bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Static and Rotordynamic Characteristics for a New Hole-Pattern Annular Gas Seal Design Incorporating Larger Diameter Holes
Authors: Vannarsdall Michael , Childs Dara W.
Published: September 2013

To reduce manufacturing cost and time, a new larger-diameter hole-pattern seal incorporating hole diameters of 12.27 mm, versus prior hole diameters of 3.175 mm has been proposed. The 12.27 mm hole-diameter seal had substantially better stability performance with higher effective damping and a markedly lower crossover frequency. It had negative direct stiffness coefficients at low frequency, while the 3.175 mm hole-diameter seal did not. Predictions for the rotordynamic coefficients of this new seal were made based on a two-control-volume model developed by Kleynhans and Childs in 1997. The two control volumes consisted of a through-flow control-volume and a control-volume B that extended from the surface of the stator at the top of the holes to the bottom of holes. Predictions agreed poorly with measured results, because the model used, assumes gas flows only radially within control-volume B. With the large hole-diameters axial and circumferential flow is readily accomplished. Compared to the prior 3.175 mm hole-diameter seals, the 12.27 mm hole-diameter seal design leaked approximately 37.5% more which probably precludes its commercial application. Leakage for the seal was well predicted. Although the larger hole diameters were initially proposed to reduce costs, the fabrication was more challenging than originally thought. The larger holes could not be manufactured with a single pass. Hence, manufacturing costs and time were not reduced.
Use of Collateral Sensitivity Networks to Design Drug Cycling Protocols That Avoid Resistance Development
Authors: Imamovic Lejla , Sommer Morten O. A.
Published: September 2013

Elucidation of complex collateral sensitivity networks provides rationale for new sequential drug deployment strategies that restrain antibiotic resistance development.
Deep venous structures distortion in spontaneous intracranial hypotension as an explanation for altered level of consciousness
Authors: Ajlan Abdulrazag M , Al-Jehani Hosam , Torres Carlos , Marcoux Judith
Published: September 2013

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a syndrome of low pressure headache associated with low CSF pressure. The condition is generally considered benign but extreme cases of SIH can lead to changes in the level of consciousness. We describe a case in which alteration in the level of consciousness was prolonged and severe, and could not be explained solely by the presence of subdural collections. MRI of the brain showed evidence of impaired venous flow secondary to brain sagging causing distortion of deep venous structures.
Small bowel carcinoid: a rare cause of bowel obstruction
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriel , Prabhu Raghunath , Ravi Bharadwaj
Published: September 2013

Carcinoid tumours though commonly affect the appendix, are a rare cause of small bowel obstruction, causing a diagnostic dilemma. We presented a 70-year-old man with small bowel obstruction, not responding to conservative management, which required an emergency laparotomy and was found to have a mass encasing the mid-jejunal loops and mesentery that was resected and reported to be a carcinoid tumour.
Therapeutic pulmonary artery stenting for metastatic bronchial carcinoid
Authors: Vawdrey Daniel B F , Fitzsimmons Samantha , Veldtman Gruschen R , Carpenter John-Paul
Published: September 2013

We present a case of a middle-aged man with a 3-month history of progressive shortness of breath and peripheral oedema. Ten years prior to this, he had undergone a left pneumonectomy for metastatic bronchial carcinoid. Clinical examination revealed significant right heart failure, supported by transthoracic echocardiography. CT pulmonary angiogram revealed the cause to be marked progression of the bronchial carcinoid causing severe external compression of right pulmonary artery (RPA). In view of the distressing symptoms, a palliative endovascular intervention to the RPA was attempted to relieve obstruction, improve blood flow through the right lung and offload the right ventricle. This was performed under general anaesthesia involving interventional cardiology and radiology specialists together with a specialist anaesthetic team with extensive experience of managing carcinoid patients. The result was a marked improvement in symptoms and right heart function and the patient was discharged 2 days later.
Epidermolysis bullosa and congenital pyloric atresia
Authors: Mithwani Anwar Adil , Hashmi Asif , Adil Salman
Published: September 2013

The association between epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and pyloric atresia (PA) is rare but well documented. Herein, we report a case of EB associated with congenital PA. A female baby, weighing 1480 g, was born vaginally to a 31-year-old gravida 7 lady at 33 weeks of gestation. Polyhydramnios was detected on antenatal assessment. The parents were non-consanguineous Saudis with no family history of significant illness. At birth, well-demarcated areas of peeled skin were present over knees, left leg and periumbilical region. Systemic examination revealed no other abnormality. On second day, the patient developed recurrent vomiting and abdominal distension. An abdominal X-ray revealed a single gastric gas bubble suggesting pyloric obstruction. Following gastroduodenostomy, the baby developed severe sepsis with multiorgan dysfunction and expired on 25th day of life. Skin biopsy showed cleavage within lamina lucida.
Is surgery effective for deep posterior compartment syndrome of the leg? A systematic review
Authors: Winkes Michiel B , Hoogeveen Adwin R , Scheltinga Marc R
Published: September 2013

Background

Results of surgery for lower leg deep posterior chronic exertional compartment syndrome (dp-CECS) are inferior compared to other types of CECS. Factors influencing suboptimal surgical results are unknown. The purpose of this systematic review was to provide a critical analysis of the existing literature on the surgical management of dp-CECS aimed at identifying parameters determining surgical results.

Methods

A literature search was performed using Pubmed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and CINAHL (EBSCO). Studies including surgical results for dp-CECS were systematically reviewed.

Results

7 studies of level III evidence reporting on a total of 131 patients met inclusion criteria (>5 patients, reporting intracompartmental pressures (ICP), clearly stating postoperative outcome). Only four studies strictly adhered to predefined ICP criteria. Cutoff ICP levels varied widely among the 7 studies. Surgical procedures ranged from a superficial crural fasciotomy to multiple fasciotomies of various deep posterior compartments. No single surgical procedure proved superior. Prolonged high ICP levels following provocation were associated with postoperative success. Success rates after fasciotomy were modest ranging from 30% to 65%. Risk factors for failure of surgery were not identified.

Conclusions

The quality of studies reporting on surgery for dp-CECS is poor. Prospective, controlled or randomised studies are lacking. Diagnostic criteria and surgical techniques are diverse. As functional results of current management regimes are disappointing, future studies of dp-CECS should focus on optimising diagnostic criteria and standardisation of treatment modalities.
What do hospital mortality rates tell us about quality of care?
Authors: Goodacre Steve , Campbell Mike , Carter Angela
Published: September 2013

Hospital mortality rates could be useful indicators of quality of care, but careful statistical analysis is required to avoid erroneously attributing variation in mortality to differences in health care when it is actually due to differences in case mix. The summary hospital mortality indicator is currently used by the English National Health Service (NHS). It adjusts mortality rates up to 30 days after discharge for patient age, sex, type of admission, year of discharge, comorbidity, deprivation and diagnosis. Such risk-adjustment methods have been used to identify poor performance, most notably at mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, but their use is subject to a number of limitations. Studies exploring whether variation in risk-adjusted mortality can be explained by variation in healthcare have reached conflicting conclusions. Furthermore, concerns have been raised that the proportion of preventable deaths among hospital admissions is too small to produce a reliable ‘signal’ in risk-adjusted mortality rates. This provides hospital managers, regulators and clinicians with a considerable dilemma. Variation in mortality rates cannot be ignored, as they might indicate unacceptable variation in healthcare and avoidable mortality, but they also cannot be reliably used to judge the quality of healthcare, based on current evidence.
What is the value and impact of the safety World Conference? Evaluators’ reflections of safety 2012
Authors: Wren John , Allen Kim , Proffitt Catherine , Riley Helen , Aiken Melanie
Published: September 2013

Using survey and documentary information collected as part of an evaluation of the 2012 conference, this paper reflects upon the value of the 2012 World Conference to attendees of the event. The results are discussed in the context of questions about what the purpose of conference is to the world injury prevention community and how they are organised. The evaluators challenge the community and future organisers to clarify what the purpose of these events are to better inform future evaluation activities.
Effect of leucine supplementation on fat free mass with prolonged hypoxic exposure during a 13-day trek to Everest Base Camp: a double-blind randomized study
Authors: Wing-Gaia Stacie L. , Gershenoff Dana C. , Drummond Micah J. , Askew E. Wayne
Published: September 2013

Loss of body weight and fat-free mass (FFM) are commonly noted with prolonged exposure to hypobaric hypoxia. Recent evidence suggests protein supplementation, specifically leucine, may potentially attenuate loss of FFM in subcaloric conditions during normoxia. The purpose of this study was to determine if leucine supplementation would prevent the loss of FFM in subcaloric conditions during prolonged hypoxia. Eighteen physically active male (n = 10) and female (n = 8) trekkers completed a 13-day trek in Nepal to Everest Base Camp with a mean altitude of 4140 m (range 2810–5364 m). In this double-blind study, participants were randomized to ingest either leucine (LEU) (7 g leucine, 93 kcal, 14.5 g whey-based protein) or an isocaloric isonitrogenous control (CON) (0.3 g LEU, 93 kcal, 11.3 g collagen protein) twice daily prior to meals. Body weight, body composition, and circumferences of bicep, thigh, and calf were measured pre- and post-trek. There was a significant time effect for body weight (−2.2% ± 1.7%), FFM (−1.7% ± 1.5%), fat mass (−4.0% ± 6.9%), and circumferences (p < 0.05). However, there was no treatment effect on body weight (CON −2.3 ± 2.0%; LEU −2.2 ± 1.5%), FFM (CON −2.1 ± 1.5%; LEU −1.2 ± 1.6%), fat mass (CON −2.9% ± 5.9%; LEU −5.4% ± 8.1%), or circumferences. Although a significant loss of body weight, FFM, and fat mass was noted in 13 days of high altitude exposure, FFM loss was not attenuated by leucine. Future studies are needed to determine if leucine attenuates loss of FFM with longer duration high altitude exposure.
Late Holocene glacial history of Scimitar Glacier, Mt. Waddington area, British Columbia Coast Mountains, Canada
Authors: Craig Jessica A. , Smith Dan J.
Published: September 2013

Scimitar Glacier originates below the northeast face of Mt. Waddington in the southern British Columbia Coast Mountains and flows 18 km down valley to calve into a proglacial lake. At several locations, downwasting of the glacier surface has exposed stacked till units separated by wood-bearing horizons in the proximal slopes of lateral moraines flanking the glacier. Historical moraine collapse and erosional breaching has also revealed the remains of standing trees buried in moraine-dammed lake sediments. Radiocarbon and tree-ring dating show that Scimitar Glacier expanded down valley at least three times in the late Holocene. The earliest evidence found for ice expansion indicates Scimitar Glacier was advancing in 3167–2737 cal years BP in association with the regional Tiedemann Advance. Following this advance, the glacier downwasted prior to expanding in 1568–1412 cal years BP during the First Millennial Advance. A final period phase of moraine construction was initiated during late Little Ice Age glacial expansion before A.D. 1742 and extended until at least A.D. 1851, after which Scimitar Glacier began to recede and downwaste. This record is comparable to that recorded at other glaciers in the southern British Columbia Coast Mountains and confirms the long-term relationship between regional climate trends and glacier behaviour in this setting.
Ghost dark energy models in Bianchi I cosmologies with modified gravity
Authors: Fayaz V. , Hossienkhani H. , Aghamohammadi A. , Amirabadi M.
Published: September 2013

A ghost dark energy model has been recently put forward to explain the current accelerated expansion of the universe. In this model, we develop the general scheme for modified f(R) gravity reconstruction from realistic anisotropic Bianchi type I cosmology. Power-law volumetric expansion is used to obtain exact solutions of the field equations. We discuss the physical behavior of the solutions and anisotropy behavior of the fluid, the expansion parameter, and the model in future evolution of the universe. We reconstruct corresponding f(R) gravities and obtain the equation of state parameter. We show that the corresponding f(R) gravity of the ghost dark energy model can behave like phantom or quintessence of the selected models that describe accelerated expansion of the universe.
A wide-angle polarization-sensitive dual-band absorber with a grating structure
Authors: Liao Yan-Lin , Zhao Yan
Published: September 2013

We report a wide-angle polarization-sensitive dual-band absorber with a grating structure. The unit cell is made of two metal–dielectric–metal structures with different dielectric-layer thicknesses. The simulation results show that the dual-band absorption peaks for TM polarization can be tuned by varying the thickness of the dielectric layer. Also, the dual-band absorption magnitudes are more than 0.9 for both absorption peaks for angles up to 60°. At the same time, TE-polarized light has been reflected effectively in the visible and infrared regimes. Our results may have potential applications in polarization detectors and reflective polarizers.
SCIENCE WITH THE HARD X-RAY MODULATION TELESCOPE
Authors:   on behalf of the HXMT Science Definition Team, LI TIPEI
Published: September 2013

The hard X-ray modulation telescope (HXMT) is a slat-collimated instrument sensitive in the 1–250 keV energy band. It will use the direct demodulation technique to conduct an all sky imaging survey with both high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. The moderate field of view also allows for sensitive spectroscopic and timing observations of bright sources in the pointed mode. The wide energy coverage and large collecting area in the hard X-ray band (nearly 5000 cm2 effective area at 30–100 keV) make HXMT a unique instrument for some scientific goals. Here we give brief discussion about scientific objectives that can be addressed with HXMT, involving black holes at a variety of scales and equations of states of matter at extreme conditions.
TeV ASTROPHYSICS WITH THE MILAGRO AND HAWC OBSERVATORIES
Authors:   for the Milagro and HAWC Collaborations, SINNIS GUS
Published: September 2013

Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy has historically implemented two dramatically different techniques. One method employs Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescope(s) (IACT) that detect the Cherenkov light generated in the atmosphere by extensive air showers. The other method employs particle detectors that directly detect the particles that reach ground level — known as Extensive Air Shower (EAS) arrays. Until recently, the IACT method had been the only technique to yield solid detections of TeV gamma-ray sources. Utilizing water Chernkov technology, Milagro, was the first EAS array to discover new gamma-ray sources and demonstrated the power of and need for an all-sky high duty cycle instrument in the TeV energy regime. The transient nature of many TeV sources, the enormous number of potential sources, and the existence of TeV sources that encompass large angular areas all point to the need for an all-sky, high duty-factor instrument with even greater sensitivity than Milagro. The High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) Observatory will be over an order of magnitude more sensitive than Milagro. In this paper we will discuss the results from Milagro and the design of the HAWC instrument and its experimental sensitivity.
Unitary Representations of Quantum Superpositions of Two Coherent States and Beyond
Authors: Messina Antonino , Drăgănescu Gheorghe
Published: September 2013

The construction of a class of unitary operators generating linear superpositions of generalized coherent states from the ground state of a quantum harmonic oscillator is reported. Such a construction, based on the properties of a new ad hoc introduced set of hermitian operators, leads to the definition of new basis in the oscillator Hilbert space, extending in a natural way the displaced Fock states basis. The potential development of our method and our results are briefly outlined.
TWO-PHASE FLOW BOILING AND CONDENSATION HEAT TRANSFER CHARACTERISTICS OF NATURAL REFRIGERANTS: REVIEW
Authors: HEO JAEHYEOK , LEE HOSEONG , YUN RIN
Published: September 2013

The existing artificial and chemical refrigerants have been phased out due to environmental concerns, and they have been replaced with environmentally friendly refrigerants. Among them, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydrocarbons are paid attention as next generation refrigerants, and their application has been widely expanded. Therefore, in this paper, the latest studies of flow boiling and condensation heat transfer characteristics of carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydrocarbon are reviewed. The heat transfer characteristics of ammonia and hydrocarbon show the relatively similar trends with the conventional refrigerants compared to those of carbon dioxide. The general trends and recommendable models of flow boiling and condensation heat transfer with carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydrocarbons are summarized.
Antarctic Palaeoenvironments and Earth-Surface Processes in context
Authors: Hambrey Michael J. , Davies Bethan J.
Published: September 2013

The 26 papers in this volume comprise those presented at the International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences in Edinburgh in July 2011, as well as several invited review papers, on Antarctic geology and geomorphology. These papers demonstrate a remarkable diversity of Earth science interests in the Antarctic. It is evident that during recent decades there has been a marked change in emphasis from pre-Cenozoic geology to topics related to the 34 million years of directly documented Antarctic glacial history. Increasing emphasis is being placed on the documentation and understanding of the palaeorecord of ice-sheet growth and decay. Furthermore, Antarctic Earth history is providing us with important information about potential future trends, as the impact of global warming is increasingly felt on the continent and its ocean.
Evolution of late Cenozoic magmatism and the crust–mantle structure in the NE Japan Arc
Authors: Yoshida Takeyoshi , Kimura Jun-Ichi , Yamada Ryoichi , Acocella Valerio , Sato Hiroshi , Zhao Dapeng , Nakajima Junichi , Hasegawa Akira , Okada Tomomi , Honda Satoru , Ishikawa Masahiro , Prima Oky Dicky Ardiansyah , Kudo Takeshi , Shibazaki Bunichiro , Tanaka Akiko , Imaizumi Toshifumi
Published: September 2013

We review the evolution of late Cenozoic magmatism in the NE Japan arc, and examine the relationship between the magmatism and the crust–mantle structure. Recent studies reveal secular changes in the mode of magmatic activity, the magma plumbing system, erupted volumes and magmatic composition associated with the evolution of crust–mantle structures related to the tectonic evolution of the arc. The evolution of Cenozoic magmatism in the arc can be divided into three periods: the continental margin (66–21 Ma), the back-arc basin (21–13.5 Ma) and the island-arc period (13.5–0 Ma). Magmatic evolution in the back-arc basin and the island-arc periods appears to be related to the 2D to 3D change in the convection pattern of the mantle wedge related to the asthenosphere upwelling and subsequent cooling of the mantle. Geodynamic changes in the mantle caused back-arc basin basalt eruptions during the back-arc basin opening (basalt phase) followed by crustal heating and re-melting, which generated many felsic plutons and calderas (rhyolite/granite phase) in the early stage of the island-arc period. This was followed by crustal cooling and strong compression, which ensured vent connections and mixing between deeper mafic and shallower felsic magmas, erupting large volumes of Quaternary andesites (andesite phase).
Evolution and origin of the Revsegg Nappe in the SW-Norwegian Caledonides: an allochthon with Ordovician elements
Authors: Roffeis C. , Corfu F.
Published: September 2013

The Revsegg Nappe is the uppermost tectonic unit of the Hardanger–Ryfylke Nappe Complex in the SW-Scandinavian Caledonides. The Revsegg Nappe consists mainly of two-mica schists with boudinaged lenses of sandstone, amphibolite, granodiorite and pegmatite. Analyses by U–Pb isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry on metamorphic zircon in a mafic lens and on rutile in a metasandstone reveal Ordovician ages of 471±18 and 480±15 Ma, respectively. Pegmatites intruded at 433±1 Ma, contemporaneously with rutile formation at the bottom of the nappe (434±6 Ma). Granodiorite intruded at 428±1 Ma, during or shortly before deformation of the biotite schists at
c.
428–424 Ma. The specific lithology and the Ordovician imprint distinguish the Revsegg Nappe from the underlying crystalline nappes. The latter have characteristic indicative of a Baltic derivation whereas the Revsegg Nappe correlates better with nappes of Iapetan affinity, such as the Jæren Nappe south of Stavanger.
Propagation and Collision of Nonlinear Electrical Responses in Aloe Vera L. and Arabidopsis Thaliana
Authors: O'Neal Lawrence , Ebere Lora C , McIntyre Reuel , Volkova-Gugeshashvili Maia I. , Markin Vladislav S. , Volkov Alexander George
Published: September 2013

Electrostimulation of electrical circuits in the Aloe vera or Arabidopsis thaliana induces electrotonic potentials that propagate along their leaves. The instantaneous increase or decrease in voltage of stimulating potential generates a nonlinear response in plant tissues. Any electrostimulation that is not instantaneous, such as sinusoidal or triangular functions, results in linear responses in the form of small graded potentials. The amplitude and sign of electrotonic potentials depend on the polarity and the amplitude of applied voltage during electrostimulation. Using the synchronous electrostimulation of a leaf from two different points, we studied the interaction between the electrotonic potentials. If electrical responses with positive fronts collided, they annihilated each other; if an electrical signal with positive front collided with an electrical signal having negative front, they amplified each other. The information gained from this study can be used to elucidate the intracellular and intercellular communications in the form of electrical signals within plants.
Effect of Surfactants on the Voltammetric Response and Determination of an Antihypertensive Drug Phentolamine at Boron Doped Diamond Electrode
Authors: Shrivastav Ratnanjali , Satsangee Soami Piara , Jain Rajeev
Published: September 2013

A boron doped diamond electrode (BDDE) was used for the electroanalysis of Phentolamine by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) in BR buffer (pH2.5). The current signal due to the oxidation process was a function of the amount of Phentolamine, pH of the medium, surfactants and scan rate. The results were compared with a glassy carbon electrode at the same condition. Phentolamine undergoes irreversible reaction at both the electrodes. However BDDE showed highly reproducible results with increased current intensity. The higher electrocatalytic behavior of BDDE was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy which showed a decrease in the charge transfer resistance. The potential sweep rate dependence of Phentolamine oxidation (peak currents linearly proportional to ʋ1/2, with the range of 10 to 150mV S-1) indicates that the oxidation current is diffusion controlled with the negligible adsorption on the BDDE surface. Moreover the effect of surface active agents on the voltammetric behavior of Phentolamine was also studied. Three surfactants were used, an anionic type, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a cationic type cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and a non ionic type, triton X-100. Addition of SDS was found to enhance the current signal whereas CTAB and triton X-100 showed no effects. The use of SDS in the electrochemical determination of Phentolamine using SWV enhanced the detection limit from 0.71µg/ml in the absence of surfactant to 1.07 µg/ml when present.
Effects of Cathodic Platinum Loadings and Organic Substrate Concentrations on the Performance of Single Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells Fed with Raw Wastewater
Authors: Santoro Carlo , Karra Udayarka , Li Baikun , Agrios Alexander G. , Squadrito Gaetano , Cristiani Pierangela
Published: September 2013

Single electrode kinetics was investigated in a membrane-less single chamber air cathode microbial fuel cell (SCMFC) fed with raw wastewater. Anode kinetics was studied to better understand mass transport diffusion limitations without the addition of readily degradable organic substrates. Cathode electrode kinetics was investigated with varying platinum (Pt) loading. Even though higher Pt loading resulted in better cathode performance, a reduction of Pt loadings by two orders of magnitude did not significantly lower performance. The cathode performance decreased substantially over time especially for low currents due to the depletion of oxygen on the cathode surface. This study showed that the anode kinetics rather than cathode kinetics limited the overall performance of SCMFCs at low organics concentrations.
Cutaneous Mycoses among Rice Farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Ekwealor Chito Clare , Oyeka Christie Amechi
Published: September 2013

Rice grain is one of the world's most important food crops, and its cultivation is a major occupation in Anambra State, Nigeria. These rice farmers are exposed to various agents that predispose them to cutaneous mycoses. The aim of this work was to screen rice farmers for lesions suggestive of cutaneous mycoses and to isolate and identify fungal agents associated with the infection. This survey was carried out between November 2009 and June 2011 in Anambra State, Nigeria. Clinical samples collected from 201 farmers with lesions suggestive of cutaneous mycoses were processed and the organisms identified. Questionnaires were used to obtain other necessary data and were statistically analyzed. Of the 2,580 rice farmers screened, 201 (7.79%) showed positive lesions. Organisms recovered included Microsporum audouinii, Microsporum ferrugineum, Trichophyton megnini, Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton rubrum, Aspergillus terrus, Aspergillus candidus, Aspergillus scleriotorum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Scopulariopsis sp., Chrysosporium sp., Eupenicillium javanicum, Fusarium sp., Penicillium aculeatum, and Penicillium pinophilum. At the end of this work, onychomycosis was observed to be the most prevalent with nondermatophyte molds now becoming very important agents of cutaneous mycoses among rice farmer.
The Conceptualization and Measurement of Comorbidity: A Review of the Interprofessional Discourse
Authors: Meghani Salimah H. , Buck Harleah G. , Dickson Victoria Vaughan , Hammer Marilyn J. , Rabelo-Silva Eneida Rejane , Clark Robyn , Naylor Mary D.
Published: September 2013

Background. Chronic medical conditions often occur in combination. Understanding underlying mechanisms causing diseases and their interactions may make it possible to address multiple complex conditions with single or consolidated treatment approaches and improve patients’ health outcomes while reducing costs.Objectives. We present a synthesis of the current interprofessional discourse on the issues surrounding comorbidities.Methods. A targeted review of the literature was conducted using published editorials, commentaries, and review articles.Results. Errors in conceptualization and measurement plague our current understanding of comorbidities. Two potential paths to generating knowledge involve the use of etiological or epidemiological approach. An etiological approach investigates the risk factors and underlying mechanisms potentially leading to consolidation of diagnosis and treatments. Because of the rudimentary stage of knowledge development in this area, this approach will require time and significant research investments. In contrast, the epidemiological approach relies on statistical identification of disease entities that cooccur beyond random chance; this approach carries an accompanying risk of diagnostic and treatment proliferation.Discussion. The concept of comorbidity, its nature, and measurement is in need of meaningful debate by the scientific and clinical communities. Recommendations in the domains of conceptualization, research, and measurement are discussed.
Reduction in Door-to-Needle Time after Transfer of Thrombolysis Site from CCU to Emergency Department
Authors: Mohammed Osama , Paramba Firjith C. , Aboobaker Naushad V. , Mohammed Riyadh A. , Purayil Nishan K. , Jassim Haitham M. , Shariff Mohammad K. , Aslam Saud M. , Muhsen Farook F. , Al Noor Khalid H. , Al Kilani Hani H.
Published: September 2013

Objective. Early restoration of coronary perfusion by thrombolysis or percutaneous coronary intervention is the main modality of treatment to salvage the ischemic myocardium. The earlier the procedure is completed, the greater the benefit is in saving myocardium and restoring its functions. The aim of the study is to compare the door-to-needle time (DNT) in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the period prior to December 2008 when the site of thrombolysis was in coronary care unit (CCU) and the period after that when the site was shifted to emergency department (ED).Methods. A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted at Al Khor Hospital, Qatar, in patients with acute STEMI who underwent thrombolysis at CCU and ED from April 2005 until December 2011, to compare the DNT, duration of hospitalization, and mortality.Results. A total of 211 patients with acute STEMI were eligible for thrombolysis; 58 patients were thrombolysed in the CCU and 153 in ED. The median DNT was reduced from 33.5 minutes in the CCU to 17 minutes in the ED representing a reduction of more than 50% with aPvalue of < 0.0001.Conclusion. The transfer of the thrombolysis site from CCU to the ED was associated with a dramatic and significant reduction in median door-to-needle time by more than half.
Evaluation of Serum Creatine Kinase and Urinary Myoglobin as Markers in Detecting Development of Acute Renal Failure in Severely Injured Trauma Patients
Authors: Subramanian Arulselvi , Sukheeja Deepti , Trikha Vivek , Pandey Arbind Kumar , Albert Venencia , Pandey Ravindra Mohan
Published: September 2013

Background. Presence of myoglobinuria, particularly in the early phases of renal failure, and elevation of creatinine kinase are seen to correlate with the development of acute renal failure. Aim. To evaluate the efficiency of serum creatine kinase (CK) and urine myoglobin in assessing development of renal failure. Materials and Method. We prospectively studied trauma patients over a period of 3 months. Samples of 107 patients were routinely analyzed on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th days post trauma, for myoglobinuria and serum CK concentration. Results. 107 patients with median age 28 (4–83) yrs were studied, of which 83.2% were males. 56% had head injury, and 17.1% had high injury severity (ISS > 24). Incidence of renal failure was 9.3%. Myoglobinuria was present in 57 patients on admission, 33 on 3rd day and 22 on the 5th day. The association of myoglobinuria with renal failure was statistically insignificant. The cutoff values of serum CK on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th days were ≥1320 IU/L, ≥1146 IU/L, and ≥1754 IU/L, respectively. Mortality rate was 24 (22.4%), of which 6 had renal failure. Conclusion. Myoglobin is clinically insignificant in the detection of renal failure; serum CK is a sensitive predicting marker for the progression of renal failure following traumatic injury.
The Complete Exosome Workflow Solution: From Isolation to Characterization of RNA Cargo
Authors: Schageman Jeoffrey , Zeringer Emily , Li Mu , Barta Tim , Lea Kristi , Gu Jian , Magdaleno Susan , Setterquist Robert , Vlassov Alexander V.
Published: September 2013

Exosomes are small (30–150 nm) vesicles containing unique RNA and protein cargo, secreted by all cell types in culture. They are also found in abundance in body fluids including blood, saliva, and urine. At the moment, the mechanism of exosome formation, the makeup of the cargo, biological pathways, and resulting functions are incompletely understood. One of their most intriguing roles is intercellular communication—exosomes function as the messengers, delivering various effector or signaling macromolecules between specific cells. There is an exponentially growing need to dissect structure and the function of exosomes and utilize them for development of minimally invasive diagnostics and therapeutics. Critical to further our understanding of exosomes is the development of reagents, tools, and protocols for their isolation, characterization, and analysis of their RNA and protein contents. Here we describe a complete exosome workflow solution, starting from fast and efficient extraction of exosomes from cell culture media and serum to isolation of RNA followed by characterization of exosomal RNA content using qRT-PCR and next-generation sequencing techniques. Effectiveness of this workflow is exemplified by analysis of the RNA content of exosomes derived from HeLa cell culture media and human serum, using Ion Torrent PGM as a sequencing platform.
Development and Validation of the Digestive Function Assessment Instrument for Traditional Korean Medicine: Sasang Digestive Function Inventory
Authors: Lee Misuk , Bae Na Young , Hwang Minwoo , Chae Han
Published: September 2013

Objective. This study was conducted for development and validation of the Sasang Digestive Function Inventory (SDFI) with type-specific digestive function-related symptoms for identification of Sasang type and pathological pattern.Methods and Materials. We selected questionnaire items for pathophysiological symptoms using internal consistency analysis and examined construct validity using 193 healthy participants. Test-retest reliability with a four-week interval as well as convergent validity was examined using the Nepean Dyspepsia Index-Korean (NDIK), Functional Dyspepsia-Related Quality of Life (FDQOL), Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), and Body Mass Index (BMI).Results. The 21-item SDFI showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.743) and test-retest reliability (r=0.886,P<0.001). Three extracted subscales, SDFI-Digestion, SDFI-Appetite, and SDFI-Eating pattern, explained 56.02% of the total variance. The SDFI showed significant (P<0.001) correlation with total symptom score of NDIK, FDRQOL-Eating status, DEBQ-External Eating scale, and BMI. The SDFI score of the Tae-Eum (50.62±8.05) type was significantly (P<0.001) larger than that of the So-Eum (43.11±11.26) type.Conclusion. Current results demonstrated the reliability and validity of the SDFI and its subscales, which can be utilized as an objective instrument for diagnosis of Sasang types and assessment of the type-specific digestive function.
Familial Aggregation of High Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Levels in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Mangale Dorothy , Kariuki Silvia N. , Chrabot Beverly S. , Kumabe Marissa , Kelly Jennifer A. , Harley John B. , James Judith A. , Sivils Kathy L. , Niewold Timothy B.
Published: September 2013

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients frequently have high circulating tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels. We explored circulating TNF-αlevels in SLE families to determine whether high levels of TNF-αwere clustered in a heritable pattern. We measured TNF-αin 242 SLE patients, 361 unaffected family members, 23 unaffected spouses of SLE patients, and 62 unrelated healthy controls. Familial correlations and relative recurrence risk rates for the high TNF-αtrait were assessed. SLE-affected individuals had the highest TNF-αlevels, and TNF-αwas significantly higher in unaffected first degree relatives than healthy unrelated subjects(P=0.0025). No Mendelian patterns were observed, but 28.4% of unaffected first degree relatives of SLE patients had high TNF-αlevels, resulting in a first degree relative recurrence risk of 4.48(P=2.9×10-5). Interestingly, the median TNF-αvalue in spouses was similar to that of the first degree relatives. Concordance of the TNF-αtrait (high versus low) in SLE patients and their spouses was strikingly high at 78.2%. These data support a role for TNF-αin SLE pathogenesis, and TNF-αlevels may relate with heritable factors. The high degree of concordance in SLE patients and their spouses suggests that environmental factors may also play a role in the observed familial aggregation.
Fisher Information of Mine Collapse Hole Detection Based on Sensor Nodes Connectivity
Authors: Hu Shengbo , Shu Heng , Song Xiaowei
Published: September 2013

It is very important to detect a collapse hole for coal mine workers. The possibility of detecting the collapse hole using WSN is presented because the tunnel in coal mine is narrow and has poor working condition. Comparing three types of the hole detection methods, it is seen that the connectivity-based methods are used to detect coal mine collapse better than other methods. By establishing a 2D model of the collapse hole in coal mine, a class of algorithms for detecting the collapse hole in coal mine is described. Based on log-normal shadowing channel model, the accuracy of detecting the collapse hole in coal mine using Fisher information is analyzed. Numerical calculation shows that connectivity-based localization schemes are better to detect collapse hole of coal mine.
A Utility-Based Rate Allocation of M2M Service in Heterogeneous Wireless Environments
Authors: Huang Yao , Tian Hui , Zhang Jie , Qin Cheng , Wang Zhibo
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a dynamic adaptive machine-to-machine (M2M) service rate allocation scheme for optimum traffic distribution in heterogeneous wireless environments (HWEs). According to the M2M service characteristics, it proposes the utility function, which forms a convex optimization problem that maximizes the utility of M2M service and can be solved by the Lagrange multiplier. The simulation results show the proposed method convergence, and it can achieve load balance with maximized throughput and minimized cost.
Role of Silicon Dioxide Filler on Mechanical and Dry Sliding Wear Behaviour of Glass-Epoxy Composites
Authors: Anjum Naveed , Ajit Prasad S. L. , Suresha B.
Published: September 2013

The mechanical properties and dry sliding wear behaviour of glass fabric reinforced epoxy (G-E) composite with varying weight percentage of silicon dioxide (SiO2) filler have been studied in the present work. The influence of sliding distance, velocity, and applied normal load on dry sliding wear behaviour has been considered using Taguchi's L9orthogonal array. Addition of SiO2increased the density, hardness, flexural, and impact strengths of G-E composite. Results of dry sliding wear tests showed increasing wear volume with increase in sliding distance, load, and sliding velocity for G-E and SiO2filled G-E composites. Taguchi's results indicate that the sliding distance played a significant role followed by applied load, sliding velocity, and SiO2loading. Scanning electron micrographs of the worn surfaces of composite samples at different test parameters show smooth surface, microploughing, and fine grooves under low load and velocity. However, severe damage of matrix with debonding and fiber breakage was seen at high load and velocity especially in unfilled G-E composite.
Long-Term Follow-Up of the Postoperative Macular Fold following the Vitreoretinal Surgery with Air Tamponade
Authors: Saatci Ali Osman , Barut Selver Ozlem , Parlak Melih
Published: September 2013

A 64-year-old male who had a macula-on superior bullous retinal detachment in OD underwent scleral buckling, 20-gauge-pars plana vitrectomy, internal drainage of subretinal fluid with perfluorocarbon fluid, 360° endolaser and perflourocarbon-fluid-air exchange surgery. Patient sat upright immediately after the surgery for the night. At the first postoperative morning although the retina was attached, there was a macular fold extending toward the temporal retinal periphery. Patient denied further surgery. During the follow-up, retinal fold gradually became less visible and it could be noticeable only by fundus autoflorescence imaging at the sixth postoperative year with a subtle epiretinal membrane formation on the optical coherence tomographic section.
Initial Immunopathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis: Innate Immune Response
Authors: Hernández-Pedro Norma Y. , Espinosa-Ramirez Guillermo , de la Cruz Verónica Pérez , Pineda Benjamín , Sotelo Julio
Published: September 2013

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. The hallmark to MS is the demyelinated plaque, which consists of a well-demarcated hypocellular area characterized by the loss of myelin, the formation of astrocytic scars, and the mononuclear cell infiltrates concentrated in perivascular spaces composed of T cells, B lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages. Activation of resident cells initiates an inflammatory cascade, leading to tissue destruction, demyelination, and neurological deficit. The immunological phenomena that lead to the activation of autoreactive T cells to myelin sheath components are the result of multiple and complex interactions between environment and genetic background conferring individual susceptibility. Within the CNS, an increase of TLR expression during MS is observed, even in the absence of any apparent microbial involvement. In the present review, we focus on the role of the innate immune system, the first line of defense of the organism, as promoter and mediator of cross reactions that generate molecular mimicry triggering the inflammatory response through an adaptive cytotoxic response in MS.
Study on the Dynamic Changes in Synaptic Vesicle-Associated Protein and Axonal Transport Protein Combined with LPS Neuroinflammation Model
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhao Ming , Ji Hai-jie , Yuan Yu-he , Chen Nai-hong
Published: September 2013

Microglia activation is the major component of inflammation that constitutes the characteristic of neurodegenerative disease. A large amount of researches have demonstrated that inflammation involved in the pathogenesis of PD process activated microglia acting on the neurons through the release of a variety of inflammatory factors. However, the molecular mechanism underlying how it does work on neurons is still unclear. Here, we show that intracerebral injections of LPS induced Parkinson’s disease pathology in C57BL/6J mice. Furthermore, study on the dynamic changes in Synaptic vesicle-associated protein and axonal transport Protein in this process. The results indicated that after administration of LPS in the brain, the inflammatory levels of TNF-α and IL-1β both are elevated, and have a time-dependent.
Asymptotic Series of General Symbol of Pseudo-Differential Operator Involving Fractional Fourier Transform
Authors: Upadhyay S. K. , Kumar Anuj , Dubey Jitendra Kumar
Published: September 2013

An asymptotic series of general symbol of pseudo-differential operator is obtained by using the theory of fractional Fourier transform.
Some Properties of Quasinearly Subharmonic Functions and Maximal Theorem for Bergman Type Spaces
Authors: Mihić Olivera R.
Published: September 2013

Let denote the class of quasinearly subharmonic functions in unit ball . We provide, following result: if and if , then , where is the radial maximal function and , and . Also, we prove a maximal theorem for Bergman type spaces.
Mathematical Modeling of Melanoma Cell Migration with an Elastic Continuum Model for the Evaluation of the Influence of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha on Migration
Authors: Vianna Gallinaro Julia , de Godoy Marques Claudia Mirian , Mendes de Azevedo Fernando , Hisayasu Suzuki Daniela Ota
Published: September 2013

An elastic continuum mathematical model was implemented to study collective C8161 melanoma cell migration during a “scratch wound” assay, in control and under the influence of the proinflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The model has four constants: force that results from lamellipod formation (F), adhesion constant between cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) (b), cell layer elasticity modulus (k), and growth rate (ρ). A nonlinear regression routine was used to obtain the parameters of the model with data from an experiment made with C8161 melanoma cells, with and without TNF-α. Coefficient of determination for both situations was R2=0.89 and R2=0.92, respectively. The parameters values obtained were similar to the ones found in the literature. However, the adhesion constant value decreased with the introduction of TNF-α, which is not in accordance with expected since the presence of TNF-α is associated with an increased expression of integrins that would promote an enhanced adhesion among cells. The model was used in a study relating to the adhesion constant and cell migration, and the results suggested that cell migration decreases with higher adhesion, which is also not in accordance with expected. These differences would not occur if it was considered that TNF-α increases the elasticity modulus of the cell layer.
Hopf Bifurcations and Oscillatory Patterns of a Homogeneous Reaction-Diffusion Singular Predator-Prey Model
Authors: Bao Zhenhua , Liu He
Published: September 2013

A kind of homogeneous reaction-diffusion singular predator-prey model with no-flux boundary condition is considered. By using the abstract simplified Hopf bifurcation theorem due to Yi et al. 2009, we performed detailed Hopf bifurcation analysis of this particular pattern formation system. These results suggest the existence of oscillatory patterns if the system parameters fall into certain parameter ranges. And all these oscillatory patterns are proved to be unstable.