bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ulcerated tophaceous gout
Authors: Filanovsky Michelle Gita , Sukhdeo Kumar , McNamara Megan Cunnane
Published: August 2015

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis characterised by hyperuricemia, which, if poorly controlled, can lead to the development of tophi. We report the case of a 60-year-old Caucasian man with poorly controlled polyarticular tophaceous gout with multiple comorbidities (including renal failure) who presented with tophaceous ulcers of the upper extremity. These ulcers caused extreme pain, requiring chronic opiate medications, and were associated with decreased sensation and reduced ability to move the extremity. His hospital course was complicated by acute kidney injury, haemolytic anaemia andClostridium difficileinfection. He required 1 month of antibiotics and intensive wound care for his ulcers. This case highlights the diagnosis, natural history and management of an unusual complication of hyperuricemia.
Atypical cytomegalovirus retinitis in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Tyagi Mudit , Ambiya Vikas , Mathai Annie , Narayanan Raja
Published: August 2015

A 54-year-old woman, a known case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in complete remission, presented with floaters and diminution of vision in her left eye. The eye had vitritis with non-haemorrhagic retinitis mimicking intraocular lymphoma and acute retinal necrosis. A vitreous sample was positive for cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) DNA by PCR. The possibility of intraocular lymphoma was not confirmed by the immunohistochemistry of the vitreous sample. The patient had a relapse of NHL along with rapid deterioration of vision in her left eye to no perception of light, due to optic nerve involvement. The right eye developed a new patch of focal haemorrhagic retinitis threatening the fovea. Based on the laboratory results and the clinical findings, she was successfully managed as a case of bilateral CMV retinitis and the vision in her right eye was salvaged.
Associations between individual socioeconomic position, neighbourhood disadvantage and transport mode: baseline results from the HABITAT multilevel study
Authors: Rachele Jerome N , Kavanagh Anne M , Badland Hannah , Giles-Corti Billie , Washington Simon , Turrell Gavin
Published: August 2015

Background

Understanding how different socioeconomic indicators are associated with transport modes provide insight into which interventions might contribute to reducing socioeconomic inequalities in health. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between neighbourhood-level socioeconomic disadvantage, individual-level socioeconomic position (SEP), and usual transport mode.

Methods

This investigation included 11 036 residents from 200 neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Australia. Respondents self-reported their usual transport mode (car or motorbike, public transport, walking or cycling). Indicators for individual-level SEP were education, occupation and household income; and neighbourhood disadvantage was measured using a census-derived index. Data were analysed using multilevel multinomial logistic regression. High SEP respondents and residents of the most advantaged neighbourhoods who used a private motor vehicle as their usual form of transport was the reference category.

Results

Compared with driving a motor vehicle, the odds of using public transport were higher for white collar employees (OR 1.68, 95% CrI 1.41–2.01), members of lower income households (OR 1.71 95% CrI 1.25–2.30) and residents of more disadvantaged neighbourhoods (OR 1.93, 95% CrI 1.46–2.54); and lower for respondents with a certificate-level education (OR 0.60, 95% CrI 0.49–0.74) and blue collar workers (OR 0.63, 95% CrI 0.50–0.81). The odds of walking for transport were higher for the least educated (OR 1.58, 95% CrI 1.18–2.11), those not in the labour force (OR 1.94, 95% CrI 1.38–2.72), members of lower income households (OR 2.10, 95% CrI 1.23–3.64) and residents of more disadvantaged neighbourhoods (OR 2.73, 95% CrI 1.46–5.24). The odds of cycling were lower among less educated groups (OR 0.31, 95% CrI 0.19–0.48).

Conclusions

The relationships between socioeconomic characteristics and transport modes are complex, and provide challenges for those attempting to encourage active forms of transportation. Further work is required exploring the individual-level and neighbourhood-level mechanisms behind choice of transport mode, and what factors might influence individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds to change to more active transport modes.
Assessment of alternative manual control methods for small unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Stevenson Jonathan D. , O'Young Siu , Rolland Luc
Published: August 2015

This paper is a summary of experiments to assess alternative methods to control a small (<25 kg; under Transport Canada rules, small UAV are classified as under 25 kg; Transport Canada. 2014. TP15263 – Knowledge requirements for pilots of unmanned air vehicle systems (UAV) 25 kg or less, operating within visual line of sight. Transport Canada. August. Available from http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/publications/page-6557.html [accessed 17 August 2015]) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in manual mode. While it is true that the majority of a typical UAV mission will be in automatic mode (i.e., using an autopilot) this may not always be the case during takeoffs and landings, or if there is a failure of the autopilot. The concept of a manual control backup mode during all flight phases remains in proposed UAV regulations currently being defined in Canada and the US. The research summarized in this paper is an attempt to assess the accuracy of several manual control options for a small UAV. The paper includes both a theoretical discussion of the task of manually controlling a small UAV airframe and results from a series of field experiments investigating the use of first-person view techniques.
The Frequent Items Problem in Online Streaming Under Various Performance Measures
Authors: Boyar Joan , Larsen Kim S. , Maiti Abyayananda
Published: August 2015

This is a contribution to the ongoing study of properties of performance measures for online algorithms. It has long been known that competitive analysis suffers from draw-backs in certain situations, and many alternative measures have been proposed. More systematic comparative studies of performance measures have been initiated recently, and we continue this work, considering competitive analysis, relative interval analysis, and relative worst order analysis on the frequent items problem, a fundamental online streaming problem.
Peculiarity of Terahertz Waves Scattering
Authors: Dolganova Irina N. , Yurchenko Stanislav O. , Karasik Valeriy E. , Budak Vladimir P.
Published: August 2015

Scattering of terahertz (THz) radiation is considered to be a significant problem for many applications, since it has often multiple character and is followed by interference effects. We present the computational results of THz propagation through scattering layers, obtained by using Monte Carlo simulation scheme of radiation transfer. Dense package of particles is considered for enhancing the influence of structure factor. Interference effects are shown to play an essential role for scattering phase function and scattering angular distribution of THz radiance.
Consistent Efficacy of Wendan Decoction for the Treatment of Digestive Reflux Disorders
Authors: Ling Wei , Huang Yi , Xu Jia-Hua , Li Yang , Huang Yan-Mei , Ling Hai-Bing , Sui Yi , Zhao Hai-Lu
Published: August 2015

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and bile reflux gastritis (BRG) are common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders with unmet medical needs. Traditional Chinese medicine has long been used for the treatment of GERD and BRG whereas the ginger-containing formula Wendan decoction (WDD) targets homeostatic disturbances characterized by "reflux" and "gut-juice exposure" problems. Here we used WDD as a therapeutic tool to unravel the common pathogenesis of GI reflux disorders. Control clinical trials reporting the WDD-treated patients with GERD and BRG were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Outcome measurements were clinical efficacy defined by symptom relief with normal GI endoscopy, radiology, and pathology. Eventually, 33 studies involved 3253 participants (1351 vs. 1035 of the BRG in 20 publications, 449 vs. 418 of the GERD in 13 studies, and 194 vs. 159 of relapse rate in 6 trials). Pooled data showed a consistent therapeutic efficacy of WDD on BRG (OR = 6.00, 95%C = 4.68–7.69) and GERD (OR = 4.39, 95%CI = 2.72–7.07). The relapse rate was 12.4% for WDD, significantly lower than 44.0% for conventional therapies (OR = 0.14, 95%CI = 0.08–0.26). The consistent therapeutic efficacy of the single TCM formula on GERD and BRD indirectly indicates reflux as a common pathogenesis in reflux-associated GI disorders.
Fifty Years of Development in the Singapore Economy: An Introductory Review
Authors: Lim Linda Y. C.
Published: August 2015

The papers in this volume provide a retrospective analysis of Singapore's economic development during the past 50 years, from the perspectives of different policy domains. This introductory review highlights common themes among the papers, chiefly the primacy of economic growth in driving social as well as economic policies, the interconnection between different policy arenas, the persistence of a particular development model despite sharp changes in policy direction, and the dominant role of the state. The authors collectively conclude that economic policy was both innovative and effective in the first two to three decades of independence, particularly in simultaneously delivering on both rapid economic growth and improved social welfare. In more recent decades, economic growth and social welfare for a significant minority of residents have begun to diverge. Looking ahead, there appears to be a consensus that slower GDP growth, higher productivity, a relative shift from manufacturing to services and from a global to a regional market orientation, and more vibrant and innovative local private entrepreneurs, are necessary for continued economic development. There is also consensus that public policy must pay greater attention to directly meeting the growing social needs of the population, especially the poor, low-income, elderly and other vulnerable groups.
PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN SINGAPORE: KEY CHARACTERISTICS AND PROSPECTS
Authors: ASHER MUKUL G. , BALI AZAD SINGH , KWAN CHANG YEE
Published: August 2015

Public financial management (PFM) has played an important role in Singapore's remarkable economic success since its independence. This paper analyzes select characteristics of Singapore's PFM strategy and prospects for their continuation. An underlying theme has been ensuring that PFM is consistent with and enables Singapore's location-based growth strategy. Other characteristics include conducting economic activities outside the conventional government budget giving rise to a much larger role for the public sector than reflected in the budget; extensive use of non-conventional sources of revenue such as from the lease of land, creating property and usage rights to generate tax-like revenue; and limited social risk pooling in financing national spending on healthcare and pensions. As Singapore's business-location-based strategy reaches its limits, and an affluent and ageing population aspires for greater economic and social security, transparency, and effective participation in public policies, current PFM practices will need to undergo significant changes towards a more citizen-centric governance focus. Policymakers' response will not be constrained by lack of fiscal resources, or by institutional and organizational capacities.
Magnet-controlled surface defect modes of photonic crystal
Authors: Hu Jian-Xia , Fang Yun-Tuan
Published: August 2015

In order to obtain tunable surface modes of photonic crystal, we add a magnetic material layer on the truncated surface of a two-dimensional photonic crystal. Through calculations of photonic band, we obtain the surface defect modes in the first and second gaps. Through the modulation of applied magnetic field, we can control the frequency, the group velocity and the exciting incidence direction of the surface defect mode. In particular, in the frequency range of surface defect modes, we can tune the group velocity to zero.
Characters of basic steady state solutions for superfluid Fermi gas in Bessel optical lattices
Authors: Zhang Ke-Zhi , Chen Yan , He Yong-Lin , Liu Zheng-Lai
Published: August 2015

We consider a dynamical model for superfluid Fermi gas, trapped in the central well of an axially symmetric Bessel optical lattice potential. The equation includes nonlinear power-law form of the chemical potential [Formula: see text], for [Formula: see text], which accounts for Fermi pressure. Reducing the equation to two-dimensional (2D) form, we obtain the basic steady state solutions of the system along the Bose–Einstein condensation (BEC) side to Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) side by employing the energy balance condition, which are guided by the variational approximation. It is found that the strength [Formula: see text] and the radial scale [Formula: see text] of the Bessel optical lattice have an extreme effect on the characters of basic steady state solution. Analytically, we deduce the atomic density distribution, the average atom number and the average energy of basic steady state, where the atom distribution of the system presents on periodic change with [Formula: see text], and increases faster at unitarity than in the BEC limit. Furthermore, because of the Fermi pressure, the atomic density distribution at the unitarity is more extensive than that in the BEC limit. In particular, there exist very interesting changes, the average energy intends to collapse state with [Formula: see text], however it emerges as a stable state with varying [Formula: see text] both in the BEC limit and at unitarity.
Holographic dark energy in a vector field cosmology
Authors: Sadatian S. Davood
Published: August 2015

We obtain interacting holographic dark energy density in the framework of vector field cosmology (LIV). We consider possible modification of equation of state for the holographic energy density in lorentz invariance violation cosmology. In this case we select Jeans length as the IR cut-off in the holographic model. Then we consider the interaction between holographic energy densities ρΛ and ρm in this framework.
INTERNAL INTEGRATION IN COMPLEX COLLABORATIVE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Authors: ESLAMI MOHAMMAD H. , LAKEMOND NICOLETTE
Published: August 2015

While the importance of internal integration for effective inter-firm collaboration with suppliers is widely acknowledged, it is presently unclear how it is achieved in complex collaborative product development projects. This paper aims to address this gap in extant knowledge by investigating the internal integration approaches and exploring related project management challenges. Specifically, three internal integration approaches are found, namely integration based on multidirectional, frequent interaction; integration based on delimited, problem-solving; and based on unidirectional, information-oriented interaction. The study findings suggest that internal integration approaches are related to the degree of uncertainty in the subsystems of the suppliers, rather than the overall product system. Consequently, in complex product development projects involving many internal functions and several different suppliers, the specific supplier tasks, rather than the overall project structure and aims, determine the mode of internal integration required. This complexity creates important challenges for organisation, and requires flexibility in internal integration approaches.
Modeling and Stress Analysis of a Pre-Shaped Curved Beam: Influence of High Modes of Buckling
Authors: Hussein Hussein , Le Moal Patrice , Bourbon Gilles , Haddab Yassine , Lutz Philippe
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we investigate the effect of high modes of buckling on the mechanical behavior of a pre-shaped curved beam. In a first stage, the presented modeling develops further the snapping forces solution and bistability conditions in order to include high modes of buckling. In a second stage, we develop the analytical solution of the stresses inside the beam during deflection between the two sides of buckling. The buckling with or without mechanical conditions on antisymmetric modes, the force characteristics, bistability conditions and stresses are described in this paper based on mathematical approach in order to provide a clear physical understanding of the curved beam behavior and its design parameters. The accurate knowledge of the design parameters is important in order to achieve the best integration of the curved beam in a complete microstructure. The analytical results are compared with and without considering high modes of buckling and have shown to be in excellent agreement with FEM simulations. The results show the importance of the high modes in calculating stresses and snapping forces.
On Dedekind sums with equal values
Authors: Girstmair Kurt
Published: August 2015

Dedekind sums [Formula: see text] occur in many fields of mathematics. Since [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text], it is natural to ask which of the Dedekind sums [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], take equal values. So far no simple criterion is known by which the equality of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] could be decided. In this note, we show how to obtain non-obvious examples of equal Dedekind sums. We consider two cases which mark the extreme possibilities for the argument [Formula: see text], namely, [Formula: see text] a prime power and [Formula: see text] square-free. Whereas we can give a partial overview of equal Dedekind sums in the prime power case, such an overview seems to be much more difficult to obtain in the square-free case.
Peristaltic transport of hydromagnetic Jeffrey fluid with temperature-dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity
Authors: Hussain Q. , Asghar S. , Hayat T. , Alsaedi A.
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we investigate the effects of variable viscosity and thermal conductivity on peristaltic flow of Jeffrey fluid in an asymmetric channel. The inclined magnetic field, viscous dissipation and Joule heating are also considered. Wave frame and long wavelength approximations are made to formulate the problem. Pressure gradient, pressure drop per wavelength, velocity and temperature profiles are calculated analytically and discussed graphically. Comparison is made with the previous work for reliability.
More Water Please, It's Getting Hot! The Effect of Climate on Residential Water Demand
Authors: Zapata Oscar
Published: August 2015

Climate change is expected to alter the supply and demand for water in the residential sector. Existing studies exploit the differences in climate across seasons mostly in North America and Europe, and identify changes in consumption levels attributed only to households' short-term responses. The results from models that simulate household consumption of water are sensitive to the parameters that govern the behavior of climate variables and household responses in the upcoming decades, and fail to consider short-term determinants of water consumption. The findings in the literature suggest an inexistent or small effect of climate on residential water demand. This paper studies the relationship between climate conditions and residential water consumption that corresponds to households' long-term adaptation to climate, while controlling for the effect of short-term determinants of water demand. I take advantage of the geographic variation in climate conditions across municipalities of Ecuador to identify the effect of temperature, precipitation and humidity on water demand. I adopt average prices and an IV technique to address the endogeneity problem between water prices and quantities that arise from the use of increasing-block water tariffs. I find a large and significant effect of temperature on residential water demand, whereas precipitation and humidity have a small effect. Temperature also has a stronger effect on water demand among low-income households.
The Sub-Cambrian Peneplain in southern Norway: its geological significance and its implications for post-Caledonian faulting, uplift and denudation
Authors: Gabrielsen Roy H. , Nystuen Johan P. , Jarsve Erlend M. , Lundmark A. Mattias
Published: August 2015

The Sub-Cambrian Peneplain in southern Norway formed in the Cryogenian–early Cambrian. It was transgressed in the Cambrian–early Ordovician, and subsequently broken up by Caledonian thrusting, post-Caledonian normal faulting and regional uplift. In southern Norway the Sub-Cambrian Peneplain is generally expressed as an angular unconformity or nonconformity surface with no apparent deep weathering. In some localities the basement is characterized by a weathered top. Furthermore, the basement may have a mineralized top in some cases. The peneplain is commonly overlain by
in situ
regolith, and/or Cryogenian glacial diamictite, Lower–Middle Cambrian siliciclastic sediments, Lower–Upper Cambrian black shale or Lower Ordovician limestone. It has commonly mildly tectonized contacts, but occasionally displays contacts that have been completely destroyed by Caledonian thrusting and reworked into fault rocks. Tracing the peneplain across southern Norway reveals a fault-affected and fault-delineated plateau with a sloping eastern margin. Onshore cumulative offsets record vertical movements of > 2000 m. A 1–5° dip below Caledonian nappes suggests a flexural component related to tectonic overburden. As the oldest identifiable and dateable surface covering much of Scandinavia the peneplain constitutes the reference surface for studies of the younger regional morphotectonic evolution. Its shape supports the interpretation that Cenozoic uplift combined with faulting, not smooth flexural doming, caused the Southern Scandes high in South Norway.
No Exploits back-arc basin in the Iapetus suture zone of Ireland
Authors: McConnell Brian , Parkes Matthew , Crowley Quentin , Rushton Adrian
Published: August 2015

A controversial aspect of the closure history of the Iapetus Ocean concerns the existence of the Exploits basin in Ireland and Britain. The Exploits–Tetagouche back-arc basin of the Canadian Appalachians opened during the Middle Ordovician as the Popelogan–Victoria volcanic arc migrated northwards from the Ganderian margin. The Bellewstown Terrane, within the Iapetus suture zone of Ireland, lies between the Ganderian–Avalonian Leinster Terrane and the Laurentian Grangegeeth Terrane. An early Ordovician ‘Celtic’ shelly fauna is hosted in volcanogenic breccia that we demonstrate is stratigraphically overlain by shales with no volcanic horizons. The lower 24 m of shale are unfossiliferous, but shale above this stratigraphic level has yielded a new graptolite fauna consistent with the upper part of the
artus
Biozone (Darriwilian,
c
. 464 Ma). U–Pb zircon dating of the volcanic horizon yields an age of
c
. 474 Ma. The shale, therefore, appears to represent
c
. 10 myr of deposition and a significant gap in volcanism. This, together with a Sandbian Anglo-Welsh fauna, suggests that the Bellewstown Terrane remained in a peri-Gondwanan position throughout the Ordovician. Hence, Exploits back-arc basin opening and Ganderian arc migration did not occur in the Irish sector of Iapetus.

Supplementary materials:

The table of U–Pb zircon data, CL images of zircon grains, concordia plot of all U–Pb zircon analyses, and additional drawings and notes on the graptolite fauna are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18858
.
Forecasting in Nonstationary Environments: What Works and What Doesn’t in Reduced-Form and Structural Models
Authors: Giacomini Raffaella , Rossi Barbara
Published: August 2015

This review provides an overview of forecasting methods that can help researchers forecast in the presence of nonstationarities caused by instabilities. The emphasis of the review is both theoretical and applied, and we provide several examples of interest to economists. We show that modeling instabilities can help, but it depends on how they are modeled. We also demonstrate how to robustify a model against instabilities.
Ribosome Profiling as a Tool to Decipher Viral Complexity
Authors: Stern-Ginossar Noam , Ingolia Nicholas T.
Published: August 2015

Viral genomes harbor a variety of unusual translational phenomena that allow them to pack coding information more densely and evade host restriction mechanisms imposed by the cellular translational apparatus. Annotating translated sequences within these genomes thus poses particular challenges, but identifying the full complement of proteins encoded by a virus is critical for understanding its life cycle and defining the epitopes it presents for immune surveillance. Ribosome profiling is an emerging technique for global analysis of translation that offers direct and experimental annotation of viral genomes. Ribosome profiling has been applied to two herpesvirus genomes, those of human cytomegalovirus and Kaposi's sarcoma–associated herpesvirus, revealing translated sequences within presumptive long noncoding RNAs and identifying other micropeptides. Synthesis of these proteins has been confirmed by mass spectrometry and by identifying T cell responses following infection. Ribosome profiling in other viruses will likely expand further our understanding of viral gene regulation and the proteome.
Aerobic and resistance training do not influence plasma carnosinase content or activity in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Stegen Sanne , Sigal Ronald J. , Kenny Glen P. , Khandwala Farah , Yard Benito , De Heer Emile , Baelde Hans , Peersman Wim , Derave Wim
Published: August 2015

A particular allele of the carnosinase gene (CNDP1) is associated with reduced plasma carnosinase activity and reduced risk for nephropathy in diabetic patients. On the one hand, animal and human data suggest that hyperglycemia increases plasma carnosinase activity. On the other hand, we recently reported lower carnosinase activity levels in elite athletes involved in high-intensity exercise compared with untrained controls. Therefore, this study investigates whether exercise training and the consequent reduction in hyperglycemia can suppress carnosinase activity and content in adults with type 2 diabetes. Plasma samples were taken from 243 males and females with type 2 diabetes (mean age = 54.3 yr, SD = 7.1) without major microvascular complications before and after a 6-mo exercise training program [4 groups: sedentary control ( n = 61), aerobic exercise ( n = 59), resistance exercise ( n = 63), and combined exercise training ( n = 60)]. Plasma carnosinase content and activity, hemoglobin (Hb) A1c, lipid profile, and blood pressure were measured. A 6-mo exercise training intervention, irrespective of training modality, did not decrease plasma carnosinase content or activity in type 2 diabetic patients. Plasma carnosinase content and activity showed a high interindividual but very low intraindividual variability over the 6-mo period. Age and sex, but not Hb A1c, were significantly related to the activity or content of this enzyme. It can be concluded that the beneficial effects of exercise training on the incidence of diabetic complications are probably not related to a lowering effect on plasma carnosinase content or activity.
Respiratory muscle weakness in the Zucker diabetic fatty rat
Authors: Allwood Melissa A. , Foster Andrew J. , Arkell Alicia M. , Beaudoin Marie-Soleil , Snook Laelie A. , Romanova Nadya , Murrant Coral L. , Holloway Graham P. , Wright David C. , Simpson Jeremy A.
Published: August 2015

The obesity epidemic is considered one of the most serious public health problems of the modern world. Physical therapy is the most accessible form of treatment; however, compliance is a major obstacle due to exercise intolerance and dyspnea. Respiratory muscle atrophy is a cause of dyspnea, yet little is known of obesity-induced respiratory muscle dysfunction. Our objective was to investigate whether obesity-induced skeletal muscle wasting occurs in the diaphragm, the main skeletal muscle involved in inspiration, using the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat. After 14 wk, ZDF rats developed obesity, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance, compared with lean controls. Hemodynamic analysis revealed ZDF rats have impaired cardiac relaxation ( P = 0.001) with elevated end-diastolic pressure ( P = 0.006), indicative of diastolic dysfunction. Assessment of diaphragm function revealed weakness ( P = 0.0296) in the absence of intrinsic muscle impairment in ZDF rats. Diaphragm morphology revealed increased fibrosis ( P < 0.0001), atrophy ( P < 0.0001), and reduced myosin heavy-chain content ( P < 0.001), compared with lean controls. These changes are accompanied by activation of the myostatin signaling pathway with increased serum myostatin ( P = 0.017), increased gene expression ( P = 0.030) in the diaphragm and retroperitoneal adipose ( P = 0.033), and increased SMAD2 phosphorylation in the diaphragm ( P = 0.048). Here, we have confirmed the presence of respiratory muscle atrophy and weakness in an obese, diabetic model. We have also identified a pathological role for myostatin signaling in obesity, with systemic contributions from the adipose tissue, a nonskeletal muscle source. These findings have significant implications for future treatment strategies of exercise intolerance in an obese, diabetic population.
LMI-Based Stability Criterion for Impulsive Delays Markovian Jumping Time-Delays Reaction-Diffusion BAM Neural Networks via Gronwall-Bellman-Type Impulsive Integral Inequality
Authors: Rao Ruofeng , Wang Xiongrui , Zhong Shouming
Published: August 2015

Lyapunov stability theory, variational methods, Gronwall-Bellman-type inequalities theorem, and linear matrices inequality (LMI) technique are synthetically employed to obtain the LMI-based global stochastic exponential stability criterion for a class of time-delays Laplace diffusion stochastic equations with large impulsive range under Dirichlet boundary value, whose backgrounds of physics and engineering are the impulsive Markovian jumping time-delays reaction-diffusion BAM neural networks. As far as the authors know, it is the first time to derive the LMI-based criterion by way of Gronwall-Bellman-type inequalities, which can be easily and efficiently computed by computer Matlab LMI toolbox. And the obtained criterion improves the allowable upper bounds of impulse against those of some previous related literature. Moreover, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Treatment withα-Lipoic Acid over 16 Weeks in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Symptomatic Polyneuropathy Who Responded to Initial 4-Week High-Dose Loading
Authors: Garcia-Alcala Hector , Santos Vichido Celia Isabel , Islas Macedo Silverio , Genestier-Tamborero Christelle Nathalie , Minutti-Palacios Marissa , Hirales Tamez Omara , García Carlos , Ziegler Dan
Published: August 2015

Effective treatment of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy remains a challenge. To assess the efficacy and safety ofα-lipoic acid (ALA) over 20 weeks, we conducted a multicenter randomized withdrawal open-label study, in which 45 patients with type 2 diabetes and symptomatic polyneuropathy were initially treated with ALA (600 mg tid) for 4 weeks (phase 1). Subsequently, responders were randomized to receive ALA (600 mg qd;n=16) or to ALA withdrawal (n=17) for 16 weeks (phase 2). During phase 1, the Total Symptom Score (TSS) decreased from 8.9 ± 1.8 points to 3.46 ± 2.0 points. During phase 2, TSS improved from 3.7 ± 1.9 points to 2.5 ± 2.5 points in the ALA treated group (p<0.05) and remained unchanged in the ALA withdrawal group. The use of analgesic rescue medication was higher in the ALA withdrawal group than ALA treated group (p<0.05). In conclusion, in type 2 diabetic patients with symptomatic polyneuropathy who responded to initial 4-week high-dose (600 mg tid) administration of ALA, subsequent treatment with ALA (600 mg qd) over 16 weeks improved neuropathic symptoms, whereas ALA withdrawal was associated with a higher use of rescue analgesic drugs. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02439879.
Polyphenols as Modulators of Aquaporin Family in Health and Disease
Authors: Fiorentini Diana , Zambonin Laura , Vieceli Dalla Sega Francesco , Hrelia Silvana
Published: August 2015

Polyphenols are bioactive molecules widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, cereals, and beverages. Polyphenols in food sources are extensively studied for their role in the maintenance of human health and in the protection against development of chronic/degenerative diseases. Polyphenols act mainly as antioxidant molecules, protecting cell constituents against oxidative damage. The enormous number of polyphenolic compounds leads to huge different mechanisms of action not fully understood. Recently, some evidence is emerging about the role of polyphenols, such as curcumin, pinocembrin, resveratrol, and quercetin, in modulating the activity of some aquaporin (AQP) isoforms. AQPs are integral, small hydrophobic water channel proteins, extensively expressed in many organs and tissues, whose major function is to facilitate the transport of water or glycerol over cell plasma membranes. Here we summarize AQP physiological functions and report emerging evidence on the implication of these proteins in a number of pathophysiological processes. In particular, this review offers an overview about the role of AQPs in brain, eye, skin diseases, and metabolic syndrome, focusing on the ability of polyphenols to modulate AQP expression. This original analysis can contribute to elucidating some peculiar effects exerted by polyphenols and can lead to the development of an innovative potential preventive/therapeutic strategy.
Dynamic Characteristics of Electrostatically Actuated Microbeams with Slant Crack
Authors: Zhou Han , Zhang Wen-Ming , Peng Zhi-Ke , Meng Guang
Published: August 2015

An improved model of the slant crack on a microbeam is presented. Based on fracture mechanics, the rotation coefficient for the slant crack is derived as a massless rotational spring accounting for the additional stress intensity factors generated by the orientation of the crack compared to the transverse crack. Comparisons between microbeams with a slant crack of different geometry parameters (slant angle, depth ratio, and crack position) are investigated with regard to the dynamic mechanical behaviors and nonlinear response. By presenting a mathematical modeling, the effects of the slant crack and the electric actuation of an electrostatically actuated fixed-fixed microbeam on the dynamic characteristics are examined in detail. It is shown that the crack position has more significant influence on the pull-in voltage value than the slant angle or the depth ratio. Approaching the slant crack to the fixed end or enlarging the external incentives amplifies the nonlinearity of the microbeam system, while the effects of depth ratio and slant angle are dependent on the crack position. The resonance frequency and the resonance amplitude are affected as well.
Origin and Distribution of PAHs in Ambient Particulate Samples at High Mountain Region in Southern China
Authors: Li Peng-hui , Wang Yan , Li Yu-hua , Li Hong-li , Yi Xianliang
Published: August 2015

To understand the deposition and transport of PAHs in southern China, a measurement campaign was conducted at a high-elevation site (the summit of Mount Heng, 1269 m A.S.L.) from April 4 to May 31, 2009, and a total of 39 total suspended particulate samples were collected for measurement of PAH concentrations. The observed particulate-bound PAHs concentrations ranged from 1.63 to 29.83 ng/m3, with a mean concentration of 6.03 ng/m3. BbF, FLA, and PYR were the predominant compounds. Good correlations were found between individual PAHs and meteorological parameters such as atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, and ambient temperature. The backward trajectory analysis suggested that particulate samples measured at the Mount Heng region were predominantly associated with the air masses from southern China, while the air masses transported over northern and northwestern China had relative higher PAHs concentrations. Based on the diagnostic ratios and factor analysis, vehicular emission, coal combustion, industry emission, and unburned fossil fuels were suggested to be the PAHs sources at Mount Heng site. However, the reactivity and degradation of individual PAHs could influence the results of PAH source profiles, which deserves further investigations in the future.
Study of Aerosols’ Characteristics and Dynamics over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Using a Multisensor Approach Combined with Ground Observations
Authors: Farahat Ashraf , El-Askary Hesham , Al-Shaibani Abdulaziz
Published: August 2015

This study covers various aspects of the aerosol distribution and characteristics, namely, optical depth climatology, absorption characteristics, and their microphysical properties over four regions in Saudi Arabia using satellite and ground observations including MODIS/Terra and Aqua, OMI, MISR/Terra, AERONET, and CALIPSO for the period April 2003–January 2013. The study includes cities in the North Western, Western, Eastern provinces of Saudi Arabia and in the Rub al Khali desert or Empty Quarter. Satellite and ground observations showed that the dust season extends from April to August with prominent peaks yet with high anthropogenic contribution late summer and early fall. Analysis shows an increase in the aerosol concentration during March 2009 which could be attributed to a major dust storm during that time. Comparing the AOD time series over regions 1–3 and region 4 (desert) we observe monthly and annual variability with no recurrence pattern over the years. The Aqua Deep Blue AOD550data shows a single peak pattern that occurs over region 4 during the spring season known for its frequent dust events. OMI data shed the light on the presence of higher air pollution levels over region 3, representing the oil rich eastern province of Saudi Arabia.
Relationship between Periodontitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Review of the Literature
Authors: Araújo Vilana Maria Adriano , Melo Iracema Matos , Lima Vilma
Published: August 2015

Periodontitis (PD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are immunoinflammatory diseases where leukocyte infiltration and inflammatory mediators induce alveolar bone loss, synovitis, and joint destruction, respectively. Thus, we reviewed the relationship between both diseases considering epidemiological aspects, mechanical periodontal treatment, inflammatory mediators, oral microbiota, and antibodies, using the keywords “periodontitis” and “rheumatoid arthritis” in PubMed database between January 2012 and March 2015, resulting in 162 articles. After critical reading based on titles and abstracts and following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 26 articles were included. In the articles, women over 40 years old, smokers and nonsmokers, mainly constituted the analyzed groups. Eight studies broached the epidemiological relationship with PD and RA. Four trials demonstrated that the periodontal treatment influenced the severity of RA and periodontal clinical parameters. Nine studies were related with bacteria influence in the pathogenesis of RA and the presence of citrullinated proteins, autoantibodies, or rheumatoid factor in patients with PD and RA. Five studies investigated the presence of mediators of inflammation in PD and RA. In summary, the majority of the articles have confirmed that there is a correlation between PD and RA, since both disorders have characteristics in common and result from an imbalance in the immunoinflammatory response.
The Association between Charlson Comorbidity Index and the Medical Care Cost of Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Yoon Seok-Jun , Kim Eun-Jung , Seo Hyun-Ju , Oh In-Hwan
Published: August 2015

Background. This study compared comorbidity-related medical care cost associated with different types of cancer, by examining breast (N=287), colon (N=272), stomach (N=614), and lung (N=391) cancer patients undergoing surgery.Methods. Using medical benefits claims data, we calculated Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and total medical cost. The effect of comorbidity on the medical care cost was investigated using multiple regression and logistic regression models and controlling for demographic characteristics and cancer stage.Results. The treatment costs incurred by stomach and colon cancer patients were 1.05- and 1.01-fold higher, respectively, in patients with higher CCI determined. For breast cancer, the highest costs were seen in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the increase in cost reduced as CCI increased. Colon cancer patients with diabetes mellitus and a CCI = 1 score had the highest medical costs. The lowest medical costs were incurred by lung cancer patients with COPD and a CCI = 2 score.Conclusion. The comorbidities had a major impact on the use of medical resources, with chronic comorbidities incurring the highest medical costs. The results indicate that comorbidities affect cancer outcomes and that they must be considered strategies mitigating cancer’s economic and social impact.
Dabigatran-Related Nephropathy in a Patient with Undiagnosed IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Escoli Rachele , Santos Paulo , Andrade Sequeira , Carvalho Fernanda
Published: August 2015

Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor used as an alternative to warfarin for long term anticoagulation. Warfarin-related nephropathy is an increasingly recognized entity, but recent evidence suggests that dabigatran can cause a WRN-like syndrome. We describe a case of a biopsy-proven anticoagulant nephropathy related to dabigatran in a patient with IgA nephropathy and propose that, despite the base glomerular disease, acute kidney injury was due to tubular obstruction by red blood cells and heme-associated tubular injury, and through a mechanism involving inhibition of anticoagulation cascade and barrier abnormalities caused by molecular mechanisms.
Mycophenolate Mofetil Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy in db/db Mice
Authors: Seo Jung-Woo , Kim Yang Gyun , Lee Sang Ho , Lee Arah , Kim Dong-Jin , Jeong Kyung-Hwan , Lee Kyung Hye , Hwang Seung Joon , Woo Jong Shin , Lim Sung Jig , Kim Weon , Moon Ju-Young
Published: August 2015

Chronic low-grade inflammation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic complication. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has an anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation. Previous studies showed attenuation of diabetic nephropathy with MMF, but the underlying mechanisms were unclear. This study aimed to identify the effect of MMF on diabetic nephropathy and investigate its action mechanisms in type 2 diabetic mice model. Eight-week-old db/db and control mice (db/m mice) received vehicle or MMF at a dose of 30 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks. MMF-treated diabetic mice showed decreased albuminuria, attenuated mesangial expansion, and profibrotic mRNA expressions despite the high glucose level. The number of infiltrated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the kidney was significantly decreased in MMF-treated db/db mice and it resulted in attenuating elevated intrarenal TNF-α and IL-17. The renal chemokines expression and macrophages infiltration were also attenuated by MMF treatment. The decreased expression of glomerular nephrin and WT1 was recovered with MMF treatment. MMF prevented the progression of diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice independent of glycemic control. These results suggest that the effects of MMF in diabetic nephropathy are mediated by CD4+ T cell regulation and related cytokines.
Numerical Simulation of Rod-Plate Gap Streamer Discharge in SF6/N2Gas Mixtures Based on ETG-FCT Method
Authors: Li Min , Wang Feng , Zhao Fang Fang , Xu Song Zhi , Fan Jing Min , Chen Xiao Lin , Huang Chi Zhi
Published: August 2015

The Euler-Taylor-Galerkin flux-corrected transport (ETG-FCT) algorithm for the numerical solution of particle transport equations is described, based on the method developed by Lohner to solve conservation equations in fluid mechanics, and its application is extended to gas discharge problems. To improve the efficiency of computing and reduce numerical error, the nonuniform triangular mesh method is introduced, and the continuity equation is solved by ETG-FCT. The new contributions in this paper include the development of the ETG scheme and its application to rod-plate gap streamer discharge in 50~50% SF6/N2gas mixtures problems. Results are obtained: the spatial distributions of electron densities, positive ion densities, negative ion densities, photoelectron densities, and the electric field, respectively. The velocities of streamer propagations and the radius of streamer obtained from the proposed model are in good agreement with experimental and simulation results in literature. The results also prove that the ETG-FCT method is valid.
Nonlinear versus Ordinary Adaptive Control of Continuous Stirred‐Tank Reactor
Authors: Vojtesek Jiri , Dostal Petr
Published: August 2015

Unfortunately, the major group of the systems in industry
has nonlinear behavior and control of such processes with conventional
control approaches with fixed parameters causes problems and suboptimal or unstable control results. An adaptive control is one way to how we
can cope with nonlinearity of the system. This contribution compares
classic adaptive control and its modification with Wiener system. This
configuration divides nonlinear controller into the dynamic linear part and
the static nonlinear part. The dynamic linear part is constructed with
the use of polynomial synthesis together with the pole‐placement method
and the spectral factorization. The static nonlinear part uses static analysis of the controlled plant for introducing the mathematical nonlinear
description of the relation between the controlled output and the change
of the control input. Proposed controller is tested by the simulations
on the mathematical model of the continuous stirred‐tank reactor with
cooling in the jacket as a typical nonlinear system.
A Novel Microbisporicin Producer Identified by Early Dereplication during Lantibiotic Screening
Authors: Carrano Lucia , Abbondi Monica , Turconi Paola , Candiani Gianpaolo , Marinelli Flavia
Published: August 2015

With the increasing need of effective antibiotics against multi-drug resistant pathogens, lantibiotics are an attractive option of a new class of molecules. They are ribosomally synthetized and posttranslationally modified peptides possessing potent antimicrobial activity against aerobic and anaerobic Gram-positive pathogens, including those increasingly resistant toβ-lactams and glycopeptides. Some of them (actagardine, mersacidin, planosporicin, and microbisporicin) inhibit cell wall biosynthesis in pathogens and their effect is not antagonized by vancomycin. Hereby, we apply an efficient strategy for lantibiotic screening to 240 members of a newly described genus of filamentous actinomycetes, namedActinoallomurus, that is considered a yet-poorly-exploited promising source for novel bioactive metabolites. By combining antimicrobial differential assay againstStaphylococcus aureusand its L-form (also in the presence of aβ-lactamase cocktail or Ac-Lys-D-alanyl-D-alanine tripeptide), with LC-UV-MS dereplication coupled with bioautography, a novel producer of the potent microbisporicin complex was rapidly identified. Under the commercial name of NAI-107, it is currently in late preclinical phase for the treatment of multi-drug resistant Gram-positive pathogens. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a lantibiotic produced by anActinoallomurussp. and on a microbisporicin producer not belonging to theMicrobisporagenus.