bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The thrombotic potential of circulating tumor microemboli: computational modeling of circulating tumor cell-induced coagulation
Authors: Phillips Kevin G. , Lee Angela M. , Tormoen Garth W. , Rigg Rachel A. , Kolatkar Anand , Luttgen Madelyn , Bethel Kelly , Bazhenova Lyudmila , Kuhn Peter , Newton Paul , McCarty Owen J. T.
Published: November 2014

Thrombotic events can herald the diagnosis of cancer, preceding any cancer-related clinical symptoms. Patients with cancer are at a 4- to 7-fold increased risk of suffering from venous thromboembolism (VTE), with ∼7,000 patients with lung cancer presenting from VTEs. However, the physical biology underlying cancer-associated VTE remains poorly understood. Several lines of evidence suggest that the shedding of tissue factor (TF)-positive circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and microparticles from primary tumors may serve as a trigger for cancer-associated thrombosis. To investigate the potential direct and indirect roles of CTCs in VTE, we characterized thrombin generation by CTCs in an interactive numerical model coupling blood flow with advection-diffusion kinetics. Geometric measurements of CTCs isolated from the peripheral blood of a lung cancer patient prior to undergoing lobectomy formed the basis of the simulations. Singlet, doublet, and aggregate circulating tumor microemboli (CTM) were investigated in the model. Our numerical model demonstrated that CTM could potentiate occlusive events that drastically reduce blood flow and serve as a platform for the promotion of thrombin generation in flowing blood. These results provide a characterization of CTM dynamics in the vasculature and demonstrate an integrative framework combining clinical, biophysical, and mathematical approaches to enhance our understanding of CTCs and their potential direct and indirect roles in VTE formation.
Divergent cell cycle kinetics of midgestation ventricular cells entail a higher engraftment efficiency after cell transplantation
Authors: Zhang Feixiong , Feridooni Tiam , Hotchkiss Adam , Pasumarthi Kishore B. S.
Published: November 2014

Cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) in the primary and secondary heart fields contribute to the formation of all major cell types in the mammalian heart. While some CPCs remain undifferentiated in midgestation and postnatal hearts, very little is known about their proliferation and differentiation potential. In this study, using an Nkx2.5 cell lineage-restricted reporter mouse model, we provide evidence that Nkx2.5+ CPCs and cardiomyocytes can be readily distinguished from nonmyocyte population using a combination of Nkx2.5 and sarcomeric myosin staining of dispersed ventricular cell preparations. Assessment of cell number and G1/S transit rates during ventricular development indicates that the proliferative capacity of Nkx2.5+ cell lineage gradually decreases despite a progressive increase in Nkx2.5+ cell number. Notably, midgestation ventricles (E11.5) contain a larger number of CPCs (∼2-fold) compared with E14.5 ventricles, and the embryonic CPCs retain cardiomyogenic differentiation potential. The proliferation rates are consistently higher in embryonic CPCs compared with myocyte population in both E11.5 and E14.5 ventricles. Results from two independent cell transplantation models revealed that E11.5 ventricular cells with a higher percentage of proliferating CPCs can form larger grafts compared with E14.5 ventricular cells. Furthermore, transplantation of embryonic ventricular cells did not cause any undesirable side effects such as arrhythmias. These data underscore the benefits of donor cell developmental staging in myocardial repair.
Passive rewarming from torpor in hibernating bats: minimizing metabolic costs and cardiac demands
Authors: Currie Shannon E. , Noy Kodie , Geiser Fritz
Published: November 2014

Endothermic arousal from torpor is an energetically costly process and imposes enormous demands on the cardiovascular system, particularly during early stage arousal from low body temperature (Tb). To minimize these costs many bats and other heterothermic endotherms rewarm passively from torpor using solar radiation or fluctuating ambient temperature (Ta). Because the heart plays a critical role in the arousal process in terms of blood distribution and as a source of heat production, it is desirable to understand how the function of this organ responds to passive rewarming and how this relates to changes in metabolism and Tb. We investigated heart rate (HR) in hibernating long-eared bats ( Nyctophilus gouldi) and its relationship to oxygen consumption (V̇o2) and subcutaneous temperature (Tsub) during exposure to increasing Tacompared with endogenous arousals at constant low Ta. During passive rewarming, HR and V̇o2remained low over a large Tsubrange and increased concurrently with increasing Ta(Q102.4 and 2.5, respectively). Absolute values were higher than during steady-state torpor but below those measured during torpor entry. During active arousals, mean HR and V̇o2were substantially higher than during passive rewarming at corresponding Tsub. In addition, partial passive rewarming reduced the cost of arousal from torpor by 53% compared with entirely active arousal. Our data show that passive rewarming considerably reduces arousal costs and arousal time; we suggest this may also contribute to minimizing exposure to oxidative stresses as well as demands on the cardiovascular system.
Theobromine increases NAD+/Sirt-1 activity and protects the kidney under diabetic conditions
Authors: Papadimitriou Alexandros , Silva Kamila C. , Peixoto Elisa B. M. I. , Borges Cynthia M. , Lopes de Faria Jacqueline M. , Lopes de Faria José B.
Published: November 2014

Reduction in sirtuin 1 (Sirt-1) is associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in the diabetic kidney. Theobromine may reduce kidney ECM accumulation in diabetic rats. In the current study, we aimed to unravel, under diabetic conditions, the mechanism of kidney ECM accumulation induced by a reduction in Sirt-1 and the effect of theobromine in these events. In vitro, we used immortalized human mesangial cells (iHMCs) exposed to high glucose (HG; 30 mM), with or without small interfering RNA for NOX4 and Sirt-1. In vivo, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were rendered diabetic by means of streptozotocin and studied after 12 wk. The effects of treatment with theobromine were investigated under both conditions. HG leads to a decrease in Sirt-1 activity and NAD+levels in iHMCs. Sirt-1 activity could be reestablished by treatment with NAD+, silencing NOX4, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) blockade, or with theobromine. HG also leads to a low AMP/ATP ratio, acetylation of SMAD3, and increased collagen IV, which is prevented by theobromine. Sirt-1 or AMPK blockade abolished these effects of theobromine. In diabetic SHR, theobromine prevented increases in albuminuria and kidney collagen IV, reduced AMPK, elevated NADPH oxidase activity and PARP-1, and reduced NAD+levels and Sirt-1 activity. These results suggest that in diabetes mellitus, Sirt-1 activity is reduced by PARP-1 activation and NAD+depletion due to low AMPK, which increases NOX4 expression, leading to ECM accumulation mediated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 signaling. It is suggested that Sirt-1 activation by theobromine may have therapeutic potential for diabetic nephropathy.
Acute dietary nitrate supplementation enhances compensatory vasodilation during hypoxic exercise in older adults
Authors: Casey Darren P. , Treichler David P. , Ganger Charles T. , Schneider Aaron C. , Ueda Kenichi
Published: November 2014

We have previously demonstrated that aging reduces the compensatory vasodilator response during hypoxic exercise due to blunted nitric oxide (NO) signaling. Recent evidence suggests that NO bioavailability can be augmented by dietary nitrate through the nitrate-nitrite pathway. Thus we tested the hypothesis that acute dietary nitrate supplementation increases the compensatory vasodilator response to hypoxic exercise, particularly in older adults. Thirteen young (25 ± 1 yr) and 12 older (64 ± 2 yr) adults performed rhythmic forearm exercise at 20% of maximum voluntary contraction during normoxia and hypoxia (∼80% O2 saturation); both before (control) and 3 h after beetroot juice (BR) consumption. Forearm vascular conductance (FVC; ml·min−1·100 mmHg−1) was calculated from forearm blood flow (ml/min) and blood pressure (mmHg). Compensatory vasodilation was defined as the relative increase in FVC due to hypoxic exercise (i.e., % increase compared with respective normoxic exercise trial). Plasma nitrite was determined from venous blood samples obtained before the control trials and each of the exercise trials (normoxia and hypoxia) after BR. Consumption of BR increased plasma nitrite in both young and older adults ( P < 0.001). During the control condition, the compensatory vasodilator response to hypoxic exercise was attenuated in older compared with young adults (3.8 ± 1.7% vs. 14.2 ± 1.2%, P < 0.001). Following BR consumption, compensatory vasodilation did not change in young (13.7 ± 3.3%, P = 0.81) adults but was substantially augmented in older adults (11.4 ± 2.1%, P < 0.01). Our data suggest that acute dietary nitrate supplementation increases the compensatory vasodilator response to hypoxic exercise in older but not young adults.
Ultrasound-based testing of tendon mechanical properties: a critical evaluation
Authors: Seynnes O. R. , Bojsen-Møller J. , Albracht K. , Arndt A , Cronin N. J. , Finni T. , Magnusson S. P.
Published: November 2014

In the past 20 years, the use of ultrasound-based methods has become a standard approach to measure tendon mechanical properties in vivo. Yet the multitude of methodological approaches adopted by various research groups probably contribute to the large variability of reported values. The technique of obtaining and relating tendon deformation to tensile force in vivo has been applied differently, depending on practical constraints or scientific points of view. Divergence can be seen in 1) methodological considerations, such as the choice of anatomical features to scan and to track, force measurements, or signal synchronization; and 2) in physiological considerations related to the viscoelastic behavior or length measurements of tendons. Hence, the purpose of the present review is to assess and discuss the physiological and technical aspects connected to in vivo testing of tendon mechanical properties. In doing so, our aim is to provide the reader with a qualitative analysis of ultrasound-based techniques. Finally, a list of recommendations is proposed for a number of selected issues.
Properties of primary motor cortex output to hindlimb muscles in the macaque monkey
Authors: Hudson Heather M. , Griffin Darcy M. , Belhaj-Saïf Abderraouf , Cheney Paul D.
Published: November 2014

The cortical control of forelimb motor function has been studied extensively, especially in the primate. In contrast, cortical control of the hindlimb has been relatively neglected. This study assessed the output properties of the primary motor cortex (M1) hindlimb representation in terms of the sign, latency, magnitude, and distribution of effects in stimulus-triggered averages (StTAs) of electromyography (EMG) activity recorded from 19 muscles, including hip, knee, ankle, digit, and intrinsic foot muscles, during a push-pull task compared with data reported previously on the forelimb. StTAs (15, 30, and 60 μA at 15 Hz) of EMG activity were computed at 317 putative layer V sites in two rhesus macaques. Poststimulus facilitation (PStF) was distributed equally between distal and proximal muscles, whereas poststimulus suppression (PStS) was more common in distal muscles than proximal muscles (51/49%, respectively, for PStF; 72/28%, respectively, for PStS) at 30 μA. Mean PStF and PStS onset latency generally increased the more distal the joint of a muscle's action. Most significantly, the average magnitude of hindlimb poststimulus effects was considerably weaker than the average magnitude of effects from forelimb M1. In addition, forelimb PStF magnitude increased consistently from proximal to distal joints, whereas hindlimb PStF magnitude was similar at all joints except the intrinsic foot muscles, which had a magnitude of approximately double that of all of the other muscles. The results suggest a greater monosynaptic input to forelimb compared with hindlimb motoneurons, as well as a more direct synaptic linkage for the intrinsic foot muscles compared with the other hindlimb muscles.
Dopamine neurons encode errors in predicting movement trigger occurrence
Authors: Pasquereau Benjamin , Turner Robert S.
Published: November 2014

The capacity to anticipate the timing of events in a dynamic environment allows us to optimize the processes necessary for perceiving, attending to, and responding to them. Such anticipation requires neuronal mechanisms that track the passage of time and use this representation, combined with prior experience, to estimate the likelihood that an event will occur (i.e., the event's “hazard rate”). Although hazard-like ramps in activity have been observed in several cortical areas in preparation for movement, it remains unclear how such time-dependent probabilities are estimated to optimize response performance. We studied the spiking activity of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of monkeys during an arm-reaching task for which the foreperiod preceding the “go” signal varied randomly along a uniform distribution. After extended training, the monkeys' reaction times correlated inversely with foreperiod duration, reflecting a progressive anticipation of the go signal according to its hazard rate. Many dopamine neurons modulated their firing rates as predicted by a succession of hazard-related prediction errors. First, as time passed during the foreperiod, slowly decreasing anticipatory activity tracked the elapsed time as if encoding negative prediction errors. Then, when the go signal appeared, a phasic response encoded the temporal unpredictability of the event, consistent with a positive prediction error. Neither the anticipatory nor the phasic signals were affected by the anticipated magnitudes of future reward or effort, or by parameters of the subsequent movement. These results are consistent with the notion that dopamine neurons encode hazard-related prediction errors independently of other information.
Cell-type-specific resonances shape the responses of striatal neurons to synaptic input
Authors: Beatty Joseph A. , Song Soomin C. , Wilson Charles J.
Published: November 2014

Neurons respond to synaptic inputs in cell-type-specific ways. Each neuron type may thus respond uniquely to shared patterns of synaptic input. We applied statistically identical barrages of artificial synaptic inputs to four striatal cell types to assess differences in their responses to a realistic input pattern. Each interneuron type fired in phase with a specific input-frequency component. The fast-spiking interneuron fired in relation to the gamma-band (and higher) frequencies, the low-threshold spike interneuron to the beta-band frequencies, and the cholinergic neurons to the delta-band frequencies. Low-threshold spiking and cholinergic interneurons showed input impedance resonances at frequencies matching their spiking resonances. Fast-spiking interneurons showed resonance of input impedance but at lower than gamma frequencies. The spiny projection neuron's frequency preference did not have a fixed frequency but instead tracked its own firing rate. Spiny cells showed no input impedance resonance. Striatal interneurons are each tuned to a specific frequency band corresponding to the major frequency components of local field potentials. Their influence in the circuit may fluctuate along with the contribution of that frequency band to the input. In contrast, spiny neurons may tune to any of the frequency bands by a change in firing rate.
Cheating the CHA2DS2-VASc Score: Thromboembolism in Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Weir Robin A. P. , MacKenzie Nicola , Petrie Colin J.
Published: November 2014

Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of systemic thromboembolism in general and stroke in particular. Not all patients who develop atrial fibrillation are at significantly heightened risk of thromboembolic complications, however, with the development of risk scoring systems aiding clinicians in determining whether formal anticoagulation is mandated. The most commonly used contemporary scoring systems—CHADS2and CHA2DS2-VASc—provide a reliable means of assessing stroke risk, but certain cardiac conditions are associated with an increased incidence of thromboembolism without impacting on these risk scores. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with its apical variant, is such a condition. We present a case of a patient with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation who suffered dire thromboembolic consequences despite a reassuringly low CHA2DS2-VASc score and suggest that this scoring system is modified to incorporate the thromboembolic risk inherent to certain cardiomyopathies irrespective of impairment of left ventricular systolic dysfunction or clinical heart failure.
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and Three-Body Abrasive Wear Behaviour of Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomer Composites
Authors: Rajashekaraiah Hemanth , Mohan Sekar , Pallathadka Pramoda Kumari , Bhimappa Suresha
Published: November 2014

Various amounts of short fibers (glass and carbon) and particulate fillers like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicon carbide (SiC), and alumina (Al2O3) were systematically introduced into the thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TCE) matrix for reinforcement purpose. The mechanical properties such as storage modulus, loss modulus, and Tanδby dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and three-body abrasive wear performance on a dry sand rubber wheel abrasion tester have been investigated. For abrasive wear study, the experiments were planned according toL27orthogonal array by considering three factors and three levels. The complex moduli for TCE hybrid composites were pushed to a higher level relative to the TCE filled PTFE composite. At lower temperatures (in the glassy region), the storage modulus increases with increase in wt.% of reinforcement (fiber + fillers) and the value is maximum for the composite with 40 wt.% reinforcement. The loss modulus and damping peaks were also found to be higher by the incorporation of SiC and Al2O3microfillers. The routine abrasive wear test results indicated that TCE filled PTFE composite exhibited better abrasion resistance. Improvements in the abrasion resistance, however, have not been achieved by short-fiber and particlaute filler reinforcements. From the Taguchi’s experimental findings, optimal combination of control factors were obtained for minimum wear volume and also predictive correlations were proposed. Further, the worn surface morphology of the samples was discussed.
Plastic Deformation of Metal Tubes Subjected to Lateral Blast Loads
Authors: Song Kejian , Long Yuan , Ji Chong , Gao Fuyin
Published: November 2014

When subjected to the dynamic load, the behavior of the structures is complex and makes it difficult to describe the process of the deformation. In the paper, an analytical model is presented to analyze the plastic deformation of the steel circular tubes. The aim of the research is to calculate the deflection and the deformation angle of the tubes. A series of assumptions are made to achieve the objective. During the research, we build a mathematical model for simply supported thin‐walled metal tubes with finite length. At a specified distance above the tube, a TNT charge explodes and generates a plastic shock wave. The wave can be seen as uniformly distributed over the upper semicircle of the cross‐section. The simplified Tresca yield domain can be used to describe the plastic flow of the circular tube. The yield domain together with the plastic flow law and other assumptions can finally lead to the solving of the deflection. In the end, tubes with different dimensions subjected to blast wave induced by the TNT charge are observed in experiments. Comparison shows that the numerical results agree well with experiment observations.
Numerical Investigation of Viscous Flow Velocity Field around a Marine Cavitating Propeller
Authors: Zhu Zhifeng
Published: November 2014

Velocity field around a ship cavitating propeller is investigated based on the viscous multiphase flow theory. Using a hybrid grid, the unsteady Navier-stokes (N-S) and the bubble dynamics equations are solved in this paper to predict the velocity in a propeller wake and the vapor volume fraction on the back side of propeller blade for a uniform inflow. Compared with experimental results, the numerical predictions of cavitation and axial velocity coincide with the measured data. The evolution of tip vortex is shown, and the interaction between the tip vortex of the current blade and the wake of the next one occurs in the far propeller wake. The frequency of velocity signals changes from shaft rate to blade rate. The phenomena reflect the instability of propeller wake.
A Method to Accelerate the Convergence of the Secant Algorithm
Authors: Nijmeijer M. J. P.
Published: November 2014

We present an acceleration technique for the Secant method. The Secant method is a root-searching algorithm for a general function f. We exploit the fact that the combination of two Secant steps leads to an improved, so-called first-order approximant of the root. The original Secant algorithm can be modified to a first-order accelerated algorithm which generates a sequence of first-order approximants. This process can be repeated: two nth order approximants can be combined in a (n+1)th order approximant and the algorithm can be modified to an (n+1)th order accelerated algorithm which generates a sequence of such approximants. We show that the sequence of nth order approximants converges to the root with the same order as methods using polynomial fits of f of degree n.
Viola canescens: Herbal Wealth to Be Conserved
Authors: Masood Maria , Arshad Muhammad , Asif Saira , Chaudhari Sunbal Khalil
Published: November 2014

Viola canescensWall. ex Roxb., commonly known as Himalayan White Violet, belongs to Violaceae family. It is found in the Himalayan regions of Pakistan, India, Bhutan, and Nepal. It is a perennial herb which mostly prefers to grow in the shady and moist places.V. canescensis an important medicinal plant which is mostly used in the traditional medicinal system for cough, cold, flu, fever, and malaria and is also given as anticancerous drug. So far, violin (alkaloid), viola quercitrin, methyl salicylate, and saponins are the different phytochemicals which are extracted from this plant. Molecular studies onV. canescenssuggest that, in case of adulteration in the powdered form ofViolaspecies, they can be distinguishable by the lengths of their spacer regions. Because of the overexploitation ofV. canescensfor medicinal purposes, the conservational status ofV. canescensin different regions became endangered. It is the need of the hour to utilize different conservational strategies and save this precious medicinal wealth from extinction.
Protective Effects of Aqueous Extract ofSolanum nigrumLinn. Leaves in Rat Models of Oral Mucositis
Authors: Patel Alkesh , Biswas Subhankar , Shoja Muhammed Haneefa , Ramalingayya Grandhi Venkata , Nandakumar K.
Published: November 2014

Oral mucositis is one of the most debilitating side effects in patient undergoing chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Leaves of the plantSolanum nigrumare used in folklore medicine to treat oral ulcers in India. However, no pharmacological investigation has been carried out till date. Aqueous extract ofSolanum nigrumleaves (AESN) was prepared and subjected to various phytochemical screening. HPLC analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction was carried out. The aqueous extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) was further evaluated for its protective effect on two rat models: (a) busulfan plus infrared radiation (chemoradiotherapy) induced oral mucositis and (b) methotrexate (chemotherapy) induced oral mucositis. Various parameters including body weight change, food intake, and mortality were measured. AESN showed protective effect in both models of oral mucositis; however, the higher dose was more effective in chemotherapy induced oral mucositis. A reduction in oral mucositis score(P<0.05)was observed in the treatment groups. Significant(P<0.05)improvement in food intake was also observed in AESN treated groups. Aqueous extract ofSolanum nigrumleaves has protective effect on chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy induced oral mucositis in rats.
Feature Extraction and Automatic Material Classification of Underground Objects from Ground Penetrating Radar Data
Authors: Lu Qingqing , Pu Jiexin , Liu Zhonghua
Published: November 2014

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a powerful tool for detecting objects buried underground. However, the interpretation of the acquired signals remains a challenging task since an experienced user is required to manage the entire operation. Particularly difficult is the classification of the material type of underground objects in noisy environment. This paper proposes a new feature extraction method. First, discrete wavelet transform (DWT) transforms A-Scan data and approximation coefficients are extracted. Then, fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) is used to transform approximation coefficients into fractional domain and we extract features. The features are supplied to the support vector machine (SVM) classifiers to automatically identify underground objects material. Experiment results show that the proposed feature-based SVM system has good performances in classification accuracy compared to statistical and frequency domain feature-based SVM system in noisy environment and the classification accuracy of features proposed in this paper has little relationship with the SVM models.
Synthesis Antimicrobial and Anticancer Evaluation of 1-Aryl-5-(o-methoxyphenyl)-2-S-benzyl Isothiobiurets
Authors: Ansari Mohammed M. , Deshmukh Shirish P. , Khan Rizwan , Musaddiq Mohammed
Published: November 2014

A series of S-benzyl aryl thiourea were condensed with o-Methoxy phenyl isocyanate to yield respective isothiobiuret derivatives. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by 1H-NMR, IR, and Mass Spectral studies and tested for biological activities.
How Public Health Nurses Identify and Intervene in Child Maltreatment Based on the National Clinical Guideline
Authors: Eija Paavilainen , Mika Helminen , Aune Flinck , Leila Lehtomäki
Published: November 2014

Objectives. To describe how Finnish public health nurses identify and intervene in child maltreatment and how they implement the National Clinical Guideline in their work.Design and Sample. Cross-sectional survey of 367 public health nurses in Finland.Measures. A web-based questionnaire developed based on the content areas of the guideline: identifying, intervening, and implementing.Results. The respondents reported they identify child maltreatment moderately (mean 3.38), intervene in it better (4.15), and implement the guideline moderately (3.43, scale between 1 and 6). Those with experience of working with maltreated children reported they identify them betterP<0.001, intervene betterP<0.001, and implement the guideline betterP<0.001than those with no experience. This difference was also found for those who were aware of the guideline, had read it, and participated in training on child maltreatment, as compared to those who were not aware of the guideline, had not read it, or had not participated in such training.Conclusions. The public health nurses worked quite well with children who had experienced maltreatment and families. However, the results point out several developmental targets for increasing training on child maltreatment, for devising recommendations for child maltreatment, and for applying these recommendations systematically in practice.
An Extremely Rare Reason for Failure of Left Sided Pacemaker Implantation
Authors: Özel Erdem , Öztürk Ali , Özcan Emin Evren , Genç Berhan
Published: November 2014

We reported a case of isolated anomaly of the left brachiocephalic vein which is diagnosed during a permanent pacemaker implantation. It is a very rare anomaly and makes the left sided pacemaker implantation impossible.
Robust FDI for a Class of Nonlinear Networked Systems with ROQs
Authors: Sun An-quan , Zhang Lin , Wang Wen-feng , Wang Jun , Niu Tian-lin , Zhang Jia-li
Published: November 2014

This paper considers the robust fault detection and isolation (FDI) problem for a class of nonlinear networked systems (NSs) with randomly occurring quantisations (ROQs). After vector augmentation, Lyapunov function is introduced to ensure the asymptotically mean‐square stability of fault detection system. By transforming the quantisation effects into sector‐bounded parameter uncertainties, sufficient conditions ensuring the existence of fault detection filter are proposed, which can reduce the difference between output residuals and fault signals as small as possible under H∞ framework. Finally, an example linearized from a vehicle system is introduced to show the efficiency of the proposed fault detection filter.
Intravitreal Aflibercept Outcomes in Patients with Persistent Macular Exudate Previously Treated with Bevacizumab and/or Ranibizumab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Griffin David R. , Richmond Preston P. , Olson John C.
Published: November 2014

Purpose. To assess whether intravitreal aflibercept (2.0 mg) can effectively reduce persistent macular exudate and enhance visual acuity in ranibizumab (0.5 mg) and/or bevacizumab (1.25 mg) treatment resistant patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.Methods. This retrospective study included 47 treatment resistant eyes from 47 patients switched to intravitreal aflibercept injections after receiving a minimum of 3 injections with either ranibizumab or bevacizumab. Snellen visual acuity and optical coherence tomography were assessed just prior to the first injection (baseline) and prior to the fourth injection (final). Additionally, anatomical regions of persistent macular exudate were tracked to determine if these areas yielded varying responses to aflibercept.Results. At baseline, patients had received an average of 11.3 injections with any prior anti-VEGF drug (SD 5.96). For whole group analysis, baseline and final central retinal thickness were 370.57 µm and 295.7 µm (P≤.001), respectively. Baseline and final retinal fluid volumes were 4.81 mm3and 4.37 mm3(P≤.001), respectively. Baseline and final logMAR were 0.56 and 0.53 (P=0.301), respectively. Anatomic location of persistent exudate did not appreciably alter treatment outcome.Conclusion. Central retinal thickness and total retinal fluid volume were reduced in ranibizumab and/or bevacizumab treatment resistant patients following three aflibercept injections. No appreciable change in visual acuity was noted.
Protective Effect of Shen‐Fu Injection on Neuronal Mitochondrial Function in a Porcine Model of Prolonged Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Gu Wei , Hou XiaoMin , Zhou Haijiang , Li ChunSheng
Published: November 2014

Background. Shen‐Fu injection (SFI) following cardiac arrest exhibits neurological effects, but its effect on neurological dysfunction is unclear. This study sought to investigate the protective effect of SFI on nerve cells in a porcine model of cardiac arrest. Methods. After eight minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation (VF) and 2 minutes of basic life support, 24 pigs were randomized and divided into three cardiopulmonary resuscitation groups, which received central venous injection of either Shen‐Fu (SFI group; 1.0 ml/kg), epinephrine (EP group; 0.02 mg/kg), or saline (SA group). Surviving pigs were sacrificed at 24 h after ROSC and brains were removed for analysis for morphologic changes of mitochondria by electron microscopy, for mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP) by flow cytometry, and for opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) by mitochondrial light scattering. Results. Compared with the EP and SA groups, SFI treatment reduced opening of MPTP, showing higher MMP. In addition, animals treated with SFI showed slight cerebral ultrastructure damage under the electron microscopy. Conclusion. Shen‐Fu injection alleviated brain injury, improved neurological ultrastructure, stabilized membrane potential, and inhibited opening of MPTP. Therefore, SFI could significantly attenuate postresuscitation cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury by modulating mitochondrial dysfunction of nerve cells.
Facile Synthesis of Pyrazole- and Benzotriazole-Containing Selenoethers
Authors: Potapov Andrei S. , Chernova Nina P. , Ogorodnikov Vladimir D. , Petrenko Tatiana V. , Khlebnikov Andrei I.
Published: November 2014

Azole-containing selenoethers, 1,5-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-3-selena pentane and 1,3-bis(1,2,3-benzotriazol-1-yl)-2-selena propane were prepared by the reaction of corresponding tosylate or chloride with sodium selenide generatedin situfrom elemental selenium and sodium formaldehydesulfoxylate (rongalite).
A Numerical Test of Padé Approximation for Some Functions with Singularity
Authors: Yamada Hiroaki S. , Ikeda Kensuke S.
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study is to examine some numerical tests of Padé approximation for some typical functions with singularities such as simple pole, essential singularity, brunch cut, and natural boundary. As pointed out by Baker, it was shown that the simple pole and the essential singularity can be characterized by the poles of the Padé approximation. However, it was not fully clear how the Padé approximation works for the functions with the branch cut or the natural boundary. In the present paper, it is shown that the poles and zeros of the Padé approximated functions are alternately lined along the branch cut if the test function has branch cut, and poles are also distributed around the natural boundary for some lacunary power series and random power series which rigorously have a natural boundary on the unit circle. On the other hand, Froissart doublets due to numerical errors and/or external noise also appear around the unit circle in the Padé approximation. It is also shown that the residue calculus for the Padé approximated functions can be used to confirm the numerical accuracy of the Padé approximation and quasianalyticity of the random power series.
Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery for Intersigmoid Hernia
Authors: Watanabe Takahiro , Wada Hidetoshi , Sato Masanori , Miyaki Yuichirou , Shiiya Norihiko
Published: November 2014

Intersigmoid hernia is a rare form of internal hernia. Here, we report a case of intersigmoid hernia and provide a brief review of the 62 cases involving the mesosigmoid reported in Japan from 2000 to 2013. In the current case, a 26-year-old man with no previous history of abdominal surgery presented with abdominal pain and vomiting. Abdominal computed tomography revealed an extensively dilated small bowel and a closed loop of small bowel in the mesosigmoid. The patient was diagnosed with an intestinal obstruction due to an incarcerated internal hernia involving the mesosigmoid. There was no blood flow obstruction at the incarcerated bowel. An elective single-incision laparoscopic surgery was performed after decompression of the bowel using ileus tube. As the ileum herniated into the intersigmoid fossa, the patient was diagnosed with an intersigmoid hernia. The incarcerated small bowel was reduced in order to make it viable, and the hernial defect was closed with interrupted sutures. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on postoperative day five.
An Average Body Circumference Can Be a Substitute for Body Mass Index in Women
Authors: Polymeris Antonis , Papapetrou Peter D. , Katsoulis Georgios
Published: November 2014

Introduction.Significant correlations between BMI and some body circumferences have been previously reported. In this study we investigated if the average of the sum of eight body circumferences can be a substitute for BMI.Patients and Methods.BMI and eight body circumferences (neck, waist, hip, arm, forearm, wrist, thigh, and ankle) were measured in 193 apparently healthy women aged 20–83, and within a wide range of BMI. Women with BMI ≤ 24.9 were designated as normal, with BMI 25–29.9 as overweight and with BMI ≥ 30 as obese. The relationship of the average body circumference (ABC) of the sum of the eight circumferences, and of each individual circumference with BMI, was evaluated.Results.ABC had the strongest correlation with BMI (r=0.95,P<0.001) among all the circumferences tested. Hip circumference had the strongest correlation with BMI (r=0.89,P<0.001) among the circumferences of individual body sites. Receiver-Operator Characteristic analysis showed that women with ABC > 44.0 cm could be recognized as having BMI ≥ 25 with sensitivity 90.2% and specificity 88.5%, while women with ABC > 47.1 cm could be diagnosed as having BMI ≥ 30 with sensitivity 92.2% and specificity 91.5%.Conclusion.An average body circumference strongly correlated with BMI in women and can serve as a surrogate of BMI.
Study of the Effect of Dillenia indica Fruit Mucilage on the Properties of Metformin Hydrochloride Loaded Spray Dried Microspheres
Authors: Sharma Hemanta Kumar , Nath Lila Kanta
Published: November 2014

Natural materials are preferred over synthetic counterparts because of their biodegradable and biocompatible nature. The present work was proposed to utilize mucilage from natural source for the development of controlled release formulation of metformin hydrochloride. Natural mucilaginous substance extracted from Dillenia indica L. (DI) fruit was used in fabricating controlled release microspheres. The microspheres were prepared by spray drying method under different formulation parameters. The prepared microspheres were studied for particle size, drug excipient compatibility, particle shape and surface morphologies, drug entrapment efficiency, mucoadhesivity, and in vitro drug release properties. The prepared microspheres exhibited mucoadhesive properties and demonstrated controlled release of metformin hydrochloride. The study reveals that the natural materials can be used for formulation of controlled release microspheres and would provide ample opportunities for further study.
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection Occurring after Exposure toMycobacterium marinum
Authors: Patel Shivani S. , Tavana M. Lance , Boger M. Sean , Win Soe Soe , Rimawi Bassam H.
Published: November 2014

Cutaneous infections caused byMycobacterium marinumhave been attributed to aquarium or fish exposure after a break in the skin barrier. In most instances, the upper limbs and fingers account for a majority of the infection sites. While previous cases of necrotizing soft tissue infections related toM. marinumhave been documented, the importance of our presenting case is to illustrate the aggressive nature ofM. marinumresulting in a persistent necrotizing soft tissue infection of a finger that required multiple aggressive wound debridements, followed by an amputation of the affected extremity, in order to hasten recovery.
Secure Certificateless Signature with Revocation in the Standard Model
Authors: Tsai Tung-Tso , Huang Sen-Shan , Tseng Yuh-Min
Published: November 2014

Certificateless public key cryptography is very attractive in solving the key escrow problem which is inherent in identity‐ (ID‐) based public key cryptography. In the past, a large number of certificateless cryptographic schemes and protocols were presented, but a secure certificateless signature in the standard model (without random oracles) is still not accessible until now. To the best of our knowledge, all the
previously proposed certificateless signature schemes were insecure under a considerably strong security model in the sense that they suffered from outsiders’ key replacement attacks or the attacks from the key generation center (KGC). In this paper, we propose a certificateless signature scheme without random oracles. Moreover, our scheme is secure under the strong security model and provides a public revocation mechanism, called revocable certificateless signature (RCLS). Under the standard computational Diffie‐Hellman assumption, we formally demonstrate that our scheme possesses existential unforgeability against adaptive chosen‐message attacks.
Prediction of Tropical Cyclones’ Characteristic Factors on Hainan Island Using Data Mining Technology
Authors: Zhou Ruixu , Gao Wensheng , Zhang Bowen , Fu Xianggan , Chen Qinzhu , Huang Song , Liang Yafeng
Published: November 2014

A new methodology combining data mining technology with statistical methods is proposed for the prediction of tropical cyclones’ characteristic factors which contain latitude, longitude, the lowest center pressure, and wind speed. In the proposed method, the best track datasets in the years 1949~2012 are used for prediction. Using the method, effective criterions are formed to judge whether tropical cyclones land on Hainan Island or not. The highest probability of accurate judgment can reach above 79%. With regard to TCs which are judged to land on Hainan Island, related prediction equations are established to effectively predict their characteristic factors. Results show that the average distance error is improved compared with the National Meteorological Centre of China.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Hepatosplenic Granuloma: A Rare Case
Authors: Bharti Anju , Meena Lalit Prashant
Published: November 2014

Background. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease which is known to present with a wide variety of clinical manifestations.Case Report. A 15-year-old male presented with complaints of moderate grade fever and generalized body swelling. There was no history of cough, weight loss, joint pain, oral ulcerations, skin rash, photosensitivity, loss of hair, pain abdomen, jaundice, or any significant illness in the past. Contrast enhanced computerized tomography of the abdomen revealed hypodense lesions in both liver and spleen (without contrast enhancement), suggestive of granulomas along with few retroperitoneal and mesenteric lymph nodes. On the basis of immunological tests and renal biopsy report, SLE with hepatosplenic granulomatosis diagnosis was made. He was given pulse methylprednisolone 500 mg, for 3 days and he showed dramatic improvement clinically.Conclusion. Hepatic and splenic granulomas are not common in SLE, but this should be kept in differential diagnosis.
Fractal‐Based Methods and Inverse Problems for Differential Equations: Current State of the Art
Authors: Kunze Herb E. , La Torre Davide , Mendivil Franklin , Ruiz Galán Manuel , Zaki Rachad
Published: November 2014

We illustrate, in this short survey, the current state of the art of fractal‐based techniques and their application to the solution of inverse problems for ordinary and partial differential equations. We review several methods based on the Collage Theorem and its extensions. We also discuss two innovative applications: the first one is related to a vibrating string model while the second one considers a collage‐based approach for solving inverse problems for partial differential equations on a perforated domain.
Risk Factors Associated with Reoperation for Bleeding following Liver Transplantation
Authors: Thompson Maxwell A. , Redden David T. , Glueckert Lindsey , Smith A. Blair , Crawford Jack H. , Jones Keith A. , Eckhoff Devin E. , Gray Stephen H. , White Jared A. , Bloomer Joseph , DuBay Derek A.
Published: November 2014

Introduction. This study’s objective was to identify risk factors associated with reoperation for bleeding following liver transplantation (LTx). Methods. A retrospective study was performed at a single institution between 2001 and 2012. Operative reports were used to identify patients who underwent reoperation for bleeding within 2 weeks following LTx (operations for nonbleeding etiologies were excluded). Results. Reoperation for bleeding was observed in 101/928 (10.8%) of LTx patients. The following characteristics were associated with reoperation on multivariable analysis: recipient MELD score (OR 1.06/MELD unit, 95% CI 1.03, 1.09), number of platelets transfused (OR 0.73/platelet unit, 95% CI 0.58, 0.91), and aminocaproic acid utilization (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27, 0.80). LTx patients who underwent reoperation for bleeding had a longer ICU stay (5 days ± 7 versus 2 days ± 3, P<0.001) and hospitalization (18 days ± 9 versus 10 days ± 18, P<0.001). The risk of death increased in patients who underwent reoperation for bleeding (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.26, 2.85). Conclusion. Reoperation for bleeding following LTx was associated with increased resource utilization and recipient mortality. A lower threshold for intraoperative platelet transfusion and antifibrinolytics, especially in patients with high lab-MELD score, may decrease the incidence of reoperation for bleeding following LTx.
Protective Effect of Tea Polyphenol Ophthalmic Gel on Lens Epithelial Cells in Rabbits with Silicone Oil Tamponade after Vitrectomy
Authors: Ma Xianzhen , Guo Dadong , Bi Hongsheng , Xie Xiaofeng , Guo Junguo , Cui Yan
Published: November 2014

Purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tea polyphenols (TP) ophthalmic gel on lens epithelial cells (LECs) in rabbits with silicone oil tamponade after vitrectomy. Methods. In this study, unilateral vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade was performed using 2‐month‐old New Zealand white rabbits (n = 72); meanwhile, age‐matched nonoperated rabbits (n = 18) were used as controls. The TP ophthalmic gel was administered topically in the surgical eyes till they were sacrificed. On days 45 and 90 after operation, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and apoptosis of LECs were analyzed, respectively. Meanwhile, caspase‐3 mRNA and protein levels were also determined. Results. The results indicate that the levels of ROS and apoptosis were elevated for LECs in rabbits after operation, whereas ΔΨm was decreased. Caspase‐3 was apparently increased at both mRNA and protein levels. Treatment of TP ophthalmic gel could reduce the generation of ROS, maintain ΔΨm, inhibit the overexpression of caspase‐3, and thus decrease the apoptosis of LECs of rabbits after operation. Conclusions. TP ophthalmic gel can efficiently inhibit caspase‐3 overexpression, reduce the apoptosis of LECs, and prevent LECs from damage. Our result provides a new approach to prevent the development of complicated cataract after vitrectomy.
The Metabolism of Polysaccharide from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz and Its Effect on Intestinal Microflora
Authors: Wang Ruijun , Zhou Guisheng , Wang Mengyue , Peng Ying , Li Xiaobo
Published: November 2014

An active polysaccharide from the rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAM) was identified to improve and adjust disordered intestinal flora. High‐performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) were employed to identify the components of PAM as rhamnose, glucose, mannose, xylose, and galactose at a ratio of 0.03 : 0.25 : 0.15 : 0.41 : 0.15. PAM metabolized in gastrointestinal tract when incubated with artificial gastric and intestinal juices. Anaerobic incubation of PAM on intestinal flora confirmed that PAM promoted the ability of intestinal bacteria to digest reducing sugar. Based on the Shannon index and similarity coefficient index of enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus‐PCR (ERIC‐PCR) fingerprinting of the total intestinal bacteria DNA, we concluded that PAM can significantly improve disordered intestinal flora and may be used as an oral adjuvant to regulate intestinal flora.