bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling, Simulations, and Optimisation of Electric Vehicles for Analysis of Transmission Ratio Selection
Authors: Walker Paul D. , Abdul Rahman Salisa , Zhu Bo , Zhang Nong
Published: December 2013

Pure electric vehicles (PEVs) provide a unique problem in powertrain design through the meeting of performance specifications whilst maximising driving range. The consideration of single speed and multispeed transmissions for electric vehicles provides two strategies for achieving desired range and performance specifications. Through the implementation of system level vehicle models, design analysis, and optimisation, this paper analyses the application of both single speed and two-speed transmission applications to electric vehicles. Initially, transmission ratios are designed based on grade and top speed requirements, and impact on vehicle traction curve is evaluated. Then performance studies are conducted for different transmission ratios using both single speed and two-speed powertrain configurations to provide a comparative assessment of the vehicles. Finally, multivariable optimisation in the form of genetic algorithms is employed to determine an optimal gear ratio selection for single speed and two-speed PEVs. Results demonstrate that the two-speed transmission is capable of achieving better results for performance requirements over a single speed transmission, including vehicle acceleration and grade climbing. However, the lower powertrain efficiency reduces the simulated range results.
Conditioned Media from Adipose-Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Downregulate Degradative Mediators Induced by Interleukin-1βin Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes
Authors: Platas Julia , Guillén Maria Isabel , del Caz María Dolores Pérez , Gomar Francisco , Mirabet Vicente , Alcaraz Maria José
Published: December 2013

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent joint disorder and an important cause of disability. Recent studies have shown the potential of adipose-tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) for cartilage repair. We have investigated whether conditioned medium from AD-MSC (CM) may regulate in OA chondrocytes a number of key mediators involved in cartilage degeneration. CM enhanced type II collagen expression in OA chondrocytes while decreasing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in cell supernatants as well as the levels of MMP-3 and MMP-13 proteins and mRNA in OA chondrocytes stimulated with interleukin- (IL-) 1β. In addition, CM increased IL-10 levels and counteracted the stimulating effects of IL-1βon the production of tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, prostaglandin E2, and NO measured as nitrite and the mRNA expression of these cytokines, CCL-2, CCL-3, CCL-4, CCL-5, CCL-8, CCL-19, CCL-20, CXCL-1, CXCL-2, CXCL-3, CXCL-5, CXCL-8, cyclooxygenase-2, microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1, and inducible NO synthase. These effects may be dependent on the inhibition of nuclear factor-κB activation by CM. Our data demonstrate the chondroprotective actions of CM and provide support for further studies of this approach in joint disease.
Sperm Proteomics: Road to Male Fertility and Contraception
Authors: Rahman Md Saidur , Lee June-Sub , Kwon Woo-Sung , Pang Myung-Geol
Published: December 2013

Spermatozoa are highly specialized cells that can be easily obtained and purified. Mature spermatozoa are transcriptionally and translationally inactive and incapable of protein synthesis. In addition, spermatozoa contain relatively higher amounts of membrane proteins compared to other cells; therefore, they are very suitable for proteomic studies. Recently, the application of proteomic approaches such as the two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and differential in-gel electrophoresis has identified several sperm-specific proteins. These findings have provided a further understanding of protein functions involved in different sperm processes as well as of the differentiation of normal state from an abnormal one. In addition, studies on the sperm proteome have demonstrated the importance of spermatozoal posttranslational modifications and their ability to induce physiological changes responsible for fertilization. Large-scale proteomic studies to identify hundreds to thousands of sperm proteins will ultimately result in the development of novel biomarkers that may help to detect fertility, the state of complete contraception, and beyond. Eventually, these protein biomarkers will allow for a better diagnosis of sperm dysfunctions and aid in drug development. This paper reviews the recent scientific publications available from the PubMed database to address sperm proteomics and its potential application to characterize male fertility and contraception.
Alginate Microencapsulation of Human Islets Does Not Increase Susceptibility to Acute Hypoxia
Authors: Hals I. K. , Rokstad A. M. , Strand B. L. , Oberholzer J. , Grill V.
Published: December 2013

Islet transplantation in diabetes is hampered by the need of life-long immunosuppression. Encapsulation provides partial immunoprotection but could possibly limit oxygen supply, a factor that may enhance hypoxia-induced beta cell death in the early posttransplantation period. Here we tested susceptibility of alginate microencapsulated human islets to experimental hypoxia (0.1–0.3% O2for 8 h, followed by reoxygenation) on viability and functional parameters. Hypoxia reduced viability as measured by MTT by33.8±3.5% in encapsulated and42.9±5.2% in nonencapsulated islets (P<0.2). Nonencapsulated islets released 37.7% (median) more HMGB1 compared to encapsulated islets after hypoxic culture conditions (P<0.001). Glucose-induced insulin release was marginally affected by hypoxia. Basal oxygen consumption was equally reduced in encapsulated and nonencapsulated islets, by22.0±6.1% versus24.8±5.7%. Among 27 tested cytokines/chemokines, hypoxia increased the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8/CXCL8 in both groups of islets, whereas an increase of MCP-1/CCL2 was seen only with nonencapsulated islets.Conclusion. Alginate microencapsulation of human islets does not increase susceptibility to acute hypoxia. This is a positive finding in relation to potential use of encapsulation for islet transplantation.
Detection of EGFR Mutations by TaqMan Mutation Detection Assays Powered by Competitive Allele-Specific TaqMan PCR Technology
Authors: Roma Cristin , Esposito Claudia , Rachiglio Anna Maria , Pasquale Raffaella , Iannaccone Alessia , Chicchinelli Nicoletta , Franco Renato , Mancini Rita , Pisconti Salvatore , De Luca Antonella , Botti Gerardo , Morabito Alessandro , Normanno Nicola
Published: December 2013

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are predictive of response to treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Competitive Allele-Specific TaqMan PCR (castPCR) is a highly sensitive and specific technology. EGFR mutations were assessed by TaqMan Mutation Detection Assays (TMDA) based on castPCR technology in 64 tumor samples: a training set of 30 NSCLC and 6 colorectal carcinoma (CRC) samples and a validation set of 28 NSCLC cases. The sensitivity and specificity of this method were compared with routine diagnostic techniques including direct sequencing and the EGFR Therascreen RGQ kit. Analysis of the training set allowed the identification of the threshold value for data analysis (0.2); the maximum cycle threshold (Ct=37); and the cut-off ΔCt value (7) for the EGFR TMDA. By using these parameters, castPCR technology identified both training and validation set EGFR mutations with similar frequency as compared with the Therascreen kit. Sequencing detected rare mutations that are not identified by either castPCR or Therascreen, but in samples with low tumor cell content it failed to detect common mutations that were revealed by real-time PCR based methods. In conclusion, our data suggest that castPCR is highly sensitive and specific to detect EGFR mutations in NSCLC clinical samples.
Clinical Implications of the Change in Glomerular Filtration Rate with Adrenergic Blockers in Patients with Morning Hypertension: The Japan Morning Surge-1 Study
Authors: Shibasaki Seiichi , Eguchi Kazuo , Matsui Yoshio , Shimada Kazuyuki , Kario Kazuomi
Published: December 2013

Background. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin by antihypertensive treatment.Methods. We randomized 611 treated patients with morning hypertension into either an added treatment group, for whom doxazosin was added to the current medication, or a control group, who continued their current medications. We compared the change in eGFR and urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) between the groups.Results. The extent of the reduction in eGFR was significantly greater in the added treatment group than in the control group (−3.83  versus −1.08 mL/min/1.73 m2,P=0.001). In multivariable analyses, the change in eGFR was positively associated with the change in UACR in the added treatment group (β=0.20,P=0.001), but not in the control group (β=−0.002,P=0.97). When the changes in eGFR were divided by each CKD stage, eGFR was significantly more decreased in stage 1 than in the other stages in the added treatment group (P<0.001), but no differences were seen in the control group (P=0.44).Conclusion. The reduction of eGFR could be seen only in the early stage of CKD, and this treatment appeared to have no negative effect on renal function.
Neutrinoless Doubleβ+/EC Decays
Authors: Maalampi Jukka , Suhonen Jouni
Published: December 2013

The relation of neutrino masses to neutrino oscillations and the nuclear double beta decay is highlighted. In particular, the neutrinolessβ+β+,β+EC, and resonant ECEC decays are investigated using microscopic nuclear models. Transitions to the ground state and excited 0+states are analyzed. Systematics of the related nuclear matrix elements are studied and the present status of the resonant ECEC decays is reviewed.
Performance of a SIMO-CDSK System over Rayleigh Fading Channels
Authors: Duan Jun-Yi , Jiang Guo-Ping , Yang Hua
Published: December 2013

This paper proposes a single-input multiple-output (SIMO) architecture for correlation delay shift keying (CDSK) modulation technique, and the bit error rate (BER) formula is derived under the assumption of the proposed system over Rayleigh fading channels. The new system employs multiple antennas at the receiver end to form a SIMO structure so as to obtain a diversity gain. Theoretical analysis and simulations show that, at a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the proposed SIMO-CDSK architecture has an outstanding bit error rate (BER) performance in contrast to the conventional single-input single-output (SISO) CDSK and GCDSK communication system; for the given SNR, the diversity gain of the proposed system will be improved with the number of receiver antennas increasing; for different SNRs, the best performance of the proposed system can be obtained by selecting the reasonable spreading factor; because the performance of SIMO-CDSK system is independent of the time delay, the proposed system has better security than GCDSK system.
Retaining Structure Force-Deformation Analysis Model for an Ultradeep Foundation Pit
Authors: Hu Qi
Published: December 2013

An ultradeep foundation pit is a complex system composed of a retaining structure, foundation soil, and groundwater. Design and construction of foundation pits for use at greater depths than in the past require continual improvement in the design methods and analysis methods applied. In this paper, a load-deformation analysis model of a retaining structure based on a bearing-mode analysis of an ultra-deep foundation pit is proposed. A calculation method was theoretically derived for the horizontal foundation stiffness coefficient for this model, and the influences of factors such as space size, stress path, load level, and seepage were analyzed. A numerical example and a case study of an ultra-deep foundation pit in the Hangzhou Metro Line number 1 test section are presented. The calculated results for deformation of the structure and for earth pressure were found to be similar to the results obtained from elastic-plastic finite element analysis and similar to the measured results. The results of this study indicate that the proposed analysis model adequately reflects the force-deformation characteristics of an ultra-deep foundation pit and show that the proposed analysis model appropriately considers the influences of various factors.
Cross Time-Frequency Analysis for Combining Information of Several Sources: Application to Estimation of Spontaneous Respiratory Rate from Photoplethysmography
Authors: Peláez-Coca M. D. , Orini M. , Lázaro J. , Bailón R. , Gil E.
Published: December 2013

A methodology that combines information from several nonstationary biological signals is presented. This methodology is based on time-frequency coherence, that quantifies the similarity of two signals in the time-frequency domain. A cross time-frequency analysis method, based on quadratic time-frequency distribution, has been used for combining information of several nonstationary biomedical signals. In order to evaluate this methodology, the respiratory rate from the photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal is estimated. The respiration provokes simultaneous changes in the pulse interval, amplitude, and width of the PPG signal. This suggests that the combination of information from these sources will improve the accuracy of the estimation of the respiratory rate. Another target of this paper is to implement an algorithm which provides a robust estimation. Therefore, respiratory rate was estimated only in those intervals where the features extracted from the PPG signals are linearly coupled. In 38 spontaneous breathing subjects, among which 7 were characterized by a respiratory rate lower than 0.15 Hz, this methodology provided accurate estimates, with the median error{0.00; 0.98} mHz ({0.00; 0.31}%) and the interquartile range error{4.88; 6.59} mHz ({1.60; 1.92}%). The estimation error of the presented methodology was largely lower than the estimation error obtained without combining different PPG features related to respiration.
The Mitchell Spectrograph: Studying Nearby Galaxies with the VIRUS Prototype
Authors: Blanc Guillermo A.
Published: December 2013

The Mitchell Spectrograph (a.k.a. VIRUS-P) on the 2.7 m Harlan J. Smith telescope at McDonald Observatory is currently the largest field of view (FOV) integral field unit (IFU) spectrograph in the world (1.7′×1.7′). It was designed as a prototype for the highly replicable VIRUS spectrograph which consists of a mosaic of IFUs spread over a16′diameter FOV feeding 150 spectrographs similar to the Mitchell. VIRUS will be deployed on the 9.2 meter Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) and will be used to conduct the HET Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX). Since seeing first light in 2007 the Mitchell Spectrograph has been widely used, among other things, to study nearby galaxies in the local universe where their internal structure and the spatial distribution of different physical parameters can be studied in great detail. These observations have provided important insight into many aspects of the physics behind the formation and evolution of galaxies and have boosted the scientific impact of the 2.7 meter telescope enormously. Here I review the contributions of the Mitchell Spectrograph to the study of nearby galaxies, from the investigation the spatial distribution of dark matter and the properties of supermassive black holes, to the studies of the process of star formation and the chemical composition of stars and gas in the ISM, which provide important information regarding the formation and evolution of these systems. I highlight the fact that wide field integral field spectrographs on small and medium size telescopes can be powerful cost effective tools to study the astrophysics of galaxies. Finally I briefly discuss the potential of HETDEX for conducting studies on nearby galaxies. The survey parameters make it complimentary and competitive to ongoing and future surveys like SAMI and MANGA.
On the Use of Backward Difference Formulae to Improve the Prediction of Direction in Market Related Data
Authors: Momoniat E. , Harley C. , Berman M.
Published: December 2013

The use of a BDF method as a tool to correct the direction of predictions made using curve fitting techniques is investigated. Random data is generated in such a fashion that it has the same properties as the data we are modelling. The data is assumed to have “memory” such that certain information imbedded in the data will remain within a certain range of points. Data within this period where “memory” exists—say at time stepst1,t2,…,tn—is curve-fitted to produce a prediction at the next discrete time step,tn+1. In this manner a vector of predictions is generated and converted into a discrete ordinary differential representing the gradient of the data. The BDF method implemented with this lower order approximation is used as a means of improving upon the direction of the generated predictions. The use of the BDF method in this manner improves the prediction of the direction of the time series by approximately 30%.
The Second Noether Theorem on Time Scales
Authors: Malinowska Agnieszka B. , Martins Natália
Published: December 2013

We extend the second Noether theorem to variational problems on time scales. As corollaries we obtain the classical second Noether theorem, the second Noether theorem for theh-calculus and the second Noether theorem for theq-calculus.
A Comparison of Bullwhip Effect under Various Forecasting Techniques in Supply Chains with Two Retailers
Authors: Ma Junhai , Ma Xiaogang
Published: December 2013

We examine the impact of three forecasting methods on the bullwhip effect in a two-stage supply chain with one supplier and two retailers. A first order mixed autoregressive-moving average model (ARMA(1, 1)) performs the demand forecast and an order-up-to inventory policy characterizes the inventory decision. The bullwhip effect is measured, respectively, under the minimum mean-squared error (MMSE), moving average (MA), and exponential smoothing (ES) forecasting techniques. The effect of parameters on the bullwhip effect under three forecasting methods is analyzed and the bullwhip effect under three forecasting methods is compared. Conclusions indicate that different forecasting methods lead to different bullwhip effects caused by lead time, underlying parameters of the demand process, market competition, and the consistency of demand volatility between two retailers. Moreover, some suggestions are present to help managers to select the forecasting method that yields the lowest bullwhip effect.
2‐Chloroquinoline‐3‐carbaldehyde II: Synthesis, Reactions, and Applications
Authors: Abdel-Wahab Bakr F. , Khidre Rizk E.
Published: December 2013

This review deals with synthesis and reactions of 2‐chloroquinoline‐3‐carbaldehyde during the period from 1979 to 1999. The reactions are subdivided in groups that cover the reactions of chloro‐ and aldehyde substituent as well as reactions which involve both groups. Some of these reactions have been applied successfully to synthesis of biologically important compounds. The main purpose of this review is to present a survey of the literature on 2‐chloroquinoline‐3‐carbaldehyde chemistry and provide useful and up‐to‐date data for organic and medicinal chemist since such compound has not been previously reviewed in this period.
Inguinal Hernia and Airport Scanners: An Emerging Indication for Repair?
Authors: Naraynsingh Vijay , Cawich Shamir O. , Maharaj Ravi , Dan Dilip
Published: December 2013

The use of advanced imaging technology at international airports is increasing in popularity as a corollary to heightened security concerns across the globe. Operators of airport scanners should be educated about common medical disorders such as inguinal herniae in order to avoid unnecessary harassment of travelers since they will encounter these with increasing frequency.
The Simplest Equation Method and Its Application for Solving the Nonlinear NLSE, KGZ, GDS, DS, and GZ Equations
Authors: Zhao Yun-Mei , He Ying-Hui , Long Yao
Published: December 2013

A good idea of finding the exact solutions of the nonlinear evolution equations is introduced. The idea is that the exact solutions of the elliptic-like equations are derived using the simplest equation method and the modified simplest equation method, and then the exact solutions of a class of nonlinear evolution equations which can be converted to the elliptic-like equation using travelling wave reduction are obtained. For example, the perturbed nonlinear Schrödinger’s equation (NLSE), the Klein-Gordon-Zakharov (KGZ) system, the generalized Davey-Stewartson (GDS) equations, the Davey-Stewartson (DS) equations, and the generalized Zakharov (GZ) equations are investigated and the exact solutions are presented using this method.
Association between Adiponectin Receptor 1 Gene Polymorphism and Insulin Resistance in Chinese Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Yang Zongli , Yang Xiaojv , Xu Jine , Sun Yongmei , Shi Yuhua , Fang Shibao
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims: Adiponectin receptor 1 (ADIPOR1) is an identified receptor for adiponectin, an adipocytokine with anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties. The ADIPOR1 gene is a potential candidate gene in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study is to assess the association between single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1539355 in the ADIPOR1 gene and PCOS in Chinese women. Methods: 302 patients with PCOS and 312 healthy controls were included in this study. The ADIPOR1 genotype distribution was detected using the polymerase chain reaction melting temperature shift method. Results: The genotypic distributions of SNP rs1539355 did not differ in patients with PCOS compared to controls. However, the frequency of the G allele in the PCOS group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p = 0.037). Patients with the AG or GG genotype had a higher homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p < 0.05) compared to patients with the AA genotype. The fasting insulin levels in subjects with the GG genotype were significantly higher than those in patients with the AA genotype (p < 0.05). Conclusion: SNP rs1539355 in the ADIPOR1 gene is associated with insulin resistance in Chinese PCOS patients.
Potamogeton ×clandestinus (P. crispus × P. natans, Potamogetonaceae), a new natural pondweed hybrid discovered in Europe
Authors: Bobrov Alexander A. , Zalewska-Gałosz Joanna , Chemeris Elena V.
Published: December 2013

In this paper Potamogeton ×clandestinus (Potamogetonaceae), a hybrid between P. crispus and P. natans, is described and illustrated. Hybrid populations were discovered in the rivers Koloshma, Nozhema and Suda in the northern part of European Russia (Vologda reg., Babaevo distr.). Confirmation of the hybrid origin is based on morphological and anatomical data and independently was tested by a direct sequencing of the nuclear ribosomal ITS region and rpl32-trnL intergenic spacer of chloroplast DNA. The additive ITS sequence pattern confirmed that P. ×clandestinus is a hybrid between P. crispus and P. natans. The rpl32-trnL intergenic spacer data revealed that P. crispus was the maternal parent of the hybrid. A detailed morphological and ecological description of P. ×clandestinus is provided and the taxonomic differences between the new hybrid and similar taxa are outlined.
Revision of Beardius Reiss et Sublette, 1985 (Diptera: Chironomidae), with the description of twenty new species
Authors: PINHO LUIZ CARLOS , MENDES HUMBERTO FONSECA , ANDERSEN TROND
Published: December 2013

The genus Beardius Reiss et Sublette, 1985 is revised and twenty new species, Beardius abbadi sp. n., B. arawak sp. n., B. bizzoi sp. n., B. bucephalus sp. n., B. curticaudatus sp. n., B. dioi sp. n., B. hirtidorsum sp. n., B. krenak sp. n., B. kumadueni sp. n., B. longicaudatus sp. n., B. mileneae sp. n., B. nebularius sp. n., B. neusae sp. n., B. novoairensis sp. n., B. phoenix sp. n., B. sapiranga sp. n., B. tupinamba sp. n., B. vanessae sp. n., and B. yperoig sp. n. from Brazil and Beardius chapala sp. n. from Mexico are described and figured. Further, the female, pupa and larva of B. urupeatan Pinho, Mendes et Andersen and the female and larva of B. cristhinae Trivinho-Strixino et Siqueira are described, and new records of Brazilian species are provided. Emended diagnoses for all stages and sexes are given. The phylogeny of the genus is outlined and seven tentative species groups, the parcus group, the truncatus group, the tupinamba group, the triangulatus group, the bucephalus group, the xylophilus group, and the roquei group, are proposed. Keys to males, females, pupae and larvae are provided.
Life within the Wall and Implications for Those Outside It: Gated Communities in Malaysia and Ghana
Authors: Obeng-Odoom Franklin , Eltayeb ElHadary Yasin Abdalla , Jang Hae Seong
Published: December 2013

The North American scholarship on gated housing communities posits the desire for security as the main driver for gating, but does this hold true for less wealthy countries? To address this question, this study examines evidence of why people live behind gates in Malaysia and Ghana and investigates the socio-economic implications of gating. It uses a critical institutional framework anchored on Foucault’s interpretation of ‘panopticon’ and Runciman’s theory of relative deprivation, while drawing empirical evidence from surveys and emic experiences. It finds that, while security is an important reason, it is the provision of quality housing services that is reported as the single most important reason for living behind gates. ‘Quality service’ is, however, shorthand for a preference for privileged status. Further, the paper reveals that it is more helpful to see the binary between quality and security as constituting a flexible continuum of motives. Inhabitants of gated housing communities may be primarily motivated by quality service or prestige. Yet, as they set themselves up against the rest of society by enclosing themselves in walls of affluence, they begin to feel a need for greater security. This feeling of insecurity is heightened as people outside the gates feel relatively deprived. Thus, the desire for security becomes illusory and attainment of privilege, pyrrhic, while the harsh socio-economic conditions for a large stratum of the urban population living outside the gates persist and are sometimes worsened.
Policy entrepreneurship in UK central government: The behavioural insights team and the use of randomized controlled trials
Authors: John Peter
Published: December 2013

What factors explain the success of the UK Cabinet Office’s Behavioural Insights Team? To answer this question, this article applies insights from organizational theory, particularly accounts of change agents. Change agents are able—with senior sponsorship—to foster innovation by determination and skill: they win allies and circumvent more traditional bureaucratic procedures. Although Behavioural Insights Team is a change agent—maybe even a skunkworks unit—not all the facilitating factors identified in the literature apply in this central government context. Key factors are its willingness to work in a non-hierarchical way, skills at forming alliances, and the ability to form good relationships with expert audiences. It has been able to promote a more entrepreneurial approach to government by using randomized controlled trials as a robust method of policy evaluation.
Kidney allograft survival of African American and Caucasian American recipients with lupus
Authors: Contreras G , Li H , Gonzalez-Suarez M , Isakova T , Scialla JJ , Pedraza F , Mattiazzi A , Diaz-Wong R , Sageshima J , Brito Y , Guerra G , Acevedo B , Ali A Sajid , Kershaw TJ , Chen L , Burke GW , Kupin W , Ciancio G , Roth D
Published: December 2013

Background

African Americans with lupus who receive kidney transplants have high prevalence of predictors of allograft failure, which can explain their poor outcomes.

Methods

Of 1223 African Americans and 1029 Caucasian Americans with lupus who received kidney transplants from deceased donors between 1987 and 2006 with complete records in the UNOS program, 741 pairs were matched in 16 predictors employing a predicted probability of group membership. The primary outcome was allograft failure. Main secondary outcomes were rejection, allograft failure due to rejection, and mortality.

Results

Matched pairs were predominantly women (82%) with a mean age of 39 years. Twenty-four percent of recipients received kidneys from expanded criteria donors. African Americans and Caucasian Americans matched well ( p ≥ 0.05): donor age, gender and race; recipient age, gender, education and insurance; dialysis prior to transplant, kidneys from expanded criteria donors, cold ischemia time, history of prior kidney transplant, panel reactive antibodies, human leukocyte antigens mismatch, blood type compatibility, transplant Era, and follow-up time. Contrary to the unmatched cohort with significantly higher allograft failure rate (events per 100 patient-years) in African Americans compared to Caucasian Americans (10.49 vs 6.18, p < 0.001), matched pairs had similar allograft failure rates (8.41 vs 7.81, p = 0.418). Matched pairs also had similar rates of rejections (9.82 vs 9.39, p = 0.602), allograft failure due to rejection (6.19 vs 5.71, p = 0.453), and mortality (2.79 vs 3.52, p = 0.097).

Conclusion

In lupus recipients of kidney transplants from deceased donors, African American and Caucasian Americans have similar allograft failure rates when predictors are matched between groups.
Five-year results from a phase 2 study of oral fingolimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Izquierdo G , O’Connor P , Montalban X , von Rosenstiel P , Cremer M , de Vera A , Sfikas N , Francis G , Radue EW , Kappos L
Published: December 2013

We present here results at 60 months (M), from the extension component of a phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, six-month study evaluating oral fingolimod (1.25 mg or 5 mg daily) in relapsing multiple sclerosis. Placebo patients from the core study were re-randomized to fingolimod 1.25 mg or 5 mg in the extension. All patients received 1.25 mg fingolimod after the M24 visit. A total of 140/281 (49.8%) patients completed M60. Fingolimod treatment was associated with a low annualized relapse rate (0.2 relapses/ year), low MRI activity, and a modest rate of disability progression in those treated for five years. No new safety issues were reported.
Risk evaluation and monitoring in multiple sclerosis therapeutics
Authors: Clanet Michel C , Wolinsky Jerry S , Ashton Raymond J , Hartung Hans-Peter , Reingold Stephen C
Published: December 2013

Background:

Risk for multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapies (DMT) must be assessed on an ongoing basis. Early concerns regarding the first-approved DMTs for MS have been mitigated, but recently licensed therapies have been linked to possibly greater risks.

Objectives:

The objective of this review is to discuss risk assessment in MS therapeutics based on an international workshop and comprehensive literature search and recommend strategies for risk assessment/monitoring.

Results:

Assessment and perception of therapeutic risks vary between patients, doctors and regulators. Acceptability of risk depends on the magnitude of risk and the demonstrated clinical benefits of any agent. Safety signals must be distinguishable from chance occurrences in a clinical trial and in long-term use of medications. Post-marketing research is crucial for assessing longer-term safety in large patient cohorts. Reporting of adverse events is becoming more proactive, allowing more rapid identification of risks. Communication about therapeutic risks and their relationship to clinical benefit must involve patients in shared decision making.

Conclusions:

It is difficult to produce a general risk-assessment algorithm for all MS therapies. Specific algorithms are required for each DMT in every treated-patient population. New and evolving risks must be evaluated and communicated rapidly to allow patients and physicians to be well informed and able to share treatment decisions.
Using established predictors of post-traumatic stress to explain variations in recovery outcomes among orthopedic patients
Authors: Cremeans-Smith Julie K , Contrera Kevin , Speering Leann , Miller Eric T , Pfefferle Kiel , Greene Kenneth , Delahanty Douglas L
Published: December 2013

The present studies examine whether information contained in medical records can be used to predict outcomes following two orthopedic procedures: repair of hip fracture and total knee replacement. Study 1 reports the acute, in-hospital recovery data from the medical records of 119 hip fracture patients. Study 2 is a prospective, longitudinal investigation of 3-month postoperative recovery of 110 total knee replacement patients. Patients characterized by a greater number of post-traumatic stress risk factors experienced poorer outcomes following orthopedic surgery. Our results suggest that patients at risk for negative outcomes can be identified by information readily available to medical personnel.
Changes in White Matter Connectivity Following Therapy for Anomia Post stroke
Authors: van Hees Sophia , McMahon Katie , Angwin Anthony , de Zubicaray Greig , Read Stephen , Copland David A.
Published: December 2013

Background. The majority of studies investigating the neural mechanisms underlying treatment-induced recovery in aphasia have focused on the cortical regions associated with language processing. However, the integrity of the white matter connecting these regions may also be crucial to understanding treatment mechanisms. Objective. This study investigated the integrity of the arcuate fasciculus (AF) and uncinate fasciculus (UF) before and after treatment for anomia in people with aphasia. Method. Eight people with aphasia received 12 treatment sessions to improve naming; alternating between phonologically-based and semantic-based tasks, with high angular resolution diffusion imaging conducted pre and post treatment. The mean generalized fractional anisotropy (GFA), a measure of fiber integrity, and number of fibers in the AF and UF were compared pre and post treatment, as well as with a group of 14 healthy older controls. Results. Pre treatment, participants with aphasia had significantly fewer fibers and lower mean GFA in the left AF compared with controls. Post treatment, mean GFA increased in the left AF to be statistically equivalent to controls. Additionally, mean GFA in the left AF pre and post treatment positively correlated with maintenance of the phonologically based treatment. No differences were found in the right AF, or the UF in either hemisphere, between participants with aphasia and controls, and no changes were observed in these tracts following treatment. Conclusions. Anomia treatments may improve the integrity of the white matter connecting cortical language regions. These preliminary results add to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying treatment outcomes in people with aphasia post stroke.
Multilevel Factors Associated With Overall Mortality for Men Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer in Florida
Authors: Xiao Hong , Tan Fei , Goovaerts Pierre , Ali Askal , Adunlin Georges , Gwede Clement K. , Huang Youjie
Published: December 2013

To identify individual and contextual factors contributing to overall mortality among men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Florida, a random sample of patients (between October 1, 2001, and December 31, 2007) was taken from the Florida Cancer Data System. Patient’s demographic and clinical information were obtained from the Florida Cancer Data System. Comorbidity was computed following the Elixhauser Index method. Census-tract-level socioeconomic status and farm house presence were extracted from Census 2000 and linked to patient data. The ratio of urologists and radiation oncologists to prostate cancer cases at the county level was computed. Multilevel logistic regression was conducted to identify significance of individuals and contextual factors in relation to overall mortality. A total of 18,042 patients were identified, among whom 2,363 died. No racial difference was found in our study. Being older at diagnosis, unmarried, current smoker, uninsured, diagnosed at late stage, with undifferentiated, poorly differentiated, or unknown tumor grade were significantly associated with higher odds of overall mortality. Living in a low-income area was significantly associated with higher odds of mortality ( p = .0404). After adjusting for age, stage, and tumor grade, patients who received hormonal, combination of radiation with hormone therapy, and no definitive treatment had higher odds of mortality compared with those who underwent surgery only. A large number of comorbidities were associated with higher odds of mortality. Although disease-specific mortality was not examined, our findings suggest the importance of careful considerations of patient sociodemographic characteristics and their coexisting conditions in treatment decision making, which in turn affects mortality.
Lumbar puncture, chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Higgins Nicholas , Pickard John , Lever Andrew
Published: December 2013

Objective

Unsuspected idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is found in a significant minority of patients attending clinics with named headache syndromes, if it is specifically sought out. Chronic fatigue syndrome is frequently associated with headache. Could the same be true of chronic fatigue? Moreover, there are striking similarities between the two conditions. Could they be related? Attempting to answer these questions, we describe the results of a change in clinical practice aimed at capturing patients with chronic fatigue who might have IIH.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Hospital outpatient and radiology departments.

Participants

Patients attending a specialist clinic with chronic fatigue syndrome and headache who had lumbar puncture to exclude raised intracranial pressure.

Main outcome measures

Intracranial pressure measured at lumbar puncture and the effect on headache of cerebrospinal fluid drainage.

Results

Mean cerebrospinal fluid pressure was 19 cm H2O (range 12–41 cm H2O). Four patients fulfilled the criteria for IIH. Thirteen others did not have pressures high enough to diagnose IIH but still reported an improvement in headache after drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. Some patients also volunteered an improvement in other symptoms, including fatigue. No patient had any clinical signs of raised intracranial pressure.

Conclusions

An unknown, but possibly substantial, minority of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome may actually have IIH. An unknown, but much larger, proportion of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome do not have IIH by current criteria but respond to lumbar puncture in the same way as patients who do. This suggests that the two conditions may be related.
Factors Associated With Emergency Department Length of Stay for Patients With Hip Fracture
Authors: Rashid Aymen , Brooks Thomas R. , Bessman Edward , Mears Simon C.
Published: December 2013

Time to surgery, which includes time in the emergency department (ED), is important for all patients with hip fracture. We hypothesized that patients with hip fracture spend significantly more time in the ED than do patients with the top 5 most common conditions. In addition, we hypothesized that there are patient, physician, and hospital factors that affect the length of time spent in the ED. We retrospectively reviewed our institution’s hip fracture database and identified 147 elderly patients with hip fractures who presented to our ED from December 18, 2005, through April 30, 2009. We reviewed their records for patient, practitioner, and hospital factors of interest associated with ED time and for 6 specified time intervals. Average working, boarding (waiting for an inpatient room), and total times were calculated and compared with respective averages for admitted ED patients with the top 5 most common conditions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed before and after adjusting for confounders (significance, P = .05). The mean total ED time (7 hours and 25 minutes) and working time (4 hours and 31 minutes) for patients with hip fracture were similar to the respective overall averages for admitted ED patients. However, the average boarding time for patients with hip fracture was 2 hours 44 minutes, longer than that for other patients admitted through the ED. Factors significantly associated with longer ED times were a history of hypertension, history of atrial fibrillation, the number of computed tomography scans ordered, and the occupancy rate. Admission to the hip fracture service decreased working time but not overall time. Substantial multidisciplinary work among the ED, hospital admission services, and physicians is needed to dramatically decrease the boarding time and thus the overall time to surgery.
Marriage, Divorce, and Alcohol Use in Young Adulthood
Authors: Kretsch Natalie , Harden K. Paige
Published: December 2013

Marital status is a robust predictor of alcohol consumption in young adulthood; however, the extent to which observed associations are due to socialization or selection processes is unclear. The current study examined associations between marital status and alcohol use, assessed in a sample of 5,150 young adults (ages 18–30) from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. A longitudinal sibling-comparison design controlled for family-level environmental and genetic selection factors and for an individual’s premarital trajectory of alcohol use. Nested model comparisons tested whether gender and age moderated the effects of marriage and divorce. Controlling for selection factors, the transition into marriage predicted decreases in alcohol consumption, and this effect was consistent across gender and age. Divorce predicted increased consumption, particularly for men. Findings support a causal relationship between changes in marital status and alcohol use, rather than an association due to selection factors and suggest gender-specific changes in alcohol use following divorce.
Novel expression of Haemonchus contortus vaccine candidate aminopeptidase H11 using the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Roberts Brett , Antonopoulos Aristotelis , Haslam Stuart M , Dicker Alison J , McNeilly Tom N , Johnston Stephanie L , Dell Anne , Knox David P , Britton Collette
Published: December 2013

With the problem of parasitic nematode drug resistance increasing, vaccine development offers an alternative sustainable control approach. For some parasitic nematodes, native extracts enriched for specific proteins are highly protective. However, recombinant forms of these proteins have failed to replicate this protection. This is thought to be due to differences in glycosylation and/or conformation between native and recombinant proteins. We have exploited the free-living nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansto examine its suitability as an alternative system for recombinant expression of parasitic nematode vaccine candidates. We focussed onHaemonchus contortusaminopeptidase H11 glycoprotein, which is enriched in a gut membrane fraction capable of inducing significant protection against this important ovine gastrointestinal nematode. We show thatH. contortusH11 expressed inC. elegansis enzymatically active and MALDI mass spectrometry identifies similar di- and tri-fucosylated structures to those on native H11, with fucose at the 3- and/or 6-positions of the proximal GlcNAc. Some glycan structural differences were observed, such as lack of LDNF. Serum antibody to native H11 binds toC. elegansrecombinant H11 and most of the antibody to rH11 or native H11 is directed to glycan moieties. Despite these similarities, no reduction in worm burden or faecal egg count was observed following immunisation of sheep withC. elegans-expressed recombinant H11 protein. The findings suggest that the di- and tri-fucosylated N-glycans expressed on rH11 do not contribute to the protective effect of H11 and that additional components present in native H11-enriched extract are likely required for enhancing the antibody response necessary for protection.
LncRNA DQ786243 affects Treg related CREB and Foxp3 expression in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Qiao Yu Qi , Huang Mei Lan , Xu An Tao , Zhao Di , Ran Zhi Hua , Shen Jun
Published: December 2013

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have different functions in cells. They work as signals, decoys, guides, and scaffolds. Altered lncRNA levels can affect the expression of gene products. There are seldom studies on the role of lncRNAs in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Results

Quantitative RT-PCR showed that DQ786243 was significantly overexpressed in clinical active CD patients compared with clinical inactive CD patients (P = 0.0118) or healthy controls (P = 0.002). CREB was also more highly expressed in active CD than in inactive CD (P = 0.0034) or controls (P = 0.0241). Foxp3 was interestingly lower in inactive CD than in active CD (P = 0.0317) or controls (P = 0.0103), but there were no apparent differences between active CD and controls. CRP was well correlated with DQ786243 (r = 0.489, P = 0.034), CREB (r = 0.500, P = 0.029) and Foxp3 (r = 0.546, P = 0.016). At 48 hours after DQ786243 transfection, qRT-PCR showed both CREB (P = 0.017) and Foxp3 (P = 0.046) had an increased mRNA expression in Jurkat cells. Western blot showed the same pattern. After DQ786243 transfection, CREB phosphorylation ratio (p-CREB/t-CREB) was increased (P = 0.0043).

Conclusion

DQ786243 can be related with severity of CD. It can affect the expression of CREB and Foxp3 through which regulates the function of Treg. CREB itself seems not the mediator of DQ786243 to up-regulate Foxp3. The phosphorylation of CREB might play a more important role in the process.