bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do you see what I see? A randomised pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of simulation-based training with videolaryngoscopy for neonatal intubation
Authors: Johnston Lindsay C , Chen Ruijun , Whitfill Travis M , Bruno Christie J , Levit Orly L , Auerbach Marc A
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Direct laryngoscopy (DL) and airway intubation are critical for neonatal resuscitation. A challenge in teaching DL is that the instructor cannot assess the learners’ airway view. Videolaryngoscopy (VL), which allows display of a patient's airway on a monitor, enables the instructor to view the airway during the procedure. This pilot study compared deliberate practice using either VL with instruction (I-VL) or traditional DL. We hypothesised that I-VL would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of neonatal intubation (NI) training.

Methods

Participants (students, paediatric interns and neonatal fellows) were randomised to I-VL or DL. Baseline technical skills were assessed using a skills checklist and global skills assessment. Following educational sessions, deliberate practice was performed on mannequins using the Storz C-MAC. With I-VL, the instructor could guide training using a real-time airway monitor view. With DL, feedback was based solely on technique or direct visual confirmation, but the instructor and learner views were not concurrent. During summative assessment, procedural skills checklists were used to evaluate intubation ability on a neonatal airway trainer. The duration of attempts was recorded, and recorded airway views were blindly reviewed for airway grade. ‘Effectiveness’ reflected achievement of the minimum passing score (MPS). ‘Efficiency’ was the duration of training for learners achieving the MPS.

Results

58 learners were randomised. Baseline demographics were similar. All participants had a significant improvement in knowledge, skills and comfort/confidence following training. There were no significant differences between randomised groups in efficiency or effectiveness, but trends towards improvement in each were noted. Fellows were more likely to achieve ‘competency’ postinstruction compared to non-fellows (p<0.001).

Conclusions

This educational intervention to teach NI increased the learner's knowledge, technical skills and confidence in procedural performance in both groups. I-VL did not improve training effectiveness. The small sample size and participant diversity may have limited findings, and future work is indicated.
Identification of clinical and serological factors during induction treatment of lupus nephritis that are associated with renal outcome
Authors: Dall'Era Maria , Levesque Victoria , Solomons Neil , Truman Matt , Wofsy David
Published: May 2015

Objective

To identify factors associated with clinical outcome in patients with lupus nephritis.

Methods

Data from the Aspreva Lupus Management Study (ALMS) were analysed. Using multivariate analysis, we assessed the prognostic value of demographic, clinical, laboratory and histopathological features on the frequency of either complete remission (CR) or treatment failure (TF) during the maintenance phase.

Results

Among the 370 subjects who entered the trial (complete population), non-Hispanic ethnicity was associated with a higher likelihood of CR (OR=2.0). Several factors were independently associated with a greater likelihood of TF, including: (1) anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) at trial entry (OR=12.7), (2) failure to reduce anti-dsDNA within 8 weeks (OR=2.9) and (3) failure to reduce urine protein:creatinine ratio (UP/C) by ≥25% within 8 weeks (OR=2.6). Among the 227 subjects who entered the maintenance phase (maintenance population), baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2was associated with a greater likelihood of CR (OR=2.0), and UP/C >1 at the end of induction was associated with a lower likelihood of CR (OR=0.3). Induction treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVC) was associated with a lower likelihood of TF (OR=0.5), while lack of treatment with antimalarials (OR=2.4), failure to reduce anti-dsDNA during the first 8 weeks of induction (OR=3.5), failure to reduce UP/C during the first 8 weeks of induction (OR=2.1) and anti-dsDNA positivity at the end of induction (OR=8.3) were independently associated with a greater likelihood of TF.

Conclusions

This analysis demonstrates that levels of anti-dsDNA and UP/C during induction treatment are independently associated with renal outcome over the ensuing 3 years in both the complete and maintenance populations. Ethnicity is associated with renal outcome in just the complete population, and eGFR, induction treatment and treatment with antimalarials are associated with renal outcome in just the maintenance population.
Analysis of endovascular treatment of ruptured microaneurysms compared with ruptured larger aneurysms
Authors: Murias Quintana Eduardo , Vega Pedro , Morales Edison , Gil Alberto , Cuellar Hugo , Navia Pedro , Saiz Antonio , Meilán Angela , Cadenas Maria , Larrosa Davinia , Gutierrez-Morales Julio Cesar , Lopez Antonio
Published: May 2015

Objective

To retrospectively analyze the complications and outcome of the endovascular treatment of ruptured microaneurysms compared with the treatment of ruptured larger aneurysms.

Methods

40 ruptured cerebral microaneurysms treated by endovascular techniques were selected retrospectively and compared with 207 larger ruptured cerebral aneurysms treated by endovascular techniques during the same time period. Medical charts and imaging studies were reviewed to analyze baseline clinical and epidemiologic characteristics, procedural complications, and clinical outcomes

Results

Cerebral microaneurysms had a higher incidence of intraoperative technical ruptures (13.5% vs 2.9%, p<0.005). The number of thromboembolic complications was not increased. Patient prognosis was similar for the two groups (mean modified Rankin Scale score 1.81 vs 2.09, p>0.1).

Conclusions

Coiling of cerebral microaneurysms has a reasonable safety profile with good clinical outcomes, similar to coiling of larger aneurysms. In our experience, the systematic use of remodeling balloons, operator experience, and the ability to manage complications are the reasons for the satisfactory results.
Preliminary experience with the liquid embolic material agent PHIL (Precipitating Hydrophobic Injectable Liquid) in treating cranial and spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: technical note
Authors: Leyon Joe J , Chavda Swarupsinh , Thomas Allan , Lamin Saleh
Published: May 2015

Background

Liquid embolic agents are the preferred embolic material in endovascular treatment of pial and brain arteriovenous malformations and dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). There is little choice available in interventional neuroradiology practice other than two of the most commonly used liquid embolic agents—n-butyl cyanoacrylate and the Onyx liquid embolic system (ev3 Neurovascular, Irvine, California, USA). PHIL (Precipitating Hydrophobic Injectable Liquid) (Microvention, Inc California, USA) is a new liquid embolic agent, CE marked and available for clinical use in Europe.

Objective

To present our preliminary experience using PHIL in treating cranial and spinal DAVFs.

Methods

Between September 2014 and January 2015, eight patients, with five cranial DAVFs and three spinal DAVFs were treated with PHIL as the sole embolic agent used with intent to cure. Clinical presentation, location of DAVF, Borden type, fluoroscopic time, radiation dose, procedural time, injecting microcatheter used, volume of PHIL injected, complications, immediate angiographic data, premorbid and discharge modified Rankin Scale score, and any neurologic deficits were included in the analysis.

Results

Seven patients were successfully treated with complete angiographic exclusion of the fistula in a single sitting. Treatment failed in one patient where only suboptimal microcatheter positioning could be achieved and PHIL failed to penetrate the fistula's nidus. Venous penetration was achieved in all other patients except one with a small fistula, but with adequate fistula penetration by the embolic material. No other technical complication or neurologic deterioration occurred in any of the patients.

Conclusions

PHIL liquid embolic agent appears to be an excellent alternative embolic material with certain advantages compared with other available liquid embolic agents. Further studies are required to fully evaluate its safety and efficacy.
Evaluation of the JRecan device for thrombus retrieval: efficacy and safety in a swine model of acute arterial occlusion
Authors: Zhu Liangfu , Shao Qiuji , Li Tianxiao , Saver Jeffrey L , Li Li , Li Dujuan , Zhao Wenli , Jiang Weijian
Published: May 2015

Objective

To evaluate the recanalization efficacy and safety of a novel stent retriever in a swine model of acute arterial occlusion.

Methods

The JRecan thrombectomy device, a stent retriever with a weaving stent design, was evaluated in 18 occluded cervicocerebral vessels of swine. The flow restoration effect immediately upon deployment, the reperfusion rate after retrieval, thromboembolic events, and complications were assessed. The histologic structure of the renal arteries after retriever passage was measured to further assess the safety of JRecan.

Results

Immediate flow restoration was achieved in 66.7% of occlusions (12/18). The reperfusion rate was 94.4% (two Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b and 15 TICI 3). Distal thromboembolic events did not occur. Microscopic examination of the arteries after retrieval showed mild degrees of endothelial loss in 96.6% (29/30), fibrin or platelet deposition in 53.3% (16/30), and disruption of the internal elastic lamina in 10% (3/30), without severe pathologic lesions.

Conclusions

The JRecan is highly effective at clot removal with a favorable safety profile and merits further development as a stent retriever for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
CTA collateral score predicts infarct volume and clinical outcome after endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Elijovich Lucas , Goyal Nitin , Mainali Shraddha , Hoit Dan , Arthur Adam S , Whitehead Matthew , Choudhri Asim F
Published: May 2015

Background

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to emergent large-vessel occlusion (ELVO) has a poor prognosis.

Objective

To examine the hypothesis that a better collateral score on pretreatment CT angiography (CTA) would correlate with a smaller final infarct volume and a more favorable clinical outcome after endovascular therapy (EVT).

Methods

A retrospective chart review of the University of Tennessee AIS database from February 2011 to February 2013 was conducted. All patients with CTA-proven LVO treated with EVT were included. Recanalization after EVT was defined by Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score ≥2. Favorable outcome was assessed as a modified Rankin Score ≤3.

Results

Fifty patients with ELVO were studied. The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 17 (2–27) and 38 of the patients (76%) received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. The recanalization rate for EVT was 86.6%. Good clinical outcome was achieved in 32% of patients. Univariate predictors of good outcome included good collateral scores (CS) on presenting CTA (p=0.043) and successful recanalization (p=0.02). Multivariate analysis confirmed both good CS (p=0.024) and successful recanalization (p=0.009) as predictors of favorable outcome. Applying results of the multivariate analysis to our cohort we were able to determine the likelihood of good clinical outcome as well as predictors of smaller final infarct volume after successful recanalization.

Conclusions

Good CS predict smaller infarct volumes and better clinical outcome in patients recanalized with EVT. These data support the use of this technique in selecting patients for EVT. Poor CS should be considered as an exclusion criterion for EVT as patients with poor CS have poor clinical outcomes despite recanalization.
Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with cerebral microbleeds
Authors: Shi Zhong-Song , Duckwiler Gary R , Jahan Reza , Tateshima Satoshi , Gonzalez Nestor R , Szeder Viktor , Saver Jeffrey L , Kim Doojin , Ali Latisha K , Starkman Sidney , Vespa Paul M , Salamon Noriko , Villablanca J Pablo , Viñuela Fernando , Feng Lei , Loh Yince , Liebeskind David S
Published: May 2015

Background

The influence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) on post-thrombolytic hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke remains controversial.

Objective

To investigate the association of CMBs with HT and clinical outcomes among patients with large-vessel occlusion strokes treated with mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods

We analyzed patients with acute stroke treated with Merci Retriever, Penumbra system or stent-retriever devices. CMBs were identified on pretreatment T2-weighted, gradient-recall echo MRI. We analyzed the association of the presence, burden, and distribution of CMBs with HT, procedural complications, in-hospital mortality, and clinical outcome.

Results

CMBs were detected in 37 (18.0%) of 206 patients. Seventy-three foci of microbleeds were identified. Fourteen patients (6.8%) had ≥2 CMBs, only 1 patient had ≥5 CMBs. Strictly lobar CMBs were found in 12 patients, strictly deep CMBs in 12 patients, strictly infratentorial CMBs in 2 patients, and mixed CMBs in 11 patients. There were no significant differences between patients with CMBs and those without CMBs in the rates of overall HT (37.8% vs 45.6%), parenchymal hematoma (16.2% vs 19.5%), procedure-related vessel perforation (5.4% vs 7.1%), in-hospital mortality (16.2% vs 18.3%), and modified Rankin Scale score 0–3 at discharge. CMBs were not independently associated with HT or in-hospital mortality in patients treated with either thrombectomy or intravenous thrombolysis followed by thrombectomy.

Conclusions

Patients with CMBs are not at increased risk for HT and mortality following mechanical thrombectomy for acute stroke. Excluding such patients from mechanical thrombectomy is unwarranted. The risk of HT in patients with ≥5 CMBs requires further study.
Thioredoxins in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Whayne Thomas F. , Parinandi Narasimham , Maulik Nilanjana
Published: May 2015

Key thioredoxin (Trx) system components are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), Trx reductase (TrxR), and Trx. TrxR catalyzes disulfide reduction in Trx with NADPH as cofactor. Because Trx is an antioxidant, oxidative stress results in an increase in Trx, which has a reduced disulfide component. If Trx is suppressed, oxidative stress in higher. In contrast a decrease in oxidative stress is associated with low Trx levels. Trx is involved in inflammation, apoptosis, embryogenesis, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This review focuses on the Trx system in CVD. Abnormal Trx binding occurs in mouse familial combined hyperlipidemia; however, this has not been confirmed in humans. Congestive heart failure is a manifestation of many CVDs, which may be improved by attenuating oxidative stress through the suppression of Trx and decreased reactive oxygen species. Angiotensin II is associated with hypertension and other CVDs, and its receptor blockade results in decreased oxidative stress with reduced Trx levels. Inflammation is a major causative factor of CVDs, and myocarditis as an example, is associated with increased Trx levels. Vascular endothelial dysfunction has an association with CVD. This dysfunction is alleviated by hormone replacement therapy, which involves decreased oxidative stress and Trx levels. Diabetes mellitus has a major association with CVDs; increase in Trx levels may reflect insulin resistance. Identification of Trx system abnormalities may lead to innovative approaches to treat multiple CVDs and other pathologies.
Perturbative QCD in acceptable schemes with holomorphic coupling
Authors: Contreras Carlos , Cvetič Gorazd , Kögerler Reinhart , Kröger Pawel , Orellana Oscar
Published: May 2015

Perturbative QCD in mass independent schemes leads in general to running coupling a(Q2) which is nonanalytic (nonholomorphic) in the regime of low spacelike momenta |Q2|≲1 GeV 2. Such (Landau) singularities are inconvenient in the following sense: evaluations of spacelike physical quantities 𝒟(Q2) with such a running coupling a(κQ2)(κ~1) give us expressions with the same kind of singularities, while the general principles of local quantum field theory require that the mentioned physical quantities have no such singularities. In a previous work, certain classes of perturbative mass independent beta functions were found such that the resulting coupling was holomorphic. However, the resulting perturbation series showed explosive increase of coefficients already at N 4 LO order, as a consequence of the requirement that the theory reproduce the correct value of the τ lepton semihadronic strangeless decay ratio rτ. In this paper, we successfully extend the construction to specific classes of perturbative beta functions such that the perturbation series do not show explosive increase of coefficients, the perturbative coupling is holomorphic, and the correct value of rτ is reproduced. In addition, we extract, with Borel sum rule analysis of the V+A channel of the semihadronic strangeless decays of τ lepton, reasonable values of the corresponding D = 4 and D = 6 condensates.
Theory of temporal fluctuations in isolated quantum systems
Authors: Venuti Lorenzo Campos , Zanardi Paolo
Published: May 2015

When an isolated quantum system is driven out of equilibrium, expectation values of general observables start oscillating in time. This paper reviews the general theory of such temporal fluctuations. We first survey some results on the strength of such temporal fluctuations. For example temporal fluctuations are exponentially small in the system's volume for generic systems whereas they fall-off algebraically in integrable systems. We then concentrate on the so-called quench scenario where the system is driven out-of-equilibrium under the application of a sudden perturbation. For sufficiently small perturbations, temporal fluctuations of physical observables can be characterized in full generality and can be used as an effective tool to probe quantum criticality of the underlying model. In the off-critical region the distribution becomes Gaussian. Close to criticality the distribution becomes a universal function uniquely characterized by a single critical exponent, that we compute explicitly. This contrasts standard equilibrium quantum fluctuations for which the critical distribution depends on a numerable set of critical coefficients and is known only for limited examples. The possibility of using temporal fluctuations to determine pseudo-critical boundaries in optical lattice experiments is further reviewed.
An FPGA Architecture for the Recovery of WPA/WPA2 Keys
Authors: Johnson Tyler , Roggow Daniel , Jones Phillip H. , Zambreno Joseph
Published: May 2015

Wi-Fi protected access (WPA) has provided serious improvements over the now deprecated wired equivalent privacy (WEP) protocol. WPA, however, still has some flaws that allow an attacker to obtain the passphrase. One of these flaws is exposed when the access point (AP) is operating in the WPA personal mode. This is the most common mode, as it is the quickest and easiest to configure. This vulnerability requires the attacker to capture the traffic from the four-way handshake between the AP and client, and then have enough compute time to reverse the passphrase. Increasing the rate at which passphrases can be reversed reduces the amount of time required to construct a repository of service set identifiers (SSIDs) and passphrases, which can increase the chances an attack is successful, or, alternatively, reduce the difficulty of auditing a wireless network for security purposes. This work focuses on creating an field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based architecture to accelerate the generation of a WPA/WPA2 pairwise master key (PMK) lookup table (LUT) for the recovery of the passphrase, with special emphasis on the secure hash algorithm-1 (SHA-1) implementation. PMK generation relies heavily on SHA-1 hashing and, as this work shows, an optimized SHA-1 implementation can achieve up to a 40 × speedup over an unoptimized implementation when generating PMKs.
Nonminimal black holes with regular electric field
Authors: Balakin Alexander B. , Zayats Alexei E.
Published: May 2015

We discuss the problem of identification of coupling constants, which describe interactions between photons and spacetime curvature, using exact regular solutions to the extended equations of the nonminimal Einstein–Maxwell theory. We argue the idea that three nonminimal coupling constants in this theory can be reduced to the single guiding parameter, which plays the role of nonminimal radius. We base our consideration on two examples of exact solutions obtained earlier in our works: the first of them describes a nonminimal spherically symmetric object (star or black hole) with regular radial electric field; the second example represents a nonminimal Dirac-type object (monopole or black hole) with regular metric. We demonstrate that one of the inflexion points of the regular metric function identifies a specific nonminimal radius, thus marking the domain of dominance of nonminimal interactions.
The Self-Efficacy and Risk-Propensity of Entrepreneurs
Authors: Densberger Kathryn
Published: May 2015

This research explores the relationship between entrepreneurs' self-efficacy and risk-propensity. By considering these concepts together, this paper hopes to clarify that relationship as well as somewhat contradictory findings regarding risk-propensity in the existing literature. Specifically, the review of existing literature and data presented herein suggest that any particular propensity for risk that may be exhibited by entrepreneurs is a side-effect of their relatively high self-efficacy. This paper analyzes data from semi-structured, in-person interviews with 49 entrepreneurs in three American cities. Results indicate that high levels of self-efficacy allow entrepreneurs to be comfortable taking risks. Furthermore, it may be that the mixed results of previous investigations into entrepreneurs' propensity for risk may be due in part to the heterogeneity of the samples. That self-efficacy plays a role in entrepreneurship is important because this characteristic can be developed through education and experience and could be targeted through policy initiatives.
National Culture and Business Model Change — A Framework for Successful Expansions
Authors: Dalby Jacob , Lueg Rainer , Nielsen Lea Stenskov , Pedersen Louise , Tomoni Andreea Catalina
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes a conceptual framework to analyse how a company's business model needs to be adjusted if it is expanded into another cultural context. For this, we use the example of changes in the business model of a Danish IT-company opening a new office in the U.S. Using a single case study, we integrate the concepts of business models (Osterwalder and Pigneur, 2005) and national culture (Hofstede, 1980). Our findings explain why and how adjustments in the business model are necessary regarding the company's communication, team composition, and customer involvement in projects. As to implications, we construct a matrix combining business models and national culture that other multinational companies can use to achieve better understanding of their business model in different national contexts.
PEOPLE WATCH
Authors: Lim Rachel
Published: May 2015

Taking a Harder Look at Anesthesia.
On Rényi entropies of order statistics
Authors: Thapliyal Richa , Taneja H. C.
Published: May 2015

In this paper we consider a generalize dynamic entropy measure and prove that this measure characterizes the distribution function uniquely. Also we propose cumulative residual Rényi entropy of order statistics and prove that it also determines the distribution function uniquely. Applications of entropy concepts to DNA sequence analysis, the ultimate support for the biological systems, have been widely explored by researchers. The entropy measures discussed here can be applied for analysis of ordered DNA sequences.
Thiol-based antioxidants elicit mitochondrial oxidation via respiratory complex III
Authors: Kolossov Vladimir L. , Beaudoin Jessica N. , Ponnuraj Nagendraprabhu , DiLiberto Stephen J. , Hanafin William P. , Kenis Paul J. A. , Gaskins H. Rex
Published: May 2015

Excessive oxidation is widely accepted as a precursor to deleterious cellular function. On the other hand, an awareness of the role of reductive stress as a similar pathological insult is emerging. Here we report early dynamic changes in compartmentalized glutathione (GSH) redox potentials in living cells in response to exogenously supplied thiol-based antioxidants. Noninvasive monitoring of intracellular thiol-disulfide exchange via a genetically encoded biosensor targeted to cytosol and mitochondria revealed unexpectedly rapid oxidation of the mitochondrial matrix in response to GSH ethyl ester or N-acetyl-l-cysteine. Oxidation of the probe occurred within seconds in a concentration-dependent manner and was attenuated with the membrane-permeable ROS scavenger tiron. In contrast, the cytosolic sensor did not respond to similar treatments. Surprisingly, the immediate mitochondrial oxidation was not abrogated by depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential or inhibition of mitochondrial GSH uptake. After detection of elevated levels of mitochondrial ROS, we systematically inhibited multisubunit protein complexes of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and determined that respiratory complex III is a downstream target of thiol-based compounds. Disabling complex III with myxothiazol completely blocked matrix oxidation induced with GSH ethyl ester or N-acetyl-l-cysteine. Our findings provide new evidence of a functional link between exogenous thiol-containing antioxidants and mitochondrial respiration.
A forgotten chapter in the history of the renal circulation: the Josep Trueta and Homer Smith intellectual conflict
Authors: Epstein Murray , Eknoyan Garabed
Published: May 2015

This article reviews the pioneering and visionary contributions of the Catalan surgeon Josep Trueta (1897–1977) to the changes in renal circulation that contribute to the pathogenesis of acute renal failure (ARF). An erudite scientist with eclectic interests in physiology, orthopedics, politics, and medical history, Trueta's initial involvement in wound healing as a trauma surgeon during the Spanish Civil War and the London Blitz is what prompted him to postulate that a trauma-induced “neural effect” on the renal vasculature, with resultant renal arterial constriction could cause ARF. To test his hypothesis, Trueta assembled an experienced radiologist, a renowned physiologist, and a renal pathologist to study ARF in Oxford. They investigated the renal circulation of rabbits in response to diverse traumatic conditions by injecting a radio-opaque substance, using cine-radiography to visualize the flow of blood through the renal vasculature. Trueta's suggestion of renal cortical ischemia and diversion of blood to the less resistant medullary circulation (Trueta shunt) was criticized by Homer Smith and coworkers. In contrast to Homer Smith's data, which were derived from clearance studies and renal arteriovenous oxygen, Trueta used the diametrical opposite method of “direct” observation of the renal circulation. Their differing methodologies, direct visualization of the renal circulation as opposed to inferred computations from clearance studies, accounts for some of their conflicting theories. Nevertheless, the proposal of disparate renal flow compartments focused attention on intrarenal hemodynamics. Trueta's focus on renal cortical ischemia was ultimately validated by the studies of Barger in the dog and Hollenberg and Epstein in human subjects.
Downregulation of urea transporter UT-A1 activity by 14-3-3 protein
Authors: Feng Xiuyan , Li Zenggang , Du Yuhong , Fu Haian , Klein Janet D. , Cai Hui , Sands Jeff M. , Chen Guangping
Published: May 2015

Urea transporter (UT)-A1 in the kidney inner medulla plays a critical role in the urinary concentrating mechanism and thereby in the regulation of water balance. The 14-3-3 proteins are a family of seven isoforms. They are multifunctional regulatory proteins that mainly bind to phosphorylated serine/threonine residues in target proteins. In the present study, we found that all seven 14-3-3 isoforms were detected in the kidney inner medulla. However, only the 14-3-3 γ-isoform was specifically and highly associated with UT-A1, as demonstrated by a glutathione- S-transferase-14-3-3 pulldown assay. The cAMP/adenylyl cyclase stimulator forskolin significantly enhanced their binding. Coinjection of 14-3-3γ cRNA into oocytes resulted in a decrease of UT-A1 function. In addition, 14-3-3γ increased UT-A1 ubiquitination and protein degradation. 14-3-3γ can interact with both UT-A1 and mouse double minute 2, the E3 ubiquitin ligase for UT-A1. Thus, activation of cAMP/PKA increases 14-3-3γ interactions with UT-A1 and stimulates mouse double minute 2-mediated UT-A1 ubiquitination and degradation, thereby forming a novel regulatory mechanism of urea transport activity.
Attenuation of Ca2+ homeostasis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunctions in diabetic rat heart: insulin therapy or aerobic exercise?
Authors: da Silva Márcia F. , Natali Antônio J. , da Silva Edson , Gomes Gilton J. , Teodoro Bruno G. , Cunha Daise N. Q. , Drummond Lucas R. , Drummond Filipe R. , Moura Anselmo G. , Belfort Felipe G. , de Oliveira Alessandro , Maldonado Izabel R. S. C. , Alberici Luciane C.
Published: May 2015

We tested the effects of swimming training and insulin therapy, either alone or in combination, on the intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) homeostasis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial functions in diabetic rat hearts. Male Wistar rats were separated into control, diabetic, or diabetic plus insulin groups. Type 1 diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Insulin-treated groups received 1 to 4 UI of insulin daily for 8 wk. Each group was divided into sedentary or exercised rats. Trained groups were submitted to swimming (90 min/day, 5 days/wk, 8 wk). [Ca2+]i transient in left ventricular myocytes (LVM), oxidative stress in LV tissue, and mitochondrial functions in the heart were assessed. Diabetes reduced the amplitude and prolonged the times to peak and to half decay of the [Ca2+]i transient in LVM, increased NADPH oxidase-4 (Nox-4) expression, decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), and increased carbonyl protein contents in LV tissue. In isolated mitochondria, diabetes increased Ca2+ uptake, susceptibility to permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) expression, and oxygen consumption but reduced H2O2 release. Swimming training corrected the time course of the [Ca2+]i transient, UCP-2 expression, and mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. Insulin replacement further normalized [Ca2+]i transient amplitude, Nox-4 expression, and carbonyl content. Alongside these benefits, the combination of both therapies restored the LV tissue SOD and mitochondrial O2 consumption, H2O2 release, and MPTP opening. In conclusion, the combination of swimming training with insulin replacement was more effective in attenuating intracellular Ca2+ disruptions, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunctions in STZ-induced diabetic rat hearts.
Surgical Treatment of Renal Fibromuscular Dysplasia in a Young Child
Authors: Hoksbergen Arjan W. J. , Renwarin Lennaert , Wisselink Willem
Published: May 2015

During a routine checkup in a 10-year-old male with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, blood pressure of 180/120 mmHg was found. Physical examination was completely normal. Ultrasound examination showed poststenotic dilatation of the left renal artery which was confirmed by CT-angiography showing a short, high grade stenosis of the left renal artery. Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of the stenosis was not successful and therefore the stenosis was excised with reimplantation of the renal artery in the aorta. Pathological examination of the excised segment showed media-type Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD). Six years after surgery, the kidney is completely normal regarding size and function. There are no signs of restenosis of the left renal artery. Nevertheless, the hypertension remained although less severe and requiring less medication.
Design Method of Active Disturbance Rejection Variable Structure Control System
Authors: Wu Yun-jie , Hua Yue-yang , Liu Xiao-dong
Published: May 2015

Based on lines cluster approaching theory and inspired by the traditional exponent reaching law method, a new control method, lines cluster approaching mode control (LCAMC) method, is designed to improve the parameter simplicity and structure optimization of the control system. The design guidelines and mathematical proofs are also given. To further improve the tracking performance and the inhibition of the white noise, connect the active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) method with the LCAMC method and create the extended state observer based lines cluster approaching mode control (ESO-LCAMC) method. Taking traditional servo control system as example, two control schemes are constructed and two kinds of comparison are carried out. Computer simulation results show that LCAMC method, having better tracking performance than the traditional sliding mode control (SMC) system, makes the servo system track command signal quickly and accurately in spite of the persistent equivalent disturbances and ESO-LCAMC method further reduces the tracking error and filters the white noise added on the system states. Simulation results verify the robust property and comprehensive performance of control schemes.
Enhanced Photoreduction Activity of Carbon Dioxide over Co3O4/CeO2Catalysts under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Huang Ying , Yan Chang-Feng , Guo Chang-Qing , Huang Shi-Lin
Published: May 2015

A series of new two semiconductor catalysts, Co3O4/CeO2, were prepared by glycine-nitrate combustion method for photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to produce methanol and ethanol under visible light (λ>400 nm) irradiation. The catalysts were characterized by BET, UV-vis spectra, XRD, SEM, PL, and XPS and the results indicated that the catalyst with 5 wt.% of Co3O4has the highest yield among all kinds of tests with the methanol yield of 1.52 μmol·g−1·h−1and the ethanol yield of 4.75 μmol·g−1·h−1, which are about 2.34 and 1.71 times as large as those of CeO2. However, methanol and ethanol can hardly be detected for Co3O4under the same condition because of its too narrow band gap. The improvement of the photoreduction activity of Co3O4doped CeO2was caused by the separation of electron-hole pairs of Co3O4/CeO2and charge transfer between Co3O4and CeO2, mimicking the Z-scheme in photosynthesis.
Synchronization of Lorenz System Based on Fast Stabilization Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Guowei Xu , Zhenkai Wan , Chunqing Li
Published: May 2015

A sliding mode control approach is achieved for Lorenz system based on optimal finite time convergent and integral sliding mode surface. The system perturbation is divided into two parts: the unmatched and the matched parts. Firstly, we design a discontinuous control for the unmatched part which will not be amplified. Secondly, we design a continuous control, that is, the ideal control to stabilize the Lorenz system error states in finite time stabilization. Then the controller based on integral sliding mode is constructed to ensure the robustness. The proposed method is proven to guarantee the stability and the robustness using the Lyapunov theory in the system uncertainties and external perturbation. Finally, the numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed controller is effective and robust with respect to the perturbation.
The Long Noncoding RNA MEG3 Is Downregulated and Inversely Associated with VEGF Levels in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Su Wei , Xie Wen , Shang Qingkun , Su Bing
Published: May 2015

Osteoarthritis (OA) is becoming a major public health problem in China, especially considering the increase in average life expectancy of the population. Thus, enhanced understanding of the molecular changes associated with OA is urgently needed to develop more effective strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating disease. LncRNAs play an important role in the processes of bone and cartilage development. Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) is a maternally expressed lncRNA and may function as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting angiogenesis. OA is closely associated with angiogenesis and the inhibition of angiogenesis presents a novel therapeutic approach to reduce inflammation and pain in OA. In this study, we detected the mRNA expression of MEG3 and VEGF in articular cartilage samples from 20 OA patients and 10 healthy volunteers by real-time RT-PCR. VEGF protein is detected by ELISA in cartilage samples. The results show that human MEG3 is significantly downregulated in OA patients compared to normal cartilage samples. However, higher levels of VEGF mRNA and protein are found in OA compared to the control. Moreover, MEG3 levels are inversely associated with VEGF levels, suggesting that MEG3 may be involved in OA development through the regulation of angiogenesis.
Stepped Cylindrical Antenna with a Higher-Order Mode Ring Patch for Wideband Conical Radiation Pattern
Authors: Tak Jinpil , Kang Do-Gu , Choi Jaehoon
Published: May 2015

A stepped cylindrical antenna with a higher-order mode ring patch for wideband conical radiation pattern is proposed. To accomplish a low profile with wideband conical radiation characteristics, a stepped cylindrical monopole and a TM41higher-order mode ring patch with four shorting pins are utilized. The proposed antenna has a monopole-like radiation pattern with a wide 10-dB return loss bandwidth of 11 GHz (2 GHz–13 GHz). It can cover various wireless services, such as wireless broadband (WiBro; 2.3 GHz–2.39 GHz), wireless local area networks (WLAN; 2.4 GHz–2.484 GHz, 5.15 GHz–5.35 GHz, and 5.725 GHz–5.875 GHz), digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB; 2.63 GHz–2.655 GHz), and ultra wideband (UWB; 3.1 GHz–10.6 GHz). The antenna has a height of only 0.12λ0at 2 GHz.
Orthosis Effects on the Gait of a Child with Infantile Tibia Vara
Authors: Alsancak Serap , Guner Senem
Published: May 2015

Infantile tibia vara (ITV) is an acquired form of tibial deformity associated with tibial varus and internal torsion. As there is currently insufficient data available on the effects of orthotics on gait parameters, this study aimed to document the influence of orthosis on walking. A male infant with bilateral tibia vara used orthoses for five months. Gait evaluations were performed pre- and posttreatment for both legs. The kinematic parameters were collected by using a motion analysis system. The orthotic design principle was used to correct the femur and tibia. Posttreatment gait parameters were improved compared to pretreatment parameters. After 5 months, there was remarkable change in the stance-phase degrees of frontal plane hip joint abduction and knee joint varus. We found that orthoses were an effective treatment for the infantile tibia vara gait characteristics in this patient. Full-time use of single, upright knee-ankle-foot orthosis with a drop lock knee joint and application of corrective forces at five points along the full length of the limb were effective.
Combining MLC and SVM Classifiers for Learning Based Decision Making: Analysis and Evaluations
Authors: Zhang Yi , Ren Jinchang , Jiang Jianmin
Published: May 2015

Maximum likelihood classifier (MLC) and support vector machines (SVM) are two commonly used approaches in machine learning. MLC is based on Bayesian theory in estimating parameters of a probabilistic model, whilst SVM is an optimization based nonparametric method in this context. Recently, it is found that SVM in some cases is equivalent to MLC in probabilistically modeling the learning process. In this paper, MLC and SVM are combined in learning and classification, which helps to yield probabilistic output for SVM and facilitate soft decision making. In total four groups of data are used for evaluations, covering sonar, vehicle, breast cancer, and DNA sequences. The data samples are characterized in terms of Gaussian/non-Gaussian distributed and balanced/unbalanced samples which are then further used for performance assessment in comparing the SVM and the combined SVM-MLC classifier. Interesting results are reported to indicate how the combined classifier may work under various conditions.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Anesthetic Management of a Parturient with Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Tyagaraj Kalpana , Gutman David A. , Belliveau Lynn , Sadiq Adnan , Bhutada Alok , Feierman Dennis E.
Published: May 2015

In order to optimize anesthetic management and avoid adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, a clear understanding of the changes in cardiovascular physiology that occur during pregnancy is paramount. The effects of normal gestation on the cardiovascular system are particularly significant in a parturient with cardiac valvular pathology. We present a case of a 27-year-old G2P0 at 37 weeks with a past medical history of diabetes, macrosomia, congenital bicuspid aortic valve with severe stenosis (valve area 0.7 cm2) who was scheduled for elective C-section. A multidisciplinary discussion involving cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, obstetric surgeons, neonatal intensivists, perfusion staff, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff was held to formulate a plan for the perioperative management of this parturient. Also, contingency plans were formulated and discussed with the care providers, in the event of acute decompensation of the mother and baby and possible need for emergency aortic valvuloplasty and/or aortic valve replacement.
Prognostic Significance of Microvessel Density Determining by Endoglin in Stage II Rectal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Martinovic Zeljko , Kovac Drazen , Martinovic Mia
Published: May 2015

Background. The role of endoglin in the Dukes B rectal cancer is still unexplored. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of endoglin (CD105) in resected rectal cancer and to evaluate the relationship between microvessels density (MVD), clinicopathological factors, and survival rates.Methods. The study included 95 primary rectal adenocarcinomas, corresponding to 67 adjacent and 73 distant normal mucosa specimens from surgical resection samples. Tumor specimens were paraffin-embedded and immunohistochemical staining for the CD105 endothelial antigen was performed to count CD105-MVD. For exact measurement of the CD105-MVD used a computer-integrated system Alphelys Spot Browser 2 was used.Results. The intratumoral CD105-MVD was significantly higher compared with corresponding adjacent mucosa (P<0.0001) and distant mucosa specimens (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the CD105-MVD according to patients age, gender, tumor location, grade of differentiation, histological type, depth of tumor invasion, and tumor size. The overall survival rate was significantly higher in the low CD105-MVD group of patients than in the high CD105-MVD group of patients (log-rank test,P=0.0406).Conclusion. CD105-assessed MVD could help to identify patients with possibility of poor survival in the group of stage II RC.
CF750-A33scFv-Fc-Based Optical Imaging of Subcutaneous and Orthotopic Xenografts of GPA33-Positive Colorectal Cancer in Mice
Authors: Wei Danfeng , Fan Qing , Cai Huawei , Yang Hao , Wan Lin , Li Lin , Lu Xiaofeng
Published: May 2015

Antibody-based imaging agents are attractive as adjuvant diagnostic tools for solid tumors. GPA33 is highly expressed in most human colorectal cancers and has been verified as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. Here, we built an A33scFv-Fc antibody against GPA33 by fusing A33scFv to the Fc fragment of human IgG1 antibodies. The A33scFv-Fc specifically binds GPA33-positive colorectal cancer cells and tumor tissues. After the intravenous injection of mice bearing subcutaneous GPA33-positive LS174T tumor grafts with near-infrared fluorescence probe CF750-labeled A33scFv-Fc (CF750-A33scFv-Fc), high contrast images of the tumor grafts could be kinetically documented within 24 h using an optical imaging system. However, GPA33-negative SMMC7721 tumor grafts could not be visualized by injecting the same amount of CF750-A33scFv-Fc. Moreover, in subcutaneous LS174T tumor-bearing mice, tissue scanning revealed that the CF750-A33scFv-Fc accumulated in the tumor grafts, other than the kidney and liver. In mice with orthotopic tumor transplantations, excrescent LS174T tumor tissues in the colon were successfully removed under guidance by CF750-A33scFv-Fc-based optical imaging. These results indicate that CF750-A33scFv-Fc can target GPA33, suggesting the potential of CF750-A33scFv-Fc as an imaging agent for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
Nonlinear Disturbance-Observer-Based Sliding Mode Control for Flexible Air-Breathing Hypersonic Vehicles
Authors: Wang Na , Yao Xiu-Ming , Li Wen-Shuo
Published: May 2015

This paper investigates a tracking problem for flexible air-breathing hypersonic vehicles (FAHVs) with composite disturbance. The composite disturbance produced by flexible effects, parameter uncertainties, and external interferences is modeled as a kind of unknown derivative-bounded disturbance in this paper. Then a novel composite control strategy is presented for the nonlinear FAHV model with the composite disturbance, which combines a nonlinear disturbance-observer-based compensator (NDOBC) and a dynamic-inversion-based sliding mode controller (DIBSMC). Specifically, the NDOBC is constructed to estimate and compensate for the composite disturbance, and the DIBSMC is designed to track desired trajectories of velocity and flight path angle. Moreover, the uniformly ultimate boundedness of the composite system can be guaranteed by using Lyapunov theory. Finally, simulation results on a full nonlinear model of FAHVs demonstrate that the proposed nonlinear disturbance-observer-based sliding mode controller is more effective than the traditional DIBSMC. Specifically, it is shown that the chattering of traditional DIBSMC in presence of composite disturbances can be attenuated with the NDOBC.
An Experiment Monitoring Signals of Coal Bed Simulation under Forced Vibration Conditions
Authors: Li Chengwu , Hu Po , Gao Tianbao , Sun Yingfeng , Shao Shengyang , Wang Qifei
Published: May 2015

An experiment simulating coal seam under forced vibration conditions was conducted. Acceleration response and microseism signal during the experiment were collected and analyzed. It is found that, with an increasing amount of vibration, the natural frequency of the specimen decreases, and this phenomenon reflects fractures appearing in the specimen. Acceleration response signals show that peaks in shock excitation frequency and shock excitation acceleration affect the acceleration response, which reflects damage to the specimen. When shock excitation frequency nears natural frequency, the acceleration response first decreases and then increases. When resonance occurs, it reaches its maximum value. As shock excitation acceleration peaks increase, the acceleration response peak of the specimen also increases. We conclude that destruction is mainly concentrated in the coal seam evidenced by specimen destruction situation. Then shock excitation frequency and shock excitation acceleration influence on microseism signals were analyzed by Hilbert-Huang transform. By receiving these signals and analyzing their characteristics, it is beneficial to develop new methods to predict disasters underground dynamically in the future.