bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In the class of all n-ary groups semi-commutativity, commutativity and affinity are identical concepts
Authors: Galmak A. M. , Kulazhenko Y. I.
Published: February 2015

This paper proves that the class of all commutative n-ary groups and the class of all affine n-ary groups coincide with the class of all semiabelian n-ary groups.
Effect of the matrix subsystem on hydrostatic parameters of a novel 1–3-type piezo-composite
Authors: Topolov Vitaly Yu. , Bowen Christopher R. , Bisegna Paolo , Panich Anatoly E.
Published: February 2015

The influence of the aspect ratio and volume fraction of ferroelectric ceramic inclusions in a 0–3 matrix on the hydrostatic parameters of a three-component 1–3-type composite is studied to demonstrate the important role of the elastic properties of the two-component matrix on the composite performance. Differences in the elastic properties of the 0–3 matrix and single-crystal rods lead to a considerable dependence of the hydrostatic response of the composite on the anisotropy of the matrix elastic properties. The performance of a 1–0–3 0.92 Pb ( Zn 1/3 Nb 2/3) O 3–0.08 PbTiO 3 SC/modified PbTiO 3 ceramic/polyurethane composite suggests that this composite system is of interest for hydroacoustic applications due to its high hydrostatic piezoelectric coefficients [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], squared figure of merit [Formula: see text], and electromechanical coupling factor [Formula: see text].
Synthesis of Silver Abietate as an Antibacterial Agent for Textile Applications
Authors: Yıldız A. , Değirmencioğlu M.
Published: February 2015

This study explored the potential use of new silver abietate obtained from abietic acid as an antibacterial agent for textile applications. Synthesis, structure, and antibacterial studies of silver abietate compound are reported. Silver complex was obtained reacting abietic acid with silver. The new compounds were characterized by1H NMR,13C NMR, DEPT, IR, UV, and ESI-MS techniques which support the proposed structures. The new Ag abietate complex has no environmental hazard, its antibacterial activities were evaluated after being applied to cotton fabric by padding process according to the JIS L 1902-2008 agar diffusion test method and against three Gram-negative and three Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. Stability of antibacterial effect after repeated washings (3, 5, 10, and 20) was also tested which indicated that the synthesized silver abietate compound could be used as a new antibacterial agent in textile industry. In this way, the compound has been synthesized the first time in the literature and the applications have been investigated.
Multiple Bifurcations and Chaos in a Discrete Prey-Predator System with Generalized Holling III Functional Response
Authors: Liu Xia , Liu Yanwei , Li Qiaoping
Published: February 2015

A prey-predator system with the strong Allee effect and generalized Holling type III functional response is presented and discretized. It is shown that the combined influences of Allee effect and step size have an important effect on the dynamics of the system. The existences of Flip and Neimark-Sacker bifurcations and strange attractors and chaotic bands are investigated by using the center manifold theorem and bifurcation theory and some numerical methods.
Stress Monitoring for Anchor Rods System in Subway Tunnel Using FBG Technology
Authors: Weng Xiaolin , Ma Haohao , Wang Jun
Published: February 2015

This paper presents a model test, used on the tunnels on Xi’an Metro Line 2, as the prototype for evaluating the reinforcing effect of the anchor rod in tunnel construction in loess areas. An independently designed fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor was used to monitor the seven strain conditions of the rock bolts during the construction. The result shows that the axial stress of the rock bolt changes after the excavation and increases steadily with the growing pressure in the wall rock. Results additionally show that the anchor rods at the tunnel vault are subjected to a compressive stress that remains relatively constant after the primary and the secondary lining, while those at the spandrel and the corner of the tunnel are subjected to increased tensile stress. This paper demonstrates the feasibility and the superiority of FBG technology for tunnel model tests.
28-Year Survival following Several Metastasectomies, Going through 8th Line Systemic Therapy in a Case of mRCC
Authors: Magdy A. , Bretterbauer K. , Hruby S. , Kunit T. , Colleselli D. , Janetschek G. , Mitterberger M.
Published: February 2015

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has been one of the most treatment-resistant cancers because of its unpredictable clinical course, resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, and the limited response to immunotherapy and targeted agents. We present a case of long-term survival, that is, 28 years, after primary diagnosis (longest survival in the literature up to our knowledge) with mRCC after several metastasectomies (from local site recurrence, liver, and lung) and eight lines of systemic targeted therapy. This case report shows how crucial is the regular follow-up of patients with RCC after primary management and positive impact of early metastasectomy and systemic targeted therapy in case of mRCC on patients’ condition and overall survival.
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain in Construction Workers in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghadir Ahmad , Anwer Shahnawaz
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence, characteristics, and distribution of musculoskeletal pain among construction workers in Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire about musculoskeletal pain in different parts of the body was completed by 165 construction workers from the construction industries in Dammam and Riyadh cities. The descriptive data were analyzed using chi‐square test. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Eighty (48.5%) of the responding workers had pain in neck, shoulders, lower back, hand, knee, or ankle. The majority of respondents had low back pain (50%) followed by knee pain (20%). The average intensity of pain at all sites during activity and rest was 6.65 and 3.59, respectively. Thirty‐four (42.5%) respondents had dull aching pain and 24 (30%) had cramping pain. There was an association between years of experience, duration of break during work, and use of protective equipment with the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in construction workers (P < 0.05). Most of the workers complaining of pain got medical treatment (62.5%) and only 25% received physical therapy. It can be concluded from this study that the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among construction workers in Saudi Arabia is high.
Monoamine Reuptake Inhibitors in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Huot Philippe , Fox Susan H. , Brotchie Jonathan M.
Published: February 2015

The motor manifestations of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are secondary to a dopamine deficiency in the striatum. However, the degenerative process in PD is not limited to the dopaminergic system and also affects serotonergic and noradrenergic neurons. Because they can increase monoamine levels throughout the brain, monoamine reuptake inhibitors (MAUIs) represent potential therapeutic agents in PD. However, they are seldom used in clinical practice other than as antidepressants and wake-promoting agents. This review article summarises all of the available literature on use of 50 MAUIs in PD. The compounds are divided according to their relative potency for each of the monoamine transporters. Despite wide discrepancy in the methodology of the studies reviewed, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) selective serotonin transporter (SERT), selective noradrenaline transporter (NET), and dual SERT/NET inhibitors are effective against PD depression; (2) selective dopamine transporter (DAT) and dual DAT/NET inhibitors exert an anti-Parkinsonian effect when administered as monotherapy but do not enhance the anti-Parkinsonian actions of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA); (3) dual DAT/SERT inhibitors might enhance the anti-Parkinsonian actions of L-DOPA without worsening dyskinesia; (4) triple DAT/NET/SERT inhibitors might exert an anti-Parkinsonian action as monotherapy and might enhance the anti-Parkinsonian effects of L-DOPA, though at the expense of worsening dyskinesia.
A Case of Apoplexy of Rathke’s Cleft Cyst Followed by Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Ohnishi Yu-ichiro , Fujimoto Yasunori , Iwatsuki Koichi , Yoshimine Toshiki
Published: February 2015

Rathke’s cleft cyst (RCC) apoplexy is a rare clinical entity. We report a case of apoplexy of an RCC followed by cerebral infarction. A 67-year-old woman was found lying on the street unconscious. She had fallen from her motorbike. On referral to our hospital she gradually regained consciousness and presented with no neurological deficits. CT showed a round and slightly hyperdense area in the suprasellar region. However, the attending physician did not find this abnormal finding on CT and the patient was discharged the same day. Thirteen days after the first emergency visit she developed left hemiparesis and dysarthria. CT showed a round hypodense area in the suprasellar region. The change of the density in the suprasellar region on CT suggested the pituitary apoplexy. CT also showed a low density area in the territory of the right middle cerebral artery, which indicated the cerebral infarction. MR angiography revealed poor visibility and stenotic changes of right middle cerebral arteries. Transsphenoidal surgery was performed. Histopathological findings confirmed a hemorrhagic RCC. Postoperative MR angiography showed that the visibility and stenosis of right middle cerebral arteries were recovered. This is the rare case of apoplexy of an RCC followed by cerebral infarction.
Dynamic Modeling and Vibration Analysis for the Vehicles with Rigid Wheels Based on Wheel-Terrain Interaction Mechanics
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Liu Yiqun , Ding Liang , Yan Bing , Gao Haibo , Song Baoyu , Gao Tie , Hao Yuzhou , Sun Mingdi
Published: February 2015

The contact mechanics for a rigid wheel and deformable terrain are complicated owing to the rigid flexible coupling characteristics. Bekker’s equations are used as the basis to establish the equations of the sinking rolling wheel, to vertical load pressure relationship. Since vehicle movement on the Moon is a complex and on-going problem, the researcher is poised to simplify this problem of vertical loading of the wheel. In this paper, the quarter kinetic models of a manned lunar rover, which are both based on the rigid road and deformable lunar terrain, are used as the simulation models. With these kinetic models, the vibration simulations were conducted. The simulation results indicate that the quarter kinetic model based on the deformable lunar terrain accurately reflects the deformable terrain’s influence on the vibration characteristics of a manned lunar rover. Additionally, with the quarter kinetic model of the deformable terrain, the vibration simulations of a manned lunar rover were conducted, which include a parametric analysis of the wheel parameters, vehicle speed, and suspension parameters. The results show that a manned lunar rover requires a lower damping value and stiffness to achieve better vibration performance.
Planar Cell Polarity Pathway in Kidney Development and Function
Authors: Rocque Brittany , Torban Elena
Published: February 2015

The evolutionarily conserved planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway controls tissue polarity within the plane orthogonal to the apical-basal axis. PCP was originally discovered inDrosophila melanogasterwhere it is required for the establishment of a uniform pattern of cell structures and appendages. In vertebrates, including mammals, the PCP pathway has been adapted to control various morphogenetic processes that are critical for tissue and organ development. These include convergent extension (crucial for neural tube closure and cochlear duct development) and oriented cell division (needed for tubular elongation), ciliary tilting that enables directional fluid flow, and other processes. Recently, strong evidence has emerged to implicate the PCP pathway in vertebrate kidney development. In this review, we will describe the experimental data revealing the role of PCP signaling in nephrogenesis and kidney disease.
Optimal Control for a Linear System Subject to a General ARIMA Disturbance
Authors: Xie Hongyan , He Fangyi
Published: February 2015

A novel run-to-run (R2R) control algorithm based on Kalman filter approach is proposed to deal with a linear system with a general ARIMA(p,d,q) process, in the presence of measurement error and adjustment error together with a random initial bias. We mathematically prove its optimality. The performance of the newly proposed controller and the proportional-integral (PI) controller is evaluated and compared under multiple scenarios through Monte Carlo simulations. Almost all the results reflect the new controller’s superiority.
A Nationwide Assessment of the Burden of Urinary Tract Infection among Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Becerra Benjamin J. , Becerra Monideepa B. , Safdar Nasia
Published: February 2015

Objective.Evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of urinary tract infection (UTI) among renal transplant recipients.Methods.A secondary analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2009–2011 was conducted. Survey-weighted multivariable regression analyses were used to examine the impact of UTI on transplant complications, total charges, and length of stay.Results.A total of 1,044 renal transplant recipients, representing a population estimate of 49,862, were included in the study. UTI was most common in transplant recipients with hypertension (53%) and prevalence was noted to be 28.2 and 65.9 cases per 1,000 for men and women, respectively. UTI increased the likelihood of transplant complications (182% for men, 169% for women). Total charges were 28% higher among men as compared to 22% among women with UTI. Such infection also increased the length of stay by 87% among men and 74% among women.Discussion.UTI in renal transplant recipients was associated with prolonged length of stay, total charges, and increased odds of transplant complications. Interventions to prevent UTI among such patients should be a priority area for future research and practice.
Passive Transparency Compensation for Bilateral Teleoperators with Communication Delays
Authors: Rodríguez-Seda Erick J.
Published: February 2015

One of the main challenges in the realization of time-delayed bilateral teleoperators is the stable adaptation of transparency when the remote environmental dynamics are time-varying. In this paper, we propose a bilateral control strategy that passively adjusts the transparency of the system when the slave robot transitions between two different environments. The proposed controller exploits the effect that the wave impedance (a design parameter of the passivity-based scattering transformation) has on transparency without comprising closed-loop stability, regardless of time-varying communication delays. To properly adjust transparency, the control scheme smoothly switches the wave impedance parameter between a low value, ideal for free motion, and a sufficiently large value, suited for hard-contact tasks. We show that, by adopting this strategy, the transmitted impedance to the operator approximates more closely the environmental impedance value. Furthermore, we theoretically prove master-slave position coordination and force tracking under different scenarios. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Evaluation of a Topical Herbal Agent for the Promotion of Bone Healing
Authors: Siu Wing-Sum , Ko Chun-Hay , Lam Ka-Wing , Wat Elaine , Shum Wai-Ting , Lau Clara Bik-San , Ko Kam-Ming , Hung Leung-Kim , Lau David Tai-Wai , Leung Ping-Chung
Published: February 2015

A topically used Chinese herbal paste, namely, CDNR, was designed to facilitate fracture healing which is usually not addressed in general hospital care. From ourin vitrostudies, CDNR significantly inhibited the release of nitric oxide from RAW264.7 cells by 51 to 77%. This indicated its anti-inflammatory effect. CDNR also promoted the growth of bone cells by stimulating the proliferation of UMR106 cells up to 18%. It also increased the biomechanical strength of the healing bone in a drill-hole defect rat model by 16.5% significantly. This result revealed itsin vivoefficacy on facilitation of bone healing. Furthermore, the detection of the chemical markers of CDNR in the skin and muscle of the treatment area demonstrated its transdermal properties. However, CDNR did not affect the bone turnover markers in serum of the rats. With its anti-inflammatory and bone formation properties, CDNR is found effective in promoting bone healing.
Adherence to Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Bliddal Henning , Eriksen Stine A. , Christensen Robin , Lorenzen Tove , Hansen Michael S. , Østergaard Mikkel , Dreyer Lene , Luta George , Vestergaard Peter
Published: February 2015

Objectives. To study adherence to methotrexate (MTX) and factors of importance thereof in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Patients with a hospital diagnosis of RA (ICD10 codes M05.X or M06.X) after January 1, 1997, and aged ≥18 years at the date of first diagnosis/contact, with at least one prescription of MTX (L04AX03), were included. Results. A total of 18,703 (47.6%) patients had ever used MTX among 39,286 with a diagnosis of RA; among the MTX users, 16,503 (88.2%) had filed more than one MTX prescription. The median time from diagnosis to first MTX prescription was 0.66 (IQR 0.26–1.80) years. In those who filed more than one MTX prescription, the mean adherence time for ≥7.5 mg MTX per week was 1,925 (IQR 467–3,056) days for patients treated in private practice versus 1,892 (IQR 452–3,316) days for patients treated in hospital. The main determinants of nonadherence were female gender, younger age, and time from diagnosis to initiation of MTX. Conclusions. Treatment at hospital or in private practice did not influence the adherence to MTX. Nonmodifiable factors of importance were gender and age, while adherence to MTX therapy decreased with time lapse between diagnosis and prescription.
Effects of Melatonin on Prenatal Dexamethasone-Induced Epigenetic Alterations in Hippocampal Morphology and Reelin and Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase 67 Levels
Authors: Lui Chun-Chung , Hsu Mei-Hsin , Kuo Ho-Chang , Chen Chih-Cheng , Sheen Jiunn-Ming , Yu Hong-Ren , Tiao Mao-Meng , Tain You-Lin , Chang Kow-Aung , Huang Li-Tung
Published: February 2015

Prenatal glucocorticoid exposure causes brain damage in adult offspring; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Melatonin has been shown to have beneficial effects in compromised pregnancies. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were administered vehicle (VEH) or dexamethasone between gestation days 14 and 21. The programming effects of prenatal dexamethasone exposure on the brain were assessed at postnatal days (PND) 7, 42, and ∼120. Melatonin was administered from PND21 to the rats exposed to dexamethasone, and the outcome was assessed at ∼PND120. In total, there were four groups: VEH, vehicle plus melatonin (VEHM), prenatal dexamethasone-exposure (DEX), and prenatal dexamethasone exposure plus melatonin (DEXM). Spatial memory, gross hippocampal morphology, and hippocampal biochemistry were examined. Spatial memory assessed by the Morris water maze showed no significant differences among the four groups. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed that all rats with prenatal dexamethasone exposure (DEX + DEXM) exhibited increased T2-weighted signals in the hippocampus. There were no significant differences in the levels of mRNA expression of hippocampal reln, which encodes reelin, and GAD1, which encodes glutamic acid decarboxylase 67, at PND7. At both PND42 and ∼PND120, reln and GAD1 mRNA expression levels were decreased. At ∼PND120, melatonin restored the reduced levels of hippocampal reln and GAD1 mRNA expression in the DEXM group. In addition, melatonin restored the reln mRNA expression levels by (1) reducing DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) mRNA expression and (2) reducing the binding of DNMT1 and the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) to the reln promoter. The present study showed that prenatal dexamethasone exposure induced gross alterations in hippocampal morphology and reduced the levels of hippocampal mRNA expression of reln and GAD1. Spatial memory was unimpaired. Thus, melatonin had a beneficial effect in restoring hippocampal reln mRNA expression by reducing DNMT1 and MeCP2 binding to the reln promoter.
Intracranial Aneurysms in the Youngest Patients: Characteristics and Treatment Challenges
Authors: Gross Bradley A. , Smith Edward R. , Scott R. Michael , Orbach Darren B.
Published: February 2015

Background: Characteristics and treatment challenges of aneurysms in young children differ from those in older pediatric patients. Methods: Records of children undergoing cerebral or spinal angiography by the senior neurointerventionalist (D.B.O.) from October 2006 to January 2014 were reviewed to identify patients with digital subtraction angiography-confirmed intracranial aneurysms. Demographics, presentation, subtype of aneurysm, treatment strategy, and outcome were evaluated. Results: Of 763 pediatric cases, 33 were of children harboring cerebral aneurysms. Overall, 48% were male, 24% presented with hemorrhage and 67% harbored fusiform/dissecting aneurysms. Patients aged 0-10 years were significantly more likely to harbor nonsaccular, dissecting/fusiform aneurysms (84 vs. 43%, p = 0.02). A total of 13/22 pediatric patients harboring dissecting/fusiform aneurysms were male (59%) compared to 3/11 with saccular aneurysms (27%, p = 0.14). Overall, 15 patients underwent endovascular treatment (45%) and 8 underwent microsurgical treatment (24%). There was no significant difference in treatment approach based on patient age or aneurysm morphology. Overall, 19/23 aneurysms were occluded after initial treatment (83%); there were 2 procedure-related complications with neurological sequelae (9%). Conclusion: We demonstrate that the youngest patients (10 years and under) have aneurysms even more distinct and less similar to adult aneurysms than those in the larger pediatric cohort.
Human Amnion Epithelial Cells Modulate Ventilation-Induced White Matter Pathology in Preterm Lambs
Authors: Barton Samantha K. , Melville Jacqueline M. , Tolcos Mary , Polglase Graeme R. , McDougall Annie R.A. , Azhan Aminath , Crossley Kelly J. , Jenkin Graham , Moss Timothy J.M.
Published: February 2015

Background: Preterm infants can be inadvertently exposed to high tidal volumes (VT) during resuscitation in the delivery room due to limitations of available equipment. High VT ventilation of preterm lambs produces cerebral white matter (WM) pathology similar to that observed in preterm infants who develop cerebral palsy. We hypothesized that human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs), which have anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, would reduce ventilation-induced WM pathology in neonatal late preterm lamb brains. Methods: Two groups of lambs (0.85 gestation) were used, as follows: (1) ventilated lambs (Vent; n = 8) were ventilated using a protocol that induces injury (VT targeting 15 ml/kg for 15 min, with no positive end-expiratory pressure) and were then maintained for another 105 min, and (2) ventilated + hAECs lambs (Vent+hAECs; n = 7) were similarly ventilated but received intravenous and intratracheal administration of 9 × 107 hAECs (18 × 107 hAECs total) at birth. Oxygenation and ventilation parameters were monitored in real time; cerebral oxygenation was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy. qPCR (quantitative real-time PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to assess inflammation, vascular leakage and astrogliosis in both the periventricular and subcortical WM of the frontal and parietal lobes. An unventilated control group (UVC; n = 5) was also used for qPCR analysis of gene expression. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare physiological data. Student's t test and one-way ANOVA were used for immunohistological and qPCR data comparisons, respectively. Results: Respiratory parameters were not different between groups. Interleukin (IL)-6 mRNA levels in subcortical WM were lower in the Vent+hAECs group than the Vent group (p = 0.028). IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA levels in periventricular WM were higher in the Vent+hAECs group than the Vent group (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001, respectively). The density of Iba-1-positive microglia was lower in the subcortical WM of the parietal lobes (p = 0.010) in the Vent+hAECs group but not in the periventricular WM. The number of vessels in the WM of the parietal lobe exhibiting protein extravasation was lower (p = 0.046) in the Vent+hAECs group. Claudin-1 mRNA levels were higher in the periventricular WM (p = 0.005). The density of GFAP-positive astrocytes was not different between groups. Conclusions: Administration of hAECs at the time of birth alters the effects of injurious ventilation on the preterm neonatal brain. Further studies are required to understand the regional differences in the effects of hAECs on ventilation-induced WM pathology and their net effect on the developing brain.
Cervical Spine MRI Findings in Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II
Authors: Żuber Zbigniew , Jurecka Agnieszka , Jurkiewicz Elżbieta , Kieć-Wilk Beata , Tylki-Szymańska Anna
Published: February 2015

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II; Hunter syndrome) is an X-linked, recessive, lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of iduronate-2-sulfatase (EC 3.1.6.13). The purpose of this report is to describe cervical spine magnetic resonance (MRI) findings in MPS II patients and to correlate them with clinical phenotype. Seven cervical spine MRI examinations from Polish MPS II patients (mean age 11.4 years, median age 8 years, range 5-30) were evaluated. Six patients were classified as neurological (85.7%) and 1 as attenuated (14.3%). Five patients were treated with idursulfase (range 110-260 weeks, mean 195, median 200), while 2 patients never received the treatment. The following features were assessed: periodontoid thickening, spinal stenosis, dens hypoplasia, myelopathy, and vertebral and intervertebral disc abnormalities. Mean age at evaluation was 11 years (range 5-30, median 8). Cervical spine MRI was abnormal in all the patients and the most frequent abnormalities found were dens hypoplasia (100%), periodontoid thickening (100%), disc abnormalities (100%) and spinal stenosis (43%). There was no clear correlation between MRI findings and patients' phenotypes.
Beneficence and Nonmaleficence in Treating Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Tagin Mohamed , Zhu Changlian , Gunn Alistair J.
Published: February 2015

The successful clinical translation of therapeutic hypothermia offers the tantalizing possibility that further improvements in outcomes may be possible by combining cooling with other neuroprotective drugs. The challenge now is to select from a daunting range of potential treatments. The patient's best interest must be central to ethical decision making at all times. However, the beneficence or nonmaleficence of potential therapies is seldom clear for any individual patient at the time of testing new therapies. Clinical randomized controlled trials are generally acknowledged by the scientific community as the ‘gold standard' for evaluating interventions in health care. Therefore, ethical trial design is of the utmost importance. This paper explores contrasting ethical perspectives on how to select new interventions to treat neonatal encephalopathy after perinatal hypoxia-ischemia.
Antihyperlipidemic and Biochemical Activities of Mcy Protein in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Marella Saritha , Maddirela Dilip Rajasekhar , Badri Kameswara Rao , Jyothi Kumar Malaka Venkateshwarulu , Chippada Apparao
Published: February 2015

Background: This study was aimed to evaluate the protective effects of a novel anti-hyperglycemic “Mcy protein” isolated from the fruits of Momordica cymbalaria in streptozotocin induced- diabetes rat model. Materials and Methods: Wild type and Streptozotocin induced diabetic male wistar albino rats were either treated with single intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 mg Mcy protein/kg body weight or acetate buffer daily for 30 days. Fasting blood glucose and, serum and tissue lipid levels were measured along with biochemical analysis for hepatic and renal function tests. Results: Mcy protein significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose and, serum as well as tissue lipid levels (p<0.05), besides normalizing the levels of liver and kidney function markers in the treated diabetic rats when compared to the diabetic controls. Our studies also showed the pancreatic islet regeneration in Mcy treated rats. Conclusion: Mcy protein can alleviate hyperlipidemia and help manage diabetes by stimulating insulin secretion without evident toxic effects on liver and kidney.
Programmed Erythrocyte Death Following in Vitro Treosulfan Treatment
Authors: Peter Thomas , Bissinger Rosi , Enkel Sigrid , Alzoubi Kousi , Oswald Gergely , Lang Florian
Published: February 2015

Background/Aims: The cytotoxic drug Treosulfan is clinically used for the treatment of malignancy. A common side effect of Treosulfan treatment is anemia. Treosulfan is at least partially effective by triggering apoptosis of tumor cells. Similar to apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may enter eryptosis, a suicidal death characterized by cell shrinkage and translocation of phosphatidylserine from the inner to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. Triggers of eryptosis include oxidative stress, Ca2+-entry and increase of cytosolic Ca2+-activity ([Ca2+]i). The present study explored whether Treosulfan stimulates eryptosis, which may contribute to development of anemia. Methods: Erythrocyte volume was estimated from forward scatter, phosphatidylserine abundance at the erythrocyte surface from Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-annexin-V-binding, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3 fluorescence and reactive oxygen species (ROS) from 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA)-fluorescence. Results: A 48 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to Treosulfan (800 µg/ml) significantly decreased erythrocyte forward scatter, increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells, increased [Ca2+]i, and increased ROS. The effect of Treosulfan on annexin-V-binding was virtually abrogated by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Conclusion: Treosulfan stimulates suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis at least in part by inducing oxidative stress and stimulating Ca2+ entry.
A new combination in Erysimum (Brassicaceae) for Baetic mountains (South-eastern Spain)
Authors: Lorite Juan , PERFECTTI FRANCISCO , GÓMEZ JOSE MARÍA
Published: February 2015

According to the new findings on the phylogeny of the genus Erysimum, we propose the new combination Erysimum bastetanum (G. Blanca & C. Morales) Lorite et al. comb. & stat. nov.
Carpology of the genus Tragopogon L. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Sukhorukov Alexander P. , Nilova Maya
Published: February 2015

67 species of Tragopogon were investigated with regard to fruit anatomy. The outer achenes, especially the beak and the central part of the seed-containing body, provide the most valuable features (diameter and outlines of the body and the beak, and arrangement of the mechanical elements in the body parenchyma). Some specimens of widely distributed taxa (e.g. T. capitatus, T. dubius, T. pratensis, T. pseudomajor) show variation in the character set and require more investigation prior to further taxonomic treatment. The species studied are classified into informal groups to demonstrate the diversity of carpological traits within the genus, and a comparison is made with the existing molecular phylogeny. The separation of the genus Geropogon from Tragopogon is supported by the achene anatomy.
Thermally Forced Convection over a Mountainous Tropical Island
Authors: Wang Chun-Chih , Kirshbaum Daniel J.
Published: February 2015

Observations from the Dominica Experiment (DOMEX) and cloud-resolving numerical simulations are used to study a thermally forced convection event over the Caribbean island of Dominica on 18 April 2011. A clear diurnal cycle of island thermal forcing and cumulus convection was observed, with cumuli initiating over the southwestern flank of the ridge and deepening as they drifted eastward. Apart from errors in cloud fraction and (notably) precipitation, the simulations verified well against the observations, provided horizontal grid spacings of 500 m or less were used. The simulated flows developed an island-scale solenoidal circulation with an organized and intense updraft over the ridge that focused convective initiation. Sensitivity tests investigated the impacts of topographic forcing, subcloud winds, and cloud–radiative feedbacks on the island-scale horizontal inflow and cloud vertical mass flux. These experiments confirmed that thermal forcing drove the island convection and that the inflow and cloud mass flux were maximized under weak ambient cross-island winds. The simulations also indicated that cloud shading and precipitation each reduced the island inflow by ~20% while cloud latent heat release enhanced it by ~20%. However, precipitation caused a much smaller reduction in cloud mass flux (10%) than did cloud shading (50%) owing to effective secondary convective initiation by subcloud cold pools. Thermodynamic heat-engine theory provided accurate predictions of the simulated solenoidal updraft magnitudes in selected cases. It also provided a simple explanation for the weakening of the simulated thermal circulation in the presence of island orography: a shallower mixed layer reduced the efficiency of the thermal circulation.
Correction of Excessive Precipitation over Steep and High Mountains in a GCM: A Simple Method of Parameterizing the Thermal Effects of Subgrid Topographic Variation
Authors: Chao Winston C.
Published: February 2015

The excessive precipitation over steep and high mountains (EPSM) in GCMs and mesoscale models is due to a lack of parameterization of the thermal effects of subgrid-scale topographic variation. These thermal effects drive subgrid-scale heated-slope-induced vertical circulations (SHVC). SHVC provide a ventilation effect of removing heat from the boundary layer of resolvable-scale mountain slopes and depositing it higher up. The lack of SHVC parameterization is the cause of EPSM. The author has previously proposed a method of parameterizing SHVC, here termed SHVC.1. Although this has been successful in avoiding EPSM, the drawback is that it suppresses convective-type precipitation in the regions where it is applied.

In this article, the author proposes a new method of parameterizing SHVC, here termed SHVC.2. In SHVC.2, the potential temperature and mixing ratio of the boundary layer are changed when used as input to the cumulus parameterization scheme over mountainous regions. This allows the cumulus parameterization to assume the additional function of SHVC parameterization. SHVC.2 has been tested in NASA Goddard’s GEOS-5 GCM. It achieves the primary goal of avoiding EPSM while also avoiding the suppression of convective-type precipitation in the regions where it is applied.
The Role of Temperature Inversions in the Generation of Seasonal and Interannual SST Variability in the Far Northern Bay of Bengal
Authors: Nagura Motoki , Terao Toru , Hashizume Masahiro
Published: February 2015

The northern Bay of Bengal is characterized by freshwater supply from the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers. The resulting shallow haline stratification and thick barrier layer lead to temperature inversions in fall and winter, that is, cool surface water overlaying warm subsurface water. This study examines sea surface temperature (SST) variability off Bangladesh and shows that temperature inversions play an essential role in generating seasonal and interannual SST variability there. Two satellite SST datasets reveal that the magnitude of SST variability has a local peak near the coast of Bangladesh on seasonal and interannual time scales. Output from a high-resolution ocean general circulation model, which is validated by satellite SST and Argo float observations, is used to calculate the mixed layer heat budget. Results show that inverted temperature profiles lead to SST warming on the seasonal time scale via heat exchange at the bottom of the mixed layer, which balances climatological atmospheric cooling in fall and winter. On interannual time scales, surface heat flux tends to damp SST variability, whereas heat exchange at the base of the mixed layer contributes to the growth of SST anomalies. SST off Bangladesh tends to be anomalously high in the year after an El Niño event and in the year of negative Indian Ocean dipole and La Niña events. The atmospheric circulations related to these climate modes force anomalous Ekman pumping, which advects more subsurface warm water to the surface in fall and winter, resulting in anomalous mixed layer warming. The deepening of the mixed layer entrains more subsurface warm water, which also contributes to anomalous warming.
Data-Enabled Field Experiment Planning, Management, and Research Using Cyberinfrastructure
Authors: Demir Ibrahim , Conover Helen , Krajewski Witold F. , Seo Bong-Chul , Goska Radosław , He Yubin , McEniry Michael F. , Graves Sara J. , Petersen Walter
Published: February 2015

In the spring of 2013, NASA conducted a field campaign known as Iowa Flood Studies (IFloodS) as part of the Ground Validation (GV) program for the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission. The purpose of IFloodS was to enhance the understanding of flood-related, space-based observations of precipitation processes in events that transpire worldwide. NASA used a number of scientific instruments such as ground-based weather radars, rain and soil moisture gauges, stream gauges, and disdrometers to monitor rainfall events in Iowa. This article presents the cyberinfrastructure tools and systems that supported the planning, reporting, and management of the field campaign and that allow these data and models to be accessed, evaluated, and shared for research. The authors describe the collaborative informatics tools, which are suitable for the network design, that were used to select the locations in which to place the instruments. How the authors used information technology tools for instrument monitoring, data acquisition, and visualizations after deploying the instruments and how they used a different set of tools to support data analysis and modeling after the campaign are also explained. All data collected during the campaign are available through the Global Hydrology Resource Center (GHRC), a NASA Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC).
Soft variable polarity plasma arc horizontal welding technology and weld asymmetry
Authors: Zhang Q. L. , Yang C. L. , Lin S. B. , Fan C. L.
Published: February 2015

Soft variable polarity plasma arc welding technology has been proposed to solve the problems in horizontal position welding for aluminium alloys. Arc thermal field shape, arc pressure distribution and the characteristic of the weld pool, which are important for keyhole stability, have been changed compared with the ordinary variable polarity plasma arc. Its stability in application can be evaluated by the operational window. The thermal cycle curves, microstructures and microhardness of the horizontal position weld indicate the weld asymmetry. The influence of asymmetry as well as welding defects on tensile strength and fracture behaviour has been studied. The fundamental reason for the asymmetry was considered as the asymmetric fluid flow around the keyhole in the weld pool.
An engineered micropattern to reduce bacterial colonization, platelet adhesion and fibrin sheath formation for improved biocompatibility of central venous catheters
Authors: May Rhea M , Magin Chelsea M , Mann Ethan E , Drinker Michael C , Fraser John C , Siedlecki Christopher A , Brennan Anthony B , Reddy Shravanthi T
Published: February 2015

Background

Catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) and catheter‐related thrombosis (CRT) are common complications of central venous catheters (CVC), which are used to monitor patient health and deliver medications. CVCs are subject to protein adsorption and platelet adhesion as well as colonization by the natural skin flora (i.e. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis). Antimicrobial and antithrombotic drugs can prevent infections and thrombosis‐related complications, but have associated resistance and safety risks. Surface topographies have shown promise in limiting platelet and bacterial adhesion, so it was hypothesized that an engineered Sharklet micropattern, inspired by shark‐skin, may provide a combined approach as it has wide reaching anti‐fouling capabilities. To assess the feasibility for this micropattern to improve CVC‐related healthcare outcomes, bacterial colonization and platelet interactions were analyzed in vitro on a material common for vascular access devices.

Methods

To evaluate bacterial inhibition after simulated vascular exposure, micropatterned thermoplastic polyurethane surfaces were preconditioned with blood proteins in vitro then subjected to a bacterial challenge for 1 and 18 h. Platelet adhesion was assessed with fluorescent microscopy after incubation of the surfaces with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) supplemented with calcium. Platelet activation was further assessed by monitoring fibrin formation with fluorescent microscopy after exposure of the surfaces to platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) supplemented with calcium in a flow‐cell. Results are reported as percent reductions and significance is based on t‐tests and ANOVA models of log reductions. All experiments were replicated at least three times.

Results

Blood and serum conditioned micropatterned surfaces reduced 18 h S. aureus and S. epidermidis colonization by 70% (p ≤ 0.05) and 71% (p < 0.01), respectively, when compared to preconditioned unpatterned controls. Additionally, platelet adhesion and fibrin sheath formation were reduced by 86% and 80% (p < 0.05), respectively, on the micropattern, when compared to controls.

Conclusions

The Sharklet micropattern, in a CVC‐relevant thermoplastic polyurethane, significantly reduced bacterial colonization and relevant platelet interactions after simulated vascular exposure. These results suggest that the incorporation of the Sharklet micropattern on the surface of a CVC may inhibit the initial events that lead to CRBSI and CRT.
Effects of ferumoxytol on quantitative PET measurements in simultaneous PET/MR whole-body imaging: a pilot study in a baboon model
Authors: Borra Ronald JH , Cho Hoon-Sung , Bowen Spencer L , Attenberger Ulrike , Arabasz Grae , Catana Ciprian , Josephson Lee , Rosen Bruce R , Guimaraes Alexander R , Hooker Jacob M
Published: February 2015

Background

Simultaneous PET/MR imaging depends on MR-derived attenuation maps (mu-maps) for accurate attenuation correction of PET data. Currently, these maps are derived from gradient-echo-based MR sequences, which are sensitive to susceptibility changes. Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles have been used in the measurement of blood volume, tumor microvasculature, tumor-associated macrophages, and characterizing lymph nodes. Our aim in this study was to assess whether the susceptibility effects associated with iron oxide nanoparticles can potentially affect measured18F-FDG PET standardized uptake values (SUV) through effects on MR-derived attenuation maps.

Methods

The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Using a Siemens Biograph mMR PET/MR scanner, we evaluated the effects of increasing concentrations of ferumoxytol and ferumoxytol aggregates on MR-derived mu-maps using an agarose phantom. In addition, we performed a baboon experiment evaluating the effects of a single i.v. ferumoxytol dose (10 mg/kg) on the liver, spleen, and pancreas18F-FDG SUV at baseline (ferumoxytol-naïve), within the first hour and at 1, 3, 5, and 11 weeks.

Results

Phantom experiments showed mu-map artifacts starting at ferumoxytol aggregate concentrations of 10 to 20 mg/kg. Thein vivobaboon data demonstrated a 53% decrease of observed18F-FDG SUV compared to baseline within the first hour in the liver, persisting at least 11 weeks.

Conclusions

A single ferumoxytol dose can affect measured SUV for at least 3 months, which should be taken into account when administrating ferumoxytol in patients needing sequential PET/MR scans.

Advances in knowledge

1. Ferumoxytol aggregates, but not ferumoxytol alone, produce significant artifacts in MR-derived attenuation correction maps at approximate clinical dose levels of 10 mg/kg.

2. When performing simultaneous whole-body18F-FDG PET/MR, a single dose of ferumoxytol can result in observed SUV decreases up to 53%, depending on the amount of ferumoxytol aggregates in the studied tissue.

Implications for patient care

Administration of a single, clinically relevant, dose of ferumoxytol can potentially result in changes in observed SUV for a prolonged period of time in the setting of simultaneous PET/MR. These potential changes should be considered in particular when administering ferumoxytol to patients with expected future PET/MR studies, as ferumoxytol-induced SUV changes might interfere with therapy assessment.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) from the Japanese Wrinkled Frog, Rana rugosa
Authors: Kodama Maho , Suda Mari , Sakamoto Daiki , Iwasaki Takehiro , Matsuo Yasuki , Uno Yoshinobu , Matsuda Yoichi , Nakamura Yoriko , Maekawa Shun , Katsu Yoshinao , Nakamura Masahisa
Published: February 2015

The role of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) during gonad development has been studied extensively in many species of mammal, bird, reptile, and fish but remains unresolved in amphibians. In male mammalian embryos, Sox9 activates AMH expression, which initiates regression of the Müllerian ducts. However, Sox9 (Sry-related HMG box 9) is unlikely to initiate AMH in chicken, because AMH precedes Sox9 expression in this species. To clarify whether AMH is involved in testicular differentiation in amphibians, we cloned the full-length AMH cDNA from the Japanese wrinkled frog, Rana rugosa. The AMH gene, which appears to be autosomal, is exclusively expressed in the testis of adult frog among 8 different tissues examined; Sertoli cells are probably responsible for its expression. AMH expression was found in the undifferentiated gonad of both male and female tadpoles, increasing in the differentiating testis. Moreover, we observed consensus binding sites for Sox9 in the 5′-flanking region of the AMH gene. Sox9 stimulated statistically significant AMH expression in luciferase reporter assays when coexpressed in Xenopus kidney-derived A6 cells. However, Sox9 expression showed no sexual dimorphism when AMH expression was up-regulated in the developing testis. These results, taken together, suggest that AMH is probably involved in testicular differentiation in R. rugosa, although an additional, perhaps tissue-specific, transcription factor may be required for the regulation of AMH transcription.