bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poisson’s Theory for Analysis of Bending of Isotropic and Anisotropic Plates
Authors: Vijayakumar K.
Published: July 2013

Sixteen-decade-old problem of Poisson-Kirchhoff’s boundary conditions paradox is resolved in the case of isotropic plates through a theory designated as “Poisson’s theory of plates in bending.” It is based on “assuming” zero transverse shear stresses instead of strains. Reactive (statically equivalent) transverse shear stresses are gradients of a function (in place of in-plane displacements as gradients of vertical deflection) so that reactive transverse stresses are independent of material constants in the preliminary solution. Equations governing in-plane displacements are independent of the vertical (transverse) deflectionw0(x,y). Coupling of these equations withw0is the root cause for the boundary conditions paradox. Edge support condition onw0does not play any role in obtaining in-plane displacements. Normally, solutions to the displacements are obtained from governing equations based on the stationary property of relevant total potential and reactive transverse shear stresses are expressed in terms of these displacements. In the present study, a reverse process in obtaining preliminary solution is adapted in which reactive transverse stresses are determined first and displacements are obtained in terms of these stresses. Equations governing second-order corrections to preliminary solutions of bending of anisotropic plates are derived through application of an iterative method used earlier for the analysis of bending of isotropic plates.
A Multimodal Learning System for Individuals with Sensorial, Neuropsychological, and Relational Impairments
Authors: Canazza Sergio , Foresti Gian Luca
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a system for an interactive multimodal environment able (i) to train the listening comprehension in various populations of pupils, both Italian and immigrants, having different disabilities and (ii) to assess speech production and discrimination. The proposed system is the result of a research project focused on pupils with sensorial, neuropsychological, and relational impairments. The project involves innovative technological systems that the users (speech terabits psychologists and preprimary and primary schools teachers) could adopt for training and assessment of language and speech. Because the system is used in a real scenario (the Italian schools are often affected by poor funding for education and teachers without informatics skills), the guidelines adopted are low-cost technology; usability; customizable system; robustness.
Evaluation of Kinesiophobia and Its Correlations with Pain and Fatigue in Joint Hypermobility Syndrome/Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type
Authors: Celletti Claudia , Castori Marco , La Torre Giuseppe , Camerota Filippo
Published: July 2013

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type a. k. a. joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS/EDS-HT) is a hereditary musculoskeletal disorder associating generalized joint hypermobility with chronic pain. Anecdotal reports suggest a prominent role forkinesiophobiain disease manifestations, but no study has systematically addressed this point.Objective. To investigate the impact ofkinesiophobiaand its relationship with pain, fatigue, and quality of life in JHS/EDS-HT.Design. Cross-sectional study.Subjects/Patients. 42 patients (40 female and 2 male) with JHS/EDS-HT diagnosis following standardized diagnostic criteria were selected.Methods. Disease features were analyzed by means of specific questionnaires and scales evaluating kinesiophobia, pain, fatigue, and quality of life. The relationships among variables were investigated using the Spearman bivariate analysis.Results.Kinesiophobiaresulted predominantly in the patients’ sample. The values ofkinesiophobiadid not correlate with intensity of pain, quality of life, and (or) the single component of fatigue. A strong correlation was discovered betweenkinesiophobiaand general severity of fatigue.Conclusions. In JHS/EDS-HT, the onset of pain-avoiding strategies is related to the presence of pain but not to its intensity. The clear-cut correlation betweenkinesiophobiaand severity of fatigue suggests a direct link between musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. In JHS/EDS-HT, the underlying mechanism is likely to be facilitated by primary disease characteristics, including hypotonia.
Validation of Antimycobacterial Plants Used by Traditional Healers in Three Districts of the Limpopo Province (South Africa)
Authors: Masoko Peter , Nxumalo Kulani Mashudu
Published: July 2013

The aim of the study was to scientifically evaluate the antimycobacterial activity of selected indigenous medicinal plants from the Limpopo Province used for the treatment of humans with symptoms ofMycobacterium tuberculosis. The leaves of five plant species (Apodytes dimidiata, Artemisia, Combretum hereroense, Lippia javanica, and Zanthoxylum capense) were collected from the Lowveld National Botanical Garden in Nelspruit, South Africa. The dried leaves were powdered and extracted using hexane, dichloromethane, acetone, and methanol. Antimycobacterial activity was evaluated using microdilution assay and bioautography andρ-iodonitrotetrazolium violet (INT) as indicator. Antioxidant activities were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Phytochemical content of extracts was further evaluated. The acetone extracts ofL. javanicadisplayed antioxidant activity on BEA chromatogram. T Acetone extracts ofA. afrahad MIC value of 0.39 mg/mL againstMycobacterium smegmatisATCC 1441. Acetone extracts ofC. hereroenseandL. javanicahad MIC value of 0.47 mg/mL. Four bands that inhibited the growth ofM. smegmatiswere observed atRfvalues of 0.12, 0.63, and 0.87 on BEA and 0.73 on EMW. The plant speciesA. dimidiata, A. afra, C. hereroense,andL. javanicain this study demonstrated their potential as sources of anti-TB drug leads.
Grape Polyphenols Increase the Activity of HDL Enzymes in Old and Obese Rats
Authors: Zagayko Andriy L. , Kravchenko Ganna B. , Krasilnikova Oksana A. , Ogai Yuri O.
Published: July 2013

HDL particles are protein-rich particles that act as a vehicle for reverse cholesterol transport from tissues to the liver. The purpose of this study was to investigate age-dependent changes in the functional activity of HDL and the effect of high-energy diet on this index, as well as to correct it under the influence of grape polyphenols from “Enoant” obtained fromVitis viniferagrapes. We observed the age-dependent composition changes in HDL particle. It was shown that total lipids and triacylglycerol (TG) levels were higher in 24-month-old animals. In obese rats, HDL total lipids and TG levels were higher in 24-month-old than in the 3-month-old and 12-month-old groups but did not differ from 24-month-old group. The plasma HDL paraoxonase (PON) and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity levels were decreased in old-aged rats, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity was higher in old rats. Keeping 12-month-old animals on high-fructose diet completely leveled the age differences in the data that have been measured between 12-month-old and 24-month-old rats. After “Enoant” administration, an increase of HDL PON and LCAT activity levels and a reduction of CETP activity were found in 24-month-old and obese rats.
Secure and Lightweight Key Distribution with ZigBee Pro for Ubiquitous Sensor Networks
Authors: Choi Kyung , Kim Mihui , Chae Kijoon
Published: July 2013

We propose a secure and lightweight key distribution mechanism using ZigBee Pro for ubiquitous sensor networks. ZigBee consumes low power and provides security in wireless sensor networks. ZigBee Pro provides more security than ZigBee and offers two security modes, standard security mode and high security mode. Despite high security mode, ZigBee Pro has weakness of key distribution. We use enhanced ECDH for secure key distribution in high security mode. Our simulation results show that the energy consumption of our approach decreases and the average run time is decreased by 39%. Moreover, the proposed scheme enhances security, that is, confidentiality, message authentication, and integrity. We also prove that the proposed key distribution can resist man-in-the-middle attack and replay attack.
Dynamical Behaviour of a Tumor-Immune System with Chemotherapy and Optimal Control
Authors: Sharma Swarnali , Samanta G. P.
Published: July 2013

We have considered a tumor growth model with the effect of tumor-immune interaction and chemotherapeutic drug. We have considered two immune components—helper (resting) T-cells which stimulate CTLs and convert them into active (hunting) CTL cells and active (hunting) CTL cells which attack, destroy, or ingest the tumor cells. In our model there are four compartments, namely, tumor cells, active CTL cells, helper T-cells, and chemotherapeutic drug. We have discussed the behaviour of the solutions of our system. The dynamical behaviour of our system by analyzing the existence and stability of the system at various equilibrium points is discussed elaborately. We have set up an optimal control problem relative to the model so as to minimize the number of tumor cells and the chemotherapeutic drug administration. Here we used a quadratic control to quantify this goal and have considered the administration of chemotherapy drug as control to reduce the spread of the disease. The important mathematical findings for the dynamical behaviour of the tumor-immune model with control are also numerically verified using MATLAB. Finally, epidemiological implications of our analytical findings are addressed critically.
Lamotrigine Augmentation of Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Severe and Long-Term Treatment-Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Arrojo-Romero Manuel , Tajes Alonso María , de Leon Jose
Published: July 2013

The treatment recommendations in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) after lack of response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include augmentation with other drugs, particularly clomipramine, a more potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI), or antipsychotics. We present two cases of response to lamotrigine augmentation in treatment-refractory OCD; each received multiple SRI trials over a >10-year period. The first patient had eleven years of treatment with multiple combinations including clomipramine and SSRIs. She had a >50% decrease of Y-BOCS (from 29 to 14) by augmenting paroxetine (60 mg/day) with lamotrigine (100 mg/day). The second patient had 22 years of treatment with multiple combinations, including combinations of SSRIs with clomipramine and risperidone. She had an almost 50% decrease of Y-BOCS (from 30 to 16) and disappearance of tics by augmenting clomipramine (225 mg/d) with lamotrigine (200 mg/day). These two patients were characterized by lack of response to multiple treatments, making a placebo response to lamotrigine augmentation unlikely. Prospective randomized trials in treatment-resistant OCD patients who do not respond to combinations of SSRIs with clomipramine and/or antipsychotics are needed, including augmentation with lamotrigine. Until these trials are available, our cases suggest that clinicians may consider lamotrigine augmentation in such treatment-resistant OCD patients.
Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Diclofenac Sodium via Conventional Liposomes, Ethosomes, and Transfersomes
Authors: Ghanbarzadeh Saeed , Arami Sanam
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to improve the transdermal permeation of Diclofenac sodium, a poorly water-soluble drug, employing conventional liposomes, ethosomes, and transfersomes. The prepared formulations had been characterized for the loaded drug amount and vesicle size. The prepared vesicular systems were incorporated into 1% Carbopol 914 gel, and a survey ofin vitrodrug release and drug retention into rat skin has been done on them using a modified Franz diffusion cell. The cumulative amount of drug permeated after 24 h, flux, and permeability coefficient were assessed. Stability studies were performed for three months. The size of vesicles ranged from 145 to 202 nm, and the encapsulation efficiency of the Diclofenac sodium was obtained between 42.61% and 51.72%. The transfersomes and ethosomes provided a significantly higher amount of cumulative permeation, steady state flux, permeability coefficient, and residual drug into skin compared to the conventional liposomes, conventional gel, or hydroethanolic solution. Thein vitrorelease data of all vesicular systems were well fit into Higuchi model (RSD > 0.99). Stability tests indicated that the vesicular formulations were stable over three months. Results revealed that both ethosome and transfersome formulations can act as drug reservoir in skin and extend the pharmacologic effects of Diclofenac sodium.
Bilastine: A New Nonsedating Oral H1 Antihistamine for Treatment of Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis and Urticaria
Authors: Wolthers Ole D.
Published: July 2013

Bilastine is a new, well-tolerated, nonsedating H1 receptor antihistamine. In the fasting state bilastine is quickly absorbed, but the absorption is slowed when it is taken with food or fruit juice. Therefore, it is recommended that bilastine is taken at least one hour before and no sooner than two hours after a meal. Clinical studies sponsored by the manufacturer have shown that bilastine 20 mg once daily is as efficacious as other nonsedating antihistamines in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and chronic urticaria in individuals from 12 and 18 years of age, respectively. Bilastine is efficacious in all nasal symptoms including obstruction and in eye symptoms. The observations indicate that non-sedating antihistamines, as opposed to what has been thought previously, may be helpful in patients with allergic rhinitis in whom nasal obstruction is a major concern. Current international guidelines need to be revised in the light of the recent evidence. Research into aspects of pharmacokinetics and efficacy and adverse effect profiles of bilastine in children under 12 years of age is needed as are dose-response assessments and studies planned rigorously with the aim of assessing quality of life effects.
A Rare Cause for Acute Chest Pain in the Emergency Setting That Is Hard to Swallow
Authors: Cummins Eric , Sharkey Meenal , Eastin Travis , Adkins Eric
Published: July 2013

Intramural esophageal hematoma is a very rare but important cause of chest pain. This condition shares similarity with the diagnosis of other thoracic emergencies and has a high potential for misdiagnosis. The emergency clinician plays a critical role in the early identification and management of these patients. The management of intramural hematomas is typically conservative, and a misdiagnosis could lead to deleterious effects. Preexisting coagulopathy is one of the major risk factors. With the advent of new anticoagulation medications to prevent thromboembolic events, it is important that emergency medicine providers expand the differential diagnosis of chest pain.
Youth Understanding of Healthy Eating and Obesity: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Sylvetsky Allison C. , Hennink Monique , Comeau Dawn , Welsh Jean A. , Hardy Trisha , Matzigkeit Linda , Swan Deanne W. , Walsh Stephanie M. , Vos Miriam B.
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Given the high prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States, we aimed to investigate youth's understanding of obesity and to investigate gaps between their nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, and perceived susceptibility to obesity and its co-morbidities.Methods. A marketing firm contracted by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta facilitated a series of focus group discussions (FGD) to test potential concepts and sample ads for the development of an obesity awareness campaign. Data were collected in August and September of 2010 with both overweight and healthy weight 4th-5th grade and 7th-8th grade students. We conducted a secondary analysis of the qualitative FGD transcripts using inductive thematic coding to identify key themes related to youth reports of family eating habits (including food preparation, meal frequency, and eating environment), perceived facilitators and barriers of healthy diet, and knowledge about obesity and its complications.Results. Across focus group discussions, mixed attitudes about healthy eating, low perceived risk of being or becoming obese, and limited knowledge about the health consequences of obesity may contribute to the rising prevalence of obesity among youth in Georgia. Most youth were aware that obesity was a problem; yet most overweight youth felt that their weight was healthy and attributed overweight to genetics or slow metabolism.Conclusions. Our analysis suggests that urban youth in Georgia commonly recognize obesity as a problem, but there is less understanding of the link to lifestyle choices or the connection to future morbidities, suggesting a need for education to connect lifestyle behaviors to development of obesity.
Comprehensive Vehicular Networking Platform for V2I and V2V Communications within the Walkie-Talkie Project
Authors: Santa José , Pereñíguez Fernando , Cano Juan C. , Skarmeta Antonio F. , Calafate Carlos T. , Manzoni Pietro
Published: July 2013

Communication architectures integrating vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications will be the key of success for the next generation of cars. Nevertheless, the integration of these communication partners in the same platform is a challenging issue because most of the literature is focused on individual parts, such as V2V routing protocols or specific safety services. The Walkie-Talkie project was proposed to fill this gap, focusing on the integration of V2V and V2I systems to equip vehicles with a set of intelligent services addressing safer, smarter, and sustainable driving. This paper describes the developed communications platform. The network design is based on IPv6 to support middleware and applications executed on both the vehicle and infrastructure sides. Whereas V2I is focused on the usage of IPv6 network mobility, V2V is provided by means of a hybrid solution based on intelligent delivery and delay tolerant networks. On top of the networking protocols, a service access middleware exploiting concepts from next generation networks is proposed, together with a proper on-board application management based on the open service gateway initiative. A prototype of the network and real evaluations are also presented as a proof of concept of our platform.
Closed Anaerobic Biotransformation Products of Organoarsenic Compounds inFucus distichus
Authors: Ojo Abiodun A. , Onasanya Amos
Published: July 2013

The closed anaerobic decomposition extracts ofFucus distichusincubated with seawater and sediment, and without sediment as control, were subjected to extractions and isolation on Sephadex LH 20 and Cellulose Thin Layer Chromatography. The decomposition extracts and isolates were analyzed by using both the Hydride Generation Gas Chromatography Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (HG-GC-AAS) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ICPMS) to identify the arsenic species in the equilibrium mixtures of the seaweed and filtrates separately. In the methanol seaweed extract, equilibrium mixture of arsenosugars (AS) AS1 and AS2 and their biotransformation products of dimethylarsinoylethanol (DMAE) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA) were identified. In the methanol filtrate extract of the mixture, only DMAE and DMAA were identified. However, in the control methanol filtrate extract five organoarsenic species, AS1 and AS2, one unidentified hidden organoarsenic species, DMAE and DMAA were identified in the equilibrium mixture. This result confirmed that the hidden organoarsenic species inFucus distichus, AS1 and AS2, and an unidentified organoarsenic compounds are biotransformed to only DMAE and DMAA under an anaerobic condition. This also suggests that DMAE and DMAA are strong intermediate candidates for the generation of arsenobetaine, from arsenoribosides in the marine food webs.
Applied Quantum Field Theory to General Diffusion-Reaction Phenomena
Authors: Benhamou Mabrouk
Published: July 2013

Diffusion-reaction phenomena are generally described by parabolic
differential equations (PDEs), and I am interested in those possessing
solutions that fail at large time. A sophisticated method to study the
large-time behavior is the Renormalization Group usually encountered in
Particles-Physics and Critical Phenomena. In this paper, I review the
application of such an approach. In particular, attention is paid to Quantum
Field Theory techniques used for the extraction of the asymptotic solutions
to PDEs. Finally, I extend discussion to the fractional-time PDEs and with
noise.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Severity of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chitsaz Ahmad , Maracy Mohammad , Basiri Keivan , Izadi Boroujeni Maryam , Tanhaei Amir Pouya , Rahimi Marzieh , Meamar Rokhsareh
Published: July 2013

Introduction. A role for vitamin D deficiency in Parkinson’s disease (PD) has recently been proposed. Given the growing body of evidence for the association of vitamin D with several neurodegenerative disorders and unavailability of any published study in the Middle East, the present study is aimed to determine the associations of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels with the severity of PD in an Iranian sample.Methods. In 109 patients, the severity of PD was evaluated by using Hoehn & Yahr (HR) stages and Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Stage (UPDRS) Part III compared with 25OHD level in a double-blind and cross-sectional study.Results. Mean ± SD levels of 25OHD were 28.5 ± 1.4 and 27.1 ± 1.5, for males and females, respectively. Also, 38.4% of the patients showed deficiency levels of 25OHD (<20 ng/mL), and 72.8% had insufficient levels (<30 ng/mL). High prevalence of 25OHD insufficiency in subjects with early disease was not associated with HR stage and UPDRS scores even after multivariate adjustment for possible confounders including disease duration.Conclusions. These findings are consistent with the possibility that vitamin D status does not seem to deteriorate during the early disease stages of PD. Further studies are needed to reveal the natural role and significance of vitamin D insufficiency in PD.
Ox-LDL Promotes Migration and Adhesion of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Regulation of MCP-1 Expression
Authors: Zhang Fenxi , Wang Congrui , Wang Huaibin , Lu Ming , Li Yonghai , Feng Huigen , Lin Juntang , Yuan Zhiqing , Wang Xianwei
Published: July 2013

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSCs) are the most important cell source for stem cell transplant therapy. The migration capacity of MSCs is one of the determinants of the efficiency of MSC-based transplant therapy. Our recent study has shown that low concentrations of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) can stimulate proliferation of bmMSCs. In this study, we investigated the effects of ox-LDL on bmMSC migration and adhesion, as well as the related mechanisms. Our results show that transmigration rates of bmMSCs and cell-cell adhesion between bmMSCs and monocytes are significantly increased by treatments with ox-LDL in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Expressions of ICAM-1, PECAM-1, and VCAM-1 as well as the levels of intracellular Ca2+are also markedly increased by ox-LDL in a dose-dependent manner. Cytoskeleton analysis shows that ox-LDL treatment benefits to spreading of bmMSCs and organization of F-actin fibers after being plated for 6 hours. More interestingly, treatments with ox-LDL also markedly increase expressions of LOX-1, MCP-1, and TGF-β; however, LOX-1 antibody and MCP-1 shRNA markedly inhibit ox-LDL-induced migration and adhesion of bmMSCs, which suggests that ox-LDL-induced bmMSC migration and adhesion are dependent on LOX-1 activation and MCP-1 expression.
Two Neonates with Congenital Hydrocolpos
Authors: Murthy Vydehi , Costalez Jessica , Weiner Julie , Voos Kristin
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Neonatal hydrocolpos is a rare condition. Hydrocolpos is cystic dilatation of the vagina with fluid accumulation due to a combination of stimulation of secretary glands of the reproductive tract and vaginal obstruction. The differential for a neonatal presentation of lower abdominal mass includes urogenital anomalies, Hirschsprung’s, disease or sacrococcygeal teratoma. Prenatal diagnosis and early newborn imaging studies leads to early detection and treatment of these cases.Case. We report here two cases of neonatal hydrocolpos with prenatal diagnosis of lower abdominal mass. Postnatally, ultrasound, MRI imaging, and cystoscopy confirmed large cystic mass as hydrocolpos with distal vaginal obstruction. Both patients had enlarged renal system secondary to mass effect.Conclusion. High index of suspicion for hydrocolpos in a newborn presenting with fetal diagnosis of infraumbilical abdominal mass will facilitate timely intervention and prevention of complications.
Schauder-Tychonoff Fixed-Point Theorem in Theory of Superconductivity
Authors: Gil Mariusz , Wędrychowicz Stanisław
Published: July 2013

We study the existence of mild solutions to the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau ((TDGL), for short) equations on an unbounded interval. The rapidity of the growth of those solutions is characterized. We investigate the local and global attractivity of solutions of TDGL equations and we describe their asymptotic behaviour. The TDGL equations model the state of a superconducting sample in a magnetic field near critical temperature. This paper is based on the theory of Banach space, Fréchet space, and Sobolew space.
The Use of Family History in Primary Health Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Daelemans Sarah , Vandevoorde Jan , Vansintejan Johan , Borgermans Liesbeth , Devroey Dirk
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study is to describe how Belgian family physicians register and use the family history data of their patients in daily practice. Qualitative in-depth semistructured one-to-one interviews were conducted including 16 family physicians in Belgium. These interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed. Recurring themes were identified and compared with findings from the existing literature. All interviewed family physicians considered the family history as an important part of the medical records. Half of the surveyed physicians confirmed knowing the family history of at least 50% of their patients. The data on family history were mainly collected during the first consultations with the patient. The majority of physicians did not use a standardised questionnaire or form to collect and to record the family history. To estimate the impact of a family history, physicians seldom use official guidance or resources. Physicians perceived a lack of time and unreliable information provided by their patients as obstacles to collect and interpret the family history. Solutions that foster the use of family history data were identified at the level of the physician and also included the development of specific instruments integrated within the electronic medical record.
Development and Treatments of Inflammatory Cells and Cytokines in Spinal Cord Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zhu Ping , Li Jia-xin , Fujino Masayuki , Zhuang Jian , Li Xiao-Kang
Published: July 2013

During aortic surgery, interruption of spinal cord blood flow might cause spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). The incidence of spinal cord IRI after aortic surgery is up to 28%, and patients with spinal cord IRI might suffer from postoperative paraplegia or paraparesis. Spinal cord IRI includes two phases. The immediate spinal cord injury is related to acute ischemia. And the delayed spinal cord injury involves both ischemic cellular death and reperfusion injury. Inflammation is a subsequent event of spinal cord ischemia and possibly a major contributor to spinal cord IRI. However, the development of inflammatory mediators is incompletely demonstrated. And treatments available for inflammation in spinal cord IRI are insufficient. Improved understanding about spinal cord IRI and the development of inflammatory cells and cytokines in this process will provide novel therapeutic strategies for spinal cord IRI. Inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-αand IL-1) may play an important role in spinal cord IRI. For treatment of several intractable autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), where inflammatory cytokines are involved in disease progression, anti-inflammatory cytokine antagonist is now available. Hence, there is great potential of anti-inflammatory cytokine antagonist for therapeutic use of spinal cord IRI. We here review the mediators and several possibilities of treatment in spinal cord IRI.
Implementation Interventions Used in Nursing Homes and Hospitals: A Descriptive, Comparative Study between Austria, Germany, and The Netherlands
Authors: Breimaier Helga E. , Halfens Ruud J. G. , Wilborn Doris , Meesterberends Esther , Haase Nielsen Gunnar , Lohrmann Christa
Published: July 2013

Translating guidelines into nursing practice remains a considerable challenge. Until now, little attention has been paid to which interventions are used in practice to implement guidelines on changing clinical nursing practice. This cross-sectional study determined the current ranges and rates of implementation-related interventions in Austria, Germany, and The Netherlands and explored possible differences between these countries. An online questionnaire based on the conceptual framework of implementation interventions (professional, organizational, financial, and regulatory) from the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) data collection checklist was used to gather data from nursing homes and hospitals. Provision of written materials is the most frequently used professional implementation intervention (85%), whereas changes in the patient record system rank foremost among organisational interventions (78%). Financial incentives for nurses are rarely used. More interventions were used in Austria and Germany than in The Netherlands (20.3/20.2/17.3). Professional interventions are used more frequently in Germany and financial interventions more frequently in The Netherlands. Implementation efforts focus mainly on professional and organisational interventions. Nurse managers and other responsible personnel should direct their focus to a broader array of implementation interventions using the four different categories of EPOC’s conceptual framework.
Preoperative High-Dose Steroid Has Long-Term Beneficial Effects for Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Tetsuka Syuichi , Fujimoto Ken-ichi , Ikeguchi Kunihiko
Published: July 2013

Previous studies addressing preoperative steroid treatment have revealed that control of myasthenia gravis (MG) with steroids prior to surgery appeared to stabilize postoperative status. The purpose of our study was to clarify the clinical benefits of the preoperative programmed high-dose steroid treatment on the long-term outcomes of MG patients. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 171 MG patients who were followed up after undergoing thymectomy in our hospital between 1988 and 2006. One hundred and thirteen patients in the programmed treatment group had received preoperative steroid treatment, while 58 patients received no steroid treatment during the preoperative period. Clinical remission, which was defined as the achievement of the modified pharmacologic remission (PR) for at least 1 year, and clinical benefits were compared between the two groups. With regard to the remission after thymectomy, Kaplan-Meier life-table curves for patients in the preoperative steroid treatment group versus those for patients in the no steroid preoperative treatment group revealed a significantly higher probability of the PR in the preoperative steroid treatment group (log-rank test, P<0.01). This study might be the first, as per our knowledge, to indicate that preoperative programmed high-dose steroid treatment has long-term beneficial effects for MG patients.
Gravity with Extra Dimensions and Dark Matter Interpretation: A Straightforward Approach
Authors: Coimbra Araújo C. H. , da Rocha Roldão
Published: July 2013

Any connection between dark matter and extra dimensions can be cognizably
evinced from the associated effective energy-momentum tensor. In order to investigate and
test such relationship, a higher dimensional spacetime endowed with a factorizable general
metric is regarded to derive a general expression for the stress tensor—from the Einstein-Hilbert action—and to elicit the effective gravitational potential. A particular construction
for the case of six dimensions is provided, and it is forthwith revealed that the missing
mass phenomenon may be explained, irrespective of the dark matter existence. Moreover,
the existence of extra dimensions in the universe accrues the possibility of a straightforward
mechanism for such explanation. A configuration whose density profile coincides with the
Newtonian potential for spiral galaxies is constructed, from a 4-dimensional isotropic metric
plus extradimensional components. A Miyamoto-Nagai ansatz is used to solve Einstein equations.
The stable rotation curves associated with such system are computed, in full compliance
with the observational data, without fitting techniques. The density profiles are reconstructed
and compared to the ones obtained from the Newtonian potential.
The Interplay between the Bone and the Immune System
Authors: Mori Giorgio , D'Amelio Patrizia , Faccio Roberta , Brunetti Giacomina
Published: July 2013

In the last two decades, numerous scientists have highlighted the interactions between bone and immune cells as well as their overlapping regulatory mechanisms. For example, osteoclasts, the bone-resorbing cells, are derived from the same myeloid precursor cells that give rise to macrophages and myeloid dendritic cells. On the other hand, osteoblasts, the bone-forming cells, regulate hematopoietic stem cell niches from which all blood and immune cells are derived. Furthermore, many of the soluble mediators of immune cells, including cytokines and growth factors, regulate the activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This increased recognition of the complex interactions between the immune system and bone led to the development of the interdisciplinary osteoimmunology field. Research in this field has great potential to provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of several diseases affecting both the bone and immune systems, thus providing the molecular basis for novel therapeutic strategies. In these review, we reported the latest findings about the reciprocal regulation of bone and immune cells.
Advances in Our Understanding of “Resistance” to Antiplatelet Agents for Prevention of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Gorelick Philip B. , Farooq Muhammad U.
Published: July 2013

We review the role of aspirin and clopidogrel for prevention of ischemic stroke and explore the concept of antiplatelet therapy resistance both from a laboratory and clinical perspective and genetic polymorphisms that might influence platelet reactivity with clopidogrel administration. Debates have raged over the years about the application of platelet function tests in clinical practice. We conclude that platelet function testing is not indicated in routine clinical practice. This recommendation is supported by clinical guideline statements, a lack of a global platelet function measure, and limitations of current platelet function test methods as applied in practice. We discuss a recently hypothesized hierarchy of patient characteristics in relation to which patients are most likely to benefit from platelet function studies based on acuity (i.e., risk) of cardiovascular disease. A focus of antiplatelet therapy administration should include emphasis on compliance/adherence and in the example of aspirin, use of well-absorbed forms of aspirin and avoidance of drugs that may interact with aspirin to inhibit its mechanism of action (e.g., certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Synthesis of Co Filled Carbon Nanotubes by In Situ Reduction of CoCl2 Filled Nanotubes by NaBH4
Authors: Mittal J.
Published: July 2013

An alternative process of filling the multiwall nanotubes (MWCNTs) with cobalt metal was developed. Empty core of nanotubes was first filled with CoCl2 by stirring with CoCl2 and alcohol at room temperature for six hours. CoCl2 filling inside MWCNTs was then converted into Co after treating with NaBH4 at room temperature. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) studies showed the filling of the CoCl2 and Co inside the nanotubes before and after the treatment. EDX studies show the nonexistence of chlorine after the reduction with NaBH4. Amount of filling was also reduced after the treatment. Paper describes the possible mechanism of filling CoCl2 inside nanotube and its reduction by NaBH4.
Qi-Shen-Yi-Qi Dripping Pills for the Secondary Prevention of Myocardial Infarction: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Shang Hongcai , Zhang Junhua , Yao Chen , Liu Baoyan , Gao Xiumei , Ren Ming , Cao Hongbao , Dai Guohua , Weng Weiliang , Zhu Sainan , Wang Hui , Xu Hongjuan , Zhang Boli
Published: July 2013

Background.Several types of drugs have been recommended for the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction (MI). However, these conventional strategies have several limitations, such as low adherence, high cost, and side effects during long time use. Novel approaches to this problem are still needed. This trial aimed to test the effectiveness and safety of Qi-Shen-Yi-Qi Dripping Pills (QSYQ), a multi-ingredient Chinese patent medicine, for the secondary prevention of MI.Methods and Findings. A total of 3505 eligible patients were randomly assigned to QSYQ group (1746 patients) or aspirin group (1759). Patients took their treatments for 12 months. The final follow-up visit took place 6 months after the end of the trial drugs. The 12-month and 18-month estimated incidences of the primary outcome were 2.98% and 3.67%, respectively, in the QSYQ group. The figures were 2.96% and 3.81% in the aspirin group. No significant difference was identified between the groups.Conclusions. This trial did not show significant difference of primary and secondary outcomes between aspirin and QSYQ in patients who have had an MI. Though inconclusive, the result suggests that QSYQ has similar effects to aspirin in the secondary prevention of MI.
Sleep Difficulties Are Correlated with Emotional Problems following Loss and Residual Symptoms of Effective Prolonged Grief Disorder Treatment
Authors: Boelen Paul A. , Lancee Jaap
Published: July 2013

There is preliminary evidence that poor sleep quality is associated with emotional problems following loss, including symptoms of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) and depression. We conducted two studies to improve existing knowledge about the role of sleep difficulties in recovery from loss. Study 1 that relied on self-reported data from a heterogeneous sample of 177 bereaved individuals replicated prior findings of a linkage between increased sleep difficulties and increased PGD severity. This study also suggested that sleep difficulties are more strongly associated with depression than with PGD. In Study 2, we examined whether prior evidence that sleep complaints are a residual symptom of PGD treatment could be replicated in a sample of 43 bereaved individuals who underwent cognitive behavioural therapy for PGD. Outcomes showed that, although sleep difficulties declined significantly during this cognitive behavioural therapy, after this therapy, over half of all patients still had sleep difficulties above the average sleep difficulties observed in the general Dutch population.
First Principles Study of Electronic Structure and Magnetic Properties of TMH (TM = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co)
Authors: Kanagaprabha S. , Rajeswarapalanichamy R. , Iyakutti K.
Published: July 2013

First principles calculations are performed using a tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital (TB-LMTO) method with local density approximation (LDA) and atomic sphere approximation (ASA) to understand the electronic properties of transition metal hydrides (TMH) (TM = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co). The structural property, electronic structure, and magnetic properties are investigated. A pressure induced structural phase transition from cubic to hexagonal phase is predicted at the pressures of 50 GPa for CrH and 23 GPa for CoH. Also, magnetic phase transition is observed in FeH and CoH at the pressures of 10 GPa and 180 GPa, respectively.
Unbalanced Magnetic Pull Effect on Stiffness Models of Active Magnetic Bearing due to Rotor Eccentricity in Brushless DC Motor Using Finite Element Method
Authors: Han Bangcheng , Zheng Shiqiang , Liu Xiquan
Published: July 2013

We firstly report on an investigation into the unbalanced magnetic pull (UMP) effect on the static stiffness models of radial active magnetic bearing (RAMB) in brushless DC motor (BDCM) in no-loaded and loaded conditions using the finite element method (FEM). The influences of the UMP on the force-control current, force-position, current stiffness, and position stiffness of RAMB are clarified in BDCM with 100 kW rated power. We found the position stiffness to be more susceptible to UMP. The primary source of UMP is the permanent magnets of BDCM. In addition, the performance of RAMB is affected by the UMP ripples during motor commutation and also periodically affected by the angular position of rotor. The characteristic curves of RAMB force versus control current (or rotor position) and angular position of rotor affected by the UMP are given. The method is useful in design and optimization of RAMB in magnetically suspended BDCMs.
Green’s Function for Dirac Particle in a Non-Abelian Field: A Path Integral Approach
Authors: Boudieb Sami , Chetouani Lyazid
Published: July 2013

The Green function for a Dirac particle moving in a non-Abelian field and having a particular form is exactly determined by the path integral approach. The wave functions were deduced from the residues of Green’s function. It is shown that the classical paths contributed mainly to the determination of the Green function.
Helmholtz and Diffusion Equations Associated with Local Fractional Derivative Operators Involving the Cantorian and Cantor-Type Cylindrical Coordinates
Authors: Hao Ya-Juan , Srivastava H. M. , Jafari Hossein , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: July 2013

The main object of this paper is to investigate the Helmholtz and diffusion equations on the Cantor sets involving local fractional derivative operators. The Cantor-type cylindrical-coordinate method is applied to handle the corresponding local fractional differential equations. Two illustrative examples for the Helmholtz and diffusion equations on the Cantor sets are shown by making use of the Cantorian and Cantor-type cylindrical coordinates.
Increased Expression of CCN2 in the Red Flashing Light-Induced Myopia in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Wang Hong , Zhuang Kang , Gao Lei , Zhang Linna , Yang Hongling
Published: July 2013

Visual environment plays an important role in the occurrence of myopia. We previously showed that the different flashing lights could result in distinct effects on the ocular growth and development of myopia. CCN2 has been reported to regulate various cellular functions and biological processes. However, whether CCN2 signaling was involved in the red flashing light-induced myopia still remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the red flashing lights exposure on the refraction and axial length of the eyesin vivoand then evaluated their effects on the expression of CCN2 and TGF-βin sclera tissues. Our data showed that the eyes exposed to the red flashing light became more myopic with a significant increase of the axial length and decrease of the refraction. Both CCN2 and TGF-β, as well as p38 MAPK and PI3K, were highly expressed in the sclera tissues exposed to the red flashing light. Both CCN2 and TGF-βwere found to have the same gene expression profilein vivo. In conclusion, our findings found that CCN2 signaling pathway plays an important role in the red flashing light-induced myopiain vivo. Moreover, our study establishes a useful animal model for experimental myopia research.
Differences in Epidural and Analgesic Use in Patients with Apparent Stage I Endometrial Cancer Treated by Open versus Laparoscopic Surgery: Results from the Randomised LACE Trial
Authors: Baker Jannah , Janda Monika , Belavy David , Obermair Andreas
Published: July 2013

Objectives. We compared postoperative analgesic requirements between women with early stage endometrial cancer treated by total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) or total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH).Methods. 760 patients with apparent stage I endometrial cancer were treated in the international, multicentre, prospective randomised trial (LACE) by TAH (n=353) or TLH (n=407) (2005–2010). Epidural, opioid, and nonopioid analgesic requirements were collected until ten months after surgery.Results. Baseline demographics and analgesic use were comparable between treatment arms. TAH patients were more likely to receive epidural analgesia than TLH patients (33% versus 0.5%,P<0.001) during the early postoperative phase. Although opioid use was comparable in the TAH versus TLH groups during postoperative 0–2 days (99.7% versus 98.5%,P=0.09), a significantly higher proportion of TAH patients required opioids 3–5 days (70% versus 22%,P<0.0001), 6–14 days (35% versus 15%,P<0.0001), and 15–60 days (15% versus 9%,P=0.02) after surgery. Mean pain scores were significantly higher in the TAH versus TLH group one (2.48 versus 1.62,P<0.0001) and four weeks (0.89 versus 0.63,P=0.01) following surgery.Conclusion. Treatment of early stage endometrial cancer with TLH is associated with less frequent use of epidural, lower post-operative opioid requirements, and better pain scores than TAH.
Noncanonical Bases of Cycle and Cutset Spaces of Graphs
Authors: Simões-Pereira J. M. S.
Published: July 2013

We characterize those bases of the cycle space and of the cutset space of a graph which cannot be associated with a spanning tree of .
Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Geopropolis Collected byMelipona subnitida(Jandaíra) Bees
Authors: Alves de Souza Silvana , Camara Celso Amorim , Monica Sarmento da Silva Eva , Silva Tania Maria Sarmento
Published: July 2013

An investigation of the geopropolis collected byMelipona subnitida(jandaíra) stingless bee led to the isolation and characterization of two phenylpropanoids, 6-O-p-coumaroyl-D-galactopyranose (1) and 6-O-cinnamoyl-1-O-p-coumaroyl-β-D-glucopyranose (2), and seven flavonoids, 7-O-methyl-naringenin (3), 7-O-methyl aromadendrin (4), 7,4′-di-O-methyl aromadendrin (5), 4′-O-methyl kaempferol (6), 3-O-methyl quercetin (7), 5-O-methyl aromadendrin (8), and 5-O-methyl kaempferol (9). The structure of the new phenylpropanoid (1) was established from IR, LC-ESI-MS, and NMR spectral data, including 2D NMR experiments. The extract and fractions demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS, andβ-carotene/linoleic acid tests.
Modeling and Processing L-Band Ground Based Radar Data for Landslides Early Warning
Authors: Laganà A. R. , Bevacqua M. T. , Isernia T.
Published: July 2013

L-band radars have been proposed as possible way for monitoring landslides. In this paper, we examine and solve the principal difficulties arising in modeling and processing radar data, evidencing differences with more usual SAR imaging. Numerical examples in support of the proposed processing procedure are finally provided.
Hardy-Type Space Associated with an Infinite-Dimensional Unitary Matrix Group
Authors: Lopushansky Oleh
Published: July 2013

We investigate an orthogonal system of the homogenous Hilbert-Schmidt polynomials with respect to a probability measure which is invariant under the right action of an infinite-dimensional unitary matrix group. With the help of this system, a corresponding Hardy-type space of square-integrable complex functions is described. An antilinear isomorphism between the Hardy-type space and an associated symmetric Fock space is established.