bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for endoscopic sedation reversal events: a five-year retrospective study
Authors: Zakeri Nekisa , Coda Sergio , Webster Shelby , Howson William , Thillainayagam Andrew V
Published: August 2014

Objective

Conscious sedation is widely used in endoscopic practice but is not without risk. We aimed to determine the frequency of sedation complications requiring reversal, and to identify potential patient and procedural risk factors.

Design

A retrospective study of all gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures performed under conscious sedation, in a large three-campus tertiary referral endoscopic centre, between 12 October 2007 and 31 December 2012 (n=52 553). Flumazenil or naloxone administration was used as a marker of sedation complications requiring reversal. Reversal cases were analysed for associations with sedation dose, patient American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, age and type of procedure undertaken.

Results

In total, 149 sedation reversals occurred, representing 0.28% of all sedated endoscopic procedures carried out. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and increasing patient ASA grade were positively associated with sedation reversal (p<0.05). Mean midazolam dose was highest for ERCP (4.9±2.9 mg) and lowest for flexible sigmoidoscopy (1.7±0.6 mg; p<0.01). Mean opioid dose (calculated as pethidine equivalent) was highest for ERCP (62.9±38.7 mg) and lowest for gastroscopy (6.9±13.5 mg; p<0.01). Maximum doses of midazolam or opioid recommended by the British Society of Gastroenterology were exceeded in 7.4% and 14.1% of reversals, respectively.

Conclusions

ERCP procedures and higher patient ASA grade were associated with an increased risk of conscious sedation-related complications requiring reversal. In these high-risk groups, alternative sedation strategies should be considered and tested. Prospective studies are needed to further explore risk factors that may help predict adverse sedation outcomes.
Childhood correlates of adult TV viewing time: a 32-year follow-up of the 1970 British Cohort Study
Authors: Smith L , Gardner B , Hamer M
Published: August 2014

Background

To identify, using a longitudinal data set, parental and childhood correlates of adult television (TV) viewing time at 32-year follow-up.

Method

Data were derived from the 1970 British Cohort Study, a longitudinal observational study of 17 248 British people born in a single week of 1970. The present analyses incorporated data from the age 10 and 42-year surveys. When participants were aged 10 years, their mothers provided information on how often participants watched TV and played sports (never/sometimes/often), and parents’ own occupation, as well as height and weight. A health visitor objectively assessed participants’ height and weight at age 10. Thirty-two years later, when participants were aged 42 years, they reported their daily TV viewing hours (none/0≤1/1<3/3<5/≥5), physical activity and health status. Associations between putative childhood and parental correlates and adult TV viewing time were investigated using logistic regression.

Results

Valid data at both time points were available for 6188 participants. Logistic regression models showed that those who reported ‘often’ watching TV at baseline were significantly more likely to watch >3 h/days of TV at follow-up (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.65), as were those whose father was from a lower socio-occupational class (intermediate, routine/manual) compared with managerial (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.11; OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.87). Body mass index (BMI) at age 10 was inversely associated with high TV in adulthood (per unit increase; OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.96) although fathers BMI when the child was aged 10 was positively associated with high TV in adulthood (per unit increase; OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.06).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that childhood TV viewing time tracks into adulthood. Parents’ health behaviours and social position appear to be associated with their children's viewing habits, which may have important implications for the direction of future policy and practice. Specifically, findings support the case for early life interventions, particularly on socioeconomic inequalities, as a way of preventing sedentary behaviour in later life.
Correlation between cerebral blood volume values and outcomes in endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Mokin Maxim , Morr Simon , Fanous Andrew A , Shallwani Hussain , Natarajan Sabareesh K , Levy Elad I , Snyder Kenneth V , Siddiqui Adnan H
Published: August 2014

Background

Neurointerventionalists do not agree about the optimal imaging protocol when evaluating patients with acute stroke for potential endovascular revascularization. Preintervention cerebrovascular blood volume (CBV) has been shown to predict outcomes in patients undergoing intra-arterial stroke therapies.

Objective

To determine whether CBV can predict hemorrhagic transformation and clinical outcomes in patients selected for endovascular therapy for acute ischemic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke using a CT perfusion (CTP)-based imaging protocol.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed cases of acute ischemic stroke due to MCA M1 segment occlusion and correlated favorable clinical outcomes (modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤2) and radiographic outcomes with preintervention CBV values. All patients underwent whole-brain (320-detector-row) CTP imaging, and absolute CBV values of the affected and contralateral MCA territories were obtained separately for the cortical and basal ganglia regions.

Results

Relative CBV (rCBV) of the MCA cortical regions was significantly lower in patients with poor clinical outcomes than in those with favorable clinical outcomes (0.87±0.21 vs 1.02±0.09, p=0.0003), and a negative correlation was found between rCBV values and mRS score severity. rCBV of the basal ganglia region was significantly lower in patients with hemorrhagic infarction (p=0.004) and parenchymal hematoma (p=0.04) than in those without hemorrhagic transformation.

Conclusions

We found that cortical CBV loss is predictive of poor clinical outcomes, whereas basal ganglia CBV loss is predictive of hemorrhagic transformation but without translation into poor clinical outcomes. Our study findings support published results of baseline preintervention CBV as a predictor of outcomes in patients undergoing intra-arterial stroke therapies.
Thyroid adenocarcinoma in two parrots
Authors: Doukaki Christina , Kik Marja J L , Ducatelle Richard , Cornelissen Hans , van Zeeland Yvonne R A
Published: August 2014

A Grey parrot and a Yellow‐crowned Amazon were presented with severe respiratory distress and weight loss, and collapse and melena, respectively. Despite supportive therapy, both parrots quickly succumbed and died, with no ante‐mortem diagnosis made. Postmortem examinations yielded a diagnosis of a follicular and papillary form of thyroid adenocarcinoma. Although thyroid neoplasia has been reported in birds, these two cases are the first described thyroid neoplasia in these parrot species and the first reported papillary form of thyroid adenocarcinoma in birds.
ON THE OPTIMAL SIZE AND NUMBER OF RESERVES IN A MULTI-SITE FISHERY MODEL
Authors: MOUSSAOUI ALI , BENSENANE MERYEM , AUGER PIERRE , BAH ALASSANE
Published: August 2014

This paper addresses the problem of the optimal size and number of marine reserves to achieve maximum value in commercial fisheries. A simplified network planning situation is analyzed to optimize the size and number of marine reserves. We consider a general 2L-patch model of harvesting population dynamics with continuous time. Fish movements between the sites, as well as vessel displacements between the fishing sites, are assumed to take place at a faster time scale than the variation of the stock and the change of the fleet size. We take advantage of these two time scales to derive a reduced model governing the dynamics of the total fish stock and the total fishing effort. This reduced model is used to determine the optimal size and number of a marine reserves in order to maximize the catch at equilibrium. We show that the optimal number that maximizes the total fish catch at equilibrium depend intricately on the size of the reserve: A small number of reserves is optimal when the size of the reserve is higher and inverse.
ISOLATED BILATERAL CONGENITAL ABSENCE OF PATELLA: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Mishra Sudhir Ramkishore , Ramesh Jaysree
Published: August 2014

Congenital absence of patella is a rare condition. In the literature, very few cases has been reported. Congenital absence of patella is one of the finding of few rare syndromes associated with osteo-onycho-dysplasia. This is a case report of a 19-year-old adult boy with isolated bilateral congenital absence of patella, which is an extremely rare condition.
Dynamic Buckling of Cylindrical Shells with Arbitrary Axisymmetric Thickness Variation under Time Dependent External Pressure
Authors: Fan Hai-Gui , Chen Zhi-Ping , Feng Wen-Zhuo , Zhou Fan , Cao Guo-Wei
Published: August 2014

This paper presents an analytical study on the critical dynamic buckling load of cylindrical shells with arbitrary axisymmetric thickness variation under uniform external pressure which is a function of time. Based on the Donnell simplified principle, the equilibrium and compatibility equations of cylindrical shells with arbitrary axisymmetric wall thickness under dynamic external pressure were derived. By using the method of separation of variables, the equations were transformed into ordinary differential equations in nondimensional form. Combining Fourier series expansion and the regular perturbation method, as well as the Sachenkov–Baktieva method, analytical formulas of the critical buckling load of cylindrical shells with arbitrary axisymmetric thickness variation under dynamic external pressure that varies as a power function of time were obtained. Using these analytical formulas, the critical dynamic buckling load of cylindrical shells with linearly and parbolically varying thickness were computed. The influences of thickness variation parameter and loading speed of external pressure on the critical buckling load were also discussed. The method was also applied to cylindrical shells with a classical cosine form thickness variation, by introducing the reduction factor of critical dynamic buckling load. The buckling capacity of these cylindrical shells under dynamic external pressure was discussed considering the effects of loading speed and thickness variation parameter.
NUMERICAL ESTIMATION OF THE FLUID DISTRIBUTION PATTERN IN HUMAN DERMAL REGIONS WITH HETEROGENEOUS METABOLIC FLUID GENERATION
Authors: KHANDAY M. A. , AIJAZ MIR , RAFIQ AASMA
Published: August 2014

The composition of fluid distribution in human body is consisting of various intra-cellular and extra-cellular fluids. Dehydration and other changes in the system may lead to various disorders and diseases in the normal functioning. It is therefore imperative to study the fluid distribution and its balance in the human body systems. In this study, we estimate the pattern of fluid in human dermal regions with heterogeneous metabolic fluid generation. The model is based on radial diffusion equation with appropriate boundary and interface conditions. The variational finite element method has been used to solve the model. The results of fluid concentrations at the dermal and subdermal regions were calculated and interpreted graphically at various levels of humidities and perspirations.
The Relationship Between Knowledge Management and R&D Performance: A Case Study in Auto Industry
Authors: Nejadhussein Syyedhamzeh , Rahimian M. A. Hamid , Mousavinasab Seyed Muhammed Hussein
Published: August 2014

This paper has studied correlation between knowledge management (KM) and performance of research and development (R&D) in a major automobile manufacturing company. Two questionnaires were used. Choy's "KM performance outcomes" approach was used for KM and customized balanced score card (BSC) model for measuring R&D centers' performance. The population consisted of all R&D employees in a company that has been working in auto industry, along with all its 12 subsidiaries which had R&D centers. Then three out of 12 companies were selected by cluster sampling from which 90 people were chosen to complete the questionnaires. The results showed a significant positive correlation between KM and the performance of R&D centers as well as three aspects of BSC, i.e. customer, internal processes and innovation. For the other aspects, the findings did not show any significant correlations.
Formulation of singular theories in a partial Hamiltonian formalism using a new bracket and multi-time dynamics
Authors: Duplij Steven
Published: August 2014

A formulation of singular classical theories (determined by degenerate Lagrangians) without constraints is presented. A partial Hamiltonian formalism in the phase space having an initially arbitrary number of momenta (which can be smaller than the number of velocities) is proposed. The equations of motion become first-order differential equations, and they coincide with those of multi-time dynamics, if a certain condition is imposed. In a singular theory, this condition is fulfilled in the case of the coincidence of the number of generalized momenta with the rank of the Hessian matrix. The noncanonical generalized velocities satisfy a system of linear algebraic equations, which allows an appropriate classification of singular theories (gauge and nongauge). A new antisymmetric bracket (similar to the Poisson bracket) is introduced, which describes the time evolution of physical quantities in a singular theory. The origin of constraints is shown to be a consequence of the (unneeded in our formulation) extension of the phase space, when the new bracket transforms into the Dirac bracket. Quantization is briefly discussed.
On square classes in generalized Lucas sequences
Authors: Şiar Zafer
Published: August 2014

Let P and Q be nonzero integers. Generalized Fibonacci and Lucas sequences are defined as follows: U0= 0, U1= 1, and Un+1= PUn+ QUn-1for n ≥ 1 and V0= 2, V1= P, and Vn+1= PVn+ QVn-1for n ≥ 1, respectively. For all odd relatively prime values of P and Q such that P ≥ 1, we determine all indices n and m such that Vn= wVmx2or VnVm= wx2with w = 1, 2, 3 or 6 under the assumptions P2+ 4Q > 0 and Vm≠ 1 for all positive integers m.
Securing the tangled web
Authors: Kern Christoph
Published: August 2014

Preventing script injection vulnerabilities through software design.
Would Turing have passed the Turing Test?
Authors: Vardi Moshe Y.
Published: August 2014

It's time to consider the Imitation Game as just a game.
We have never been digital
Authors: Haigh Thomas
Published: August 2014

Reflections on the intersection of computing and the humanities.
The Environmental Costs and Benefits of Fracking
Authors: Jackson Robert B. , Vengosh Avner , Carey J. William , Davies Richard J. , Darrah Thomas H. , O'Sullivan Francis , Pétron Gabrielle
Published: August 2014

Unconventional oil and natural gas extraction enabled by horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is driving an economic boom, with consequences described from “revolutionary” to “disastrous.” Reality lies somewhere in between. Unconventional energy generates income and, done well, can reduce air pollution and even water use compared with other fossil fuels. Alternatively, it could slow the adoption of renewables and, done poorly, release toxic chemicals into water and air. Primary threats to water resources include surface spills, wastewater disposal, and drinking-water contamination through poor well integrity. An increase in volatile organic compounds and air toxics locally are potential health threats, but the switch from coal to natural gas for electricity generation will reduce sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, and particulate air pollution. Data gaps are particularly evident for human health studies, for the question of whether natural gas will displace coal compared with renewables, and for decadal-scale legacy issues of well leakage and plugging and abandonment practices. Critical topics for future research include data for (a) estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) of unconventional hydrocarbons, (b) the potential for further reductions of water requirements and chemical toxicity, (c) whether unconventional resource development alters the frequency of well integrity failures, (d) potential contamination of surface and ground waters from drilling and spills, (e) factors that could cause wastewater injection to generate large earthquakes, and (f) the consequences of greenhouse gases and air pollution on ecosystems and human health.
Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production: Patterns, Trends, and Planetary Boundaries
Authors: Haberl Helmut , Erb Karl-Heinz , Krausmann Fridolin
Published: August 2014

Economic and population growth result in increasing use of biophysical resources, including land and biomass. Human activities influence the biological productivity of land, altering material and energy flows in the biosphere. The human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP) is an integrated socioecological indicator quantifying effects of human-induced changes in productivity and harvest on ecological biomass flows. We discuss how HANPP is defined, measured, and interpreted. Two principal approaches for constructing HANPP assessments exist: (a) In an area-specific approach, HANPP serves as an indicator of land-use intensity, gauging impacts on terrestrial ecosystems in a defined area; and (b) the consumption-based “embodied HANPP” approach allows assessment of impacts related to individual products or the aggregate consumption of nation-states. The HANPP framework can help to estimate upper limits for the biosphere's capacity to provide humanity with biomass for food, fiber, and bioenergy and to analyze systemic feedbacks between the delivery of these resources. We outline HANPP's global patterns and trajectories and how HANPP relates to planetary boundaries, global resource use, and pressures on biodiversity.
Hepatic entrapment of esterified cholesterol drives continual expansion of whole body sterol pool in lysosomal acid lipase-deficient mice
Authors: Aqul Amal , Lopez Adam M. , Posey Kenneth S. , Taylor Anna M. , Repa Joyce J. , Burns Dennis K. , Turley Stephen D.
Published: August 2014

Cholesteryl ester storage disease (CESD) results from loss-of-function mutations in LIPA, the gene that encodes lysosomal acid lipase (LAL). Hepatomegaly and deposition of esterified cholesterol (EC) in multiple organs ensue. The present studies quantitated rates of synthesis, absorption, and disposition of cholesterol, and whole body cholesterol pool size in a mouse model of CESD. In 50-day-old lal−/−and matching lal+/+mice fed a low-cholesterol diet, whole animal cholesterol content equalled 210 and 50 mg, respectively, indicating that since birth the lal−/−mice sequestered cholesterol at an average rate of 3.2 mg·day−1·animal−1. The proportion of the body sterol pool contained in the liver of the lal−/−mice was 64 vs. 6.3% in their lal+/+controls. EC concentrations in the liver, spleen, small intestine, and lungs of the lal−/−mice were elevated 100-, 35-, 15-, and 6-fold, respectively. In the lal−/−mice, whole liver cholesterol synthesis increased 10.2-fold, resulting in a 3.2-fold greater rate of whole animal sterol synthesis compared with their lal+/+controls. The rate of cholesterol synthesis in the lal−/−mice exceeded that in the lal+/+controls by 3.7 mg·day−1·animal−1. Fractional cholesterol absorption and fecal bile acid excretion were unchanged in the lal−/−mice, but their rate of neutral sterol excretion was 59% higher than in their lal+/+controls. Thus, in this model, the continual expansion of the body sterol pool is driven by the synthesis of excess cholesterol, primarily in the liver. Despite the severity of their disease, the median life span of the lal−/−mice was 355 days.
Strain differences in pH-sensitive K+ channel-expressing cells in chemosensory and nonchemosensory brain stem nuclei
Authors: Martino Paul F. , Olesiak S. , Batuuka D. , Riley D. , Neumueller S. , Forster H. V. , Hodges M. R.
Published: August 2014

The ventilatory CO2 chemoreflex is inherently low in inbred Brown Norway (BN) rats compared with other strains, including inbred Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats. Since the brain stem expression of various pH-sensitive ion channels may be determinants of the CO2 chemoreflex, we tested the hypothesis that there would be fewer pH-sensitive K+ channel-expressing cells in BN relative to SS rats within brain stem sites associated with respiratory chemoreception, such as the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), but not within the pre-Bötzinger complex region, nucleus ambiguus or the hypoglossal motor nucleus. Medullary sections (25 μm) from adult male and female BN and SS rats were stained with primary antibodies targeting TASK-1, Kv1.4, or Kir2.3 K+ channels, and the total (Nissl-stained) and K+ channel immunoreactive (-ir) cells counted. For both male and female rats, the numbers of K+ channel-ir cells within the NTS were reduced in the BN compared with SS rats ( P < 0.05), despite equal numbers of total NTS cells. In contrast, we found few differences in the numbers of K+ channel-ir cells among the strains within the nucleus ambiguus, hypoglossal motor nucleus, or pre-Bötzinger complex regions in both male and female rats. However, there were no predicted functional mutations in each of the K+ channels studied comparing genomic sequences among these strains. Thus we conclude that the relatively selective reductions in pH-sensitive K+ channel-expressing cells in the NTS of male and female BN rats may contribute to their severely blunted ventilatory CO2 chemoreflex.
Diabetes and the Brain: Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Autophagy
Authors: Muriach María , Flores-Bellver Miguel , Romero Francisco J. , Barcia Jorge M.
Published: August 2014

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder associated with chronic complications including a state of mild to moderate cognitive impairment, in particular psychomotor slowing and reduced mental flexibility, not attributable to other causes, and shares many symptoms that are best described as accelerated brain ageing. A common theory for aging and for the pathogenesis of this cerebral dysfunctioning in diabetes relates cell death to oxidative stress in strong association to inflammation, and in fact nuclear factorκB (NFκB), a master regulator of inflammation and also a sensor of oxidative stress, has a strategic position at the crossroad between oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, metabolic inflammation is, in turn, related to the induction of various intracellular stresses such as mitochondrial oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and autophagy defect. In parallel, blockade of autophagy can relate to proinflammatory signaling via oxidative stress pathway and NFκB-mediated inflammation.
Utilization of Boron Compounds for the Modification of Suberoyl Anilide Hydroxamic Acid as Inhibitor of Histone Deacetylase Class II Homo sapiens
Authors: Bakri Ridla , Parikesit Arli Aditya , Satriyanto Cipta Prio , Kerami Djati , Tambunan Usman Sumo Friend
Published: August 2014

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) has a critical function in regulating gene expression. The inhibition of HDAC has developed as an interesting anticancer research area that targets biological processes such as cell cycle, apoptosis, and cell differentiation. In this study, an HDAC inhibitor that is available commercially, suberoyl anilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), has been modified to improve its efficacy and reduce the side effects of the compound. Hydrophobic cap and zinc-binding group of these compounds were substituted with boron-based compounds, whereas the linker region was substituted with p-aminobenzoic acid. The molecular docking analysis resulted in 8 ligands with ΔGbinding value more negative than the standards, SAHA and trichostatin A (TSA). That ligands were analyzed based on the nature of QSAR, pharmacological properties, and ADME-Tox. It is conducted to obtain a potent inhibitor of HDAC class II Homo sapiens. The screening process result gave one best ligand, Nova2 (513246-99-6), which was then further studied by molecular dynamics simulations.
Relationship of MMP-14 and TIMP-3 Expression with Macrophage Activation and Human Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability
Authors: Johnson Jason L. , Jenkins Nicholas P. , Huang Wei-Chun , Di Gregoli Karina , Sala-Newby Graciela B. , Scholtes Vincent P. W. , Moll Frans L. , Pasterkamp Gerard , Newby Andrew C.
Published: August 2014

Matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14) promotes vulnerable plaque morphology in mice, whereas tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP-3) overexpression is protective.MMP-14hi  TIMP-3lorabbit foam cells are more invasive and more prone to apoptosis thanMMP-14lo  TIMP-3hicells. We investigated the implications of these findings for human atherosclerosis.In vitrogenerated macrophages and foam-cell macrophages, together with atherosclerotic plaques characterised as unstable or stable, were examined for expression of MMP-14, TIMP-3, and inflammatory markers. Proinflammatory stimuli increased MMP-14 and decreased TIMP-3 mRNA and protein expression in human macrophages. However, conversion to foam-cells with oxidized LDL increased MMP-14 and decreased TIMP-3 protein, independently of inflammatory mediators and partly through posttranscriptional mechanisms. Within atherosclerotic plaques, MMP-14 was prominent in foam-cells with either pro- or anti-inflammatory macrophage markers, whereas TIMP-3 was present in less foamy macrophages and colocalised with CD206. MMP-14 positive macrophages were more abundant whereas TIMP-3 positive macrophages were less abundant in plaques histologically designated as rupture prone. We conclude that foam-cells characterised by high MMP-14 and low TIMP-3 expression are prevalent in rupture-prone atherosclerotic plaques, independent of pro- or anti-inflammatory activation. Therefore reducing MMP-14 activity and increasing that of TIMP-3 could be valid therapeutic approaches to reduce plaque rupture and myocardial infarction.
Development and Validation of Stability Indicating Spectroscopic Method for Content Analysis of Ceftriaxone Sodium in Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Ethiraj Revathi , Thiruvengadam Ethiraj , Sampath Venkattapuram Saravanan , Vahid Abdul , Raj Jithin
Published: August 2014

A simple, selective, and stability indicating spectroscopic method has been selected and validated for the assay of ceftriaxone sodium in the powder for injection dosage forms. Proposed method is based on the measurement of absorbance of ceftriaxone sodium in aqueous medium at 241 nm. The method obeys Beer’s law in the range of 5–50 μg/mL with correlation coefficient of 0.9983. Apparent molar absorptivity and Sandell’s sensitivity were found to be2.046×103L mol−1 cm−1and 0.02732 μg/cm2/0.001 absorbance units. This study indicated that ceftriaxone sodium was degraded in acid medium and also underwent oxidative degradation. Percent relative standard deviation associated with all the validation parameters was less than 2, showing compliance with acceptance criteria of Q2 (R1), International Conference on Harmonization (2005) guidelines. Then the proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of ceftriaxone sodium in sterile preparation and results were comparable with reported methods.
Trapezoidal Intuitionistic Fuzzy Multiattribute Decision Making Method Based on Cumulative Prospect Theory and Dempster-Shafer Theory
Authors: Li Xihua , Wang Fuqiang , Chen Xiaohong
Published: August 2014

With respect to decision making problems under uncertainty, a trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy multiattribute decision making method based on cumulative prospect theory and Dempster-Shafer theory is developed. The proposed method reflects behavioral characteristics of decision makers, information fuzziness under uncertainty, and uncertain attribute weight information. Firstly, distance measurement and comparison rule of trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy numbers are used to derive value function under trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy environment. Secondly, the value function and decision weight function are used to calculate prospect values of attributes for each alternative. Then considering uncertain attribute weight information, Dempster-Shafer theory is used to aggregate prospect values for each alternative, and overall prospect values are obtained and thus the alternatives are sorted consequently. Finally, an illustrative example shows the feasibility of the proposed method.
Fujita Exponent for a Nonlinear Degenerate Parabolic Equation with Localized Source
Authors: Wang Yulan , Song Xiaojun , Ye Chao
Published: August 2014

This paper is devoted to understand the blow-up properties of reaction-diffusion equations which combine a localized reaction term with nonlinear diffusion. In particular, we study the critical exponent of ap-Laplacian equation with a localized reaction. We obtain the Fujita exponentqcof the equation.
Consequences of the Lack of CD73 and Prostatic Acid Phosphatase in the Lymphoid Organs
Authors: Yegutkin Gennady G. , Auvinen Kaisa , Karikoski Marika , Rantakari Pia , Gerke Heidi , Elima Kati , Maksimow Mikael , Quintero Ileana B. , Vihko Pirkko , Salmi Marko , Jalkanen Sirpa
Published: August 2014

CD73, ecto-5′-nucleotidase, is the key enzyme catalyzing the conversion of extracellular AMP to adenosine that controls vascular permeability and immunosuppression. Also prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) possesses ecto-5′-nucleotidase/AMPase activity and is present in leukocytes. However, its role related to immune system is unknown. Therefore, we analyzed enzymatic activities and leukocyte subtypes of CD73 and PAP knockouts and generated CD73/PAP double knockout mice to elucidate the contribution of CD73 and PAP to immunological parameters. Enzymatic assays confirmed the ability of recombinant human PAP to hydrolyze [3H]AMP, although at much lower rate than human CD73. Nevertheless, 5′-nucleotidase/AMPase activity in splenocytes and lymphocytes from PAP−/−mice tended to be lower than in wild-type controls, suggesting potential contribution of PAP, along with CD73, into lymphoid AMP metabolism ex vivo. Single knockouts had decreased number ofCD4+/CD25+/FoxP3+regulatory T cells in thymus and CD73/PAP double knockouts exhibited reduced percentages of CD4+cells in spleen, regulatory T cells in lymph nodes and thymus, and CD4+and CD8+cells in blood. These findings suggest that PAP has a synergistic role together with CD73 in the immune system by contributing to the balance of leukocyte subpopulations and especially to the number of regulatory T cells in lymph nodes and thymus.
The Burgers Equation for a New Continuum Model with Consideration of Driver’s Forecast Effect
Authors: Yu Lei , Zhou Bingchang
Published: August 2014

A new continuum model with consideration of driver’s forecast effect is obtained to study the density wave problem and the stop-and-go phenomena. The stability condition of the new model is derived by using linear analysis. The triangular shock wave, one type of density wave, which is determined by Burgers equation in the stable region, is discussed in great detail with reductive perturbation method. The local cluster appears when we perform the numerical simulations for the new model. It also proves that the driver’s forecast effect has the positive effect of reducing the local cluster.
Ruthenium(III) Catalysis in Perborate Oxidation of 5-Oxoacids
Authors: Shree Devi S. , Krishnamoorthy P. , Muthukumaran B.
Published: August 2014

Ruthenium(III) catalyzes perborate oxidation of substituted 5-oxoacids in acidic solution. The catalyzed oxidation is first order with respect to the oxidant and catalyst. The rate of ruthenium(III) catalyzed oxidation displays the Michaelis-Menten kinetics on the reductant and is independent of [H+] of the medium. Hydrogen peroxide is the reactive species of perborate and the kinetic results reveal formation of ruthenium(III) peroxo species-5-oxoacid complex. Electron-releasing substituents accelerate the reaction rate and electron-withdrawing substituents retard it. The order of reactivity among the studied 5-oxoacids is p-methoxy ≫  p-methyl > p-phenyl > −H > p-chloro > p-bromo > m-nitro. Activation parameters are evaluated using Arrhenius and Eyring’s plots. A mechanism consistent with the observed kinetic data is proposed and discussed. A suitable rate law is derived based on the mechanism.
A Web Tool for Age–Period–Cohort Analysis of Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates
Authors: Rosenberg Philip S. , Check David P. , Anderson William F.
Published: August 2014

Background: Age–period–cohort (APC) analysis can inform registry-based studies of cancer incidence and mortality, but concerns about statistical identifiability and interpretability, as well as the learning curves of statistical software packages, have limited its uptake.

Methods: We implemented a panel of easy-to-interpret estimable APC functions and corresponding Wald tests in R code that can be accessed through a user-friendly Web tool.

Results: Input data for the Web tool consist of age-specific numbers of events and person-years over time, in the form of a rate matrix of paired columns. Output functions include model-based estimators of cross-sectional and longitudinal age-specific rates, period and cohort rate ratios that incorporate the overall annual percentage change (net drift), and estimators of the age-specific annual percentage change (local drifts). The Web tool includes built-in examples for teaching and demonstration. User data can be input from a Microsoft Excel worksheet or by uploading a comma-separated–value file. Model outputs can be saved in a variety of formats, including R and Excel.

Conclusions: APC methodology can now be carried out through a freely available user-friendly Web tool. The tool can be accessed at http://analysistools.nci.nih.gov/apc/.

Impact: The Web tool can help cancer surveillance researchers make important discoveries about emerging cancer trends and patterns. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2296–302. ©2014 AACR.
p53 Expression as a Prognostic Factor in Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lee Joo Yong , Cho Kang Su , Diaz Richilda Red , Choi Young Deuk , Choi Hong Yong
Published: August 2014

Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis examining p53 expression as a potential risk factor in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUT-UC) and to systematically review the available data. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed from January 1991 to August 2012, using search engines such as PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and KoreaMed. All retrieved references were manually reviewed, and two authors independently extracted the data. The quality of case-control and cohort studies was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) checklists. Heterogeneity among studies was examined using the Q statistics and Higgins' I2 statistic. Results: Of 302 abstracts of original research studies, nine case-control trials fit our criteria for inclusion in the analysis. Of the nine articles included, four scored ‘low' and five scored ‘modest' in the quality assessment performed according to the SIGN checklists. Analysis of the correlation between different factors and p53 expression in UUT-UC showed that pathologic stage (≥pT3 or <pT3) differed significantly between the p53 and non-p53 groups (OR = 2.720, p < 0.001). Statistically significant correlations were also detected between p53 expression and histologic grade (OR = 4.507, p < 0.001) and female gender (OR = 2.724, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of our meta-analysis suggest that p53 expression in UUT-UC was correlated with advanced pathologic stage, high histologic grade and female gender.
Correlation between Collateral Ventilation and Interlobar Lung Fissures
Authors: Diso Daniele , Anile Marco , Carillo Carolina , Ruberto Franco , Patella Miriam , Russo Emanuele , Fraioli Francesco , De Giacomo Tiziano , Mantovani Sara , Rendina Erino , Venuta Federico
Published: August 2014

Background: New bronchoscopic techniques for end-stage emphysema treatment are nowadays available; the presence of interlobar collateral ventilation (CV) and interlobar lung fissures (ILF) is crucial for patient selection. Objectives: Assessment of these variables has been reported previously, but it has never been anatomically validated in vivo. This is the purpose of our study. Methods: Twenty-one patients undergoing lung resection for lung cancer were prospectively enrolled in this study. At operation, CV was assessed by the Chartis® catheter system. ILF completeness at high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was retrospectively reviewed. The ILF status at HRCT and at surgery was compared; furthermore, the relationship between CV and ILF status was assessed. Results: At HRCT, ILF were incomplete in 18 cases; at catheter evaluation, CV was present in 11 cases; 15 patients had incomplete ILF at operation. HRCT specificity, sensitivity and accuracy were 33, 93 and 76% compared with ILF status at surgery. HRCT accuracy was 90% on the right and 63% on the left. We demonstrated a high grade of probability of CV presence and incomplete ILF at surgery (odds ratio = 10.0). Conclusions: There is a correlation between ILF status and CV. Both catheter evaluation of CV and HRCT assessment of ILF show some limitations. However, the cumulative information provided by these techniques allows to reliably assess the anatomical ILF status.
Experience with Trabectedin in an Advanced Sarcoma Patient on Peritoneal Dialysis for End-Stage Renal Failure
Authors: Moe Maung Maung Myat , Fernandez Teruel Carlos , Soto-Matos Arturo
Published: August 2014

Background: We wanted to evaluate the impact of peritoneal dialysis on trabectedin therapy in terms of side effects, response and levels in the blood and dialysate of a patient on peritoneal dialysis for end-stage renal failure caused by previous ifosfamide therapy. This has not yet been reported in the medical literature. Methods: We measured the levels of trabectedin in the blood and peritoneal dialysate at different time points before and after the administration of a 3rd cycle of trabectedin (1.5 mg/m2 over 24 h). Toxicity from the treatment was recorded and the response status was evaluated on a CT scan after the 3rd and 6th cycles. Results: Serum creatinine clearance (Cockcroft-Gault formula) was 8.31 ml/min. The patient had a World Health Organization performance status score of ‘0' and did not suffer any significant side effects except for grade 2 anaemia. There was no difference in the plasma level of trabectedin just before and after a 3-hour session of peritoneal dialysis. The amount of trabectedin in the peritoneal dialysates was undetectable (limit of quantification: 25.9 pg/ml). The patient achieved stable disease after 3 cycles, and progressive disease was observed after 6 cycles on CT scan. Conclusion: Our patient did not suffer undue side effects from trabectedin, and peritoneal dialysis did not appear to have an impact on the clearance of the drug.
The BODE Index, a Multidimensional Grading System, Reflects Impairment of Right Ventricle Functions in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Speckle-Tracking Study
Authors: Gökdeniz Tayyar , Kalaycıoğlu Ezgi , Boyacı Faruk , Aykan Ahmet Çağrı , Gürsoy Mustafa Ozan , Hatem Engin , Börekçi Abdurrezak , Karabag Yavuz , Altun Selma
Published: August 2014

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not only characterized by chronic airflow limitation, but is also a systemic disease. There is no information about alterations in right ventricle (RV) functions precipitated by systemic manifestations of COPD. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity) index that evaluates systemic manifestations of COPD and RV functions by means of 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in COPD patients. Methods: The study involved 135 COPD patients and 37 control subjects. All patients underwent 2D-STE, pulmonary function tests and 6-min walk tests, and were divided into quartiles according to their calculated BODE index score. Results: COPD patients had impaired RV and left-ventricle diastolic functions compared to controls. There was a decreasing trend from quartile 1 (Q1) to Q4 in RV functional parameters, i.e. RV free wall strain (RVFW-S, p < 0.001), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (p < 0.001), systolic myocardial velocity (p < 0.001), RV fractional area change (p < 0.001), RV myocardial performance index (p < 0.001) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (p < 0.001). The transmitral Doppler E wave/lateral mitral annular tissue Doppler E wave ratio was similar in the 4 BODE index quartiles (p = 0.159). Multivariate analysis was performed to find independent predictors of decreased RVFW-S (≤19.06), and the BODE index (in quartiles; OR 4.61 and 95% CI 1.85-11.63) was found to be an independent predictor. In a partial correlation analysis adjusted for forced expiratory volume in 1s % predicted, RVFW-S was correlated with the 6-min walk distance (r = 0.498). Conclusion: The BODE index, which can be easily evaluated in office settings, may provide information about reduced RV functions as well as guiding treatment and helping to predict prognosis in COPD patients.
Imaging Body Fat
Authors: Wang H. , Chen Y.E. , Eitzman Daniel T.
Published: August 2014

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and is associated with multiple comorbidities. The mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and adverse health outcomes remain poorly understood. This may be because of several factors including the crude measures used to estimate adiposity, the striking heterogeneity between adipose tissue depots, and the influence of fat accumulation in multiple organs. To advance our understanding of fat stores and associated comorbidities in humans, it will be necessary to image adiposity throughout the body and ultimately also assess its functionality. Large clinical studies are demonstrating the prognostic importance of adipose tissue imaging. Newer techniques capable of imaging fat metabolism and other functions of adipose tissue may provide additional prognostic use and may be useful in guiding therapeutic interventions.
Gestational Loss and Growth Restriction by Angiogenic Defects in Placental Growth Factor Transgenic Mice
Authors: Kang Min-cheol , Park Seo Jin , Kim Hei Jung , Lee Jinhee , Yu Dong Hoon , Bae Ki Beom , Ji Young Rae , Park Si Jun , Jeong Jain , Jang Woo Young , Kim Jung-Hak , Choi Myung-Sook , Lee Dong-Seok , Lee Hyun-Shik , Lee Sanggyu , Kim Sung Hyun , Kim Myoung Ok , Park Gyeongsin , Choo Yeon Sik , Cho Je-Yoel , Ryoo Zae Young
Published: August 2014

Objective—

Angiogenesis is an important biological process during development, reproduction, and in immune responses. Placental growth factor (PlGF) is a member of vascular endothelial growth factor that is critical for angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. We generated transgenic mice overexpressing PlGF in specifically T cells using the human CD2-promoter to investigate the effects of PlGF overexpression.

Approach and Results—

Transgenic mice were difficult to obtain owing to high lethality; for this reason, we investigated why gestational loss occurred in these transgenic mice. Here, we report that placenta detachment and inhibition of angiogenesis occurred in PlGF transgenic mice during the gestational period. Moreover, even when transgenic mice were born, their growth was restricted.

Conclusions—

Conclusively, PlGF overexpression prevents angiogenesis by inhibiting Braf, extracellular signal–regulated kinase activation, and downregulation of HIF-1α in the mouse placenta. Furthermore, it affected regulatory T cells, which are important for maintenance of pregnancy.
Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase B Regulates Angiogenesis Through Modulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Type 2 and Endothelial Adherens Junction Proteins
Authors: Feng Yuxi , Gross Shalini , Wolf Nadine M. , Butenschön Vicki M. , Qiu Yi , Devraj Kavi , Liebner Stefan , Kroll Jens , Skolnik Edward Y. , Hammes Hans-Peter , Wieland Thomas
Published: August 2014

Objective—

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase B (NDPKB) participates in the activation of heterotrimeric and monomeric G proteins, which are pivotal mediators in angiogenic signaling. The role of NDPKB in angiogenesis has to date not been defined. Therefore, we analyzed the contribution of NDPKB to angiogenesis and its underlying mechanisms in well-characterized in vivo and in vitro models.

Approach and Results—

Zebrafish embryos were depleted of NDPKB by morpholino-mediated knockdown. These larvae displayed severe malformations specifically in vessels formed by angiogenesis. NDPKB-deficient (NDPKB
−/−
) mice were subjected to oxygen-induced retinopathy. In this model, the number of preretinal neovascularizations in NDPKB
−/−
mice was strongly reduced in comparison with wild-type littermates. In accordance, a delayed blood flow recovery was detected in the NDPKB
−/−
mice after hindlimb ligation. In in vitro studies, a small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of NDPKB was performed in human umbilical endothelial cells. NDPKB depletion impaired vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–induced sprouting and hampered the VEGF-induced spatial redistributions of the VEGF receptor type 2 and VE-cadherin at the plasma membrane. Concomitantly, NDPKB depletion increased the permeability of the human umbilical endothelial cell monolayer.

Conclusions—

This is the first report to show that NDPKB is required for VEGF-induced angiogenesis and contributes to the correct localization of VEGF receptor type 2 and VE-cadherin at the endothelial adherens junctions. Therefore, our data identify NDPKB as a novel molecular target to modulate VEGF-dependent angiogenesis.
Tailored Atrial Substrate Modification Based on Low-Voltage Areas in Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Rolf Sascha , Kircher Simon , Arya Arash , Eitel Charlotte , Sommer Philipp , Richter Sergio , Gaspar Thomas , Bollmann Andreas , Altmann David , Piedra Carlos , Hindricks Gerhard , Piorkowski Christopher
Published: August 2014

Background—

Reduced electrogram amplitude has been shown to correlate with diseased myocardium. We describe a novel individualized approach for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) based on low-voltage areas (LVAs) in the left atrium (LA). We sought to assess (1) the incidence of LVAs in patients undergoing AF catheter ablation, (2) the distribution of LVAs within the LA, and (3) the effect of an individualized ablation strategy on long-term rhythm outcomes.

Methods and Results—

In 178 patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF, LA voltage maps were created during sinus rhythm after circumferential pulmonary vein isolation. Subsequent substrate modification was confined to the presence of LVA (<0.5 mV) and inducible regular atrial tachycardias. LVAs were identified in 35% and 10% of patients with persistent and paroxysmal AF, respectively. The LA roof and the anterior, septal, and posterior wall LA were most often affected. The 12-month atrial tachycardias/AF-free survival was 62% for patients without LVAs and 70% for patients with LVAs and tailored substrate modification (
P
=0.3). Success rate in a comparison group of 26 LVA patients without further substrate modification was 27%.

Conclusions—

LVAs can be found at preferred sites in 10% of patients with paroxysmal AF and in 35% of patients with persistent AF. This is the first clinical report describing a consistent voltage-based approach for substrate modification in addition to circumferential pulmonary vein isolation irrespective of AF type. Application of this limited individualized approach may have the potential to compensate for the impaired 12-month outcome of patients with endocardial structural defects.