bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced staff communication and reduced near-miss errors with a neurointerventional procedural checklist
Authors: Fargen Kyle M , Velat Gregory J , Lawson Matthew F , Firment Christopher S , Mocco J , Hoh Brian L
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Over the past several decades, checklists have emerged in a variety of different patient care settings to help reduce medical errors and ensure patient safety. To date, there have been no published accounts demonstrating the effectiveness of checklists designed specifically for the unique demands of neurointerventional procedures.

Methods

A three-part, 20-item checklist was developed specific to neurointerventional procedures using the WHO surgical checklist as a template. Staff members (nurses, radiation technologists and physicians) were surveyed regarding near-miss adverse events and the quality of communication immediately following each neurointerventional procedure for 4 weeks prior to implementation of the checklist and again for 4 weeks after using the checklist. Staff members were asked to complete final surveys at the end of the study period.

Results

71 procedures were performed during the 4 weeks prior to checklist implementation and 60 procedures were performed during the 4 weeks after institution of the checklist. Post-checklist surveys indicated significantly improved communication compared with pre-checklist surveys (χ229.4, p<0.001). The number of adverse events was lower after checklist implementation for eight of the nine adverse event types (not individually significant), but the total number of adverse events was significantly lower after checklist implementation (χ211.4, p=0.001). Final staff surveys were uniformly positive with 95% of individuals indicating that the checklist should be continued in the department.

Conclusions

Use of a neurointerventional procedural checklist resulted in statistically significant improvements in team communication and a significant reduction in total adverse events, with uniformly positive staff feedback.
BIFURCATIONS AND CHAOS OF AN AXIALLY MOVING PLATE UNDER EXTERNAL AND PARAMETRIC EXCITATIONS
Authors: LIU J. T. , YANG X. D. , CHEN L. Q.
Published: July 2012

The chaos and bifurcations in transverse motion of an axially moving thin plate under external and parametric excitations are studied herein. The geometric nonlinearity is introduced by using the von Karman large deflection theory. The coupled partial differential equations of transverse deflection and stress are truncated into a set of ordinary differential equations. By using the Poincaré map and the largest Lyapunov exponent, the dynamical behaviors including chaos are identified based on numerical solutions of the ordinary differential equations. The bifurcation diagrams are presented for different parameters, such as axially moving velocity, damping, external and parametric excitation amplitudes. The chaos is detected in both cases of external and parametric excitations. The interesting relevance between onset of chaos with the corresponding linear instability range are indicated in the external and parametric responses.
LOCAL PSEUDOGAPS AND FREE MAGNETIC MOMENTS AT THE ANDERSON METAL-INSULATOR TRANSITION: NUMERICAL SIMULATION USING POWER-LAW BAND RANDOM MATRICES
Authors: VARGA IMRE , KETTEMANN STEFAN , MUCCIOLO EDUARDO R.
Published: July 2012

At the Anderson metal-insulator transition the eigenstates develop multifractal fluctuations. Therefore their properties are intermediate between being extended and localized. As a result these wave functions are power-law correlated, which causes a substantial suppression of the local density of states at some random positions, resembling random local pseudogaps at the Fermi energy. Consequently the Kondo screening of magnetic moments is suppressed when a magnetic impurity happens to be at such a position. Due to these unscreened magnetic moments the critical exponents and multifractal dimensions at the metal-insulator transition take their smaller, unitary ensemble values for exchange couplings not exceeding a certain critical value J* ≈ .3D, where D is the band width. Here we present numerical calculations of the distribution of Kondo temperatures for the critical Power-law Band Random Matrix (PBRM) ensemble, whose properties are similar to that of the Anderson transition with the advantage of using a continuous parameter for tuning the generalized multifractal dimensions of the eigenstates.
PERFECTLY CONDUCTING CHANNEL AND ITS ROBUSTNESS IN DISORDERED CARBON NANOSTRUCTURES
Authors: ASHITANI YUKI , IMURA KEN-ICHIRO , TAKANE YOSITAKE
Published: July 2012

We report our recent numerical study on the effects of dephasing on a perfectly conducting channel (PCC), its presence believed to be dominant in the transport characteristics of a zigzag graphene nanoribbons (GNR) and of a metallic carbon nanotubes (CNT). Our data confirms an earlier prediction that a PCC in GNR exhibits a peculiar robustness against dephasing, in contrast to that of the CNT. By studying the behavior of the conductance as a function of the system's length we show that dephasing destroys the PCC in CNT, whereas it stabilizes the PCC in GNR. Such opposing responses of the PCC against dephasing stem from a different nature of the PCC in these systems.
WAVE PROPAGATION AND LOCALIZATION VIA QUASI-NORMAL MODES AND TRANSMISSION EIGENCHANNELS
Authors: WANG JING , SHI ZHOU , DAVY MATTHIEU , GENACK AZRIEL Z.
Published: July 2012

Field transmission coefficients for microwave radiation between arrays of points on the incident and output surfaces of random samples are analyzed to yield the underlying quasi-normal modes and transmission eigenchannels of each realization of the sample. The linewidths, central frequencies, and transmitted speckle patterns associated with each of the modes of the medium are found. Modal speckle patterns are found to be strongly correlated leading to destructive interference between modes. This explains distinctive features of transmission spectra and pulsed transmission. An alternate description of wave transport is obtained from the eigenchannels and eigenvalues of the transmission matrix. The maximum transmission eigenvalue, τ1 is near unity for diffusive waves even in turbid samples. For localized waves, τ1 is nearly equal to the dimensionless conductance, which is the sum of all transmission eigenvalues, g = Στn. The spacings between the ensemble averages of successive values of ln τn are constant and equal to the inverse of the bare conductance in accord with predictions by Dorokhov. The effective number of transmission eigenvalues Neff determines the contrast between the peak and background of radiation focused for maximum peak intensity. The connection between the mode and channel approaches is discussed.
ASPECTS OF LOCALIZATION ACROSS THE 2D SUPERCONDUCTOR-INSULATOR TRANSITION
Authors: TRIVEDI NANDINI , LOH YEN LEE , BOUADIM KARIM , RANDERIA MOHIT
Published: July 2012

It is well known that the metal-insulator transition in two dimensions for non-interacting fermions takes place at infinitesimal disorder. In contrast, the superconductor-to-insulator transition takes place at a finite critical disorder (on the order of Vc ~ 2t), where V is the typical width of the distribution of random site energies and t is the hopping scale. In this article we compare the localization/delocalization properties of one and two particles. Whereas the metal-insulator transition is a consequence of single-particle Anderson localization, the superconductor-insulator transition (SIT) is due to pair localization – or, alternatively, fluctuations of the phase conjugate to pair density. The central question we address is how superconductivity emerges from localized single-particle states. We address this question using inhomogeneous mean field theory and quantum Monte Carlo techniques and make several testable predictions for local spectroscopic probes across the SIT. We show that with increasing disorder, the system forms superconducting blobs on the scale of the coherence length embedded in an insulating matrix. In the superconducting state, the phases on the different blobs are coherent across the system whereas in the insulator long-range phase coherence is disrupted by quantum fluctuations. As a consequence of this emergent granularity, we show that the single-particle energy gap in the density of states survives across the transition, but coherence peaks exist only in the superconductor. A characteristic pseudogap persists above the critical disorder and critical temperature, in contrast to conventional theories. Surprisingly, the insulator has a two-particle gap scale that vanishes at the SIT despite a robust single-particle gap.
Evolution and structural style of relay zones in layered limestone–shale sequences: insights from the Hammam Faraun Fault Block, Suez rift, Egypt
Authors: Bastesen E. , Rotevatn A.
Published: July 2012

A fully breached relay zone was investigated to gain insight into relay growth and breaching in layered limestone–shale sequences. Associated fracture patterns were analysed to gain a qualitative understanding of fault- and damage-zone evolution and fracture-related fluid conduits associated with fault overlap zones. Internally, the relay zone is characterized by dilatant brittle deformation in mechanically strong limestone of the stratigraphically upper part of the ramp, and down-dip shear along extensional detachments in stratigraphically lower and mechanically weak shale layers at the base. The linking damage zone is characterized by multi-directional fracture patterns, including fracture corridors at high angles to the main (bounding) faults. The causal relationship between fault growth and the complex fracture patterns lies in the interaction and progressive rotation of the local stress fields of overlapping or linking fault segments. Increasingly complex fracture patterns may therefore be expected during growth and linkage of fault segments. The observed fracture patterns, in concert with complex juxtaposition relations generated by dipping relay beds, indicate that fault linkage points in carbonate rocks represent localized conduits for cross-fault as well as vertical along-fault fluid flow. These have implications for hydrocarbon migration pathways and for reservoir connectivity during production from carbonate reservoirs.
Comparison of lithosphere structure across the Orphan Basin–Flemish Cap and Irish Atlantic conjugate continental margins from constrained 3D gravity inversions
Authors: Welford J. Kim , Shannon Patrick M. , O’Reilly Brian M. , Hall Jeremy
Published: July 2012

Regionally constrained 3D gravity inversion results on the Orphan Basin–Flemish Cap and the Irish Atlantic conjugate continental margins are compared to investigate crustal structure, early rifting history and geological evolution of this part of the North Atlantic. The full-crustal density anomaly distributions provide some of the first depth images of how rifted structures compare along and across these conjugate margins. Broad similarities in crustal structure are identified with some noticeable differences, linked to rifting and crustal stretching processes. Extreme crustal thinning (stretching factors >3.5) is indicated beneath much of the southern Porcupine Basin, the western half of West Orphan Basin, the eastern half of Jeanne d’Arc Basin, the southeastern half of East Orphan Basin and in pockets beneath Rockall Basin. This appears to have resulted in the serpentinization (and possible exhumation) of mantle lithosphere on the Irish Atlantic and Flemish Cap margins but not beneath Orphan Basin. A simple evolution model is proposed for the early stages of rifting between the margins. It is suggested that ancient orogenic sutures played an important role in controlling the northward migration of rifting and the rotation and displacement of Flemish Cap out of Orphan Basin.

Supplementary material:

Enlarged maps from this paper are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18527
.
Complete Convergence for Moving Average Process of Martingale Differences
Authors: Yang Wenzhi , Hu Shuhe , Wang Xuejun
Published: July 2012

Under some simple conditions, by using some techniques such as truncated method for random variables (see e.g., Gut (2005)) and properties of martingale differences, we studied the moving process based on martingale differences and obtained complete convergence and complete moment convergence for this moving process. Our results extend some related ones.
Random Bin for Analyzing Neuron Spike Trains
Authors: Tamura Shinichi , Miyoshi Tomomitsu , Sawai Hajime , Mizuno-Matsumoto Yuko
Published: July 2012

When analyzing neuron spike trains, it is always the problem of how to set the time bin. Bin width affects much to analyzed results of such as periodicity of the spike trains. Many approaches have been proposed to determine the bin setting. However, these bins are fixed through the analysis. In this paper, we propose a randomizing method of bin width and location instead of conventional fixed bin setting. This technique is applied to analyzing periodicity of interspike interval train. Also the sensitivity of the method is presented.
Cognitive Scout Node for Communication in Disaster Scenarios
Authors: Sharma Rajesh K. , Lavrenko Anastasia , Kolb Dirk , Thomä Reiner S.
Published: July 2012

The cognitive radio (CR) concept has appeared as a promising technology to cope with the spectrum scarcity caused by increased spectrum demand due to the emergence of new applications. CR can be an appropriate mean to establish self-organization and situation awareness at the radio interface, which is highly desired to manage unexpected situations that may happen in a disaster scenario. The scout node proposed in this paper is an extended concept based on a powerful CR node in a heterogeneous nodes environment which takes a leading role for highly flexible, fast, and robust establishment of cooperative wireless links in a disaster situation. This node should have two components: one is a passive sensor unit that collects and stores the technical knowledge about the electromagnetic environment in a data processing unit so-called “radio environment map” in the form of a dynamically updated database, and other is an active transceiver unit which can automatically be configured either as a secondary node for opportunistic communication or as a cooperative base station or access point for primary network in emergency communications. Scout solution can be viable by taking advantage of the technologies used by existing radio surveillance systems in the context of CR.
Nursing Challenges in Motivating Nursing Students through Clinical Education: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Nasrin Hanifi , Soroor Parvizy , Soodabeh Joolaee
Published: July 2012

Nurses are the first role models for students in clinical settings. They can have a significant role on students’ motivation. The purpose of this study was to explore the understanding of nursing students and instructors concerning the role of nurses in motivating nursing students through clinical education. The sampling was first started purposefully and continued with theoretical sampling. The study collected qualitative data through semistructured and interactive interviews with 16 nursing students and 4 nursing instructors. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using grounded theory approach. One important pattern emerged in this study was the “concerns of becoming a nurse,” which itself consisted of three categories: “nurses clinical competency,” “nurses as full-scale mirror of the future,” and “Monitoring and modeling through clinical education” (as the core variable). The findings showed that the nurses’ manners of performance as well as the profession’s prospect have a fundamental role in the process of formation of motivation through clinical education. Students find an insight into the nursing profession by substituting themselves in the place of a nurse, and as result, are or are not motivated towards the clinical education.
A Thermostable Crude Endoglucanase Produced byAspergillus fumigatusin a Novel Solid State Fermentation Process Using Isolated Free Water
Authors: Saqib Abdul A. N. , Farooq Ansa , Iqbal Maryam , Hassan Jalees Ul , Hayat Umar , Baig Shahjahan
Published: July 2012

Aspergillus fumigatuswas grown on chopped wheat straw in a solid state fermentation (SSF) process carried out in constant presence of isolated free water inside the fermentation chamber. The system allowed maintaining a constant vapor pressure inside the fermentor throughout the fermentation process. Crude endoglucanase produced byA. fumigatusunder such conditions was more thermostable than previously reported enzymes of the same fungal strain which were produced under different conditions and was also more thermostable than a number of other previously reported endoglucanases as well. Various thermostability parameters were calculated for the crude endoglucanase. Half lives (T1/2) of the enzyme were 6930, 866, and 36 min at 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C, respectively. Enthalpies of activation of denaturation (ΔHD*) were 254.04, 253.96, and 253.88 K J mole−1, at 60°C, 70°C and 80°C, respectively, whereas entropies of activation of denaturation (ΔSD*) and free energy changes of activation of denaturation (ΔGD*) were 406.45, 401.01, and 406.07 J mole−1 K−1and 118.69, 116.41, and 110.53 K J mole−1at 60°C, 70°C and 80°C, respectively.
Finite‐Time Attractivity for Diagonally Dominant Systems with Off‐Diagonal Delays
Authors: Doan T. S. , Siegmund S.
Published: July 2012

We introduce a notion of attractivity for delay equations which are defined on bounded time intervals. Our main result shows that linear delay equations are finite‐time attractive, provided that the delay is only in the coupling terms between different components, and the system is diagonally dominant. We apply this result to a nonlinear Lotka‐Volterra system and show that the delay is harmless and does not destroy finite‐time attractivity.
Robust Adaptive Tracking Control of a Class of Robot Manipulators with Model Uncertainties
Authors: Solís-Perales G. , Peón-Escalante R.
Published: July 2012

A robust tracking controller for robot manipulators measuring only the angular positions and considering model uncertainties is presented. It is considered that the model is uncertain; that is, the system parameters, nonlinear terms, external perturbations, and the friction effects in each robot joint are considered unknown. The controller is composed by two parts, a linearizing-like control feedback and a high-gain estimator. The main idea is to lump the uncertain terms into a new state which represents the dynamics of the uncertainties. This new state is then estimated in order to be compensated. In this way the resulting controller is robust. A numerical example for a RR robot manipulator is provided, in order to corroborate the results.
Algorithmic Approach to a Minimization Problem
Authors: Yao Yonghong , Kang Shin Min , Liou Yeong-Cheng , Wu Zhitao
Published: July 2012

We first construct an implicit algorithm for solving the minimization problem minx∈Ω∥x∥
, where Ω is the intersection set of the solution set of some equilibrium problem, the fixed points set of a nonexpansive mapping, and the solution set of some variational inequality. Further, we suggest an explicit algorithm by discretizing this implicit algorithm. We prove that the proposed implicit and explicit algorithms converge strongly to a solution of the above minimization problem.
Obesity Differentially Affects Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Moran Carlos , Arriaga Monica , Rodriguez Gustavo , Moran Segundo
Published: July 2012

Obesity or overweight affect most of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Phenotypes are the clinical characteristics produced by the interaction of heredity and environment in a disease or syndrome. Phenotypes of PCOS have been described on the presence of clinical hyperandrogenism, oligoovulation and polycystic ovaries. The insulin resistance is present in the majority of patients with obesity and/or PCOS and it is more frequent and of greater magnitude in obese than in non obese PCOS patients. Levels of sexual hormone binding globulin are decreased, and levels of free androgens are increased in obese PCOS patients. Weight loss treatment is important for overweight or obese PCOS patients, but not necessary for normal weight PCOS patients, who only need to avoid increasing their body weight. Obesity decreases or delays several infertility treatments. The differences in the hormonal and metabolic profile, as well as the different focus and response to treatment between obese and non obese PCOS patients suggest that obesity has to be considered as a characteristic for classification of PCOS phenotypes.
Sheffer and Non-Sheffer Polynomial Families
Authors: Dattoli G. , Germano B. , Martinelli M. R. , Ricci P. E.
Published: July 2012

By using the integral transform method, we introduce some non-Sheffer polynomial sets. Furthermore, we show how to compute the connection coefficients for particular expressions of Appell polynomials.
The Effect of Surface Functionalization on the Immobilization of Gold Nanoparticles on Graphene Sheets
Authors: Song Min , Xu Juan , Wu Changzi
Published: July 2012

In our study, graphene oxide is synthesized by Hummers method. And then, carboxylic acid functionalized graphene (graphene-COOH), thiol-functionalized graphene (graphene-SH), and highly dispersive graphene are prepared by chemical modification of respective groups on the graphene surface. Furthermore, we explore a solution-based approach to prepare three differently functionalized graphene-gold composites by one-step chemical reduction ofAuCl4 -ions in respective functionalized graphene suspensions, where the gold nanoparticles are deposited on the functionalized graphene surface during their synthesis process. In addition, we compare the influence of surface functionalization on the growth of gold nanoparticles on graphene surface. Transmission electron morphology (TEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy are employed to study the effect of surface functionalities on AuNPs distribution onto the graphene surface and demonstrate the successful immobilization of AuNPs on graphene surface.
Human Herpesviridae Methods of Natural Killer Cell Evasion
Authors: Odom Carl I. , Gaston David C. , Markert James M. , Cassady Kevin A.
Published: July 2012

Human herpesviruses cause diseases of considerable morbidity and mortality, ranging from encephalitis to hematologic malignancies. As evidence emerges about the role of innate immunity and natural killer (NK) cells in the control of herpesvirus infection, evidence of viral methods of innate immune evasion grows as well. These methods include interference with the ligands on infected cell surfaces that bind NK cell activating or inhibitory receptors. This paper summarizes the most extensively studied NK cell receptor/ligand pairs and then describes the methods of NK cell evasion used by all eight herpesviruses through these receptors and ligands. Although great strides have been made in elucidating their mechanisms, there is still a disparity between viruses in the amount of knowledge regarding innate immune evasion. Further research of herpesvirus innate immune evasion can provide insight for circumventing viral mechanisms in future therapies.
Microbiota Associated with Infections of the Jaws
Authors: Gaetti-Jardim Elerson , Landucci Luis Fernando , de Oliveira Kathlenn Liezbeth , Costa Iracy , Ranieri Robson Varlei , Okamoto Ana Cláudia , Schweitzer Christiane Marie
Published: July 2012

The microbial infections involving the craniofacial skeleton, particularly maxilla and mandible, have direct relationship with the dental biofilm, with predominance of obligate anaerobes. In some patients, these infections may spread to bone marrow or facial soft tissues, producing severe and life-threatening septic conditions. In such cases, local treatment associated with systemic antimicrobials should be used in order to eradicate the sources of contamination. This paper discuss the possibility of spread of these infections and their clinical implications for dentistry, as well as their etiology and aspects related to microbial virulence and pathogenesis.
Fixed‐Point Iterative Algorithm for the Linear Fredholm‐Volterra Integro‐Differential Equation
Authors: Berenguer M. I. , Gámez D. , López Linares A. J.
Published: July 2012

With the aid of fixed‐point theorem (an equivalent version for the linear case) and biorthogonal systems in adequate Banach spaces, the problem of approximating the solution of a linear Fredholm‐Volterra integro‐differential equation is turned into a numerical algorithm, so that it can be solved numerically.
Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions to Neutral Stochastic Functional Differential Equations with Poisson Jumps
Authors: Tan Jianguo , Wang Hongli , Guo Yongfeng
Published: July 2012

A class of neutral stochastic functional differential equations with Poisson jumps (NSFDEwPJs), d[x(t) − G(xt)] = f(xt, t)dt + g(xt, t)dW(t) + h(xt, t)dN(t), t ∈ [t0, T], with initial value , is investigated. First, we consider the existence and uniqueness of solutions to NSFDEwPJs under the uniform Lipschitz condition, the linear growth condition, and the contractive mapping. Then, the uniform Lipschitz condition is replaced by the local Lipschitz condition, and the existence and uniqueness theorem for NSFDEwPJs is also derived.
Clinicopathologic Comparison of High-Dose-Rate Endorectal Brachytherapy versus Conventional Chemoradiotherapy in the Neoadjuvant Setting for Resectable Stages II and III Low Rectal Cancer
Authors: Smith Jessica A. , Wild Aaron T. , Singhi Aatur , Raman Siva P. , Qiu Haoming , Kumar Rachit , Hacker-Prietz Amy , Hruban Ralph H. , Kamel Ihab R. , Efron Jonathan , Wick Elizabeth C. , Azad Nilofer S. , Diaz Luis A. , Le Yi , Armour Elwood P. , Gearhart Susan L. , Herman Joseph M.
Published: July 2012

Purpose. To assess for differences in clinical, radiologic, and pathologic outcomes between patients with stage II-III rectal adenocarcinoma treated neoadjuvantly with conventional external beam radiotherapy (3D conformal radiotherapy (3DRT) or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)) versus high-dose-rate endorectal brachytherapy (EBT).Methods. Patients undergoing neoadjuvant EBT received 4 consecutive daily 6.5 Gy fractions without chemotherapy, while those undergoing 3DRT or IMRT received 28 daily 1.8 Gy fractions with concurrent 5-fluorouracil. Data was collected prospectively for 7 EBT patients and retrospectively for 25 historical 3DRT/IMRT controls.Results. Time to surgery was less for EBT compared to 3DRT and IMRT (P<0.001). There was a trend towards higher rate of pathologic CR for EBT (P=0.06). Rates of margin and lymph node positivity at resection were similar for all groups. Acute toxicity was less for EBT compared to 3DRT and IMRT (P=0.025). Overall and progression-free survival were noninferior for EBT. On MRI, EBT achieved similar complete response rate and reduction in tumor volume as 3DRT and IMRT. Histopathologic comparison showed that EBT resulted in more localized treatment effects and fewer serosal adhesions.Conclusions. EBT offers several practical benefits over conventional radiotherapy techniques and appears to be at least as effective against low rectal cancer as measured by short-term outcomes.
Uniqueness Theorems on Difference Monomials of Entire Functions
Authors: Wang Gang , Han Deng-li , Wen Zhi-Tao
Published: July 2012

The aim of this paper is to discuss the uniqueness of the difference monomials fnf(z + c). It assumed that f and g are transcendental entire functions with finite order and Ek)(1, fnf(z + c)) = Ek)(1, gng(z + c)), where c is a nonzero complex constant and n, k are integers. It is proved that if one of the following holds (i) n ≥ 6 and k = 3, (ii) n ≥ 7 and k = 2, and (iii) n ≥ 10 and k = 1, then fg = t1 or f = t2g for some constants t2 and t3 which satisfy and . It is an improvement of the result of Qi, Yang and Liu.
Modulating P2X7 Receptor Signaling during Rheumatoid Arthritis: New Therapeutic Approaches for Bisphosphonates
Authors: Baroja-Mazo Alberto , Pelegrín Pablo
Published: July 2012

P2X7 receptor-mediated purinergic signaling is a well-known mechanism involved in bone remodeling. The P2X7 receptor has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various bone and cartilage diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a widespread and complex chronic inflammatory disorder. The P2X7 receptor induces the release into the synovial fluid of the proinflammatory factors (e.g., interleukin-1β, prostaglandins, and proteases) responsible for the clinical symptoms of RA. Thus, the P2X7 receptor is emerging as a novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic target, and various selective P2X7 receptor antagonists are under clinical trials. Extracellular ATP signaling acting through the P2X7 receptor is a complex and dynamic scenario, which varies over the course of inflammation. This signaling is partially modulated by the activity of ectonucleotidases, which degrade extracellular ATP to generate other active molecules such as adenosine or pyrophosphates. Recent evidence suggests differential extracellular metabolism of ATP during the resolution of inflammation to generate pyrophosphates. Extracellular pyrophosphate dampens proinflammatory signaling by promoting alternative macrophage activation. Our paper shows that bisphosphonates are metabolically stable pyrophosphate analogues that are able to mimic the anti-inflammatory function of pyrophosphates. Bisphosphonates are arisingper seas promising anti-inflammatory drugs to treat RA, and this therapy could be improved when administrated in combination with P2X7 receptor antagonists.
Energy‐Driven Image Interpolation Using Gaussian Process Regression
Authors: Zi Lingling , Du Junping
Published: July 2012

Image interpolation, as a method of obtaining a high‐resolution image from the corresponding low‐resolution image, is a classical problem in image processing. In this paper, we propose a novel energy‐driven interpolation algorithm employing Gaussian process regression. In our algorithm, each interpolated pixel is predicted by a combination of two information sources: first is a statistical model adopted to mine underlying information, and second is an energy computation technique used to acquire information on pixel properties. We further demonstrate that our algorithm can not only achieve image interpolation, but also reduce noise in the original image. Our experiments show that the proposed algorithm can achieve encouraging performance in terms of image visualization and quantitative measures.
Cathepsin G Induces Cell Aggregation of Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells via a 2-Step Mechanism: Catalytic Site-Independent Binding to the Cell Surface and Enzymatic Activity-Dependent Induction of the Cell Aggregation
Authors: Morimoto-Kamata Riyo , Mizoguchi Sei-ichiro , Ichisugi Takeo , Yui Satoru
Published: July 2012

Neutrophils often invade various tumor tissues and affect tumor progression and metastasis. Cathepsin G (CG) is a serine protease secreted from activated neutrophils. Previously, we have shown that CG induces the formation of E-cadherin-mediated multicellular spheroids of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells; however, the molecular mechanisms involved in this process are unknown. In this study, we investigated whether CG required its enzymatic activity to induce MCF-7 cell aggregation. The cell aggregation-inducing activity of CG was inhibited by pretreatment of CG with the serine protease inhibitors chymostatin and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. In addition, an enzymatically inactive S195G (chymotrypsinogen numbering) CG did not induce cell aggregation. Furthermore, CG specifically bound to the cell surface of MCF-7 cells via a catalytic site-independent mechanism because the binding was not affected by pretreatment of CG with serine protease inhibitors, and cell surface binding was also detected with S195G CG. Therefore, we propose that the CG-induced aggregation of MCF-7 cells occurs via a 2-step process, in which CG binds to the cell surface, independently of its catalytic site, and then induces cell aggregation, which is dependent on its enzymatic activity.
Through the Looking Glass: Visualizing Leukemia Growth, Migration, and Engraftment Using Fluorescent Transgenic Zebrafish
Authors: Moore Finola E. , Langenau David M.
Published: July 2012

Zebrafish have emerged as a powerful model of development and cancer. Human, mouse, and zebrafish malignancies exhibit striking histopathologic and molecular similarities, underscoring the remarkable conservation of genetic pathways required to induce cancer. Zebrafish are uniquely suited for large-scale studies in which hundreds of animals can be used to investigate cancer processes. Moreover, zebrafish are small in size, optically clear during development, and amenable to genetic manipulation. Facile transgenic approaches and new technologies in gene inactivation have provided much needed genomic resources to interrogate the function of specific oncogenic and tumor suppressor pathways in cancer. This manuscript focuses on the unique attribute of labeling leukemia cells with fluorescent proteins and directly visualizing cancer processesin vivoincluding tumor growth, dissemination, and intravasation into the vasculature. We will also discuss the use of fluorescent transgenic approaches and cell transplantation to assess leukemia-propagating cell frequency and response to chemotherapy.
Antiangiogenic Therapy for Glioma
Authors: Cea Valentina , Sala Carlo , Verpelli Chiara
Published: July 2012

Currently, antiangiogenic agents are routinely used for the treatment of patients with glioma. However, despite advances in pharmacological and surgical therapy, glioma remains an incurable disease. Indeed, the formation of an abnormal tumor vasculature and the invasion of glioma cells along neuronal tracts are proposed to comprise the major factors that are attributed to the therapeutic resistance of these tumors. The development of curative therapeutic modalities for the treatment of glioma requires further investigation of the molecular mechanisms regulating angiogenesis and invasion. In this review, we discuss the molecular characteristics of angiogenesis and invasion in human malignant glioma, we present several available drugs that are used or can potentially be utilized for the inhibition of angiogenesis in glioma, and we focus our attention on the key mediators of the molecular mechanisms underlying the resistance of glioma to antiangiogenic therapy.
Sampling in the Linear Canonical Transform Domain
Authors: Li Bing-Zhao , Xu Tian-Zhou
Published: July 2012

This paper investigates the interpolation formulae and the sampling theorem for bandpass signals in the linear canonical transform (LCT) domain. Firstly, one of the important relationships between the bandpass signals in the Fourier domain and the bandpass signals in the LCT domain is derived. Secondly, two interpolation formulae from uniformly sampled points at half of the sampling rate associated with the bandpass signals and their generalized Hilbert transform or the derivatives in the LCT domain are obtained. Thirdly, the interpolation formulae from nonuniform samples are investigated. The simulation results are also proposed to verify the correctness of the derived results.
Soft and Hard Tissue Management in Implant Therapy—Part I: Surgical Concepts
Authors: D'Addona Antonio , Ghassemian Marjan , Raffaelli Luca , Manicone Paolo Francesco
Published: July 2012

Implant therapy has become a reliable and predictable treatment alternative for the replacement of missing teeth with conventional removable and fixed partial dentures. Recently though, in the pursuit for improved esthetics, the literature has dedicated a considerable amount of its research on the successful maintenance and regeneration of the surrounding gingiva and bone, which are lost following extraction of a tooth. Thoroughly analyzing the anatomic situation and well-planned treatment has become a requirement, because incorrectly planned and positioned implants may jeopardize long-term esthetic and functional prognosis. In addition, many types of biocompatible materials, autogenous hard and soft tissue grafts, and different surgical techniques have been developed, and their viability has been investigated. As a result, implant specialists have gained a greater understanding of the dynamics and anatomical and biological concepts of the periodontium and peri-implant tissues both at the surgical and prosthetic phases of treatment, which contributes to better soft and hard tissue management (SHTM). This may further contribute to achieving a superior final result which is obtained by having a harmonious soft tissue profile, a correctly placed and contoured final restoration, and the reestablishment of masticatory function and phonetics.
A Qualitative Study of Barriers to Effectiveness of Interventions to Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Arba Minch, Ethiopia
Authors: Adedimeji Adebola , Abboud Nareen , Merdekios Behailu , Shiferaw Miriam
Published: July 2012

Objectives. Despite the availability of services to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, socio-cultural, health system and operational factors constrain many pregnant women from accessing services or returning for followup thereby increasing the risk of vertical transmission of HIV to newborns. We highlight and describe unique contextual factors contributing to low utilization of PMTCT services in Arba-Minch, Ethiopia. Methods. Qualitative research design was utilized to obtain data through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with antenatal clinic attendees, health workers health facilities in the study area. Results. Awareness of PMTCT services and knowledge of its benefits was nearly universal, although socioeconomic, cultural and health system factors, including stigma and desire to prevent knowledge of serostatus, impede access to and utilization of services. Health system factors—lack of appropriate followup mechanisms, inadequate access to ARV drugs and poorly equipped manpower also contribute to low utilization of services. Conclusion. Reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa will be more effective when unique contextual factors are identified and addressed. Effectiveness of PMTCT interventions rests on a well functioning health system that recognize the importance of social, economic, cultural contexts that HIV positive pregnant women live in.
On Global Solutions for the Cauchy Problem of a Boussinesq‐Type Equation
Authors: Taskesen Hatice , Polat Necat , Ertaş Abdulkadir
Published: July 2012

We will give conditions which will guarantee the existence of global weak solutions of the Boussinesq‐type equation with power‐type nonlinearity γ|u|p and supercritical initial energy. By defining new functionals and using potential well method, we readdressed the initial value problem of the Boussinesq‐type equation for the supercritical initial energy case.
Continuing Care for Mentally Stable Psychiatric Patients in Primary Care: Patients' Preferences and Views
Authors: Agyapong Vincent I. O.
Published: July 2012

Objective. To investigate the preferences of psychiatric patients regarding attendance for their continuing mental health care once stable from a primary care setting as opposed to a specialized psychiatric service setting. Methods. 150 consecutive psychiatric patients attending outpatient review in a community mental health centre in Dublin were approached and asked to complete a semistructured questionnaire designed to assess the objectives of the study. Results. 145 patients completed the questionnaire giving a response rate of 97%. Ninety-eight patients (68%) preferred attending a specialized psychiatry service even when stabilised on their treatment. The common reason given by patients in this category was fear of substandard quality of psychiatric care from their general practitioners (GPs) (67 patients, 68.4%). Twenty-nine patients (20%) preferred to attend their GP for continuing mental health care. The reasons given by these patients included confidence in GPs, providing same level of care as psychiatrist for mental illness (18 patients or 62%), and the advantage of managing both mental and physical health by GPs (13 patients, 45%). Conclusion. Most patients who attend specialised psychiatric services preferred to continue attending specialized psychiatric services even if they become mentally stable than primary care, with most reasons revolving around fears of inadequate psychiatric care from GPs.
Simultaneous Acute Cholecystitis and Acute Appendicitis Treated by a Single Laparoscopic Operation
Authors: DeMuro Jonas P.
Published: July 2012

While acute appendicitis and acute cholecystitis are both common, they are only rarely seen simultaneously. The clinical presentation and hospital course of a 45-year-old female with concurrent acute appendicitis and acute cholecystitis is presented. The laparoscopic approach is ideal for dealing with multiple, simultaenous abdominal pathologies.
MWCNT‐Based Ag2S‐TiO2 Nanocomposites Photocatalyst: Ultrasound‐Assisted Synthesis, Characterization, and Enhanced Catalytic Efficiency
Authors: Zhu Lei , Meng Ze-Da , Oh Won-Chun
Published: July 2012

Multiwalled carbon nanotube based nanoscale Ag2S and TiO2 composites have successfully synthesized via a facile ultrasound‐assisted method. The nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, UV‐vis absorption spectra, BET surface area measurements, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Ag2S‐TiO2/CNT nanocomposites exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than pure TiO2 for the degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh.B) under UV and visible light. The improved photocatalytic activities may be attributed to increased adsorbability of Rh.B molecules and increased charge transfer rate in the presence of a one‐dimensional MWCNT network.
Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions for the System of Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations with Nonlocal and Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Ashyralyev Allaberen , Sharifov Yagub A.
Published: July 2012

In the present study, the nonlocal and integral boundary value problems for the system of nonlinear fractional differential equations involving the Caputo fractional derivative are investigated. Theorems on existence and uniqueness of a solution are established under some sufficient conditions on nonlinear terms. A simple example of application of the main result of this paper is presented.
“Conviv\^{e}ncia” Groups: Building Active and Healthy Communities of Older Adults in Brazil
Authors: Benedetti Tânia R. Bertoldo , d'Orsi Eleonora , Schwingel Andiara , Chodzko-Zajko Wojtek J.
Published: July 2012

In old age, social groups can be a crucial component for health and well-being. In 2009-2010, a follow-up survey was carried out in Florianópolis, Brazil to understand the impact of a variety of programs established since 2002 that were designed to enhance social activities among the older adult population. This study employed two surveys within the population of older adults in Florianópolis. The first survey interviewed a total of 875 older adults in 2002, and the second survey involved 1,705 older adults between 2009 and 2010. By 2010, many new programs were offered in the community and the enrollment of older adults in social programs followed similar trends. “Convivência” groups stood out as extremely popular social groups among this population. This paper discusses some of the potential outcomes associated with participation in “convivência” groups.
Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions for Initial Value Problem of Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Li Qiuping , Sun Shurong , Zhao Ping , Han Zhenlai
Published: July 2012

We discuss the initial value problem for the nonlinear fractional differential equation L(D)u = f(t, u),   t ∈ (0,1],   u(0) = 0, where , 0 < s1 < s2 < ⋯<sn < 1, and aj < 0, j = 1,2, …, n − 1, is the standard Riemann‐Liouville fractional derivative and f : [0,1] × ℝ → ℝ is a given continuous function. We extend the basic theory of differential equation, the method of upper and lower solutions, and monotone iterative technique to the initial value problem. Some existence and uniqueness results are established.
Erythrocyte Antioxidant Protection of Rose Hips (Rosaspp.)
Authors: Widén C. , Ekholm A. , Coleman M. D. , Renvert S. , Rumpunen K.
Published: July 2012

Rose hips are popular in health promoting products as the fruits contain high content of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate whether health benefits are attributable to ascorbic acid, phenols, or other rose-hip-derived compounds. Freeze-dried powder of rose hips was preextracted with metaphosphoric acid and the sample was then sequentially eluted on a C18column. The degree of amelioration of oxidative damage was determined in an erythrocytein vitrobioassay by comparing the effects of a reducing agent on erythrocytes alone or on erythrocytes pretreated with berry extracts. The maximum protection against oxidative stress,59.4±4.0% (mean ± standard deviation), was achieved when incubating the cells with the first eluted meta-phosphoric extract. Removal of ascorbic acid from this extract increased the protection against oxidative stress to67.9±1.9%. The protection from the 20% and 100% methanol extracts was20.8±8.2% and5.0±3.2%, respectively. Antioxidant uptake was confirmed by measurement of catechin by HPLC-ESI-MS in the 20% methanol extract. The fact that all sequentially eluted extracts studied contributed to protective effects on the erythrocytes indicates that rose hips contain a promising level of clinically relevant antioxidant protection.
Oxidative Stress in Genetic Mouse Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Varçin Mustafa , Bentea Eduard , Michotte Yvette , Sarre Sophie
Published: July 2012

There is extensive evidence in Parkinson’s disease of a link between oxidative stress and some of the monogenically inherited Parkinson’s disease-associated genes. This paper focuses on the importance of this link and potential impact on neuronal function. Basic mechanisms of oxidative stress, the cellular antioxidant machinery, and the main sources of cellular oxidative stress are reviewed. Moreover, attention is given to the complex interaction between oxidative stress and other prominent pathogenic pathways in Parkinson’s disease, such as mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, an overview of the existing genetic mouse models of Parkinson’s disease is given and the evidence of oxidative stress in these models highlighted. Taken into consideration the importance of ageing and environmental factors as a risk for developing Parkinson’s disease, gene-environment interactions in genetically engineered mouse models of Parkinson’s disease are also discussed, highlighting the role of oxidative damage in the interplay between genetic makeup, environmental stress, and ageing in Parkinson’s disease.