bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Fuzzy Control for a Class of Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Krokavec Dušan , Filasová Anna
Published: August 2012

The paper presents conditions suitable in design giving quadratic performances to stabilizing controllers
for given class of continuous‐time nonlinear systems, represented by Takagi‐Sugeno models.
Based on extended Lyapunov function and slack matrices, the design conditions are outlined in the terms of linear matrix inequalities to possess a stable
structure closest to LQ performance, if premise variables are measurable. Simulation results illustrate
the design procedure and demonstrate the performances of the proposed control design method.
Macrolide Therapy in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Kwiatkowska Brygida , Maślińska Maria
Published: August 2012

Macrolides are a group of antibiotics with a distinctive macrocyclic lactone ring combined with sugars (cladinose, desosamine). The action of macrolides is to block protein synthesis by binding to the subunit of 50S ribosome of bacteria. Prototype macrolide was erythromycin, which came into clinical practice in the 50s of the 20th century. Its antimicrobial spectrum covers the scope of the penicillins but is extended to the impact of atypical bacteria. In the 90s more drugs of this group were synthesized—they have less severe side effects than erythromycin, extended spectrum of Gram-negative bacteria. Macrolides are effective in treating mycobacterial infections especially in patients infected with HIV. It is now known that in addition to antibacterial abilities, macrolides have immunomodulatory effects—they inhibit the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL1, 6, and 8) affect transcription factors (NF-κB) as well as costimulaton (CD 80) and adhesion molecules (ICAM). This review article focused not only on the their antimicrobial abilities but also on efficacy in the treatment of several inflammatory disorders independent of the infectious agent. Their wider use as immunomodulators requires further study, which can lead to an extension of indications for their administration.
Feature Identification of Compensatory Gene Pairs without Sequence Homology in Yeast
Authors: Peng Chien-Hua , Lin Shu-Hsi , Peng Shih-Chi , Lyu Ping-Chiang , Arita Masanori , Tang Chuan-Yi
Published: August 2012

Genetic robustness refers to a compensatory mechanism for buffering deleterious mutations or environmental variations. Gene duplication has been shown to provide such functional backups. However, the overall contribution of duplication-based buffering for genetic robustness is rather small. In this study, we investigated whether transcriptional compensation also exists among genes that share similar functions without sequence homology. A set of nonhomologous synthetic-lethal gene pairs was assessed by using a coexpression network, protein-protein interactions, and other types of genetic interactions in yeast. Our results are notably different from those of previous studies on buffering paralogs. The low expression similarity and the conditional coexpression alone do not play roles in identifying the functionally compensatory genes. Additional properties such as synthetic-lethal interaction, the ratio of shared common interacting partners, and the degree of coregulation were, at least in part, necessary to extract functional compensatory genes. Our network-based approach is applicable to select several well-documented cases of compensatory gene pairs and a set of new pairs. The results suggest that transcriptional reprogramming plays a limited role in functional compensation among nonhomologous genes. Our study aids in understanding the mechanism and features of functional compensation more in detail.
Differential Adaptations of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusto SerialIn VitroPassage in Daptomycin: Evolution of Daptomycin Resistance and Role of Membrane Carotenoid Content and Fluidity
Authors: Mishra Nagendra N. , Rubio Aileen , Nast Cynthia C. , Bayer Arnold S.
Published: August 2012

Previous studies showed serial 20 din vitropassage of MRSA strain MW2 in sublethal daptomycin (DAP) resulted in diverse perturbations in both cell membrane (CM) and cell wall (CW) characteristics, including increased CM rigidity; increased CW thickness; “gain-in-function” single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in themprFlocus (i.e., increased synthesis and translocation of lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol (L-PG)); progressive accumulation of SNPs inyycandrpolocus genes; reduced carotenoid production; cross-resistance to innate host defense peptides. The current study was designed to characterize the reproducibility of these phenotypic and genotypic modifications followingin vitroserial passages of the same parental strain. After a second 20d serialin vitropassage of parental MW2, emergence of DAP-R was associated with evolution of several phenotypes closely mirroring previous passage outcomes. However, in contrast to the initial serial passage strain set, we observed (i) only modest increase in L-PG synthesis and no increase in L-PG outer CM translocation; (ii) significantly increased carotenoid synthesis (P<0.05); (iii) a different order of SNP accumulations (mprF≫rpoB≫yycG); (iv) a different cadre and locations of such SNPs. Thus, MRSA strains are not “pre-programmed” to phenotypically and/or genotypically adapt in an identical manner during induction of DAP resistance.
Dynamics in a Delayed Neural Network Model of Two Neurons with Inertial Coupling
Authors: Xu Changjin , Li Peiluan
Published: August 2012

A delayed neural network model of two neurons with inertial coupling is dealt with in this paper. The stability is investigated and Hopf bifurcation is demonstrated. Applying the normal form theory and the center manifold argument, we derive the explicit formulas for determining the properties of the bifurcating periodic solutions. An illustrative example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Sufficient Optimality and Sensitivity Analysis of a Parameterized Min‐Max Programming
Authors: Xiong Huijuan , Xiao Yu , Song Chaohong
Published: August 2012

Sufficient optimality and sensitivity of a parameterized min‐max programming with fixed feasible set are analyzed. Based on Clarke′s subdifferential and Chaney′s second‐order directional derivative, sufficient optimality of the parameterized min‐max programming is discussed first. Moreover, under a convex assumption on the objective function, a subdifferential computation formula of the marginal function is obtained. The assumptions are satisfied naturally for some application problems. Moreover, the formulae based on these assumptions are concise and convenient for algorithmic purpose to solve the applications.
How Are n-3 LCPUFAs Antiarrhythmic? A Reassessment of n-3 LCPUFAs in Cardiac Disease
Authors: Ramadeen Andrew , Dorian Paul
Published: August 2012

Long-chain n-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs), referring particularly to marine-derived eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been shown to be effective in treating arrhythmias in some clinical trials and animal studies. The mechanism for this effect of n-3 LCPUFAs is not well understood. Experimental studies and clinical trials published in the 1980s and 1990s suggested that n-3 LCPUFAs may be antiarrhythmic drugs, but more recent trials have not confirmed this. In this paper, we examine evidence for, and against, the direct antiarrhythmic action of n-3 LCPUFAs and suggest that antistructural remodeling effects of n-3 LCPUFAs may be more relevant in accounting for their clinical effects.
Range-Angle-Dependent Beamforming by Frequency Diverse Array Antenna
Authors: Wang Wen-Qin , Shao Huaizong , Cai Jingye
Published: August 2012

This paper proposes a range-angle-dependent beamforming for frequency diverse array (FDA) antenna systems. Unlike conventional phased-array antenna, the FDA antenna employs a small amount of frequency increment compared to the carrier frequency across the array elements. The use of frequency increment generates an antenna pattern that is a function of range, time and angle. The range-angle-dependent beamforming allows the FDA antenna to transmit energy over a desired range or angle. This provides a potential to suppress range-dependent clutter and interference which is not accessible for conventional phased-array systems. In this paper, a FDA radar signal model is formed and the range-angle-dependent beamforming performance is examined by analyzing the transmit/receive beampatterns and the output signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) performance. Extensive simulation examples and results are provided.
On the Bankruptcy Situations and the Alexia Value
Authors: Alparslan Gök S. Z. , Sarıarslan A.
Published: August 2012

The main result of this paper is to show that the three ancient bankruptcy situations from the 2000‐year‐old Babylonian Talmud can
be solved by using the average lexicographic value (Alexia) from cooperative game theory.
Sample Size Calculation for Controlling False Discovery Proportion
Authors: Shang Shulian , Zhou Qianhe , Liu Mengling , Shao Yongzhao
Published: August 2012

The false discovery proportion (FDP), the proportion of incorrect rejections among all rejections, is a direct measure of abundance of false positive findings in multiple testing. Many methods have been proposed to control FDP, but they are too conservative to be useful for power analysis. Study designs for controlling the mean of FDP, which is false discovery rate, have been commonly used. However, there has been little attempt to design study with direct FDP control to achieve certain level of efficiency. We provide a sample size calculation method using the variance formula of the FDP under weak-dependence assumptions to achieve the desired overall power. The relationship between design parameters and sample size is explored. The adequacy of the procedure is assessed by simulation. We illustrate the method using estimated correlations from a prostate cancer dataset.
Methods to Assess the Protective Efficacy of Emollients against Climatic and Chemical Aggressors
Authors: Roure Romain , Lanctin Marion , Nollent Virginie , Bertin Christiane
Published: August 2012

Exposure to harsh environmental conditions, such as cold and dry climate and chemicals can have an abrasive effect on skin. Skin care products containing ingredients that avert these noxious effects by reinforcement of the barrier function can be tested usingin vivomodels. The objective is to use in vivo models to assess the efficacy of emollients in protecting skin against climatic and chemical insults. A first model used a stream of cooled air to mimic cold wind. A second used sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) under patch as chemical aggressor. In the model with simulated wind exposure, the untreated exposed area had a significant decrease in hydration. In contrast, application of an emollient caused a significant increase in hydration that was maintained after wind exposure. In the second model with SLS exposure, application of a barrier cream before SLS patch significantly reduced the dehydrating effect of SLS with a significant difference in variation between both areas. Application of the cream reduced TEWL, indicative of a physical reinforcement of the skin barrier. The two presented test methods, done under standardized conditions, can be used for evaluation of protective effect of emollient, by reinforcing the barrier function against experimentally induced skin dehydration.
Intraabdominal Compartment Syndrome Complicating Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor
Authors: Narain Sachin , Giquel Jadelis , Ariza Armando , Martinez-Ruiz Ricardo , Kava Bruce R. , Matadial Christina
Published: August 2012

Abdominal compartment syndrome can result from many different causes. We present a case where this dangerous syndrome occurred in the operating room during a transurethral resection of a bladder tumor. It was initially recognized by an elevation in the peak inspiratory pressure. We report the typical physiologic changes that occur with this syndrome and its treatment options.
Combinatorial Synthesis, Screening, and Binding Studies of Highly Functionalized Polyamino-amido Oligomers for Binding to Folded RNA
Authors: Pokorski Jonathan K. , Appella Daniel H.
Published: August 2012

Folded RNA molecules have recently emerged as critical regulatory elements in biological pathways, serving not just as carriers of genetic information but also as key components in enzymatic assemblies. In particular, the transactivation response element (TAR) of the HIV genome regulates transcriptional elongation by interacting specifically with the Tat protein, initiating the recruitment of the elongation complex. Preventing this interaction from occurringin vivohalts HIV replication, thus making RNA-binding molecules an intriguing pharmaceutical target. Usingα-amino acids as starting materials, we have designed and synthesized a new class of polyamino-amido oligomers, called PAAs, specifically for binding to folded RNA structures. The PAA monomers were readily incorporated into a 125-member combinatorial library of PAA trimers. In order to rapidly assess RNA binding, a quantum dot-based fluorescent screen was developed to visualize RNA binding on-resin. The binding affinities of hits were quantified using a terbium footprinting assay, allowing us to identify a ligand (SFF) with low micromolar affinity(kd=14 μM)for TAR RNA. The work presented herein represents the development of a flexible scaffold that can be easily synthesized, screened, and subsequently modified to provide ligands specific for binding to folded RNAs.
On a 4-Point Sixteenth-Order King Family of Iterative Methods for Solving Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Babajee Diyashvir Kreetee Rajiv , Thukral Rajinder
Published: August 2012

A one-parameter 4-point sixteenth-order King-type family of iterative methods which satisfy the famous Kung-Traub conjecture is proposed. The convergence of the family is proved, and numerical experiments are carried out to find the best member of the family. In most experiments, the best member was found to be a sixteenth-order Ostrowski-type method.
Nupr1-Aurora Kinase A Pathway Provides Protection against Metabolic Stress-Mediated Autophagic-Associated Cell Death
Authors: Hamidi Tewfik , Cano Carla E. , Grasso Daniel , Garcia Maria Noé , Sandi Maria José , Calvo Ezequiel L. , Dagorn Jean-Charles , Lomberk Gwen , Urrutia Raul , Goruppi Sandro , Carracedo Arkaitz , Velasco Guillermo , Iovanna Juan L.
Published: August 2012

Purpose: The limited supply of oxygen and nutrients is thought to result in rigorous selection of cells that will eventually form the tumor.

Experimental Design: Nupr1 expression pattern was analyzed in human tissue microarray (TMA) and correlated with survival time of the patient. Microarray analysis was conducted on MiaPaCa2 cells subjected to metabolic stress in Nupr1-silenced conditions. DNA repair and cell cycle–associated gene expression was confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Nupr1 and AURKA protective role were analyzed using RNA interference (RNAi) silencing or overexpression. DNA damage and autophagy were analyzed by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence.

Results: We showed that both Nupr1 and HIF1α are coexpressed in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) samples and negatively correlate with survival time. PDAC-derived cells submitted to hypoxia and/or glucose starvation induce DNA damage–dependent cell death concomitantly to the overexpression of stress protein Nupr1. Affymetrix-based transcriptoma analysis reveals that Nupr1 knockdown enhances DNA damage and alters the expression of several genes involved in DNA repair and cell-cycle progression. Expression of some of these genes is common to hypoxia and glucose starvation, such as Aurka gene, suggesting that Nupr1 overexpression counteracts the transcriptional changes occurring under metabolic stress. The molecular mechanism by which hypoxia and glucose starvation induce cell death involves autophagy-associated, but not caspase-dependent, cell death. Finally, we have found that AURKA expression is partially regulated by Nupr1 and plays a major role in this response.

Conclusions: Our data reveal that Nupr1 is involved in a defense mechanism that promotes pancreatic cancer cell survival when exposed to metabolic stress. Clin Cancer Res; 18(19); 5234–46. ©2012 AACR.
Treatment with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonist Exendin-4 in a Patient with Hypothalamic Obesity Secondary to Intracranial Tumor
Authors: Simmons Jill H. , Shoemaker Ashley H. , Roth Christian L.
Published: August 2012

Background/Aims: Patients with hypothalamic tumors frequently experience severe obesity, and its treatment with diet, exercise, and/or pharmacologic treatment has had limited effect. Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist exenatide (exendin-4), used for treatment of type 2 diabetes, causes persistent weight loss via signaling in the brainstem. Methods: We report the case of a 17-year-old patient with obesity resulting from a hypothalamic germ cell tumor. He was treated by chemoradiotherapy and exenatide at a dose of 5 µg subcutaneously twice daily. Results: Exenatide resulted in a 29-kg weight loss (BMI reduction from 37.1 to 29.1) after 2.5 years of treatment; significant weight gain occurred shortly after exenatide was discontinued. Conclusion: Exenatide resulted in considerable reduction of body weight in a patient with severe hypothalamic obesity. This novel observation requires follow-up clinical studies for establishing the effects of exenatide in patients with disrupted hypothalamic energy regulatory pathways.
Efficacy of Prokinetics with a Split-Dose of Polyethylene Glycol in Bowel Preparation for Morning Colonoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Hyoung Jun , Kim Tae Oh , Shin Bong Chul , Woo Jae Gon , Seo Eun Hee , Joo Hee Rin , Heo Nae-Yun , Park Jongha , Park Seung Ha , Yang Sung Yeon , Moon Young Soo , Shin Jin-Yong , Lee Nae Young
Published: August 2012

Background/Aims: Currently, a split-dose of polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the mainstay of bowel preparation due to its tolerability, bowel-cleansing action, and safety. However, bowel preparation with PEG is suboptimal because residual fluid reduces the polyp detection rate and requires a more thorough colon inspection. The aim of our study was to demonstrate the efficacy of a sufficient dose of prokinetics on bowel cleansing together with split-dose PEG. Methods: A prospective endoscopist-blinded study was conducted. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups: prokinetic with split-dose PEG or split-dose PEG alone. A prokinetic [100 mg itopride (Itomed®)], was administered twice simultaneously with each split-dose of PEG. Bowel-cleansing efficacy was measured by endoscopists using the Ottawa scale and the segmental fluidity scale score. Each participant completed a bowel preparation survey. Mean scores from the Ottawa scale, segmental fluid scale, and rate of poor preparation were compared between both groups. Results: Patients in the prokinetics with split-dose PEG group showed significantly lower total Ottawa and segmental fluid scores compared with patients in the split-dose of PEG alone group. Conclusion: A sufficient dose of prokinetics with a split-dose of PEG showed efficacy in bowel cleansing for morning colonoscopy, largely due to the reduction in colonic fluid.
Effect of Enhanced External Counterpulsation on Coronary Slow Flow and Its Relation with Endothelial Function and Inflammation: A Mid-Term Follow-Up Study
Authors: Luo Chufan , Liu Donghong , Wu Guifu , Hu Chengheng , Zhang Yan , Du Zhimin , Dong Yugang
Published: August 2012

Background: Although enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) showed short-term effects in improving coronary flow in patients with coronary slow flow (CSF), whether such improvement is durable remains uncertain, and the relationships between such improvement and changes in endothelial function as well as inflammatory markers have not been elucidated. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of EECP on transthoracic coronary flow, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in patients with CSF. Methods: Forty-five patients with documented CSF underwent transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) for the assessment of coronary diastolic peak flow velocity (DPFV) and coronary flow reserve (CFR), and measurements of FMD and hsCRP; they were then nonrandomly assigned to two groups. Subjects in the control group (n = 24) received only medical therapy, and those in the EECP group (n = 21) were additionally treated with the 36 one-hour sessions of EECP. After 8 weeks of medical/EECP therapy, TTDE, FMD, and hsCRP examinations were repeated, and TTDE was additionally repeated after the 6-month clinical follow-up. Results: In the EECP group, resting DPFV, hyperemic DPFV, and CFR were significantly increased shortly after therapy (p < 0.001) and the improvement was maintained up to the 6-month follow-up, whereas in the control group those variables were not statistically increased. Meanwhile, hsCRP significantly decreased and FMD increased after therapy in the EECP group (p < 0.001). In all subjects, CFR improvement was negatively correlated with hsCRP change and positively correlated with FMD increase (p < 0.001). Conclusions: EECP may have a durable effect in improving coronary flow in patients with CSF. Such improvement is related to the favorable effects of EECP on vascular inflammation and endothelial function.
Antigenic Compartmentation of the Cerebellar Cortex in an Australian Marsupial, the Tammar Wallaby Macropus eugenii
Authors: Marzban Hassan , Hoy Nathan , Marotte Lauren R. , Hawkes Richard
Published: August 2012

The mammalian cerebellar cortex is apparently uniform in composition, but a complex heterogeneous pattern can be revealed by using biochemical markers such as zebrin II/aldolase C, which is expressed by a subset of Purkinje cells that form a highly reproducible array of transverse zones and parasagittal stripes. The architecture revealed by zebrin II expression is conserved among many taxa of birds and mammals. In this report zebrin II immunohistochemistry has been used in both section and whole-mount preparations to analyze the cerebellar architecture of the Australian tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii). The gross appearance of the wallaby cerebellum is remarkable, with unusually elaborate cerebellar lobules with multiple sublobules and fissures. However, despite the morphological complexity, the underlying zone and stripe architecture is conserved and the typical mammalian organization is present.
The Role of Team-Based Care Involving Pharmacists to Improve Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes
Authors: Odum Lauren , Whaley-Connell Adam
Published: August 2012

The number of patients with cardiovascular and kidney disease in the United States continues to grow as the population ages, increasing the demand on the health care system and its providers. Many patients develop chronic conditions in which optimization of care is labor intensive, specifically hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Therefore, innovative and collaborative approaches to health care are warranted. Several team-based health care models have evolved and are gaining popularity, including the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and Medication Therapy Management (MTM). Team-based care is widely supported in the literature, demonstrating significant improvement in cardiovascular and renal outcomes. This article will review the premises of PCMH and MTM, review the evidence and roles for team-based care specific to cardiovascular and renal outcomes, and introduce fundamentals to implement collaborative practice focusing on pharmacist-provider teams.
Echocardiographic Predictors of Outcome in Eisenmenger Syndrome
Authors: Moceri Pamela , Dimopoulos Konstantinos , Liodakis Emmanouil , Germanakis Ioannis , Kempny Aleksander , Diller Gerhard-Paul , Swan Lorna , Wort Stephen J. , Marino Philip S. , Gatzoulis Michael A. , Li Wei
Published: August 2012

Background—

Eisenmenger syndrome differs significantly from other types of pulmonary arterial hypertension in its physiology and prognosis. We sought to assess the relationship between the echocardiographic characteristics of patients with Eisenmenger syndrome and mortality.

Methods and Results—

Clinical and echocardiographic variables were assessed in 181 consecutive patients with Eisenmenger syndrome, excluding those with complex congenital heart disease. Patients' mean age was 39.1±12.8 years, 59 (32.6%) were male, 122 (67.4%) were in functional class III or higher, and 74 (40.9%) were on advanced therapies. Mean oxygen saturation at rest was 85.1±7.8%, and median B-type natriuretic peptide was 55.4 ng/L. Over a median follow-up of 16.4 months, 19 patients died; the strongest predictors of mortality were tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and peak systolic velocity, myocardial performance (expressed as total isovolumic time and ratio of systolic to diastolic duration), and elevated central venous pressure (expressed as right atrial [RA] area, RA pressure, and ratio of RA to left atrial area), even after we accounted for advanced therapies. A composite score based on the strongest echocardiographic predictors of outcome, including 1 point for each of the following: tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion <15 mm, ratio of right ventricular effective systolic to diastolic duration ≥1.5, RA area ≥25 cm
2
, ratio of RA to left atrial area ≥1.5, was highly predictive of clinical outcome (area under the curve 0.90±0.01), with no improvement when B-type natriuretic peptide and resting saturations were added into the model.

Conclusions—

Echocardiographic parameters of right ventricular function and RA area predict mortality in Eisenmenger patients. A new composite echocardiographic score, described herewith, may be incorporated into the noninvasive, periodic assessment of these patients.
Cerebral Embolization During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Kahlert Philipp , Al-Rashid Fadi , Döttger Philipp , Mori Kathrine , Plicht Björn , Wendt Daniel , Bergmann Lars , Kottenberg Eva , Schlamann Marc , Mummel Petra , Holle Dagny , Thielmann Matthias , Jakob Heinz G. , Konorza Thomas , Heusch Gerd , Erbel Raimund , Eggebrecht Holger
Published: August 2012

Background—

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is associated with a higher risk of neurological events for both the transfemoral and transapical approach than surgical valve replacement. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging has revealed more new, albeit clinically silent lesions from procedural embolization, yet the main source and predominant procedural step of emboli remain unclear.

Methods and Results—

Eighty-three patients underwent transfemoral (Medtronic CoreValve [MCV
TF
], n=32; Edwards Sapien [ES
TF
], n=26) and transapical (ES
TA
: n=25) TAVI. Serial transcranial Doppler examinations before, during, and 3 months after TAVI were used to identify high-intensity transient signals (HITS) as a surrogate for microembolization. Procedural HITS were detected in all patients, predominantly during manipulation of the calcified aortic valve while stent valves were being positioned and implanted. The balloon-expandable ES prosthesis caused significantly more HITS (mean [95% CI]) during positioning (ES
TF
, 259.9 [184.8–334.9]; ES
TA
, 206.1[162.5–249.7]; MCV
TF
, 78.5 [25.3–131.6];
P
<0.001) and the self-expandable MCV prosthesis during implantation (MCV
TF
, 397.1 [302.1–492.2]; ES
TF
, 88.2 [70.2–106.3]; ES
TA
, 110.7 [82.0–139.3];
P
<0.001). Overall, there were no significant differences between transfemoral and transapical TAVI or between the MCV and ES prostheses. No HITS were detected at baseline or 3-month follow-up. There was 1 major procedural stroke that resulted in death and 1 minor procedural stroke with full recovery at 3-month follow-up in the MCV group.

Conclusions—

Procedural HITS were detected by transcranial Doppler in all patients. Although no difference was observed between the transfemoral and the transapical approach with the balloon-expandable ES stent valve, transfemoral TAVI with the self-expandable MCV prosthesis resulted in the greatest number of HITS, predominantly during implantation.
Organizational Transformation Towards Industry Unionism in South Korea
Authors: Lee Byoung-Hoon , Yi Sanghoon
Published: August 2012

This study examines what has facilitated and constrained the organizational transformation of Korean unions towards industry unionism over the past 15 years, by adopting a comparative case analysis of two leading industry unions – the Korea Health and Medical Workers Union and Korea Metal Workers Union. Our case study demonstrates that the processual effectiveness of industry unionization to a certain extent depends on the union leadership’s strategic capability of how to build a combination of logics of membership and influence in the pathway towards the new organizational structure. The process of organizational transformation towards industry unionism does not lead the two logics of membership and influence to be restructured independently, but to be reinforced interactively.
SCS: 60 years and counting! A time to reflect on the Society’s scholarly contribution to M&S from the turn of the millennium
Authors: Mustafee Navonil , Katsaliaki Korina , Fishwick Paul , Williams Michael D
Published: August 2012

The Society for Modeling and Simulation International (SCS) is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Since its inception, the Society has widely disseminated the advancements in the field of modeling and simulation (M&S) through its peer-reviewed journals. In this paper we profile research that has been published in the journal SIMULATION: Transactions of the Society for Modeling and Simulation International from the turn of the millennium to 2010; the objective is to acknowledge the contribution of the authors and their seminal research papers, their respective universities/departments and the geographical diversity of the authors’ affiliations. Yet another objective is to contribute towards the understanding of the overall evolution of the discipline of M&S; this is achieved through the classification of M&S techniques and its frequency of use, analysis of the sectors that have seen the predomination application of M&S and the context of its application. It is expected that this paper will lead to further appreciation of the contribution of the Society in influencing the growth of M&S as a discipline and, indeed, in steering its future direction.
Dynamic reconstruction algorithm based on the split Bregman iteration for electrical capacitance tomography
Authors: Lei J , Wang XY , Liu QB , Liu S
Published: August 2012

Electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) is considered a promising visualization measurement technique, in which image reconstruction algorithms play an important role in real applications. In this paper, a dynamic reconstruction model, which integrates the ECT measurement information and the dynamic evolution information of the reconstruction objects, is presented. A generalized objective function, which simultaneously considers the ECT measurement information, the dynamic evolution information of the objects of interest, the temporal constraints and the spatial constraints, is proposed. An iteration scheme that integrates the beneficial advantages of the split Bregman iteration technique and the homotopy algorithm is developed for solving the proposed objective function. Numerical simulations are implemented to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. For the cases simulated in this paper, the accuracy of the images reconstructed by the proposed algorithm is improved and the artifacts in the reconstructed images can be removed effectively, which indicates that the proposed algorithm is successful in solving ECT inverse problems.
Prediction of Resting Metabolic Rate in Critically Ill Patients at the Extremes of Body Mass Index
Authors: Frankenfield David C. , Ashcraft Christine M. , Galvan Dan A.
Published: August 2012

Background: Although estimation of energy needs by mathematical equation is common in practice, there is relatively little validation data for the equations. This is especially true at the upper and lower extremes of body size. The purpose of the current study was to provide validation data for several common equations in underweight and morbidly obese critically ill patients. Methods: In mechanically ventilated, critical care patients with body mass index ≤21.0 or ≥45.0 kg/m2, indirect calorimetry was used to measure resting metabolic rate. Several equation methods were then compared with these measurements, including the Penn State equation, Faisy equation, Ireton‐Jones equation, Mifflin–St Jeor equation, Harris‐Benedict equation, and American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) standard using ideal, actual, or metabolically active body weight. Results: Accuracy (percentage of estimates falling within 10% of measured) in the morbidly obese group was highest for the Penn State equation (76%) and lowest for the ACCP standard using actual body weight (0%). For the underweight group, the Penn State equation was accurate 63% of the time, but below a body mass index of 20.5, the accuracy rate dropped to 58%. No other equation was more accurate than this in the underweight patients. Conclusion: The Penn State equation is valid in morbid obesity, but the accuracy rate is much lower in underweight critically ill patients. A modification to the equation is suggested to improve accuracy in this group.
Making appropriation ‘stick’: Stabilizing politics in an ‘inherently feminist’ tool
Authors: Hasson Katie Ann
Published: August 2012

This article examines how feminist politics are made to ‘stick’ to appropriated technologies in the context of a contemporary feminist women’s health clinic in the US. Feminist clinics such as ‘FemHealth’, founded as part of 1970s women’s health movements, put medical tools and knowledge into lay women’s hands, making the appropriation of medical technologies a centerpiece of their political project. In the process, they rejected the authority of physicians and gave new politicized meanings to the tools they claimed as their own. As lay healthworkers at FemHealth continued the project of appropriation, they also continued to negotiate their dependence on physicians to perform tasks that required a medical license. Drawing on participant observation and interviews with healthworkers, I argue that struggles over the role and authority of physicians in this clinic play out through debates over two similar and competing tools used in the abortion procedure: the single-tooth tenaculum and the cervical stabilizer. Many healthworkers invested in the stabilizer as ‘inherently feminist’ in hopes that it would maintain its politics even when passed into physicians’ hands. While appropriation depends on the ability of users to alter a technology’s meanings, actors may feel invested in the new politics taken on by appropriated tools and work towards making those meanings persist, or ‘stick’.
Molecular weight-dependent genetic information transfer with disulfide-linked polyethylenimine-based nonviral vectors
Authors: Parhiz Hamideh , Hashemi Maryam , Hatefi Arash , Shier Wayne Thomas , Farzad Sara Amel , Ramezani Mohammad
Published: August 2012

One strategy for improving gene vector properties of polyethylenimine is to facilitate individual transfection mechanism steps. This study investigates (i) improving transfection efficiency by attaching peptide nuclear localization signals (nuclear localization signals: SV40 large T antigen nuclear localization signal or C-terminus of histone H1) to polyethylenimine (10 kDa) and (ii) using disulfide linkages, which are expected to be stable during polyplex formation, but cleaved inside cells giving improved gene release. Nuclear localization signal-containing polyplexes exhibited low cytotoxicity, whereas transfection efficiency with high molecular weight plasmid DNA increased up to 3.6 times that of underivatized polyethylenimine in Neuro2A cells at higher molar ratio of polyethylenimine-nitrogen to DNA-phosphate (N/P) ratios. However, with luciferase-specific low molecular weight small interfering RNA in Neuro2A/EGFPLuc cells, nuclear localization signal-containing polyplexes with disulfide linkages caused substantial cytotoxicity at N/P ratios >15 and no consistent significant reduction in luciferase expression. Possible explanations for molecular weight-dependent differences in genetic information transfer by polyplexes containing disulfide-linked nuclear localization signals are discussed.
Tool wear in high-speed face milling of AISI H13 steel
Authors: Cui Xiaobin , Zhao Jun , Tian Xianhua
Published: August 2012

In the present study, high-speed and ultra-high-speed face milling of AISI H13 steel (46–47 HRC) is conducted in order to acquire a thorough understanding of the tool wear evolution process and tool wear mechanisms in high-speed hard milling. According to the variation trend of the tool life with cutting speed, three cutting speed ranges are identified. For different cutting speed ranges, the tool wear evolution process and typical tool wear mechanisms are analyzed and compared. It is found that the cutting speed of 1400 m/min can be considered as a critical value for both the average value of the resultant cutting force and tool life. The analysis of the tool wear mechanisms show that, as the number of cutting speed range increases, on the tool flank face, oxidation wear influences more greatly, while the effect of adhesive wear decreases. In the speed range 1400 m/min <  v ≤ 2400 m/min, the abrupt flaking that occurred on the tool rake face was mainly caused by the increase of tool temperature, mechanical impact and thermal impact.
Effect of copper overload on the survival of HepG2 and A-549 human-derived cells
Authors: Arnal N , de Alaniz MJT , Marra CA
Published: August 2012

We investigated the effect of copper (Cu) overload (20–160 µM/24 h) in two cell lines of human hepatic (HepG2) and pulmonary (A-549) origin by determining lipid and protein damage and the response of the antioxidant defence system. A-549 cells were more sensitive to Cu overload than HepG2 cells. A marked increase was observed in both the cell lines in the nitrate plus nitrite concentration, protein carbonyls and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The TBARS increase was consistent with an increment in saturated fatty acids at the expense of polyunsaturated acids in a Cu concentration-dependent fashion. Antioxidant enzymes were stimulated by Cu overload. Superoxide dismutase activity increased significantly in both the cell lines, with greater increases in HepG2 than in A-549 cells. A marked increase in ceruloplasmin and metallothionein content in both the cell types was also observed. Dose-dependent decreases in α-tocopherol and ferric reducing ability were observed. Total glutathione content was lower in A-549 cells and higher in HepG2. Calpain and caspase-3 were differentially activated in a dose-dependent manner under copper-induced reactive oxygen species production. We conclude that Cu exposure of human lung- and liver-derived cells should be considered a reliable experimental system for detailed study of mechanism/mechanisms by which Cu overload exerts its deleterious effects.
Clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of male lupus nephritis in China
Authors: Wang Y-F , Xu Y-X , Tan Y , Yu F , Zhao M-H
Published: August 2012

Objective: The objective of this article is to assess clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of patients with male lupus nephritis in a cohort of Chinese patients. Methods: Clinical, pathological and outcome data of lupus nephritis patients with different gender were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Results: Among 315 patients with renal biopsy-proven lupus nephritis, 45 were male and 270 were female. The average ages of disease onset of the male and female patients were comparable. The interval between presentation of lupus nephritis and diagnosis was significantly longer in the male group than in female group ( p = 0.003). Clinical presentation was similar except that males had a significantly lower proportion of alopecia ( p = 0.005). In laboratory data, male lupus nephritis patients had higher hemoglobin ( p = 0.023) and higher serum creatinine ( p < 0.001) than female patients. As for pathological classification and index, no significant difference was found between the two groups. The male patients presented with significantly lower ratios of complete remission and partial remission, and higher ratios of treatment failure and relapse than the female group. Regarding long-term survival and renal outcome, male patients had significantly worse prognosis than females ( p = 0.005). Conclusions: The male lupus nephritis presented with later diagnosis, worse renal function, lower remission rate and higher relapse rate compared with female patients. The male patients had significantly higher mortality and poorer renal outcome.
Can cost and financial accounting be fully re-integrated? The role of the French state in the separation of accounting systems and the failed attempt of the système croisé to re-integrate them
Authors: Levant Yves , Nikitin Marc
Published: August 2012

This article questions whether the separation of financial and cost accounting in France is an irreversible trend. We begin by showing that the integration of financial and cost accounting was quite “natural” up until the 1940s. We then show that after that date, State-imposed standardization of financial accounting led to separation of the two types of accounting. Last, we study the efforts of one individual, Jean-Pierre Lagrange, to promote a return to an integrated accounting system in the 1980s by means of his method named the système croisé. His efforts were in vain. In our opinion, this failure was not due to technical reasons, but can be attributed to the interaction of the interests of the main actors. Among these actors, the State played a dominant role in France by standardizing financial accounting. In addition, Lagrange was unable to obtain the backing of a network of allies to spread his accounting system.
Welcome to the Anthropocene
Authors: Clémençon Raymond
Published: August 2012

From June 20 to 22, 2012, 45,000 participants from governments, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, and major groups met in Rio De Janeiro for the “Rio+20” United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. The outcome document titled “The Future We Want” alludes to a grand vision for addressing global challenges in the framework of sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental. But the 53-page long document only reiterates promises made elsewhere. It fails to lay out a coherent roadmap forward, much less to define binding targets with specific deadlines. The declaration, however, does reflect a changing political reality in international negotiations. Developing countries are playing a much more assertive role in pushing poverty eradication as the overarching priority than at any time before. Rio+20 furthermore presents a snapshot of the divers interests and voices that shape the discourse on sustainable development, 20 years after the original 1992 Rio Conference launched the debate.
Measuring Situated Literacy Activity
Authors: Purcell-Gates Victoria , Anderson Jim , Gagne Monique , Jang Kristy , Lenters Kimberly A. , McTavish Marianne
Published: August 2012

This report presents the results of the development of a methodological approach to provide empirical evidence that family literacy programs “work.” The assessment techniques were developed within the action research project Literacy for Life (LFL) that the authors designed and delivered for 12 months, working collaboratively with three different cohorts of immigrant and refugee families in western Canada. The goal was to develop valid and reliable measures and analyses to measure the impact on literacy skill and knowledge in a particular version of a literacy program that incorporated real-world literacy activities into instruction for low-English-literate adults and their prekindergarten children, ages 3 to 5. The authors offer this approach to assessment as a promising way to measure the impact of socially situated literacy activity that requires taking the social context of literacy activity into account. They offer this work not as the answer to the challenge of documenting the value of working with families and literacy, but as one way to think about focusing curriculum and assessment within programs that validate the real lives of the participants and build bridges between those lives and literacy work within family literacy programming.
SimSmokeFinn: How far can tobacco control policies move Finland toward tobacco-free 2040 goals?
Authors: Levy David T. , Blackman Kenneth , Currie Laura M. , Levy Jeffrey , Clancy Luke
Published: August 2012

Aims: Finland is the first country to stipulate in law that its aim is to end the use of tobacco products containing compounds that are toxic to humans and that create addiction. This paper describes the development of a simulation model examining the potential effect of tobacco control policies in Finland on smoking prevalence and associated future premature mortality. Methods: The model is developed using the SimSmoke simulation model of tobacco control policy, previously developed for other nations. The model uses population, smoking rates, and tobacco control policy data for Finland. It assesses, individually, and in combination, the effect of seven types of policies: taxes, smoke-free air laws, mass media campaigns, advertising bans, warning labels, cessation treatment, and youth access policies. Results: With a comprehensive set of policies, smoking prevalence can be decreased by as much as 15% in the first few years, increasing to 29% by 20 years and 34% by 30 years. By 2040, 1300 deaths can be averted in that year alone with the stronger set of policies. Without effective tobacco control policies, 23,000 additional lives will be lost due to smoking over all years through 2040. Conclusions: The model shows that significant inroads to reducing smoking prevalence and premature mortality can be achieved through tax increases, a high-intensity media campaign complete with programmes to encourage cessation, a comprehensive cessation treatment programme, stronger health warnings, and enforcement of youth access laws. Other policies will be needed to further reduce tobacco use.
Quality of the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register: A systematic review
Authors: Sund Reijo
Published: August 2012

Aims: The Finnish Hospital Discharge Register (FHDR) is one of the oldest individual level hospital discharge registers and has been intensively used for research purposes. The aim of this study was to gather information concerning the quality of FHDR into one place in terms of a systematic review of validation studies that compare data to external information. Methods: Several reference databases were searched for validity articles published until January 2012. For each included study, focus of validation, register years examined, number of compared observations, external source(s) of data, summary of validation results, and conclusions concerning the validity of FHDR were extracted. Results: In total, 32 different studies comparing FHDR data to external information were identified. Most of the studies examined validity in the case of vascular disease, mental disorders or injuries. More than 95% of discharges could be identified from the register. Positive predictive value (PPV) for common diagnoses was between 75 and 99%. Conclusions: Completeness and accuracy in the register seem to vary from satisfactory to very good in the register as long as the recognised limitations are taking into account. Poor recording of subsidiary diagnoses and secondary operations and other rarely used items are the most obvious limitations in validity, but do not compromise the value of data in FHDR in being used in studies that are not feasible to conduct otherwise.