bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiotherapy rehabilitation for whiplash associated disorder II: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Rushton Alison , Wright Chris , Heneghan Nicola , Eveleigh Gillian , Calvert Melanie , Freemantle Nick
Published: November 2011

Objective

To evaluate effectiveness of physiotherapy management in patients experiencing whiplash associated disorder II, on clinically relevant outcomes in the short and longer term.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis. Two reviewers independently searched information sources, assessed studies for inclusion, evaluated risk of bias and extracted data. A third reviewer mediated disagreement. Assessment of risk of bias was tabulated across included trials. Quantitative synthesis was conducted on comparable outcomes across trials with similar interventions. Meta-analyses compared effect sizes, with random effects as primary analyses.

Data sources

Predefined terms were employed to search electronic databases. Additional studies were identified from key journals, reference lists, authors and experts.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English before 31 December 2010 evaluating physiotherapy management of patients (>16 years), experiencing whiplash associated disorder II. Any physiotherapy intervention was included, when compared with other types of management, placebo/sham, or no intervention. Measurements reported on ≥1 outcome from the domains within the international classification of function, disability and health, were included.

Results

21 RCTs (2126 participants, 9 countries) were included. Interventions were categorised as active physiotherapy or a specific physiotherapy intervention. 20/21 trials were evaluated as high risk of bias and one as unclear. 1395 participants were incorporated in the meta-analyses on 12 trials. In evaluating short term outcome in the acute/sub-acute stage, there was some evidence that active physiotherapy intervention reduces pain and improves range of movement, and that a specific physiotherapy intervention may reduce pain. However, moderate/considerable heterogeneity suggested that treatments may differ in nature or effect in different trial patients. Differences between participants, interventions and trial designs limited potential meta-analyses.

Conclusions

Inconclusive evidence exists for the effectiveness of physiotherapy management for whiplash associated disorder II. There is potential benefit for improving range of movement and pain short term through active physiotherapy, and for improving pain through a specific physiotherapy intervention.
Direct puncture of the highest cervical segment of the internal carotid artery for treatment of an iatrogenic carotid cavernous fistula in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: Figure 1
Authors: Khan Adam , Chaudhary Neeraj , Pandey Aditya S , Gemmete Joseph J
Published: November 2011

A case of an iatrogenic direct carotid cavernous fistula in a patient with a history of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and multiple aneurysms is reported. The fistula developed after unsuccessful surgical thrombectomy and revision of an occluded interposition graft inserted to treat a right internal carotid artery aneurysm. Direct puncture of the right internal carotid artery at the level of the skull base was performed to close the fistula. This case shows that direct puncture at the highest cervical segment of the internal carotid artery is another option for treatment of a direct carotid cavernous fistula when a standard transarterial or transvenous approach is not feasible.
Impact of PIT tagging on recapture rates, body condition and reproductive success of wild Daubenton's bats (Myotis daubentonii)
Authors: Rigby E. L. , Aegerter J. , Brash M. , Altringham J. D.
Published: November 2011

A successful and safe methodology for the subcutaneous insertion of passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags in a small‐ to medium‐sized bat (average mass 9 g) under isoflurane‐induced anaesthesia is described. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging had no significant impact on the rate of recapture, body condition index (BCI) (bodyweight/forearm length) and reproductive success of tagged individuals, and no visible injuries or health problems were observed in any of the recaptured bats. Tagging success, in terms of retention and function, was 92 per cent (n=61) by the third year of using the method. Sixteen per cent (n=39) of bats tagged during the three‐year study period were not producing positive scans with the microchip reader when recaptured after previously successful tag insertion, indicating that the tags were either working their way out of the bats or ceasing to function.
Survey of the frequency and perceived stressfulness of ethical dilemmas encountered in UK veterinary practice
Authors: Batchelor C. E. M. , McKeegan D. E. F.
Published: November 2011

The scale of the ethical challenges faced by veterinary surgeons and their perceived stressful consequences were investigated via a short questionnaire, completed by 58 practising veterinary surgeons. Respondents were asked to report how frequently they faced ethical dilemmas, and to rate on a simple numerical scale (zero to 10) how stressful they found three common scenarios. Fifty seven per cent of respondents reported that they faced one to two dilemmas per week, while 34 per cent stated they typically faced three to five dilemmas per week. The three scenarios provided were all rated as highly stressful with ‘client wishing to continue treatment despite poor animal welfare’ rated as the most stressful (median 9). The female veterinary surgeons gave two of the scenarios significantly higher stress ratings than the male veterinary surgeons. Stress ratings were not influenced by number of years in practice (which ranged from one to more than 25 years). The results show that veterinary surgeons regularly face ethical dilemmas and that they find these stressful. This has implications for the wellbeing of veterinary surgeons and supports the case for increased provision of training and support, especially for those who entered the profession before undergraduate ethics teaching was widely available.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe, unlikeSaccharomyces cerevisiae, may not directly regulate nuclear-cytoplasmic transport of spliced tRNAs in response to nutrient availability
Authors: Pierce Jacqueline B. , Mangroo Dev
Published: November 2011

Eukaryotic cells adapt to changes in nutrient levels by regulating key processes, such as gene transcription, ribosome biogenesis, and protein translation. Several studies have shown that nuclear export of tRNAs is also regulated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and rat hepatoma H4IIE cells during nutrient stress. However, recent studies suggest that nutrient stress does not affect nuclear tRNA export in several mammalian cell lines, including rat hepatoma H4IIE. Furthermore, in contrast to previous studies, data reported more recently established that nuclear export of mature tRNAs derived from intron-containing pre-tRNAs, but not mature tRNAs made from intronless precursors, is affected by nutrient stress in several species of Saccharomyces , but not in the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis . Here, we provide evidence suggesting that Schizosaccharomyces pombe , like mammalian cells and K. lactis, but unlike Saccharomyces, do not directly regulate nuclear export of mature tRNAs made from intron-containing pre-tRNAs in response to nutrient stress. These studies collectively suggest that regulation of nuclear export of spliced tRNAs to the cytoplasm in response to nutrient availability may be limited to the genus Saccharomyces, which unlike other yeasts and higher eukaryotes produce energy for fermentative growth using respiration-independent pathways by downregulating the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain.
FRACTAL ANALYSIS OF SOIL PORE VARIABILITY WITH TWO DIMENSIONAL BINARY IMAGES
Authors: UTHAYAKUMAR R. , PRABAKAR G. AROCKIA , AZIS S. ABDUL
Published: November 2011

The manure which we are using for plant growth does not help to increase the porosity of the soil. We use pyroligneous acid to treat the soil as softener, nutrient and porosity increaser. This helps to the soil to remove unwanted carbonates and separate the soil particles. In this way, we can increase 30% porosity of the soil. When we pour pyroligneous acid into soil, the soil increase the carbon content. We consider changes of pore space of a soil by image analysis and also assess the applicability of fractal scaling of pore surfaces. The calculated pore surface dimension showing that the surface exhibit fractal structure. Lacunarity shows the size distribution of holes. If Lacunarity increases, then the value become decreases. This study demonstrates that applicability of fractal scaling for evaluating pore surface of the soil images.
Deformation mechanisms of plagioclase and seismic anisotropy of the Acebuches metabasites (SW Iberian massif)
Authors: Díaz-Azpiroz Manuel , Lloyd Geoffrey E. , Fernández Carlos
Published: November 2011

Samples of the Acebuches metabasites (SW Spain), deformed under low-pressure/medium-to-high temperature metamorphic conditions, have been analysed via electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) to obtain their plagioclase crystal lattice preferred orientations (LPO). Plagioclases from the highest temperature amphibolites show moderate LPO and a good correlation between 180° misorientation angles and both the crystal and the kinematic coordinate systems, which is attributed to dislocation glide accommodated by mechanical albite+pericline twinning. Plagioclases from medium-temperature amphibolites exhibit well-developed LPO, suggesting that dislocation creep was active during plagioclase deformation. Plagioclases from the more intensively deformed mafic schists exhibit weak LPO, indicating the activity of LPO-destroying deformation mechanisms. Evidence points to grain-boundary sliding accompanied by limited fracturing. The observed LPO are characterized by the alignment of [100] parallel to the kinematic
X
-direction. This association suggests that [100] was the preferential slip direction during dislocation creep of plagioclase, with (010) and/or (001) appearing to have acted as the dominant slip planes. The observed plagioclase LPO is combined with hornblende LPO to define the seismic fabric of the Acebuches metabasites. In samples with strong plagioclase LPO, the resulting seismic fabrics are highly influenced by this phase.
Seismic velocity in antigorite-bearing serpentinite mylonites
Authors: Watanabe Tohru , Shirasugi Yuhto , Yano Hideaki , Michibayashi Katsuyoshi
Published: November 2011

The relationships between elastic wave velocities and petrofabrics were studied in two antigorite-bearing serpentinite mylonites. Rock samples with antigorite content of 37 and 80 vol% were collected from the Happo ultramafic complex, Central Japan. Compressional and shear-wave velocities were measured by the pulse transmission technique at room temperature and confining pressures of up to 180 MPa. Petrofabrics were examined by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with electron backscattered diffraction (SEM-EBSD). Olivine
a
- and
c
-axes are weakly oriented perpendicular to the foliation and parallel to the lineation, respectively. Antigorite
b
- and
c
-axes are distinctly oriented parallel to the lineation and perpendicular to the foliation, respectively. Both samples show strong anisotropy of velocity. The compressional wave velocity is fastest in the direction parallel to the lineation, and slowest in the direction perpendicular to the foliation. The shear wave oscillating parallel to the foliation has higher velocity than that oscillating perpendicular to the foliation. As the antigorite content increases, the mean velocity decreases but both azimuthal and polarization anisotropies are enhanced. Measured velocities were compared with velocities calculated from petrofabric data by using Voigt, Reuss and Voight-Reuss-Hill (VRH) averaging schemes. All averaging schemes show velocity anisotropy qualitatively similar to measurements. There are large velocity differences between Voigt and Reuss averages (0.7–1.0 km/s), reflecting the strong elastic anisotropy of antigorite. Measured velocities are found between Reuss and VRH averages. We suggest that the relatively low velocity is due to the platy shape of antigorite grains, the well-developed shape fabric and their strong elastic anisotropy. The configuration of grains should be an important factor for calculating seismic velocities in an aggregate composed of strongly anisotropic materials, such as sheet silicates.
Future entertainment technologies
Authors: Kunz Andreas M. , Nescher Thomas
Published: November 2011

Today's computer games provide a realistic visual output combined with a convincing sound sensation. However, another important perception channel, the proprioceptive sensation, is insufficiently addressed. In particular the perception of spatial distances, which is typically supported by a real walking experience, is not yet integrated into existing games. However, walking is sensed by our limbs both in a proprioceptive way (joints, muscles etc.) and through skin surface sensors. This article describes an approach that could lead to a new quality of future computer games by integrating spatial awareness through the sensation of real walking.
Social TV
Authors: Mitchell Keith , Jones Andrew , Ishmael Johnathan , Race Nicholas J. P.
Published: November 2011

Internet Television (IPTV) is emerging as a new delivery method for offering access to digital TV and interactive services which potentially merge the “lean back” broadcast experience with more bidirectional “lean forward” interactivity. Within these environments, there is a significant growth in the volume and variety of content being offered which increases the difficulty and burden for the end-user in locating relevant content and finding something to watch. In this article we detail the design, implementation, and evaluation of a production IPTV service which operates on our University campus network. Our approach makes use of social networks as a mechanism for providing social awareness to individual users of an IPTV system. The goal is to facilitate an intuitive and simple media selection mechanism when considering vast amounts of live TV channels and on-demand content. Ultimately, we seek to explore whether social awareness can or does influence user behavior.
SIGCSE special projects grants awarded
Authors: Baldwin Doug
Published: November 2011

SIGCSE received thirteen Special Projects grant proposals in August 2011. The Special Projects Committee was delighted to see such a high level of interest in the program, and would have liked to fund many of the projects. But there is are two more rounds of funding in this fiscal year, so the committee was limited to funding three projects at this time.
Multimedia data mining and retrieval for multimedia databases using associations and correlations
Authors: Lin Lin
Published: November 2011

With the explosion in the complexity and amount of pervasive multimedia data, there are high demands of multimedia services and applications in various areas for people to easily access and distribute multimedia data. Facing with abundance multimedia resources but inefficient and rather old-fashioned keyword-based information retrieval approaches, a content-based multimedia information retrieval (CBMIR) system is required to (i) reduce the dimension space for storage saving and computation reduction; (ii) advance multimedia learning methods to accurately identify target semantics for bridging the semantics between low-level/mid-level features and high-level semantics; and (iii) effectively search media content for dynamical media delivery and enable the extensive applications to be media-type driven.
Conformal predictions in multimedia pattern recognition
Authors: Balasubramanian Vineeth N
Published: November 2011

The field of multimedia pattern recognition is on a fundamental quest to design intelligent systems that can learn and behave the way humans do. One important aspect of human intelligence that has so far not been given sufficient attention in these fields is the capability of humans to hedge decisions. Humans can express when they are certain about a decision they have made, and when they are not. Unfortunately, machine learning techniques today are not yet fully equipped to be trusted with this critical task. This work seeks to address this fundamental knowledge gap. Existing approaches that provide a measure of confidence of a learning algorithm on a prediction such as those based on the Bayesian theory or the Probably Approximately Correct learning theory require strong assumptions or often produce results that are not practical or reliable. However, the recently developed Conformal Predictions (CP) framework - which is based on the principles of hypothesis testing, transductive inference and algorithmic randomness - provides a game-theoretic approach to the estimation of confidence with several desirable properties such as online calibration and generalizability to all classification and regression methods.
H-Ras isoform modulates extracellular matrix synthesis, proliferation, and migration in fibroblasts
Authors: Fuentes-Calvo Isabel , Blázquez-Medela Ana M. , Eleno Nélida , Santos Eugenio , López-Novoa José M. , Martínez-Salgado Carlos
Published: November 2011

Ras GTPases are ubiquitous plasma membrane transducers of extracellular stimuli. In addition to their role as oncogenes, Ras GTPases are key regulators of cell function. Each of the Ras isoforms exhibits specific modulatory activity on different cellular pathways. This has prompted researchers to determine the pathophysiological roles of each isoform. There is a proven relationship between the signaling pathways of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Ras GTPases. To assess the individual role of H-Ras oncogene in basal and TGF-β1-mediated extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis, proliferation, and migration in fibroblasts, we analyzed these processes in embryonic fibroblasts obtained from H-Ras knockout mice ( H-ras−/−). We found that H- ras−/− fibroblasts exhibited a higher basal phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt activation than wild-type (WT) fibroblasts, whereas MEK/ERK 1/2 activation was similar in both types of cells. Fibronectin and collagen synthesis were higher in H -ras−/− fibroblasts and proliferation was lower in H -ras−/− than in WT fibroblasts. Moreover, H-Ras appeared indispensable to maintain normal fibroblast motility, which was highly restricted in H- ras−/− cells. These results suggest that H-Ras (through downregulation of PI3K/Akt activation) could modulate fibroblast activity by reducing ECM synthesis and upregulating both proliferation and migration. TGF-β1 strongly increased ERK and Akt activation in WT but not in H- ras−/− fibroblasts, suggesting that H-Ras is necessary to increase ERK 1/2 activation and to maintain PI3K downregulation in TGF-β1-stimulated fibroblasts. TGF-β1 stimulated ECM synthesis and proliferation, although ECM synthesis was higher and proliferation lower in H- ras−/− than in WT fibroblasts. Hence, H-Ras activation seems to play a key role in the regulation of these effects.
Hyperthermia modifies muscle metaboreceptor and baroreceptor modulation of heat loss in humans
Authors: Binder Konrad , Lynn Aaron G. , Gagnon Daniel , Kondo Narihiko , Kenny Glen P.
Published: November 2011

The relative influence of muscle metabo- and baroreflex activity on heat loss responses during post-isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise ischemia remains unknown, particularly under heat stress. Therefore, we examined the separate and integrated influences of metabo- and baroreceptor-mediated reflex activity on sweat rate and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) under increasing levels of hyperthermia. Twelve men performed 1 min of IHG exercise at 60% of maximal voluntary contraction followed by 2 min of ischemia with simultaneous application of lower body positive pressure (LBPP, +40 mmHg), lower body negative pressure (LBNP, −20 mmHg), or no pressure (control) under no heat stress. On separate days, trials were repeated under heat stress conditions of 0.6°C (moderate heat stress) and 1.4°C (high heat stress) increase in esophageal temperature. For all conditions, mean arterial pressure was greater with LBPP and lower with LBNP than control during ischemia (all P ≤ 0.05). No differences in sweat rate were observed between pressure conditions, regardless of the level of hyperthermia ( P > 0.05). Under moderate heat stress, no differences in CVC were observed between pressure conditions. However, under high heat stress, LBNP significantly reduced CVC by 21 ± 4% ( P ≤ 0.05) and LBPP significantly elevated CVC by 14 ± 5% ( P ≤ 0.05) relative to control. These results show that sweating during post-IHG exercise ischemia is activated by metaboreflex stimulation, and not by baroreflexes. In contrast, our results suggest that baroreflexes can influence the metaboreflex modulation of CVC, but only at greater levels of hyperthermia.
Characterization of thalamocortical responses of regular-spiking and fast-spiking neurons of the mouse auditory cortex in vitro and in silico
Authors: Schiff Max L. , Reyes Alex D.
Published: November 2011

We use a combination of in vitro whole cell recordings and computer simulations to characterize the cellular and synaptic properties that contribute to processing of auditory stimuli. Using a mouse thalamocortical slice preparation, we record the intrinsic membrane properties and synaptic properties of layer 3/4 regular-spiking (RS) pyramidal neurons and fast-spiking (FS) interneurons in primary auditory cortex (AI). We find that postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) evoked in FS cells are significantly larger and depress more than those evoked in RS cells after thalamic stimulation. We use these data to construct a simple computational model of the auditory thalamocortical circuit and find that the differences between FS and RS cells observed in vitro generate model behavior similar to that observed in vivo. We examine how feedforward inhibition and synaptic depression affect cortical responses to time-varying inputs that mimic sinusoidal amplitude-modulated tones. In the model, the balance of cortical inhibition and thalamic excitation evolves in a manner that depends on modulation frequency (MF) of the stimulus and determines cortical response tuning.
Selectivity for three-dimensional contours and surfaces in the anterior intraparietal area
Authors: Theys Tom , Srivastava Siddharth , van Loon Johannes , Goffin Jan , Janssen Peter
Published: November 2011

The macaque anterior intraparietal area (AIP) is crucial for visually guided grasping. AIP neurons respond during the visual presentation of real-world objects and encode the depth profile of disparity-defined curved surfaces. We investigated the neural representation of curved surfaces in AIP using a stimulus-reduction approach. The stimuli consisted of three-dimensional (3-D) shapes curved along the horizontal axis, the vertical axis, or both the horizontal and the vertical axes of the shape. The depth profile was defined solely by binocular disparity that varied along either the boundary or the surface of the shape or along both the boundary and the surface of the shape. The majority of AIP neurons were selective for curved boundaries along the horizontal or the vertical axis, and neural selectivity emerged at short latencies. Stimuli in which disparity varied only along the surface of the shape (with zero disparity on the boundaries) evoked selectivity in a smaller proportion of AIP neurons and at considerably longer latencies. AIP neurons were not selective for 3-D surfaces composed of anticorrelated disparities. Thus the neural selectivity for object depth profile in AIP is present when only the boundary is curved in depth, but not for disparity in anticorrelated stereograms.
Origins of 1/f2 scaling in the power spectrum of intracortical local field potential
Authors: Baranauskas Gytis , Maggiolini Emma , Vato Alessandro , Angotzi Giannicola , Bonfanti Andrea , Zambra Guido , Spinelli Alessandro , Fadiga Luciano
Published: November 2011

It has been noted that the power spectrum of intracortical local field potential (LFP) often scales as 1/f−2. It is thought that LFP mostly represents the spiking-related neuronal activity such as synaptic currents and spikes in the vicinity of the recording electrode, but no 1/f2 scaling is detected in the spike power. Although tissue filtering or modulation of spiking activity by UP and DOWN states could account for the observed LFP scaling, there is no consensus as to how it arises. We addressed this question by recording simultaneously LFP and single neurons (“single units”) from multiple sites in somatosensory cortex of anesthetized rats. Single-unit data revealed the presence of periods of high activity, presumably corresponding to the “UP” states when the neuronal membrane potential is depolarized, and periods of no activity, the putative “DOWN” states when the membrane potential is close to resting. As expected, the LFP power scaled as 1/f2 but no such scaling was found in the power spectrum of spiking activity. Our analysis showed that 1/f2 scaling in the LFP power spectrum was largely generated by the steplike transitions between UP and DOWN states. The shape of the LFP signal during these transitions, but not the transition timing, was crucial to obtain the observed scaling. These transitions were probably induced by synchronous changes in the membrane potential across neurons. We conclude that a 1/f2 scaling in the LFP power indicates the presence of steplike transitions in the LFP trace and says little about the statistical properties of the associated neuronal firing.
Delusional Infestation in a Patient with Renal Failure, Metabolic Syndrome, and Chronic Cerebrovascular Disease Treated with Aripiprazole: A Case Report
Authors: Carpiniello Bernardo , Pinna Federica , Tuveri Raffaella
Published: November 2011

Delusional infestation is an aspecific psychiatric condition manifested either as a primary psychotic disorder or a secondary disorder induced by a wide range of very different medical conditions. Both primary and secondary delusional infestations seem to respond to typical and atypical antipsychotics. The latter are considered the first-line treatment although the use of second-generation antipsychotics featuring a higher metabolic, cardiovascular, and renal tolerability is preferable in secondary cases, which often occur in patients with multiple, severe medical conditions. We report a case of a 72-year-old patient affected by delusional infestation associated with severe renal failure, metabolic syndrome, hypertensive cardiopathy, and chronic cerebrovascular disease.
Closed Reduction of Bilateral Posterior Shoulder Dislocation with Medium Impression Defect of the Humeral Head: A Case Report and Review of Its Treatment
Authors: Rezazadeh Soorena , Vosoughi Amir Reza
Published: November 2011

Bilateral dislocation of the shoulder is a rare injury. The main causes are electrical shock, extreme trauma, and epilepsy. A 25-year-old athletic-body man had sustained bilateral shoulder pain and restricted external rotation following electrical shock for five days. Although articular surface damage was about 50% in the right side and 30% in the left, it could be managed successfully by close reduction without pinning. During one-year follow-up, no recurrent dislocation or limitation of motion was seen. Closed management of medium size defect of the humeral head after posterior dislocation can be performed in cooperative and especially muscular patients.
Recompensation of Heart and Kidney Function after Treatment with Peritoneal Dialysis in a Case of Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Kihm Lars P. , Hankel Vinzent , Zugck Christian , Remppis Andrew , Schwenger Vedat
Published: November 2011

We report the case of a 57-year-old woman suffering from congestive heart failure. Due to refractory congestions despite optimised medical treatment, the patient was listed for heart transplantation and peritoneal dialysis was initiated. Peritoneal dialysis led to a significant weight loss, reduction of hyperhydration and extracellular water obtained by bioimpedance measurement, and a significant improvement in clinical and echocardiographic examination. Furthermore, residual kidney function increased during the long-term followup, and subsequently peritoneal dialysis was ceased. Pulmonary artery pressure and left ventricular ejection fraction remained stable and the patient did well. This case demonstrates the possibility of treating hyperhydration due to congestive heart failure with peritoneal dialysis resulting in recompensation of both heart and kidney functions.
Association of Sweet's Syndrome and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Barton J. L. , Pincus L. , Yazdany J. , Richman N. , McCalmont T. H. , Gensler L. , Dall'Era M. , Fye K. H.
Published: November 2011

Sweet's syndrome is an acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis which usually presents as an idiopathic disorder but can also be drug induced, associated with hematopoetic malignancies and myelodysplastic disorders, and more, infrequently, observed in autoimmune disorders. Sweet's syndrome has been reported in three cases of neonatal lupus, three cases of hydralazine-induced lupus in adults, and in nine pediatric and adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. We describe three additional adult cases of Sweet's associated with SLE and provide a focused review on nondrug-induced, nonneonatal SLE and Sweet's. In two of three new cases, as in the majority of prior cases, the skin rash of Sweet's paralleled underlying SLE disease activity. The pathogenesis of Sweet's remains elusive, but evidence suggests that cytokine dysregulation may be central to the clinical and pathological changes in this condition, as well as in SLE. Further research is needed to define the exact relationship between the two conditions.
Application of Quadratic Linearization for the Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Ayalur Krishnamoorthy Parvathy , Vijayarajan Kamaraj , Rajagopalan Devanathan
Published: November 2011

Many of the existing control methods for the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) either deal with steady state models or consider dynamic models under particular cases. A dynamic model of the PM machine allows powerful control-theoretic techniques such as linearization to be applied to the system. Existing exact feedback linearization of dynamic model of PMSM suffers from singularity issues. In this paper, we propose a quadratic linearization approach for PMSM based on the approximate linearization technique which does not introduce singularities. A MATLAB simulation is used to verify the effectiveness of the linearization technique proposed. Also, to account for higher-order and unmodelled dynamics of PMSM, tuning of the linearizing transformation is proposed and verified using simulation.
Some Identities on the q‐Bernoulli Numbers and Polynomials with Weight 0
Authors: Kim T. , Choi J. , Kim Y. H.
Published: November 2011

Recently, Kim (2011) has introduced the q‐Bernoulli numbers with weight
α. In this paper, we consider the q‐Bernoulli numbers and polynomials with weight α = 0 and give p‐adic q‐integral representation of Bernstein polynomials associated with q‐Bernoulli numbers and polynomials with weight 0. From these integral representation on ℤp, we derive some interesting identities on the q‐Bernoulli numbers and polynomials with weight 0.
Cell-Type-Specific Differentiation and Molecular Profiles in Skin Transplantation: Implication of Medical Approach for Genetic Skin Diseases
Authors: Oyama Noritaka , Kaneko Fumio
Published: November 2011

Skin is highly accessible and valuable organ, which holds promise to accelerate the understanding of future medical innovation in association with skin transplantation, engineering, and wound healing. In skin transplantation biology, multistage and multifocal damages occur in both grafted donor and perilesional host skin and need to be repaired properly for the engraftment and maintenance of characteristic skin architecture. These local events are more unlikely to be regulated by the host immunity, because human skin transplantation has accomplished the donor skin engraftment onto the immunocompromised or immunosuppressive animals. Recent studies have emerged the importance of α-smooth muscle actin- (SMA-) positive myofibroblasts, via stage- and cell-specific contribution of TGFβ, PDGF, ET-1, CCN-2 signalling pathways, and mastocyte-derived mediators (e.g., histamine and tryptase), for the functional reorganisation of the grafted skin. Moreover, particular cell lineages from bone marrow (BM) cells have been shown to harbour the diferentiation capacity into multiple skin cell phenotypes, including epidermal keratinocytes and dermal endothelial cells and pericytes, undercontrolled by chemokines or cytokines. From a dermatological viewpoint, we review the recent update of cell-type- and molecular-specific action associated with reconstitution of the grafted skin and also focus on the novel application of BM transplantation medicine in genetic skin diseases.
“Wait and See” Approach to the Emergency Department Cardioversion of Acute Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Doyle Brian , Reeves Mark
Published: November 2011

Objective. Acute atrial fibrillation often spontaneously resolves. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes and satisfaction of an evidence-based ED protocol employing a “wait and see” approach.Methods. A prospective observational cohort study of adult patients presenting to the Emergency Department with stable acute atrial fibrillation was performed. Patients were excluded if they were considered to be unstable, need hospitalization, or poor candidates for ED procedural sedation. Routine care was provided on the index visit, and suitable candidates were discharged and asked to return to the ED the following day for possible electrical cardioversion. Outcome measures included spontaneous reversion to sinus rhythm, success of cardioversion, length of stay, adverse event and return visits for AF within 30 days, and patient satisfaction.Results. Thirty five patient encounters were analysed over a 21-month period. Twenty two of the 35 patients (63%) had spontaneous resolution of atrial fibrillation upon presentation for potential cardioversion. All of the remaining patients underwent successful cardioversion to normal sinus rhythm without significant adverse events recorded. No patients required hospitalization. Three patients (9%) returned to the ED within 30 days for recurrence of atrial fibrillation. All patients were reported to be “very satisfied” with this approach.Conclusion. A “wait and see” approach to the ED electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation showed that almost two-thirds of patients had spontaneous resolution without requiring cardioversion or observation in the ED or hospital. All patients were successfully reverted to normal sinus rhythm and had a high degree of satisfaction.
CNPase Expression in Olfactory Ensheathing Cells
Authors: Radtke Christine , Sasaki Masanori , Lankford Karen L. , Gallo Vittorio , Kocsis Jeffery D.
Published: November 2011

A large body of work supports the proposal that transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) into nerve or spinal cord injuries can promote axonal regeneration and remyelination. Yet, some investigators have questioned whether the transplanted OECs associate with axons and form peripheral myelin, or if they recruit endogenous Schwann cells that form myelin. Olfactory bulbs from transgenic mice expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the control of the 2‐3‐cyclic nucleotide 3‐phosphodiesterase (CNPase) promoter were studied. CNPase is expressed in myelin‐forming cells throughout their lineage. We examined CNPase expression in both in situ in the olfactory bulb and in vitro to determine if OECs express CNPase commensurate with their myelination potential. eGFP was observed in the outer nerve layer of the olfactory bulb. Dissociated OECs maintained in culture had both intense eGFP expression and CNPase immunostaining. Transplantation of OECs into transected peripheral nerve longitudinally associated with the regenerated axons. These data indicate that OECs in the outer nerve layer of the olfactory bulb of CNPase transgenic mice express CNPase. Thus, while OECs do not normally form myelin on olfactory nerve axons, their expression of CNPase is commensurate with their potential to form myelin when transplanted into injured peripheral nerve.
Performance of Ag-TiO2Photocatalysts towards the Photocatalytic Disinfection of Water under Interior-Lighting and Solar-Simulated Light Irradiations
Authors: Castro Camilo A. , Jurado Adriana , Sissa Diana , Giraldo Sonia A.
Published: November 2011

This paper reports the characterization and photoactivity of Ag-TiO2materials using different amounts of silver during the hydrothermal synthesis. Photocatalysts were characterized by means of TEM, XPS, XRD, DRS, and N2sorption isotherms to determine the textural properties. The photocatalyst's configuration was observed to be as anatase-brookite mixed phase particles with Ag partially oxidized aggregates on the TiO2surface, which increased visible light absorption of the material. Moreover, photoproduction of singlet oxygen was followed by EPR analysis under visible light irradiations following the formation of TEMPOL. Such photoproduction was totally decreased by using the singlet oxygen scavenger DABCO. Photocatalysts were tested towards the photocatalytic disinfection of water suing a solar light simulator and an interior-light irradiation setup. Results evidenced an increase in the photooxidative effect of TiO2, while dark processes evidenced that part of the inactivation process is due to the Ag-TiO2surface bactericidal effect and possible lixiviated Ag+.
Experimental Studies for the VVER-440/213 Bubble Condenser System for Kola NPP at the Integral Test Facility BC V-213
Authors: Blinkov Vladimir N. , Melikhov Oleg I. , Melikhov Vladimir I. , Davydov Mikhail V. , Wolff Holger , Arndt Siegfried
Published: November 2011

In the frame of Tacis Project R2.01/99, which was running from 2003 to 2005, the bubble condenser system of Kola NPP (unit 3) was qualified at the integral test facility BC V-213. Three LB LOCA tests, two MSLB tests, and one SB LOCA test were performed. The appropriate test scenarios for BC V-213 test facility, modeling accidents in the Kola NPP unit 3, were determined with pretest calculations. Analysis of test results has shown that calculated initial conditions and test scenarios were properly reproduced in the tests. The detailed posttest analysis of the tests performed at BC V-213 test facility was aimed to validate the COCOSYS code for the calculation of thermohydraulic processes in the hermetic compartments and bubble condenser. After that the validated COCOSYS code was applied to NPP calculations for Kola NPP (unit 3). Results of Tacis R2.01/99 Project confirmed the bubble condenser functionality during large and small break LOCAs and MSLB accidents. Maximum loads were reached in the LB LOCA case. No condensation oscillations were observed.
Development and Process Evaluation of a 5-Week Exercise Program to Prevent Falls in People after Stroke: The FALLS Program
Authors: van Duijnhoven H. J. R. , De Kam D. , Hellebrand W. , Smulders E. , Geurts A. C. H. , Weerdesteyn V.
Published: November 2011

Falls are a common complication after stroke, with balance and gait deficits being the most important risk factors. Taking into account the specific needs and capacities of people with stroke, we developed the FALLS program (FALL prevention after Stroke), based on the “Nijmegen falls prevention program” (a proven-effective 5-week exercise program designed for community-dwelling elderly people). The program was tested in twelve community-dwelling persons with stroke, and a process evaluation was conducted with patients, trainers, health care professionals, and managers. The FALLS program was considered suitable and feasible by people with stroke in the study and relevant health care professionals, and recommendations for implementation in clinical practice have been suggested.
Exercise and Motor Training in People with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review of Participant Characteristics, Intervention Delivery, Retention Rates, Adherence, and Adverse Events in Clinical Trials
Authors: Allen Natalie E. , Sherrington Catherine , Suriyarachchi Gayanthi D. , Paul Serene S. , Song Jooeun , Canning Colleen G.
Published: November 2011

There is research evidence that exercise and motor training are beneficial for people with Parkinson's disease (PD), and clinicians seek to implement optimal programs. This paper summarizes important factors about the nature and reporting of randomized controlled trials of exercise and/or motor training for people with PD which are likely to influence the translation of research into clinical practice. Searches identified 53 relevant trials with 90 interventions conducted for an average duration of 8.3 (SD 4.2) weeks. Most interventions were fully supervised (74%) and conducted at a facility (79%). Retention rates were high with 69% of interventions retaining ≥85% of their participants; however adherence was infrequently reported, and 72% of trials did not report adverse events. Overall, the labor-intensive nature of most interventions tested in these trials and the sparse reporting of adherence and adverse events are likely to pose difficulties for therapists attempting to balance benefits and costs when selecting protocols that translate to sustainable clinical practice for people with PD.
Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Leaf Methanol Extract ofCotyledon orbiculataL. (Crassulaceae)
Authors: Amabeoku George J. , Kabatende Joseph
Published: November 2011

Leaf methanol extract ofC. orbiculataL. was investigated for antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities using acetic acid writhing and hot-plate tests and carrageenan-induced oedema test in mice and rats, respectively.C. orbiculata(100–400 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing and significantly delayed the reaction time of mice to the hot-plate-induced thermal stimulation. Paracetamol (300 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited the acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Morphine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly delayed the reaction time of mice to the thermal stimulation produced with hot plate. Leaf methanol extract ofC. orbiculata(50–400 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly attenuated the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. Indomethacin (10 mg/kg, p.o.) also significantly attenuated the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. The LD50value obtained for the plant species was greater than 4000 mg/kg (p.o.). The data obtained indicate thatC. orbiculatahas antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, justifying the folklore use of the plant species by traditional medicine practitioners in the treatment of painful and inflammatory conditions. The relatively high LD50obtained shows thatC. orbiculatamay be safe in or nontoxic to mice.
Rhus vernicifluaStokes against Advanced Cancer: A Perspective from the Korean Integrative Cancer Center
Authors: Choi Woncheol , Jung Hyunsik , Kim Kyungsuk , Lee Sookyung , Yoon Seongwoo , Park Jaehyun , Kim Sehyun , Cheon Seongha , Eo Wankyo , Lee Sanghun
Published: November 2011

Active anticancer molecules have been searched from natural products; many drugs were developed from either natural products or their derivatives following the conventional pharmaceutical paradigm of drug discovery. However, the advances in the knowledge of cancer biology have led to personalized medicine using molecular-targeted agents which create new paradigm. Clinical benefit is dependent on individual biomarker and overall survival is prolonged through cytostatic rather than cytotoxic effects to cancer cell. Therefore, a different approach is needed from the single lead compound screening model based on cytotoxicity. In our experience, theRhus vernicifluastoke (RVS) extract traditionally used for cancer treatment is beneficial to some advanced cancer patients though it is herbal extract not single compound, and low cytotoxic in vitro. The standardized RVS extract's action mechanisms as well as clinical outcomes are reviewed here. We hope that these preliminary results would stimulate different investigation in natural products from conventional chemicals.
Plumbagin Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis and Reduces Human Breast Cancer-Induced Osteolytic Bone Metastasis in Mice through Suppression of RANKL Signaling
Authors: Sung Bokyung , Oyajobi Babatunde , Aggarwal Bharat B.
Published: November 2011

Bone loss is one of the major complications of advanced cancers such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma; agents that can suppress this bone loss have therapeutic potential. Extensive research within the last decade has revealed that RANKL, a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, plays a major role in cancer-associated bone resorption and thus is a therapeutic target. We investigated the potential of vitamin K3 analogue plumbagin (derived from Chitrak, an Ayurvedic medicinal plant) to modulate RANKL signaling, osteoclastogenesis, and breast cancer-induced osteolysis. Plumbagin suppressed RANKL-induced NF-κB activation in mouse monocytes, an osteoclast precursor cell, through sequential inhibition of activation of IκBα kinase, IκBα phosphorylation, and IκBα degradation. Plumbagin also suppressed differentiation of these cells into osteoclasts induced either by RANKL or by human breast cancer or human multiple myeloma cells. When examined for its ability to prevent human breast cancer-induced bone loss in animals, plumbagin (2 mg/kg body weight) administered via the intraperitoneal route significantly decreased osteolytic lesions, resulting in preservation of bone volume in nude mice bearing human breast tumors. Overall, our results indicate that plumbagin, a vitamin K analogue, is a potent inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis induced by tumor cells and of breast cancer-induced osteolytic metastasis through suppression of RANKL signaling. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(2); 350–9. ©2011 AACR.
Atrial Fibrillation Pathophysiology
Authors: Iwasaki Yu-ki , Nishida Kunihiro , Kato Takeshi , Nattel Stanley
Published: November 2011

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, is an important contributor to population morbidity and mortality. An arrhythmia that is particularly common in the elderly, AF is growing in prevalence with the aging of the population. Our understanding of the basic mechanisms that govern AF occurrence and persistence has been increasing rapidly. This article reviews the basic pathophysiology of AF over a broad range of levels, touching on the tissue mechanisms that maintain the arrhythmia, the relationship between clinical presentation and basic mechanisms, ion channel and transporter abnormalities that lead to ectopic impulse formation, basic models and tissue determinants of reentry, ion channel determinants of reentry, the nature and roles of electric and structural remodeling, autonomic neural components, anatomic factors, interactions between atrial and ventricular functional consequences of AF, and the basic determinants of atrial thromboembolism. We then review the potential implications of the basic pathophysiology of the arrhythmia for its management. We first discuss consequences for improved rhythm control pharmacotherapy: targeting underlying conditions, new atrium-selective drug targets, new targets for focal ectopic source suppression, and upstream therapy aiming to prevent remodeling. We then review the implications of basic mechanistic considerations for rate control therapy, AF ablation, and the prevention of thromboembolic events. We conclude with some thoughts about the future of translational research related to AF mechanisms.