bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a ward round pro-forma to improve adherence to best practice guidelines
Authors: Boland Xavier
Published: February 2015

Our aim was firstly to assess adherence to best practice guidelines for the prevention of healthcare associated causes of inpatient mortality and morbidity by junior doctors. Secondly, we wanted to measure the impact of a ward round checklist on rates of adherence.

The rates of correct prescribing of antibiotics, venous thrombo-embolism prophylaxis, and oxygen (pro re nata) as well as correctly completed paperwork for peripheral venous cannulas were measured in a spot audit of all medical notes of patients on a medical assessment unit. This was repeated two weeks and two months after the introduction of a specifically designed ward round checklist for junior doctors.

Initial audit of 40 patient notes confirmed generally poor compliance with best practice guidelines in the prescription of antibiotics (58% correctly prescribed) and oxygen (42%), and in the use cannula care plans (39%). Venous thrombo-embolism prophylaxis prescribing on the other hand was widespread (82%). The introduction and extensive use of the ward round checklist did not have a significant impact on these figures as shown in the two following stop audits (30 and 36 notes respectively).

Checklists are helpful in providing a structured and systematic approach to complex tasks and have been shown to have a measurable impact in improving patient care. Their effectiveness is however limited by their uptake and regular correct use. Obstructing issues include poor understanding of the need for change in practice, lack of individual accountability and variable involvement of clinical leaders. These issues must be addressed together in order to effect a successful change in clinical practice.
Predictors of response to TNF antagonists in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Maneiro Jose Ramon , Souto Alejandro , Salgado Eva , Mera Antonio , Gomez-Reino Juan J
Published: February 2015

Objective

To identify predictors of response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials and observational studies based on a systematic search. Meta-analyses of similar observations were performed using random effects computing summary OR. Heterogeneity was tested using I2, and risks of bias using funnel plots and the Egger test. Meta-regression was used to explore causes of heterogeneity.

Results

The electronic search captured 1340 references and 217 abstracts. 17 additional articles were identified after searching by hand. A total of 59 articles meet the purpose of the study and were reviewed. 37 articles (33 studies) included 6736 patients with AS and 23 articles (22 studies) included 4034 patients with PsA. 1 article included data on AS and PsA. Age (OR (95% CI) 0.91 (0.84 to 0.99), I2=84.1%), gender (1.57 (1.10 to 2.25), I2=0.0%), baseline BASDAI (1.31 (1.09 to 1.57), I2=0.0%), baseline BASFI (0.86 (0.79 to 0.93), I2=24.9%), baseline dichotomous C reactive protein (CRP) (2.14 (1.71 to 2.68), I2=22.3%) and human leucocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) (1.81 (1.35 to 2.42), I2=0.0%) predict BASDAI50 response in AS. No factor was identified as a source of heterogeneity. Only meta-analysis of baseline BASFI showed risk of publication bias (Egger test, p=0.004). Similar results were found for ASAS criteria response. No predictors of response were identified in PsA.

Conclusions

Young age, male sex, high baseline BASDAI, low baseline BASFI, high baseline CRP and HLA-B27 predict better response to TNF antagonists in AS but not in PsA.
Non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis: where are we now and where do we need to go?
Authors: Buttgereit Frank , Burmester Gerd-Rüdiger , Bijlsma Johannes W J
Published: February 2015

After the successful treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases with targeted therapies, the greatest challenge in rheumatic diseases remains the treatment of the most common chronic joint disorder, osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects the knee, with an age-standardised and sex-standardised incidence of 240 per 100.000 person-years. With the aging of the population and rising obesity throughout the world, it is anticipated that the burden of OA will increase and become a major problem for health systems globally. Given this background, proper guidance on the management of OA is needed. This issue has been addressed over recent months in updated guidelines or recommendations detailing three treatment modalities: non-pharmacological, pharmacological and surgical. It should be noted, that OA is not a uniform disease entity. In some patients, progression of the disease seems to be driven by cartilage factors, in others by bone factors or by inflammatory factors. Ongoing research aims to identify potential biomarkers for these different forms of OA. Research is also underway into disease modifying OA drugs (DMOADs) that target different aspects of the disease, treatments for OA pain, and cell-based therapies.
Comparison between echocardiographic and non‐ECG‐gated CT measurements in dogs
Authors: Laborda‐Vidal P. , Maddox T. W. , Navarro‐Cubas X. , Dukes‐McEwan J. , McConnell J. F.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to compare echocardiographic measurements with non‐ECG‐gated contrast‐enhanced cardiac CT measurements in dogs. Fifty‐seven dogs were included in the study. The following echocardiographic parameters were measured: M‐mode interventricular septum in diastole and systole, left ventricular internal diameter in diastole and systole, left ventricular free wall in diastole and systole, 2D left atrial maximal diameter, 2D left atrium to aorta ratio in diastole, 2D aortic annulus in systole and 2D pulmonary annulus in diastole and systole. CT measurements were obtained from multiplanar reconstruction images, replicating the imaging planes used for 2D measurements on echocardiography. It was not possible to discriminate between systole and diastole. The results showed moderate Lin's concordance correlation coefficients between the left ventricular internal diameter in systole (0.77), the aortic annuli (0.84) and the pulmonary annuli in diastole (0.78) and systole (0.80). Low coefficients were obtained between the other parameters. Bland‐Altman plots for the parameters with highest concordance correlation coefficients were calculated. They suggested equivalence between the measurements of the aortic annuli. Equivalence was not seen between the remaining echocardiographic and CT measurements. Therefore, non‐ECG‐gated CT is not a reliable way of quantitatively assessing cardiac size.
Leaf colleters in Tabernaemontana catharinensis (Apocynaceae, Rauvolfioideae): structure, ontogenesis, and cellular secretion
Authors: Canaveze Yve , Machado Silvia Rodrigues
Published: February 2015

Colleters, which are glands that produce sticky secretion, have ecological and taxonomic relevance in Apocynaceae. We studied the distribution, morphology, ontogenesis, and cellular secretions of leaf colleters in Tabernaemontana catharinensis A.DC. Samples from mature embryos, seedlings, and plants were processed according to usual methods for anatomical, histochemical, and ultrastructural analyses. Colleters are non-vascularized emergences that occur on the adaxial face of expanded cotyledons, eophylls, and metaphylls and at the intrapetiolar and interpetiolar positions. Standard, bifurcate, trifurcate, and sessile colleters were found, and these glands did not differ in their ontogenesis, histochemistry, or histological composition. Golgi bodies, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and plastids filled with oil droplets were the predominant organelles in the epithelial cells. Mucilage accumulated in large periplasmic spaces, traversed the outer cell wall and the permeable cuticle, which remained intact. Senescent epithelial cells were characterized by signs of cell plasmolysis, organelle degradation, membrane vesiculation, and ruptured tonoplast. Ultrastructural changes in the cell wall strengthen the argument for the involvement of this cellular compartment in the exudates’ exit. We provide the first report of the occurrence of different types of colleters in a Rauvolfioideae member. Our ontogenetic data support the hypothesis that morphological variants are deviations from the standard type.
Improvement of the agronomic traits of a wheat–barley centric fusion by introgressing the 3HS.3BL translocation into a modern wheat cultivar
Authors: Türkösi Edina , Farkas András , Aranyi Nikolett Réka , Hoffmann Borbála , Tóth Viola , Molnár-Láng Márta
Published: February 2015

The 3HS.3BL spontaneous Robertsonian translocation obtained from the progenies of wheat–barley (Chinese Spring × Betzes) hybrids backcrossed with wheat line Mv9kr1 was transferred into the modern Martonvásár wheat cultivar Mv Bodri. The translocation was identified with molecular cytogenetic methods. The inheritance of the translocation was traced using genomic in situ hybridization. Fluorescence in situ hybridization using barley subtelomeric (HvT01) and centromere-specific [(AGGGAG)4] repetitive DNA probes confirmed that the complete barley chromosome arm was involved in the Robertsonian translocation. The wheat-specific repetitive DNA probes identified the presence of the whole wheat genome, except the short arm of the 3B chromosome. Genotypes homozygous for the centric fusion were selected, after which morphological analysis was performed on the plants and the yield components were measured in the field during two consecutive vegetative seasons. The introgression of the 3HS.3BL translocation into the modern wheat cultivar Mv Bodri significantly reduced the plant height due to the incorporation of the dwarfing allele RhtD1b. The presence of the 3HS.3BL translocation in the Mv9kr1 and Mv Bodri wheat background improved tillering and seeds per plant productivity in field experiments carried out in Martonvásár and Keszthely, Hungary.
miR-9 enhances the transactivation of nuclear factor of activated T cells by targeting KPNB1 and DYRK1B
Authors: Zeng Yan , Wang Yuna , Wu Zhiqin , Kang Kang , Peng Xiao , Peng Wenda , Qu Junle , Liu Lin , Raj J. Usha , Gou Deming
Published: February 2015

The fast response to stimuli and subsequent activation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling pathway play an essential role in human T cell functions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly implicated in regulation of numerous biological and pathological processes. In this study we demonstrate a novel function of miRNA-9 (miR-9) in regulation of the NFAT signaling pathway. Upon PMA-ionomycin stimulation, miR-9 was markedly increased, consistent with NFAT activation. Overexpression of miR-9 significantly enhanced NFAT activity and accelerated NFAT dephosphorylation and its nuclear translocation in response to PMA-ionomycin. Karyopherin-β1 (KPNB1, a nucleocytoplasmic transporter) and dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1B (DYRK1B) were identified as direct targets of miR-9. Functionally, miR-9 promoted IL-2 production in stimulated human lymphocyte Jurkat T cells. Collectively, our data reveal a novel role for miR-9 in regulation of the NFAT pathway by targeting KPNB1 and DYRK1B.
Opposite effects of hyperoxia on mitochondrial and contractile efficiency in human quadriceps muscles
Authors: Layec Gwenael , Bringard Aurélien , Le Fur Yann , Micallef Jean-Paul , Vilmen Christophe , Perrey Stéphane , Cozzone Patrick J. , Bendahan David
Published: February 2015

Exercise efficiency is an important determinant of exercise capacity. However, little is known about the physiological factors that can modulate muscle efficiency during exercise. We examined whether improved O2availability would 1) impair mitochondrial efficiency and shift the energy production toward aerobic ATP synthesis and 2) reduce the ATP cost of dynamic contraction owing to an improved neuromuscular efficiency, such that 3) whole body O2cost would remain unchanged. We used31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, surface electromyography, and pulmonary O2consumption (V̇o2p) measurements in eight active subjects during 6 min of dynamic knee-extension exercise under different fractions of inspired O2(FiO2, 0.21 in normoxia and 1.0 in hyperoxia). V̇o2p(755 ± 111 ml/min in normoxia and 799 ± 188 ml/min in hyperoxia, P > 0.05) and O2cost ( P > 0.05) were not significantly different between normoxia and hyperoxia. In contrast, the total ATP synthesis rate and the ATP cost of dynamic contraction were significantly lower in hyperoxia than normoxia ( P < 0.05). As a result, the ratio of the rate of oxidative ATP synthesis from the quadriceps to V̇o2pwas lower in hyperoxia than normoxia but did not reach statistical significance (16 ± 3 mM/ml in normoxia and 12 ± 5 mM/ml in hyperoxia, P = 0.07). Together, these findings reveal dynamic and independent regulations of mitochondrial and contractile efficiency as a consequence of O2availability in young active individuals. Furthermore, muscle efficiency appears to be already optimized in normoxia and is unlikely to contribute to the well-established improvement in exercise capacity induced by hyperoxia.
Glycemic state regulates melanocortin, but not nesfatin-1, responsiveness of glucose-sensing neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract
Authors: Mimee Andrea , Ferguson Alastair V.
Published: February 2015

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is a medullary integrative center with critical roles in the coordinated control of energy homeostasis. Here, we used whole cell current-clamp recordings on rat NTS neurons in slice preparation to identify the presence of physiologically relevant glucose-sensing neurons. The majority of NTS neurons ( n = 81) were found to be glucose-responsive, with 35% exhibiting a glucose-excited (GE) phenotype (mean absolute change in membrane potential: 9.5 ± 1.1 mV), and 21% exhibiting a glucose-inhibited (GI) response (mean: 6.3 ± 0.7 mV). Furthermore, we found glucose-responsive cells are preferentially influenced by the anorexigenic peptide α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), but not nesfatin-1. Accordingly, alterations in glycemic state have profound effects on the responsiveness of NTS neurons to α-MSH, but not to nesfatin-1. Indeed, NTS neurons showed increasing responsiveness to α-MSH as extracellular glucose concentrations were decreased, and in hypoglycemic conditions, all NTS neurons were depolarized by α-MSH (mean 10.6 ± 3.2 mV; n = 8). Finally, decreasing levels of extracellular glucose correlated with a significant hyperpolarization of the baseline membrane potential of NTS neurons, highlighting the modulatory effect of glucose on the baseline excitability of cells in this region. Our findings reveal individual NTS cells are capable of integrating multiple sources of metabolically relevant inputs, highlight the rapid capacity for plasticity in medullary melanocortin circuits, and emphasize the critical importance of physiological recording conditions for electrophysiological studies pertaining to the central control of energy homeostasis.
Higher filtration fraction in formerly early-onset preeclamptic women without comorbidity
Authors: Toering Tsjitske J. , van der Graaf Anne Marijn , Visser Folkert W. , Groen Henk , Faas Marijke M. , Navis Gerjan , Lely A. Titia
Published: February 2015

Formerly preeclamptic women have an increased risk for developing end-stage renal disease, which has been attributed to altered renal hemodynamics and abnormalities in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Whether this is due to preeclampsia itself or to comorbid conditions is unknown. Renal hemodynamics and responsiveness to ANG II during low Na+intake (7 days, 50 mmol Na+/24 h) and high Na+(HS) intake (7 days, 200 mmol Na+/24 h) were studied in 18 healthy normotensive formerly early-onset preeclamptic women (fPE women) and 18 healthy control subjects (fHP women), all selected for absence of comorbidity. At the end of each diet, renal hemodynamics and blood pressure were measured before and during graded ANG II infusion. Both HS intake and former preeclampsia increased filtration fraction (FF) without an interaction between the two. FF was highest during HS intake in fPE women [0.31 ± 0.12 vs. 0.29 ± 0.11 in fHP women, generalized estimating equation analysis (body mass index corrected), P = 0.03]. The renal response to ANG II infusion was not different between groups. In conclusion, fPE women have a higher FF compared with fHP women. As this was observed in the absence of comorbidity, preeclampsia itself might exert long-term effects on renal hemodynamics. However, we cannot exclude the presence of prepregnancy alterations in renal function, which, in itself, lead to an increased risk for preeclampsia. In experimental studies, an elevated FF has been shown to play a pathogenic role in the development of hypertension and renal damage. Future studies, however, should evaluate whether the subtle differences in renal hemodynamics after preeclampsia contribute to the increased long-term renal risk after preeclampsia.
Disruption of the cytochromeP-450 1B1 gene exacerbates renal dysfunction and damage associated with angiotensin II-induced hypertension in female mice
Authors: Jennings Brett L. , Moore Joseph A. , Pingili Ajeeth K. , Estes Anne M. , Fang Xiao R. , Kanu Alie , Gonzalez Frank J. , Malik Kafait U.
Published: February 2015

Recently, we demonstrated in female mice that protection against ANG II-induced hypertension and associated cardiovascular changes depend on cytochrome P-450 (CYP)1B1. The present study was conducted to determine if Cyp1b1 gene disruption ameliorates renal dysfunction and organ damage associated with ANG II-induced hypertension in female mice. ANG II (700 ng·kg−1·min−1) infused by miniosmotic pumps for 2 wk in female Cyp1b1+/+mice did not alter water consumption, urine output, Na+excretion, osmolality, or protein excretion. However, in Cyp1b1−/−mice, ANG II infusion significantly increased ( P < 0.05) water intake (5.50 ± 0.42 ml/24 h with vehicle vs. 8.80 ± 0.60 ml/24 h with ANG II), urine output (1.44 ± 0.37 ml/24 h with vehicle vs. 4.30 ± 0.37 ml/24 h with ANG II), and urinary Na+excretion (0.031 ± 0.016 mmol/24 h with vehicle vs. 0.099 ± 0.010 mmol/24 h with ANG II), decreased osmolality (2,630 ± 79 mosM/kg with vehicle vs. 1,280 ± 205 mosM/kg with ANG II), and caused proteinuria (2.60 ± 0.30 mg/24 h with vehicle vs. 6.96 ± 0.55 mg/24 h with ANG II). Infusion of ANG II caused renal fibrosis, as indicated by an accumulation of renal interstitial α-smooth muscle actin, collagen, and transforming growth factor-β in Cyp1b1−/−but not Cyp1b1+/+mice. ANG II also increased renal production of ROS and urinary excretion of thiobarburic acid-reactive substances and reduced the activity of antioxidants and urinary excretion of nitrite/nitrate and the 17β-estradiol metabolite 2-methoxyestradiol in Cyp1b1−/−but not Cyp1b1+/+mice. These data suggest that Cyp1b1 plays a critical role in female mice in protecting against renal dysfunction and end-organ damage associated with ANG II-induced hypertension, in preventing oxidative stress, and in increasing activity of antioxidant systems, most likely via generation of 2-methoxyestradiol from 17β-estradiol.
Infraslow EEG activity modulates cortical excitability in postanoxic encephalopathy
Authors: van Putten Michel J. A. M. , Tjepkema-Cloostermans Marleen C. , Hofmeijer Jeannette
Published: February 2015

Infraslow activity represents an important component of physiological and pathological brain function. We study infraslow activity (<0.1 Hz) in 41 patients with postanoxic coma after cardiac arrest, including the relationship between infraslow activity and EEG power in the 3–30 Hz range, using continuous full-band scalp EEG. In all patients, infraslow activity (0.015–0.06 Hz) was present, irrespective of neurological outcome or EEG activity in the conventional frequency bands. In two patients, low-amplitude (10–30 μV) infraslow activity was present while the EEG showed no rhythmic activity above 0.5 Hz. In 13/15 patients with a good outcome and 20/26 patients with a poor one, EEG power in the 3–30 Hz frequency range was correlated with the phase of infraslow activity, quantified by the modulation index. In 9/14 patients with burst-suppression with identical bursts, bursts appeared in clusters, phase-locked to the infraslow oscillations. This is substantiated by a simulation of burst-suppression in a minimal computational model. Infraslow activity is preserved in postanoxic encephalopathy and modulates cortical excitability. The strongest modulation is observed in patients with severe postanoxic encephalopathy and burst-suppression with identical bursts.
Radiofrequency signal affects alpha band in resting electroencephalogram
Authors: Ghosn Rania , Yahia-Cherif Lydia , Hugueville Laurent , Ducorps Antoine , Lemaréchal Jean-Didier , Thuróczy György , de Seze René , Selmaoui Brahim
Published: February 2015

The aim of the present work was to investigate the effects of the radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on human resting EEG with a control of some parameters that are known to affect alpha band, such as electrode impedance, salivary cortisol, and caffeine. Eyes-open and eyes-closed resting EEG data were recorded in 26 healthy young subjects under two conditions: sham exposure and real exposure in double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover design. Spectral power of EEG rhythms was calculated for the alpha band (8–12 Hz). Saliva samples were collected before and after the study. Salivary cortisol and caffeine were assessed by ELISA and HPLC, respectively. The electrode impedance was recorded at the beginning of each run. Compared with the sham session, the exposure session showed a statistically significant ( P < 0.0001) decrease of the alpha band spectral power during closed-eyes condition. This effect persisted in the postexposure session ( P < 0.0001). No significant changes were detected in electrode impedance, salivary cortisol, and caffeine in the sham session compared with the exposure one. These results suggest that GSM-EMFs of a mobile phone affect the alpha band within spectral power of resting human EEG.
Delineation of a frequency-organized region isolated from the mouse primary auditory cortex
Authors: Tsukano Hiroaki , Horie Masao , Bo Takeshi , Uchimura Arikuni , Hishida Ryuichi , Kudoh Masaharu , Takahashi Kuniyuki , Takebayashi Hirohide , Shibuki Katsuei
Published: February 2015

The primary auditory cortex (AI) is the representative recipient of information from the ears in the mammalian cortex. However, the delineation of the AI is still controversial in a mouse. Recently, it was reported, using optical imaging, that two distinct areas of the AI, located ventrally and dorsally, are activated by high-frequency tones, whereas only one area is activated by low-frequency tones. Here, we show that the dorsal high-frequency area is an independent region that is separated from the rest of the AI. We could visualize the two distinct high-frequency areas using flavoprotein fluorescence imaging, as reported previously. SMI-32 immunolabeling revealed that the dorsal region had a different cytoarchitectural pattern from the rest of the AI. Specifically, the ratio of SMI-32-positive pyramidal neurons to nonpyramidal neurons was larger in the dorsal high-frequency area than the rest of the AI. We named this new region the dorsomedial field (DM). Retrograde tracing showed that neurons projecting to the DM were localized in the rostral part of the ventral division of the medial geniculate body with a distinct frequency organization, where few neurons projected to the AI. Furthermore, the responses of the DM to ultrasonic courtship songs presented by males were significantly greater in females than in males; in contrast, there was no sex difference in response to artificial pure tones. Our findings offer a basic outline on the processing of ultrasonic vocal information on the basis of the precisely subdivided, multiple frequency-organized auditory cortex map in mice.
Hyperactivity in the medial olivocochlear efferent system is a common feature of tinnitus and hyperacusis in humans
Authors: Sturm Joshua J. , Weisz Catherine J. C.
Published: February 2015

Tinnitus and hyperacusis are common, burdensome sources of morbidity with a high rate of co-occurrence. Knudson et al. ( J Neurophysiol 112: 3197–3208, 2014) demonstrated that efferent suppression of cochlear activity by the medial olivocochlear system is enhanced in individuals with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis. Their findings stress that atypical activity in the efferent auditory pathway may represent a shared substrate, as well as a potential therapeutic target, in tinnitus and hyperacusis.
Multimodality Functional Imaging in Radiation Therapy Planning: Relationships between Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI, Diffusion-Weighted MRI, and 18F-FDG PET
Authors: Mera Iglesias Moisés , Aramburu Núñez David , del Olmo Claudio José Luis , López Medina Antonio , Landesa-Vázquez Iago , Salvador Gómez Francisco , Driscoll Brandon , Coolens Catherine , Alba Castro José L. , Muñoz Victor
Published: February 2015

Objectives. Biologically guided radiotherapy needs an understanding of how different functional imaging techniques interact and link together. We analyse three functional imaging techniques that can be useful tools for achieving this objective.Materials and Methods. The three different imaging modalities from one selected patient are ADC maps, DCE-MRI, and 18F-FDG PET/CT, because they are widely used and give a great amount of complementary information. We show the relationship between these three datasets and evaluate them as markers for tumour response or hypoxia marker. Thus, vascularization measured using DCE-MRI parameters can determine tumour hypoxia, and ADC maps can be used for evaluating tumour response.Results. ADC and DCE-MRI include information from 18F-FDG, as glucose metabolism is associated with hypoxia and tumour cell density, although 18F-FDG includes more information about the malignancy of the tumour. The main disadvantage of ADC maps is the distortion, and we used only low distorted regions, and extracellular volume calculated from DCE-MRI can be considered equivalent to ADC in well-vascularized areas.Conclusion. A dataset for achieving the biologically guided radiotherapy must include a tumour density study and a hypoxia marker. This information can be achieved using only MRI data or only PET/CT studies or mixing both datasets.
Development of a Nonlinear k-ε Model Incorporating Strain and Rotation Parameters for Prediction of Complex Turbulent Flows
Authors: Ali Md. Shahjahan , Hosoda Takashi , Kimura Ichiro
Published: February 2015

The standard k-ε model has the deficiency of predicting swirling and vortical flows due to its isotropic assumption of eddy viscosity. In this study, a second-order nonlinear k-ε model is developed incorporating some new functions for the model coefficients to explore the models applicability to complex turbulent flows. Considering the realizability principle, the coefficient of eddy viscosity (cμ) is derived as a function of strain and rotation parameters. The coefficients of nonlinear quadratic term are estimated considering the anisotropy of turbulence in a simple shear layer. Analytical solutions for the fundamental properties of swirl jet are derived based on the nonlinear k-ε model, and the values of model constants are determined by tuning their values for the best-fitted comparison with the experiments. The model performance is examined for two test cases: (i) for an ideal vortex (Stuart vortex), the basic equations are solved numerically to predict the turbulent structures at the vortex center and the (ii) unsteady 3D simulation is carried out to calculate the flow field of a compound channel. It is observed that the proposed nonlinear k-ε model can successfully predict the turbulent structures at vortex center, while the standard k-ε model fails. The model is found to be capable of accounting the effect of transverse momentum transfer in the compound channel through generating the horizontal vortices at the interface.
Scheduling Jobs Families with Learning Effect on the Setup
Authors: Fichera Sergio , Costa Antonio , Cappadonna Fulvio
Published: February 2015

The present paper aims to address the flow-shop sequence-dependent group scheduling problem with learning effect (FSDGSLE). The objective function to be minimized is the total completion time, that is, the makespan. The workers are required to carry out manually the set-up operations on each group to be loaded on the generic machine. The operators skills improve over time due to the learning effects; therefore the set-up time of a group under learning effect decreases depending on the order the group is worked in. In order to effectively cope with the issue at hand, a mathematical model and a hybrid metaheuristic procedure integrating features from genetic algorithms (GA) have been developed. A well-known problem benchmark risen from literature, made by two-, three- and six-machine instances, has been taken as reference for assessing performances of such approach against the two most recent algorithms presented by literature on the FSDGS issue. The obtained results, also supported by a properly developed ANOVA analysis, demonstrate the superiority of the proposed hybrid metaheuristic in tackling the FSDGSLE problem under investigation.
On Traces in Some Analytic Spaces in Bounded Strictly Pseudoconvex Domains
Authors: Shamoyan Romi F. , Mihić Olivera R.
Published: February 2015

New sharp estimates of traces of Bergman type spaces of analytic functions in bounded strictly pseudoconvex domains are obtained. These are, as far as we know, the first results of this type which are valid for any bounded strictly pseudoconvex domains with smooth boundary.
Perineal Urethrostomy: Surgical and Functional Evaluation of Two Techniques
Authors: Lumen Nicolaas , Beysens Matthias , Van Praet Charles , Decaestecker Karel , Spinoit Anne-Francoise , Hoebeke Piet , Oosterlinck Willem
Published: February 2015

Introduction. PU is an option to manage complex and/or recurrent urethral strictures and is necessary after urethrectomy and/or penectomy. PU is generally assumed to be the last option before abandoning the urethral outlet.Methods. Between 2001 and 2013, 51 patients underwent PU. Mean age (± standard deviation) was60±15years. Only 13 patients (25.5%) did not undergo previous urethral interventions. PU was performed according to the Johanson(n=35)or Blandy(n=16)technique and these 2 groups were compared for surgical failure, maximum urinary flow (Qmax), urinary symptoms, and quality of life (according to the International Prostate Symptom Score).Results. Both groups were similar for patient’s and stricture characteristics. Only follow-up duration was significantly longer after Johanson PU (47.9 months versus 11.1 months;P=0.003). For the entire cohort, 11 patients (21.6%) were considered a failure (9 or 25.7% for Johanson group and 2 or 12.5% for Blandy group;P=0.248). There was a significant improvement ofQmaxin both groups. Quality of life after PU was comparable in both groups.Conclusions. PU is associated with a 21.6% recurrence rate and the patient should be informed about this risk.
Impact of Dietaryα-Lipoic Acid on Antioxidant Potential of Broiler Thigh Meat
Authors: Khan Muhammad Issa , Shehzad Komal , Arshad Muhammad Sajid , Sahar Amna , Shabbir Muhammad Asim , Saeed Muhammad
Published: February 2015

The lipid oxidation depressed the meat quality and can be triggered during industrial processing. The current study was designed to assess the antioxidant activity of thigh meat and meat products enriched with natural antioxidants (α-lipoic acid andα-tocopherol acetate). Broilers (21 days) were fed on feed supplemented with varyingα-lipoic acid and constant concentration ofα-tocopherol acetate for 3 weeks. Birds were slaughtered at the age of 42 days and meat samples were collected and stored for further analysis and product preparation. TPC and DPPH value indicated that meat of broilers receiving 100 mg ofα-lipoic acid with 200 mg ofα-tocopherol acetate/kg of feed possessed the highest antioxidant activity. TBARS and peroxides values were found to be lower for meat of broilers fed on different levels ofα-lipoic acid. The antioxidants (lipoic acid and tocopherol) enrichment in meat helps to reduce PUFAs. A similar lipid stability trend was observed in nuggets prepared from broiler thigh meat and maximum sensory evaluation scores for nuggets prepared from thigh meat of broilers having the highest dose of lipoic acid. The lipoic acid supplementation in feed enhances the antioxidant capacity of thigh meat and meat products.
Renoprotective Effects ofVitex megapotamica(Spreng.) Moldenke in C57BL/6 LDLr-Null Mice Undergoing High Fat Diet
Authors: Araújo Valdinei de Oliveira , Gasparotto Francielly Mourão , Pires Vanessa Aranega , Maciel Aline Antunes , Ortmann Caroline Flach , Cardozo Junior Euclides Lara , Lourenço Emerson Luiz Botelho , Gasparotto Junior Arquimedes
Published: February 2015

AlthoughVitex megapotamica(Spreng.) Moldenke is used in Brazilian folk medicine as hypolipidemic drug no study has been conducted to evaluate the effects of this species in an experimental model of atherosclerosis. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible renoprotective activity of methanolic extract obtained fromVitex megapotamica(MEVM) using C57BL/6 LDLr-null mice submitted to high fat diet (HFD). MEVM was orally administered at doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, for three weeks, starting from the 2nd week of HFD. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diuretic activity were measured weekly. At the end of experiments the serum lipids, atherogenic index serum (AIS), oxidative stress, and markers of renal function were determined. HFD induced a significant increase in the systolic blood pressure, dyslipidemia, increase in AIS, and lipid peroxidation accompanied by an important reduction in renal function. Treatment with MEVM was able to prevent increase in SBP, total cholesterol, triglycerides, AIS, urea, and creatinine levels in LDLr-null mice. These effects were accompanied by a significant reduction in oxidative stress and renal injury. The data reported here support the potential ofVitex megapotamicaas candidate to be an herbal medicine used in cardiovascular or renal diseases.
On a System of Equations of a Non-Newtonian Micropolar Fluid
Authors: de Araújo G. M. , de Araújo M. A. F. , Lucena E. F. L.
Published: February 2015

We investigate a problem for a model of a non-Newtonian micropolar fluid coupled system. The problem has been considered in a bounded, smooth domain ofR3with Dirichlet boundary conditions. The operator stress tensor is given byτ(e(u))=[(ν+ν0M(|e(u)|2))e(u)]. To prove the existence of weak solutions we use the method of Faedo-Galerkin and compactness arguments. Uniqueness and periodicity of solutions are also considered.
Effects of Dantrolene on Arrhythmogenicity in Isolated Regional Ischemia-Reperfusion Rabbit Hearts with or without Pacing-Induced Heart Failure
Authors: Chou Chung-Chuan , Lee Hui-Ling , Chang Po-Cheng , Wo Hung-Ta , Wen Ming-Shien , Yeh San-Jou
Published: February 2015

Dantrolene was reported to suppress ventricular fibrillation (VF) in failing hearts with acute myocardial infarction, but its antiarrhythmic efficacy in regional ischemia-reperfusion (IR) hearts remains debatable. Heart failure (HF) was induced by right ventricular pacing. The IR rabbit model was created by coronary artery ligation for 30 min, followed by reperfusion for 15 min in vivo in both HF and non-HF groups (n= 9 in each group). Simultaneous voltage and intracellular Ca2+(Cai) optical mapping was then performed in isolated Langendorff-perfused hearts. Electrophysiological studies were conducted and VF inducibility was evaluated by dynamic pacing. Dantrolene (10 μM) was administered after baseline studies. The HF group had a higher VF inducibility than the control group. Dantrolene had both antiarrhythmic (prolonged action potential duration (APD) and effective refractory period) and proarrhythmic effects (slowed conduction velocity, steepened APD restitution slope, and enhanced arrhythmogenic alternans induction) but had no significant effects on ventricular premature beat (VPB) suppression and VF inducibility in both groups. A higher VF conversion rate in the non-HF group was likely due to greater APD prolonging effects in smaller hearts compared to the HF group. The lack of significant effects on VPB suppression by dantrolene suggests that triggered activity might not be the dominant mechanism responsible for VPB induction in the IR model.
Multiobjective Economic Load Dispatch Problem Solved by New PSO
Authors: Singh Nagendra , Kumar Yogendra
Published: February 2015

Proposed in this paper is a new particle swarm optimization technique for the solution of economic load dispatch as well as environmental emission of the thermal power plant with power balance and generation limit constraints. Economic load dispatch is an online problem to minimize the total generating cost of the thermal power plant and satisfy the equality and inequality constraints. Thermal power plants use fossil fuels for the generation of power; fossil fuel emits many toxic gases which pollute the environment. This paper not only considers the economic load dispatch problem to reduce the total generation cost of the thermal power plant but also deals with environmental emission minimization. In this paper, fuel cost and the environmental emission functions are considered and formulated as a multiobjective economic load dispatch problem. For obtaining the solution of multiobjective economic load dispatch problem a new PSO called moderate random search PSO was used. MRPSO enhances the ability of particles to explore in the search spaces more effectively and increases their convergence rates. The proposed algorithm is tested for the IEEE 30 bus test systems. The results obtained by MRPSO algorithm show that it is effective and efficient.
STEMI Associated with Overuse of Energy Drinks
Authors: Solomin Daniel , Borron Stephen W. , Watts Susan H.
Published: February 2015

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are predominantly diseases of middle-aged and older adults and when found in younger adults are usually associated with a strong family history. However, this report details the case of a nonobese 26-year-old Hispanic male who presented with an acute STEMI despite having no family history or other apparent risk factors for CAD or STEMI beyond a two pack-year smoking history and excessive energy drink consumption. The patient reported consuming between eight and ten 473 mL cans per day. Cardiac catheterization subsequently confirmed total occlusion of his left circumflex coronary artery.
High Performance GPU-Based Fourier Volume Rendering
Authors: Abdellah Marwan , Eldeib Ayman , Sharawi Amr
Published: February 2015

Fourier volume rendering (FVR) is a significant visualization technique that has been used widely in digital radiography. As a result of itsO(N2log⁡N)time complexity, it provides a faster alternative to spatial domain volume rendering algorithms that areO(N3)computationally complex. Relying on theFourier projection-slice theorem, this technique operates on the spectral representation of a 3D volume instead of processing its spatial representation to generate attenuation-only projections that look likeX-ray radiographs. Due to the rapid evolution of its underlying architecture, the graphics processing unit (GPU) became an attractive competent platform that can deliver giant computational raw power compared to the central processing unit (CPU) on a per-dollar-basis. The introduction of the compute unified device architecture (CUDA) technology enables embarrassingly-parallel algorithms to run efficiently on CUDA-capable GPU architectures. In this work, a high performance GPU-accelerated implementation of the FVR pipeline on CUDA-enabled GPUs is presented. This proposed implementation can achieve a speed-up of 117x compared to a single-threaded hybrid implementation that uses the CPU and GPU together by taking advantage of executing the rendering pipeline entirely on recent GPU architectures.
Hydrostatic Pressure and Built-In Electric Field Effects on the Donor Impurity States in Cylindrical Wurtzite GaN/AlxGa1−xN Quantum Rings
Authors: Wang Guangxin , Duan Xiuzhi , Zhou Rui
Published: February 2015

Within the framework of the effective mass approximation, the ground-state binding energy of a hydrogenic impurity is investigated in cylindrical wurtzite GaN/AlxGa1-xNstrained quantum ring (QR) by means of a variational approach, considering the influence of the applied hydrostatic pressure along the QR growth direction and the strong built-in electric field (BEF) due to the piezoelectricity and spontaneous polarization. Numerical results show that the donor binding energy for a central impurity increases inchmeal firstly as the QR radial thickness(ΔR)decreases gradually and then begins to drop quickly. In addition, the donor binding energy is an increasing (a decreasing) function of the inner radius (height). It is also found that the donor binding energy increases almost linearly with the increment of the applied hydrostatic pressure. Moreover, we also found that impurity positions have an important influence on the donor binding energy. The physical reasons have been analyzed in detail.
The Prevalence of Age-Related Eye Diseases and Cataract Surgery among Older Adults in the City of Lodz, Poland
Authors: Nowak Michal Szymon , Smigielski Janusz
Published: February 2015

Purpose.To determine the prevalence of age-related eye diseases and cataract surgery among older adults in the city of Lodz, in central Poland.Material and Methods.The study design was cross-sectional and observational study. A total of 1107 women and men of predominantly Caucasian origin were successfully enumerated and recruited for the study. All selected subjects were interviewed and underwent detailed ophthalmic examinations.Results.Overall 8.04% (95% CI 6.44–9.64) subjects had cataract surgery in either eye. After excluding subjects with bilateral cataract surgery, the prevalence of cataract was 12.10% (95% CI 10.18–14.03). AMD was found in 4.33% (95% CI 3.14–5.54 ) of all subjects. Of them 3.25% (95% CI 2.21–4.30 ) had early AMD and 1.08% (95% CI 0.47–1.69) had late AMD. Various types of glaucoma were diagnosed in 5.51% (95% CI 4.17–6.85) of subjects and 2.62% (95% CI 1.68–3.56) had OHT. The prevalence rates of DR and myopic macular degeneration were 1.72% (95% CI 0.95–2.48) and 0.45% (95% CI 0.06–0.85), respectively. All multiple logistic regression models were only significantly associated with older age. The highest rate of visual impairment was observed among subjects with retinal diseases.Conclusions.The study revealed high prevalence of age-related eye diseases in this older population.
Bone Marrow Granuloma in Typhoid Fever: A Morphological Approach and Literature Review
Authors: Muniraj Kavitha , Padhi Somanath , Phansalkar Manjiri , Sivakumar Periyasami , Varghese Renu G’Boy , Kanungo Reba
Published: February 2015

Typhoid fever is one of the few bacterial infections in humans where bone marrow evaluation is routinely recommended. However, the morphological aspect of typhoid fever in bone marrow has been rarely described in the literature. We describe a 25-year-old male patient who presented with prolonged fever suspected to be of tubercular etiology. Bone marrow examination showed well-formed histiocytic and epithelioid granulomas and erythrophagocytosis; and the bone marrow aspirate culture grewSalmonella typhiA. In view of potential clinical implications, typhoid fever should be considered as a differential diagnosis to tuberculosis in the evaluation of prolonged fever; especially in high prevalent areas. We suggest that erythrophagocytosis may serve as a morphological marker in typhoid granulomas in the bone marrow; and bone marrow culture should be submitted in every suspected case for appropriate patient management.
Magnetohydrodynamic Mixed Convection Stagnation-Point Flow of a Power-Law Non-Newtonian Nanofluid towards a Stretching Surface with Radiation and Heat Source/Sink
Authors: Madhu Macha , Kishan Naikoti
Published: February 2015

Two-dimensional MHD mixed convection boundary layer flow of heat and mass transfer stagnation-point flow of a non-Newtonian power-law nanofluid towards a stretching surface in the presence of thermal radiation and heat source/sink is investigated numerically. The non-Newtonian nanofluid model incorporates the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. The basic transport equations are made dimensionless first and the complete nonlinear differential equations with associated boundary conditions are solved numerically by finite element method (FEM). The numerical calculations for velocity, temperature, and nanoparticles volume fraction profiles for different values of the physical parameters to display the interesting aspects of the solutions are presented graphically and discussed. The skin friction coefficient, the local Nusslet number and the Sherwood number are exhibited and examined. Our results are compatible with the existing results for a special case.
Synthesis of Monodispersed Gold Nanoparticles with Exceptional Colloidal Stability with Grafted Polyethylene Glycol‐g‐polyvinyl Alcohol
Authors: Alkilany Alaaldin M. , Bani Yaseen Alaa I. , Kailani Mohammed H.
Published: February 2015

Herein, we report the synthesis of spherical gold nanoparticles with tunable core size (23–79 nm) in the presence of polyethylene glycol‐g‐polyvinyl alcohol (PEG‐g‐PVA) grafted copolymer as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent in a one‐step protocol. The resulted PEG‐g‐PVA‐capped gold nanoparticles are monodispersed with an exceptional colloidal stability against salt addition, repeated centrifugation, and extensive dialysis. The effect of various synthesis parameters and the kinetic/mechanism of the nanoparticle formation are discussed.
Acute Sickle Hepatic Crisis after Liver Transplantation in a Patient with Hb SC Disease
Authors: Gillis J. H. , Satapathy S. K. , Parsa L. , Sylvestre P. B. , Dbouk N.
Published: February 2015

Acute sickle hepatic crisis (ASHC) has been observed in approximately 10% of patients with sickle cell disease. It occurs predominantly in patients with homozygous (Hb SS) sickle cell anemia and to a lesser degree in patients with Hb SC disease, sickle cell trait, and Hb S beta thalassemia. Patients commonly present with jaundice, right upper quadrant pain, nausea, low-grade fever, tender hepatomegaly, and mild to moderate elevations in serum AST, ALT, and bilirubin. We describe the case of a patient with a history of hemoglobin SC disease and cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C presenting approximately 1 year after liver transplantation with an ASHC. The diagnosis was confirmed by liver biopsy. Our patient was treated with RBC exchange transfusions, IV hydration, and analgesia and made a complete recovery. Only a limited number of patients with sickle cell disease have received liver transplants, and, to our knowledge, this is the first case of ASHC after transplantation in a patient with Hb SC disease.