bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Cognitive behavioural Therapy in Irritable Bowel (ACTIB): protocol for a randomised controlled trial of clinical-effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of therapist delivered cognitive behavioural therapy and web-based self-management in irritable bowel syndrome in adults
Authors: Everitt Hazel , Landau Sabine , Little Paul , Bishop Felicity L , McCrone Paul , O'Reilly Gilly , Coleman Nicholas , Logan Robert , Chalder Trudie , Moss-Morris Rona
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 10–22% of the UK population, with England's annual National Health Service (NHS) costs amounting to more than £200 million. Abdominal pain, bloating and altered bowel habit affect quality of life, social functioning and time off work. Current treatment relies on a positive diagnosis, reassurance, lifestyle advice and drug therapies, but many people suffer ongoing symptoms. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and self-management can be helpful, but availability is limited.

Methods and analysis

To determine the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of therapist delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (TCBT) and web-based CBT self-management (WBCBT) in IBS, 495 participants with refractory IBS will be randomised to TCBT plus treatment as usual (TAU); WBCBT plus TAU; or TAU alone. The two CBT programmes have similar content. However, TCBT consists of six, 60 min telephone CBT sessions with a therapist over 9 weeks, at home, and two ‘booster’ 1 hour follow-up phone calls at 4 and 8 months (8 h therapist contact time). WBCBT consists of access to a previously developed and piloted WBCBT management programme (Regul8) and three 30 min therapist telephone sessions over 9 weeks, at home, and two ‘booster’ 30 min follow-up phone calls at 4 and 8 months (2½ h therapist contact time). Clinical effectiveness will be assessed by examining the difference between arms in the IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS SSS) and Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WASAS) at 12 months from randomisation. Cost-effectiveness will combine measures of resource use with the IBS SSS at 12 months and quality-adjusted life years.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial has full ethical approval. It will be disseminated via peer reviewed publications and conference presentations. The results will enable clinicians, patients and health service planners to make informed decisions regarding the management of IBS with CBT.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN44427879.
Restorative care for palliative patients: a retrospective clinical audit of outcomes for patients admitted to an inpatient palliative care unit
Authors: Runacres Fiona , Gregory Heidi , Ugalde Anna
Published: July 2015

Background

Restorative care in palliative care is a subset of rehabilitation that aims to improve quality of life through restoration or maintenance of physical functions. Outcomes for restorative care programmes delivered by palliative care units have not adequately been assessed.

Objectives

The objectives are to examine the outcomes of a restorative care programme in an inpatient palliative care unit, including discharge destination, performance status changes and length of stay.

Methods

Retrospective clinical audit of consecutive patients admitted to Calvary Health Care Bethlehem in Melbourne, Australia, principally for restorative care from July 2010 to December 2011.

Results

79 admissions met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 76.5 years (SD=11.14) and 43 (54%) were men. 75 (95%) patients had a malignant diagnosis; of these, the majority had lung cancer (24%). 16 patients (20%) were discharged home, 51 (65%) died and 12 (15%) were transferred. Of the patients discharged home, only 6 (38% of those discharged home) improved their performance status. Those discharged home had a significantly shorter length of stay (17 days compared to 39 days; p<0.05). Patients discharged home also had significantly better Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Status (AKPS) and Resource Utilisation Groups-Activities of Daily Living (RUG-ADL) scores on admission than others (both p<0.05).

Conclusions

The majority of patients referred for restorative care died during admission, with only a minority discharged home. Patients discharged most commonly experienced maintenance and not improvement in performance status. A successful discharge home following restorative care was associated with a shorter length of stay. Implications and recommendations for successful restorative care will be discussed.
Ten steps to leading a practice through change
Authors: Flight Bobbie
Published: July 2015

Change can be a difficult process to go through successfully in business, as many people, team members and mangers alike, often find it uncomfortable. Bobbie Flight outlines the steps to managing change effectively for the future good of the practice.
Net promoter scores: monitoring practice performance
Authors: Mackintosh Darren
Published: July 2015

One of the most effective and robust methods of measuring a practice's performance and the quality of its customers' experience is with a Net Promoter Score. Darren Mackintosh explains the importance of this measure and how it can be calculated, to increase recommendations and bring in new clients.
Billy the kid
Authors: Brown Richard
Published: July 2015

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved.

In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐and‐dried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘Billy the kid’, was submitted and is discussed by Richard Brown. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue. Discussion of the dilemma ‘Possession is nine‐tenths of the dog’, which was published in the June issue of In Practice, appears on page 375.

The series is being coordinated by Siobhan Mullan, of the University of Bristol. It is hoped it will provide a framework that will help practices find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Canine mast cell tumours: decision‐making and treatment
Authors: Warland James , Brioschi Valentina , Owen Laura , Dobson Jane
Published: July 2015

Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are common tumours in dogs. They mainly affect the skin, although they can affect other tissues and organs. In recent years, there have been significant advances in predicting skin MCT behaviour and treatment, including the licensing of two tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of this condition. This article focuses on skin (cutaneous and subcutaneous) MCTs. It summarises current understanding of MCT behaviour, prognosis and treatment, with a particular focus on treatment decision‐making.
Intestinal biopsies for investigating and managing inflammatory bowel disease in horses
Authors: Kerbyson Nicola , Knottenbelt Derek
Published: July 2015

Inflammatory bowel disease is a common cause of weight loss in horses and collection of intestinal biopsies is recommended in suspected cases to achieve a definitive diagnosis. Following a biopsy, the client's expectation is that a definitive diagnosis will clearly define treatment options and prognosis; however, there are very few publications to guide the practitioner in making decisions. This article aims to summarise the implications of different histopathological diagnoses to guide treatment options and assess prognosis.
Charting Phelan's ‘To Suffer a Sea Change’
Authors: Winkelman Megan , Ng Jacqueline , Shafer Audrey
Published: July 2015

Physicians and healthcare workers usually perceive their medical record entries as documentation rather than construction. In the following article, we extract a medical record from a narrative, Peggy Phelan's pathography of glaucoma, ‘To Suffer a Sea Change’. From information about encounters described by Phelan, an ophthalmologist reconstructs progress notes similar to those that would be key to a glaucoma patient's medical record. Rather than condemning the arcane pointilism of the medical record as a poverty of language, or isolating the pathography as an academic text, we hope to instead appreciate what their collaborative dialogue offers the study of disease. While the points of divergence between these texts will demonstrate failures in communication, they will also unearth an enriched dialogue.
Initial experience using the 3MAX cerebral reperfusion catheter in the endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke of distal arteries
Authors: Navia Pedro , Larrea Jose-Angel , Pardo Edurne , Arce Ana , Martínez-Zabaleta Maite , Díez-González Noemí , Murias Eduardo , Arráez-Aybar Luis-Alfonso , Massó Javier
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The advancement of technology has allowed the development of new catheters that may provide safe intracranial navigation.

Objective

To report our first experience with the direct aspiration first pass technique in small arteries as the primary method for recanalization with the Penumbra 3MAX cerebral reperfusion catheter.

Methods

A retrospective case series analysis study of patients with acute ischemic stroke endovascularly treated with the direct aspiration technique using the 3MAX reperfusion catheter in our hospital in the past year.

Results

We treated six patients in our hospital for acute ischemic stroke using the 3MAX aspiration catheter as first choice. The patients had a median National Institutes of Health Strokes Scale (NIHSS) score of 12 (range 10–17) at admission, with occlusions of an M2 segment of a middle cerebral artery (MCA) treated through an anterior communicating artery, pericallosal artery, P2 artery, and M2-MCA and M3-MCA arteries. Recanalization (TICI 2b–3) was achieved in all cases and no complications occurred. It was not necessary to combine treatment with a stent retriever in any of the patients. All the patients showed early neurological improvement. The median NIHSS score at discharge was 1 (0–3) and 5/6 (83%) patients had a modified Rankin Scale score 0–2 at discharge.

Conclusions

Our initial experience suggests that treatment of distal cerebrovascular occlusions with the 3MAX catheter is feasible. We achieved complete recanalization in all cases without unexpected complications while obtaining good clinical results. However, larger studies are necessary to establish its benefits and its safety.
Single-centre cohort study of gender influence in coronary CT angiography in patients with a low to intermediate pretest probability of coronary heart disease
Authors: Nørgaard Kirsten Schou , Isaksen Christin , Buhl Jørgen Selmer , Kirk Johansen Jane , Nielsen Agnete Hedemann , Nørgaard Aage , Urbonaviciene Grazina , Lindholt Jes S , Frost Lars
Published: July 2015

Background

In ‘real-world’ patient populations undergoing coronary CT angiography (CCTA), it is unclear whether a correlation exists between gender, coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and subsequent referral for invasive coronary angiography and coronary revascularisation. We therefore investigated the relationship between gender, CAC and use of subsequent invasive coronary angiography and coronary revascularisation in a cohort of patients with chest discomfort and low to intermediate pretest probability of coronary artery disease who underwent a CCTA at our diagnostic centre.

Methods

This is a cohort study that included patients examined between 2010 and 2013. Data were obtained from the Western Denmark Heart Registry. The follow-up ended 11 March 2014.

Results

A total of 3541 people (1621 men and 1920 women) were examined by CCTA. The rate of invasive coronary angiography during follow-up was 28.5% in men versus 18.3% in women (p<0.001). The rate of coronary revascularisation during follow-up was 11.4% in men versus 5.1% in women (p<0.001). The CAC-adjusted HR in women versus men was 0.98 (95% CI 0.85 to 1.13) for invasive coronary angiography and 0.73 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.93) for coronary revascularisation. Further adjustment for age and other risk factors did not change these estimates.

Conclusions

Women had a lower CAC score than men and a corresponding lower rate of invasive coronary angiography. The risk of coronary revascularisation was modestly reduced in women, irrespective of CAC. This may reflect a gender-specific difference in coping with chest discomfort, gender-specific referral bias for CCTA, and/or a gender-specific difference in the balance between coronary calcification and obstructive coronary heart disease.
Surveillance focus: glanders
Authors: Gonzalez‐Medina Sonia , Toth Balazs , Mawhinney Ian
Published: July 2015

The recent identification of a case of glanders in a horse in Germany that had never travelled outside of the country serves as a reminder that disease freedom cannot be taken for granted. Here, Sonia Gonzalez‐Medina, Balazs Toth and Ian Mawhinney discuss various aspects of glanders, warning that, while an old disease, it can still surprise
Occurrence of copper-resistant strains and a shift in Xanthomonas spp. causing tomato bacterial spot in Ontario
Authors: Abbasi Pervaiz A. , Khabbaz Salah Eddin , Weselowski Brian , Zhang Liang
Published: July 2015

Field strains of tomato bacterial spot pathogen (Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, X. vesicatoria, X. perforans, and X. gardneri) were characterized for sensitivity to copper and species composition. A total of 98 strains were isolated from symptomatic leaf and fruit samples collected from 18 tomato fields in Ontario. In greenhouse pathogenicity tests, most of the field strains caused severe (37 strains) to highly severe (23 strains) symptoms on ‘Bonny Best’ tomato plants, whereas 38 strains caused moderate symptoms. In MGY agar plates amended with various concentrations of copper sulfate, 11 strains were completely sensitive (no growth) and 87 strains were resistant (grew on 1.0 mmol/L or higher copper concentration). PCR analysis of the hrp gene cluster followed by restriction digestion with HaeIII and sequencing identified X. gardneri (35 strains) and X. perforans (26 strains) as predominant species and X. euvesicatoria and X. vesicatoria as less common species in Ontario tomato fields. Separation of field strains into various species was also confirmed with starch hydrolysis activity on agar medium. Moreover, 72 field strains produced shiny greenish-yellow colonies surrounded by a milky zone on xanthomonad differential (Xan-D) medium, and the colonies of 26 strains did not produce a milky zone. Thirty-four strains could not be clustered into any species and 25 of those strains were negative for the hrp gene PCR and also did not produce a milky zone around colonies on Xan-D medium. Our results suggest a widespread existence of copper-resistant strains and an increase in X. perforans strains of bacterial spot pathogen in Ontario. This information on copper resistance and species composition within bacterial spot pathogens in Ontario will be helpful for developing effective disease management strategies, making cultivar selection, and breeding new tomato cultivars.
Spectral properties of Sturm–Liouville system with eigenvalue-dependent boundary conditions
Authors: Arpat Esra Kir , Mutlu Gökhan
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we consider the boundary value problem [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] where λ is the spectral parameter and [Formula: see text] is a Hermitian matrix such that [Formula: see text] and αi ∈ ℂ, i = 0, 1, 2, with α2 ≠ 0. In this paper, we investigate the eigenvalues and spectral singularities of L. In particular, we prove that L has a finite number of eigenvalues and spectral singularities with finite multiplicities, under the Naimark and Pavlov conditions.
σCDM coupled to radiation: Dark energy and Universe acceleration
Authors: Abbyazov Renat R. , Chervon Sergey V. , Müller Volker
Published: July 2015

Recently, the Chiral Cosmological Model (CCM) coupled to cold dark matter (CDM) has been investigated as [Formula: see text]CDM model to study the observed accelerated expansion of the Universe. Dark sector fields (as Dark Energy content) coupled to cosmic dust were considered as the source of Einstein gravity in Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) cosmology. Such model had a beginning at the matter-dominated era. The purposes of our present investigation are two-fold: To extend “life” of the [Formula: see text]CDM for earlier times to radiation-dominated era and to take into account variation of the exponential potential [Formula: see text] via variation of the interaction parameter [Formula: see text].

We use Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) procedure to investigate possible values of initial conditions constrained by the measured amount of the dark matter, dark energy and radiation component today.

Our analysis includes dark energy contribution to critical density, the ratio of the kinetic and potential energies, deceleration parameter, effective equation of state (EoS) and evolution of DE EoS with variation of coupling constant [Formula: see text]. A comparison with the [Formula: see text]CDM model was performed. A new feature of the model is the existence of some values of potential coupling constant, leading to a [Formula: see text]CDM solution without transition into accelerated expansion epoch.
Maxwell–Higgs self-dual solitons on an infinite cylinder
Authors: Casana Rodolfo , Sourrouille Lucas
Published: July 2015

We have studied the Maxwell–Higgs model on the surface of an infinite cylinder. In particular, we show that this model supports self-dual topological soliton solutions on the infinite tube. Finally, the Bogomol’nyi-type equations are studied from theoretical and numerical point of view.
Evolution of the number state in laser process
Authors: You Fuyi , Chen Junhua , Fan Hongyi , Jiang Wenhui
Published: July 2015

We investigate systematically the evolution of the number state in a laser process by deriving the analytic expression of the density operator and putting it into a normal ordered form. The eigenvalue of the density operator is related to Jacobi polynomials. Then we derive the expression for the mean photon number, the second degree of coherence, the entropy, Wigner function and the photoncount distribution. The nonclassicality is discussed by virtue of the negativity of Wigner function. It is found that the Wigner function is always negative for t < t0, which is independent on the parameter m. On the other hand, the condition for the second degree of coherence larger than 1 is dependent on the parameter m.
The Branching Bifurcation of Adaptive Dynamics
Authors: Della Rossa Fabio , Dercole Fabio , Landi Pietro
Published: July 2015

We unfold the bifurcation involving the loss of evolutionary stability of an equilibrium of the canonical equation of Adaptive Dynamics (AD). The equation deterministically describes the expected long-term evolution of inheritable traits — phenotypes or strategies — of coevolving populations, in the limit of rare and small mutations. In the vicinity of a stable equilibrium of the AD canonical equation, a mutant type can invade and coexist with the present — resident — types, whereas the fittest always win far from equilibrium. After coexistence, residents and mutants effectively diversify, according to the enlarged canonical equation, only if natural selection favors outer rather than intermediate traits — the equilibrium being evolutionarily unstable, rather than stable. Though the conditions for evolutionary branching — the joint effect of resident-mutant coexistence and evolutionary instability — have been known for long, the unfolding of the bifurcation has remained a missing tile of AD, the reason being related to the nonsmoothness of the mutant invasion fitness after branching. In this paper, we develop a methodology that allows the approximation of the invasion fitness after branching in terms of the expansion of the (smooth) fitness before branching. We then derive a canonical model for the branching bifurcation and perform its unfolding around the loss of evolutionary stability. We cast our analysis in the simplest (but classical) setting of asexual, unstructured populations living in an isolated, homogeneous, and constant abiotic environment; individual traits are one-dimensional; intra- as well as inter-specific ecological interactions are described in the vicinity of a stationary regime.
Making a Swim Central Pattern Generator Out of Latent Parabolic Bursters
Authors: Alaçam Deniz , Shilnikov Andrey
Published: July 2015

We study the rhythmogenesis of oscillatory patterns emerging in network motifs composed of inhibitory coupled tonic spiking neurons represented by the Plant model of R15 nerve cells. Such motifs are argued to be used as building blocks for a larger central pattern generator network controlling swim locomotion of sea slug Melibe leonina.
Phase Selective Oscillations in Two Noise Driven Synaptically Coupled Spiking Neurons
Authors: Prokin Ilya , Tyukin Ivan , Kazantsev Victor
Published: July 2015

The work investigates the influence of spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) mechanisms on the dynamics of two synaptically coupled neurons driven by additive external noise. In this setting, the noise signal models synaptic inputs that the pair receives from other neurons in a larger network. We show that in the absence of STDP feedbacks the pair of neurons exhibit oscillations and intermittent synchronization. When the synapse connecting the neurons is supplied with a phase selective feedback mechanism simulating STDP, induced dynamics of spikes in the coupled system resembles a phase locked mode with time lags between spikes oscillating about a specific value. This value, as we show by extensive numerical simulations, can be set arbitrary within a broad interval by tuning parameters of the STDP feedback.
Mathematical Modeling and Nonlinear Dynamical Analysis of Cell Growth in Response to Antibiotics
Authors: Jin Suoqin , Niu Lili , Wang Gang , Zou Xiufen
Published: July 2015

This study is devoted to the revelation of the dynamical mechanisms of cell growth in response to antibiotics. We establish a mathematical model of ordinary differential equations for an antibiotic-resistant growth system with one positive feedback loop. We perform a dynamical analysis of the behavior of this model system. We present adequate sets of conditions that can guarantee the existence and stability of biologically-reasonable steady states. Using bifurcation analysis and numerical simulation, we show that the relative growth rate, which is defined as the ratio of the cell growth rate to the basal cell growth rate in the absence of antibiotics, can exhibit bistable behavior in an extensive range of parameters that correspond to a growth state and a nongrowth state in biology. We discover that both antibiotic and antibiotic resistance genes can cooperatively enhance bistability, whereas the cooperative coefficient of feedback can contribute to the onset of bistability. These results would contribute to a better understanding of not only the evolution of antibiotics but also the emergence of drug resistance in other diseases.
Feedback-Induced Variations of Distribution in a Representative Gene Model
Authors: Liu Peijiang , Yuan Zhanjiang , Huang Lifang , Zhou Tianshou
Published: July 2015

Gene expression is inherently noisy, implying that the number of mRNAs or proteins is not invariant rather than follows a distribution. This distribution can not only provide the exact information on the dynamics of gene expression but also describe cell-to-cell variability in a genetically identical cell population. Here, we systematically investigate a two-state model of gene expression, a model paradigm used to study expression dynamics, focusing on the effect of feedback on the type of mRNA or protein distribution. If there is no feedback, then the distribution may be bimodal, power-law tailed, or Poisson-like, depending on gene switching rates. However, we find that feedback can tune or change the type of the distribution in each case and tends to unimodalize the distribution as its strength increases. Specifically, positive feedback can change not only a power-law tailed distribution into a bimodal or Poisson-like distribution but also a bimodal distribution into a Poisson-like distribution (implying that stochastic bifurcation can take place). In addition, it can make a Poisson-like distribution become more peaked but does not change the type of this distribution. In contrast to positive feedback, negative feedback has less influence on the shape of the distributions except for the bimodal case. In all cases, the noise-feedback curve used extensively in previous studies cannot well reflect the feedback-induced changes in the shape of distributions. Feedback-induced variations in distribution would be important for cell survival in fluctuating environments.
Dynamics of an HBV Model with Drug Resistance Under Intermittent Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Zhang Ben-Gong , Tanaka Gouhei , Aihara Kazuyuki , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi , Chen Luonan
Published: July 2015

This paper studies the dynamics of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) model and the therapy regimens of HBV disease. First, we propose a new mathematical model of HBV with drug resistance, and then analyze its qualitative and dynamical properties. Combining the clinical data and theoretical analysis, we demonstrate that our model is biologically plausible and also computationally viable. Second, we demonstrate that the intermittent antiviral therapy regimen is one of the possible strategies to treat this kind of complex disease. There are two main advantages of this regimen, i.e. it not only may delay the development of drug resistance, but also may reduce the duration of on-treatment time compared with the long-term continuous medication. Moreover, such an intermittent antiviral therapy can reduce the adverse side effects. Our theoretical model and computational results provide qualitative insight into the progression of HBV, and also a possible new therapy for HBV disease.
Local Bifurcations and Optimal Theory in a Delayed Predator–Prey Model with Threshold Prey Harvesting
Authors: Tankam Israel , Tchinda Mouofo Plaire , Mendy Abdoulaye , Lam Mountaga , Tewa Jean Jules , Bowong Samuel
Published: July 2015

We investigate the effects of time delay and piecewise-linear threshold policy harvesting for a delayed predator–prey model. It is the first time that Holling response function of type III and the present threshold policy harvesting are associated with time delay. The trajectories of our delayed system are bounded; the stability of each equilibrium is analyzed with and without delay; there are local bifurcations as saddle-node bifurcation and Hopf bifurcation; optimal harvesting is also investigated. Numerical simulations are provided in order to illustrate each result.
CRITICAL TRANSACTION COSTS AND 1-STEP ASYMPTOTIC ARBITRAGE IN FRACTIONAL BINARY MARKETS
Authors: CORDERO FERNANDO , PEREZ-OSTAFE LAVINIA
Published: July 2015

We study the arbitrage opportunities in the presence of transaction costs in a sequence of binary markets approximating the fractional Black–Scholes model. This approximating sequence was constructed by Sottinen and named fractional binary markets. Since, in the frictionless case, these markets admit arbitrage, we aim to determine the size of the transaction costs needed to eliminate the arbitrage from these models. To gain more insight, we first consider only 1-step trading strategies and we prove that arbitrage opportunities appear when the transaction costs are of order [Formula: see text]. Next, we characterize the asymptotic behavior of the smallest transaction costs [Formula: see text], called "critical" transaction costs, starting from which the arbitrage disappears. Since the fractional Black–Scholes model is arbitrage-free under arbitrarily small transaction costs, one could expect that [Formula: see text] converges to zero. However, the true behavior of [Formula: see text] is opposed to this intuition. More precisely, we show, with the help of a new family of trading strategies, that [Formula: see text] converges to one. We explain this apparent contradiction and conclude that it is appropriate to see the fractional binary markets as a large financial market and to study its asymptotic arbitrage opportunities. Finally, we construct a 1-step asymptotic arbitrage in this large market when the transaction costs are of order o(1/NH), whereas for constant transaction costs, we prove that no such opportunity exists.
INVESTIGATING EXPRESSION OF AUTOPHAGY-ASSOCIATED PROTEINS LEVEL IN RATS WITH ACUTE LUNG INJURY INDUCED BY REMOTE LIMB ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION
Authors: LI YUEBING , KANG YUQING , WONG KELVIN KL , GHISTA DHANJOO N. , GU MIAONING
Published: July 2015

Objective: To explore the early expression of autophagy-associated proteins in lung tissues in acute lung injury (ALI) induced by remote limb ischemia-reperfusion (LIR) by using rats as our test specimens. Method: A total of 48 adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with weights in the range of 220–250[Formula: see text]g were designated as LIR models, and divided randomly into two groups of 24 each: Sham group and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) group. Then, each group was divided into four subgroups at the end of 0, 2, 4, 8[Formula: see text]h of reperfusion, after 3[Formula: see text]h of ischemia. The rats were anesthetized by pentobarbital sodium. The serum lactate dehydrogenases (LDH) were detected with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the pathological changes of lung tissues were observed by using immunofluorescence techniques. The expression of Beclin1 protein and Atg5 mRNA in the lung tissues were detected by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and analyzed by 2[Formula: see text] method; Microtubules associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) in the lung tissues were detected by Western blot test. Result: The levels of serum LDH in I/R groups were much higher than those in Sham groups ([Formula: see text]), which showed that the rats models of LIR were successful. Immunofluorescence examination demonstrated injuries of lung tissues, thickening of alveolar septum and partial consolidation in I/R groups; however, this damage was not observed significantly in Sham groups. The expression of Beclin1 and Atg5 mRNA, LC3-II and the ratio of LC3-II/GAPDH in lung tissues were very much higher at 4 and 8[Formula: see text]h in IR groups ([Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]), and were significantly higher at the same time compared with Sham groups ([Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]). Conclusion: LIR causes ALI to induce increased autophagy and high expression of its relevant proteins; while continuous I/R can also cause autophagy inhibition.
Enhanced Supercapacitive Performance of Carbonized Polyaniline by Conducting Wrapping
Authors: Luo Zhihong , Zhuge Xiangqun , Zhao Yuzhen , He Meixiao , Zhu Lihua , Tang Heiqing , Luo Kun
Published: July 2015

Functionalized carbon nanotubes (MWNT–COOH) was selected as conducting wrapping agent to prepare composites of MWNT–COOH and carbonized polyaniline (C–PANI), to improve the supercapacitive performance of C–PANI. The morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope which showed that C–PANI was trapped in the conductive network of MWNT–COOH. The electrochemical measurement results indicated the increased specific capacitance and enhanced cycling stability of C–PANI with the addition of MWNT–COOH. When the weight ratio of C–PANI and MWNT–COOH was 4:1, the specific capacitance of the composites was 149 F[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text], and the capacitance retention was 93.7% after 1000 charge–discharge cycling.
Retention of sedentary obese visceral white adipose tissue phenotype with intermittent physical activity despite reduced adiposity
Authors: Wainright Katherine S. , Fleming Nicholas J. , Rowles Joe L. , Welly Rebecca J. , Zidon Terese M. , Park Young-Min , Gaines T'Keaya L. , Scroggins Rebecca J. , Anderson-Baucum Emily K. , Hasty Alyssa H. , Vieira-Potter Victoria J. , Padilla Jaume
Published: July 2015

Regular physical activity is effective in reducing visceral white adipose tissue (AT) inflammation and oxidative stress, and these changes are commonly associated with reduced adiposity. However, the impact of multiple periods of physical activity, intercalated by periods of inactivity, i.e., intermittent physical activity, on markers of AT inflammation and oxidative stress is unknown. In the present study, 5-wk-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into three groups ( n = 10/group): sedentary, regular physical activity, and intermittent physical activity, for 24 wk. All animals were singly housed and fed a diet containing 45% kcal from fat. Regularly active mice had access to voluntary running wheels throughout the study period, whereas intermittently active mice had access to running wheels for 3-wk intervals (i.e., 3 wk on/3 wk off) throughout the study. At death, regular and intermittent physical activity was associated with similar reductions in visceral AT mass (approximately −24%, P < 0.05) relative to sedentary. However, regularly, but not intermittently, active mice exhibited decreased expression of visceral AT genes related to inflammation (e.g., monocyte chemoattractant protein 1), immune cell infiltration (e.g., CD68, CD11c, F4/80, CD11b/CD18), oxidative stress (e.g., p47 phagocyte oxidase), and endoplasmic reticulum stress (e.g., CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein; all P < 0.05). Furthermore, regular, but not intermittent, physical activity was associated with a trend toward improvement in glucose tolerance ( P = 0.059). Collectively, these findings suggest that intermittent physical activity over a prolonged period of time may lead to a reduction in adiposity but with retention of a sedentary obese white AT and metabolic phenotype.
Simultaneous deletion of Bax and Bak is required to prevent apoptosis and interstitial fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy
Authors: Jang Hee-Seong , Padanilam Babu J.
Published: July 2015

Proximal tubular injury and apoptosis are key mediators of the development of kidney fibrosis, a hallmark of chronic kidney disease. However, the molecular mechanism by which tubular apoptotic cell death leads to kidney fibrosis is poorly understood. In the present study, we tested the roles of Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) and Bcl-2 antagonist/killer (Bak), two crucial proteins involved in intrinsic apoptotic cell death, in the progression of kidney fibrosis. Mice with proximal tubule-specific Bax deletion, systemic deletion of Bak, and dual deletion of Bax and Bak were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Dual deficiency of Bax and Bak inhibited tubular apoptosis and atrophy. Consistent with decreased tubular injury, dual ablation of Bax and Bak suppressed UUO-induced inflammation and kidney fibrosis with decreased tubular cell cycle arrest, expression of fibrogenic and inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress in the kidney. Bax or Bak deficiency was insufficient to prevent apoptosis and all other aforementioned malevolent effects, suggesting compensatory mediation by each other in the respective signaling pathways. These data suggest that dual ablation of Bax and Bak in the kidney is required to prevent UUO-induced tubular apoptosis and the consequent kidney inflammation and fibrosis.
Increased oxygenation of the cerebral prefrontal cortex prior to the onset of voluntary exercise in humans
Authors: Matsukawa Kanji , Ishii Kei , Liang Nan , Endo Kana , Ohtani Ryo , Nakamoto Tomoko , Wakasugi Rie , Kadowaki Akito , Komine Hidehiko
Published: July 2015

To determine whether output from the forebrain (termed central command) may descend early enough to increase cardiac and renal sympathetic outflows at the onset of voluntary exercise, we examined the changes in regional tissue blood flows of bilateral prefrontal cortices with near-infrared spectroscopy, precisely identifying the onset of voluntary ergometer 30-s exercise at 41 ± 2% of the maximal exercise intensity in humans. Prefrontal oxygenated-hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) concentration was measured as index of regional blood flow unless deoxygenated-hemoglobin concentration remained unchanged. Prefrontal Oxy-Hb concentration increased significantly ( P < 0.05) 5 s prior to the onset of exercise with arbitrary start, whereas such increase in prefrontal Oxy-Hb was absent before exercise abruptly started by a verbal cue. Furthermore, the increase in prefrontal Oxy-Hb observed at the initial 15-s period of exercise was greater with arbitrary start than cued start. The prefrontal Oxy-Hb, thereafter, decreased during the later period of exercise, irrespective of either arbitrary or cued start. The reduction in prefrontal Oxy-Hb had the same time course and response magnitude as that during motor-driven passive exercise. Cardiac output increased at the initial period of exercise, whereas arterial blood pressure and total peripheral resistance decreased. The depressor response was more pronounced ( P < 0.05) with arbitrary start than cued start. Taken together, it is suggested that the increase in prefrontal Oxy-Hb observed prior to the onset of voluntary exercise may be in association with central command, while the later decrease in the Oxy-Hb during exercise may be in association with feedback stimulated by mechanical limb motion.
Neural circuit basis of visuo-spatial working memory precision: a computational and behavioral study
Authors: Almeida Rita , Barbosa João , Compte Albert
Published: July 2015

The amount of information that can be retained in working memory (WM) is limited. Limitations of WM capacity have been the subject of intense research, especially in trying to specify algorithmic models for WM. Comparatively, neural circuit perspectives have barely been used to test WM limitations in behavioral experiments. Here we used a neuronal microcircuit model for visuo-spatial WM (vsWM) to investigate memory of several items. The model assumes that there is a topographic organization of the circuit responsible for spatial memory retention. This assumption leads to specific predictions, which we tested in behavioral experiments. According to the model, nearby locations should be recalled with a bias, as if the two memory traces showed attraction or repulsion during the delay period depending on distance. Another prediction is that the previously reported loss of memory precision for an increasing number of memory items (memory load) should vanish when the distances between items are controlled for. Both predictions were confirmed experimentally. Taken together, our findings provide support for a topographic neural circuit organization of vsWM, they suggest that interference between similar memories underlies some WM limitations, and they put forward a circuit-based explanation that reconciles previous conflicting results on the dependence of WM precision with load.
Scaling prediction errors to reward variability benefits error-driven learning in humans
Authors: Diederen Kelly M. J. , Schultz Wolfram
Published: July 2015

Effective error-driven learning requires individuals to adapt learning to environmental reward variability. The adaptive mechanism may involve decays in learning rate across subsequent trials, as shown previously, and rescaling of reward prediction errors. The present study investigated the influence of prediction error scaling and, in particular, the consequences for learning performance. Participants explicitly predicted reward magnitudes that were drawn from different probability distributions with specific standard deviations. By fitting the data with reinforcement learning models, we found scaling of prediction errors, in addition to the learning rate decay shown previously. Importantly, the prediction error scaling was closely related to learning performance, defined as accuracy in predicting the mean of reward distributions, across individual participants. In addition, participants who scaled prediction errors relative to standard deviation also presented with more similar performance for different standard deviations, indicating that increases in standard deviation did not substantially decrease “adapters'” accuracy in predicting the means of reward distributions. However, exaggerated scaling beyond the standard deviation resulted in impaired performance. Thus efficient adaptation makes learning more robust to changing variability.
Synthesis of Co‐Doped CdS Nanocrystals by Direct Thermolysis of Cadmium and Cobalt Thiolate Clusters
Authors: Zhao Jianing , Li Xiaoli , Li Zhiguo
Published: July 2015

Co‐doped CdS (Co:CdS) nanocrystals with controllable morphology (quantum dots and nanorods) were easily synthesized by direct thermolysis of (Me4N)2[Co4(SC6H5)10] and (Me4N)4[S4Cd10(SPh)16] under different precursor concentration, in virtue of the ions exchange of molecular clusters. The Co:CdS quantum dots were produced under low precursor concentration, and the Co:CdS nanorods could be obtained under higher precursor concentration. The Co‐doping effect on the structure, growth process, and property of CdS nanocrystals was also investigated. The results indicated that the Co‐doping was favorable for the formation of the nanorod structures for a short reaction time. In addition, the Co‐doping in the CdS lattice resulted in the ferromagnetic property of the Co:CdS quantum dots at room temperature. Moreover, compared with the CdS quantum dots, the Co:CdS quantum dots exhibited obvious quantum confinement effect and photoluminescence emission with slightly red‐shift.
Ghrelin’s Effects on Proinflammatory Cytokine Mediated Apoptosis and Their Impact onβ-Cell Functionality
Authors: Diaz-Ganete Antonia , Baena-Nieto Gloria , Lomas-Romero Isabel M. , Lopez-Acosta Jose Francisco , Cozar-Castellano Irene , Medina Francisco , Segundo Carmen , Lechuga-Sancho Alfonso M.
Published: July 2015

Ghrelin is a peptidic hormone, which stimulates cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in several tissues, including pancreas. In preclinical stage of type 1 diabetes, proinflammatory cytokines generate a destructive environment forβ-cells known as insulitis, which results in loss ofβ-cell mass and impaired insulin secretion, leading to diabetes. Our aim was to demonstrate that ghrelin could preserveβ-cell viability, turnover rate, and insulin secretion acting as a counter balance of cytokines. In the present work we reproduced proinflammatory milieu found in insulitis stage by treating murine cell line INS-1E and rat islets with a cytokine cocktail including IL-1β, IFNγ, and TNFαand/or ghrelin. Several proteins involved in survival pathways (ERK 1/2 and Akt/PKB) and apoptosis (caspases and Bcl-2 protein family and endoplasmic reticulum stress markers) as well as insulin secretion were analyzed. Our results show that ghrelin alone has no remarkable effects onβ-cells in basal conditions, but interestingly it activates cell survival pathways, downregulates apoptotic mediators and endoplasmic reticulum stress, and restores insulin secretion in response to glucose when beta-cells are cytokine-exposed. These data suggest a potential role of ghrelin in preventing or slowing down the transition from a preclinical to clinically established diabetes by ameliorating the effects of insulitis onβ-cells.
Characteristics of Nanophase WC and WC-3 wt% (Ni, Co, and Fe) Alloys Using a Rapid Sintering Process for the Application of Friction Stir Processing Tools
Authors: Kim Daeup , Choi Young , Kim Yongil , Jung Seungboo
Published: July 2015

Microstructures and mechanical characteristics of tungsten carbide- (WC-) based alloys, that is, WC, WC-3 wt% Ni, WC-3 wt% Co, and WC-3 wt% Fe, fabricated using a spark plasma sintering (SPS) method for the application of friction stir processing tools were evaluated. The sintered bodies with a diameter of 66 mm showed relative densities of up to 99% with an average particle size of 0.26~0.41 μm under a pressure condition of 60 MPa with an electric current for 35 min without noticeable grain growth during sintering. Even though no phase changes were observed after the ball milling process the phases of W2C andWC1-xappeared in all sintered samples after sintering. The Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of the WC, WC-3 wt% Ni, WC-3 wt% Co, and WC-3 wt% Fe samples ranged from 2,240 kg mm2to 2,730 kg mm2and from 6.3 MPa·m1/2to 9.1 MPa·m1/2, respectively.
Optimization and Static Stress Analysis of Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Composite Leaf Spring
Authors: Ismaeel Luay Muhammed Ali
Published: July 2015

A monofiber reinforced composite leaf spring is proposed as an alternative to the typical steel one as it is characterized by high strength-to-weight ratio. Different reinforcing schemes are suggested to fabricate the leaf spring. The composite and the typical steel leaf springs are subjected to the same working conditions. A weight saving of about more than 60% can be achieved while maintaining the strength for the structures under consideration. The objective of the present study was to replace material for leaf spring. This study suggests various materials of hybrid fiber reinforced plastics (HFRP). Also the effects of shear moduli of the fibers, matrices, and the composites on the composites performance and responses are discussed. The results and behaviors of each are compared with each other and verified by comparison with analytical solution; a good convergence is found between them. The elastic properties of the hybrid composites are calculated using rules of mixtures and Halpin-Tsi equation through the software of MATLAB v-7. The problem is also analyzed by the technique of finite element analysis (FEA) through the software of ANSYS v-14. An element modeling was done for every leaf with eight-node 3D brick element (SOLID185 3D 8-Node Structural Solid).
The Polymerization of MMA and ST to Prepare Material with Gradient Refractive Index in Electric Field
Authors: Huang Yao , Wu Daming , Ren Dongyun , Meng Qingyun , Di Xiaojun
Published: July 2015

Light scattering material with gradient refractive index was prepared under the electrical field by taking methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer as the matrix with the addition of a little preheated styrene (ST) and peroxidation benzoin formyl (BPO). The material obtained under electrical field presented different transmittance and molecular weight at different parts of the cylindrical sample along the axis of the direction of electric field which led to the layering phenomenon and gradient refractive index. The disparity of molecular weight between different layers can be as much as 230 thousand. There were several peaks in the figure of GPC test of the sample under electric field. This proved that there were polymers with different molecular weights in the sample. Therefore, it can be concluded that electrical field has a significant effect on polymerization.
Improvement of Surface Properties of Inconel718 by HVOF Coating with WC-Metal Powder and by Laser Heat Treatment of the Coating
Authors: Chun Hui Gon , Cho Tong Yul , Yoon Jae Hong , Lee Gun Hwan
Published: July 2015

High-velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) thermal spray coating with WC-metal powder was carried out by using optimal coating process on an Inconel718 surface for improvement of the surface properties, friction, wear, and corrosion resistance. Binder metals such as Cr and Ni were completely melted and WC was decomposed partially to W2C and graphite during the high temperature (up to 3500°C) thermal spraying. The melted metals were bonded with WC and other carbides and were formed as WC-metal coating. The graphite and excessively sprayed oxygen formed carbon oxide gases, and these gases formed porous coating by evolution of the gases. The surface properties were improved by HVOF coating and were improved further by CO2laser heat treatment (LH). Wear resistance of In718 surface was improved by coating and LH at 25°C and an elevated temperature of 450°C, resulting in reduction of wear trace traces, and was further improved by LH of the coating in reducing wear depth. Corrosion resistance due to coating in sea water was improved by LH. HVOF coating of WC-metal powder on a metal surface and a LH of the coating were highly recommended for the improvement of In718 surface properties, the friction behavior, and wear resistance.