bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Inhibin Concentration in Dogs with Adrenal Gland Disease and in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Brömel C. , Nelson R.W. , Feldman E.C. , Munro C.J. , Kass P.H. , Vico A.E. , Labelle P. , Conley A.J.
Published: January 2013

Background

Studies in humans identified the synthesis and secretion of inhibin from adrenocortical tumors, but not pheochromocytoma (PHEO). Inhibin has not been examined in dogs as a serum biomarker for adrenal gland tumors.

Objective

To determine serum inhibin concentration in dogs with adrenal gland disease and in healthy dogs.

Animals

Forty‐eight neutered dogs with adrenal disease including pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH, 17), adrenocortical tumor (18), and PHEO (13), and 41 healthy intact or neutered dogs.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Dogs were diagnosed with PDH, adrenocortical tumor (hyperadrenocorticism or noncortisol secreting), or PHEO based on clinical signs, endocrine function tests, abdominal ultrasound examination, and histopathology. Inhibin concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay in serum before and after ACTH stimulation, and before and after treatment.

Results

In neutered dogs, median inhibin concentration was significantly higher in dogs with adrenocortical tumors (0.82 ng/mL) and PDH (0.16 ng/mL) than in dogs with PHEO and healthy dogs (both undetectable). Median inhibin concentration was significantly higher in dogs with adrenocortical tumors than in those with PDH and decreased after adrenalectomy. Median inhibin concentration was significantly higher in intact than in neutered healthy dogs and was similar in pre‐ and post‐ACTH stimulation. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of serum inhibin concentration for identifying an adrenal tumor as a PHEO were 100, 88.9, and 93.6%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Adrenocortical tumors and PDH but not PHEOs are associated with increased serum inhibin concentration; undetectable inhibin is highly supportive of PHEO in neutered dogs with adrenal tumors.
Prevalence and risk factors for chronic kidney disease among HIV‐infected antiretroviral therapy‐naïve patients in Mainland China: A multicenter cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cao Ying , Gong Mengchun , Han Yang , Xie Jing , Li Xuemei , Zhang Lixia , Li Yanling , Song Xiaojing , Zhu Ting , Li Taisheng
Published: January 2013

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among HIV‐infected antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naïve patients in Mainland China.

Methods

In this multicenter cross‐sectional study, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. CKD was defined as GFRMDRD < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 and/or isolated proteinuria (≥1 + on urine dipstick) that persisted at month 3 after the baseline assessment. Risk factors associated with CKD were examined using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

In total, 538 HIV‐infected ART‐naïve patients were included in this study. There were 399 male and 139 female patients. The mean age was 36.5 ± 10.0 years. The prevalence of hypertension, glycometabolism abnormities, and CKD were 3.2%, 3.0%, and 16.1%, respectively. Thirteen (2.4%) patients had estimated GFR (eGFR) < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2, while 73 (13.7%) patients had proteinuria. Using univariate analysis, CKD was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) associated with age, hypertension, HCV co‐infection, and plasma HIV‐1 viral load ≥ 100 000 copies/mL. In the multivariate logistic regression model, older age (increased by an interval of 10 years; P = 0.002), HCV co‐infection (P = 0.039), and plasma HIV‐1 viral load ≥ 100 000 copies/mL (P = 0.011) were significantly associated with CKD.

Conclusion

The incidence of CKD is high in Chinese HIV‐infected ART‐naïve patients. Traditional risk factors for renal disease, such as advancing age, HCV co‐infection, and higher plasma viral load were correlated with CKD in the present patient samples.
Jasmonate and ethylene signaling mediate whitefly‐induced interference with indirect plant defense in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhang Peng‐Jun , Broekgaarden Colette , Zheng Si‐Jun , Snoeren Tjeerd A. L. , van Loon Joop J. A. , Gols Rieta , Dicke Marcel
Published: January 2013

Upon herbivore attack, plants activate an indirect defense, that is, the release of a complex mixture of volatiles that attract natural enemies of the herbivore. When plants are simultaneously exposed to two herbivore species belonging to different feeding guilds, one herbivore may interfere with the indirect plant defense induced by the other herbivore. However, little is understood about the mechanisms underlying such interference.

Here, we address the effect of herbivory by the phloem‐feeding whitefly Bemisia tabaci on the induced indirect defense of Arabidopsis thaliana plants to Plutella xylostella caterpillars, that is, the attraction of the parasitoid wasp Diadegma semiclausum.

Assays with various Arabidopsis mutants reveal that B. tabaci infestation interferes with indirect plant defense induced by P. xylostella, and that intact jasmonic acid and ethylene signaling are required for such interference caused by B. tabaci. Chemical analysis of plant volatiles showed that the composition of the blend emitted in response to the caterpillars was significantly altered by co‐infestation with whiteflies. Moreover, whitefly infestation also had a considerable effect on the transcriptomic response of the plant to the caterpillars.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying a plant's responses to multiple attackers will be important for the development of crop protection strategies in a multi‐attacker context.
Temporal separation between CO2 assimilation and growth? Experimental and theoretical evidence from the desiccation‐tolerant moss Syntrichia ruralis
Authors: Royles Jessica , Ogée Jérôme , Wingate Lisa , Hodgson Dominic A. , Convey Peter , Griffiths Howard
Published: January 2013

The extent of an external water layer around moss tissue influences CO2 assimilation. Experiments on the desiccation‐tolerant moss Syntrichia ruralis assessed the real‐time dependence of the carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of CO2 and H2O in terms of moss water status and integrated isotope signals in cellulose.

As external (capillary) water, and then mesophyll water, evaporated from moss tissue, assimilation rate, relative water content and the stable isotope composition of tissue water (δ18OTW), and the CO2 and H2O fluxes, were analysed. After drying, carbon (δ13CC) and oxygen (δ18OC) cellulose compositions were determined.

During desiccation, assimilation and 13CO2 discrimination increased to a maximum and then declined; δ18OTW increased progressively by 8‰, indicative of evaporative isotopic enrichment. Experimental and meteorological data were combined to predict tissue hydration dynamics over one growing season. Nonsteady‐state model predictions of δ18OTW were consistent with instantaneous measurements.

δ13CC values suggest that net assimilation occurs at 25% of maximum relative water content, while δ18OC data suggests that cellulose is synthesized during much higher relative water content conditions. This implies that carbon assimilation and cellulose synthesis (growth) may be temporally separated, with carbon reserves possibly contributing to desiccation tolerance and resumption of metabolism upon rehydration.
Urban legends series: oral leukoplakia
Authors: Arduino PG , Bagan J , El‐Naggar AK , Carrozzo M
Published: January 2013

To date, the term oral leukoplakia (OL) should be used to recognize ‘predominantly white plaques of questionable risk, having excluded (other) known diseases or disorders that carry no increased risk of cancer’.

In this review, we addressed four controversial topics regarding oral leukoplakias (OLs): (i) Do tobacco and alcohol causeOLs?, (ii) What percentage ofOLs transform into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)?, (iii) Can we distinguish between premalignant and innocentOLs?, and (iv) Is proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) a specific entity or just a form of multifocal leukoplakia?

Results of extensive literature search suggest that (i) no definitive evidence for direct causal relationship between smoked tobacco and alcohol as causative factors ofOLs, (ii and iii) the vast majority ofOLs follow a benign course and do not progress into a cancer, and no widely accepted and/or validated clinical and/or biological factors can predict malignant transformation, and (iv) the distinction between multifocal/multiple leukoplakias andPVLin their early presentation is impossible; the temporal clinical progression and the high rate of recurrences and development of cancer ofPVLare the most reliable features for diagnosis.
The nitrate transporter NRT2.1 functions in the ethylene response to nitrate deficiency in Arabidopsis
Authors: ZHENG DONGCHAO , HAN XIAO , AN YI , GUO HONGWEI , XIA XINLI , YIN WEILUN
Published: January 2013

The ethylene signalling pathway is closely associated with complex environmental stresses. Previous studies have reported impact of high nitrate (HN) availability on ethylene biosynthesis and regulation of ethylene on nitrate transporter 2.1 (NRT2.1) expression. However, molecular interaction between NRT2.1 transcript levels and the ethylene signalling pathway under nitrate deficiency is still elusive. Here, we report a low nitrate (LN) treatment‐induced rapid burst of ethylene production and regulated expression of ethylene signalling components CTR1, EIN3 and EIL1 in wild‐type Arabidopsis thaliana (Col‐0) seedlings, and enhanced ethylene response reporter EBS:GUS activity in both Col‐0 and the ethylene mutants ein3‐1eil1‐1 and ctr1‐1. LN treatment also caused up‐regulation of NRT2.1 expression, which was responsible for an enhanced high‐affinity nitrate uptake. Comparison of ethylene production and EBS:GUS activity between nrt1.1, nrt2.1 mutants and Col‐0 indicated that this up‐regulation of NRT2.1 expression caused a positive effect on ethylene biosynthesis and signalling under LN treatment. On the other hand, ethylene down‐regulated NRT2.1 expression and reduced the high‐affinity nitrate uptake. Together, these findings uncover a negative feedback loop between NRT2.1 expression and ethylene biosynthesis and signalling under nitrate deficiency, which may contribute to finely tuning of plant nitrate acquisition during exploring dynamic soil conditions.
Modelling the reaction mechanism of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase and consequences for kinetic parameters
Authors: TCHERKEZ GUILLAUME
Published: January 2013

Although ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) was discovered nearly 60 years ago, the associated chemical mechanism of the reaction is still incompletely understood. The catalytic cycle consists of four major steps: ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate binding, enolization, CO2 or O2 addition and hydration, and cleavage of the intermediate. The use of individual rate constants for these elemental steps yields mathematical expressions for usual kinetic constants (kcat, Km), CO2 versus O2 specificity (Sc/o) as well as other chemical parameters such as the 12C/13C isotope effect. That said, most of them are not simple and thus the interpretation of experimental and observed values of kcat, Km and Sc/o may be more complicated than expected. That is, Rubisco effective catalysis depends on several kinetic parameters that are influenced by both the biological origin and the cellular medium (which, in turn, can vary with environmental conditions). In this brief review, we present the basic model of Rubisco kinetics and describe how subtle biochemical changes (which may have occurred along Evolution) can easily modify Rubisco catalysis.
Numerical Investigation of Upper‐RoomUVGIDisinfection Efficacy in an Environmental Chamber with a Ceiling Fan
Authors: Zhu Shengwei , Srebric Jelena , Rudnick Stephen N. , Vincent Richard L. , Nardell Edward A.
Published: January 2013

This study investigated the disinfection efficacy of the upper‐room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UR‐UVGI) system with ceiling fans. The investigation used the steady‐state computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to solve the rotation of ceiling fan with a rotating reference frame. Two ambient air exchange rates, 2 and 6 air changes per hour (ACH), and four downward fan rotational speeds, 0, 80, 150 and 235 rpm were considered. In addition, the passive scalar concentration simulations incorporated ultraviolet (UV) dose by two methods: one based on the total exposure time and averageUVfluence rate, and another based onSVE3* (New Scale for Ventilation Efficiency 3), originally defined to evaluate the mean age of the air from an air supply opening. Overall, theCFDresults enabled the evaluation ofUR‐UVGIdisinfection efficacy using different indices, including the fraction of remaining microorganisms, equivalent air exchange rate,UR‐UVGIeffectiveness and tuberculosis infection probability by the Wells–Riley equation. The results indicated that air exchange rate was the decisive factor for determiningUR‐UVGIperformance in disinfecting indoor air. Using a ceiling fan could also improve the performance in general. Furthermore, the results clarified the mechanism for the ceiling fan to influenceUR‐UVGIdisinfection efficacy.
Linezolid and Vancomycin Decrease the Therapeutic Effect of Methylene Blue‐Photodynamic therapy in a Mouse Model of MRSA Bacterial Arthritis
Authors: Tanaka Masamitsu , Mroz Pawel , Dai Tianhong , Huang Liyi , Morimoto Yuji , Kinoshita Manabu , Yoshihara Yasuo , Shinomiya Nariyoshi , Seki Shuhji , Nemoto Koichi , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: January 2013

We previously reported that photodynamic therapy (PDT) using intra‐articular methylene blue (MB) could be used to treat arthritis in mice caused by bioluminescent methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) either in a therapeutic or in a preventative mode. PDT accumulated neutrophils into the mouse knee via activation of chemoattractants such as inflammatory cytokines or chemokines. In this study, we asked whether PDT combined with antibiotics used for MRSA could provide added benefit in controlling the infection. We compared MB‐PDT alone, systemic administration of either linezolid (LZD) alone or vancomycin (VCM) alone or the combination of PDT with either LZD or VCM. Real‐time noninvasive imaging was used to serially follow the progress of the infection. PDT alone was the most effective, whereas LZD alone was ineffective and VCM alone showed some benefit. Surprisingly the addition of LZD or VCM reduced the therapeutic effect of PDT alone (P < 0.05). Considering that PDT in this mouse model stimulates neutrophils to be antibacterial rather than actively killing the bacteria, we propose that LZD and VCM might inhibit the activation of inflammatory cytokines without eradicating the bacteria, and thereby reduce the therapeutic effect of PDT.
Higher Education and Congressional Influence on Administrative Decisions: An Examination of NSF and NIH Research Grant Funding to Four‐Year Universities
Authors: Rabovsky Thomas M. , Ellis William Curtis
Published: January 2013

Objective

This study examines grant funding to four‐year universities to determine if institutions with more powerful congressional delegations receive more in research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Methods

We analyze grant awards to public and private not‐for profit universities from 2000 through 2009. We employ panel‐corrected standard errors with panel‐specific AR1 terms to determine the influence of representation on key congressional committees, in conjunction with institutional characteristics, such as size and mission, in shaping institutional success in securing grant revenues.

Results

Time series, cross‐sectional analysis suggests that members of the U.S. House and Senate may be able to influence the allocation of seemingly merit‐based grants and contracts made by the NIH and the NSF.

Conclusion

We find some evidence that congressional‐bureaucratic relationships impact grant receipts, though the effects are moderate in magnitude.
Being Prepared and Staying Connected: Scouting's Influence on Social Capital and Community Involvement
Authors: Polson Edward C. , Kim Young‐Il , Jang Sung Joon , Johnson Byron R. , Smith Buster
Published: January 2013

Objectives

In recent years, scholars have become concerned about the effects that declining levels of social capital are having on community life in the United States. Data suggest that Americans are less likely to interact with neighbors and less likely to participate in community groups than they were in the past. Nevertheless, researchers have found that participation in some types of organizations has a positive impact on social capital and civic involvement. Each year, millions of American youth participate in programs designed to promote positive youth development. Here, we examine the effect that participation in one of the largest youth organizations, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), has on adult social capital and community involvement.

Methods

Utilizing a national survey of adult males, we compare measures of social capital and community involvement for former Scouts and non‐Scouts.

Results

Our findings suggest that level of involvement in the Boy Scouts is significantly related to measures of adult social capital and community engagement.

Conclusion

Scouting tends to have a significant impact on the lives of its most committed members. Future research must continue to explore the long‐term effects of participation in youth organizations.
Microtubules, signalling and abiotic stress
Authors: Nick Peter
Published: January 2013

Plant microtubules, in addition to their role in cell division and axial cell expansion, convey a sensory function that is relevant for the perception of mechanical membrane stress and its derivatives, such as osmotic or cold stress. During development, sensory microtubules participate in the mechanical integration of plant architecture, including the patterning of incipient organogenesis and the alignment with gravity‐dependent load. The sensory function of microtubules depends on dynamic instability, and often involves a transient elimination of cortical microtubules followed by adaptive events accompanied by subsequent formation of stable microtubule bundles. It is proposed that microtubules, because of their relative rigidity in combination with their innate nonlinear dynamics, are pre‐adapted for a function as mechanosensors and, in concert with the flexible actin filaments and the anisotropic cell wall, comprise a tensegral system that allows plant cells to sense geometry and to respond to fields of mechanical strains such that the load is minimized. Microtubules are proposed as elements of a sensory hub that decodes stress‐related signal signatures, with phospholipase D as an important player.
A V740L mutation in glycoprotein IIb defines a novel epitope (War) associated with fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Poles Anthony , Woźniak Marcin J. , Walser Piers , Ridgwell Kay , Fitzgerald Joan , Green Ann , Gilmore Ruth , Lucas Geoff
Published: January 2013

Background

Most recently described human platelet antigens (HPAs) have been detected in cases of fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FMAIT) where the mother has been immunized against a low‐frequency antigen that the fetus has inherited from the father. Low‐frequency antigens are not represented in normal panel platelets (PLTs) and antibody detection and identification in such cases requires incubation of maternal serum with paternal PLTs and definition of the causative mutation.

Study Design and Methods

A suspected case of FMAIT was investigated for PLT‐specific antibodies using a panel of both HPA‐typed and paternal PLTs. HPA typing was performed by polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers and further DNA analysis was performed using direct sequencing of the coding regions of the ITGA2B and ITGB3 genes.

Results

Maternal antibodies reactive only with paternal PLTs were localized to glycoprotein (GP)IIb/IIIa using the monoclonal antibody immobilization of PLT antibody assay. A single‐nucleotide polymorphism was detected in Exon 23 of ITGA2B in the father and affected child, which predicted a V740L substitution in the mature protein. Recombinant V740L mutated GPIIb expressed in HEK293 cells was specifically recognized by maternal antibodies. The polymorphism was not detected either in the mother or in a cohort of 100 donors.

Conclusion

The V740L polymorphism defines a new low‐frequency antigen implicated in two cases of FMAIT in a single family. Low‐frequency HPAs are clinically important and their elucidation requires both crossmatch studies and gene sequencing in cases where there is strong clinical evidence of FMAIT but initial laboratory investigations do not support the diagnosis.
Virally inactivated human platelet concentrate lysate induces regulatory T cells and immunosuppressive effect in a murine asthma model
Authors: Lee Yueh‐Lun , Lee Lin‐Wen , Su Chen‐Yao , Hsiao George , Yang Yi‐Yuan , Leu Sy‐Jye , Shieh Ying‐Hua , Burnouf Thierry
Published: January 2013

Background

Platelet concentrate lysates (PCLs) are increasingly used in regenerative medicine. We have developed a solvent/detergent (S/D)‐treated PCL. The functional properties of this preparation should be unveiled. We hypothesized that, due to transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) content, PCLs may exert immunosuppressive and anti‐inflammatory functions.

Study Design and Methods

PCL was prepared by S/D treatment, oil extraction, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The content of TGF‐β in PCL was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Cultured CD4+ T cells were used to investigate the effects of PCL on expression of transcription factor forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), the inhibition of T‐cell proliferation, and cytokine production. The regulatory function of PCL‐converted CD4+ T cells was analyzed by suppressive assay. The BALB/c mice were given PCL‐converted CD4+ T cells before ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge using an asthma model. Inflammatory parameters, such as the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE), airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), bronchial lavage fluid eosinophils, and cytokines were assayed. Recombinant human (rHu) TGF‐β1 was used as control.

Results

PCL significantly enhanced the development of CD4+Foxp3+‐induced regulatory T cells (iTregs). Converted iTregs produced neither Th1 nor Th2 cytokines and inhibited normal T‐cell proliferation. PCL‐ and rHuTGF‐β‐converted CD4+ T cells prevented OVA‐induced asthma. PCL‐ and rHuTGF‐β‐modified T cells both significantly reduced expression levels of OVA‐specific IgE and significantly inhibited the development of AHR, airway eosinophilia, and Th2 responses in mice.

Conclusion

S/D‐treated PCL promotes Foxp3+ iTregs and exerts immunosuppressive and anti‐inflammatory properties. This finding may help to understand the clinical properties of platelet lysates.
A Feature-Based Morphing Methodology for Computationally Modeled Biological Structures Applied to Left Atrial Fiber Directions
Authors: Satriano Alessandro , Bellini Chiara , Vigmond Edward J. , Di Martino Elena S.
Published: January 2013

To properly simulate the behavior of biological structures through computer modeling, there exists a need to describe parameters that vary locally. These parameters can be obtained either from literature or from experimental data and they are often assigned to regions in the model as lumped values. Furthermore, parameter values may be obtained on a representative case and may not be available for each specific modeled organ. We describe a semiautomated technique to assign detailed maps of local tissue properties to a computational model of a biological structure. We applied the method to the left atrium of the heart. The orientation of myocytes in the tissue as obtained from histologic analysis was transferred to the 3D model of a porcine left atrium. Finite element method (FEM) dynamic simulations were performed by using an isotropic, neo-Hookean, constitutive model first, then adding an anisotropic, cardiomyocyte oriented, Fung-type component. Results showed higher stresses for the anisotropic material model corresponding to lower stretches in the cardiomyocyte directions. The same methodology can be applied to transfer any map of parameters onto a discretized finite element model.
Comparative Study on Tube-Load Modeling of Arterial Hemodynamics in Humans
Authors: Rashedi Mohammad , Fazeli Nima , Chappell Alyssa , Wang Shaohua , MacArthur Roderick , Sean McMurtry M. , Finegan Barry A. , Hahn Jin-Oh
Published: January 2013

In this paper, we assess the validity of two alternative tube-load models for describing the relationship between central aortic and peripheral arterial blood pressure (BP) waveforms in humans. In particular, a single-tube (1-TL) model and a serially connected two-tube (2-TL) model, both terminated with a Windkessel load, are considered as candidate representations of central aortic-peripheral arterial path. Using the central aortic, radial and femoral BP waveform data collected from eight human subjects undergoing coronary artery bypass graft with cardiopulmonary bypass procedure, the fidelity of the tube-load models was quantified and compared with each other. Both models could fit the central aortic-radial and central aortic-femoral BP waveform pairs effectively. Specifically, the models could estimate pulse travel time (PTT) accurately, and the model-derived frequency response was also close to the empirical transfer function estimate obtained directly from the central aortic and peripheral BP waveform data. However, 2-TL model was consistently superior to 1-TL model with statistical significance as far as the accuracy of the central aortic BP waveform was concerned. Indeed, the average waveform RMSE was 2.52 mmHg versus 3.24 mmHg for 2-TL and 1-TL models, respectively (p < 0.05); the r2 value between measured and estimated central aortic BP waveforms was 0.96 and 0.93 for 2-TL and 1-TL models, respectively (p < 0.05). We concluded that the tube-load models considered in this paper are valid representations that can accurately reproduce central aortic-radial/femoral BP waveform relationships in humans, although the 2-TL model is preferred if an accurate central aortic BP waveform is highly desired.
Terrestrial Accretion Under Oxidizing Conditions
Authors: Siebert Julien , Badro James , Antonangeli Daniele , Ryerson Frederick J.
Published: January 2013

Earth's Ingredients

What was the composition of the earliest terrestrial starting blocks? The answer lies in understanding how Earth's interior separated into mantle and core components.

Siebert
et al.

(p.
1194
, published online 10 January) performed a series of high pressure and temperature experiments to track how chromium and vanadium, which have a slight affinity for iron, partition into metal and silicate fractions. Combined with accretionary models, the data suggest that Earth accreted under the same relatively oxidizing conditions under which the most common types of meteorites formed. Transferring oxygen in the form of FeO from the mantle to the core could have gradually reduced the mantle to its present-day oxidation state.
Participation of Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide Released via Axon Reflex in the Local Increase in Muscle Blood Flow following Manual Acupuncture
Authors: Shinbara Hisashi , Okubo Masamichi , Kimura Keisaku , Mizunuma Kunio , Sumiya Eiji
Published: January 2013

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine how calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) via axon reflex participates in increasing local muscle blood flow (MBF) following manual acupuncture (MA).

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats (N=56, 270–350 g) were used. We examined (1) the effects of MA on MBF in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle in normal rats; (2) the effects of MA on MBF in the TA injected with saline or hCGRP8-37 (low: 2×10−4 mol/litre; high: 2×10−3 mol/litre), a competitive CGRP receptor antagonist, in rats; and (3) the effects of MA on MBF in the TA in capsaicin-treated rats. The capsaicin-treated rats were injected with capsaicin dissolved in an ethanol solution within 24 h after birth (50 mg/kg subcutaneously). MA was applied to the right TA for 1 min. 51Cr-labelled microspheres (15 μm in diameter) were used to measure MBF.

Results

MA significantly increased MBF without changing arterial blood pressure in normal rats (p<0.05). MA also significantly increased MBF in saline-injected, low hCGRP8-37-injected and high hCGRP8-37-injected rats (p<0.001, 005 and 0.05, respectively). The increases in low and high hCGRP8-37-injected rats were lower than those in saline-injected rats, but the difference was not significant. However, MA did not significantly increase MBF in capsaicin-treated rats (p=0.38).

Conclusions

We obtained conflicting results, suggesting that the participation of CGRP released via axon reflex may be limited to a local increase in MBF following MA.
Factor XIII deficiency presenting with intracerebral bleed
Authors: Sawlani Kamal Kumar , Chaudhary Shyam Chand , Roy Amitava , Tripathi Anil Kumar
Published: January 2013

It has been recognised for some time that many disorders such as vascular malformations, hypertension, collagen vascular diseases, tumours, eclampsia, central nervous system infection, bacterial endocarditis and blood dyscrasias can cause non-traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage in young adults. Factor XIII deficiency is a rare cause of intracranial bleed. The impressive clinical signs with bleeding starting in the neonatal period (prolonged bleeding from the umbilical cord), followed by severe, life-threatening episodes of intracranial haemorrhage should raise the clinical suspicion of factor XIII deficiency. Tests for factor XIII deficiency in high index clinical suspicious cases despite negative coagulative screening tests are essential for diagnosis. The diagnosis of factor XIII deficiency is difficult but has important therapeutic consequences. We are reporting here the clinical outcome of a young woman with intracranial bleed due to factor XIII deficiency. The patient was managed successfully with fresh frozen plasma transfusion and supportive treatments. The prophylactic substitution therapy of factor XIII (recombinant factor XIII, cryoprecipitate and fresh frozen plasma) enables patients to live normal lives, free from catastrophic bleeding episodes.
Thalamic syndrome as the heralding manifestation of atlantoaxial dislocation
Authors: Verma Rajesh , Sahu Ritesh , Ojha B K , Junewar Vivek
Published: January 2013

In India, Atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) is the commonest skeletal craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomaly, followed by occipitalisation of atlas and basilar invagination. The usual presentation is progressive neurological deficit (76–95% cases) involving the high cervical cord, lower brainstem and cranial nerves. The association between vertebro-basilar insufficiency and skeletal CVJ anomalies is well recognised and angiographic abnormalities of the vertebrobasilar arteries and their branches have been reported; however, initial presentation of CVJ anomaly as thalamic syndrome due to posterior circulation stroke is extremely rare. Here, we report one such rare case of thalamic syndrome as the initial presentation of CVJ anomaly with AAD.
Voltage-gated potassium channelopathy: an expanding spectrum of clinical phenotypes
Authors: Shribman Sam , Patani Rickie , Deeb Jacquie , Chaudhuri Abhijit
Published: January 2013

Autoimmune voltage-gated potassium channelopathies represent a wide and expanding spectrum of neurological conditions. We present a case demonstrating the phenotypic heterogeneity of antivoltage-gated potassium channels (VGKC)-associated disorders. Such cases may easily be dismissed as functional disorders at first presentation. We propose that there must remain a high index of suspicion for antiVGKC-associated disorders in cases where there are transient neurological disturbances in atypical spatial and temporal distributions.
Appendiceal mucocele: a missed diagnosis
Authors: Hassan Sarah , Dhebri Alhad , Lin Luchuan , Haque Manzarul
Published: January 2013

A 38-year-old man presented to clinic with recurrent right iliac fossa pain from a young age; three episodes of which required hospital admission. He was otherwise well with no associated symptoms. In view of persistent pain and recurrent admissions a CT scan was arranged which showed a dilated retrocaecal appendix suggesting recurrent appendicitis. Further to CT findings the patient underwent an urgent appendicectomy for a presumed diagnosis of chronic appendicitis but histology in fact revealed a cystoadenoma of appendix. Postoperatively the patient's symptoms resolved and he was discharged from surgical care. It is important to note that in this case the diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele was not considered therefore not particularly accounted for during surgery. Has this been a malignant cystadenocarcinoma any spillage of malignant cells into the abdominal cavity during the operation could have a grave impact on long-term recovery and prognosis.
Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apexification: a novel approach for traumatised young immature permanent teeth
Authors: Vijayran Manisha , Chaudhary Seema , Manuja Naveen , Kulkarni Adwait Uday
Published: January 2013

Here, we report a case of 9-year-old boy who came with a chief complaint of pain and fractured upper front teeth. Significant history of trauma was revealed 6 months before reporting, during playing at his school time. Proper diagnosis was made with the help of radiological investigations. The available treatment options were discussed with the patient's parents and root canal therapy, using mineral trioxide aggregate, as an apical barrier was carried out in his upper right front teeth. However, later on, the boy was aesthetically rehabilitated in relation to his fractured upper front teeth with the help of post and core and acrylic crown.
Are you positive? The fate of a shelter cat
Authors: Mullan Siobhan
Published: January 2013

The dilemma in the November/December issue concerned a shelter cat that was suspected of being FIV‐positive. Despite an initial negative test result, a subsequent test came out positive and the cat was euthanased as a result. However, it eventually seemed likely that the cat had received a single FIV vaccination while at the shelter, resulting in the positive test result (In Practice, November/December 2012, volume 34, pages 614‐615). Based on this situation, Anne Fawcett and Juliana Brailey discussed factors to consider when deciding to euthanase a FIV‐positive cat. The first was whether euthanasia of a FIV‐positive cat (which could live as long as an uninfected cat) was ever ethically justifiable. The other factor was the place of tests that might give false positive results in making such decisions. They suggested that all cats should be tested for FIV at shelters before vaccination and that vaccination should be restricted to at‐risk cats. In addition, vaccinated cats should be identified with a tag or microchip to ensure that vaccination status was not confused with natural infection. More generally, they noted that decisions about euthanasia must be based on solid diagnoses, suggesting that shelters could consider using low‐cost confirmatory testing if necessary. They also suggested that shelters could look into rehoming FIV‐positive cats to fully informed owners who commit to keeping their pets indoors.
Update on feline acromegaly
Authors: Niessen Stijn J.M.
Published: January 2013

Feline acromegaly is a clinical syndrome resulting from excess growth hormone production (hypersomatotropism). In most cats, this is caused by a functional benign pituitary tumour. Although the condition was previously thought to be rare, recent studies suggest that its prevalence among diabetic cats has been underestimated, and it could therefore account for diabetes mellitus in a proportion of the cat population. This might be related to the existence of subtle phenotype variants of the disease. Small animal practitioners dealing with diabetic cats should therefore be aware of the condition and consider screening for it. Once treated successfully, diabetic remission might ensue. This article considers the aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment options of feline hypersomatotropism and acromegaly.
Diagnostic blood biochemistry and haematology in cattle
Authors: Otter Arthur
Published: January 2013

Diagnostic investigation of cattle requires a thorough clinical examination and detailed knowledge of their history, feeding and management. A range of biochemical assays and haematology may be undertaken to provide supportive evidence of a suspected diagnosis, or may give an indication of the disease type and severity. However, confirmation of some diagnoses may only be achieved if such animals are subsequently examined postmortem. Laboratory testing of animals can also be useful for clinicians as a prognostic indicator or for monitoring the progress of disease in animals that are being treated. This article describes the sampling and the interpretation of blood biochemistry and haemotology.
Identification of fecal contamination sources in water using host-associated markers
Authors: Krentz Corinne A. , Prystajecky Natalie , Isaac-Renton Judith
Published: January 2013

In British Columbia, Canada, drinking water is tested for total coliforms and Escherichia coli, but there is currently no routine follow-up testing to investigate fecal contamination sources in samples that test positive for indicator bacteria. Reliable microbial source tracking (MST) tools to rapidly test water samples for multiple fecal contamination markers simultaneously are currently lacking. The objectives of this study were (i) to develop a qualitative MST tool to identify fecal contamination from different host groups, and (ii) to evaluate the MST tool using water samples with evidence of fecal contamination. Singleplex and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to test (i) water from polluted sites and (ii) raw and drinking water samples for presence of bacterial genetic markers associated with feces from humans, cattle, seagulls, pigs, chickens, and geese. The multiplex MST assay correctly identified suspected contamination sources in contaminated waterways, demonstrating that this test may have utility for heavily contaminated sites. Most raw and drinking water samples analyzed using singleplex PCR contained at least one host-associated marker. Singleplex PCR was capable of detecting host-associated markers in small sample volumes and is therefore a promising tool to further analyze water samples submitted for routine testing and provide information useful for water quality management.
SUPPLY CHAIN COORDINATION WITH UNCERTAINTY IN TWO-ECHELON YIELDS
Authors: PENG HONGJUN , ZHOU MEIHUA , QIAN LING
Published: January 2013

This paper researches the coordination models in the supply chain where there are uncertain two-echelon yields and random demand. We analyzed three contracts of revenue sharing (RS), overproduction risk sharing (OS), and combination of RS and OS (RO), and contrasted them with uncoordinated model. We studied the optimal order decision for downstream manufacturer and the optimal production decision for upstream manufacturer. Numerical examples were presented to illustrate the results. The study showed that the RS contract and OS sharing contract both have their advantages and disadvantages and the RO contract could benefit the whole supply chain best. We found out that the OS contract gives the upstream manufacturer incentive to produce more so as to maximize the profit value, but the upstream manufacturer may receive less as the price of overproduced part increases. We also found out that under most scenarios, the supply chain benefits from the yields and demand risks reduction and generates a higher profit. But sometimes in the OS contract the downstream manufacturer profit can increase as yields randomness increases. And, in the uncoordinated case and OS contract, the upstream manufacturer profit can increase as demand randomness increases.
COORDINATING TWO-ECHELON SUPPLY CHAINS UNDER STOCK AND PRICE DEPENDENT DEMAND RATE
Authors: PANDA SHIBAJI
Published: January 2013

Coordination is imperative for improving supply chain performance. In this paper, we focus on coordination of a two-echelon supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and a price-setting retailer, which operates for a single product. Customer demand is influenced by retailer's instantaneous inventory level and selling price. The integrated system and the decentralized scenario, by considering manufacturer as the Stackelberg leader, are discussed. It is shown that conventional revenue sharing contract cannot coordinate the system but revenue and cost sharing (RCS) contract is able to coordinate the system and leads to a win–win outcome. The key contract parameters — cost sharing fraction, along with revenue sharing fraction and wholesale price are determined under explicit and implicit information of retailer's cost structure. Finally, it is shown that range of cost sharing fraction that leads to win–win situation is independent of the format of cost structure of retailer. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the development of the model.
UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLES FOR KAZDAN–WARNER AND POHOZAEV–SCHOEN TYPE IDENTITIES
Authors: GOVER A. ROD , ØRSTED BENT
Published: January 2013

The classical Pohozaev identity constrains potential solutions of certain semilinear PDE boundary value problems. The Kazdan–Warner identity is a similar necessary condition important for the Nirenberg problem of conformally prescribing scalar curvature on the sphere. For dimensions n ≥ 3 both identities are captured and extended by a single identity, due to Schoen in 1988. In each of the three cases the identity requires and involves an infinitesimal conformal symmetry. For structures with such a conformal vector field, we develop a very wide, and essentially complete, extension of this picture. Any conformally variational natural scalar invariant is shown to satisfy a Kazdan–Warner type identity, and a similar result holds for scalars that are the trace of a locally conserved 2-tensor. Scalars of the latter type are also seen to satisfy a Pohozaev–Schoen type identity on manifolds with boundary, and there are further extensions. These phenomena are explained and unified through the study of total and conformal variational theory, and in particular the gauge invariances of the functionals concerned. Our generalization of the Pohozaev–Schoen identity is shown to be a complement to a standard conservation law from physics and general relativity.
APPLICATION OF THE METHOD OF FUNDAMENTAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE INVERSE PROBLEM OF DETERMINATION OF THE BIOT NUMBER
Authors: KOŁODZIEJ J. A. , MIERZWICZAK M.
Published: January 2013

This paper deals with the iterative inverse determination of the Biot number in the 2D steady-state heat conduction problem. The identification of the value of the Biot number is obtained by using the boundary data and additionally from the knowledge of the temperature inside the domain. The method of fundamental solutions is used to solve the 2D heat conduction problem. The nonlinear system of equations obtained from collocation is solved in a least square sense by using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm.
EFFECTS OF SHOCK PRESSURE AND SELF-GENERATED ELECTRIC FIELD ON SHOCK-INDUCED FERROELECTRIC TO ANTIFERROELECTRIC PHASE TRANSITION IN LEAD ZIRCONATE STANNATE TITANATE FERROELECTRIC CERAMICS
Authors: JIANG DONGDONG , FENG YUJUN , DU JINMEI , GU YAN
Published: January 2013

Kinetics of the ferroelectric (FE) to antiferroelectric (AFE) phase transformation under shock wave compression is critical to design the shock-activated power supply and can be characterized in terms of both a transition rate and a limiting degree of transition. By measuring the depoling currents under the short-circuit and high-impedance conditions, we investigated the influence of shock pressure and self-generated electric field on the phase transition kinetics of tin-modified lead zirconate titanate ceramics (Pb0.99Nb0.02[(Zr0.90Sn0.10)0.96Ti0.04]0.98O3) in the pressure range from 0.23 to 4.50 GPa. Experimental results indicate that the shock pressure promotes the FE-to-AFE phase transition. And the self-generated electric field does not appear to have a significant effect on the depoling currents at high shock pressures, but has a strong effect at low pressures. At 0.61 GPa and 1.03 GPa, transition rate and degree diminish with increasing the electric field, illustrating that the self-generated electric field suppresses the FE-to-AFE phase transition. These observations are found to be generally consistent with results under the hydrostatic compression. Fundamental issues are discussed from the perspective of the soft mode theory.
A high-throughput pipelined parallel architecture for JPEG XR encoding
Authors: Tsutsui Hiroshi , Hattori Koichi , Ochi Hiroyuki , Nakamura Yukihiro
Published: January 2013

JPEG XR is an emerging image coding standard, based on HD Photo developed by Microsoft Corporation. It supports high compression performance twice as high as the de facto image coding system, namely, JPEG, and also has an advantage over JPEG 2000 in terms of computational cost. JPEG XR is expected to be widespread for many devices including embedded systems in the near future. In this article, we propose a novel architecture for JPEG XR encoding. In previous architectures, entropy coding was the throughput bottleneck because it was implemented as a sequential algorithm to handle data with dependency. We found that there is no dependency in intra-macroblock data, and we could safely pipeline all the encoding processes including the entropy coding. In addition, each module of our architecture, which can be regarded as a pipeline stage, can be parallelized. As a result, our architecture can achieve 12.8 pixel/cycle at its maximum. To demonstrate our architecture, we designed three versions of our architecture with different degrees of parallelism of one, two, and four. Our four-way parallel architecture achieves 579 Mpixel/sec at 181MHz clock frequency for grayscale images.
System-level approach to the design of a smart distributed surveillance system using systemj
Authors: Malik Avinash , Salcic Zoran , Chong Christopher , Javed Salman
Published: January 2013

Distributed surveillance systems represent a class of sensor networks used for object location and tracking, road traffic monitoring, security, and other purposes. They are very complex to describe, design, and run. Because of their sensitivity, they need to be carefully designed and validated. We present a system-level approach to modeling and designing such systems using a new system-level programming language, SystemJ, which enables designers to describe computational and communication parts of such applications in a highly abstract manner. The designed system can be modeled and validated even before deployment and in that way contribute to the overall reliability and trustworthiness of such systems. As an additional tool, the design environment for specification of the surveillance system topology, physical and communication properties, selected sensors and their interconnectivity with the computing resources was developed. This tool enables easy composition of multiple sensors and their respective controllers, capturing changes of configuration of the system and underlying communication, and automatic generation of the formal description of the surveillance system. This description is then used for the generation of executable code and/or the templates for detailed SystemJ application-specific code, as well as for generation of the operator GUI in a surveillance system.