bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of two anterior fusion methods in two-level cervical spondylosis myelopathy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Zhe-Yu , Wu Ai-Min , Li Qing-Long , Lei Tao , Wang Kang-Yi , Xu Hua-Zi , Ni Wen-Fei
Published: July 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for treating two-adjacent-level cervical spondylosis myelopathy (CSM).

Design

A meta-analysis of the two anterior fusion methods was conducted. The electronic databases of PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ScienceDirect, CNKI, WANFANG DATA and CQVIP were searched. Quality assessment of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies criteria. Pooled risk ratios of dichotomous outcomes and standardised mean differences (SMDs) of continuous outcomes were generated. Using the χ2and I2tests, the statistical heterogeneity was assessed. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed.

Participants

Nine eligible trials with a total of 631 patients and a male-to-female ratio of 1.38:1 were included in this meta-analysis.

Inclusion criteria

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised controlled trials that adopted ACCF and ACDF to treat two-adjacent-level CSM were included.

Results

No significant differences were identified between the two groups regarding hospital stay, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for neck and arm pain, total cervical range of motion (ROM), fusion ROM, fusion rate, adjacent-level ossification and complications, while ACDF had significantly less bleeding (SMD=1.14, 95% CI (0.74 to 1.53)); a shorter operation time (SMD=1.13, 95% CI (0.82 to 1.45)); greater cervical lordosis, total cervical (SMD=−2.95, 95% CI (−4.79 to −1.12)) and fused segment (SMD=−2.24, 95% CI (−3.31 to −1.17)); higher segmental height (SMD=−0.68, 95% CI (−1.03 to −0.34)) and less graft subsidence (SMD=0.40, 95% CI (0.06 to 0.75)) compared to ACCF.

Conclusions

The results suggested that ACDF has more advantages compared to ACCF. However, additional high-quality RCTs and a longer follow-up duration are needed.
Increased homocysteine levels in valproate-treated patients with epilepsy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Ni Guanzhong , Qin Jiaming , Fang Ziyan , Chen Yishu , Chen Ziyi , Zhou Jueqian , Zhou Liemin
Published: July 2014

Objective

To determine whether valproate (VPA) monotherapy influences homocysteine metabolism in patients with epilepsy.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

We searched all articles in English through PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE published up to August 2013 concerning the homocysteine levels in VPA monotherapeutic patients with epilepsy.

Participants

VPA-treated patients with epilepsy (n=266) and matched healthy controls (n=489).

Outcome measures

Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using I2statistics. Pooled standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% CIs were calculated using a random effect model.

Results

A total of eight eligible studies were enrolled in our meta-analysis. We compared the plasma levels of homocysteine in VPA-treated patients with epilepsy and healthy controls. There was significant heterogeneity in the estimates according to the I2test (I2=65.6%, p=0.005). Plasma homocysteine levels in VPA-treated patients with epilepsy were significantly higher than in healthy controls under a random effect model. (SMD, 0.62; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.92). Further subgroup analyses suggested that no signiﬁcant differences were present when grouped by ethnicity and age, but the risk of heterogeneity in the West Asian group (I2=47.4%, p=0.107) was diminished when compared with that of the overall group (I2=65.6%, p=0.005).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis indicates that VPA monotherapy is associated with the increase in plasma homocysteine levels in patients with epilepsy. Whether this association is influenced by ethnicity needs further research.
Estimating smoking prevalence in general practice using data from the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF)
Authors: Honeyford Kate , Baker Richard , Bankart M John G , Jones David R
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To determine to what extent underlying data published as part of Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) can be used to estimate smoking prevalence within practice populations and local areas and to explore the usefulness of these estimates.

Design

Cross-sectional, observational study of QOF smoking data. Smoking prevalence in general practice populations and among patients with chronic conditions was estimated by simple manipulation of QOF indicator data. Agreement between estimates from the integrated household survey (IHS) and aggregated QOF-based estimates was calculated. The impact of including smoking estimates in negative binomial regression models of counts of premature coronary heart disease (CHD) deaths was assessed.

Setting

Primary care in the East Midlands.

Participants

All general practices in the area of study were eligible for inclusion (230). 14 practices were excluded due to incomplete QOF data for the period of study (2006/2007–2012/2013). One practice was excluded as it served a restricted practice list.

Measurements

Estimates of smoking prevalence in general practice populations and among patients with chronic conditions.

Results

Median smoking prevalence in the practice populations for 2012/2013 was 19.2% (range 5.8–43.0%). There was good agreement (mean difference: 0.39%; 95% limits of agreement (−3.77, 4.55)) between IHS estimates for local authority districts and aggregated QOF register estimates. Smoking prevalence estimates in those with chronic conditions were lower than for the general population (mean difference −3.05%), but strongly correlated (Rp=0.74, p<0.0001). An important positive association between premature CHD mortality and smoking prevalence was shown when smoking prevalence was added to other population and service characteristics.

Conclusions

Published QOF data allow useful estimation of smoking prevalence within practice populations and in those with chronic conditions; the latter estimates may sometimes be useful in place of the former. It may also provide useful estimates of smoking prevalence in local areas by aggregating practice based data.
Gene of the month: Interleukin 6 (IL-6)
Authors: Ataie-Kachoie Parvin , Pourgholami Mohammad H , Richardson Des R , Morris David L
Published: July 2014

TheInterleukin 6 (IL-6)gene encodes the classic proinflammatory cytokine IL-6. It is also known as interferon-β2 (IFN-β2), B cell stimulatory factor-2 and hybridoma/plasmacytoma growth factor. IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine with a central role in many physiological inflammatory and immunological processes. Due to its major role in initiation as well as resolving inflammation, deregulation of IL-6 is a mainstay of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Additionally, IL-6 has been shown to be implicated in pathogenesis of many human malignancies. Thus, a better understanding of IL-6 and its role in various pathological conditions could enable the development of strategies to use it as a therapeutic target. This short review focuses on the structure, regulation and biological activities of IL-6. In addition we discuss the role of IL-6 in diseases with inflammatory background and cancer and also the therapeutic applications of anti-IL-6 agents.
The unknown citizen: epidemiological challenges in child mental health
Authors: Kvalsvig Amanda , O'Connor Meredith , Redmond Gerry , Goldfeld Sharon
Published: July 2014

Growing concern about the global burden of child mental health disorders has generated an increased interest in population-level efforts to improve child mental health. This in turn has led to a shift in emphasis away from treatment of established disorders and towards prevention and promotion. Prevention efforts are able to draw on a substantial epidemiological literature describing the prevalence and determinants of child mental health disorders. However, there is a striking lack of clearly conceptualised and measurable positive outcomes for child mental health, which may result in missed opportunities to identify optimal policy and intervention strategies. In this paper, we propose an epidemiological approach to child mental health which is in keeping with public health principles and with the WHO definition of health, and which is grounded in current thinking about child development. Constructs such as competence offer the opportunity to develop rigorous outcome measures for epidemiological research, while broader ideas about ‘the good life’ and ‘the good society’ derived from philosophical thinking can enable us to shape policy initiatives based on normative ideas of optimal child mental health that extend beyond individuals and undoubtedly beyond the traditional boundaries of the health sector.
Psychosocial and behavioural factors in the explanation of socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent health: a multilevel analysis in 28 European and North American countries
Authors: Moor Irene , Rathmann Katharina , Stronks Karien , Levin Kate , Spallek Jacob , Richter Matthias
Published: July 2014

Background

The relative contribution of different pathways leading to health inequalities in adolescence was rarely investigated, especially in a cross-national perspective. The aim of the study is to analyse the contribution of psychosocial and behavioural factors in the explanation of inequalities in adolescent self-rated health (SRH) by family wealth in 28 countries.

Methods

This study was based on the international WHO ‘Health Behaviour in School-aged Children’ (HBSC) study carried out in 2005/2006. The total sample included 117 460 adolescents aged 11–15 in 28 European and North American countries. Socioeconomic position was measured using the Family Affluence Scale (FAS). Multilevel logistic regression models were conducted to analyse the direct (independent) and indirect contribution of psychosocial and behavioural factors on SRH.

Results

Across all countries, adolescents from low affluent families had a higher risk of reporting fair/poor SRH (OR1.76, CI 1.69 to 1.84). Separate adjustments for psychosocial and behavioural factors reduced the OR of students with low family affluence by 39% (psychosocial) and 22% (behavioural). Together, both approaches explained about 50–60% of inequalities by family affluence in adolescent SRH. Separate analyses showed that relationship to father and academic achievement (psychosocial factors) as well as physical activity and consumption of fruits/vegetables (behavioural factors) were the most important factors in explaining inequalities in SRH.

Conclusions

More than half of the inequalities by family affluence in adolescent SRH were explained by an unequal distribution of psychosocial and behavioural factors. Combining both approaches showed that the contribution of psychosocial factors was higher due to their direct (independent) and indirect impact through behavioural factors.
Aneurysm permeability following coil embolization: packing density and coil distribution
Authors: Chueh Ju-Yu , Vedantham Srinivasan , Wakhloo Ajay K , Carniato Sarena L , Puri Ajit S , Bzura Conrad , Coffin Spencer , Bogdanov Alexei A , Gounis Matthew J
Published: July 2014

Background

Rates of durable aneurysm occlusion following coil embolization vary widely, and a better understanding of coil mass mechanics is desired. The goal of this study is to evaluate the impact of packing density and coil uniformity on aneurysm permeability.

Methods

Aneurysm models were coiled using either Guglielmi detachable coils or Target coils. The permeability was assessed by taking the ratio of microspheres passing through the coil mass to those in the working fluid. Aneurysms containing coil masses were sectioned for image analysis to determine surface area fraction and coil uniformity.

Results

All aneurysms were coiled to a packing density of at least 27%. Packing density, surface area fraction of the dome and neck, and uniformity of the dome were significantly correlated (p<0.05). Hence, multivariate principal components-based partial least squares regression models were used to predict permeability. Similar loading vectors were obtained for packing and uniformity measures. Coil mass permeability was modeled better with the inclusion of packing and uniformity measures of the dome (r2=0.73) than with packing density alone (r2=0.45). The analysis indicates the importance of including a uniformity measure for coil distribution in the dome along with packing measures.

Conclusions

A densely packed aneurysm with a high degree of coil mass uniformity will reduce permeability.
Metabolic effects of glycerol supplementation and aerobic physical training on Wistar rats
Authors: Andrade Eric Francelino , Lobato Raquel Vieira , Araújo Ticiana Vasques , Orlando Débora Ribeiro , Gomes Núbia Ferreira , Alvarenga Renata Ribeiro , Rogatto Gustavo Puggina , Zangeronimo Márcio Gilberto , Pereira Luciano José
Published: July 2014

We evaluated the effects of oral glycerol supplementation on trained rats fed a normal diet. Wistar rats were distributed among 6 groups in a completely randomized 2 × 3 factorial design. The animals were subjected to 6 weeks of aerobic training. In the last 4 weeks, the animals’ diet was supplemented with saline, glucose, or glycerol. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a Student–Newmann–Keuls test, with values for P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The change in body mass was lower in the trained groups, and their food and water consumption were higher. Glycerol supplementation resulted in an increase in the levels of triacylglycerol (TAG) and total cholesterol, as well as in the area and diameter of adipocytes. When associated with training, these parameters were similar to those of other trained groups. Levels of low-density lipoprotein + very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased in the trained animals that received glycerol compared with the non-trained ones. Glycerol consumption caused a reduction in food intake and increased the villous:crypt (V:C) ratio. No changes in glycemia, high density lipoproteins, or density of adipocytes were observed. Supplementation with glycerol together with aerobic physical training promoted beneficial metabolic effects. However, in non-trained rats glycerol increased the diameter and area of adipocytes, as well as the levels of TAG and total cholesterol.
Dielectric study of Al3+ substituted Fe3O4 ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Kumari N. , Kumar Vinod , Singh S. K.
Published: July 2014

Al 3+ substituted nanoparticles i.e., FeAl x Fe 2-x O 4(x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) have been synthesized by the chemical co precipitation method. Crystalline phase of synthesized particles was confirmed by XRD pattern. Particle size of as obtained samples was found in the range of 24–34 nm. Dielectric loss (tan δ, dielectric permittivity (ε′) and ac conductivity (σ ac ) were evaluated as a function of frequency, composition and temperature using impedance analyzer in the frequency range of (1000 Hz–5 MHz) and temperature range of (300–473 K). AC conductivity (σ ac ) was found to decrease with increase in Al 3+ doping which has been explained on the basis of hopping mechanism. The variation of dielectric loss ( tan δ, dielectric permittivity (ε′), ac conductivity (σ ac ) with temperature and frequency can be explained on the basis of Maxwell–Wagner type of interfacial polarization and hopping mechanism between ferrous and ferric ions at the octahedral site. DC electrical resistivity was found to decrease with increasing temperature indicating that the substituted ferrites have semiconductor like behavior. Activation energy was found to increase with increasing Al 3+ ion content.
Osteoporosis Detection Using Machine Learning Techniques and Feature Selection
Authors: Iliou Theodoros , Anagnostopoulos Christos-Nikolaos , Anastassopoulos George
Published: July 2014

Osteoporosis is a disease of bones that leads to an increased risk of fracture and it is characterized by low bone mineral density and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue. In this article, the dataset consists of 3426 subjects (1083 pathological and 2343 healthy cases) whose diagnosis was based on laboratory and osteal bone densitometry examination. In all cases, four diagnostic factors for osteoporosis risk prediction, namely age, sex, height and weight were stored for later evaluation with the selected classifiers. In order to categorize subjects into two classes (osteoporosis, nonosteoporosis), twenty machine learning techniques were assessed, based on their popularity and frequency in biomedical engineering problems. All classifiers have been evaluated using the wellknown 10-fold cross validation method and the results are reported analytically. In addition, a feature selection method identified that with the use of only two diagnostic factors (age and weight), similar performance could be achieved. The scope of the proposed exhaustive methodology is to assist therapists in osteoporosis prediction, avoiding unnecessary further testing with bone densitometry.
BICEP2 constrains composite inflation
Authors: Channuie Phongpichit
Published: July 2014

In light of BICEP2, we re-examine single field inflationary models in which the inflation is a composite state stemming from various four-dimensional strongly coupled theories. We study in the Einstein frame a set of cosmological parameters, the primordial spectral index ns and tensor-to-scalar ratio r, predicted by such models. We confront the predicted results with the joint Planck data, and with the recent BICEP2 data. We constrain the number of e-foldings for composite models of inflation in order to obtain a successful inflation. We find that the minimal composite inflationary model is fully consistent with the Planck data. However it is in tension with the recent BICEP2 data. The observables predicted by the glueball inflationary model can be consistent with both Planck and BICEP2 contours if a suitable number of e-foldings are chosen. Surprisingly, the super Yang–Mills inflationary prediction is significantly consistent with the Planck and BICEP2 observations.
Formation of multibaryon clusters in collisions of high energy hadrons and nuclei with carbon and neon nuclei
Authors: Olimov Khusniddin K. , Lutpullaev S. L. , Olimov Kosim , Glagolev Viktor V. , Olimov Alisher K. , Sharipova Saodat A. , Haseeb Mahnaz Q. , Khan Imran
Published: July 2014

Formation of multibaryon clusters in 4 He + 12 C and 12 C + 12 C collisions at 4.2A GeV/c, and in π- + 12 C and p + 20 Ne collisions at 40 and 300 GeV/c, respectively, is studied using universal binary B algorithm of separation of clusters in 4-velocity space. The masses and widths of multibaryon clusters increase linearly with an increase in the number of protons (np) in a cluster. The dependences of width of clusters on np in π- + 12 C and p + 20 Ne collisions differ noticeably from the corresponding dependences in 4 He + 12 C and 12 C + 12 C collisions. In nucleus–nucleus collisions, the widths of clusters are significantly larger and grow more rapidly, as the number of protons in a cluster increases, as compared to hadron–nucleus collisions. This result is in line with the fact that, in case of identical target nuclei, the degree of "destruction" of a target nucleus is greater in case of nucleus–nucleus collisions as compared to hadron–nucleus collisions. The lifetimes of multibaryon clusters are of the same order of magnitude with those of strongly decaying baryon resonances. The lifetime of clusters decreases with an increase in np.
Ionophore-Based Optical Sensors
Authors: Mistlberger Günter , Crespo Gastón A. , Bakker Eric
Published: July 2014

This review provides an overview of the key aspects of designing ionophore-based optical sensors (IBOS). Exact response functions are developed and compared with a simplified, generalized equation. We also provide a brief introduction into less established but promising working principles, namely dynamic response and exhaustive exchange. Absorbance and fluorescence are the main optical readout strategies used in the evaluation of a sensor response, but they usually require a robust referencing technique for real-world applications. Established referencing schemes using IBOS as well as those from other optical sensors are also discussed. Finally, the power of recently developed photoresponsive ion extraction/release systems is outlined and discussed in view of dynamically switchable IBOS or regenerative exhaustive exchange IBOS.
Neural Tube Defects
Authors: Greene Nicholas D.E. , Copp Andrew J.
Published: July 2014

Neural tube defects (NTDs), including spina bifida and anencephaly, are severe birth defects of the central nervous system that originate during embryonic development when the neural tube fails to close completely. Human NTDs are multifactorial, with contributions from both genetic and environmental factors. The genetic basis is not yet well understood, but several nongenetic risk factors have been identified as have possibilities for prevention by maternal folic acid supplementation. Mechanisms underlying neural tube closure and NTDs may be informed by experimental models, which have revealed numerous genes whose abnormal function causes NTDs and have provided details of critical cellular and morphological events whose regulation is essential for closure. Such models also provide an opportunity to investigate potential risk factors and to develop novel preventive therapies.
Coupling Mechanism and Significance of the BOLD Signal: A Status Report
Authors: Hillman Elizabeth M.C.
Published: July 2014

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides a unique view of the working human mind. The blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal, detected in fMRI, reflects changes in deoxyhemoglobin driven by localized changes in brain blood flow and blood oxygenation, which are coupled to underlying neuronal activity by a process termed neurovascular coupling. Over the past 10 years, a range of cellular mechanisms, including astrocytes, pericytes, and interneurons, have been proposed to play a role in functional neurovascular coupling. However, the field remains conflicted over the relative importance of each process, while key spatiotemporal features of BOLD response remain unexplained. Here, we review current candidate neurovascular coupling mechanisms and propose that previously overlooked involvement of the vascular endothelium may provide a more complete picture of how blood flow is controlled in the brain. We also explore the possibility and consequences of conditions in which neurovascular coupling may be altered, including during postnatal development, pathological states, and aging, noting relevance to both stimulus-evoked and resting-state fMRI studies.
The Perirhinal Cortex
Authors: Suzuki Wendy A. , Naya Yuji
Published: July 2014

Anatomically, the perirhinal cortex sits at the boundary between the medial temporal lobe and the ventral visual pathway. It has prominent interconnections not only with both these systems, but also with a wide range of unimodal and polymodal association areas. Consistent with these diverse projections, neurophysiological studies reveal a multidimensional set of mnemonic signals that include stimulus familiarity, within- and between-domain associations, associative recall, and delay-based persistence. This wide range of perirhinal memory signals not only includes signals that are largely unique to the perirhinal cortex (i.e., object familiarity), consistent with dual-process theories, but also includes a range of signals (i.e., associative flexibility and recall) that are strongly associated with the hippocampus, consistent with single-process theories. These neurophysiological findings have important implications for bridging the gap between single-process and dual-process models of medial temporal lobe function.
Caffeine promotes glutamate and histamine release in the posterior hypothalamus
Authors: John Joshi , Kodama Tohru , Siegel Jerome M.
Published: July 2014

Histamine neurons are active during waking and largely inactive during sleep, with minimal activity during rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep. Caffeine, the most widely used stimulant, causes a significant increase of sleep onset latency in rats and humans. We hypothesized that caffeine increases glutamate release in the posterior hypothalamus (PH) and produces increased activity of wake-active histamine neurons. Using in vivo microdialysis, we collected samples from the PH after caffeine administration in freely behaving rats. HPLC analysis and biosensor measurements showed a significant increase in glutamate levels beginning 30 min after caffeine administration. Glutamate levels remained elevated for at least 140 min. GABA levels did not significantly change over the same time period. Histamine level significantly increased beginning 30 min after caffeine administration and remained elevated for at least 140 min. Immunostaining showed a significantly elevated number of c-Fos-labeled histamine neurons in caffeine-treated rats compared with saline-treated animals. We conclude that increased glutamate levels in the PH activate histamine neurons and contribute to caffeine-induced waking and alertness.
Tissue oxygen saturation during hyperthermic progressive central hypovolemia
Authors: Schlader Zachary J. , Rivas Eric , Soller Babs R. , Convertino Victor A. , Crandall Craig G.
Published: July 2014

During normothermia, a reduction in near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-derived tissue oxygen saturation (So2) is an indicator of central hypovolemia. Hyperthermia increases skin blood flow and reduces tolerance to central hypovolemia, both of which may alter the interpretation of tissue So2 during central hypovolemia. This study tested the hypothesis that maximal reductions in tissue So2 would be similar throughout normothermic and hyperthermic central hypovolemia to presyncope. Ten healthy males (means ± SD; 32 ± 5 yr) underwent central hypovolemia via progressive lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) to presyncope during normothermia (skin temperature ≈34°C) and hyperthermia (+1.2 ± 0.1°C increase in internal temperature via a water-perfused suit, skin temperature ≈39°C). NIRS-derived forearm (flexor digitorum profundus) tissue So2 was measured throughout and analyzed as the absolute change from pre-LBNP. Hyperthermia reduced ( P < 0.001) LBNP tolerance by 49 ± 33% (from 16.7 ± 7.9 to 7.2 ± 3.9 min). Pre-LBNP, tissue So2 was similar ( P = 0.654) between normothermia (74 ± 5%) and hyperthermia (73 ± 7%). Tissue So2 decreased ( P < 0.001) throughout LBNP, but the reduction from pre-LBNP to presyncope was greater during normothermia (−10 ± 6%) than during hyperthermia (−6 ± 5%; P = 0.041). Contrary to our hypothesis, these findings indicate that hyperthermia is associated with a smaller maximal reduction in tissue So2 during central hypovolemia to presyncope.
Brain somatostatin receptor 2 mediates the dipsogenic effect of central somatostatin and cortistatin in rats: role in drinking behavior
Authors: Karasawa Hiroshi , Yakabi Seiichi , Wang Lixin , Stengel Andreas , Rivier Jean , Taché Yvette
Published: July 2014

Intracerebroventricular injection of stable somatostatin (SST) agonists stimulates food and water intake in rats. We investigated the receptor subtype(s) involved in the dipsogenic effect of intracerebroventricular injection of SST agonists, mechanisms of action, and role. In nonfasted and non-water-deprived male rats with chronic intracerebroventricular cannula, intake of water without food or food without water was monitored separately to avoid any interactions compared with intracerebroventricular vehicle. SST-14 and cortistatin (CST-14) (1 μg/rat icv) increased water intake by 3.1- and 2.7-fold, respectively, while both peptides did not alter food intake at 1 h postinjection in the light phase. By contrast, the stable pan-somatostatin agonist ODT8-SST (1 μg/rat icv) increased both water and food intake by 4.9- and 3.7-fold, respectively. S-346-011, a selective receptor 2 (sst2) agonist (1 μg/rat icv) induced water ingestion, while sst1 or sst4 agonist, injected under the same conditions, did not. The sst2 antagonist S-406-028 (1 μg/rat icv) prevented the 1-h water intake induced by intracerebroventricular ODT8-SST and CST-14. Losartan (100 μg/rat icv), an angiotensin receptor 1 (AT1) antagonist, completely blocked the water consumption induced by intracerebroventricular ODT8-SST, whereas intracerebroventricular injection of S-406-028 did not modify the intracerebroventricular ANG II-induced dipsogenic response. The sst2 antagonist reduced by 40% the increase of the 3-h water intake in the early dark phase. These data indicate that SST-14 and CST-14 interact with sst2 to exert a potent dipsogenic effect, which is mediated downstream by angiotensin-AT1 signaling. These data also indicate that sst2 activation by brain SST-14 and/or CST-14 may play an important role in the regulation of drinking behavior.
Honeybee Kenyon cells are regulated by a tonic GABA receptor conductance
Authors: Palmer Mary J. , Harvey Jenni
Published: July 2014

The higher cognitive functions of insects are dependent on their mushroom bodies (MBs), which are particularly large in social insects such as honeybees. MB Kenyon cells (KCs) receive multisensory input and are involved in associative learning and memory. In addition to receiving sensory input via excitatory nicotinic synapses, KCs receive inhibitory GABAergic input from MB feedback neurons. Cultured honeybee KCs exhibit ionotropic GABA receptor currents, but the properties of GABA-mediated inhibition in intact MBs are currently unknown. Here, using whole cell recordings from KCs in acutely isolated honeybee brain, we show that KCs exhibit a tonic current that is inhibited by picrotoxin but not by bicuculline. Bath application of GABA (5 μM) and taurine (1 mM) activate a tonic current in KCs, but l-glutamate (0.1–0.5 mM) has no effect. The tonic current is strongly potentiated by the allosteric GABAAreceptor modulator pentobarbital and is reduced by inhibition of Ca2+channels with Cd2+or nifedipine. Noise analysis of the GABA-evoked current gives a single-channel conductance value for the underlying receptors of 27 ± 3 pS, similar to that of resistant to dieldrin (RDL) receptors. The amount of injected current required to evoke action potential firing in KCs is significantly lower in the presence of picrotoxin. KCs recorded in an intact honeybee head preparation similarly exhibit a tonic GABA receptor conductance that reduces neuronal excitability, a property that is likely to contribute to the sparse coding of sensory information in insect MBs.
Fast 3D Pattern Synthesis with Polarization and Dynamic Range Ratio Control for Conformal Antenna Arrays
Authors: Comisso Massimiliano , Vescovo Roberto
Published: July 2014

This paper proposes an iterative algorithm for the 3D synthesis of the electric far-field pattern of a conformal antenna array in the presence of requirements on both the polarization and the dynamic range ratio (DRR) of the excitations. Thanks to the use of selectable weights, the algorithm allows a versatile control of the DRR and of the polarization in a given angular region and requires a low CPU time to provide the array excitations. Furthermore, a modified version of the algorithm is developed to enable the optimization of the polarization state by phase-only control. Numerical results are presented to verify the usefulness of the proposed approach for the joint pattern and polarization synthesis of conformal arrays with reduced or even unitary DRR.
Serum PCSK9 Levels Distinguish Individuals Who Do Not Respond to High-Dose Statin Therapy with the Expected Reduction in LDL-C
Authors: Taylor Beth A. , Panza Gregory , Pescatello Linda S. , Chipkin Stuart , Gipe Daniel , Shao Weiping , White C. Michael , Thompson Paul D.
Published: July 2014

The purpose of the present report was to examine whether proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels differ in individuals who do not exhibit expected reductions in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with statin therapy. Eighteen nonresponder subjects treated with 80 mg atorvastatin treatment for 6 months without substantial reductions in LDL-C (ΔLDL-C: 2.6 ± 11.4%) were compared to age- and gender-matched atorvastatin responders (ΔLDL-C: 50.7 ± 8.5%) and placebo-treated subjects (ΔLDL-C: 9.9 ± 21.5%). Free PCSK9 was marginally higher in nonresponders at baseline(P=0.07)and significantly higher in atorvastatin responders after 6 months of treatment(P=0.04). The change in free PCSK9 over 6 months with statin treatment was higher(P<0.01)in atorvastatin responders (134.2 ± 131.5 ng/mL post- versus prestudy) than in either the nonresponders (39.9 ± 87.8 ng/mL) or placebo subjects (27.8 ± 97.6 ng/mL). Drug compliance was not lower in the nonresponders as assessed by pill counts and poststudy plasma atorvastatin levels. Serum PCSK9 levels, both at baseline and in response to statin therapy, may differentiate individuals who do versus those who do not respond to statin treatment.
Theoretical Studies on the Effects of Dispersal Corridors on the Permanence of Discrete Predator-Prey Models in Patchy Environment
Authors: Wu Chunqing , Fan Shengming , Wong Patricia J. Y.
Published: July 2014

We study two discrete predator-prey models in patchy environment, one without dispersal corridors and one with dispersal corridors. Dispersal corridors are passes that allow the migration of species from one patch to another and their existence may influence the permanence of the model. We will offer sufficient conditions to guarantee the permanence of the two predator-prey models. By comparing the two permanence criteria, we discuss the effects of dispersal corridors on the permanence of the predator-prey model. It is found that the dispersion of the prey from one patch to another is helpful to the permanence of the prey if the population growth of the prey is density dependent; however, this dispersion of the prey could be disadvantageous or advantageous to the permanence of the predator. Five numerical examples are presented to confirm the theoretical results obtained and to illustrate the effects of dispersal corridors on the permanence of the predator-prey model.
A Routing Path Construction Method for Key Dissemination Messages in Sensor Networks
Authors: Moon Soo Young , Cho Tae Ho
Published: July 2014

Authentication is an important security mechanism for detecting forged messages in a sensor network. Each cluster head (CH) in dynamic key distribution schemes forwards a key dissemination message that contains encrypted authentication keys within its cluster to next-hop nodes for the purpose of authentication. The forwarding path of the key dissemination message strongly affects the number of nodes to which the authentication keys in the message are actually distributed. We propose a routing method for the key dissemination messages to increase the number of nodes that obtain the authentication keys. In the proposed method, each node selects next-hop nodes to which the key dissemination message will be forwarded based on secret key indexes, the distance to the sink node, and the energy consumption of its neighbor nodes. The experimental results show that the proposed method can increase by 50–70% the number of nodes to which authentication keys in each cluster are distributed compared to geographic and energy-aware routing (GEAR). In addition, the proposed method can detect false reports earlier by using the distributed authentication keys, and it consumes less energy than GEAR when the false traffic ratio (FTR) is ≥10%.
Estimates of the Number of People Living with HIV in Italy
Authors: Camoni Laura , Regine Vincenza , Stanecki Karen , Salfa Maria Cristina , Raimondo Mariangela , Suligoi Barbara
Published: July 2014

Objective. To estimate the HIV prevalence and the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Italy with a projection for 2020.Methods. Two methods elaborated by Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) were used: Estimate and Projection Package and Spectrum.Results. A total of 123,000 (115,000–145,000) individuals aged 15 or more were estimated to be living with HIV in Italy at the end of 2012 and the estimated HIV prevalence was 0.28 (0.24–0.32) per 100 residents aged 15 or more. In 2012, the estimated number of new HIV infections among adults was 3,000 (2,700–4,000), and the number of adults in need for ART was 93,000 (80,000–110,000). The projection estimates that 130,000 (110,000–150,000) adults will live with HIV/AIDS in 2020 in Italy.Conclusion. Estimates of PLHIV in Italy stress the high number of PLHIV in need of care and treatment, as well as the need for more information and prevention campaigns.
Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Gene Polymorphisms and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and in Healthy Controls
Authors: Kuliczkowska Plaksej Justyna , Laczmanski Lukasz , Milewicz Andrzej , Lenarcik-Kabza A. , Trzmiel-Bira Anna , Zaleska-Dorobisz Urszula , Lwow Felicja , Hirnle Lidia
Published: July 2014

Context. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The endocannabinoid system may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Polymorphism of the cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1) may be responsible for individual susceptibility to obesity and related conditions.Objective. To determine the role of genetic variants ofCNR1in the etiopathology of NAFLD in women with PCOS.Design and Setting. Our department (a tertiary referral center) conducted a cross-sectional, case-controlled study.Subjects. 173 women with PCOS (aged 20–35) and 125 healthy, age- and weight-matched controls were studied.Methods. Hepatic steatosis was assessed by ultrasound evaluation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms ofCNR1(rs806368, rs12720071, rs1049353, rs806381, rs10485170, rs6454674) were genotyped.Results. Frequency of the G allele of rs806381 (P<0.025) and the GG genotype of rs10485170 (P<0.03) was significantly higher in women with PCOS and NAFLD than in PCOS women without NAFLD. Frequency of the TT genotype of rs6454674 was higher in PCOS women with NAFLD (not significantly,P=0.059). In multivariate stepwise regression, allele G of rs806381 was associated with PCOS + NAFLD phenotype.Conclusion. Our preliminary results suggest the potential role ofCNR1polymorphisms in the etiology of NAFLD, especially in PCOS women.
Heuristic Scheduling Algorithm Oriented Dynamic Tasks for Imaging Satellites
Authors: Wang Maocai , Dai Guangming , Vasile Massimiliano
Published: July 2014

Imaging satellite scheduling is an NP‐hard problem with many complex constraints. This paper researches the scheduling problem for dynamic tasks oriented to some emergency cases. After the dynamic properties of satellite scheduling were analyzed, the optimization model is proposed in this paper. Based on the model, two heuristic algorithms are proposed to solve the problem. The first heuristic algorithm arranges new tasks by inserting or deleting them, then inserting them repeatedly according to the priority from low to high, which is named IDI algorithm. The second one called ISDR adopts four steps: insert directly, insert by shifting, insert by deleting, and reinsert the tasks deleted. Moreover, two heuristic factors, congestion degree of a time window and the overlapping degree of a task, are employed to improve the algorithm’s performance. Finally, a case is given to test the algorithms. The results show that the IDI algorithm is better than ISDR from the running time point of view while ISDR algorithm with heuristic factors is more effective with regard to algorithm performance. Moreover, the results also show that our method has good performance for the larger size of the dynamic tasks in comparison with the other two methods.
Cost Control Method and Software in Bidding Process Based on Gray System Forecast
Authors: Zhou Xi-Liu
Published: July 2014

With the fast development of social economy, the competition between enterprises in construction projects becomes more and more serious. The cost control method is proposed to the bidding process of enterprises based on the gray system forecast. At the same time, the cost control software is also constructed to the bidding process of enterprises. Experimental results suggest that the proposed approach is feasible and correct.
Forgotten Kirschner Wire Causing Severe Hematuria
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Singh Shrawan Kumar , Jayant Kumar , Agrawal Swati , Parmar Kalpesh Mahesh , Ajjoor Shankargowda Sriharsha
Published: July 2014

Kirschner wire (K-wire) is commonly used in the treatment of hip fracture and its migration into pelvis leading to bladder injury is a very rare complication. Nonremoval of these devices either because of lack of followup or because of prolonged requirement due to disease process is associated with this complication. We report a case of a patient who presented with acute onset severe hematuria with clot retention secondary to perforation of bladder by a migrated K-wire placed earlier, for the treatment of hip fracture. Initial imaging showed its presence in the soft tissues of the pelvis away from the major vascular structures. Patient was taken for emergency laparotomy and wire was removed after cystotomy. Postoperative period was uneventful and patient was discharged in satisfactory condition. K-wires are commonly used in the management of fracture bones and their migration has been reported in the literature although such migration in the intrapelvic region involving bladder is very rare. Early diagnosis and prompt removal of such foreign bodies are required to avert potentially fatal involvement of major structures.
Two-Stage Dry Anaerobic Digestion of Beach Cast Seaweed and Its Codigestion with Cow Manure
Authors: Nkemka Valentine Nkongndem , Arenales-Rivera Jorge , Murto Marika
Published: July 2014

Two-stage, dry anaerobic codigestion of seaweed and solid cow manure was studied on a laboratory scale. A methane yield of 0.14 L/g VSadded was obtained when digesting solid cow manure in a leach bed process and a methane yield of 0.16 L/g VSadded and 0.11 L/g VSadded was obtained from seaweed and seaweed/solid manure in a two-stage anaerobic process, respectively. The results showed that it was beneficial to operate the second stage methane reactor for the digestion of seaweed, which produced 83% of the methane, while the remainder was produced in the first leach bed reactor. Also, the two-stage system was more stable for the codigestion for seaweed and manure when compared to their separate digestion. In addition, the initial ammonia inhibition observed for manure digestion and the acidification of the leach bed reactor in seaweed digestion were both avoided when the materials were codigested. The seaweed had a higher Cd content of 0.2 mg Cd/kg TS than the manure, 0.04 mg Cd/kg TS, and presents a risk of surpassing limit values set for fertiliser quality of seaweed digestate. Evaluation of the heavy metal content of seaweed or a mixture of seaweed and manure digestate is recommended before farmland application.
Multilinear Singular Integral Operators on Generalized Weighted Morrey Spaces
Authors: Hu Yue , Li Zhang , Wang Yueshan
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the boundedness properties of multilinear Calderón-Zygmund operator and its commutator on the generalized weighted Morrey spaces.
Behaviorally Mediated Larval Transport in Upwelling Systems
Authors: Morgan Steven G.
Published: July 2014

Highly advective upwelling systems along the western margins of continents are widely believed to transport larvae far offshore in surface currents resulting in larval wastage, limited recruitment, and increased population connectivity. However, suites of larval behaviors effectively mediate interspecific differences in the extent of cross-shelf migrations between nearshore adult habitats and offshore larval habitats. Interspecific differences in behavior determining whether larvae complete development in estuaries or migrate to the continental shelf are evident in large estuaries, but they sometimes may be disrupted by turbulent tidal flow or the absence of a low-salinity cue in shallow, low-flow estuaries, which are widespread in upwelling systems. Larvae of most species on the continental shelf complete development in the coastal boundary layer of reduced flow, whereas other species migrate to the mid- or outer shelf depending on how much time is spent in surface currents. These migrations are maintained across latitudinal differences in the strength and persistence of upwelling, in upwelling jets at headlands, over upwelling-relaxation cycles, and among years of varying upwelling intensity. Incorporating larval behaviors into numerical models demonstrates that larvae recruit closer to home and in higher numbers than when larvae disperse passively or remain in surface currents.
Local Fractional Laplace Variational Iteration Method for Solving Linear Partial Differential Equations with Local Fractional Derivative
Authors: Yang Ai-Min , Li Jie , Srivastava H. M. , Xie Gong-Nan , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: July 2014

The local fractional Laplace variational iteration method was applied to solve the linear local fractional partial differential equations. The local fractional Laplace variational iteration method is coupled by the local fractional variational iteration method and Laplace transform. The nondifferentiable approximate solutions are obtained and their graphs are also shown.
Realistic Facial Expression of Virtual Human Based on Color, Sweat, and Tears Effects
Authors: Alkawaz Mohammed Hazim , Basori Ahmad Hoirul , Mohamad Dzulkifli , Mohamed Farhan
Published: July 2014

Generating extreme appearances such as scared awaiting sweating while happy fit for tears (cry) and blushing (anger and happiness) is the key issue in achieving the high quality facial animation. The effects of sweat, tears, and colors are integrated into a single animation model to create realistic facial expressions of 3D avatar. The physical properties of muscles, emotions, or the fluid properties with sweating and tears initiators are incorporated. The action units (AUs) of facial action coding system are merged with autonomous AUs to create expressions including sadness, anger with blushing, happiness with blushing, and fear. Fluid effects such as sweat and tears are simulated using the particle system and smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) methods which are combined with facial animation technique to produce complex facial expressions. The effects of oxygenation of the facial skin color appearance are measured using the pulse oximeter system and the 3D skin analyzer. The result shows that virtual human facial expression is enhanced by mimicking actual sweating and tears simulations for all extreme expressions. The proposed method has contribution towards the development of facial animation industry and game as well as computer graphics.
A Review on the Development of Rotman Lens Antenna
Authors: Vashist Shruti , Soni M. K. , Singhal P. K.
Published: July 2014

Rotman lenses are the beguiling devices used by the beamforming networks (BFNs). These lenses are generally used in the radar surveillance systems to see targets in multiple directions due to its multibeam capability without physically moving the antenna system. Now a days these lenses are being integrated into many radars and electronic warfare systems around the world. The antenna should be capable of producing multiple beams which can be steered without changing the orientation of the antenna. Microwave lenses are the one who support low-phase error, wideband, and wide-angle scanning. They are the true time delay (TTD) devices producing frequency independent beam steering. The emerging printed lenses in recent years have facilitated the advancement of designing high performance but low-profile, light-weight, and small-size and networks (BFNs). This paper will review and analyze various design concepts used over the years to improve the scanning capability of the lens developed by various researchers.