bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Republished: Antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention of coronary artery disease
Authors: Pilgrim Thomas , Windecker Stephan
Published: May 2015

The choice and duration of antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD) is determined by the clinical context and treatment strategy. Oral antiplatelet agents for secondary prevention include the cyclo-oxygenase-1 inhibitor aspirin, and the ADP dependent P2Y12 inhibitors clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor. Aspirin constitutes the cornerstone in secondary prevention of CAD and is complemented by clopidogrel in patients with stable CAD undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Among patients with acute coronary syndrome, prasugrel and ticagrelor improve net clinical outcome by reducing ischaemic adverse events at the expense of an increased risk of bleeding as compared with clopidogrel. Prasugrel appears particularly effective among patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction to reduce the risk of stent thrombosis compared with clopidogrel, and offered a greater net clinical benefit among patients with diabetes compared with patients without diabetes. Ticagrelor is associated with reduced mortality without increasing the rate of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)-related bleeding as compared with clopidogrel. Dual antiplatelet therapy should be continued for a minimum of 1 year among patients with acute coronary syndrome irrespective of stent type; among patients with stable CAD treated with new generation drug-eluting stents, available data suggest no benefit to prolong antiplatelet treatment beyond 6 months.
Applying knowledge, facing challenges
Authors: Dickens Greg
Published: May 2015

After qualifying from Cambridge, Greg Dickens looked for a job that could support him while he tried to break into international sport. He became an innovation consultant, inventing or modifying new technologies, for which, he says, the skills developed during the veterinary degree are ideal
Diary of a poultry intern
Authors: Garton William
Published: May 2015

In his post as poultry intern, William Garton is finding that CPD takes up a large proportion of his time. This, he says, can be quite enjoyable, particularly when events are sponsored by international pharmaceutical companies. This month, he has been on two training courses, one in Spain and the other in Belgium.
Analyzing the travel time of car-following model on an open road
Authors: Tang Tie-Qiao , Yu Qiang , Huang Hai-Jun , Wu Wen-Xiang
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we apply car-following model to explore each person's travel time and the system's total travel time on an open road. The analytical and numerical results illustrate that each person's travel time and the system's total cost are directly related to each person's time headway at the origin when the road is long enough and the number of persons is large enough in the traffic system. The above results can help traffic engineers to optimize each person's arrival rate and help readers to understand the relationship between each person's travel time and his arrival rate.
Can a particle detector cross a Cauchy horizon?
Authors: Juárez-Aubry Benito A.
Published: May 2015

Cauchy horizons are well-known to exhibit instabilities in classical spacetime dynamics and singularities in quantum field theory. We analyze the response of an Unruh–DeWitt particle detector that falls toward a Cauchy horizon, in terms of the specifics of the horizon, the choice of the quantum state and the specifics of the detector's trajectory. As a prototype, we study in detail the case for the 1 + 1 Reissner–Nordström black hole with a scalar field in the Hartle–Hawking state. Comparisons are made with the response of a detector that falls into a Schwarzschild-like singularity.
Optimal Redundancy and Maintenance Strategy Decisions for Offshore Wind Power Converters
Authors: Shafiee Mahmood , Patriksson Michael , Strömberg Ann-Brith , Tjernberg Lina Bertling
Published: May 2015

Analysis of field failure data collected from various wind farm databases indicates that the power converters are among the most critical components in offshore wind turbines, since they suffer from a high failure rate. One efficient approach to enhance the reliability and availability of the wind power systems is through using a redundant converter design, in which a set of power converters is placed together in parallel. The main advantage of a multiple parallel converter system is that the failure of one converter will not necessarily lead to the failure of the entire system. It may however increase the wind turbine's acquisition cost, volume, and weight. In this paper, we propose an approach of joint redundancy and maintenance strategy optimization for offshore wind power converters, aiming to simultaneously determine the "optimal allocation of redundant converters" and the "optimal threshold number of converters that are allowed to fail before sending a maintenance crew to the offshore platform". The optimal solution under various system-level constraints (such as reliability, weight, and the available space in nacelle) is derived and the conditions required to make using a redundant system beneficial are discussed. The proposed design is applied to an offshore wind turbine system and its performance is evaluated using a Monte-Carlo simulation technique. Finally, the results are compared with the conventional power converter system and a sensitivity analysis is conducted in order to make the proposed approach applicable for the next generation of wind turbines.
A methodology for quantitative assessment of the features and capabilities of software frameworks for model composition
Authors: Petty Mikel D. , Kim Jungyoon , Park Samjoon , Lee Sangjin
Published: May 2015

A software framework is an infrastructure or architecture intended to enable the integration and interoperation of a set of software components. A specialized type of software frameworks are those specifically designed to support the composition of models or other components within a simulation system. Such frameworks are intended to simplify the process of assembling a complex model or simulation system from simpler component models as well as to promote the reuse of the component models. Several different types of software frameworks for model composition have been designed and implemented; the various framework types have different component types, processes for composing models, and intended applications. The different framework types and the implemented examples of them vary widely in terms of features and capabilities. Comparing alternative frameworks so as to assess their likely utility for a specific application has heretofore been largely subjective and qualitative, and consequently of uncertain reliability. To address this issue an assessment methodology specifically designed for comparing model composition frameworks is developed and explained. The methodology employs a quantitative metric based on a set of well-defined criteria relating to the features and capabilities of simulation frameworks and is intended to be objective and quantitative. The methodology is illustrated and demonstrated by applying it to a set of existing model composition frameworks. The assessment results suggest that using the methodology can, at a minimum, improve the objectivity and reliability of framework selection decisions. The assessment criteria may also be useful as guidelines when designing and developing a framework.
Effect of graphene layer thickness on effective modulus of 3D CNT/Graphene nanostructures
Authors: Joseph J. , Lu Y. C.
Published: May 2015

Three-dimensional CNT/Graphene nanostructure is consisted of vertically aligned carbon nanotube pillars grown directly on parallel graphene layers. The effect of graphene layer thickness on mechanical properties of the 3D nanostructure is analyzed. Overall, when the graphene layers experience the out-of-plane loading, the effective properties (Young's modulus, shear modulus, and major Poisson's ratio) of the 3D CNT/Graphene structure are significantly dependent upon the thickness of graphene layers. When the graphene layers experience the in-plane loading, the effective properties of the 3D CNT/Graphene structure depend upon the graphene thickness initially and then remain relatively unchanged as the thickness increases. It is found that the optimal performance of the 3D CNT/Graphene structure requires a minimum of thickness for the graphene layers, g/t > 5.
The Administrative Hierarchy and Growth of Urban Scale in China
Authors: WEI Houkai
Published: May 2015

Chinese cities are characterized with administrative hierarchy. According to administrative hierarchy and government seat, Chinese cities can be divided into seven levels including municipality, vice-provincial city, general provincial capital, general prefecture-level city, county-level city, county town, and general designated town. As the analysis result shows, urban scale and growth is closely related to their administrative hierarchy, and with the upgrading of administrative hierarchy, both the urban population and land scale present a tendency of exponential increase. From the perspective of population and land scale growth, cities with higher administrative hierarchy grow faster than those with lower administrative hierarchy. The differentiation of urban scale and growth is greatly influenced by administration-center bias of governmental resource allocation because cities with different administrative hierarchies make diverse administrative power, resource allocation and institutional arrangement. Under the existing urban system, administration-center bias is also a kind of metropolis bias, and both of them reinforce each other which lead to overexpansion of cities with higher administrative hierarchy and the failure of the policy of urban scale control. To promote the harmonious development of small towns and cities, medium and large cities, we should radically change the administration-center bias in resource allocation, weaken the influence of administrative hierarchy, control the urban scale according to comprehensive carrying capacity and stimulate the development of economy strong town through focusing power expansion to impulse the equality of intercity development and interest equality.
Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation: Genetic Diversity and Pathophysiological Mechanisms
Authors: Meyer Esther , Kurian Manju A. , Hayflick Susan J.
Published: May 2015

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) comprises a heterogeneous group of progressive disorders with the common feature of excessive iron deposition in the brain. Over the last decade, advances in sequencing technologies have greatly facilitated rapid gene discovery, and several single-gene disorders are now included in this group. Identification of the genetic bases of the NBIA disorders has advanced our understanding of the disease processes caused by reduced coenzyme A synthesis, impaired lipid metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, and defective autophagy. The contribution of iron to disease pathophysiology remains uncertain, as does the identity of a putative final common pathway by which the iron accumulates. Ongoing elucidation of the pathogenesis of each NBIA disorder will have significant implications for the identification and design of novel therapies to treat patients with these disorders.
Rare b Hadron Decays at the LHC
Authors: Blake T. , Gershon T. , Hiller G.
Published: May 2015

With the completion of Run I of the CERN Large Hadron Collider, particle physics has entered a new era. The production of unprecedented numbers of heavy-flavored hadrons in high-energy proton–proton collisions allows detailed studies of flavor-changing processes. The increasingly precise measurements allow the Standard Model to be tested with a new level of accuracy. Rare b hadron decays provide some of the most promising approaches for such tests because there are several observables that can be cleanly interpreted from a theoretical viewpoint. In this article, we review the status and prospects in this field, with a focus on precision measurements and null tests.
Mediterranean Dietary Patterns and Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Shen Jia , Wilmot Kobina A. , Ghasemzadeh Nima , Molloy Daniel L. , Burkman Gregory , Mekonnen Girum , Gongora Maria C. , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Sperling Laurence S.
Published: May 2015

The Mediterranean dietary pattern has been linked with reduced cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. Components of the Mediterranean diet associated with better cardiovascular health include low consumption of meat and meat products, moderate consumption of ethanol (mostly from wine), and high consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, fish, and olive oil. Increasing evidence indicates that the synergy among these components results in beneficial changes in intermediate pathways of cardiometabolic risk, such as lipids, insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and vasoreactivity. As a result, consumption of a Mediterranean dietary pattern favorably affects numerous cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Moreover, strong evidence links this dietary pattern with reduced cardiovascular disease incidence, reoccurrence, and mortality. This review evaluates the current evidence behind the cardioprotective effects of a Mediterranean dietary pattern.
Citrus Tristeza Virus: Making an Ally from an Enemy
Authors: Dawson William O. , Bar-Joseph Moshe , Garnsey Stephen M. , Moreno Pedro
Published: May 2015

Virus diseases of perennial trees and vines have characteristics not amenable to study using small model annual plants. Unique disease symptoms such as graft incompatibilities and stem pitting cause considerable crop losses. Also, viruses in these long-living plants tend to accumulate complex populations of viruses and strains. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the biology and genetics of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) and in developing it into a tool for crop protection and improvement. The diseases in tree and vine crops have commonalities for which CTV can be used to develop a baseline. The purpose of this review is to provide a necessary background of systems and reagents developed for CTV that can be used for continued progress in this area and to point out the value of the CTV-citrus system in answering important questions on plant-virus interactions and developing new methods for controlling plant diseases.
IUGR increases chromatin-remodeling factor Brg1 expression and binding to GR exon 1.7 promoter in newborn male rat hippocampus
Authors: Ke Xingrao , McKnight Robert A. , Gracey Maniar Lia E. , Sun Ying , Callaway Christopher W. , Majnik Amber , Lane Robert H. , Cohen Susan S.
Published: May 2015

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk for neurodevelopment delay and neuroendocrine reprogramming in both humans and rats. Neuroendocrine reprogramming involves the glucocorticoid receptor ( GR) gene that is epigenetically regulated in the hippocampus. Using a well-characterized rodent model, we have previously shown that IUGR increases GR exon 1.7 mRNA variant and total GR expressions in male rat pup hippocampus. Epigenetic regulation of GR transcription may involve chromatin remodeling of the GR gene. A key chromatin remodeler is Brahma-related gene-1( Brg1), a member of the ATP-dependent SWItch/Sucrose NonFermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex. Brg1 regulates gene expression by affecting nucleosome repositioning and recruiting transcriptional components to target promoters. We hypothesized that IUGR would increase hippocampal Brg1 expression and binding to GR exon 1.7 promoter, as well as alter nucleosome positioning over GR promoters in newborn male pups. Further, we hypothesized that IUGR would lead to accumulation of specificity protein 1 ( Sp1) and RNA pol II at GR exon 1.7 promoter. Indeed, we found that IUGR increased Brg1 expression and binding to GR exon 1.7 promoter. We also found that increased Brg1 binding to GR exon 1.7 promoter was associated with accumulation of Sp1 and RNA pol II carboxy terminal domain pSer-5 (a marker of active transcription). Furthermore, the transcription start site of GR exon 1.7 was located within a nucleosome-depleted region. We speculate that changes in hippocampal Brg1 expression mediate GR expression and subsequently trigger neuroendocrine reprogramming in male IUGR rats.
Chronic kidney disease induced by adenine: a suitable model of growth retardation in uremia
Authors: Claramunt Débora , Gil-Peña Helena , Fuente Rocío , García-López Enrique , Loredo Vanessa , Hernández-Frías Olaya , Ordoñez Flor A. , Rodríguez-Suárez Julián , Santos Fernando
Published: May 2015

Growth retardation is a major manifestation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in pediatric patients. The involvement of the various pathogenic factors is difficult to evaluate in clinical studies. Here, we present an experimental model of adenine-induced CKD for the study of growth failure. Three groups ( n = 10) of weaning female rats were studied: normal diet (control), 0.5% adenine diet (AD), and normal diet pair fed with AD (PF). After 21 days, serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, parathyroid hormone (PTH), weight and length gains, femur osseous front advance as an index of longitudinal growth rate, growth plate histomorphometry, chondrocyte proliferative activity, bone structure, aorta calcifications, and kidney histology were analyzed. Results are means ± SE. AD rats developed renal failure (serum urea nitrogen: 70 ± 6 mg/dl and creatinine: 0.6 ± 0.1 mg/dl) and secondary hyperparathyroidism (PTH: 480 ± 31 pg/ml). Growth retardation of AD rats was demonstrated by lower weight (AD rats: 63.3 ± 4.8 g, control rats: 112.6 ± 4.7 g, and PF rats: 60.0 ± 3.8 g) and length (AD rats: 7.2 ± 0.2 cm, control rats: 11.1 ± 0.3 cm, and PF rats: 8.1 ± 0.3 cm) gains as well as lower osseous front advances (AD rats: 141 ± 13 μm/day, control rats: 293 ± 16 μm/day, and PF rats: 251 ± 10 μm/day). The processes of chondrocyte maturation and proliferation were impaired in AD rats, as shown by lower growth plate terminal chondrocyte height (21.7 ± 2.3 vs. 26.2 ± 1.9 and 23.9 ± 1.3 μm in control and PF rats) and proliferative activity index (AD rats: 30 ± 2%, control rats: 38 ± 2%, and PF rats: 42 ± 3%). The bone primary spongiosa structure of AD rats was markedly disorganized. In conclusion, adenine-induced CKD in young rats is associated with growth retardation and disturbed endochondral ossification. This animal protocol may be a useful new experimental model to study growth in CKD.
Adaptation by the collecting duct to an exogenous acid load is blunted by deletion of the proton-sensing receptor GPR4
Authors: Sun Xuming , Stephens Lisa , DuBose Thomas D. , Petrovic Snezana
Published: May 2015

We previously reported that the deletion of the pH sensor GPR4 causes a non-gap metabolic acidosis and defective net acid excretion (NAE) in the GPR4 knockout mouse (GPR4−/−) (Sun X, Yang LV, Tiegs BC, Arend LJ, McGraw DW, Penn RB, and Petrovic S. J Am Soc Nephrol 21: 1745–1755, 2010). Since the major regulatory site of NAE in the kidney is the collecting duct (CD), we examined acid-base transport proteins in intercalated cells (ICs) of the CD and found comparable mRNA expression of kidney anion exchanger 1 (kAE1), pendrin, and the a4 subunit of H+-ATPase in GPR4−/− vs. +/+. However, NH4Cl loading elicited adaptive doubling of AE1 mRNA in GPR4+/+, but a 50% less pronounced response in GPR4−/−. In GPR4+/+, NH4Cl loading evoked a cellular response characterized by an increase in AE1-labeled and a decrease in pendrin-labeled ICs similar to what was reported in rabbits and rats. This response did not occur in GPR4−/−. Microperfusion experiments demonstrated that the activity of the basolateral Cl−/HCO3−exchanger, kAE1, in CDs isolated from GPR4−/− failed to increase with NH4Cl loading, in contrast to the increase observed in GPR4+/+. Therefore, the deficiency of GPR4 blunted, but did not eliminate the adaptive response to an acid load, suggesting a compensatory response from other pH/CO2/bicarbonate sensors. Indeed, the expression of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) was nearly doubled in GPR4−/− kidneys, in the absence of apparent disturbances of Ca2+homeostasis. In summary, the expression and activity of the key transport proteins in GPR4−/− mice are consistent with spontaneous metabolic acidosis, but the adaptive response to a superimposed exogenous acid load is blunted and might be partially compensated for by CaSR.
Effect of Operating Conditions on Pollutants Concentration Emitted from a Spark Ignition Engine Fueled with Gasoline Bioethanol Blends
Authors: Shahad Haroun A. K. , Wabdan Saad K.
Published: May 2015

This study is an experimental investigation of the effect of bioethanol gasoline blending on exhaust emissions in terms of carbon dioxide CO2, carbon monoxide CO, unburnt hydrocarbons UHC, and nitric oxide NOxof a spark ignition engine. Tests are conducted at controlled throttle and variable speed condition over the range of 1200 to 2000 rpm with intervals 400 rpm. Different compression ratios are tested for each speed, namely (7,8,10, and 11). Pure gasoline and bioethanol gasoline blends are used. The bioethanol used is produced from Iraqi date crop (Zehdi). Blending is done on energy replacement bases. Ethanol energy ratio (EER) used is 5%, 10%, and 15%. At each of the three designated engine speeds, the torque is set as 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14 N·m. It is found that ethanol blending reduces CO and UHC concentration in the exhaust gases by about 45% and 40.15%, respectively, and increases NOxand CO2concentrations in the exhaust gases by about 16.18% and 7.5%, respectively. It is found also that load and speed increase causes an increase in CO2and NOxconcentrations and reduces CO and UHC concentrations. It is also found that increasing the compression ratio causes the emissions of CO2and NOxto decrease and those of CO and UHC to increase.
A Study of Inflammatory/Necrosis Biomarkers in the Fracture of the Femur Treated with Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation
Authors: Marino Mariapaola , Palmieri Giuseppe , Peruzzi Marco , Scuderi Flavia , Bartoccioni Emanuela
Published: May 2015

Pertrochanteric fractures are common injuries in adults and source of morbidity and mortality among the elderly. Different surgical techniques were recommended for their treatment but undoubtedly they add an additional inflammatory trauma along the fracture itself. Many attempts to quantify the degree of approach‐related trauma are carried out through measurements of systemic inflammatory parameters. In this study we prospectively analyzed laboratory data of 20 patients over eighty with pertrochanteric fracture of the femur treated with proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA). This is an excellent device for osteosynthesis because it can be easily and quickly inserted by a mini‐incision providing stable fixation and early full mobilization. Serum tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and plasma creatin kinase (CK) were evaluated 1 hour preoperatively and 24 hours postoperatively. Our results show that PFNA did not induce significant increments in serum levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐6; CRP was elevated preoperatively in correlation with waiting time for surgery; CRP and CK showed a significant increment in the first postoperatory day; CK increment was correlated with surgical time length. We conclude that, for the markers we analyzed, PFNA shows a low biomechanical‐inflammatory profile that represents an advantage over other techniques.
Metastasis-Induced Acute Pancreatitis Successfully Treated with Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in a Patient with Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Okutur Kerem , Bozkurt Mustafa , Korkmaz Taner , Karaaslan Ercan , Guner Levent , Goksel Suha , Demir Gokhan
Published: May 2015

Although involvement of pancreas is a common finding in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), metastasis-induced acute pancreatitis (MIAP) is very rare. A 50-year-old female with SCLC who had limited disease and achieved full response after treatment presented with acute pancreatitis during her follow-up. The radiologic studies revealed a small area causing obliteration of the pancreatic duct without mass in the pancreatic neck, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) confirmed the metastasis of SCLC. The patient was treated successfully with systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy delivered to pancreatic field. In SCLC, cases of MIAP can be encountered with conventional computed tomography with no mass image, and positron emission tomography and EUS-FNA can be useful for diagnosis of such cases. Aggressive systemic and local treatment can prolong survival, especially in patients with good performance status.
The Expression of Notch/Notch Ligand, IL-35, IL-17, and Th17/Treg in Preeclampsia
Authors: Cao Weiping , Wang Xinzhi , Chen Tinmei , Zhu Huaying , Xu Wenlin , Zhao Songlan , Cheng Xiaoqing , Xia Liangping
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to examine the interaction of Notch/Notch ligand with Th17/Treg, cytokines IL-35 and IL-17 in cases of preeclampsia (PE).Methods.Peripheral blood was obtained from 42 PE patients and 22 health pregnant women. The mRNA expressions of Notch/Notch ligand, Treg transcription factor FoxP3 and Th17 transcription factor RORγt, EBI3 and P35 (IL-35 two subunits), and IL-17 were determined by qPCR. The serum levels of IL-17 and IL-35 were measured by ELISA.Results.It was observed that the expressions of Foxp3, EBI3, and P35 in PE patients were lower compared with normal pregnancy, whereas the RORγt expression was significantly increased. The results also demonstrated that PE patients exhibited decreased levels of Treg-related cytokine IL-35, whereas IL-17 was significantly increased. PE patients expressed higher levels of Notch receptor (1–4) and Notch ligand of DLL4, whereas Notch ligand of Jagged-1, -2 was much lower. Furthermore, the levels of FoxP3 T cells correlated positively with Jagged-2. In addition, there were positive correlations between the mRNA level of IL-17 and DLL4.Conclusion.Our results indicated that maternal immunological changes may reverse maternal tolerance in PE, and this phenomenon may due to the Th17/Treg imbalance affected by Notch/Notch ligand.
Towards a Secure Medium Access Control Protocol for Cluster-Based Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Xu Ming , Liu Guangzhong , Guan Jihong
Published: May 2015

The unique characteristics of high bit error rate, low bandwidth, and long propagation delay in underwater environments pose significant challenges to the design of the medium access control (MAC) protocol for underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs). Clustering is an effective and practical way to enhance the performance of UWSNs. In this paper, we propose a secure MAC protocol for cluster-based UWSNs, called SC-MAC, which aims to ensure the security of data transmission. In SC-MAC, the clusters are formed and updated dynamically and securely. We leverage MAC layer information by considering the link quality as well as residual energy of the modem's battery. After the successful mutual authentication, all sensor nodes from different clusters can protect the data transmission in the continuous communication. As the states of sensor nodes may not be observed accurately in a harsh underwater environment, we formulate the channel scheduling process as a stochastic partially observed Markov decision process (POMDP) multiarmed bandit problem and derive the optimal channel scheduling rules hereby. Simulation results show that SC-MAC can perform better than existing state-of-the-art MAC protocols in terms of network throughput, successful delivery ratio, and energy consumption in various circumstances.
Measuring Conductance of Phenylenediamine as a Molecular Sensor
Authors: Kim Taekyeong , Kim Tae Hyun
Published: May 2015

We report experimental measurements of molecular conductance as a single molecular sensor by using scanning tunneling microscope-based break-junction (STM-BJ) technique. The gap was created after Au atomic point contact was ruptured, and the target molecule was inserted and bonded to the top and bottom electrodes. We successfully measured the conductance for a series of amine-terminated oligophenyl molecules by forming the molecular junctions with Au electrodes. The measured conductance decays exponentially with molecular backbone length, enabling us to detect the type of molecules as a molecular sensor. Furthermore, we demonstrated reversible binary switching in a molecular junction by mechanical control of the gap between the electrodes. Since our method allows us to measure the conductance of a single molecule in ambient conditions, it should open up various practical molecular sensing applications.
On the Stability and Equilibrium Points of MultistagedSI(n)REpidemic Models
Authors: Nistal Raul , de la Sen Manuel , Alonso-Quesada Santiago , Ibeas Asier , Garrido Aitor J.
Published: May 2015

This paper relies on the concept of next generation matrix defined ad hoc for a new proposed extended SEIR model referred to asSI(n)R-model to study its stability. The model includesnsuccessive stages of infectious subpopulations, each one acting at the exposed subpopulation of the next infectious stage in a cascade global disposal where each infectious population acts as the exposed subpopulation of the next infectious stage. The model also has internal delays which characterize the time intervals of the coupling of the susceptible dynamics with the infectious populations of the various cascade infectious stages. Since the susceptible subpopulation is common, and then unique, to all the infectious stages, its coupled dynamic action on each of those stages is modeled with an increasing delay as the infectious stage index increases from 1 ton. The physical interpretation of the model is that the dynamics of the disease exhibits different stages in which the infectivity and the mortality rates vary as the individual numbers go through the process of recovery, each stage with a characteristic average time.
Bringing Patient-Centered Care to the Fore in Diseases of the Pancreas
Authors: Pendharkar Sayali A. , Petrov Maxim S.
Published: May 2015

Diseases of the pancreas are often very challenging for both patients and doctors as well as pose a considerable burden on healthcare system. Emerging evidence on the importance of shared-decision making in medicine stresses the need to integrate best clinical evidence and patient-reported outcomes to deliver optimal patient care. This paper argues that patient-centered care should no longer be a hermit in management of pancreatic diseases in the 21st century.
Immunoendocrine Interactions during HIV-TB Coinfection: Implications for the Design of New Adjuvant Therapies
Authors: Suarez Guadalupe Veronica , Vecchione Maria Belen , Angerami Matias Tomas , Sued Omar , Bruttomesso Andrea Claudia , Bottasso Oscar Adelmo , Quiroga Maria Florencia
Published: May 2015

Worldwide, around 14 million individuals are coinfected with both tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In coinfected individuals, both pathogens weaken immunological system synergistically through mechanisms that are not fully understood. During both HIV and TB infections, there is a chronic state of inflammation associated to dramatic changes in immune cytokine and endocrine hormone levels. Despite this, the relevance of immunoendocrine interaction on both the orchestration of an effective immune response against both pathogens and the control of the chronic inflammation induced during HIV, TB, or both infections is still controversial. The present study reviews immunoendocrine interactions occurring during HIV and TB infections. We also expose our own findings on immunoendocrine cross talk in HIV-TB coinfection. Finally, we evaluate the use of adrenal hormones and their derivatives in immune-therapy and discuss the use of some of these compounds like the adjuvant for the prevention and treatment of TB in HIV patients.
Phase II Trial of Gemcitabine and Docetaxel with Bevacizumab in Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Dickson Mark A. , D’Adamo David R. , Keohan Mary L. , D’Angelo Sandra P. , Carvajal Richard D. , Gounder Mrinal M. , Maki Robert G. , Qin Li-Xuan , Lefkowitz Robert A. , McKennon Olivia R. , Hirst Catherine M. , Schwartz Gary K. , Tap William D.
Published: May 2015

Gemcitabine (G) and docetaxel (D) are commonly used to treat recurrent/metastatic soft tissue sarcoma. This study tested the hypothesis that outcomes would be improved by addition of bevacizumab (B).
The initial design was randomized double-blind trial of G + D + B versus G + D + placebo. Due to slow accrual this was modified to single-arm open-label G + D + B. Eligible patients had diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma, pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma, pleomorphic liposarcoma, or angiosarcoma. Treatment was B 15 mg/kg on d1, G 900 mg/m2 on d1 and d8, and D 75 mg/m2 on d8, q21d. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 months and would be met if ≥17 patients were progression-free at 6 m. Secondary endpoints are response rate, PFS at 3 m, overall survival, and toxicity.
Of 44 patients enrolled, 35 were treated with GDB and evaluable for safety and efficacy. Median age was 55, 50% male, most ECOG 0. Toxicity is mostly myelosuppression with one deep vein thrombosis and one small bowel perforation possibly related to B. There were 17 partial responses (49%) by RECIST 1.1. Among 35 patients, the number who remained on study and progression-free was 24 at 3 m and 15 at 6 m. 9 withdrew prior to 6 m for reasons other than toxicity or progression. PFS at 6 m was 65% (95% CI: 51–85%).
The primary endpoint of 6 m PFS was not met due to censoring of patients who withdrew. However PFS at 3 m (76%) was promising and response rate was higher than expected from G + D.
Coordinated Switching Control of the Excitation and Steam Valve System Based on State and Input Constraints
Authors: Jiang Nan , Liu Ting , He Haiyan , Li Xin
Published: May 2015

A single unit infinite system of the excitation and steam valve control was proposed based on Barrier Lyapunov theory of restrictive log type. The input amplitude constraint of the steam valve control was considered, and the coordinated nonlinear backstepping controller was designed by switching mechanism. At the same time, the generator rotor effect was considered to be an external unknown large disturbance on the output system, and the conservativeness of the simple estimates for the upper and lower bounds and scaling disturbance was reduced by Minimax. The Minimax method also ensured that the output of the controller and the power angle were within the prescribed range and inhibited the system output effect of disturbance as much as possible. Finally, simulation results of the generator disturbance of mechanical power in the single unit infinite system show that the control scheme effectively improves the transient stability of the dynamic processes of power systems.
Recent Advances in Dipeptidyl-Peptidase-4 Inhibition Therapy: Lessons from the Bench and Clinical Trials
Authors: Zhong Jixin , Gong Quan , Goud Aditya , Srinivasamaharaj Srividya , Rajagopalan Sanjay
Published: May 2015

DPP4 inhibitors (DPP4i) are a class of newly developed antidiabetic drugs which preserve incretin hormones and promote postprandial insulin secretion. Although the cardiovascular effect of DPP4 inhibition has been substantially studied, the exact role of DPP4 in cardiovascular disease especially in humans remains elusive. Previous small studies and meta-analyses have suggested a benefit in both surrogate outcomes and cardiovascular events for these agents. However, there was growing evidence in recent years questioning the cardioprotective effect of DPP4i. Further, a signal of heart failure hospitalization in a recent large scale clinical trial SAVOR-TIMI 53 has called into question the safety of these agents and their utility in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we will revisit the physiologic function of DPP4 and discuss its role in cardiometabolic disease based on recent experimental and clinical studies.
Neurosyphilis: An Unresolved Case of Meningitis
Authors: Ahsan Shagufta , Burrascano Joesph
Published: May 2015

Neurosyphilis can cause both symptomatic and asymptomatic meningitis. However the epidemiology of modern neurosyphilis is not well defined because of the paucity of population-based data. The majority of neurosyphilis cases have been reported in HIV-infected patients. Here we present a case of early neurosyphilis/symptomatic syphilitic meningitis in a non-HIV patient who presented with rash but was mistakenly treated for early latent or secondary syphilis. Syphilis presenting with a skin rash and an extremely high RPR titer could indicate CNS infection rather than simply secondary syphilis because rash is a nonspecific manifestation of disseminated infection. Given the effectiveness of penicillin therapy, why is the rate of syphilis continuing to increase? Is it due to a failure of prevention or could it be also because of failure to diagnose and treat syphilis adequately, as in this case?
Null Geodesics and Strong Field Gravitational Lensing in a String Cloud Background
Authors: Sharif M. , Iftikhar Sehrish
Published: May 2015

This paper is devoted to studying two interesting issues of a black hole with string cloud background. Firstly, we investigate null geodesics and find unstable orbital motion of particles. Secondly, we calculate deflection angle in strong field limit. We then find positions, magnifications, and observables of relativistic images for supermassive black hole at the galactic center. We conclude that string parameter highly affects the lensing process and results turn out to be quite different from the Schwarzschild black hole.
A Qualitative Exploration of Motivation to Self-Manage and Styles of Self-Management amongst People Living with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Newton Paul , Asimakopoulou Koula , Scambler Sasha
Published: May 2015

The study examined the motives that people living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) had for self-managing their condition and ways they used to assess the success of their self-management efforts. Using semistructured interviews (N=25), focus groups (3 ×  N=12participants), and open-ended questionnaires (N=6), people living with and self-managing T2D were recruited from a community-based T2D participation group. Most participants were older (aged 60+) and lived in a socioeconomically deprived area in the United Kingdom. Data were analysed thematically using framework analysis. Patients’ motives for self-management included (i) concern about the anticipative effects of T2D; (ii) wishing to “stay well”; (iii) maintaining independence; (iv) reducing the need for healthcare professionals; and (v) improving quality of life. Six self-management styles were found and pertained to self-managing: (i) through routinisation; (ii) as a burden; (iii) as maintenance; (iv) through delegation; (v) through comanagement; and (vi) through autonomy. Motivators for self-management shaped the criteria people used to judge the success of their self-management practices and influenced their self-management style. The findings show that styles of T2D self-management are mediated and moderated by sociocontextual issues. Healthcare professionals should take these into account when supporting people living with T2D.
InvasiveMicroascus trigonosporusSpecies Complex Pulmonary Infection in a Lung Transplant Recipient
Authors: Schoeppler Kelly E. , Zamora Martin R. , Northcutt Noelle M. , Barber Gerard R. , O’Malley-Schroeder Gayle , Lyu Dennis M.
Published: May 2015

Because of the high incidence of morbidity and mortality associated with invasive fungal infections, antifungal prophylaxis is often used in solid organ transplant recipients. However, this prophylaxis is not universally effective and may contribute to the selection of emerging, resistant pathogens. Here we present a rare case of invasive infection caused byMicroascus trigonosporusspecies complex in a human, which developed during voriconazole prophylaxis in a lung transplant recipient. Nebulized liposomal amphotericin B was used in addition to systemic therapy in order to optimize antifungal drug exposure; this regimen appeared to reduce the patient’s fungal burden. Despite this apparent improvement, the patient’s pulmonary status progressively declined in the setting of multiple comorbidities, ultimately leading to respiratory failure and death.
Caloric Restriction Effect on Proinflammatory Cytokines, Growth Hormone, and Steroid Hormone Concentrations during Exercise in Judokas
Authors: Abedelmalek Salma , Chtourou Hamdi , Souissi Nizar , Tabka Zouhair
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of caloric restriction on the immune and hormonal responses during exercise in judo athletes. In a randomised order, 11 male judokas (age: 20.45 ± 0.51; height: 1.71 ± 0.3 m; and body weight: 75.9 ± 3.1 kg) participate in this study during a period of weight maintenance (baseline) and after 7 days of caloric restriction (CR). All subjects performed the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) during the two conditions. Values for nutrient intakes were obtained from a 7 d food record kept during a period of weight maintenance and after a 7-day food restriction (−5~6 MJ/day). Our results showed that CR resulted in significant decreases in body weight (P<0.05) and performance (P<0.05). However, heart rate and SJFT index (P<0.05) increase significantly during CR in comparison to baseline. Moreover, exercise leads to a significant increase in testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone (GH), leukocytes, neutrophils, TNF-α, and IL-6, in both CR and baseline conditions. Compared to baseline, TNF-αand IL-6 were significantly higher during CR condition (P<0.05). Additionally, CR leads to an increase in cortisol and GH (P<0.05) and a decrease in testosterone concentrations (P<0.05).
Positive Periodic Solutions of a Neutral Impulsive Predator-Prey Model
Authors: Liu Guirong , Song Xiaojuan
Published: May 2015

We investigate a ratio-dependent predator-prey model with Holling type III functional response based on system of neutral impulsive differential equations. Sufficient conditions for existence of positive periodic solutions are obtained by applying continuation theorem. Our main results demonstrate that under the suitable periodic impulse perturbations, the neutral impulsive system preserves the periodicity of the corresponding neutral system without impulse. In addition, our results can be applied to the corresponding system without impulsive effect, and thus, extend previous results.
The Effects of Combined Exercise on Health-Related Fitness, Endotoxin, and Immune Function of Postmenopausal Women with Abdominal Obesity
Authors: Park Sung-Mo , Kwak Yi-Sub , Ji Jin-Goo
Published: May 2015

This study was conducted to examine the effects of combined exercise on health-related fitness, endotoxin concentrations, and immune functions of postmenopausal women with abdominal obesity. 20 voluntary participants were recruited and they were randomly allocated to the combined exercise group (n=10) or the control group (n=10). Visceral obesity was defined as a visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio ≥0.4 based on computed tomography (CT) results. Body composition, exercise stress testing, fitness measurement, CT scan, and blood variables were analyzed to elucidate the effects of combined exercise. The SPSS Statistics 18.0 program was used to calculate means and standard deviations for all variables. Significant differences between the exercise group and control group were determined with 2-way ANOVA and pairedt-tests. The exercise group’s abdominal obesity was mitigated due to visceral fat reduction; grip strength, push-ups, and oxygen uptake per weight improved; and HDL-C and IgA level also increased, while TNF-α, CD14, and endotoxin levels decreased. Lowered TNF-αafter exercise might have an important role in the obesity reduction. Therefore, we can conclude that combined exercise is effective in mitigating abdominal obesity, preventing metabolic diseases, and enhancing immune function.
Improved Results on Reachable Set Bounding for Linear Delayed Systems with Polytopic Uncertainties
Authors: Chen Hao
Published: May 2015

This paper focuses on bound of reachable sets for delayed linear systems with polytopic uncertainties. Based on Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional theory, delay decomposition technique, and reciprocally convex method, some new results expressed in the form of linear matrix inequalities are derived. It should be noted that triple integral functionals are first to be introduced for reachable set analysis. Consequently, a tighter bound of the reachable set is obtained. Four numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and advantage of the proposed results comparing with the existing criteria.
Modeling and Analyzing the Spread of Flash Disk Worms via Multiple Subnets
Authors: Li Guihua , Peng Zhenzhen , Song Lipeng
Published: May 2015

The Flash Disk worms, spreading via both Web-based scanning and removable devices between multiple subnets, have become a serious threat to the Internet, especially those physically isolated subnets. We present a model which incorporates specific features of these worms in this paper. Then, we analyze the dynamic behaviors of the model when one subnet is considered. Analytical result shows that the Flash Disk worm can self-perpetuate whenRi0>1and will die out otherwise. When multiple subnets are considered, we get that once a computer is infected by the Flash Disk worms, other computers in that subnet will be infected in a short time. Thus, for any subnet, to contain the Flash Disk worms, the most effective way is to prevent the first infected individual by improving the users’ security awareness of using removed devices. Our results are illustrated by numerical simulation.
Cell-Based Therapies Used to Treat Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies and Human Clinical Trials
Authors: Oehme David , Goldschlager Tony , Ghosh Peter , Rosenfeld Jeffrey V. , Jenkin Graham
Published: May 2015

Low back pain and degenerative disc disease are a significant cause of pain and disability worldwide. Advances in regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies, particularly the transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells and intervertebral disc chondrocytes, have led to the publication of numerous studies and clinical trials utilising these biological therapies to treat degenerative spinal conditions, often reporting favourable outcomes. Stem cell mediated disc regeneration may bridge the gap between the two current alternatives for patients with low back pain, often inadequate pain management at one end and invasive surgery at the other. Through cartilage formation and disc regeneration or via modification of pain pathways stem cells are well suited to enhance spinal surgery practice. This paper will systematically review the current status of basic science studies, preclinical and clinical trials utilising cell-based therapies to repair the degenerate intervertebral disc. The mechanism of action of transplanted cells, as well as the limitations of published studies, will be discussed.