bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insoluble Fiber in Young Barley Leaf Suppresses the Increment of Postprandial Blood Glucose Level by Increasing the Digesta Viscosity
Authors: Takano Akira , Kamiya Tomoyasu , Tomozawa Hiroshi , Ueno Shiori , Tsubata Masahito , Ikeguchi Motoya , Takagaki Kinya , Okushima Ayaka , Miyata Yu , Tamaru Shizuka , Tanaka Kazunari , Takahashi Toru
Published: November 2013

Barley (Hordeum vulgareL.) is a well-known cereal plant. Young barley leaf is consumed as a popular green-colored drink, which is named “Aojiru” in Japan. We examined the effects of barley leaf powder (BLP) and insoluble fibers derived from BLP on postprandial blood glucose in rats and healthy Japanese volunteers. BLP and insoluble fibers derived from BLP suppressed the increment of postprandial blood glucose levels in rats (), and increased the viscosity of their digesta. The insoluble fibers present in BLP might play a role in controlling blood glucose level by increasing digesta viscosity. In human, BLP suppressed the increment of postprandial blood glucose level only in those which exhibited higher blood glucose levels after meals (). BLP might suppress the increment of postprandial blood glucose level by increasing digesta viscosity in both of rats and humans who require blood glucose monitoring.
A Retrospective Study of Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome: Incidence, Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Influence on Quality of Life
Authors: Meijuan Yang , Zhiyou Peng , Yuwen Tang , Ying Feng , Xinzhong Chen
Published: November 2013

Objective. The underlying cause for postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) and its impact on quality of life remain unclear. The objective of this study aims to determine retrospectively the prevalence of PMPS, its predicting risk factors, and its impact on quality of life. Method. In this survey, 225 women completed a battery of questionnaires. The questionnaires comprised the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF‐MPQ) exploring the characteristics and the description of the pain, and a Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) Health Survey evaluating quality of life. Logistic regression analyses were subsequently performed to identify risk factors for PMPS. Results. 62 women (27.6%) reported PMPS as a consequence of surgery, and the pain was generally mild, mostly localized in breast area and intermittent. The pain was mainly described as aching (62.9%). 144 women reported sensory disturbance. We found that only the younger age is the predictive factor for PMPS (P < 0.05). Compared to the patients who did not experience PMPS, those who suffered from PMPS had significantly worse scores in role limitations due to physical problems (role physical, RP), body pain (BP), general health (GH), vitality (VT), role limitations due to emotional problems (role emotional, RE), and mental health (MH) (P < 0.05). Conclusion. PMPS is a significant problem, and the possible risk factors should be further explored. Patients with PMPS have significant worse quality of life, suggesting that patients should be well informed about the likelihood of experiencing the pain, and they may be afforded greater predictability and higher perceived control to enhance their quality of life.
On Building a Universal and Compact Visual Vocabulary
Authors: Hou Jian , Liu Wei-Xue , E Xu , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: November 2013

Bag-of-visual-words has been shown to be a powerful image representation and attained great success in many computer vision and pattern recognition applications. Usually, for a given dataset, researchers choose to build a specific visual vocabulary from the dataset, and the problem of deriving a universal visual vocabulary is rarely addressed. Based on previous work on the classification performance with respect to visual vocabulary sizes, we arrive at a hypothesis that a universal visual vocabulary can be obtained by taking-into account the similarity extent of keypoints represented by one visual word. We then propose to use a similarity threshold-based clustering method to calculate the optimal vocabulary size, where the universal similarity threshold can be obtained empirically. With the optimal vocabulary size, the optimal visual vocabularies of limited sizes from three datasets are shown to be exchangeable and therefore universal. This result indicates that a universal and compact visual vocabulary can be built from a not too small dataset. Our work narrows the gab between bag-of-visual-words and bag-of-words, where a relatively fixed vocabulary can be used with different text datasets.
Nutcracker Syndrome Complicated by Left Renal Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Mallat Faouzi , Hmida Wissem , Jaidane Mehdi , Mama Nadia , Mosbah Faouzi
Published: November 2013

Isolated renal vein thrombosis is a rare entity. We present a patient whose complaint of flank pain led to the diagnosis of a renal vein thrombosis. In this case, abdominal computed tomography angiography was helpful in diagnosing the nutcracker syndrome complicated by the renal vein thrombosis. Anticoagulation was started and three weeks later, CTA showed complete disappearance of the renal vein thrombosis. To treat the Nutcracker syndrome, we proposed left renal vein transposition that the patient consented to.
Attenuation of Myocardial Injury by HMGB1 Blockade during Ischemia/Reperfusion Is Toll-Like Receptor 2-Dependent
Authors: Mersmann Jan , Iskandar Franziska , Latsch Kathrina , Habeck Katharina , Sprunck Vera , Zimmermann René , Schumann Ralf R. , Zacharowski Kai , Koch Alexander
Published: November 2013

Genetic or pharmacological ablation of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/R). However, the endogenous ligand responsible for TLR2 activation has not yet been detected. The objective of this study was to identify HMGB1 as an activator of TLR2 signalling during MI/R. C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) or TLR2−/−-mice were injected with vehicle, HMGB1, or HMGB1 BoxA one hour before myocardial ischemia (30 min) and reperfusion (24 hrs). Infarct size, cardiac troponin T, leukocyte infiltration, HMGB1 release, TLR4-, TLR9-, and RAGE-expression were quantified. HMGB1 plasma levels were measured in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. HMGB1 antagonist BoxA reduced cardiomyocyte necrosis during MI/R in WT mice, accompanied by reduced leukocyte infiltration. Injection of HMGB1 did, however, not increase infarct size in WT animals. In TLR2−/−-hearts, neither BoxA nor HMGB1 affected infarct size. No differences in RAGE and TLR9 expression could be detected, while TLR2−/−-mice display increased TLR4 and HMGB1 expression. Plasma levels of HMGB1 were increased MI/R in TLR2−/−-mice after CABG surgery in patients carrying a TLR2 polymorphism (Arg753Gln). We here provide evidence that absence of TLR2 signalling abrogates infarct-sparing effects of HMGB1 blockade.
TNM‐Like Classification: A New Proposed Method for Heart Failure Staging
Authors: Fedele Francesco , Gatto Maria Chiara , D’Ambrosi Alessandra , Mancone Massimo
Published: November 2013

Heart Failure (HF) is an acute or chronic syndrome, that causes a lot of damaging effects to every system. The involvement of different systems is variably related to age and others comorbidities. The severity of organ damage is often proportional to the duration of heart failure. The typology of HF and the duration determine which organs will be affected and vice versa the severity of organ damage supplies precious information about prognosis and outcome of patients with heart failure. Moreover, a classification based not only on symptomatic and syndromic typical features of heart failure, but also on functional data of each system, could allow us to apply the most appropriate therapies, to obtain a more accurate prognosis, and to employ necessary and not redundant human and financial resources. With an eye on the TNM staging used in oncology, we drawn up a classification that will consider the different involvement of organs such as lungs, kidneys, and liver in addition to psychological pattern and quality of life in HF patients. For all these reasons, it is our intention to propose a valid and more specific classification available for the clinical staging of HF that takes into account pathophysiological and structural changes that can remark prognosis and management of HF.
Clinical Application of Vascular Regenerative Therapy for Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Suzuki Hiroshi , Iso Yoshitaka
Published: November 2013

Prognosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD), especially critical limb ischemia, is very poor despite the development of endovascular therapy and bypass surgery. Many patients result in leg amputation and, therefore, vascular regenerative therapy is expected in this field. Gene therapy using vascular endothelial growth factor is the first step of vascular regenerative therapy, but did not confirm effectiveness in a large-scale randomized comparative study. Based on animal experiments, bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNCs), peripheral blood MNCs were used as the cell source for regenerative therapy. Those cells were confirmed to be effective to decrease rest pain and ulcer size, but its effect was not fully satisfied. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are expected as an effective cell source for vascular regeneration and clinical studies are ongoing, because the cells are able to differentiate into various cell types and produce a significant amount of vascular growth factors. Of vascular regeneration therapy, peripheral MNCs and bone marrow MNCs were recognized as advanced medical technology but do not attain to the standard therapy. However, clinical use of MSCs have already started, and induced pluripotent stem cells are surely promising tool for vascular regeneration therapy although further basic studies are required for clinical application.
Ischemia Modified Albumin Can Predict Necrosis at Incarcerated Hernias
Authors: Kadioğlu Hüseyin , Ömür Dilek , Bozkurt Süleyman , Ferlengez Ekrem , Memmı Naim , Ersoy Yeliz Emine , Çıpe Gökhan , Müslümanoğlu Mahmut
Published: November 2013

Purpose. To evaluate the predictive effect of IMA in incarcerated hernias.Methods. Three groups () of rats were operated. Group I aimed to mimic incarceration, group II aimed the strangulation, and group III was the sham group. IMA and LDH measurements were made.Results. IMA levels were significantly higher in strangulation mimicking group and IMA levels were normal at postoperative 6th hour in incarceration mimicking group. LDH levels were significantly higher in both incarceration and strangulation mimicking groups.Conclusion. IMA seems to be an effective marker in incarcerated hernias to predict necrosis. But we need further studies to generalise this hypothesis.
Wavelets, Sobolev Multipliers, and Application to Schrödinger Type Operators with Nonsmooth Potentials
Authors: Li Pengtao , Yang Qixiang , Zhu Yueping
Published: November 2013

We employ Meyer wavelets to characterize multiplier spaceXr,pt(ℝn)without using capacity. Further, we introduce logarithmic Morrey spacesMr,pt,τ(ℝn)to establish the inclusion relation between Morrey spaces and multiplier spaces. By fractal skills, we construct a counterexample to show that the scope of the indexτofMr,pt,τ(ℝn)is sharp. As an application, we consider a Schrödinger type operator with potentials inMr,pt,τ(ℝn).
Proposal of Damping Function for Low-Reynolds-Numberk-εModel Applicable in Prediction of Turbulent Viscoelastic-Fluid Flow
Authors: Tsukahara Takahiro , Kawaguchi Yasuo
Published: November 2013

A low-Reynolds-numberk-εmodel applicable for viscoelastic fluid was proposed to predict the frictional-drag reduction and the turbulence modification in a wall-bounded turbulent flow. In this model, an additional damping function was introduced into the model of eddy viscosity, while the treatment of the turbulent kinetic energy (k) and its dissipation rate (ε) is an extension of the model for Newtonian fluids. For constructing the damping function, we considered the influence of viscoelasticity on the turbulent eddy motion and its dissipative scale and investigated the frequency response for the constitutive equation based on the Giesekus fluid model. Assessment of the proposed model’s performance in several rheological conditions for drag-reduced turbulent channel flows demonstrated good agreement with DNS (direct numerical simulation) data.
Association, Haplotype, and Gene‐Gene Interactions of the HPA Axis Genes with Suicidal Behaviour in Affective Disorders
Authors: Leszczyńska-Rodziewicz Anna , Szczepankiewicz Aleksandra , Pawlak Joanna , Dmitrzak-Weglarz Monika , Hauser Joanna
Published: November 2013

Family twin and adoption studies have noted the heritability of specific biological factors that influence suicidal behaviour.
Exposure to stress is one of the factors that strongly contribute to suicide attempts. The biological response
to stress involves the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis (HPA). Therefore, we found it interesting to study polymorphisms of
genes involved in the HPA axis (CRHR1, NR3C1, and AVPBR1). The study was performed on
597 patients, 225 of whom had a history of suicide attempts. We did not observe any significant differences in the studied
polymorphisms between the group of patients with a history of suicide attempts and the control subjects. Our haplotype analysis
of the AVPR1b gene revealed an association between the GCA haplotype and suicide attempts; however,
this association was not significant after correcting for multiple testing. We did not observe any other association in haplotype
and MDR analysis. We report here a comprehensive analysis of the HPA axis genes and a lack of association for genetic
variations regarding the risk of suicide attempts in affective disorder patients. Nonetheless, the inconsistencies with the previously
published results indicate the importance of the further investigation of these polymorphisms with respect to the risk of suicide attempts.
Essential Roles of PKA, iNOS, CD95/CD95L, and Terminal Caspases in Suppression of Eosinopoiesis by PGE2 and Other cAMP‐Elevating Agents
Authors: de Luca Bianca , Xavier-Elsas Pedro , Barradas Mônica , Luz Ricardo A. , Queto Túlio , Jones Carla , Arruda Maria Augusta , Cunha Thiago Mattar , Cunha Fernando Queiroz , Gaspar-Elsas Maria Ignez
Published: November 2013

Up‐ and downregulation of eosinopoiesis control pulmonary eosinophilia in human asthma. In mice, eosinopoiesis is suppressed in vitro by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and in vivo by diethylcarbamazine, through a proapoptotic mechanism sequentially requiring inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and the ligand for death receptor CD95 (CD95L). We examined the roles of iNOS, cAMP‐mediated signaling, caspases, and CD95L/CD95 in suppression of eosinopoiesis by PGE2 and other agents signaling through cAMP. Bone‐marrow collected from BALB/c mice, or from iNOS‐, CD95‐, or CD95L‐deficient mutants (and wild‐type controls), was cultured with interleukin‐5 (IL‐5), alone or associated with PGE2, cAMP‐inducing/mimetic agents, caspase inhibitor zVAD‐fmk, iNOS inhibitor aminoguanidine, or combinations thereof, and eosinopoiesis was evaluated at various times. PGE2, added up to 24 hours of culture, dose‐dependently suppressed eosinopoiesis, by inducing apoptosis. This effect was (a) paralleled by induction of iNOS in eosinophils; (b) duplicated by sodium nitroprusside, isoproterenol, and cAMP‐inducing/mimetic agents; (c) prevented by protein kinase A inhibition. NO was produced through iNOS by dibutyryl‐cAMP‐stimulated bone‐marrow. Overall, PGE2 and isoproterenol shared a requirement for four effector elements (iNOS, CD95L, CD95, and terminal caspases), which together define a pathway targeted by several soluble up‐ and downmodulators of eosinopoiesis, including drugs, mediators of inflammation, and cytokines.
Sumac Leaves as a Novel Low-Cost Adsorbent for Removal of Basic Dye from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Dülger Öznur , Turak Fatma , Turhan Kadir , Özgür Mahmure
Published: November 2013

Sumac Leaves (SL) (Rhus Coriaria L.) were investigated as an inexpensive and effective adsorbent for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. The effects of initial dye concentration, initial solution pH, phases contact time, and adsorbent dose on the adsorption of MB on SL were investigated. The amount of dye adsorbed was found to vary with initial solution pH, Sumac Leaves dose, MB concentration, and phases contact time. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were evaluated using the experimental data and the experimental results showed that the Langmuir model fits better than the Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 151.69 mg/g from the Langmuir isotherm model at 25°C. The value of the monolayer saturation capacity of SL was comparable to the adsorption capacities of some other adsorbent materials for MB. The adsorption rate data were analyzed according to the pseudo-first order kinetic and pseudo-second order kinetic models and intraparticle diffusion model. It was found that kinetic followed a pseudo-second order model.
A Hybrid Temporal-Spatio Forecasting Approach for Passenger Flow Status in Chinese High-Speed Railway Transport Hub
Authors: Xie Zhengyu , Jia Limin , Qin Yong , Wang Li
Published: November 2013

With the rapid development of high-speed railway in China, high-speed railway transport hub (HRTH) has become the high-density distribution center of passenger flow. In order to accurately detect potential safety hazard hidden in passenger flow, it is necessary to forecast the status of passenger flow. In this paper, we proposed a hybrid temporal-spatio forecasting approach to obtain the passenger flow status in HRTH. The approach combined temporal forecasting based on radial basis function neural network (RBF NN) and spatio forecasting based on spatial correlation degree. Computational experiments on actual passenger flow status from a specific bottleneck position and its correlation points in HRTH showed that the proposed approach is effective to forecast the passenger flow status with high precision.
Blood Glucose Control Using a Novel Continuous Blood Glucose Monitor and Repetitive Intravenous Insulin Boluses: Exploiting Natural Insulin Pulsatility as a Principle for a Future Artificial Pancreas
Authors: Skjaervold Nils K. , Östling Dan , Hjelme Dag R. , Spigset Olav , Lyng Oddveig , Aadahl Petter
Published: November 2013

The aim of this study was to construct a glucose regulatory algorithm by employing the natural pulsatile pattern of insulin secretion and the oscillatory pattern of resting blood glucose levels and further to regulate the blood glucose level in diabetic pigs by this method. We developed a control algorithm based on repetitive intravenous bolus injections of insulin and combined this with an intravascular blood glucose monitor. Four anesthetized pigs were used in the study. The animals developed a mildly diabetic state from streptozotocin pretreatment. They were steadily brought within the blood glucose target range of 4.5–6.0 mmol/L in 21 to 121 min and kept within that range for 128 to 238 min (hypoglycemic values varied from 2.9 to 51.1 min). The study confirmed our hypotheses regarding the feasibility of this new principle for blood glucose control, and the algorithm was constantly improved during the study to produce the best results in the last animals. The main obstacles were the drift of the IvS-1 sensor and problems with the calibration procedure, which calls for an improvement in the sensor stability before this method can be applied fully in new studies in animals and humans.
Numerical Study of Thermal Radiation Effect on Confined Turbulent Free Triangular Jets
Authors: Parham Kiyan , Esmaeilzadeh Esmaeil , Siahsarani Amir , Agboola O. Phillips
Published: November 2013

The present study investigates the effects of thermal radiation on turbulent free triangular jets. Finite volume method is applied for solving mass, momentum, and energy equations simultaneously. Discrete ordinate method is used to determine radiation transfer equation (RTE). Results are presented in terms of velocity, kinetic energy, and its dissipation rate fields. Results show that thermal radiation speeds the development of velocity on the jet axis and enhances kinetic energy; therefore, when radiation is added to free jet its mixing power, due to extra kinetic energy, increases.
Marine Antifouling for Underwater Archaeological Sites: TiO2and Ag-Doped TiO2
Authors: Ruffolo Silvestro A. , Macchia Andrea , La Russa Mauro F. , Mazza Lorenzo , Urzì Clara , De Leo Filomena , Barberio Marianna , Crisci Gino M.
Published: November 2013

Marine fouling plays a crucial role in the degradation of underwater archaeological sites. Limitation of fouling activity and its damages are one of the most critical issues for archaeologists and conservators. The common cleaning procedure, consisting in the manual removal of fouling, requires a continuous maintenance, while a proper inhibition of biological colonisation would provide a long-time protection against biofouling. On the other hand, the most used antifouling paints, especially for ship hulls, show considerable toxicity level. Since submerged archaeological sites are often included in environmental protected areas, more eco-friendly products must be used. We have explored the possibility to use titanium dioxide and Ag-doped titanium dioxide as antifouling agents. For this purpose, they have been synthetized by sol-gel method, and then XRD, XPS, and reflectance spectroscopy measurements have been carried out to gain structural information. The powders have been dispersed in a polymer and then applied to marble surface to evaluate the chromatic alteration induced by the treatments. By means of biological tests, it was possible to assess their behaviour as biofouling agents. Results show a decreasing of biofouling activity on treated stony surfaces.
Case Study on Influence of Step Blast-Excavation on Support Systems of Existing Service Tunnel with Small Interval
Authors: Sun Shaorui , Yue Ling , Wu Jimin , Liu Jin , Wei Jihong
Published: November 2013

During the construction of newly built tunnel (NBT) adjacent to the existing service tunnel (EST), stability of the EST with small interval is affected by vibration waves which are caused by blasting load. The support structures of the EST will be cracked and damaged, while the unreasonable blast-excavation methods are adopted. Presently, the studies on behavior of support structure in the EST under blasting load are not totally clear, especially for the bolts system. Besides, the responses of support structure on blasting load are lacking comprehensive research. In this paper, New Zuofang tunnel is taken as a study case to study the influence of step blast-excavation in NBT on support structures of the EST through field experiment and numerical simulation. Some data, such as blasting vibration velocity (BVV) and frequency of support structures, are obtained through field measurement. Based on these data, the formula of BVVs is obtained. Research on stability of tunnel support structures affected by step blast-excavation is conducted using numerical simulation method. The dynamic-plastic constitutive model is adopted in the software ABAQUS to assess safety of support structures. The range and degree of damage for the support structures are obtained. In addition, change laws of axial force and stress with time for the bolts are analyzed.
From Nonlinear Optimization to Convex Optimization through Firefly Algorithm and Indirect Approach with Applications to CAD/CAM
Authors: Gálvez Akemi , Iglesias Andrés
Published: November 2013

Fitting spline curves to data points is a very important issue in many applied fields. It is also challenging, because these curves typically depend on many continuous variables in a highly interrelated nonlinear way. In general, it is not possible to compute these parameters analytically, so the problem is formulated as a continuous nonlinear optimization problem, for which traditional optimization techniques usually fail. This paper presents a new bioinspired method to tackle this issue. In this method, optimization is performed through a combination of two techniques. Firstly, we apply the indirect approach to the knots, in which they are not initially the subject of optimization but precomputed with a coarse approximation scheme. Secondly, a powerful bioinspired metaheuristic technique, the firefly algorithm, is applied to optimization of data parameterization; then, the knot vector is refined by using De Boor’s method, thus yielding a better approximation to the optimal knot vector. This scheme converts the original nonlinear continuous optimization problem into a convex optimization problem, solved by singular value decomposition. Our method is applied to some illustrative real‐world examples from the CAD/CAM field. Our experimental results show that the proposed scheme can solve the original continuous nonlinear optimization problem very efficiently.
Synchronization of Chaotic Neural Networks with Leakage Delay and Mixed Time-Varying Delays via Sampled-Data Control
Authors: Lei Ting , Song Qiankun , Zhao Zhenjiang , Yang Jianxi
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates the synchronization problem for neural networks with leakage delay and both discrete and distributed time-varying delays under sampled-data control. By employing the Lyapunov functional method and using the matrix inequality techniques, a delay-dependent LMIs criterion is given to ensure that the master systems and the slave systems are synchronous. An example with simulations is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed criterion.
Assessment of Clinical Diagnosis, Microscopy, Rapid Diagnostic Tests, and Polymerase Chain Reaction in the Diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum in Nigeria
Authors: Ojurongbe Olusola , Adegbosin Olunike Olayeni , Taiwo Sunday Samuel , Alli Oyebode Armstrong Terry , Olowe Olugbenga Adekunle , Ojurongbe Taiwo Adetola , Bolaji Oloyede Samuel , Adeyeba Oluwaseyi Adegboyega
Published: November 2013

This study compares the performance of clinical diagnosis and three laboratory diagnostic methods (thick film microscopy (TFM), rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) for the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum in Nigeria. Using clinical criteria, 217 children were recruited into the study out of which 106 (48.8%) were positive by TFM, 84 (38.7%) by RDT, and 125 (57.6%) by PCR. Using a composite reference method generated from the three diagnostic methods, 71 (32.7%) patients were found to be truly infected and 90 (41.5%) truly uninfected, while 56 (25.8%) were misidentified as infected or noninfected. When each of the 3 diagnostic methods was compared with the composite reference, PCR had sensitivity of 97.3%, specificity of 62.5%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 56.8%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.8%; microscopy had sensitivity of 77.2%, specificity of 72%, PPV of 66.9%, and NPV of 81.1%, while RDT had sensitivity of 62.3%, specificity of 87.4%, PPV of 67.7%, and NPV of 84.5%. PCR test performed best among the three methods followed by TFM and RDT in that order. The result of this study shows that clinical diagnosis cannot be relied upon for accurate diagnosis of P. falciparum in endemic areas.
Thorax, Trachea, and Lung Ultrasonography in Emergency and Critical Care Medicine: Assessment of an Objective Structured Training Concept
Authors: Breitkreutz Raoul , Dutiné Martina , Scheiermann Patrick , Hempel Dorothea , Kujumdshiev Sandy , Ackermann Hanns , Seeger Florian Hartmut , Seibel Armin , Walcher Felix , Hirche Tim Oliver
Published: November 2013

Background and Study objective. Focused lung ultrasound (LUS) examinations are important tools in critical care medicine. There is evidence that LUS can be used for the detection of acute thoracic lesions. However, no validated training method is available. The goal of this study was to develop and assess an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) curriculum for focused thorax, trachea, and lung ultrasound in emergency and critical care medicine (THOLUUSE).Methods. 39 trainees underwent a one-day training course in a prospective educational study, including lectures in sonoanatomy and -pathology of the thorax, case presentations, and hands-on training. Trainees’ pre- and posttest performances were assessed by multiple choice questionnaires, visual perception tests by interpretation video clips, practical performance of LUS, and identification of specific ultrasound findings.Results. Trainees postcourse scores of correct MCQ answers increased from56±4%to82±2%(mean± SD;P<0.001); visual perception skills increased from54±5%to78±3%(P<0.001); practical ultrasound skills improved, and correct LUS was performed in 94%. Subgroup analysis revealed that learning success was independent from the trainees’ previous ultrasound experience.Conclusions. THOLUUSE significantly improves theoretical and practical skills for the diagnosis of acute thoracic lesions. We propose to implement THOLUUSE in emergency medicine training.
Physical Realizations: Transforming into Physical Embodiments of Concepts in the Design of Mechanical Movements
Authors: Liu Ying-Chieh , Chakrabarti Amaresh
Published: November 2013

Conceptual design involves identification of required functions of the intended design, generation of concepts to fulfill these functions, and evaluation of these concepts to select the most promising ones for further development. The focus of this paper is the second phase—concept generation, in which a challenge has been to develop possible physical embodiments to offer designers for exploration and evaluation. This paper investigates the issue of how to transform and thus synthesise possible generic physical embodiments and reports an implemented method that could automatically generate these embodiments. In this paper, a method is proposed to transform a variety of possible initial solutions to a design problem into a set of physical solutions that are described in terms of abstraction of mechanical movements. The underlying principle of this method is to make it possible to link common attributes between a specific abstract representation and its possible physical objects. For a given input, this method can produce a set of concepts in terms of their generic physical embodiments. The method can be used to support designers to start with a given input-output function and systematically search for physical objects for design consideration in terms of simplified functional, spatial, and mechanical movement requirements.
Effects of DL-Homocysteine Thiolactone on Cardiac Contractility, Coronary Flow, and Oxidative Stress Markers in the Isolated Rat Heart: The Role of Different Gasotransmitters
Authors: Zivkovic Vladimir , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Pechanova Olga , Srejovic Ivan , Joksimovic Jovana , Selakovic Dragica , Barudzic Nevena , Djuric Dragan M.
Published: November 2013

Considering the adverse effects of DL-homocysteine thiolactone hydrochloride (DL-Hcy TLHC) on vascular function and the possible role of oxidative stress in these mechanisms, the aim of this study was to assess the influence of DL-Hcy TLHC alone and in combination with specific inhibitors of important gasotransmitters, such as L-NAME, DL-PAG, and PPR IX, on cardiac contractility, coronary flow, and oxidative stress markers in an isolated rat heart. The hearts were retrogradely perfused according to the Langendorff technique at a 70 cm H2O and administered 10 μM DL-Hcy TLHC alone or in combination with 30 μM L-NAME, 10 μM DL-PAG, or 10 μM PPR IX. The following parameters were measured:dp/dtmax,dp/dtmin, SLVP, DLVP, MBP, HR, and CF. Oxidative stress markers were measured spectrophotometrically in coronary effluent through TBARS, NO2,O2-, and H2O2concentrations. The administration of DL-Hcy TLHC alone decreaseddp/dtmax, SLVP, and CF but did not change any oxidative stress parameters. DL-Hcy TLHC with L-NAME decreased CF,O2-, H2O2, and TBARS. The administration of DL-Hcy TLHC with DL-PAG significantly increaseddp/dtmax but decreased DLVP, CF, and TBARS. Administration of DL-Hcy TLHC with PPR IX caused a decrease indp/dtmax, SLVP, HR, CF, and TBARS.
Practical Considerations and Challenges Involved in Surfactant Enhanced Bioremediation of Oil
Authors: Mohanty Sagarika , Jasmine Jublee , Mukherji Suparna
Published: November 2013

Surfactant enhanced bioremediation (SEB) of oil is an approach adopted to overcome the bioavailability constraints encountered in biotransformation of nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) pollutants. Fuel oils containn-alkanes and other aliphatic hydrocarbons, monoaromatics, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Although hydrocarbon degrading cultures are abundant in nature, complete biodegradation of oil is rarely achieved even under favorable environmental conditions due to the structural complexity of oil and culture specificities. Moreover, the interaction among cultures in a consortium, substrate interaction effects during the degradation and ability of specific cultures to alter the bioavailability of oil invariably affect the process. Although SEB has the potential to increase the degradation rate of oil and its constituents, there are numerous challenges in the successful application of this technology. Success is dependent on the choice of appropriate surfactant type and dose since the surfactant-hydrocarbon-microorganism interaction may be unique to each scenario. Surfactants not only enhance the uptake of constituents through micellar solubilization and emulsification but can also alter microbial cell surface characteristics. Moreover, hydrocarbons partitioned in micelles may not be readily bioavailable depending on the microorganism-surfactant interactions. Surfactant toxicity and inherent biodegradability of surfactants may pose additional challenges as discussed in this review.
Progressing Beyond the Standard Model
Authors: Robson B. A.
Published: November 2013

The Standard Model has enjoyed considerable success in describing a whole range of phenomena in particle physics. However, the model is considered incomplete because it provides little understanding of other empirical observations such as, the existence of three generations of leptons and quarks, which apart from mass have similar properties. This paper examines in some detail the basic assumptions upon which the Standard Model is built and compares these with the assumptions of an alternative model, the Generation Model. The Generation Model provides agreement with the Standard Model for those phenomena which the Standard Model is able to describe, but it is shown that the assumptions inherent in the Generation Model allow progress beyond the Standard Model.
Video Shot Boundary Recognition Based on Adaptive Locality Preserving Projections
Authors: Xiao Yongliang , Xia Limin , Zhu Shaoping , Huang Dazu , Xie Jianquan
Published: November 2013

A novel video shot boundary recognition method is proposed, which includes two stages of video feature extraction and shot boundary recognition. Firstly, we use adaptive locality preserving projections (ALPP) to extract video feature. Unlike locality preserving projections, we define the discriminating similarity with mode prior probabilities and adaptive neighborhood selection strategy which make ALPP more suitable to preserve the local structure and label information of the original data. Secondly, we use an optimized multiple kernel support vector machine to classify video frames into boundary and nonboundary frames, in which the weights of different types of kernels are optimized with an ant colony optimization method. Experimental results show the effectiveness of our method.
Effect of Modified Sepiolite Nanofibers on Properties of cis‐Polybutadiene Rubber Composite Nanomaterials
Authors: Wang Fei , Feng Lei , Tang Qingguo , Liang Jinsheng , Liu Haifeng , Liu Huimin
Published: November 2013

In order to use sepiolite nanofibers as cis‐polybutadiene rubber fillers, the hydrophilic character of sepiolite nanofibers should be modified by grafting organic group and controlling surface free energy for improving compatibility of sepiolite nanofibers in rubber matrix. The relationship between the performance of the cis‐polybutadiene rubber filled with sepiolite and the coupling modification was investigated, and the influence of coupling agent γ‐(2,3‐epoxypropoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane dosage on mechanical properties of cis‐polybutadiene rubber materials was also studied. The results showed that the mechanical properties could be improved obviously after reinforcement by modified sepiolite nanofibers. The optimum dosage of coupling agent γ‐(2,3‐epoxypropoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane was 7%, and the tensile strength and tearing strength increased by 108.3% and 74.1%, respectively. On this basis, the reinforcement mechanism of the composite rubber materials was also discussed.
Age-Related Yield of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Bearing the Low-Affinity Nerve Growth Factor Receptor
Authors: Cuevas-Diaz Duran Raquel , González-Garza Maria Teresa , Cardenas-Lopez Alejandro , Chavez-Castilla Luis , Cruz-Vega Delia Elva , Moreno-Cuevas Jorge E.
Published: November 2013

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a heterogeneous cell population that may be enriched by positive selection with antibodies against the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (LNGFR or CD271), yielding a selective cell universe with higher proliferation and differentiation potential. This paper addresses the need for determining the quantity of ADSCs positive for the CD271 receptor and its correlation with donor's age. Mononuclear cells were harvested from the lower backs of 35 female donors and purified using magnetic beads. Multipotency capacity was tested by the expression of stemness genes and through differentiation into preosteoblasts and adipocytes. A significant statistical difference was found in CD271+concentrations between defined age intervals. The highest yield was found within women on the 30–40-year-old age range. CD271+ADSCs from all age groups showed differentiation capabilities as well as expression of typical multipotent stem cell genes. Our data suggest that the amount of CD271+cells correlates inversely with age. However, the ability to obtain these cells was maintained through all age ranges with a yield higher than what has been reported from bone marrow. Our findings propose CD271+ADSCs as the primary choice for tissue regeneration and autologous stem cell therapies in older subjects.
Bifurcation Scenarios of Neural Firing Patterns across Two Separated Chaotic Regions as Indicated by Theoretical and Biological Experimental Models
Authors: Gu Huaguang , Pan Baobao , Xu Jian
Published: November 2013

Nonlinear dynamics can be used to identify relationships between different firing patterns, which play important roles in the information processing. The present study provides novel biological experimental findings regarding complex bifurcation scenarios from period-1 bursting to period-1 spiking with chaotic firing patterns. These bifurcations were found to be similar to those simulated using the Hindmarsh-Rose model across two separated chaotic regions. One chaotic region lay between period-1 and period-2 burstings. This region has not attracted much attention. The other region is a well-known comb-shaped chaotic region, and it appears after period-2 bursting. After period-2 bursting, the chaotic firings lay in a period-adding bifurcation scenario or in a period-doubling bifurcation cascade. The deterministic dynamics of the chaotic firing patterns were identified using a nonlinear prediction method. These results provided details regarding the processes and dynamics of bifurcation containing the chaotic bursting between period-1 and period-2 burstings and other chaotic firing patterns within the comb-shaped chaotic region. They also provided details regarding the relationships between different firing patterns in parameter space.
Intricacies for Posttranslational Tumor-Targeted Cytokine Gene Therapy
Authors: Cutrera Jeffry , Dibra Denada , Satelli Arun , Xia Xuexing , Li Shulin
Published: November 2013

The safest and most effective cytokine therapies require the favorable accumulation of the cytokine in the tumor environment. While direct treatment into the neoplasm is ideal, systemic tumor-targeted therapies will be more feasible. Electroporation-mediated transfection of cytokine plasmid DNA including a tumor-targeting peptide-encoding sequence is one method for obtaining a tumor-targeted cytokine produced by the tumor-bearing patient’s tissues. Here, the impact on efficacy of the location of targeting peptide, choice of targeting peptide, tumor histotype, and cytokine utilization are studied in multiple syngeneic murine tumor models. Within the same tumor model, the location of the targeting peptide could either improve or reduce the antitumor effect of interleukin (IL)12 gene treatments, yet in other tumor models the tumor-targeted IL12 plasmid DNAs were equally effective regardless of the peptide location. Similarly, the same targeting peptide that enhances IL12 therapies in one model fails to improve the effect of either IL15 or PF4 for inhibiting tumor growth in the same model. These interesting and sometimes contrasting results highlight both the efficacy and personalization of tumor-targeted cytokine gene therapies while exposing important aspects of these same therapies which must be considered before progressing into approved treatment options.
Particle Filter for Estimating Freeway Traffic State in Beijing
Authors: Bi Jun , Chang Can , Fan Yang
Published: November 2013

Freeway traffic state estimation is useful for intelligent traffic guidance, control, and management. The freeway traffic state is featured with rapid and dramatic fluctuations, which presents a strong nonlinear feature. In theory, a particle filter has good performance in solving nonlinear problems. This paper proposes a particle filter based approach to estimate freeway traffic state. The freeway link between the west of Peace Bridge and the west of San Yuan Bridge of the third ring in Beijing is used as the experimental object. According to the traffic characteristics and measurement mode of the link, the second-order validated macroscopic traffic flow model is adopted to set up the link model. The implementation steps of the particle filter for freeway traffic state estimation are described in detail. The estimation error analysis for the experiments proves that the proposed approach has an encouraging estimation performance.
Mechanism of Inflammation in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An Up-to-Date on Genetic Landmarks
Authors: Parmeggiani Francesco , Sorrentino Francesco S. , Romano Mario R. , Costagliola Ciro , Semeraro Francesco , Incorvaia Carlo , D'Angelo Sergio , Perri Paolo , De Nadai Katia , Bonomo Roversi Elia , Franceschelli Paola , Sebastiani Adolfo , Rubini Michele
Published: November 2013

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible visual impairment among people over 50 years of age, accounting for up to 50% of all cases of legal blindness in Western countries. Although the aging represents the main determinant of AMD, it must be considered a multifaceted disease caused by interactions among environmental risk factors and genetic backgrounds. Mounting evidence and/or arguments document the crucial role of inflammation and immune-mediated processes in the pathogenesis of AMD. Proinflammatory effects secondary to chronic inflammation (e.g., alternative complement activation) and heterogeneous types of oxidative stress (e.g., impaired cholesterol homeostasis) can result in degenerative damages at the level of crucial macular structures, that is photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and Bruch’s membrane. In the most recent years, the association of AMD with genes, directly or indirectly, involved in immunoinflammatory pathways is increasingly becoming an essential core for AMD knowledge. Starting from the key basic-research notions detectable at the root of AMD pathogenesis, the present up-to-date paper reviews the best-known and/or the most attractive genetic findings linked to the mechanisms of inflammation of this complex disease.
Chromogenic In Situ Hybridization and p16/Ki67 Dual Staining on Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Cervical Specimens: Correlation with HPV-DNA Test, E6/E7 mRNA Test, and Potential Clinical Applications
Authors: Zappacosta Roberta , Colasante Antonella , Viola Patrizia , D’Antuono Tommaso , Lattanzio Giuseppe , Capanna Serena , Gatta Daniela Maria Pia , Rosini Sandra
Published: November 2013

Although HPV-DNA test and E6/E7 mRNA analyses remain the current standard for the confirmation of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in cytological specimens, no universally adopted techniques exist for the detection of HPV in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples. Particularly, in routine laboratories, molecular assays are still time-consuming and would require a high level of expertise. In this study, we investigated the possible use of a novel HPV tyramide-based chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) technology to locate HPV on tissue specimens. Then, we evaluate the potential usefulness ofp16INK4a/Ki-67 double stain on histological samples, to identify cervical cells expressing HPV E6/E7 oncogenes. In our series, CISH showed a clear signal in 95.2% of the specimens and reached a sensitivity of 86.5%. CISH positivity always matched with HPV-DNA positivity, while 100% of cases with punctated signal joined with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+). p16/Ki67 immunohistochemistry gave an interpretable result in 100% of the cases. The use of dual stain significantly increased the agreement between pathologists, which reached 100%. Concordance between dual stain and E6/E7 mRNA test was 89%. In our series, both CISH andp16INK4a/Ki67 dual stain demonstrated high grade of performances. In particular, CISH would help to distinguish episomal from integrated HPV, in order to allow conclusions regarding the prognosis of the lesion, whilep16INK4a/Ki67 dual stain approach would confer a high level of standardization to the diagnostic procedure.
Constitutional Nephrin Deficiency in Conditionally Immortalized Human Podocytes Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Supported byβ-Catenin/NF-kappa B Activation: A Consequence of Cell Junction Impairment?
Authors: Ghiggeri Gian Marco , Gigante Maddalena , Di Donato Armando
Published: November 2013

The kidney glomerular podocytes are the cellular target of many chronic nephropathies both determined and acquired genetically. Mutations that affected the expression and/or the function of nephrin, a key component of the slit-diaphragm, are often causes of these pathologies. Recent findings showed that murine podocytes could undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), suggesting new hypotheses about the pathogenesis of glomerular fibrosis. Here, we show that also human podocytes can undergo EMT, but more importantly nephrin ablation itself can trigger this phenotypic transformation. In fact, a model of human podocyte with engineered nephrin deficiency constitutionally expressed high levels ofα-SMA, vimentin, fibronectin, and other hallmarks of EMT. Since it is known that cell contact abrogation is one of the triggers of EMT, we reasoned that nephrin loss could account for such cell junction disruption and cause the EMT. Therefore, we demonstrated that also normal podocytes could spontaneously undergo EMT if grown in Ca2+-free medium, which is known to impair cell contacts. The analysis of the main intracellular signal transduction pathways evidenced some major anomalies consequent with the nephrin abrogation. The most intriguing was the activation ofβ-catenin pathway, which plays a critical role in podocyte ontogenesis as well as in the nephrin expression and EMT regulation. Also other important signaling proteins, like NF-κB, p53, and retinoblastoma protein (RB), showed important activity modifications. Interestingly, most of the above indicated signaling pathway alterations were again reproducible by cell junction rupture, induced by Ca2+deprivation. Finally, immunofluorescence analysis on kidney sections of patients with NS of Finnish type confirmed the constitutive expression ofα-SMA.