bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerobic Exercise Improves Signs of Restless Leg Syndrome in End Stage Renal Disease Patients Suffering Chronic Hemodialysis
Authors: Mortazavi Mojgan , Vahdatpour Babak , Ghasempour Aida , Taheri Diana , Shahidi Shahrzad , Moeinzadeh Firouzeh , Dolatkhah Bahareh , Dolatkhah Shahaboddin
Published: November 2013

Background. Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is one of the prevalent complaints of
patients with end stage renal diseases suffering chronic hemodialysis. Although there are some
known pharmacological managements for this syndrome, the adverse effect of drugs causes a
limitation for using them. In this randomized clinical trial we aimed to find a nonpharmacological
way to improve signs of restless leg syndrome and patients’ quality of life.
Material and Methods. Twenty‐six patients were included in the
study and divided into 2 groups of control and exercise. The exercise group used
aerobic exercise during their hemodialysis for 16 weeks. The quality of life and severity
of restless leg syndrome were assessed at the first week of study and final week. Data
were analyzed using SPSS software. Results. The difference of means of
RLS signs at the first week of study and final week was −5.5 ± 4.96 in exercise group and −0.53 ± 2.3 in control group. There was not any statistical difference between control group
and exercise group in quality of life at the first week of study and final week. Conclusions. We
suggest using aerobic exercise for improving signs of restless leg syndrome, but no evidence was found for its efficacy on patient’s quality of life.
Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiosurgery in a Large Bilateral Thalamic and Basal Ganglia Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Lee Janet , Tanaka Tomoko , Westgate Steven , Nanda Ashish , Cress Marshall , Litofsky N. Scott
Published: November 2013

Purpose. Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the basal ganglia and thalamus have a more aggressive natural history with a higher morbidity and mortality than AVMs in other locations. Optimal treatment—complete obliteration without new neurological deficits—is often challenging. We present a patient with a large bilateral basal ganglia and thalamic AVM successfully treated with hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (HFSRS) with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).Methods. The patient was treated with hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery to 30 Gy at margin in 5 fractions of 9 static fields with a minimultileaf collimator and intensity modulated radiotherapy.Results. At 10 months following treatment, digital subtraction angiography showed complete obliteration of the AVM.Conclusions. Large bilateral thalamic and basal ganglia AVMs can be successfully treated with complete obliteration by HFSRS with IMRT with relatively limited toxicity. Appropriate caution is recommended.
Springback Analysis in Sheet Metal Forming Using Modified Ludwik Stress-Strain Relation
Authors: Patel Sanjay Kumar , Lal Radha Krishna , Dwivedi J. P. , Singh V. P.
Published: November 2013

This paper deals with the springback analysis in sheet metal forming using modified Ludwik stress-strain relation. Using the deformation theory of plasticity, formulation of the problem and spring back ratio is derived using modified Ludwik stress strain relationship with Tresca and von Mises yielding criteraia. The results have been representing the effect of different value of or ratio, different values of Strain hardening index (), Poisson’s ratio (), and thickness on spring back ratio (). The main aim of this paper is to study the effects of the thickness, ratio, and Poisson’s ratio in spring back ratio.
Analytical Solution of Multicompartment Solute Kinetics for Hemodialysis
Authors: Korohoda Przemysław , Schneditz Daniel
Published: November 2013

Objective.To provide an exact solution for variable-volume multicompartment kinetic models with linear volume change, and to apply this solution to a 4-compartment diffusion-adjusted regional blood flow model for both urea and creatinine kinetics in hemodialysis.Methods.A matrix-based approach applicable to linear models encompassing any number of compartments is presented. The procedure requires the inversion of a square matrix and the computation of its eigenvaluesλ, assuming they are all distinct. This novel approach bypasses the evaluation of the definite integral to solve the inhomogeneous ordinary differential equation.Results.For urea two out of four eigenvalues describing the changes of concentrations in time are about 105times larger than the other eigenvalues indicating that the 4-compartment model essentially reduces to the 2-compartment regional blood flow model. In case of creatinine, however, the distribution of eigenvalues is more balanced (a factor of 102between the largest and the smallest eigenvalue) indicating that all four compartments contribute to creatinine kinetics in hemodialysis.Interpretation.Apart from providing an exact analytic solution for practical applications such as the identification of relevant model and treatment parameters, the matrix-based approach reveals characteristic details on model symmetry and complexity for different solutes.
Solving a Novel Inventory Location Model with Stochastic Constraints and(R,s,S)Inventory Control Policy
Authors: Cabrera Guillermo , Miranda Pablo A. , Cabrera Enrique , Soto Ricardo , Crawford Broderick , Rubio Jose Miguel , Paredes Fernando
Published: November 2013

We solve a novel inventory-location model with a stochastic capacity constraint based on a periodic inventory control (ILM-PR) policy. The ILM-PR policy implies several changes with regard to other previous models proposed in the literature, which consider continuous review as their inventory policy. One of these changes is the inclusion of the undershoot concept, which has not been considered in previous ILM models in the literature. Based on our model, we are able to design a distribution network for a two-level supply chain, addressing both warehouse location and customer assignment decisions, whilst taking into consideration several aspects of inventory planning, in particular, evaluating the impact of the inventory control review period on the network configuration and system costs. Because the model is a very hard-to solve combinatorial nonlinear optimisation problem, we implemented two heuristics to solve it, namely, Tabu Search and Particle Swarm Optimisation. These approaches were tested over small instances in which they were able to find the optimal solution in just a few seconds. Because the model is a new one, a set of medium-size instances is provided that can be useful as a benchmark in future research. The heuristics showed a good convergence rate when applied to those instances. The results confirm that decision making over the inventory control policy has effects on the distribution network design.
Convergence Theorems for Total Asymptotically Nonexpansive Mappings in Hyperbolic Spaces
Authors: Zhao Liang-cai , Chang Shih-sen , Wang Xiong Rui
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept oftotal asymptotically nonexpansive mappingsand to prove someΔ-convergence theorems of the iteration process for this kind of mappings in the setting ofhyperbolic spaces. The results presented in the paper extend and improve some recent results announced in the current literature.
Genetic Diversity and Population Genetics of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae: Culex spp.) from the Sonoran Desert of North America
Authors: Pfeiler Edward , Flores-López Carlos A. , Mada-Vélez Jesús Gerardo , Escalante-Verdugo Juan , Markow Therese A.
Published: November 2013

The population genetics and phylogenetic relationships of Culex mosquitoes inhabiting the Sonoran Desert region of North America were studied using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite molecular markers. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) from mosquitoes collected over a wide geographic area, including the Baja California peninsula, and mainland localities in southern Arizona, USA and Sonora, Mexico, showed several well‐supported partitions corresponding to Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. tarsalis, and two unidentified species, Culex sp. 1 and sp. 2. Culex quinquefasciatus was found at all localities and was the most abundant species collected. Culex tarsalis was collected only at Tucson, Arizona and Guaymas, Sonora. The two unidentified species of Culex were most abundant at Navojoa in southern Sonora. Haplotype and nucleotide diversities in the COI gene segment were substantially lower in Cx. quinquefasciatus compared with the other three species. Analysis of molecular variance revealed little structure among seven populations of Cx. quinquefasciatus, whereas significant structure was found between the two populations of Cx. tarsalis. Evidence for an historical population expansion beginning in the Pleistocene was found for Cx. tarsalis. Possible explanations for the large differences in genetic diversity between Cx. quinquefasciatus and the other species of Culex are presented.
Cost Effectiveness of First-Line Treatment with Doxorubicin/Ifosfamide Compared to Trabectedin Monotherapy in the Management of Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma in Italy, Spain, and Sweden
Authors: Guest Julian F. , Panca Monica , Sladkevicius Erikas , Gough Nicholas , Linch Mark
Published: November 2013

Background. Doxorubicin/ifosfamide is a first-line systemic chemotherapy for the majority of advanced soft tissue sarcoma (ASTS) subtypes. Trabectedin is indicated for the treatment of ASTS after failure of anthracyclines and/or ifosfamide; however it is being increasingly used off-label as a first-line treatment. This study estimated the cost effectiveness of these two treatments in the first-line management of ASTS in Italy, Spain, and Sweden.Methods. A Markov model was constructed to estimate the cost effectiveness of doxorubicin/ifosfamide compared to trabectedin monotherapy, defined as the cost per QALY gained, in each country.Results. First-line treatment with doxorubicin/ifosfamide resulted in lower two-year healthcare costs and more QALYs than first-line treatment with trabectedin monotherapy in all three countries. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that at a cost per QALY threshold of €35,000, >90% of a cohort would be cost effectively treated with doxorubicin/ifosfamide compared to trabectedin monotherapy in all three countries.Conclusion. Within the model’s limitations, first-line treatment of patients with ASTS with doxorubicin/ifosfamide instead of trabectedin monotherapy affords a cost-effective use of publicly funded healthcare resources in Italy, Spain, and Sweden and is therefore the preferred treatment in all three countries. These findings support the recommendation that trabectedin should remain a second-line treatment.
Multiple Solutions for a Class of Dirichlet Double Eigenvalue Quasilinear Elliptic Systems Involving the (p1, …, pn)‐Laplacian Operator
Authors: Hadjian Armin , Shakeri Saleh
Published: November 2013

Existence results of three weak solutions for a Dirichlet double eigenvalue quasilinear elliptic system involving the (p1, …, pn)‐Laplacian operator, under suitable assumptions, are established. Our main tool is based on a recent three‐critical‐point theorem obtained by Ricceri. We also give some examples to illustrate the obtained results.
Almost Periodic Solutions for Second Order Dynamic Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Wang Yan , Li Lan
Published: November 2013

We firstly introduce the concept and the properties ofCmalmost periodic functions on time scales, which generalizes the concept of almost periodic functions on time scales and the concept ofC(n)-almost periodic functions. Secondly, we consider the existence and uniqueness of almost periodic solutions for second order dynamic equations on time scales by Schauder’s fixed point theorem and contracting mapping principle. At last, we obtain alternative theorems for second order dynamic equations on time scales.
A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis to Assess Patient‐Reported Outcomes after Lung Cancer Surgery
Authors: Gazala Sayf , Pelletier Jean-Sébastien , Storie Dale , Johnson Jeffrey A. , Kutsogiannis Demetrios J. , Bédard Eric L. R.
Published: November 2013

The main objective of this review was to systematically review, assess, and report on the studies that have assessed health related quality of life (HRQOL) after VATS and thoracotomy for resection of lung cancer. We performed a systematic review of six databases. The Downs and Black tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Five studies were included. In general, patients undergoing VATS have a better HRQOL when compared to thoracotomy; however, there was a high risk of bias in the included studies. The consistent use of a lung cancer specific questionnaire for measuring HRQOL after surgery is encouraged.
Cardiovascular Disease in Latin American Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Cross-Sectional Study and a Systematic Review
Authors: Amaya-Amaya Jenny , Sarmiento-Monroy Juan Camilo , Caro-Moreno Julián , Molano-González Nicolás , Mantilla Rubén D. , Rojas-Villarraga Adriana , Anaya Juan-Manuel
Published: November 2013

Objective. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of and associated risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Latin American (LA) patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods. First, a cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 310 Colombian patients with SLE in whom CVD was assessed. Associated factors were examined by multivariate regression analyses. Second, a systematic review of the literature on CVD in SLE in LA was performed.Results. There were 133 (36.5%) Colombian SLE patients with CVD. Dyslipidemia, smoking, coffee consumption, and pleural effusion were positively associated with CVD. An independent effect of coffee consumption and cigarette on CVD was found regardless of gender and duration of disease. In the systematic review, 60 articles fulfilling the eligibility criteria were included. A wide range of CVD prevalence was found (4%–79.5%). Several studies reported ancestry, genetic factors, and polyautoimmunity as novel risk factors for such a condition.Conclusions. A high rate of CVD is observed in LA patients with SLE. Awareness of the observed risk factors should encourage preventive population strategies for CVD in patients with SLE aimed at facilitating the suppression of cigarette smoking and coffee consumption as well as at the tight control of dyslipidemia and other modifiable risk factors.
Immunomodulatory Role of an Ayurvedic Formulation on Imbalanced Immunometabolics during Inflammatory Responses of Obesity and Prediabetic Disease
Authors: Tikoo Kamiya , Misra Shashank , Rao Kanury V. S. , Tripathi Parul , Sharma Sachin
Published: November 2013

Kal-1 is a polyherbal decoction of seven different natural ingredients, traditionally used in controlling sugar levels, inflammatory conditions particularly regulating metabolic and immunoinflammatory balance which are the major factors involved in obesity and related diseases. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Kal-1 (an abbreviation derived from the procuring source) on diet-induced obesity and type II diabetes using C57BL/6J mice as a model. The present study was performed with two experimental groups involving obese and prediabetic mice as study animals. In one, the mice were fed on high-fat with increased sucrose diet, and different amounts (5, 20, and 75 μL) of Kal-1 were administered with monitoring of disease progression over a period of 21 weeks whereas in the second group the mice were first put on the same diet for 21 weeks and then treated with the same amounts of Kal-1. A significant reduction in body weight, fat pads, fasting blood glucose levels, insulin levels, biochemical parameters, immunological parameters, and an array of pro- and anticytokines was observed in obese and diabetic mice plus Kal-1 than control (lean) mice fed on normal diet. In conclusion, Kal-1 has immunomodulatory potential for diet-induced obesity and associated metabolic disorders.
Analytical and Experimental Analysis of a Free Link in Contact with a Granular Medium
Authors: Marghitu Dan B. , Lee Seung
Published: November 2013

In this study, the experimental and the simulation results for a planar free link impacting a granular medium are analyzed. The resistance force of the granular medium on the body from the moment of the impact until the body stops is very important. Horizontal and vertical static resistance forces developed by theoretical and empirical approaches are considered. The penetrating depth of the impacting end of the free link increases with the increase of the initial impacting velocity. We define the stopping time as the time interval from the moment of impact until the vertical velocity of the link end is zero. The stopping time of the end decreases as the initial velocity increases. The faster the end of the link impacts the surface of the granular medium, the sooner it will come to a stop. This phenomenon involves how rapidly a free link strikes the granular medium and how it slows down upon contact.
Study of Intelligent Photovoltaic System Fault Diagnostic Scheme Based on Chaotic Signal Synchronization
Authors: Hsieh Chin-Tsung , Shiu Jen
Published: November 2013

As the photovoltaic system consists of many equipment components, manual inspection will be very costly. This study proposes the photovoltaic system fault diagnosis based on chaotic signal synchronization. First, MATLAB was used to simulate the fault conditions of solar system, and the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) was used to ensure the system's stable power and capture and record the system fault feature signals. The dynamic errors of various fault signals were extracted by chaotic signal synchronization, and the dynamic error data of various fault signals were recorded completely. In the photovoltaic system, the captured output voltage signal was used as the characteristic values for fault recognition, and the extension theory was used to create the joint domain and classical domain of various fault conditions according to the collected feature data. The matter-element model of extension engineering was constructed. Finally, the whole fault diagnosis system is only needed to capture the voltage signal of the solar photovoltaic system, so as to know the exact fault condition effectively and rapidly. The proposed fault diagnostor can be implemented by embedded system and be combined with ZigBee wireless network module in the future, thus reducing labor cost and building a complete portable renewable energy system fault diagnostor.
Mitogenesis of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Stimulated by Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-bb Is Inhibited by Blocking of Intracellular Signaling by Epigallocatechin-3-O-Gallate
Authors: Lee Mi Hee , Kwon Byeong-Ju , Koo Min-Ah , You Kyung Eun , Park Jong-Chul
Published: November 2013

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is known to exhibit antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antithrombogenic effects and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Key events in the development of cardiovascular disease are hypertrophy and hyperplasia according to vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. In this study, we investigated whether EGCG can interfere with PDGF-bb stimulated proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and the gelatinolytic activity of MMP and signal transduction pathways on RAOSMC when it was treated in two different ways—cotreatment with PDGF-bb and pretreatment of EGCG before addition of PDGF-bb. Both cotreated and pretreated EGCG significantly inhibited PDGF-bb induced proliferation, cell cycle progression of the G0/G1 phase, and the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2/9 on RAOSMC. Also, EGCG blocked PDGF receptor-β(PDGFR-β) phosphorylation on PDGF-bb stimulated RAOSMC under pretreatment with cells as well as cotreatment with PDGF-bb. The downstream signal transduction pathways of PDGFR-β, including p42/44 MAPK, p38 MAPK, and Akt phosphorylation, were also inhibited by EGCG in a pattern similar to PDGFR-βphosphorylation. These findings suggest that EGCG can inhibit PDGF-bb stimulated mitogenesis by indirectly and directly interrupting PDGF-bb signals and blocking the signaling pathway via PDGFR-βphosphorylation. Furthermore, EGCG may be used for treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease through blocking of PDGF-bb signaling.
Low Molecular Weight Heparin Induced Skin Necrosis without Platelet Fall Revealing Immunoallergic Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Godet Thomas , Perbet Sébastien , Lebreton Aurélien , Gayraud Guillaume , Cayot Sophie , Tremblay Aymeric , Ravinet Aurélie , Christophe Sébastien , Guérin Renaud , Pascal Julien , Jabaudon Matthieu , Hassan Amr , Sapin Anne-Françoise , Bazin Jean-Etienne , Constantin Jean-Michel
Published: November 2013

Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) are commonly used in the ICU setting for thromboprophylaxis as well as curative decoagulation as required during renal replacement therapy (RRT). A rare adverse event revealing immunoallergic LMWH induced thrombopenia (HIT) is skin necrosis at injection sites. We report the case of a patient presenting with skin necrosis witnessing an HIT after RRT, without thrombocytopenia. The mechanism remains unclear. Anti-PF4/heparin antibodies, functional tests (HIPA and/or SRA), and skin biopsy are of great help to evaluate differential diagnosis with a low pretest probability 4T’s score.
Performance of Glutamate Dehydrogenase and Triose Phosphate Isomerase Genes in the Analysis of Genotypic Variability of Isolates ofGiardia duodenalisfrom Livestocks
Authors: Fava Natália M. N. , Soares Rodrigo M. , Scalia Luana A. M. , Kalapothakis Evanguedes , Pena Isabella F. , Vieira Carlos U. , Faria Elaine S. M. , Cunha Maria J. , Couto Talles R. , Cury Márcia Cristina
Published: November 2013

Giardia duodenalisis a small intestinal protozoan parasite of several terrestrial vertebrates. This work aims to assess the genotypic variability ofGiardia duodenalisisolates from cattle, sheep and pigs in the Southeast of Brazil, by comparing the standard characterization between glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) primers. Fecal samples from the three groups of animals were analyzed using the zinc sulphate centrifugal flotation technique. Out of 59 positive samples, 30 were from cattle, 26 from sheep and 3 from pigs. Cyst pellets were stored and submitted to PCR and nested-PCR reactions withgdhandtpiprimers. Fragment amplification ofgdhandtpigenes was observed in 25 (42.4%) and 36 (61.0%) samples, respectively. Regarding the sequencing, 24 sequences were obtained withgdhand 20 withtpi. For both genes, there was a prevalence of E specific species assemblage, although some isolates have been identified as A and B, by thetpisequencing. This has also shown a larger number of heterogeneous sequences, which have been attribute to mixed infections between assemblages B and E. The largest variability of inter-assemblage associated to the frequency of heterogeneity provided bytpisequencing reinforces the polymorphic nature of this gene and makes it an excellent target for studies on molecular epidemiology.
The Role of TNF‐α and TNF Superfamily Members in the Pathogenesis of Calcific Aortic Valvular Disease
Authors: Galeone Antonella , Paparella Domenico , Colucci Silvia , Grano Maria , Brunetti Giacomina
Published: November 2013

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) represents a slowly progressive pathologic process associated with major morbidity and mortality. The process is characterized by multiple steps: inflammation, fibrosis, and calcification. Numerous studies focalized on its physiopathology highlighting different “actors” for the multiple “acts.” This paper focuses on the role of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) members in the pathogenesis of CAVD. In particular, we discuss the clinical and experimental studies providing evidence of the involvement of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) ligand (RANKL), its membrane receptor RANK and its decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG), and TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) in valvular calcification.
Left Baire-1 Compositors and Continuous Functions
Authors: Fenecios Jonald P. , Cabral Emmanuel A.
Published: November 2013

We showed that the class of left Baire-1 compositors is precisely the class of continuous functions. This answers a characterization problem posed in the work by Zhao (2007, page 550) and settles in the affirmative the conjecture in the work by Fenecios and Cabral (2012, page 43). Moreover, based on the above result we provide a new proof that the class of functionsℬ𝒮,𝒯where𝒮is the class of all positive continuous functions and𝒯is the class of all positive constants as defined in the work by Bakowska and Pawlak (2010) is exactly the class of all continuous functions.
GPU-Based Block-Wise Nonlocal Means Denoising for 3D Ultrasound Images
Authors: Li Liu , Hou Wenguang , Zhang Xuming , Ding Mingyue
Published: November 2013

Speckle suppression plays an important role in improving ultrasound (US) image quality. While lots of algorithms have been proposed for 2D US image denoising with remarkable filtering quality, there is relatively less work done on 3D ultrasound speckle suppression, where the whole volume data rather than just one frame needs to be considered. Then, the most crucial problem with 3D US denoising is that the computational complexity increases tremendously. The nonlocal means (NLM) provides an effective method for speckle suppression in US images. In this paper, a programmable graphic-processor-unit- (GPU-) based fast NLM filter is proposed for 3D ultrasound speckle reduction. A Gamma distribution noise model, which is able to reliably capture image statistics for Log-compressed ultrasound images, was used for the 3D block-wise NLM filter on basis of Bayesian framework. The most significant aspect of our method was the adopting of powerful data-parallel computing capability of GPU to improve the overall efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can enormously accelerate the algorithm.
A Biomechanical Study on Laminectomy and Dekyphosis for Thoracic Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
Authors: Okayama Tadaki , Murakami Hideki , Demura Satoru , Kawahara Norio , Tomita Katsuro , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: November 2013

We have successfully employed two-step circumspinal decompression for the treatment of thoracic OPLL. In the first step, laminectomy is performed according to the ossified lesion, and then correcting fixation of kyphosis (dekyphosis) is performed using instrumentation. In this study, we reconstructed the first step by a FEM. A commercially available FEM of the human body, THUMS, was used for the modeling of the operative procedure. The spinal cord and OPLL were incorporated into this model. After applying imposed displacement to OPLL, mechanical stress on the spinal cord was measured before or after posterior decompression at the occupying rates in the spinal canal between 0 and 70% in this model. When the occupancy rate was greater than 60%, the stress decreased after decompression compared to before decompression. The stress decreased by up to 52.3%. For reconstruction of dekyphosis, the change in the stress was analyzed after imposed displacement by which the spine was decreased: the cobb angle decreased by 10 degrees between T7 to T11. As a result, the stress further decreased by 14.6%. The present study proved the usefulness of posterior decompression and dekyphosis in order to reduce the pressure of the spinal cord in circumspinal decompression.
Elastodynamic Effects of Mass-Balancing: Experimental Investigation of a Four-Bar Linkage
Authors: Martini Alberto , Troncossi Marco , Rivola Alessandro
Published: November 2013

This paper deals with static balancing of closed-loop mechanisms. The long-term goal of the research is enhancing the performance of parallel robots by means of effective static balancing strategies that take into account the system dynamic behaviour. In this contribution, the influence of mass-balancing on the elastodynamic performance of a four-bar linkage, intended as the simplest example of closed-loop mechanism, is experimentally investigated. The design of the experimental apparatus is discussed and the results of tests on both an unbalanced linkage and its balanced variant are presented. Base-transmitted forces and vibrations are monitored for constant-speed operations and for velocity ramp tests in order to characterize the elastodynamic behaviour of the linkages. The analysis is supported by implementing a flexible multibody model of the experimental apparatus that enhances the interpretation of the experimental data.
The Distribution and Composition Characteristics of Siliceous Rocks from Qinzhou Bay‐Hangzhou Bay Joint Belt, South China: Constraint on the Tectonic Evolution of Plates in South China
Authors: Li Hongzhong , Zhai Mingguo , Zhang Lianchang , Zhou Yongzhang , Yang Zhijun , He Junguo , Liang Jin , Zhou Liuyu
Published: November 2013

The Qinzhou Bay‐Hangzhou Bay joint belt is a significant tectonic zone between the Yangtze and Cathaysian plates, where plentiful hydrothermal siliceous rocks are generated. Here, the authors studied the distribution of the siliceous rocks in the whole tectonic zone, which indicated that the tensional setting was facilitating the development of siliceous rocks of hydrothermal genesis. According to the geochemical characteristics, the Neopalaeozoic siliceous rocks in the north segment of the Qinzhou Bay‐Hangzhou Bay joint belt denoted its limited width. In comparison, the Neopalaeozoic Qinzhou Bay‐Hangzhou Bay joint belt was diverse for its ocean basin in the different segments and possibly had subduction only in the south segment. The ocean basin of the north and middle segments was limited in its width without subduction and possibly existed as a rift trough that was unable to resist the terrigenous input. In the north segment of the Qinzhou Bay‐Hangzhou Bay joint belt, the strata of hydrothermal siliceous rocks in Dongxiang copper‐polymetallic ore deposit exhibited alternative cycles with the marine volcanic rocks, volcanic tuff, and metal sulphide. These sedimentary systems were formed in different circumstances, whose alternative cycles indicated the release of internal energy in several cycles gradually from strong to weak.
Multiple Dissipative Devices for Blast-Resisting Cable-Supported Glazing Façades
Authors: Amadio Claudio , Bedon Chiara
Published: November 2013

The paper analyzes the structural response of a high-level air blast loaded cable-supported façade. Since the glass panels and the cables present a typical brittle behavior and are subjected to elevated tensile stresses when a high-level explosion occurs, multiple dissipative devices are simultaneously introduced in the conventional glazing system to mitigate the maximum effects of the design blast wave. Dynamic analyses are performed using a sophisticated FE-model to describe accurately the response of the façade equipped by dissipative devices. Based on numerical results of previous contributions, viscoelastic spider connectors (VESCs) are introduced in the points of connection between glass panels and pretensioned cables, to replace “rigid” spider connectors commonly used in practice. At the same time, rigid-plastic frictional devices (RPDs) are installed at the top of the bearing cables to mitigate furthermore the bracing system. As a result, due to the combined use of VESCs and RPDs opportunely calibrated, the maximum tensile stresses in the glass panels and in the cables appear strongly reduced. In addition, the proposed devices do not trouble the aesthetics of such transparent structural systems. At last, simple design rules are presented to predict the response of cable-supported façades subjected to high-level dynamic loads and to preliminary estimate the mechanical parameters of combined VESCs and RPDs.
Transverse Momentum Distributions of Final-State Particles Produced in Soft Excitation Process in High Energy Collisions
Authors: Liu Fu-Hu , Chen Ya-Hui , Wei Hua-Rong , Li Bao-Chun
Published: November 2013

Transverse momentum distributions of final-state particles produced in soft process in proton-proton (pp) and nucleus-nucleus (AA) collisions at Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and Large Hadron Collider (LHC) energies are studied by using a multisource thermal model. Each source in the model is treated as a relativistic and quantum ideal gas. Because the quantum effect can be neglected in investigation on the transverse momentum distribution in high energy collisions, we consider only the relativistic effect. The concerned distribution is finally described by the Boltzmann or two-component Boltzmann distribution. Our modeling results are in agreement with available experimental data.
Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Express a Functional Receptor for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1)
Authors: Puddu Alessandra , Sanguineti Roberta , Montecucco Fabrizio , Viviani Giorgio L.
Published: November 2013

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a gut-derived incretin hormone that has been shown to improve glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetes. The biological effects of GLP-1 are mediated by its specific receptor GLP-1R that is expressed in a wide range of tissues, where it is responsible of the extra-pancreatic effects of GLP-1. Since the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), that forms the outer retinal barrier, has a key role in protecting from diabetic retinopathy (DR), we investigated the potential expression and function of GLP-1R in a RPE cell line. ARPE-19 cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 supplemented with 10% FBS. The expression of GLP-1R was evaluated at both mRNA and protein levels. Then, the activation postreceptor intracellular signal transduction pathways (extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 [ERK1/2] and protein kinase B [PKB]) were assessed by western blot in normal cells or silenced for GLP-1R in the presence or absence of 10 nmol/L GLP-1. The potential connections between intracellular signalling pathways triggered by GLP-1 stimulation were performed before incubating cells with kinase pharmacological inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)1/2, phosphatydilinositol-3kinase (PI3K), or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The results showed that GLP1R is expressed at both mRNA and protein level in ARPE-19 cells. Stimulation with GLP-1 strongly activated PKB and ERK1/2 phosphorylation till 40 min of exposure. GLP-1-mediated activation of both kinases was dependent on the upstream activation of PI3K and EGFR. Finally, treatment with GLP-1 did not affect the spontaneous release of VEGF-A from ARPE-19 cells. In conclusion, this paper showed that the presence of functional GLP-1R is expressed in RPE cells. These data might represent the rationale to further investigate the potential direct beneficial effects of GLP-1 treatment against DR.
OATP1A/1B Transporters Affect Irinotecan and SN-38 Pharmacokinetics and Carboxylesterase Expression in Knockout and Humanized Transgenic Mice
Authors: Iusuf Dilek , Ludwig Marion , Elbatsh Ahmed , van Esch Anita , van de Steeg Evita , Wagenaar Els , van der Valk Martin , Lin Fan , van Tellingen Olaf , Schinkel Alfred H.
Published: November 2013

Organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATP) mediate the hepatic uptake of many drugs, thus codetermining their clearance. Impaired hepatic clearance due to low-activity polymorphisms in human OATP1B1 may increase systemic exposure to SN-38, the active and toxic metabolite of the anticancer prodrug irinotecan. We investigated the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of irinotecan and SN-38 in Oatp1a/1b-null mice: Plasma exposure of irinotecan and SN-38 was increased 2 to 3-fold after irinotecan dosing (10 mg/kg, i.v.) compared with wild-type mice. Also, liver-to-plasma ratios were significantly reduced, suggesting impaired hepatic uptake of both compounds. After 6 daily doses of irinotecan, Oatp1a/1b-null mice suffered from increased toxicity. However, Oatp1a/1b-null mice had increased levels of carboxylesterase (Ces) enzymes, which caused higher conversion of irinotecan to SN-38 in plasma, potentially complicating pharmacokinetic analyses. Ces inhibitors blocked this increased conversion. Interestingly, liver-specific humanized OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 transgenic mice had normalized hepatic expression of Ces1 genes. While irinotecan liver-to-plasma ratios in these humanized mice were similar to those in Oatp1a/1b-null mice, SN-38 liver-to-plasma ratios returned to wild-type levels, suggesting that human OATP1B proteins mediate SN-38, but not irinotecan uptake in vivo. Upon direct administration of SN-38 (1 mg/kg, i.v.), Oatp1a/1b-null mice had increased SN-38 plasma levels, lower liver concentrations, and decreased cumulative biliary excretion of SN-38. Mouse Oatp1a/1b transporters have a role in the plasma clearance of irinotecan and SN-38, whereas human OATP1B transporters may only affect SN-38 disposition. Oatp1a/1b-null mice have increased expression and activity of Ces1 enzymes, whereas humanized mice provide a rescue of this phenotype. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(2); 492–503. ©2013 AACR.
Validation of the Basic Erosive Wear Examination
Authors: Olley R.C. , Wilson R. , Bartlett D. , Moazzez R.
Published: November 2013

The Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) is a practical index for screening tooth wear, using a 4-point ordinal scale (0-3). The highest score is recorded in each sextant and a total score (or BEWE sextant cumulative) is calculated per subject. This study aims to investigate if the BEWE sextant cumulative score compares to one comprising a percentage score from all tooth surfaces and as a highest BEWE per subject. The aim is to assess the validity of this score. A total of 350 subjects were recruited from hospital and general practice in south-east England. Buccal, occlusal and lingual/palatal BEWE scores were collected and percentages calculated based on scores 1, 1 and above, 2 and above and 3. BEWE sextant cumulative scores and highest BEWE scores were also recorded per subject. Spearman's correlation coefficients (p values) assessed the relationship between BEWE sextant cumulative scores, BEWE percentages and BEWE highest score per subject. The BEWE sextant cumulative score correlates significantly to a BEWE score taken as a percentage score from all tooth surfaces (Spearman's r > 0.5, p < 0.001) and especially to BEWE surface scores of 1 and above and 2 and above (r > 0.8, p < 0.001) and as a highest surface score per subject (r > 0.8, p < 0.001). BEWE sextant score provides a representation of tooth wear on all tooth surfaces. This study validates a tooth wear index, which provides clinicians with risk indicators of a patient's level of tooth wear and may help to guide clinical management.
Malpractice Leading to Secondary Lymphedema after Radical Mastectomy: Case Report
Authors: Keser Ilke , Basar Selda , Duzgun Irem , Guzel Nevin A.
Published: November 2013

Background: With this case report we want to demonstrate the results of chemotherapy application to the mastectomized side in a patient who had undergone radical mastectomy. Case Report: A patient who was accidentally given chemotherapy on the mastectomized side (PCMS) and a control patient who received chemotherapy on the non-affected side (PCNS) were included in this study. Edema, pain, muscle strength, and shoulder mobility were evaluated. The results of the 2 patients were compared. After chemotherapy, PCMS experienced edema and pain in the affected arm compared to PCNS. Increased circumference measurement, and decreased shoulder mobility and muscle strength were observed in PCMS. Conclusion: It was suggested that chemotherapy application on the mastectomized side triggered lymphedema. Our findings on the subject revealed that education of health care professionals and patients alike is very important.
The Influence of BRCA1/BRCA2 Mutations on Toxicity Related to Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Early Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Huszno Joanna , Budryk Magdalena , Kołosza Zofia , Nowara Elżbieta
Published: November 2013

Objective: The presence of BRCA gene mutation and low expressions of BRCA proteins are associated with a greater sensitivity of tumor cells to ionizing radiation and to cytostatics damaging the DNA of the cells. The purpose of this study was to estimate the rate of adverse events in BRCA1/2-associated breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy compared to patients without mutation. The authors also compared radiotherapy toxicity in these 2 groups. Methods: The analysis included 270 early-stage breast cancer patients treated between 2006 and 2012. All patients were examined for the presence of BRCA1/2 mutations. Results:BRCA mutation was detected in 41 (15%) patients. Toxicity grade 3, especially nausea and vomiting, was observed more often in noncarriers (7 vs. 13%, p = 0.0008). Neutropenia was detected more frequently in patients with BRCA1/2 mutation (32 vs. 10%), but only after 1 cycle of chemotherapy (p = 0.0007). There was increased radiation toxicity in BRCA1/2 patients who underwent mastectomy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.016). Conclusions:BRCA1/2 mutation carriers seemed to be more at risk of neutropenia after the first cycle of the treatment. In terms of other side effects, there was a lack of increased toxicity in this group. Mastectomy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy were risk factors for radiation toxicity in mutation carriers.
Perceptions of African-American Health Professionals and Community Members on the Participation of Children and Pregnant Women in Genetic Research
Authors: Ngui E.M. , Warner T.D. , Roberts L.W.
Published: November 2013

Background: As genetic research gains more prominence in society, ethical concerns and the need for safeguards in the participation of children and pregnant women have increased. This study examined the perspectives of African-American health professional and community members on genetic research involving children and pregnant women. Methods: We used a mixed-methods approach to collect and analyze survey data and qualitative data from focus groups of community members and structured interviews of health professionals. Results: We found that community members had significantly more favorable attitudes toward participation of children and pregnant women in genetic research than health professionals. Health professionals did not differ significantly from community members in their perceived understanding of genetic research. Emergent themes included limited knowledge of genetic research and distinction of biomedical research and clinical care, ethical concerns about confidentiality and potential harm, and the need to protect children and pregnant women. Participants expressed high interest and favorable attitude towards genetic research, despite limited genetic knowledge and concerns of potential harm to children and pregnant women. Some participants felt that genetic research findings could help dispel stigma and reduce discrimination, especially in mental illness. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the recruitment of participants into genetic research should directly address privacy and benefit concerns, and limited knowledge of physical and mental illness genetic research. There is a critical need to invest and engage racial/ethnic communities early, provide education on genetics, mental illness, and translate and share research findings with these communities.
NOTCH1 Expression Predicts Patient Prognosis in Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer
Authors: Ogawa R. , Ishiguro H. , Kimura M. , Funahashi H. , Wakasugi T. , Ando T. , Shiozaki M. , Takeyama H.
Published: November 2013

Purpose: The prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer remains poor, and the classification of tumor node metastasis has proven insufficient to predict patient prognosis. Therefore, novel predictive markers of esophageal cancer prognosis are needed. Notch receptors and their ligands have been reported to be upregulated in cervical, lung, colon, renal, and pancreatic cancers, but NOTCH1 expression has not been studied in esophageal cancer. Methods: Expression of NOTCH1 was quantified by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 55 primary esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) and their paired normal esophageal mucosa. We then examined the correlations between NOTCH1 expression, clinicopathological factors, and prognosis in patients with ESCC. Results: The probability of overall survival was significantly lower for patients with high NOTCH1 expression (p = 0.0028; log-rank test). Overexpression of NOTCH1 was identified as a significant and independent prognostic factor (p = 0.0061) in patients who had undergone surgical treatment for ESCCs. The hazard ratio for predicting early death was 4.298 (95% confidence interval 1.515-12.195) for high versus low NOTCH1 expression. Conclusions: Our data indicate that NOTCH1 may be a candidate molecular prognostic marker and a molecular target for the development of an effective therapeutic intervention for patients with ESCC.
The Oncological Emergency Case: Paraneoplastic Hypoglycemia in Metastatic Breast Cancer - Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Richters Lisa , Ortmann Monika , Faust Michael , Krämer Stefan , Mallmann Peter , Harbeck Nadia , Rhiem Kerstin
Published: November 2013

Background: Paraneoplastic hypoglycemia is a rare syndrome amoung tumorous diseases. It is often associated with a paraneoplastic secretion of ‘big' insulin-like growth factor-II. Methods: We describe this syndrome in a 60-year-old patient with advanced breast cancer 8 years after primary diagnosis. Results and Conclusion: This non-islet cell tumor-induced hypoglycemia may be the only evidence for an otherwise clinically occult disease progression. Fast diagnosis and appropriate acute and causal treatment concepts should be part of oncological management.
Comparative Chromosomal Mapping of Microsatellites in Leporinus Species (Characiformes, Anostomidae): Unequal Accumulation on the W Chromosomes
Authors: Poltronieri J. , Marquioni V. , Bertollo L.A.C. , Kejnovsky E. , Molina W.F. , Liehr T. , Cioffi M.B.
Published: November 2013

Approximately 90 species in the genus Leporinus (Characiformes, Anostomidae) are known, and most of them do not present differentiated sex chromosomes. However, there is a group of 7 species that share a heteromorphic ZW sex system. In all of these species, the W chromosome is the largest one in the karyotype and is mostly heterochromatic. We investigated the distribution of several microsatellites in the genome of 4 Leporinus species that possess ZW chromosomes. Our results showed a very large accumulation of mostly microsatellites on the W chromosomes. This finding supports the presence of an interconnection between heterochromatinization and the accumulation of repetitive sequences, which has been proposed for sex chromosome evolution, and suggests that heterochromatinization is the earlier of the 2 processes. In spite of the common origin that has been proposed for W chromosomes in all of the studied species, the microsatellites followed different evolutionary trajectories in each species, which indicates a high plasticity for sex chromosome differentiation.