bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vivo and ex Vivo Approaches to Studying the Biomechanical Properties of Healing Wounds in Rat Skin
Authors: Chao Clare Y. L. , Ng Gabriel Y. F. , Cheung Kwok-Kuen , Zheng Yong-Ping , Wang Li-Ke , Cheing Gladys L. Y.
Published: July 2013

An evaluation of wound mechanics is crucial in reflecting the wound healing status. The present study examined the biomechanical properties of healing rat skin wounds in vivo and ex vivo. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats, each with a 6 mm full-thickness circular punch biopsied wound at both posterior hind limbs were used. The mechanical stiffness at both the central and margins of the wound was measured repeatedly in five rats over the same wound sites to monitor the longitudinal changes over time of before wounding, and on days 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 after wounding in vivo by using an optical coherence tomography-based air-jet indentation system. Five rats were euthanized at each time point, and the biomechanical properties of the wound tissues were assessed ex vivo using a tensiometer. At the central wound bed region, the stiffness measured by the air-jet system increased significantly from day 0 (17.2%), peaked at day 7 (208.3%), and then decreased progressively until day 21 (40.2%) as compared with baseline prewounding status. The biomechanical parameters of the skin wound samples measured by the tensiometer showed a marked reduction upon wounding, then increased with time (all p < 0.05). On day 21, the ultimate tensile strength of the skin wound tissue approached 50% of the normal skin; while the stiffness of tissue recovered at a faster rate, reaching 97% of its prewounded state. Our results suggested that it took less time for healing wound tissues to recover their stiffness than their maximal strength in rat skin. The stiffness of wound tissues measured by air-jet could be an indicator for monitoring wound healing and contraction.
Critical Damping Conditions for Third Order Muscle Models: Implications for Force Control
Authors: Piovesan Davide , Pierobon Alberto , Mussa Ivaldi Ferdinando A.
Published: July 2013

Experimental results presented in the literature suggest that humans use a position control strategy to indirectly control force rather than direct force control. Modeling the muscle-tendon system as a third-order linear model, we provide an explanation of why an indirect force control strategy is preferred. We analyzed a third-order muscle system and verified that it is required for a faithful representation of muscle-tendon mechanics, especially when investigating critical damping conditions. We provided numerical examples using biomechanical properties of muscles and tendons reported in the literature. We demonstrated that at maximum isotonic contraction, for muscle and tendon stiffness within physiologically compatible ranges, a third-order muscle-tendon system can be under-damped. Over-damping occurs for values of the damping coefficient included within a finite interval defined by two separate critical limits (such interval is a semi-infinite region in second-order models). An increase in damping beyond the larger critical value would lead the system to mechanical instability. We proved the existence of a theoretical threshold for the ratio between tendon and muscle stiffness above which critical damping can never be achieved; thus resulting in an oscillatory free response of the system, independently of the value of the damping. Under such condition, combined with high muscle activation, oscillation of the system can be compensated only by active control.
Use of Kinetic and Kinematic Data to Evaluate Load Transfer as a Mechanism for Flexion Relaxation in the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Howarth Samuel J. , Mastragostino Paul
Published: July 2013

Flexion relaxation (FR) in the low back occurs when load is transferred from the spine's extensor musculature to its passive structures. This study investigated the influence of added upper body mass on low back kinetics and kinematics at the FR onset. Sixteen participants (eight male, eight female) performed standing full forward spine flexion with 0%, 15%, and 30% of their estimated upper body mass added to their shoulders. Electromyographic data were obtained from the lumbar erector spinae. Ground reaction forces and kinematic data from the lower limbs, pelvis, and spine were recorded. Extensor reaction moments (determined using a bottom-up linked segment model) and flexion angles at the FR onset were documented along with the maximum spine flexion. The angle at the FR onset increased significantly with added mass (p < 0.05). Expressing the FR onset angle as a percent of the full range of trunk flexion motion for that condition negated any differences between the added mass conditions. These findings demonstrate that low back kinetics play a role in mediating FR in the lumbar spine.
Solution of the Contact Problem of a Rigid Conical Frustum Indenting a Transversely Isotropic Elastic Half-Space
Authors: Gao X.-L. , Mao C. L.
Published: July 2013

The contact problem of a rigid conical frustum indenting a transversely isotropic elastic half-space is analytically solved using a displacement method and a stress method, respectively. The displacement method makes use of two potential functions, while the stress method employs one potential function. In both the methods, Hankel's transforms are applied to construct potential functions, and the associated dual integral equations of Titchmarsh's type are analytically solved. The solution obtained using each method gives analytical expressions of the stress and displacement components on the surface of the half-space. These two sets of expressions are seen to be equivalent, thereby confirming the uniqueness of the elasticity solution. The newly derived solution is reduced to the closed-form solution for the contact problem of a conical punch indenting a transversely isotropic elastic half-space. In addition, the closed-form solution for the problem of a flat-end cylindrical indenter punching a transversely isotropic elastic half-space is obtained as a special case. To illustrate the new solution, numerical results are provided for different half-space materials and punch parameters and are compared to those based on the two specific solutions for the conical and cylindrical indentation problems. It is found that the indentation deformation increases with the decrease of the cone angle of the frustum indenter. Moreover, the largest deformation in the half-space is seen to be induced by a conical indenter, followed by a cylindrical indenter and then by a frustum indenter. In addition, the axial force–indentation depth relation is shown to be linear for the frustum indentation, which is similar to that exhibited by both the conical and cylindrical indentations—two limiting cases of the former.
Nanoscale compositional analysis of NiTi shape memory alloy films deposited by DC magnetron sputtering
Authors: Sharma S. K. , Mohan S. , Bysakh S. , Kumar A. , Kamat S. V.
Published: July 2013

The formation of surface oxide layer as well as compositional changes along the thickness for NiTi shape memory alloy thin films deposited by direct current magnetron sputtering at substrate temperature of 300 °C in the as-deposited condition as well as in the postannealed (at 600 °C) condition have been thoroughly studied by using secondary ion mass spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy techniques. Formation of titanium oxide (predominantly titanium dioxide) layer was observed in both as-deposited and postannealed NiTi films, although the oxide layer was much thinner (8 nm) in as-deposited condition. The depletion of Ti and enrichment of Ni below the oxide layer in postannealed films also resulted in the formation of a graded microstructure consisting of titanium oxide, Ni3Ti, and B2 NiTi. A uniform composition of B2 NiTi was obtained in the postannealed film only below a depth of 200–250 nm from the surface. Postannealed film also exhibited formation of a ternary silicide (NixTiySi) at the film–substrate interface, whereas no silicide was seen in the as-deposited film. The formation of silicide also caused a depletion of Ni in the film in a region ∼250–300 nm just above the film substrate interface.
How to find a thrombus in a small pulmonary vein that is not enhanced by contrast agents because of a lack of arterial blood flow
Authors: Takeuchi Hidekazu
Published: July 2013

It is unknown how to identify a small pulmonary vein thrombosis that is not contrasted because of loss of blood flow. Ischaemic stroke is an important clinical problem, and its prevention is a clinical target for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Because cardiac thrombus, a thrombus in the left atrial appendage and the left atrium, is well known, pulmonary vein thrombosis is thought to be a rare complication following lung surgery and catheter ablation. However, we have reported some cases of pulmonary vein thrombus without surgery, indicating that pulmonary vein thrombosis is not rare. In this case, we provide the details of an unenhanced pulmonary vein thrombus on 64-slice multidetector CT, which was largely illustrated in our previous case report. Because we understand the processes of the formation of pulmonary vein thrombus, we recognise an important implication of pulmonary vein thrombus; it alters hypoxic circumstances and under-nourished state.
Delayed presentation of ACE inhibitor-induced angio-oedema
Authors: Amey Guy , Waidyasekara Pasan , Kollengode Ramanathan
Published: July 2013

We report two probable cases of delayed presentation of ACE inhibitor (ACEi)-induced angio-oedema. The first patient was on ACEi for more than 10 years while the second one was on it for 7 years. Both the patients presented with initial unilateral swelling of the tongue which progressed further to involve the soft tissues of the oropharynx, head and neck leading to a compromised airway needing awake fibreoptic intubation and were managed successfully in the intensive care unit (ICU). C1 esterase inhibitor and mast cell tryptase level was normal for both patients. Both were treated with intravenous antihistamines and corticosteroids in the ICU. Both patients were successfully extubated within 72 h and transferred to a medical ward. Age above 65 years, atopy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use may have been the predisposing factors. Both patients made a full recovery with no complications and the ACEi was ceased.
Effect of black tea consumption on brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and ischaemia–reperfusion in humans
Authors: Schreuder Tim H.A. , Eijsvogels Thijs M.H. , Greyling Arno , Draijer Richard , Hopman Maria T.E. , Thijssen Dick H.J.
Published: July 2013

Tea consumption is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk. Previous studies found that tea flavonoids work through direct effects on the vasculature, leading to dose-dependent improvements in endothelial function. Cardioprotective effects of regular tea consumption may relate to the prevention of endothelial ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. Therefore, we examined the effect of black tea consumption on endothelial function and the ability of tea to prevent IR injury. In a randomized, crossover study, 20 healthy subjects underwent 7 days of tea consumption (3 cups per day) or abstinence from tea. We examined brachial artery (BA) endothelial function via flow-mediated dilation (FMD), using high resolution echo-Doppler, before and 90 min after tea or hot water consumption. Subsequently, we followed a 20-min ischaemia and 20-min reperfusion protocol of the BA after which we measured FMD to examine the potential of tea consumption to protect against IR injury. Tea consumption resulted in an immediate increase in FMD% (pre-consumption: 5.8 ± 2.5; post-consumption: 7.2 ± 3.2; p < 0.01), whilst no such change occurred after ingestion of hot water. The IR protocol resulted in a significant decrease in FMD (p < 0.005), which was also present after tea consumption (p < 0.001). This decline was accompanied by an increase in the post-IR baseline diameter. In conclusion, these data indicate that tea ingestion improves BA FMD. However, the impact of the IR protocol on FMD was not influenced by tea consumption. Therefore, the cardioprotective association of tea ingestion relates to a direct effect of tea on the endothelium in humans in vivo.
Effects of ice on behaviour of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Linnansaari Tommi , Cunjak Richard A.
Published: July 2013

The behaviour of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr was compared among three periods of winter (pre-ice period, PI; period of subsurface ice, SSI; period of surface ice, SI). Salmon parr remained nocturnal regardless of the ice conditions. The level of nocturnal activity was similar during PI and SI periods but was significantly reduced during the SSI period. Immobility was also highest during the SSI period, but was only partly attributable to salmon parr being trapped under ice. No differences in daytime activity among ice periods were observed. Two nocturnal movement tactics were observed: (i) “emerge–settle–return” and (ii) “emerge–move–return”. The tactics were used similarly during PI and SSI periods, but the “move” tactic was predominant during the SI period. Atlantic salmon parr showed a strong tendency to return to their “home stone” after a period of activity. Homing was reduced during the SSI period, but the distance moved to a new home stone was typically <10 m. In general, salmon parr were able to cope well with subsurface and surface ice.
Spatial dependence of moving three-level atoms interacting with a three-laser beam
Authors: Abdel-Aty M. , Abo-Kahla D. , Obada A.-S.F.
Published: July 2013

We investigate the dynamical behavior of a three-level moving atom interacting with a laser field. We show that the sensitivity of atomic dynamics can be considerably improved by exploiting the spatial dependence of moving atoms within the framework of the homotopy perturbation method. The dynamics of the system is analyzed as well as the effect of various parameters including detuning and dephasing rate. The spatial dependence approach has the same properties as the time-dependent approach, but it is preferable when the time-scale is very small. The very sensitive dependence and the role of the off-resonant interaction are highlighted.
SIMULATING NANOFLUIDS VIA THE WEIGHTED DENSITY LATTICE BOLTZMANN APPROACH
Authors: MELCHIONNA SIMONE , MARCONI UMBERTO MARINI BETTOLO
Published: July 2013

The structure and transport of neutral and charged fluids under nanoscopic confinement are derived from the kinetic and microscopic perspective. As compared to lumped parameter approaches, the strategy is to resolve the collision between particles for hard-core forces and to use a mean field treatment for soft- and long-ranged forces. The numerical strategy adapts the Lattice Boltzmann (LB) scheme to handle interatomic and electrostatic interactions.
NEW MODEL AND GENETIC ALGORITHM FOR DIVISIBLE LOAD SCHEDULING IN HETEROGENEOUS DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS
Authors: WANG MINGZHAO , WANG XIAOLI , MENG KUN , WANG YUPING
Published: July 2013

The problem of divisible load scheduling in network based heterogeneous distributed systems is addressed in this paper, where a general platform is considered, and the communication is in non-blocking message receiving mode, moreover, the communication speeds, computation speeds, start-up overheads and workload size are arbitrary. To solve the problem efficiently, we set up an optimization model which can effectively tackle the following three issues: (1) how many and which processors are required in computation; (2) in which order the load fractions are distributed to processors; (3) how much the load fraction should be distributed to each processor. For this model, a novel genetic algorithm is proposed, and the convergence of the proposed algorithm to a globally optimal solution with probability one is proved. Finally, the experiments on several examples indicate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
CASIMIR FORCE OF FERMIONS COUPLED TO MONOPOLES IN SIX-DIMENSIONAL SPACETIME
Authors: OIKONOMOU V. K.
Published: July 2013

We calculate the Casimir force for a fermionic quantum field in a piston geometry with three parallel plates. The fermion satisfies bag boundary conditions on the plates and the spacetime is assumed to have compact extra dimensions. The calculation is performed in the cases where the extra space has toroidal and spherical topology. We are mainly interested in the case in which the fermion is coupled non-trivially to an extra-dimensional defect, with a torus extra-dimensional topological background. We found that in certain limits, the Casimir force corresponding to the defect-fermion system and to the sphere, has opposite sign, in reference to those corresponding to the toroidal extra-dimensional spaces.
DIRAC OPERATORS ON NONCOMMUTATIVE PRINCIPAL CIRCLE BUNDLES
Authors: DABROWSKI LUDWIK , SITARZ ANDRZEJ , ZUCCA ALESSANDRO
Published: July 2013

We study spectral triples over noncommutative principal U(1)-bundles of arbitrary dimension and a compatibility condition between the connection and the Dirac operator on the total space and on the base space of the bundle. Examples of low-dimensional noncommutative tori are analyzed in more detail and all connections found that are compatible with an admissible Dirac operator. Conversely, a family of new Dirac operators on the noncommutative tori, which arise from the base-space Dirac operator and a suitable connection is exhibited. These examples are extended to the theta-deformed principal U(1)-bundle [Formula: see text].
TWO-WAY SHAPE MEMORY EFFICIENCY OF THE Ti-Ni 54.4 Wt. (%) ENHANCED BY THERMAL TREATMENTS
Authors: URBINA CRISTINA , DE LA FLOR SILVIA , GISPERT FRANCESC , FERRANDO FRANCESC
Published: July 2013

This paper experimentally analyzes the influence of repeated thermal cycling at zero stress on the two-way training efficiency for developing the two-way shape memory effect in TiNi shape memory alloys. Four different sets of TiNi wire are used in the study: two sets have been heat-treated to ensure a transformation path with no R-phase, whereas the other two sets have had the same heat-treatment which is then followed by repeated thermal cycling at zero stress to stabilize their phase transformation behavior. Subsequently, thermal cycling under constant stress two-way training is performed on each sample set. The study then analyzes the training efficiency and the recoverable two-way memory strain for each sample set. The results suggest that to obtain the best two-way material performance, that is, to obtain a substantial two way memory strain together with an increase in the efficiency of the training, the TiNi wire should be thermally cycled at zero stress prior to training until the phase transformation is stabilized.
Biomedical Applications of Fermenticin HV6b Isolated fromLactobacillus fermentumHV6b MTCC10770
Authors: Kaur Baljinder , Balgir Praveen P. , Mittu Bharti , Kumar Balvir , Garg Neena
Published: July 2013

Fermenticin HV6b is a class IIa antimicrobial peptide produced byLactobacillus fermentumHV6b MTCC 10770 isolated from human vaginal ecosystem. It shows growth inhibition of a wide range of opportunistic pathogens of humans, for example,Bacteroides,Gardnerella vaginalis,Mobiluncus,Staphylococci,andStreptococci,associated with bacterial vaginosis in humans. It does possess an impressive sperm immobilization and spermicidal activity tested against human sperms which makes it an attractive proposition for formulating antibacterial vaginosis and contraceptive products. Apart from this,in vitrostudies conducted against four different tissue models have indicated its potential to be used as a component of anticancerous drug therapy as it is reported to induce apoptosis in cancerous cells. This information could be integrated in future studies focusing onin vivoassessment of anticancerous activity of lactic acid bacterial toxins or bacteriocins.
CIB: An Improved Communication Architecture for Real‐Time Monitoring of Aerospace Materials, Instruments, and Sensors on the ISS
Authors: Krasowski Michael J. , Prokop Norman F. , Flatico Joseph M. , Greer Lawrence C. , Jenkins Phillip P. , Neudeck Philip G. , Chen Liangyu , Spina Danny C.
Published: July 2013

The Communications Interface Board (CIB) is an improved communications architecture that was demonstrated on the International Space Station (ISS). ISS communication interfaces allowing for real‐time telemetry and health monitoring require a significant amount of development. The CIB simplifies the communications interface to the ISS for real‐time health monitoring, telemetry, and control of resident sensors or experiments. With a simpler interface available to the telemetry bus, more sensors or experiments may be flown. The CIB accomplishes this by acting as a bridge between the ISS MIL‐STD‐1553 low‐rate telemetry (LRT) bus and the sensors allowing for two‐way command and telemetry data transfer. The CIB was designed to be highly reliable and radiation hard for an extended flight in low Earth orbit (LEO) and has been proven with over 40 months of flight operation on the outside of ISS supporting two sets of flight experiments. Since the CIB is currently operating in flight on the ISS, recent results of operations will be provided. Additionally, as a vehicle health monitoring enabling technology, an overview and results from two experiments enabled by the CIB will be provided. Future applications for vehicle health monitoring utilizing the CIB architecture will also be discussed.
Costimulatory Pathways: Physiology and Potential Therapeutic Manipulation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Kow Nien Yee , Mak Anselm
Published: July 2013

System lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an immune-complex-mediated autoimmune condition with protean immunological and clinical manifestation. While SLE has classically been advocated as a B-cell or T-cell disease, it is unlikely that a particular cell type is more pathologically predominant than the others. Indeed, SLE is characterized by an orchestrated interplay amongst different types of immunopathologically important cells participating in both innate and adaptive immunity including the dendritic cells, macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes, as well as traditional nonimmune cells such as endothelial, epithelial, and renal tubular cells. Amongst the antigen-presenting cells and lymphocytes, and between lymphocytes, the costimulatory pathways which involve mutual exchange of information and signalling play an essential role in initiating, perpetuating, and, eventually, attenuating the proinflammatory immune response. In this review, advances in the knowledge of established costimulatory pathways such as CD28/CTLA-4-CD80/86, ICOS-B7RP1, CD70-CD27, OX40-OX40L, and CD137-CD137L as well as their potential roles involved in the pathophysiology of SLE will be discussed. Attempts to target these costimulatory pathways therapeutically will pave more potential treatment avenues for patients with SLE. Preliminary laboratory and clinical evidence of the potential therapeutic value of manipulating these costimulatory pathways in SLE will also be discussed in this review.
Genetic Basis for Variation of Metalloproteinase-Associated Biochemical Activity in Venom of the Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus)
Authors: Dagda Ruben K. , Gasanov Sardar , De La OIII Ysidro , Rael Eppie D. , Lieb Carl S.
Published: July 2013

The metalloproteinase composition and biochemical profiles of rattlesnake venom can be highly variable among rattlesnakes of the same species. We have previously shown that the neurotoxic properties of the Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) are associated with the presence of the Mojave toxin A subunit suggesting the existence of a genetic basis for rattlesnake venom composition. In this report, we hypothesized the existence of a genetic basis for intraspecies variation in metalloproteinase-associated biochemical properties of rattlesnake venom of the Mojave rattlesnake. To address this question, we PCR-amplified and compared the genomic DNA nucleotide sequences that code for the mature metalloproteinase domain of fourteen Mojave rattlesnakes captured from different geographical locations across the southwest region of the United States. In addition, the venoms from the same rattlesnakes were tested for their ability to hydrolyze fibrinogen, fibrin, casein, and hide powder azure and for induction of hemorrhage in mice. Overall, based on genomic sequencing and biochemical data, we classified Mojave rattlesnake venom into four distinct groups of metalloproteinases. These findings indicate that differences in nucleotide sequences encoding the mature proteinase domain and noncoding regions contribute to differences in venom metalloproteinase activities among rattlesnakes of the same species.
Antiapoptotic Effects of EGb 761
Authors: Serrano-García Norma , Pedraza-Chaverri José , Mares-Sámano José Juan , Orozco-Ibarra Marisol , Cruz-Salgado Arturo , Jiménez-Anguiano Anabel , Sotelo Julio , Trejo-Solís Cristina
Published: July 2013

Ginkgo bilobaextracts have long been used in Chinese traditional medicine for hundreds of years. The most significant extract obtained fromGinkgo bilobaleaves has been EGb 761, a widely used phytopharmaceutical product in Europe. EGb 761 is a well-defined mixture of active compounds, which contains two main active substances: flavonoid glycosides (24–26%) and terpene lactones (6–8%). These compounds have shown antiapoptotic effects through the protection of mitochondrial membrane integrity, inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome c release, enhancement of antiapoptotic protein transcription, and reduction of caspase transcription and DNA fragmentation. Other effects include the reduction of oxidative stress (which has been related to the occurrence of vascular, degenerative, and proliferative diseases), coupled to strong induction of phase II-detoxifying and cellular defense enzymes by Nrf2/ARE activation, in addition to the modulation of transcription factors, such as CREB, HIF-1α, NF-κB, AP-1, and p53, involved in the apoptosis process. This work reviews experimental results about the antiapoptotic effects induced by the standardized extract ofGinkgo bilobaleaves (EGb 761).
High Temperature Deformation Behavior of 8090 Al-Li Alloy
Authors: Jung Woo Young , Ha Tae Kwon
Published: July 2013

High temperature deformation behavior, especially the superplasticity of an 8090 Al-Li alloy, was studied within the recent framework of the internal variable theory of structural superplasticity. In this study, a series of load relaxation tests were conducted at various temperatures ranging from 200°C to 530°C to obtain the flow curves of log ε˙versus log ε. The effect of grain size was also examined by varying the grain sizes through a proper thermomechanical treatment. The flow curves were found to be composite curves consisting of contributions from grain boundary sliding (GBS) and grain matrix deformation (GMD) at superplastic temperatures. The activation energy obtained for GMD was 124.9 kJ/mole in the temperature range from 470°C to 530°C, very similar to that for self-diffusion in pure Al.
Carcinoma of the Colon in an Adult with Intestinal Malrotation
Authors: Donaire Michael , Mariadason James , Stephens Daniel , Pillarisetty Sitaram , Wallack Marc K.
Published: July 2013

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the USA. Intestinal malrotation diagnosed in adulthood was, until recently, a very rare phenomenon. While patients may present with intestinal obstruction or abdominal pain, the diagnosis is now often made as an incidental finding by computed tomography (CT). Surprisingly we found only seven case reports of carcinoma of the colon in patients with malrotation; CT failed to make the preoperative diagnosis in a majority. Laparoscopic colon surgery is rapidly becoming standard of care for colon cancer. We present a case of carcinoma of the colon in an adult that thwarted attempts at laparoscopic resection due to failure to recognize malrotation preoperatively. The literature is reviewed, and the implications of malrotation in patients with colon cancer are examined.
Spontaneous Isolated Infection of the Subacromial Bursa
Authors: Khan Hayat , Al-Tawil Karam
Published: July 2013

Isolated infection of the subacromial bursa is a rare entity. We present the case of a previously fit man who was found to have staphylococcal infection of the sub-acromial bursa, without an obvious precipitant. Preoperative MRI scanning determined the specific locus of infection, and the patient was successfully treated with arthroscopic washout of the sub-acromial bursa followed by empirical antibiotic therapy.
Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Radix Activates the Proliferation of Mouse Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Induces Osteogenic Lineage Differentiation through the Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2/Smad-Dependent Runx2 Pathway
Authors: Kim Do Rim , Kim Ha Young , Park Jae Kwang , Park Seong Kyu , Chang Mun Seog
Published: July 2013

Mesenchymal stem cells have the capacity for self-renewal and under appropriate stimulation give rise to osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. To advance the clinical use of stem cell therapy, such as stem cell transplantation, it is important to find substances that promote endogenous stem cell proliferation and differentiation. We investigated whether medicinal herbs have the potential to promote stem cell proliferation and differentiation, using a cell cycle analysis and differentiation assay. We found that Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Radix (ALR) promoted the proliferation rate of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBMMSCs) up to 122.24% compared to untreated cells. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis showed that the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase increased to 17.33% in ALR-treated cells compared to 5.65% in normal cells. Signaling pathway analysis indicated that this was mediated through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 pathway. A differentiation assay showed that ALR induced differentiation of mBMMSCs into an osteogenic lineage 2 weeks after treatment, whereas traditional osteogenic induction medium treatment did not promote differentiation for 3 weeks. This osteogenic differentiation was signaled by the bone morphogenetic protein-2/Smad-dependent Runx2 pathway. We found that ALR could promote mBMMSC proliferation and differentiation into the osteogenic lineage.
QSA: Query Splitting-Based Anticollision for Mobile RFID-Based Internet-of-Things
Authors: Gao Jianliang , Wang Jianxin , He Jianbiao , Wang Weiping
Published: July 2013

Mobility is a common character of the emerging RFID-based internet-of-things. However, most of prior RFID anticollision algorithms ignore the movement of tags, which can degrade the identification performance seriously and even result in tag starvation problem. This paper presents a novel anticollision algorithm named Query Splitting-based Anticollision (QSA) for mobile RFID-based internet-of-things. By designing adaptive query, QSA reduces the number of collisions efficiently and makes it possible to identify multiple mobile tags without rollback. In QSA, we propose a query stack technology to avoid the rollback operation caused by new arriving tags, which solves the tag starvation problem under mobile environments. The performance evaluation shows that the proposed algorithm takes fewer timeslots and has better performance in identifying mobile tags.
Synchronization Analysis of Four Symbolic Complex Dynamical Systems for Future Biology Research
Authors: Zhang Yagang , Zhao Zheng , Sun Yi
Published: July 2013

The synchronization analysis of four symbolic complex dynamical systems will be discussed carefully in this paper. Grey system theory is mainly being used to study data sequences that are generated by 4-letter chaotic dynamical system, and the usual prediction accuracy has exceeded 90%. In this place we have found a generating rule that may at least realize chaotic synchronization in short and medium terms. Considering the current study of DNA base sequences A-G-C-T and the symbolic characteristic of four symbolic dynamical systems, which are formally in good corresponding relation. In this paper we have offered an effective research means to approach problems of this kind.
Preliminary Results of Implantation in Animal Model and Osteoblast Culture Evaluation of Prototypes of Biomimetic Multispiked Connecting Scaffold for Noncemented Stemless Resurfacing Hip Arthroplasty Endoprostheses
Authors: Uklejewski Ryszard , Rogala Piotr , Winiecki Mariusz , Kędzia Andrzej , Ruszkowski Piotr
Published: July 2013

We present the new fixation method for RHA(resurfacing hip arthroplasty)endoprostheses by means of the biomimetic multispiked connecting scaffold (MSC-Scaffold). Such connecting scaffold can generate new type of RHA endoprostheses, that is stemless and fixed entirely without cement. The preprototypes of this MSC-Scaffold were manufactured with modern additive laser additive technology (SLM). The pilot surgical implantations in animal model (two laboratory swine) of MSC-Scaffold preprototypes have showed after two months neither implant loosening, migration, and nor other early complications. From the results of performed histopathological evaluation of the periscaffold spikes bone tissue and 10-day culture of human osteoblasts (NHOst) we can conclude that (1) the scaffolding effect was obtained and (2) to improve the osseointegration of the scaffold spikes, their material surface should be physicochemically modified (e.g., with hydroxyapatite). Some histopathological findings in the periscaffold domain near the MSC-Scaffold spikes bases (fibrous connective tissue and metallic particles near the MSC-Scaffold spikes bases edges) prompt considering the necessity to optimize the design of the MSC-Scaffold in the regions of its interspike space near the spikes bases edges, to provide more room for new bone formation in this region and for indispensable post-processing (glass pearl blasting) after the SLM manufacturing.
Spurious T3 Thyrotoxicosis Unmasking Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Antonopoulou Marianna , Silverberg Arnold
Published: July 2013

Objective. To document a case of spurious T3 thyrotoxicosis in a 54-year-old woman.Methods. We present the diagnostic approach of a patient with euthyroid hypertri-iodothyronemia.Results. A 54-year-old, clinically euthyroid woman without personal or family history of thyroid disease referred to endocrinology for possible T3 thyrotoxicosis, after thyroid function tests revealed total T3 > 800 ng/dL (reference range 60–181), normal TSH, and T4. The laboratory data were not compatible with the clinical picture, so thyroid binding globulin abnormalities were suspected. Additional laboratory studies confirmed the diagnosis of multiple myeloma.Conclusion. Monoclonal gammopathy is characterized by the presence of a monoclonal immunoglobulin in the serum or urine, occurring in multiple myeloma, and can cause assay interference and spurious results. We identify a newly recognized cause of euthyroid hypertri-iodothyronemia, due to binding of T3 to monoclonal immunoglobulins in the setting of multiple myeloma. Our case is the only one to date suggesting that monoclonal immunoglobulins from multiple myeloma may exhibit binding to T3 only.
On Quasi-h-Dense Submodules and h-Pure Envelopes of QTAG Modules
Authors: Mehdi Alveera , Sikander Fahad , Begum Firdhousi
Published: July 2013

A module M over an associative ring R with unity is a QTAG module if every finitely generated submodule of any homomorphic image of M is a direct sum of uniserial modules. There are many fascinating properties of QTAG modules of which h-pure submodules and high submodules are significant. A submodule N is quasi-h-dense in M if M/K is h-divisible, for every h-pure submodule K of M, containing N. Here we study these submodules and obtain some interesting results. Motivated by h-neat envelope, we also define h-pure envelope of a submodule N as the h-pure submodule K⊇N if K has no direct summand containing N. We find that h-pure envelopes of N have isomorphic basic submodules, and if M is the direct sum of uniserial modules, then all h-pure envelopes of N are isomorphic.
A New Species of Afrotropical Ants in the GenusBothroponera(Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae)
Authors: Joma Abdulmeneem M. A. , Mackay William P.
Published: July 2013

We describe a new species of AfrotropicalBothroponerafrom Whittlesea City, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. This species is unique among the AfricanBothroponeraas it is the only species with a horizontal propodeal spiracle. It is also the largest species of AfricanBothroponera(total length 14.80–15.65). The clypeus lacks a medial longitudinal carina, the head is subquadrate, the sculpture is mostly foveolate, and the second gastral segment nearly lacks sculpturing. We compare the new species to the similarB. cavernosaandB. cavernosavar.montivaga. We also compare the new species to all of the other 10 taxa that belong to thecavernosacomplex. A key to thecavernosacomplex species of the AfrotropicalBothroponerais provided along with diagnosis, comparison, distribution, habitat, biology, and etymology for the new species.
Growth Factors Serum Levels in Coronary Artery Disease Patients Scheduled for Bypass Surgery: Perioperative Dynamics and Comparisons with Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Karu Inga , Starkopf Joel , Zilmer Kersti , Zilmer Mihkel
Published: July 2013

Background. Vascular endothelial growth factors are important mediators for neovascularization of chronically ischemic adult heart, but their elevated values have also been connected with acute ischemia. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with activation of inflammatory processes. We aimed to clarify whether the latter is also accompanied with acute changes in concentrations of vascular growth factors.Methods. Concentrations of growth factors VEGF and EGF, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and a set of cytokines of 39 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) were evaluated before and after CABG. Preoperative values were compared with data of healthy volunteers.Results. In comparison with CAD patients, healthy controls had significantly higher values of VEGF (15.5 (10.05–35.3) and 119.4 (55.7–136.9) pg/mL, resp.), EGF (1.70 (1.14–3.18) and 37.3 (27.1–51.9) pg/mL, resp.), and MCP-1 (111.6 (81.75–171.9) and 156.9 (134.7–241.3) pg/mL, resp.). MCP-1, but not others, demonstrated a significant rise throughout the postoperative period. Proinflammatory interleukin-6 was significantly higher and anti-inflammatory IL-4 and IL-10 lower in patients with CAD.Conclusions. Patients with stable CAD have lower serum levels of growth factors than healthy volunteers. MCP-1, but not VEGF and EGF, becomes elevated immediately after CABG. Inflammatory status of CAD patients was drifted towards proinflammatory state.
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Upregulate CD1dhighCD5+ Regulatory B Cells in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Guo Yawei , Chan Koon-Ho , Lai Wing-Hon , Siu Chung-Wah , Kwan Shing-Cheong , Tse Hung-Fat , Wing-Lok Ho Philip , Wing-Man Ho Jessica
Published: July 2013

Background/Aims: Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes significant neurological disability. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of MS. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) possess anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. We studied whether hMSCs affect CD1dhighCD5+ regulatory B-cell activity in EAE. Methods: EAE was induced in C57BL/6N mice by immunization with MOG35-55 peptide. hMSCs were injected intravenously into EAE mice on day 3 and day 12 after first immunization. Mice were sacrificed on day 26. Immunohistochemistry of the spinal cord, serum cytokines levels, production of cytokines by cultured splenic cells, and flow cytometry for splenic Th17 and CD1dhighCD5+ regulatory B cells were studied. Results: EAE mice with hMSC treatment on day 3 and day 12 had reduced EAE scores from day 14 to day 26 compared to EAE mice without hMSC treatment, and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells and demyelination in the spinal cord. EAE mice with hMSC treatment on day 3 and day 12 had: (1) lower serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α (p < 0.0005), and IL-17 (p < 0.005 for day 3, p < 0.0005 for day 12); (2) reduced splenic cell production and secretion of IL-6, TNF-α (p < 0.05), and IL-17 (p < 0.05), and increased splenic production of IL-10; (3) reduced splenic Th17 cells (p < 0.05 for day 3, p < 0.005 for day 12), and (4) increased CD1dhighCD5+ regulatory B cells (p < 0.005) compared to EAE mice without hMSC treatment. Conclusion: hMSC treatment on day 3 and day 12 suppresses EAE severity. The underlying mechanisms involve downregulation of Th17 cells and upregulation of CD1dhighCD5+ regulatory B-cell activity.
Blood Pressure and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy During American-Style Football Participation
Authors: Weiner Rory B. , Wang Francis , Isaacs Stephanie K. , Malhotra Rajeev , Berkstresser Brant , Kim Jonathan H. , Hutter Adolph M. , Picard Michael H. , Wang Thomas J. , Baggish Aaron L.
Published: July 2013

Background—

Hypertension, a strong determinant of cardiovascular disease risk, has been documented among elite, professional American-style football (ASF) players. The risk of increased blood pressure (BP) and early adulthood hypertension among the substantially larger population of collegiate ASF athletes is not known.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study to examine BP, the incidence of hypertension, and left ventricular remodeling among collegiate ASF athletes. Resting BP and left ventricular structure were assessed before and after a single season of competitive ASF participation in 6 consecutive groups of first-year university athletes (n=113). ASF participation was associated with significant increases in systolic BP (116±8 versus 125±13 mm Hg;
P
<0.001) and diastolic BP (64±8 mm Hg versus 66±10 mm Hg;
P
<0.001). At the postseason assessment, the majority of athletes met criteria for Joint National Commission (seventh report) prehypertension (53 of 113, 47%) or stage 1 hypertension (16 of 113, 14%). Among measured characteristics, lineman field position, intraseason weight gain, and family history of hypertension were the strongest independent predictors of postseason BP. Among linemen, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (2 of 64 [3%] versus 20 of 64 [31%];
P
<0.001) and change in left ventricular mass correlated with intraseason change in systolic BP (
R
=0.46,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Collegiate ASF athletes may be at risk for clinically relevant increases in BP and the development of hypertension. Enhanced surveillance and carefully selected interventions may represent important opportunities to improve later-life cardiovascular health outcomes in this population.
On the Continuous Differentiability of Inter-Spike Intervals of Synaptically Connected Cortical Spiking Neurons in a Neuronal Network
Authors: Kumar Gautam , Kothare Mayuresh V.
Published: July 2013

We derive conditions for continuous differentiability of inter-spike intervals (ISIs) of spiking neurons with respect to parameters (decision variables) of an external stimulating input current that drives a recurrent network of synaptically connected neurons. The dynamical behavior of individual neurons is represented by a class of discontinuous single-neuron models. We report here that ISIs of neurons in the network are continuously differentiable with respect to decision variables if (1) a continuously differentiable trajectory of the membrane potential exists between consecutive action potentials with respect to time and decision variables and (2) the partial derivative of the membrane potential of spiking neurons with respect to time is not equal to the partial derivative of their firing threshold with respect to time at the time of action potentials. Our theoretical results are supported by showing fulfillment of these conditions for a class of known bidimensional spiking neuron models.
The fern genus Dryopteris (Dryopteridaceae) in Ascension and Saint Helena islands, Atlantic Ocean
Authors: ROUX JACOBUS† P.
Published: July 2013

The fern genus Dryopteris (Dryopteridaceae) in the isolated Atlantic Ocean islands, Ascension and St Helena isreviewed. Three species are known from these islands. Dryopteris ascensionis is endemic to and the only Dryopterisspecies known from Ascension Island. This species now appears to be extinct since has not been recorded since 1975,and was not found during repeated searches in the 1990s. Two Dryopteris species, D. cognata and D. napoleonis, areendemic to St. Helena and are rare on that island. Dryopteris napoleonis is lectotypified.
Trachythyone flaccida, a new sea cucumber species from southern Angola (Echinodermata:Holothuroidea:Dendrochirotida:Cucumariidae) with key to the genus
Authors: THANDAR AHMED S.
Published: July 2013

A new species of a cucumariid holothuroid, Trachythyone flaccida, is described from shallow water off the southern coast of Angola. This increases to 20 the number of species in the genus Trachythyone. The new species is characterized by a soft, barrel-shaped body, scattered non-retractile tube feet, and body wall ossicles comprising a superficial layer of cup-like baskets and a deeper layer of simple, smooth, multilocular plates; cross-shaped deposits may also occur. The new species appears most closely related to the subantarctic T. bouvatensis (Ludwig & Heding, 1935) and to the Brazilian T. crassipeda Cherbonnier, 1965. A key is provided to all species currently classified in this genus.
Cladocerans of Alona affinis group (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) from North America
Authors: SINEV ARTEM Y.
Published: July 2013

Cladocera of Alona affinis group from North America preserved in the collection of Professor D. G. Frey were investigated. A new subspecies of Alona ossiani Sinev, 1998 is described. Alona ossiani herricki ssp. nov. differs from the nominative subspecies in presence of 2–3 marginal denticles on postanal angle of male postabdomen, no differences between subspecies were revealed in the female morphology. An obscure taxon Alona lepida Birge,1892 was shown to be a valid species of affinis-group and is redescribed. A. lepida shares characteristic features of the group, but differs from all other species in the body shape, by postabdominal claw with basal spine almost parallel to the claw itself, and by IDL seta 1 being not claw-like. Morphology, relationships and distribution of studied taxa are discussed.
A new species of Velia (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from West Bengal, India
Authors: BASU SRIMOYEE , SUBRAMANIAN K. A. , POLHEMUS DAN A.
Published: July 2013

A new Oriental species of water crickets, Velia (Cesavelia) mitrai sp. nov. is described from the vicinity of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. It was collected from a shaded stream with slow current, situated at an altitude of 2006 m a.s.l. within the Neora Valley National Park. This species is the fourth member of this genus known from India.