bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Codesign of Beam Pattern and Sparse Frequency Waveforms for MIMO Radar
Authors: Mai Chaoyun , Lu Songtao , Sun Jinping , Wang Guohua
Published: March 2015

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar takes the advantages of high degrees of freedom for beam pattern design and waveform optimization, because each antenna in centralized MIMO radar system can transmit different signal waveforms. When continuous band is divided into several pieces, sparse frequency radar waveforms play an important role due to the special pattern of the sparse spectrum. In this paper, we start from the covariance matrix of the transmitted waveform and extend the concept of sparse frequency design to the study of MIMO radar beam pattern. With this idea in mind, we first solve the problem of semidefinite constraint by optimization tools and get the desired covariance matrix of the ideal beam pattern. Then, we use the acquired covariance matrix and generalize the objective function by adding the constraint of both constant modulus of the signals and corresponding spectrum. Finally, we solve the objective function by the cyclic algorithm and obtain the sparse frequency MIMO radar waveforms with desired beam pattern. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of this method.
Antioxidant and Antimycotic Activities of Two NativeLavandulaSpecies from Portugal
Authors: Baptista Rafael , Madureira Ana Margarida , Jorge Rita , Adão Rita , Duarte Aida , Duarte Noélia , Lopes Maria Manuel , Teixeira Generosa
Published: April 2015

The antioxidant and antimycotic activities of the essential oils and extracts of two native PortugueseLavandulaspecies,L. stoechassubsp.luisieriandL. pedunculata, were evaluated byin vitroassays. The total phenolics and flavonoids content were also determined. The antioxidant potential was assessed through DPPH radical scavenging, inhibition of lipid peroxidation (ILP), and DNA protection assays. All samples displayed a high DPPH scavenging activity, some of them showing concentration dependence. The majority of the samples were also able to inhibit lipid peroxidation. A strong correlation was observed between the results of DPPH and ILP assays and the flavonoids content of the samples. In the DNA protection assay, all the extracts were able to preserve DNA integrity. The antimycotic activity was performed against twelve fungi belonging to Basidiomycota and Ascomycota Divisions.L. stoechassubsp.luisieriexhibited the broadest activity spectra.L. pedunculataextracts were active against five fungi.Cryptococcus neoformanswas the most sensitive, being inhibited by all the extracts. Our results led to the conclusion thatL. stoechassubsp.luisieriandL. pedunculatacan be useful as new sources of natural antioxidants and antimycotic agents, providing a possible valorization of the existing biodiversity and resources of Portuguese flora.
Global Well-Posedness and Stability for a Viscoelastic Plate Equation with a Time Delay
Authors: Feng Baowei
Published: April 2015

A plate equation with a memory term and a time delay term in the internal feedback is investigated. Under suitable assumptions, we establish the global well-posedness of the initial and boundary value problem by using the Faedo-Galerkin approximations and some energy estimates. Moreover, by using energy perturbation method, we prove a general decay result of the energy provided that the weight of the delay is less than the weight of the damping.
Low Power Systolic Array Based Digital Filter for DSP Applications
Authors: Karthick S. , Valarmathy S. , Prabhu E.
Published: April 2015

Main concepts in DSP include filtering, averaging, modulating, and correlating the signals in digital form to estimate characteristic parameter of a signal into a desirable form. This paper presents a brief concept of low power datapath impact for Digital Signal Processing (DSP) based biomedical application. Systolic array based digital filter used in signal processing of electrocardiogram analysis is presented with datapath architectural innovations in low power consumption perspective. Implementation was done with ASIC design methodology using TSMC 65 nm technological library node. The proposed systolic array filter has reduced leakage power up to 8.5% than the existing filter architectures.
Is There Any Association between PEEP and Upper Extremity DVT?
Authors: Al-Saffar Farah , Gupta Ena , Siddiqi Furqan , Faisal Muhammad , Jones Lisa M. , Seeram Vandana , Louis Mariam , Cury James D. , Bajwa Abubakr A. , Shujaat Adil
Published: April 2015

Background. We hypothesized that positive end-exploratory pressure (PEEP) may promote venous stasis in the upper extremities and predispose to upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT).Methods. We performed a retrospective case control study of medical intensive care unit patients who required mechanical ventilation (MV) for >72 hours and underwent duplex ultrasound of their upper veins for suspected DVT between January 2011 and December 2013.Results. UEDVT was found in 32 (28.5%) of 112 patients. Nineteen (67.8%) had a central venous catheter on the same side. The mean ± SD duration of MV was13.2±9.5days. Average PEEP was7.13±2.97 cm H2O. Average PEEP was ≥10 cm H2O in 23 (20.5%) patients. Congestive heart failure (CHF) significantly increased the odds of UEDVT (OR 4.53, 95% CI 1.13–18.11;P=0.03) whereas longer duration of MV (≥13 vs. <13 days) significantly reduced it (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.11–0.8;P=0.02). Morbid obesity showed a trend towards significance (OR 3.82, 95% CI 0.95–15.4;P=0.06). Neither PEEP nor any of the other analyzed predictors was associated with UEDVT.Conclusions. There is no association between PEEP and UEDVT. CHF may predispose to UEDVT whereas the risk of UEDVT declines with longer duration of MV.
A Stability Result for the Solutions of a Certain System of Fourth-Order Delay Differential Equation
Authors: Abou-El-Ela A. M. A. , Sadek A. I. , Mahmoud A. M. , Taie R. O. A.
Published: April 2015

The main purpose of this work is to give sufficient conditions for the uniform stability of the zero solution of a certain fourth-order vector delay differential equation of the following form:X(4)+F(X˙,X¨)X⃛+Φ(X¨)+G(X˙(t-r))+H(X(t-r))=0.By constructing a Lyapunov functional, we obtained the result of stability.
Estradiol Valerate Pretreatment in Short Protocol GnRH-Agonist Cycles versus Combined Pretreatment with Oral Contraceptive Pills in Long Protocol GnRH-Agonist Cycles: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Lukaszuk Krzysztof , Liss Joanna , Kunicki Michal , Kuczynski Waldemar , Pastuszek Ewa , Jakiel Grzegorz , Plociennik Lukasz , Zielinski Krzysztof , Zabielska Judyta
Published: April 2015

The strategy of in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures relies on the increasing pregnancy rate and decreasing the risk of premature ovulation and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. They are also designed to avoid weekend oocyte retrievals. Combined oral contraceptive (OC) pills are among the medicines used to accomplish these objectives. Alternatively, estradiol can be used instead of OC to obtain similar results. The aim of our study was to compare the differences in pregnancy rates (PRs), implantation rates, and miscarriage rates between a short agonist protocol with estradiol priming and a long protocol with combined OC. Of the 298 women who participated in this study, 134 achieved clinical pregnancies (45.0%). A higher PR (58.4%,n=80, compared to 40.3%,n=54) was achieved in the long protocol after OC pretreatment group. The implantation rate was also higher for this group (37.8% versus 28.0%;P=0.03). The miscarriage rate was 15.0%(n=12)for the long protocol after OC pretreatment group and 20.4%(n=11)for the short agonist group(P=0.81). The short agonist protocol required a 5.7% lower human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) dosage than the long protocol but surprisingly the number of oocytes retrieved was also smaller.
Rash with DERMABOND PRINEO Skin Closure System Use in Bilateral Reduction Mammoplasty: A Case Series
Authors: Knackstedt R. W. , Dixon J. A. , O’Neill P. J. , Herrera F. A.
Published: April 2015

Background. Bilateral reduction mammoplasty is a common plastic surgery procedure that can be complicated by unfavorable scar formation along incision sites. Surgical adhesives can be utilized as an alternative or as an adjunct to conventional suture closures to help achieve good wound tension and provide an adequate barrier with excellent cosmesis. The recently introduced DERMABOND PRINEO Skin Closure System Skin Closure System combines the skin adhesive 2-octyl cyanoacrylate with a self-adhering polyester-based mesh. Proposed benefits of wound closure with DERMABOND PRINEO Skin Closure System, used with or without sutures, include its watertight seal, easy removal, microbial barrier, even distribution of tension, and reduction in wound closure time. Although allergic reactions to 2-octyl cyanoacrylate have been reported, few allergic reactions to DERMABOND PRINEO Skin Closure System have been noted in the literature. This case series describes three patients who experienced an allergic reaction to DERMABOND PRINEO Skin Closure System after undergoing elective bilateral reduction mammoplasties at our institution to further explore this topic.Methods. Retrospective chart review of bilateral reduction mammoplasty patients who received DERMABOND PRINEO Skin Closure System dressing at our institution was performed.Results. Three patients were identified as having a rash in reaction to DERMABOND PRINEO Skin Closure System after bilateral reduction mammoplasty. All three patients required systemic steroid treatment to resolve the rash. One patient was identified as having a prior adhesive reaction.Conclusions. DERMABOND PRINEO Skin Closure System has demonstrated its efficacy in optimizing scar healing and appearance. However, as we demonstrate these three allergic reactions to DERMABOND PRINEO Skin Closure System, caution must be utilized in its usage, namely, in patients with a prior adhesive allergy and in sites where moisture or friction may be apparent.
Targeted Knockdown of RNA-Binding Protein TIAR for Promoting Self-Renewal and Attenuating Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Geng Zhe , Li Ping , Tan Li , Song Houyan
Published: April 2015

RNA-binding protein TIAR has been suggested to mediate the translational silencing of ARE-containing mRNAs. To analyze the functions of TIAR, we established RNAi and genetic rescue assays. We evaluated the expression of neuroectoderm markers Pax6 and nestin, mesoderm markers brachyury and Flk1, and hypoblast and definitive endoderm markers Sox17 and Gata6 during EB differentiation and found that knockdown TIAR expression restrained the differentiation of E14 cells. We assessed gene expression levels of Flk-1 and VE-cadherin and observed attenuated differentiation of E14 cells into endothelial cells upon downregulation of TIAR gene expression. As such, we hypothesized an essential role of TIAR related to EB differentiation. As TIAR inhibits the translation of c-myc, we proposed that downregulation of TIAR results in restrained differentiation of E14 cells, due in part to the function of c-myc. We found that TIAR inhibited c-myc expression at the translational level in E14 cells; accordingly, a reduction of TIAR expression promoted self-renewal of pluripotent cells and attenuated differentiation. Additionally, we established that TIAR inhibited TIA-1 expression at the translational level in E14 cells. Taken together, we have contributed to the understanding of the regulatory relationships between TIAR and both c-myc and TIA-1.
Channel Impulse Response Estimation in IEEE 802.11p via Data Fusion and MMSE Estimator
Authors: Ministeri Giulio , Vangelista Lorenzo
Published: March 2015

Tracking the channel impulse response in systems based on the IEEE 802.11p standard, the most widely accepted standard for the physical layer in vehicular area networks (VANETs), is still an open research topic. In this paper we aim to improve previously proposed channel estimators by utilizing data aided algorithm that includes the channel decoding to enhance the quality of the estimated data. Moreover we propose a novel technique that exploits information provided by external sensors like GPS or speedometer, usually present in vehicles. The algorithm proposed so far has been analyzed in non-line-of-sight link conditions; in this paper we present an analysis of performances in the line-of-sight condition as well. Simulations show that both proposals give considerable improvements in terms of packet error rate and channel estimation error in the highway scenario which is surely the most stressing environment for the channel response tracker.
Multilevel Comprehensive Evaluation and Decision Making of Ergonomics
Authors: Wang Wen-jun , Yu Sui-huai , Wang Shu-xia , Chen Junxuan , Deng Li
Published: April 2015

Due to the improvement of living standards, higher level of ergonomic performance is required for the products. As a result, the ergonomic evaluation has become one of the key points in the decisions making of modern products, especially the complex products. Aiming at improving the situation that the methods for ergonomic evaluation and decision making are one-sided and discrete, this paper proposed several methods for measuring multiply factors and data format of products and built a comprehensive evaluation and decision making system. In this system, the data supplied by soft hardware and specialists were calculated separately to gain the preliminary scores, and the preliminary scores were processed to get the final results for the decision making using the AHP-GRA analytic hierarchy process-gray relational analysis method proposed in this paper.
Emerging Roles of Focal Adhesion Kinase in Cancer
Authors: Tai Yu-Ling , Chen Lih-Chyang , Shen Tang-Long
Published: April 2015

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that enables activation by growth factor receptors or integrins in various types of human cancers. The kinase-dependent and kinase-independent scaffolding functions of FAK modulate the authentic signaling and fundamental functions not only in cancer cells but also in tumor microenvironment to facilitate cancer progression and metastasis. The overexpression and activation of FAK are usually investigated in primary or metastatic cancers and correlated with the poor clinical outcome, highlighting FAK as a potential prognostic marker and anticancer target. Small molecule inhibitors targeting FAK kinase activity or FAK-scaffolding functions impair cancer development in preclinical or clinical trials. In this review, we give an overview for FAK signaling in cancer cells as well as tumor microenvironment that provides new strategies for the invention of cancer development and malignancy.
Health Resources and Strategies among Employed Women in Norway during Pregnancy and Early Motherhood
Authors: Alstveit Marit , Severinsson Elisabeth , Karlsen Bjørg
Published: April 2015

The number of women in paid employment is increasing. However, when becoming a mother for the first time, many seem unprepared for the challenge of balancing motherhood and work as well as for the impact on their health. The aim of this study was to investigate the health resources and strategies of employed women in Norway during pregnancy and early motherhood by means of salutogenic theory. A hypothetical-deductive interpretive approach based on Antonovsky’s salutogenic theory was applied in a secondary analysis. A total of six themes were identified; three were classified as health resources when experiencing tension and three as health strategies. Salutogenic theory seems to be a useful framework for illuminating the health resources and strategies adopted by employed women who become mothers. The identified health resources when experiencing tension and the health strategies applied may have implications for maternity care professionals and employers in promoting the health of such women and supporting them to combine work and family life.
Giant Abdominoperineal Malignant Schwannoma: An Unusual Presentation and Surgical Challenge
Authors: Panwar Pankaj , Kumar Santosh , Singh Shivanshu , Sriharsha Ajjoor Shankargowda , Gupta Kirti
Published: April 2015

Schwannoma is a benign tumor arising from the Schwann cells of peripheral nerves. These are usually benign but malignant transformation can occur in larger lesions. The definitive diagnosis of malignancy can only be made after final histopathological report. The literature reports large pelvic and perineal schwannomas with few being malignant. We report the first case of such giant malignant abdominoperineal schwannoma which was benign on initial biopsy but final histopathology revealed it to be malignant. In view of proximity of perineal and pelvic tumors to urogenital organs and pelvic nerves, such cases represent a challenge to surgical excision. This case brings to highlight another atypical presentation of such tumors.
Structural, Dynamical, and Energetical Consequences of Rett Syndrome Mutation R133C in MeCP2
Authors: Kucukkal Tugba G. , Alexov Emil
Published: April 2015

Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a progressive neurodevelopmental disease affecting females. RTT is caused by mutations in theMECP2gene and various amino acid substitutions have been identified clinically in different domains of the multifunctional MeCP2 protein encoded by this gene. The R133C variant in the methylated-CpG-binding domain (MBD) of MeCP2 is the second most common disease-causing mutation in the MBD. Comparative molecular dynamics simulations of R133C mutant and wild-type MBD have been performed to understand the impact of the mutation on structure, dynamics, and interactions of the protein and subsequently understand the disease mechanism. Two salt bridges within the protein and two critical hydrogen bonds between the protein and DNA are lost upon the R133C mutation. The mutation was found to weaken the interaction with DNA and also cause loss of helicity within the 141-144 region. The structural, dynamical, and energetical consequences of R133C mutation were investigated in detail at the atomic resolution. Several important implications of this have been shown regarding protein stability and hydration dynamics as well as its interaction with DNA. The results are in agreement with previous experimental studies and further provide atomic level understanding of the molecular origin of RTT associated with R133C variant.
n-Hexadecane Fuel for a Phosphoric Acid Direct Hydrocarbon Fuel Cell
Authors: Zhu Yuanchen , Robinson Travis , Al-Othman Amani , Tremblay André Y. , Ternan Marten
Published: April 2015

The objective of this work was to examine fuel cells as a possible alternative to the diesel fuel engines currently used in railway locomotives, thereby decreasing air emissions from the railway transportation sector. We have investigated the performance of a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) reactor, with n-hexadecane, C16H34 (a model compound for diesel fuel, cetane number = 100). This is the first extensive study reported in the literature in which n-hexadecane is used directly as the fuel. Measurements were made to obtain both polarization curves and time-on-stream results. Because deactivation was observed hydrogen polarization curves were measured before and after n-hexadecane experiments, to determine the extent of deactivation of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). By feeding water-only (no fuel) to the fuel cell anode the deactivated MEAs could be regenerated. One set of fuel cell operating conditions that produced a steady-state was identified. Identification of steady-state conditions is significant because it demonstrates that stable fuel cell operation is technically feasible when operating a PAFC with n-hexadecane fuel.
Sensitivity and Specificity Improvement in Abdominal Obesity Diagnosis Using Cluster Analysis during Waist Circumference Cut-Off Point Selection
Authors: Bermúdez Valmore , Rojas Joselyn , Salazar Juan , Añez Roberto , Toledo Alexandra , Bello Luis , Apruzzese Vanessa , González Robys , Chacín Maricarmen , Cabrera Mayela , Cano Clímaco , Velasco Manuel , López-Miranda José
Published: April 2015

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of metabolic phenotypes during the construction of ROC curves for waist circumference (WC) cutpoint selection.Materials and Methods. A total of 1,902 subjects of both genders were selected from the Maracaibo City Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Study database. Two-Step Cluster Analysis (TSCA) was applied to select metabolically healthy and sick men and women. ROC curves were constructed to determine WC cutoff points by gender.Results. Through TSCA, metabolic phenotype predictive variables were selected: HOMA2-IR and HOMA2-βcell for women and HOMA2-IR, HOMA2-βcell, and TAG for men. Subjects were classified as healthy normal weight, metabolically obese normal weight, healthy and metabolically disturbed overweight, and healthy and metabolically disturbed obese. Final WC cutpoints were 91.50 cm for women (93.4% sensitivity, 93.7% specificity) and 98.15 cm for men (96% sensitivity, 99.5% specificity).Conclusions. TSCA in the selection of the groups used in ROC curves construction proved to be an important tool, aiding in the detection of MOWN and MHO which cannot be identified with WC alone. The resulting WC cutpoints were <91.00 cm for women and <98.00 cm for men. Furthermore, anthropometry is insufficient to determine healthiness, and, biochemical analysis is needed to properly filter subjects during classification.
Optimizing Perfusion-Decellularization Methods of Porcine Livers for Clinical-Scale Whole-Organ Bioengineering
Authors: Wu Qiong , Bao Ji , Zhou Yong-jie , Wang Yu-jia , Du Zheng-gui , Shi Yu-jun , Li Li , Bu Hong
Published: April 2015

Aim. To refine the decellularization protocol of whole porcine liver, which holds great promise for liver tissue engineering.Methods. Three decellularization methods for porcine livers (1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 1% Triton X-100 + 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate, and 1% sodium deoxycholate + 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate) were studied. The obtained liver scaffolds were processed for histology, residual cellular content analysis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) components evaluation to investigate decellularization efficiency and ECM preservation. Rat primary hepatocytes were seeded into three kinds of scaffold to detect the biocompatibility.Results. The whole liver decellularization was successfully achieved following all three kinds of treatment. SDS combined with Triton had a high efficacy of cellular removal and caused minimal disruption of essential ECM components; it was also the most biocompatible procedure for primary hepatocytes.Conclusion. We have refined a novel, standardized, time-efficient, and reproducible protocol for the decellularization of whole liver which can be further adapted to liver tissue engineering.
Hippocampal-Prefrontal Circuit and Disrupted Functional Connectivity in Psychiatric and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Li Ming , Long Cheng , Yang Li
Published: April 2015

In rodents, the hippocampus has been studied extensively as part of a brain system responsible for learning and memory, and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) participates in numerous cognitive functions including working memory, flexibility, decision making, and rewarding learning. The neuronal projections from the hippocampus, either directly or indirectly, to the PFC, referred to as the hippocampal-prefrontal cortex (Hip-PFC) circuit, play a critical role in cognitive and emotional regulation and memory consolidation. Although in certain psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, structural connectivity viewed by imaging techniques has been consistently found to be associated with clinical phenotype and disease severity, the focus has moved towards the investigation of connectivity correlates of molecular pathology and coupling of oscillation. Moreover, functional and structural connectivity measures have been emerging as potential intermediate biomarkers for neuronal disorders. In this review, we summarize progress on the anatomic, molecular, and electrophysiological characters of the Hip-PFC circuit in cognition and emotion processes with an emphasis on oscillation and functional connectivity, revealing a disrupted Hip-PFC connectivity and electrical activity in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders as a promising candidate of neural marker for neuronal disorders.
Diagnostic Value of Subjective Memory Complaints Assessed with a Single Item in Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Disease: Results of the DIAN Study
Authors: Laske Christoph , Sohrabi Hamid R. , Jasielec Mateusz S. , Müller Stephan , Koehler Niklas K. , Gräber Susanne , Förster Stefan , Drzezga Alexander , Mueller-Sarnowski Felix , Danek Adrian , Jucker Mathias , Bateman Randall J. , Buckles Virginia , Saykin Andrew J. , Martins Ralph N. , Morris John C. , Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN)
Published: April 2015

Objective. We examined the diagnostic value of subjective memory complaints (SMCs) assessed with a single item in a large cross-sectional cohort consisting of families with autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease (ADAD) participating in the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN).Methods. The baseline sample of 183 mutation carriers (MCs) and 117 noncarriers (NCs) was divided according to Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale into preclinical (CDR 0; MCs:n=107; NCs:n=109), early symptomatic (CDR 0.5; MCs:n=48; NCs:n=8), and dementia stage (CDR ≥ 1; MCs:n=28; NCs:n=0). These groups were subdivided by the presence or absence of SMCs.Results. At CDR 0, SMCs were present in 12.1% of MCs and 9.2% of NCs(P=0.6). At CDR 0.5, SMCs were present in 66.7% of MCs and 62.5% of NCs(P=1.0). At CDR ≥ 1, SMCs were present in 96.4% of MCs. SMCs in MCs were significantly associated with CDR, logical memory scores, Geriatric Depression Scale, education, and estimated years to onset.Conclusions. The present study shows that SMCs assessed by a single-item scale have no diagnostic value to identify preclinical ADAD in asymptomatic individuals. These results demonstrate the need of further improvement of SMC measures that should be examined in large clinical trials.
Relationship-Oriented Software Defined AS-Level Fast Rerouting for Multiple Link Failures
Authors: Li Chunxiu , Li Xin , Li Ke , Huang Jiafu , Feng Zhansheng , Chen Shanzhi , Zhang Hong , Shi Yulong
Published: April 2015

Large-scale deployments of mission-critical services have led to stringent demands on Internet routing, but frequently occurring network failures can dramatically degrade the network performance. However, Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) can not react quickly to recover from them. Although extensive research has been conducted to deal with the problem, the multiple failure scenarios have never been properly addressed due to the limit of distributed control plane. In this paper, we propose a local fast reroute approach to effectively recover from multiple link failures in one administrative domain. The principle of Software Defined Networking (SDN) is used to achieve the software defined AS-level fast rerouting. Considering AS relationships, efficient algorithms are proposed to automatically and dynamically find protection paths for multiple link failures; then OpenFlow forwarding rules are installed on routers to provide data forwarding continuity. Our approach is able to ensure applicability to ASes with flexibility and adaptability to multiple link failures, contributing toward improving the network performance. Through experimental results, we show that our proposal provides effective failure recovery and does not introduce significant control overhead to the network.
A Rare Case of Adductor Longus Muscle Rupture
Authors: van de Kimmenade R. J. L. L. , van Bergen C. J. A. , van Deurzen P. J. E. , Verhagen R. A. W.
Published: March 2015

An adductor longus muscle rupture is a rare injury. This case report describes a 32-year-old patient with an adductor longus rupture. The trauma mechanism was a hyperabduction movement during a soccer game. Nonoperative treatment was initiated. After a follow-up of 4 years, the patient was without pain but a small swelling was still visible. This report describes the anatomy, pathophysiology, and evidence-based treatment of adductor longus rupture.
Mathematical Modeling to Predict the Geometrical and Physical Properties of Bleached Cotton Plain Single Jersey Knitted Fabrics
Authors: Fouda A. , El-Hadidy A. , El-Deeb A.
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a novel mathematical model of bleached cotton plain single jersey knitted fabrics. The mathematical model is used to deduce the fabric geometrical relationships that can be useful for forecasting the properties of the fabric before production. A practical verification is carried out at different cotton yarn counts and twist factors. The obtained mathematical and practical results are deeply studied and analyzed. The results showed a good agreement between the proposed mathematical model and the practical one. The finished fabric weight is predicted at different yarn counts and loop lengths, and a forecasting weight chart is deduced. This chart will undoubtedly help the producers to enhance the fabric productions. In addition, an actual yarn diameter in the fabric measuring method is carried out and the fabric thickness is estimated consequently. The obtained results proved that the plain single jersey thickness is proportional to three times of the actual measured yarn diameter.
Mechanical Strain Regulates Osteogenic and Adipogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Li Runguang , Liang Liang , Dou Yonggang , Huang Zeping , Mo Huiting , Wang Yaning , Yu Bin
Published: April 2015

This study examined the effects of mechanical strain on osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of cultured MSCs by stimulating MSCs cultured in general and adipogenic differentiation media using a mechanical strain device. Markers of osteogenic (Runx2, Osx, and I-collagen) and adipogenic (PPARγ-2, C/EBPα, and lipid droplets) differentiation were examined using real-time PCR, western blot, immunocytochemical, or histochemical stain analyses. Levels of Runx2 and Osx gradually increased in MSC groups in general medium subject to strain stimulation, as compared with in unstrained groups. After adding the stress signal, I-collagen protein levels of expression were obviously promoted in cells in comparison to the controls. The levels of PPARγ-2 and C/EBPαwere decreased, and the emergence of lipid droplets was delayed in MSCs groups in adipogenic differentiation medium subject to strain stimulation, as compared with in unstrained groups. Mechanical strain can promote differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts and can impede differentiation into adipocytes. These results clarify the mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise on bone repair and reconstruction and provide a more adequate scientific basis for the use of exercise therapy in the treatment of obesity and metabolic osteoporosis.
A Case of Fatal Gastrointestinal Anthrax in North Eastern Iran
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Ahmad , Azimian Amir , Nojumi Sara , Garivani Tahereh , Safamanesh Saghar , Ghafouri Majid
Published: April 2015

Background. Bacillusspecies are aerobic or facultative anaerobic, gram-positive, or gram-variable spore-forming rods. They are ubiquitous in the environmental sources.Bacillus anthracismay usually cause three forms of anthrax: inhalation, gastrointestinal, and cutaneous. The gastrointestinal (GI) anthrax develops after eating contaminated meat. In this paper we report septic intestinal anthrax.Case Presentation. We report an isolation ofBacillus anthracisfrom blood culture of patient with intestinal anthrax.Bacillus anthraciswas isolated from a blood culture of a 34-year-old man who had a history of severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, sweating, and lethargy within 4 to 5 days after eating the meat of domestic goat. He had evidence of severe infection and septic shock and did not respond to treatments and subsequently expired 9 hours after hospitalization.Conclusion. Gastrointestinal anthrax is characterized by rapid onset, fever, and septicemia. Rapid diagnosis and prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy can help in survival. Most of previous cases of septicemic anthrax were related to injection drug users but, in our case, septicemia occurred after gastrointestinal anthrax.
Unusual Neurologic Manifestations of a Patient with Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease after Phlebotomy
Authors: Salimipour Hooman , Mehdizadeh Somayeh , Nemati Reza , Pourbehi Mohamad Reza , Pourbehi Gholam Reza , Assadi Majid
Published: April 2015

Secondary erythrocytosis in cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) is a compensatory response to chronic hypoxia which should be managed with caution. CCHD patients, who have compensated erythrocytosis but do not manifest significant neurologic symptoms, may experience secondary life-threatening complications such as stroke in case of inappropriate phlebotomy. This study reports a young man with CCHD who developed frequently repeated transient neurologic deficits with various presentations after one session of phlebotomy. The symptoms resolved a few days after the hematocrit (Hct) level returned to the prephlebotomy level.
Identification of Novel Mutations inABCA4Gene: Clinical and Genetic Analysis of Indian Patients with Stargardt Disease
Authors: Battu Rajani , Verma Anshuman , Hariharan Ramesh , Krishna Shuba , Kiran Ravi , Jacob Jemima , Ganapathy Aparna , Ramprasad Vedam L. , Kumaramanickavel Govindasamy , Jeyabalan Nallathambi , Ghosh Arkasubhra
Published: April 2015

Stargardt disease (STGD) is the leading cause of juvenile macular degeneration associated with progressive central vision loss, photophobia, and colour vision abnormalities. In this study, we have described the clinical and genetic features of Stargardt patients from an Indian cohort. The next generation sequencing was carried out in five clinically confirmed unrelated patients and their family members using a gene panel comprising 184 retinal specific genes. Sequencing results were analyzed by read mapping and variant calling in genes of interest, followed by their verification and interpretation. Genetic analysis revealedABCA4mutations in all of the five unrelated patients. Among these, four patients were found with compound heterozygous mutations and another one had homozygous mutation. All the affected individuals showed signs and symptoms consistent with the disease phenotype. We report two novelABCA4mutations in Indian patients with STGD disease, which expands the existing spectrum of disease-causing variants and the understanding of phenotypic and genotypic correlations. Screening for causative mutations in patients with STGD using panel of targeted gene sequencing by NGS would be a cost effective tool, might be helpful in confirming the precise diagnosis, and contributes towards the genetic counselling of asymptomatic carriers and isolated patients.
Comparative Evaluation of Different Test Combinations for Diagnosis ofMycobacterium aviumSubspeciesparatuberculosisInfecting Dairy Herds in India
Authors: Garg Rajni , Patil Prasanna Kumar , Singh Shoor Vir , Sharma Shukriti , Gandham Ravi Kumar , Singh Ajay Vir , Filia Gurusimiran , Singh Pravin Kumar , Jayaraman Sujata , Gupta Saurabh , Chaubey Kundan Kumar , Tiwari Ruchi , Saminathan Mani , Dhama Kuldeep , Sohal Jagdip Singh
Published: April 2015

A total of 355 cows were sampled (serum,n=315; faeces,n=355; milk,n=209) from dairy farms located in the Punjab state of India. Faeces and serum/milk samples were screened by acid fast staining and “indigenous ELISA,” respectively. IS900PCR was used to screen faeces and milk samples. Bio-load of MAP in dairy cows was 36.9, 15.6, 16.3, and 14.4%, using microscopy, serum ELISA, milk ELISA and milk PCR, respectively. Estimated kappa values between different test combinations: serum and milk ELISA, faecal microscopy and faecal PCR, milk ELISA and milk PCR, faecal PCR and serum ELISA were 0.325, 0.241, 0.682, and 0.677, respectively. Estimation of the relative sensitivity and specificity of different tests in the present study indicated that “serum ELISA” and “milk ELISA” were good screening tests, add “milk PCR” was “confirmatory test” for MAP infection. Combination of milk ELISA with milk PCR may be adopted as a model strategy for screening and diagnosis of JD in lactating/dairy cattle herds in Indian conditions.
miRSNP-Based Approach Identifies a miRNA That Regulates Prostate-Specific Antigen in an Allele-Specific Manner
Authors: Yousef George M.
Published: April 2015

Summary: A recent study identified genetic variations within the miRNA response elements of miRNA target genes (miRSNP) that can affect the base paring between miRNAs and their targets, and hence alter miRNA–target interactions. The authors also undertook functional validation studies and were able to demonstrate that overexpression of miR-3162-5p resulted in a 20% decrease in expression of the KLK3 rs1058205 SNP T-allele. Cancer Discov; 5(4); 351–2. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Stegeman et al., p. 368
Paralog-Specific Kinase Inhibition of FGFR4: Adding to the Arsenal of Anti-FGFR Agents
Authors: Packer Leisl M. , Pollock Pamela M.
Published: April 2015

Summary: In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Hagel and colleagues report the design and the in vitro and in vivo activity of a novel, irreversible, paralog-specific kinase inhibitor of FGFR4, BLU9931. This compound binds covalently to a cysteine residue in the hinge region of FGFR4 but not in FGFR1–3. BLU9931 induces tumor shrinkage in hepatocellular carcinoma models that express a functioning ligand/receptor complex consisting of FGF19/FGFR4/KLB and adds to a growing list of anti-FGFR4 agents. Cancer Discov; 5(4); 355–7. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Hagel et al., p. 424
The Emerging Understanding of Myeloid Cells as Partners and Targets in Tumor Rejection
Authors: Broz Miranda L. , Krummel Matthew F.
Published: April 2015

Myeloid cells are the most prominent among cells capable of presenting tumor-derived antigens to T cells and thereby maintaining the latter in an activated state. Myeloid populations of the tumor microenvironment prominently include monocytes and neutrophils (sometimes loosely grouped as myeloid-derived suppressor cells), macrophages, and dendritic cells. Although intratumoral myeloid populations, as a whole, have long been considered nonstimulatory or suppressive, it has only recently been appreciated that not all tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells are made equal. Because of advances in high-dimensional flow cytometry as well as more robust transcriptional profiling, we now also understand that the subsets of the tumor-myeloid compartment are far more diverse and notably even contain a rare population of stimulatory dendritic cells. As all of these myeloid populations represent major T-cell–interacting partners for incoming tumor-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes, understanding the distinctions in their lineage and function reveals and guides numerous therapeutic avenues targeting these antigen-presenting cells. In this Cancer Immunology at the Crossroads overview, we review the recent progress in this rapidly evolving field and advance the hypothesis that the antigen-presenting compartment within tumor microenvironments may contain significant numbers of potent allies to be leveraged for immune-based tumor clearance. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(4); 313–9. ©2015 AACR.
Proposta de medidas de avaliação de desempenho para o centro de engenharia clínica e bioequipamentos do HCFMRP-USP
Authors: Marquez Priscila B. , Barroso Carolina C. A. , Silva Adriano M. , Silva Tracy K. M. , Reis Débora A. , Caravelas David T. , Dallora Maria Eulália L. V.
Published: March 2015

O objetivo deste estudo foi propor uma lista de indicadores como forma de avaliação de desempenho para o Centro de Engenharia Clínica e Bioequipamentos do HCFMRP-USP. Indicadores são importantes ferramentas de controle e de qualidade e fornecem bases para melhorar o desempenho do estabelecimento de saúde. Para a coleta de dados, foi utilizada a literatura, referente aos indicadores para a área de Engenharia Clínica. Equipe multidisciplinar composta pelos autores do artigo foi formada para discutir e escolher os indicadores que seriam propostos como medidas de avaliação de desempenho. Foi desenvolvido um estudo na bibliografia disponível sobre o tema e também entrevistas com os gestores-chaves que estão responsáveis pela área. Adotou-se o BSC - Balanced Scorecard, em suas perspectivas financeira, de clientes, de processos internos e de aprendizado e crescimento como mapa estruturante dos indicadores. Foram propostos dezesseis indicadores nas quatro perspectivas do BSC.
Testes diagnósticos contexto da avaliação de tecnologias em saúde
Authors: Nunes Altacílio Aparecido , Martinez Edson Zangiacomi , Ana Lauro Wichert , Pazin-Filho Antonio , Coelho Eduardo Barbosa , Mello Luane Marques de
Published: March 2015

As Avaliações de Tecnologias em Saúde (ATS) no mundo todo, predominantemente tem sido focadas em medicamentos, dispositivos médicos terapêuticos e procedimentos, sobretudo, os cirúrgicos. Apesar de sua inquestionável importância na história natural de um grande número de doenças e do impacto econômico associado ao seu uso, os testes e exames diagnósticos (TED), considerando-se suas qualidades e consequentemente a acurácia dos mesmos, tem sido pouco avaliados no contexto da ATS. Há nítida escassez de estudos que avaliam os TED tanto do ponto de vista clínico e de segurança para o paciente, quanto do econômico. O propósito desse artigo é apresentar e discutir os conceitos inerentes ao uso dos TED, as abordagens para seu emprego, as metodologias de avaliação de suas propriedades e acurácia, bem como a interpretação de resultados dos TED, sejam eles realizados individualmente, ou sob a forma de síntese de estudos de acurácia. Espera-se que esse texto possa contribuir para melhor compreensão das especificidades encontradas nos estudos dos TED e estimular sua inclusão nas ATS.
Efeitos do treinamento físico sobre a pressão arterial, frequência cardíaca e morfologia cardíaca de ratos hipertensos
Authors: Goessler Karla F. , Martins-Pinge Marli C. , Cunha Natalia V. da , Karlen-Amarante Marlusa , Polito Marcos D.
Published: March 2015

O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar o efeito da natação sobre as alterações morfológicas cardíacas e hemodinâmicas de ratos com hipertensão induzida por L-NAME. Quarenta ratos Wistar foram divididos nos grupos: controle sedentário (CS), controle treinado (CT), sedentário com L-NAME (LS) e treinado com L-NAME (LT). Os animais treinados realizaram natação por até 60 min durante quatro semanas. Os animais dos grupos L-NAME receberam 20 mg.kg-1 também durante quatro semanas. O grupo LS apresentou maiores valores de PAM (136,6±5,1 mmHg) comparado ao CS (107,1±1,8 mmHg). O grupo LT apresentou reduções na PAM comparado ao LS (121,2±1,4 e 136,6±5,1 mmHg, respectivamente). Por outro lado, os LT ainda permaneceram hipertensos comparados ao CT (121,0±1,4 e 107,1±1,8 mmHg, respectivamente). Em relação à FC, houve bradicardia de repouso para os animais treinados. Os grupos CS e CT não apresentaram alterações no peso relativo e absoluto do coração. Houve aumento do peso absoluto do coração para o grupo LS comparado ao CS e também se observou aumento para o peso relativo e absoluto do coração para o grupo LT comparado ao CT. A análise histológica demonstrou que o treinamento físico pode reduzir a quantidade de lesões provocadas pela administração crônica de LNAME. Conclui-se que a natação foi eficiente em reduzir a PAM de animais hipertensos, mas não reduziu em animais normotensos. Adicionalmente, o treinamento físico não promoveu hipertrofia cardíaca, mas a administração de L-NAME aumentou o peso absoluto e relativo do coração em animais sedentários e treinados.
Seasonal SSH Variability of the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Xu Fang-Hua , Oey Lie-Yauw
Published: April 2015

The seasonal response of sea surface height anomaly (SSHA) to wind stress curl (WSC) in the northern South China Sea (NSCS) and the Kuroshio intrusion through the Luzon Strait is analyzed using observations and models. The dominant response to WSC is through simple Ekman pumping, while effects of β appear as the weaker second empirical orthogonal function mode. The Luzon Strait intrusion is shown to be largely deterministic using a model forced by realistic wind in the North Pacific Ocean, and it contributes significantly to the SSH variability in the NSCS. The WSC accounts for 62%, while intrusion 38% of the total forcing, but the latter alters the forced Rossby wave response. Without the intrusion, westward propagation is too fast, resulting in incorrect balance and erroneous annual SSH variability in the NSCS.
The Evolution of Dropsonde-Derived Kinematic and Thermodynamic Structures in Developing and Nondeveloping Atlantic Tropical Convective Systems
Authors: Helms Charles N. , Hart Robert E.
Published: April 2015

The processes by which tropical cyclones evolve from loosely organized convective clusters are still poorly understood. Because of the data-sparse regions in which tropical cyclones form, observational studies of tropical cyclogenesis are often more difficult than studies of land-based convective phenomena. As a result, many studies of tropical cyclogenesis are limited to either a few case studies or rely on simulations. The 2010 PREDICT and GRIP field experiments have provided a new opportunity to gain insight into these processes using unusually dense observations in both time and space.

The present study aims at using these recent datasets to perform a detailed analysis of the three-dimensional evolution of both kinematic and thermodynamic fields in both developing and nondeveloping tropical convective systems in the western Atlantic. Five tropical convective systems are analyzed in this study: two nondeveloping, two developing, and one dissipating system. Although the analysis necessarily includes only a very limited number of cases, the results suggest that the convectively active nondeveloping systems and developing systems examined here have similar kinematic structures. The most notable difference is the distribution of humidity and the impacts this distribution has on the thermodynamics of the system. Displacements between the upper-level warm anomaly, responsible for midlevel vorticity generation, and the midlevel vorticity maximum are observed in both developing and nondeveloping cases. In the nondeveloping case the displacement appears to be caused by mid- and upper-level dry air. Further work is needed to fully understand the cause of these displacements and their relation to tropical cyclogenesis.
Rigidity of the Economic Right? Menu-Independent and Menu-Dependent Influences of Psychological Dispositions on Political Attitudes
Authors: Malka Ariel , Soto Christopher J.
Published: April 2015

The rigidity of the right model posits that psychological needs for security and certainty (NSC) attract people to a broad right-wing ideology that includes both sociocultural and economic political attitudes. We review evidence that NSC characteristics do not consistently predict economically right-wing preferences and propose the Menu-Independent and -Dependent Influence (MIDI) model as an alternative account of disposition-politics relations. In this model, NSC naturally attracts people to socioculturally conservative attitudes, but its effects on economic attitudes are the net outcome of potentially competing dispositional and discursive influences. We review evidence in support of the MIDI model and discuss its implications for understanding the interplay of background characteristics, social context, and political conflict.
The teacher as high priest and usherer in of the Kingdom of God
Authors: Pring Richard
Published: April 2015

This article1 aims to reveal the kind of discourse which now shapes policy and practice, and the negative effect that this discourse has on how teachers have to see their role, marginalising them in major educational decisions and curriculum development.