bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The photoelectric characteristics of a few-layer graphene/Si Schottky junction solar cell
Authors: Ma Xiying , Gu Weixia
Published: October 2014

We present a study of the photovoltaic effects of a graphene/n- Si Schottky junction solar cell. The graphene/Si solar cell was prepared by means of rapid chemical vapor deposition, while the graphene films were grown with a CH 4/ Ar mixed gas under a constant flow at 950°C and then annealed at 1000°C. It was found that the junction between the graphene film and the n- Si structure played an important role in determining the device performance. An energy conversion efficiency of 2.1% was achieved under an optical illumination of 100 mW. The strong photovoltaic effects of the cell were due to device junction's ability to efficiently generate and separate electron–hole pairs.
Temporal evolution of isolated pulsars; Age-Tau problem
Authors: Kutukcu Pinar , Ankay Askin
Published: October 2014

In this work, we examine the evolution of a sample of isolated pulsars connected to Galactic supernova remnants (SNRs) five of which have measured braking indices. For the pulsars in our sample without measured braking index values we have calculated the estimated braking indices adopting the supernova remnant ages as the real ages of pulsar-SNR pairs assuming short initial spin periods (10–30 ms). Some of these pulsars exhibit at least one order of magnitude differences between the characteristic pulsar ages and the ages of the SNRs they are physically connected to. We adopt an exponential B-decay model, which is the decrease in the surface dipole magnetic field component perpendicular to the spin axis, in order to explain the evolutions of such pulsars on the spin period versus the spin period change diagram. The decay can be either due to a decrease in the angle between the spin axis and the magnetic axis and/or due to a decay in the surface dipole magnetic field itself. Based on a previous work by Ankay et al. on the X-ray pulsar 1E1207-5209 we show that there are some other young isolated pulsars which experience B-decay as the predominant effect throughout their observational lifetimes. As compared to ordinary radio pulsars the magneto-dipole radiation torques are not so effective for such pulsars and the characteristic decay times are significantly shorter (about three orders of magnitude). Assuming simple exponential evolutionary tracks we give possible physical interpretations for this new class of neutron stars by examining the observational data of each pulsar-SNR pair.
Stellar oscillations induced by the passage of a fast stellar object
Authors: Bertulani C. A. , Naizer M. , Newton W.
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we investigate induced oscillations by the gravitational field of a fast stellar object, such as a neutron star or a black-hole in a near miss collision with another star. Nonadiabatic collision conditions may lead to large amplitude oscillations in the star. We show that for a solar-type star a resonant condition can be achieved by a fast moving stellar object with velocity in the range of 100 to 1000 km/s, passing at a distance of a few multiples of the star radius. Although such collisions are rare, they are more frequent than head-on collisions, and their effects could be observed through a visible change of the star luminosity occurring within a few hours.
From microbe to man: the role of microbial short chain fatty acid metabolites in host cell biology
Authors: Natarajan Niranjana , Pluznick Jennifer L.
Published: October 2014

Recent studies have highlighted a myriad of ways in which the activity and composition of the gut microbiota can affect the host organism. A primary way in which the gut microbiota affect host physiology is by the production of metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are subsequently absorbed into the bloodstream of the host. Although recent studies have begun to unravel the ways in which gut microbial SCFAs affect host physiology, less is understood regarding the underlying cell biological mechanisms. In this review, we will outline the known receptors and transporters for SCFAs, and review what is known about the cell biological effects of microbial SCFAs.
Induction of angiotensin-converting enzyme after miR-143/145 deletion is critical for impaired smooth muscle contractility
Authors: Dahan Diana , Ekman Mari , Larsson-Callerfelt Anna-Karin , Turczyńska Karolina , Boettger Thomas , Braun Thomas , Swärd Karl , Albinsson Sebastian
Published: October 2014

MicroRNAs have emerged as regulators of smooth muscle cell phenotype with a role in smooth muscle-related disease. Studies have shown that miR-143 and miR-145 are the most highly expressed microRNAs in smooth muscle cells, controlling differentiation and function. The effect of miR-143/145 knockout has been established in the vasculature but not in smooth muscle from other organs. Using knockout mice we found that maximal contraction induced by either depolarization or phosphatase inhibition was reduced in vascular and airway smooth muscle but maintained in the urinary bladder. Furthermore, a reduction of media thickness and reduced expression of differentiation markers was seen in the aorta but not in the bladder. Supporting the view that phenotype switching depends on a tissue-specific target of miR-143/145, we found induction of angiotensin-converting enzyme in the aorta but not in the bladder where angiotensin-converting enzyme was expressed at a low level. Chronic treatment with angiotensin type-1 receptor antagonist restored contractility in miR-143/145-deficient aorta while leaving bladder contractility unaffected. This shows that tissue-specific targets are critical for the effects of miR-143/145 on smooth muscle differentiation and that angiotensin converting enzyme is one such target.
Renal transplantation induces mitochondrial uncoupling, increased kidney oxygen consumption, and decreased kidney oxygen tension
Authors: Papazova Diana A. , Friederich-Persson Malou , Joles Jaap A. , Verhaar Marianne C.
Published: October 2014

Hypoxia is an acknowledged pathway to renal injury and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and is known to reduce renal oxygen tension (Po2). We hypothesized that renal I/R increases oxidative damage and induces mitochondrial uncoupling, resulting in increased oxygen consumption and hence kidney hypoxia. Lewis rats underwent syngenic renal transplantation (TX) and contralateral nephrectomy. Controls were uninephrectomized (1K-CON) or left untreated (2K-CON). After 7 days, urinary excretion of protein and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were measured, and after 14 days glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal blood flow, whole kidney Qo2, cortical Po2, kidney cortex mitochondrial uncoupling, renal oxidative damage, and tubulointerstitial injury were assessed. TX, compared with 1K-CON, resulted in mitochondrial uncoupling mediated via uncoupling protein-2 (16 ± 3.3 vs. 0.9 ± 0.4 pmol O2·s−1·mg protein−1, P < 0.05) and increased whole kidney Qo2 (55 ± 16 vs. 33 ± 10 μmol O2/min, P < 0.05). Corticomedullary Po2 was lower in TX compared with 1K-CON (30 ± 13 vs. 47 ± 4 μM, P < 0.05) whereas no significant difference was observed between 2K-CON and 1K-CON rats. Proteinuria, oxidative damage, and the tubulointerstitial injury score were not significantly different in 1K-CON and TX. Treatment of donors for 5 days with mito-TEMPO reduced mitochondrial uncoupling but did not affect renal hemodynamics, Qo2, Po2, or injury. Collectively, our results demonstrate increased mitochondrial uncoupling as an early event after experimental renal transplantation associated with increased oxygen consumption and kidney hypoxia in the absence of increases in markers of damage.
Development of modified cable models to simulate accurate neuronal active behaviors
Authors: Elbasiouny Sherif M.
Published: October 2014

In large network and single three-dimensional (3-D) neuron simulations, high computing speed dictates using reduced cable models to simulate neuronal firing behaviors. However, these models are unwarranted under active conditions and lack accurate representation of dendritic active conductances that greatly shape neuronal firing. Here, realistic 3-D (R3D) models (which contain full anatomical details of dendrites) of spinal motoneurons were systematically compared with their reduced single unbranched cable (SUC, which reduces the dendrites to a single electrically equivalent cable) counterpart under passive and active conditions. The SUC models matched the R3D model's passive properties but failed to match key active properties, especially active behaviors originating from dendrites. For instance, persistent inward currents (PIC) hysteresis, frequency-current (FI) relationship secondary range slope, firing hysteresis, plateau potential partial deactivation, staircase currents, synaptic current transfer ratio, and regional FI relationships were not accurately reproduced by the SUC models. The dendritic morphology oversimplification and lack of dendritic active conductances spatial segregation in the SUC models caused significant underestimation of those behaviors. Next, SUC models were modified by adding key branching features in an attempt to restore their active behaviors. The addition of primary dendritic branching only partially restored some active behaviors, whereas the addition of secondary dendritic branching restored most behaviors. Importantly, the proposed modified models successfully replicated the active properties without sacrificing model simplicity, making them attractive candidates for running R3D single neuron and network simulations with accurate firing behaviors. The present results indicate that using reduced models to examine PIC behaviors in spinal motoneurons is unwarranted.
Differential effects of static and dynamic inputs on neuronal excitability
Authors: Szücs Attila , Huerta Ramon
Published: October 2014

The intrinsic excitability of neurons is known to be dynamically regulated by activity-dependent plasticity and homeostatic mechanisms. Such processes are commonly analyzed in the context of input-output functions that describe how neurons fire in response to constant levels of current. However, it is not well understood how changes of excitability as observed under static inputs translate to the function of the same neurons in their natural synaptic environment. Here we performed a computational study and hybrid experiments on rat bed nucleus of stria terminalis neurons to compare the two scenarios. The inward rectifying Kir current ( IKir) and the hyperpolarization-activated cation current ( Ih) were found to be considerably more effective in regulating the firing under synaptic inputs than under static stimuli. This prediction was experimentally confirmed by dynamic-clamp insertion of a synthetic inwardly rectifying Kir current into the biological neurons. At the same time, ionic currents that activate with depolarization were more effective regulating the firing under static inputs. When two intrinsic currents are concurrently altered such as those under homeostatic regulation, the effects in firing responses under static vs. dynamic inputs can be even more contrasting. Our results show that plastic or homeostatic changes of intrinsic membrane currents can shape the current step responses of neurons and their firing under synaptic inputs in a differential manner.
Nerve injury induces a new profile of tactile and mechanical nociceptor input from undamaged peripheral afferents
Authors: Boada M. Danilo , Gutierrez Silvia , Aschenbrenner Carol A. , Houle Timothy T. , Hayashida Ken-ichiro , Ririe Douglas G. , Eisenach James C.
Published: October 2014

Chronic pain after nerve injury is often accompanied by hypersensitivity to mechanical stimuli, yet whether this reflects altered input, altered processing, or both remains unclear. Spinal nerve ligation or transection results in hypersensitivity to mechanical stimuli in skin innervated by adjacent dorsal root ganglia, but no previous study has quantified the changes in receptive field properties of these neurons in vivo. To address this, we recorded intracellularly from L4dorsal root ganglion neurons of anesthetized young adult rats, 1 wk after L5partial spinal nerve ligation (pSNL) or sham surgery. One week after pSNL, hindpaw mechanical withdrawal threshold in awake, freely behaving animals was decreased in the L4distribution on the nerve-injured side compared with sham controls. Electrophysiology revealed that high-threshold mechanoreceptive cells of A-fiber conduction velocity in L4were sensitized, with a seven-fold reduction in mechanical threshold, a seven-fold increase in receptive field area, and doubling of maximum instantaneous frequency in response to peripheral stimuli, accompanied by reductions in after-hyperpolarization amplitude and duration. Only a reduction in mechanical threshold (minimum von Frey hair producing neuronal activity) was observed in C-fiber conduction velocity high-threshold mechanoreceptive cells. In contrast, low-threshold mechanoreceptive cells were desensitized, with a 13-fold increase in mechanical threshold, a 60% reduction in receptive field area, and a 40% reduction in instantaneous frequency to stimulation. No spontaneous activity was observed in L4ganglia, and the likelihood of recording from neurons without a mechanical receptive field was increased after pSNL. These data suggest massively altered input from undamaged sensory afferents innervating areas of hypersensitivity after nerve injury, with reduced tactile and increased nociceptive afferent response. These findings differ importantly from previous preclinical studies, but are consistent with clinical findings in most patients with chronic neuropathic pain.
Generation of field potentials and modulation of their dynamics through volume integration of cortical activity
Authors: Kajikawa Yoshinao , Schroeder Charles E.
Published: October 2014

Field potentials (FPs) recorded within the brain, often called “local field potentials” (LFPs), are useful measures of net synaptic activity in a neuronal ensemble. However, due to volume conduction, FPs spread beyond regions of underlying synaptic activity, and thus an “LFP” signal may not accurately reflect the temporal patterns of synaptic activity in the immediately surrounding neuron population. To better understand the physiological processes reflected in FPs, we explored the relationship between the FP and its membrane current generators using current source density (CSD) analysis in conjunction with a volume conductor model. The model provides a quantitative description of the spatiotemporal summation of immediate local and more distant membrane currents to produce the FP. By applying the model to FPs in the macaque auditory cortex, we have investigated a critical issue that has broad implications for FP research. We have shown that FP responses in particular cortical layers are differentially susceptible to activity in other layers. Activity in the supragranular layers has the strongest contribution to FPs in other cortical layers, and infragranular FPs are most susceptible to contributions from other layers. To define the physiological processes generating FPs recorded in loci of relatively weak synaptic activity, strong effects produced by synaptic events in the vicinity have to be taken into account. While outlining limitations and caveats inherent to FP measurements, our results also suggest specific peak and frequency band components of FPs can be related to activity in specific cortical layers. These results may help improving the interpretability of FPs.
A Jehovah’s Witness with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Successfully Treated with an Epigenetic Drug, Azacitidine: A Clue for Development of Anti-AML Therapy Requiring Minimum Blood Transfusions
Authors: Yamamoto Yumi , Kawashima Akihito , Kashiwagi Eri , Ogata Kiyoyuki
Published: October 2014

Therapy for acute leukemia in Jehovah’s Witnesses patients is very challenging because of their refusal to accept blood transfusions, a fundamental supportive therapy for this disease. These patients are often denied treatment for fear of treatment-related death. We present the first Jehovah’s Witness patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated successfully with azacitidine. After achieving complete remission (CR) with one course of azacitidine therapy, the patient received conventional postremission chemotherapy and remained in CR. In the case of patients who accept blood transfusions, there are reports indicating the treatment of AML patients with azacitidine. In these reports, azacitidine therapy was less toxic, including hematoxicity, compared with conventional chemotherapy. The CR rate in azacitidine-treated patients was inadequate; however, some characteristics could be useful in predicting azacitidine responders. The present case is useful for treating Jehovah’s Witnesses patients with AML and provides a clue for anti-AML therapy requiring minimum blood transfusions.
Spontaneous Cervical Epidural Hematoma with Hemiparesis Mimicking Cerebral Stroke
Authors: Tiryaki Mehmet , Basaran Recep , Aydin Serdar Onur , Efendioglu Mustafa , Balkuv Ece , Balak Naci
Published: October 2014

Aim.Spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma (SCEH) is defined as an epidural hematoma that does not have an etiological explanation. The most common site for SCEH is cervicothoracic area. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for prognosis and good results. In this paper, we aimed to present a case who complains of sudden weakness on right extremities imitating cerebral stroke and that neuroimaging reveals spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma.Case.A 72-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with acute neck pain and loss of strength on right extremities. On neurological examination, the patient had right hemiparesis. PT, aPTT, and INR results were 50.5, 42.8, and 4.8, respectively. Cranial MRI was in normal limits. Spinal MRI revealed a lesion that extends from C4 to C7 located on the right side and compatible with epidural hematoma. The patient was operated after normalization of INR values.Conclusion.Even though SCEH is a rare condition, it can cause severe morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment are quiet important for prognosis. SCEH can easily be mistaken for stroke as with other pathologies and this diagnosis should come to mind especially in patients who have diathesis of bleeding.
Kenyan Nurses Involvement in National Policy Development Processes
Authors: Juma Pamela Atieno , Edwards Nancy , Spitzer Denise
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to critically examine how nurses have been involved in national policy processes in the Kenyan health sector. The paper reports qualitative results from a larger mixed method study. National nonnursing decision-makers and nurse leaders, and provincial managers as well as frontline nurse managers from two Kenyan districts were purposefully selected for interviews. Interviews dealt with nurses’ involvement in national policy processes, factors hindering nurses’ engagement in policy processes, and ways to enhance nurses’ involvement in policy processes. Critical theory and feminist perspectives guided the study process. Content analysis of data was conducted. Findings revealed that nurses’ involvement in policy processes in Kenya was limited. Only a few nurse leaders were involved in national policy committees as a result of their positions in the sector. Critical analysis of the findings revealed that hierarchies and structural factors as well as nursing professional issues were the primary barriers constraining nurses’ involvement in policy processes. Thus, there is need to address these factors both by nurses themselves and by nonnursing decision makers, in order to enhance nurses engagement in policy making and further the contribution to quality of services to the communities.
Clinical Features of Adult Patients with Acute Hepatitis B Virus Infection Progressing to Chronic Infection
Authors: Michitaka Kojiro , Hiraoka Atsushi , Tokumoto Yoshio , Ninomiya Keiko , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Horiike Norio , Abe Masanori , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: October 2014

Background. Information regarding the progression of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection to chronic infection in adults is scarce.Methods. Twenty-five adult patients with acute HBV infection (14 men and 11 women, 18–84 years old), whose clinical features progressed to those of chronic infection (group A) or did not (group B), were studied retrospectively.Results. There were 3 and 22 patients in groups A and B, respectively. Two of the 3 patients of group A lacked the typical symptoms of acute hepatitis. No differences were found between groups with respect to age, sex, or HBV genotypes. However, total bilirubin and alanine aminotransaminase levels were significantly lower in group A.Conclusions. Three of the 25 adult patients with acute HBV infection progressed to chronic infection. Hepatitis was mild in these patients. Patients with mild acute hepatitis B or unapparent HBV infection may have a higher risk of progressing to chronic infection.
From Mild Ataxia to Huntington Disease Phenocopy: The Multiple Faces of Spinocerebellar Ataxia 17
Authors: Koutsis Georgios , Panas Marios , Paraskevas George P. , Bougea Anastasia M. , Kladi Athina , Karadima Georgia , Kapaki Elisabeth
Published: October 2014

Introduction. Spinocerebellar ataxia 17 (SCA 17) is a rare autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA) caused by a CAG/CAA expansion in theTBPgene, reported from a limited number of countries. It is a very heterogeneous ADCA characterized by ataxia, cognitive decline, psychiatric symptoms, and involuntary movements, with some patients presenting with Huntington disease (HD) phenocopies. The SCA 17 expansion is stable during parent-child transmission and intrafamilial phenotypic homogeneity has been reported. However, significant phenotypic variability within families has also been observed.Report of the Family. We presently report a Greek family with a pathological expansion of 54 repeats at the SCA 17 locus that displayed remarkable phenotypic variability. Among 3 affected members, one presented with HD phenocopy; one with progressive ataxia, dementia, chorea, dystonia, and seizures, and one with mild slowly progressive ataxia with minor cognitive and affective symptoms.Conclusions. This is the first family with SCA 17 identified in Greece and highlights the multiple faces of this rare disorder, even within the same family.
Novel Design of Microstrip Antenna with Improved Bandwidth
Authors: Kamakshi Km. , Singh Ashish , Aneesh Mohammad , Ansari J. A.
Published: October 2014

A novel design of broadband patch antenna is presented in this paper. The broadband property of the proposed antenna is achieved by choosing a proper selection of dimensions and positions of slot and notch on the radiating patch. The bandwidth of the proposed antenna is found to be 30.5% with operating frequency band from 1.56 GHz to 2.12 GHz. Antenna characteristics are observed for different inclination angles “α” and its effect on bandwidths is also reported. The maximum gain of the antenna is found to be 9.86 dBi and it achieves broadside radiation pattern in the direction of maximum radiation over the operating band. The proposed antenna structure is simulated, fabricated, and tested for obtaining the desired performance. The simulated results are verified with experimental results which are in good agreement.
A Fatal Case of Multidrug ResistantAcinetobacterNecrotizing Fasciitis: The Changing Scary Face of Nosocomial Infection
Authors: Sinha Nupur , Niazi Masooma , Lvovsky Dmitry
Published: October 2014

Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon soft-tissue infection, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for survival.Acinetobacter baumanniiis rarely associated with necrotizing fasciitis. Wound infections due toA. baumanniihave been described in association with severe trauma in soldiers. There are only sporadic reports of monomicrobialA. baumanniinecrotizing fasciitis. We report a unique case of monomicrobial necrotizing fasciitis caused by multidrug resistant (MDR)A. baumannii, in absence of any preceding trauma, surgery, or any obvious breech in the continuity of skin or mucosa. A 48-year-old woman with history of HIV, asthma, hypertension, and tobacco and excocaine use presented with acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. She was treated for pneumonia for 7 days and was successfully extubated. All septic work-up was negative. Two days later, she developed rapidly spreading nonblanching edema with bleb formation at the lateral aspect of right thigh. Emergent extensive debridement and fasciotomy were performed. Operative findings and histopathology were consistent with necrotizing fasciitis. Despite extensive debridement, she succumbed to septic shock in the next few hours. Blood, wound, and tissue cultures grewA. baumannii, sensitive only to amikacin and polymyxin. Histopathology was consistent with necrotizing fasciitis.
Effect of Pasteurization Temperature, Starter Culture, and Incubation Temperature on the Physicochemical Properties, Yield, Rheology, and Sensory Characteristics of Spreadable Goat Cheese
Authors: Frau Florencia , Font de Valdez Graciela , Pece Nora
Published: October 2014

The local cheese factories currently use bovine commercial starter cultures, and the spreadable cheese process is not standardized. A detailed understanding of the effect of pasteurization temperature, starter culture, and incubation temperature must allow producers to optimize the process, increase cheese yield, and improve the quality of the final product. The main objective of the study was to describe the preparation method of spreadable goat cheese and investigate the effects of specific processing conditions (pasteurization temperature, starter culture, and incubation temperature) on the composition, yield, rheology, and sensory characteristics of the final product. Results showed the impact of pasteurization temperature, starter culture, and incubation temperature on spreadable goat cheese. The results indicated that it is possible to improve cheese yield, rheological properties, and sensory analysis when milk is pasteurized at 75°C for 30 minutes; cheese yield can also be improved by lowering incubation temperature to 37°C. Cheeses made with autochthonous starter culture showed better sensory characteristics and higher pH compared to the cheeses made with commercial culture.
Evaluation of Tip Surface Collision Count as a Measure of Fibreoptic Scope Handling Skills: A Randomized, Cross-Over Manikin Study
Authors: Roberts Mari H. , Boucher Elizabeth K. , Lim Michael , Wilkes Antony R. , Hodzovic Iljaz
Published: October 2014

Background. In this pilot study, we evaluated tip collisions against three commonly used measures of fibreoptic scope handling skills. Methods. Seventy-seven anaesthetists were recruited to perform a standardized task on an Oxford Box and a modified AirSim manikin. Collision count was correlated against time to scope placement, a global rating scale score, and up-to-date fibreoptic experience. Results. Strong and moderate correlations were found between collision count and task completion time for the Oxford Box (ρ = 0.730, P < 0.0001) and AirSim manikin (ρ = 0.405, P < 0.0001), respectively. Moderate correlation was found between collision count and global rating scale score for the Oxford Box (ρ = −0.545, P < 0.0001) and AirSim manikin (ρ = −0.500, P < 0.0001). Mild and moderate correlations were found between collision count and fibreoptic experience on the Oxford Box (ρ = −0.240, P = 0.041) and AirSim manikin (ρ = −0.423, P < 0.0001), respectively. Conclusions. This study infers that collision count may be used as a measure of fibreoptic scope handling skills in simulation training. Using this outcome in addition to other measures of performance may improve accuracy and precision of fibreoptic scope placement.
Artificial Intelligence Mechanisms on Interactive Modified Simplex Method with Desirability Function for Optimising Surface Lapping Process
Authors: Luangpaiboon Pongchanun , Duangkaew Sitthikorn
Published: October 2014

A study has been made to optimise the influential parameters of surface lapping process. Lapping time, lapping speed, downward pressure, and charging pressure were chosen from the preliminary studies as parameters to determine process performances in terms of material removal, lap width, and clamp force. The desirability functions of the‐nominal‐the‐best were used to compromise multiple responses into the overall desirability function level or D response. The conventional modified simplex or Nelder‐Mead simplex method and the interactive desirability function are performed to optimise online the parameter levels in order to maximise the D response. In order to determine the lapping process parameters effectively, this research then applies two powerful artificial intelligence optimisation mechanisms from harmony search and firefly algorithms. The recommended condition of (lapping time, lapping speed, downward pressure, and charging pressure) at (33, 35, 6.0, and 5.0) has been verified by performing confirmation experiments. It showed that the D response level increased to 0.96. When compared with the current operating condition, there is a decrease of the material removal and lap width with the improved process performance indices of 2.01 and 1.14, respectively. Similarly, there is an increase of the clamp force with the improved process performance index of 1.58.
A Body Shape Index and Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Indians with Low Body Mass Index
Authors: Sowmya Sharma , Thomas Tinku , Bharathi Ankalmadagu Venkatsubbareddy , Sucharita Sambashivaiah
Published: October 2014

Background.One third of Indian population is said to be suffering from chronic energy deficiency (CED), with increased risk of developing chronic diseases. A new anthropometric measure called A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is said to be a better index in predicting risks for premature mortality. ABSI is also in part said to be a surrogate of visceral fat.Objective. The present study aimed to explore the association between indices of HRV (heart rate variability), BMI, WC, and ABSI in healthy Indian males with low BMI (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) and to compare with normal BMI group (BMI 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2).Methodology. ABSI and BMI were derived from anthropometric parameters, namely, height, weight, and waist circumference in 178 males aged 18 to 78 years. Subjects were categorized into two groups based on their BMI.Results and Conclusions. Power spectral analysis of HRV demonstrated a significant negative correlation between Log HF (high frequency) and ABSI in both low BMI [−24.2 (9.4),P<0.05] and normal BMI group [−23.41 (10.1),P<0.05] even after controlling for age. Thus even with slight increase in BMI among low BMI individuals, there could be a greater risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Elevated Intraocular Pressure due to Arteriovenous Fistula between External Carotid Artery and Facial Vein
Authors: Cagatay Halil Huseyin , Ekinci Metin , Sendul Selam Yekta , Uslu Ceylan , Demir Mehmet , Ulusay Sıtkı Mert , Uysal Ender , Şeker Selma
Published: October 2014

Aqueous outflow via the conventional outflow pathway is dependent on the pressure gradient between intraocular pressure (IOP) and episcleral venous pressure (EVP). Elevated IOP resulting from increased EVP is a well-known complication of arteriovenous fistulas, which are usually between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. Arteriovenous malformations usually occur spontaneously, after a trauma or from iatrogenic causes, and they manifest with findings of chemosis, dilatation of the conjunctival vessels, exophthalmos, and extraocular motility limitation. In this study, we present a case of elevated IOP due to facial arteriovenous malformations following a functional neck dissection surgery that caused intraocular pressure elevation.
Laboratory Studies on the Effects of Aqueous Extracts fromSorghum bicolorStem andZea mays(Roots and Tassel) on the Germination and Seedling Growth of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentusL.)
Authors: Ayeni Modupe Janet , Kayode Joshua
Published: October 2014

The allelopathic effect of the aqueous extracts fromSorghum bicolorstem and maize (roots and tassel) were examined on the germination and seedling growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentusL.). The results showed that the extracts inhibited the germination of okra seeds which was more pronounced in seeds treated with maize (roots and tassel) extracts as no germination was recorded until 48 hours of experimental time. Also the radicle and plumule lengths were retarded. Plumule lengths were more retarded as no germination was recorded until 72 hours of experimental time. The inhibitory effects were concentration dependent as the inhibition increases with increase in concentration of the extracts. Statistical analysis (P<0.05) revealed that there were significant differences in the germination of okra treated seeds most especially at higher concentration of the extracts when compared to control experiment. In the radicle lengths, statistical analysis revealed that there were significant differences in the radicle lengths of the extract treated seeds compared to the control experiment except at 24 hours of experimental time. Similarly in the plumule, significant differences abound in the extract treated seeds from 72 hrs to 144 hrs. These findings indicate that both germination and growth of okra sown in the field may be adversely affected by extracts from these residues, thus resulting in lowering yields especially by the maize root extracts.
TGFβ Receptor 1: An Immune Susceptibility Gene in HPV-Associated Cancer
Authors: Levovitz Chaya , Chen Dan , Ivansson Emma , Gyllensten Ulf , Finnigan John P. , Alshawish Sara , Zhang Weijia , Schadt Eric E. , Posner Marshal R. , Genden Eric M. , Boffetta Paolo , Sikora Andrew G.
Published: October 2014

Only a minority of those exposed to human papillomavirus (HPV) develop HPV-related cervical and oropharyngeal cancer. Because host immunity affects infection and progression to cancer, we tested the hypothesis that genetic variation in immune-related genes is a determinant of susceptibility to oropharyngeal cancer and other HPV-associated cancers by performing a multitier integrative computational analysis with oropharyngeal cancer data from a head and neck cancer genome-wide association study (GWAS). Independent analyses, including single-gene, gene-interconnectivity, protein–protein interaction, gene expression, and pathway analysis, identified immune genes and pathways significantly associated with oropharyngeal cancer. TGFβR1, which intersected all tiers of analysis and thus selected for validation, replicated significantly in the head and neck cancer GWAS limited to HPV-seropositive cases and an independent cervical cancer GWAS. The TGFβR1 containing p38–MAPK pathway was significantly associated with oropharyngeal cancer and cervical cancer, and TGFβR1 was overexpressed in oropharyngeal cancer, cervical cancer, and HPV+ head and neck cancer tumors. These concordant analyses implicate TGFβR1 signaling as a process dysregulated across HPV-related cancers. This study demonstrates that genetic variation in immune-related genes is associated with susceptibility to oropharyngeal cancer and implicates TGFβR1/TGFβ signaling in the development of both oropharyngeal cancer and cervical cancer. Better understanding of the immunogenetic basis of susceptibility to HPV-associated cancers may provide insight into host/virus interactions and immune processes dysregulated in the minority of HPV-exposed individuals who progress to cancer. Cancer Res; 74(23); 6833–44. ©2014 AACR.
Reduced Contralateral Cerebrovascular Reserve in Patients with Unilateral Steno-Occlusive Disease
Authors: Sam Kevin , Small Elizabeth , Poublanc Julien , Han Jay S. , Mandell Daniel M. , Fisher Joseph A. , Crawley Adrian P. , Mikulis David John
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) of major arterial vascular territories, particularly in the contralateral hemodynamically unaffected hemisphere, in patients with unilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) steno-occlusive disease compared to control subjects with risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, twenty-seven patients with right-sided unilateral ICA steno-occlusive disease (age range, 25 to 91 years; 17 males) and twenty-one patients with left-sided unilateral ICA steno-occlusive disease (age range, 24 to 83 years; 14 males) and 41 control subjects were studied. CVR was quantitated as the change in blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) MRI signal (as a surrogate of cerebral blood flow), in response to a consistently applied step change in the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). The CVR of each major arterial vascular territory was assessed in the ipsilateral hemodynamically affected hemisphere and compared to the corresponding territory in the contralateral hemisphere. Results: In patients, a significant reduction in CVR was observed in the ipsilateral anterior circulation compared to that of the corresponding territory on the contralateral side (0.027 ± 0.083 vs. 0.109 ± 0.066% BOLD change/​mm Hg, p < 0.0001) and to controls (0.195 ± 0.054% BOLD change/mm Hg, p < 0.0001). The CVR of the contralateral anterior circulation was reduced on average by 50% compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The implication of these findings is that unilateral carotid stenosis affects the vascular reserve of both sides of the brain compared to control subjects. This indicates that the collateral blood flow support from the contralateral to the ipsilateral hemisphere comes at a cost of reduced reserve capacity in the contralateral hemisphere. The findings suggest that there may be a reduction in functional hyperemia associated with neuronal activation, not only affecting the hemisphere ipsilateral to an occlusion, but also the hemisphere contralateral to an occlusion. It remains to be determined if ‘stealing' from the ‘rich' to support the ‘poor' has clinical consequences over the long term.
Vitamin D Measured in Maternal Serum and Offspring Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: A Prospective Study with Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Strøm Marin , Halldorsson Thorhallur Ingi , Hansen Susanne , Granström Charlotta , Maslova Ekaterina , Petersen Sesilje Bondo , Cohen Arieh Sierra , Olsen Sjúrður Fróði
Published: October 2014

Background: Vitamin D is obtained from dietary sources and synthesized in the skin during exposure to ultraviolet B radiation in sunlight. During pregnancy, vitamin D is transported from mother to fetus through the placenta in the form of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. There is evidence that vitamin D influences neuronal differentiation, endocrine functions, and fetal brain growth. Animal studies indicate alterations in the offspring brain as a consequence of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy. In humans, maternal vitamin D insufficiency has been linked to impaired child language development. Using data from a prebirth cohort with up to 22 years of follow-up, we examined the association of vitamin D status with proxies of offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes. During 1988-1989, pregnant women were recruited for the DaFO88 cohort (n = 965) in Aarhus, Denmark. Maternal concentrations of 25(OH)D were quantified in serum from week 30 of gestation via the LC-MS/MS method (n = 850). Offspring were followed up through national registries until the age of 22 years. We evaluated the association of the maternal concentration of 25(OH)D with offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes defined as first admission diagnosis or prescription of medication for (1) ADHD, (2) depression, and (3) scholastic achievement based on the mean grade on standardized written examinations in the 9th grade (final exams after 10 years of compulsory school in Denmark). Key Messages: Maternal concentrations of 25(OH)D were higher compared to current levels (median 76 nmol/l; 5th to 95th percentiles 23-152). There was a direct association between maternal vitamin D status and offspring depression (ptrend = 0.01); for ADHD there was no association. Scholastic achievement was slightly higher for offspring of mothers with a vitamin D status in the range of >50-125 nmol/l, but this nonlinear association was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our analyses based on biomarker measurement of 25(OH)D from a cohort of 850 pregnant women combined with long-term follow-up showed no support for a beneficial fetal programming effect of vitamin D status with regard to behavioral and affective disorders and scholastic achievement.
Rapid Growth and Childhood Obesity Are Strongly Associated with LysoPC(14:0)
Authors: Rzehak Peter , Hellmuth Christian , Uhl Olaf , Kirchberg Franca F. , Peissner Wolfgang , Harder Ulrike , Grote Veit , Weber Martina , Xhonneux Annick , Langhendries Jean-Paul , Ferre Natalia , Closa-Monasterolo Ricardo , Verduci Elvira , Riva Enrica , Socha Piotr , Gruszfeld Dariusz , Koletzko Berthold ,   for the European Childhood Obesity Trial Study Group
Published: October 2014

Background: Despite the growing interest in the early-origins-of-later-disease hypothesis, little is known about the metabolic underpinnings linking infant weight gain and childhood obesity. Objective: To discover biomarkers reflective of weight change in the first 6 months and overweight/obesity at age 6 years via a targeted metabolomics approach. Design: This analysis comprised 726 infants from a European multicenter randomized trial (Childhood Obesity Programme, CHOP) for whom plasma blood samples at age 6 months and anthropometric data up to the age of 6 years were available. ‘Rapid growth' was defined as a positive difference in weight within the first 6 months of life standardized to WHO growth standards. Weight change was regressed on each of 168 metabolites (acylcarnitines, lysophosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins, and amino acids). Metabolites significant after Bonferroni's correction were tested as predictors of later overweight/obesity. Results: Among the overall 19 significant metabolites, 4 were associated with rapid growth and 15 were associated with a less-than-ideal weight change. After adjusting for feeding group, only the lysophosphatidylcholine LPCaC14:0 remained significantly associated with rapid weight gain (β = 0.18). Only LPCaC14:0 at age 6 months was predictive of overweight/obesity at age 6 years (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.04-1.69). Conclusion: LPCa14:0 is strongly related to rapid growth in infancy and childhood overweight/obesity. This suggests that LPCaC14:0 levels may represent a metabolically programmed effect of infant weight gain on the later obesity risk. However, these results require confirmation by independent cohorts.
Clinical Practice Guidelines: Based on Eminence or Evidence?
Authors: Szajewska Hania
Published: October 2014

Background: Too often, clinical practice guidelines, or similar documents, are of poor quality or are eminence based. Consequently, health care decisions might be based on biased or erroneous information. Here, issues related to standards for clinical practice guidelines that ensure the inclusion of objective, transparent, and scientifically valid information will be discussed. Key Messages: To ensure the quality of guidelines, standards for the development of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines have been in development. While differences among them exist, overall, these documents emphasize the need for the establishment of transparency, management of conflicts of interest, use of a multidisciplinary development group, utilization of a systematic literature review, use of grading systems to rate the strength of evidence recommendations, articulation of recommendations, performance of an external review, and regular updating. Conclusions: No clinical practice guidelines are perfect. They vary significantly in quality and, therefore, in the trustworthiness of the yielded recommendations. Hence, it is important that one can distinguish evidence-based clinical practice guidelines from guidelines that are not based on evidence. Standards for the development of evidence-based guidelines have been developed. If strictly adhered to, this should lead to more valid and trustworthy guidelines.
Liver Fat Contents, Abdominal Adiposity and Insulin Resistance in Non-Diabetic Prevalent Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Chen Hung-Yuan , Lin Chien-Chu , Chiu Yen-Ling , Hsu Shih-Ping , Pai Mei-Fen , Yang Ju-Yeh , Wu Hon-Yen , Peng Yu-Sen
Published: October 2014

Background: The liver fat contents and abdominal adiposity correlate well with insulin resistance (IR) in the general population. However, the relationship between liver fat content, abdominal adiposity and IR in non-diabetic hemodialysis (HD) patients remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the associations among these factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study. All patients received abdominal ultrasound for liver fat content. Abdominal adiposity was quantified with the conicity index (Ci) and waist circumference (WC). We checked the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) for IR. Results: A total of 112 patients (60 women) were analyzed. Subjects with higher liver fat contents and WC had higher IR indices. But Ci did not correlate with IR indices. In both the multi-variable linear regression model and the logistic regression model, only higher liver fat content predicted a severe IR status. Conclusions: Liver fat contents have a remarkable correlation with IR; however, abdominal adiposity, measured either by Ci or WC, dose not independently correlate with IR in non-diabetic prevalent HD patients.
Facial Angioedema and Stroke
Authors: Werner Ralph , Keller Moritz , Woehrle Johannes C.
Published: October 2014

Background: Angioedema (AE) in stroke has been reported exclusively after thrombolysis with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA). Previous studies proposed the insular cortex to play a specific role in the development of AE after stroke. We evaluated the incidence of AE in acute stroke and tried to identify the predominantly involved brain structures. Methods: We performed a retrospective search of our stroke database for patients with an AE. MRI data were analyzed by adapting the images to a standard size and superimposing the infarctions. The areas of overlap were assumed to represent the areas of interest. Results: 865 of 4,789 (18.1%) consecutive patients with acute stroke received IV rtPA, 20 of them (2.3%) developed AE. One patient developed AE without prior thrombolysis. The odds ratio for AE after rtPA was 93 (95% CI: 12-693). Of the 21 AE patients, 15 (71.4%) had ACE-inhibitor treatment (ACEi) and 7 (33.3%) had diabetes. In all but one patient, AE was clearly lateralized; then the AE was contralateral to the side of the ischemia in 18 of 20 patients (90.0%). An insular/peri-insular involvement was detected in 17/21 (81.0%). About 80.0% of the patients had a suspected MCA branch occlusion. Conclusions: In contrast to AE in other conditions, AE in stroke seems to feature a unique cerebral pathology because it is mostly lateralized (contralateral to an infarction), is associated with a distinct brain area, may even occur without rtPA, and is far more frequent than after thrombolysis for other indications. rtPA is the major risk factor. Similar to prior studies, we identified ACEi to be another risk factor, and a diabetic autonomic instability might further increase the risk. Central pathways involving the insular and peri-insular cortex seem to play a major role in the pathophysiology of AE in stroke.