northward drift and indentation of Lakshmi Planum in western Ishtar Terra and >1000 km of transcurrent displacement between Ovda and Thetis regiones. Large displacements of areas of continent-like crust on Venus are interpreted to result from mantle tractions and pressure acting against their deep lithospheric mantle ‘keels’ commensurate with extension in adjacent rifts. Displacements of Lakshmi Planum and Ovda and Thetis regiones on Venus, a planet without plate tectonics, cannot be attributed to plate boundary forces (i.e. ridge push and slab pull). Results therefore suggest that a similar, subduction-free geodynamic model may explain deformation features in Archaean greenstone terrains on Earth. Continent-like ‘drift’ on Venus also resembles models for the late Cenozoic–Recent Earth, where westward translation of the Americas and northward displacement of India are interpreted as being driven by mantle flow tractions on the keels of their Precambrian cratons.

Supplementary material:

Bouguer gravity and topographic images over a segment of the Mid-Atlantic ridge and Ross Island and surrounds in Antarctica, principal horizontal stress trajectories about mantle plumes on Earth, map and interactive 3D representations of cratonic keels beneath North America from seismic tomography, and a centrifuge simulation for comparison with Venus in support of our tectonic model are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18736
.
Locally Compressed Suffix Arrays
Authors: González Rodrigo , Navarro Gonzalo , Ferrada Héctor
Published: May 2014

We introduce a compression technique for suffix arrays. It is sensitive to the compressibility of the text and
local
, meaning that random portions of the suffix array can be decompressed by accessing mostly contiguous memory areas. This makes decompression very fast, especially when various contiguous cells must be accessed.

Our main technical contributions are the following. First, we show that runs of consecutive values that are known to appear in function Ψ(
i
) =
A
−1
[
A
[
i
] + 1] of suffix arrays
A
of compressible texts also show up as repetitions in the differential suffix array
A
'[
i
] =
A
[
i
] −
A
[
i
−1]. Second, we use Re-Pair, a grammar-based compressor, to compress the differential suffix array, and upper bound its compression ratio in terms of the number of runs. Third, we show how to compact the space used by the grammar rules by up to 50%, while still permitting direct access to the rules. Fourth, we develop specific variants of Re-Pair that work using knowledge of Ψ, and use much less space than the general Re-Pair compressor, while achieving almost the same compression ratios. Fifth, we implement the scheme and compare it exhaustively with previous work, including the first implementations of previous theoretical proposals.
Fully Functional Static and Dynamic Succinct Trees
Authors: Navarro Gonzalo , Sadakane Kunihiko
Published: May 2014

We propose new succinct representations of ordinal trees and match various space/time lower bounds. It is known that any
n
-node static tree can be represented in 2
n
+
o
(
n
) bits so that a number of operations on the tree can be supported in constant time under the word-RAM model. However, the data structures are complicated and difficult to dynamize. We propose a simple and flexible data structure, called the
range min-max tree
, that reduces the large number of relevant tree operations considered in the literature to a few primitives that are carried out in constant time on polylog-sized trees. The result is extended to trees of arbitrary size, retaining constant time and reaching 2
n
+
O
(
n
/polylog(
n
)) bits of space. This space is optimal for a core subset of the operations supported and significantly lower than in any previous proposal.

For the dynamic case, where insertion/deletion (indels) of nodes is allowed, the existing data structures support a very limited set of operations. Our data structure builds on the range min-max tree to achieve 2
n
+
O
(
n
/log
n
) bits of space and
O
(log
n
) time for all operations supported in the static scenario, plus indels. We also propose an improved data structure using 2
n
+
O
(
n
log log
n
/log
n
) bits and improving the time to the optimal
O
(log
n
/log log
n
) for most operations. We extend our support to forests, where whole subtrees can be attached to or detached from others, in time
O
(log
1+ϵ
n
) for any ϵ > 0. Such operations had not been considered before.

Our techniques are of independent interest. An immediate derivation yields an improved solution to range minimum/maximum queries where consecutive elements differ by ± 1, achieving
n
+
O
(
n
/polylog(
n
)) bits of space. A second one stores an array of numbers supporting operations
sum
and
search
and limited updates, in optimal time
O
(log
n
/log log
n
). A third one allows representing dynamic bitmaps and sequences over alphabets of size σ, supporting rank/select and indels, within zero-order entropy bounds and time
O
(log
n
log σ/(log log
n
)
2
) for all operations. This time is the optimal
O
(log
n
/log log
n
) on bitmaps and polylog-sized alphabets. This improves upon the best existing bounds for entropy-bounded storage of dynamic sequences, compressed full-text self-indexes, and compressed-space construction of the Burrows-Wheeler transform.
Changing the way we study change
Authors: Kher Hemant V. , Serva Mark A.
Published: May 2014

Recently, scholars in various disciplines have called for the use of longitudinal research designs to test and build theory. Their argument is that key phenomena in virtually every theory change over time. As such, cross-sectional research designs used to test and extend theories do not provide insights that help understand the nature of temporal relationships between variables that are central to theory. Evidence is emerging that in some cases the strength and the direction of the relationship between variables found using longitudinal data is quite different relative to that found using cross-sectional data. The view expressed in this paper is that longitudinal research brings with it both new opportunities and challenges for information systems (IS) researchers. Opportunities will come in the form of explicitly incorporating time in testing and applying IS theories to cast new light on prior research that has been predominantly based on cross-sectional designs. At the same time, challenges will come in the form of proposing hypotheses on interrelationships between variables over time, and using newer data analytic techniques that are better suited to analyzing longitudinal data. We provide illustrations that highlight both advantages and challenges associated with longitudinal research in the field of IS.
Techniques for efficient in-memory checkpointing
Authors: Vogt Dirk , Giuffrida Cristiano , Bos Herbert , Tanenbaum Andrew S.
Published: May 2014

Checkpointing is a pivotal technique in system research, with applications ranging from crash recovery to replay debugging. In this paper, we evaluate a number of in-memory checkpointing techniques and compare their properties. We also present a new compiler-based checkpointing scheme which improves state-of-the-art performance and memory guarantees in the general case. Our solution relies on a shadow state to efficiently store incremental in-memory checkpoints, at the cost of a smaller user-addressable virtual address space. Contrary to common belief, our results show that in-memory checkpointing can be implemented efficiently with moderate impact on production systems.
Automatic verification of active device drivers
Authors: Amani Sidney , Chubb Peter , Donaldson Alastair F. , Legg Alexander , Ong Keng Chai , Ryzhyk Leonid , Zhu Yanjin
Published: May 2014

We develop a practical solution to the problem of automatic verification of the interface between device drivers and the operating system. Our solution relies on a combination of improved driver architecture and verification tools. Unlike previous proposals for verification-friendly drivers, our methodology supports drivers written in C and can be implemented in any existing OS. Our Linuxbased evaluation shows that this methodology amplifies the power of existing model checking tools in detecting driver bugs, making it possible to verify properties that are beyond the reach of traditional techniques.
Cost Allocation in PPP Projects: An Analysis Based on the Theory of “Contracts as Reference Points”
Authors: Peng Yichen , Zhou Jing , Xu Qiang , Wu Xiaoling
Published: May 2014

In recent years, the demand for infrastructure has been largely driven by the economic development of many countries. PPP has proved to be an efficient way to draw private capital into public utility construction, where ownership allocation becomes one of the most important clauses to both the government and the private investor. In this paper, we establish mathematical models to analyze the equity allocation problem of PPP projects through a comparison of the models with and without the effects of the theory of “contracts as reference points.” We then derive some important conclusions from the optimal solution of the investment ratio.
Mechanical Properties Measurement of Polymer Films by Bulge Test and Fringe Projection
Authors: Lin C. S. , Horng T. L. , Chen J. H. , Chen K. H. , Wu J. J. , Chen C. Y. , Ma S. H.
Published: May 2014

This paper aims at determining the mechanical properties such as Poisson ratio, biaxial modulus, and residual stress of polymer membranes using the bulge test and fringe projection. Under this idea, a bulge test apparatus has been developed for robust usage, under the room temperature, in industrial environments that are usually noisy and full of all kinds of vibrations. A setup of the bulge test, consisting of single chips and digital on-off valves, was used to achieve automatic precision control of pressure application to gas chamber with a circular polyimide (PI) test film fixed on the opening of it. A deformed image was then obtained via fringe projections with a series of optical apparatuses, and a 3D membrane deformation distribution was further achieved from this deformed image by some image processes that are chiefly through wavelet transformation and phase expansion. With the measurements of maximum membrane deformation versus applied pressure and given the Young’s modulus of test membrane, we could further calculate the Poisson ration (and then biaxial modulus) and residual stress of the film. Also, the measurements were validated to be highly accurate by comparison with a finite element analysis.
Multiple Determinations of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Show That Varicocelectomy Is Not Indicated for Infertile Patients with Subclinical Varicocele
Authors: García-Peiró Agustín , Ribas-Maynou Jordi , Oliver-Bonet María , Navarro Joaquima , Checa Miguel A. , Nikolaou Alexandros , Amengual María J. , Abad Carlos , Benet Jordi
Published: May 2014

Varicocele is one of the most common causes of low semen quality, which is reflected in high percentages of sperm cells with fragmented DNA. While varicocelectomy is usually performed to ameliorate a patient’s fertility, its impact on sperm DNA integrity in the case of subclinical varicocele is poorly documented. In this study, multiple DNA fragmentation analyses (TUNEL, SCD, and SCSA) were performed on semen samples from sixty infertile patients with varicocele (15 clinical varicoceles, 19 clinical varicoceles after surgical treatment, 16 subclinical varicoceles, and 10 subclinical varicoceles after surgical treatment). TUNEL, SCD, and SCSA assays all showed substantial sperm DNA fragmentation levels that were comparable between subclinical and clinical varicocele patients. Importantly, varicocelectomy did improve sperm quality in patients with clinical varicocele; however, this was not the case in patients with subclinical varicocele. In summary, although infertile patients with clinical and subclinical varicocele have similar sperm DNA quality, varicocelectomy should only be advised for patients with clinical varicocele.
Isomorphic Universality and the Number of Pairwise Nonisomorphic Models in the Class of Banach Spaces
Authors: Džamonja Mirna
Published: May 2014

We develop the framework ofnatural spacesto study isomorphic embeddings of Banach spaces. We then use it to show that a sufficient failure of the generalized continuum hypothesis implies that the universality number of Banach spaces of a given density under a certain kind of positive embedding (very positive embedding) is high. An example of a very positive embedding is a positive onto embedding betweenC(K)andCLfor 0-dimensionalKandLsuch that the following requirement holds for allh≠0andf≥0inC(K): if0≤Th≤Tf, then there are constantsa≠0andbwith0≤a·h+b≤fanda·h+b≠0.
Frequent Genital HSV-2 Shedding among Women during Labor in Soweto, South Africa
Authors: Perti Tara , Nyati Mandisa , Gray Glenda , De Bruyn Guy , Selke Stacy , Magaret Amalia , Huang Meei-Li , Velaphi Sithembiso , Corey Lawrence , Wald Anna
Published: May 2014

Background. Despite high herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) incidence and prevalence among women in Africa, we are unaware of published neonatal herpes reports. To assess neonatal HSV transmission potential in South Africa, we investigated the frequency of the strongest risk factors: HSV acquisition in late pregnancy and HSV shedding during labor.Methods. Women admitted in early labor to a hospital in Soweto underwent HSV serologic testing and genital swab collection for HSV PCR. HSV-2 seronegative women were assessed for seroconversion 4–6 weeks after delivery.Results. Of 390 women enrolled, 229 (58.7%) were HSV-2 seropositive. Genital HSV-2 was detected in 17.2% of HSV-2 seropositive women, including 26 of 115 HIV-positive and 13 of 110 HIV-negative women (22.6% versus 11.8%; RR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.04–3.53;P=0.038), but in none of 161 HSV-2 seronegative women. Among the 91 HSV-2 seronegative women followed after delivery, none seroconverted.Conclusions. HSV-2 reactivation is common among South African women during labor, especially those with HIV coinfection. To determine the epidemiology of neonatal herpes in South Africa and to investigate whether the lack of reported cases is due to alterations in immune control or HSV-2 virulence, studies evaluating acutely ill neonates for HSV and studies of maternal HSV-2 shedding patterns are needed.
In VitroAntioxidant, Antiproliferative, and Phytochemical Study in Different Extracts ofNyctanthes arbortristisFlowers
Authors: Khanapur Manjulatha , Avadhanula Ravi K. , Setty Oruganti H.
Published: May 2014

Nyctanthes arbortristisL. (Oleaceae) is widely used in the Indian system of traditional medicine and is reported to have various biological activities. The present study was intended to evaluate the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of flower extracts ofNyctanthes arbortristis. The shade dried flowers were extracted with 95% ethanol under sonication and the antioxidant activities were investigated usingin vitroassays along with the determination of phytochemical constituents (total polyphenol and total flavonoid). Arborside C andβ-monogentiobioside ester ofα-Crocetin were identified in crude active extracts through LCMS/MS analysis. The antiproliferative activity was carried out by MTT assay by employing different human cancer cell lines. The lowest IC50value of 24.56 ± 6.63 μg/mL was observed against Colo 205 cell line. The extract exhibited significant antioxidant and antiproliferative properties and the observed biological activities in this study provide scientific validation of ethnomedicinal use of this plant.
Selecting Optimal Measurement Poses for Kinematic Calibration of Industrial Robots
Authors: Zhou Jian , Nguyen Hoai-Nhan , Kang Hee-Jun
Published: May 2014

The robustness of robot calibration regarding the measurement noise is sensitive to the measurement poses serving as constraints on the parameters to be estimated. This paper presents a pose selection algorithm allowing one to select a given number of optimal poses out of a large set of previously measured poses, which is derived from the DETMAX algorithm with the improvements benefiting from the randomized search technique to avoid local convergence. The benefit of selecting optimal measurement poses is validated through both simulation and experimentation of calibration of a 6-dof serial robot manipulator (Hyundai robot YS100). The results show that the robot calibration with optimal measurement poses yields the global (unbiased) kinematic parameters. Thus, the robot positioning accuracy is enhanced throughout the workspace. Moreover, the experimental results indicate that the number of optimal measurement poses is as important as selecting optimal measurement poses for improving the robot calibration accuracy.
Medical Image Visual Appearance Improvement Using Bihistogram Bezier Curve Contrast Enhancement: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Gan Hong-Seng , Swee Tan Tian , Abdul Karim Ahmad Helmy , Sayuti Khairil Amir , Abdul Kadir Mohammed Rafiq , Tham Weng-Kit , Wong Liang-Xuan , Chaudhary Kashif T. , Ali Jalil , Yupapin Preecha P.
Published: May 2014

Well-defined image can assist user to identify region of interest during segmentation. However, complex medical image is usually characterized by poor tissue contrast and low background luminance. The contrast improvement can lift image visual quality, but the fundamental contrast enhancement methods often overlook the sudden jump problem. In this work, the proposed bihistogram Bezier curve contrast enhancement introduces the concept of “adequate contrast enhancement” to overcome sudden jump problem in knee magnetic resonance image. Since every image produces its own intensity distribution, the adequate contrast enhancement checks on the image’s maximum intensity distortion and uses intensity discrepancy reduction to generate Bezier transform curve. The proposed method improves tissue contrast and preserves pertinent knee features without compromising natural image appearance. Besides, statistical results from Fisher’s Least Significant Difference test and the Duncan test have consistently indicated that the proposed method outperforms fundamental contrast enhancement methods to exalt image visual quality. As the study is limited to relatively small image database, future works will include a larger dataset with osteoarthritic images to assess the clinical effectiveness of the proposed method to facilitate the image inspection.
Assessment of Mutagenic Effect ofG. acerosaandS. wightiiinS. typhimurium(TA 98, TA 100, and TA 1538 strains) and Evaluation of Their Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effect in Human Mononuclear Cells: A Non-Clinical Study
Authors: Syad Arif Nisha , Kasi Pandima Devi
Published: May 2014

The marine red algae (Gelidiella acerosaandSargassum wightii) possessing excellent antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity were subjected to toxicity evaluation for a deeper understanding of other bioprotective properties of seaweeds. Cytotoxic evaluation was done by trypan blue exclusion, and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays using human PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) and RBC (red blood cells) lysis assay using human erythrocytes. Mutagenicity of the seaweeds was analyzed by Ames salmonella mutagenicity test with the histidine dependent mutant strains TA 98, TA100 and TA 1538. Genotoxic activity was verified in PBMC by comet assay. The results suggest that benzene extract ofG. acerosa(BEGA) and dichloromethane extract ofS. wightii(DMESW) did not show cytotoxic effect both in PBMC and erythrocytes. Evaluation of mutagenic activity suggests that the seaweeds did not cause any mutagenic effects both in the absence and the presence of S9 microsomal fraction in all the threeSalmonellamutant strains. Results of genotoxic study showed that PBMC treated with seaweed extracts (1 mg/mL) exhibit less or no damage to cells, thus proving the non-genotoxic effect of the extract. Since thesein vitronon-clinical studies clearly demonstrate the non-toxic nature of the seaweeds, they could be exploited for further characterization, which would result in development of novel and safe therapeutic entities.
Genetic Association Analysis of Paratuberculosis Forms in Holstein-Friesian Cattle
Authors: Vázquez Patricia , Ruiz-Larrañaga Otsanda , Garrido Joseba M. , Iriondo Mikel , Manzano Carmen , Agirre Mikel , Estonba Andone , Juste Ramón A.
Published: May 2014

A genetic susceptibility toMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(MAP) infections in ruminants has been longtime suspected to exist. Recently, natural infections in cattle have been reclassified intolatentandpatentforms based on histopathological findings and their associations with immunological and microbiological variables. This study aims to explore whether these newly defined phenotypes are associated with twenty-four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in six bovine candidate genes:nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2), solute carrier family 11 member A1 (SLC11A1), nuclear body protein SP110 (SP110), toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2and4, andCD209(also known asDC-SIGN, dendritic cell-specific ICAM3-grabbing nonintegrin). SNPs were genotyped for 772 Holstein-Friesian animals (52.6%apparently free; 38.1%latent; 9.3%patent) by TaqMan OpenArray technology. Genotypic-phenotypic associations were assessed by logistic regression analysis adjusted for age at slaughter, under five models (codominant, dominant, recessive, overdominant, and log-additive), and corrected for multiple testing. The rs208222804 C allele (CD209gene) was found to be associated withlatentparatuberculosis (log-additive model:P<0.0034after permutation procedure; OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.48–0.86). No significant association was detected between any SNP and thepatentphenotype. Consequently,CD209gene may play a key role in the pathogenesis of bovine paratuberculosis.
Prevalence of Extensively Drug Resistant Tuberculosis among Archived Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis Isolates in Zimbabwe
Authors: Sagonda Tichaona , Mupfumi Lucy , Manzou Rumbidzai , Makamure Beauty , Tshabalala Mqondisi , Gwanzura Lovemore , Mason Peter , Mutetwa Reggie
Published: May 2014

We conducted a cross-sectional study of second line drug resistance patterns and genetic diversity of MDR-TB isolates archived at the BRTI-TB Laboratory, Harare, between January 2007 and December 2011. DSTs were performed for second line antituberculosis drugs. XDR-TB strains were defined as MDR-TB strains with resistance to either kanamycin and ofloxacin or capreomycin and ofloxacin. Strain types were identified by spoligotyping. No resistance to any second line drugs was shown in 73% of the isolates, with 23% resistant to one or two drugs but not meeting the definition of XDR-TB. A total of 26 shared types were identified, and 18 (69%) matched preexisting shared types in the current published spoligotype databases. Of the 11 out of 18 clustered SITs, 4 predominant (>6 isolates per shared type) were identified. The most and least abundant types were SIT 1468 (LAM 11-ZWE) with 12 (18%) isolates and SIT 53 (T1) with 6 (9%) isolates, respectively. XDR-TB strains are rare in Zimbabwe, but the high proportion of “pre-XDR-TB” strains and treatment failure cases is of concern. The genetic diversity of the MDR-TB strains showed no significant association between SITs and drug resistance.
Cooperative Optimal Control Strategy for Microgrid under Grid-Connected and Islanded Modes
Authors: Zheng Xuemei , Li Qiuming , Li Peng , Ding Danmei
Published: May 2014

This paper investigates the control performance of a physical configuration of a microgrid (MG), integrated with photovoltaic (PV) arrays, battery energy storage systems (BESSs), and variable loads. The main purpose is to achieve cooperative optimal control under both grid-connected and islanded modes for the MG. For the grid-connected mode, a voltage source inverter (VSI) based on swoop control is used to control the MG connection to the grid even if PV arrays are under partially shading conditions (PSC). Then, for the islanded mode, the paper analyzes the model of the PV unit and BESS unit detailed from the small signal point of view and designs the suitable control strategy for them. Finally, the whole MG system combines the droop control and the main/slave control to stabilize the DC bus line voltage and frequency. Both simulation and experimental results confirm that the proposed method can achieve cooperative control of the MG system in both grid-connected and islanded mode.
Six-Year Experience of a Nurse-Led Colorectal Cancer Follow-Up Clinic
Authors: Al Chalabi Hasan , O’Riordan James M. , Richardson Alex , Flannery Delia , O'Connor Katrina , Stuart Charlotte , Larkin John , McCormick Paul , Mehigan Brian
Published: May 2014

Aims and Objectives. To review the experience of a nurse-led colorectal cancer follow-up clinic in a tertiary referral colorectal cancer centre.Methodology. Data from the nurse-led colorectal cancer follow-up clinic in our unit was prospectively maintained in a colorectal cancer database. Data was analysed from January 1, 2006 until the December 31, 2011.Results. 1125 patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and referred to our unit as a tertiary centre for specialised colorectal cancer. Nine hundred and four patients had surgical resection of their colorectal cancer. Four hundred and seven patients were referred to the nurse-led colorectal cancer clinic for surveillance. The mean age of the patient cohort was 67 years (range 32–88) and 56% of patients were male. One hundred and seventeen patients were discharged to their general practitioner having been disease free after 5 years of followup. Fifty-four patients were diagnosed with either local or distant recurrence.Conclusion. A nurse-led colorectal cancer follow-up clinic is running according to strict follow-up protocols. This type of clinic significantly reduces the number of routine follow-up patients that have to be seen by the colorectal surgical consultant.
Variational Approach to Impulsive Problems: A Survey of Recent Results
Authors: Liao Fang-fang , Sun Juntao
Published: May 2014

We present a survey on the existence of nontrivial solutions to impulsive differential equations by using variational methods, including solutions to boundary value problems, periodic solutions, and homoclinic solutions.
Maternal Obesity, Inflammation, and Developmental Programming
Authors: Segovia Stephanie A. , Vickers Mark H. , Gray Clint , Reynolds Clare M.
Published: May 2014

The prevalence of obesity, especially in women of child-bearing age, is a global health concern. In addition to increasing the immediate risk of gestational complications, there is accumulating evidence that maternal obesity also has long-term consequences for the offspring. The concept of developmental programming describes the process in which an environmental stimulus, including altered nutrition, during critical periods of development can program alterations in organogenesis, tissue development, and metabolism, predisposing offspring to obesity and metabolic and cardiovascular disorders in later life. Although the mechanisms underpinning programming of metabolic disorders remain poorly defined, it has become increasingly clear that low-grade inflammation is associated with obesity and its comorbidities. This review will discuss maternal metainflammation as a mediator of programming in insulin sensitive tissues in offspring. Use of nutritional anti-inflammatories in pregnancy including omega 3 fatty acids, resveratrol, curcumin, and taurine may provide beneficial intervention strategies to ameliorate maternal obesity-induced programming.
Involvement of TSP1 and MMP9/NGAL in Angiogenesis during Orthodontic Periodontal Remodeling
Authors: Surlin Petra , Silosi Isabela , Rauten Anne Marie , Cojocaru Manole , Foia Lili
Published: May 2014

In the present study the aim was to measure the levels of Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) and Lipocalin-2/matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9/NGAL) complex in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) at different time points of orthodontic treatment, to determine the relationship between these values and those of total-matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and theirs implication in angiogenesis balance, in the situation of a good control of the bacterial plaque, emphasizing the role of TSP1 and MMP9/NGAL complex. GCF samples were collected from 16 young orthodontic patients requiring upper canine distalization (test tooth) with first premolar extraction. The contralateral canine (control tooth) was free from orthodontic force. For the orthodontic appliance, brackets Roth 0.018 inch with 0.012 inch NiTi archwire and a laceback were used. TSP1, MMP9/NGAL, and MMP9 increased from 1 hour before activation of orthodontic appliance to a maximum at 8 hours for MMP9 and 72 hours for MMP9/NGAL and TSP1. The results show a change in time of TSP1, MMP9/NGAL, and MMP9 levels in GCF of patients with this method of orthodontic treatment. The powerful correlation of MMP9/NGAL with TSP1 suggests their stronger involvement in angiogenesis processes in PDL during orthodontic periodontal remodeling, in the situation of a healthy periodontium and a good control of the bacterial plaque.