bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving outcomes in patients with Acute Kidney Injury: the impact of hospital based automated AKI alerts
Authors: Prendecki M , Blacker E , Sadeghi-Alavijeh O , Edwards R , Montgomery H , Gillis S , Harber M
Published: October 2015

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Early identification may improve the outcome and in 2012 our hospital introduced an automated AKI alert system for early detection and management of AKI.

Objectives

Using an automated AKI alert system we analysed whether early review and intervention by the Critical Care and Outreach (CCOT) team improved patient outcomes in AKI and whether serum bicarbonate was useful in predicting outcomes in patients with AKI.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis we identified patients who triggered an AKI alert from 20 April 2012 to 20 September 2013 and collected data on mortality, length of stay, need for intensive care admission and renal replacement therapy (RRT).

Results

994 AKI alerts were generated and analysed. Patients with bicarbonate outside the normal range had significantly higher mortality. Bicarbonate <22 mmol/L was associated with a mortality of 25.7% (49/191) compared with 16.9% (39/231) when 22–29 mmol/L (p=0.047, χ2). Those patients reviewed ≥1 day after AKI alert by CCOT compared with those seen on the day of the alert had a 2.4 times increase in mortality and were 7 times more likely to require RRT acutely.

Conclusions

Electronically identified AKI alerts identify patients at high risk of morbidity and mortality. In this group AKI alerts preceded CCOT review by a mean of 2 days. This represents a window for supportive interventions, which may explain improved outcomes in those reviewed earlier. The addition of serum bicarbonate offers a further method of risk stratifying patients at greater risk of death.
Farming on the edge: farmer attitudes to bovine tuberculosis in newly endemic areas
Authors: Enticott G. , Maye D. , Carmody P. , Naylor R. , Ward K. , Hinchliffe S. , Wint W. , Alexander N. , Elgin R. , Ashton A. , Upton P. , Nicholson R. , Goodchild T. , Brunton L. , Broughan J.
Published: October 2015

Defra's recent strategy to eradicate bovine tuberculosis (bTB) establishes three spatial zones: high‐risk areas (HRAs) and low‐risk areas, and an area referred to as ‘the edge’, which marks the areas where infection is spreading outwards from the HRA. Little is known about farmers in the edge area, their attitudes towards bTB and their farming practices. This paper examines farmers’ practices and attitudes towards bTB in standardised epidemiologically defined areas. A survey was developed to collect data on farmer attitudes, behaviours, practices and environmental conditions as part of an interdisciplinary analysis of bTB risk factors. Survey items were developed from a literature review and focus groups with vets and farmers in different locations within the edge area. A case‐control sampling framework was adopted with farms sampled from areas identified as recently endemic for bTB. 347 farmers participated in the survey including 117 with bTB, representing a 70per cent response rate. Results show that farmers believe they are unable to do anything about bTB but are keen for the government intervention to help control the spread of bTB.
Dynamics of three-qubit systems in a noisy environment
Authors: Metwally N. , Almannaei A.
Published: October 2015

Some properties of three-qubit systems interacting with a noisy environment are discussed. The amount of the survival entanglement is quantified for the Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) and W states. It is shown that the entanglement decay depends on the noise type (correlated or non-correlated), the number of interacting qubits with the environment, and the initial state that passes through this noisy environment. In general, the GHZ state is more fragile than the W state. The phenomenon of entanglement sudden death appears in the GHZ state only for non-correlated noise.
Time-dependent solution from Myers–Perry
Authors: López L.A. , Pedraza Omar , Ceron V.E.
Published: October 2015

We present a three-parameter time-dependent solution of the vacuum Einstein equations in five dimensions. The solution is obtained by applying the Wick rotation to the Myers–Perry solution that represents a rotating black hole in five dimensions. The new interpretation of the Myers–Perry solution can be considered among the generalized Einstein–Rosen type that can be interpreted as plane-symmetric waves, cylindrical waves or cosmological space–time in five dimensions. In some limits the solution has boost-rotational symmetry and it is asymptotically flat. In the case that the solution represents a cylindrical space–time, the E-energy is analyzed.
IMPACT OF A DISASTER ON LAND PRICE: EVIDENCE FROM FUKUSHIMA NUCLEAR POWER PLANT ACCIDENT
Authors: TANAKA KENTA , MANAGI SHUNSUKE
Published: October 2015

The Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred on March 11, 2011, triggered the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. This study estimates the economic damage caused by the radioactive contamination from the plant using a hedonic approach. Our estimation results show that an increase of 1[Formula: see text] decreases the land price by 3.39% on average in Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures. Specifically, damage due to the radiation effect is estimated to cost approximately 64.1 billion yen in Fukushima. In addition, our result shows that commercial and business areas are more sensitive than residential areas to the radiation quantity.
NATURAL DISASTERS — BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE?
Authors: KOERNIADI HARDJO , KRISHNAMURTI CHANDRASEKHAR , TOURANI-RAD ALIREZA
Published: October 2015

This study examines the impact of natural disasters on stock market returns and on industries that are likely to be affected by such disasters. We find that different natural disasters have different effects on stock markets and industries. Our evidence suggests that while earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes could negatively affect market returns several weeks after the events, other disasters such as floods, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions have limited impact on stock markets. We also find that construction and materials industry is generally positively affected by natural disasters but non-life and travel industries are likely to suffer negative effects.
JOB OPPORTUNITY AND OWNERSHIP STATUS: RETURN DECISION AFTER THE GREAT EAST JAPAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI
Authors: SANAEI MOHAMMAD , HORIE SHINYA , MANAGI SHUNSUKE
Published: October 2015

Disasters result in disruptive effects on various aspects of community in different scales and disaster relief is important in understanding negative effects from the shock. Using unique dataset after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, the decision return to the original residence is analyzed in this study. We find that having jobs related to the original region and ownership status have the largest impact on the return decision. Furthermore, these results are different for each age group.
Pressure from the vacuum of confined spinor matter
Authors: Sitenko Yu. A. , Yushchenko S. A.
Published: October 2015

Charged spinor matter field is quantized in a spatial region bounded by two parallel neutral plates. The most general set of boundary conditions ensuring the confinement of matter within the plates is considered. We study a response of the vacuum of the confined matter to the background uniform magnetic field which is directed orthogonally to the plates. It is proven that, in the case of a sufficiently strong magnetic field, the vacuum pressure onto the plates is positive and independent of the boundary condition, as well as of the distance between the plates.
Jet quenching in high-energy heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Qin Guang-You , Wang Xin-Nian
Published: October 2015

Jet quenching in high-energy heavy-ion collisions can be used to probe properties of hot and dense quark–gluon plasma. We provide a brief introduction to the concept and framework for the study of jet quenching. Different approaches and implementation of multiple scattering and parton energy loss are discussed. Recent progresses in the theoretical and phenomenological studies of jet quenching in heavy-ion collisions at RHIC and LHC are reviewed.
Vision-Based Iterative Trajectory Tracking for Industrial Manipulators
Authors: Jia Bingxi , Liu Shan , Liu Yi
Published: October 2015

In industrial applications, industrial manipulators are generally used for repetitive tasks, and hence teach-playback strategy is generally used. However, classical teach-playback strategy needs the engineer directly operate the robot to do a demonstration, which takes great effort. In this paper, the task is formulated into a trajectory tracking problem, which uses teach-by-showing strategy, i.e., the engineer grasps the object with a camera on it to do a demonstration, during which a series of images are recorded as the desired trajectory. A vision-based iterative learning controller is proposed for the repetitive trajectory tracking task. System convergence is analyzed and simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness, i.e., fairly accurate trajectory tracking is achieved.
Some key topographic and material controls on debris flows in Scotland
Authors: Milne F. D. , Brown M. J. , Davies M. C. R. , Cameron G.
Published: October 2015

Debris-flow phenomena were investigated at six study sites across upland Scotland using a combination of laboratory and field-based analyses. In agreement with previous research, higher spatial frequencies of debris-flow paths were measured in areas underlain by coarse-grained intrusive igneous and arenaceous sedimentary bedrocks compared with metamorphic and extrusive igneous geologies. A strong relationship between critical state friction angle of sampled initiation zone soils and spatial frequency of debris-flow paths suggests that this trend is attributable to generally lower shear strengths in sandier hillslope material generated from coarser grained bedrocks. Topographic controls on debris-flow susceptibility are demonstrated by higher numbers of debris-flow paths at sites with persistently steep upper slopes (≥30°) and a higher occurrence of potential initiation zones. Strong correlation between debris-flow magnitude and slope length shows that longer mass movements tend to produce higher volumes of material and terminal deposits that travel further at the slope foot. In the cases studied here this reflects greater opportunity for accumulation of fresh material during the transport phase, particularly in the case of long channelized flows. The highest levels of hazard are likely to occur where these topographic and material characteristics conducive to heightened susceptibility and magnitude coincide.
Reduced passive force in skeletal muscles lacking protein arginylation
Authors: Leite Felipe S. , Minozzo Fábio C. , Kalganov Albert , Cornachione Anabelle S. , Cheng Yu-Shu , Leu Nicolae A. , Han Xuemei , Saripalli Chandra , Yates John R. , Granzier Henk , Kashina Anna S. , Rassier Dilson E.
Published: October 2015

Arginylation is a posttranslational modification that plays a global role in mammals. Mice lacking the enzyme arginyltransferase in skeletal muscles exhibit reduced contractile forces that have been linked to a reduction in myosin cross-bridge formation. The role of arginylation in passive skeletal myofibril forces has never been investigated. In this study, we used single sarcomere and myofibril measurements and observed that lack of arginylation leads to a pronounced reduction in passive forces in skeletal muscles. Mass spectrometry indicated that skeletal muscle titin, the protein primarily linked to passive force generation, is arginylated on five sites located within the A band, an important area for protein-protein interactions. We propose a mechanism for passive force regulation by arginylation through modulation of protein-protein binding between the titin molecule and the thick filament. Key points are as follows: 1) active and passive forces were decreased in myofibrils and single sarcomeres isolated from muscles lacking arginyl-tRNA-protein transferase (ATE1). 2) Mass spectrometry revealed five sites for arginylation within titin molecules. All sites are located within the A-band portion of titin, an important region for protein-protein interactions. 3) Our data suggest that arginylation of titin is required for proper passive force development in skeletal muscles.
Kinase-KCC2 coupling: Cl−rheostasis, disease susceptibility, therapeutic target
Authors: Kahle Kristopher T. , Delpire Eric
Published: October 2015

The intracellular concentration of Cl−([Cl−]i) in neurons is a highly regulated variable that is established and modulated by the finely tuned activity of the KCC2 cotransporter. Despite the importance of KCC2 for neurophysiology and its role in multiple neuropsychiatric diseases, our knowledge of the transporter's regulatory mechanisms is incomplete. Recent studies suggest that the phosphorylation state of KCC2 at specific residues in its cytoplasmic COOH terminus, such as Ser940 and Thr906/Thr1007, encodes discrete levels of transporter activity that elicit graded changes in neuronal Cl−extrusion to modulate the strength of synaptic inhibition via Cl−-permeable GABAAreceptors. In this review, we propose that the functional and physical coupling of KCC2 to Cl−-sensitive kinase(s), such as the WNK1-SPAK kinase complex, constitutes a molecular “rheostat” that regulates [Cl−]iand thereby influences the functional plasticity of GABA. The rapid reversibility of (de)phosphorylation facilitates regulatory precision, and multisite phosphorylation allows for the control of KCC2 activity by different inputs via distinct or partially overlapping upstream signaling cascades that may become more or less important depending on the physiological context. While this adaptation mechanism is highly suited to maintaining homeostasis, its adjustable set points may render it vulnerable to perturbation and dysregulation. Finally, we suggest that pharmacological modulation of this kinase-KCC2 rheostat might be a particularly efficacious strategy to enhance Cl−extrusion and therapeutically restore GABA inhibition.
Chemical Recycling of PET Wastes with Different Catalysts
Authors: Khoonkari Mohammad , Haghighi Amir Hossein , Sefidbakht Yahya , Shekoohi Khadijeh , Ghaderian Abolfazl
Published: October 2015

Chemical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate, known as PET, has been the subject of increased interest as a valuable feedstock for different chemical processes. In this work, glycolysis of PET waste granules was carried out using excess ethylene glycol in the presence of different simple chemicals acting as catalysts, which are, namely, categorized in ionic liquids, metal salts, hydrotalcites, and enzymes. From every category, some materials as a sample were used, and the one which is going to bring the best result is noted. The effect of some parameters such as temperature, pressure, amount of sample, material ratio, and stirring rate was investigated. As a result we compared the best of each category with the others and final result is shown.
Photoactive Layer of DSSCS Based on Natural Dyes: A Study of Experiment and Theory
Authors: Li Yuanzuo , Li Huixing , Song Peng , Sun Chaofan
Published: October 2015

Three natural dyes (Forsythia suspensa, Herba Violae, and Corn leaf) have been investigated as potential sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells. UV‐vis absorption spectra reveal that three natural dyes mainly contain the compound of pheophytin a. Among three DSSCs, the highest photo electronic conversion efficiency η is 0.96% with open circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.66 V, short circuit current density (ISC ) of 1.97 mA cm−2, and fill factor (ff) of 0.74. Theoretical time‐dependent density functional theory and charge difference density are used to explore the nature of excited states. Results demonstrate that the first state is an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) state, and electron injection could occur owing to the thermodynamically driving force.
Immune Checkpoint Modulation in Colorectal Cancer: What’s New and What to Expect
Authors: Jacobs Julie , Smits Evelien , Lardon Filip , Pauwels Patrick , Deschoolmeester Vanessa
Published: October 2015

Colorectal cancer (CRC), as one of the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide, is still a leading cause of cancer related mortality. There is an urgent need for more efficient therapies in metastatic disease. Immunotherapy, a rapidly expanding field of oncology, is designed to boost the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer. Of the many approaches currently under study to improve antitumor immune responses, immune checkpoint inhibition has thus far been proven to be the most effective. This review will outline the treatments that take advantage of our growing understanding of the role of the immune system in cancer, with a particular emphasis on immune checkpoint molecules, involved in CRC pathogenesis.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Combination of Scutellariae Radix and Liriopis Tuber Water Extract
Authors: So Mi-Hye , Choi You-Kyung
Published: October 2015

Scutellariae Radix and Liriopis Tuber have been used to treat the inflammatory diseases in traditional Korean medicine and anti-inflammatory effect of each herb has been shown partially in several articles. However, the combined extract of these medicinal herbs (SL) has not been reported for its anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of SL on the creation of several proinflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 cell mouse macrophages induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). SL inhibited significantly the increase of NO, the release of intracellular calcium, the increase of interleukin-6 (IL-6), macrophage inflammatory proteins (MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and MIP-2), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell at the concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL, and SL inhibited significantly the increase of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) at the concentrations of 25 and 50 μg/mL, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) at the concentration of 25 μg/mL. These results implicate that SL has anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the production of various inflammatory mediators in macrophages. But SL did not inhibit significantly the increase of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and Regulated on Activation, Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES); therefore, further study is demanded for the follow-up research to find out the possibility of SL as a preventive and therapeutic medicine for various inflammatory diseases.
Dual Monitoring of Secretion and ATP Levels during Chondrogenesis Using Perfusion Culture-Combined Bioluminescence Monitoring System
Authors: Kwon Hyuck Joon , Han Youngbae
Published: October 2015

Skeletal pattern formation in limb development depends on prechondrogenic condensation which prefigures the cartilage template. However, although morphogens such as TGF-βs and BMPs have been known to play essential roles in skeletal patterning, how the morphogens induce prechondrogenic cells to aggregate and determine patterns of cartilage elements has remained unclear. Our previous study reported that ATP oscillations are induced during chondrogenesis. This result suggests the possibility that ATP oscillations lead to the oscillatory secretion of morphogens, due to the fact that secretion process requires ATP. To examine the correlation between ATP oscillations and secretion levels of morphogens, we have developed perfusion culture-combined bioluminescence monitoring system to simultaneously monitor intracellular ATP levels and secretion levels. Using this system, we found that secretory activity oscillates in phase with ATP oscillations and that secretion levels of TGF-β1 and BMP2 oscillate during chondrogenesis. The oscillatory secretion of the morphogens would contribute to amplifying the fluctuation of the morphogens, underlie the spatial patterning of morphogens, and consequently lead to skeletal pattern formation.
Behavioral Response of Plum Curculio,Conotrachelus nenuphar, to Synthetic Fruit Volatile Lures and the Male-Produced Aggregation Pheromone
Authors: Akotsen-Mensah Clement , Fadamiro Henry Y.
Published: October 2015

Plum curculio,Conotrachelus nenupharHerbst (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a key pest of stone and pome fruits in North America. The behavioral response of adults of different physiological states (sex, age, diet, and mating status) to three commercially available synthetic lures, benzaldehyde (BZ) and plum essence (PE), the male-produced aggregation pheromone, grandisoic acid (GA), or their combinations, was studied in the laboratory. Four choice olfactometer bioassays demonstrated significant attraction of both sexes to PE lure. Both BZ and GA lures were not attractive to plum curculio when tested as commercially formulated. PE had higher release rate (1.51 mg/hr) than BZ (0.36 mg/hr) and GA (ca. 0.04 mg/hr), suggesting that the higher attractiveness of PE may be due to its relatively higher release rates. Tests with combined lures showed a neutral effect of combining GA with PE and an inhibitory effect of combining BZ with PE. The physiological conditions of the weevils had no significant effect on their response to the lures. Olfactometer tests with pure 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) confirmed that this compound was inhibitory to plum curculio. These results are discussed in relation to the contrasting field reports which implicated BZ + GA as an effective attractant for plum curculio.
A Low Computational Complexity SML Estimation Algorithm of DOA for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Gong Faming , Chen Haihua , Li Shibao , Liu Jianhang , Gu Zhaozhi , Suzuki Masakiyo
Published: October 2015

We address the problem of DOA estimation in positioning of nodes in wireless sensor networks. The Stochastic Maximum Likelihood (SML) algorithm is adopted in this paper. The SML algorithm is well-known for its high resolution of DOA estimation. However, its computational complexity is very high because multidimensional nonlinear optimization problem is usually involved. To reduce the computational complexity of SML estimation, we do the following work. (1) We point out the problems of conventional SML criterion and explain why and how these problems happen. (2) A local AM search method is proposed which could be used to find the local solution near/around the initial value. (3) We propose an algorithm which uses the local AM search method together with the estimation of DML or MUSIC as initial value to find the solution of SML. Simulation results are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithms. In particular, the algorithm which uses the local AM method and estimation of MUSIC as initial value has much higher resolution and comparable computational complexity to MUSIC.
Central Pontine Myelinolysis with Minimal Hyponatremia in the Setting of AIDS
Authors: Carrington Joseph M. , Sanchez Galo , Berkeley Jennifer L.
Published: October 2015

Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is classically attributed to overly rapid correction of profound hyponatremia. However, there are case reports of this disease in the setting of normal serum sodium or minimal hyponatremia. These cases have been hypothesized to be secondary to other metabolic disturbances such as hyperglycemia or hypophosphatemia. Eunatremic CPM has also been described in patients with advanced acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The mortality risk in this special population is significantly higher than those with hyponatremia-associated CPM, but the mechanisms are unclear. We discuss a case of a man with AIDS who developed CPM with minimal hyponatremia and no other metabolic disturbances. Common variables within this population, such as hypoalbuminemia and lymphoma, are discussed as potential factors contributing to the pathophysiology. Reporting these atypical cases is crucial to our understanding of how to prevent future cases.
Protective Effects of Paricalcitol on Peritoneal Remodeling during Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Stavenuiter Andrea W. D. , Farhat Karima , Vila Cuenca Marc , Schilte Margot N. , Keuning Eelco D. , Paauw Nanne J. , ter Wee Pieter M. , Beelen Robert H. J. , Vervloet Marc G.
Published: October 2015

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is associated with structural and functional alterations of the peritoneal membrane, consisting of fibrosis, angiogenesis, and loss of ultrafiltration capacity. Vitamin D receptor activation (VDRA) plays an important role in mineral metabolism and inflammation, but also antiangiogenic and antifibrotic properties have been reported. Therefore, the effects of active vitamin D treatment on peritoneal function and remodeling were investigated. Rats were either kept naïve to PDF exposure or daily exposed to 10 mL PDF and were treated for five or seven weeks with oral paricalcitol or vehicle control. Non-PDF-exposed rats showed no peritoneal changes upon paricalcitol treatment. Paricalcitol reduced endogenous calcitriol but did not affect mineral homeostasis. However, upon PDF exposure, loss of ultrafiltration capacity ensued which was fully rescued by paricalcitol treatment. Furthermore, PD-induced ECM thickening was significantly reduced and omental PD-induced angiogenesis was less pronounced upon paricalcitol treatment. No effect of paricalcitol treatment on total amount of peritoneal cells, peritoneal leukocyte composition, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) was observed. Our data indicates that oral VDRA reduces tissue remodeling during chronic experimental PD and prevents loss of ultrafiltration capacity. Therefore, VDRA is potentially relevant in the prevention of treatment technique failure in PD patients.
Dynamic Model Identification for 6-DOF Industrial Robots
Authors: Ding Li , Wu Hongtao , Yao Yu , Yang Yuxuan
Published: October 2015

A complete and systematic procedure for the dynamical parameters identification of industrial robot manipulator is presented. The system model of robot including joint friction model is linear with respect to the dynamical parameters. Identification experiments are carried out for a 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) ER-16 robot. Relevant data is sampled while the robot is tracking optimal trajectories that excite the system. The artificial bee colony algorithm is introduced to estimate the unknown parameters. And we validate the dynamical model according to torque prediction accuracy. All the results are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of our proposed identification algorithm and the accuracy of the identified robot model.
Novel Method for Border Irregularity Assessment in Dermoscopic Color Images
Authors: Jaworek-Korjakowska Joanna
Published: October 2015

Background. One of the most important lesion features predicting malignancy is border irregularity. Accurate assessment of irregular borders is clinically important due to significantly different occurrence in benign and malignant skin lesions.Method. In this research, we present a new approach for the detection of border irregularities, as one of the major parameters in a widely used diagnostic algorithm the ABCD rule of dermoscopy. The proposed work is focused on designing an efficient automatic algorithm containing the following steps: image enhancement, lesion segmentation, borderline calculation, and irregularities detection. The challenge lies in determining the exact borderline. For solving this problem we have implemented a new method based on lesion rotation and borderline division.Results. The algorithm has been tested on 350 dermoscopic images and achieved accuracy of 92% indicating that the proposed computational approach captured most of the irregularities and provides reliable information for effective skin mole examination. Compared to the state of the art, we obtained improved classification results.Conclusions. The current study suggests that computer-aided system is a practical tool for dermoscopic image assessment and could be recommended for both research and clinical applications. The proposed algorithm can be applied in different fields of medical image analysis including, for example, CT and MRI images.
The Acute Effect of Hemodialysis on Choroidal Thickness
Authors: Çelikay Osman , Çalışkan Sinan , Biçer Tolga , Kabataş Naciye , Gürdal Canan
Published: October 2015

Objective. To determine the effect of hemodialysis (HD) on choroidal thickness (CT).Methods. The right eyes of 41 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing HD were included. All patients underwent an ophthalmic examination, including CT measurement via optical coherence tomography, intraocular pressure (IOP), blood pressure, and body weight measurement immediately before and after a HD session.Results. Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) after HD decreased significantly from 254.59 ± 84.66 µm to 229.34 ± 77.79 µm(p<0.001). CT at the temporal and nasal regions also decreased significantly after HD (bothp<0.001). IOP changes after HD were insignificant(p=0.958). CT difference was insignificant in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and without DM before and after HD, respectively (p=0.285andp=0.707). Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis showed that diastolic blood pressure was the best fitted factor to explain the changes in CT (r=0.327andp=0.040).  Conclusion. CT was decreased in the patients with ESRD following a HD session. This study suggested that the changes in CT may be related to the changes in systemic blood pressure.
Persea americana Glycolic Extract: In Vitro Study of Antimicrobial Activity against Candida albicans Biofilm and Cytotoxicity Evaluation
Authors: Jesus D. , Oliveira J. R. , Oliveira F. E. , Higa K. C. , Junqueira J. C. , Jorge A. O. C. , Back-Brito G. N. , Oliveira L. D.
Published: October 2015

This study evaluated the antifungal activity of Persea americana extract on Candida albicans biofilm and its cytotoxicity in macrophage culture (RAW 264.7). To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), microdilution in broth (CLSI M27‐S4 protocol) was performed. Thereafter, the concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/mL (n = 10) with 5 min exposure were analyzed on mature biofilm in microplate wells for 48 h. Saline was used as control (n = 10). After treatment, biofilm cells were scraped off and dilutions were plated on Sabouraud dextrose agar. After incubation (37°C/48 h), the values of colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) were converted to log10 and analyzed (ANOVA and Tukey test, 5%). The cytotoxicity of the P. americana extract was evaluated on macrophages by MTT assay. The MIC of the extract was 6.25 mg/mL and with 12.5 mg/mL there was elimination of 100% of planktonic cultures. Regarding the biofilms, a significant reduction (P < 0.001) of the biofilm at concentrations of 50 (0.580 ± 0.209 log10), 100 (0.998 ± 0.508 log10), and 200 mg/mL (1.093 ± 0.462 log10) was observed. The concentrations of 200 and 100 mg/mL were cytotoxic for macrophages, while the concentrations of 50, 25, and 12.5 mg/mL showed viability higher than 55%.
Association between Community Ambulation Walking Patterns and Cognitive Function in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: Further Insights into Motor-Cognitive Links
Authors: Weiss Aner , Herman Talia , Giladi Nir , Hausdorff Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2015

Background. Cognitive function is generally evaluated based on testing in the clinic, but this may not always reflect real-life function. We tested whether parameters derived from long-term, continuous monitoring of gait are associated with cognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).Methods. 107 patients with PD (age: 64.9 ± 9.3 yrs; UPDRS motor sum “off”: 40.4 ± 13.2; 25.23% women) wore a 3D accelerometer on their lower back for 3 days. Computerized measures of global cognitive function, executive function, attention, and nonverbal memory were assessed. Three-day acceleration derived measures included cadence, variability, bilateral coordination, and dynamic postural control. Associations between the acceleration derived measures and cognitive function were determined.Results. Linear regression showed associations between vertical gait variability and cadence and between global cognitive score, attention, and executive function (p≤0.048). Dynamic postural control was associated with global cognitive score and attention (p≤0.027). Nonverbal memory was not associated with the acceleration-derived measures.Conclusions. These findings suggest that metrics derived from a 3-day worn body-fixed sensor reflect cognitive function, further supporting the idea that the gait pattern may be altered as cognition declines and that gait provides a window into cognitive function in patients with PD.
Alteration of Regional Homogeneity within the Sensorimotor Network after Spinal Cord Decompression in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Resting-State fMRI Study
Authors: Tan Yongming , Zhou Fuqing , Wu Lin , Liu Zhili , Zeng Xianjun , Gong Honghan , He Laichang
Published: October 2015

There is a lack of longitudinal research to evaluate the function of neurons’ adaptive changes within the sensorimotor network (SMN) following recovery after cervical cord decompression. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) may provide information that is critical to fully understand CSM-related functional neural synchrony alterations. The purpose of this study was to assess the ReHo alterations of resting state-functional MRI (rs-fMRI) within pre- and postdecompression CSM and healthy controls (HC) and its correlations with clinical indices. Predecompression CSM demonstrated a significantly lower ReHo in the left primary sensory cortex and primary motor cortex (PostG/PreG) but enhanced ReHo in the right superior parietal lobule (SPL) compared with HC. In comparison with predecompression CSM, the postdecompression CSM showed increased ReHo in the left PostG/PreG but significantly lower ReHo in the right SPL compared with HC patients. Abnormal ReHo regions in pre- or postdecompression CSM showed no significant correlation with the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores, and disease duration (P>0.05). This result demonstrated disrupted regional homogeneity within SMN in CSM. This adaptive change in the brain may favor the preservation of sensorimotor networks before and after cervical cord decompression and clinical symptoms independent of ReHo within SMN.
Secure Cooperative Spectrum Sensing and Allocation in Distributed Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Lin Hui , Hu Jia , Huang Chuan , Xu Li , Wu Bin
Published: October 2015

Cognitive radio networks (CRNs) are an emerging wireless communications technique for resolving the significant spectrum scarcity problem. Despite their promising characteristics, CRNs also introduce new security threats, especially the internal attacks during the spectrum sensing and allocation process, which can degrade the efficiency of spectrum sensing and allocation. To address this issue, this paper proposes a distributed secure cooperative spectrum sensing strategy (DSCS) based on a dynamic reputation model to defend against attacks and provide reliable spectrum sensing. Moreover, the reputation values are used as weights in a novel distributed cheat-proof spectrum allocation strategy (DCSA) based on the Vickrey-Clarke-Groves (VCG) mechanism. Both theoretical analysis and simulation results indicate that the proposed DSCS and DCSA strategies can provide an effective countermeasure against the internal spectrum sensing data falsification (SSDF) attacks through enabling secondary users to obtain more accurate cooperative sensing results in adversarial environments.
Superhydrophobicity, Microwave Absorbing Property of NiFe2O4/Wood Hybrids under Harsh Conditions
Authors: Yao Qiufang , Jin Chunde , Zheng Huanhuan , Ma Zhongqing , Sun Qingfeng
Published: October 2015

Magnetic NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were successfully deposited on the wood surface via a hydrothermal process at 70°C. The surface of the as‐prepared magnetic NiFe2O4/wood hybrids (MWHs) was covered by spherical‐like NiFe2O4 particles with an average size of 50 nm. MWH exhibited the thermostability, microwave absorbability, and superparamagnetism with saturation magnetization (Ms) of 1.79 emu·g−1. With further modification by 1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane (FAS‐17), MWH expressed superhydrophobic performances with a water contact angle of 158°. Its superparamagnetism stably remained under harsh conditions after chemical solutions corrosion and physical frozen test.
Renal Doppler Resistive Index as a Marker of Oxygen Supply and Demand Mismatch in Postoperative Cardiac Surgery Patients
Authors: Corradi Francesco , Brusasco Claudia , Paparo Francesco , Manca Tullio , Santori Gregorio , Benassi Filippo , Molardi Alberto , Gallingani Alan , Ramelli Andrea , Gherli Tiziano , Vezzani Antonella
Published: October 2015

Background and Objective. Renal Doppler resistive index (RDRI) is a noninvasive index considered to reflect renal vascular perfusion. The aim of this study was to identify the independent hemodynamic determinants of RDRI in mechanically ventilated patients after cardiac surgery.Methods. RDRI was determined in 61 patients by color and pulse Doppler ultrasonography of the interlobar renal arteries. Intermittent thermodilution cardiac output measurements were obtained and blood samples taken from the tip of pulmonary artery catheter to measure hemodynamics and mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2).Results. By univariate analysis, RDRI was significantly correlated with SvO2, oxygen extraction ratio, left ventricular stroke work index, and cardiac index, but not heart rate, central venous pressure, mean artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, systemic vascular resistance index, oxygen delivery index, oxygen consumption index, arterial lactate concentration, and age. However, by multivariate analysis RDRI was significantly correlated with SvO2only.Conclusions. The present data suggests that, in mechanically ventilated patients after cardiac surgery, RDRI increases proportionally to the decrease in SvO2, thus reflecting an early vascular response to tissue hypoxia.
A Cost-Effective Smoothed Multigrid with Modified Neighborhood-Based Aggregation for Markov Chains
Authors: Shen Zhao-Li , Huang Ting-Zhu , Carpentieri Bruno , Wen Chun
Published: October 2015

Smoothed aggregation multigrid method is considered for computing stationary distributions of Markov chains. A judgement which determines whether to implement the whole aggregation procedure is proposed. Through this strategy, a large amount of time in the aggregation procedure is saved without affecting the convergence behavior. Besides this, we explain the shortage and irrationality of the Neighborhood-Based aggregation which is commonly used in multigrid methods. Then a modified version is presented to remedy and improve it. Numerical experiments on some typical Markov chain problems are reported to illustrate the performance of these methods.
A Swarm Intelligent Algorithm Based Route Maintaining Protocol for Mobile Sink Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wu Xiaoming , Wang Yinglong , Hu Yifan
Published: October 2015

Recent studies have shown that mobile sink can be a solution to solve the problem that energy consumption of sensor nodes is not balanced in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Caused by the sink mobility, the paths between the sensor nodes and the sink change frequently and have profound influence on the lifetime of WSN. It is necessary to design a protocol that can find efficient routings between the mobile sink and nodes but does not consume too many network resources. In this paper, we propose a swarm intelligent algorithm based route maintaining protocol to resolve this issue. The protocol utilizes the concentric ring mechanism to guide the route researching direction and adopts the optimal routing selection to maintain the data delivery route in mobile sink WSN. Using the immune based artificial bee colony (IABC) algorithm to optimize the forwarding path, the routing maintaining protocol could find an alternative routing path quickly and efficiently when the coordinate of sink is changed in WSN. The results of our extensive experiments demonstrate that our proposed route maintaining protocol is able to balance the network traffic load and prolong the network lifetime.
The Preoperative CT-Scan Can Help to Predict Postoperative Complications after Pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Schröder Femke F. , de Graaff Feike , Bouman Donald E. , Brusse-Keizer Marjolein , Slump Kees H. , Klaase Joost M.
Published: October 2015

After pancreatoduodenectomy, complication rates are up to 40%. To predict the risk of developing postoperative pancreatic fistula or severe complications, various factors were evaluated. 110 consecutive patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy at our institute between January 2012 and September 2014 with complete CT scan were retrospectively identified. Pre-, per-, and postoperative patients and pathological information were gathered. The CT-scans were analysed for the diameter of the pancreatic duct, attenuation of the pancreas, and the visceral fat area. All data was statistically analysed for predicting POPF and severe complications by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The POPF rate was 18%. The VFA measured at umbilicus (OR 1.01; 95% CI = 1.00–1.02;P=0.011) was an independent predictor for POPF. The severe complications rate was 33%. Independent predictors were BMI (OR 1.24; 95% CI = 1.10–1.42;P=0.001), ASA class III (OR 17.10; 95% CI = 1.60–182.88;P=0.019), and mean HU (OR 0.98; 95% CI = 0.96–1.00;P=0.024). In conclusion, VFA measured at the umbilicus seems to be the best predictor for POPF. BMI, ASA III, and the mean HU of the pancreatic body are independent predictors for severe complications following PD.
Sphingosine‐1‐Phosphate and Its Receptors: A Mutual Link between Blood Coagulation and Inflammation
Authors: Mahajan-Thakur Shailaja , Böhm Andreas , Jedlitschky Gabriele , Schrör Karsten , Rauch Bernhard H.
Published: October 2015

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is a versatile lipid signaling molecule and key regulator in vascular inflammation. S1P is secreted by platelets, monocytes, and vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. It binds specifically to a family of G‐protein‐coupled receptors, S1P receptors 1 to 5, resulting in downstream signaling and numerous cellular effects. S1P modulates cell proliferation and migration, and mediates proinflammatory responses and apoptosis. In the vascular barrier, S1P regulates permeability and endothelial reactions and recruitment of monocytes and may modulate atherosclerosis. Only recently has S1P emerged as a critical mediator which directly links the coagulation factor system to vascular inflammation. The multifunctional proteases thrombin and FXa regulate local S1P availability and interact with S1P signaling at multiple levels in various vascular cell types. Differential expression patterns and intracellular signaling pathways of each receptor enable S1P to exert its widespread functions. Although a vast amount of information is available about the functions of S1P and its receptors in the regulation of physiological and pathophysiological conditions, S1P‐mediated mechanisms in the vasculature remain to be elucidated. This review summarizes recent findings regarding the role of S1P and its receptors in vascular wall and blood cells, which link the coagulation system to inflammatory responses in the vasculature.
Deploying and Managing a Network of Autonomous Internet Measurement Probes: Lessons Learned
Authors: Sedlar Urban , Rugelj Miha , Volk Mojca , Sterle Janez
Published: October 2015

We present our experience with design, development, deployment, and operation of a nation-wide network of mobile Internet measurement probes. Mobile internet is becoming increasingly important, with new technologies being deployed on a regular basis. In the last decade we have seen a transition over a multitude of data transmission technologies, from EDGE, UMTS, and HSPA to LTE, with 5G already on the horizon. This presents an extremely heterogeneous environment where problems are difficult to pinpoint, because of either the fast changing radio channel conditions, daily mobility of the user base, or a number of fallback technologies that are available at a specific location and chosen by the terminal itself. To quantify these conditions, we have developed a mobile internet measurement probe called QMON, which can be either statically deployed or used in drive measurements and is able to collect hundreds of key performance indicators on physical, network, and application layers of the network stack, acting at the same time as an event-driven real-time sensor network and a batch-mode detailed data collection device. In this paper we expose some of the design considerations and pitfalls; among them are the problems of managing and monitoring the remote probes that measure the same communication channel that is also used for their control.
Activated Carbon from the Chinese Herbal Medicine Waste by H3PO4 Activation
Authors: Mi Tie , Chen Liang , Xin Shan-zhi , Yu Xin-ming
Published: October 2015

Large amounts of Chinese herbal medicine wastes produced by the medicinal factories have been mainly landfilled as waste. In this study, via phosphoric acid activation, a Chinese herbal medicine waste from Magnolia officinalis (CHMW‐MO) was prepared for activated carbon (CHMW‐MO‐AC). The effect of preparation conditions (phosphoric acid/CHMW‐MO impregnation ratio, activation temperature, and time) of activated carbon on yield of CHMW‐MO‐AC was investigated. The surface area and porous texture of the CHMW‐MO‐ACs were characterized by nitrogen adsorption at 77 K. The SBET and pore volume were achieved in their highest value of 920 m2/g and 0.703 cm3/g, respectively. Thermal gravity analysis and scanning electron microscope images showed that CHMW‐MO‐ACs have a high thermal resistance and pore development. The results indicated that CHMW‐MO is a good precursor material for preparing activated carbon, and CHMW‐MO‐AC with well‐developed mesopore volume can be prepared by H3PO4 activation.
Color Doppler Imaging Analysis of Ocular Blood Flow Velocities in Normal Tension Glaucoma Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Shuo , Huang Shouyue , Lin Zhongjing , Liu Wangmin , Zhong Yisheng
Published: October 2015

Background. To evaluate the potential diagnostic value of CDI of retrobulbar hemodynamic changes in NTG patients.Methods. Relevant publications which included PSV, EDV, and RI of OA, CRA, NPCA, and TPCA in NTG patients and normal controls measured by CDI were retrieved from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, the ISI Web of Knowledge, and EMBASE from 1990 to 2014. Subgroup analyses were made based on IOP-lowering medications uses.Result. In OA, there was significant decrease of PSV with moderate heterogeneity (P<0.00001,I2=49%) and significant decrease of EDV with significant heterogeneity (P=0.0005,I2=87%) in NTG patients. In CRA, similar results of PSV (P<0.00001,I2=42%) and EDV (P<0.00001,I2=80%) were detected. Significant decrease of PSV and EDV with significant heterogeneity was also found in both NPCA (P<0.0001,I2=70%;P<0.0001,I2=76%; resp.) and TPCA (P<0.00001,I2=54%;P<0.00001,I2=65%; resp.). Statistically significant increases of RI were found in CRA (P=0.0002,I2=89%) and TPCA (P=0.02,I2=81%) with significant heterogeneities, though RI in OA (P=0.25,I2=94%) and in NPCA (P=0.15,I2=86%) showed no statistical changes with significant heterogeneities.Conclusions. Ischemic change of retrobulbar hemodynamics is one of the important manifestations of NTG. Hemodynamic parameters measured by CDI might be potential diagnostic tools for NTG.